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{{disambig-more|War of the Ring|[[War of the Ring (disambiguation)]]}}{{sources}}
{{disambig-more|War of the Ring|[[War of the Ring (disambiguation)]]}}{{sources}}
{{expansion}}
{{expansion}}
{{wotr}}
{{War
{{War
| previous= [[Corsair Wars]]
| previous= [[Corsair Wars]]
| next=Unknown
| next=
| name=War of the Ring
| name=War of the Ring
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|300px]]
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|300px]]
| begin={{TA|3018}} (earlier fighting in Gondor)
| begin=[[20 June]] {{TA|3018}}  
| end={{TA|3019}}
| end=[[3 November]] {{TA|3019}}
|place=Northwestern [[Middle-earth]]
|place=Northwestern [[Middle-earth]]
|result=Free Peoples' victory; destruction of [[the One Ring]], [[Sauron]] and [[Mordor]]; start of the [[Fourth Age]]; [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]] reunited under restoration of the [[King of Gondor]]
|result=Victory for the [[Free Peoples]]
| battles=[[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath]], [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]], [[Battle of Isengard]], [[Battle of the Hornburg]], [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], [[Battle of the Morannon]], [[Battle Under Trees]], [[Fall of Dol Guldur]], [[Battle of Dale]], [[Battle of Bywater]]
*Destruction of [[the One Ring]] and [[Sauron]]
|side1='''Free Peoples of Middle-earth:''' [[Gondor]], [[Rangers of the North]], [[Rohan]], [[Dale]], [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], [[The Shire]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Woodland Realm]], [[Rivendell]], [[Fangorn]], [[Beornings]]
*[[Reunited Kingdom|Restoration]] of the [[High King (Dúnedain)|High King]]
|side2='''Under [[Sauron]]:''' [[Mordor]], [[Dol Guldur]], [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]], [[Rhûn]], [[Harad]], [[Umbar]], and [[Khand]]<br><br>'''Under [[Saruman]]:''' [[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]
*Start of the [[Dominion of Men]]
*The [[Three Rings]] lose their power
| battles=[[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath]], [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]], [[Battle of Isengard]], [[Battle of the Hornburg]], [[Assaults on Lothlórien]], [[Faramir's defence of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], [[Battle under the trees]], [[Battle of the Morannon]], [[Fall of Dol Guldur]], [[Battle of Dale]], [[Battle of Bywater]]
|side1=[[Army of the West|Host of the West]]<br>[[Gondorians]]<br>[[Rohirrim]]<br>[[Bardings]]<br>[[Rangers of the North]]<br>[[Beornings]]<br>[[Galadhrim]]<br>[[Elves of Mirkwood]]<br>[[Dwarves of Erebor]]<br>[[Ents]] (and [[Huorns]])<br>[[Shire-hobbits]]<br>[[Bucklanders]]
|side2=[[Orcs of Mordor]]<br>[[Orcs of Dol Guldur]]<br>[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]<br>[[Orcs of Isengard]]<br>[[Easterlings]]<br>[[Haradrim]]<br>[[Corsairs of Umbar]]<br>[[Variags]]<br>[[Dunlendings]]
|commanders1=
|commanders1=
[[File:John Howe - Icon Gondor transparent.png|45px|left]] [[Aragorn]]{{clear}}
[[Gandalf]] † (resurrected)
[[File:John Howe - Icon Gondor transparent.png|45px|left]] [[Denethor]] †{{clear}}
<br>[[Aragorn]]
* [[Gandalf]] † (but resurrected)
<br>[[Denethor]] †  
[[File:John Howe - Icon Rohan transparent.png|45px|left]] [[Théoden]] †{{clear}}
<br>[[Imrahil]]
[[File:John Howe - Icon Rohan transparent.png|45px|left]] [[Éomer]]{{clear}}
<br>[[Théoden]] †
* [[Imrahil]]{{clear}}
<br>[[Éomer]]
* [[Dáin Ironfoot]] †  
<br>[[Brand]]
* [[Brand]] †
<br>[[Dáin II Ironfoot]] †  
* [[Thranduil]]  
<br>[[Thranduil]]  
* [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]]
<br>[[Galadriel]]
<br>[[Celeborn]]
|commanders2=
|commanders2=
{{Sauron blazon|died}}{{clear}}
[[Sauron]]
[[File:John Howe - Icon Saruman transparent.png|45px|left]] [[Saruman]] †{{clear}}
<br>[[Saruman]] †
* [[Witch-king|The Witch-king of Angmar]] †
<br>[[Witch-king]] †
* [[Khamûl]] †
<br>[[Khamûl]] †
}}
}}
{{Quote|So we come to it in the end, [...] the great battle of our time, in which many things shall pass away.|[[Théoden]]<ref>{{RK|Muster}}</ref>}}
{{wotr}}
{{Quote|So we come to it in the end, [...] the great battle of our time, in which many things shall pass away.|[[Théoden]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Muster of Rohan]]"}}


The '''War of the Ring''' was the great conflict at the end of the [[Third Age]], named for [[the One Ring]] and the importance this had in the final outcome. The war was fought between [[Sauron]], the [[Dark Lord]] of [[Mordor]] who attempted to conquer [[Middle-earth]] as he nearly did in the [[Second Age]]; and the [[Free peoples]], being a loose alliance of [[Elves]] and [[Men]] led by the [[Wise]]. [[Saruman]] was a third power based in [[Orthanc]].   
The '''War of the Ring''' was the great conflict at the end of the [[Third Age]], named for [[the One Ring]] and the importance this had in the final outcome. The war was fought between [[Sauron]], the [[Dark Lord]] of [[Mordor]] who attempted to conquer [[Middle-earth]] as he nearly did in the [[Second Age]]; and the [[Free peoples]], being a loose alliance of [[Elves]], [[Dwarves]], [[Hobbits]], [[Ents]] and [[Men]] led by the [[Wise]]. [[Saruman]] participated both on Sauron's side and occasionally as a 'third power' based in [[Orthanc]].   


Sauron at all times held the military advantage in the War, due to his overwhelming forces; not only [[Orcs]] and [[Trolls]], but [[Haradrim|Men of Harad]] and the [[East]].  His main objective was to overthrow [[Gondor]], his neighbour and the strongest of his enemies. He had such forces at his command, though, that he was able to fight the war on many fronts, simultaneously attacking [[Dale]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood|Wood-elves]] in the far north, and [[Lothlórien]] from his secondary stronghold at [[Dol Guldur]]. There can be no doubt that, had the Wise not achieved and maintained possession of the Ring, Sauron would ultimately have been victorious.
Sauron at all times held the military advantage in the War, due to his overwhelming forces; not only [[Orcs]] and [[Trolls]], but [[Haradrim|Men of Harad]] and the [[East]].  His main objective was to overthrow [[Gondor]], his neighbour and the strongest of his enemies. He had such forces at his command, though, that he was able to fight the war on many fronts, simultaneously attacking [[Dale]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood|Wood-elves]] in the far north, and [[Lothlórien]] from his secondary stronghold at [[Dol Guldur]]. There can be no doubt that, had the Wise not achieved and maintained possession of the Ring, Sauron would ultimately have been victorious.
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The policy of the Wise was based around the [[Quest of the Ring]]: a company of nine under the leadership of [[Gandalf]] travelled from [[Rivendell]] with the One Ring, with the hope of taking it to [[Orodruin]] in [[Mordor]] and there destroying it. Because the Ring held much of Sauron's native power, they realised that in unmaking it, they would also defeat its creator.
The policy of the Wise was based around the [[Quest of the Ring]]: a company of nine under the leadership of [[Gandalf]] travelled from [[Rivendell]] with the One Ring, with the hope of taking it to [[Orodruin]] in [[Mordor]] and there destroying it. Because the Ring held much of Sauron's native power, they realised that in unmaking it, they would also defeat its creator.


Saruman had claimed alliance with both the Wise and the Dark Lord, but was ultimately fighting for his own ends. In alliance with the [[Dunlendings]], and having [[Orcs]] at his own command, his objective was the defeat of [[Rohan]]. Until late in the War, he held the advantage, defeating Rohan twice at the [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]].
Having renounced the Wise, Saruman had become Sauron's two-faced servant. In an alliance with the [[Dunlendings]], and having [[Orcs]] at his command, he resolved to remove [[Rohan]] as a threat to his Dark Lord, but he also attempted to claim the Ring first when opportunities arose. Until late in the War, he held the advantage, defeating Rohan twice at the [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]].


==Background==
==Background==
{{Seealso|Rings of Power|Third Age}}
{{Seealso|Rings of Power|Third Age}}
Sauron had been defeated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], but because of Isildur's refusal to destroy [[the One Ring]], he was not entirely vanquished.  He survived in spirit form, and the foundations of Barad-dûr were also not destroyed. Sauron's spirit wandered the wastelands of Middle-earth for over 1000 years, but eventually he rebuilt his power and became a threat once again. Around {{TA|1000}}, the [[Valar]] sent [[Maiar]] [[Wizards|emissaries]] to [[Middle-earth]] to help the [[Free peoples]] against the growing evil.
Sauron had been defeated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], but because of Isildur's refusal to destroy [[the One Ring]], he was not entirely vanquished.  He survived in spirit form, and the foundations of Barad-dûr were also not destroyed. Sauron's spirit wandered the wastelands of Middle-earth for over 1000 years, but eventually he rebuilt his power and became a threat once again. Around {{TA|1000}}, the [[Valar]] sent [[Maiar]] [[Wizards|emissaries]] to [[Middle-earth]] to help the [[Free peoples]] against the growing evil.
 
Indeed, Orcs were multiplying and the [[Witch-king]] from his fortress in [[Angmar]] waged unending war against [[Arnor]]. [[Moria]] and [[Minas Ithil]] fell and were abandoned, among other battles, plagues, and catastrophes which ended the Kingdom of Arnor and the Royal line of [[Gondor]]. The evil entity known only as the [[Necromancer]] fled from [[Dol Guldur]] because of Gandalf, allowing for some centuries of calmness.  


