'The Elves of Rivendell have spoken to me recently of a particular problem which they had thought long ago dealt with.

'It seems there was once a troll in the lower regions of Bruinen, of particular strength and cunning, who strove to stir the trolls of the Trollshaws to band together in war against Rivendell. The Elves learned of this and hunted Shataz down, eventually driving him up into the Misty Mountains -- but they were unable to capture or kill him.

'Now it seems that Shataz lives up there still, and a scout discovered him once again attempting to raise a band of trolls to raid Rivendell itself from the region of Orod Laden. This is a distraction that Elrond can ill-afford at this time, and so I would have you take a small band of skilled warriors up into the Misty Mountains to do away with this troublesome creature. You should take allies with you if you plan to find this creature.'

Handarod is at Esteldín in the North Downs, far to the west and north of the Misty Mountains.

You should return to Handarod and tell him of Shataz' defeat.

Objectives

• Talk to Handarod