Minas Morgul
Towering fortified city on a rocky seat amid black mountains, pale corpse-light emanating from marble-like walls and revolving tower top like a leering face. Once Minas Ithil, now home of the Ringwraiths.
Once the fair Minas Ithil, Tower of the Moon, Minas Morgul emerges in The Two Towers as a corrupted bastion of evil, its marble walls glowing with a corpse-like pallor and its revolving pinnacle leering like a deathly skull, serving as the dread stronghold of the Nazgûl. In The Return of the King, it stands as an even more lifeless citadel of horror in its accursed vale, its atmosphere inducing madness in the living, poised as the launch point for the Witch-king's army against Gondor. Though not destroyed, Minas Morgul's ominous presence culminates in the great battle's prelude, symbolizing Sauron's creeping dominion until the Ring's destruction shifts the tide.
History
The Two Towers: Being the Second Part of the Lord of the Rings
Towering fortified city on a rocky seat amid black mountains, pale corpse-light emanating from marble-like walls and revolving tower top like a leering face. Once Minas Ithil, now home of the Ringwraiths.
The Return of the King: Being the Third Part of the Lord of the Rings
Minas Morgul stands as a dark and lifeless evil city dominated by the tall Tower of the Moon in its accursed vale. The valley air is heavy with fear and enmity, where the minds of living men turn to madness and horror. An evil bridge leads across the noisome fields to the city.
Book Appearances
The Two Towers: Being the Second Part of the Lord of the Rings
First appears Ch 19
The Return of the King: Being the Third Part of the Lord of the Rings
First appears Ch 10