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{{sources}}
{{battle
{{battle|
| image=[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Battle of the Morannon.jpg|300px]]
image=[[Image:rotk2196.jpg|300px]]|
| name=Battle of the Morannon  
name=Battle of the Morannon|
| conflict=[[Battle of the Morannon]]
conflict=[[Battle of the Morannon]]|
| date=[[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}
date=[[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}|
| place=[[Dagorlad]]
place=[[Dagorlad]]|
| result=Decisive victory for Gondor and Rohan<br/>Final defeat of Sauron
result= Decisive victory for Gondor and Rohan|
| side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
| side2=[[Mordor]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
| commanders1=*[[Aragorn]]
commanders1=*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Éomer]]|
*[[Éomer]]
commanders2=*The [[Mouth of Sauron]]|
| commanders2=*The [[Mouth of Sauron]]
forces1=Less than 6,000 from Gondor and Rohan, and [[Eagles]]|
| forces1=*"Less than six thousand" soldiers of Gondor and Rohan
forces2=Unknown total strength; vast numerical superiority to the forces of Gondor and Rohan, but fewer than at [[Pelennor Fields]]; possibly 40-100,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], the [[Nazgûl]], [[Fell beasts]], and [[Easterlings]] (men of Rhûn, [[Variags]] of [[Khand]], etc.)|
*[[Eagles]]
casual1=
| forces2=*Soldiers of Mordor and the Easterlings "ten times" the number of the Western host
Unknown, moderate to heavy; some Eagles potentially wounded
*Ringwraiths and Fell Beasts
casual2=
| casual1=Unknown, presumably heavy
Permanent destruction of Sauron; destruction of nearly all orcs, trolls; the remaining Nazgûl destroyed; heavy Easterling and Haradrim losses (the rest were pardoned)
| casual2=Unknown, presumably heavy
*All Nazgûl
*Some Easterlings captured or pardoned
}}
}}
{{wotr}}
{{wotr}}


The '''Battle of the Morannon''', also known as the '''Battle of the Black Gate''', was the last major battle against [[Sauron]] in the [[War of the Ring]], fought at the Black Gate of [[Mordor]]. The army of the West, 6,000 strong by now, led by [[Aragorn]] marched on the gate as a diversionary feint to distract [[Sauron]]'s attention from [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], who were carrying [[the One Ring]] through Mordor. It was hoped that Sauron would think Aragorn had the Ring and was now trying to use it to overthrow Mordor.  
The '''Battle of the Morannon''', also known as the '''Battle of the Black Gate''', was the last major battle against [[Sauron]] in the [[War of the Ring]], fought at the Black Gate of [[Mordor]] on [[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}.<ref name=Great>{{App|Great}}</ref> The army of the West, 6,000 strong by now, led by [[Aragorn]] marched on the gate as a diversionary feint to distract [[Sauron]]'s attention from [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], who were carrying [[the One Ring]] through Mordor. It was hoped that Sauron would think Aragorn had the Ring and was now trying to use it to overthrow Mordor.<ref>{{RK|V9}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
=== Prelude ===
=== Prelude ===
{{seealso|Last Debate}}
{{seealso|Last Debate}}
Initially, the Army of the West had been composed of 7,000 men, but many were stationed at various places along the way.  A strong guard of archers were stationed at the [[Cross-roads]], in case enemy troops came from the [[Cirith Ungol|Morgul Pass]] or from the South.  In addition, Aragorn dismissed the faint of heart, who would not go to the [[Dagorlad]], ordering them to liberate [[Cair Andros]] on the river Anduin.  This resulted in the departure of over 1000 men, leaving less than 6000 to continue on towards the [[Black Gate]].
Initially, the Army of the West had been composed of 7,000 men, but many were stationed at various places along the way.  A strong guard of archers were stationed at the [[Cross-roads]], in case enemy troops came from the [[Cirith Ungol|Morgul Pass]] or from the South.  In addition, Aragorn dismissed the faint of heart, who would not go to the [[Dagorlad]], ordering them to liberate [[Cair Andros]] on the river Anduin.  This resulted in the departure of 1,000 men, leaving 6,000 to continue on towards the [[Black Gate]].  Upon arrival, Aragorn defensively arrayed his forces upon two [[Slag-hills]] with a mire of mud and stinking pools between his army and the Gate.


