Dol Guldur existed for approximately 1919 years.
The Lifespan of Dol Guldur
Dol Guldur, which translates to "Hill of Sorcery" in Sindarin, was a formidable dark fortress situated in the southern part of Mirkwood forest. It became a significant power base for the Necromancer, later revealed to be Sauron in disguise, during the Third Age of Middle-earth.
Key Dates
Based on historical records from the Third Age (T.A.), the lifespan of Dol Guldur can be detailed as follows:
| Event | Year (T.A.) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Created | Around 1100 | Sauron, operating under the guise of the Necromancer, established his stronghold in the southern reaches of Mirkwood, bringing a shadow over the once-vibrant forest. This marked the beginning of Dol Guldur's dark history. |
| Destroyed | 3019 | At the close of the War of the Ring, Dol Guldur faced multiple assaults from the forces of Lothlórien and the Woodland Realm. It was finally overthrown and purified by Galadriel, bringing an end to its reign of terror and cleansing Mirkwood of a major source of evil. |
To determine the age of Dol Guldur, we calculate the duration between its creation and its destruction:
3019 T.A. (Destroyed) - 1100 T.A. (Created) = 1919 years.
Historical Significance and Inhabitants
Dol Guldur was more than just a fortress; it was a strategically vital location for Sauron to secretly rebuild his strength following his earlier defeat in the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. For nearly two millennia, its malevolent influence permeated Mirkwood, transforming it into a dark, perilous place known as the Great Forest.
The primary inhabitants of Dol Guldur were creatures aligned with Sauron's darkness, including:
- Orcs: Numerous detachments of Orcs served as its garrison and shock troops.
- Giant Spiders: The surrounding corrupted areas of Mirkwood became infested with monstrous spiders, offspring of Ungoliant, with Shelob being a notable distant relative.
- Other dark creatures: Various fell beasts and spirits were drawn to and resided within its shadowy walls.
Before Sauron's arrival and the corruption of the land, the region was inhabited by Silvan Elves. These elves were eventually driven away or enslaved by the encroaching evil. Dol Guldur played a significant, albeit hidden, role in the events leading up to the War of the Ring, launching attacks on the Elven realms of Lothlórien and the Woodland Realm during the war itself. Its ultimate destruction was a critical victory, symbolizing the receding tide of evil in Middle-earth.
For further information regarding Dol Guldur, you can explore the Dol Guldur entry on Tolkien Gateway.
