Ephel Dúath

The Ephel Dúath, or Mountains of Shadow, were a range of mountains that guarded Mordor's western and southern borders.

Geography

The mountain range met the Ered Lithui at the Morannon, so that between them the mountain ranges effectively seal off Mordor from invasion on three sides. The Pass of Cirith Ungol was the only known pass through them, forming road between Minas Morgul and the Tower of Cirith Ungol.

Etymology

Ephel Dúath is Sindarin. It means "outer fences of shadow", from ephel, "outer fence" or "encircling fence", and dúath, "shadow".