Indeed, Orcs and other wicked things were multiplying and the [[Witch-king]] from his fortress in [[Angmar]] waged unending war against [[Arnor]]. [[Moria]] and [[Minas Ithil]] fell and were abandoned, among other battles, plagues, and catastrophes which ended the Kingdom of Arnor and the Royal line of [[Gondor]]. The evil entity known only as the [[Necromancer]] fled from [[Dol Guldur]] because of Gandalf, allowing for some centuries of calmness.
[[File:John Howe - Alert the Folk.jpg|thumb|left|''Alert the Folk'' by [[John Howe]]]]
In the meantime, Sauron's One Ring was found by two of the [[Stoors]] in the [[Gladden River]]. The Hobbit who got it, under its influence, was corrupted as [[Gollum]] and eventually retreated in the [[Goblin-town]] under the [[Misty Mountains]]. By the end of the Age, Sauron attempted to gather back all the Rings to augment his power. He took the Nine, but of the Seven he managed to reclaim only three, the last of them being the [[Ring of Thrór]]<ref>"the Nine [Sauron] has gathered to himself; the Seven also, or else they are destroyed." {{FR|Shadow}}</ref><ref>"You saw the Eye of him that holds the Seven and the Nine." {{FR|mirror}}</ref> but could not find the One.
In the meantime, Sauron's One Ring was found by two of the [[Stoors]] in the [[Gladden River]]. The Hobbit who got it, under its influence, was corrupted as [[Gollum]] and eventually retreated in the [[Goblin-town]] under the [[Misty Mountains]]. By the end of the Age, Sauron attempted to gather back all the Rings to augment his power. He took the Nine, but of the Seven he managed to reclaim only three, the last of them being the [[Ring of Thrór]]<ref>"the Nine [Sauron] has gathered to himself; the Seven also, or else they are destroyed." {{FR|Shadow}}</ref><ref>"You saw the Eye of him that holds the Seven and the Nine." {{FR|mirror}}</ref> but could not find the One.


[[File:John Howe - Alert the Folk.jpg|thumb|[[John Howe]] - ''Alert the Folk'']]
[[Gandalf]] was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]]. About [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] was a desolation which Sauron might use to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of [[Angmar]], not to mention the devastating effect of a living dragon in the Enemy's force. Gandalf, seeing no hope in [[Thorin]]'s plans of battle and war against Smaug, persuaded him that he should go secretly to Erebor to reclaim its treasure, and to take with him [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[The Shire|the Shire]].<ref>{{UT|Quest}}</ref> Smaug was killed by [[Bard]], Erebor was retaken, and most importantly, the kingdoms of Erebor and Dale were re-established. In a small incident along the way, [[the One Ring]] was lost by [[Gollum]] and wound up in Bilbo's hands.<ref>{{H|Riddles}}</ref>
[[Gandalf]] was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]]. About [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] was desolation which Sauron might use to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of [[Angmar]]. Gandalf, seeing no hope in [[Thorin]]'s plans of battle and war against Smaug, persuaded him that he should go secretly to Erebor to reclaim its treasure, and to take with him [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[The Shire|the Shire]].<ref>{{UT|Quest}}</ref>. Smaug was killed by [[Bard]], Erebor was retaken, and most importantly, the kingdoms of Erebor and Dale were re-established. In a small incident along the way, [[the One Ring]] was lost by [[Gollum]] and wound up in Bilbo's hands.<ref>{{H|Riddles}}</ref>


Around the time the War began, it is said that the [[Ithryn Luin]] had gained influence in the [[East]] and, thanks to their efforts, Sauron could not manage to gather as much people in his side.<ref>{{PM|Last}}</ref>
Around the time the War began, it is said that the [[Ithryn Luin]] had gained influence in the [[East]] and, thanks to their efforts, Sauron could not manage to gather as much people in his side.<ref>{{PM|Last}}</ref>
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==History==
==History==
===Prelude===
===Prelude===
During the [[Quest of Erebor]], the [[White Council]] attacked Dol Guldur and the Necromancer withdrew. However, Sauron returned to his old abode in [[Mordor]] to reconstruct [[Barad-dûr]] and ten years after the fall of Smaug he sent three [[Nazgûl]] to reoccupy Dol Guldur. He declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}. The [[White Council]] met for a last time in {{TA|2953}} to discuss the Rings of Power, when Saruman reassured them that the One Ring had been lost for ever in [[the Sea]]. After this, Saruman fortified Isengard, spied on Gandalf, learning thus his interest in the Shire, and started sending agents.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>
{{quote|The Dark Tower had been rebuilt, it was said. From there the power was spreading far and wide, and away far east and south there were wars and growing fear. Orcs were multiplying again in the mountains. Trolls were abroad, no longer dull-witted, but cunning and armed with dreadful weapons. And there were murmured hints of creatures more terrible than all these, but they had no name.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Shadow of the Past]]"}}
During the [[Quest of Erebor]], the [[White Council]] attacked Dol Guldur and the Necromancer withdrew. However, Sauron returned to his old abode in [[Mordor]] to reconstruct [[Barad-dûr]] and ten years after the fall of Smaug he sent three [[Nazgûl]] to reoccupy Dol Guldur. He declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}. The [[White Council]] met for the last time in {{TA|2953}} to discuss the Rings of Power when Saruman reassured them that the One Ring had been lost forever in [[the Sea]]. After this, Saruman fortified Isengard, spied on Gandalf, learning thus his interest in the Shire, and started sending his agents around the Shire under the pretense of [[pipe-weed]] affairs.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>


Sauron began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the hated remnants of Númenor and the Eldar. Armies of [[Easterlings]] from [[Khand]] and beyond the [[Sea of Rhûn]] reinforced Mordor, joined by men from South [[Harad]]. Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts were multiplying while Sauron's minions were searching the Anduin for the One Ring.
Sauron began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the hated remnants of Númenor and the Eldar. Armies of [[Easterlings]] from [[Khand]] and beyond the [[Sea of Rhûn]] reinforced Mordor, joined by men from South [[Harad]]. Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts were multiplying while Sauron's servants were searching the Anduin for the One Ring. Meanwhile, Saruman's use of a palantíri caught the Dark Lord's notice and he used the [[Ithil-stone]] to ensnare him, turning him into a useful, yet not wholly trustworthy, minion.  


A year before the war, while Gollum was looking for his ring, he was taken to Mordor and interrogated by Sauron, who learned that the One Ring was in the possession of a "[[Baggins]]" in a place called "[[the Shire]]". However Sauron was led into thinking that the Shire was on the banks of the Gladden River.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> Gollum was then set free, but caught by [[Aragorn]], who placed him in the care of the [[Silvan Elves]] and held him in [[Mirkwood]].
A year before the war, while Gollum was looking for his ring, he was taken to Mordor and interrogated by Sauron, who learned that the One Ring was in the possession of a "[[Baggins]]" in a place called "the Shire". However, Sauron was led into thinking that the Shire was on the banks of the Gladden River.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> Gollum was then set free, but caught by [[Aragorn]], who placed him in the care of the [[Silvan Elves]] and held him in [[Mirkwood]].


A messenger from Mordor visited King [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II]] and asked information on Bilbo and the Ring. Meanwhile, Gandalf reading the [[Scroll of Isildur]] in [[Minas Tirith]], also realized that Bilbo's Ring was the One Ring.<ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>  
A messenger from Mordor visited King [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II]] and asked information on Bilbo and the Ring. Meanwhile, Gandalf reading the [[Scroll of Isildur]] in [[Minas Tirith]], also realized that Bilbo's Ring was the One Ring.<ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>


===First conflicts===
===First conflicts===
[[File:Donato Giancola - Faramir at Osgiliath.jpg|thumb|left|[[Donato Giancola]] - ''Faramir at Osgiliath'']]
[[File:Donato Giancola - Faramir at Osgiliath.jpg|thumb|left|''Faramir at Osgiliath'' by [[Donato Giancola]] ]]
Sauron made an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack]] on [[Osgiliath]] on [[20 June|June 20]] of {{TA|3018}} which was the beginning of the War. Sauron saw it as an opportunity to test [[Denethor|Denethor II]]'s strength. [[Boromir]] and [[Faramir]] managed to defend and destroy the ancient Bridge in order to deny the enemy access to the western side of the river.<ref name="AB"/><ref name="hunt"/>
Sauron made an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack]] on [[Osgiliath]] on [[20 June]] of {{TA|3018}}, which was the beginning of the War. Sauron saw it as an opportunity to test [[Denethor|Denethor II]]'s strength. [[Boromir]] and [[Faramir]] managed to defend and destroy the ancient Bridge in order to deny the enemy access to the western side of the river.<ref name="AB"/><ref name="hunt"/>


About the same time the [[Elves]] of [[Mirkwood]] were attacked and during the fray, the captive [[Gollum]] escaped and would not be found nor by the Elves nor by Sauron's servants.<ref name="AB"/> The following months, Faramir led several [[Rangers of Ithilien|Ranger]] attacks deep into Mordor-occupied Ithilien, ambushing enemy armies moving to the Black Gate.
About the same time the [[Elves]] of [[Mirkwood]] were attacked and during the fray, the captive [[Gollum]] escaped and would not be found nor by the Elves nor by Sauron's servants from Dol Guldur.<ref name="AB"/> The following months, Faramir led several [[Rangers of Ithilien|Ranger]] attacks deep into Mordor-occupied Ithilien, ambushing enemy armies moving to the Black Gate.


The presence of the Nazgûl in the battle of Osgiliath served to make them seem like a military asset against Gondor, concealing from the Wise their true mission, to hunt the Ring. After the assault Sauron sent the Nine unclothed and invisible to search for the Ring under the leadership of the Witch-king. The Ringwraith [[Khamûl]] was unable to find the "[[the Shire|Shire]]" in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The [[Witch-king]] searched north and west for Gollum or the Shire.<ref name="hunt"/> Gandalf heard from Radagast about the riders and went to [[Isengard]] for counsel, where he was trapped by Saruman.<ref name="council"/>
The presence of the Nazgûl in the battle of Osgiliath served to make them seem like a military asset against Gondor, concealing from the Wise their true mission, to hunt the Ring. After the assault, Sauron sent the Nine unclothed and invisible to search for the Ring under the leadership of the Witch-king. The Ringwraith [[Khamûl]] was unable to find the "[[the Shire|Shire]]" in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The [[Witch-king]] searched north and west for Gollum or the Shire.<ref name="hunt"/> Gandalf heard from Radagast about the riders and went to [[Isengard]] for counsel, where Saruman showed his true colors and trapped him, for refusing to submit to Sauron or reveal the Ring's whereabouts.<ref name="council"/>
   
   
Sauron's plans were halted when he received word of the prophecy in Gondor and the doings of the turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the [[Wise]] did not yet have possession of the Ring yet, as he feared. [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] arrived to [[Isengard]] around [[18 September|September 18]], but Gandalf had escaped. Traitor Saruman fortified himself in Isengard and convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring was, and so the Nine passed into [[Rohan]] in search of him. A terrified [[Gríma|Wormtongue]] answered that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The riders were divided into four pairs, and the Witch-King went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]].  Along the way they captured several spies of Saruman, and found charts and maps of the Shire.  They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Saruman.<ref name="hunt"/>
Sauron's plans were halted when he received word of the prophecy in Gondor and the doings of his turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the [[Wise]] did not yet have possession of the Ring yet, as he feared. [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] arrived at [[Isengard]] around [[18 September|September 18]], but Gandalf had escaped. Concealed behind the walls of Isengard, Saruman denied any knowledge and convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring was, and so the Nine passed into [[Rohan]] in search of him. A terrified [[Gríma|Wormtongue]] answered that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The riders were divided into four pairs, and the Witch-King went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]].  Along the way, they captured several spies of Saruman and found charts and maps of the Shire.  They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Isengard.<ref name="hunt"/>


