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| founder=[[Gil-galad]] and [[Elendil]]
| founder=[[Gil-galad]] and [[Elendil]]
| purpose=Prevent conquest by [[Sauron]]
| purpose=Prevent conquest by [[Sauron]]
| members=[[Men of Arnor]], [[Men of the Vales of Anduin]], [[Gondorians]], [[Elves of Lindon]], [[Rivendell|Forces of Imladris]], [[Elves of Mirkwood]], [[Elves of Lórinand]], [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]], "beasts and birds"<ref name=rings/>
| members=[[Dúnedain]]; [[Elves of Lindon]], [[Rivendell]], [[Elves of Mirkwood|Mirkwood]], and [[Galadhrim|Lothlórien]]; [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]]; birds and beasts<ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref>
| location=Mustered at [[Imladris]], forces drawn from all parts of northwestern [[Middle-earth]]
| location=[[Imladris]], drawn from all parts of northwestern [[Middle-earth]]
| disbanded={{SA|3441}}
| disbanded={{SA|3441}}
| notablefor=Defeating [[Sauron]]
| notablefor=Defeating [[Sauron]]
| gallery=the Last Alliance
| gallery=the Last Alliance
}}
}}
{{quote|Now [[Elendil]] and [[Gil-galad]]... perceived that [[Sauron]] would grow too strong..., if they did not unite against him. Therefore they made that League which is called the Last Alliance, and they marched east... gathering a great host of [[Elves]] and [[Men]]; and they halted for a while at [[Imladris]]. It is said that the host that was there assembled was fairer and more splendid in arms than any that has since been seen in [[Middle-earth]], and none greater has been mustered since the [[Host of the Valar|host of the Valar]] went against [[Thangorodrim]].|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]"}}
'''The Last Alliance of Elves and Men''' was formed in {{SA|3430|n}} of the [[Second Age]] in response to the threat of conquest by the Dark Lord [[Sauron]].<ref name=SA>{{App|SA}}</ref>
The '''Last Alliance of Elves and Men''' was the great league formed in response to the threat of conquest by the Dark Lord [[Sauron]].<ref name=SA>{{App|SA}}</ref> The collective-army that eventually set out to war was sometimes called the '''Host of the Alliance'''.<ref name=second/>


==Structure==
==History==
The great host was generally divided into hosts commanded by [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elendil]]:
Sauron had been contending with the [[Elves]] for mastery of Middle-earth for over 1200 years. Fearing the establishment of the powerful kingdoms in exile &mdash; [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]] &mdash; by his hated enemies, the [[Dúnedain]], Sauron launched a pre-emptive attack on Gondor in {{SA|3429}}.
 
'''Gil-galad'''
*[[Elves of Lindon]] (with [[Círdan]])
*[[Elrond]]
**[[Rivendell|Forces of Imladris]]
*[[Oropher]] (with [[Thranduil]])
**[[Elves of the Wood]]
**[[Amdír]]
***[[Elves of Lórinand]]
 
'''Elendil'''
*[[Men of Arnor]]
**[[Isildur]] (with [[Elendur (son of Isildur)|Elendur]], [[Aratan]], and [[Ciryon]])<ref name=gladdenfield/>
***[[Men of Arnor|Men of eastern Arnor]]
***[[Men of the Vales of Anduin]]
**[[Anárion]]
***[[Gondorians]]
 
The army of the [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]] and the "beasts and birds"<ref name=rings/> are not said to have belonged to either host.
 
