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{{disambig-more|Isengard|[[Isengard (disambiguation)]]}}
{{disambig-more|Isengard|[[Isengard (disambiguation)]]}}
{{location
{{location infobox
|image=[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Orthanc in the Second Age.jpg|250px]]
| name=Isengard
|name=Isengard
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Orthanc in the Second Age.jpg|250px]]
|othernames=[[Angrenost]]<ref name="SIndex">{{S|Index}}</ref>
| caption="Orthanc in the Second Age" by [[Ted Nasmith]]
|type=Fortress
| pronun=
|location=South of the [[Misty Mountains]]<ref name="FRCouncil">{{FR|Council}}</ref>
| othernames=[[Angrenost]]<ref name="SIndex">{{S|Index}}</ref>
|inhabitants=[[Númenóreans|Númenóreans-in-exile]]<ref name="SV">{{S|V}}</ref>, [[Dunlendings]]<ref name="UTIsen">{{UT|Isen}}, Appendix (ii)</ref>, [[Saruman]]<ref name="TTTreebeard">{{TT|Treebeard}}</ref>, [[Orcs]]<ref name="TTTreebeard" />, [[Men|Wicked men]]<ref name="TTTreebeard" />, [[Ents]]<ref name="RKPartings">{{RK|Partings}}</ref>, [[Huorns]]<ref name="RKPartings" />
| location=In [[Nan Curunír]]<ref name="TTTreebeard">{{TT|Treebeard}}</ref>, at the southern tip of the [[Misty Mountains]]<ref name="FRCouncil">{{FR|Council}}</ref><br/>
|realms=[[Gondor]]<ref name="UTIsen" />, [[Saruman|Saruman's]] domain<ref name="SV" />, [[Treegarth of Orthanc]] in the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<ref name="RKPartings" />
| type=Fortress
|description=A circular wall of rock that enclosed the valley, in the centre of which stood the stone tower of [[Orthanc]]<ref name="FRCouncil" />
| description=A circular wall of rock that enclosed the valley, in the centre of which stood the stone tower of [[Orthanc]]<ref name="FRCouncil"/>
|events=[[Battle of Isengard]]<ref name="TTFlotsam">{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref>
| regions=
|}}
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Dúnedain]]<ref name="SV">{{S|V}}</ref><br/>[[Dunlendings]]<ref name="UTIsen">{{UT|Isen}}, Appendix (ii)</ref><br/>[[Saruman]]<ref name="TTTreebeard"/><br/>[[Orcs]]<ref name="TTTreebeard"/><br/>[[Men|Wicked men]]<ref name="TTTreebeard"/><br/>[[Ents]]<ref name="RKPartings">{{RK|Partings}}</ref><br/>[[Huorns]]<ref name="RKPartings"/>
| created=Late [[Second Age]]
| destroyed=
| events=[[Battle of Isengard]]<ref name="TTFlotsam">{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref>
}}
<center>{{quote|My business is with Isengard tonight— with the rock and stone.|[[Treebeard]]<ref name="TTFlotsam"/>}}</center>
'''Isengard''' ("Iron Fortress", '''Angrenost''' in [[Sindarin]]<ref name="SIndex"/>) was a great fortress located within a valley at the southern end of the [[Misty Mountains]] near the [[Gap of Rohan]]. In the centre of the [[Ring of Isengard]] stood the stone tower of [[Orthanc]].<ref name="FRCouncil"/>


{{quote|My business is with Isengard tonight— with the rock and stone.|[[Treebeard]]<ref name="TTFlotsam" />}}
==Description==
The fortress of Isengard was located in a valley at the southern tip of the [[Misty Mountains]]; the [[Ring of Isengard]] was a great wall of stone that ran out from the mountain-side and then back again. The only entrance to Isengard was found delved into the southern wall of Isengard. One entering Isengard would pass through its only gate, travel down the long tunnel and pass through the iron doors to come to the plain of Isengard. In the centre of the plain, half a mile from the gate, stood the looming tower of [[Orthanc]]. For most of its history the lands of Isengard were green and a river ran from the mountains to form a lake. However after the treason of Saruman all green things that grew were removed and the river was dammed. The inner-ring was riddled with houses which cut into the walls. About the plain great shafts had been dug deep and many stone-flags paved the roads of the surface.<ref name="TTFlotsam"/><ref name="TTRoad"/>


