LOTR: What Happened To Mirkwood?

Mirkwood Forest existed as a part of Middle-earth since the earliest days of Arda, when the Valar were still creating the world. In fact, Oropher, grandfather of everyone’s favorite Elf Legolas, made Mirkwood the primary home of the woodland Elves during the Second Age of Middle-earth. Back then everyone knew it as Greenwood the Great. It wasn’t until Sauron took refuge within its depth and cast his shadow across it in the Third Age did Men start referring to it as Mirkwood. His presence twisted its visage, making those who strayed from the light feel invited.