In [[22 September|September 22]] they came to [[Sarn Ford]]. Although the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] were guarding the crossing, their chieftain [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] was away and the Riders captured the ford, killing many of the Rangers. The Witch-king sent Khamûl and three Riders into the Shire while he went east with the others and then returned to watch the [[Greenway]].<ref name="AB">{{App|B3}}</ref> A Rider came to Hobbiton at nightfall, but failed to capture [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] who departed that same day carrying the Ring to the east.<ref name="hunt"/> The hunt continued to [[Buckland]] and Bree, aided by Sauron's spies, such as [[Bill Ferny]] and [[Harry Goatleaf]], but nonetheless, the Ring escaped them.<ref>{{FR|Strider}}</ref>
In [[22 September]], they came to [[Sarn Ford]]. Although the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] were guarding the crossing, their chieftain [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] was away and the Riders captured the ford, killing many of the Rangers. The Witch-king sent Khamûl and three Riders into the Shire while he went east with the others and then returned to watch the [[Greenway]].<ref name="AB">{{App|B3}}</ref> A Rider came to Hobbiton at nightfall, but failed to capture [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] who departed that same day carrying the Ring to the east.<ref name="hunt"/> The hunt continued to [[Buckland]] and Bree, aided by Sauron's spies, such as [[Bill Ferny]] and [[Harry Goatleaf]], but nonetheless, the Ring escaped them.<ref>{{FR|Strider}}</ref>


[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Council of Elrond.jpg|thumb|left|The Council of Elrond, a pivotal phase of the War.]]
[[File:Mysilvergreen - The Council of Elrond.jpg|thumb|left|''The Council of Elrond'' by [[:Category:Images by Mysilvergreen|Mysilvergreen]]]]
In October, Frodo came to [[Rivendell]] and during his arrival, the Black Riders were temporarily neutralized and the Ringwraiths were forced to return to Mordor to regroup. Some days later, the [[Council of Elrond]] was called, where it was decided that the only way to be free of Sauron and the Ring was to cast the Ring into the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Frodo surprised everyone, including himself, by declaring that he would take the Ring<ref name="council"/>. The [[Fellowship_of_the_Ring|team]] who would travel to Mordor departed Rivendell in December.<ref name="AB"/>
In October, Frodo came to [[Rivendell]] and during his arrival, the Black Riders were temporarily neutralized and were forced to return to Mordor to regroup. Some days later, the [[Council of Elrond]] was called, where it was decided that the only way to be free of Sauron and the Ring was to cast the Ring into the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Frodo surprised everyone, including himself, by declaring that he would take the Ring<ref name="council"/>. The [[Fellowship_of_the_Ring|team]] who would travel to Mordor departed Rivendell in December.<ref name="AB"/>


===Saruman's Part in the War===
===Saruman's part in the War===
Saruman was caught now between the Wise and Sauron as a known traitor to both. He implemented a strategy of controlling the King of Rohan; sending spies to waylay Frodo Baggins on his flight from the Shire; and dispatching raiding parties on likely routes a [[Fellowship of the Ring|company of travelers]] might take the Ring to Gondor. During the fall of the first year of the War, some [[Ruffians]] were sent to the Shire to gain control of the region, collecting the crops and suppressing any dissent.
Saruman was caught now as a known traitor to the Free Peoples and a mendacious vassal of Sauron. To escape this precarious position he implemented a strategy of controlling the King of Rohan for his lord's ends, but also doubled his efforts in the search for the Ring: sending spies to waylay Frodo Baggins on his flight from the Shire, and dispatching raiding parties on likely routes a [[Fellowship of the Ring|company of travelers]] might take the Ring to Gondor. During the fall of the first year of the War, some [[Ruffians]] were sent to the Shire to gain control of the region, collecting the crops and suppressing any dissent to his expanding influence.
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - First Battle of the Fords of Isen.jpg|thumb|The aftermath at Isen]]
[[File: The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - First Battle of the Fords of Isen.jpg|thumb|The aftermath at Isen as seen in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'']]
He then endeavored to kill [[Théoden]] King's [[Théodred|son]] and [[Éomer|nephew]] and have full control of him. On [[25 February|February 25]], {{TA|3019}}, he sent his forces to attack [[Rohan]]'s army (commanded by [[Théodred]] and [[Grimbold]]) at the [[Isen]]. [[Dunlendings]], [[wolf-riders]] and [[Uruk-hai|Uruks]] clashed against the [[Rohirrim]] in the '''[[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' with orders to slay Prince Théodred at any cost. [[Erkenbrand]] took command of the western defenses of Rohan. He sent a messenger to [[Edoras]] to inform the King of the ill news and ask for reinforcements, but [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] delayed the message. [[Elfhelm]] joined [[Grimbold of Grimslade]] and were left in charge of the Fords when Erkenbrand tried to send stragglers to [[Helm's Deep]]. Saruman was successful in eliminating the Prince.<ref name="Isen">{{UT|Isen}}</ref>
He then endeavored to kill [[Théoden]] King's [[Théodred|son]] and [[Éomer|nephew]] and have full control of him. On [[25 February]], {{TA|3019}}, he sent his forces to attack [[Rohan]]'s army (commanded by [[Théodred]] and [[Grimbold]]) at the [[Isen]]. [[Dunlendings]], [[wolf-riders]] and [[Uruk-hai|Uruks]] clashed against the [[Rohirrim]] in the '''[[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' with orders to slay Prince Théodred at any cost. [[Erkenbrand]] took command of the western defences of Rohan. He sent a messenger to [[Edoras]] to inform the King of the ill news and ask for reinforcements, but [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] delayed the message. [[Elfhelm]] joined [[Grimbold of Grimslade]] and were left in charge of the Fords when Erkenbrand tried to send stragglers to [[Helm's Deep]]. Saruman was successful in eliminating the Prince.<ref name="Isen">{{UT|Isen}}</ref>  
[[File:Matt Stewart - The Horn of Boromir.jpg|thumb|left|[[Matt Stewart]] - ''The Horn of Boromir'']]
The [[26 February|next day]] while the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]] was in the [[Emyn Muil]] thinking whether to take the Ring to Minas Tirith or go directly to Mordor, Orcs from Isengard attempted to capture the Ring-bearer; but instead they took Merry and Pippin as prisoners.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> Éomer hearing of the descent of the Orcband set out from [[Eastfold]] against Théoden's orders and overtook them outside [[Fangorn Forest]], unknowingly setting the hobbits free.<ref name="AB"/><ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref>


Having heard the news about Théodred's death, [[Erkenbrand]], who became the commander of Rohan's western armies, gathered the forces of Grimbold and Elfhelm to assault Isen once more in the '''[[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' ([[2 March|March 2]]).  Though they had a force of about 2000 men and had constructed a shield wall to hold off the enemy, Saruman's forces overcame them and scattered the retreating Rohirrim across Rohan.<ref name="Isen"/><ref name="Deep">{{TT|Deep}}</ref>
The [[26 February|next day]] while the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]] was in the [[Emyn Muil]] thinking whether to take the Ring to Minas Tirith or go directly to Mordor, Orcs from Isengard attempted to capture the Ring-bearer; but instead they took Merry and Pippin as prisoners.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> Éomer hearing of the descent of the Orc-band set out from [[Eastfold]] against Théoden's orders and overtook them outside [[Fangorn Forest]], unknowingly setting the hobbits free.<ref name="AB"/><ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref>
 
Having heard the news about Théodred's death, [[Erkenbrand]], who became the commander of Rohan's western armies, gathered the forces of Grimbold and Elfhelm to assault Isen once more in the '''[[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' ([[2 March]]).  Though they had a force of about 2000 men and had constructed a shield wall to hold off the enemy, Saruman's forces overcame them and scattered the retreating Rohirrim across Rohan.<ref name="Isen"/><ref name="Deep">{{TT|Deep}}</ref>


Saruman's victory would not last; he did not know that on the very same day, Gandalf had healed Théoden from [[Gríma|Wormtongue]]'s influence. In the meantime, the [[Ents]] after ending their long [[Entmoot]], decided to go to [[Isengard]] and battle Saruman.<ref name="AB"/>
Saruman's victory would not last; he did not know that on the very same day, Gandalf had healed Théoden from [[Gríma|Wormtongue]]'s influence. In the meantime, the [[Ents]] after ending their long [[Entmoot]], decided to go to [[Isengard]] and battle Saruman.<ref name="AB"/>
[[File:Alan Lee - The Battle of the Hornburg.jpg|thumb|right|"The Battle of the Hornburg" by [[Alan Lee]]]]
[[File: Alan Lee - The Battle of the Hornburg.jpg|thumb|right|''The Battle of the Hornburg'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
The next day ([[3 March|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]]. Among this force were [[Éomer]], [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]]. 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. Against overwhelming odds, they fought the '''[[Battle of the Hornburg]]''' for two days against [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Dunlendings]], until the [[Deeping Wall]] was breached and all seemed lost. The surviving horsemen rode out to meet the hordes of Isengard.<ref name="Deep"/>
The next day ([[3 March]]) 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]]. Among this force were [[Éomer]], [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]]. 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. Against overwhelming odds, they fought the '''[[Battle of the Hornburg]]''' for two days against [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Dunlendings]], until the [[Deeping Wall]] was breached and all seemed lost. The surviving horsemen rode out to meet the hordes of Isengard.<ref name="Deep"/>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Wrath of the Ents'']]
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|left|''The Wrath of the Ents'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
At that moment, [[Gandalf]] returned, bringing with him Erkenbrand and many other soldiers from [[Westfold]]. They attacked the army from the rear, driving the attackers back into a forest of [[Huorns]]. While Saruman suffered this military defeat, Isengard was attacked by a march of [[Ents]] in the '''[[Battle of Isengard]]''' who drowned all the valley.<ref name="Flotsam">{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref>
At that moment, [[Gandalf]] returned, bringing with him Erkenbrand and many other soldiers from [[Westfold]]. They attacked the army from the rear, driving the attackers back into a forest of [[Huorns]]. While Saruman suffered this military defeat, Isengard was attacked by a march of [[Ents]] in the '''[[Battle of Isengard]]''' who drowned all the valley.<ref name="Flotsam">{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref>


After the defeat of Saruman, Pippin looked in the [[Orthanc-stone]] and saw the [[Eye of Sauron]]; Gandalf believed that seeing the Hobbit, Sauron would imagine that the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] was caught by Saruman's Orcs and that they could make good use of the delay caused by this confusion.<ref name="Pal">{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> The protagonists of the War separated, anticipating Sauron's attack on Minas Tirith. Gandalf set out for Minas Tirith taking Pippin since he would not be safe. Théoden set out from the Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]].
After the defeat of Saruman, Pippin looked in the [[Orthanc-stone]] and saw the [[Eye of Sauron]]; Gandalf believed that seeing the Hobbit, Sauron would imagine that the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] was caught by Saruman's orcs and that they could make good use of the delay caused by Dark Lord's confusion surrounding his minion's assumed betrayal.<ref name="Pal">{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> The protagonists of the War separated, anticipating Sauron's attack on Minas Tirith. Gandalf set out for Minas Tirith taking Pippin since he would not be safe. Théoden set out from the Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]].