'''Isengard''' ("Iron Fortress", '''Angrenost''' in [[Sindarin]]<ref name="SIndex" />) was a great fortress located south of the [[Misty Mountains]] near the [[Gap of Rohan]]. In the centre of the [[Ring of Isengard]] stood the stone tower of [[Orthanc]].<ref name="FRCouncil" />
{{blockquote|A great ring-wall of stone, like towering cliffs, stood out from the shelter of the mountain-side, from which it ran and then returned again. One entrance only was there made in it, a great arch delved in the southern wall. Here through the black rock a long tunnel had been hewn, closed at either end with mighty doors of iron. They were so wrought and poised upon their huge hinges, posts of steel driven into the living stone, that when unbarred they could be moved with a light thrust of the arms, noiselessly. One who passed in and came at length out of the echoing tunnel, beheld a plain, a great circle, somewhat hollowed like a vast shallow bowl: a mile it measured from rim to rim.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="TTRoad">{{TT|Road}}</ref>}}


==History==
==History==
===Second Age===
===Second Age===
Isengard was built in the mid-[[Second Age]] around the tower of [[Orthanc]] by the [[Númenor]]eans in exile. Its location was at the north-western corner of the Southern Kingdom of [[Gondor]], guarding the [[Fords of Isen]] from enemy incursions into [[Calenardhon]] together with the fortress of [[Aglarond]] to its south.
[[File:Rob Alexander - Isengard.jpg|thumb|[[Rob Alexander]] - ''Isengard'']]
It is unknown exactly when Isengard was first established. However it must have been built between {{SA|3320}}, the year in which the realms of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]] were established, and {{SA|3430}}, the year in which the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] was formed.<ref>{{App|B1}}</ref> The [[Ring of Isengard]], and the tower of [[Orthanc]] therein, were built by the [[Dúnedain]], the Exiles of [[Númenor]], as a fortress on the north-western tip of Gondor. Within Orthanc was placed one of the seven seeing stones, the ''[[palantíri]]''.<ref name="SV"/> This stone would be later referred to as the [[Orthanc-stone]].<ref name="TTP">{{TT|Palantir}}</ref>
 
===Third Age===
[[Calenardhon]], a region never densely populated, suffered greatly at the hands of the {{TA|1636}} [[Great Plague]]. [[Orthanc]] was thus closed and its keys were sent to [[Minas Tirith]].<ref name="UTP">{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref> The fortress of Isengard, however, remained manned by a small garrison led by a hereditary Gondorian chieftain. This company grew more secretive as time progressed; its chieftain became known as the "[[Lord of Isengard]]" and they were believed to meddle in dark [[magic]] by the [[Rohirrim]].<ref name="UTIsen"/>
 
The attention of the [[Stewards of Gondor]] turned eastwards and their emissaries to Isengard eventually ceased completely. In their neglect they (and the Rohirrim) did not realise that the line of Gondorian chieftains had failed. The people had long intermingled with the [[Dunlendings]] and became more friendly to them than to the 'wild Northmen'. Dunlendings were allowed to settle in and around Isengard. They seized control of the fortress and killed any of the ancient Isengard guards who were unwilling to merge with them. During the reign of King [[Déor]] they became openly hostile to the Rohirrim. Déor could not besiege the fortress and [[Egalmoth]], the Steward of Gondor, was unable to send help. Instead Déor kept a strong force of riders in the north of the [[Westfold]].<ref name="UTIsen"/> The occupation lasted through the reign of King [[Gram]].<ref name="AppA2"/>
 
