Henneth Annûn

Henneth Annun lies in the western hills of Ithilien, above a stream that runs down toward the Anduin, north of the Cross-roads and east of Cair Andros. The entrance is behind a curtain of falling water, which catches the light of the setting sun and gives the place its name: the Window of the Sunset.

Gondor's men cut the channel that made the fall, and after Ithilien was abandoned the cave became the westernmost hidden post of the rangers who still patrolled the province against Sauron's troops. Only a few dozen men used it, and they kept its location secret even from most of Gondor.

Faramir's company brought Frodo and Sam there blindfolded after the fight with the Southrons on the road. That evening Faramir questioned Frodo about Boromir and about the errand, worked out for himself what the hobbit carried, and refused to touch it.

Gollum was spotted in the forbidden pool at the foot of the fall, where any man who entered was shot on sight. Frodo had to walk down and coax him into the rangers' hands to save his life, which Gollum read as betrayal. The hobbits left before dawn with their gear returned and a guide down to the road. Faramir's parting warning about the pass above Minas Morgul, and the nameless thing that kept it, was the one piece of his advice Frodo did not take.

Events at this place

1. TA 3019, March 7 · The Lord of the Rings

   Frodo and Sam are brought to the refuge

   Faramir's rangers led the hobbits blindfolded to Henneth Annun after taking them in Ithilien.

2. TA 3019, March 7 · The Lord of the Rings

   Faramir refuses the Ring

   Having guessed what Frodo carried, Faramir declined to take it and let the hobbits continue their errand.

3. TA 3019, March 8 · The Lord of the Rings

   Gollum in the forbidden pool

   Gollum was seen fishing below the waterfall. Frodo led him into the rangers' custody to keep the archers from shooting him.

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