Assaults on Lothlórien
| This article describes a concept which is mentioned in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, but was never given a definite name. |
The assaults on Lothlórien were a series of conflicts in March T.A. 3019 initiated by Sauron against the realm during the War of the Ring.
All attempts by Sauron’s armies failed. Besides the valour of the Galadhrim, the realm was so powerful that it could have only been overcome by Sauron himself.[1]
Prelude[edit | edit source]
In the years leading to the War of the Ring, Dol Guldur had become active[2] (possibly under the power of Khamûl, its former commander).[3]
Escaping from Moria, the Fellowship of the Ring arrived at Lothlórien, bringing the One Ring. Soon after, a band of hundred Orcs (presumably Orcs of the Misty Mountains pursuing them) crossed the Nimrodel. The wardens used feigned voices and led them into a trap, where a regiment or so of the Galadhrim were sent out, and destroyed them.[4]
But the coming of the One Ring and the orc pursuers were only the heralds of greater conflicts that were to occur. Sauron unleashed attacks on the Galadhrim.
Assaults[edit | edit source]
On 11 March, forces from Dol Guldur swarmed into the forest in a full-scale assault and were held back by the power of the Wood-elves.[1] This was noticed by Frodo Baggins, who saw smoke raising from Lórien's border, for he was wearing the One Ring at the Seat of Seeing.[5]
On 15 March, there was a big battle outside Minas Tirith. At the same time forces from Dol Guldur invaded Mirkwood and once more attacked Lothlórien.[1]
The third and last attack was made seven days later, on 22 March. They caused much destruction on the wood's borders, but the valiant Galadhrim routed them utterly, and the realm remained safe for the following days until the passing of Sauron.[1]
Aftermath[edit | edit source]
In 28 March,[6] after the Shadow of Sauron was lifted, Celeborn led the hosts of the Galadhrim across the Anduin, and they stormed Dol Guldur and cleansed Mirkwood; Thranduil gave its southern part into the dominion of Lothlórien, and it was called East Lórien.[1]
| 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 |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years", pp. 1093-4
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Hunt for the Ring", p. 352, note 1
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Lothlórien", pp. 345-6
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Breaking of the Fellowship", p. 400
- ↑ 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", p. 1095
