MIRKWOOD

Mirkwood was the great forest east of the Anduin in Wilderland. It was originally called Greenwood the Great until the shadow of Sauron fell over the woods. The forest became dark and filled with evil creatures, but the great Woodland Realm of the Elves endured. During the War of the Ring, Legolas of Mirkwood gained renown as a member of the Fellowship, and after Sauron's downfall the forest was free of the shadow of evil once more. Mirkwood was the largest forest in Middle-earth in the Third Age. From north to south the forest covered approximately 425 miles. From east to west it was about 200 miles across at its widest point. On the southeastern side of the forest was the East Bight, a great clearing that cut into the woods. At this point the distance across Mirkwood was the shortest - about 75 miles - and it was known as the Narrows of the Forest.