Morthond

This page is about Morthond, the river in Western Gondor. For the [DE]-World, see World:Morthond. 

Morthond
Type:	River
Region:	Western Gondor
Area:	Blackroot Vale
Location:	[67.3S, 69.0W]

The Morthond (sindarin: "Blackroot") is one of the Seven Rivers of Gondor, flowing from underneath the White Mountains winding south through the lands of the Blackroot Vale and the Havens of Belfalas where it enters the Bay of Belfalas near Edhellond.

The Morthond was one of the "Seven rivers of Gondor" (though Gondor in truth has many more than seven rivers). It arose in the White Mountains in a narrow valley that led to the southern entrance of the Paths of the Dead. The river flowed south-west for half its length and then turned south-east before joining the Ringló near Cobas Haven.

Near the confluence of the Morthond and the Ringló was the ancient Elf-haven of Edhellond. This refuge had been founded at the beginning of the Second Age by a remnant of Elves from Doriath. The inlet between the mouth of the Morthond and Dol Amroth was named Cobas Haven.

At the time of the War of the Ring, the lord of the Blackroot Vale was Duinhir. He and his two sons, Duilin and Derufin, marched to Minas Tirith with five hundred bowmen to aid in the city's defence. On 8 March T.A. 3019 Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, the Grey Company, and the Army of the Dead exited from the Paths of the Dead alongside the Morthond. They followed the young river before crossing a bridge on their way to the Stone of Erech.

Morthond is a Sindarin name meaning "black-root". The first element mor means "dark" or "black" (also seen in Moria, Mordor and Morgul). The second element thond means "root".

Maps

Gallery

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  Unlike all other Gondorian rivers, the Morthond originates beneath the White Mountains, thundering down into the Paths of the Dead.
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  The haunted caverns also affects the water, giving it an eerie reputation.
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  The river exits into a valley which it has given name - the Blackroot Vale.
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  The Morthond is noted for its numerous waterfalls as it continues in a roughly southern direction.
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  The town of Morlad is situated by the river, its inhabitants always aware of their proximity to the evil undead.
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  After another stretch, the Morthond leaves the Blackroot Vale behind.
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  The river turns slightly as it enters Tarlang's Crown.
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  Further down, the river is joined by its only side river coming in from the northwest.
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  The valley is claimed by vicious corsairs of Umbar, blocking passage to the Havens of Belfalas.
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  As it approaches the ancient elf city of Edhellond, the river makes one last turn.
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  Before the War, the bridge leading to Anfalas was destroyed, perhaps by flooding or and act of sabotage.
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  After the War, the bridge has been repaired, in time for King Elessar's visit to Anfalas.
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  Just before hitting the ocean in Cobas Haven, the Morhond feeds into the colder Ringló river coming in from the east.