https://tolkiengateway.net/w/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=173.206.11.204&feedformat=atomTolkien Gateway - User contributions [en]2024-03-28T14:26:53ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.39.3https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Dale&diff=298096Dale2018-04-01T01:19:11Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
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<div>{{disambig-two|the City of Dale|Kingdom|[[Kingdom of Dale]]}}<br />
{{location infobox<br />
| name=Dale<br />
| image=[[File:Matěj Čadil - Dale.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Dale" by Matěj Čadil<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=<br />
| location=Northern [[Rhovanion|Wilderland]] on the banks of [[River Running]], between the south-west and south-east arms of [[Lonely Mountain]]<br />
| type=City-state, later a Kingdom<br />
| description=Originally a lordship of [[Northmen]] with strong ties to the [[Kingdom Under the Mountain]] before [[Smaug]]. Later, a strong Kingdom of [[Men]]<br />
| regions=<br />
| towns=<br />
| inhabitants=[[Northmen]]<br />
| created=Around [[T.A. 2590]]<br />
| destroyed=<br />
| rebuilt=<br />
| events=[[Sack of Erebor]], [[Battle of Five Armies]], [[Battle of Dale]]<br />
}}<br />
'''Dale''' was a city of the [[Northmen]], destroyed by the [[Dragons|dragon]] [[Smaug]] and rebuilt after his demise.<br />
<br />
==Description==<br />
Dale was situated in the valley between the south-western and south-eastern arms of the [[Lonely Mountain]], nestled in a sharp U-shaped bend of the [[River Running]].<ref>{{H|Thror}}</ref> It was known as a merry town that traded, mainly in food-supplies, for the skills and craft-pieces of the [[Dwarves of Erebor|Dwarves]]. Dale's toy market was the wonder of the North<ref name="Party">{{H|Party}}</ref> and the town was renowned for its bells.<ref>{{H|Doorstep}}</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
[[File:Angus McBride - Dale.jpg|thumb|left|[[Angus McBride]] - ''Dale'']]<br />
In {{TA|2590}} King [[Thrór]] re-established the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]].<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> The realm prospered and [[Northmen]] living to the south came up the River Running and built Dale.<ref name="Party"/> The town shared in the prosperity of the Dwarves and it was governed by the [[Lord of Dale]], of whom the last was named [[Girion]].<ref>{{H|Fire}}</ref><br />
<br />
In {{TA|2770|n}} [[Smaug]] descended upon the Dwarf-kingdom.<ref name="TA"/> Although the [[Men of Dale]] fielded warriors against the monster they could not prevent him from killing or scattering the Dwarves and then occupying the Lonely Mountain. After the attack the dragon would crawl out of the [[Front Gate]] of the Mountain by night and carry away people (especially maidens) from Dale to eat. The remaining population soon fled and the deserted city fell into ruins.<ref name="Party"/><br />
<br />
The death of Smaug and the [[Battle of Five Armies]] occurred in {{TA|2941|n}}. Three years after the battle, Dale was rebuilt by [[Bard|Bard the Bowman]],<ref name="TA"/> who had killed the dragon and was the descendant of Girion. Dale soon again enjoyed prosperity: Bard founded the [[Kingdom of Dale]] and it gathered men from the [[Long Lake]], the South, and the West. [[Lake-town]] was rebuilt and grew wealthy from traffic with Dale.<ref>{{H|Stage}}</ref> Its people became known as [[Bardings]], after their new ruler.<br />
<br />
[[File:Jan Pospisil - Dale units vs. Rhun.jpg|left|thumb|Jan Pospisil - ''The Battle of Dale'']]<br />
During the reign of King [[Brand]], the grandson of Bard the Bowman, Dale served as the capital for the lands he ruled, which extended far south and east of Lake-town.<ref>{{FR|II1}}</ref> However, as [[Glóin]] revealed at the [[Council of Elrond]], in {{TA|3017|n}} a messenger from [[Mordor]] came to ask King [[Dáin Ironfoot]] at the gate to the Lonely Mountain for news of [[Hobbits]] and to ask for [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo's]] [[The One Ring|ring]]. Messengers had also come to King Brand and there were enemies gathering upon the Kingdom of Dale's eastern borders.<ref>{{FR|II2}}</ref><br />
<br />
During the [[War of the Ring]], the [[Easterlings]] crossed the border and moved to attack the city. On [[17 March]] {{TA|3019|n}} the [[Battle of Dale]] began. Not able to hold back the Easterlings the Bardings and their allies, the Dwarves of Erebor, retreated into the Lonely Mountain, but lost Kings Brand and Dáin Ironfoot who were both slain at the Gate of Erebor. For seven days the Men and Dwarves barricaded themselves in Erebor until news came from the south of the defeat of [[Sauron]]. The new kings of Dale and Erebor ([[Bard II]] and [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]]), broke the siege and chased the Easterlings out of Dale. After the siege, the Bardings rebuilt Dale, with the help of the Dwarves. Bard also sent an emissary to the coronation of King [[Aragorn|Elessar]].<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The word ''dale'' means "valley", as it was built in the [[River Running|Celduin]] valley between two arms of Erebor.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
[[File:Dale-BFME2.jpg|thumb|Dale in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II|''BFME'' II]]]]<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:The City of Dale appears in the ''Erebor'' map, just south-east of the mountain itself. It appears to contain several houses, taverns and bridges, as well as a statue of a man. The city is built around the mountain's river.<br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''<br />
:Glimpses of the [[sack of Erebor]] and the destruction of Dale were shown in the opening prologue sequence.<br />
<br />
'''2013: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''<br />
:The ruined city of Dale appears briefly in the scene when [[Bilbo Baggins]] and the [[Thorin and Company|Dwarves]] are heading for [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]].<br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''<br />
:After the death of [[Smaug]], the villagers of [[Lake-town]] seek refuge in the ruined city. During the [[Battle of Five Armies]], they hide inside Dale while the [[Lake-men]] combat the enemy forces. When the [[Orcs|Orc]] army attacks the ruined city, Bard and the Lake-towners run to defend it, leaving the [[Dwarves]] and the [[Elves]] to protect the gates of Erebor. The Elves later come to join the [[Men]] in defending the city.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[:Category:Images of Dale|Images of Dale]]<br />
<br />
{{References}}<br />
[[Category:Cities, towns and villages]]<br />
[[Category:Rhovanion]]<br />
[[de:Thal]]<br />
[[fi:Laakso]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:geographie:villes_tours_et_forteresses:rhovanion:dale]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Siege_of_Barad-d%C3%BBr&diff=297956Siege of Barad-dûr2018-03-25T16:32:41Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
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<div>{{battle<br />
| image=[[File:Abe Papakhian - I Behold (colour).jpg|300px]]<br />
| name= Siege of Barad-dûr<br />
| conflict= [[War of the Last Alliance]]<br />
| date= {{SA|3434}} - {{SA|3441}}<br />
| result=Last Alliance victory, disembodiment of [[Sauron]]<br />
| place= [[Barad-dûr]], [[Mount Doom]], [[Mordor]]<br />
| side1=[[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance forces]]<br />
| side2=Forces of [[Sauron]]<br />
| commanders1=<br />
{{Gil-galad blazon|died}}<br />
* [[Elendil]]†<br />
* [[Isildur]]<br />
* [[Anárion]]†<br />
* [[Thranduil]]<br />
* Unknown Dwarf commander (under the command of [[Durin IV]]<br />
| commanders2= {{Sauron blazon}}<br />
| forces1=<br />
*Over 100,000 [[Elves]] and [[Númenóreans|Men]]<br />
*Tens of thousands of [[Durin's Folk|Dwarves]]<br />
| forces2=10,000-20,000 [[Orcs]], [[Haradrim|Southrons]], [[Easterlings]]<br />
| casual1=Severe<br />
| casual2=Entire force slain or captured<br />
|}}<br />
<br />
The '''Siege of Barad-dûr''' was the armed conflict that would end the [[War of the Last Alliance]] and the [[Second Age]]. It was the direct result of the [[Battle of Dagorlad]], where passage into [[Mordor]] was won by the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] at heavy cost. <br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
===The Siege===<br />
In {{SA|3434}} the Last Alliance entered [[Mordor]]. The Orcs that survived the slaughter at Dagorlad were surrounded in Barad-dûr, Sauron's dark stronghold. There, the forces of [[Gil-galad]], [[Elendil]] and [[Thranduil]] laid siege to the tower, but could not breach its gates. <br />
<br />
Sauron put together a strong defence with a seemingly unexhaustible supply of projectile and sorties throughout seven years, during which the Allies suffered heavy casualties. In {{SA|3440}}, Anárion's helmet was crushed by a thrown rock resulting in his death.<br />
<br />
[[Second Age 3441|A year later]], however, Sauron went out with a sortie himself, and broke the leaguer. He came to [[Mount Doom]], where the two kings, Gil-galad and Elendil, fought with him in single combat. Sauron struck down Elendil, and his sword [[Narsil]] broke in two beneath him as he fell. [[Gil-galad]]'s face was scorched by the heat of Sauron's hand, killing him. Nonetheless Sauron was wounded in the fight with the two kings, and as he let his guard down, Isildur took up the broken hilt of his father's blade and hewed off Sauron's ring finger, defeating him.<br />
<br />
=== Aftermath ===<br />
The battle marked the (temporary) passing of Sauron, and the beginning of the [[Third Age]]. Gil-galad's heralds [[Círdan]] and [[Elrond]] advised Isildur to destroy the Ring by throwing it in the fires of Mount Doom. But instead Isildur replied: ''This I will have as weregild for my father's death, and my brother's. Was it not I who dealt the Enemy his death-blow?''<ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref><br />
<br />
Gondor prospered, and built fortresses on all the entrances to Mordor: the [[Morannon]], [[Durthang]] and the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]]. Isildur wrote an account of the battle, describing his father and Gil-galad's duel with Sauron in detail and the lengthy siege itself.<br />
<br />
With the death of Gil-galad, the [[Noldor]] were without a King as he left no heir. Elrond and Círdan returned to [[Lindon]]. Relations between Elves and Men worsened due to the deaths of Gil-galad and Elendil, and also Isildur's taking of the ring. The Last Alliance as it came to be known, would be the last time Elves would go to open war in Middle-earth ever again. The relationship between Men and Elves wouldn't be as close as they were in the first and second ages and never wholly repaired because the Elves were leaving Middle-earth for Aman.<br />
<br />
Isildur remained in [[Minas Tirith]] some time<ref>{{FR|II2}}</ref>. When he did return North, he and his sons were [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields|ambushed]]. The Ring was lost in the tumult.<ref>{{UT|Disaster}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Since the Ring was not unmade, Sauron was not completely destroyed: his spirit was able to live on. In the Third Age, he reassumed physical shape, and regained most of his old realm and allies. Ever after Sauron hunted for the Ring, dispatching his servants across Middle-earth to locate it. The Ring would come to be known as [[Isildur's Bane]], as its corruption afflicted him.<br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Second Age]]<br />
[[Category:Sieges]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Belagerung von Barad-dûr]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Isengard&diff=297955Battle of Isengard2018-03-25T16:28:11Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
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<div>{{disambig-more|Isengard|[[Isengard (disambiguation)]]}}<br />
{{battle<br />
| image=[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|300px]]<br />
| name=Battle of Isengard<br />
| conflict=[[War of the Ring]]<br />
| date=[[3 March|March 3]], {{TA|3019}}<br />
| place=[[Isengard]]<br />
| result=Drowning of Isengard, more or less complete victory for the Ents<br />
| side1=[[Ents]], [[Huorns]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]]<br />
| side2=[[Isengard]]<br />
| commanders1=*[[Treebeard]] (their leader, but technically did not "lead")<br />
| commanders2=*[[Saruman]]<br />
| forces1=Unknown<br />
| forces2=Unknown<br />
| casual1= <br />
'''Book:'''<br />
[[Beechbone]], otherwise numbers unmentioned<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
None; [[Beechbone]] burnt<br />
| casual2= The entire force, except for [[Saruman]] and [[Gríma|Wormtongue]]<br />
}}<br />
The '''Battle of Isengard''' was a battle fought during the [[War of the Ring]]. <br />
<br />
== The Battle ==<br />
Spurred on by [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] and [[Peregrin Took]], the [[Ents]], followed by [[Huorns]], invaded the [[Ring of Isengard]] from [[Fangorn Forest]]. The defenders of [[Isengard]] were Orcs and Men led (if not personally) by [[Saruman]]. The attackers surrounded Isengard, destroyed its gates, crumbled its walls and broke the dam, which flooded Isengard and the pits that Saruman used to create his war machines.<br />
<br />
Several Ents were scorched and burned, notably [[Beechbone]]. The entire force of Orcs and Men that defended Isengard were destroyed, which may have been around one or two thousand.<br />
<br />
== Aftermath ==<br />
In the end, the Ents took over Isengard. After Saruman's death and the end of the War of the Ring, the Ents made it one of the most beautiful gardens left in all of Middle-earth.<br />
==Inspiration==<br />
Tolkien later noted that the destruction of Isengard by the Ents was based off of personal disappointment in MacBeth, when "Birnham Wood is come to castle Dunsinane". Tolkien was less than thrilled that it amounted to men walking on stage with leaves in their hats; he decided that when he did the scene for himself, he would do it correctly.<br />
<br />
{{wotr}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht von Isengart]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_the_Morannon&diff=297952Battle of the Morannon2018-03-25T16:18:42Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
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<div>{{battle<br />
| image=[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Battle of the Morannon.jpg|300px]]<br />
| name=Battle of the Morannon <br />
| conflict=[[Battle of the Morannon]]<br />
| date=[[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}<br />
| place=[[Dagorlad]]<br />
| result=Decisive victory for Gondor and Rohan<br/>Final defeat of Sauron<br />
| side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]<br />
| side2=[[Mordor]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]], [[Harad]] <br />
| commanders1=<br />
*[[Aragorn]]<br />
*[[Gandalf]]<br />
*[[Imrahil]] (<small>Book only</small>)<br />
*[[Éomer]]<br />
*[[Gwaihir]]<br />
| commanders2=<br />
*[[Sauron]]†<br />
*[[Khamûl]]†<br />
*The [[Mouth of Sauron]]†<br />
| forces1=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
*1,000 cavalry of [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]]<br />
*5,000 infantry of [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]]<br />
*[[Eagles]]<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
* 500-700 Gondorian soldiers<br />
* 400-600 [[Rohirrim]] soldiers<br />
* 6 [[Eagles]]<br />
| forces2=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
*60,000 [[Orcs]], [[Easterlings]], [[Haradrim]], and [[Variags]]<br />
*Large number of [[Olog-hai]]<br />
*8 Ringwraiths and Fell Beasts<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
*10,000 [[Orcs]]<br />
*5,000 [[Easterlings]]<br />
*3,000 [[Haradrim]] and [[Variags]]<br />
*15 [[Olog-hai]]<br />
*8 Ringwraiths and Fell Beasts<br />
| casual1=Light to moderate<br />
| casual2=Extremely heavy<br />
*Complete destruction of [[Sauron]]<br />
*All Nazgûl<br />
*Some Easterlings captured or pardoned<br />
}}<br />
{{wotr}}<br />
<br />
The '''Battle of the Morannon''', also known as the '''Battle of the Black Gate''', was the last major battle against [[Sauron]] in the [[War of the Ring]], fought at the Black Gate of [[Mordor]] on [[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}.<ref name=Great>{{App|Great}}</ref> The army of the West, 6,000 strong by now, led by [[Aragorn]] marched on the gate as a diversionary feint to distract [[Sauron]]'s attention from [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], who were carrying [[the One Ring]] through Mordor. It was hoped that Sauron would think Aragorn had the Ring and was now trying to use it to overthrow Mordor.<ref>{{RK|V9}}</ref> <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
=== Prelude ===<br />
{{seealso|Last Debate}}<br />
Initially, the Army of the West had been composed of 7,000 men, but many were stationed at various places along the way. A strong guard of archers were stationed at the [[Cross-roads]], in case enemy troops came from the [[Cirith Ungol|Morgul Pass]] or from the South. In addition, Aragorn dismissed the faint of heart, who would not go to the [[Dagorlad]], ordering them to liberate [[Cair Andros]] on the river Anduin. This resulted in the departure of 1,000 men, leaving 6,000 to continue on towards the [[Black Gate]]. Upon arrival, Aragorn defensively arrayed his forces upon two [[Slag-hills]] with a mire of mud and stinking pools between his army and the Gate.<br />
<br />
Before the battle began, Sauron sent one of his servants, the [[Black Númenóreans|Black Númenórean]] called the [[Mouth of Sauron]], to speak with the Captains of the West. He tried to trick [[Gandalf]] into believing Sauron held Frodo captive, displaying as evidence items that had belonged to Frodo and Sam (Sam's sword, an [[Elven cloaks|Elven cloak]], and Frodo's [[Mithril#The Mithril Coat|''mithril'' coat]]) The Mouth threatened that Frodo would be tortured if the West did not agree to Sauron's terms of surrender. The terms included: the disbanding of the armies of the West, an oath to never take up arms, the rebuilding of Isengard, and the turning over of all lands West to Sauron. (It is clear that while Sauron knew there was a Hobbit in Mordor, he did not know why. He also probably did not know there were two.) <br />
<br />
Gandalf, however, refused to be swayed, took the items from the Mouth of Sauron, and sent him away. Amazed and angered, the Mouth of Sauron rode back to the Black Gate, let it be opened, and the forces of Sauron marched out. At the same time, more of Sauron's forces that had been hidden in the hills around the Black Gate came forth, thus surrounding and outnumbering the Men of the West by at least ten to one. Less than six thousand Men of the West were fielded.<br />
<br />
=== The Battle ===<br />
Against Aragorn's army was arrayed Sauron's hordes of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], and barbarian [[Men|Mannish]] allies such as the [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]]. An exact count is not given of the number of Sauron's forces, and though they numbered in the tens of thousands at least, the battle is said to not have been quite as large as the preceding [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. Sauron "had taken the proffered bait in jaws of steel", and the dismayed soldiers of the West were trapped. Aragorn arranged his men in a circular formation around two hills in front of the Morannon, with the best soldiers of the West arranged in the front where the assault would be at its most bitter.<br />
<br />
The slag pools near the hills proved a hindrance for many of Sauron's forces, but trolls easily passed through the pools and crashed into the hosts of the West, bashing through them as smiths hewing hot iron. Many of the Orcs and Men were unable to climb up to face the Western host, and instead shot arrows and projectiles at them. During the fighting, [[Beregond]] was wounded by a Troll-chief, and as it reached its claws out for him [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] drove the blade of [[Westernesse]] through the creature before it could slay his comrade.<br />
<br />
During the course of the battle, the eight remaining [[Nazgûl]] attacked the army of the West. The [[Eagles]] of the [[Misty Mountains]], led by [[Gwaihir]] the Windlord, arrived and attacked the Ringwraiths. The main host of Mordor managed to reach that of the West's, and despair was set among them. The Orcs laughed cruelly as they smashed against the Western forces, which began to dwindle, and the Ringwraiths overhead filled them with terror.<ref name=Battle>{{RK|V10}}</ref> At that moment, when all hope seemed lost, Frodo put on the One Ring and Sauron realized that Frodo was inside [[Mount Doom]]. The Nazgûl immediately left the battle to intercept Frodo. The hosts of Mordor were suddenly without direction; the Orc laughter ceased, the Evil Men hesitated, and many knights of the West began to repel the attackers in a charge. Gandalf ordered them to halt, for the hour of doom was about to come. Indeed, [[Gollum]] bit the Ring off Frodo's finger and then accidentally fell into the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]], and Sauron's power was overthrown.<ref>{{RK|VI3}}</ref><br />
<br />
The Nazgûl had been flying over Mount Doom just as it underwent a gigantic volcanic eruption, and they were all destroyed in the firestorm. [[Barad-dûr]], the Black Gate, and the [[Towers of the Teeth]] collapsed to ruin. The Orcs and other creatures of Sauron were completely directionless with the Dark Lord's demise and fled mindlessly; some falling into pits, others outright killing themselves, and many fleeing. Many Easterlings fled as well or surrendered, though others banded together in their hatred and fought on stalwartly.<ref>{{RK|VI4}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== Aftermath ===<br />
The desperate gambit of the West had succeeded, even as Frodo ultimately succumbed to the Ring. It was destroyed forever, and Sauron was disembodied permanently, his shadow fading away from Barad-dûr. Many surviving Orcs and Men retreated to the mountains or northward, where fighting against Sauron's remaining forces would continue for several weeks, notably at [[Dol Guldur]] in [[Mirkwood]] and at [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], but the power of the Dark Lord of Mordor was no more. The Western soldiers, weary and many injured, rested and healed before the host marched back to [[Minas Tirith]].<ref name=Great/><br />
<br />
Months later, the [[Battle of Bywater]] in [[the Shire]] against ruffians led by [[Saruman]], and the subsequent killing of Saruman and [[Gríma|Wormtongue]] on the very doorstep of [[Bag End]], ended the [[War of the Ring]].<ref>{{RK|VI8}}</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht am Morannon]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_de_la_morannon]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_the_Hornburg&diff=297951Battle of the Hornburg2018-03-25T15:57:44Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{sources}}<br />
{{battle<br />
|image=[[File:Alan Lee - The Battle of the Hornburg.jpg|300px]]<br />
|name=Battle of the Hornburg<br />
|conflict=[[War of the Ring]]<br />
|date=3-4 March {{TA|3019}}<br />
|place=[[Helm's Deep]] (especially the [[Hornburg]])<br />
|result=Victory for [[Rohan]]<br />
|side1= [[Rohan]], [[Fangorn Forest]], [[Huorns]], [[Lothlórien]] (<small>Movie only</small>)<br />
|side2= [[Isengard]], [[Dunlendings]] (<small>Book only</small>)<br />
|commanders1=*[[Théoden]]<br />
*[[Éomer]]<br />
*[[Aragorn]]<br />
*[[Erkenbrand]]<br />
*[[Gandalf]]<br />
*[[Haldir]] (<small>Movie only</small>) †<br />
|commanders2=*Unknown [[Uruk-hai]] commander †<br />
|forces1= <br />
'''Book:'''<br />
* 3000 [[Rohirrim]] soldiers<br />
* A "forest" of [[Huorns]]<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
* 300 [[Rohirrim]] soldiers of [[Helm's Deep]]<br />
* Re-inforced by 2,000 [[Rohirrim]] soldiers<br />
* 200 elite [[Galadhrim]] archers<br />
* A "forest" of [[Huorns]]<br />
|forces2= 10,000 at the least<br />
|casual1= <br />
'''Book:'''<br />
Heavy, but precise numbers are unknown<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
Heavy; most [[Galadhrim]] archers perished<br />
|casual2= <br />
'''Book:'''<br />
The entire force of Uruk-hai; many Dunlendings slain, the rest surrendered<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
Entire force destroyed<br />
}}<br />
{{wotr}}<br />
The '''Battle of the Hornburg''', also popularly referred to as the '''Battle of Helm's Deep''', took place at the mountain fortress of the [[Hornburg]] in the valley of [[Helm's Deep]] in [[Rohan]]. Taking place over the night of the [[3 March|3]]-[[4 March]] {{TA|3019}}, it saw the attacking [[Uruk-hai]] of [[Saruman]] defeated by the [[Rohirrim]] led by [[Théoden]] and [[Erkenbrand]].<br />
<br />
== The Armies ==<br />
<br />
=== Rohan ===<br />
<br />
The army of Rohan consisted of 1000 cavalry forces from [[Edoras]] led by King Théoden. This force included [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], and Théoden's nephew [[Éomer]]. This army joined with Rohan's garrison of around 1000 at the [[Hornburg]].<br />
<br />
The army was reinforced by 1000 scattered Rohirrim troops from the [[Westfold]] rallied by [[Gandalf]] and led by [[Erkenbrand]]. A forest of [[Huorns]] entered the valley independently, seeking revenge on Saruman's orcs.<br />
<br />
=== Isengard ===<br />
<br />
The army of [[Saruman]] consisted of his specially bred [[Uruk-hai]] [[orcs]] supported by [[Dunlendings]]. The total size of the Isengard force isn't specified, but it was mentioned by Saruman to be in the "tens of thousands" while conversing with [[Gríma]] in the tower of Orthanc at Isengard.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
=== Prelude ===<br />
On [[March 3]] seeking to take the fight away from his people, [[Théoden]] brought around a thousand horsemen to the [[Fords of Isen]] along with any others in [[Edoras]]. On their way they found [[Ceorl]] who reported a defeat to the Fords; Théoden then redirected his troops to Helm's Deep, which was commanded by [[Gamling]] in his lord [[Erkenbrand]]'s absence.<br />
=== The Battle ===<br />
The forces of Saruman arrived at the valley of [[Helm's Deep]] in the middle of the night and quickly scaled over the first defense, [[Helm's Dike]], and attempted to break down the fortress's gate with a battering ram. But [[Aragorn]], [[Éomer]], and some other Rohirrim attacked, through a postern gate on the side of the Hornburg, scattering the forces threatening the doors.<br />
<br />
The Orcs and Dunlendings then raised hundreds of ladders to scale the wall. Aragorn and Éomer had to repeatedly move the defenders, who were getting weary, to repel the Orcs coming up the ladders and crossing the wall. However, some Orcs had crept in though a culvert which let a stream out of Helm's Deep, and while the defenders were busy with the assault on the wall, they suddenly attacked, having made it past the wall. The defenders quickly reacted and drove back the Orcs, and the culvert was blocked up under supervision by [[Gimli]].<br />
<br />
[[File:John Howe - The Charge of the Rohirrim at Helm's Deep.jpg|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''The Charge of the Rohirrim at Helm's Deep'']]However, the enemies reentered the culvert and caused an explosion using a device of Saruman's. This made a wide hole in the wall, and Saruman's forces could not be stopped. The defenders retreated to the [[Glittering Caves]] and to the Hornburg. Soon Saruman's forces used their blasting fire to gain entrance to the keep. At this moment, however, the horn of Helm's Deep was sounded, and after a moment a sortie led by Théoden and Aragorn rode forth, followed by men on foot from the keep, and the defenders of the caves , who made a break-out attempt and were driving the enemy out of the deep. Théoden and Aragorn cut through the Orcs and Dunlendings and arrived at Helm's Dike.<br />
<br />
Both armies then noticed that many trees, [[Huorns]], had moved to block a possible escape route for the Orcs. Then [[Gandalf]], [[Erkenbrand]], and a thousand riders from the Westfold arrived, and charged. The Dunlendings were so terrified of Gandalf that they could no longer fight. The Orcs lost control and ran into the trees, where the Huorns destroyed them. Thus, Rohan won the battle.<br />
<br />
=== Aftermath ===<br />
<br />
After the battle those Dunlendings who surrendered were given amnesty by King Théoden and allowed to return to home. The Rohirrim required that all hostilities cease, and that the Dunlendings retreat behind the [[Isen]] river again. The slain Dunlendings were buried in a mound of their own apart from the Orc carcasses. The next night those carcasses disappeared and the [[Death Down]] was left by the departing Huorns.<ref>{{TT|III8}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Portrayal in Adaptations==<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:The Battle of the Hornburg is a key part of this film. The amount of time spent around the battle in the movie was much more than in the original book. In the context of the film, it is referred to as the ''Battle of Helm's Deep'', a title which was never used by Tolkien but which is often used by fans, probably because it occupies a chapter entitled "Helm's Deep". <br />
<br />
:One difference in the film is the leading up to the battle: in the book the army of the Rohirrim is going to the [[Fords of Isen]] when they decide to redirect to the Deep and anticipate the forces of Saruman which is consisted of [[Dunlendings]]. In the film, the whole people of Edoras is relocated to the Deep for protection against Saruman's Orcs who eventually find them. The Battle is given a dramatic weight as women and children are hiding in the [[Glittering Caves]] and the very existence of the Rohirrim is decided by the outcome.<br />
<br />
:One major difference is that [[Elrond]], at the prompting of [[Galadriel]], sends a contingent of [[Elves|Elven]] archers to reinforce the defence of the keep. A similar event takes place in the novel, in which [[Elrond]] and [[Galadriel]] send a company of Aragorn's fellow [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]], accompanied by Elrond's sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], bringing the gift of a banner and the advice to take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. In the book, however, this takes place after the Battle of the Hornburg.<br />
<br />
:In the book, it is never made explicitly clear by what method the Uruk-hai cause the explosion that blasts a hole in the Deeping Wall, with Aragorn just vaguely calling it "some devilry of Orthanc". It's not clear whether this was some magical attack caused by Saruman from Orthanc (similar to the avalanche on Caradhras in the first movie), or some sort of invention of Saruman's. The movie explicitly shows that Saruman, fitting with his theme of misusing his knowledge to empower his armies with a sort of proto-Industrial Revolution, makes his own gunpowder and uses it to make blasting charges that the Uruk-hai then ignite.<br />
<br />
:In the movie, the thousands of troops of Saruman laid siege to the fortress which was defended by around 300 men (many of whom were too young or too old to fight) which the Rohirrim could muster and the aforementioned Elven Archers. When Legolas says there are "300" Rohirrim there he may have meant ''at that time'' as more were fleeing to the fortress, because visually there are more than 300 Rohirrim appearing on screen in the battle. This reference to "300 against 10,000" was probably meant as a reference to the ancient Battle of Thermopylae. These forces suffered heavy losses, but held out till dawn when Gandalf arrived with thousands of riders who finally turned the tide of the battle and sent Saruman's forces into retreat.These riders were led by Éomer in the film, whereas they were led by Erkenbrand in the book.<br />
<br />
'''2013 : ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Helm's Deep]]'':'''<br />
:The Battle of the Hornburg is a key part of the Epic Storyline of this expansion.<br />
<br />
{{References}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]<br />
[[Category:Sieges]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht um die Hornburg]]<br />
[[fi:Ämyrilinnan taistelu]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Dale&diff=297950Battle of Dale2018-03-25T15:44:51Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{battle<br />
|name=Battle of Dale<br />
|image=[[Image:Jan Pospisil - Dale units vs. Rhun.jpg|300px]]<br />
|conflict=[[War of the Ring]]<br />
|date=[[17 March|March 17]]th - [[27 March|March 27]]th, {{TA|3019}}<br />
|place=Outside [[Dale]] and then the [[Lonely Mountain]]<br />
|result=Easterlings were driven out of Dale after a long siege.<br />
|side1=[[Kingdom of Dale]], [[Kingdom Under the Mountain]], [[Iron Hills]]<br />
|side2=[[Rhûn]]<br />
|commanders1=* [[Brand]] † <br />
* [[Dáin Ironfoot]] †<br />
* [[Bard II]]<br />
* [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]]<br />
|commanders2=* Unknown Easterling commander<br />
|forces1=<br />
* 30,000 Dwarves of [[Durin's Folk]]<br />
* 20,000 [[Men of Dale]]<br />
|forces2=<br />
* 200,000 [[Easterlings]]<br />
|casual1=Heavy; death of [[Brand]], [[Dáin Ironfoot]]<br />
|casual2=Extremely heavy; host routed<br />
}}{{wotr}}<br />
{{quote|When you think of the great [[Battle of Pelennor Fields|Battle of the Pelennor]], do not forget the battles in Dale and the valour of Durin's Folk. Think of what might have been. Dragon-fire and savage swords in [[Eriador]]! There might be no [[Arwen|Queen]] in [[Gondor]].|[[Gandalf]]<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref>}}<br />
The '''Battle of Dale''' and the subsequent '''Siege of Erebor''' were decisive battles in the northern theatre of the [[War of the Ring]]. Even though it cost the lives of Kings [[Dáin Ironfoot]] and [[Brand|Brand of Dale]], it was a decisive victory for the [[Free peoples]].<br />
==History==<br />
=== Prelude===<br />
The [[Dwarves]] of the [[Lonely Mountain]] and the [[Men]] of [[Dale]] refused to acknowledge the overlordship and alliance of Sauron.<ref>{{FR|Council}}</ref> While his southern armies menaced Gondor, the Dark Lord sent an army north to extend his dominion to prevent the armies of his enemies joining together under one banner, which could have proved disastrous for [[Mordor]].<br />
<br />
=== The Battle ===<br />
[[File:Steamey - King Brand and King Dáin Ironfoot.jpg|thumb|left|Steamey - ''King Brand and King Dáin Ironfoot'']]On [[17 March]] {{TA|3019|n}}, [[Sauron]] sent a large contingent of [[Easterlings]] to attack Dale. The combined forces of the Men of Dale under King [[Brand]] and the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain under King [[Dáin Ironfoot]] marched out to meet the Easterlings in battle. After three days of heavy close-quarters fighting, they were forced to retreat towards the Lonely Mountain.<ref name="B3">{{App|B3}}</ref><br />
<br />
The armies fought bravely before the [[Gate of Erebor]], which was not taken. In the end, Dáin was killed as he stood defending the body of his ally Brand.<ref name="Durin"/> Meanwhile, the defenders of the Mountain were able to withstand the siege.<ref name="B3"/> <br />
