Harnen

The Harnen is the long river crossing the northern Haradwaith from the mountains of Mordor in the east.

The Harnen (Sindarin: Southwaters) is a great river of southern Middle-earth. It flows westward from the Ephel Dúath (Mordor's Mountains of Shadow) to the Bay of Belfalas, forming the traditional northern border of Harad and separating it from Southern Gondor (Harondor). Its mouth lies north of the Cape of Umbar.

The Harnen is a significant frontier between the realms of Gondor and the Haradrim. During the early Third Age, Gondor's influence leasted to the shores of the Harnen, but by the later Third Age, Harad had taken the lands north of the river, their outposts reaching as far north as the river Poros. The contested land between the two rivers, Poros and Harnen, is known to the Haradrim as Damarzâg, "the Bloody Vale".

The Harad Road crosses the Harnen at a ford or bridge, one of few viable crossings of the river. The Harnen was frequently crossed by armies during the wars between Gondor and Harad. Its crossing was a vital strategic point, used both by Gondorian hosts marching south and by Haradrim forces invading northward.

Etymology

The name Harnen derives from Sindarin, meaning Southwaters (har = south, nen = waters).

Maps

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  Rivers of Haradwaith
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  Bodies of Water
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  A map of Middle-earth showing the Harnen flowing to the Bay of Belfalas

References

• The Two Towers, "The Black Gate is Closed"
• The Return of the King, "The Black Gate Opens"