Taur-en-Faroth

Taur-en-Faroth (Sindarin for 'forest of the hunters') also known as High Faroth and Hills of the Hunters was a highland forest area in the western Beleriand and was the location of the hidden city of Nargothrond, which is in its northeastern part near the river Narog.

It is located east of river Nenning, on the border of the river Narog, and far north of the land Arvernien. The river Ringil, a tributary to the Narog ran through its northeastern border near Nargothrond.

It was not a particularly dense forest but more of a sparse woodland forest.

History
In the days before Sun, Taur-en-Faroth was primarily inhabited by the Petty-dwarves the original delvers of the caves of Nargothrond. But when the Ñoldor returned from Valinor, the entire area was given over (with the blessing of Thingol, Lord of Beleriand) to Finrod, and later Orodreth of the House of Finarfin and the Petty-dwarves were driven out.

During the time of Nargothrond, elves probably didn't travel openly without safeguards due to the secrecy of the elves in Nargothrond. After the Sack of Nargothrond and Glaurung in the caves, elves were obviously driven from the area all together and no doubt all the servants of Morgoth roamed freely throughout this forest.

External link

 * Taur-en-Faroth at Tolkien Gateway