The Echoriath or Encircling Mountains was a range of mountains in the north of Beleriand, next to Dorthonion, during the First Age.

The Echoriath formed a natural circle of rock enclosing the valley later called Tumladen, within which lay the Elven city of Gondolin. A hidden ravine provided the only access through the Echoriath a way guarded by seven gates. The Eagles led by Thorondor took residence in a southern part of the mountains called the Crissaegrim and for long kept the spies of Morgoth from discovering the location of Gondolin.

Fingolfin, a High King of the Ñoldor, was buried in the Echoriath north of Gondolin in a great cairn, his body having been taken there by the eagle Thorondor after he was slain in his duel with Morgoth.

ReferencesEdit

• The Atlas of Middle-earth pgs. 14-5 & 23

External linkEdit

• Echoriath at Tolkien Gateway