Siege of Osgiliath

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This article describes a concept which is mentioned in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, but was never given a definite name.
The name Battle of Osgiliath refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Battle of Osgiliath (disambiguation).
Siege of Osgiliath
Conflict: Kin-strife
Date: T.A. 1437
Place: Osgiliath
Outcome: Victory for Castamir, burning of the city
Combatants

Eldacar's forces

Castamir's forces

Commanders
Strength

Unknown, Dúnedain of northern Gondor, Northmen

Unknown, Dúnedain of southern Gondor (coasts, Pelargir, and Umbar)

Casualties

Unknown, slaughter far exceeded the needs of war, Ornendil son of Eldacar

Unknown

The siege of Osgiliath occurred in T.A. 1437.[1] During the Kin-strife, Castamir, a descendant of the kings, led a rebellion against Eldacar, the son of King Valacar. Eldacar had the support of the Northmen in the service of Gondor and of the Dúnedain of the northern part of the realm, but they were overmatched by the forces of Castamir, drawn from the people of the coasts and of the great havens of Pelargir and Umbar. Although he fought valiantly, Eldacar was pushed back into capital and there besieged until Castamir's greater army and hunger drove him out.[2]

In the siege and subsequent burning of the city the Tower of the Stone of Osgiliath was destroyed and the palantír was lost in the Anduin. When the city was taken, Castamir showed his cruel side, putting Ornendil, the son of Eldacar, to death and causing slaughter and destruction far above the needs of war.[2]

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
  2. 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion"