This ancient pass, while hidden in a rugged and dangerous knot of mountains, had played an important role in the history of Harondor and Middle-earth. In the mid Second Age, it was through the Cirith Núrn (S. "Pass of Núrn") that Sauron's minions came south to establish his influence in Harad. Trade with the Haruzani realms and corrupt Númenóreans in Harnendor added to his store of lore and wealth;by the Third Age, the pass served as a conduit to lands farther South, from which originated the bulk of Mordor's trade with civilized peoples. After centuries of struggle, the Dark Lord's servants eventually drove the Gondorians from their southernmost territories and seized control of all of Near Harad. Both before and after this long campaign of conquest, the Dark Lord's messengers and warrior