What was the original name of Mirkwood in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth?

Mirkwood was originally called Greenwood the Great in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.

Greenwood the Great was once a vast and important woodland east of the Misty Mountains. It belonged to the history of the Silvan Elves and was associated with the realm ruled by Thranduil, father of Legolas. The forest’s character changed after Sauron established the fortress of Dol Guldur in its southern region.

The spreading shadow and growing evil led the woodland to be called Mirkwood. After Sauron’s defeat, it was cleansed and renamed Eryn Lasgalen, meaning Wood of Greenleaves. That later name is another reason readers may encounter several names for the same forest.

Mirkwood is also the setting for a major section of The Hobbit. Bilbo and the Dwarves cross it during their journey, encountering giant spiders and the Elvenking’s halls. The forest therefore connects Tolkien’s ancient history with the immediate adventure of the novel.