Orthanc is the tower in Isengard in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
Orthanc is a tall, dark, four-peaked tower standing within the Ring of Isengard. It was built by the Dúnedain of Gondor during the early part of the Third Age and became one of the kingdom’s important strongholds. The tower is made from an extremely hard, black stone that resists ordinary damage.
The wizard Saruman occupies Orthanc and uses it as his headquarters in The Lord of the Rings. From there, he studies the Palantír, breeds an army of Orcs and Men, and directs the war against Rohan. After the Ents attack Isengard, Saruman is confined inside the tower.
Orthanc is often confused with Barad-dûr, Sauron’s fortress in Mordor. Minas Tirith is Gondor’s great city, while Cirith Ungol is a pass and fortress near Mordor. The name Orthanc can also be translated in Tolkien’s invented languages with meanings associated with cunning or the mountain’s height.