Places in Middle-earth
Gates of Gondor
Type: Valleys, Caves, Tunnels
Region: Gondor
Location: A steep, tall canyon in the Emyn Muil through which the Anduin flows; between the Argonath on the north and the entrance to Nen Hithoel on the south.
Description: [Said Elrond,] 'Anduin the Great flows past many shores, ere it comes to Argonath and the Gates of Gondor.'
The Fellowship of the Ring, LoTR Book 2, Ch 2, The Council of Elrond
Frodo peering forward saw in the distance two great rocks approaching ... A narrow gap appeared between them, and the River swept the boats towards it. ...
Even Boromir bowed his head as the boats whirled by ... under the enduring shadow of the [Argonath]. So they passed into the dark chasm of the Gates.
Sheer rose the dreadful cliffs to unguessed heights on either side. Far off was the dim sky. The black waters roared and echoed, and a wind screamed over them. ...
The chasm was long and dark, and filled with the noise of wind and rushing water and echoing stone. It bent somewhat towards the west so that at first all was dark ahead; but soon Frodo saw a tall gap of light before him, ever growing. Swiftly it drew near, and suddenly the boats shot through, out into a wide clear light. ...
The pent waters spread out into a long oval lake, pale Nen Hithoel....
The Fellowship of the Ring, LoTR Book 2, Ch 9, The Great River
Contributors: Elena Tiriel 16Oct05