So great in draught and so many were his ships that they could scarcely find harbourage, though both the Harlond and the Forlond also were filled.
– Appendix A: Annals of the Kings and Rulers
Harlindon is the southern part of Lindon, in the far west of Middle-earth. Though most have left for Valinor, some elves still dwell there. It is possible that the Gondorian port of Harlond is named after this region.
History
In the First Age, the land that would become Harlindon was a region in the east of Beleriand, known as Ossiriand. After their return to life, Beren and Lúthien live out the rest of their days on the island of Tol Galen on the river Adurant towards the end of that Age. After the sinking of Beleriand and the creation of the Gulf of Lune, many of the remaining elves made their homes in Harlindon, with some founding the haven of Harlond. Throughout the Second and Third Ages, many elves depart Harlindon for the Undying Lands, leaving many settlements abandoned and overgrown. Late in the Third Age, only a small fraction of the population remain, mostly in Harlond itself.
Geography
Harlindon is one of the westernmost regions of Middle-earth, surrounded by water on three sides (the Great Sea to the west and south and the Gulf of Lune to the north). To the east, the border with Eriador is formed by the peaks of the Ered Luin, though there is relatively flat access to Minhiriath in the south east of the region. Harlindon is described as ‘green and fair’, and is covered in woodland. Towards the Blue Mountains, the land rises a little, and most settlements are towards the coasts of the Gulf or the Sea, save for a smattering of isolated settlements deep within the forests. The location of Harlindon roughly mirrors that of Forlindon across the Gulf of Lune.
Climate
The climate of Harlindon is generally temperate, but warmer than that of Forlindon.
Culture
The elves of Harlindon that have not yet left for Valinor are adept with boats and other crafts. Though some live in more conventional settlements, others reside deep within the forests among the trees. Many of the elves in Harlindon are Nandor.
Governance
The remaining elves likely govern themselves, though Círdan may have some influence in the coastal settlements as master of the Grey Havens.
Economy
As the population is so small, there is no economy as such, though there may be some amount of trade with elves from elsewhere, and the dwarves of the Ered Luin.
