The Lord Of The Rings has brought audiences the rich world of J.R.R. Tolkien on screen. Middle-Earth itself has so many gorgeous locations to explore and although some of them are caught up in the ongoing war, the stunning nature of the backdrops that the Fellowship travels through cannot be denied. Each location has a vital role to play in the larger narrative.
Whether it's a location that's been boosted in its beauty because of the natural environment, or perhaps has become iconic because of the man-made structures that adorn the setting, these areas certainly contribute to the overall aesthetic of the diverse and excellently designed Middle-Earth.
The Shire
Fans are very familiar with The Shire, the home of the Hobbits, including Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. The area has been portrayed as one of the calmest and most peaceful locations in Middle-Earth, seemingly cut off from the potential conflicts unfolding further afield.
With gorgeous hills, stunning views, an array of cottages, and buildings that boast a whimsical charm, it's hard to deny how happy someone could be living in this picturesque location. The Shire is completely iconic and it's clearly designed to play into the hobbies of the Hobbits, who want nothing more than to potter away in their garden.
Minas Tirith
Minas Tirith has gone through a variety of names including Minas Anor, but it's considered the capital of Gondor and home to one of the mightiest people in the history of Middle-Earth. With the backdrop of a breathtaking mountain range that acts as a physical defense system, the most stunning aspect of the location is the castle itself.
Sometimes referred to as the fortress of the Tower of the Sun, the white construct that protects the citizens of Minas Tirith is almost ethereal in its design. While the jagged edges of the mountain-bound fortress might be harsh, there's an organic feel to the architecture that demonstrates the skills of the Gondorian builders.
Rivendell
The Elves as a people represent glory, pride, and a connection with the ecosphere. Some of the most gorgeous areas in Middle-Earth are linked to the Elves, whose architecture certainly complements the surroundings of forests, waterfalls, and pretty vistas.
Rivendell is the most significant location in the Kingdom of the Elves and feels tranquil thanks to its open planning, which is reliant on those environmental elements. The shapes are elegant and the whites of the color design take nothing away from the richness of the reds and greens the trees provide. Everything at Rivendell lives in perfect harmony.
Edoras
Those representing and identifying with Rohan are a people of great strength. With the horse as their symbol of choice, it's no surprise that one of their major locations, Edoras, is humble and perfectly encapsulates everything that community represents.
The stunning environment surrounding Edoras is the star here, with the greens of the hills contrasting nicely with the whites of the mountain range beyond. The types of architecture here are simple but practical, with the small huts representing what the people of Rohan can create from raw materials.
Osgiliath
Osgiliath was the initial capital of Gondor. It represented strength and resolve and was invaded by the Nazgul first. All that remains is a physical example of the kind of destruction that Mordor can reap on its enemies. There's somehow a beauty to that though.
In a city with such fantastical architecture, the white walls that remain are haunting in their display. Sometimes ruins can be just as powerful as a standing city in their display of beauty and as the city becomes free of Nazgul rule once again perhaps a rebuild will unleash its full glory.
Orodruin
Orodruin is the name given to one of the most famous areas in the franchise, that of the capitol area of Mordor. It's the home to the Eye of Sauron and is constantly in the shadow of the monstrous Mount Doom, which spits lava day and night.
It's a grim and harsh landscape, seemingly void of any real life. It's stunning in its display of darkness as the harrowing image genuinely gives audiences an emotive experience. The ominous styling of the location brings with it real tension in the narrative. The choice of reds and blacks is bold and totally indicative of those themes.
Isengard
Isengard is the home to the powerful Saruman and is somewhat of a parallel to Orodruin. With its own darkly designed tower at the center of the city, the homages to the main area of Mordor are clear to see. But this location always represents the corrupting power of the rings and the forces that hunt them down.
There's evidence that this area was once gorgeous and built with real skill. As the shadows have taken hold that has fallen by the wayside, with the perimeter wall becoming one of the few remaining structures. The gothic imagery is stunning and certainly presents the eerie tone that it's aiming for.
Bree
Bree may seem like a completely uneventful town and maybe even insignificant. It's the place of meeting for Aragon and the Hobbits for the first time though and is very reflective of the type of average village that's dotted around Middle-Earth, giving it its well-known aesthetic.
Audiences have only seen the town in the rain and darkness, which is certainly a reference to Tolkien's home of England. But the cute houses, cobbled streets, and agricultural-based infrastructure are actually pretty in their simplicity. Perhaps the TV show can revisit a version of Bree and give it its due.
Minas Morgul
Minas Morgul was once Ithil, until Sauron took over the city on his path to supposed victory. There are two ways to judge just how gorgeous the location is, therefore. For starters, the haunting nature of the greens and the ghostly shadows from the invasion leave a remarkable impact on the audience. This was a striking visual choice.
Secondly, the structure itself and the architecture in place is both grand and monstrous. It somehow matches the style seen throughout Gondor and would be an impressive fortress if it wasn't for the evil residing within. The shapes are certainly unique, thus creating an imposing silhouette that travelers might have visited during its heyday.
Grey Havens
Much like the Elven areas, the harbor of Grey Havens definitely takes advantage of the environment of its location, while giving the area some additional beauty thanks to the well-thought-out structures in place. The bridges in particular are an incredible example of ingenuity.
There are plenty of statues showing the rich lore of Middle-Earth, which have huge historical significance. But the glistening water gives this backdrop a triumphant tone, as the conclusion of the series chooses Grey Havens as its endpoint, to display the type of Middle-Earth that will now prosper in all of its allure.