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{{youmay|the siege|the chapter, ''[[The Siege of Gondor]]''}}
{{disambig-more|Siege of Gondor|[[Siege of Gondor (disambiguation)]]}}
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{{battle
[[Image:Stephen Hickman - Siege of Minas Tirith.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Siege of Minas Tirith'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]The '''Siege of Gondor''', also known as the '''Siege of Minas Tirith''' after [[Gondor]]'s chief city [[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]], was a series of battles waged by [[Sauron]] against Gondor, as part of the [[War of the Ring]]. The siege was broken by the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].
|image=[[Image:Stephen Hickman - Siege of Minas Tirith.jpg|300px]]
|name=Siege of Gondor
|conflict=[[War of the Ring]]
|date=[[13 March]] - [[14 March]] {{TA|3019}}
|place=[[Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]
|result=Siege broken by Gondor and Rohan
|side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]
|side2=[[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]
|commanders1=*[[Denethor]]
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Faramir]]
*[[Forlong]]
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]]
*[[Théoden]]
*[[Grimbold]]
*[[Éomer]]
|commanders2=*The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]]
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
|forces1=Unknown number engaged
|forces2=Unknown number engaged
|casual1=Heavy
|casual2=Heavy
}}{{wotr}}
The '''Siege of Gondor''', also known as the '''Siege of Minas Tirith''' after [[Gondor]]'s chief city, was a series of battles waged by [[Sauron]] aimed at the capture of [[Minas Tirith]], as part of the [[War of the Ring]]. The siege was broken by the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].


==History==
{{main|War of the Ring}}


==Background ==
===Prelude===
According to Sauron's policy to find his [[The One Ring|One Ring]] and conquer [[Gondor]], on [[20 June]] {{TA|3018|n}} he sent the [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] to [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attacked]] [[Osgiliath]].<ref name=Great>{{App|Great}}</ref>  Although the chief and secret purpose of the battle was to release the Nazgûl for the hunt, it also served to test [[Denethor]]'s strength and to destroy the bridge across the river.<ref name=Hunt>{{UT|Hunt}}</ref>


The city of Minas Tirith was besieged following the fall of Osgiliath and the Rammas Echor, Gondor's final barriers against the forces of Mordor. In the retreat to the city, Faramir, son of Denethor, Steward of Gondor, was severely wounded. Since the despairing Steward refused to leave his son's side, the Wizard Gandalf took command of the city's defences.[1] Meanwhile, the enemy forces assembled before the city on the Pelennor Fields. The Great Darkness blotted out the sun.[1] The Nazgûl, Sauron's most feared servants, flew over the battlefield on fell beasts, causing the defenders' morale to waver.
For months thereafter Sauron continued to amass his forces in Mordor.<ref>{{TT|IV4}}</ref>  However, the deliberate pace of his preparations were thrown into turmoil on [[6 March]] {{TA|3019|n}}<ref name=Great/> when Aragorn looked into the [[Orthanc-stone]] and revealed himself, the heir of [[Isildur]], and [[Andúril]] to Sauron.<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>  In response Sauron ordered all of his ready forces to immediately prepare to take the capital city of Gondor.


After repeated futile attacks by catapults and siege towers, Sauron's forces were able to breach the city gate using the giant battering ram Grond. The Witch-king entered alone at dawn and was confronted by Gandalf. However, at that moment the Rohirrim arrived and charged into battle.[1]
[[Gandalf]] arrived with [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] at Minas Tirith on [[9 March]].<ref name=Great/>  Most of the citizens were sent south and west, except those in the arts of healing and boys who refused to leave. The same day, 3,000 men from [[Belfalas]], [[Dol Amroth]] and other places arrived to assist the garrison.  But, it was less then a tenth of what was needed. Most that were needed were holding off the Black Fleet of Umbar.  As evening drew on darkness began flowing out of Mordor.<ref>{{RK|V1}}</ref>


