Eriador
From Realms of Arda
| Type: Principal Land |
| Names: (S. approx. "The Empty Lands") |
| Location: Northwestern Lands |
Contents |
Short Description
Eriador is a geographic region which includes all the territory north of the Sîr Angren and between the Blue Mountains and the Misty Mountains. Its imprecise northern border lies along the highland ridge that runs westward from Carn Dûm in Angmar and reaches to the Ice Bay of Forochel. Some accounts place the southern border along the line bounded by the rivers Greyflood and Glanduin. Most, however, hold it to be that area north of Gondor's traditional western border.
Eriador incorporates the lands of Minhiriath, Eregion, Cardolan, Rhudaur, and Arthedain, and for some also Dor 'Wathui and Enedhwaith. "Eriadoran" is the common name for folk dwelling in Eriador, but the term has other meanings. In the Second Age, this name is used for the folk of the Gwathló basin in Eriador who are descended primarily from the ancient Edain who never went to Númenor at the end of the Elder Days. In the Third Age, it can be used for the Arthadan and Cardolani Commons, who are of Dúnedain, Daen, and ancient Eriadoran descent, or for the remnants of the Second Age population who sustain an independent culture in several locations in Arthedain and Cardolan. These remnant groups are also called "Northmen" or "Eriedain."
