History
The Vale was occupied by some of the Teleri who were too afraid to cross the Misty Mountains in the First Age- these became the Nandor. These elves were later joined by members of other tribes, but some eventually continued their westward journey to Valinor. The remnants of these elves would eventually form the realms of Lothlórien and the Woodland Realm. Towards the end of the age, the Edain occupied some of the Vales and became known as the Northmen, living in close co-operation with the dwarves of Moria. The men of the North and the dwarves of Moria would continue to live in partnership until the fall of Moria in the Third Age. The men of this area also harassed the Orcs who had killed Isildur at the Disaster of the Gladden Fields, and were possibly joined around this time by the Beornings. At some point in the Third Age, Hobbits begin to migrate to the Vale and settle there, usually remaining within their tribes. Around T.A. 1000, the abandoned elven settlement at Amon Lanc is occupied by an evil force known as the Necromancer, who harasses those in Mirkwood and nearby parts of the Vale. The presence of the Necromancer at Dol Guldur, as it came to be known, slowly drove the Hobbits over the Misty Mountains and into Eriador over a period of roughly 350 years, though some Stoors, including the ancestors of Sméagol, would return to settle in the Gladden Fields and remain there for some time. After the destruction of Angmar in T.A. 1975, an amalgamation of Northmen migrated to the northern Vale and formed the Éothéod, founding the city of Framsburg between the rivers Langwell and Greylin. After the Battle of the Field of Celebrant, many Éothéod would migrate out of the Vale to the south, to found the kingdom of Rohan, after it was gifted to them by Steward Cirion of Gondor. In T.A. 2941, the Company of Thorin Oakenshield passes through the Vale of Anduin during the Quest of Erebor, stopping briefly at Beorn’s Home. During the late Third Age the Vale is sparsely populated, though some roads and passes are maintained by the men and Beornings who live there, and evil is generally kept from the land.
Geography
Occupying the valley between the Misty Mountains and Mirkwood, the Vale of Anduin follows the Anduin from its sources in the Misty and Grey Mountains to where it is joined by the Limlight at Parth Celebrant, on the northern border of Rohan. The Vale consists mainly of plains and woodlands, with settlements of men being more prevalent towards the middle of the region. At the confluence of the Langwell and Greyling lies the settlement of Framsburg, capital of the Éothéod, at the northern end of the Vale; at the southern end are the Gladden Fields and Lothlórien, both isolated and seldom visited locales. Along the course of the river are various eyots, known to the Beornings as Carrocks, which can be seen for miles around. The tallest of these is known as ‘the Carrock’, and features a cave at the base. Near to this is the home of Beorn, chief of the Beornings, on the east bank of the Anduin. Further downriver is the Old Ford, where the Great East Road crosses the river at a ford where a bridge once stood. The Vale can be entered from the west over the Misty Mountains via various passes; the High Pass near Rivendell, the Gladden Pass and the Redhorn Gate near the Dimrill Dale. The High Pass is more dangerous towards the end of the Third Age, as the Goblins of Goblin Town watch the passes and ambush unwary travellers. Nearby, the Eagles of the Misty Mountains live in an Eyrie, led by their lord Gwaihir.
Climate
The Vale of Anduin is a temperate climate, suitable for farming, though storms do sometimes come off the Misty Mountains.
Culture
The Vale of Anduin is home to peoples of various cultures, such as the Beornings, Woodmen and Stoors. These groups usually live in small, insular communities, aware of the threats from abroad. Whilst the men live in wooden houses, the Stoors of the Gladden Fields inhabit smaller dwellings, sometimes within the earth in the fashion of their kin in the Shire. The Eagles of the Misty Mountains have lived in the west of the Vale for centuries, avoiding men when possible.
Governance
There is no central state or government in the Vale, though some areas are controlled by certain groups, such as the Galadhrim in Lothlórien and the Éothéod around Framsburg. There is generally little conflict between the peoples of the Vale themselves, though there does seem to be some organisation in keeping the passes of the Misty Mountains clear and maintaining the roadways.
Economy
The Beornings collect tolls from travellers crossing the Misty Mountains. Other than that, the inhabitants of the Vale live mainly as farmers or hunters, though as traffic to Erebor increases, there may be more need for inns or stables.
