Angmar

Angmar was an evil realm in the far north of Eriador, founded and ruled by the Witch-king, chief of the Ringwraiths. From this kingdom came the long assault that at last destroyed the North-kingdom of the Dúnedain in the Third Age.

The Realm

Angmar lay on both sides of the northern Misty Mountains, a cold and grim land. Its chief stronghold was Carn Dûm. Its lord, known as the Witch-king of Angmar, was secretly the greatest of the Nazgûl, sent north by Sauron to ruin the heirs of Isildur.

War with the North-kingdom

By the time Angmar arose, the old kingdom of Arnor had divided into the three realms of Arthedain, Cardolan, and Rhudaur. The Witch-king waged relentless war upon them. Rhudaur fell under his influence, Cardolan was wasted, and at last, after long struggle, Arthedain too was overthrown and its capital Fornost taken. The last king of Arthedain, Arvedui, perished in the icy northern waters.

Downfall

Though Angmar destroyed the North-kingdom, it did not long survive its triumph. A host came from Gondor under the captain Eärnur, joined by the Elves of Lindon and Rivendell, and met the forces of Angmar at the Battle of Fornost. The realm of Angmar was utterly broken, and the Witch-king fled. He reappeared long after in the South as lord of Minas Morgul and captain of Sauron's hosts.

It was foretold by Glorfindel that the Witch-king would not fall by the hand of man. The prophecy was fulfilled at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, where he was slain by the woman Éowyn of Rohan and the hobbit Meriadoc Brandybuck.