The Seven Wonders of Middle-earth

[@nanabella007]

You’re one of the KZbinrs I could happily listen to for hours! And have… thank you for your videos!

[@mexicutioner5882]

Bro could switch to reading the phone book and I would happily wait until he reached my name

[@xaviersavard6343]

To those saying they are early: remember, a wizard arrives not early, but precisely when he means to

[@tyree9055]

This Istari agrees wholeheartedly! 🤣👍

[@northlibertycommunitychurc4238]

True, true *strokes beard thoughtfully*

[@ChapterMasterValrak]

Great way to end the day.

[@thomasclark7187]

Great way to start the day too

[@E6PO1]

I love it when my favorite creators pop up in other favorite creators comments! Good to see you here Loremaster!!!

[@EastGhostINC]

He's here.

[@ThommyofThenn]

Great username and great pic. Hope you liked the video brother

[@ThommyofThenn]

​@@thomasclark7187mid-afternoon in the north :)

[@JohnDoe-jy7sv]

Last time I was this early, Feanor was still making the Silmarils

[@larryroberts3598]

😂😂😂

[@StillAwakeAwareDiscerning]

That made me truly laugh out loud!

[@IstariAzul777]

Don’t tell him his son celebrimbor managed to age into a dottering gran somehow in mids of power lol. I think they got confused n made Keebler elves

[@danieldosso2455]

last time I was this early, Morgoth was trying to bring ruin tot he world.

[@archmage_of_the_aether]

​@@danieldosso2455damn that ruin tot's eyes!

[@Luna_Christine]

Last time I was this early, Melkor was still harmonious with the rest of the Valar

[@Caliban_80]

10/10

[@oHaiKuu]

lolz

[@orrointhewise87]

I would add the Green Dragon to the list. Any place that serves second breakfast is truly wonderful to me 😋

[@Clyde-S-Wilcox]

Oh for the love of

[@tyree9055]

I don't know, The Prancing Pony serves full pints! 🤣👍

[@orrointhewise87]

@tyree9055 TRUE!

[@s70driver2005]

And elevensis, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, supper!!!

[@almondwine]

@@tyree9055it comes in pints?!!

[@MrNatWhilk]

I nominate the glittering caves of Aglarond, after being beautified by Gimli and his kin.

[@marcpeterson1092]

i thought of that, too. Except Robert says that his list doesn't include natural wonders.

[@lemoi08]

Moria is my favorite, its the most immersive chapter in the whole book for me

[@ThommyofThenn]

I thought i had favorites but hearing Robert reading these descriptions gives me a lot more perspective and insight into how awesome these wonders are.

[@MoultrieGeek]

Agreed, Tolkien's description of the wonders and vastness of Khazad-dûm is amazingly immersive. I find myself constantly re-reading the chapter just to feel the flavour of his writings.

[@DavidMartin-jr8nd]

I have to go with angband, but because i stumbled upon the game by that name when i was only 5. I played that game to death more times than i can count

[@robertbrown3413]

Not just a city, but a whole country underground.

[@awesomehpt8938]

I must say the black gate of Mordor is pretty impressive. It’s so big it must have had magic involved in its construction. A normal gate wouldn’t ever be so big and be able work. It’s so big you need teams of trolls to open and close it. By the end of the third age it would be nigh impossible to take it by storm. It makes the fortifications of Barad-dur kinda redundant.

[@MrNicoJac]

Redundant against mere elves, humans, and dwarves, perhaps - but not against Maiar...

[@TheVergile]

well - both the books and the movies show the gate collapsing when sauron was defeated. since the destruction of the ring was basically an undoing of saurons work and will its very likely that his power was at least in part imbued into them. he was after all originally a student and servant of Aule and an accomplished smith/craftsman.

[@Mr_Timi1]

I came here to say this it must have been impressive

[@rkgaustin]

The Prancing Pony. How old Barley was able to keep that place going through a bizarre incident where an Underhill disappeared, black rider attacks, horses stolen from the stables, being cheated by Bill Ferny, ruffians, no customers coming up the greenway, pipe weed shortages, and still be able to serve the best beer and vittles in the Breeland is truly a wonder.

[@MarcusHalverstram]

13:10 Mithril laced gates! That's a kingly gift!

[@neildaly2635]

Your soothing intelligent voice is a wonder in itself. Thank You!

[@s70driver2005]

He could tell me the world is ending and I'd be like ☺️

[@youtubecommenter4213]

i'll be honest, this feels like a list that should be divided in two, one to cover the first age and another to cover the ages after. because i dont think its fair to compare what was built in beleriand to what was built after the end of the first age.

