Murkwood

Murkwood is a vast, ancient, and dark forest located in the northeastern part of Middle-earth, as described in J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy works. Originally known as Greenwood the Great, its name changed due to the encroaching darkness and the malevolent influence of the Shadow of Dol Guldur. The forest is characterized by its dense canopy, perpetual twilight, and tangled undergrowth, making navigation extremely difficult and dangerous.

The northern reaches of Murkwood were once inhabited by Elves, but they eventually abandoned the area, with many retreating to Lothlórien or other havens. The forest became a haunt for spiders, Orcs, and other creatures of darkness. The Black Serpent, a dragon, once resided in its depths, and later, the Necromancer, later revealed to be Sauron, established his fortress, Dol Guldur, in the southern part of the forest. This presence corrupted the land and its inhabitants, solidifying its reputation as a place of peril.

During the War of the Ring, Gandalf and the Company of the Ring passed through Murkwood on their journey. They encountered giant spiders and were briefly imprisoned by the Wood-elves, who maintained a presence in the eastern part of the forest, guarding against the growing evil. After Sauron's defeat, the forest began to recover from the darkness, and its name was eventually changed back to Greenwood by King Elessar.