The Dark History Of The Necromancer In Dol Guldur Explained
The Dark History of the Necromancer in Dol Guldur Explained
A Brief Overview
In the annals of Middle-earth, few figures loom as ominously as the Necromancer, a mysterious presence that cast its shadow over the once verdant lands of Dol Guldur. As we delve into this tale, we shall uncover the dark history of the realm and the enigmatic figure who came to rule it.
From Elven Kingdom to Dark Fortress
Long before the Necromancer appeared, Dol Guldur was part of Greenwood the Great, a realm ruled by the Sylvan Elves. King Orofair reigned from Amanlank, the Bald Hill, but his rule was not untroubled. As the Second Age wore on, he moved his people north multiple times, seeking to distance himself from both the Dwarves of Khazad-Dûm and what he perceived as the intrusions of Galadriel and Caliborne in Lorion.
- It is believed that the first migration took place because Orofair wanted to distance himself from both the Dwarves and out of resentment for Galadriel and Caliborne.
- Orofair would be killed during the War of the Last Alliance in what would later become the Dead Marshes, leaving his people to be led by Threnduil.
The Arrival of the Necromancer
By 1050 of the Third Age, a mysterious presence had taken residence in Amanlank. This presence came to be known as the Necromancer. With its shadow falling upon Greenwood, the forest came to be called Merkwood.
Because of this evil influence, Threnduil moved his people for the final time, relocating further from the source of this malice, settling north of the Forest River. The hill and fortress of Amanlank came to be known as Dolg’ldur, the hill of sorcery.
Sauron: The Necromancer?
Rumors swirled that this Necromancer could actually be Sauron, who had long been thought vanquished. Some of the wisest elves and wizards of Middle-earth suspected as much, and in 2063 Gandalf the Grey ventured to Dol Guldur to investigate.
The Legacy of the Necromancer
Though the Necromancer was eventually vanquished, his legacy lived on. His dark influence had shaped the fate of Greenwood and its inhabitants, leaving a lasting impact on Middle-earth’s history.
