Perched near a lonely mountain top overlooking the Blackroot vale , Minas Andhen (S."Tower of the Longg Eye") was built in TA. 837 as a retreat for loremasters and royal seers, many of whom visited the tower for extended periods of study or quiet reflection. Minas Andhen was abandoned during the Great Plague. During the period of its use, the tower was also occupied by a garrison of twenty soldiers from Morthond.