On [[10 March]], [[the Dawnless Day]],<ref name=Great/> Gandalf saved [[Faramir]] as he was pursued closely by the Nazgul.  Denethor, upon hearing the report of his son on the doings in [[Ithilien]], who allowed the Ring-Bearer go free, reprimanded him for his decision.  He also did not share his son's opinion that Osgilith was a liability. Faramir accepted the dangerous, perhaps suicidal, charge of defending the ruined city and the [[Rammas Echor]], riding for Osgiliath.<ref name=Siege>{{RK|V4}}</ref>  From the [[Morannon]] an army came forth, took [[Cair Andros]], and entered [[Anórien]].  In the evening a host issued from [[Minas Morgul]] and headed towards Osgiliath.<ref name=Great/>


=== Battles at Osgiliath and the Rammas Echor ===
On the morning of [[11 March]]<ref name=Great/> the Lord of the Nazgûl led the assault upon the western side of Osgiliath. Many boats had been built in secret which allowed them to swiftly overwhelm the defenders, who despite their fierce defence, could only do minimal casualties to the forces arrayed against them.  On [[12 March]]<ref name=Great/> Faramir retreated to the Rammas Echor.  The wall did not hold long as the invaders blasted many breaches through the defences.  Gandalf, upon learning the Lord of the Nazgûl was on the field, went from the city to assist the beleaguered forces.  On [[13 March]],<ref name=Great/> as Faramir retired to the city he fell wounded while battling against an Easterling champion.  Only a charge by Prince [[Imrahil]] and the Knights of [[Dol Amroth]] saved him.  As the defenders retreated to the city, a sortie of calvary sent out by Denethor scattered the pursuit and allowed them to come in unharried.  Denethor, upon seeing his son wounded and unconscious, lost his will to fight and gave no more thought to the defense of his city.<ref name=Siege/>


== Participants ==
=== The Siege ===
Sauron's army from Minas Morgul, led by the Witch-king of Angmar (chief of the Nazgûl or Ringwraiths) greatly outnumbered the combined armies of Gondor and its allies. Sauron's forces included Southrons of Harad (or Haradrim), who brought elephantine beasts called mûmakil {or Oliphaunts), Easterlings from Rhûn and Variags from Khand, as well as great numbers of Orcs and Trolls. Tolkien describes the army as the greatest to issue from that vale since the days of Isildur's might, no host so fell and strong in arms had yet assailed the fords of Anduin; and yet it was but one and not the greatest of the hosts that Mordor now sent forth.[2]
The defenders of Minas Tirith watched all day on [[14 March]]<ref name=Great/> as the hosts of Mordor dug pits and set up siege weapons beyond their range. At first they mocked the supposed foolishness. But, as the Nazgul continued swooping near the city and uttering cries of death, their morale dropped.  The Mordor host then used their siege engines to launch stones at the city, many of which burst into flame as they came crashing down. Then, the heads of all those that had been slain in battle were flung over the city. The whole first level was soon in flames.


The defenders' numbers were considerably less. Tolkien writes that Faramir was outnumbered by ten times at Osgiliath, where he lost one third of his men.[1] Tolkien also gives a catalogue of companies from outlying provinces of Gondor, totalling somewhat less than 3,000 soldiers, that came to the aid of Minas Tirith.[3] Prominent among them was a 700-strong contingent[1][4][3] led by Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth, Denethor's brother-in-law. The total contingent of allies was smaller than expected since Gondor's coastal towns were being attacked by the Corsairs of Umbar.[3][4]
Seeing that the defenders' will was already broken, near midnight the Lord of the Nazgûl launched his assault upon the city. Swathes of defenders fled to the higher levels, but enough stayed at their posts that many attackers were killed trying to reach the walls. Most of the siege towers were also destroyed as they rolled forward. These defenders were soon overrun, however, and either fled or were slaughtered. Breaching explosives were set upon the wall, and flashes of fire and deep rumbling roared in the night as the host of Mordor began blasting down the wall. The Witch-king moved in to conquer the first level himself.