In {{TA|2758}}, [[Wulf]] led the Dundlendings into a great invasion of [[Rohan]]. Despite impressive victories, they were eventually defeated by the Rohirrim. The Dundlendings who occupied Isengard suffered considerably in the [[Long Winter]]. They capitulated and were driven out by [[Fréaláf]] (soon to be the new king of Rohan) near the end of {{TA|2759}}.<ref name="AppA2">{{App|A2}}</ref><ref name="UTIsen"/>


The river Angren (or [[Isen]]) began at [[Methedras]] behind Isengard, which also formed its northern wall. The other three sides were guarded by a large wall, known as the '''Ring of Isengard''', which was only breached by the inflow of the river Angren at the north-east through a portcullis, and the [[Gate of Isengard]] at the south, at both shores of the river.
====Saruman's domain====
When [[Saruman]] returned from his travels into the east of [[Middle-earth]], he offered to make Isengard his home and to command the defences of the West. As both Gondor and Rohan suffered from the [[Long Winter]] and wars, the Wizard was welcomed by King [[Fréaláf]] and Steward [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Beren]] alike. In {{TA|2759}},<ref name="AppStewards">{{App|Stewards}}</ref> The valley in which Isengard resided soon became known as "[[Nan Curunír]]", the "Valley of Saruman" or the "Wizard's Vale".<ref name="TTTreebeard">{{TT|Treebeard}}</ref><ref name="TTRoad">{{TT|Road}}</ref>


Isengard was a green and pleasant place, with many large trees and grass fields, fed by the Angren. Orthanc stood in the exact centre.
In {{TA|2953}}<ref group="note">''[[The Complete Guide to Middle-earth]]'', entry "Isengard" incorrectly gives the date {{TA|2963}}.</ref>, following the last meeting of the [[White Council]], Saruman took Isengard for his own as [[Lord of Isengard]], and fortified it.<ref name="AppTA">{{App|TA}}</ref><ref name="AppStewards"/>


===Third Age===
On [[10 July]], {{TA|3018}}, Gandalf arrived at Isengard.<ref name="AppGreat">{{App|Great}}</ref> Saruman revealed his true colours and demanded that Gandalf submit to him and Sauron. He refused and was imprisoned in [[Orthanc]]. From the pinnacle of the tower Gandalf could see that Isengard had been transformed; in place of trees and grass were pits and forges, and Saruman was gathering an army of [[orcs]] and [[wolves]].<ref name="FRCouncil">{{FR|Council}}</ref> On [[18 September]], {{TA|3018}}, Gandalf was borne away by [[Gwaihir]] the [[eagles|eagle]].<ref name="AppGreat"/>
During the early [[Third Age]] the land of [[Calenardhon]] became depopulated, and the last warden of Orthanc was recalled to [[Minas Tirith]]. Isengard remained guarded by a small company, led by a hereditary captain, much like happened in Angrenost at the time.


After Calenardhon was given to the [[Éothéod]] by [[Cirion]], [[Steward of Gondor]], and became [[Rohan]], Isengard remained part of Gondor, although Gondor almost forgot about it. The line of the [[Gondorian]] chieftains had failed during the time of King [[Déor]], and the command of the fortress passed into the hands of a family of the indigenous people, friendly disposed to the Dunlendings, until the fortress became a Dunlending fortress in all but name. Orthanc however remained closed, as the Steward of Gondor alone held the keys.
Believing that Saruman knew the location of [[the One Ring]], Sauron sent the [[Nazgûl]] to Isengard. The [[Witch-king]] arrived at the gate of Isengard two days after Gandalf's escape (or, according to a different account, on the very day of his escape). But the Lord of Morgul and his company did not have the strength to assault the Ring of Isengard. He departed after Saruman told them that he believed Gandalf knew the whereabouts of the Ring.<ref name="UTHunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref>


