Talgarth

Talgarth is a fictional city located in the northern region of the fictional world of Middle-earth, as depicted in J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium. It is primarily associated with the Third Age of Middle-earth and serves as the capital of the kingdom of Rhovanion, ruled by the House of Eorl.

The city is situated in the foothills of the Misty Mountains, near the borders of the Shire and the lands of the Rohirrim. Talgarth was founded by the Rohirrim after their migration from the east, though its origins trace back to earlier settlements by the Edain, particularly the House of Hador. The name "Talgarth" is derived from Old English and means "stone fort," reflecting its strategic location and defensive significance.

Talgarth played a key role in the defense of the northern lands during the War of the Ring. It was a staging area for the Rohirrim and their allies, including the Dúnedain of the North, as they prepared to aid Gondor against Sauron’s forces. The city’s proximity to the Shire also made it a point of interest for the Hobbits, particularly during the events of *The Lord of the Rings*.

The architecture of Talgarth is characterized by sturdy stone buildings, reflecting its role as a fortress and administrative center. The city is surrounded by walls and gates, designed to protect against both external threats and the encroaching shadows of Mordor. While not as widely detailed as other Tolkienian settlements, Talgarth is referenced in *The Lord of the Rings* appendices and supplementary texts, such as *The History of Middle-earth*.

Talgarth’s legacy endures as a symbol of northern resistance and cooperation between the free peoples of Middle-earth. Its strategic importance and historical connections to the Rohirrim and Dúnedain make it a notable location in Tolkien’s broader narrative of the Second Age and beyond.