<br />
However, the forces of [[Gondor]] and Rohan defeated the main power of Sauron in the Morannon theatre on [[25 March]], causing the northern army to lose hope. Seeing the morale of their foes being sapped by news of victory in the south, the Army of Dale under the new Kings - [[Bard II]] and [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]] - managed to lift the siege on [[27 March]] and drove the Easterlings out of Dale.<ref>{{App|B4}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== Aftermath and Repercussions ===<br />
The battle was incredibly important in the course of the [[War of the Ring]]: if Sauron's Easterling armies had beaten the Dwarves and Men of Dale, they would have been able to join up with Sauron's forces from [[Dol Guldur]] in their attacks on the [[Woodland Realm]] of [[Mirkwood]] and [[Lothlórien]], tipping the scales in favor of Mordor. This would have enabled Mordor's armies to flank the forces of Gondor and Rohan from the North and rear. [[Gandalf]] himself commented that had the Battle of Dale been lost in this way, the forces of the West would have been crushed regardless of the victory at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].<ref name="Durin"/><br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:In the Extended Edition, while the army of Rohan is mustering at Edoras, Gimli comments to Legolas that he wishes they had a legion of Dwarves to help. Legolas responds that the Dwarves of Lonely Mountain and Elves of Mirkwood cannot march south to war against Mordor, for he fears that war is already marching upon their own lands. In the DVD commentary, Peter Jackson explained that this brief exchange was a nod to the Battle of Dale, as well as Sauron's attacks on the Woodland Elves and Lothlorien in the northern theatre of the war. However, Jackson explained that while he wished to show these other battles and that the War of the Ring was a truly global conflict, they simply didn't have the resources or time to construct entirely new sets and film more expansive battle scenes. Reluctantly Jackson could not show these events, but wanted to somehow acknowledge why the Elves and Dwarves aren't coming to aid the besieged Minas Tirith. <br />
<br />
'''[[2006]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:The Siege of Erebor is the penultimate level of the good campaign. The forces are Mordor are led by the [[Mouth of Sauron]], and originate from [[Dol Guldur]] rather than the [[Rhûn|East]]. Groups of [[Corsairs]] and [[Haradrim]] first attack Dale, before the main host attacks. The first of three waves is led by a horsed [[Ringwraith]], and the third (made up almost entirely of trolls and siege weapons) by a Ringwraith on a [[Fell beast]]. After the third wave is broken, the [[Mouth of Sauron]] enters Erebor via a hidden entrance, and has to be killed. Almost simultaneously, [[Glorfindel]], [[Glóin]] and [[Thranduil]] arrive with reinforcements from Mirkwood. At the level's conclusion, they are credited with defeating the enemy.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'', "Erebor"</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]<br />
[[Category:Sieges]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht von Thal]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_de_dale]]<br />
[[fi:Laakson taistelu]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_the_Pelennor_Fields&diff=297949Battle of the Pelennor Fields2018-03-25T15:35:07Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig-more|Battle of the Pelennor Fields|[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields (disambiguation)]]}}<br />
{{cleanup}}{{sources}}<br />
{{battle|<br />
image=[[File:Per Sjögren - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|<br />
name=Battle of the Pelennor Fields|<br />
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|<br />
date=[[15 March]] {{TA|3019}}|<br />
place=[[Minas Tirith]] and [[Pelennor Fields]], [[Gondor]]|<br />
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|<br />
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]], [[White Mountains]] (<small>Movie only</small>)|<br />
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]] (<small>Book only</small>), [[Khand]] (<small>Book only</small>)|<br />
commanders1=*[[Denethor]] †<br />
*[[Gandalf]]<br />
*[[Imrahil]] (<small>Book only</small>)<br />
*[[Hirluin]] (<small>Book only</small>)†<br />
*[[Théoden]] †<br />
*[[Grimbold]] †<br />
*[[Éomer]]<br />
*[[Aragorn]]<br />
*[[King of the Dead]] (<small>Movie only</small>)†<br />
| commanders2=<br />
*The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] †<br />
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]] †<br />
*[[Black serpent]] (<small>Book only</small>) †<br />
| forces1=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
*5,000 Gondorian soldiers + 250 elite [[Guards of the Citadel]]<br />
*6,000 men of [[South Gondor]]<br />
*6,000 [[Rohirrim]] soldiers<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
*10,000 Gondorian soldiers + 3,000 elite [[Guards of the Citadel]]<br />
*6,000 [[Rohirrim]] soldiers<br />
*50,000 [[Oathbreakers]]<br />
| forces2=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
* Tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]<br />
* 18,000 [[Easterlings]], [[Haradrim]], and [[Variags]]<br />
* several [[Oliphaunts]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], and [[Great Beasts]]<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
* 200,000 [[Orcs]]<br />
* 1,000 [[Haradrim]] + 20 [[Oliphaunts]]<br />
* 300 [[Trolls]] and 4 [[Great Beasts]]<br />
* [[Nazgul]] and [Fell beasts]]<br />
| casual1=Severe<br />
| casual2=Near-total<br />
}}{{wotr}}<br />
The '''Battle of the Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Prelude===<br />
{{seealso|Siege of Gondor}}<br />
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[15 March]] {{TA|3019}} as the [[The Darkness|Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun. Almost all of Minas Tirith's civilian population was evacuated prior to the siege, and were sent southward to Gondor's southern fiefdoms.<ref>{{RK|V1}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Opposing Forces===<br />
<!--Do not change any figures in this section without the addition of sources--><br />
Mordor's troops consisted of some 18,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],<ref name="Rohirrim">{{RK|Ride}}</ref> several Haradrim war [[Oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]; the defenders' numbers were considerably less. the city's garrison likely was no more than 4,000,{{fact}} the survivors from Osgiliath probably numbered around 1,000{{fact}} (One third of that garrison were killed), there were about 6000{{fact}} men from southern [[Gondor]] who arrived just before the siege commenced.<br />
<br />
===Battle===<br />
Mordor's hosts set fire to the plains and farms outside of the city and hewed apart anyone they found, living or dead. The Orcs began digging trenches and setting up siege equipment and catapults. These were out of range of the city's defenses, as was the city out of theirs. Some of the defenders laughed and mocked this effort, one even claiming that Sauron himself could not break through Minas Tirith's walls.<br />
<br />
Their laughter turned to peril and fear, however, when Mordor's massive catapults flung their shot extremely high, well over the city's walls and into the first level. Through Sauron's arts many projectiles detonated and burst into flame. Along with these the Orcs also launched the heads of Gondor's fallen soldiers and other Men they had slain over the walls, causing despair among the defenders.<ref>{{RK|V4}}</ref> Though these machines could still not inflict serious harm to the immense first wall, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.<br />
<br />
At midnight Grond rolled to the face of the city. The [[Witch-king]] cried out evil spells unto it, breaking the mighty main gate in only three swings, and the Witch-king rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anórien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.<br />
<br />
King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer. Mordor's forces counter-attacked, however, and the Witch-king, having rode out to fight Rohan's charge, set upon them and racked them with fear.<br />
[[File:Laurent Alquier - Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields.jpg|thumb|left|[[Laurent Alquier]] - ''Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields'']]<br />
When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by a black dart. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, mortally wounding him. All about the King were his slain knights, and any survivors fled from the Witch-king's terrifying visage. The fell beast raked its claws upon Snowmane's neck and readied to devour Théoden, but the warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, stood tearful yet defiant, forbidding the Witch-king to defile the king's corpse. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might hinder him. Éowyn threw off her disguise as Dernhelm and revealed herself as "no man at all". The Black Captain remained silent, as if he hesitated slightly due to [[Glorfindel]]'s prophecy, but heeded it no longer, ignoring the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] nearby and attacking Éowyn with great malice. She slew his fell beast, but the Witch-king rose from it, towering over her. With a violent cry that stung her ears like venom he threw his black mace upon her shield, splintering it and shattering her arm. She fell to her knees in bitter pain and he loomed over her, raising his mace to kill her. However, before he could do so, the Witch-king too fell; Merry had wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. Éowyn, with her last strength, drove her sword into the Witch-king's crown, her sword shattering and the Black Captain of Mordor slain, his spirit fading into a shrill voice on the wind. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and Éowyn's ruined arm kept her from fighting any further that day. They were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city, and command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer. Though a demoralizing blow to Mordor's forces on the field, they held together, and Gothmog, Lieutenant of Minas Morgul, assumed command.<br />
<br />
At the same time, [[Faramir]], son of [[Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defence that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. His fury betrayed him, however; the horses panicked at the sight of the towering Mûmakil, and the Haradrim retreated amongst them. Gothmog retaliated against Éomer's advance, sending fierce Variags, elite Haradrim warriors, and monstrous Troll-men against the Rohirrim, and they were set into despair. The cavalry of Rohan were cut off from the rest of their allies. Éomer and his forces retreated to the docks near the Harlond south of the city where he desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death. When he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], he sang a solemn and sorrowful dirge, though laughed as he did, preparing to die defiantly as Rohan's final leader.<br />
[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]<br />
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Éomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Without the Witch-king's leadership, and with vast numbers encroaching them on all sides, many of Mordor's troops panicked and began to flee; Aragorn's army then linked with Éomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned. Despite the Orcs engaging in a cowardly and disorganized retreat, many Easterlings and Haradrim held their ground and fought proudly to the death, delaying the Western host and allowing others to rout. The vicinity of the Rammas Echor was soon empty of Sauron's forces, and a brief respite was won until the [[Battle of the Morannon|final battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].<br />
<br />
=== Aftermath ===<br />
<br />
There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the army of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 6 to 7 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. Éomer stated that very few of Rohan's horses remained, and either killed or wounded, he could not "hope to lead even two thousands" in the Last Debate. With a number around 18,000 at the least participating and only 7,000 remaining to march out to war, even a conservative estimate would place total Western losses at 9,000 and perhaps more. Forlong, Grimbold, Théoden, and Hirluin were slain in combat, and the near-defeat of Gondor led Steward Denethor to commit suicide during the siege. Minas Tirith itself suffered heavily in the siege, and its strongest gate was broken. A grey rain fell over the city and the plains following the battle's end, putting out many fires much to the relief of its inhabitants. Despite their losses, the arrival of reinforcements from the southern fiefs allowed Gondor to maintain a larger garrison in the city after the Siege than it had at the outset.<br />
<br />
As for Mordor's losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. The full host was estimated at perhaps 75,000. The Orcs and Trolls of Sauron made up most of the force, though it is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) Almost all of the attackers were slain or routed; though not specifically mentioned, all of the War [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]] were likely killed, along with numerous Trolls, Orcs, and Evil Men. Those whom escaped fled across the River Anduin to East Osgiliath, many drowning in the process; not one living thing was left in the vicinity of the Rammas. Few escaped, and those that did spread word of Gondor's wrathful victory in their homelands. Most grievous of all to Sauron was the permanent loss of the Witch-king, the Lord of the Nazgûl and his most powerful servant. The fate of Gothmog, Mordor's second commander in the battle, is not mentioned.<br />
<br />
Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counselled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them as much as 5 to 1, but lost nearly half of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counselled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply result in a war of attrition; either defensively or offensively, Sauron would tactically prevail. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. The Gondorian forces from the kingdom's fiefs are absent, replaced only by the [[Rohirrim]]. These are joined by Aragorn leading the "[[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]]" (instead of the Gondorian reinforcements) at the very end of the battle. Importance is given to the charge of the [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]], the death of [[Théoden]], and the [[Witch-king]]'s demise at the hands of [[Éowyn]].<br />
<br />
:The battle begins with [[Sauron]]'s forces marching on the city and firing a volley of severed [[Gondorians|Gondorian]] heads over the walls (as in the book). Seeing [[Mordor]]'s overwhelming army, [[Denethor]] despairs, and [[Gandalf]] assumes command of the defenders. Both Sauron's army and the defenders of [[Minas Tirith]] exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets. Many Orcs and a few dozen Gondorian soldiers were killed, whilst some catapults and siege towers were destroyed. Then the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], mounted, on top of their [[fell beasts]], descended from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Meanwhile, [[Trolls]] bring forth the siege towers and engage the Gondorian troops and Gandalf in combat throughout the night. As the battle continues in the dark, the [[Orcs]] bring forth a giant battering ram named [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] and, with it, the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]] is shattered, allowing the Orcs, Trolls, and [[Wargs]] to invade the city. In the book, the populace was almost entirely evacuated before the battle. In the movie, the women and children remained, and many were slaughtered in the lower levels.<br />
<br />
:By morning, the Gondorian soldiers had taken heavy casualties and retreated to the higher levels of Minas Tirith. There, Gandalf helps them to hold out until Théoden and six thousand Rohirrim arrive, decimating the invading Orcs and routing the Witch-king's right flank; however, [[Sauron]]'s reserves soon arrive with several [[Oliphaunts]], commanded by the [[Haradrim]], who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, [[Aragorn]] arrives later with the Army of the Dead (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), and they crush the remainder of Sauron's forces before entering Minas Tirith.<br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]<br />
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_the_Pelennor_Fields&diff=297948Battle of the Pelennor Fields2018-03-25T15:26:33Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig-more|Battle of the Pelennor Fields|[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields (disambiguation)]]}}<br />
{{cleanup}}{{sources}}<br />
{{battle|<br />
image=[[File:Per Sjögren - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|<br />
name=Battle of the Pelennor Fields|<br />
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|<br />
date=[[15 March]] {{TA|3019}}|<br />
place=[[Minas Tirith]] and [[Pelennor Fields]], [[Gondor]]|<br />
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|<br />
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]], [[White Mountains]] (<small>Movie only</small>)|<br />
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]] (<small>Book only</small>), [[Khand]] (<small>Book only</small>)|<br />
commanders1=*[[Denethor]] †<br />
*[[Gandalf]]<br />
*[[Imrahil]] (<small>Book only</small>)<br />
*[[Hirluin]] (<small>Book only</small>)†<br />
*[[Théoden]] †<br />
*[[Grimbold]] †<br />
*[[Éomer]]<br />
*[[Aragorn]]<br />
*[[King of the Dead]] (<small>Movie only</small>)†<br />
| commanders2=<br />
*The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] †<br />
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]] †<br />
| forces1=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
*5,000 Gondorian soldiers + 250 elite [[Guards of the Citadel]]<br />
*6,000 men of [[South Gondor]]<br />
*6,000 [[Rohirrim]] soldiers<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
*10,000 Gondorian soldiers + 3,000 elite [[Guards of the Citadel]]<br />
*6,000 [[Rohirrim]] soldiers<br />
*50,000 [[Oathbreakers]]<br />
| forces2=<br />
| casual1=Severe<br />
| casual2=Near-total<br />
}}{{wotr}}<br />
The '''Battle of the Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Prelude===<br />
{{seealso|Siege of Gondor}}<br />
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[15 March]] {{TA|3019}} as the [[The Darkness|Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun. Almost all of Minas Tirith's civilian population was evacuated prior to the siege, and were sent southward to Gondor's southern fiefdoms.<ref>{{RK|V1}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Opposing Forces===<br />
<!--Do not change any figures in this section without the addition of sources--><br />
Mordor's troops consisted of some 18,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],<ref name="Rohirrim">{{RK|Ride}}</ref> several Haradrim war [[Oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]; the defenders' numbers were considerably less. the city's garrison likely was no more than 4,000,{{fact}} the survivors from Osgiliath probably numbered around 1,000{{fact}} (One third of that garrison were killed), there were about 6000{{fact}} men from southern [[Gondor]] who arrived just before the siege commenced.<br />
<br />
===Battle===<br />
Mordor's hosts set fire to the plains and farms outside of the city and hewed apart anyone they found, living or dead. The Orcs began digging trenches and setting up siege equipment and catapults. These were out of range of the city's defenses, as was the city out of theirs. Some of the defenders laughed and mocked this effort, one even claiming that Sauron himself could not break through Minas Tirith's walls.<br />
<br />
Their laughter turned to peril and fear, however, when Mordor's massive catapults flung their shot extremely high, well over the city's walls and into the first level. Through Sauron's arts many projectiles detonated and burst into flame. Along with these the Orcs also launched the heads of Gondor's fallen soldiers and other Men they had slain over the walls, causing despair among the defenders.<ref>{{RK|V4}}</ref> Though these machines could still not inflict serious harm to the immense first wall, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.<br />
<br />
At midnight Grond rolled to the face of the city. The [[Witch-king]] cried out evil spells unto it, breaking the mighty main gate in only three swings, and the Witch-king rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anórien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.<br />
<br />
King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer. Mordor's forces counter-attacked, however, and the Witch-king, having rode out to fight Rohan's charge, set upon them and racked them with fear.<br />
[[File:Laurent Alquier - Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields.jpg|thumb|left|[[Laurent Alquier]] - ''Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields'']]<br />
When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by a black dart. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, mortally wounding him. All about the King were his slain knights, and any survivors fled from the Witch-king's terrifying visage. The fell beast raked its claws upon Snowmane's neck and readied to devour Théoden, but the warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, stood tearful yet defiant, forbidding the Witch-king to defile the king's corpse. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might hinder him. Éowyn threw off her disguise as Dernhelm and revealed herself as "no man at all". The Black Captain remained silent, as if he hesitated slightly due to [[Glorfindel]]'s prophecy, but heeded it no longer, ignoring the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] nearby and attacking Éowyn with great malice. She slew his fell beast, but the Witch-king rose from it, towering over her. With a violent cry that stung her ears like venom he threw his black mace upon her shield, splintering it and shattering her arm. She fell to her knees in bitter pain and he loomed over her, raising his mace to kill her. However, before he could do so, the Witch-king too fell; Merry had wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. Éowyn, with her last strength, drove her sword into the Witch-king's crown, her sword shattering and the Black Captain of Mordor slain, his spirit fading into a shrill voice on the wind. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and Éowyn's ruined arm kept her from fighting any further that day. They were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city, and command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer. Though a demoralizing blow to Mordor's forces on the field, they held together, and Gothmog, Lieutenant of Minas Morgul, assumed command.<br />
<br />
At the same time, [[Faramir]], son of [[Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defence that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. His fury betrayed him, however; the horses panicked at the sight of the towering Mûmakil, and the Haradrim retreated amongst them. Gothmog retaliated against Éomer's advance, sending fierce Variags, elite Haradrim warriors, and monstrous Troll-men against the Rohirrim, and they were set into despair. The cavalry of Rohan were cut off from the rest of their allies. Éomer and his forces retreated to the docks near the Harlond south of the city where he desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death. When he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], he sang a solemn and sorrowful dirge, though laughed as he did, preparing to die defiantly as Rohan's final leader.<br />
[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]<br />
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Éomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Without the Witch-king's leadership, and with vast numbers encroaching them on all sides, many of Mordor's troops panicked and began to flee; Aragorn's army then linked with Éomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned. Despite the Orcs engaging in a cowardly and disorganized retreat, many Easterlings and Haradrim held their ground and fought proudly to the death, delaying the Western host and allowing others to rout. The vicinity of the Rammas Echor was soon empty of Sauron's forces, and a brief respite was won until the [[Battle of the Morannon|final battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].<br />
<br />
=== Aftermath ===<br />
<br />
There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the army of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 6 to 7 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. Éomer stated that very few of Rohan's horses remained, and either killed or wounded, he could not "hope to lead even two thousands" in the Last Debate. With a number around 18,000 at the least participating and only 7,000 remaining to march out to war, even a conservative estimate would place total Western losses at 9,000 and perhaps more. Forlong, Grimbold, Théoden, and Hirluin were slain in combat, and the near-defeat of Gondor led Steward Denethor to commit suicide during the siege. Minas Tirith itself suffered heavily in the siege, and its strongest gate was broken. A grey rain fell over the city and the plains following the battle's end, putting out many fires much to the relief of its inhabitants. Despite their losses, the arrival of reinforcements from the southern fiefs allowed Gondor to maintain a larger garrison in the city after the Siege than it had at the outset.<br />
<br />
As for Mordor's losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. The full host was estimated at perhaps 75,000. The Orcs and Trolls of Sauron made up most of the force, though it is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) Almost all of the attackers were slain or routed; though not specifically mentioned, all of the War [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]] were likely killed, along with numerous Trolls, Orcs, and Evil Men. Those whom escaped fled across the River Anduin to East Osgiliath, many drowning in the process; not one living thing was left in the vicinity of the Rammas. Few escaped, and those that did spread word of Gondor's wrathful victory in their homelands. Most grievous of all to Sauron was the permanent loss of the Witch-king, the Lord of the Nazgûl and his most powerful servant. The fate of Gothmog, Mordor's second commander in the battle, is not mentioned.<br />
<br />
Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counselled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them as much as 5 to 1, but lost nearly half of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counselled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply result in a war of attrition; either defensively or offensively, Sauron would tactically prevail. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. The Gondorian forces from the kingdom's fiefs are absent, replaced only by the [[Rohirrim]]. These are joined by Aragorn leading the "[[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]]" (instead of the Gondorian reinforcements) at the very end of the battle. Importance is given to the charge of the [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]], the death of [[Théoden]], and the [[Witch-king]]'s demise at the hands of [[Éowyn]].<br />
<br />
:The battle begins with [[Sauron]]'s forces marching on the city and firing a volley of severed [[Gondorians|Gondorian]] heads over the walls (as in the book). Seeing [[Mordor]]'s overwhelming army, [[Denethor]] despairs, and [[Gandalf]] assumes command of the defenders. Both Sauron's army and the defenders of [[Minas Tirith]] exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets. Many Orcs and a few dozen Gondorian soldiers were killed, whilst some catapults and siege towers were destroyed. Then the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], mounted, on top of their [[fell beasts]], descended from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Meanwhile, [[Trolls]] bring forth the siege towers and engage the Gondorian troops and Gandalf in combat throughout the night. As the battle continues in the dark, the [[Orcs]] bring forth a giant battering ram named [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] and, with it, the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]] is shattered, allowing the Orcs, Trolls, and [[Wargs]] to invade the city. In the book, the populace was almost entirely evacuated before the battle. In the movie, the women and children remained, and many were slaughtered in the lower levels.<br />
<br />
:By morning, the Gondorian soldiers had taken heavy casualties and retreated to the higher levels of Minas Tirith. There, Gandalf helps them to hold out until Théoden and six thousand Rohirrim arrive, decimating the invading Orcs and routing the Witch-king's right flank; however, [[Sauron]]'s reserves soon arrive with several [[Oliphaunts]], commanded by the [[Haradrim]], who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, [[Aragorn]] arrives later with the Army of the Dead (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), and they crush the remainder of Sauron's forces before entering Minas Tirith.<br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]<br />
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_the_Hornburg&diff=297912Battle of the Hornburg2018-03-25T02:31:19Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{sources}}<br />
{{battle<br />
|image=[[File:Alan Lee - The Battle of the Hornburg.jpg|300px]]<br />
|name=Battle of the Hornburg<br />
|conflict=[[War of the Ring]]<br />
|date=3-4 March {{TA|3019}}<br />
|place=[[Helm's Deep]] (especially the [[Hornburg]])<br />
|result=Victory for the [[Rohirrim]]<br />
|side1= [[Rohan]], [[Fangorn Forest]], and [[Lothlórien]] (<small>Movie only</small>)<br />
|side2= [[Isengard]], [[Dunland]]<br />
|commanders1=*[[Théoden]]<br />
*[[Éomer]]<br />
*[[Aragorn]]<br />
*[[Erkenbrand]] (<small>Book only</small>)<br />
*[[Gandalf]]<br />
*[[Haldir]] (<small>Movie only</small>) †<br />
|commanders2=*Unknown [[Uruk-hai]] commander†<br />
|forces1= <br />
'''Book:'''<br />
*3000 Rohirrim <br />
*A "forest" of [[Huorns]]<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
*300 [[Rohirrim]] soldiers<br />
*200[[Galadhrim|Elven archers]]<br />
*Later re-inforced by 2,000 Rohirrim riders<br />
*A "forest" of [[Huorns]]<br />
|forces2= 10,000 Uruk-hai <br />
|casual1= <br />
'''Book:'''<br />
Heavy<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
Heavy; most of the elven warriors perished<br />
|casual2= <br />
'''Book:'''<br />
The entire force of Uruk-hai; many Dunlendings slain, the rest surrendered<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
The entire force of Uruk-hai destroyed<br />
}}<br />
{{wotr}}<br />
The '''Battle of the Hornburg''', also popularly referred to as the '''Battle of Helm's Deep''', took place at the mountain fortress of the [[Hornburg]] in the valley of [[Helm's Deep]] in [[Rohan]]. Taking place over the night of the [[3 March|3]]-[[4 March]] {{TA|3019}}, it saw the attacking [[Uruk-hai]] of [[Saruman]] defeated by the [[Rohirrim]] led by [[Théoden]] and [[Erkenbrand]].<br />
<br />
== The Armies ==<br />
<br />
=== Rohan ===<br />
<br />
The army of Rohan consisted of 1000 cavalry forces from [[Edoras]] led by King Théoden. This force included [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], and Théoden's nephew [[Éomer]]. This army joined with Rohan's garrison of around 1000 at the [[Hornburg]].<br />
<br />
The army was reinforced by 1000 scattered Rohirrim troops from the [[Westfold]] rallied by [[Gandalf]] and led by [[Erkenbrand]]. A forest of [[Huorns]] entered the valley independently, seeking revenge on Saruman's orcs.<br />
<br />
=== Isengard ===<br />
<br />
The army of [[Saruman]] consisted of his specially bred [[Uruk-hai]] [[orcs]] supported by [[Dunlendings]]. The total size of the Isengard force isn't specified, but it was mentioned by Saruman to be in the "tens of thousands" while conversing with [[Gríma]] in the tower of Orthanc at Isengard.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
=== Prelude ===<br />
On [[March 3]] seeking to take the fight away from his people, [[Théoden]] brought around a thousand horsemen to the [[Fords of Isen]] along with any others in [[Edoras]]. On their way they found [[Ceorl]] who reported a defeat to the Fords; Théoden then redirected his troops to Helm's Deep, which was commanded by [[Gamling]] in his lord [[Erkenbrand]]'s absence.<br />
=== The Battle ===<br />
The forces of Saruman arrived at the valley of [[Helm's Deep]] in the middle of the night and quickly scaled over the first defense, [[Helm's Dike]], and attempted to break down the fortress's gate with a battering ram. But [[Aragorn]], [[Éomer]], and some other Rohirrim attacked, through a postern gate on the side of the Hornburg, scattering the forces threatening the doors.<br />
<br />
The Orcs and Dunlendings then raised hundreds of ladders to scale the wall. Aragorn and Éomer had to repeatedly move the defenders, who were getting weary, to repel the Orcs coming up the ladders and crossing the wall. However, some Orcs had crept in though a culvert which let a stream out of Helm's Deep, and while the defenders were busy with the assault on the wall, they suddenly attacked, having made it past the wall. The defenders quickly reacted and drove back the Orcs, and the culvert was blocked up under supervision by [[Gimli]].<br />
<br />
[[File:John Howe - The Charge of the Rohirrim at Helm's Deep.jpg|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''The Charge of the Rohirrim at Helm's Deep'']]However, the enemies reentered the culvert and caused an explosion using a device of Saruman's. This made a wide hole in the wall, and Saruman's forces could not be stopped. The defenders retreated to the [[Glittering Caves]] and to the Hornburg. Soon Saruman's forces used their blasting fire to gain entrance to the keep. At this moment, however, the horn of Helm's Deep was sounded, and after a moment a sortie led by Théoden and Aragorn rode forth, followed by men on foot from the keep, and the defenders of the caves , who made a break-out attempt and were driving the enemy out of the deep. Théoden and Aragorn cut through the Orcs and Dunlendings and arrived at Helm's Dike.<br />
<br />
Both armies then noticed that many trees, [[Huorns]], had moved to block a possible escape route for the Orcs. Then [[Gandalf]], [[Erkenbrand]], and a thousand riders from the Westfold arrived, and charged. The Dunlendings were so terrified of Gandalf that they could no longer fight. The Orcs lost control and ran into the trees, where the Huorns destroyed them. Thus, Rohan won the battle.<br />
<br />
=== Aftermath ===<br />
<br />
