Mountains of Shadow

The Ephel Dúath or Mountains of Shadow make up the western edge of Mordor. They house Morgul Vale, where the city of Minas Ithil resides. On the eastern side, there is the tower of Cirith Ungol. They join up at their northern end with the Ered Lithui, or Ash Mountains at the Morännon. The pass across the Ephel Dúath (the Stairs of Cirith Ungol) is guarded by both Minas Ithil and Cirith Ungol, and is home to the arachnid monster Shelob.