Taur-nu-Fuin: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

In J. R. R. Tolkien's fictional universe of Middle-earth, Taur-nu-Fuin, "Forest under Deadly Nightshade" was the Sindarin name of two forests which had become evil.

In the First Age after Dorthonion had been captured by Morgoth, the forest became infested by evil spirits sent by Sauron, and it was renamed Taur-nu-Fuin. The forest became so evil that even Morgoth's Orcs avoided it.

In the Second Age and Third Age, Greenwood the Great was infested with the spider breed of Shelob, and after Sauron established his stronghold at Dol Guldur the forest became so evil it was renamed Taur-e-Ndaedelos, but also Taur-nu-Fuin, or Mirkwood in the Common Speech.

Tolkien drew a picture of Mirkwood (№ 37, Pictures by J. R. R. Tolkien), which has been used by him to illustrate both Dorthonion and Mirkwood.