Woodland Realm

The Woodland Realm is the great kingdom of the Silvan Elves in Mirkwood.

It was established in 750 of the Second Age by King Oropher, when the forest was Eryn Lasgalen, untainted by Sauron's influence.

The seat of the Woodland Realm was originally in Southern Mirkwood, but was moved north three times to avoid too close proximity with Lothlórien, Moria and Dol Guldur.

King Oropher was killed in the battle against Sauron at the end of the Second Age, and his son Thranduil took up the crown of leaves, ruling through all of the Third Age.

It was in this period that Sauron's influence stretched over Eryn Lasgalen and turned it into Mirkwood. Shadows and fell creatures roamed the woods, and the Elves retreated to the northern part of the wood, furthest from the Dark Lord's taint.