November 22, 2002

Idendity of the Two Towers
Lughaidh

Although the movie indicates otherwise (an adaptation for the film), Tolkien clearly indicated that the two towers referred to in "The Two Towers" were Orthanc and Minas Morgul (originally Minas Ithil, the Tower of the Moon).

The first part of TTT deals with Saruman and Orthanc, and the second half deals with Frodo and Sam attempting to enter Mordor and finally (almost) doing so through Morgul Vale, or the Pass of Cirith Ungol. Angmar's army was in Minas Ithil, and it was when he was leaving on the way to Minas Tirith that he sensed the Ring in the Vale.

Although I'm sure Mr. Jackson has focused on Barad-Dûr to avoid confusion, the title of the book refers to Minas Morgul.