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The '''military of Gondor''' was a powerful force in Middle-earth that opposed [[Sauron]] in the [[Second Age|late Second]] and [[Third Age]].


The '''Gondorian Military Forces''' were the most powerful defense forces in Middle-earth from the late Second Age into the the Fourth Age.  From the [[War of the Last Alliance]] to the [[War of the Ring]], they formed the core of several campaigns against [[Sauron]] and his allies, like the [[Witch-king of Angmar]] and [[Saruman]].  They were made up of three main constituents-- the infantry, the calvary, and the navy.[[Image:ME-Gondor.png|thumb|right|Gondorian military banner]]
== Infantry ==


=== The [[War of the Last Alliance]] ===


== Infantry of Gondor ==
Within a century of Gondor's founding, it was put to a severe test during the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. In an alliance with [[Arnor]] and Elven forces from [[Lindon]] and [[Rhovanion]], Gondor fought a series of battles against the forces of [[Sauron]].


=== In The [[War of the Last Alliance]] ===
=== Third Age ===


Within a century of Gondor's founding, her armed forces were put to a severe test during the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. In alliance with [[Arnor]] and Elven forces from [[Lindon]] and [[Rhovanion]], Gondor fought a series of battle with the forces of [[Sauron]].  Sauron's ground forces were completely infantry based, and the allies were predominately infantry as well.  This was a result of having brought few horses with them after the Downfall of Númenor. The War was a long struggle of attrition involving hundreds of thousands of troops on each side, and Gondor's casualties were serious while Arnor's were crippling.  In this great conflict, Gondor's troops fought in close, well ordered regiments, with infantry in front and archers behind.  Archers were also used as mobile reserves, with companies of them moved from on weak spot in the battle line to another.{{ref|1}}
During the [[Third Age]], Gondor's military prowess eventually declined. The major difference was the Gondorian soldiers themselves: although the soldiers would have proudly fought to the last man, they were never as strong as the warriors of the past especially by the second half of the Third Age. After the Great Plague and the [[Kin-strife]], which left Gondor very weakened, many Númenóreans of pure blood had perished during those troublesome times. The Gondorian military wore chain-mail armour with helmets graven with a small silver star.


Gondor's infantrymen were well-armored, carrying large, broad [[shields]].  They were made of multi-layered wood, and edged in metal.  They always bore the device of the tree of Gondor, in metal.  Infantrymen wore heavy armor, so they definitely considered heavy infantry.  Above their tunics, they wore a layer of chain mail extending down to their knees and elbows.  This ended with heavy gauntlets on the forearms, and heavy knee boots.  Soldiers also wore plate armor, with a heavy embossed [[breastplate]] and [[backplate]].  Steel greaves extended downwards from the breastplate to the knees for added protection.  All of this was topped off with a large steel [[helmet]], with cheek plates, and a curved neck piece to protect the next from enemy blows. Decorative wings were usually attached, and the helmet was often edged in bronze.{{ref|2}} 
The Prince and '''[[Captain of Gondor]]''' [[Earnur]] organized the [[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host of the West]], joining forces with [[Arnor]] and Elves.


The weapons used by the infantry included [[spears]], swords, axes, and bows.  Gondorian spears were very long, around nine feet.  The point was made of steel, and often two feet long.  It was designed to be used as a thrusting weapons, as opposed to elven spears, which were often thrown.  Swords were usually of medium length-- longer than a short sword, but shorter than a broadsword.  They were heavy blades usually pointed and designed to be used one-handed, either thrusting or chopping at an opponent.  While the pommel was polished wood, the sword guard was usually made of bronze.  In close hand-to-hand action, axes would sometimes be used.  These were usually single-edged, and about three feet in length.{{ref|3}}
The '''[[Guards of the Citadel]]''' wore black mail with [[mithril]] helms and a black and silver surcoat.


=== The Third Age === 
== Cavalry ==


During the [[Third Age]], Gondor's land forces were called on to perform a number of tasks, including maintaining a watch over [[Mordor]]. They suffered during Gondor's civil war, when they were divided over [[Castamir|Castamir's]] rule.
Traditionally, Gondor had a small cavalry force. In the last quarter of the Third Age, its close ally [[Rohan]] often supplied the bulk of its cavalry forces. This was true during the [[Wainrider/Balchoth War]] as well as during the [[War of the Ring]]. Before the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Pelennor Fields]], a mixed force of infantry and cavalry retreated from the [[Causeway Forts]] and [[Osgiliath]] to the citadel of [[Minas Tirith]]. Pursued by Orcs on the ground and Nazgûl from the sky, these forces were in great peril. Lord [[Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, finally released a mounted counter-attack against them, which drove them back. Leading this attack was the Prince [[Imrahil]] of [[Dol Amroth]] and his mounted swan-knights. These men represented the elite cavalry force of Gondor.<ref>{{RK|Siege}}</ref>