After the battle those Dunlendings who surrendered were given amnesty by King Théoden and allowed to return to home. The Rohirrim required that all hostilities cease, and that the Dunlendings retreat behind the [[Isen]] river again. The slain Dunlendings were buried in a mound of their own apart from the Orc carcasses. The next night those carcasses disappeared and the [[Death Down]] was left by the departing Huorns.<ref>{{TT|III8}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Portrayal in Adaptations==<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:The Battle of the Hornburg is a key part of this film. The amount of time spent around the battle in the movie was much more than in the original book. In the context of the film, it is referred to as the ''Battle of Helm's Deep'', a title which was never used by Tolkien but which is often used by fans, probably because it occupies a chapter entitled "Helm's Deep". <br />
<br />
:One difference in the film is the leading up to the battle: in the book the army of the Rohirrim is going to the [[Fords of Isen]] when they decide to redirect to the Deep and anticipate the forces of Saruman which is consisted of [[Dunlendings]]. In the film, the whole people of Edoras is relocated to the Deep for protection against Saruman's Orcs who eventually find them. The Battle is given a dramatic weight as women and children are hiding in the [[Glittering Caves]] and the very existence of the Rohirrim is decided by the outcome.<br />
<br />
:One major difference is that [[Elrond]], at the prompting of [[Galadriel]], sends a contingent of [[Elves|Elven]] archers to reinforce the defence of the keep. A similar event takes place in the novel, in which [[Elrond]] and [[Galadriel]] send a company of Aragorn's fellow [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]], accompanied by Elrond's sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], bringing the gift of a banner and the advice to take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. In the book, however, this takes place after the Battle of the Hornburg.<br />
<br />
:In the book, it is never made explicitly clear by what method the Uruk-hai cause the explosion that blasts a hole in the Deeping Wall, with Aragorn just vaguely calling it "some devilry of Orthanc". It's not clear whether this was some magical attack caused by Saruman from Orthanc (similar to the avalanche on Caradhras in the first movie), or some sort of invention of Saruman's. The movie explicitly shows that Saruman, fitting with his theme of misusing his knowledge to empower his armies with a sort of proto-Industrial Revolution, makes his own gunpowder and uses it to make blasting charges that the Uruk-hai then ignite.<br />
<br />
:In the movie, the thousands of troops of Saruman laid siege to the fortress which was defended by around 300 men (many of whom were too young or too old to fight) which the Rohirrim could muster and the aforementioned Elven Archers. When Legolas says there are "300" Rohirrim there he may have meant ''at that time'' as more were fleeing to the fortress, because visually there are more than 300 Rohirrim appearing on screen in the battle. This reference to "300 against 10,000" was probably meant as a reference to the ancient Battle of Thermopylae. These forces suffered heavy losses, but held out till dawn when Gandalf arrived with thousands of riders who finally turned the tide of the battle and sent Saruman's forces into retreat.These riders were led by Éomer in the film, whereas they were led by Erkenbrand in the book.<br />
<br />
'''2013 : ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Helm's Deep]]'':'''<br />
:The Battle of the Hornburg is a key part of the Epic Storyline of this expansion.<br />
<br />
{{References}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]<br />
[[Category:Sieges]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht um die Hornburg]]<br />
[[fi:Ämyrilinnan taistelu]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Men&diff=297911Men2018-03-25T01:28:05Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig-more|Men|[[Men (disambiguation)]]}}<br />
{{race infobox<br />
| name=Men<br />
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Felagund Among Bëor’s Men.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Felagund Among Bëor's Men" by [[Ted Nasmith]]<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=Atani, Secondborn, Hildor, Apanónar<br />
| origin=[[Children of Ilúvatar]]<br />
| location='''Years of the Trees and First Age:''' <br />
*[[Amon Ereb]]<br />
*[[Brethil]]<br />
*[[Dor-lómin]]<br />
*[[Estolad]]<br />
*[[Dorthonion]]<br />
*[[Ladros]]<br />
*[[Hildórien ]]<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Second Age:''' <br />
*[[Arnor]]<br />
*[[Gondor]]<br />
*[[Númenor]]<br />
*[[Dunland]]<br />
*[[Harad]]<br />
*[[Khand]]<br />
*[[Rhûn]]<br />
*[[Umbar]]<br />
*[[White Mountains]]<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Third Age:''' <br />
*[[Arnor]] (and later [[Arthedain]], [[Cardolan]], and [[Rhudaur]])<br />
*[[Rohan]]<br />
*[[Gondor]]<br />
*[[Lake-town]]<br />
*[[Dale]]<br />
*[[Rhovanion]]<br />
*[[Dunland]]<br />
*[[Harad]]<br />
*[[Khand]]<br />
*[[Rhûn]]<br />
*[[Umbar]]<br />
*[[White Mountains]]<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Fourth Age:''' <br />
*[[Reunited Kingdom|Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor]]<br />
*[[Dale]]<br />
*[[Lake-town]]<br />
*[[Khand]]<br />
*[[Harad]]<br />
*[[Rhûn]]<br />
*[[Rohan]]<br />
*[[Dunland]]<br />
| affiliation=<br />
| rivalry=[[Morgoth]], [[Sauron]], [[Orcs]]<br />
| language=[[Taliska]], [[Adûnaic]], [[Sindarin]], [[Rohirric]], [[Westron]]<br />
| people=[[House of Bëor|Bëorians]], [[House of Haleth|Haladin]], [[House of Hador|Hadorians]], [[Easterlings]], [[Númenóreans]], [[Black Númenóreans]], [[Dúnedain]], [[Dúnedain of Arnor|Arnorians]], [[Gondorians]], [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]], [[Forodwaith (people)|Forodwaith]], [[Haradrim]], [[Rohirrim]], [[Dunlendings]], [[Men of Dale]], [[Beornings]], [[Bardings]], [[Drúedain]], [[Hobbits]]<br />
| members=[[Bëor]], [[Hador]], [[Barahir]], [[Beren]], [[Húrin]], [[Morwen]], [[Túrin]], [[Niënor]], [[Tuor]], [[Elros]], [[Ar-Pharazôn]], [[Elendil]], [[Isildur]], [[Bard]], [[Denethor]], [[Boromir]], [[Faramir]], [[Théoden]], [[Éomer]], [[Éowyn]], [[Aragorn]]<br />
| lifespan=ordinary Men - c. 80 years<br/>[[Númenóreans]] - c. 250 years<ref name=Line>{{UT|Kings}}</ref></br>[[Kings of Númenor]] - c. 400 years<ref name=Line/></br>[[Dúnedain]] - c. 100</br>[[Hobbits]] - c. 100 years</br>[[Drúedain]] - shorter<ref>{{UT|Druedain}}</ref><br />
| distinctions=[[Gift of Men|Mortality]], [[Dominion of Men|rulers]] of [[Middle-earth]] <br />
| height=Dúnedain - 6'4" (average)<ref name=Galadriel>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref></br>Númenóreans - 7'0" (average)<ref>{{PM|X}}, p. 310.</ref></br>ordinary Men - shorter</br>Drúedain - 4' to 5'</br>Hobbits - 3'6" (average)<br />
| hair=Black, brown, blond, red, and (when older) grey or white<br />
| skin=White, brown, black<br />
| clothing=<br />
| weapons=Swords, bows, axes, spears<br />
}}<br />
{{quote|West, North, and South the children of Men spread and wandered, and their joy was the joy of the morning before the dew is dry, when every leaf is green.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Men]]}}<br />
'''Men''' were one of the Kindreds of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Men were called the Secondborn (or the Second Kindred<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 89</ref>) by the [[Elves]], their [[Elves|Elder]] brethren, because they were the last of all the [[incarnate]] races to come into being. Though they were born after the other sentient races, Men were destined to inherit and [[Dominion of Men|rule]] [[Middle-earth]].<br />
<br />
==Origins and nature==<br />
<br />
The race of Men is the second race of beings created by the Supreme God, [[Ilúvatar]]. Because they [[Awakening of Men|awoke]] at the start of the [[First Age]] of the Sun, while the [[Elves]] awoke three Ages before them, they are called the Secondborn ([[Quenya]]: ''Atani'', [[Sindarin]]: ''[[Edain]]'') by the Elves. Men awoke in a land located in the far east of Middle-earth called [[Hildórien]]. When the Sun rose for the first time in the far West, Men began to wander towards it, a journey which culminated in some of them reaching Beleriand centuries later.<br />
<br />
There is much evidence that, soon after their awakening, Morgoth came to Men and incited them to worship him and turn away from Ilúvatar, and that they complied. Though all were seduced by the Enemy, some Men repented and escaped; they were said to be the ancestors of the Edain.<br />
<br />
Men bear the so-called ''[[Gift of Men]]'', mortality. Elves are immortal, in the sense that even if their bodies are slain, their spirits remain bound to the world, going to the [[Halls of Mandos]] to wait until they are released or the world ends. Elves are tied to the world for as long as it lasts. When Men die, they are released from [[Arda]] and the bounds of the world and have rest from its troubles. Ilúvatar also gifted Men with the freedom to shape their own future, being rather free from the designs of the [[Music of the Ainur]]. <ref>{{S|1}}</ref> However, the influence of Morgoth has caused Men to fear their fate, and view Death as a Doom instead of a Gift.<br />
<br />
==Groups and alignments==<br />
<br />
Although all Men are related to one another, there are many different groups with different cultures. The most important group in the tales of the [[First Age]] were the Edain. Although the word Edain technically refers to all Men, the Elves used it to distinguish those Men who fought with them in the First Age against [[Morgoth]] in [[Beleriand]]. The Edain were divided into three Houses. <br />
<br />
The First House of the Edain was the [[House of Bëor]], and entered Beleriand in {{FA|310}} and were granted the fief of [[Ladros]] in [[Dorthonion]] by [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]]. The Second House of the Edain, the [[Haladin]], was led by Haldad and later by his daughter Haleth and settled in the Forest of Brethil. The Third House, which became the greatest, was led by [[Marach]] and later his descendant [[Hador]], and they settled in [[Dor-lómin]]. This house was known both as the House of Marach and the [[House of Hador]].<br />
<br />
Other Men did not cross the [[Misty Mountains]] or fight against Morgoth. However, some, such as the Easterlings, fought openly on his side. In later Ages, the Haradrim and Easterlings would fight on Sauron's side against the descendants of the Edain. Here below follow the short descriptions of the most important groups of Men in the First, Second and Third Ages.<br />
<br />
===Edain and Dúnedain===<br />
<br />
As a reward for their services and assistance rendered to the Elves and the Valar in the [[War of Wrath]] at the end of the First Age, the [[Edain]] received a new land of their own from the Valar, between Middle-earth and the [[Undying Lands]]. This was the land of [[Númenor]], an island in the form of a five-pointed star that was far away from the troubles of Middle-earth. <br />
<br />
They were led to this island by [[Elros]] with the help of his father [[Eärendil]], who sailed the heavens as the bright star of the same name and guided the ships of the Edain to Númenor. Once they arrived, Elros became the first King of Númenor and took the name Tar-Minyatur. The Edain became known as the [[Númenóreans]] or [[Dúnedain]] (Sindarin for ''Men of the West''). The kingdom of Númenor grew steadily in power, and the Dúnedain became the noblest and highest of all Men on Arda. In their early days, the Dúnedain remained allied to the Elves of Middle-earth, and aided them in battle against Morgoth's lieutenant [[Sauron]]. <br />
<br />
As the Men of the West increased in power and happiness, they came to resent the Gift of Men, Death. They wished to become immortal like the Elves and enjoy their possessions for all time. Most of the Númenóreans, including the line of the Kings, began to turn away from the Valar, and spoke against the Ban of the Valar that forbade them to sail west beyond sight of Númenor or to enter [[Valinor]]. The Númenóreans also became increasingly hostile to all Elvish influences in their realm, and in {{SA|2899|n}} of the [[Second Age]], Ar-Adûnakhôr became the first king of Númenor to take his royal name in [[Adûnaic]], the language of Men, instead of [[Quenya]], the tongue of the Elves of Valinor.<br />
<br />
During the early part of their rebellion, the Númenóreans became divided into two factions: the first, the [[King's Men]], enjoyed the support of the King and included the majority of the people. They wished to gain immortality and break away from their ancestral allegiance to the Valar. The King's Men also wanted to end relations with the Elves, and thus they favoured Adûnaic as the official language and eventually punished those who spoke the Elven tongues. The persecuted minority faction, the [[Faithful]], were led by the [[Lords of Andúnië]], the westernmost province of Númenor, and remained loyal to the Valar. They also tried to maintain friendship with the Elves.<br />
<br />
When Sauron was apparently defeated and taken to the Isle by the Númenórean army near the end of the Second Age, he took advantage of the pride of the Númenóreans. By teaching the Dúnedain many things and flattering the King, [[Ar-Pharazôn]], he worked his way into the King's counsels and won the hearts of the people. Ultimately, Sauron advised Ar-Pharazôn to attack Valinor and claim immortality. This he foolishly did, and as a punishment Númenor, the island of the Men of the West, sank into the Sea and only the Faithful escaped. When the Faithful returned to Middle-earth, they founded the twin kingdoms of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]].<br />
<br />
===Black Númenóreans and Haradrim===<br />
<br />
The Faithful weren't the only Númenóreans left on Middle-earth when Númenor sank. When Númenor grew in naval power, many Númenóreans founded colonies in Middle-earth. In the second millennium of the [[Second Age]] there was an exodus of Men from the overcrowded island. Many of the King's Men settled in Middle-earth because they wanted to conquer more lands, and the Faithful because they were persecuted by the Kings. The Faithful settled in [[Pelargir]], while the King's Men ruled the [[Umbar|Haven of Umbar]] and other colonies in the South. From these colonies Sauron recruited men who would become some of the nine [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]] in the second millennium of the Second Age. When Númenor was destroyed, the King's Men became known as the Black Númenóreans and remained hostile towards the Faithful of Gondor. Eventually, the [[Black Númenórean]] stronghold of Umbar was conquered by Gondor in {{TA|933|n}} of the Third Age.<br />
<br />
Further east of Umbar another group of Men lived called the '''[[Haradrim]]''' or [[Southrons]]. They were dark skinned Men and waged war on great Oliphaunts or ''Mûmakil''. They too were hostile to Gondor, though they were subdued in {{TA|1050}} by [[Hyarmendacil I]].<br />
<br />
Both Umbar and the Harad were left unchecked by Gondor's waning power by the time of the War of the Ring, and presented grave threats from the south. Many Haradrim fought with Sauron's forces in Gondor in that War.<br />
<br />
===Easterlings===<br />
<br />
Most Men who fought in the armies of Morgoth and Sauron were [[Easterlings]] who came from the regions beyondd the [[Sea of Rhûn]]. Some Easterlings offered their services to the Elvish kingdoms in Beleriand; among them were [[Bór]] and his sons, and [[Ulfang the Black]] and his sons. This proved to be disastrous for the Elves in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]] when Ulfang and his clan switched sides and defected to Morgoth, though Bór and his sons died bravely fighting on the side of the [[Eldar]]. <br />
<br />
After Morgoth's defeat Sauron extended his influence over the Easterlings, and although Sauron was defeated by the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] at the end of the Second Age, the Easterlings were the first enemies to attack Gondor again in {{TA|492}}. They were soundly defeated by King [[Rómendacil I]], but they invaded again in {{TA|541|n}}and took revenge by slaying King Rómendacil. Rómendacil's son [[Turambar (King of Gondor)|Turambar]] took large portions of land from them.<br />
<br />
In the next centuries Gondor held sway over the Easterlings. When Gondor's power began to decrease in the twelfth century of the Third Age, the Easterlings took the complete eastern bank of the [[Anduin]] except [[Ithilien]] and crushed Gondor's allies, the Northmen. <br />
<br />
The Easterlings of the Third Age were divided in different tribes, such as the [[Wainriders]] and the [[Balchoth]]. The Wainriders were a confederation of Easterlings who were very active between {{TA|1856}} and {{TA|1944|n}}. They posed a serious threat to Gondor for many years, but were utterly defeated by [[Eärnil II]] in 1944.<br />
<br />
When Gondor lost its royal dynasty in {{TA|2050|n}} the Easterlings started to reorganize themselves, and a fierce group called the Balchoth became the most important tribe. In {{TA|2510|n}} they invaded Gondor again and conquered much of [[Calenardhon]], until they were defeated by the [[Éothéod]] who rode to Gondor's aid.<br />
<br />
In the War of the Ring, the Easterlings were among the fiercest warriors deployed at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] by Sauron.<br />
<br />
===Northmen===<br />
<br />
Not all the Men who remained east of the Blue Mountains and Misty Mountains during the First Age were tempted by Morgoth or Sauron, and they were joined after the War of Wrath by those of the Edain who did not wish to travel to Númenor. The [[Northmen]] who dwelt in [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]] and other parts of [[Rhovanion]] were friendly to the Dúnedain, being for the most part their kin, and many of them became Gondorian subjects. The Men of [[Dale]] and [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]] were Northmen, as were the Woodsmen of Mirkwood, and the [[Éothéod]], who became the Rohirrim or Horse Lords.<br />
<br />
===Dunlendings===<br />
<br />
When Elendil founded the Kingdom of Arnor, its borders were quickly extended towards the river Greyflood (Sindarin:''Gwathló''), and Gondor likewise extended up through [[Enedwaith]]. In Enedwaith and [[Minhiriath]] (Sindarin for ''Land between the Rivers'') lived a group of Men related to those Men that became the House of Haleth, and they were known as the [[Dunlendings]]. They had lived in the great woods that covered most of Eriador, and when the Númenóreans started to chop these woods down to build their ships in the [[Second Age]], they earned the hostility of the Dunlendings. The Dunlendings later became bitter enemies of [[Rohan]], as they believed the Rohirrim had stolen their lands.<br />
<br />
Because of their enmity with the Rohirrim, the Dunlendings served [[Saruman]] in the War of the Ring and fought against the Horse Lords in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]].<br />
<br />
===Drúedain===<br />
Another group of Men were the [[Drúedain]], also called the [[Woses]]. They were small and stooped, and were always few in number and shortlived compared to other races of Men. They lived among the House of Haleth in the First Age, and were held as Edain by the Elves, who called them ''Drúedain'' (from ''Drûg'', their own name for themselves, plus ''Edain''). <br />
<br />
At the end of the Third Age a few Woses still lived in the Drúadan Forest. They held off [[Orcs]] with poisoned arrows and were vital in securing the aid of the Rohirrim in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. King [[Aragorn|Elessar]] granted the Drúadan Forest to them "forever" in the [[Fourth Age]].<br />
<br />
===Hobbits===<br />
[[Hobbits]] were strictly a race of Men rather than a separate species. The origin of Hobbits is obscure; they first appeared in the records of other Men in the middle of the [[Third Age]].<br />
<br />
==Established Kingdoms==<br />
*[[Arnor|Kingdom of Arnor]]<br />
==>[[Arthedain|Kingdom of Arthedain]]<br />
==>[[Cardolan|Kingdom of Cardolan]]<br />
==>[[Rhudaur|Kingdom of Rhudaur]]<br />
*[[Kingdom of Dale]]<br />
*[[Gondor|Kingdom of Gondor]]<br />
*[[Kingdom of Rhovanion]]<br />
*[[Númenor|Kingdom of Númenor]]<br />
*[[Rohan|Kingdom of Rohan]]<br />
*[[Reunited Kingdom|Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor]]<br />
<br />
==Names and etymology==<br />
The Elves called the race of '''Mankind''' with poetic names that refer to their later coming, and their mortality. They are mostly called '''[[Atani]]''' in [[Quenya]], literally meaning "Second ones" (the [[Elves]] being the First), but also '''[[Hildor]]''' (Followers or Aftercomers), '''Apanónar''' (Q. Afterborn), '''Secondborn''', '''Younger Children of Iluvatar''', '''Strangers''' and '''Usurpers'''<ref name=men>{{S|Men}}</ref> because they [[Dominion of Men|dominated Arda]] after the Elves. [[Sindarin]] names were '''Ephedin''' or '''Ephedrim''' (Followers).<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}</ref><br />
<br />
Other names were '''[[Fírimar]]''' (Mortals), '''[[Engwar]]''' (The Sickly), the '''Self-cursed''' and the '''Guests'''<ref name=men/> because their fate was outside Arda.<br />
<br />
Other names by the Elves, apparently referring to their differences from themselves are '''Inscrutable''', the '''Heavy-handed''', the '''Night-fearers''', and the '''Children of the Sun'''<ref name=men/> because they awoke with the Sun. <br />
<br />
Hobbits called them the '''Big People''' or the '''[[Big Folk]]''', especially in [[Bree]]. <br />
<br />
The name ''Atani'' is cognate with [[Sindarin]] '''[[Adan|Edain]]''', but the latter term was later applied not to the race, but only to the peoples of [[Beleriand]] who aided the Elves in their war with [[Morgoth]] in the [[First Age]].<br />
<br />
[[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] employed a peculiar usage of the words ''Man'' and ''Mannish'': these terms came to replace the word "human" found in drafts of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.<ref>{{PM|Languages}}, p. 61</ref> It has been suggested that Tolkien might have preferred ''Man'' and ''Mannish'' being pure Germanic roots, unlike the Latin-influenced ''Human'' (cf. ''[[Wiktionary:homo#Latin|homo]]'').<ref>{{HM|RW}}, pp. 156-8</ref> This usage also reflects old Germanic practice, where ''Man'' originally meant ''mankind'', not merely the male gender; this was found (and in many of them, still is found) in all the Germanic languages (i.e. German ''Menschen'', "people").<ref>http://etymonline.com/index.php?term=man&allowed_in_frame=0</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Men]]<br />
[[Category:Races]]<br />
[[de:Menschen]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/hommes/hommes]]<br />
[[fi:Ihmiset]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_the_Pelennor_Fields&diff=297905Battle of the Pelennor Fields2018-03-25T00:36:50Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig-more|Battle of the Pelennor Fields|[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields (disambiguation)]]}}<br />
{{cleanup}}{{sources}}<br />
{{battle|<br />
image=[[File:Per Sjögren - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|<br />
name=Battle of the Pelennor Fields|<br />
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|<br />
date=[[15 March]] {{TA|3019}}|<br />
place=[[Minas Tirith]] and [[Pelennor Fields]], [[Gondor]]|<br />
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|<br />
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]], [[White Mountains]] (<small>Movie only</small>)|<br />
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]] (Book only)|<br />
commanders1=*[[Denethor]] †<br />
*[[Gandalf]]<br />
*[[Imrahil]] (Book only)<br />
*[[Hirluin]] (Book only)†<br />
*[[Théoden]] †<br />
*[[Grimbold]] †<br />
*[[Éomer]]<br />
*[[Aragorn]]<br />
*[[Halbarad]] (Book only)†<br />
*[[Forlong]] (Book only)†<br />
*[[Duinhir]] (Book only)<br />
*[[Golasgil]] (Book only)<br />
*[[Dervorin]] (Book only)<br />
*[[King of the Dead]] (Movie only)†<br />
| commanders2=*The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] †<br />
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]] †<br />
| forces1=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
*5,000 Gondorian soldiers + 250 elite [[Guards of the Citadel]]<br />
*6,000 men of [[South Gondor]]<br />
*6,000 [[Rohirrim]] soldiers<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
*10,000 Gondorian soldiers + 3,000 elite [[Guards of the Citadel]]<br />
*6,000 [[Rohirrim]] soldiers<br />
*50,000 [[Oathbreakers]]<br />
| forces2=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
*Tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]<br />
*18,000 [[Easterlings]], [[Haradrim]], and [[Variags]]<br />
*several [[Oliphaunts]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], and [[Great beasts]]<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
*200,000 [[Orcs]]<br />
*1,000 Haradrim + 20 [[Oliphaunts]]<br />
*300 [[Trolls]]<br />
*4 [[Nazgul]] + [[Fell beasts]<br />
| casual1=Severe<br />
| casual2=Near-total<br />
}}{{wotr}}<br />
The '''Battle of the Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Prelude===<br />
{{seealso|Siege of Gondor}}<br />
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[15 March]] {{TA|3019}} as the [[The Darkness|Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun. Almost all of Minas Tirith's civilian population was evacuated prior to the siege, and were sent southward to Gondor's southern fiefdoms.<ref>{{RK|V1}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Opposing Forces===<br />
<!--Do not change any figures in this section without the addition of sources--><br />
Mordor's troops consisted of some 18,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],<ref name="Rohirrim">{{RK|Ride}}</ref> several Haradrim war [[Oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]; the defenders' numbers were considerably less. the city's garrison likely was no more than 4,000,{{fact}} the survivors from Osgiliath probably numbered around 1,000{{fact}} (One third of that garrison were killed), there were about 6000{{fact}} men from southern [[Gondor]] who arrived just before the siege commenced.<br />
<br />
===Battle===<br />
Mordor's hosts set fire to the plains and farms outside of the city and hewed apart anyone they found, living or dead. The Orcs began digging trenches and setting up siege equipment and catapults. These were out of range of the city's defenses, as was the city out of theirs. Some of the defenders laughed and mocked this effort, one even claiming that Sauron himself could not break through Minas Tirith's walls.<br />
<br />
Their laughter turned to peril and fear, however, when Mordor's massive catapults flung their shot extremely high, well over the city's walls and into the first level. Through Sauron's arts many projectiles detonated and burst into flame. Along with these the Orcs also launched the heads of Gondor's fallen soldiers and other Men they had slain over the walls, causing despair among the defenders.<ref>{{RK|V4}}</ref> Though these machines could still not inflict serious harm to the immense first wall, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.<br />
<br />
At midnight Grond rolled to the face of the city. The [[Witch-king]] cried out evil spells unto it, breaking the mighty main gate in only three swings, and the Witch-king rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anórien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.<br />
<br />
King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer. Mordor's forces counter-attacked, however, and the Witch-king, having rode out to fight Rohan's charge, set upon them and racked them with fear.<br />
[[File:Laurent Alquier - Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields.jpg|thumb|left|[[Laurent Alquier]] - ''Éowyn's Stand in the Pelennor Fields'']]<br />
When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by a black dart. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, mortally wounding him. All about the King were his slain knights, and any survivors fled from the Witch-king's terrifying visage. The fell beast raked its claws upon Snowmane's neck and readied to devour Théoden, but the warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, stood tearful yet defiant, forbidding the Witch-king to defile the king's corpse. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might hinder him. Éowyn threw off her disguise as Dernhelm and revealed herself as "no man at all". The Black Captain remained silent, as if he hesitated slightly due to [[Glorfindel]]'s prophecy, but heeded it no longer, ignoring the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] nearby and attacking Éowyn with great malice. She slew his fell beast, but the Witch-king rose from it, towering over her. With a violent cry that stung her ears like venom he threw his black mace upon her shield, splintering it and shattering her arm. She fell to her knees in bitter pain and he loomed over her, raising his mace to kill her. However, before he could do so, the Witch-king too fell; Merry had wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. Éowyn, with her last strength, drove her sword into the Witch-king's crown, her sword shattering and the Black Captain of Mordor slain, his spirit fading into a shrill voice on the wind. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and Éowyn's ruined arm kept her from fighting any further that day. They were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city, and command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer. Though a demoralizing blow to Mordor's forces on the field, they held together, and Gothmog, Lieutenant of Minas Morgul, assumed command.<br />
<br />
At the same time, [[Faramir]], son of [[Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defence that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. His fury betrayed him, however; the horses panicked at the sight of the towering Mûmakil, and the Haradrim retreated amongst them. Gothmog retaliated against Éomer's advance, sending fierce Variags, elite Haradrim warriors, and monstrous Troll-men against the Rohirrim, and they were set into despair. The cavalry of Rohan were cut off from the rest of their allies. Éomer and his forces retreated to the docks near the Harlond south of the city where he desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death. When he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], he sang a solemn and sorrowful dirge, though laughed as he did, preparing to die defiantly as Rohan's final leader.<br />
[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]<br />
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Éomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Without the Witch-king's leadership, and with vast numbers encroaching them on all sides, many of Mordor's troops panicked and began to flee; Aragorn's army then linked with Éomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned. Despite the Orcs engaging in a cowardly and disorganized retreat, many Easterlings and Haradrim held their ground and fought proudly to the death, delaying the Western host and allowing others to rout. The vicinity of the Rammas Echor was soon empty of Sauron's forces, and a brief respite was won until the [[Battle of the Morannon|final battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].<br />
<br />
=== Aftermath ===<br />
<br />
There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the army of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 6 to 7 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. Éomer stated that very few of Rohan's horses remained, and either killed or wounded, he could not "hope to lead even two thousands" in the Last Debate. With a number around 18,000 at the least participating and only 7,000 remaining to march out to war, even a conservative estimate would place total Western losses at 9,000 and perhaps more. Forlong, Grimbold, Théoden, and Hirluin were slain in combat, and the near-defeat of Gondor led Steward Denethor to commit suicide during the siege. Minas Tirith itself suffered heavily in the siege, and its strongest gate was broken. A grey rain fell over the city and the plains following the battle's end, putting out many fires much to the relief of its inhabitants. Despite their losses, the arrival of reinforcements from the southern fiefs allowed Gondor to maintain a larger garrison in the city after the Siege than it had at the outset.<br />
<br />
As for Mordor's losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. The full host was estimated at perhaps 75,000. The Orcs and Trolls of Sauron made up most of the force, though it is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) Almost all of the attackers were slain or routed; though not specifically mentioned, all of the War [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]] were likely killed, along with numerous Trolls, Orcs, and Evil Men. Those whom escaped fled across the River Anduin to East Osgiliath, many drowning in the process; not one living thing was left in the vicinity of the Rammas. Few escaped, and those that did spread word of Gondor's wrathful victory in their homelands. Most grievous of all to Sauron was the permanent loss of the Witch-king, the Lord of the Nazgûl and his most powerful servant. The fate of Gothmog, Mordor's second commander in the battle, is not mentioned.<br />
<br />
Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counselled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them as much as 5 to 1, but lost nearly half of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counselled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply result in a war of attrition; either defensively or offensively, Sauron would tactically prevail. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. The Gondorian forces from the kingdom's fiefs are absent, replaced only by the [[Rohirrim]]. These are joined by Aragorn leading the "[[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]]" (instead of the Gondorian reinforcements) at the very end of the battle. Importance is given to the charge of the [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]], the death of [[Théoden]], and the [[Witch-king]]'s demise at the hands of [[Éowyn]].<br />
<br />
:The battle begins with [[Sauron]]'s forces marching on the city and firing a volley of severed [[Gondorians|Gondorian]] heads over the walls (as in the book). Seeing [[Mordor]]'s overwhelming army, [[Denethor]] despairs, and [[Gandalf]] assumes command of the defenders. Both Sauron's army and the defenders of [[Minas Tirith]] exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets. Many Orcs and a few dozen Gondorian soldiers were killed, whilst some catapults and siege towers were destroyed. Then the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], mounted, on top of their [[fell beasts]], descended from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Meanwhile, [[Trolls]] bring forth the siege towers and engage the Gondorian troops and Gandalf in combat throughout the night. As the battle continues in the dark, the [[Orcs]] bring forth a giant battering ram named [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] and, with it, the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]] is shattered, allowing the Orcs, Trolls, and [[Wargs]] to invade the city. In the book, the populace was almost entirely evacuated before the battle. In the movie, the women and children remained, and many were slaughtered in the lower levels.<br />