A 6,000-strong cavalry army from Rohan, Gondor's ally, [5] arrived at dawn the next day - whereupon the battle proper began. The Men of Rohan (Rohirrim) were thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone.[6]
The hardest thrust was made against the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith|Great Gate]]. The Witch-king rode beside the battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]]. When it began to strike the gate, the Witch-King cried spells that reinforced it and weakened the gate; in only three strikes the gate was broken. All fled but Gandalf, whom stood defiant. The Lord of the Nazgûl mocked him and drew his sword, flames coursing down the blade; however, in this moment the winds began to blow away the clouds Sauron had gathered over Gondor, a cock crowed and horns blown in the north heralded the coming of the Rohirrim. The Lord of the Nazgûl left to deal with the Riders of [[Rohan]] and the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Pelennor Fields]] ensued.  The siege was broken during the battle.<ref name=Siege/>


Reinforcements from the coastal towns of Gondor later sailed on Corsair ships to the city.[4] They had been relieved and were now led by Aragorn, a man with a claim to the throne of Gondor due to his descent from the Kings of Arnor. He also led a small force[7] of Rangers of the North, representing Arnor.[6]
{{references}}
 
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]
 
 
== The battle ==
The battle begins immediately following Gandalf's denying the Witch-king's entry into the city.
 
After breaking the gate with Grond, the Witch-king rode under the archway that no enemy ever yet had passed. Gandalf, with Shadowfax, alone stood in his way. But before the two could fight, the Rohirrim arrived. Dawn broke, and the battle proper began. The Rohirrim had bypassed Sauron's lookouts thanks to the mysterious Wild Men (Drúedain) of Drúadan Forest.
 
Charging the ranks of Mordor, the Rohirrim split into two groups. The left group, including the van, broke the Witch-King's right wing. The right group secured the walls of Minas Tirith. They destroyed siege engines and camps, and drove off Haradrim cavalry. The Witch-king exchanged his horse for his winged steed and went straight for Théoden. The king's horse was killed by a dart, and it fell and crushed the king.
 
The King's niece Éowyn (disguised as a man and calling herself "Dernhelm") challenged the Witch-king. She was the only member of the King's guard to oppose him. In the ensuing combat she slew the Witch-king's mount, but he then broke her shield and shield arm. The Hobbit Meriadoc Brandybuck, who had accompanied "Dernhelm", intervened and stabbed the Witch-king behind his knee with his Barrow-blade, an enchanted sword. The Witch-king was bitterly wounded due to that particular sword's special magic. Éowyn then "drove her sword between crown and mantle", slaying him. This was a fulfilment of Glorfindel's prophecy following the fall of Arnor that the Witch-king would not die "by the hand of man". Both weapons that struck his undead flesh were destroyed as well.
 
Éowyn's brother Éomer arrived to find Théoden mortally wounded; he named Éomer king before dying. Éomer then saw his sister unconscious. Mistaking her for dead, he grew furious and led his entire army in a near-suicidal charge against the enemy forces. His vanguard broke out far beyond the rest of his forces. Meanwhile, Imrahil led Gondor's forces in a sortie from Minas Tirith. Imrahil rode up to Éowyn and found she still lived. She and Merry were sent to be healed in the city. The Ringwraith's Black Breath had made them both gravely ill, as with Faramir earlier.[6] Their right arms were left numb and cold after striking the Witch-king, and Éowyn's left arm had been broken in the mêlée.
 
Before the Rohirrim arrived, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre, believing Faramir to be beyond cure. Only the intervention of the Hobbit Peregrin Took, a guard named Beregond, and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could stop him.[9] Tolkien indirectly states that Théoden's death could have been prevented if Gandalf had helped the Rohirrim instead, as he had intended.
 
