History
The Misty Mountains are relatively new, in relation to the other mountain ranges of Middle-earth. They were formed during the Years of the Trees by Melkor, also known as Morgoth, to hinder the hunts of the Valar Oromë, and later hinder the journey of the elves westwards. This succeeded, in part, and those elves who did not cross the mountains towards Valinor became the Nandor. The Vala Aulë placed Durin, one of the Fathers of the Dwarves, asleep under Mount Gundabad under orders from Eru. He awoke during the Years of the Trees and wandered south, eventually founding the famed dwarven city of Khazad-dûm. This kingdom of the longbeards lasted for many centuries, into the Third Age, spanning sometimes half the length of the mountain range, and beyond. In the middle of the Second Age, refugees from Eregion founded the elven refuge of Imladris, also known as Rivendell, on the western side of the mountains. At some point during their colonisation of Middle-earth, the Númenóreans build the tower of Orthanc at Isengard, in the very south of the mountains; this tower will throughout history be held by the Gondorians, Dunlendings and the wizard Saruman.
During the mid-Third Age, the return of the shadow leads to increasing numbers of Orcs in the Misty Mountains, as well as the migration of Hobbits over the mountains into Eriador. Around this time, the Witch-king of Angmar creates his evil kingdom in the north of the mountains, from which he eventually destroys Arnor and its successor states. In T.A. 1980, a Balrog is awoken in Moria, forcing its abandonment. Orcs gain control of most passes over the mountains during this period. The War of Dwarves and Orcs both begins and ends outside of the East Gate of Moria, with many other battles taking place in the Misty Mountains; the eventual dwarven victory leads to a brief drop in orcish activity and safer travel over the Mountains. During the Quest of Erebor, Thorin and Company traverse the Misty Mountains, including Goblin Town. Late in the Third Age, the Beornings keep various passes open, in exchange for tolls.
Geography
As the name may suggest, the Misty Mountains are a mountain range. The majority of the peaks are on a north-south axis, beginning with the peak of Methedras in the south, and continuing northwards for 500 miles. Here, a second arm of mountains stretches westwards until Mount Gram, forming the southern border of Angmar; the main range continues further north until it reaches Mount Gundabad, where it too veers west and forms the northern border of Angmar, and contains the ruins of Carn Dûm. To the east of Gundabad, there is a valley marking the border between the Misty and Grey Mountains, and the northern end of the Vale of Anduin. To the north of the Misties is Forodwaith, a cold and desolate land inhabited by few hardy Lossoth. To their east, the Vale of Anduin borders the mountains for almost two thirds of their length- beyond them are the forests of Lothlórien and Fangorn, until these too give way to the western border of Rohan and the hill of Dol Baran– the southernmost hill of the Misty Mountains. Nestled in the southern foothills of the mountains is Dunland, a part of Enedwaith, which continues until the Sirannon, flows from the mountains at the West Gate of Moria. Beyond this is the former elven kingdom of Eregion, now thousands of years abandoned, and north of this the High Moors. Here is nestled the hidden valley of Rivendell, near to where the East Road bisects the Misty Mountains at the High Pass. The land grows more dangerous beyond here, where the mountains border the Trollshaws and Ettenmoors, and finally the former realm of Angmar- all infested with evil things.
There are various named peaks and passes in the Misty Mountains. The Mountains of Moria occupy the peak of Dimrill Dale, and consist of Fanuidhol, Celebdil and Caradhras, the highest mountain in Middle-earth. Other peaks include Methedras, the southernmost mountain of the range, the three-peaked Mount Gundabad and Mount Gram, from where Orcs raided the Shire in T.A. 2740. Despite their height and ruggedness, there are passes over which the Misty Mountains can be crossed; along the East Road there is the High Pass, and another unknown pass, both watched by Goblins. Further south, there is the Gladden Pass, to whence Isildur was travelling before the Disaster of the Gladden Fields in T.A. 2, and the Redhorn Pass, which travels over Moria. Various rivers also have their sources in the Misty Mountains, including the Anduin, Isen, Entwash, Bruinen and Nimrodel.
Climate
The Mountains are generally cold, with snow-capped peaks along their entire length. There are regular storms and snowfalls, especially in the north. Some peaks, such as Caradhras, have some influence on local weather, causing harsher storms and landslides on occasion.
Culture
The Misty Mountains have no single culture, but dwarven and orcish influences can be found in halls and caves within the mountains. Various mannish cultures dwell in the foothills of the mountains, but none within the actual peaks themselves. Eagles dwell in some areas in the north.
Governance
Formerly dominated by the dwarves of Moria, there is no central authority of the Misty Mountains. Whilst Orcs and other evil things control much of the mountains, such as in the north and around Moria, the Beornings hold the passes near Rivendell and Saruman controls the southern tip of the mountains near the Gap of Rohan. Gwaihir, Lord of the Eagles, dwells in the mountains near the Carrock.
Economy
There is no economy in the Misty Mountains to speak of, as there are no permanent settlers. Orcs in Moria send tribute to Sauron and scattered goblins harass travellers.