The Dunlendings seized the Ring of Isengard, slaying the few survivors of its ancient guards who were not willing to merge with them.
Isengard became Saruman's base of operations during the [[War of the Ring]]. His war with [[Rohan]] began on [[25 February]], {{TA|3019}}, with the [[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]. The forces of Isengard were victorious and Saruman's main objective, the killing of [[Théodred]] (son of King [[Théoden]]), was achieved. With another victory at the [[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen]] on [[2 March]], the forces of Isengard won passage into the plains of Rohan and marched towards defeat at the [[Battle of the Hornburg]] (on [[3 March]]).<ref name="AppGreat"/><ref name="UTIsen"/>


During the rule of [[Rohan|Rohan's]] King [[Déor]] it turned out that Isengard had become openly hostile to the [[Rohirrim]] using Isengard as their base. When it became clear that the raiders were coming from near Isengard, in {{TA|2710}} Déor led an expedition to the north.  He found and defeated a host of Dunlendings, but discovered that Isengard was held by hostile forces. Secure in the fortress they could not be dislodged and [[Egalmoth (Steward of Gondor)|Egalmoth]] could not send help.<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref>. The Dunlendings continued to raid Rohan  during Déor's son [[Gram|Gram's]] rule, until during the rule of Gram's son [[Helm|Helm Hammerhand]] a Dunlending lord, [[Freca]] and his son [[Wulf]] nearly managed to destroy the Rohirrim. The Rohirrim eventually won, taking Isengard, and guarding it for Gondor.
[[File:Jef Murray - After the Flood.jpg|thumb|[[Jef Murray]] - ''After the Flood'']]
{{Blockquote|My business is with Isengard tonight, with rock and stone.|[[Treebeard]]<ref name="TTFlotsam"/>}}


During the time of  the [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Steward of Gondor Beren]], [[Saruman|Saruman the White]] suddenly reappeared from the [[East]], and he offered to guard Isengard. Beren gladly gave him the keys to Orthanc hoping to avoid such problems from being repeated, and Saruman settled there. After him the valley became known as [[Nan Curunír]] ("Valley of Saruman"). For a while Saruman aided the weakened Rohirrim, but he soon stoped and began to fortify the valley.
On 2 March, the [[Battle of Isengard]] began when the [[Ents]] of [[Fangorn Forest]] began their attack.<ref name="AppGreat"/> They overran the orcs and men therein, but were unable to assail the tower of Orthanc.<ref name="TTFlotsam"/>


During the [[War of the Ring]] Isengard was Saruman's base of operations against the Rohirrim, and he defiled the valley, cutting down its trees and damming and diverting the Angren. Isengard's valley was destroyed by deep pits, used for breeding [[Uruk-hai]] and smithying weapons. Isengard became home to countless [[Orcs]], whom Saruman used to try to conquer Rohan. In 3441, an army of [[Ents]] and [[Huorns]] led by [[Treebeard]] of [[Fangorn Forest|Fangorn]] attacked Isengard, taking the fortress, although they could not take Orthanc.
On [[5 March]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]], now the "doorwardens" of Isengard, welcomed [[Théoden]], [[Éomer]], [[Gandalf]], [[Aragorn]], [[Legolas]], and [[Gimli]].<ref name="TTRoad"/> They parleyed with Saruman, but he refused to co-operate.<ref name="TTVoice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>


The [[Hobbits]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] and [[Peregrin Took]] as the new "doorwardens" received [[Théoden]] King of Rohan, [[Aragorn]] and [[Gandalf]] at the gates. Saruman was confronted but refused to beg for pardon, and he was released into Treebeard's guard together with his servant [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]]. Saruman abandoned Isengard after [[Sauron]]'s defeat, playing off Treebeard's hatred of caging any living thing in order to manipulate him into letting him leave.
On [[22 August]], {{TA|3019}},<ref name="AppB3">{{App|B3}}</ref> Treebeard, now in command of Isengard,<ref name="TTRoad"/> allowed Saruman and [[Gríma]] to depart from what remained of the fortress. Before they went, they handed over the keys of Orthanc. This Treebeard told to Gandalf and company when they travelled through Isengard on their journey home.<ref name="RKPartings">{{RK|Partings}}</ref>


