Cross-roads
The Cross-roads of the Fallen King where the point in the land of Ithilien were the road running northward from the Harad (Harad Road) was crossed by the east-west road from Osgiliath to Minas Ithil (later Minas Morgul).[1]
History
Originally maintained by the Men of Gondor, who grew tall trees and built a statue of a king, the Cross-roads had effectively fallen under the control of Sauron at the time of the War of the Ring.
When Frodo, Sam, and Gollum came to the Cross-roads they were in a belt of trees of vast size. Next to the road leading to Osgiliath they found the statue befouled by the Orcs. The head had been knocked off and replaced by a stone effigy, but seeing it gave Frodo hope, for the head was crowned with flowers.[2]
Sometime later, the Army of the West passed by the Cross-roads. Aragorn ordered a fanfare of trumpeteers and reclaimed the lands. Soldiers broke the restored the statue and washed the scrawls. While there Imrahil proposed to move against Minas Morgul to which Gandalf objected.
Before leaving, they also stationed a strong force of archers there, to guard against any attack from the East or South.[3]
