Guarded Gate

The way to the Hidden City of Gondolin was concealed from all outsiders, friend or foe alike. The only means of entering the city was along the ancient bed of the Dry River, which ran from a cavern in the steep cliffs of the Echoriath. Though the cavern appeared natural, it led into the dark tunnel of the Hidden Way, which was at all times under the secret watch of the Dark Guard. These guards protected the Gate of Wood, the First of the Seven Gates of Gondolin, also called the Guarded Gate. Any who wandered into the blackness of the Hidden Way would be taken and questioned by the Dark Guard, and few indeed would be permitted to continue their long journey through the Encircling Mountains to the Hidden City of Gondolin beyond.