== Gondorian Knights and Cavalry Forces ==
== King's Ships ==


Traditionally, Gondor had a small cavalry force. In the last quarter of the Third Age, it's close ally [[Rohan]] often supplied its main cavalry component.  This was true during the [[Wainrider/Balchoth War]], and well as during the [[War of the Ring]].  Before the [[Battle of Pelennor Field]], a mixed force of infantry and cavalry retreated from the [[Causeway Forts]] and [[Osgiliath]] to the citadel of [[Minas Tirith]]. Pursued by Orcs on the ground, and Nazgûl from the sky, these forces were in great peril.  [[Denethor|Lord Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, finally released a mounted counterattack against them, which drove them back.  Leading this attack was the [[Imrahil|Prince Imrahil]] of [[Dol Amroth]], and his mounted swan-knights.  These men represented the elite cavalry force of Gondor.{{ref|4}}
The '''King's Ships'''<ref>{{PM|XVI}}, p. 416, note 14</ref> constituted the sea-going defense forces of the Southern kingdom of [[Gondor]]. They were often in action against the forces of [[Umbar]], as reavers would attack the coast of the South Kingdom.


== Gondorian Naval Forces ==
Before the Downfall of [[Númenor]], it had been known as a mighty sea power, the greatest that ever existed in Middle-earth. Previously they had sent great fleets, under [[Minastir]], to the aid of [[Gil-galad]] against Sauron in the middle of the Second Age. [[Elendil]] and his sons, who founded [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], were all great mariners; therefore, there was a long distinguished tradition of shipbuilding, sea exploration, and sea-power projection. By {{TA|830}}, the '''[[Captain of the Hosts]]''' [[Tarannon]] was engaged in heavy fleet building, and became known as the first of the [[Ship-kings]] of Gondor.<ref>{{App|Gondor}}</ref> These fleets were usually based at Pelargir, and sometimes Umbar.


[[Image:ME-DolAmroth.png|thumb|right|Dol Amroth's ensign shows its sea theme]]The '''Gondorian Navy''' constituted the sea-going defense forces of the Southern kingdom of [[Gondor]]. They were often in action against opposition naval forces from [[Pelargir]] or [[Umbar]], renegade fiefs of Gondor.
During the [[Kin-strife]], the '''[[Captain of Ships]]''' was [[Castamir]] who used his position to find supporters against the King. After the Kin-strife, the defeated rebels took refuge in [[Umbar]], where they long troubled Gondor. Late in the Third Age, [[Thorongil]] (Aragorn II) led a Gondorian naval task force in a raid known as the [[Surprise Attack on Umbar]]. This was a successful raid that neutralized the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs']] naval power for decades, and reduced the southern pressure on Gondor at a time when its power was waning.


Before the Downfall of [[Númenor]], it had been known as a mighty sea power, the greatest that ever existed in Middle Earth. Previously they had sent great fleets, under [[Minastir]], to the aid of [[Gil-galad]] against Sauron in the middle of the Third Age.  [[Elendil]] and his sons, who founded [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], were all great mariners; therefore, there was a long distinguished tradition of shipbuilding, sea exploration, and seapower projection.  By 830, Falastur was engaged in heavy fleet building, and became know as the first of the [[Ship-kings]] of Gondor.{{ref|5}} These fleets were usually based at Pelargir, and sometimes Umbar.  After the [[Kinslaying]] in Gondor, the defeated rebels took refuge in [[Umbar]], where they long troubled Gondor.  Late in the Third Age, [[Thorongil]] (Aragorn II) led a Gondorian naval task force in a raid known as the [[Surprise Attack on Umbar]].  This was a successful raid that neutralized the Corsairs' naval power for decades, and reduced the southern pressure on Gondor at a time when its power was waning.
==Special forces==
Soldiers fully trained and experienced had the title of ''ohtar'' 'warrior, soldier'. Some were admitted to the rank of ''roquen'', "knight".<ref>{{UT|Gladden}}, note 17.</ref>


== Gondorian Special Forces ==
Several groups were armed men operating often behind enemy lines. Late in the Third Age, as the power of [[Mordor]] grew, Gondor withdrew most of its conventional forces from east of the Anduin, including North and South [[Ithilien]]. They did not abandon the area completely, however, and maintained a guerilla presence there, the '''[[Rangers of Ithilien]]'''. During the [[War of the Ring]], this force was commanded by [[Faramir]], son of [[Denethor II]]. They acted as a reconnaissance force, and often harassed Sauron's forces.
 
'''Gondorian Special Forces''' were armed men operating often behind enemy lines. Late in the Third Age, and the power of [[Mordor]] grew, Gondor withdrew most of its conventional forces from east of the Anduin, including North and South [[Ithilien]]. They did not abandon the area completely, however, and maintained a guerrilla presence there, the [[Rangers of Ithilien]]. During the [[War of the Ring]], this force was commanded by Faramir, son of Denethor II. They acted as a reconnaissance force, and often harassed Sauron's forces, like the [[Southrons]].