Aragorn consulted the Stone of Orthanc and confronted Sauron subduing the stone’s power to his own will. In doing so, however, Aragorn has alerted Sauron to his existence as Isildur’s heir to the throne of Gondor. Gimli feared that Sauron would now release his forces sooner because of this revelation. Aragorn, however, hoped such a hasty move may weaken the Enemy’s attack<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>. They set out with the [[Grey Company]] to [[Dunharrow]] and took the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Théoden would come to Dunharrow.
Aragorn consulted the Stone of Orthanc and confronted Sauron subduing the stone’s power to his own will. In doing so, however, Aragorn has alerted Sauron to his existence as Isildur’s heir to the throne of Gondor. Gimli feared that Sauron would now release his forces sooner because of this revelation. Aragorn, however, hoped such a hasty move may weaken the Enemy’s attack<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>. They set out with the [[Grey Company]] to [[Dunharrow]] and took the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Théoden would come to Dunharrow.


===Sauron Strikes===
===Sauron strikes===
On [[10 March|March 10]] fumes from Mordor veiled the [[Sun]] in an attempt by Sauron to disparage or misguide his enemies. The veil blacked out most of Gondor and Rohan who observed that day as [[The Dawnless Day]].
On [[9 March]] fumes from Mordor veiled the [[Sun]] in an attempt by Sauron to disparage or misguide his enemies. The veil blacked out most of Gondor and Rohan who observed [[10 March|that day]] as [[The Dawnless Day]].<ref name="AB"/>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Nazgûl'']]
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|''The Nazgûl'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Along with the Darkness, a host from [[Minas Morgul]] set forth toward Minas Tirith, as witnessed by Frodo, Sam and Gollum who passed the Cross-roads. Later Orcs from the [[Morannon]] took [[Cair Andros]] and passed into [[Anórien]].[[Denethor|Denethor II]] called the [[Council of Gondor]] together on that day<ref name="AB"/> and it advised him to make no stroke of war against the enemy due to the threat from the south.<ref name="siege"/>
Along with the Darkness, a host from [[Minas Morgul]] set forth toward Minas Tirith, as witnessed by Frodo, Sam, and Gollum who passed the [[Cross-roads]]. Later Orcs from the [[Morannon]] took [[Cair Andros]] and passed into [[Anórien]].<ref name="AB"/> [[Denethor|Denethor II]] called the [[Council of Gondor]] together on that day and it advised him to make no stroke of war against the enemy due to the threat from the south.<ref name=" siege"/>


The Rohirrim mustered their Riders and rode from Harrowdale, while Aragorn led the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]] and the Grey Company, across the river [[Ringló]].  
The Rohirrim mustered their Riders and rode from Harrowdale, while Aragorn led the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]] and the Grey Company, across the river [[Ringló]].  


While preparing against Gondor, Sauron also begun campaigns to conquer  [[Rhovanion|Wilderland]], activating his armies stationed in [[Dol Guldur]] and eastern allies. This would bring the eastern half of Middle-earth entirely into his dominion. On [[11 March|March 11]] Orcs from Dol Guldur attacked [[Lothlórien]] and Eastern Rohan. [[12 March|The next day]] the invaders of Rohan were utterly defeated by Ents.<ref name="AB"/>
While preparing against Gondor, Sauron also began campaigns to conquer  [[Rhovanion|Wilderland]], activating his armies stationed in [[Dol Guldur]] and eastern allies. This would bring the eastern half of Middle-earth entirely into his dominion. On [[11 March]], Orcs from Dol Guldur [[assaults on Lothlórien|attacked]] [[Lothlórien]] and [[Eastemnet|Eastern]] Rohan. [[12 March|The next day]] the invaders of Rohan were utterly defeated by Ents.<ref name="AB"/>


In Gondor, Most of the citizens were sent north and west; except those in the arts of healing and boys who refused to leave. The same day, 3,000 men from [[Belfalas]], [[Dol Amroth]] and other places arrived to assist the garrison. But, it was less then a tenth of what was needed. Most that were needed were holding off the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Black Fleet]] of [[Umbar]].
In Gondor, Most of the citizens were sent north and west; except those in the arts of healing and boys who refused to leave. The same day, 3,000 men from [[Belfalas]], [[Dol Amroth]] and other places arrived to assist the garrison. But, it was less than a tenth of what was needed. Most that were needed were holding off the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Black Fleet]] of [[Umbar]].


[[Denethor|Denethor II]] sent Faramir to Osgiliath to [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath|intercept the Morgul-host]]. The Witch-King led the assault upon the western side the next morning aided by boats built in secret, and swiftly overwhelmed the defenders  and on [[13 March]] Faramir retreated to the [[Causeway Forts]]; Gandalf, upon learning the Witch-King was on the field, [[14 March|the next day]] went from the city to the Rammas Echor where the forces which had fallen back. It was taken by blasting stones, and a charge by Prince [[Imrahil]] and the Knights of [[Dol Amroth]] saved Faramir who fell wounded by an Easterling champion.  
[[Denethor|Denethor II]] sent Faramir to Osgiliath to [[Faramir's defence of Osgiliath|intercept the Morgul-host]]. The Witch-King led the assault upon the western side the next morning aided by boats built in secret, and swiftly overwhelmed the defenders  and on [[13 March]] Faramir retreated to the [[Causeway Forts]]; Gandalf, upon learning the Witch-King was on the field, [[14 March|the next day]] went from the city to the Rammas Echor where the forces which had fallen back. It was taken by blasting stones, and a charge by Prince [[Imrahil]] and the Knights of [[Dol Amroth]] saved Faramir who fell wounded by an Easterling champion.  


As Pelennor was overrun, Denethor sent a sortie of cavalry to assist the defenders who retreated back to the city. Denethor, upon seeing his son in this grave state, lost his will to fight and gave no more thought to the defense of his city.he was wounded seriously while [[Pelennor Fields|Pelennor]] was overrun. The [[Siege of Gondor]] began.<ref name="siege"/>
As Pelennor was overrun, Denethor sent a sortie of cavalry to assist the defenders who retreated back to the city. Denethor, upon seeing his son in this grave state, lost his will to fight and gave no more thought to the defence of his city. He was seriously wounded while [[Pelennor Fields|Pelennor]] was overrun. The [[Siege of Gondor]] began.<ref name="siege"/>


Meanwhile, invaders from [[Umbar]] and [[Harad]] who sought to capture [[Linhir]] and the fords of the River [[Gilrain]]. The men of [[Lamedon]] fought against them and the arrival of Aragorn with the Army of the Dead from [[Erech]] terrified both sides. As Aragorn pressed on to [[Pelargir]], [[Angbor]] mustered as many horsemen as he could, helped by the fast-spreading rumour of the return of the [[Heir of Isildur]]. Soon later the group reached Pelargir, drove the Corsairs away and captured their [[Black Ships|fleet]] an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|assault]] he had also carried out decades earlier.<ref name="debate">{{RK|Debate}}</ref>
Meanwhile, invaders from [[Umbar]] and [[Harad]] who sought to capture [[Linhir]] and the fords of the River [[Gilrain]]. The men of [[Lamedon]] fought against them and the arrival of Aragorn with the Army of the Dead from [[Erech]] terrified both sides. As Aragorn pressed on to [[Pelargir]], [[Angbor]] mustered as many horsemen as he could, helped by the fast-spreading rumor of the return of the [[Heir of Isildur]]. Soon later the group reached Pelargir, drove the Corsairs away and captured their [[Black Ships|fleet]].<ref name="Debate">{{RK|Debate}}</ref>


===The climax of the War===
===Climax===
On [[15 March]] three simultaneous battles occurred.
On [[15 March]], three simultaneous battles occurred.


In [[Rhovanion]], an army was sent to destroy the realm of [[Thranduil]] and a second assault against Lorien was made. After a long battle under the trees, and great ruin of fire<ref name="AB"/> the Orcs were defeated on both fronts on the same day.
In [[Rhovanion]], an army was sent from [[Dol Guldur]] to destroy the realm of [[Thranduil]] and a second assault against Lothlórien was made. After a long [[battle under the trees]], and great ruin of fire<ref name="AB"/> the Orc hosts were defeated on both fronts on the same day.


In Gondor, after the enemy passed Osgiliath, [[Pelennor Fields|Pelennor]] outside Minas Tirith was overrun, despite the armies that gathered from southern Gondor already in the days before the battle. The hosts of Mordor dug pits and set up siege weapons beyond the city's range as the Nazgul swooped near the city uttering cries of death, demoralizing the defenders. Then the weapons began launching stones at the city, many of which would burst into flame as they came crashing down. Then, the heads of all those that had been slain in battle were flung over the city. The whole first level was soon in flames.<ref name="siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref>
In Gondor, after the enemy passed Osgiliath, [[Pelennor Fields|Pelennor]] outside Minas Tirith was overrun, despite the armies that gathered from southern Gondor already in the days before the battle. The hosts of Mordor dug pits and set up siege weapons beyond the city's range as the Nazgul swooped near the city uttering cries of death, demoralizing the defenders. Then the weapons began launching stones at the city, many of which would burst into flame as they came crashing down. Then, the heads of all those that had been slain in battle were flung over the city. The whole first level was soon in flames.<ref name="siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref>
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Siege of Minas Tirith.jpg|thumb|[[Stephen Hickman]] - ''Siege of Minas Tirith'']]
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Siege of Minas Tirith.jpg|thumb|''Siege of Minas Tirith'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]
Near midnight the Witch-King launched his assault pushing many defenders to the higher levels, while others were slain trying to reach the walls. Many towers were also destroyed as they rolled forward. <ref name="siege"/>
Near midnight the Witch-King launched his assault pushing many defenders to the higher levels, while others were slain trying to reach the walls. Many towers were also destroyed as they rolled forward. <ref name="siege"/>


The Witch-King rode assisted by magic the battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] as it hit the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]]. As he entered the gate he was confronted by Gandalf who alone stood steadfast. Then a cock crowed and horn from the west sounded. The Witch-King left to deal with the Riders of Rohan at the Rammas Echor. The '''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]''' began.<ref name="siege"/>
The Witch-King rode assisted by magic the battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] as it hit the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]]. As he entered the gate he was confronted by Gandalf who alone stood steadfast. Then a cock crowed and horn from the west sounded. The Witch-King left to deal with the Riders of Rohan at the Rammas Echor. The '''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]''' began.<ref name="siege"/>


[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|thumb|left|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]
[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|thumb|left|''The Black Serpent founders'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
The combined army of Orcs, [[Haradrim]], [[Men of Rhûn]] and [[Men of Khand]], outnumbered the Rohirrim at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. In the process King Théoden was killed, and the Witch-King was destroyed by Théoden's niece, Lady [[Éowyn]] of Rohan. When all seemed lost, a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arrived at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but it was actually manned by Aragorn. As his 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".  
The combined army of Orcs, [[Haradrim]], [[Men of Rhûn]] and [[Men of Khand]], outnumbered the Rohirrim at least 10 to 1 but lost almost a third of their own forces. In the process, King Théoden was killed, and the Witch-King was destroyed by Théoden's niece, Lady [[Éowyn]] of Rohan. When all seemed lost, a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arrived at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but it was actually manned by Aragorn. As his 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".  


