Geography - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Cherie Centaur · 03-16-2003, 06:37 AM

I was thinking in my room, when I had an interesting idea. I've read several interperatations (forgive me if I misspell that word) on where Tolkien based his geography. I'm trying to find out climates in Middle-Earth, such as how hot it got in Minas Tirith. I've seen in many different topics state where you guys believe certain places were situated. From your thoughts, what climate(s) do you think took place in Middle-Earth?

Peace always,
cherie

Adamathamariel · 03-16-2003, 07:50 AM

I have a feeling that Rohen was a bit like the steppes of Asia. For the looks in the movie, the Shire looked pretty green, so I'd say it rained every other night, and never got quite that warm.

------------------------------------------
I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed. I felled the black serpent. A grim morn, and a glad day, and a golden sunset!"
Théoden

Narya · 03-16-2003, 09:05 AM

If you´d like to look up what you think/found out about the climates, have a look at the Atlas of Middle Earth by Karen Wynn Forstad.
It´s very detailed and there are also maps with climates (sp?) on it, as well as historical maps from all time ages.

Bill Ferny · 03-16-2003, 09:39 AM

Tolkien stated that his mythology didn’t take place in a world apart from ours, but in the same world, only in an imaginary time before human compass. Middle Earth is equivalent to the Europe that Tolkien knew, so the climate of Middle Earth would be roughly the same as Europe and the northern Mediterranean Sea basin. If the Shire is equivalent in latitude and longitude with Oxford, England, then Minas Tirith is equivalent with Venice (I believe, at least somewhere between Florence and Venice).

Lathriel · 03-16-2003, 03:45 PM

I always thought that the shire had an english climate.
Rohan reminded me of highlands for some reason.
Rivendell-mountain climate, cold at night,warm in the day and lots of snow in the winter.
Mordor- desert with a lot of eveil in it
Ithilien-Forest in south Germany
Midgewater-Netherlands, you have no idea ho wet it is there
Haradwaith- middle-east
Is that everything,probably not but...oh
Old forest- England
Bree-England.
Well that's what I think [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Scott · 03-16-2003, 09:41 PM

~The plains of Rohan ha dalways struck a chord with the Giant's Steps in Ireland.
~The Shire reminds me of Whales
~And Minas Moria seems to me to fit in the Alps

Vardadurwen · 03-18-2003, 04:28 PM

I've always thought that Middle-Earth seemed to fit nicely into Canada because the geography in both places is so beautiful.
I would imagine that the Shire would be in Quebec and as you went west in Canada, it would be like going East in Middle-Earth. You go through the forests of Ontario and then these gradually fade out into the plains/prairies and get into the mountains.
I do think that there are probably better places in the world that could represent areas of Middle-Earth better than Canada. For example, I do think that the Shire would be best set in a very green environment such as British Columbia, The United Kingdom or New Zealand.
However, I really think the plains of Rohan is best suited to the Prairies of Saskatchewan and moving into Alberta where the mountains begin. (talking about Canada)

Ruler of the Frogs · 03-18-2003, 05:01 PM

I live in Canada some of the more natural looking places seem really Middle Earth-y to me. That may just be because I've never been anywhere else. I imagine that Tolkien meant for it to be a more natural England, without civilization.

Lathriel · 03-18-2003, 09:54 PM

Go Canada!!!!!!!!
You are right there are tons of places in Canada that can be related to Canada.
Example-Rocky Mountains-Misty Mountains?

the witch king · 03-20-2003, 09:49 AM

From the atlas of Tolkien's Middle-Earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad:

Arnor/north westen Rohan-Mild winters, mild summers (i.e. England, North central Europe or Western Oregon)

Gondor/Rohan-Mild winters, warm summers (i.e.Eastern Europe or Arkansas to Wisconsin)

Harondor/Umbar-Mild winters,hot,dry Summers (i.e. Mediterranean Sea area or Southern California)

Mordor-Arid(i.e. Arabia, Western Arizona or Nevada)

Khand/Near Harad-Semi Arid (i.e. Iran, Eastern Colorado)

Angmar/Forodwaith-Severe winters, cool summers (i.e. Central Greenland, Alaska or Northern coast of Russia)

03-20-2003, 10:09 AM

I have a question, more related to the vegetation than geography, but I was wondering if anyone could help me. I am somewhat new to message boards, but I am trying to find a sketch/picture of the elanor, the flower that grew in Lothlorien. I have found descriptions but no sketch. Anyone have any idea where I can look? I have roamed the vast blue nowhere with no luck.