[@northlibertycommunitychurc4238]

Thank you so much for your work. Its richness and insight is ever a worthy treatment for a dearly beloved legendarium. Your delivery is especially peaceful and contemplative. This is a small thanks, I know, but a thanks dearly felt.

[@Sondreign]

What a wonderful video! Thanks so much for working to release these right up until Christmas

[@shaggycan]

Thanks for mentioning the White Towers of Emyn Beraid. They are especially interested because they eventually become a suburb of the Shire in the Forth Age.

[@Solo_Traveling]

I would've included Rivendell. I remember the huge impact it had on me the first time I saw it in Fellowship of the Ring.

[@factusnonverbus]

Rivendell seems to draw its wonder from the power of the elven ring not from any feature of its design, scale or size. No one really remarks on Rivendell appearing wondrous, they remark on how it feels to stay there.

[@Solo_Traveling]

@factusnonverbus this was also the case for Lothlorien though.

[@AlexGordonMusic]

I’d really love to see some videos on angband and thangorodrim….. they really are some gnarly places Morgoth wasn’t messing around when it came to his pad

[@ChinceMcMahon316]

Honorable mentions to Nargothrond, Thranduil's Halls, and The Glittering Caves of Aglarond are required.

[@JoshMorgantheNinja]

Slight correction In Deep Geek: Osgiliath's bridge fell through during the Kin-strife which happened in the Third Age, not the Second Age.

[@TheBasedBalkan]

Your videos are my favorite thing to fall asleep to, thank you bro❤

[@jimjames6074]

I hope someone pops up one day and expands the world, focusing on dwarves and easterlings, and that they do it correctly. Probably impossible but it's nice to dream.

[@factusnonverbus]

The cities of the Blue Mountains were probably amazing. The only above ground cities of Dwarves we know of.

[@jggimi]

Thank you! Thoughtful and thought provoking video! Osgiliath and its Dome of Stars would have been on my list. Because we readers never got to travel there in LOTR, it is a symbol of lost magnificence, caused through the decline of men.

[@brianmurphy250]

This is video is a work of art. Thank you& merry Christmas

[@ThommyofThenn]

2:40 this is such powerful writing. It would be awe-inspiring to see in person!

[@bobstanley8376]

Playing return to Moria, the first time I entered Dwarrowdelf was awe inspiring

[@GrandMoffOdileVaiken]

Well done Robert, another fantastic video to fall asleep to

[@Pyrotherider818]

This video makes me miss the travelers guide to Westeros videos you made. loved those and this talking about specific locations kinda feels similar

[@maartenjohannes]

The shire isn't really a building, but still. It is a wonder!

[@Rick_King]

One of the Argonath, Peter Jackson should have made it look like the actor who portrayed Isildur.

[@istari0]

I would remove Barad-dûr as it is not so much a thing of wonder as a thing of terror and replace it with Gondolin. I would also swap out Orthanc for Osgiliath; the latter's name meant the Citadel of the Stars and must have been an incredible sight to see at its height.

[@J4R0D]

Also it was Maiar built, and not mortal built, similar to England Angband. Darn autocorrect

[@espenstoro]

@@J4R0D Yes, England. The famous land of the Ainur. 😁

[@moldyketchuphead]

I'm surprised Rivendell didn't get an honorable mention. Great list though! I didn't have Baradur on mine, but otherwise we lined right up.

[@highlander200107]

Great list Robert, Thank you for that.

[@RonJohn63]

16:00 The Colossus of Rhodes was felled by an earthquake, barely 50 years after construction.

[@TheEvilMrJeb]

The greatest thing made by the hands of non-Valar was at the end of the Third Age: hope for a better future. That evil would be destroyed, and that despite the horrors of the world, and even despite the sacrifices and losses that we endure, that the world can be made a better place.

[@Roderyck82]

Though you dismissed it, I would include Gondolin and Nargothrond for they are wonders elven-made.

[@awesomehpt8938]

It’s a bit weird how In the movies the argonath are statues of Isildur and Elendil. And not Isildur and Anarion. And they hold swords not axes

[@MrNicoJac]

I'm glad the outer wall of Minas Tirith was made white instead of black, though

[@cauxzieruffhausen9547]

Yeah well the movies left so much out, and changed so much more.

[@KomodoKebab]

What a nice gift for the season that's in it: a wondrous IDG video.

[@dinkmartini3236]

The 8th Wonder of Middle Earth: In Deep Geek's ability to produce fascinating content, video after video - - Surely man's longest string of victories.