<br />
:By morning, the Gondorian soldiers had taken heavy casualties and retreated to the higher levels of Minas Tirith. There, Gandalf helps them to hold out until Théoden and six thousand Rohirrim arrive, decimating the invading Orcs and routing the Witch-king's right flank; however, [[Sauron]]'s reserves soon arrive with several [[Oliphaunts]], commanded by the [[Haradrim]], who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, [[Aragorn]] arrives later with the Army of the Dead (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), and they crush the remainder of Sauron's forces before entering Minas Tirith.<br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]<br />
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Five_Armies&diff=297904Battle of Five Armies2018-03-25T00:12:34Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Countdown}}<br />
{{disambig-more|Battle of Five Armies|[[Battle of Five Armies (disambiguation)]]}}<br />
{{battle<br />
|image=[[File:Matt Stewart - The Battle Under the Mountain.jpg|300px]]|<br />
name=Battle of Five Armies<br />
|conflict=Battle of Five Armies<br />
|date=[[23 November]] {{TA|2941}} (speculative)<ref name="KWF99">[[Karen Wynn Fonstad]], ''[[The Atlas of Middle-earth]]'' (second edition), page 99</ref><br />
|place=the slopes of Erebor, and the Valley and ruins of Dale<br />
|result=Victory for the Elves, Men, and Dwarves<br />
|side1=[[Woodland Realm]], [[Lake-town]], [[Iron Hills]], and [[Eagles|Eagles of the Misty Mountains]]<br />
|side2=[[Dol Guldur]], [[Gundabad]], [[Misty Mountains]], and [[Grey Mountains]] (<small>Book only</small>)<br />
|commanders1=<br />
*[[Gandalf]]<br />
*[[Thranduil]]<br />
*[[Bard|Bard the Bowman]]<br />
*[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin]]<br />
*[[Thorin|Thorin Oakenshield]] †<br />
*[[Gwaihir]]<br />
*[[Radagast]] (<small>Movie only</small>)<br />
|commanders2=<br />
*[[Azog]] (<small>Movie only</small>)† <br />
*[[Bolg]] †<br />
|forces1=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
*Over 1,000 Elf spearmen + several hundred more archers <br />
*200-300 Lake-Men<br />
*500 Dwarves of the Iron Hills<br />
*many Eagles<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
*10,000 Elves of the [[Woodland Realm]]<br />
*7,000 [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]] + 500 Dwarven cavalry<br />
*3,000 Lake-town militia + 2,000 Lake-town civilians<br />
*80 Eagles<br />
|forces2=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
"A vast host" of Goblins and Wargs; possibly 10-25,000 <br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
*30,000 Guldur orcs<br />
*10,000 Gundabad orcs<br />
*800 Gundabad bats<br />
*450 Goblin mercenaries<br />
*55 [[Ogres]]<br />
*25-30 [[Trolls]] and [[Olog-hai|Olog-hais]]<br />
*many Wargs<br />
|casual1=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
Many<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
*Over 7,000 Elves<br />
*Over 5,000 Dwarves<br />
*Over 3,000 Men<br />
|casual2=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
Almost entire force annihilated<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
Almost entire force annihilated; survivors fled<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Battle of Five Armies''' was an important battle waged in {{TA|2941}}.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> The five warring parties were the [[Orcs#Goblins|Goblins]] and the [[Wargs]] against [[Men]], [[Elves]] and [[Dwarves]] on and near the [[Lonely Mountain]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
=== Prelude ===<br />
<br />
Thorin and Company, including the "master-thief" [[Bilbo Baggins]] trying to <br />
recapture the heirloom of their fathers' (and possibly to kill Smaug, too, and thus to recapture the whole Kingdom) had camped without at [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] for some weeks. Bilbo had already done some exploration of the old hallways using the [[Back Door]] and had stolen a golden cup from the treasure. By this deed and by Bilbo's bold speech Smaug's anger was kindled.<br />
<br />
Erroneously believing, due to some remarks Bilbo had made during his conversation with Smaug,<ref name="Inside">{{H|Inside}}</ref> that some scheme of the Men of [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]] was the reason for the Dwarves' (and Bilbo's) presence, Smaug flew to Esgaroth to show them who is "the true [[King under the Mountain]]".<ref name="Inside">{{H|Inside}}</ref> Smaug's fires burned down the whole town, but the dragon was killed by [[Bard|Bard the Bowman]]. The [[Elves of Mirkwood]] soon learned that Smaug had been killed and thus set forth to claim the treasure, believing there was no one left who had a claim on it. Having heard of the disaster that had struck the befriended men, the Elven host turned aside to offer any help that could be provided. Some day after the Elves had arrived at the [[Long Lake]] a united host of Men and Elves set forth towards Erebor, believing that the Dwarves had been among the first casualties of Smaug's wrath. To their surprise they found Thorin and Company quite alive, the gate to the halls beneath Erebor barred by a wall and themselves treated as foes, coming armed towards the gates.<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref><br />
<br />
For several reasons Bard, being heir of [[Girion]], Lord of [[Dale]], claimed one twelfth of the treasure: first, he was the dragonslayer and without him, the Dwarves could never have reclaimed their old home. Second, a great deal of Dale's treasure had been robbed by Smaug and thus belonged rightfully to Bard and not the Dwarves. Third, the men of Esgaroth had helped the Dwarves on their journey and now had suffered severely; their whole city burned to the ground and their stocks being destroyed by Smaug, whose anger in the end was only risen by the Dwarves alone. Therefore they demanded compensation and Bard intended to pay it from the part of the treasure he claimed.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref><br />
<br />
Yet Thorin rebuked these claims. He would not fulfill any of the conditions as long as an armoured Elven host camped near Erebor. For the Elves did not have any claims on the treasure and Thorin himself had been imprisoned by the Elves.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref><br />
<br />
As a result, [[Thorin and Company]] were trapped in a bloodless siege, with [[Thranduil]] and Bard hoping to wait him out.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref> However, Thorin had sent messages of his plight to his relatives using as messengers talking [[Ravens]] that lived on the Lonely Mountain. These reached [[Dáin Ironfoot]] of the nearby Iron Hills, and he marched to Erebor with 500 heavily armed [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]], most of them skilled veterans of the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]]<ref name="Thief">{{H|Thief}}</ref>. When Dain's forces arrived, battle was almost joined between the two sides (now ''three'' armies were on the field) but at the last moment [[Gandalf]] intervened between the two and revealed that while they were bickering amongst themselves, the Goblins of the [[Misty Mountains]] and [[Grey Mountains]] under [[Bolg]] were using the opportunity to march against them. They had been incited by Gandalf's earlier slaying of the [[Great Goblin]], but had now mobilized for a full-scale attack after hearing news of the death of the Dragon and the now relatively unguarded treasure hoard.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== The Battle ===<br />
<br />
The three commanders agreed that the Goblins and Wargs were the enemies of all and previous grievances between them were put on hold in face of the greater threat. They arranged their forces on the two spurs of the Mountain that lined the valley leading to the now-sealed off great [[Front Gate|Gate of Erebor]]; the only entrance to the Mountain that remained unblocked (any others had been destroyed by Smaug long before). The 500 Dwarves and 200 or so Lake-men formed up on one spur and over 1000 Elves on the other, while a light rear-guard lined across the mouth of the valley to lure the Goblins between the two spurs of the mountain, and thus destroy them. [[Bilbo Baggins]] tried to sit out the battle on [[Ravenhill]] which was held by the Elves and where also Gandalf had withdrawn to.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[File:Joona Kujanen - Battle of Five Armies - Men of Esgaroth.jpg|300px|thumb|left|'''Battle of Five Armies: Men of Esgaroth''' by Joona Kujanen.]]Soon the Goblins and Wargs arrived, and at first the plan worked: they were lured into the chokepoint and took heavy losses. However, due to their superior numbers, the allied Free peoples did not hold the advantage long. The second wave was even worse than the first, and due to their sheer number now many Goblins scaled the mountain from the opposite side, and began to attack the arrayed forces from above and behind, as the main wave pressed forward. The battle raged across the Mountain, and then a great noise was heard: Thorin and his 12 Dwarf companions inside the mountain had thrown down a section of the stone wall they had erected across the mouth of the gates, killing many Goblins. Thorin and Company emerged, covered in the best armour and armed with the best weapons in Erebor. Then Thorin cried, "''Rally to me my kinsfolk''," and charged down into the valley to join the battle with many Dwarves and many Men and Elves joining them. Thorin advanced through the Goblins' ranks all the way up to the gigantic Goblins that formed the Bodyguard of Bolg, but could not get past them. Also his battle-line was too short, the flanks unprotected and thus his attack soon crumbled, Thorin and many others were cut off and hard beset by Bolg's bodyguard. The battle degenerated into a chaotic close quarters melee, no quarter asked or given.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref><br />
<br />
As the battle was turning fully against the Free Folk, a large army of Giant [[Eagles]] of the Misty Mountains arrived, led by the [[Great Eagle]]. Bilbo was the first to spot their entrance on the scene and began shouting that "the Eagles are coming!", a shout that was then continued among the other troops of the Free Folk. At this point Bilbo was knocked in the head by a large stone thrown by a Goblin from above on the Mountain, and he was knocked out.<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref> With the support of the Giant Eagles, the Goblins that had scaled Erebor were driven off. The tide was eventually turned, when [[Beorn]] himself arrived at the battle, apparently having heard news that a large army of Goblins were on the move. This time he did not appear in his former shape of a giant Man, but in that of a gigantic Bear. Beorn drove through the Goblin lines, but paused to carry the wounded Thorin out of the battle with his paw. Beorn then returned to the battle with even greater wrath and smashed the ranks of the Bodyguard of [[Bolg]], ultimately killing Bolg. The Goblins panicked and scattered, to be picked off by hunting forces from the victors later.<ref name="Return">{{H|Return}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== Aftermath ===<br />
<br />
[[Thorin]] had been mortally wounded on the field, and his nephews [[Fíli]] and [[Kíli]] died defending him as he lay on the ground with shield and body. Thorin died soon after the battle, after he had met Bilbo one last time and had taken back the harsh words he had spoken before.<br />
<br />
After defeating the Goblins and Wargs, the victors divided the treasure. Bard took [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]]'s fourteenth share of the gold and silver in return for the [[Arkenstone]], whereupon he shared his reward with the [[Master of Lake-town]] and gave the Elvenking [[Thranduil]] the emeralds of [[Girion]]. Bilbo, despite having forfeited his share, was offered a rich reward by [[Dáin Ironfoot]] but refused to take more than two small chests of gold and silver.<br />
<br />
It is said that three quarters of the Goblin warriors of the North were killed on that day. The Goblins of the Misty Mountains and the Dwarves both were significantly spent after the battle, and until the [[War of the Ring]], the North remained quiet on both sides.<ref name="Return"/><br />
<br />
==Other versions of the Legendarium==<br />
In its first versions, the conflict around Erebor ended after the Siege. While Bard and the Elvenking laid siege, Gandalf would arrive and negotiate a peace treaty. The actual Battle, dubbed by [[John D. Rateliff]] the "Battle of Anduin Vale", would be on the return journey, in what would later be known as the [[Vales of Anduin]]. There, Goblins and Wargs would waylay Bilbo. The Five armies in this incarnation were the Goblins, the Wargs, the Woodelves, the Woodmen, and [[Beorn|Beorn Medwed]] leading a troop of bears.<ref name=TBo5A">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[John D. Rateliff]] (ed.), ''[[The History of The Hobbit|The History of The Hobbit: Return to Bag-End]]'', pages 713-4</ref><br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
'''1966: [[The Hobbit (1966 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1966 film)]]:'''<br />
:The battle is completely omitted. Bilbo kills the dragon, and returns home.<ref name="Deitch">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UBnVL1Y2src|articlename=The Hobbit.mp4|dated=5 January 2012|website=YouTube|accessed=10 January 2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''<br />
:The "Five Armies" are the Elves, the Men, the Dwarves, the Goblins (and [[Wargs]]) and the Eagles. Bilbo estimates the force of the Men and Elves on 10,000, but this may not be an accurate estimate. The number of Dwarves of [[Thorin and Company]] to have died is seven, but only Thorin and [[Bombur]] are named among the dead. Only [[Glóin]] is shown as having survived the battle.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''<br />
:The battle takes up most of the last chapter. Because Bilbo is the main character, his role in the battle is much expanded. After leaving Thranduil, he has to fight his way to Balin, [[Lianna]], [[Corwin]], Gandalf, Beorn, and ultimately Bolg.<br />
<br />
'''2014: [[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies|''The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies'']]:'''<br />
:The battle comprises the majority of the film. The five armies are described as a combined total of about 22,000 Elves, Men, Dwarves, and two armies of Orcs - 30,000 Orcs of Dol Guldur and 10,000 Orcs from [[Gundabad]].<ref>[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (extended edition)]] Appendices</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]<br />
[[Category:Sieges]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht der Fünf Heere]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_cinq_armees]]<br />
[[fi:Viiden Armeijan Taistelu]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Men&diff=297903Men2018-03-25T00:02:21Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig-more|Men|[[Men (disambiguation)]]}}<br />
{{race infobox<br />
| name=Men<br />
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Felagund Among Bëor’s Men.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Felagund Among Bëor's Men" by [[Ted Nasmith]]<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=Atani, Secondborn, Hildor, Apanónar<br />
| origin=[[Children of Ilúvatar]]<br />
| location='''Years of the Trees and First Age:''' <br />
*[[Amon Ereb]]<br />
*[[Brethil]]<br />
*[[Dor-lómin]]<br />
*[[Estolad]]<br />
*[[Dorthonion]]<br />
*[[Ladros]]<br />
*[[Hildórien ]]<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Second Age:''' <br />
*[[Arnor]]<br />
*[[Gondor]]<br />
*[[Númenor]]<br />
*[[Dunland]]<br />
*[[Harad]]<br />
*[[Khand]]<br />
*[[Rhûn]]<br />
*[[Umbar]]<br />
*[[White Mountains]]<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Third Age:''' <br />
*[[Arnor]] (and later [[Arthedain]], [[Cardolan]], and [[Rhudaur]])<br />
*[[Rohan]]<br />
*[[Gondor]]<br />
*[[Lake-town]]<br />
*[[Dale]]<br />
*[[Rhovanion]]<br />
*[[Dunland]]<br />
*[[Harad]]<br />
*[[Khand]]<br />
*[[Rhûn]]<br />
*[[Umbar]]<br />
*[[White Mountains]]<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Fourth Age:''' <br />
*[[Reunited Kingdom|Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor]]<br />
*[[Dale]]<br />
*[[Lake-town]]<br />
*[[Khand]]<br />
*[[Harad]]<br />
*[[Rhûn]]<br />
*[[Rohan]]<br />
*[[Dunland]]<br />
| affiliation=<br />
| rivalry=[[Morgoth]], [[Sauron]], [[Orcs]]<br />
| language=[[Taliska]], [[Adûnaic]], [[Sindarin]], [[Rohirric]], [[Westron]]<br />
| people=[[House of Bëor|Bëorians]], [[House of Haleth|Haladin]], [[House of Hador|Hadorians]], [[Easterlings]], [[Númenóreans]], [[Black Númenóreans]], [[Dúnedain]], [[Dúnedain of Arnor|Arnorians]], [[Gondorians]], [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]], [[Forodwaith (people)|Forodwaith]], [[Haradrim]], [[Rohirrim]], [[Dunlendings]], [[Men of Dale]], [[Beornings]], [[Bardings]], [[Drúedain]], [[Hobbits]]<br />
| members=[[Bëor]], [[Hador]], [[Barahir]], [[Beren]], [[Húrin]], [[Morwen]], [[Túrin]], [[Niënor]], [[Tuor]], [[Elros]], [[Ar-Pharazôn]], [[Elendil]], [[Isildur]], [[Bard]], [[Denethor]], [[Boromir]], [[Faramir]], [[Théoden]], [[Éomer]], [[Éowyn]], [[Aragorn]]<br />
| lifespan=ordinary Men - c. 80 years<br/>[[Númenóreans]] - c. 250 years<ref name=Line>{{UT|Kings}}</ref></br>[[Kings of Númenor]] - c. 400 years<ref name=Line/></br>[[Dúnedain]] - c. 100</br>[[Hobbits]] - c. 100 years</br>[[Drúedain]] - shorter<ref>{{UT|Druedain}}</ref><br />
| distinctions=[[Gift of Men|Mortality]], [[Dominion of Men|rulers]] of [[Middle-earth]] <br />
| height=Dúnedain - 6'4" (average)<ref name=Galadriel>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref></br>Númenóreans - 7'0" (average)<ref>{{PM|X}}, p. 310.</ref></br>ordinary Men - shorter</br>Drúedain - 4' to 5'</br>Hobbits - 3'6" (average)<br />
| hair=Black, brown, blond, red, and (when older) grey or white<br />
| skin=White, brown, black<br />
| clothing=<br />
| weapons=Swords, bows, axes, spears<br />
}}<br />
{{quote|West, North, and South the children of Men spread and wandered, and their joy was the joy of the morning before the dew is dry, when every leaf is green.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Men]]}}<br />
'''Men''' were one of the Kindreds of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Men were called the Secondborn (or the Second Kindred<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 89</ref>) by the [[Elves]], their [[Elves|Elder]] brethren, because they were the last of all the [[incarnate]] races to come into being. Though they were born after the other sentient races, Men were destined to inherit and [[Dominion of Men|rule]] [[Middle-earth]].<br />
<br />
==Origins and nature==<br />
<br />
The race of Men is the second race of beings created by the Supreme God, [[Ilúvatar]]. Because they [[Awakening of Men|awoke]] at the start of the [[First Age]] of the Sun, while the [[Elves]] awoke three Ages before them, they are called the Secondborn ([[Quenya]]: ''Atani'', [[Sindarin]]: ''[[Edain]]'') by the Elves. Men awoke in a land located in the far east of Middle-earth called [[Hildórien]]. When the Sun rose for the first time in the far West, Men began to wander towards it, a journey which culminated in some of them reaching Beleriand centuries later.<br />
<br />
There is much evidence that, soon after their awakening, Morgoth came to Men and incited them to worship him and turn away from Ilúvatar, and that they complied. Though all were seduced by the Enemy, some Men repented and escaped; they were said to be the ancestors of the Edain.<br />
<br />
Men bear the so-called ''[[Gift of Men]]'', mortality. Elves are immortal, in the sense that even if their bodies are slain, their spirits remain bound to the world, going to the [[Halls of Mandos]] to wait until they are released or the world ends. Elves are tied to the world for as long as it lasts. When Men die, they are released from [[Arda]] and the bounds of the world and have rest from its troubles. Ilúvatar also gifted Men with the freedom to shape their own future, being rather free from the designs of the [[Music of the Ainur]]. <ref>{{S|1}}</ref> However, the influence of Morgoth has caused Men to fear their fate, and view Death as a Doom instead of a Gift.<br />
<br />
==Groups and alignments==<br />
<br />
Although all Men are related to one another, there are many different groups with different cultures. The most important group in the tales of the [[First Age]] were the Edain. Although the word Edain technically refers to all Men, the Elves used it to distinguish those Men who fought with them in the First Age against [[Morgoth]] in [[Beleriand]]. The Edain were divided into three Houses. <br />
<br />
The First House of the Edain was the [[House of Bëor]], and entered Beleriand in {{FA|310}} and were granted the fief of [[Ladros]] in [[Dorthonion]] by [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]]. The Second House of the Edain, the [[Haladin]], was led by Haldad and later by his daughter Haleth and settled in the Forest of Brethil. The Third House, which became the greatest, was led by [[Marach]] and later his descendant [[Hador]], and they settled in [[Dor-lómin]]. This house was known both as the House of Marach and the [[House of Hador]].<br />
<br />
Other Men did not cross the [[Misty Mountains]] or fight against Morgoth. However, some, such as the Easterlings, fought openly on his side. In later Ages, the Haradrim and Easterlings would fight on Sauron's side against the descendants of the Edain. Here below follow the short descriptions of the most important groups of Men in the First, Second and Third Ages.<br />
<br />
===Edain and Dúnedain===<br />
<br />
As a reward for their services and assistance rendered to the Elves and the Valar in the [[War of Wrath]] at the end of the First Age, the [[Edain]] received a new land of their own from the Valar, between Middle-earth and the [[Undying Lands]]. This was the land of [[Númenor]], an island in the form of a five-pointed star that was far away from the troubles of Middle-earth. <br />
<br />
They were led to this island by [[Elros]] with the help of his father [[Eärendil]], who sailed the heavens as the bright star of the same name and guided the ships of the Edain to Númenor. Once they arrived, Elros became the first King of Númenor and took the name Tar-Minyatur. The Edain became known as the [[Númenóreans]] or [[Dúnedain]] (Sindarin for ''Men of the West''). The kingdom of Númenor grew steadily in power, and the Dúnedain became the noblest and highest of all Men on Arda. In their early days, the Dúnedain remained allied to the Elves of Middle-earth, and aided them in battle against Morgoth's lieutenant [[Sauron]]. <br />
<br />
As the Men of the West increased in power and happiness, they came to resent the Gift of Men, Death. They wished to become immortal like the Elves and enjoy their possessions for all time. Most of the Númenóreans, including the line of the Kings, began to turn away from the Valar, and spoke against the Ban of the Valar that forbade them to sail west beyond sight of Númenor or to enter [[Valinor]]. The Númenóreans also became increasingly hostile to all Elvish influences in their realm, and in {{SA|2899|n}} of the [[Second Age]], Ar-Adûnakhôr became the first king of Númenor to take his royal name in [[Adûnaic]], the language of Men, instead of [[Quenya]], the tongue of the Elves of Valinor.<br />
<br />
During the early part of their rebellion, the Númenóreans became divided into two factions: the first, the [[King's Men]], enjoyed the support of the King and included the majority of the people. They wished to gain immortality and break away from their ancestral allegiance to the Valar. The King's Men also wanted to end relations with the Elves, and thus they favoured Adûnaic as the official language and eventually punished those who spoke the Elven tongues. The persecuted minority faction, the [[Faithful]], were led by the [[Lords of Andúnië]], the westernmost province of Númenor, and remained loyal to the Valar. They also tried to maintain friendship with the Elves.<br />
<br />
When Sauron was apparently defeated and taken to the Isle by the Númenórean army near the end of the Second Age, he took advantage of the pride of the Númenóreans. By teaching the Dúnedain many things and flattering the King, [[Ar-Pharazôn]], he worked his way into the King's counsels and won the hearts of the people. Ultimately, Sauron advised Ar-Pharazôn to attack Valinor and claim immortality. This he foolishly did, and as a punishment Númenor, the island of the Men of the West, sank into the Sea and only the Faithful escaped. When the Faithful returned to Middle-earth, they founded the twin kingdoms of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]].<br />
<br />
===Black Númenóreans and Haradrim===<br />
<br />
The Faithful weren't the only Númenóreans left on Middle-earth when Númenor sank. When Númenor grew in naval power, many Númenóreans founded colonies in Middle-earth. In the second millennium of the [[Second Age]] there was an exodus of Men from the overcrowded island. Many of the King's Men settled in Middle-earth because they wanted to conquer more lands, and the Faithful because they were persecuted by the Kings. The Faithful settled in [[Pelargir]], while the King's Men ruled the [[Umbar|Haven of Umbar]] and other colonies in the South. From these colonies Sauron recruited men who would become some of the nine [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]] in the second millennium of the Second Age. When Númenor was destroyed, the King's Men became known as the Black Númenóreans and remained hostile towards the Faithful of Gondor. Eventually, the [[Black Númenórean]] stronghold of Umbar was conquered by Gondor in {{TA|933|n}} of the Third Age.<br />
<br />
Further east of Umbar another group of Men lived called the '''[[Haradrim]]''' or [[Southrons]]. They were dark skinned Men and waged war on great Oliphaunts or ''Mûmakil''. They too were hostile to Gondor, though they were subdued in {{TA|1050}} by [[Hyarmendacil I]].<br />
<br />
Both Umbar and the Harad were left unchecked by Gondor's waning power by the time of the War of the Ring, and presented grave threats from the south. Many Haradrim fought with Sauron's forces in Gondor in that War.<br />
<br />
===Easterlings===<br />
<br />
Most Men who fought in the armies of Morgoth and Sauron were [[Easterlings]] who came from the regions beyondd the [[Sea of Rhûn]]. Some Easterlings offered their services to the Elvish kingdoms in Beleriand; among them were [[Bór]] and his sons, and [[Ulfang the Black]] and his sons. This proved to be disastrous for the Elves in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]] when Ulfang and his clan switched sides and defected to Morgoth, though Bór and his sons died bravely fighting on the side of the [[Eldar]]. <br />
<br />
After Morgoth's defeat Sauron extended his influence over the Easterlings, and although Sauron was defeated by the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] at the end of the Second Age, the Easterlings were the first enemies to attack Gondor again in {{TA|492}}. They were soundly defeated by King [[Rómendacil I]], but they invaded again in {{TA|541|n}}and took revenge by slaying King Rómendacil. Rómendacil's son [[Turambar (King of Gondor)|Turambar]] took large portions of land from them.<br />
<br />
In the next centuries Gondor held sway over the Easterlings. When Gondor's power began to decrease in the twelfth century of the Third Age, the Easterlings took the complete eastern bank of the [[Anduin]] except [[Ithilien]] and crushed Gondor's allies, the Northmen. <br />
<br />
The Easterlings of the Third Age were divided in different tribes, such as the [[Wainriders]] and the [[Balchoth]]. The Wainriders were a confederation of Easterlings who were very active between {{TA|1856}} and {{TA|1944|n}}. They posed a serious threat to Gondor for many years, but were utterly defeated by [[Eärnil II]] in 1944.<br />
<br />
When Gondor lost its royal dynasty in {{TA|2050|n}} the Easterlings started to reorganize themselves, and a fierce group called the Balchoth became the most important tribe. In {{TA|2510|n}} they invaded Gondor again and conquered much of [[Calenardhon]], until they were defeated by the [[Éothéod]] who rode to Gondor's aid.<br />
<br />
In the War of the Ring, the Easterlings were among the fiercest warriors deployed at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] by Sauron.<br />
<br />
===Northmen===<br />
<br />
Not all the Men who remained east of the Blue Mountains and Misty Mountains during the First Age were tempted by Morgoth or Sauron, and they were joined after the War of Wrath by those of the Edain who did not wish to travel to Númenor. The [[Northmen]] who dwelt in [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]] and other parts of [[Rhovanion]] were friendly to the Dúnedain, being for the most part their kin, and many of them became Gondorian subjects. The Men of [[Dale]] and [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]] were Northmen, as were the Woodsmen of Mirkwood, and the [[Éothéod]], who became the Rohirrim or Horse Lords.<br />
<br />
===Dunlendings===<br />
<br />
When Elendil founded the Kingdom of Arnor, its borders were quickly extended towards the river Greyflood (Sindarin:''Gwathló''), and Gondor likewise extended up through [[Enedwaith]]. In Enedwaith and [[Minhiriath]] (Sindarin for ''Land between the Rivers'') lived a group of Men related to those Men that became the House of Haleth, and they were known as the [[Dunlendings]]. They had lived in the great woods that covered most of Eriador, and when the Númenóreans started to chop these woods down to build their ships in the [[Second Age]], they earned the hostility of the Dunlendings. The Dunlendings later became bitter enemies of [[Rohan]], as they believed the Rohirrim had stolen their lands.<br />
<br />
Because of their enmity with the Rohirrim, the Dunlendings served [[Saruman]] in the War of the Ring and fought against the Horse Lords in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]].<br />
<br />
===Drúedain===<br />
Another group of Men were the [[Drúedain]], also called the [[Woses]]. They were small and stooped, and were always few in number and shortlived compared to other races of Men. They lived among the House of Haleth in the First Age, and were held as Edain by the Elves, who called them ''Drúedain'' (from ''Drûg'', their own name for themselves, plus ''Edain''). <br />
<br />
At the end of the Third Age a few Woses still lived in the Drúadan Forest. They held off [[Orcs]] with poisoned arrows and were vital in securing the aid of the Rohirrim in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. King [[Aragorn|Elessar]] granted the Drúadan Forest to them "forever" in the [[Fourth Age]].<br />
<br />
===Hobbits===<br />
[[Hobbits]] were strictly a race of Men rather than a separate species. The origin of Hobbits is obscure; they first appeared in the records of other Men in the middle of the [[Third Age]].<br />
<br />
==Names and etymology==<br />
The Elves called the race of '''Mankind''' with poetic names that refer to their later coming, and their mortality. They are mostly called '''[[Atani]]''' in [[Quenya]], literally meaning "Second ones" (the [[Elves]] being the First), but also '''[[Hildor]]''' (Followers or Aftercomers), '''Apanónar''' (Q. Afterborn), '''Secondborn''', '''Younger Children of Iluvatar''', '''Strangers''' and '''Usurpers'''<ref name=men>{{S|Men}}</ref> because they [[Dominion of Men|dominated Arda]] after the Elves. [[Sindarin]] names were '''Ephedin''' or '''Ephedrim''' (Followers).<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}</ref><br />
<br />
Other names were '''[[Fírimar]]''' (Mortals), '''[[Engwar]]''' (The Sickly), the '''Self-cursed''' and the '''Guests'''<ref name=men/> because their fate was outside Arda.<br />
<br />
Other names by the Elves, apparently referring to their differences from themselves are '''Inscrutable''', the '''Heavy-handed''', the '''Night-fearers''', and the '''Children of the Sun'''<ref name=men/> because they awoke with the Sun. <br />
<br />
Hobbits called them the '''Big People''' or the '''[[Big Folk]]''', especially in [[Bree]]. <br />
<br />
The name ''Atani'' is cognate with [[Sindarin]] '''[[Adan|Edain]]''', but the latter term was later applied not to the race, but only to the peoples of [[Beleriand]] who aided the Elves in their war with [[Morgoth]] in the [[First Age]].<br />
<br />
[[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] employed a peculiar usage of the words ''Man'' and ''Mannish'': these terms came to replace the word "human" found in drafts of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.<ref>{{PM|Languages}}, p. 61</ref> It has been suggested that Tolkien might have preferred ''Man'' and ''Mannish'' being pure Germanic roots, unlike the Latin-influenced ''Human'' (cf. ''[[Wiktionary:homo#Latin|homo]]'').<ref>{{HM|RW}}, pp. 156-8</ref> This usage also reflects old Germanic practice, where ''Man'' originally meant ''mankind'', not merely the male gender; this was found (and in many of them, still is found) in all the Germanic languages (i.e. German ''Menschen'', "people").<ref>http://etymonline.com/index.php?term=man&allowed_in_frame=0</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Men]]<br />
[[Category:Races]]<br />
[[de:Menschen]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/hommes/hommes]]<br />
[[fi:Ihmiset]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Elves&diff=297902Elves2018-03-24T23:35:49Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{sources}}<br />
{{race infobox<br />
| name=Elves<br />
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - At Lake Cuiviénen.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="At Lake Cuiviénen" by [[Ted Nasmith]]<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=People of the Stars, Firstborn, Elder Children of Ilúvatar<br />
| origin=Firstborn of the [[Children of Ilúvatar|Children]] of [[Ilúvatar]]<br />
| location=<br />
'''Years of the Trees and First Age:''' <br />
*[[Cuiviénen]]<br />
*[[Eglador]]<br />
*[[Havens of the Falas]]<br />
*[[Doriath]]<br />
*[[Dorthonion]]<br />
*[[Nulukkizdîn]]<br />
*[[ Gondolin ]]<br />
*[[Havens of Sirion]]<br />
*[[Himlad]]<br />
*[[Hithlum]]<br />
*[[Maglor's Gap]]<br />
*[[March of Maedhros]]<br />
*[[Nargothrond]]<br />
*[[Nevrast]]<br />
*[[Ossiriand]]<br />
*[[Pass of Aglon]]<br />
*[[Pass of Sirion]]<br />
*[[Thargelion]]<br />
*[[Lindon]]<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Second Age:''' <br />
*[[Eregion]]<br />
*[[Greenwood the Great]]<br />
*[[Lindon]]<br />
*[[Rivendell]]<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Third Age:''' <br />
*[[Lindon]]<br />
*[[ Lothlórien]]<br />
*[[Mirkwood]]<br />
*[[Rivendell]]<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Fourth Age:''' <br />
*[[East Lórien]]<br />
*[[Lindon]]<br />
*[[Lothlórien]]<br />
*[[Rivendell]]<br />
*[[Wood of Greenleaves]]<br />
*[[Ithilien]]<br />
| affiliation=<br />
| rivalry=[[Orcs]], [[Dwarves]]<br />
| language=Various [[Elvish]] languages, most notably [[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]]; [[Westron]]<br />
| people=[[Vanyar]], [[Noldor]], [[Teleri]], [[Sindar]], [[Nandor]], [[Silvan Elves|Silvan]], [[Falmari]], [[Avari]]<br />
