Angmar's History and Its Connection to Gondor

Angmar was a formidable realm located in the northern territories of the Númenórean realm of Arnor during the Third Age. This kingdom, situated above the Misty Mountains and encompassing a significant part of the northern mountain range, played a crucial role in the later years of the Third Age before its eventual downfall.

Location and Founding of Angmar

Angmar was nestled along the Misty Mountains, with a mountain range stretching west to east that intersected with the Misty Mountains. Near this intersection lay the realm of Gundabad, and to the west of Gundabad, the land of Angmar extended to its westernmost point. Angmar was a northern extension of the Northern Kingdom of Arnor, specifically its northeastern part.

Though the realm of Arnor was once claimed by Isildur, he was unfortunately killed during his northern expedition. As a result, one of his sons, likely E?rnur, led the effort to found Angmar. But unlike Arnor, communication and interaction between Angmar and Gondor were minimal, and Gondor held Arnor in low regard, considering it a rustic and lesser kingdom compared to its own might.

Conquest and Rule of Angmar

Angmar was founded as a result of the absence of Sauron, whose influence the Witch-King of Angmar carried on. With Sauron's prolonged absence, the Witch-King became the de facto ruler, leading the Nazg?l and exploiting the "wild" nature of the region with its abundance of goblins and trolls. Angmar was not directly connected to Gondor, despite Gondor occasionally sending aid during conflicts, such as the war against Angmar.

A notable landmark in the region was Amon Sul, which was not directly connected to Gondor but was used as a strategic point due to its strategic location.

Decline and Destruction of Angmar

The downfall of Angmar came as a result of a powerful alliance of Men, Elves, and even Hobbits, led by the future kings of Arnor and Gondor. This alliance, known as the Last Alliance ofMen and Elves, drove Sauron's forces back and eventually led to the destruction of the Dark Lord's power. Angmar was subsequently eradicated from the map, and its remnants were left to the elements and the lurking shadows of the evil that once thrived there.

Nazg?l and Their Origins

The origins of the Nazg?l, also known as the Nine Rings, remain enigmatic and heavily shrouded in mystery. The one exception to this mystery is the character of Kham?l, the Easterling who likely hailed from the far eastern regions of Middle-earth. His descent from the Black Numenoreans adds an interesting layer to the narrative, suggesting a potential connection between the Nazg?l and the evil remnants of the fallen realm of Númenor.

While the exact origins of the other eight Nazg?l are debated and speculative, one or more of them are believed to have come from this lineage, with a few possibly being descendants of wicked Númenóreans who turned to darkness.

Angmar's Legacy and Connections

The legacy of Angmar lived on through the evil it brought to the land, notably in the form of the Nazg?l, whose influence continued to plague the regions of Middle-earth long after the downfall of Angmar. Despite not being directly connected to Gondor in terms of political and strategic relations, Angmar still cast a long shadow over the kingdoms of the west.

In conclusion, Angmar serves as a significant reminder of the dark forces that threatened the lands of Middle-earth and the resilience of the Free Peoples in the face of such peril.

Key Terms: Angmar, Arnor, Gondor, Nazg?l, Witch-King