{{references}}
[[Category: Gondorians]]
[[Category: Gondorians]]
[[Category: Organizations]]
[[Category: Armies]]
 
== References ==
 
# {{note|1}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]'', [[The Last Alliance of Elves and Men]], pp. 5-6.
# {{note|2}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]'', [[Númenóreans]], p. 27.
# {{note|3}} ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]'', [[Númenóreans]], pp. 25-27.
# {{note|4}} ''[[The Return of the King]]'', [[The Siege of Gondor]], pp. 801-802.
# {{note|5}} ''[[The Return of the King]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1060.

Latest revision as of 15:38, 14 March 2024

"Who told you, and who sent you?" — Gandalf
 This article or section needs more/new/more-detailed sources to conform to a higher standard and to provide proof for claims made.
This article describes a concept which is mentioned in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, but was never given a definite name.

The military of Gondor was a powerful force in Middle-earth that opposed Sauron in the late Second and Third Age.

Infantry[edit | edit source]

The War of the Last Alliance[edit | edit source]

Within a century of Gondor's founding, it was put to a severe test during the War of the Last Alliance. In an alliance with Arnor and Elven forces from Lindon and Rhovanion, Gondor fought a series of battles against the forces of Sauron.

Third Age[edit | edit source]

During the Third Age, Gondor's military prowess eventually declined. The major difference was the Gondorian soldiers themselves: although the soldiers would have proudly fought to the last man, they were never as strong as the warriors of the past especially by the second half of the Third Age. After the Great Plague and the Kin-strife, which left Gondor very weakened, many Númenóreans of pure blood had perished during those troublesome times. The Gondorian military wore chain-mail armour with helmets graven with a small silver star.

The Prince and Captain of Gondor Earnur organized the Host of the West, joining forces with Arnor and Elves.

The Guards of the Citadel wore black mail with mithril helms and a black and silver surcoat.

Cavalry[edit | edit source]

Traditionally, Gondor had a small cavalry force. In the last quarter of the Third Age, its close ally Rohan often supplied the bulk of its cavalry forces. This was true during the Wainrider/Balchoth War as well as during the War of the Ring. Before the Battle of Pelennor Fields, a mixed force of infantry and cavalry retreated from the Causeway Forts and Osgiliath to the citadel of Minas Tirith. Pursued by Orcs on the ground and Nazgûl from the sky, these forces were in great peril. Lord Denethor, Steward of Gondor, finally released a mounted counter-attack against them, which drove them back. Leading this attack was the Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth and his mounted swan-knights. These men represented the elite cavalry force of Gondor.[1]

King's Ships[edit | edit source]

The King's Ships[2] constituted the sea-going defense forces of the Southern kingdom of Gondor. They were often in action against the forces of Umbar, as reavers would attack the coast of the South Kingdom.

Before the Downfall of Númenor, it had been known as a mighty sea power, the greatest that ever existed in Middle-earth. Previously they had sent great fleets, under Minastir, to the aid of Gil-galad against Sauron in the middle of the Second Age. Elendil and his sons, who founded Arnor and Gondor, were all great mariners; therefore, there was a long distinguished tradition of shipbuilding, sea exploration, and sea-power projection. By T.A. 830, the Captain of the Hosts Tarannon was engaged in heavy fleet building, and became known as the first of the Ship-kings of Gondor.[3] These fleets were usually based at Pelargir, and sometimes Umbar.

During the Kin-strife, the Captain of Ships was Castamir who used his position to find supporters against the King. After the Kin-strife, the defeated rebels took refuge in Umbar, where they long troubled Gondor. Late in the Third Age, Thorongil (Aragorn II) led a Gondorian naval task force in a raid known as the Surprise Attack on Umbar. This was a successful raid that neutralized the Corsairs' naval power for decades, and reduced the southern pressure on Gondor at a time when its power was waning.

Special forces[edit | edit source]

Soldiers fully trained and experienced had the title of ohtar 'warrior, soldier'. Some were admitted to the rank of roquen, "knight".[4]

Several groups were armed men operating often behind enemy lines. Late in the Third Age, as the power of Mordor grew, Gondor withdrew most of its conventional forces from east of the Anduin, including North and South Ithilien. They did not abandon the area completely, however, and maintained a guerilla presence there, the Rangers of Ithilien. During the War of the Ring, this force was commanded by Faramir, son of Denethor II. They acted as a reconnaissance force, and often harassed Sauron's forces.

References

  1. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Siege of Gondor"
  2. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XVI. The New Shadow", p. 416, note 14
  3. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion"
  4. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Disaster of the Gladden Fields", note 17.
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