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Dungalef

2021-03-18T17:58:39Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

'''Dungalef''' (anagram of the name "Felagund") was the name [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]] took upon himself during the [[Quest for the Silmaril]] when disguised as an [[Orcs|orc]]. His companion, [[Beren|Beren Erchamion]], took the name of [[Nereb]].<ref name="LB">{{LB|C7}}, p. 229</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:Aliases]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:elfes:noldor:dungalef]]
[[fi:Dungalef]]

Brethil

2021-01-04T14:12:43Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{expansion}}
{{location infobox
| name=Brethil
| image=[[File:Christopher Tolkien - Map of Brethil.jpg|250px]]
| caption=
| pronun=
| othernames=''Sarch nia Chîn Húrin''
| location=Between [[Taeglin]] and [[Sirion]], [[West Beleriand]]
| type=Forest
| description=Forest of silver [[birches]], with [[Amon Obel]] at the centre
| regions=
| towns=[[Ephel Brandir]]
| inhabitants=[[House of Haleth|Haladin]], [[Sindar]], [[Drúedain]]
| created=
| destroyed=
| events=
}}

'''Brethil''', later called '''''Sarch nia Chîn Húrin''''', was a forest between the [[Taeglin]] and the [[Sirion]], originally part of [[Doriath]] but outside the [[Girdle of Melian]]. The main feature of the forest was the hill of [[Amon Obel]].

==History==
After dwelling east of the river [[Gelion]], the [[Men]] of the [[House of Haleth]] were granted Brethil by King [[Thingol]], on the condition that they guard the [[Crossings of the Taeglin]].<ref>{{S|West}}</ref> Some [[Drúedain]] also dwelt there.<ref>{{UT|Druedain}}</ref> The main settlement of the Haladin was [[Ephel Brandir]] on Amon Obel.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Orc-Host is Ambushed in Brethil.jpg|250px|left|thumb|''The Orc-Host is Ambushed in Brethil'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
The [[Men of Brethil]] for a century protected [[Nargothrond]] and also took part in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], where they were all slain. Their [[Chieftain of the Haladin|Chieftain]] [[Handir]] was slain by Orcs north of Brethil on {{FA|495}}.<ref name=T>{{S|Turin}}</ref>

Túrin came here after the destruction of [[Nargothrond]] and the journey to [[Dor-Lómin]], and rested here for a while, until rumours came again about [[Glaurung]], the father of all dragons. At the borders of this forest Glaurung was slain by Túrin.<ref name=T/>

After the death of the [[Dragons|dragon]] [[Glaurung]] his slayer Túrin wrenched his sword [[Gurthang]] from the belly of the beast. This action caused a spurt of black venomous blood to drench Túrin's hand. The pain of his burned hand and a baleful glare by the dragon caused Túrin to swoon and appear as if dead. Soon after [[Nienor]], still under the dragon's curse and unaware of her true name, came to the scene and bound her husband Túrin's hand. She cried for him to awake but this only aroused Glaurung one last time. He hailed her by her true name and as he died she recalled all of her past. Niënor was horrified when she learned that the child whom she carried within her womb was her brother's child. Brandir witnessed the scene and cried out to Niënor, but she fled and jumped to her death at the [[Cabed-en-Aras]]. When Brandir walked back to [[Nen Girith]] where the people of Brethil cowered he spoke of the deaths of the children of Húrin and renamed the land, stating that it would never be free of grief.<ref>{{CH|17}}</ref>

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Brethil.mp3|Ardamir}}
''[[brethil (Sindarin word)|brethil]]'' is [[Sindarin]] for "silver birch".<ref>{{S|Appendix}}</ref>

''Sarch nia Chîn Húrin'' was the name that [[Brandir]] gave to Brethil, meaning "Grave of the Children of [[Húrin]]".
{{references}}
[[Category:Beleriand]]
[[Category:Doriath]]
[[Category:Forests]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]
[[de:Brethil]]
[[fr:encyclo:geographie:forets:beleriand:brethil]]
[[fi:Brethilin Metsä]]

