The Early History of Mordor Before Sauron's Dominion

Mordor, a land infamous for its volcanic ash and harsh environments, seems to have been sparsely populated before the Dark Lord Sauron settled there. This uninhabited condition was due to its treacherous geography and unforgiving climate, making it unsuitable for human habitation. However, there is evidence suggesting that human settlements may have existed in the southern reaches of Mordor, albeit under Sauron's dominion.

Geographical and Climatic Barriers

The mountain ranges that encircled Mordor exerted a significant climatic influence, acting as a rain shadow that diminished precipitation on the eastern and southern sides. This arid environment, combined with the active volcano Orodruin, made it nearly impossible for any human or agricultural settlements to thrive. The flat plain of Mordor, located near the volcano, would have been prone to destruction similar to the Roman city of Pompeii, moments before it was buried by volcanic ash and lava. Therefore, the core area of Mordor was likely devoid of permanent settlements prior to Sauron's arrival, hosting only transient or quarantined groups such as the Orcs.

Regions of Settlement: Southern Marches

In contrast to the inhospitable nature of the central Mordor, its southern regions presented a more fertile ground for settlements, albeit under Sauron's rule. The region is described in The Lord of the Rings as having extensive "slave-worked fields" cultivated to feed Sauron's forces. Additionally, the Sea of Nurnen, a vast lake, played a crucial role in the agricultural economy of the area. The term "bitter" ascribed to the Sea of Nurnen possibly refers to its poisonous and toxic qualities, rather than its saltiness, an environment that would have been challenging for human settlers.

Human Settlement in Mordor

While Mordor is often portrayed as a domain solely inhabited by Orcs and other unnatural creatures, historical records and references in Tolkien's works indicate that there may have been human settlements prior to Sauron's conquest. The logic of human migration suggests that people may have attempted to settle in Mordor, driven by curiosity or necessity, although no specific details are provided. Tolkien himself alludes to the presence of Men in Mordor during Sauron's rule, noting that both those captured or enslaved by Sauron formed part of the population.

References in the text mention slave camps in Nurn and the presence of Men soldiers guarding the fortresses of Gorgoroth. Furthermore, Sauron's forces included both southern slaves and northern reinforcements, indicating a complex and diverse group of human settlers. Some of these southern slaves were not native to Mordor, being gathered from various conquered lands. Similarly, the northern soldiers, seen entering the Black Gates, could have been drawn from distant regions under Sauron's dominion.

Forced Migration and Descendants

The Númenorean Nazg?l, known as the Ringwraiths, were also mentioned as lords of the fallen Men who once inhabited Minas Ithil. This city, previously a stronghold of Gondor, was taken over by these fallen Men after Sauron's defeat in the Catastrophe of the impunity. The Nazg?l, while associated with the Númenoreans, could have represented other kinds of dominated humans or individuals who became leaders during the waning years of the Third Age.

In conclusion, while the central plains of Mordor were largely uninhabited due to its harsh environment, the southern regions did see human settlements, albeit under Sauron's rule. These settlements included diverse groups of men who were either captured or enslaved by the Dark Lord, contributing to the complex tapestry of Mordor's population.

Related Keywords: Mordor, Sauron, Early History