Before the battle began, Sauron sent one of his servants, the [[Black Númenóreans|Black Númenórean]] called the [[Mouth of Sauron]], to speak with the Captains of the West. He tried to trick [[Gandalf]] into believing Sauron held Frodo captive, displaying as evidence items that had belonged to Frodo and Sam (Sam's sword, an [[Elven cloaks|Elven cloak]], and Frodo's [[Mithril#The Mithril Coat|''mithril'' coat]]) The Mouth threatened that Frodo would be tortured if the West did not agree to Sauron's terms of surrender. The terms included: the disbanding of the armies of the west, an oath to never take up arms, the rebuilding of Isengard, and the turning over of all lands west. (It is clear that while Sauron knew there was a Hobbit in Mordor, he did not know why.  He also probably did not know there were two.)  
Before the battle began, Sauron sent one of his servants, the [[Black Númenóreans|Black Númenórean]] called the [[Mouth of Sauron]], to speak with the Captains of the West. He tried to trick [[Gandalf]] into believing Sauron held Frodo captive, displaying as evidence items that had belonged to Frodo and Sam (Sam's sword, an [[Elven cloaks|Elven cloak]], and Frodo's [[Mithril#The Mithril Coat|''mithril'' coat]]) The Mouth threatened that Frodo would be tortured if the West did not agree to Sauron's terms of surrender. The terms included: the disbanding of the armies of the West, an oath to never take up arms, the rebuilding of Isengard, and the turning over of all lands West to Sauron. (It is clear that while Sauron knew there was a Hobbit in Mordor, he did not know why.  He also probably did not know there were two.)  


Gandalf, however, refused to be swayed, took the items from the Mouth of Sauron, and sent him away. Amazed and angered, the Mouth of Sauron rode back to the Black Gate, let it be opened, and the forces of Sauron marched out. At the same time, more of Sauron's forces that had been hidden in the hills around the Black Gate came forth, thus surrounding the Men of the West. Sauron's army outnumbered that of the West by at least ten to one.
Gandalf, however, refused to be swayed, took the items from the Mouth of Sauron, and sent him away. Amazed and angered, the Mouth of Sauron rode back to the Black Gate, let it be opened, and the forces of Sauron marched out. At the same time, more of Sauron's forces that had been hidden in the hills around the Black Gate came forth, thus surrounding and outnumbering the Men of the West by at least ten to one. Less than six thousand Men of the West were fielded.


=== The Battle ===
=== The Battle ===
Against Aragorn's army was arrayed Sauron's hordes of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], and barbarian [[Men|Mannish]] allies such as the [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]].  An exact count is not given of the number of Sauron's forces, and though they numbered in the tens of thousands at least, the battle is said to not have been quite as large as the preceding [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. Sauron "had taken the proffered bait in jaws of steel", and the dismayed soldiers of the West were trapped. Aragorn arranged his men in a circular formation around two hills in front of the Morannon, with the best soldiers of the West arranged in the front where the assault would be at its most bitter.


Against Aragorn's army was arrayed Sauron's hordes of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], and barbarian [[Men|Mannish]] allies such as the [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]].  An exact count is not given of the number of Sauron's forces, and though they numbered in the tens of thousands at least, the battle is said to not have been quite as large as the preceding [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].  
The slag pools near the hills proved a hindrance for many of Sauron's forces, but trolls easily passed through the pools and crashed into the hosts of the West, bashing through them as smiths hewing hot iron. Many of the Orcs and Men were unable to climb up to face the Western host, and instead shot arrows and projectiles at them. During the fighting, [[Beregond]] was wounded by a Troll-chief, and as it reached its claws out for him [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] drove the blade of [[Westernesse]] through the creature before it could slay his comrade.


The slag pools near the hills proved a hinderment for many of Sauron's forces, but trolls easily passed through the pools and crashed into the hosts of the west. During the fighting, Pippin became buried under the body of a troll chietain he had felled that had just wounded his comrade [[Beregond (soldier of Gondor)|Beregond]].
During the course of the battle, the eight remaining [[Nazgûl]] attacked the army of the West. The [[Eagles]] of the [[Misty Mountains]], led by [[Gwaihir]] the Windlord, arrived and attacked the Ringwraiths. The main host of Mordor managed to reach that of the West's, and despair was set among them. The Orcs laughed cruelly as they smashed against the Western forces, which began to dwindle, and the Ringwraiths overhead filled them with terror.<ref name=Battle>{{RK|V10}}</ref> At that moment, when all hope seemed lost, Frodo put on the One Ring and Sauron realized that Frodo was inside [[Mount Doom]]. The Nazgûl immediately left the battle to intercept Frodo.  The hosts of Mordor were suddenly without direction; the Orc laughter ceased, the Evil Men hesitated, and many knights of the West began to repel the attackers in a charge. Gandalf ordered them to halt, for the hour of doom was about to come. Indeed, [[Gollum]] bit the Ring off Frodo's finger and then accidentally fell into the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]], and Sauron's power was overthrown.<ref>{{RK|VI3}}</ref>


