The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Founded in II 3320 or shortly thereafter; invaded and occupied by the Witch-king in III 1974; abandoned III 1975; possibly refounded in the Fourth Age1
Location
The southern end of the North Downs, roughly one hundred miles northward from Bree
Origins
Founded by Elendil after his escape from the Downfall of Númenor
Race
Division
Culture
Family
The royal seat of Kings of the House of Isildur
Important peaks
The city stood on the southwestern slopes of the North Downs
Meaning
Norbury means 'northern fortified town' (a translation of Elvish Fornost); 'Kings' refers to the Kings of Arthedain, who ruled from this city
Other names

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About this entry:

  • Updated 16 February 2024
  • This entry is complete

Norbury of the Kings

Fornost on the North Downs

Map of Norbury of the Kings

The ancient city of the Kings of Arthedain, at the southern end of the North Downs, far to the north of the Shire. 'Norbury' was its name to the Hobbits, a translation of the original Elvish name Fornost, 'northern fortress'. It was also sometimes referred to as Kings' Norbury. Some four centuries after the Shire was founded, the last King was driven out of Norbury, and by the time of the War of the Ring, it was nothing more than an overgrown ruin (commonly referred to as 'Deadmen's Dike').


Notes

1

After the War of the Ring, Gandalf predicted that the new King Elessar would rebuild the ruined Norbury of the Kings. We know from other references that Elessar reoccupied the neighbouring city of Annúminas, and so it is entirely likely that he also re-established Fornost (as Norbury was known in Elvish). If he did so, however, the fact is never specifically mentioned in the annals of the time.

See also...

Fornost Erain

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 16 February 2024
  • This entry is complete

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