Get a feel for the world
A Tourist’s Guide to Esgaroth By Alatar the Blue Introduction and Short History Esgaroth is a city located to the east of Mirkwood, a dark, ancient forest, populated by many mysterious and unknown things, from kind but suspicious Wood-elves to evil, dangerous things that time forgot. The city was built on the surface of the Long Lake, and is commonly known as Long Lake City. Esgaroth is a prosperous market town, dealing in all kinds of goods with many of the peoples of Middle Earth. Its location on the Long Lake makes it possible for the river faring merchants of Esgaroth to carry goods by boat up and down two rivers, the Forrest River and River Running. Prosperous as it is, the people of Esgaroth remember a time when the city was richer by far. According to the oral tradition of Esgaroth, two dwarf kings, Thror and Thrain of the race of Durin, had ruled a magnificent dwarf city under the Lonely Mountain to the north of Esgaroth. Dwarves are known for their ability to mine gold and precious stones, and their city, Dale was particularly rich in this respect. The prosperity of Dale had a significant effect on the whole area, bringing enormous prosperity to Esgaroth as well. The golden age ended when Smaug the dragon attacked Esgaroth and burned it to the ground, and then continued to ravage Dale, killed most or all of the men and dwarves living there and devastated the entire area in his wrath. Esgaroth was rebuilt from scratch, this time on the surface of the lake for better protection against the fire of Smaug. Many years have passed since the calamity, and the younger generation has come to doubt the existence of Smaug. If he does exist, he is probably asleep on his horde of stolen Dwarfish gold under the Lonely Mountain. The scorched earth around the Lonely Mountain is known as “The Desolation of Smaug”, a sinister reminder to those who still remember the “cursed wyrm”, that Smaug may return once again. The Peoples of Esgaroth The population of Esgaroth consists mostly of men, with smaller minorities of elves, dwarves, and hobbits. Each of the peoples of Esgaroth has its own history and folklore. The Economy Esgaroth thrives on commerce. A market lies at its center, with guild buildings, a bank, and other financial and commercial institutes surrounding it. The local currency is the Girrion, named in memory of the legendary lord of Dale. The Town Alchemist, Alatar, issues the Girrion, under the supervision of the Bank of Esgaroth. Lodging, Dining, and Shopping Esgaroth is known throughout Middle Earth for its excellent tourist facilities. Quality lodging is always available and at a reasonable price. Fine foods, beer and wine, clothes, and weapons may be purchased at the market stalls. Esgaroth is famous for its fast food and faster women. Attractions Except for the market, which draws many visitors from all over Middle Earth, there is plenty of sightseeing to do in and around Esgaroth. The more adventurous visitors will want to take a guided tour to the Desolation of Smaug. This dangerous expedition takes you to the very edge of the wasteland, where it is possible to see the sinister Lonely Mountain and the vast devastation inflicted on the countryside by the “cursed wyrm”. The less adventurous may want to sale on the Long Lake, or go for a walk in the less trodden quarters of Esgaroth, where the kind and friendly Esgarotheans will invite you to sip beer with them, sing of better times and show you their family heirlooms. A short visit to the Town Alchemist is also recommended. Alatar the Blue will show you his amazing laboratory, where lead is transformed into gold, magical potions are made and the air is heavy with magic (and sulfur). Esgaroth also prides itself in the many musicians and street performers that amuse visitors in the market and adjacent streets. These excellent artists play folk music that developed uniquely in Esgaroth, due to the long friendship of the men, elves, dwarves and hobbits of the city. Official Holidays The Day of the Dragon is a holiday marking the day in which Smaug came to the Lonely Mountain. It begins at sunrise on March 28. The city mourns the brave men and dwarves that died in the great fire. Although most businesses operate as usual, the dwellers of Esgaroth express their grief in a variety of ways, including wailing, wearing black and drinking a special kind of black beer brewed for this purpose. At sunset, a procession crosses the city carrying three black flags, and a special funeral pyre is constructed in memory of the great fire. The end of the mourning is marked by a spectacular display of fireworks, and the people of Esgaroth celebrate the rebuilding of their town in a festival that lasts all night. The Festival of the Dragon is without doubt the merriest and most impressive festival anywhere in Middle Earth. Many men, dwarves, hobbits and elves come from the farthest reaches to participate in the festival and enjoy the music, food, drink, and fine tobacco of Esgaroth.