Undergate: Difference between revisions

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The '''Undergate''' was the doorway that blocked the left-hand side passage from the main tunnel in [[Shelob's Lair]].  It led to the [[Under-way]], a winding tunnel that ascended to the base of the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]]. The gate itself was a great block shaped like a heavy door less than twice [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam Gamgee]]'s height.  Above it there was a dark blank space between the top and the low arch of the opening.<ref name="Lair">{{TT|IV9}}</ref>
The '''Undergate''' (also called the under-gate) was a gate with brazen doors that blocked the entrance from the underground side passage that was called the Under-way to the ground floor of the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]].<ref>{{RK|Tower}}</ref><ref name=Choices>{{TT|Choices}}</ref>
 
When [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Sam]] first encountered the Under-way they were in darkness and only perceived that the way was blocked. After Frodo had been stung by [[Shelob]]<ref>{{TT|Lair}}</ref>, orcs found Frodo and carried the unconscious Frodo through the Under-way and through the Undergate to the Tower of Cirith Ungol. Sam followed the orcs on the Under-way, but was unable to get through the locked Undergate and was forced to go back to the main tunnel in Shelob's lair.<ref name=Choices/>


When [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and Sam first encountered the Underway they were in darkness and only perceived that the way was blocked.  Later the orcs from the tower carried Frodo through the opening but Sam, following behind, found the doorway shut.  After hearing [[Shagrat]] declare that Frodo was still alive and after the orc-captains had gone, Sam discovered by the light of [[Sting]] that he could get over the blockage by leaping and scrambling over.<ref name="Lair"/>  Unable to enter the base of the tower, Sam returned to the Undergate and still not finding the means to open it climbed back over to scurry through the main tunnel to the tower to rescue Frodo.<ref>{{RK|VI1}}</ref>
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[[Category:Doors and gates]]
[[Category:Doors and gates]]

Revision as of 20:36, 30 December 2020

The Undergate (also called the under-gate) was a gate with brazen doors that blocked the entrance from the underground side passage that was called the Under-way to the ground floor of the Tower of Cirith Ungol.[1][2]

When Frodo and Sam first encountered the Under-way they were in darkness and only perceived that the way was blocked. After Frodo had been stung by Shelob[3], orcs found Frodo and carried the unconscious Frodo through the Under-way and through the Undergate to the Tower of Cirith Ungol. Sam followed the orcs on the Under-way, but was unable to get through the locked Undergate and was forced to go back to the main tunnel in Shelob's lair.[2]

References

  1. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Tower of Cirith Ungol"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Choices of Master Samwise"
  3. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "Shelob's Lair"
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