[[File:Jan Pospisil - Dale units vs. Rhun.jpg|thumb|Jan Pospíšil - The Battle of Dale]]
[[File:Jan Pospisil - Dale units vs. Rhun.jpg|thumb|The Battle of Dale. Art by [[:Category:Images by Jan Pospíšil|Jan Pospíšil]]]]
Meanwhile in the North, [[Easterlings]] crossed the [[Carnen]], and King [[Brand]] was driven back to [[Dale]]. He gathered there with the [[Dwarves of Erebor]], and engaged in the '''[[Battle of Dale]]''' against the Orcs at the feet of the [[Lonely Mountain]] for three days until ([[17 March|March 17]]) he fell alongside King [[Dáin Ironfoot]]. Many Dwarves and Men took refuge in [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and were besieged by the Easterlings. However news from the defeat at the Pelennor reached the Easterlings who began to fail.
Meanwhile in the North, [[Easterlings]] crossed the [[Carnen]], and King [[Brand]] was driven back to [[Dale]]. He gathered there with the [[Dwarves of Erebor]], and engaged in the '''[[Battle of Dale]]''' against the Orcs at the feet of the [[Lonely Mountain]] for three days until ([[17 March]]) he fell alongside King [[Dáin Ironfoot]]. Many Dwarves and Men took refuge in [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and were besieged by the Easterlings. However, news from the defeat at the Pelennor reached the Easterlings who began to fail.


===The end of Sauron===
===Sauron's defeat===
The [[16 March|next day]] it was understood that the army vanquished in the Battle of the Pelennor was only a fraction of Sauron's forces, and eventually Minas Tirith would not manage to withstand forever. [[Imrahil]] expressed concern for the defense of Gondor. Aragorn assured him that [[Angbor]] was marching with 4,000 men through [[Lossarnach]] to garrison Minas Tirith.<ref name="debate"/>
The [[16 March|next day]] it was understood that the army vanquished in the Battle of the Pelennor was only a fraction of Sauron's forces, and eventually Minas Tirith would not manage to withstand forever. [[Imrahil]] expressed concern for the defence of Gondor. Aragorn assured him that [[Angbor]] was marching with 4,000 men through [[Lossarnach]] to garrison Minas Tirith.<ref name="Debate"/>


The [[Host of the West]] marched from Minas Tirith on [[18 March]] to confront Sauron. During that course, Lothlórien was attacked for a third and last time by Orcs ([[22 March]]). After much destruction, the Elves repulsed them once again.  
The [[Host of the West]] marched from Minas Tirith on [[18 March]] to confront Sauron. During that course, Lothlórien was attacked for a third and last time by Orcs ([[22 March]]). After much destruction, the Elves repulsed them once again.  
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The Host of the West would meet Sauron's forces outside the gates of Mordor [[25 March|seven days later]], hoping to divert their attention away from the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], who was nearing the end of his mission.
The Host of the West would meet Sauron's forces outside the gates of Mordor [[25 March|seven days later]], hoping to divert their attention away from the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], who was nearing the end of his mission.


[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Battle of the Morannon.jpg|thumb|left|Fell beasts fly over the Battle of the Morannon]]
[[File:Lída Holubová - Weak.jpg|thumb|left|''Weak'' by [[Lída Holubová]]]]
During the course of the '''[[Battle of the Morannon]]''' against [[Trolls]], Orcs and Men, the eight remaining Nazgûl attacked the army of the West. The [[Eagles]] of the [[Misty Mountains]], led by [[Gwaihir]] arrived and attacked the Ringwraiths. When all hope seemed lost, Frodo failed his mission: he claimed the One Ring for himself, and Sauron was suddenly aware that Frodo had the ring and was standing on the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]]. Realizing that his enemies meant to destroy his ring, Sauron immediately sent the Nazgûl away from the battle to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. However, the One Ring was destroyed before they arrived. The hosts of Mordor, suddenly without direction, hesitated until Sauron's power was overthrown.
During the course of the '''[[Battle of the Morannon]]''' against [[Trolls]], Orcs and Men, the eight remaining Nazgûl attacked the army of the West. The [[Eagles]] of the [[Misty Mountains]], led by [[Gwaihir]], arrived and attacked the Ringwraiths. When all hope seemed lost, Frodo failed his mission: he claimed the One Ring for himself, and Sauron was suddenly aware that Frodo had the Ring and was in the [[Cracks of Doom]]. Finally realizing that his enemies meant to destroy his Ring, Sauron immediately sent the Nazgûl to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. However, Gollum wrenched the Ring from Frodo but fell accidentally into the fire, destroying the Ring. The hosts of Mordor, suddenly without direction, hesitated as Sauron's power was overthrown.


The Nazgûl were all destroyed as they flew over Mount Doom just as it underwent a gigantic eruption. [[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 were easily decimated by the army of the West and the Easterlings eventually threw down their weapons and surrendered. <Ref name="Doom">{{RK|Doom}}</ref>
The Nazgûl were all destroyed as they flew over Mount Doom just as it underwent a gigantic eruption. [[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 were easily decimated by the army of the West and the Easterlings eventually threw down their weapons and surrendered. <Ref name="Doom">{{RK|Doom}}</ref>
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[[27 March|Two days later]], [[Bard II]] and [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III]] Stonehelm, taking the reign from their respective fathers who fell in the assault, drove the enemy from Dale.<ref name="AB"/>
[[27 March|Two days later]], [[Bard II]] and [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III]] Stonehelm, taking the reign from their respective fathers who fell in the assault, drove the enemy from Dale.<ref name="AB"/>


[[File:Galadriel dol guldur bfmeII.JPG|thumb|right|The fall of Dol Guldur]]
[[File: Galadriel dol guldur bfmeII.JPG|thumb|right|The fall of Dol Guldur in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'']]
On [[28 March|March 28]] with [[Celeborn]] at their head, Elves crossed the Anduin in many boats and stormed Dol Guldur. Galadriel came after them in the '''[[Fall of Dol Guldur]]''', throwing down the walls of the fortress and laying bare its pits, so that the forest was cleansed. Thranduil cleared all the orcs and foul beings from North Mirkwood.<ref name="AB"/>
On [[28 March]] with [[Celeborn]] at their head, Elves crossed the Anduin in many boats and stormed Dol Guldur. Galadriel came after them in the '''[[Fall of Dol Guldur]]''', throwing down the walls of the fortress and laying bare its pits, so that the forest was cleansed. Thranduil cleared all the orcs and foul beings from North Mirkwood.<ref name="AB"/>


===The Scouring of the Shire===
===Scouring of the Shire===
The War did not end with the defeat of Sauron, for Saruman fled northward after the capture of Orthanc, and established himself in the Shire, bending the Hobbits to his will by threat of violence and the persuasive power of his voice. The return of Frodo Baggins and his companions from the coronation of King Elessar and the reunification of Gondor and Arnor, led to their arrest by the [[Shire-hobbits]] but they talked their way out.<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref>
The War did not end with the defeat of Sauron, for Saruman fled northward after the capture of Orthanc, and established himself in the Shire, bending the Hobbits to his will by threat of violence and the persuasive power of his voice. The return of Frodo Baggins and his companions from the coronation of King Elessar and the reunification of Gondor and Arnor, led to their arrest by the [[Shire-hobbits]] but they talked their way out.<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref>


A small group of [[Ruffians]] was encountered, and Pippin declared the return of the King to them, and the message that emissaries were on their way. The group was routed, but managed to get a message to a bigger contingent in [[Waymeet]].<ref name="Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref> 20 Men marched from [[Hobbiton]] towards [[Bywater]], and 200 Bucklanders and [[Cotton Family|Cottons]] answered the call of Captain Merry's horn.  
A small group of [[Ruffians]] was encountered, and Pippin declared the return of the King to them, and the message that emissaries were on their way. The group was routed, but managed to get a message to a bigger contingent in [[Waymeet]].<ref name="Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref> 20 Men marched from [[Hobbiton]] towards [[Bywater]], and 200 Bucklanders and [[Cotton Family|Cottons]] answered the call of Captain Merry's horn.  
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Storming the Bank.jpg|left|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Storming the Bank'']]
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - The Scouring of the Shire.jpg|left|thumb|''The Scouring of the Shire'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]
The Men walked up [[Bywater Road]], to the point where [[Tolman Cotton Senior|Farmer Cotton]] was standing and found themselves heavily outnumbered. Their leader fell by arrows as he tried to strike at Merry. The rest surrendered. Pippin had set up a rebellion in [[Tookland]], and returned with one hundred Tooks when the larger group of Men from Waymeet arrived the following day and walked straight into a defensive pocket set up by Merry. Merry and Pippin charged from the eastern bank, and Merry killed the leader.<ref name="Scouring"/> Nearly 70 Men were killed and 12 were taken prisoner, while 19 Hobbits died and about 30 were wounded.  
The Men walked up [[Bywater Road]], to the point where [[Tolman Cotton Senior|Farmer Cotton]] was standing and found themselves heavily outnumbered. Their leader fell by arrows as he tried to strike at Merry. The rest surrendered. Pippin had set up a rebellion in [[Tookland]], and returned with one hundred Tooks when the larger group of Men from Waymeet arrived the following day and walked straight into a defensive pocket set up by Merry. Merry and Pippin charged from the eastern bank, and Merry killed the leader.<ref name="Scouring"/> Nearly 70 Men were killed and 12 were taken prisoner, while 19 Hobbits died and about 30 were wounded.  


