Tirith Gúlaran

Tirith Gúlaran is a high watch-tower within Gwathrenost, the fortress that overlooks Carn Dûm in the realm of Angmar. Rising above the citadel’s walls, the tower served as a vantage from which the rulers of Angmar could observe the city below and the harsh northern lands that surrounded it.

The tower was constructed during the dominion of the Witch-king of Angmar, whose stronghold at Gwathrenost dominated the region during the long war against the northern kingdoms of Arnor. From the heights of Tirith Gúlaran the Witch-king could survey the strongholds and armies gathered in Carn Dûm, watching over the capital of his dark realm while directing the campaigns that devastated the lands of Arthedain, Cardolan, and Rhudaur.

After the downfall of Angmar and the defeat of the Witch-king in the war that ended with the Battle of Fornost, Gwathrenost and its towers were abandoned along with the ruined city below. For many years Tirith Gúlaran stood empty, its chambers silent above the desolate remains of Carn Dûm.

When Angmar stirred again under the rule of Mordirith, who claimed the title of Steward of Angmar and sought to restore the power of the Iron Crown, the citadel of Gwathrenost was reoccupied. Tirith Gúlaran once more became a place from which the lord of Carn Dûm could look out across the lands of Angmar, watching the movements of allies and enemies alike.

The tower is also remembered as a place of imprisonment and suffering. Within its upper chambers the Ranger Golodir was once held captive, forced at times to gaze into a palantír kept within the fortress at Mordirith’s command. During his captivity he endured many trials, yet remained steadfast in his hope of reunion with his daughter Lorniel and the companions he had left behind.

Standing high above the dark halls of Gwathrenost, Tirith Gúlaran remained a symbol of the watchful power that ruled from Carn Dûm, a place from which the shadow of Angmar once again stretched across the northern lands.