Isengard

Isengard
J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium location
Other name(s)	Angrenost, Nan Curunír, Wizard's Vale
Type	Fortress built to guard the Gap of Rohan
Ruler	Saruman (T.A. 2759 - 3019)
Notable locations	The Tower of Orthanc, the Ring of Isengard, the pillar of the White Hand, the Isen
First appearance	The Fellowship of the Ring
Location	Calenardhon
Lifespan	Second Age – Fourth Age
Founder	Gondor, during the time of Isildur

In J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, Isengard ([ˈaɪː.zɛn.ɡɑrd]) is a large fortress in the fictional universe of Middle-earth. It is a translation of the term Angrenost from the fictional language of Sindarin. Both terms mean "iron fortress" (cf. German: Eisen and Old English: isærn, meaning "iron"). Additionally, Isengard can mean "West Guard".

In The History of Middle-earth, Tolkien states that Isengard was built in the Second Age around the tower of Orthanc by the Númenóreans in exile. Its location was at the north-western corner of Rohan, guarding the Fords of Isen from enemy incursions into Calenardhon together with the fortress of Aglarond to its south.

The river Angren (or Isen) began at Methedras behind Isengard, which also formed its northern wall. The other three sides were guarded by a large wall, known as the Ring of Isengard, which was only breached by the inflow of the river Angren at the north-east through a portcullis, and the gate of Isengard at the south, at both shores of the river.

Isengard was a green and pleasant place, with many large trees and grass fields, fed by the Angren. Orthanc stood in the exact centre.

During the early Third Age the land of Calenardhon became depopulated, and the last warden of Orthanc was recalled to Minas Tirith. Isengard remained guarded by a small company, led by a hereditary captain. Bit by bit though the messages from Minas Tirith decreased until they ceased altogether.

...
Wikipedia