After their victory the Hobbits marched on to [[Bag End]], where they found [[Sharkey]]. It was not [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] as had been thought, but rather [[Saruman]] who revealed that his servant [[Gríma]] killed Lotho. Gríma cut Saruman's throat in a rage for years of oppression and abuse, but was himself shot by Hobbit archers. As the spirit of Saruman rose from its bodily form, it was blown away by a wind from the West; [[Manwë]] did not want him back.<ref name="Scouring"/>
After their victory the Hobbits marched on to [[Bag End]], where they found [[Sharkey]]. It was not [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] as had been thought, but rather [[Saruman]] who revealed that his servant [[Gríma]] killed Lotho. Gríma cut Saruman's throat in a rage for years of oppression and abuse but was himself shot by Hobbit archers. As the spirit of Saruman rose from its bodily form, it was blown away by a wind from the West; [[Manwë]] did not want him back.<ref name="Scouring"/>


This battle is considered to mark the end of the War.
This battle is considered to mark the end of the War.<ref>{{App|Chief}}</ref>


==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==
{{main|Fourth Age}}
{{main|Fourth Age}}
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The White Sapling.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The White Sapling'']]
[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Steward and the King.jpg|thumb|''The Steward and the King'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
The consequences of the War were "apocalyptical" for the [[Westlands]] of [[Middle-earth]]. The ''status quo'' of many entities were restored, or even radically changed after centuries. Not only the millennia of Sauron's dominion were permanently brought to an end, but the relationships of peoples and races were redefined. It is also notable that during the War many personalities died (Denethor, Théoden, Brand, Dain), and brought their descendants into the aftermath.  
The consequences of the War were "apocalyptical" for the [[Westlands]] of [[Middle-earth]]. The ''status quo'' of many entities were restored, or even radically changed after centuries. Not only the millennia of Sauron's dominion were permanently brought to an end, but the relationships of peoples and races were redefined. It is also notable that during the War many personalities died (Denethor, Théoden, Brand, Dain), and brought their descendants into the aftermath.  


Line 172: Line 177:


===Calendrical impact===
===Calendrical impact===
{{quote|You were born at the end of a great age, [[Elanor Gamgee|Elanorellë]]|[[Samwise Gamgee]], ''[[Sauron Defeated]]'', [[The Epilogue]]}}
{{quote|You were born at the end of a great age, [[Elanor Gamgee|Elanorellë]]|[[Samwise Gamgee]] in ''[[Sauron Defeated]]'', "[[The Epilogue]]"}}
All the above events made historians to mark the years following the War as the end of the [[Third Age]].  
All the above events made historians to mark the years following the War as the end of the [[Third Age]].  


Another calendric change was the [[New Reckoning]] which replaced the [[Stewards' Reckoning]], and the introduction of ''[[Cormarë]]'', a holiday on [[25 March|March 25]] that commemorated the fall of Sauron.<ref>{{App|D2}}</ref>
Another calendric change was the [[New Reckoning]] which replaced the [[Stewards' Reckoning]], and the introduction of ''[[Cormarë]]'', a holiday on [[25 March]] that commemorated the fall of Sauron.<ref>{{App|D2}}</ref>


==Combatants==
==Combatants==
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Fleet of Harad.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Fleet of Harad'']]
===Free Peoples===
 
*'''[[Gondor]]'''
===Sauron and his allies===
**[[Minas Tirith]]
*[[Mordor]]
***[[Denethor|Denethor II]] †
**[[Sauron]]
***[[Boromir]] †
**[[Mouth of Sauron]]
***[[Faramir]]
**[[Nazgûl]] †
***[[Húrin (Warden of the Keys)|Húrin the Tall]]
*[[Orthanc]]
**[[Saruman]] †
**[[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] †
*[[Harad]]
**[[Black Serpent]] †
*[[Rhûn]]
*[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]
 
===Free peoples===
*[[Gondor]]
**[[Dol Amroth]]
**[[Dol Amroth]]
***[[Imrahil]]
***[[Imrahil]]
Line 213: Line 208:
**[[Pinnath Gelin]]
**[[Pinnath Gelin]]
***[[Hirluin]] the Fair †
***[[Hirluin]] the Fair †
**[[White Mountains]]
**[[Men of the Mountains]]
***[[Dead Men]]
***[[King of the Dead]]
**[[Minas Tirith]]
*'''[[Rangers of the North]]'''
***[[Denethor|Denethor II]]
**[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]
***[[Boromir]]
**[[Grey Company]] (with [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]])
***[[Faramir]]
***[[Halbarad]]
***[[Húrin (Warden of the Keys)|Húrin the Tall]]
*'''[[Rohan]]'''
*[[Rohan]]
**[[Théoden]] †
**[[Théoden]] †
**[[Théodred]] †
**[[Théodred]] †
Line 228: Line 222:
**[[Elfhelm]]
**[[Elfhelm]]
**[[Grimbold]] †
**[[Grimbold]] †
*[[Mirkwood]]
*'''[[Woodland Realm]]'''
**[[Thranduil]]
**[[Thranduil]]
**[[Legolas]]
**[[Legolas]]
*[[Lothlórien]]
*'''[[Lothlórien]]'''
**[[Celeborn]]
**[[Celeborn]]
**[[Galadriel]]
**[[Galadriel]]
*[[The Shire]] and [[Bree-land]]
*'''[[The Shire]]'''
**[[Hobbiton]]
**[[Hobbiton]]
***[[Frodo Baggins]]
***[[Frodo Baggins]]
Line 240: Line 234:
**[[Tookland]]
**[[Tookland]]
***[[Peregrin Took]]
***[[Peregrin Took]]
**[[Buckland]] and [[Bree]]
**[[Buckland]]
***[[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
***[[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
***[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]
*'''[[Fangorn Forest]]'''
*[[Fangorn Forest]]
**[[Treebeard]]
**[[Treebeard]]
**[[Quickbeam]]
**[[Quickbeam]]
*[[Istari]]
*'''[[Istari]]'''
**[[Gandalf]]
**[[Gandalf]]
*[[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and the Lands of the North
*'''[[Kingdom under the Mountain]]'''
**The [[Lonely Mountain]]
**[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] †
***[[Gimli]]
**[[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]]
***[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] †
**[[Gimli]]
***[[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]]
*'''[[Dale]]'''
**The [[Kingdom of Dale]]
**[[Brand]] †
***[[Brand]] †
**[[Bard II]]
***[[Bard II]]
 
** Possibly the [[Iron Hills]]
===Sauron and his minions===
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Fleet of Harad.jpg|thumb|''The Fleet of Harad'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]
*'''[[Mordor]]'''
**[[Sauron]] †
**[[Mouth of Sauron]]
**[[Witch-king of Angmar]]
**other 6 [[Nazgûl]] †
*'''[[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]'''
**[[Saruman]] †
**[[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] †
*'''[[Harad]]'''
**a chieftain with a [[Black Serpent]] on his banner  †
*'''[[Rhûn]]'''
*'''[[Khand]]'''
*'''[[Dol Guldur]]'''
**[[Khamûl]] †
** another Nazgûl as a messenger †
*'''[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]'''
*'''[[Umbar]]'''


==Non-combatants==
==Non-combatants==
*[[Elvendom]]
*'''[[Elvendom]]'''
**[[Rivendell]]
**[[Rivendell]]
***[[Elrond]]
***[[Elrond]]
Line 266: Line 277:
***[[Círdan]]
***[[Círdan]]
***[[Galdor of the Havens]]
***[[Galdor of the Havens]]
*[[Istari]]
*'''[[Istari]]'''
**[[Radagast]]
**[[Radagast]]
*[[Drúedain]]
*'''[[Drúedain]]'''
**[[Ghân-buri-Ghân]]
**[[Ghân-buri-Ghân]]



Revision as of 13:51, 20 September 2021

The name War of the Ring refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see War of the Ring (disambiguation).
"Who told you, and who sent you?" — Gandalf
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"...It is a long tale..." — Aragorn
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Previous war: Corsair Wars
Next war:
War of the Ring
Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg
Beginning: 20 June T.A. 3018End: 3 November T.A. 3019
Place: Northwestern Middle-earth
Outcome: Victory for the Free Peoples
Major battles: Sauron's attack on Osgiliath, Battles of the Fords of Isen, Battle of Isengard, Battle of the Hornburg, Assaults on Lothlórien, Faramir's defence of Osgiliath, Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Battle under the trees, Battle of the Morannon, Fall of Dol Guldur, Battle of Dale, Battle of Bywater
Combatants

Host of the West
Gondorians
Rohirrim
Bardings
Rangers of the North
Beornings
Galadhrim
Elves of Mirkwood
Dwarves of Erebor
Ents (and Huorns)
Shire-hobbits
Bucklanders

Orcs of Mordor
Orcs of Dol Guldur
Orcs of the Misty Mountains
Orcs of Isengard
Easterlings
Haradrim
Corsairs of Umbar
Variags
Dunlendings

Commanders

Gandalf † (resurrected)
Aragorn
Denethor
Imrahil
Théoden
Éomer
Brand
Dáin II Ironfoot
Thranduil
Galadriel
Celeborn

Sauron
Saruman
Witch-king
Khamûl

War of the Ring
Osgiliath (1) · Moria · Isen (1) · Rauros · Isen (2) · Fangorn · Isengard · Hornburg · Osgiliath (2) · Siege of Gondor · Dale · Pelennor Fields · Black Gate · Dol Guldur · Bywater
"So we come to it in the end, [...] the great battle of our time, in which many things shall pass away."
Théoden in The Return of the King, "The Muster of Rohan"

The War of the Ring was the great conflict at the end of the Third Age, named for the One Ring and the importance this had in the final outcome. The war was fought between Sauron, the Dark Lord of Mordor who attempted to conquer Middle-earth as he nearly did in the Second Age; and the Free peoples, being a loose alliance of Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits, Ents and Men led by the Wise. Saruman participated both on Sauron's side and occasionally as a 'third power' based in Orthanc.

Sauron at all times held the military advantage in the War, due to his overwhelming forces; not only Orcs and Trolls, but Men of Harad and the East. His main objective was to overthrow Gondor, his neighbour and the strongest of his enemies. He had such forces at his command, though, that he was able to fight the war on many fronts, simultaneously attacking Dale, Erebor and the Wood-elves in the far north, and Lothlórien from his secondary stronghold at Dol Guldur. There can be no doubt that, had the Wise not achieved and maintained possession of the Ring, Sauron would ultimately have been victorious.

The policy of the Wise was based around the Quest of the Ring: a company of nine under the leadership of Gandalf travelled from Rivendell with the One Ring, with the hope of taking it to Orodruin in Mordor and there destroying it. Because the Ring held much of Sauron's native power, they realised that in unmaking it, they would also defeat its creator.

Having renounced the Wise, Saruman had become Sauron's two-faced servant. In an alliance with the Dunlendings, and having Orcs at his command, he resolved to remove Rohan as a threat to his Dark Lord, but he also attempted to claim the Ring first when opportunities arose. Until late in the War, he held the advantage, defeating Rohan twice at the Battles of the Fords of Isen.

Background

See also: Rings of Power

Sauron had been defeated in the War of the Last Alliance, but because of Isildur's refusal to destroy the One Ring, he was not entirely vanquished. He survived in spirit form, and the foundations of Barad-dûr were also not destroyed. Sauron's spirit wandered the wastelands of Middle-earth for over 1000 years, but eventually he rebuilt his power and became a threat once again. Around T.A. 1000, the Valar sent Maiar emissaries to Middle-earth to help the Free peoples against the growing evil.

Indeed, Orcs and other wicked things were multiplying and the Witch-king from his fortress in Angmar waged unending war against Arnor. Moria and Minas Ithil fell and were abandoned, among other battles, plagues, and catastrophes which ended the Kingdom of Arnor and the Royal line of Gondor. The evil entity known only as the Necromancer fled from Dol Guldur because of Gandalf, allowing for some centuries of calmness.