===Fourth Age===
====The Treegarth of Orthanc and the Fourth Age====
{{main|Treegarth of Orthanc}}
{{main|Treegarth of Orthanc}}
During the [[Fourth Age]] Isengard was restored, and Treebeard replanted many trees. The Ents tore down the walls of the ring, and named the new forest the '''Treegarth of Orthanc'''. Orthanc became again a tower of the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of [[Aragorn|King Elessar]].
Following the [[Battle of Isengard]], the [[Ents]] destroyed the [[Ring of Isengard]] and filled the land with gardens of orchards and trees. A stream ran into a small clear lake, in the middle of which stood the black-stone tower of [[Orthanc]]. Whilst the Treegarth of Orthanc became part of the [[Reunited Kingdom]], [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] granted the Ents complete self-governance of what was formerly Isengard.<ref name="RKPartings"/>


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
{{Transcribed|Tengwar Angrenost.png|Angrenost|Tengwar, Sindarin mode}}
''Isengard'' means "Iron-courd" in [[Old English]] (see also [[Isen]]): "''It was so called because of the great hardness of the stone in that place and especially in the central tower of Orthanc.''"<ref name="Nomen">{{HM|N}}, p. 772</ref>
''Isengard'' means "Iron-courd" in [[Old English]] (see also [[Isen]]): "''It was so called because of the great hardness of the stone in that place and especially in the central tower of Orthanc.''"<ref name="Nomen">{{HM|N}}, p. 772</ref>


''Isen'' is an old English variant form of iron; and ''gard'' a Germanic word meaning 'enclosure (round a dwelling)' which appears in English ''garth/yard'' or Old Norse ''Asgard, Midgard'' etc.<ref name="Nomen"/>
''Isen'' is an old English variant form of iron; and ''gard'' a Germanic word meaning 'enclosure (round a dwelling)' which appears in English ''garth/yard'' or Old Norse ''Asgard, Midgard'' etc.<ref name="Nomen"/>


It's used here to show an archaic [[Westron]] name of the place, translation of [[Sindarin]] ''[[Angrenost]]''.<ref name="Nomen"/>
It is used here to show an archaic [[Westron]] name of the place, translation of [[Sindarin]] ''[[Angrenost]]''.<ref name="Nomen"/>


==Portrayal in adaptations==
==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
{{Gallery
|title=Isengard in Adaptations
|title=Isengard in Adaptations
|height=140
|height=150
|width=225
|lines=2
|lines=2
|File:WiMe-Isengard&Uruks&Orcs-1-.png| Isengard in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
|File:War in Middle Earth - Orcs and Uruk-hai at Isengard.png| Isengard in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
|File:Isengard.jpg| Isengard in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard]]''
|File:Isengard film.jpg| Isengard in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Isengard.jpg| Isengard in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard]]''
}}
}}
==Films==
'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Peter Jackson's Isengard is reflective of [[J.R.R. Tolkien|J.R.R. Tolkien's]] descriptions of the fortress.
==Games==
'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
:Isengard is one of the many battlefields of this game.
:Isengard is one of the many battlefields of this game.
'''2001-3: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''
:Isengard makes appearance in all three movie of the Trilogy.
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Isengard appears in the first mission of the Evil campaign.
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Isengard makes an appearance once again, though its depiction differs from the first game.
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:Isengard is one of the battlefields in the game


'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard]]'':'''
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard]]'':'''
:Isengard is the focus of a new region of the respective expansion.<ref>[http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/through-turbines-palantir-developers-outline-lotros-future/ Massively - Through Turbine's palantír: Developers outline LotRO's future] (retrieved 24 April 2011)</ref>
:Isengard is a prominant stronghold of evil within [[Eriador]], and is the chief fortress of [[Saruman]] and The [[White Hand]]. It is available for exploration, and plays host to various instances.<ref>{{webcite|author=Justin Olivetti|articleurl=http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/through-turbines-palantir-developers-outline-lotros-future/|articlename=Through Turbine's palantír: Developers outline LotRO's future|dated=21-April-2011|website=[http://massively.joystiq.com/ MASSIVELY by joystiq]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref>