Bodyguard of Bolg

2020-09-24T16:49:01Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

[[File:The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug - Bolg in Lake-town.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Bolg in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]]]
The '''Bodyguard of Bolg''' were a group of [[Orcs]] who served as the bodyguards to the Orc Chieftain [[Bolg|Bolg of the North]], son of [[Azog]], during the [[Battle of Five Armies]].<ref name="H17">{{H|17}}</ref>
==History==
Upon the arrival of the Goblins to the Battle of Five Armies, as they filled the valley, with [[Bolg]], was his bodyguard. Of 'huge size' and armed with scimitars of steel.

During the battle, [[Thorin|Thorin Oakensheild]] left [[Erebor]] and entered the fray. He drove against against the Bodyguard but could not break the Goblin's ranks.<ref name="H17"/> Later, him and the dwarves of his [[Thorin and Company|company]] were gathered in a ring as they fought and were driven against by the bodyguard.<ref name="H17"/>

After Thorin's defeat in the battle, [[Beorn]] arrived to his aid and carried him to safety, he returned swiftly to destroy the bodyguard of Bolg and then Bolg himself. <ref>{{H|18}}</ref>

{{References}}
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Orcs]]

Bolg

2020-09-24T16:44:05Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

__NOTOC__
{{orc infobox
| name=Bolg
| image=[[File:Turner Mohan - Bolg.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Bolg" by [[:Category:Images by Turner Mohan|Turner Mohan]]
| pronun=
| othernames="Bolg of the North"<ref name=H17/>
| titles=
| position=[[Orcs|Orc]]-chieftain
| location=[[Gundabad|Mount Gundabad]]
| affiliation=
| language=
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death={{TA|2941}}
| deathlocation=[[Battle of Five Armies]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| parentage=[[Azog]]
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| race=[[Orcs|Orc]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=Scimitar
| steed=
}}
'''Bolg of the North''' was a vengeful Orc chieftain, son of [[Azog]], who led a great army in the [[Battle of Five Armies]]. He was crushed in the ensuing battle by [[Beorn]].

==History==
Bolg was the son of Azog,<ref name=H17>{{H|17}}</ref> succeeding his father as a prominent leader of the northern [[Orcs]] after Azog was killed by [[Dáin Ironfoot]] at the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] in [[Third Age]] {{TA|2799|n}}.<ref>{{App|Durin}}</ref> This started Bolg's hatred towards the [[Dwarves]] and after the [[Great Goblin]] was killed during an encounter with [[Thorin and Company]] in {{TA|2941}}, his hatred for them grew even more.{{fact}}

Bolg gathered an army of [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] to their capital at [[Gundabad|Mount Gundabad]]. They marched eastward through the [[Grey Mountains]] with a host of [[Wargs]] and a cloud of [[bats]] overhead.<ref name=H17/>

Once they reached the [[Lonely Mountain]], Bolg led the Orcs and Wargs into [[Battle of the Five Armies|battle]] with the Dwarves, [[Elves of Mirkwood|Wood-elves]], and [[Lake-men]]. Surrounding him was his [[The Bodyguard of Bolg|bodyguard]] with steel scimitars.<ref name=H17/> When [[Thorin]] attempted to pierce their ranks he became surrounded, and would later die from the wounds he sustained. The [[Eagles]] arrived and after them came [[Beorn]] in the shape of a bear. Beorn killed Bolg and the Orcs and Wargs were soon defeated.<ref>{{H|18}}</ref>

==Etymology==
There have been several attempts to give a meaning of the name ''Bolg''. One is a regular [[Orkish]] treatment of ''[[Boldog]]'', another a connection to [[Westron]] ''[[Bolger Family#Etymology|bolg]]''.

