Narchost

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Narchost was the western[1] of the two Towers of the Teeth, that stood on two sheer hills that were thrust forward on either side of the mouth of the pass of Cirith Gorgor at the northwestern end of Mordor where the Ered Lithui met the Ephel Duath. It was strong, tall, stony-faced and had dark window-holes facing north, east and west.[2]

History

Narchost was built by the men of Gondor after the War of the Last Alliance to prevent Sauron from returning to Mordor[2] and to keep watch on Mordor where the creatures of Sauron still lurked.[3] At the time of the death of king Ondoher it was still manned by the men of Gondor.[4] As the strength of Gondor failed, Narchost was abandoned by the the men of Gondor and was empty for long years and fell into decay. After the return of Sauron Narchost was repaired and garrisonned with the forces of Sauron.[2]

Etymology

The name Narchost is translated as "bitter-biting fort".[1] Its initial element narch "bitter-biting" is not otherwise attested, but a similar (Noldorin) verb narcha- "to rend" appears in the Etymologies as a derivative of the root NÁRAK.[5] The second element is ost "fortress".[6]


References