| members=[[Ingwë]], [[Thingol]], [[Finwë]], [[Fëanor]], [[Fingolfin]], [[Gil-galad]], [[Galadriel]], [[Finrod]], [[Sons of Fëanor]], [[Lúthien]], [[Fingon]], [[Turgon]], [[Idril]], [[Maeglin]], [[Círdan]], [[Celeborn]], [[Celebrimbor]]<br />
| lifespan=[[Arda]]'s existence; near immortality<br />
| distinctions=<br />
| height=Tall<br />
| hair=Blond, black, brown, red, and occasionally silver<br />
| skin=Pale to tan<br />
| clothing=<br />
| weapons=Typically swords and bows<br />
}}<br />
The '''Elves''' (''[[Quendi]]'') were the first of the races of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], known also as the [[Firstborn]] for that reason. The Elves are distinguished from the other two races, the [[Men]] and the [[Dwarves]], especially by the fact of their near immortality.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
===Awakening===<br />
{{main|Awakening of the Elves}}<br />
<br />
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves'']] About the same time that [[Varda]], Queen of the [[Valier]], ended her labours in creating the [[Stars]], the Elves awoke beside the lake [[Cuiviénen]]. The first things they saw were the stars, and henceforth they adored them. The first sound they heard was the flowing of water, and henceforth they loved water as well.<br />
<br />
They made speech then, and called themselves the ''[[Quendi]]''. [[Morgoth|Melkor]] was the first to be aware of them, and he caused evil spirits to go about among them. When one or a small group wandered abroad, they would often vanish. It is believed that Melkor may have created [[Orcs]] with the elves he captured.<br />
<br />
[[Oromë]], the Huntsman of the [[Valar]], happened upon them when he heard their singing far-off. He was amazed to see them, and called them the ''Eldar'', "People of the Stars".<br />
<br />
===Sundering===<br />
{{main|Sundering of the Elves}}<br />
<br />
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Oromë espies the first Elves.jpg |thumb|right|250px|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''Oromë espies the first Elves'']] Though at first the Quendi were afraid of Oromë, the noblest among them saw that he was no dark horseman, as the lies of Melkor claimed. He had the light of [[Aman]] in his eyes and face, and they were drawn to him.<br />
<br />
After spending a while among the Quendi, Oromë returned to [[Valinor]] and took council with the other Valar and Valier. At the counsel of [[Ilúvatar]], [[Manwë]], King of the Valar, decided that they must go to war against Melkor to protect the Quendi from him. After a great battle and [[Siege of Utumno]], which reshaped the earth itself, Melkor was bound and cast into the prison of [[Mandos]]. Then the Valar, pleased with the outcome, summoned the Elves to Valinor, seeking fellowship with them.<br />
<br />
At Oromë's urging, many of the Elves (especially the kindreds of [[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and [[Elwë]]) agreed. But others, henceforth called the [[Avari]], declared that they preferred starlight and the wide spaces of [[Middle-earth]]. So the Elves were first sundered. During the journey to [[Belegaer]], gradually the number of the Elves began to lessen as various groups dropped away. Some of the [[Teleri]] (kindred of Elwë) refused to cross the [[Misty Mountains]], and settled in [[Anduin]] under the leadership of [[Lenwë]], to be called later the [[Nandor]]. Elwë then went missing, and in dismay the rest of the Teleri remained behind, while the [[Noldor]] (kindred of Finwë) and [[Vanyar]] (kindred of Ingwë) used an island as a ship, and found at last Aman and Valinor.<br />
<br />
After several years, Oromë returned to search for the Teleri. Some, under [[Olwë]], relented and followed. Others remained to continue to search for Elwë. Still others, under [[Círdan]], remained because in that time they had become devoted to [[Ossë]] and the Sea. Those Teleri that chose to remain were called the [[Sindar]]. Elwë, who had fallen asleep due to his enchantment with [[Melian]], returned to claim lordship and establish them in [[Doriath]]. The Noldor and some of the Teleri, however, built the great cities of [[Tirion]] and [[Alqualondë]] (respectively) in Aman. The Vanyar dwelt in [[Valmar]], for they were closest to the Valar of the kindreds.<br />
<br />
===Exile of the Noldor===<br />
{{main|Exile of the Noldor}}<br />
<br />
[[File:Jenny Dolfen - The Coming of Fingolfin.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Jenny Dolfen]] - ''The Coming of Fingolfin'']] Melkor, having been released on the promise of good behavior, spread lies about the Valar among the Noldor. [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of Finwë and one of the greatest Elves to have ever lived, hated Melkor more than all the other Noldor, but was paradoxically one of the most influenced by his lies. He forged weapons, and his greatest works, the [[Silmarils]], captured the light of the [[Two Trees]] – and his own heart. After Melkor stole the Silmarils and killed Finwë, Fëanor stirred the Noldor to open disobedience to the Valar. In an epic journey filled with treachery, death, and deceit, the Noldor entered in to Exile, crossing over into [[Beleriand]].<br />
<br />
===Battles of Beleriand===<br />
{{main|Battles of Beleriand}}<br />
<br />
There were five great battles fought in Beleriand. The [[First Battle]] was the result of an attack by Melkor on Círdan and Elwë (now known as [[Thingol]]). Though the Elves managed to resist the attack successfully, this left Melkor essentially with full reign of Beleriand. Upon the sudden and unanticipated [[Return of the Noldor]], the tables were reversed in the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]]. The third battle (“[[Dagor Aglareb]]”) occurred when Melkor tried unsuccessfully to destroy the Elves, breaking forth from [[Angband]]. This only resulted in the vigilant [[Siege of Angband]]. Morgoth was more successful in the next battle, [[Dagor Bragollach]], which ended in the deaths of many Elven princes, among them [[Fingolfin]], [[High King of the Noldor]]. The siege was broken. Several decades later, [[Maedhros]], eldest son of Fëanor, counterattacked in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]. Although at first very successful, the tide turned against the Elves, and ended in the destruction of [[Hithlum]]. It was not half a century later that [[Gondolin]], the last real stronghold of the Noldor, was [[The Fall of Gondolin|destroyed]]. [[Doriath]], the centre of the [[Sindar]]in realm, was sacked by [[Dwarves]].[[File:Ted Nasmith - Eärendil and the Battle of Eagles and Dragons.jpg|left|150px|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Eärendil and The Battle of Eagles and Dragons'']]<br />
<br />
===Salvation===<br />
{{main|War of Wrath}}<br />
<br />
With the near destruction of the Elves, the last survivors were at the [[Mouths of Sirion]] and [[Isle of Balar|Balar]] and were led by Gil-galad and Círdan. Among them was [[Eärendil]], the son of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]]. Eärendil made a miraculous voyage to [[Valinor]] to beg the pardon of the Valar. His request was granted. The Valar came across the Sea to [[Middle-earth]], and in the [[War of Wrath]] thrust Morgoth into the [[Void]] and purged Beleriand. They offered to let the Elves return with them to Valinor; some accepted, but many others, under [[Gil-galad]], chose to remain.<br />
<br />
===Decline===<br />
<br />
[[File:Angus McBride - Celebrimbor.gif|thumb|right|150px|[[Angus McBride]] - ''Celebrimbor'']] Though Morgoth was gone to trouble the world no longer, [[Sauron]], his greatest servant, was still there, and he made war on the remaining Elves who chose not to depart Middle-earth throughout the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age]]s. <br />
<br />
During this time the Elves realized how [[Men]] were rising to take their place, and Sauron exploited their longing. [[Annatar]] corrupted [[Celebrimbor]], the grandson of Fëanor, to wright the [[Rings of Power]], especially the [[Three Rings]] to preserve the Elves. Annatar was a guise of Sauron who also forged a ring – [[the One Ring]]. However the Elves realised the deception and defied Sauron, who then [[War of the Elves and Sauron|waged War against them]]. In the following centuries Elves continued to heed the invitation of the Valar, desire the Sea and depart for the Undying Lands. Realms such as [[Dol Amroth]] were deserted and gave their place to Men.<br />
<br />
It was not until the end of the Third Age that the One Ring was destroyed, marring the Three Rings at the same time. In the years that followed the last of the Elves departed across the Sea to Valinor, their mission against Sauron complete, never to return.<br />
<br />
Well into the [[Fourth Age]] and the [[Dominion of Men]], most Elves apparently had left the [[Westlands]], with most populations remaining at least in [[Mirkwood]] and [[Lindon]]. [[Rivendell]] and [[Lothlórien]] appeared mostly abandoned around the time of [[King Elessar]]'s and [[Arwen]]'s death.<ref>{{App|Tale}}</ref><br />
<br />
The Elves eventually faded, as their spirits overwhelmed and consumed their bodies. At the end of the world, all Elves will have become invisible to mortal eyes, known as [[Lingerers]], except to those to whom they wish to manifest themselves.<ref>{{MR|Laws}}</ref> [[Ilúvatar]] had not revealed the role of the Elves after [[the End]].<ref>{{S|1}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Life and customs==<br />
:''Main articles: ''[[Elven characteristics]], [[Elven life cycle]], and [[Elven customs]]''<br />
<br />
Besides being considered more beautiful than men, Elves were also generally taller. Their hair colour varied; but the basic rules were that the [[Noldor]] generally had dark hair (brown or black), the [[Vanyar]] golden, and the [[Teleri]] silver or dark. Their eyes are usually described as grey. <br />
<br />
Their lives were counted to begin at conception rather than birth, and though their minds sharpened much earlier in life than in the race of Men, their bodies grew more slowly. They were considered fully-grown at about a century. They married usually only once in their lives, and their children were often few and far-between.<br />
<br />
Their most distinguishing characteristic from the [[Mortals|Mortal]] races was the fact that they were invulnerable to age or disease; unless they were killed by sword or sorrow, they would live to the end of the world. Unlike Men whose [[fëar]] (spirits) left Arda when their bodies died, Elves' fëar were bound to Arda until its ending. If an Elf's hröa (body) died, its fëa would be summoned to the [[Halls of Mandos]], where the Valar could re-embody the Elf in a hröa that was identical to the Elf's previous hröa. However, if an Elf committed evil acts during their lifetime and refused to repent, the Valar could delay the Elf's re-embodiment, impose conditions on it, or refuse it altogether.<ref name=P4i>{{MR|P4i}}, p. 339</ref><ref>{{PM|Last}}, pp. 380, 389</ref> An Elf could refuse the summons to Mandos or choose to remain disembodied,<ref name=P4i></ref><ref>{{PM|XI2}}, p. 334</ref> but the Elf's houseless fëa would still be unable to leave Arda.<br />
<br />
==Arts, crafts, powers and magic==<br />
<br />
Other races often spoke of 'Elf magic', or of objects made by Elves as if they contained enchantments. It is unclear how accurate it is to call Elvish arts and crafts 'magic' or 'enchanted'. Elves themselves only used these words when attempting to simplify or clarify how elvish-made things seemed to have a special quality that no other races were able to achieve. Powerful Elves seemed to have control over nature and the elements, their clothes seemed to shine with their own light, their blades seemed to never lose their sharpness. Less educated folks could not explain these effects, so they simply called them 'magic'.<br />
<br />
==Major divisions==<br />
{{familytree/start|align=center}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | |QUE| | | | | | | | | | | | QUE=[[Quendi]]<br /><small>All Elves</small> }}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | |)|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| | | | | }}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | |ELD| | | || AVA| | | | | | ELD=[[Eldar]]<br /><small>West-elves</small>|AVA=[[Avari]]<br /><small>The Unwilling</small> }}<br />
{{familytree | | |,|-|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | }}<br />
{{familytree | |VAN| | |NOL| | |TEL| | | | | | | | | VAN=[[Vanyar]]<br /><small>Fair-elves</small>|NOL=[[Noldor]]<br /><small>Deep-elves</small>|TEL=[[Teleri]]<br /><small>The Hindmost</small> }}<br />
{{familytree | | | | |,|-|-|^|-|-|.| |!| | | | | | | | | }}<br />
{{familytree | | | |AMA| | | |EXI|!| | | | | | | | | | | AMA=Amanyar Noldor<br /><small>Noldor of Aman</small>|EXI=[[Exile of the Noldor|Etyañgoldi]]<br /><small>Exiled Noldor</small> }}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|-|.| | | | }}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | |FAL| | |SIN| | |NAN| | | | | | FAL=[[Falmari]]<br /><small>Sea-elves</small>|SIN=[[Sindar]]<br /><small>Grey-elves</small>|NAN=[[Nandor]]<br /><small>Followers of [[Lenwë]]</small> }}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|^|-|-|.| }}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | |LAQ| | | |SIL| | LAQ=[[Laiquendi]]<br /><small>Green-elves</small>|SIL=[[Silvan Elves]]<br /><small> Wood-elves</small> }}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
<br />
The term ''quendi'' refers to all Elves; it was was created at Cuiviénen before the Elves had contact with any other race.<ref name=B>{{WJ|B}}</ref>{{rp|372}} When Oromë invited the Elves to Valinor, those who followed him on the Great Journey were called the Eldar,<ref name=B>{{WJ|B}}</ref>{{rp|374}} while those who refused were called the Avari.<ref name=S3>{{S|3}}</ref> The Eldar were divided into three clans−the Vanyar, the Noldor, and the Teleri.<ref name=S3 /> All of the Vanyar and Noldor reached Aman. Two groups of Teleri abandoned the Great Journey: the Nandor, who came to live in the [[Vale of Anduin]],<ref name=S3 /> and the Sindar, who remained in Beleriand.<ref>{{S|4}}</ref> The Nandor eventually split into the Laiquendi, who migrated into Beleriand and settled in [[Ossiriand]], and the Silvan Elves, who established realms in [[Mirkwood]] and [[Lothlórien]]. Those Teleri who completed the Great Journey and settled in Aman were called the Falmari.<ref name=S3 /> Those Noldor who later returned to Middle-earth in exile were called the ''Etyañgoldi''.<ref name=B>{{WJ|B}}</ref>{{rp|374}}<br />
<br />
==Languages==<br />
{{main|Elvish}}<br />
<br />
[[File:Donato Giancola - Lore.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|[[Donato Giancola]] - ''Lore'']] Because [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] developed the Elves almost for his languages, those he developed are of special interest to many Tolkien scholars. His primary languages are [[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]], but these have many variants and dialects as is seen in the table below. They were generally written in the [[Cirth]] and [[Tengwar]] scripts.<br />
<br />
*'''[[Primitive Quendian]]'''<br />
**'''[[Avarin]]'''<br />
***'''Various Avarin languages''' (some later merged with Nandorin)<br />
**'''[[Common Eldarin]]''' (the early language of all the [[Eldar]])<br />
***'''[[Quenya]]''' (the language of the [[Noldor]] and the [[Vanyar]])<br />
****''' ''Quendya'' (also ''Vanyarin Quenya'') ''' (daily tongue of the Vanyar: closest to archaic Quenya)<br />
****''' ''Noldorin Quenya'' (also ''Exilic Quenya'') ''' (the "Elven Latin" of Middle-earth)<br />
***'''[[Common Telerin]]''' (the early language of all the [[Lindar]])<br />
****'''[[Telerin]]''' (the language of the [[Teleri]] who reached the [[Undying Lands]])<br />
****'''[[Nandorin]]''' (languages of the [[Nandor]] — some were influenced by Avarin)<br />
*****'''Original language of [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]]'''<br />
*****'''Original language of [[Lothlórien|Lórinand]]'''<br />
****'''[[Sindarin]]''' (language of the [[Sindar]])<br />
*****'''[[Doriathrin]]''' (dialect of [[Doriath]])<br />
*****'''[[Falathrin]]''' (dialect of the [[Falas]] and [[Nargothrond]])<br />
*****'''[[North Sindarin]]''' (dialects of [[Dorthonion]] and [[Hithlum]])<br />
******'''[[Gondor Sindarin]]''' (dialect of [[Gondor]])<br />
<br />
==Inspiration==<br />
===Germanic influence===<br />
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', a diminutive fairy-like race of elves had once been a great and mighty people who had "diminished" as Men took over the world.<ref name="bolt1" /><ref>{{HM|LT2}}</ref><ref name="Fimi">[[Dimitra Fimi]], [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2386/is_2_117/ai_n16676591 "Mad" Elves and "elusive beauty": some Celtic strands of Tolkien's mythology] in ''Folklore'', vol. 117, iss. 2, August 2006, pp. 156–170</ref> They were influenced by the [[Wikipedia:Elf|Elves]] of Northern European mythologies, especially the god-like and human-sized ''[[Wikipedia:Light elf|Ljósálfar]]'' of Norse mythology,<ref>[[Tom Shippey]], ''[[The Road to Middle-earth]]''</ref> also appearing in medieval works such as ''[[Sir Orfeo]]'', the Welsh [[Pwyll Prince of Dyved|Mabinogion]], [[The Fall of Arthur|Arthurian romances]] and the legends of the [[Wikipedia:Tuatha Dé Danann|Tuatha Dé Danann]].<ref name="Anderson1">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]] and [[Douglas A. Anderson]] (ed.), ''[[The Annotated Hobbit]]'', p. 120</ref> <br />
<br />
Terry Gunnell also claims that the relationship between beautiful ships and the Elves is reminiscent of Njörðr and Skíðblaðni, Freyr's ship.<ref name="Articles"/><br />
<br />
===Celtic influence===<br />
Tolkien expressed a dislike in Celtic legends and denied that his legendarium is "Celtic",<ref>{{HM|Bio}}, p. 26</ref> however it is believed that Celtic Mythology had a great influence on Tolkien's writings on Elves <ref>[[John Garth]], ''[[Tolkien and the Great War]]'', p. 222</ref><ref name="Articles">Terry Gunnell, "[http://www.hi.is/Apps/WebObjects/HI.woa/wa/dp?detail=1004509&name=nordals_en_greinar_og_erindi ''Tívar'' in a Timeless Land: Tolkien's Elves]" conference lecture delivered on 13 September 2002</ref> and some of the stories Tolkien wrote as their 'legends' are directly influenced by it.<ref name="Fimi"/> For example, the [[Noldor]] are based on the Tuatha Dé Danann in the ''Lebor Gabála Érenn'', and their migratory nature comes from early Irish/Celtic history.<ref name="Fimi"/> John Garth has also referenced the Tuatha Dé Danann in suggesting Tolkien was essentially rewriting Irish fairy traditions.<br />
<br />
Tolkien also retains the usage of the Celtic and popular term 'fairy' for the same creatures.<ref>[[Marjorie J. Burns]], ''Perilous Realms: Celtic and Norse in Tolkien's Middle-earth'', p. 22</ref> The Elves are also called fair folk (based on [[Welsh]] ''Tylwyth teg'' 'the beautiful kindred' = fairies)<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 757 cf. "Fair folk"</ref> although they are unrelated to fairies.<br />
<br />
===Eschatology===<br />
The larger Elves are also inspired by Tolkien's Christian theology — as representing the state of Men in Eden who have not yet "[[Wikipedia:Fall of Man|fallen]]" — similar to humans but fairer and wiser, with greater spiritual powers, keener senses, and a closer empathy with nature, freed from human limitations, immortal, with wills directly effective for the achievement of imagination and desire.<ref name="Carpenter"/><br />
<br />
===Fairies===<br />
Traditional "Victorian" dancing [[fairies]] and elves appear in Tolkien's early poetry,<ref name = "bolt1">{{HM|LT1}}</ref> and have influence upon his later works<ref>[[Dimitra Fimi]], "[http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/english/working_with_english/Fimi_31_05_06.pdf Come sing ye light fairy things tripping so gay: Victorian Fairies and the Early Work of J. R. R. Tolkien]". ''Working With English: Medieval and Modern Language, Literature and Drama''. Retrieved 11/01/08</ref> in part due to the influence of a production of J.M. Barrie's ''Peter Pan'' in [[Birmingham]] in 1910<ref name="Carpenter">[[Humphrey Carpenter]], ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]''</ref> and his familiarity with the work of Catholic mystic poet, Francis Thompson<ref name="Carpenter" /> whose work Tolkien had acquired in 1914.<ref name="bolt1" /><br />
<br />
In ''The Book of Lost Tales'' Tolkien includes both the more serious 'medieval' type of elves such as [[Fëanor]] and [[Turgon]] alongside the frivolous, "Jacobean-era" type of elves such as the [[Solosimpi]] and [[Lúthien|Tinúviel]].<ref name="Anderson1" /> <br />
<br />
Tolkien also developed the idea of children visiting [[Valinor]] in their sleep. Elves would also visit and comfort chided or upset children at night. This theme was largely abandoned.<ref>{{LT1|I}}</ref><br />
<br />
However after the publication of ''The Lord of the Rings'', Tolkien repeatedly expressed his misgivings concerning the undesirable associations of the name "elf" like those of ''A Midsummer Night's Dream'', the Victorian notions of fairies or mischievous imps, the imaginations of Michael Drayton or the fanciful beings with butterfly wings. <br />
<br />
He proposed that in [[translations of The Lord of the Rings|translations]] the "oldest available form of the name" be used for more elevated notions of beings "supposed to possess formidable magical powers in early Teutonic mythology" ([[OED]] viz. the [[Old English]] ''ælf'', from Proto-Germanic ''*albo-z''). Tolkien warned against associations to the debased English notion of ''elfin'' and suggested that Germans would not translate his Elves as ''Elf, elfen'', words which might retain the undesirable images.<br />
<br />
He rather suggested words such as ''Alp, Alb'', historically the more normal form and true cognate of English ''elf''.<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 756, s.v. "Elven-smiths".</ref><br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* '''[[:Category:Images of Elves|Images of Elves]]'''<br />
{{references}}<br />
{{elves}}<br />
[[Category:Elves]]<br />
[[Category:Races]]<br />
[[de:Elben]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/elfes/elfes]]<br />
[[fi:Haltiat]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Dwarves&diff=297901Dwarves2018-03-24T23:16:03Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{sources}}<br />
{{race infobox<br />
| name=Dwarves<br />
| image=[[File:Alarie - A bunch of dwarves.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="A bunch of dwarves" by [[:Category:Images by Alarie|Alarie]]<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=''Naugrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''Nogothrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]).''[[Khazâd]]'' ([[Khuzdul|K]]), ''[[Hadhod]]rim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''[[Casar]]i'' ([[Quenya|Q]])<br />
| origin=Created by [[Aulë]]<br />
| location=<br />
'''Years of the Trees and First Age:''' <br />
*[[Amon Rûdh]]<br />
*[[Belegost]]<br />
*[[Khazad-dûm]]<br />
*[[Nogrod]]<br />
*[[Mount Gundabad]]<br />
*[[Nulukkizdîn]]<br />
*[[Orocarni]]<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Second Age:''' <br />
*[[Khazad-dûm]]<br />
*[[Mount Gundabad]]<br />
*[[Blue Mountains]]<br />
*[[Orocarni]]<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Third Age:''' <br />
*[[Grey Mountains]]<br />
*[[Iron Hills]]<br />
*[[Khazad-dûm]]<br />
*[[Lonely Mountain]]<br />
*[[Blue Mountains]]<br />
*[[Orocarni]]<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Fourth Age:''' <br />
*[[Grey Mountains]]<br />
*[[Iron Hills]]<br />
*[[Blue Mountains]]<br />
*[[Lonely Mountain]]<br />
*[[Khazad-dûm]]<br />
*[[Glittering Caves]]<br />
*[[Orocarni]]<br />
| affiliation=<br />
| rivalry=[[Elves]], [[Orcs]]<br />
| language=[[Khuzdul]] ([[Dwarvish]]), [[Iglishmêk]] (sign language), [[Westron]]<br />
| people='''Clans:'''<br/>[[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]], [[Firebeards]], [[Broadbeams]], [[Ironfists]], [[Stiffbeards]], [[Blacklocks]], [[Stonefoots]], [[Petty-dwarves]]<br/>'''Groups:'''<br/>[[Dwarves of Belegost|Belegost Dwarves]], [[Dwarves of Erebor|Erebor Dwarves]], [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm|Khazad-dûm Dwarves]],<br/> [[Dwarves of Nogrod|Nogrod Dwarves]],<br/> [[Dwarves of the Blue Mountains|Blue Mountain Dwarves]],<br/> [[Dwarves of the Grey Mountains|Grey Mountain Dwarves]],<br/> [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills|Iron Hill Dwarves]]<br />
| members=[[Durin]], [[Gimli]], [[Thorin]], [[Dáin Ironfoot]], [[Azaghâl]], [[Mîm]], [[Balin]]<br />
| lifespan=c. 250 years<br />
| distinctions=Stocky; bearded; never bald; especially hardy and loyal; notoriously stubborn<br />
| height=<br />
| hair=Blond, brown, black, blue, red, and (when older) grey or white<br />
| skin=<br />
| clothing=<br />
| weapons=Often axes<br />
}}<br />
{{quote|Since they were to come in the days of the power of [[Morgoth|Melkor]], [[Aulë]] made the dwarves strong to endure. Therefore they are stone-hard, stubborn, fast in friendship and in enmity, and they suffer toil and hunger and hurt of body more hardily than all other speaking peoples; and they live long, far beyond the span of Men, yet not forever.|[[The Silmarillion]], "[[Of Aulë and Yavanna]]"}}<br />
The '''Dwarves''', or '''''[[Khuzd|Khazâd]]''''' in their own tongue, were beings of short stature, often friendly with [[Hobbits]] although long suspicious of [[Elves]]. They were typically blacksmiths and stoneworkers by profession, unrivaled in some of their arts even by the Elves.<br />
<br />
While there were several tribes (Houses) of the Dwarves, the most prominent was that of the [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]].<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Origin===<br />
Unlike Elves and [[Men]], the Dwarves are not counted among the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Their creator was [[Aulë#Names and etymology|Mahal]], known as [[Aulë]] the Smith. Aulë created the Seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]], from whom all other Dwarves are descended, deep beneath an unknown mountain somewhere in [[Middle-earth]]. However, Aulë did not have the divine power to grant independent life to any creation, and the dwarves were bound to his will. [[Ilúvatar]] came and reprimanded Aulë, who confessed his desire to create more living things, but in repentance lifted his hammer to destroy the dwarves. Even as the blow was about to land, the dwarves cowered and begged for mercy, as Ilúvatar had taken pity and given true life to the creations of his child, including them in His plan for [[Arda]]. However, Ilúvatar did not wish them to wake before the [[Elves]], whom he intended to be the first-born. Ilúvatar granted the Dwarves life, and therefore they are known as the Adopted Children of Ilúvatar, but he bade Aulë lay them to sleep in their chamber deep beneath the mountain, and they were to awake after the [[Awakening of the Elves]].<ref name=S2>{{S|2}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[File:BFME2 - Dwarf 4.jpg|thumb||Dwarves as portrayed in [[The Battle for Middle-earth II]] game.]]<br />
The Seven Fathers awoke in their places in pairs with their wives, though [[Durin|Durin I]] had awoken alone. The seven different groups of Dwarf-folk originated in the locations where the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves first awoke.<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}</ref><ref>{{PM|X}}</ref><br />
<br />
The seven clans of the Dwarves were:<br />
<br />
* [[Longbeards]], Durin's Folk, originally from [[Gundabad]].<br />
* [[Firebeards]] and [[Broadbeams]], originally from [[Mt. Dolmed]].<br />
* [[Ironfists]] and [[Stiffbeards]], originated in the East.<br />
* [[Blacklocks]] and [[Stonefoots]], originated in the East.<br />
<br />
Durin settled in the caves above [[Kheled-zâram]] which later became the greatest of Dwarf realms, [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]. Therefore the halls of the Longbeards were not located near the halls of another Dwarf-kingdom. <br />
<br />
There was also an eighth group of Dwarves that was not a separate member from these seven kindreds, but composed of exiles from each: the [[Petty-dwarves]], who were hunted like animals to the point of extinction by the [[Elves]] in the First Age.<br />
<br />
===First Age===<br />
The Dwarves for many years did not know any other folk, until Firebeards and Broadbeams had their first meeting with the [[Elves]] in [[Beleriand]] in the year {{YT|1250|n}} of the [[Years of the Trees]]. From that time on there was friendship between the [[Sindar]] and the Dwarves, and they began exchanging knowledge and creating ring-mails and many other works; the [[Dwarves of Nogrod]] were unmatched in Middle-earth in smithing. They delved the caves of [[Menegroth]], and adopted the [[cirth|writing]] of [[Daeron]]. It was the Dwarves who told the Sindar about [[Orcs]] attacking their Elven kin on the other side of the mountains, which prompted King [[Thingol]] to begin a build up of arms which the Dwarves made for him. <br />
<br />
Later on a great army of Orcs attacked the Elves, but in the [[First Battle of Beleriand]] were defeated and fled. Those that got away ran south right into an army of Dwarves who issued from Mount Dolmed and destroyed them. <br />
<br />
After the [[Return of the Noldor]], [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]] desired to settle himself in the [[Caves of Narog]] and the Dwarves of the Ered Luin aided him and gave him the dwarven name ''Felak-gundu'' (''[[Felagund]]''). They eventually made for him the [[Nauglamír]]. This necklace without equal contained one of the [[Silmarils]], and sparked jealousy and conflicts over its true ownership. These initial conflicts receded by the beginning of the Second Age, but were rekindled to a new intensity by the discord sown by [[Sauron]]. They eventually created a rivalry and mistrust between Elves and Dwarves that endured to the end of the Third Age, when [[Gimli]] the Dwarf bridged the distance between the two races by developing a deep admiration for lady [[Galadriel]] and forming a strong friendship with [[Legolas]] the Elf.<br />
<br />
Things finally came to a head between the forces of Morgoth and the Elves, Men, and Dwarves in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]. The Dwarves fought for the [[Union of Maedhros]] <br />
<br />
In early [[Second Age]] most of the [[Firebeards]] and [[Broadbeams]] houses migrated to [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] from their cities in the [[Blue Mountains]] which were ruined during the sinking of Beleriand.<br />
<br />
===Second Age===<br />
The Dwarves had little participation in most of the important events involving the other races. However their friendship with the Elves perhaps became more close than ever; the Dwarves of [[Moria]] maintained close connections to the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]] of [[Eregion]]; the [[Doors of Durin]] of Moria were built to facilitate the communication between the two people, and was constructed jointly by both races.<br />
<br />
When Eregion was sacked by [[Sauron]]'s forces, the Dwarves assailed them from behind however it was too late to stop him from conquering all [[Eriador]].<ref name="UTGalad">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref><br />
[[File:Liz Danforth - Annatar and the Seven Rings.png|thumb|[[Liz Danforth]] - ''Annatar and the seven rings'']]<br />
When "[[Annatar]]" distributed the Rings of Power, he gave [[seven Rings|seven]] to Dwarf Lords in order to subdue and control them. However, they did not have the same effect as they did over Men. Dwarves did not shift into the [[wraith-world]] and in fact resisted domination. The Rings only augmented their greed and ability to create riches.<br />
<br />
At the end of the Age, very few Dwarves participated in the [[War of the Last Alliance|great War]], with some joining the side of [[Sauron]]. Some of the [[Dwarves of Moria]] joined the great host of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]].<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Third Age===<br />
<!-- This article is about the Race of the Dwarves in general so it should keep generic information. Specific or detailed information about the adventures of the Dwarves as presented in the Hobbit and LotR should rather go under the History section of the article [[Longbeards]], as the characters of the books represent that clan. --><br />
[[File:Angus McBride - Dwarves.jpg|thumb|left|[[Angus McBride]] - ''The Dwarves are upon You!'']]<br />
In [[Third Age 1980]], after centuries of greedy digging for ''[[mithril]]'' and other minerals, the Dwarves woke a [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]] that was sleeping in the deeps of the Misty Mountains since the First Age. The Dwarves fled Khazad-dum, which from then on was called ''Moria'', which means "Black pit". <br />
<br />
Most of Durin's folk left for the [[Grey Mountains]] in the North, while some followed the new king, [[Thráin I]], who briefly went to [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] in {{TA|1999}}. For more than 300 years the [[Dwarves of the Grey Mountains]] prospered until the Dragons in the far North started to gain strength. Some fled to the [[Iron Hills]], while most followed the new king [[Thrór]] to Erebor to start a new [[Kingdom under the Mountain]]. There, they prospered for over 200 years until the dragon [[Smaug]] descended in {{TA|2770}}. The King and his company went in exile South, while most of the survivors went to the Iron Hills.<br />
<br />
Durin's folk settled in [[Dunland]], and in {{TA|2790}} King Thrór traveled North to Moria where he was killed by the [[Orcs|Goblin]] king [[Azog]]. Thrór's son [[Thráin|Thráin II]] (who had received the Last of the Seven Rings from his father before his departure) summoned all the Houses of Dwarves to war. Thus began the [[War of Dwarves and Orcs]], in which the Dwarves destroyed all the Goblin strongholds in the [[Misty Mountains]] culminating to the great [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] where all the dwarven clans united. The Goblin hosts issuing from Moria were strong and relentless until the arrival of fresh [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]]. The Battle ended with the victory of Dwarves, but at great cost. The Dwarven clans however were unwilling to repopulate Moria. Thráin therefore came to the [[Blue Mountains]] and established his realm there.<br />
<br />
[[File:Angelo Montanini - Dori.jpg|thumb|[[Angelo Montanini]] - ''Dori'']]<br />
The Wizard [[Gandalf]] was instrumental into helping Thráin's son Thorin in reclaiming the Kingdom of Erebor. Thorin gathered around him [[Thorin and Company|twelve dwarves]], mostly from his own line, and was joined by [[Gandalf]] and [[Bilbo Baggins]]. The [[Quest of Erebor]] ended with the death of [[Smaug]]. After a quarrel with the Men and Elves over the unguarded hoard, the Dwarves - assisted by those from the [[Iron Hills]] - united with the Men and Elves to fight the attacking Goblins and Wargs, in what was called the [[Battle of Five Armies]], where Thorin was killed.<br />
<br />
[[Gimli]] son of Glóin joined the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] as a representative of the Dwarves and befriended [[Legolas]] during the [[War of the Ring]].<br />
<br />
===Fourth Age===<br />
