- Type: Fortress/Town
- Inhabitants: 80% Gondorian, 20% Daen
- Population: 650
- Origin: Built by Dúnedain in the late Second Age; granted formal autonomy in TA 569
- Purpose: Protection and administration of the Morthond Vale; exploitation of mineral resources
- Symbol: A Five-pointed Star above a Well
Morthondost (S."Castle Blackroot") was the traditional residence and chief stronghold of the Lord of Nan Morthond. The fortress overlooked the eastern bank of the River Morthond just opposite the hill of Erech. Between the walls of Morthondost and the stone bridge that crossed the river stood the small village of Sarn Erech, which served as the local market for Blackroot Vale. Despite its physical size, the fortress of the Lord did not hold a large garrison, and consequently required less resources and manpower from the villagers to support it. For this reason, the population of Sarn Erech had always been minuscule.Despite it's proximity to the notorious Paths of the Dead, the Morthond Vale remained an important mining center for Gondor, seemingly untouched by the dread associated with the Paths.
References[]
- MERP:Southern Gondor - The Land