Out on the Pelennor Fields, the battle was turning against Gondor and its allies. Though the Rohirrim had inflicted enormous damage on their enemies, Sauron's forces were still numerically superior, and Gothmog, the lieutenant of Minas Morgul, who had assumed field command on the death of the Witch-king, summoned reinforcements from nearby Osgiliath. The Rohirrim were now on the southern half of the Pelennor, with enemies between them and the Anduin, and Gothmog's reinforcements threatened to occupy the centre of the Pelennor, thus surrounding the Rohirrim and preventing the Gondorian troops from joining with them. Éomer was by this time only about a mile from the Harlond, so rather than cut his way through to the river, he prepared to make a last stand on a hill.
 
Meanwhile, a fleet of ships, apparently the navy of the Corsairs of Umbar, who were Sauron's allies, sailed up Anduin to the Harlond. Just before reaching the quays, the flagship unfurled the ancient banner of the Kings of Gondor. This sight alone put heart into the Rohirrim and Imrahil's forces and demoralised Sauron's armies. The ships indeed were manned by Aragorn and his Rangers of the North, Gimli the Dwarf, Legolas the Elf, the Half-elven brothers Elladan and Elrohir and many troops from south Gondor.[4] (Later in the book, Legolas and Gimli relate how a ghostly host commanded by Aragorn, the Dead Men of Dunharrow, captured the ships from the Corsairs chiefly through fear.)[10]
 
This proved the turning point of the battle. A large portion of Sauron's forces were now pinned between Aragorn's and Éomer's forces, while Imrahil's troops advanced from the direction of the city. Though the advantage now rested with Gondor, fighting continued throughout the day, until at sunset no living enemy remained on the Pelennor Fields. A brief respite was won until the Battle of the Black Gate.
 
 
 
== Depictions ==
 
 
 
== Illustration ==
 
Various artists have illustrated the battle or elements of it, including Alan Lee, John Howe, the Brothers Hildebrandt, and Ted Nasmith.
 
 
 
== Radio ==
 
In the BBC radio series The Lord of the Rings, the Battle of the Pelennor Fields is heard from two sides, the first being mainly Pippin's. One hears him discussing with Denethor, and like in the book, he has to find Gandalf to prevent Denethor from burning Faramir. This part is very similar to the book. The second side is the battle itself. Théoden's speech is declaimed, followed by music. A vocalist sings how the Rohirrim host rides forth and attacks the forces of darkness. Then the vocalism changes again and one hears Jack May and Anthony Hyde, voicing respectively Théoden and Éomer, saying a Nazgûl is coming. The 'opera' begins again, stating the Witch-king attacks Théoden, smacks him down and prepares to kill him. The vocalism ends here, then one hears Éowyn facing the Witch-king and slaying him.
 
 
 
== Live-action film ==
 
The battle is the major centrepiece of Peter Jackson's film The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. In the battle proper, importance is given to the arrival of the Rohirrim, the combat with the Oliphaunts, and the death of the Witch-king and the added presence of the Dead Men of Dunharrow on the field.
 
The enemy officer Gothmog, the Witch-king's field commander, is interpreted as a grotesquely misshapen Orc.
 
The siege of the city begins with Sauron's forces throwing severed heads of Gondorian soldiers into the city with siege engines, as in the book. Gandalf acts as the general of Minas Tirith and oversees the defence. Unlike the book, siege towers filled with Orcs manage to reach the wall and Gandalf leads the Gondorians in fighting off the Orcs. The Orcs are later joined by the Nazgûl who destroy Minas Tirith's trebuchets. Eventually the city gates are broken by Grond, and deviating from the book, the armies of Mordor enter the city and the defenders fall back in rout to the upper levels of the city.
 
As dawn breaks, Théoden and the Rohirrim arrive and rout the Orcs. Unlike the book, the film makes it clear beforehand that Éowyn has ridden secretly with the others; she does not use the alias "Dernhelm". The Rohirrim then face mûmakil. Théoden orders a second charge against these, which results in many casualties. Nevertheless the Rohirrim bring down some beasts with arrows and spears.
 