Alert the Folk by John Howe

In the meantime, Sauron's One Ring was found by two of the Stoors in the Gladden River. The Hobbit who got it, under its influence, was corrupted as Gollum and eventually retreated in the Goblin-town under the Misty Mountains. By the end of the Age, Sauron attempted to gather back all the Rings to augment his power. He took the Nine, but of the Seven he managed to reclaim only three, the last of them being the Ring of Thrór[1][2] but could not find the One.

Gandalf was concerned about the weak state of the North. Smaug the Dragon had destroyed both the Kingdom under the Mountain and the town of Dale. About Erebor was a desolation which Sauron might use to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of Angmar, not to mention the devastating effect of a living dragon in the Enemy's force. Gandalf, seeing no hope in Thorin's plans of battle and war against Smaug, persuaded him that he should go secretly to Erebor to reclaim its treasure, and to take with him Bilbo Baggins of the Shire.[3] Smaug was killed by Bard, Erebor was retaken, and most importantly, the kingdoms of Erebor and Dale were re-established. In a small incident along the way, the One Ring was lost by Gollum and wound up in Bilbo's hands.[4]

Around the time the War began, it is said that the Ithryn Luin had gained influence in the East and, thanks to their efforts, Sauron could not manage to gather as much people in his side.[5]

History

Prelude

"The Dark Tower had been rebuilt, it was said. From there the power was spreading far and wide, and away far east and south there were wars and growing fear. Orcs were multiplying again in the mountains. Trolls were abroad, no longer dull-witted, but cunning and armed with dreadful weapons. And there were murmured hints of creatures more terrible than all these, but they had no name."
The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Shadow of the Past"

During the Quest of Erebor, the White Council attacked Dol Guldur and the Necromancer withdrew. However, Sauron returned to his old abode in Mordor to reconstruct Barad-dûr and ten years after the fall of Smaug he sent three Nazgûl to reoccupy Dol Guldur. He declared himself openly in T.A. 2951. The White Council met for the last time in T.A. 2953 to discuss the Rings of Power when Saruman reassured them that the One Ring had been lost forever in the Sea. After this, Saruman fortified Isengard, spied on Gandalf, learning thus his interest in the Shire, and started sending his agents around the Shire under the pretense of pipe-weed affairs.[6]

Sauron began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the hated remnants of Númenor and the Eldar. Armies of Easterlings from Khand and beyond the Sea of Rhûn reinforced Mordor, joined by men from South Harad. Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts were multiplying while Sauron's servants were searching the Anduin for the One Ring. Meanwhile, Saruman's use of a palantíri caught the Dark Lord's notice and he used the Ithil-stone to ensnare him, turning him into a useful, yet not wholly trustworthy, minion.

A year before the war, while Gollum was looking for his ring, he was taken to Mordor and interrogated by Sauron, who learned that the One Ring was in the possession of a "Baggins" in a place called "the Shire". However, Sauron was led into thinking that the Shire was on the banks of the Gladden River.[7] Gollum was then set free, but caught by Aragorn, who placed him in the care of the Silvan Elves and held him in Mirkwood.

A messenger from Mordor visited King Dáin II and asked information on Bilbo and the Ring. Meanwhile, Gandalf reading the Scroll of Isildur in Minas Tirith, also realized that Bilbo's Ring was the One Ring.[8]

First conflicts

Faramir at Osgiliath by Donato Giancola

Sauron made an attack on Osgiliath on 20 June of T.A. 3018, which was the beginning of the War. Sauron saw it as an opportunity to test Denethor II's strength. Boromir and Faramir managed to defend and destroy the ancient Bridge in order to deny the enemy access to the western side of the river.[9][7]

About the same time the Elves of Mirkwood were attacked and during the fray, the captive Gollum escaped and would not be found nor by the Elves nor by Sauron's servants from Dol Guldur.[9] The following months, Faramir led several Ranger attacks deep into Mordor-occupied Ithilien, ambushing enemy armies moving to the Black Gate.

The presence of the Nazgûl in the battle of Osgiliath served to make them seem like a military asset against Gondor, concealing from the Wise their true mission, to hunt the Ring. After the assault, Sauron sent the Nine unclothed and invisible to search for the Ring under the leadership of the Witch-king. The Ringwraith Khamûl was unable to find the "Shire" in the vales of Anduin. The Witch-king searched north and west for Gollum or the Shire.[7] Gandalf heard from Radagast about the riders and went to Isengard for counsel, where Saruman showed his true colors and trapped him, for refusing to submit to Sauron or reveal the Ring's whereabouts.[8]

Sauron's plans were halted when he received word of the prophecy in Gondor and the doings of his turncoat Saruman, and concluded that the Wise did not yet have possession of the Ring yet, as he feared. Black Riders arrived at Isengard around September 18, but Gandalf had escaped. Concealed behind the walls of Isengard, Saruman denied any knowledge and convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring was, and so the Nine passed into Rohan in search of him. A terrified Wormtongue answered that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The riders were divided into four pairs, and the Witch-King went with the swiftest to Minhiriath. Along the way, they captured several spies of Saruman and found charts and maps of the Shire. They sent along the spy to Bree, warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Isengard.[7]

In 22 September, they came to Sarn Ford. Although the Dúnedain Rangers were guarding the crossing, their chieftain Aragorn II was away and the Riders captured the ford, killing many of the Rangers. The Witch-king sent Khamûl and three Riders into the Shire while he went east with the others and then returned to watch the Greenway.[9] A Rider came to Hobbiton at nightfall, but failed to capture Frodo who departed that same day carrying the Ring to the east.[7] The hunt continued to Buckland and Bree, aided by Sauron's spies, such as Bill Ferny and Harry Goatleaf, but nonetheless, the Ring escaped them.[10]

The Council of Elrond by Mysilvergreen

In October, Frodo came to Rivendell and during his arrival, the Black Riders were temporarily neutralized and were forced to return to Mordor to regroup. Some days later, the Council of Elrond was called, where it was decided that the only way to be free of Sauron and the Ring was to cast the Ring into the Crack of Doom in Mount Doom. Frodo surprised everyone, including himself, by declaring that he would take the Ring[8]. The team who would travel to Mordor departed Rivendell in December.[9]

Saruman's part in the War

Saruman was caught now as a known traitor to the Free Peoples and a mendacious vassal of Sauron. To escape this precarious position he implemented a strategy of controlling the King of Rohan for his lord's ends, but also doubled his efforts in the search for the Ring: sending spies to waylay Frodo Baggins on his flight from the Shire, and dispatching raiding parties on likely routes a company of travelers might take the Ring to Gondor. During the fall of the first year of the War, some Ruffians were sent to the Shire to gain control of the region, collecting the crops and suppressing any dissent to his expanding influence.

The aftermath at Isen as seen in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

He then endeavored to kill Théoden King's son and nephew and have full control of him. On 25 February, T.A. 3019, he sent his forces to attack Rohan's army (commanded by Théodred and Grimbold) at the Isen. Dunlendings, wolf-riders and Uruks clashed against the Rohirrim in the First Battle of the Fords of Isen with orders to slay Prince Théodred at any cost. Erkenbrand took command of the western defences of Rohan. He sent a messenger to Edoras to inform the King of the ill news and ask for reinforcements, but Gríma Wormtongue delayed the message. Elfhelm joined Grimbold of Grimslade and were left in charge of the Fords when Erkenbrand tried to send stragglers to Helm's Deep. Saruman was successful in eliminating the Prince.[11]

The next day while the Company of the Ring was in the Emyn Muil thinking whether to take the Ring to Minas Tirith or go directly to Mordor, Orcs from Isengard attempted to capture the Ring-bearer; but instead they took Merry and Pippin as prisoners.[12] Éomer hearing of the descent of the Orc-band set out from Eastfold against Théoden's orders and overtook them outside Fangorn Forest, unknowingly setting the hobbits free.[9][13]

Having heard the news about Théodred's death, Erkenbrand, who became the commander of Rohan's western armies, gathered the forces of Grimbold and Elfhelm to assault Isen once more in the Second Battle of the Fords of Isen (2 March). Though they had a force of about 2000 men and had constructed a shield wall to hold off the enemy, Saruman's forces overcame them and scattered the retreating Rohirrim across Rohan.[11][14]

Saruman's victory would not last; he did not know that on the very same day, Gandalf had healed Théoden from Wormtongue's influence. In the meantime, the Ents after ending their long Entmoot, decided to go to Isengard and battle Saruman.[9]

The Battle of the Hornburg by Alan Lee

The next day (3 March) 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. Among this force were Éomer, Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas. 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. Against overwhelming odds, they fought the Battle of the Hornburg for two days against Uruk-hai and Dunlendings, until the Deeping Wall was breached and all seemed lost. The surviving horsemen rode out to meet the hordes of Isengard.[14]

The Wrath of the Ents by Ted Nasmith

At that moment, Gandalf returned, bringing with him Erkenbrand and many other soldiers from Westfold. They attacked the army from the rear, driving the attackers back into a forest of Huorns. While Saruman suffered this military defeat, Isengard was attacked by a march of Ents in the Battle of Isengard who drowned all the valley.[15]

After the defeat of Saruman, Pippin looked in the Orthanc-stone and saw the Eye of Sauron; Gandalf believed that seeing the Hobbit, Sauron would imagine that the Ring-bearer was caught by Saruman's orcs and that they could make good use of the delay caused by Dark Lord's confusion surrounding his minion's assumed betrayal.[16] The protagonists of the War separated, anticipating Sauron's attack on Minas Tirith. Gandalf set out for Minas Tirith taking Pippin since he would not be safe. Théoden set out from the Hornburg for Harrowdale.

Aragorn consulted the Stone of Orthanc and confronted Sauron subduing the stone’s power to his own will. In doing so, however, Aragorn has alerted Sauron to his existence as Isildur’s heir to the throne of Gondor. Gimli feared that Sauron would now release his forces sooner because of this revelation. Aragorn, however, hoped such a hasty move may weaken the Enemy’s attack[17]. They set out with the Grey Company to Dunharrow and took the Paths of the Dead. Théoden would come to Dunharrow.

Sauron strikes

On 9 March fumes from Mordor veiled the Sun in an attempt by Sauron to disparage or misguide his enemies. The veil blacked out most of Gondor and Rohan who observed that day as The Dawnless Day.[9]

The Nazgûl by Ted Nasmith

Along with the Darkness, a host from Minas Morgul set forth toward Minas Tirith, as witnessed by Frodo, Sam, and Gollum who passed the Cross-roads. Later Orcs from the Morannon took Cair Andros and passed into Anórien.[9] Denethor II called the Council of Gondor together on that day and it advised him to make no stroke of war against the enemy due to the threat from the south.[18]

The Rohirrim mustered their Riders and rode from Harrowdale, while Aragorn led the Army of the Dead and the Grey Company, across the river Ringló.

