loodavale

Loodavale is a fictional settlement that appears in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, most notably in his posthumously published novel, The Peoples of Middle-earth. It is described as a region located in the southern part of Eriador, a large, sparsely populated area in the northwest of Middle-earth. While not a major city or kingdom, Loodavale is depicted as a somewhat isolated and perhaps wilder area compared to more settled regions like the Shire or Bree.

The name "Loodavale" itself suggests a geographical feature, likely a valley. Its precise location and extent are not detailed with cartographical accuracy, but it is understood to be situated south of the Misty Mountains and east of the River Hoarwell. The inhabitants of Loodavale are not extensively described, but they are generally understood to be Men, perhaps with some Dúnedain heritage or influence due to its proximity to the former kingdom of Arnor.

References to Loodavale often appear in discussions about the history and migrations of Men in Eriador after the fall of Arnor. It is sometimes mentioned in connection with the Dunlendings or other peoples who inhabited the lands south of the mountains. The concept of Loodavale helps to flesh out the less-explored regions of Middle-earth, adding depth to the world's geography and the diverse populations that inhabited it. Its role is primarily as a geographical marker and a backdrop for historical narratives rather than a central element of any specific plot.