In ''[[The History of The Hobbit]]'', a word from a little known and little expanded language, ''[[Mágol]]'', is given, ''bolg'', which means "strong". [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] at one time considered making Mágol an Orkish language. An [[wikipedia:Primitive Irish|Ivernian]] word "bolg", of unknown meaning, is also cited by [[John D. Rateliff|Rateliff]].<ref>{{HM|RB}}, p. 710</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| AZO | |AZO=[[Azog]]''d. {{TA|2799}}''}}
{{familytree| |!| | |}}
{{familytree| BOL | |BOL='''BOLG'''''d. {{TA|2941}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
[[File:The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug - Bolg in Lake-town.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Bolg in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]]]

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:Bolg is played by [[Conan Stevens]] in this film via practical costume.<ref name="TORNBolg">{{webcite|author=MrCere|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/04/22/55228-exclusive-hobbits-conan-stevens-chats-with-torn/|articlename=Exclusive: ‘Hobbit’s’ Conan Stevens chats with TORn|dated=22-April-2012|website=TORN|accessed=05-September-2012}}</ref> He makes a brief appearance during the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]], where he is seen fighting against [[Dwalin]] during the flashback to the battle outside [[Moria]], until he is incapacitated and knocked down. He is, however, never actually identified as being Bolg in the film.<ref group=note>While Bolg was redesigned for motion capture performance and recast for the two following films, Conan Stevens ''does'' reprise this character as the [[Keeper of the Dungeons|Orc dungeon keeper]] at [[Dol Guldur]] in ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'' who torments [[Gandalf]] as he is imprisoned there. The Orc also attempts to reclaim [[Narya]] from the [[Wizards|Wizard]] for his [[Sauron|master]] right before being vanquished by [[Galadriel]] upon her arrival, though this segment only occurs in the film's [[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (extended edition)|Extended Edition]]</ref>

'''2013: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''
:Bolg is played by [[Lawrence Makoare]] via motion capture in this film. Azog - who survives the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]] in these films - is summoned to Dol Guldur to become the commander of [[Sauron]]'s [[Orcs|Orc]] armies. While there, [[Azog]] dispatches his son Bolg to take his place in hunting Thorin and Company. With his pack of Orcs, Bolg tracks Thorin and Company through [[Mirkwood]], attacks the Wood-elves as the Company escapes in barrels, and eventually follows the [[Thorin and Company|Dwarves]] to [[Lake-town]].
:At Lake-town, Bolg and a team of stealth-Orcs raid Bard's home in search of the Dwarves, but find only four. When they attack, they are in turn attacked by two [[Elves]]: [[Legolas]] and [[Tauriel]]. He goes after Legolas, and the two begin a duel (in which the Elf uses [[Orcrist]], the weapon of [[Thorin]]). However, the two adversaries prove to be evenly-matched, so Bolg decides to make his retreat. While Legolas is distracted by other Orcs, Bolg withdraws and rides a Warg down a dock. He is then pursued by Legolas, now on a horse.

'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''
:Once again performed via motion capture, Bolg is played by [[John Tui]] this time. He is first seen in this film when he meets his father who is leading Sauron's forces to capture [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]]. When he realises [[Elves of Mirkwood|Elves]] will come to Erebor, Azog sends Bolg to lead a separate Orc army detachment raised in [[Gundabad]]. Arriving with an advance force, he aids his father against Thorin [[Oakenshield]]'s commando team on [[Ravenhill]], nearly kills the Elf Tauriel, and slays the Dwarf [[Kíli]] when he comes to her defense. Soon afterwards, however, he is confronted and killed by Legolas, who drives one of his battle-knives into his head. Bolg's body subsequently falls off the mountain and is crushed by a boulder falling on top of it.

