Orodruin

Orodruin, also known as Mount Doom, is a volcano in the fictional realm of Mordor in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. It is the source of the fires that forged the One Ring and the only place where the Ring could be destroyed, making it central to the plot of The Lord of the Rings.

Geography and geology: Orodruin sits on the western part of Mordor’s plateau, within the region commonly called Gorgoroth. It is described as a tall, cone-shaped mountain with a crater that leads to a lava-filled interior. The mountain’s activity, including eruptions and lava flows, shapes the landscape around Mordor and contributes to the region’s harsh, smoke-filled environment.

Historical and literary significance: In the legendarium, Sauron forged the One Ring in the fires of Orodruin to dominate the other rings of power. The Ring remained hidden for long ages before being found by Bilbo Baggins and later carried by Frodo Baggins as part of the Quest of the Ring. The Ring was ultimately destroyed in the Cracks of Doom inside Orodruin, an act that leads to the downfall of Sauron and the end of the War of the Ring.

In-universe symbolism and adaptations: Orodruin is a powerful symbol of Sauron’s dominion and of the moral and physical dangers associated with the Ring. It features prominently in adaptations of Tolkien’s work, where its fiery interior and eruptive scenes are depicted as crucial plot points.