Misty Mountains
From t2twiki
The Misty Mountains, also knowns as Mountains of Mist (Hithaeglir in Sindarin), is a great mountain range that lies between Eriador in the west and the Great River Anduin in the east. It runs from Mount Gundabad in the far north to Methedras in the south.
[edit] Peaks
The most well-known peaks are Mount Gundabad, Redhorn, Silvertine, Cloudyhead and Methedras.
Gundabad, standing silently in the northern part of the Misty Mountains, is rumoured to be the Mountain under which Durin, eldest of the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves awoke. Gundabad later became a haven for Orcs.
Located in the midpoint of the Misty Mountains, stands three respectable peaks; Redhorn (Caradhras in Sindarin), Silvertine (Celebdil) and Cloudyhead (Fanuidhol). Underneath these mighty peaks, the dwarves built Khazad-dûm, the greatest Dwarven realm in Middle-Earth. In addition, the dwarves built the Endless Stair inside Silvertine (Celebdil, Zirak-Zigil in Khuzdul), a stair which reaches from the foundations of the mountain all the way to its peak.
The southernmost mountain was Methedras (Sindarin for "Last Peak").
[edit] Passes
The most important passes are the High Pass and the Redhorn Pass. There is also a pass at the source of the Gladden River.
The Gap of Rohan is a passable valley between the southernmost peak of the Misty Mountains and the northernmost of the White Mountains. In the far north the Misty Mountains formed a T with the Grey Mountains, preventing a northern route around them.
[edit] History
The Misty Mountains were created by the Vala Melkor during the Years of the Trees, to prevent Oromë to hunt his fell creatures. Later, during the Great Journey, these mountains discouraged some of the elves, who then turned south instead. These elves became the Nandor.
Dwarves, Orcs, Elves, Men, Hobbits, Eagles, and Ents all lived beneath or alongside the Misty Mountains at some point in history. The great Dwarven city of Khazad-dûm (later called the "Black Pit" of Moria) was located near the middle of the mountain chain. When the Shadow was strong, Orcs bred in Mount Gundabad, in Goblin-town (where Bilbo found the One Ring), and later in Moria itself.