==See Also==
==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Isengard|Images of Isengard]]
*[[Orthanc]]
*[[Orthanc]]
*[[:Category:Images of Isengard]]
{{references}}


{{references|n}}
{{FellowshipRoute}}
[[Category:Anglicized Westron words]]
[[Category:Anglicized Westron words]]
[[Category:Entish Realms]]
[[Category:Entish realms]]
[[Category:Fortresses]]
[[Category:Fortresses]]
[[Category:Mannish Realms]]
[[Category:Mannish realms]]
[[Category:Misty Mountains]]
[[Category:Misty Mountains]]
[[de:Isengart]]
[[de:Isengart]]
[[fi:Rautapiha]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/villes_tours_et_forteresses/gondor/isengard]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/villes_tours_et_forteresses/gondor/isengard]]
[[fi:Rautapiha]]

Revision as of 12:46, 29 February 2020

The name Isengard refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Isengard (disambiguation).
Isengard
Fortress
Ted Nasmith - Orthanc in the Second Age.jpg
"Orthanc in the Second Age" by Ted Nasmith
General Information
Other namesAngrenost[1]
LocationIn Nan Curunír[2], at the southern tip of the Misty Mountains[3]
TypeFortress
DescriptionA circular wall of rock that enclosed the valley, in the centre of which stood the stone tower of Orthanc[3]
People and History
InhabitantsDúnedain[4]
Dunlendings[5]
Saruman[2]
Orcs[2]
Wicked men[2]
Ents[6]
Huorns[6]
CreatedLate Second Age
EventsBattle of Isengard[7]
GalleryImages of Isengard
"My business is with Isengard tonight— with the rock and stone."
Treebeard[7]

Isengard ("Iron Fortress", Angrenost in Sindarin[1]) was a great fortress located within a valley at the southern end of the Misty Mountains near the Gap of Rohan. In the centre of the Ring of Isengard stood the stone tower of Orthanc.[3]

Description

The fortress of Isengard was located in a valley at the southern tip of the Misty Mountains; the Ring of Isengard was a great wall of stone that ran out from the mountain-side and then back again. The only entrance to Isengard was found delved into the southern wall of Isengard. One entering Isengard would pass through its only gate, travel down the long tunnel and pass through the iron doors to come to the plain of Isengard. In the centre of the plain, half a mile from the gate, stood the looming tower of Orthanc. For most of its history the lands of Isengard were green and a river ran from the mountains to form a lake. However after the treason of Saruman all green things that grew were removed and the river was dammed. The inner-ring was riddled with houses which cut into the walls. About the plain great shafts had been dug deep and many stone-flags paved the roads of the surface.[7][8]

A great ring-wall of stone, like towering cliffs, stood out from the shelter of the mountain-side, from which it ran and then returned again. One entrance only was there made in it, a great arch delved in the southern wall. Here through the black rock a long tunnel had been hewn, closed at either end with mighty doors of iron. They were so wrought and poised upon their huge hinges, posts of steel driven into the living stone, that when unbarred they could be moved with a light thrust of the arms, noiselessly. One who passed in and came at length out of the echoing tunnel, beheld a plain, a great circle, somewhat hollowed like a vast shallow bowl: a mile it measured from rim to rim.
J.R.R. Tolkien[8]

History

Second Age

Rob Alexander - Isengard

It is unknown exactly when Isengard was first established. However it must have been built between S.A. 3320, the year in which the realms of Gondor and Arnor were established, and S.A. 3430, the year in which the Last Alliance of Elves and Men was formed.[9] The Ring of Isengard, and the tower of Orthanc therein, were built by the Dúnedain, the Exiles of Númenor, as a fortress on the north-western tip of Gondor. Within Orthanc was placed one of the seven seeing stones, the palantíri.[4] This stone would be later referred to as the Orthanc-stone.[10]