During the course of the battle, the eight remaining [[Nazgûl]] attacked the army of the West. The [[Eagles]] of the [[Misty Mountains]], led by [[Gwaihir]] the Windlord, arrived and attacked the Ringwraiths. At that moment, when all hope seemed lost, Frodo put on the One Ring and Sauron realized that Frodo was inside [[Mount Doom]]. The Nazgûl immediately left the battle to intercept Frodo.  The hosts of Mordor, suddenly without direction, hesitated, and many knights charged. Gandalf ordered them to halt, for the hour of doom was about to come. Indeed, [[Gollum]] bit the Ring off Frodo's finger and then accidentally fell into the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]], and Sauron's power was overthrown.
The Nazgûl had been flying over Mount Doom just as it underwent a gigantic volcanic eruption, and they were all destroyed in the firestorm. [[Barad-dûr]], the Black Gate, and the [[Towers of the Teeth]] collapsed to ruin. The Orcs and other creatures of Sauron were completely directionless with the Dark Lord's demise and fled mindlessly; some falling into pits, others outright killing themselves, and many fleeing. Many Easterlings fled as well or surrendered, though others banded together in their hatred and fought on stalwartly.<ref>{{RK|VI4}}</ref>
 
The Nazgûl had been flying over Mount Doom just as it underwent a gigantic volcanic eruption, and they were all destroyed in the firestorm. [[Barad-dûr]], the Black Gate, and the [[Towers of the Teeth]] collapsed to ruin. The Orcs and other creatures of Sauron were completely directionless with the Dark Lord's demise and were easily decimated by the army of the West. The Easterlings fought on stalwartly, though eventually many threw down their weapons and surrendered.


=== Aftermath ===
=== Aftermath ===
The desperate gambit of the West had succeeded, even as Frodo ultimately succumbed to the Ring. It was destroyed forever, and Sauron was disembodied permanently, his shadow fading away from Barad-dûr. Many surviving Orcs and Men retreated to the mountains or northward, where fighting against Sauron's remaining forces would continue for several weeks, notably at [[Dol Guldur]] in [[Mirkwood]] and at [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], but the power of the Dark Lord of Mordor was no more. The Western soldiers, weary and many injured, rested and healed before the host marched back to [[Minas Tirith]].<ref name=Great/>


Many surviving Orcs and Men retreated to the mountains or northward, where fighting against Sauron's remaining forces would continue for several weeks, notably at [[Dol Guldur]] in [[Mirkwood]] and at [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], but the power of the Dark Lord of Mordor was no more. 
Months later, the [[Battle of Bywater]] in [[the Shire]] against ruffians led by [[Saruman]], and the subsequent killing of Saruman and [[Gríma|Wormtongue]] on the very doorstep of [[Bag End]], ended the [[War of the Ring]].<ref>{{RK|VI8}}</ref>
 
Months later, the [[Battle of Bywater]] in [[the Shire]] against ruffians led by [[Saruman]], and the subsequent killing of Saruman and [[Gríma|Wormtongue]] on the very doorstep of [[Bag End]], ended the [[War of the Ring]].


{{references}}
{{references}}

Revision as of 06:03, 28 April 2018

Battle of the Morannon
The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Battle of the Morannon.jpg
Conflict: Battle of the Morannon
Date: 25 March T.A. 3019
Place: Dagorlad
Outcome: Decisive victory for Gondor and Rohan
Final defeat of Sauron
Combatants

Gondor, Rohan

Mordor, Rhûn, Khand

Commanders
Strength
  • "Less than six thousand" soldiers of Gondor and Rohan
  • Eagles
  • Soldiers of Mordor and the Easterlings "ten times" the number of the Western host
  • Ringwraiths and Fell Beasts
Casualties

Unknown, presumably heavy

Unknown, presumably heavy

  • All Nazgûl
  • Some Easterlings captured or pardoned
War of the Ring
Osgiliath (1) · Moria · Isen (1) · Rauros · Isen (2) · Fangorn · Isengard · Hornburg · Osgiliath (2) · Siege of Gondor · Dale · Pelennor Fields · Black Gate · Dol Guldur · Bywater


The Battle of the Morannon, also known as the Battle of the Black Gate, was the last major battle against Sauron in the War of the Ring, fought at the Black Gate of Mordor on 25 March T.A. 3019.[1] The army of the West, 6,000 strong by now, led by Aragorn marched on the gate as a diversionary feint to distract Sauron's attention from Frodo and Sam, who were carrying the One Ring through Mordor. It was hoped that Sauron would think Aragorn had the Ring and was now trying to use it to overthrow Mordor.[2]

History

Prelude

See also: Last Debate

Initially, the Army of the West had been composed of 7,000 men, but many were stationed at various places along the way. A strong guard of archers were stationed at the Cross-roads, in case enemy troops came from the Morgul Pass or from the South. In addition, Aragorn dismissed the faint of heart, who would not go to the Dagorlad, ordering them to liberate Cair Andros on the river Anduin. This resulted in the departure of 1,000 men, leaving 6,000 to continue on towards the Black Gate. Upon arrival, Aragorn defensively arrayed his forces upon two Slag-hills with a mire of mud and stinking pools between his army and the Gate.

