Sauron's attack on Osgiliath
This article describes a concept which is mentioned in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, but was never given a definite name. |
Sauron's attack on Osgiliath | |
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Conflict: War of the Ring | |
Date: 20 June T.A. 3018 | |
Place: The ruins of Osgiliath and its last bridge | |
Outcome: Victory for Sauron, fall of the eastern half of Osgiliath, allowing the Nazgûl to hunt for the Ring | |
Combatants | |
Gondor |
Mordor |
Commanders | |
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|
Strength | |
Unknown, the men of Gondor |
Unknown, forces of Mordor, Southrons, Haradwaith |
Casualties | |
Unknown |
Unknown |
War of the Ring |
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Osgiliath (1) · Moria · Isen (1) · Rauros · Isen (2) · Fangorn · Isengard · Hornburg · Osgiliath (2) · Siege of Gondor · Dale · Pelennor Fields · Black Gate · Dol Guldur · Bywater |
Sauron's attack on Osgiliath occurred on 20 June, T.A. 3018[1], and was later recognized as the beginning of the War of the Ring, for Sauron had two purposes in making this assault: First, Sauron wished to test the strength and preparedness of Denethor (which was found to be greater than he hoped). Second, Sauron's other and greater purpose was to make the appearance of the Nazgûl seem to be only part of his war policy against Gondor, in order to conceal from the Wise their mission to hunt for the One Ring.[2]
At the Council of Elrond, Boromir recounted this battle as a sudden attack in which the men of Gondor were outnumbered by the forces of Morder with their allies, the Easterlings and Haradrim. However, he attributed Gondor's defeat to a power that had not been felt before, issuing from a great black horseman. Only a remnant of Gondor's eastern force survived. The last bridge across the Anduin was defended by a company led by Boromir and Faramir until the structure was destroyed. Only the two brothers and two others survived by swimming.[3]
After the eastern portion of Osgiliath was taken and the bridge broken, Sauron broke off the assault, ordering the Nazgûl to begin their search for the Ring.[2]
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Hunt for the Ring"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"