[@theragnaross6529]

Nice video, great to see you post it a second time, can't wait to see you post it again in 2 more years

[@n1xtun]

Why do I feel like I've watched this video, on this channel, already? Different artworks, same wonders, same explanation. (Feels like a major Deja vu)

[@jcook693]

he's been 'updating' videos for a while now.

[@n1xtun]

@@jcook693 ahh, that's why I can't find any if his older videos. Thought that it wasn't right that all his videos are 1 year old max

[@oscarsimon1998]

1:04 #1 3:34 #2 6:28 #3 8:46 #4 11:15 #5 13:16 #6 16:56 #7

[@KaueMelo]

How Minas Tirith make the cut, but Gondolin and Armenelos don't?

[@jiffah]

Surprised Gondolin didn't make it while Minas Tirith did.

[@briangarrow448]

I’m going to add one more building- just because of its impact up on the history of the North. It would be that unassuming village tavern and roadhouse, the Prancing Pony in Bree. The best beer in the North, delicious meals for every species, and rooms that catered to both big and little people! A place of civilization at the edge of civilization, keeping hearts, heads and hands warm for the travelers on many a long journey. Truly a representation of what is good in us all. Timber, wattle and daub, no fancy stone work, just the beauty of the crafts we take for granted.

[@imqqmi]

I think Rivendell should at least have an honerable mention, the last holely home. While not large, great, deep or tall, it was wondrous beyond count.

[@gabereitemeier4309]

What would Tolkien's "Natural Wonders" have been? Given that they probably would've been more scenery than crucial plot devices, we likely wouldn't have even heard of all of them in the story. But how many did we hear about? Would the Falls of Rauros be on that list? And either way, what else would have been?

[@sickjoe9174]

The Fleet of Círdan maybe?

[@roderickfemm8799]

One thing that has always bothered me about the art and architecture of the Numenoreans who escaped and set up their kingdoms in Middle Earth (like the Argonath, the giant king's head in Ithilien, and to some extent Minas Tirith itself), is its feeling of grandiosity and vanity. It surprises me some that Tolkien seemed to admire these constructions so much. What purpose did they ever serve except to proclaim the greatness of their creators, who were only men after all (even if they had elven blood mixed in some measure), many of whom were far less than heroic.

[@Kingstallington]

There are several points in the video where the audio drops very low. 12:51 listen to "battering ram" and "the witch king of angmar"

[@KawaiiCanadafreememes]

I am not late, nor am I early, I arrive precisely when I intend to

[@Steven_Edwards]

I would love to hear you narrate Lord of the Rings. They should pay you to do the audiobooks.

[@thomasferraro479]

I would include Goldolin, but mostly because of the song Mirror Mirror by Blind Guardian, love that song

[@TheJCJexe]

What a great topic!

[@hriship4602]

I've always believed that the oily black stone inspiration came from Lovecraft's work. Its quite prevalant in his work and has a similar nature of unknown builders as well

[@WILLNOTCOMPLY72]

I would love for the makers of the LOTR trilogy to make a prequel. One that covers a few of these in their beginnings. When they were awe-inspiring and magnanimous! When many a jaw would have to have been picked up off the ground by those who 1st saw their wonders. A prequel of the Numinor and Durin, strong and hearty. I want to see that world onscreen, desperately.

[@steveking9081]

I think awe-inspiring scale and massive power have to be taken into account, so I think at least one of Angband/Utumno have to be on the list. Utumno was Morgoth's first fortress, and even though it was built in the Years of the Trees, it was located in Middle-Earth.

[@akiramasashi9317]

I'm surprised Armenelos didn't get a mention.

[@KaiserMacCleg]

It's not in Middle-earth. Middle-earth is the continent, Arda is the wider world.

[@NV..V]

Last time I was this early, people still had great expectations for The Rings of Power.

[@LordOfNothingreally]

I would replas Caras Galadhon with Gondolin. The capital of Lothlorien is undoubtedly awe inspiring, but I've always felt that awe comes from the natural beauty and elven magic (harmony with nature) rather than its constructs, and the description of Gondolin is nothing short of wondrous. Perhaps not the equal in beauty to Menegroth, but more impressive than Minas Tirith or Erebor (imo) and worthy to be called one of the wonders of the world.

[@jesamavi]

Oh I can't wait for the reuploud of your video about the scouring of the shire, it was my favorite and the one the first I watch on your channel

[@cronistamundano8189]

My List would have Nargothrond instead of Isengard, and Angband instead of Barad-Dur

[@tohu231]

Already the best Christmas present

[@factusnonverbus]

I feel like Gondolin and Nargothrond deserve a higher place than Orthanc. It was an impressive tower, but was it greater than the towers the Faithful built in Arnor or Osgilliath? I doubt it. The Pillar built to memorialize where Ar Pharazon captured Sauron sounds grand: on the highest hill of the headland above the Haven they (…) set a great great white pillar as a monument. It was crowned with a globe of crystal that took the rays of the Sun and of the Moon and shone like a bright star that could be seen in clear weather even on the coasts of Gondor or far out upon the western sea.('The Heirs of Elendil' from The Peoples of Middle-earth)

[@kellyfrench]

Considering how many events were driven by the Silmarills, they should have made the list since they probably held more power than even the one ring.