==Background==
[[Sauron]] had been contending with the [[Elves]] for mastery of [[Middle-earth]] for over 1200 years. Fearing the establishment of the powerful [[Realms in Exile]] by his hated enemies, the [[Númenóreans]], and the ever-growing influence of [[Gil-galad]] in the [[Westlands]], Sauron launched a pre-emptive attack on [[Gondor]] in {{SA|3429}}.<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref><ref name=SA/>


The first strike of the War was against [[Isildur]]'s fortress of [[Minas Ithil]], which guarded [[Mordor]]'s western borders. This Sauron captured, but Isildur and his family were able to escape by ship, sailing down the [[Anduin]] to its [[Mouths of Anduin|Mouths]], and then by sea northward to seek out his father, the [[High King (Dúnedain)|High King]] [[Elendil]].<ref name=rings/> Meanwhile Sauron continued his assault, attempting to take [[Osgiliath]], but Isildur's brother [[Anárion]] was prepared for him. The forces of Mordor were driven back through [[Ithilien]], and held at the line of the [[Ephel Dúath]]; but Sauron gathered his strength again, and [[Anárion]] knew that unless help should come [[Gondor]] would fall.<ref name=rings/>
[[Isildur]] left [[Minas Ithil]] for the north to meet his father and [[High King of the Dúnedain]] [[Elendil]], whilst [[Anárion]], Elendil's younger son, defended [[Osgiliath]] against the hosts of [[Mordor]].<ref name=SA/>


==History==
In response, Elendil formed an alliance with [[Gil-galad]], the [[High King of the Noldor]], to repel Sauron's assault in {{SA|3430}}.<ref name=SA/> [[Durin's Folk]] also joined. It is said that Elendil bound the Alliance with an oath and invoked the name of [[Eru]] to witness it.<ref name=Cirion>{{UT|Cirion}}</ref> Eru's name was very rarely invoked in oaths, and among the [[Númenóreans]] it was held that only the King could call upon Him. This would happen again only thousands of years later during the [[Oath of Cirion]].<ref name=Cirion/>  
[[Elendil]] and [[Gil-galad]], after receiving [[Isildur]], understood that Sauron would grow too powerful if they did not unite against them.<ref name=rings/> In response, [[Elendil]] and his sons formed an alliance with [[Gil-galad]] in {{SA|3430}}<ref name=SA/> and the hosts of Gil-galad and Elendil were mustered in [[Arnor]].<ref name=second>{{PM|Second}}</ref><ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref> It is said that the hosts of Gil-galad joined Elendil at [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]] (it is told that [[Elendil]] stood on the great watch-tower of [[Amon Sûl]] watching for the coming of Gil-galad out of [[Lindon]])<ref>{{FR|Knife}}</ref> and marched towards [[Imladris]] in {{SA|3431}} whilst summoning all folk to their aid.<ref name=SA/><ref name=second/> The host that was assembled at [[Imladris]] was said to be the greatest since the [[Host of Valinor]] of the [[First Age]].<ref name=rings/> It is said that [[Elendil]] bound the Alliance with an oath and invoked the name of [[Eru]] to witness it.<ref name=Cirion>{{UT|Cirion}}</ref> Though the main host was composed of [[Elves]] and [[Men]], other races also played their part. In particular, there are records of the [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]] joining the alliance.<ref name=rings/>


It is said that the hosts of Gil-galad joined Elendil at [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]]<Ref name=Knife>{{FR|Knife}}</ref> and marched towards Imladris in {{SA|3431}} where they camped for three years,<ref name=SA/> forging armour and making plans.{{fact}}
[[File:Angel Falto - Elf Last Alliance.jpg|200px|thumb|left|''Last Alliance'' by [[:Category:Images by Angel Falto|Angel Falto]]]]
[[File:Angel Falto - Elf Last Alliance.jpg|200px|thumb|left|''Last Alliance'' by [[:Category:Images by Angel Falto|Angel Falto]]]]
Finally in {{SA|3434}} the armies crossed the [[Misty Mountains]] at various locations; Gil-galad and [[Isildur]] crossed the [[Pass of Imladris]] and the [[Pass of Caradhras]], and they were so large, that the [[Orcs of Mordor]] sent by Sauron to harry them, hid themselves.<ref>{{UT|Gladden}}</ref> Their forces were strengthened in the [[Vales of Anduin]] by Elves from [[Lothlórien]] and [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]] under the command of [[Oropher]] and [[Amdír]] and by the Dwarves of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]].


