Amon Hen

Amon Hen stands above the western shore of Nen Hithoel, upstream of the falls of Rauros, with the lawn of Parth Galen at its foot. Old stone stairs climb the hill through trees to a paved circle on the top, open to the sky, with a wide seat on four carved pillars. Gondor's watchmen used it in the days when the realm reached this far north.

Frodo climbed it alone after Boromir tried to take the Ring from him. Sitting in the Seat of Seeing with the Ring on his finger, he saw the lands turning under him: war in the north and east, the horsemen of Rohan, Orthanc, Minas Tirith, and then the searching Eye. A voice told him to take it off, and he did.

He came down having decided to go east by himself, took a boat from Parth Galen and was followed into the water by Sam. At the same time an orc raiding party fell on the camp. Boromir blew the Horn of Gondor and died at the foot of the hill after killing many of them, and Merry and Pippin were carried off toward Isengard. The name marks one of a pair. Amon Lhaw across the water is the Hill of Hearing, and the two seats belonged to the same system of watchposts from the days when Gondor's border ran along this reach of the river.

Events at this place

1. TA 3019, February 26 · The Lord of the Rings

   Boromir tries to take the Ring

   On the slopes of Amon Hen, Boromir demanded the Ring from Frodo, who escaped by putting it on.

2. TA 3019, February 26 · The Lord of the Rings

   Frodo sits in the Seat of Seeing

   Wearing the Ring on the summit, Frodo saw far across Middle-earth and felt the Eye searching for him before he took it off.

3. TA 3019, February 26 · The Lord of the Rings

   The Breaking of the Fellowship

   Orcs attacked at the foot of the hill. Boromir was killed defending Merry and Pippin, who were captured, while Frodo and Sam crossed the lake.

Frequently asked questions