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Bolg|Images of Bolg]]

{{References|Notes}}
[[Category:Black Speech words]]
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:Orcs]]
[[Category:Orkish words]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Bolg]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:orques:bolg]]
[[fi:Bolg]]

Battle of Five Armies

2020-09-24T16:41:11Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{Countdown}}
{{disambig-more|Battle of Five Armies|[[Battle of Five Armies (disambiguation)]]}}
{{battle
|image=[[File:Matt Stewart - The Battle Under the Mountain.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of Five Armies
|conflict=Battle of Five Armies
|date=[[23 November]] {{TA|2941}} (speculative)<ref name="KWF99">[[Karen Wynn Fonstad]], ''[[The Atlas of Middle-earth]]'' (second edition), page 99</ref>
|place=the slopes of Erebor, and the Valley and ruins of Dale
|result=Victory for the Elves, Men, and Dwarves
|side1=[[Elves of Mirkwood]], [[Lake-men|Lake-Men]], [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]], [[Thorin and Company]], and [[Eagles]]
|side2=[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]], [[Orcs]] of the [[Grey Mountains]], [[Wargs]], [[Bats]]
|commanders1=
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Thranduil]]
*[[Bard|Bard the Bowman]]
*[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin]]
*[[Thorin|Thorin]] †
*[[Gwaihir]]
|commanders2=
*[[Bolg]] †
|forces1=
*Over 1,000 Elf spearmen and several hundred more archers<ref>{{H|17}}</ref>
*Unknown number of [[Lake-men|Lake-Men]]
*500+ [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]]<ref name="Thief">{{H|Thief}}</ref>
*Many [[Eagles]]
*[[Thorin and Company|Thorin's 12 Dwarf companions]]
*[[Beorn]]
|forces2=* "A vast host" of Goblins, Bats, and Wargs
|casual1=Many
|casual2=Severe; three parts of the goblin warriors of the North perished<ref>{{H|18}}</ref>
}}

The '''Battle of Five Armies''' was an important battle waged in {{TA|2941}}.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> The five warring parties were the [[Orcs#Goblins|Goblins]] and the [[Wargs]] against [[Men]], [[Elves]] and [[Dwarves]] on and near the [[Lonely Mountain]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===

Thorin and Company, including the "master-thief" [[Bilbo Baggins]] trying to
recapture the heirloom of their fathers' (and possibly to kill Smaug, too, and thus to recapture the whole Kingdom) had camped without at [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] for some weeks. Bilbo had already done some exploration of the old hallways using the [[Back Door]] and had stolen a golden cup from the treasure. By this deed and by Bilbo's bold speech Smaug's anger was kindled.

Erroneously believing, due to some remarks Bilbo had made during his conversation with Smaug,<ref name="Inside">{{H|Inside}}</ref> that some scheme of the Men of [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]] was the reason for the Dwarves' (and Bilbo's) presence, Smaug flew to Esgaroth to show them who is "the true [[King under the Mountain]]".<ref name="Inside">{{H|Inside}}</ref> Smaug's fires burned down the whole town, but the dragon was killed by [[Bard|Bard the Bowman]]. The [[Elves of Mirkwood]] soon learned that Smaug had been killed and thus set forth to claim the treasure, believing there was no one left who had a claim on it. Having heard of the disaster that had struck the befriended men, the Elven host turned aside to offer any help that could be provided. Some day after the Elves had arrived at the [[Long Lake]] a united host of Men and Elves set forth towards Erebor, believing that the Dwarves had been among the first casualties of Smaug's wrath. To their surprise they found Thorin and Company quite alive, the gate to the halls beneath Erebor barred by a wall and themselves treated as foes, coming armed towards the gates.<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref>

For several reasons Bard, being heir of [[Girion]], Lord of [[Dale]], claimed one twelfth of the treasure: first, he was the dragonslayer and without him, the Dwarves could never have reclaimed their old home. Second, a great deal of Dale's treasure had been robbed by Smaug and thus belonged rightfully to Bard and not the Dwarves. Third, the men of Esgaroth had helped the Dwarves on their journey and now had suffered severely; their whole city burned to the ground and their stocks being destroyed by Smaug, whose anger in the end was only risen by the Dwarves alone. Therefore they demanded compensation and Bard intended to pay it from the part of the treasure he claimed.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref>

