Location: The Ruined Watchtower of Amon Sûl

During the reign of Elendil, a watchtower was built on the summit of Amon Sûl. The watchtower served as a key fortification but was eventually destroyed by the forces of the Witch-king during the war with Angmar.

I chose to create a model of the dark and ruined watchtower, as shown in Peter Jackson’s FOTR, to contrast with the light and beauty of the Rivendell model.

The details & architectural style of the ruins reflect the indoor set used to film the encounter with the Nazgûl. The ruins consist of 5 radial pillars pointing to the center of the sunken circular arena. 3 pillars support intact statues whilst the 4th statue is broken in half and the 5th lies on the ground (where Frodo puts on the ring). The internal staircase, used by the hobbits to retreat to the ruins, winds up from the back of the cave below. 2 other ruined staircases ascend from either side of the arena to the (now absent) upper floors. Between the pillars are a series of archways, also in various states of ruin.