While preparing against Gondor, Sauron also began campaigns to conquer Wilderland, activating his armies stationed in Dol Guldur and eastern allies. This would bring the eastern half of Middle-earth entirely into his dominion. On 11 March, Orcs from Dol Guldur attacked Lothlórien and Eastern Rohan. The next day the invaders of Rohan were utterly defeated by Ents.[9]

In Gondor, Most of the citizens were sent north and west; except those in the arts of healing and boys who refused to leave. The same day, 3,000 men from Belfalas, Dol Amroth and other places arrived to assist the garrison. But, it was less than a tenth of what was needed. Most that were needed were holding off the Black Fleet of Umbar.

Denethor II sent Faramir to Osgiliath to intercept the Morgul-host. The Witch-King led the assault upon the western side the next morning aided by boats built in secret, and swiftly overwhelmed the defenders and on 13 March Faramir retreated to the Causeway Forts; Gandalf, upon learning the Witch-King was on the field, the next day went from the city to the Rammas Echor where the forces which had fallen back. It was taken by blasting stones, and a charge by Prince Imrahil and the Knights of Dol Amroth saved Faramir who fell wounded by an Easterling champion.

As Pelennor was overrun, Denethor sent a sortie of cavalry to assist the defenders who retreated back to the city. Denethor, upon seeing his son in this grave state, lost his will to fight and gave no more thought to the defence of his city. He was seriously wounded while Pelennor was overrun. The Siege of Gondor began.[18]

Meanwhile, invaders from Umbar and Harad who sought to capture Linhir and the fords of the River Gilrain. The men of Lamedon fought against them and the arrival of Aragorn with the Army of the Dead from Erech terrified both sides. As Aragorn pressed on to Pelargir, Angbor mustered as many horsemen as he could, helped by the fast-spreading rumor of the return of the Heir of Isildur. Soon later the group reached Pelargir, drove the Corsairs away and captured their fleet.[19]

Climax

On 15 March, three simultaneous battles occurred.

In Rhovanion, an army was sent from Dol Guldur to destroy the realm of Thranduil and a second assault against Lothlórien was made. After a long battle under the trees, and great ruin of fire[9] the Orc hosts were defeated on both fronts on the same day.

In Gondor, after the enemy passed Osgiliath, Pelennor outside Minas Tirith was overrun, despite the armies that gathered from southern Gondor already in the days before the battle. The hosts of Mordor dug pits and set up siege weapons beyond the city's range as the Nazgul swooped near the city uttering cries of death, demoralizing the defenders. Then the weapons began launching stones at the city, many of which would burst into flame as they came crashing down. Then, the heads of all those that had been slain in battle were flung over the city. The whole first level was soon in flames.[18]

Siege of Minas Tirith by Stephen Hickman

Near midnight the Witch-King launched his assault pushing many defenders to the higher levels, while others were slain trying to reach the walls. Many towers were also destroyed as they rolled forward. [18]

The Witch-King rode assisted by magic the battering ram Grond as it hit the Great Gate of Minas Tirith. As he entered the gate he was confronted by Gandalf who alone stood steadfast. Then a cock crowed and horn from the west sounded. The Witch-King left to deal with the Riders of Rohan at the Rammas Echor. The Battle of the Pelennor Fields began.[18]

The Black Serpent founders by Anke Eißmann

The combined army of Orcs, Haradrim, Men of Rhûn and Men of Khand, outnumbered the Rohirrim at least 10 to 1 but lost almost a third of their own forces. In the process, King Théoden was killed, and the Witch-King was destroyed by Théoden's niece, Lady Éowyn of Rohan. When all seemed lost, a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arrived at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but it was actually manned by Aragorn. As his 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".

The Battle of Dale. Art by Jan Pospíšil

Meanwhile in the North, Easterlings crossed the Carnen, and King Brand was driven back to Dale. He gathered there with the Dwarves of Erebor, and engaged in the Battle of Dale against the Orcs at the feet of the Lonely Mountain for three days until (17 March) he fell alongside King Dáin Ironfoot. Many Dwarves and Men took refuge in Erebor and were besieged by the Easterlings. However, news from the defeat at the Pelennor reached the Easterlings who began to fail.

Sauron's defeat

The next day it was understood that the army vanquished in the Battle of the Pelennor was only a fraction of Sauron's forces, and eventually Minas Tirith would not manage to withstand forever. Imrahil expressed concern for the defence of Gondor. Aragorn assured him that Angbor was marching with 4,000 men through Lossarnach to garrison Minas Tirith.[19]

The Host of the West marched from Minas Tirith on 18 March to confront Sauron. During that course, Lothlórien was attacked for a third and last time by Orcs (22 March). After much destruction, the Elves repulsed them once again.

The Host of the West would meet Sauron's forces outside the gates of Mordor seven days later, hoping to divert their attention away from the Ring-bearer, who was nearing the end of his mission.

During the course of the Battle of the Morannon against Trolls, Orcs and Men, the eight remaining Nazgûl attacked the army of the West. The Eagles of the Misty Mountains, led by Gwaihir, arrived and attacked the Ringwraiths. When all hope seemed lost, Frodo failed his mission: he claimed the One Ring for himself, and Sauron was suddenly aware that Frodo had the Ring and was in the Cracks of Doom. Finally realizing that his enemies meant to destroy his Ring, Sauron immediately sent the Nazgûl to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. However, Gollum wrenched the Ring from Frodo but fell accidentally into the fire, destroying the Ring. The hosts of Mordor, suddenly without direction, hesitated as Sauron's power was overthrown.

The Nazgûl were all destroyed as they flew over Mount Doom just as it underwent a gigantic eruption. 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 were easily decimated by the army of the West and the Easterlings eventually threw down their weapons and surrendered. [20]

Two days later, Bard II and Thorin III Stonehelm, taking the reign from their respective fathers who fell in the assault, drove the enemy from Dale.[9]

On 28 March with Celeborn at their head, Elves crossed the Anduin in many boats and stormed Dol Guldur. Galadriel came after them in the Fall of Dol Guldur, throwing down the walls of the fortress and laying bare its pits, so that the forest was cleansed. Thranduil cleared all the orcs and foul beings from North Mirkwood.[9]

Scouring of the Shire

The War did not end with the defeat of Sauron, for Saruman fled northward after the capture of Orthanc, and established himself in the Shire, bending the Hobbits to his will by threat of violence and the persuasive power of his voice. The return of Frodo Baggins and his companions from the coronation of King Elessar and the reunification of Gondor and Arnor, led to their arrest by the Shire-hobbits but they talked their way out.[21]

A small group of Ruffians was encountered, and Pippin declared the return of the King to them, and the message that emissaries were on their way. The group was routed, but managed to get a message to a bigger contingent in Waymeet.[22] 20 Men marched from Hobbiton towards Bywater, and 200 Bucklanders and Cottons answered the call of Captain Merry's horn.

The Scouring of the Shire by Inger Edelfeldt

The Men walked up Bywater Road, to the point where Farmer Cotton was standing and found themselves heavily outnumbered. Their leader fell by arrows as he tried to strike at Merry. The rest surrendered. Pippin had set up a rebellion in Tookland, and returned with one hundred Tooks when the larger group of Men from Waymeet arrived the following day and walked straight into a defensive pocket set up by Merry. Merry and Pippin charged from the eastern bank, and Merry killed the leader.[22] Nearly 70 Men were killed and 12 were taken prisoner, while 19 Hobbits died and about 30 were wounded.

After their victory the Hobbits marched on to Bag End, where they found Sharkey. It was not Lotho as had been thought, but rather Saruman who revealed that his servant Gríma killed Lotho. Gríma cut Saruman's throat in a rage for years of oppression and abuse but was himself shot by Hobbit archers. As the spirit of Saruman rose from its bodily form, it was blown away by a wind from the West; Manwë did not want him back.[22]

This battle is considered to mark the end of the War.[23]

Aftermath

Main article: Fourth Age
The Steward and the King by Anke Eißmann

The consequences of the War were "apocalyptical" for the Westlands of Middle-earth. The status quo of many entities were restored, or even radically changed after centuries. Not only the millennia of Sauron's dominion were permanently brought to an end, but the relationships of peoples and races were redefined. It is also notable that during the War many personalities died (Denethor, Théoden, Brand, Dain), and brought their descendants into the aftermath.

The major effect of the war however was that with the destruction of the One Ring, the Three Rings that had maintained the realms of the Elves in Middle-earth lost their power, and the Elves began to leave for the Undying Lands; significant Elves who marked the history of the Westlands for millennia, like Galadriel and Elrond departed, setting stage for the Dominion of Men.

Political

The downfall of Sauron brought the restoration of the long-awaited line of Kings of Gondor, the restoration of Arnor and simultaneously the reunification of the two kingdoms; after of centuries of nomadic wandering the Rangers of the North had again a kingdom and the Gondorians had a king. This King was Aragorn II a descendant both of Isildur and Anárion; furthermore, his marriage with Arwen reunited the lines of Elrond and Elros since the First Age.

The Reunited Kingdom

Other political repercussions were the strengthening of the relationships between the Kingdom and Rohan, new relationships with the Ents (who now occupied Treegarth, former Isengard), the Woses and the Hobbits, now known as free peoples. On the Elven New Year, Celeborn and Thranduil renamed Mirkwood as Eryn Lasgalen and Celeborn took the southern part below East Bight, naming it East Lórien. The wide forest inbetween was given to the Beornings and the Woodmen.

Calendrical impact

"You were born at the end of a great age, Elanorellë"
Samwise Gamgee in Sauron Defeated, "The Epilogue"

All the above events made historians to mark the years following the War as the end of the Third Age.

Another calendric change was the New Reckoning which replaced the Stewards' Reckoning, and the introduction of Cormarë, a holiday on 25 March that commemorated the fall of Sauron.[24]

Combatants

Free Peoples

Sauron and his minions

The Fleet of Harad by Darrell Sweet

Non-combatants

References

  1. "the Nine [Sauron] has gathered to himself; the Seven also, or else they are destroyed." J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Shadow of the Past"
  2. "You saw the Eye of him that holds the Seven and the Nine."
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Quest of Erebor"
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Riddles in the Dark"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XIII. Last Writings"
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Hunt for the Ring"
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"
  9. 9.00 9.01 9.02 9.03 9.04 9.05 9.06 9.07 9.08 9.09 9.10 9.11 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years"
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Strider"
  11. 11.0 11.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Battles of the Fords of Isen"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Breaking of the Fellowship"
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Riders of Rohan"
  14. 14.0 14.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "Helm's Deep"
  15. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "Flotsam and Jetsam"
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Palantír"
  17. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Passing of the Grey Company"
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Siege of Gondor"
  19. 19.0 19.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Last Debate"
  20. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Mount Doom"
  21. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Homeward Bound"
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Scouring of the Shire"
  23. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Chief Days from the Fall of Barad-dûr to the End of the Third Age"
  24. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix D, "The Calendars"