As Théoden is marshaling riders for a third charge, the Witch-king bowls Théoden and his horse over with his fell beast. He is armed with a huge flail (instead of the book's mace) and a sword. Éowyn then faces him. Like in the book she rides with Merry who in this version is aware of her identity and like in the book helps her defeat the Witch-King. She reveals herself as a woman just before giving the Witch-king the fatal blow, whereas in the book she reveals her true nature before they fight. She and Théoden exchange words before the latter dies; in the book Théoden talks to Merry, not Éowyn, before dying.
 
Aragorn arrives on the Corsair ships accompanied by only Legolas and Gimli and the "Army of the Dead" (a term Tolkien does not use), and go on the attack. The Dead, invincible and unstoppable, annihilate Sauron's forces; in the book, as well as being absent from the battle, their ability to inflict physical harm is left vague and their ability to inspire fear is emphasized instead. Following the battle, Aragorn dismisses the Dead, but only after a scene of silent hesitation, where Gimli suggests that they keep them for their usefulness.
 
The Extended Edition of the film expands on the involvement of some characters. New scenes depict both Éowyn and Merry fighting the Orcs and Haradrim on foot, as well as a brief fight between Éowyn and Gothmog in which the latter is wounded, and later killed by Aragorn and Gimli.
 
CNN.com put the battle on a list of best and worst battle scenes in film, where it appeared twice: one of the best before the Army of the Dead arrives, and one of the worst after that, dubbing the battle's climax an "oversimplified cop out" as a result of their involvement.
 
 
 
== Concept and creation ==
 
Sauron Defeated, the fourth volume of The History of the Lord of the Rings, part of the History of Middle-earth series, contains superseded versions of the battle. Some changes of detail are apparent. For example, Théoden dies by a projectile to the heart instead of being crushed by his horse; when Éowyn reveals her sex she has cut her hair short, a detail absent from the final version. Tolkien also considered killing off both Théoden and Éowyn.
 
 
== Critical response ==
 
The battle has been analyzed in various publications.
 
War and the Works of J.R.R. Tolkien by Tolkien scholar Janet Brennan Croft examines the influence of World War I and II on Tolkien's fantasy writings, and the development of his attitude towards war.
 
Michael D. C. Drout's "Tolkien's Prose Style and its Literary and Rhetorical Effects", featured in the academic journal Tolkien Studies, published by West Virginia University Press, analyzes Tolkien's writing style and deduces influence from and parallels with King Lear. Drout also writes about the evolution of events in the narrative using material from the History of Middle-earth series.
 
The events of the battle are also analyzed in Fantasy: The Liberation of Imagination by Richard Matthews, which explores "how fantasy uses the elements of enchantment and the supernatural to explode everyday reality and create profound insights into essential human realities."
 
 
[[Category:Wars and Battles]]
[[Category:Sieges]]
[[Category:Sieges]]

Revision as of 21:22, 27 January 2018

The name Siege of Gondor refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Siege of Gondor (disambiguation).
Siege of Gondor
Stephen Hickman - Siege of Minas Tirith.jpg
Conflict: War of the Ring
Date: 13 March - 14 March T.A. 3019
Place: Minas Tirith and fields of Pelennor, Gondor
Outcome: Siege broken by Gondor and Rohan
Combatants

Gondor, Rohan

Mordor, Harad, Rhûn, Khand

Commanders
Strength

Unknown number engaged

Unknown number engaged

Casualties

Heavy

Heavy

War of the Ring
Osgiliath (1) · Moria · Isen (1) · Rauros · Isen (2) · Fangorn · Isengard · Hornburg · Osgiliath (2) · Siege of Gondor · Dale · Pelennor Fields · Black Gate · Dol Guldur · Bywater

The Siege of Gondor, also known as the Siege of Minas Tirith after Gondor's chief city, was a series of battles waged by Sauron aimed at the capture of Minas Tirith, as part of the War of the Ring. The siege was broken by the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.

