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Trollshaws

Trollshaws is a fictional region in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, referenced as part of the northern area of the continent of Eriador. The name derives from the trolls said to have inhabited the area in ancient times, with legend stating that trolls could not withstand daylight and would be turned to stone by dawn. The Trollshaws are typically described as a wooded upland and forested valley, featuring rough terrain such as hills, glades, and streams. Its boundaries and exact location vary among sources, but the region is commonly associated with routes used by travelers moving between the Shire and Rivendell.

Geographically, the Trollshaws are depicted as a dense, woodland country with a rugged landscape. The terrain

Historically and culturally, the Trollshaws function as a backdrop for tales of wandering trolls and the perils

In modern fantasy and gaming contexts, Trollshaws are often used as a name for forested, rugged regions

and
cover
contribute
to
a
sense
of
isolation
and
danger,
reinforcing
the
theme
of
wilderness
as
a
test
for
travelers
in
Tolkien's
world.
The
area
is
also
tied
to
the
broader
topography
of
Eriador,
lying
in
proximity
to
other
notable
features
and
settlements
described
in
the
lore.
of
remote
regions.
The
legends
surrounding
the
trolls’
presence
in
the
area
contribute
to
the
mood
of
caution
and
companionship
that
characterizes
journeys
through
dangerous
wilds
in
Tolkien's
writings.
The
region
appears
in
Tolkien’s
published
maps
and
prose,
with
variations
across
editions
and
supplementary
materials.
that
evoke
the
same
atmosphere
of
wilderness
and
troll-haunt
lore,
continuing
to
influence
interpretations
in
adaptations
and
lore-rich
settings.