Scenic Tour: The Angle of Mitheithel (Trollshaws)

The Angle of Mitheithel is a new sub-zone in The Trollshaws for levels 40-45, added in the "Rangers and Ruins" Update 32 in February 2022. I decided to take my rune-keeper Sharmaen through the zone because she was dreading questing through Angmar and this would be a fresh new experience where she could help out her fellow elves.

Note: the following contains spoilers for the story-line in the Angle of Mitheithel. I definitely recommend you visit the zone and enjoy the quests yourself! 

A lovely lake in Mitheithel

Oh the zone is so beautiful! Full of vibrant valleys and crumbling overgrown ruins, it's a place to stop and admire the view at the top of every hill and around every corner. It's also a great place to find Tier 4 (Artisan) resources and recipes.

Just after entering The Trollshaws via The Last Bridge, a path leads south to an outpost called Gaerond. There Sharmaen found Elladan and some Defenders of the Angle who could use her assistance. They sent her further into the zone to check on some travellers and help them reach their destination safely. 

The ruins of Eitheldir (with some fascinating history!)

 

Along the way she meets Ravaedron, an elf that has come to visit his former home and say farewell to friends before he travels into the West. He tells me about his hobbit friends from more than 1000 years ago who lived in Glynafon, but left due to the threat of war from Saruman's army. Their homes are now ruined mounds.

The ruins of Glynafon

Fernbrake Cot

He recently made some human friends with the Staghorns who live in Fernbrake Cot nearby. When he says goodbye to them and promises he will ensure their safety after he has gone, they get very upset with him. He goes on a mission to make things right and asks for our help.

Tornhad

We make our way to Tornhad, a village of Rangers, to request their protection for the Staghorns, but they are busy preparing to depart themselves: they have heard rumours that Saruman is causing trouble again around Mirkwood. Indeed, we meet some good Dunlendings fleeing Saruman and some bad Dunlendings hunting them.

Cuan-lȗth Refuge for Dunlendings fleeing Saruman

The Rangers ask for help with patrolling the area and collecting herbs for medicines and animal hides for making leather armour and generally making the area safe before they leave. That done, they finally show some sympathy for Ravaedron and promise that some will stay behind to keep protecting the area. Ravaedron is relieved but decides to make a painting as a farewell gift for the Staghorns.

Ravaedron painting Mitheithel in the rain

The painting isn't received well and so he tries again, with more success once he realises what is really important to his friends.

Forgiven

And so, Ravaedron can leave Middle Earth, Elladan can return to Imladris and the Rangers can scout out Mirkwood, knowing that with our help, the Angle of Mitheithel is as safe as can be, for now.

On a final note, I really liked how the quests led you through the zone and introduced some interesting history. Also, by questing you earn enough reputation to reach Kindred and unlock all the items from the Defenders of the Angle quartermaster. As you can see from the picture above, Sharmaen has claimed Emberwing as her companion as they both like fire. Overall, a really well done zone and I look forward to visiting there again with other characters.