Minas Tirith (First Age)

In J. R. R. Tolkien's fiction as recounted in The Silmarillion, Minas Tirith was the tower on Tol Sirion that guarded the Pass of Sirion.

Minas Tirith was built early in the First Age by Finrod to keep watch upon the doings of Morgoth on the northern plain of Ard-galen. It was ruled by Finrod's nephew Orodreth.

In 457 First Age it was invaded by Sauron in the aftermath of the Dagor Bragollach. Sauron, then also known as Gorthaur, renamed the island (and presumably the tower as well) Tol-in-Gaurhoth, the Isle of Werewolves.

About ten years later during the Quest for the Silmaril, Beren and Finrod were imprisoned there by Sauron. Finrod was slain, but Beren was rescued by Lúthien. Sauron was defeated, and had to give up his mastery over the tower, which was reduced to ruins. Finrod was buried there.

Although the land around the Pass of Sirion did remain under the rule of the Ñoldor for a few more years, they did not attempt to rebuild the tower.

In the Third Age the name Minas Tirith was the later name of Minas Anor.