Before the battle began, Sauron sent one of his servants, the Black Númenórean called the Mouth of Sauron, to speak with the Captains of the West. He tried to trick Gandalf into believing Sauron held Frodo captive, displaying as evidence items that had belonged to Frodo and Sam (Sam's sword, an Elven cloak, and Frodo's mithril coat) The Mouth threatened that Frodo would be tortured if the West did not agree to Sauron's terms of surrender. The terms included: the disbanding of the armies of the West, an oath to never take up arms, the rebuilding of Isengard, and the turning over of all lands West to Sauron. (It is clear that while Sauron knew there was a Hobbit in Mordor, he did not know why. He also probably did not know there were two.)

Gandalf, however, refused to be swayed, took the items from the Mouth of Sauron, and sent him away. Amazed and angered, the Mouth of Sauron rode back to the Black Gate, let it be opened, and the forces of Sauron marched out. At the same time, more of Sauron's forces that had been hidden in the hills around the Black Gate came forth, thus surrounding and outnumbering the Men of the West by at least ten to one. Less than six thousand Men of the West were fielded.

The Battle

Against Aragorn's army was arrayed Sauron's hordes of Orcs, Trolls, and barbarian Mannish allies such as the Easterlings and Haradrim. An exact count is not given of the number of Sauron's forces, and though they numbered in the tens of thousands at least, the battle is said to not have been quite as large as the preceding Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Sauron "had taken the proffered bait in jaws of steel", and the dismayed soldiers of the West were trapped. Aragorn arranged his men in a circular formation around two hills in front of the Morannon, with the best soldiers of the West arranged in the front where the assault would be at its most bitter.

The slag pools near the hills proved a hindrance for many of Sauron's forces, but trolls easily passed through the pools and crashed into the hosts of the West, bashing through them as smiths hewing hot iron. Many of the Orcs and Men were unable to climb up to face the Western host, and instead shot arrows and projectiles at them. During the fighting, Beregond was wounded by a Troll-chief, and as it reached its claws out for him Pippin drove the blade of Westernesse through the creature before it could slay his comrade.

During the course of the battle, the eight remaining Nazgûl attacked the army of the West. The Eagles of the Misty Mountains, led by Gwaihir the Windlord, arrived and attacked the Ringwraiths. The main host of Mordor managed to reach that of the West's, and despair was set among them. The Orcs laughed cruelly as they smashed against the Western forces, which began to dwindle, and the Ringwraiths overhead filled them with terror.[3] At that moment, when all hope seemed lost, Frodo put on the One Ring and Sauron realized that Frodo was inside Mount Doom. The Nazgûl immediately left the battle to intercept Frodo. The hosts of Mordor were suddenly without direction; the Orc laughter ceased, the Evil Men hesitated, and many knights of the West began to repel the attackers in a charge. Gandalf ordered them to halt, for the hour of doom was about to come. Indeed, Gollum bit the Ring off Frodo's finger and then accidentally fell into the Crack of Doom, and Sauron's power was overthrown.[4]

The Nazgûl had been flying over Mount Doom just as it underwent a gigantic volcanic eruption, and they were all destroyed in the firestorm. Barad-dûr, the Black Gate, and the Towers of the Teeth collapsed to ruin. The Orcs and other creatures of Sauron were completely directionless with the Dark Lord's demise and fled mindlessly; some falling into pits, others outright killing themselves, and many fleeing. Many Easterlings fled as well or surrendered, though others banded together in their hatred and fought on stalwartly.[5]

Aftermath

The desperate gambit of the West had succeeded, even as Frodo ultimately succumbed to the Ring. It was destroyed forever, and Sauron was disembodied permanently, his shadow fading away from Barad-dûr. Many surviving Orcs and Men retreated to the mountains or northward, where fighting against Sauron's remaining forces would continue for several weeks, notably at Dol Guldur in Mirkwood and at Erebor, but the power of the Dark Lord of Mordor was no more. The Western soldiers, weary and many injured, rested and healed before the host marched back to Minas Tirith.[1]

Months later, the Battle of Bywater in the Shire against ruffians led by Saruman, and the subsequent killing of Saruman and Wormtongue on the very doorstep of Bag End, ended the War of the Ring.[6]

References