Echoriath

The Echoriath or Encircling Mountains were a mountain range in the north of Beleriand.

The Echoriath formed a natural circle of rock, enclosing the valley later called Tumladen, within which lay the Elven city of Gondolin. A hidden ravine provided the only access through the Echoriath &mdash; a way guarded by seven gates.

Fingolfin, a High King of the Noldor, was buried in the Echoriath north of Gondolin, having been taken there by the eagle Thorondor after he was slain in his duel with Morgoth.