Bringing together this great host took no less than three years, during which other preparations were made. For example, the ancient [[Forest Road]] that led down from the [[Pass of Imladris]], crossed [[Anduin]] by a bridge which had been enlarged and strengthened for the passage of the armies of the Alliance.<ref>{{UT|Gladden}}, note 14</ref>  Finally in {{SA|3434}}, the Host of the Alliance crossed the [[Misty Mountains]] by many passes and marched south.<ref name=rings/> The main might of [[Gil-galad]] with the company of [[Elrond]], together with [[Isildur]] and the [[Men of Arnor|men of eastern Arnor]] crossed over the [[High Pass]] and the [[Redhorn Gate]].<ref name=gladden/><ref name=gladdenfield/> In fact that host was so large, that the [[Orcs of Mordor]] sent by Sauron to harry them, hid themselves.<ref name=gladden>{{UT|Gladden}}, note 20</ref>  
When Sauron learned of their advance, he burned the former [[Brown Lands|Gardens]] of the [[Entwives]] to hinder them down the [[Anduin]].<ref>{{L|144}}</ref>


As the Host crossed the [[Anduin]] and travelled down the [[Vales of Anduin]], their forces were further strengthened by both [[Elves]] and [[Men]]. Despite the reluctance of [[Oropher]], King of the [[Silvan Elves]] east of [[Anduin]], to meddle in the affairs of any other peoples, he assembled a great army of [[Elves of Mirkwood|his now numerous people]], and joining with the [[Elves of Lórinand|lesser army]] of [[Amdír]], [[King of Lórien]], he led the host of the [[Silvan Elves]] to the Last Alliance.<ref name="Princes"/> The [[Silvan Elves]] were hardy and valiant, but ill-equipped with armour or weapons in comparison with the [[Noldor]]; also they were independent, and not disposed to place themselves under the supreme command of [[Gil-galad]].<ref name="Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref> In addition to the [[Silvan Elves]], the [[Men of the Vales of Anduin]] joined the great host, allying themselves with [[Isildur]].<ref name=gladdenfield>{{UT|Gladden}}</ref>  
Soon they reached [[Dagorlad]] where they met and defeated Sauron's army in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]], breached the [[Morannon]] into [[Mordor]], and besieged the Dark Lord's fortress of [[Barad-dûr]]. The siege lasted for seven years, during which [[Anárion]] was slain. It culminated in Sauron leaving his fortress and engaging in direct combat.<ref name=SA/>  


When Sauron learned of their advance, he burned the former [[Brown Lands|gardens]] of the [[Entwives]] to hinder them down the [[Anduin]].<ref>{{L|144}}</ref>
Sauron was felled by Gil-galad and Elendil, who both perished in the assault themselves.<ref name=SA/> Isildur cut the Ring from Sauron's finger.<ref>{{FR|II2}}</ref> Bereft of the power of the One Ring, Sauron's spirit dissipated and would not take form again in Middle-earth for a thousand years.


Soon, the Host of the Alliance reached [[Dagorlad]] where they met and defeated Sauron's host in the great [[Battle of Dagorlad]], breached the [[Morannon]] into [[Mordor]], and besieged the Dark Lord's fortress of [[Barad-dûr]].<ref name=rings/> In the seventh year of the [[Siege of Barad-dûr|Siege]], {{SA|3441}}, Sauron sought to bring it to an end by offering combat against the leaders of the Alliance, but in the combat that followed, [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elendil]] both fell but Sauron was also defeated, and his evil spirit abandoned his body.<ref name=SA/>  With the fall of Sauron came the end of the [[War of Last Alliance|War]], and also the end of the mighty Last Alliance of Elves and Men.<ref name=SA/>
With the victory over Sauron and the death of Gil-galad and Elendil, the Last Alliance was dissolved. The remaining Númenóreans resettled their [[Realms in Exile|kingdoms]].
{{references}}
[[Category:Armies]]