Not much is known about the Dwarves in the [[Fourth Age]]. After the [[War of the Ring]], [[Gimli]] brought a part of Durin's Folk from Erebor to the Glittering Caves behind Helm's Deep and founded a colony there. Subsequently, Gimli went on many travels with his friend Legolas, and History lost track of their fate. Through their friendship and influence, the feud between the two races that had lasted for millennia finally ended, shortly before the departure of the last Elves from Middle-earth. It is rumored that Gimli and Legolas eventually boarded a ship that sailed down the river Anduin, out to sea and across to Valinor in the year {{FoA|120}}. Gimli would thus have become the only Dwarf to ever be permitted to cross to the Undying Lands.<br />
<br />
[[Durin VII]] (the Last), retook Moria and brought Khazad-dûm back to its original splendor, and the Longbeards lived there till the "world grew old and the days of Durin's race ended".<br />
<br />
==Nature==<br />
They were 4.5 - 5 feet (1.35 - 1.52 m) tall and their more distinctive characteristic was their beard which they have from the beginning of their lives, male and females alike; and which they shave only in shame.<ref name=wj13>{{WJ|13}}</ref><br />
<br />
As creations of Aulë, they were attracted to the substances of Arda and crafts. They mined and worked precious metals throughout the mountains of Middle-earth, but had a tendency toward gold lust, and committed their share of rash and greedy acts. Among these was the dispute over the [[Nauglamír]], which led to the slaying of Elu [[Thingol]] and stirred up the initial suspicion between Elves and Dwarves to open hatred.<ref name=rings/><br />
<br />
Dwarves generally lived far from the sea and avoided getting on boats, as they disliked the sound of the ocean and were afraid of it.<ref name=S10>{{S|10}}</ref><br />
===Hardiness===<br />
The Dwarves were created by Aulë to be strong, resistant to fire and the evils of Morgoth. They were hardier than any other race, secretive, stubborn, and steadfast in enmity or loyalty. <br />
<br />
Despite their short stature, they were known for their strength and endurance in battle, as well as their fury, particularly when avenging their fallen kin, and for being some of the greatest warriors in all of Middle-earth. They fought valiantly in many wars and battles over the Ages holding axes.<ref name=wj13/><br />
<br />
Sickness was almost unknown to the Dwarves, as they were immune to human diseases.<ref name=PMAiv/><br />
<br />
They were generally less corruptible than Men. When Sauron attempted to enslave the Free Folk of Middle-earth using the [[Rings of Power]], the Elves completely resisted his power (indeed, his hand had never sullied the [[Three Rings]]), while the [[Nine Rings]] utterly corrupted the Men who bore them into the [[Ringwraiths]]. In contrast, the Dwarves were sturdy and resistant enough that Sauron was not able to dominate them using the [[Seven Rings]]. At most, the Seven Rings sowed strife among the Dwarves and filled their wearers with an insatiable greed for gold, but they did not turn them into wraiths subservient to the Dark Lord, and he considered his plan to have failed. Sauron was furious at the Dwarves' resistance, spurring his drive to recapture the Seven Rings from them. <br />
<br />
Another example was [[Gimli]], who, while [[Saruman]] used the power in his voice and the [[Rohirrim]] were spell-bound by his magic, Gimli was unmoved and commented that Saruman's words cannot be trusted, causing Saruman to be angered enough to lose his charm.<ref>{{TT|Voice}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Lifespan===<br />
The lifespan of Dwarves was varied depending on their ancestry. The Longbeards were particularly long-lived, but by the Third Age their lifespan was diminished and they lived, on average, 250 years. Until they were around 30 years of age, Dwarves were considered too young for heavy labor or war (hence the slaying of Azog by [[Dain Ironfoot]] at age 32 was a great feat). By the age of 40, Dwarves were hardened into the appearance that they would keep for most of their lives. Between the approximate ages of 40 and 240, most Dwarves were equally hale and able to work and fight with vigor. They took on the appearance of age only about ten years before their death, wrinkling and greying rapidly, but never going bald. Occasionally they would live up to 300 years of age, and [[Dwalin]] reached the rare lifespan of 340 years (comparable to a Middle Man living to 100).<ref name=PMAiv>{{PM|Aiv}}</ref><br />
<br />
Although Dwarves did not suffer from diseases, corpulence could affect them. In prosperous circumstances, many grew fat by the age of 200 and became physically inept.<ref name=PMAiv>{{PM|Aiv}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Culture and family==<br />
The Dwarves' numbers, although they sometimes flourished, often faced periods of decline, especially in periods of war. The slow increase of their population was due to the rarity of [[Dwarf-women]], who made up only about a third of the total population. Dwarves seldom wedded before the age of ninety or more, and rarely had so many as four children. They took only one husband or wife in their lifetime, and were jealous, as in all matters of their rights. The number of Dwarf-men that married was actually less than a third, for not all the Dwarf-women took husbands; some desired none, some wanted one they could not have and would have no other. Many Dwarf-men did not desire marriage because they were absorbed in their work.<ref name=AppA3>{{App|A3}}</ref><ref name=PMAiv/><br />
<br />
Dwarf-women seldom walked abroad, and that only in great need. When they did travel, they were so alike Dwarf-men in voice, appearance, and garb that it was hard for other races to tell them apart. They were likewise seldom named in genealogies, joining their husbands' families. The only Dwarf-woman named in Tolkien's legendarium is [[Dís]], sister of Thorin Oakenshield, who was given a place in the records because of the gallant deaths of her sons, Fíli and Kíli. The scarcity of women, their rare mention, and their identical looks with the males, coupled with the Dwarves' secretive culture, led many to mistakenly believe that Dwarves were born out of stone, and upon death they returned to that stone.<ref name=AppA3/><ref name=PMAiv/><br />
<br />
Dwarves are fiercely devoted to their parents and children. In their desire for their children to grow up hardy and enduring, they may treat them harshly, but they will protect them at all costs. Dwarves resent injuries to their children and to their parents more than injuries to themselves.<ref name=PMAiv/><br />
<br />
==Religion==<br />
The Dwarves loved and revered the Vala Aulë.<ref name=S10/><ref name=S2>{{S|2}}</ref><br />
<br />
Of old the Elves believed that the Dwarves would have no future in [[Arda Unmarred]], but the Dwarves themselves held to a promise that Ilúvatar would hallow them and adopt them as his Children. They maintained that after death Aulë (Mahal) cared for them, gathering them to the [[Halls of Mandos]] with the other Children of Ilúvatar, though in halls set apart. It is said that after the Last Battle they will work alongside Aulë in the remaking of Arda.<ref name=S2/><br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
The Dwarven language was created by Aulë, and was called [[Khuzdul]]. It was a strange language to Elves and Men, and few non-Dwarves learned it, because it was difficult, and the Dwarves kept it secret, preferring to communicate in the languages of their neighbors. Only one Khuzdul phrase was well known to outsiders: the ancient battle cry, going back to at least the First Age: "''Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!''", which means "Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!". The Dwarves taught Khuzdul carefully to their children, as a learned language, not a cradle-tongue, and thus the language changed very little over the ages, unlike those of other races. <br />
The Dwarves also devised a secret language of gestures to communicate between themselves in silence, the ''[[iglishmêk]]''.<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}, p. 395</ref><br />
<br />
==Names==<br />
The Dwarves called themselves the ''[[Khazâd]]'', the name Aulë gave them; this is adapted as '''''[[Hadhod]]'''rim'' in [[Sindarin]], and '''''[[Casar]]'''i'' in [[Quenya]]. Casari was the common word for Dwarves among the [[Noldor]], but the [[Sindar]] usually called them ''Naugrim'' or ''Nogothrim'', the Stunted People.<ref>{{App|F2}}</ref><br />
<br />
An epithet for the Dwarves in [[Quenya]] was ''Auleonnar'', meaning "offspring of Aule".<ref>{{HM|PM}}, p. 391</ref><br />
<br />
In their dealings with people of other races, the Dwarves did not reveal their true names, rather adopting new names in other languages (the [[petty-dwarves]] were an exception). During the Third Age, the Longbeards used [[northern Mannish]] names in public.<br />
<br />
==Inspiration==<br />
Almost all the names of the Dwarves of Middle-earth are taken from the Old Norse [[Völuspá]].<br />
<br />
According to Tolkien, the "real 'historical'" plural of ''dwarf'' is ''dwarrows'' or ''dwerrows''. He once referred to ''dwarves'' as "a piece of private bad grammar" (''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien|Letters]]'', 17), but in Appendix F to ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' he explains that if we still spoke of ''dwarves'' regularly, English might have retained a special plural for the word ''dwarf'' as with ''man''. The form ''dwarrow'' only appears in the word ''Dwarrowdelf'', a name for [[Moria]]. Tolkien used ''Dwarves'', instead, which corresponds with ''Elf'' and ''Elves'', making its meaning more apparent. The use of a different term also serves to set Tolkien's Dwarves apart from the similarly-named creatures in mythology and fairy-tales.<br />
<br />
The enduring popularity of Tolkien's books, especially ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]],'' has led to the popular use of the term ''dwarves'' to describe this race in fantasy literature. Before Tolkien, the term ''dwarfs'' (with a different spelling) was used, as seen in ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs''. In fact, the latter spelling was so common that the original editor of ''The Lord of the Rings'' "corrected" Tolkien's ''dwarves'' to ''dwarfs'' (''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', 138).<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the Legendarium==<br />
In the earliest versions of Tolkien's Middle-earth mythology (see: ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]'') the dwarves were evil beings created by [[Morgoth|Melkor]].<br />
<br />
In an earlier version of the legendarium it is hinted that the Dwarves do not know about Ilúvatar, or that they disbelieve his existence, but later writings contradict that suggestion.<ref name="#">{{LT2|IV}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[:Category:Images of Dwarves|Images of Dwarves]]<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
*"[http://lingwe.blogspot.se/2013/02/did-tolkien-coin-plural-dwarves.html Did Tolkien coin the plural “dwarves”?]" by [[Jason Fisher]] <br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
{{Dwarvenclans}}<br />
[[Category:Dwarves| ]]<br />
[[Category:Races]]<br />
[[de:Zwerge]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/nains/nains]]<br />
[[fi:Kääpiöt]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Five_Armies&diff=297898Battle of Five Armies2018-03-24T22:00:16Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Countdown}}<br />
{{disambig-more|Battle of Five Armies|[[Battle of Five Armies (disambiguation)]]}}<br />
{{battle<br />
|image=[[File:Matt Stewart - The Battle Under the Mountain.jpg|300px]]|<br />
name=Battle of Five Armies<br />
|conflict=Battle of Five Armies<br />
|date=[[23 November]] {{TA|2941}} (speculative)<ref name="KWF99">[[Karen Wynn Fonstad]], ''[[The Atlas of Middle-earth]]'' (second edition), page 99</ref><br />
|place=the slopes of Erebor, and the Valley and ruins of Dale<br />
|result=Victory for the Elves, Men, and Dwarves<br />
|side1=[[Woodland Realm]], [[Lake-town]], [[Iron Hills]], and [[Eagles]]<br />
|side2=[[Dol Guldur]], [[Gundabad]], [[Misty Mountains]], and [[Grey Mountains]] (<small>Book only</small>)<br />
|commanders1=<br />
*[[Gandalf]]<br />
*[[Thranduil]]<br />
*[[Bard|Bard the Bowman]]<br />
*[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin]]<br />
*[[Thorin|Thorin]] †<br />
*[[Gwaihir]]<br />
|commanders2=<br />
*[[Azog]] (<small>Movie only</small>)† <br />
*[[Bolg]] †<br />
|forces1=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
*Over 1,000 Elf spearmen + several hundred more archers <br />
*200-300 Lake-Men<br />
*500 Dwarves of the Iron Hills<br />
*many Eagles<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
*10,000 Elves of the [[Woodland Realm]]<br />
*7,000 [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]] + 500 Dwarven cavalry<br />
*3,000 Lake-town militia + 2,000 Lake-town civilians<br />
*80 Eagles<br />
|forces2=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
"A vast host" of Goblins and Wargs; possibly 10-25,000 <br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
*30,000 Guldur orcs<br />
*10,000 Gundabad orcs<br />
*800 Gundabad bats<br />
*450 Goblin mercenaries<br />
*55 Ogres<br />
*25-30 Trolls and Olog-hais<br />
*many Wargs<br />
|casual1=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
Many<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
*Over 7,000 Elves<br />
*Over 5,000 Dwarves<br />
*Over 3,000 Men<br />
|casual2=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
Almost entire force annihilated<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
Almost entire force annihilated<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Battle of Five Armies''' was an important battle waged in {{TA|2941}}.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> The five warring parties were the [[Orcs#Goblins|Goblins]] and the [[Wargs]] against [[Men]], [[Elves]] and [[Dwarves]] on and near the [[Lonely Mountain]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
=== Prelude ===<br />
<br />
Thorin and Company, including the "master-thief" [[Bilbo Baggins]] trying to <br />
recapture the heirloom of their fathers' (and possibly to kill Smaug, too, and thus to recapture the whole Kingdom) had camped without at [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] for some weeks. Bilbo had already done some exploration of the old hallways using the [[Back Door]] and had stolen a golden cup from the treasure. By this deed and by Bilbo's bold speech Smaug's anger was kindled.<br />
<br />
Erroneously believing, due to some remarks Bilbo had made during his conversation with Smaug,<ref name="Inside">{{H|Inside}}</ref> that some scheme of the Men of [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]] was the reason for the Dwarves' (and Bilbo's) presence, Smaug flew to Esgaroth to show them who is "the true [[King under the Mountain]]".<ref name="Inside">{{H|Inside}}</ref> Smaug's fires burned down the whole town, but the dragon was killed by [[Bard|Bard the Bowman]]. The [[Elves of Mirkwood]] soon learned that Smaug had been killed and thus set forth to claim the treasure, believing there was no one left who had a claim on it. Having heard of the disaster that had struck the befriended men, the Elven host turned aside to offer any help that could be provided. Some day after the Elves had arrived at the [[Long Lake]] a united host of Men and Elves set forth towards Erebor, believing that the Dwarves had been among the first casualties of Smaug's wrath. To their surprise they found Thorin and Company quite alive, the gate to the halls beneath Erebor barred by a wall and themselves treated as foes, coming armed towards the gates.<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref><br />
<br />
For several reasons Bard, being heir of [[Girion]], Lord of [[Dale]], claimed one twelfth of the treasure: first, he was the dragonslayer and without him, the Dwarves could never have reclaimed their old home. Second, a great deal of Dale's treasure had been robbed by Smaug and thus belonged rightfully to Bard and not the Dwarves. Third, the men of Esgaroth had helped the Dwarves on their journey and now had suffered severely; their whole city burned to the ground and their stocks being destroyed by Smaug, whose anger in the end was only risen by the Dwarves alone. Therefore they demanded compensation and Bard intended to pay it from the part of the treasure he claimed.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref><br />
<br />
Yet Thorin rebuked these claims. He would not fulfill any of the conditions as long as an armoured Elven host camped near Erebor. For the Elves did not have any claims on the treasure and Thorin himself had been imprisoned by the Elves.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref><br />
<br />
As a result, [[Thorin and Company]] were trapped in a bloodless siege, with [[Thranduil]] and Bard hoping to wait him out.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref> However, Thorin had sent messages of his plight to his relatives using as messengers talking [[Ravens]] that lived on the Lonely Mountain. These reached [[Dáin Ironfoot]] of the nearby Iron Hills, and he marched to Erebor with 500 heavily armed [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]], most of them skilled veterans of the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]]<ref name="Thief">{{H|Thief}}</ref>. When Dain's forces arrived, battle was almost joined between the two sides (now ''three'' armies were on the field) but at the last moment [[Gandalf]] intervened between the two and revealed that while they were bickering amongst themselves, the Goblins of the [[Misty Mountains]] and [[Grey Mountains]] under [[Bolg]] were using the opportunity to march against them. They had been incited by Gandalf's earlier slaying of the [[Great Goblin]], but had now mobilized for a full-scale attack after hearing news of the death of the Dragon and the now relatively unguarded treasure hoard.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== The Battle ===<br />
<br />
The three commanders agreed that the Goblins and Wargs were the enemies of all and previous grievances between them were put on hold in face of the greater threat. They arranged their forces on the two spurs of the Mountain that lined the valley leading to the now-sealed off great [[Front Gate|Gate of Erebor]]; the only entrance to the Mountain that remained unblocked (any others had been destroyed by Smaug long before). The 500 Dwarves and 200 or so Lake-men formed up on one spur and over 1000 Elves on the other, while a light rear-guard lined across the mouth of the valley to lure the Goblins between the two spurs of the mountain, and thus destroy them. [[Bilbo Baggins]] tried to sit out the battle on [[Ravenhill]] which was held by the Elves and where also Gandalf had withdrawn to.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[File:Joona Kujanen - Battle of Five Armies - Men of Esgaroth.jpg|300px|thumb|left|'''Battle of Five Armies: Men of Esgaroth''' by Joona Kujanen.]]Soon the Goblins and Wargs arrived, and at first the plan worked: they were lured into the chokepoint and took heavy losses. However, due to their superior numbers, the allied Free peoples did not hold the advantage long. The second wave was even worse than the first, and due to their sheer number now many Goblins scaled the mountain from the opposite side, and began to attack the arrayed forces from above and behind, as the main wave pressed forward. The battle raged across the Mountain, and then a great noise was heard: Thorin and his 12 Dwarf companions inside the mountain had thrown down a section of the stone wall they had erected across the mouth of the gates, killing many Goblins. Thorin and Company emerged, covered in the best armour and armed with the best weapons in Erebor. Then Thorin cried, "''Rally to me my kinsfolk''," and charged down into the valley to join the battle with many Dwarves and many Men and Elves joining them. Thorin advanced through the Goblins' ranks all the way up to the gigantic Goblins that formed the Bodyguard of Bolg, but could not get past them. Also his battle-line was too short, the flanks unprotected and thus his attack soon crumbled, Thorin and many others were cut off and hard beset by Bolg's bodyguard. The battle degenerated into a chaotic close quarters melee, no quarter asked or given.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref><br />
<br />
As the battle was turning fully against the Free Folk, a large army of Giant [[Eagles]] of the Misty Mountains arrived, led by the [[Great Eagle]]. Bilbo was the first to spot their entrance on the scene and began shouting that "the Eagles are coming!", a shout that was then continued among the other troops of the Free Folk. At this point Bilbo was knocked in the head by a large stone thrown by a Goblin from above on the Mountain, and he was knocked out.<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref> With the support of the Giant Eagles, the Goblins that had scaled Erebor were driven off. The tide was eventually turned, when [[Beorn]] himself arrived at the battle, apparently having heard news that a large army of Goblins were on the move. This time he did not appear in his former shape of a giant Man, but in that of a gigantic Bear. Beorn drove through the Goblin lines, but paused to carry the wounded Thorin out of the battle with his paw. Beorn then returned to the battle with even greater wrath and smashed the ranks of the Bodyguard of [[Bolg]], ultimately killing Bolg. The Goblins panicked and scattered, to be picked off by hunting forces from the victors later.<ref name="Return">{{H|Return}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== Aftermath ===<br />
<br />
[[Thorin]] had been mortally wounded on the field, and his nephews [[Fíli]] and [[Kíli]] died defending him as he lay on the ground with shield and body. Thorin died soon after the battle, after he had met Bilbo one last time and had taken back the harsh words he had spoken before.<br />
<br />
After defeating the Goblins and Wargs, the victors divided the treasure. Bard took [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]]'s fourteenth share of the gold and silver in return for the [[Arkenstone]], whereupon he shared his reward with the [[Master of Lake-town]] and gave the Elvenking [[Thranduil]] the emeralds of [[Girion]]. Bilbo, despite having forfeited his share, was offered a rich reward by [[Dáin Ironfoot]] but refused to take more than two small chests of gold and silver.<br />
<br />
It is said that three quarters of the Goblin warriors of the North were killed on that day. The Goblins of the Misty Mountains and the Dwarves both were significantly spent after the battle, and until the [[War of the Ring]], the North remained quiet on both sides.<ref name="Return"/><br />
<br />
==Other versions of the Legendarium==<br />
In its first versions, the conflict around Erebor ended after the Siege. While Bard and the Elvenking laid siege, Gandalf would arrive and negotiate a peace treaty. The actual Battle, dubbed by [[John D. Rateliff]] the "Battle of Anduin Vale", would be on the return journey, in what would later be known as the [[Vales of Anduin]]. There, Goblins and Wargs would waylay Bilbo. The Five armies in this incarnation were the Goblins, the Wargs, the Woodelves, the Woodmen, and [[Beorn|Beorn Medwed]] leading a troop of bears.<ref name=TBo5A">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[John D. Rateliff]] (ed.), ''[[The History of The Hobbit|The History of The Hobbit: Return to Bag-End]]'', pages 713-4</ref><br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
'''1966: [[The Hobbit (1966 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1966 film)]]:'''<br />
:The battle is completely omitted. Bilbo kills the dragon, and returns home.<ref name="Deitch">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UBnVL1Y2src|articlename=The Hobbit.mp4|dated=5 January 2012|website=YouTube|accessed=10 January 2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''<br />
:The "Five Armies" are the Elves, the Men, the Dwarves, the Goblins (and [[Wargs]]) and the Eagles. Bilbo estimates the force of the Men and Elves on 10,000, but this may not be an accurate estimate. The number of Dwarves of [[Thorin and Company]] to have died is seven, but only Thorin and [[Bombur]] are named among the dead. Only [[Glóin]] is shown as having survived the battle.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''<br />
:The battle takes up most of the last chapter. Because Bilbo is the main character, his role in the battle is much expanded. After leaving Thranduil, he has to fight his way to Balin, [[Lianna]], [[Corwin]], Gandalf, Beorn, and ultimately Bolg.<br />
<br />
'''2014: [[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies|''The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies'']]:'''<br />
:The battle comprises the majority of the film. The five armies are described as a combined total of about 22,000 Elves, Men, Dwarves, and two armies of Orcs - 30,000 Orcs of Dol Guldur and 10,000 Orcs from [[Gundabad]].<ref>[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (extended edition)]] Appendices</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]<br />
[[Category:Sieges]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht der Fünf Heere]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_cinq_armees]]<br />
[[fi:Viiden Armeijan Taistelu]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Five_Armies&diff=297897Battle of Five Armies2018-03-24T21:58:30Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Countdown}}<br />
{{disambig-more|Battle of Five Armies|[[Battle of Five Armies (disambiguation)]]}}<br />
{{battle<br />
|image=[[File:Matt Stewart - The Battle Under the Mountain.jpg|300px]]|<br />
name=Battle of Five Armies<br />
|conflict=Battle of Five Armies<br />
|date=[[23 November]] {{TA|2941}} (speculative)<ref name="KWF99">[[Karen Wynn Fonstad]], ''[[The Atlas of Middle-earth]]'' (second edition), page 99</ref><br />
|place=the slopes of Erebor, and the Valley and ruins of Dale<br />
|result=Victory for the Elves, Men, and Dwarves<br />
|side1=[[Woodland Realm]], [[Lake-town]], [[Iron Hills]], and [[Eagles]]<br />
|side2=[[Dol Guldur]], [[Gundabad]], [[Misty Mountains]], and [[Grey Mountains]] (<small>Book only</small>)<br />
|commanders1=<br />
*[[Gandalf]]<br />
*[[Thranduil]]<br />
*[[Bard|Bard the Bowman]]<br />
*[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin]]<br />
*[[Thorin|Thorin]] †<br />
*[[Gwaihir]]<br />
|commanders2=<br />
*[[Azog]] (<small>Movie only</small>)† <br />
*[[Bolg]] †<br />
|forces1=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
*Over 1,000 Elf spearmen + several hundred more archers <br />
*200-300 Lake-Men<br />
*500 Dwarves of the Iron Hills<br />
*many Eagles<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
*10,000 Elves of the [[Woodland Realm]]<br />
*7,000 [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]] + 500 Dwarven cavalry<br />
*3,000 Lake-town militia + 2,000 Lake-town civilians<br />
*80 Eagles<br />
|forces2=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
"A vast host" of Goblins and Wargs; possibly 10-25,000 <br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
*30,000 Guldur orcs<br />
*10,000 Gundabad orcs<br />
*800 Gundabad bats<br />
*450 Goblin mercenaries<br />
*55 Ogres<br />
*25-30 Trolls and Olog-hais<br />
*many Wargs<br />
|casual1=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
Many<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
*Over 7,000 Elves<br />
*Over 5,000 Dwarves<br />
*Over 3,000 Men<br />
|casual2=<br />
'''Book:'''<br />
Many<br />
<hr /><br />
'''Movie:'''<br />
Almost entire force annihilated<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Battle of Five Armies''' was an important battle waged in {{TA|2941}}.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> The five warring parties were the [[Orcs#Goblins|Goblins]] and the [[Wargs]] against [[Men]], [[Elves]] and [[Dwarves]] on and near the [[Lonely Mountain]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
=== Prelude ===<br />
<br />
Thorin and Company, including the "master-thief" [[Bilbo Baggins]] trying to <br />
recapture the heirloom of their fathers' (and possibly to kill Smaug, too, and thus to recapture the whole Kingdom) had camped without at [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] for some weeks. Bilbo had already done some exploration of the old hallways using the [[Back Door]] and had stolen a golden cup from the treasure. By this deed and by Bilbo's bold speech Smaug's anger was kindled.<br />
<br />
Erroneously believing, due to some remarks Bilbo had made during his conversation with Smaug,<ref name="Inside">{{H|Inside}}</ref> that some scheme of the Men of [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]] was the reason for the Dwarves' (and Bilbo's) presence, Smaug flew to Esgaroth to show them who is "the true [[King under the Mountain]]".<ref name="Inside">{{H|Inside}}</ref> Smaug's fires burned down the whole town, but the dragon was killed by [[Bard|Bard the Bowman]]. The [[Elves of Mirkwood]] soon learned that Smaug had been killed and thus set forth to claim the treasure, believing there was no one left who had a claim on it. Having heard of the disaster that had struck the befriended men, the Elven host turned aside to offer any help that could be provided. Some day after the Elves had arrived at the [[Long Lake]] a united host of Men and Elves set forth towards Erebor, believing that the Dwarves had been among the first casualties of Smaug's wrath. To their surprise they found Thorin and Company quite alive, the gate to the halls beneath Erebor barred by a wall and themselves treated as foes, coming armed towards the gates.<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref><br />
<br />
For several reasons Bard, being heir of [[Girion]], Lord of [[Dale]], claimed one twelfth of the treasure: first, he was the dragonslayer and without him, the Dwarves could never have reclaimed their old home. Second, a great deal of Dale's treasure had been robbed by Smaug and thus belonged rightfully to Bard and not the Dwarves. Third, the men of Esgaroth had helped the Dwarves on their journey and now had suffered severely; their whole city burned to the ground and their stocks being destroyed by Smaug, whose anger in the end was only risen by the Dwarves alone. Therefore they demanded compensation and Bard intended to pay it from the part of the treasure he claimed.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref><br />
<br />
Yet Thorin rebuked these claims. He would not fulfill any of the conditions as long as an armoured Elven host camped near Erebor. For the Elves did not have any claims on the treasure and Thorin himself had been imprisoned by the Elves.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref><br />
<br />
As a result, [[Thorin and Company]] were trapped in a bloodless siege, with [[Thranduil]] and Bard hoping to wait him out.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref> However, Thorin had sent messages of his plight to his relatives using as messengers talking [[Ravens]] that lived on the Lonely Mountain. These reached [[Dáin Ironfoot]] of the nearby Iron Hills, and he marched to Erebor with 500 heavily armed [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]], most of them skilled veterans of the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]]<ref name="Thief">{{H|Thief}}</ref>. When Dain's forces arrived, battle was almost joined between the two sides (now ''three'' armies were on the field) but at the last moment [[Gandalf]] intervened between the two and revealed that while they were bickering amongst themselves, the Goblins of the [[Misty Mountains]] and [[Grey Mountains]] under [[Bolg]] were using the opportunity to march against them. They had been incited by Gandalf's earlier slaying of the [[Great Goblin]], but had now mobilized for a full-scale attack after hearing news of the death of the Dragon and the now relatively unguarded treasure hoard.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== The Battle ===<br />
<br />
The three commanders agreed that the Goblins and Wargs were the enemies of all and previous grievances between them were put on hold in face of the greater threat. They arranged their forces on the two spurs of the Mountain that lined the valley leading to the now-sealed off great [[Front Gate|Gate of Erebor]]; the only entrance to the Mountain that remained unblocked (any others had been destroyed by Smaug long before). The 500 Dwarves and 200 or so Lake-men formed up on one spur and over 1000 Elves on the other, while a light rear-guard lined across the mouth of the valley to lure the Goblins between the two spurs of the mountain, and thus destroy them. [[Bilbo Baggins]] tried to sit out the battle on [[Ravenhill]] which was held by the Elves and where also Gandalf had withdrawn to.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[File:Joona Kujanen - Battle of Five Armies - Men of Esgaroth.jpg|300px|thumb|left|'''Battle of Five Armies: Men of Esgaroth''' by Joona Kujanen.]]Soon the Goblins and Wargs arrived, and at first the plan worked: they were lured into the chokepoint and took heavy losses. However, due to their superior numbers, the allied Free peoples did not hold the advantage long. The second wave was even worse than the first, and due to their sheer number now many Goblins scaled the mountain from the opposite side, and began to attack the arrayed forces from above and behind, as the main wave pressed forward. The battle raged across the Mountain, and then a great noise was heard: Thorin and his 12 Dwarf companions inside the mountain had thrown down a section of the stone wall they had erected across the mouth of the gates, killing many Goblins. Thorin and Company emerged, covered in the best armour and armed with the best weapons in Erebor. Then Thorin cried, "''Rally to me my kinsfolk''," and charged down into the valley to join the battle with many Dwarves and many Men and Elves joining them. Thorin advanced through the Goblins' ranks all the way up to the gigantic Goblins that formed the Bodyguard of Bolg, but could not get past them. Also his battle-line was too short, the flanks unprotected and thus his attack soon crumbled, Thorin and many others were cut off and hard beset by Bolg's bodyguard. The battle degenerated into a chaotic close quarters melee, no quarter asked or given.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref><br />
<br />
As the battle was turning fully against the Free Folk, a large army of Giant [[Eagles]] of the Misty Mountains arrived, led by the [[Great Eagle]]. Bilbo was the first to spot their entrance on the scene and began shouting that "the Eagles are coming!", a shout that was then continued among the other troops of the Free Folk. At this point Bilbo was knocked in the head by a large stone thrown by a Goblin from above on the Mountain, and he was knocked out.<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref> With the support of the Giant Eagles, the Goblins that had scaled Erebor were driven off. The tide was eventually turned, when [[Beorn]] himself arrived at the battle, apparently having heard news that a large army of Goblins were on the move. This time he did not appear in his former shape of a giant Man, but in that of a gigantic Bear. Beorn drove through the Goblin lines, but paused to carry the wounded Thorin out of the battle with his paw. Beorn then returned to the battle with even greater wrath and smashed the ranks of the Bodyguard of [[Bolg]], ultimately killing Bolg. The Goblins panicked and scattered, to be picked off by hunting forces from the victors later.<ref name="Return">{{H|Return}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== Aftermath ===<br />
