Keskimaas

Keskimaas is a fictional region featured in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium. It is a central, fertile plain that lies between the Misty Mountains to the east and the lands of Eriador to the west. The Anduin River, the longest river in Middle-earth, flows through Keskimaas, originating in the north and emptying into the Great Sea in the south. This strategic location has made Keskimaas a significant area throughout much of Middle-earth's history.

Historically, Keskimaas was home to various peoples. In the early ages, it was a vital part of the kingdom of Arnor and later the divided kingdoms of Arthedain and Rhudaur. The southern part of Keskimaas, known as Rohan, eventually became the domain of the horse-lords, the Rohirrim. The northern reaches, often referred to as Wilderland, were inhabited by various Mannish tribes and were a frontier region, prone to incursions from creatures of darkness.

The landscape of Keskimaas is varied, encompassing rolling plains, wooded areas, and the foothills of the Misty Mountains. Several important settlements and landmarks are situated within or near Keskimaas, including the Argonath, the Fords of Anduin, and the ancient city of Osgiliath, which once served as the capital of Gondor and lay on the eastern edge of Keskimaas. The region played a crucial role in the War of the Ring, as armies traversed its plains and its strategic points were fiercely contested.