Third Age

Calenardhon, a region never densely populated, suffered greatly at the hands of the T.A. 1636 Great Plague. Orthanc was thus closed and its keys were sent to Minas Tirith.[11] The fortress of Isengard, however, remained manned by a small garrison led by a hereditary Gondorian chieftain. This company grew more secretive as time progressed; its chieftain became known as the "Lord of Isengard" and they were believed to meddle in dark magic by the Rohirrim.[5]

The attention of the Stewards of Gondor turned eastwards and their emissaries to Isengard eventually ceased completely. In their neglect they (and the Rohirrim) did not realise that the line of Gondorian chieftains had failed. The people had long intermingled with the Dunlendings and became more friendly to them than to the 'wild Northmen'. Dunlendings were allowed to settle in and around Isengard. They seized control of the fortress and killed any of the ancient Isengard guards who were unwilling to merge with them. During the reign of King Déor they became openly hostile to the Rohirrim. Déor could not besiege the fortress and Egalmoth, the Steward of Gondor, was unable to send help. Instead Déor kept a strong force of riders in the north of the Westfold.[5] The occupation lasted through the reign of King Gram.[12]

In T.A. 2758, Wulf led the Dundlendings into a great invasion of Rohan. Despite impressive victories, they were eventually defeated by the Rohirrim. The Dundlendings who occupied Isengard suffered considerably in the Long Winter. They capitulated and were driven out by Fréaláf (soon to be the new king of Rohan) near the end of T.A. 2759.[12][5]

Saruman's domain

When Saruman returned from his travels into the east of Middle-earth, he offered to make Isengard his home and to command the defences of the West. As both Gondor and Rohan suffered from the Long Winter and wars, the Wizard was welcomed by King Fréaláf and Steward Beren alike. In T.A. 2759,[13] The valley in which Isengard resided soon became known as "Nan Curunír", the "Valley of Saruman" or the "Wizard's Vale".[2][8]

In T.A. 2953[note 1], following the last meeting of the White Council, Saruman took Isengard for his own as Lord of Isengard, and fortified it.[14][13]

On 10 July, T.A. 3018, Gandalf arrived at Isengard.[15] Saruman revealed his true colours and demanded that Gandalf submit to him and Sauron. He refused and was imprisoned in Orthanc. From the pinnacle of the tower Gandalf could see that Isengard had been transformed; in place of trees and grass were pits and forges, and Saruman was gathering an army of orcs and wolves.[3] On 18 September, T.A. 3018, Gandalf was borne away by Gwaihir the eagle.[15]

Believing that Saruman knew the location of the One Ring, Sauron sent the Nazgûl to Isengard. The Witch-king arrived at the gate of Isengard two days after Gandalf's escape (or, according to a different account, on the very day of his escape). But the Lord of Morgul and his company did not have the strength to assault the Ring of Isengard. He departed after Saruman told them that he believed Gandalf knew the whereabouts of the Ring.[16]

Isengard became Saruman's base of operations during the War of the Ring. His war with Rohan began on 25 February, T.A. 3019, with the First Battle of the Fords of Isen. The forces of Isengard were victorious and Saruman's main objective, the killing of Théodred (son of King Théoden), was achieved. With another victory at the Second Battle of the Fords of Isen on 2 March, the forces of Isengard won passage into the plains of Rohan and marched towards defeat at the Battle of the Hornburg (on 3 March).[15][5]

Jef Murray - After the Flood

My business is with Isengard tonight, with rock and stone.
Treebeard[7]

On 2 March, the Battle of Isengard began when the Ents of Fangorn Forest began their attack.[15] They overran the orcs and men therein, but were unable to assail the tower of Orthanc.[7]

On 5 March, Merry and Pippin, now the "doorwardens" of Isengard, welcomed Théoden, Éomer, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli.[8] They parleyed with Saruman, but he refused to co-operate.[17]

On 22 August, T.A. 3019,[18] Treebeard, now in command of Isengard,[8] allowed Saruman and Gríma to depart from what remained of the fortress. Before they went, they handed over the keys of Orthanc. This Treebeard told to Gandalf and company when they travelled through Isengard on their journey home.[6]

