Cirith Ungol
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Cirith Ungol is a location in J. R. R. Tolkien's fictional universe of Middle-earth. Pronounced Keereeth Oongoll, the name is Sindarin for Spider's Cleft, or Pass of the Spider; it is the pass through the western mountains of Mordor and the only way towards the land from the West. It was guarded by the Tower of Cirith Ungol, built by the Men of Gondor after the War of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men was fought.
Its principal purpose was to defend Ithilien and Minas Ithil (later known as Minas Morgul) from attacks from Sauron's remaining servants. For that reason its two bastions were directed to the north and southeast. It also served to stop Sauron's servants from deserting Mordor.
Gondor occupied the fortress probably until 1636 T.A. when the Great Plague killed large parts of Gondor's population. After the Plague Gondor never again occupied Cirith Ungol and evil was allowed to return to Mordor. The fortress was associated with the mountain fortress of Durthang in Northwestern Mordor, and the Towers of the Teeth at the Morannon.
During the Quest of the Ring Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee were led to this pass by Gollum to the lair of the giant spider-like creature Shelob who dwelt there.
| Mountains from J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium | |
|---|---|
| Ranges: | Crissaegrim | Echoriath | Ephel Dúath | Ered Engrin | Ered Gorgoroth | Ered Lithui | Ered Luin | Ered Lómin | Ered Mithrin | Ered Nimrais | Ered Wethrin | Hithaeglir | Iron Hills | Orocarni | Mountains of Angmar | Pelóri |
| Notable peaks: | Amon Anwar | Caradhras | Celebdil | Erebor | Fanuidhol | Meneltarma | Methedras | Mindolluin | Mount Dolmed | Mount Gram | Mount Gundabad | Mount Rerir | Orodruin | Starkhorn | Taniquetil | Thangorodrim |
| Notable passes: | Aglon | Calacirya | Cirith Gorgor | Cirith Ungol | Cirith Forn en Andrath | Redhorn Pass |
| Realms from J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium during the Second Age | |
|---|---|
| Realms of Men: | Arnor • Gondor • Lond Daer • Númenor • Rohan • Umbar |
| Realms of the Elves: | Dorwinion • Edhellond • Eregion • Lindon • Lórinand • Greenwood the Great • Rivendell |
| Realms of the Dwarves: | Belegost • Khazad-dûm |
| Realms of the Ents: | Fangorn forest |
| Realms of the enemy: | Cirith Ungol • Mordor |