Cherie Centaur · 03-21-2003, 06:38 PM

Sorry, lostinstarlight. I have not a clue where to find what you need.
[img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]

I personally have thought that these were the climates/backgrounds of these major places (You can probably guess what country I live in after this post):

Shire- The rolling hills of Whales
Rohan- The prairie of the Midwestern US
Gondor- Basically the same as Rohan but with some trees
Dead Marshes- Florida Everglades (but more gloomy)
Ithilien- A young, bright forest full of Swamp Pines and oaks covered with spanish moss
Mirkwood- Germany's Black Forest
Fangorn- A really old oak forest combined with the Blue Ridge Mountains

There's more of course but this was what first came to mind.

Love, Peace, and No evil rulers/dictaters,
Cherie

piosenniel · 03-21-2003, 07:12 PM

Go to the link below and then click on "Luthien I" (if the pictures are not showing). It is the round emblem on the far left of the page, 2nd one from the top.

This emblem for Luthien has an elanor in the center (drawn by Tolkien) and niphredil as the white flowers.

Emblems

03-24-2003, 08:35 PM

Thank you SOOOO much!!!!!!!!! I have been hunting for this forever. would anyone know someone who could transcribe these words into the tengwar alphabet? silme, elen, and elanor? you guys are awesome!!!!

Gorwingel · 03-24-2003, 10:22 PM

Rohan never reminded me of Middle America, the praries are just a little too flat. It kind of reminded me of eastern Montana though, and of course Canada.

Cherie Centaur · 03-26-2003, 03:18 PM

Guess I'm a true Flatlander, Gorwingel [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]. Seriously, if you haven't figured it out, I'm from Florida, so if it isn't a mountain range it's flat.

Cheers [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] ,
Cherie

03-16-2003, 06:37 AM	#1
Cherie Centaur Haunting Spirit Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cottage Cheese near the Gap Posts: 95	Geography I was thinking in my room, when I had an interesting idea. I've read several interperatations (forgive me if I misspell that word) on where Tolkien based his geography. I'm trying to find out climates in Middle-Earth, such as how hot it got in Minas Tirith. I've seen in many different topics state where you guys believe certain places were situated. From your thoughts, what climate(s) do you think took place in Middle-Earth? Peace always, cherie __________________ Why do we let the monkey slide for popping the weasel? Just because he thought it was fun? Guys, we're dealing with a psycho.

03-16-2003, 09:05 AM	#3
Narya Wight Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: not here... floating down the Liffey Posts: 124	If you´d like to look up what you think/found out about the climates, have a look at the Atlas of Middle Earth by Karen Wynn Forstad. It´s very detailed and there are also maps with climates (sp?) on it, as well as historical maps from all time ages. __________________ ...for we know the joy of life is the peace* that love can bring* So spoke the wizard in his mountain home.

03-16-2003, 09:39 AM	#4
Bill Ferny Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bree Posts: 390	Tolkien stated that his mythology didn’t take place in a world apart from ours, but in the same world, only in an imaginary time before human compass. Middle Earth is equivalent to the Europe that Tolkien knew, so the climate of Middle Earth would be roughly the same as Europe and the northern Mediterranean Sea basin. If the Shire is equivalent in latitude and longitude with Oxford, England, then Minas Tirith is equivalent with Venice (I believe, at least somewhere between Florence and Venice). __________________ I prefer Gillaume d’Férny, connoisseur of fine fruit.

03-16-2003, 03:45 PM	#5
Lathriel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Wandering through Middle-Earth (Sadly in Alberta and not ME) Posts: 612	I always thought that the shire had an english climate. Rohan reminded me of highlands for some reason. Rivendell-mountain climate, cold at night,warm in the day and lots of snow in the winter. Mordor- desert with a lot of eveil in it Ithilien-Forest in south Germany Midgewater-Netherlands, you have no idea ho wet it is there Haradwaith- middle-east Is that everything,probably not but...oh Old forest- England Bree-England. Well that's what I think [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] __________________ Back again

03-16-2003, 09:41 PM	#6
Scott Wight Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Ohio/Grey Havens Posts: 183	~The plains of Rohan ha dalways struck a chord with the Giant's Steps in Ireland. ~The Shire reminds me of Whales ~And Minas Moria seems to me to fit in the Alps __________________ Those who the Gods would destroy, They first make mad. ~Those Crazy Greeks

03-16-2003, 07:50 AM	#2
Adamathamariel Pile O'Bones Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 11	I have a feeling that Rohen was a bit like the steppes of Asia. For the looks in the movie, the Shire looked pretty green, so I'd say it rained every other night, and never got quite that warm. ------------------------------------------ I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed. I felled the black serpent. A grim morn, and a glad day, and a golden sunset!" Théoden