==See also==
==See also==
*[[War of the Last Alliance]] (Military information)
* '''[[War of the Last Alliance]]''' (Military information)
*[[Union of Maedhros]], a similar alliance of the [[First Age]]


{{references}}
[[Category:Armies]]
[[Category:Arnorians]]
[[Category:Gondorians]]
[[Category:Gondorians]]
[[Category:Elves]]
[[Category:Elves]]

Revision as of 07:13, 23 November 2020

Last Alliance of Elves and Men
Organisation
Jenny Dolfen - The Last Alliance.jpg
"The Last Alliance" by Jenny Dolfen
Date foundedS.A. 3430
FounderGil-galad and Elendil
PurposePrevent conquest by Sauron
Notable membersDúnedain; Elves of Lindon, Rivendell, Mirkwood, and Lothlórien; Dwarves of Khazad-dûm; birds and beasts[1]
LocationImladris, drawn from all parts of northwestern Middle-earth
DisbandedS.A. 3441
Notable forDefeating Sauron
GalleryImages of the Last Alliance

The Last Alliance of Elves and Men was formed in 3430 of the Second Age in response to the threat of conquest by the Dark Lord Sauron.[2]

History

Sauron had been contending with the Elves for mastery of Middle-earth for over 1200 years. Fearing the establishment of the powerful kingdoms in exile — Arnor and Gondor — by his hated enemies, the Dúnedain, Sauron launched a pre-emptive attack on Gondor in S.A. 3429.

Isildur left Minas Ithil for the north to meet his father and High King of the Dúnedain Elendil, whilst Anárion, Elendil's younger son, defended Osgiliath against the hosts of Mordor.[2]

In response, Elendil formed an alliance with Gil-galad, the High King of the Noldor, to repel Sauron's assault in S.A. 3430.[2] Durin's Folk also joined. It is said that Elendil bound the Alliance with an oath and invoked the name of Eru to witness it.[3] Eru's name was very rarely invoked in oaths, and among the Númenóreans it was held that only the King could call upon Him. This would happen again only thousands of years later during the Oath of Cirion.[3]

It is said that the hosts of Gil-galad joined Elendil at Amon Sûl[4] and marched towards Imladris in S.A. 3431 where they camped for three years,[2] forging armour and making plans.[source?]

Last Alliance by Angel Falto

Finally in S.A. 3434 the armies crossed the Misty Mountains at various locations; Gil-galad and Isildur crossed the Pass of Imladris and the Pass of Caradhras, and they were so large, that the Orcs of Mordor sent by Sauron to harry them, hid themselves.[5] Their forces were strengthened in the Vales of Anduin by Elves from Lothlórien and Greenwood the Great under the command of Oropher and Amdír and by the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm.

When Sauron learned of their advance, he burned the former Gardens of the Entwives to hinder them down the Anduin.[6]

Soon they reached Dagorlad where they met and defeated Sauron's army in the Battle of Dagorlad, breached the Morannon into Mordor, and besieged the Dark Lord's fortress of Barad-dûr. The siege lasted for seven years, during which Anárion was slain. It culminated in Sauron leaving his fortress and engaging in direct combat.[2]

Sauron was felled by Gil-galad and Elendil, who both perished in the assault themselves.[2] Isildur cut the Ring from Sauron's finger.[7] Bereft of the power of the One Ring, Sauron's spirit dissipated and would not take form again in Middle-earth for a thousand years.

With the victory over Sauron and the death of Gil-galad and Elendil, the Last Alliance was dissolved. The remaining Númenóreans resettled their kingdoms.

References

  1. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Second Age"
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan"
  4. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Knife in the Dark"
  5. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Disaster of the Gladden Fields"
  6. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 144, (dated 25 April 1954)
  7. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"

See also

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