The Treegarth of Orthanc and the Fourth Age

Main article: Treegarth of Orthanc

Following the Battle of Isengard, the Ents destroyed the Ring of Isengard and filled the land with gardens of orchards and trees. A stream ran into a small clear lake, in the middle of which stood the black-stone tower of Orthanc. Whilst the Treegarth of Orthanc became part of the Reunited Kingdom, King Elessar granted the Ents complete self-governance of what was formerly Isengard.[6]

Etymology

Angrenost
Tengwar, Sindarin mode

Isengard means "Iron-courd" in Old English (see also Isen): "It was so called because of the great hardness of the stone in that place and especially in the central tower of Orthanc."[19]

Isen is an old English variant form of iron; and gard a Germanic word meaning 'enclosure (round a dwelling)' which appears in English garth/yard or Old Norse Asgard, Midgard etc.[19]

It is used here to show an archaic Westron name of the place, translation of Sindarin Angrenost.[19]

Portrayal in adaptations

Isengard in Adaptations

Films

2001-03: The Lord of the Rings (film series):

Peter Jackson's Isengard is reflective of J.R.R. Tolkien's descriptions of the fortress.

Games

1988: J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth:

Isengard is one of the many battlefields of this game.

2011: The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard:

Isengard is a prominant stronghold of evil within Eriador, and is the chief fortress of Saruman and The White Hand. It is available for exploration, and plays host to various instances.[20]

See also

Notes

  1. The Complete Guide to Middle-earth, entry "Isengard" incorrectly gives the date T.A. 2963.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Index of Names"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "Treebeard"
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"
  4. 4.0 4.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Battles of the Fords of Isen", Appendix (ii)
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Many Partings"
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "Flotsam and Jetsam"
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Road to Isengard"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Second Age"
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Palantír"
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Palantíri"
  12. 12.0 12.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The House of Eorl"
  13. 13.0 13.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", "The Stewards"
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years"
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Hunt for the Ring"
  17. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Voice of Saruman"
  18. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years"
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, "Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings" in Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 772
  20. Justin Olivetti, "Through Turbine's palantír: Developers outline LotRO's future" dated 21 April 2011, MASSIVELY by joystiq (accessed 23 December 2011)
Route of the Fellowship of the Ring
Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Parth Galen · Amon Hen · Eastemnet · Fangorn Forest · Rohan · Edoras · Hornburg · Isengard · Dunharrow · Paths of the Dead · Gondor · Hill of Erech · Lamedon · Linhir · Lebennin · Pelargir · Minas Tirith · Osgiliath · Cross-roads · Ithilien · Dagorlad · Black Gate · Field of Cormallen · Cair Andros · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
Boromir
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Parth Galen · Amon Hen
Frodo and Sam
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Parth Galen · Amon Hen · Emyn Muil · Dead Marshes · Black Gate · Ithilien · Henneth Annûn · Cross-roads · Morgul Vale · Stairs of Cirith Ungol · Cirith Ungol · Shelob's Lair · Tower of Cirith Ungol · Mordor · Morgai · Plateau of Gorgoroth · Mount Doom · Field of Cormallen · Cair Andros · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
Gandalf
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Celebdil† · Lothlórien · Fangorn Forest · Edoras · Hornburg · Isengard · Rohan · Anórien · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Osgiliath · Cross-roads · Ithilien · Dagorlad · Black Gate · Field of Cormallen · Cair Andros · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
Merry
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Parth Galen · Amon Hen · Emyn Muil · Eastemnet · Fangorn Forest · Wellinghall · Derndingle · Isengard · Hornburg · Dunharrow · Drúadan Forest · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
Pippin
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Amon Hen · Parth Galen · Emyn Muil · Eastemnet · Fangorn Forest · Wellinghall · Derndingle · Isengard · Rohan · Anórien · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Osgiliath · Cross-roads · Ithilien · Dagorlad · Black Gate · Field of Cormallen · Gondor · Cair Andros · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard