The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Created II 3320 or shortly thereafter; destroyed 3 March III 3019
Location
Within the wall of the Circle of Isengard, at its southern extent
Origins
Made by the early Gondorians
Race
Made by Men
Divisions
Built by the Dúnedain; Isengard was later occupied by the Wizard Saruman and the Orcs who served him
Culture
The original inhabitants of Isengard were Gondorians; the later servants of Saruman were known as Isengarders
Settlements
Guarded the way to the Tower of Orthanc
Pronunciation
Isengard is pronounced 'eye'sengard' ('eye' represents the sound of the English word 'eye')
Meaning
Isengard means 'iron enclosure'

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About this entry:

  • Updated 2 November 2023
  • This entry is complete

Gate of Isengard

The guarded archway that led to Orthanc

Map of the Gate of Isengard

A strong gateway guarding the single arched tunnel in the wide rock-wall that surrounded Isengard and Orthanc. It lay in the southern part of Isengard's defences, approached by an ancient highway. At least in Saruman's time as master of Isengard, the gate was heavily guarded, though it was eventually thrown down by the invading Ents.

According to some background material,1 Saruman had given his Gate special properties. Whether by some mechanism or spell, he was able to project his famous voice through the Gate itself, and so communicate with those outside his defences without putting himself at risk.


Notes

1

Specifically, The Hunt for the Ring in Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth. Note that it is uncertain whether Tolkien meant the Gate to have this special property or not: in other versions of the same story, it does not seem to have this power of projection.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 2 November 2023
  • This entry is complete

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