[@forsakenquery]

Amazing list. I think missing Numenor itself entirely is an oversight however.

[@Dr_Cole]

What a fantastic list. I cannot disagree with any of these places. I could add another 7-13 places. But, to claim there were more deserving to be on a top 7… The passages you used to describe Loth Lorian were most beautiful. I find that I am saddest about this city’s demise vs. any other, which may be most ironical given that was designed to blend with nature. Then, with it being abandoned, simply returned to nature. Perhaps it reflects my sadness of the elves leaves. Anyhow, thanks for this great video just before Christmas. Happy holiday.

[@isaacwilbourn3362]

Great list

[@emrek99205]

Missed Tobold Hornblower's farm around Longbottom in the shire's Southfarthing where Old Toby pipe weed was grown. Surely that was a wonder of no mistake.

[@edwarren8541]

I can't believe you didn't include the tool shed the Gaffer built!

[@Destroyer94100]

The cities and structures of Numenor were far more impressive than anything they would later build in Gondor or Arnor.

[@preece1188]

Great content, as always

[@valcouren]

I can only hope that my previous comment about the remaining palantiri made way for the "western towers" to make their way into the list of honorable mentions, even above the halls of Kazad-Dum. Even without my comment they certainly deserve such a location, but such is my hope.

[@dasdeke]

Nicely done!

[@jessetingle9055]

I'm late apparently (not a wizard, sorry) but thanks for the beautiful and thoughtful content.

[@ruinous101]

I’ll agree till I fall sleep and rewatch later.

[@vedadtr3509]

Good, quality content.

[@NGBigfield]

I wonder if the fourth age had any tourism industry, and if someone profited from leading long voyages and hikes to see all wonders! I would certainly sign up for such a tour

[@villep7907]

I absolutely love your voice and your knowledge in nerdy detail! But I wish you could sort of "finish" the words off more often, like "and it was also within the palentiri", with _"the palentiri_ being really quiet, almost unhearable. Doesn't happen often, but it's a small detail I started noticing. Amazing work, once again!

[@villep7907]

Small example, 13:08 "Gates to last the ages" or somewhere earlier about 12:48 maybe, "the might of the witch king". Like I said it's really small!

[@NewsRedial]

Eagerly awaiting the next Dune video.

[@mrnoknowncure]

Audio keeps fading slightly too soon?

[@kimhaas7586]

These are the 7 I would have picked.

[@Emanon...]

Last I was this early, Aule hadn't royally fucked up like he will be prone to do.

[@happilyham6769]

The Shire's pretty dope.

[@gregcampwriter]

I'd include Laketown in at least the honorable mentions.

[@CerebrumReality]

Nice Video :)

[@alexanderalvarez4436]

Awesome video.

[@loganprice4223]

Do you think a video about all the dragons battles could be a video worth?

[@ThommyofThenn]

Leaning Tower of Isengard

[@TheWileybighead]

Thx 😊

[@Anshelm77]

My blood went cold when after the 6th one I saw something else than Khazad-dûm... "honorable mentions" ...phew.

[@lazyhead123]

I feel like I'm getting gas lit. Isn't this a re-release of an old video?

[@luciussakura5031]

I think someone else made a video like this at one point, maybe that's what your thinking of?

[@marcpeterson1092]

When I saw this subject, my first thought was, Moria.

[@baystated]

Do the books and other lore detail how tall the Argonath are? In artwork they seem to far exceed the Statue of Liberty or Christ the Redeemer, but is that how tall professor Tolkien saw them?

[@lesserlogic9977]

I was trying to think and remember what the Seven Wonders were at first

[@ttocsisme]

7 wonders duel should be one of em

[@aceca5147]

Before I watch, I'm going to guess: Barad-dûr, Dwarrowdelf, Minas Tirith (Or specifically The Tower of Ecthelion), The Argonath, Orthanc, Morannon (The black gate) and Helms Deep.

[@donhoverson6348]

Well if we are going to talk about constructed things then I think the lamps Illuin and Ormal would have to make the list.

[@sheilaweiser6011]

what about Helms Deep?

[@K9TheFirst1]

Can you make a video on War of the Rohirrim? I loved it.