<br />
[[Thorin]] had been mortally wounded on the field, and his nephews [[Fíli]] and [[Kíli]] died defending him as he lay on the ground with shield and body. Thorin died soon after the battle, after he had met Bilbo one last time and had taken back the harsh words he had spoken before.<br />
<br />
After defeating the Goblins and Wargs, the victors divided the treasure. Bard took [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]]'s fourteenth share of the gold and silver in return for the [[Arkenstone]], whereupon he shared his reward with the [[Master of Lake-town]] and gave the Elvenking [[Thranduil]] the emeralds of [[Girion]]. Bilbo, despite having forfeited his share, was offered a rich reward by [[Dáin Ironfoot]] but refused to take more than two small chests of gold and silver.<br />
<br />
It is said that three quarters of the Goblin warriors of the North were killed on that day. The Goblins of the Misty Mountains and the Dwarves both were significantly spent after the battle, and until the [[War of the Ring]], the North remained quiet on both sides.<ref name="Return"/><br />
<br />
==Other versions of the Legendarium==<br />
In its first versions, the conflict around Erebor ended after the Siege. While Bard and the Elvenking laid siege, Gandalf would arrive and negotiate a peace treaty. The actual Battle, dubbed by [[John D. Rateliff]] the "Battle of Anduin Vale", would be on the return journey, in what would later be known as the [[Vales of Anduin]]. There, Goblins and Wargs would waylay Bilbo. The Five armies in this incarnation were the Goblins, the Wargs, the Woodelves, the Woodmen, and [[Beorn|Beorn Medwed]] leading a troop of bears.<ref name=TBo5A">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[John D. Rateliff]] (ed.), ''[[The History of The Hobbit|The History of The Hobbit: Return to Bag-End]]'', pages 713-4</ref><br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
'''1966: [[The Hobbit (1966 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1966 film)]]:'''<br />
:The battle is completely omitted. Bilbo kills the dragon, and returns home.<ref name="Deitch">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UBnVL1Y2src|articlename=The Hobbit.mp4|dated=5 January 2012|website=YouTube|accessed=10 January 2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''<br />
:The "Five Armies" are the Elves, the Men, the Dwarves, the Goblins (and [[Wargs]]) and the Eagles. Bilbo estimates the force of the Men and Elves on 10,000, but this may not be an accurate estimate. The number of Dwarves of [[Thorin and Company]] to have died is seven, but only Thorin and [[Bombur]] are named among the dead. Only [[Glóin]] is shown as having survived the battle.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''<br />
:The battle takes up most of the last chapter. Because Bilbo is the main character, his role in the battle is much expanded. After leaving Thranduil, he has to fight his way to Balin, [[Lianna]], [[Corwin]], Gandalf, Beorn, and ultimately Bolg.<br />
<br />
'''2014: [[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies|''The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies'']]:'''<br />
:The battle comprises the majority of the film. The five armies are described as a combined total of about 22,000 Elves, Men, Dwarves, and two armies of Orcs - 30,000 Orcs of Dol Guldur and 10,000 Orcs from [[Gundabad]].<ref>[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (extended edition)]] Appendices</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]<br />
[[Category:Sieges]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht der Fünf Heere]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_cinq_armees]]<br />
[[fi:Viiden Armeijan Taistelu]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Five_Armies&diff=297896Battle of Five Armies2018-03-24T21:01:16Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Countdown}}<br />
{{disambig-more|Battle of Five Armies|[[Battle of Five Armies (disambiguation)]]}}<br />
{{battle<br />
|image=[[File:Matt Stewart - The Battle Under the Mountain.jpg|300px]]|<br />
name=Battle of Five Armies<br />
|conflict=Battle of Five Armies<br />
|date=[[23 November]] {{TA|2941}} (speculative)<ref name="KWF99">[[Karen Wynn Fonstad]], ''[[The Atlas of Middle-earth]]'' (second edition), page 99</ref><br />
|place=the slopes of Erebor, and the Valley and ruins of Dale<br />
|result=Victory for the Elves, Men, and Dwarves<br />
|side1=[[Elves]], [[Men]], [[Dwarves]], and [[Eagles]]<br />
|side2=[[Orcs#Goblins|Goblins]]/[[Orcs]], [[Wargs]], [[Bats]]<br />
|commanders1=<br />
*[[Gandalf]]<br />
*[[Thranduil]]<br />
*[[Bard|Bard the Bowman]]<br />
*[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin]]<br />
*[[Thorin|Thorin]] †<br />
*[[Gwaihir]]<br />
|commanders2=<br />
*[[Bolg]] †<br />
|forces1=Over 1,000 Elf spearmen and several hundred more archers, est. 2-300 Lake-Men, over 500 Dwarves from the Iron Hills,<ref name="Thief">{{H|Thief}}</ref> many Eagles, Thorin's 12 Dwarf companions, and [[Beorn]]<br />
|forces2="A vast host" of Goblins and Wargs; possibly 10-25,000 <br />
|casual1=Many<br />
|casual2=Many<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Battle of Five Armies''' was an important battle waged in {{TA|2941}}.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> The five warring parties were the [[Orcs#Goblins|Goblins]] and the [[Wargs]] against [[Men]], [[Elves]] and [[Dwarves]] on and near the [[Lonely Mountain]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
=== Prelude ===<br />
<br />
Thorin and Company, including the "master-thief" [[Bilbo Baggins]] trying to <br />
recapture the heirloom of their fathers' (and possibly to kill Smaug, too, and thus to recapture the whole Kingdom) had camped without at [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] for some weeks. Bilbo had already done some exploration of the old hallways using the [[Back Door]] and had stolen a golden cup from the treasure. By this deed and by Bilbo's bold speech Smaug's anger was kindled.<br />
<br />
Erroneously believing, due to some remarks Bilbo had made during his conversation with Smaug,<ref name="Inside">{{H|Inside}}</ref> that some scheme of the Men of [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]] was the reason for the Dwarves' (and Bilbo's) presence, Smaug flew to Esgaroth to show them who is "the true [[King under the Mountain]]".<ref name="Inside">{{H|Inside}}</ref> Smaug's fires burned down the whole town, but the dragon was killed by [[Bard|Bard the Bowman]]. The [[Elves of Mirkwood]] soon learned that Smaug had been killed and thus set forth to claim the treasure, believing there was no one left who had a claim on it. Having heard of the disaster that had struck the befriended men, the Elven host turned aside to offer any help that could be provided. Some day after the Elves had arrived at the [[Long Lake]] a united host of Men and Elves set forth towards Erebor, believing that the Dwarves had been among the first casualties of Smaug's wrath. To their surprise they found Thorin and Company quite alive, the gate to the halls beneath Erebor barred by a wall and themselves treated as foes, coming armed towards the gates.<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref><br />
<br />
For several reasons Bard, being heir of [[Girion]], Lord of [[Dale]], claimed one twelfth of the treasure: first, he was the dragonslayer and without him, the Dwarves could never have reclaimed their old home. Second, a great deal of Dale's treasure had been robbed by Smaug and thus belonged rightfully to Bard and not the Dwarves. Third, the men of Esgaroth had helped the Dwarves on their journey and now had suffered severely; their whole city burned to the ground and their stocks being destroyed by Smaug, whose anger in the end was only risen by the Dwarves alone. Therefore they demanded compensation and Bard intended to pay it from the part of the treasure he claimed.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref><br />
<br />
Yet Thorin rebuked these claims. He would not fulfill any of the conditions as long as an armoured Elven host camped near Erebor. For the Elves did not have any claims on the treasure and Thorin himself had been imprisoned by the Elves.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref><br />
<br />
As a result, [[Thorin and Company]] were trapped in a bloodless siege, with [[Thranduil]] and Bard hoping to wait him out.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref> However, Thorin had sent messages of his plight to his relatives using as messengers talking [[Ravens]] that lived on the Lonely Mountain. These reached [[Dáin Ironfoot]] of the nearby Iron Hills, and he marched to Erebor with 500 heavily armed [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]], most of them skilled veterans of the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]]<ref name="Thief">{{H|Thief}}</ref>. When Dain's forces arrived, battle was almost joined between the two sides (now ''three'' armies were on the field) but at the last moment [[Gandalf]] intervened between the two and revealed that while they were bickering amongst themselves, the Goblins of the [[Misty Mountains]] and [[Grey Mountains]] under [[Bolg]] were using the opportunity to march against them. They had been incited by Gandalf's earlier slaying of the [[Great Goblin]], but had now mobilized for a full-scale attack after hearing news of the death of the Dragon and the now relatively unguarded treasure hoard.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== The Battle ===<br />
<br />
The three commanders agreed that the Goblins and Wargs were the enemies of all and previous grievances between them were put on hold in face of the greater threat. They arranged their forces on the two spurs of the Mountain that lined the valley leading to the now-sealed off great [[Front Gate|Gate of Erebor]]; the only entrance to the Mountain that remained unblocked (any others had been destroyed by Smaug long before). The 500 Dwarves and 200 or so Lake-men formed up on one spur and over 1000 Elves on the other, while a light rear-guard lined across the mouth of the valley to lure the Goblins between the two spurs of the mountain, and thus destroy them. [[Bilbo Baggins]] tried to sit out the battle on [[Ravenhill]] which was held by the Elves and where also Gandalf had withdrawn to.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[File:Joona Kujanen - Battle of Five Armies - Men of Esgaroth.jpg|300px|thumb|left|'''Battle of Five Armies: Men of Esgaroth''' by Joona Kujanen.]]Soon the Goblins and Wargs arrived, and at first the plan worked: they were lured into the chokepoint and took heavy losses. However, due to their superior numbers, the allied Free peoples did not hold the advantage long. The second wave was even worse than the first, and due to their sheer number now many Goblins scaled the mountain from the opposite side, and began to attack the arrayed forces from above and behind, as the main wave pressed forward. The battle raged across the Mountain, and then a great noise was heard: Thorin and his 12 Dwarf companions inside the mountain had thrown down a section of the stone wall they had erected across the mouth of the gates, killing many Goblins. Thorin and Company emerged, covered in the best armour and armed with the best weapons in Erebor. Then Thorin cried, "''Rally to me my kinsfolk''," and charged down into the valley to join the battle with many Dwarves and many Men and Elves joining them. Thorin advanced through the Goblins' ranks all the way up to the gigantic Goblins that formed the Bodyguard of Bolg, but could not get past them. Also his battle-line was too short, the flanks unprotected and thus his attack soon crumbled, Thorin and many others were cut off and hard beset by Bolg's bodyguard. The battle degenerated into a chaotic close quarters melee, no quarter asked or given.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref><br />
<br />
As the battle was turning fully against the Free Folk, a large army of Giant [[Eagles]] of the Misty Mountains arrived, led by the [[Great Eagle]]. Bilbo was the first to spot their entrance on the scene and began shouting that "the Eagles are coming!", a shout that was then continued among the other troops of the Free Folk. At this point Bilbo was knocked in the head by a large stone thrown by a Goblin from above on the Mountain, and he was knocked out.<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref> With the support of the Giant Eagles, the Goblins that had scaled Erebor were driven off. The tide was eventually turned, when [[Beorn]] himself arrived at the battle, apparently having heard news that a large army of Goblins were on the move. This time he did not appear in his former shape of a giant Man, but in that of a gigantic Bear. Beorn drove through the Goblin lines, but paused to carry the wounded Thorin out of the battle with his paw. Beorn then returned to the battle with even greater wrath and smashed the ranks of the Bodyguard of [[Bolg]], ultimately killing Bolg. The Goblins panicked and scattered, to be picked off by hunting forces from the victors later.<ref name="Return">{{H|Return}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== Aftermath ===<br />
<br />
[[Thorin]] had been mortally wounded on the field, and his nephews [[Fíli]] and [[Kíli]] died defending him as he lay on the ground with shield and body. Thorin died soon after the battle, after he had met Bilbo one last time and had taken back the harsh words he had spoken before.<br />
<br />
After defeating the Goblins and Wargs, the victors divided the treasure. Bard took [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]]'s fourteenth share of the gold and silver in return for the [[Arkenstone]], whereupon he shared his reward with the [[Master of Lake-town]] and gave the Elvenking [[Thranduil]] the emeralds of [[Girion]]. Bilbo, despite having forfeited his share, was offered a rich reward by [[Dáin Ironfoot]] but refused to take more than two small chests of gold and silver.<br />
<br />
It is said that three quarters of the Goblin warriors of the North were killed on that day. The Goblins of the Misty Mountains and the Dwarves both were significantly spent after the battle, and until the [[War of the Ring]], the North remained quiet on both sides.<ref name="Return"/><br />
<br />
==Other versions of the Legendarium==<br />
In its first versions, the conflict around Erebor ended after the Siege. While Bard and the Elvenking laid siege, Gandalf would arrive and negotiate a peace treaty. The actual Battle, dubbed by [[John D. Rateliff]] the "Battle of Anduin Vale", would be on the return journey, in what would later be known as the [[Vales of Anduin]]. There, Goblins and Wargs would waylay Bilbo. The Five armies in this incarnation were the Goblins, the Wargs, the Woodelves, the Woodmen, and [[Beorn|Beorn Medwed]] leading a troop of bears.<ref name=TBo5A">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[John D. Rateliff]] (ed.), ''[[The History of The Hobbit|The History of The Hobbit: Return to Bag-End]]'', pages 713-4</ref><br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
'''1966: [[The Hobbit (1966 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1966 film)]]:'''<br />
:The battle is completely omitted. Bilbo kills the dragon, and returns home.<ref name="Deitch">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UBnVL1Y2src|articlename=The Hobbit.mp4|dated=5 January 2012|website=YouTube|accessed=10 January 2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''<br />
:The "Five Armies" are the Elves, the Men, the Dwarves, the Goblins (and [[Wargs]]) and the Eagles. Bilbo estimates the force of the Men and Elves on 10,000, but this may not be an accurate estimate. The number of Dwarves of [[Thorin and Company]] to have died is seven, but only Thorin and [[Bombur]] are named among the dead. Only [[Glóin]] is shown as having survived the battle.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''<br />
:The battle takes up most of the last chapter. Because Bilbo is the main character, his role in the battle is much expanded. After leaving Thranduil, he has to fight his way to Balin, [[Lianna]], [[Corwin]], Gandalf, Beorn, and ultimately Bolg.<br />
<br />
'''2014: [[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies|''The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies'']]:'''<br />
:The battle comprises the majority of the film. The five armies are described as a combined total of about 22,000 Elves, Men, Dwarves, and two armies of Orcs - 30,000 Orcs of Dol Guldur and 10,000 Orcs from [[Gundabad]].<ref>[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (extended edition)]] Appendices</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]<br />
[[Category:Sieges]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht der Fünf Heere]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_cinq_armees]]<br />
[[fi:Viiden Armeijan Taistelu]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Azanulbizar&diff=297895Battle of Azanulbizar2018-03-24T20:55:06Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{battle<br />
| image=[[File:Mikel Janin - Battle of Azanulbizar.jpeg|300px]]<br />
| name=Battle of Azanulbizar<br />
| conflict=War of the Dwarves and Orcs<br />
| date={{TA|2799}}<br />
| place=The Dimrill Dale and the steps of the East-gate of Moria<br />
| result=Pyrrhic victory for the Dwarves<br />
| side1=Dwarves<br />
| side2=Orcs<br />
| commanders1=*[[Thráin|Thráin II]] <br />
*[[Thorin]] <br />
*[[Náin son of Grór|Náin]] † <br />
*[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] <br />
*Commanders of other Houses|<br />
commanders2=*[[Azog]] †<br />
| forces1=6,000-10,000 [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]], [[Broadbeams]], [[Firebeards]], and Houses of the far East <br />
| forces2=15,000-20,000 Orcs from Moria, and the remnants of other Orc-dwellings throughout the [[Misty Mountains]]<br />
| casual1="Beyond the count of grief." Half dead or dying.<ref name="AppDurin"/><br />
| casual2=10,000 orcs,<ref name="PMA">{{PM|A}}, p. 278</ref><br />
}}<br />
The '''Battle of Azanulbizar''' ({{TA|2799}}) was the final battle in the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]]. It was fought beneath the [[Great Gates|East-gate of Moria]] in the valley of Azanulbizar, called ''[[Nanduhirion]]'' in [[Sindarin]] or ''[[Dimrill Dale]]'' in [[Westron]]. Therefore the event is also known as the '''Battle of Nanduhirion''' and the '''Battle of Dimrill Dale'''.<br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
The War of the Dwarves and Orcs began when [[Azog]] the [[Orcs|Orc]]-chieftain of [[Moria]] captured and mutilated [[Thrór]], King of [[Durin's Folk]]. Azog branded his own name in runes onto Thrór's severed head, then let Thrór's companion [[Nár]] escape so that all [[Dwarves]] would know that an Orc now ruled Moria. Full of righteous fury, Thrór's son [[Thráin|Thráin II]] summoned a great army of Dwarves, including those not of Durin's Folk ([[Firebeards]] and [[Broadbeams]] from the [[Blue Mountains]], and others from the far East of Middle-earth). For six years they systematically sacked the Orc strongholds of the [[Misty Mountains]], until only Moria was left. There the Orcs that had survived the destruction had gathered to Azog.<br />
<br />
==Opposing Forces==<br />
The exact number for the Dwarves was not specified, but it can be estimated at being somewhere between six to ten thousand Longbeards, Firebeards, Broadbeams, Ironfists, Stonefoots, Blacklocks, and Stiffbeards. <br />
This is based off the assumption that the other Dwarf houses sent no more then a few thousand each to take part in the war, because they could not have sent too many for economic, financial and defense reasons. The Longbeards (Durin's Folk) could not have mustered a proper fighting force of no more than 1-3,000, because of a severely depleted populace and financial/economic problems (especially Thraín's following).<ref name="AppDurin">{{App|Durin}}</ref><br />
<br />
The Orcs, as stated above, came from Moria, and from as far north as [[Gundabad|Mount Gundabad]]. Their numbers can be estimated at fifteen to twenty thousand Orcs.<ref name="AppDurin"/><br />
<br />
==The Battle==<br />
[[File:Jacek Kopalski - Náin at Azanulbizar.jpg|thumb|left|Jacek Kopalski - ''Náin at Azanulbizar'']]<br />
The battle began on a dark winter day, and no sun was said to have shined through the clouds. The Dwarves had marched into the Dimrill Dale where they found the East-Gate and sent up a great noise. They discovered that on the western slopes above thousands of Orcs had gathered, while more still came pouring out of the gate. The Dwarves there stood outnumbered and on the lower end of a sloping hill. <br />
<br />
The first Vanguard led by King Thráin, assaulted the slopes only to be driven back with casualties. In a woods near the Mirrormere, the dwarves noted that [[Frerin]] youngest son of Thráin was slain along with [[Fundin]], father of [[Balin]]; and many others. Thraín himself was wounded, as was his eldest son [[Thorin|Thorin II Oakenshield]], whose shield was broken during the battle, forcing him to resort to using an oak branch that he cut off a tree to defend himself. <br />
<br />
<br />
Elsewhere, the battle swayed back and forth until [[Náin (son of Grór)|Náin]] from the [[Iron Hills]] arrived with a contingent of fresh troops. Náin and his Dwarves cut through the Orc lines with their mattocks shouting, "AZOG! AZOG! AZOG!" until they had reached the steps of the gate, at which Naín called Azog to come out and fight. When Azog emerged from the inner gate with his guards, Náin was exhausted and half blind with rage. He tried to swing as hard as he could, but Azog darted aside and Náin missed, splintering his mattocks on the ground. The orc kicked him in the leg when he dodged the Dwarf's blow, making him stumble, at which point Azog attempted to thrust and behead him, succeeding only in breaking Náin's neck because of the strong mail he was wearing. Náin died instantly. <br />
<br />
Even as Azog gloated over his duel, he looked out over the valley which the east gate overlooks, and came to the realization that his entire force was routed. Those that could were fleeing southwards, and all his guard was dead. With that he fled back to the gate. Náin's son, [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin]], leaped up the steps after him with his red axe, and there before the gate he decapitated the Orc chieftain, thus ending the battle. <br />
The slaying of Azog was considered an amazing feat, as Dáin was only 32 years of age (very young for a Dwarf). Dáin would later become [[King under the Mountain]] as [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]].<ref name="AppDurin"/><br />
<br />
==Aftermath==<br />
[[File:Steamey - Vengeance.jpg|thumb|Steamey - ''Vengeance'']]<br />
The Dwarves were victorious, but half of their forces were dead or mortally wounded. The Orcs suffered even worse casualties, with ten thousand dead. After the battle, Thráin wanted to enter and reclaim Moria, the ancestral home of Durin's folk. However, due to their losses, the other Houses not willing to participate, and since Dáin had seen [[Durin's Bane]] beyond the East-gate, Thráin refrained from entering.<ref name="AppDurin"/><br />
<br />
The Dwarves stripped their dead so the Orcs could not plunder them, and cut down all the trees in the valley, which was to remain bare ever after. They made many pyres on which to burn their dead. They could not bury them all in tombs of stone, as was their custom, because it would take too long. From then on those that died in Dimrill Dale were known proudly as ''Burned Dwarves''. <br />
<br />
The Houses parted ways, returning to their homes to the North, East, and West. Thráin, with what was left of the Longbeard contingent, went back to [[Dunland]] and wandered in [[Eriador]], eventually settling in the Southern Blue Mountains. There Durin's folk repopulated slowly, waiting for the day when they could take back the halls of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and Khazad-dum.<ref name="AppDurin"/><br />
<br />
==Repercussions==<br />
Although the Dwarves suffered heavy casualties, the battle would have lasting effects for the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]. Their numbers were severely reduced after the battle and never fully recovered. <br />
<br />
The depletion of the Orc population contributed to the survival of [[Thorin and Company]] on their journey to Erebor, as well as the victory of the Elves, Men, and Dwarves at the [[Battle of Five Armies]]. It also allowed [[Balin]], in {{TA|2989}}, to attempt the [[Balin's Colony|recolonization of Moria]].<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''<br />
<br />
:Referred to as the '''Battle of [[Moria]]''' in this [[The Hobbit (film series)|film trilogy]] (and portrayed more as an isolated battle rather than the final conflict for an entire war), the battle is presented in a flashback sequence as [[Balin]] recounts [[Thorin]]'s past to [[Bilbo Baggins]]. The narrative of the battle has been heavily condensed. In the film version, rather than recounting Thrór's death at the hands of [[Azog]] and the resulting war of many years, Balin simply says that after [[Smaug]] drove the [[Dwarves of Erebor|Dwarves]] from [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], Thrór attempted to lead all of his people back to their ancestral realm in Moria, only to find that the [[Orcs]] had gotten there first. [[Azog]] does decapitate [[Thrór]], but the deed takes place during the battle itself, and the head is thrown at Thorin's feet rather than [[Nár]]'s. Balin similarly condenses [[Thráin]]'s story, stating that he went mad with grief and wandered away, and his people never knew if he was dead or captured. [[Dáin Ironfoot]] is completely absent from the story, and it is Thorin who rallies the dwarves by facing Azog in single combat and hacking off his left arm at the elbow. The wounded Azog is dragged back into Moria by his subordinates, and the Dwarves assume he has died of his injuries, but he survives to appear in a present-time sub-plot in which he is hunting Thorin and Company for revenge. No mention is made of the burning of the Dwarves' dead, but Balin, [[Dwalin]], [[Bifur]], and Thorin are seen in the aftermath of the battle walking amidst heaps of their slain kin, and Balin recalls the battle as a pyrrhic victory, and the number of dead as beyond the count of grief, echoing closely the wording of the account from [[Appendix A]] of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. <br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht von Azanulbizar]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_d_azanulbizar]]<br />
[[fi:Azanulbizarin taistelu]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Durin_IV&diff=297822Durin IV2018-03-20T01:44:39Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig-more|Durin|[[Durin (disambiguation)]]}}<br />
{{dwarves infobox<br />
| name=Durin IV<br />
| image=<br />
| caption<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=<br />
| titles=[[Kings of Durin's Folk|King of Durin's Folk]]<br/>[[Kings of Khazad-dûm|King of Khazad-dûm]]<br />
| position=<br />
| location=[[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]<br />
| affiliation=<br />
| language=[[Khuzdul]]<br />
| birth=late [[Second Age]]/early [[Third Age]]<br />
| birthlocation=<br />
| rule=<br />
| death=late [[Second Age]]/early [[Third Age]]<br />
| deathlocation=<br />
| age=<br />
| notablefor=<br />
| house=[[House of Durin]]<br />
| parentage=<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=<br />
| children=<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=<br />
| hair=<br />
| eyes=<br />
| clothing=<br />
| weapons=<br />
| steed=<br />
}}<br />
'''Durin IV''' (Lived during late [[Second Age]] or early [[Third Age]]) was a King of [[Durin's folk]] who ruled the great [[Dwarves|Dwarven]] city of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]], and the fourth king to have the name Durin. Like his father he bore a [[Ring of Thrór|Ring of Power]].<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
Like all Durins after [[Durin|Durin I]] he was given the name of the first of the [[Seven Fathers of the Dwarves]] because he greatly resembled him in both appearance and manner. Indeed it was believed among the Dwarves that he was the reincarnation of Durin I, though whether this is possible is unclear.<ref name="Durin"/> Durin IV was the King of Durin's Folk during the [[War of the Last Alliance]], and he led an army of 50,000 Dwarves of Khazad-dûm to fight alongside the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]].<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
''Durinn'' is one of the Dwarfs in the ''[[Völuspá|Dvergatal]]''. The name means "Sleepy".<ref>Chester Nathan Gould, "Dwarf-Names: A Study in Old Icelandic Religion", published in ''Publications of the Modern Language Association of America'', Vol 44 (1929), issue #4, pp. 939-967</ref><br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree| DU1 | |DU1=[[Durin|Durin I]]</br><small>''fl. {{YT}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree| |:| | |}}<br />
{{familytree| DU2 | |DU2=[[Durin II]]</br><small>''fl. late {{FA}}/early {{SA}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree| |:| | |}}<br />
{{familytree| DU3 | |DU3=[[Durin III]]</br><small>''fl. mid {{SA}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree| |:| | |}}<br />
{{familytree| DU4 | |DU4='''DURIN IV'''</br><small>''fl. late {{SA}}/early {{TA}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree| |:| | |}}<br />
{{familytree| DU5 | |DU5=[[Durin V]]</br><small>''fl. late {{SA}}/early {{TA}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree| |:| | |}}<br />
{{familytree| DUR | |DUR=[[Durin VI]]<br/><small>''{{TA|1731}} - {{TA|1980|n}}''†</small>}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=dwarf<br />
| house=[[House of Durin]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Unknown<br />
| prev=Last known:<br/>[[Durin III]] (mid-[[Second Age]])<br />
| prow=2<br />
| list=[[Kings of Durin's Folk|King of Durin's Folk]]<br />
| nvac=Unknown<br />
| next=Next known:<br/>[[Durin V]]<br />
| nrow=2<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| list=[[Kings of Khazad-dûm|King of Khazad-dûm]]<br />
<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}<br />
{{references}}<br />
{{durinskings}}<br />
[[Category:Dwarves]]<br />
[[Category:Longbeards]]<br />
[[de:Durin IV.]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:nains:durin_iv]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Dagorlad&diff=297821Battle of Dagorlad2018-03-20T01:41:28Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig-more|Battle of Dagorlad|[[Battle of Dagorlad (disambiguation)]]}}<br />
{{battle<br />
|image=<br />
|name=Battle of Dagorlad<br />
|conflict=[[War of the Last Alliance]]<br />
|date={{SA|3434}}<br />
|place=The plains of Dagorlad outside Mordor<br />
|result=Decisive victory for the Allies<br />
|side1=Men, Elves, and Dwarves<br />
|side2=Orcs, Easterlings, Southrons, Trolls, and other creatures and servants of Sauron<br />
|commanders1=<br />
{{Gil-galad blazon}}<br />
*[[Elendil]] <br />
*[[Elrond]]<br />
*[[Oropher]] †<br />
*[[Amdír]] †<br />
*Unknown Dwarf commander (commanded by [[Durin IV]])<br />
|commanders2= {{Sauron blazon}}<br />
|forces1=Hundreds of thousands of Men, Elves, and Dwarves<br />
|forces2=Hundreds of thousands of Orcs, Fallen Men, and other evil creatures<br />
|casual1=Many thousands<br />
|casual2=Vast numbers, more than the allies|<br />
}}<br />
{{quote|It was a great battle. Tall Men with long swords, and terrible Elves, and Orcses shrieking. They fought on the plain for days and months at the Black Gates.|[[Gollum]]<ref name=Passage/>}}<br />
The '''Battle of Dagorlad''' occurred in the year {{SA|3434|n}} of the [[Second Age]]. It was fought between the army of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] under [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elendil]] and an army of [[Orcs]] and other creatures loyal to [[Sauron]]. The battle took place on the great, treeless, open plain between the [[Dead Marshes]] and [[Cirith Gorgor]]. <br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
===Prelude===<br />
{{main|War of the Last Alliance}}<br />
The united host of Elves and Men crossed the [[Misty Mountains]] and marched south through the vale of [[Anduin]], where they were joined by the [[Silvan Elves]] led by [[Amdír]]<ref group=note>In the text in the [[Unfinished Tales]] Amdír is named [[Malgalad]].</ref> and [[Oropher]],<ref name="Silvan Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref> with a host from [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]].<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref><br />
<br />
The Alliance entered the vast plain near the [[Black Gate]], where they were joined by Anárion's forces from the south, and confronted at last the black legions of Mordor.<br />
<br />
The Silvan Elves had little sympathy for the [[Sindar]] and [[Noldor]] that were led by Gil-galad. As a result they were indisposed to place themselves under the supreme command of the [[High King of the Noldor]]. <br />
===The Battle===<br />
During preliminary skirmishing, the Silvan Elves defying Gil-galad's command, rashly charged against the numerous host of Mordor, before the King had given the order. The Silvans were valiant and doughty, but ill-equipped compared to their nobler kin. [[Oropher]] perished in the first onslaught while [[Amdír]] and his troops were cut off and driven into the marshes where half of his host perished.<ref name="Silvan Princes"/> This area became known afterwards as the [[Dead Marshes]], because of the thousands of bodies buried there. This battle raged for months.<ref name=Passage>{{TT|IV2}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Elendil and Gil-galad eventually gained the upper hand. Thus Elves and Númenóreans finally pushed the enemy hordes back towards the [[Black Gate]] and broke through [[Cirith Gorgor]].<ref name="Rings"/><br />
<br />
===Aftermath===<br />
A great part of Sauron's soldiers was slain in this battle. The Alliance was able to enter Mordor, establish a camp upon the [[Plateau of Gorgoroth]] and lay the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]] itself. Nevertheless Sauron still had enough supplies to defend the fortress for seven more years, until the siege was so pressing that he himself came forth, which led to the battle on the slopes of Orodruin in which Sauron was defeated and [[the One Ring]] taken from him.<ref name="Rings"/><br />
<br />
Oropher's son [[Thranduil]] survived the war and established his reign over the Silvan Elves in the [[Woodland Realm]].<br />
<br />
The slain were buried and their graves eventually were engulfed by the [[Dead Marshes]].<ref name=Passage/> <br />
<br />
In the [[Third Age]], the Dagorlad was the site of several battles between [[Gondor]] and various [[Easterlings|Easterling]] armies, and the climatic [[Battle of the Morannon]]. <br />
<br />
