The Fantasy Review’s guide to the Ettenmoors from Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
The Ettenmoors are a wild and desolate region in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. They play a small role in the mythology but are nonetheless a fascinating geographical location.
Geography and Location
The Ettenmoors, also known as the Troll-fells are located in the northern part of Middle-earth in the Dúnedain kingdom of Arnor. This is east of the Misty Mountains and north of Rivendell.
Ettenmoors is also very similar to a location in The Chronicles of Narnia, called the land of Ettinsmoor. C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were close friends, so it makes sense that Tolkien might add a little Easter Egg in here that links to his fellow Inkling.
This rugged, hilly region is known for its harsh terrain and inhospitable climate, with rocky outcrops, sparse vegetation, and windswept plains.
History & Inhabitants
In the early ages of Middle-earth, the Ettenmoors were part of the kingdom of Arnor. However, after the War with Angmar (between Arnor and Angmar), the Witch-king was defeated at the Battle of Fornost and fled to the Ettenmoors.
From this point, they became the Troll-fells, ruled by Orcs and infested with trolls, particularly stone-trolls. You might recognise stone-trolls from The Hobbit.
Role in The Lord of the Rings
While the Ettenmoors do not feature in the main narrative of The Lord of the Rings, or any major story much, they are mentioned in relation to the Rangers of the North. These were the descendants of the Dúnedain, including Aragorn, who patrolled the region to protect the surrounding lands from the trolls and other dangerous creatures.
The Ettenmoors represent one of the many wild and untamed regions that exist beyond the more civilized areas of Middle-earth. It just goes to show how rich in detail this world is when you look closely. There is always somewhere new to explore – and that is the magic of Middle-earth.