03-18-2003, 04:28 PM	#7
Vardadurwen Wight Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 102	I've always thought that Middle-Earth seemed to fit nicely into Canada because the geography in both places is so beautiful. I would imagine that the Shire would be in Quebec and as you went west in Canada, it would be like going East in Middle-Earth. You go through the forests of Ontario and then these gradually fade out into the plains/prairies and get into the mountains. I do think that there are probably better places in the world that could represent areas of Middle-Earth better than Canada. For example, I do think that the Shire would be best set in a very green environment such as British Columbia, The United Kingdom or New Zealand. However, I really think the plains of Rohan is best suited to the Prairies of Saskatchewan and moving into Alberta where the mountains begin. (talking about Canada) __________________ 'In this phial,' she said, 'is caught the light of Earendil's star....May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out...' - Galadriel 'Now there's an eye-opener and no mistake!' - Samwise Gamgee

03-18-2003, 05:01 PM	#8
Ruler of the Frogs Animated Skeleton Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Minas Tirith Posts: 49	I live in Canada some of the more natural looking places seem really Middle Earth-y to me. That may just be because I've never been anywhere else. I imagine that Tolkien meant for it to be a more natural England, without civilization. __________________ What a joy to meet! We only wish to catch a fish, so juicy-sweet!

03-18-2003, 09:54 PM	#9
Lathriel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Wandering through Middle-Earth (Sadly in Alberta and not ME) Posts: 612	Go Canada!!!!!!!! You are right there are tons of places in Canada that can be related to Canada. Example-Rocky Mountains-Misty Mountains? __________________ Back again

03-20-2003, 09:49 AM	#10
the witch king Wight Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Minas Morgul, Morgul Vale, Mordor Posts: 201	From the atlas of Tolkien's Middle-Earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad: Arnor/north westen Rohan-Mild winters, mild summers (i.e. England, North central Europe or Western Oregon) Gondor/Rohan-Mild winters, warm summers (i.e.Eastern Europe or Arkansas to Wisconsin) Harondor/Umbar-Mild winters,hot,dry Summers (i.e. Mediterranean Sea area or Southern California) Mordor-Arid(i.e. Arabia, Western Arizona or Nevada) Khand/Near Harad-Semi Arid (i.e. Iran, Eastern Colorado) Angmar/Forodwaith-Severe winters, cool summers (i.e. Central Greenland, Alaska or Northern coast of Russia) __________________ 'Whenever death may surprise us, let it be welcome if our battle cry has reached even one receptive ear and another hand reaches out to take up our arms.'~ Che Guevara.

03-20-2003, 10:09 AM	#11
lostinstarlight Guest Posts: n/a	I have a question, more related to the vegetation than geography, but I was wondering if anyone could help me. I am somewhat new to message boards, but I am trying to find a sketch/picture of the elanor, the flower that grew in Lothlorien. I have found descriptions but no sketch. Anyone have any idea where I can look? I have roamed the vast blue nowhere with no luck.

03-21-2003, 06:38 PM	#12
Cherie Centaur Haunting Spirit Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cottage Cheese near the Gap Posts: 95	Sorry, lostinstarlight. I have not a clue where to find what you need. [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img] I personally have thought that these were the climates/backgrounds of these major places (You can probably guess what country I live in after this post): Shire- The rolling hills of Whales Rohan- The prairie of the Midwestern US Gondor- Basically the same as Rohan but with some trees Dead Marshes- Florida Everglades (but more gloomy) Ithilien- A young, bright forest full of Swamp Pines and oaks covered with spanish moss Mirkwood- Germany's Black Forest Fangorn- A really old oak forest combined with the Blue Ridge Mountains There's more of course but this was what first came to mind. Love, Peace, and No evil rulers/dictaters, Cherie __________________ Why do we let the monkey slide for popping the weasel? Just because he thought it was fun? Guys, we're dealing with a psycho.

03-21-2003, 07:12 PM	#13
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Go to the link below and then click on "Luthien I" (if the pictures are not showing). It is the round emblem on the far left of the page, 2nd one from the top. This emblem for Luthien has an elanor in the center (drawn by Tolkien) and niphredil as the white flowers. Emblems __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.

03-24-2003, 08:35 PM	#14
lostinstarlight Guest Posts: n/a	Thank you SOOOO much!!!!!!!!! I have been hunting for this forever. would anyone know someone who could transcribe these words into the tengwar alphabet? silme, elen, and elanor? you guys are awesome!!!!

03-24-2003, 10:22 PM	#15
Gorwingel Beholder of the Mists Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Somewhere in the Northwest... for now Posts: 1,419	Rohan never reminded me of Middle America, the praries are just a little too flat. It kind of reminded me of eastern Montana though, and of course Canada. __________________ Wanted - Wonderfully witty quote that consists of pure brilliance

03-26-2003, 03:18 PM	#16
Cherie Centaur Haunting Spirit Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cottage Cheese near the Gap Posts: 95	Guess I'm a true Flatlander, Gorwingel [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]. Seriously, if you haven't figured it out, I'm from Florida, so if it isn't a mountain range it's flat. Cheers [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] , Cherie __________________ Why do we let the monkey slide for popping the weasel? Just because he thought it was fun? Guys, we're dealing with a psycho.