{{references|notes}}<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Second Age]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht auf der Dagorlad]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:2a:guerres:bataille_de_dagorlad]]<br />
[[fi:Dagorladin taistelu]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=War_of_the_Last_Alliance&diff=297820War of the Last Alliance2018-03-20T01:36:22Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{war<br />
| previous=[[War of the Elves and Sauron]]<br />
| next= [[Angmar War]]<br />
| image=[[File:Matt DeMino - Sauron - War of the Last Alliance.png|275px]]<br />
| name= War of the Last Alliance<br />
| place= Mordor and lower Anduin region<br />
| result= Victory for the Last Alliance, fall of Sauron, loss of the One Ring<br />
| battles= [[Fall of Minas Ithil]], [[Anárion's defense of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of Dagorlad]], [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]<br />
| begin= {{SA|3429}}<br />
| end= {{SA|3441}}<br />
| side1= Greatest host since the [[War of Wrath]], Men from [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], Elves from [[Lindon]], [[Rivendell]], [[Mirkwood]] and [[Lothlórien]], and [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]]<br />
| side2= Greater host than the Alliance, myriads of [[Orcs]], [[Easterlings]] and other creatures of Sauron|<br />
|casual1=Thousands, innumerable|<br />
|casual2=Nearly all Orcs, Men, and other creatures were killed|<br />
| commanders1=<br />
{{Gil-galad blazon|died}}<br />
* [[Elrond]]<br />
* [[Durin IV]]<br />
* [[Oropher]] † <br />
* [[Amdír]] †<br />
* [[Elendil]] † <br />
* [[Isildur]] <br />
* [[Anárion]] †<br />
| commanders2= <br />
{{Sauron blazon}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''War of the Last Alliance''' was the war late in the [[Second Age]] in which the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] marched against the fortress of [[Sauron]], [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]]. Against all hope, they were victorious, but when [[the One Ring]] was not destroyed, [[Sauron]] rose again during the long years of the [[Third Age]].<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
===Prelude===<br />
Ever since his defeat in the [[Battle of the Gwathló]] Sauron nursed a special hatred against the [[Númenóreans]] and longed to take revenge on them.<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref> In {{SA|3261|n}}, Sauron dared to wage war against Númenor and the last [[King of Númenor]] [[Ar-Pharazôn]] had gathered a massive army to counter this threat. Perceiving the might and splendour of the Númenóreans Sauron's servants deserted him, and Sauron was filled with fear and humbled himself. He was brought as hostage to Númenor and finally succeeded in taking his revenge by playing a vital role in the events that led to the Downfall. Yet of all Númenóreans he hated Elendil most, and his wrath was great that he and his sons had escaped.<br />
<br />
After the [[Downfall of Númenor]] in {{SA|3319}} the remaining [[Faithful]] led by [[Elendil]] and his sons [[Isildur]] and [[Anarion]] etablished the [[Realms in Exile]] in [[Middle-earth]]. Elendil ruled [[Arnor]] in the north, Isildur and Anarion jointly ruled the southern realm of [[Gondor]]. [[Sauron]] however perished physically, by drowning; being caught in the Fall of Númenor which he had cleverly schemed to bring about. Yet nevertheless, even though he truly was drowned, Sauron's spirit endured; he returned to his fortress [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]] and was able in time to take shape again. However, it should be noted that hereafter Sauron could no longer take on a deceptively fair and greatly pleasing form, as Sauron had done so long before, in order to deceive the Elves and then again much later, the [[Númenóreans]] too, whilst he was held a willing captive.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Opening Stages===<br />
Perceiving that his enemies of old had escaped the downfall, Sauron's wrath was great and in {{SA|3429|n}} he launched an attack upon Isildur's fortress, Minas Ithil. Believing that Sauron had perished in the [[Downfall of Númenor]], they were completely taken by surprise, [[Minas Ithil]] was taken, and the [[White Tree of Gondor]] that Isildur had planted there was burned. Nevertheless Isildur, his wife and children escaped, saving a seedling of the tree, too, and sailing down [[Anduin]] journeyed to Elendil's realm in Arnor. There Elendil and [[Gil-galad]], [[High King of the Noldor]] forged the [[Last Alliance|Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] in {{SA|3430|n}}, to defeat Sauron ultimately. Meanwhile Anárion held out in Gondor, defending [[Osgiliath]] and [[Minas Anor]]<ref name="Rings"/>.<br />
<br />
<br />
In {{SA|3431}} the [[Elves of Lindon]] led by Gil-galad and [[Círdan]] marched eastward and where awaited by Elendil at [[Amon Sûl]]. The combined host marched towards [[Rivendell|Imladris]], where they joined with [[Elrond|Lord Elrond]], who was Gil-galad's herald, and acted as his second-in-command in the coming campaign. <br />
<br />
The united host rested for about three years in Imladris, forging weapons and making plans. They crossed the [[Misty Mountains]] over many passes and marched down [[Anduin]] where they were joined by Dwarves from [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]], Elves from [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]] led by [[Oropher]] and his son [[Thranduil]], and Lothlórien Elves under [[Amdír]]<ref name="Rings"/><ref name="Silvan Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref>. At the southern eaves of [[Eryn Galen]] the host turned south-east and marched through desolate areas that had once been the [[Entwives]]' gardens. They, and probably the Entwives themselves, had been destroyed by [[Sauron]] to deprive the Alliance's forces of supplies<ref>{{TT|Treebeard}}</ref>. <br />
<br />
The Alliance entered the vast plain outside Mordor where they were joined by Anárion's forces. There Sauron's host awaited them from the north-west.<br />
<br />
=== The [[Battle of Dagorlad]] ===<br />
During preliminary skirmishing, [[Oropher]] and his Elves, being scantily equipped, rashly charged forward into the numerous Orc forces before Gil-galad had given the command, and suffered heavy casualties, including Oropher himself. Amdír and his forces also were cut off from the main battle and driven into the marshes just to the south, where he also fell along with half of his troops<ref name="Silvan Princes"/>. This area became known afterwards as the [[Dead Marshes]], because of the thousands of bodies buried there.<br />
<br />
This battle raged for days and nights continuously. But the Elves were still mighty in these times and the Númenóreans were tall and strong and terrible. And none could withstand [[Aeglos (spear)|Aeglos]] and [[Narsil]], Gil-galad's spear and Elendil's sword which filled the orcs and wicked men with fear. Slowly Elves and Númenóreans whittled down the vast numbers of Orcs and pushed them back towards the [[Black Gate]]<ref name="Rings"/>.<br />
No account is given how the Alliance managed to break through this mighty fortification though.<br />
<br />
=== The [[Siege of Barad-dûr]] ===<br />
<br />
The forces of the Last Alliance had forced their way through the Black Gate into Mordor itself. Victory seemed close, but no power short of the [[Valar]] could breach the [[Dark Tower]] by force. Though a great part of Sauron's forces was destroyed at the Dagorlad his host was still numerous and Sauron ordered many a sortie. The siege went on year after year, from {{SA|3434}} to {{SA|3441|n}}<ref name="Rings"/>. Isildur's sons, [[Aratan]] and [[Ciryon]], were detached and sent to Minas Ithil to guard against a breakout to the southwest, but his oldest son, Elendur served by his side till the end<ref name="Gladden">{{UT|Gladden}}</ref>. [[Anárion]] was killed in {{SA|3440|n}} by a projectile thrown from the tower.<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}</ref><br />
<br />
In the seventh year of the siege, it became so pressing that [[Sauron]] himself came forth. His onslaught was terrible and the siege was almost broken as Sauron and his host advanced to the slopes of [[Mount Doom]]. There he was encountered by the captains of the Alliance, Gil-galad and Elendil and to their side stood Elrond, Círdan and Isildur. Sauron fought with Gil-galad and Elendil, and both were slain. As Elendil fell, his sword was broken beneath him. Yet Sauron was thrown down, too, and Isildur seized the hilt of his father's sword and cut off the finger on which Sauron wore the One Ring. Being bereft of its power, Sauron was no longer able to hold a physical form and perished<ref name="Rings"/>.<br />
<br />
===Aftermath===<br />
<br />
The Alliance pursued the Orcs, who were then in disarray, and killed them all. The Barad-dûr was leveled but its foundations remained behind, since they were built with the power of [[the One Ring]] which was not destroyed. The thousands of dead Men and Elves were taken out of Mordor and buried in the Dagorlad Plain.<br />
<br />
While he had captured [[the One Ring]], Isildur refused Elrond and Círdan's entreaties that he destroy it by casting it into the [[Crack of Doom]], claiming it as a weregild for his father's and brother's death<ref name="Rings"/>. The result of this was that while [[Sauron]] was defeated and cast down, his spirit was not destroyed. He hid himself in the dark lands east of Mordor, and slowly rebuilt his power. The Nine ([[Nazgûl]]) also bided their time for the day when he would rise again.<br />
<br />
While the Orc armies of Sauron had been well nigh destroyed in the War, scattered groups of them survived. In the Last Alliance, the casualties had been heavy. [[Elendil]] and [[Anárion]] were gone, and [[Gil-galad]], last [[High King of the Noldor]], was no more. [[Arnor]] took grievous losses, and suffered from a decline in population. It never really recovered as a major power, and broke into three pieces some centuries later. [[Gondor]] suffered less heavily and became a powerful nation. [[Isildur]], the new [[Kings of Arnor|High King of Arnor]], perished only two years later in the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]], along with his three older sons. They were ambushed by an Orc task force operating near the River Anduin. In the course of Isildur's death, the Ring was lost in the depths of [[Anduin]]<ref name="Gladden"/>. Much was lost, but [[Sauron]] was suppressed-- for a while.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''<br />
:The [[War of the Last Alliance|entire venture]] of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] was combined into a short silhouette play, in which [[Isildur]] cut the [[The One Ring|Ring]] off [[Sauron]]'s hand in battle - not when Sauron was already conquered.<br />
<br />
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:This film also compresses the [[Battle of Dagorlad]], the Siege, and the final duel into one, and places them all at [[Mount Doom]], in a prologue similar to that of the 1978 film. The main perspective of the entire prologue - ''One Ring to rule them All'' - lies with [[Elrond]]. The death of [[Gil-galad]] is not mentioned, [[Anárion]] is cut completely, and the deaths of [[Elendil]] and Sauron are rewritten: after coming forth, Sauron wreaks havoc among the [[Elves]] and [[Men]], and a blow from his mace throws Elendil against the mountainside, killing him. Isildur tries to take up [[Narsil]], but it breaks as Sauron steps on it. In a desperate strike, Isildur slashes the Ring, and four fingers, from Sauron's hand. Sauron's body sends a shockwave over the land and dissolves into nothingness.<br />
<br />
:In a later scene, named ''[[The Fate of the Ring]]'', Elrond tells [[Gandalf]] of the final debate with Isildur, inside Mount Doom. [[Círdan]] is not present, and Isildur refuses by simply saying "No".<br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)]]'':''''<br />
:The war serves as the setting for the tutorial. The player controls Isildur making his way through Mordor.<br />
<br />
<br />
{{References}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Second Age]]<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Second Age]]<br />
[[Category:Sieges]]<br />
[[Category:Wars]]<br />
<br />
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/2a/guerres/guerre_de_la_derniere_alliance]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Dale&diff=297806Battle of Dale2018-03-19T00:49:04Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{battle<br />
|name=Battle of Dale<br />
|image=[[Image:Jan Pospisil - Dale units vs. Rhun.jpg|300px]]<br />
|conflict=[[War of the Ring]]<br />
|date=[[17 March|March 17]]th - [[27 March|March 27]]th, {{TA|3019}}<br />
|place=Outside [[Dale]] and then the [[Lonely Mountain]]<br />
|result=Easterlings were driven out of Dale after a long siege.<br />
|side1=[[Men]] of Dale and [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]], [[Dwarves]] of Erebor and [[Iron Hills]]<br />
|side2=[[Easterlings]]<br />
|commanders1=* [[Brand]] † <br />
* [[Dáin Ironfoot]] †<br />
* [[Bard II]]<br />
* [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]]<br />
|commanders2=* Unknown Easterling commander<br />
|forces1= <br />
30,000 Dwarves of Durin's Folk, 20,000 [[Men of Dale]] and Lake-Town<br />
|forces2=<br />
200,000 Easterlings<br />
|casual1=Heavy, death of King [[Dáin II Ironfoot]] and King [[Brand]]<br />
|casual2=Very heavy, host routed<br />
}}{{wotr}}<br />
{{quote|When you think of the great [[Battle of Pelennor Fields|Battle of the Pelennor]], do not forget the battles in Dale and the valour of Durin's Folk. Think of what might have been. Dragon-fire and savage swords in [[Eriador]]! There might be no [[Arwen|Queen]] in [[Gondor]].|[[Gandalf]]<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref>}}<br />
The '''Battle of Dale''' and the subsequent '''Siege of Erebor''' were decisive battles in the northern theatre of the [[War of the Ring]]. Even though it cost the lives of Kings [[Dáin Ironfoot]] and [[Brand|Brand of Dale]], it was a decisive victory for the [[Free peoples]].<br />
==History==<br />
=== Prelude===<br />
The [[Dwarves]] of the [[Lonely Mountain]] and the [[Men]] of [[Dale]] refused to acknowledge the overlordship and alliance of Sauron.<ref>{{FR|Council}}</ref> While his southern armies menaced Gondor, the Dark Lord sent an army north to extend his dominion to prevent the armies of his enemies joining together under one banner, which could have proved disastrous for [[Mordor]].<br />
<br />
=== The Battle ===<br />
[[File:Steamey - King Brand and King Dáin Ironfoot.jpg|thumb|left|Steamey - ''King Brand and King Dáin Ironfoot'']]On [[17 March]] {{TA|3019|n}}, [[Sauron]] sent a large contingent of [[Easterlings]] to attack Dale. The combined forces of the Men of Dale under King [[Brand]] and the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain under King [[Dáin Ironfoot]] marched out to meet the Easterlings in battle. After three days of heavy close-quarters fighting, they were forced to retreat towards the Lonely Mountain.<ref name="B3">{{App|B3}}</ref><br />
<br />
The armies fought bravely before the [[Gate of Erebor]], which was not taken. In the end, Dáin was killed as he stood defending the body of his ally Brand.<ref name="Durin"/> Meanwhile, the defenders of the Mountain were able to withstand the siege.<ref name="B3"/> <br />
<br />
However, the forces of [[Gondor]] and Rohan defeated the main power of Sauron in the Morannon theatre on [[25 March]], causing the northern army to lose hope. Seeing the morale of their foes being sapped by news of victory in the south, the Army of Dale under the new Kings - [[Bard II]] and [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]] - managed to lift the siege on [[27 March]] and drove the Easterlings out of Dale.<ref>{{App|B4}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== Aftermath and Repercussions ===<br />
The battle was incredibly important in the course of the [[War of the Ring]]: if Sauron's Easterling armies had beaten the Dwarves and Men of Dale, they would have been able to join up with Sauron's forces from [[Dol Guldur]] in their attacks on the [[Woodland Realm]] of [[Mirkwood]] and [[Lothlórien]], tipping the scales in favor of Mordor. This would have enabled Mordor's armies to flank the forces of Gondor and Rohan from the North and rear. [[Gandalf]] himself commented that had the Battle of Dale been lost in this way, the forces of the West would have been crushed regardless of the victory at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].<ref name="Durin"/><br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:In the Extended Edition, while the army of Rohan is mustering at Edoras, Gimli comments to Legolas that he wishes they had a legion of Dwarves to help. Legolas responds that the Dwarves of Lonely Mountain and Elves of Mirkwood cannot march south to war against Mordor, for he fears that war is already marching upon their own lands. In the DVD commentary, Peter Jackson explained that this brief exchange was a nod to the Battle of Dale, as well as Sauron's attacks on the Woodland Elves and Lothlorien in the northern theatre of the war. However, Jackson explained that while he wished to show these other battles and that the War of the Ring was a truly global conflict, they simply didn't have the resources or time to construct entirely new sets and film more expansive battle scenes. Reluctantly Jackson could not show these events, but wanted to somehow acknowledge why the Elves and Dwarves aren't coming to aid the besieged Minas Tirith. <br />
<br />
'''[[2006]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:The Siege of Erebor is the penultimate level of the good campaign. The forces are Mordor are led by the [[Mouth of Sauron]], and originate from [[Dol Guldur]] rather than the [[Rhûn|East]]. Groups of [[Corsairs]] and [[Haradrim]] first attack Dale, before the main host attacks. The first of three waves is led by a horsed [[Ringwraith]], and the third (made up almost entirely of trolls and siege weapons) by a Ringwraith on a [[Fell beast]]. After the third wave is broken, the [[Mouth of Sauron]] enters Erebor via a hidden entrance, and has to be killed. Almost simultaneously, [[Glorfindel]], [[Glóin]] and [[Thranduil]] arrive with reinforcements from Mirkwood. At the level's conclusion, they are credited with defeating the enemy.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'', "Erebor"</ref><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]<br />
[[Category:Sieges]]<br />
[[de:Schlacht von Thal]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_de_dale]]<br />
[[fi:Laakson taistelu]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Last_Alliance_of_Elves_and_Men&diff=297804Last Alliance of Elves and Men2018-03-18T23:12:56Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''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><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
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}}.<ref name=SA/><br />
<br />
In response, [[Elendil]], High King of the Dúnedain, formed an alliance with [[Gil-galad]], the [[High King of the Noldor]], to repel Sauron's assault. 50,000 [[Dwarves]] of [[Durin's Folk]] under the command of [[Durin IV]] also aided Elendil and Gil-galad. 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/> <br />
<br />
The hosts of Gil-galad and Elendil met at [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]] and marched towards Imladris where they camped for three years, forging armour and making plans whilst [[Anárion]], Elendil's younger son, defended [[Osgiliath]] against the hosts of [[Mordor]].<br />
<br />
The armies crossed the [[Misty Mountains]] at various locations and their forces were strengthened in the vale 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]].<br />
<br />
In {{SA|3434}} they 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. There were three objectives to this war; to unmake [[the One Ring]], to destroy [[Sauron]], and to destroy the foundation of the [[Barad-dûr|Dark Tower]].<ref name=SA/><br />
<br />
Sauron was felled by Gil-galad and Elendil, who both perished in the assault themselves. Elendil broke his sword [[Narsil]] as he fell. Using the hilt-shard of the sword, 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.<br />
<br />
With the victory over Sauron, and the death of Gil-galad and Elendil, the Last Alliance was dissolved. The remaining Númenóreans resettled their kingdoms.<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Armies]]<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* '''[[War of the Last Alliance]]''' (Military information)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Second Age]]<br />
[[de:Letztes Bündnis]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:2a:derniere_alliance_des_elfes_et_des_hommes]]<br />
[[fi:Haltioiden ja Ihmisten Viimeinen Liitto]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=War_of_the_Last_Alliance&diff=297803War of the Last Alliance2018-03-18T22:20:30Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{war<br />
| previous=[[War of the Elves and Sauron]]<br />
| next= [[Angmar War]]<br />
| image=[[File:Matt DeMino - Sauron - War of the Last Alliance.png|275px]]<br />
| name= War of the Last Alliance<br />
| place= Mordor and lower Anduin region<br />
| result= Victory for the Last Alliance, fall of Sauron, loss of the One Ring<br />
| battles= [[Fall of Minas Ithil]], [[Anárion's defense of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of Dagorlad]], [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]<br />
| begin= {{SA|3429}}<br />
| end= {{SA|3441}}<br />
| side1= Greatest host since the [[War of Wrath]], Men from [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], Elves from [[Lindon]], [[Rivendell]], [[Mirkwood]] and [[Lothlórien]], and [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]]<br />
| side2= Greater host than the Alliance, myriads of [[Orcs]], [[Easterlings]] and other creatures of Sauron|<br />
|casual1=Thousands, innumerable|<br />
|casual2=Nearly all Orcs, Men, and other creatures were killed|<br />
| commanders1=<br />
{{Gil-galad blazon|died}}<br />
* [[Elrond]]<br />
* [[Oropher]] † <br />
* [[Amdír]] †<br />
* [[Elendil]] † <br />
* [[Isildur]] <br />
* [[Anárion]] †<br />
* Unknown Dwarf commander<br />
| commanders2= <br />
{{Sauron blazon}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''War of the Last Alliance''' was the war late in the [[Second Age]] in which the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] marched against the fortress of [[Sauron]], [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]]. Against all hope, they were victorious, but when [[the One Ring]] was not destroyed, [[Sauron]] rose again during the long years of the [[Third Age]].<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
===Prelude===<br />
Ever since his defeat in the [[Battle of the Gwathló]] Sauron nursed a special hatred against the [[Númenóreans]] and longed to take revenge on them.<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref> In {{SA|3261|n}}, Sauron dared to wage war against Númenor and the last [[King of Númenor]] [[Ar-Pharazôn]] had gathered a massive army to counter this threat. Perceiving the might and splendour of the Númenóreans Sauron's servants deserted him, and Sauron was filled with fear and humbled himself. He was brought as hostage to Númenor and finally succeeded in taking his revenge by playing a vital role in the events that led to the Downfall. Yet of all Númenóreans he hated Elendil most, and his wrath was great that he and his sons had escaped.<br />
<br />
After the [[Downfall of Númenor]] in {{SA|3319}} the remaining [[Faithful]] led by [[Elendil]] and his sons [[Isildur]] and [[Anarion]] etablished the [[Realms in Exile]] in [[Middle-earth]]. Elendil ruled [[Arnor]] in the north, Isildur and Anarion jointly ruled the southern realm of [[Gondor]]. [[Sauron]] however perished physically, by drowning; being caught in the Fall of Númenor which he had cleverly schemed to bring about. Yet nevertheless, even though he truly was drowned, Sauron's spirit endured; he returned to his fortress [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]] and was able in time to take shape again. However, it should be noted that hereafter Sauron could no longer take on a deceptively fair and greatly pleasing form, as Sauron had done so long before, in order to deceive the Elves and then again much later, the [[Númenóreans]] too, whilst he was held a willing captive.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Opening Stages===<br />
Perceiving that his enemies of old had escaped the downfall, Sauron's wrath was great and in {{SA|3429|n}} he launched an attack upon Isildur's fortress, Minas Ithil. Believing that Sauron had perished in the [[Downfall of Númenor]], they were completely taken by surprise, [[Minas Ithil]] was taken, and the [[White Tree of Gondor]] that Isildur had planted there was burned. Nevertheless Isildur, his wife and children escaped, saving a seedling of the tree, too, and sailing down [[Anduin]] journeyed to Elendil's realm in Arnor. There Elendil and [[Gil-galad]], [[High King of the Noldor]] forged the [[Last Alliance|Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] in {{SA|3430|n}}, to defeat Sauron ultimately. Meanwhile Anárion held out in Gondor, defending [[Osgiliath]] and [[Minas Anor]]<ref name="Rings"/>.<br />
<br />
<br />
In {{SA|3431}} the [[Elves of Lindon]] led by Gil-galad and [[Círdan]] marched eastward and where awaited by Elendil at [[Amon Sûl]]. The combined host marched towards [[Rivendell|Imladris]], where they joined with [[Elrond|Lord Elrond]], who was Gil-galad's herald, and acted as his second-in-command in the coming campaign. <br />
<br />
The united host rested for about three years in Imladris, forging weapons and making plans. They crossed the [[Misty Mountains]] over many passes and marched down [[Anduin]] where they were joined by Dwarves from [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]], Elves from [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]] led by [[Oropher]] and his son [[Thranduil]], and Lothlórien Elves under [[Amdír]]<ref name="Rings"/><ref name="Silvan Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref>. At the southern eaves of [[Eryn Galen]] the host turned south-east and marched through desolate areas that had once been the [[Entwives]]' gardens. They, and probably the Entwives themselves, had been destroyed by [[Sauron]] to deprive the Alliance's forces of supplies<ref>{{TT|Treebeard}}</ref>. <br />
<br />
The Alliance entered the vast plain outside Mordor where they were joined by Anárion's forces. There Sauron's host awaited them from the north-west.<br />
<br />
=== The [[Battle of Dagorlad]] ===<br />
During preliminary skirmishing, [[Oropher]] and his Elves, being scantily equipped, rashly charged forward into the numerous Orc forces before Gil-galad had given the command, and suffered heavy casualties, including Oropher himself. Amdír and his forces also were cut off from the main battle and driven into the marshes just to the south, where he also fell along with half of his troops<ref name="Silvan Princes"/>. This area became known afterwards as the [[Dead Marshes]], because of the thousands of bodies buried there.<br />
<br />
This battle raged for days and nights continuously. But the Elves were still mighty in these times and the Númenóreans were tall and strong and terrible. And none could withstand [[Aeglos (spear)|Aeglos]] and [[Narsil]], Gil-galad's spear and Elendil's sword which filled the orcs and wicked men with fear. Slowly Elves and Númenóreans whittled down the vast numbers of Orcs and pushed them back towards the [[Black Gate]]<ref name="Rings"/>.<br />
No account is given how the Alliance managed to break through this mighty fortification though.<br />
<br />
=== The [[Siege of Barad-dûr]] ===<br />
<br />
The forces of the Last Alliance had forced their way through the Black Gate into Mordor itself. Victory seemed close, but no power short of the [[Valar]] could breach the [[Dark Tower]] by force. Though a great part of Sauron's forces was destroyed at the Dagorlad his host was still numerous and Sauron ordered many a sortie. The siege went on year after year, from {{SA|3434}} to {{SA|3441|n}}<ref name="Rings"/>. Isildur's sons, [[Aratan]] and [[Ciryon]], were detached and sent to Minas Ithil to guard against a breakout to the southwest, but his oldest son, Elendur served by his side till the end<ref name="Gladden">{{UT|Gladden}}</ref>. [[Anárion]] was killed in {{SA|3440|n}} by a projectile thrown from the tower.<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}</ref><br />
<br />
In the seventh year of the siege, it became so pressing that [[Sauron]] himself came forth. His onslaught was terrible and the siege was almost broken as Sauron and his host advanced to the slopes of [[Mount Doom]]. There he was encountered by the captains of the Alliance, Gil-galad and Elendil and to their side stood Elrond, Círdan and Isildur. Sauron fought with Gil-galad and Elendil, and both were slain. As Elendil fell, his sword was broken beneath him. Yet Sauron was thrown down, too, and Isildur seized the hilt of his father's sword and cut off the finger on which Sauron wore the One Ring. Being bereft of its power, Sauron was no longer able to hold a physical form and perished<ref name="Rings"/>.<br />
<br />
===Aftermath===<br />
<br />
The Alliance pursued the Orcs, who were then in disarray, and killed them all. The Barad-dûr was leveled but its foundations remained behind, since they were built with the power of [[the One Ring]] which was not destroyed. The thousands of dead Men and Elves were taken out of Mordor and buried in the Dagorlad Plain.<br />
<br />
While he had captured [[the One Ring]], Isildur refused Elrond and Círdan's entreaties that he destroy it by casting it into the [[Crack of Doom]], claiming it as a weregild for his father's and brother's death<ref name="Rings"/>. The result of this was that while [[Sauron]] was defeated and cast down, his spirit was not destroyed. He hid himself in the dark lands east of Mordor, and slowly rebuilt his power. The Nine ([[Nazgûl]]) also bided their time for the day when he would rise again.<br />
<br />
While the Orc armies of Sauron had been well nigh destroyed in the War, scattered groups of them survived. In the Last Alliance, the casualties had been heavy. [[Elendil]] and [[Anárion]] were gone, and [[Gil-galad]], last [[High King of the Noldor]], was no more. [[Arnor]] took grievous losses, and suffered from a decline in population. It never really recovered as a major power, and broke into three pieces some centuries later. [[Gondor]] suffered less heavily and became a powerful nation. [[Isildur]], the new [[Kings of Arnor|High King of Arnor]], perished only two years later in the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]], along with his three older sons. They were ambushed by an Orc task force operating near the River Anduin. In the course of Isildur's death, the Ring was lost in the depths of [[Anduin]]<ref name="Gladden"/>. Much was lost, but [[Sauron]] was suppressed-- for a while.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''<br />
:The [[War of the Last Alliance|entire venture]] of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] was combined into a short silhouette play, in which [[Isildur]] cut the [[The One Ring|Ring]] off [[Sauron]]'s hand in battle - not when Sauron was already conquered.<br />
<br />
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:This film also compresses the [[Battle of Dagorlad]], the Siege, and the final duel into one, and places them all at [[Mount Doom]], in a prologue similar to that of the 1978 film. The main perspective of the entire prologue - ''One Ring to rule them All'' - lies with [[Elrond]]. The death of [[Gil-galad]] is not mentioned, [[Anárion]] is cut completely, and the deaths of [[Elendil]] and Sauron are rewritten: after coming forth, Sauron wreaks havoc among the [[Elves]] and [[Men]], and a blow from his mace throws Elendil against the mountainside, killing him. Isildur tries to take up [[Narsil]], but it breaks as Sauron steps on it. In a desperate strike, Isildur slashes the Ring, and four fingers, from Sauron's hand. Sauron's body sends a shockwave over the land and dissolves into nothingness.<br />
<br />
:In a later scene, named ''[[The Fate of the Ring]]'', Elrond tells [[Gandalf]] of the final debate with Isildur, inside Mount Doom. [[Círdan]] is not present, and Isildur refuses by simply saying "No".<br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)]]'':''''<br />
:The war serves as the setting for the tutorial. The player controls Isildur making his way through Mordor.<br />
<br />
<br />
{{References}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Second Age]]<br />
[[Category:Conflicts of the Second Age]]<br />
[[Category:Sieges]]<br />
[[Category:Wars]]<br />
<br />
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/2a/guerres/guerre_de_la_derniere_alliance]]</div>173.206.11.204https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Last_Alliance_of_Elves_and_Men&diff=297802Last Alliance of Elves and Men2018-03-18T22:08:13Z<p>173.206.11.204: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''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><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
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}}.<ref name=SA/><br />
<br />
In response, [[Elendil]], High King of the Dúnedain, formed an alliance with [[Gil-galad]], the [[High King of the Noldor]], to repel Sauron's assault. 50,000 Dwarves of [[Durin's Folk]] also aided Elendil and Gil-galad. 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/> <br />
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The hosts of Gil-galad and Elendil met at [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]] and marched towards Imladris where they camped for three years, forging armour and making plans whilst [[Anárion]], Elendil's younger son, defended [[Osgiliath]] against the hosts of [[Mordor]].<br />
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The armies crossed the [[Misty Mountains]] at various locations and their forces were strengthened in the vale 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]].<br />
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In {{SA|3434}} they 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. There were three objectives to this war; to unmake [[the One Ring]], to destroy [[Sauron]], and to destroy the foundation of the [[Barad-dûr|Dark Tower]].<ref name=SA/><br />
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Sauron was felled by Gil-galad and Elendil, who both perished in the assault themselves. Elendil broke his sword [[Narsil]] as he fell. Using the hilt-shard of the sword, 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.<br />
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With the victory over Sauron, and the death of Gil-galad and Elendil, the Last Alliance was dissolved. The remaining Númenóreans resettled their kingdoms.<br />
{{references}}<br />
[[Category:Armies]]<br />
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==See also==<br />
* '''[[War of the Last Alliance]]''' (Military information)<br />
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[[Category:Conflicts of the Second Age]]<br />
[[de:Letztes Bündnis]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:2a:derniere_alliance_des_elfes_et_des_hommes]]<br />
[[fi:Haltioiden ja Ihmisten Viimeinen Liitto]]</div>173.206.11.204