These ruins are the remnants of the house of the Gwaith-i-Mírdain. The Gwaith-i-Mírdain was the brotherhood of ñoldorin smiths led by Celebrimbor, son of Curufin, son of Fëanor. The Gwaith-i-Mírdain was founded in the early centuries of the Second Age and its purpose was to preserve and deepen all of the ñoldorin lore of crafting and forging. Their eagerness to explore ever deeper knowledge and lore in these fields made them vulnerable to Sauron’s seduction. He appeared among them as Annatar – the lord of gifts – and taught them many secrets of craftsmanship they desired to know. Around 1350 to 1400 Second Age Sauron’s influence on the Mírdain had become so intense that they followed his seductions and rebelled against Celeborn and Galadriel to take over the lead of the Elves of Eregion. Sauron stayed in Eregion and with his guiding the Mírdain began forging the Rings of Power. He left Eregion around 1500 Second Age. During Sauron’s campaign to conquer Eregion in 1697 Second Age the house of the Gwaith-i-Mírdain was his major goal and even though Celebrimbor defended it heroically, it was to no avail. The house of the brotherhood was looted and burned. |