High Pass

The High Pass, also called the Pass of Imladris, lies almost directly east of Rivendell on the map. It is the northern of the two main crossings of the Misty Mountains, and the road through it runs down the eastern slopes toward the Carrock and the ford over Anduin. Anyone traveling from Bree or the Shire to Mirkwood and Erebor used it.

The pass was watched. Goblins had driven tunnels under it and used side doors opening onto the path to snatch anyone sheltering from storms. Their halls beneath are called Goblin-town, and the Great Goblin ruled there until Gandalf killed him.

That is what happened to Thorin Oakenshield's company in TA 2941. Caught in a thunder-battle among the peaks, they took shelter in a cave, and the back wall opened. In the escape Bilbo was knocked out and left behind, and in the dark under the pass he picked up a gold ring, met Gollum, and won the riddle-game. The eagles carried the company clear of the mountain afterward.

The pass stayed dangerous. Orc numbers grew again, and by the time of the Council of Elrond the northern crossing was considered no safer than the southern one. Glóin reported trouble on the roads east, and Elrond's scouts watched both ends of the range.

Events at this place

1. TA 2941 · The Hobbit

   Thorin's company taken by goblins

   Sheltering from a storm in the High Pass, the dwarves and Bilbo were dragged through a hidden door into the goblin tunnels.

2. TA 2941 · The Hobbit

   Bilbo finds the Ring

   Lost in the tunnels beneath the pass, Bilbo picked up the One Ring and escaped past Gollum after the riddle-game.

Frequently asked questions