History

Main article: War of the Ring

Prelude

According to Sauron's policy to find his One Ring and conquer Gondor, on 20 June 3018 he sent the Lord of the Nazgûl to attacked Osgiliath.[1] Although the chief and secret purpose of the battle was to release the Nazgûl for the hunt, it also served to test Denethor's strength and to destroy the bridge across the river.[2]

For months thereafter Sauron continued to amass his forces in Mordor.[3] However, the deliberate pace of his preparations were thrown into turmoil on 6 March 3019[1] when Aragorn looked into the Orthanc-stone and revealed himself, the heir of Isildur, and Andúril to Sauron.[4] In response Sauron ordered all of his ready forces to immediately prepare to take the capital city of Gondor.

Gandalf arrived with Pippin at Minas Tirith on 9 March.[1] Most of the citizens were sent south and west, except those in the arts of healing and boys who refused to leave. The same day, 3,000 men from Belfalas, Dol Amroth and other places arrived to assist the garrison. But, it was less then a tenth of what was needed. Most that were needed were holding off the Black Fleet of Umbar. As evening drew on darkness began flowing out of Mordor.[5]

On 10 March, the Dawnless Day,[1] Gandalf saved Faramir as he was pursued closely by the Nazgul. Denethor, upon hearing the report of his son on the doings in Ithilien, who allowed the Ring-Bearer go free, reprimanded him for his decision. He also did not share his son's opinion that Osgilith was a liability. Faramir accepted the dangerous, perhaps suicidal, charge of defending the ruined city and the Rammas Echor, riding for Osgiliath.[6] From the Morannon an army came forth, took Cair Andros, and entered Anórien. In the evening a host issued from Minas Morgul and headed towards Osgiliath.[1]

Battles at Osgiliath and the Rammas Echor

On the morning of 11 March[1] the Lord of the Nazgûl led the assault upon the western side of Osgiliath. Many boats had been built in secret which allowed them to swiftly overwhelm the defenders, who despite their fierce defence, could only do minimal casualties to the forces arrayed against them. On 12 March[1] Faramir retreated to the Rammas Echor. The wall did not hold long as the invaders blasted many breaches through the defences. Gandalf, upon learning the Lord of the Nazgûl was on the field, went from the city to assist the beleaguered forces. On 13 March,[1] as Faramir retired to the city he fell wounded while battling against an Easterling champion. Only a charge by Prince Imrahil and the Knights of Dol Amroth saved him. As the defenders retreated to the city, a sortie of calvary sent out by Denethor scattered the pursuit and allowed them to come in unharried. Denethor, upon seeing his son wounded and unconscious, lost his will to fight and gave no more thought to the defense of his city.[6]

The Siege

The defenders of Minas Tirith watched all day on 14 March[1] as the hosts of Mordor dug pits and set up siege weapons beyond their range. At first they mocked the supposed foolishness. But, as the Nazgul continued swooping near the city and uttering cries of death, their morale dropped. The Mordor host then used their siege engines to launch stones at the city, many of which burst into flame as they came crashing down. Then, the heads of all those that had been slain in battle were flung over the city. The whole first level was soon in flames.

Seeing that the defenders' will was already broken, near midnight the Lord of the Nazgûl launched his assault upon the city. Swathes of defenders fled to the higher levels, but enough stayed at their posts that many attackers were killed trying to reach the walls. Most of the siege towers were also destroyed as they rolled forward. These defenders were soon overrun, however, and either fled or were slaughtered. Breaching explosives were set upon the wall, and flashes of fire and deep rumbling roared in the night as the host of Mordor began blasting down the wall. The Witch-king moved in to conquer the first level himself.

The hardest thrust was made against the Great Gate. The Witch-king rode beside the battering ram Grond. When it began to strike the gate, the Witch-King cried spells that reinforced it and weakened the gate; in only three strikes the gate was broken. All fled but Gandalf, whom stood defiant. The Lord of the Nazgûl mocked him and drew his sword, flames coursing down the blade; however, in this moment the winds began to blow away the clouds Sauron had gathered over Gondor, a cock crowed and horns blown in the north heralded the coming of the Rohirrim. The Lord of the Nazgûl left to deal with the Riders of Rohan and the Battle of Pelennor Fields ensued. The siege was broken during the battle.[6]

References