Yet Thorin rebuked these claims. He would not fulfill any of the conditions as long as an armoured Elven host camped near Erebor. For the Elves did not have any claims on the treasure and Thorin himself had been imprisoned by the Elves.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref>

As a result, [[Thorin and Company]] were trapped in a bloodless siege, with [[Thranduil]] and Bard hoping to wait him out.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref> However, Thorin had sent messages of his plight to his relatives using as messengers talking [[Ravens]] that lived on the Lonely Mountain. These reached [[Dáin Ironfoot]] of the nearby Iron Hills, and he marched to Erebor with 500 heavily armed [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]], most of them skilled veterans of the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]]<ref name="Thief">{{H|Thief}}</ref>. When Dain's forces arrived, battle was almost joined between the two sides (now ''three'' armies were on the field) but at the last moment [[Gandalf]] intervened between the two and revealed that while they were bickering amongst themselves, the Goblins of the [[Misty Mountains]] and [[Grey Mountains]] under [[Bolg]] were using the opportunity to march against them. They had been incited by Gandalf's earlier slaying of the [[Great Goblin]], but had now mobilized for a full-scale attack after hearing news of the death of the Dragon and the now relatively unguarded treasure hoard.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref>

=== The Battle ===

The three commanders agreed that the Goblins and Wargs were the enemies of all and previous grievances between them were put on hold in face of the greater threat. They arranged their forces on the two spurs of the Mountain that lined the valley leading to the now-sealed off great [[Front Gate|Gate of Erebor]]; the only entrance to the Mountain that remained unblocked (any others had been destroyed by Smaug long before). The 500 Dwarves and 200 or so Lake-men formed up on one spur and over 1000 Elves on the other, while a light rear-guard lined across the mouth of the valley to lure the Goblins between the two spurs of the mountain, and thus destroy them. [[Bilbo Baggins]] tried to sit out the battle on [[Ravenhill]] which was held by the Elves and where also Gandalf had withdrawn to.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref>

[[File:Joona Kujanen - Battle of Five Armies - Men of Esgaroth.jpg|300px|thumb|left|'''Battle of Five Armies: Men of Esgaroth''' by Joona Kujanen.]]Soon the Goblins and Wargs arrived, and at first the plan worked: they were lured into the chokepoint and took heavy losses. However, due to their superior numbers, the allied Free peoples did not hold the advantage long. The second wave was even worse than the first, and due to their sheer number now many Goblins scaled the mountain from the opposite side, and began to attack the arrayed forces from above and behind, as the main wave pressed forward. The battle raged across the Mountain, and then a great noise was heard: Thorin and his 12 Dwarf companions inside the mountain had thrown down a section of the stone wall they had erected across the mouth of the gates, killing many Goblins. Thorin and Company emerged, covered in the best armour and armed with the best weapons in Erebor. Then Thorin cried, "''Rally to me my kinsfolk''," and charged down into the valley to join the battle with many Dwarves and many Men and Elves joining them. Thorin advanced through the Goblins' ranks all the way up to the gigantic Goblins that formed the Bodyguard of Bolg, but could not get past them. Also his battle-line was too short, the flanks unprotected and thus his attack soon crumbled, Thorin and many others were cut off and hard beset by Bolg's [[The Bodyguard of Bolg|bodyguard]]. The battle degenerated into a chaotic close quarters melee, no quarter asked or given.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref>

As the battle was turning fully against the Free Folk, a large army of Giant [[Eagles]] of the Misty Mountains arrived, led by the [[Great Eagle]]. Bilbo was the first to spot their entrance on the scene and began shouting that "the Eagles are coming!", a shout that was then continued among the other troops of the Free Folk. At this point Bilbo was knocked in the head by a large stone thrown by a Goblin from above on the Mountain, and he was knocked out.<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref> With the support of the Giant Eagles, the Goblins that had scaled Erebor were driven off. The tide was eventually turned, when [[Beorn]] himself arrived at the battle, apparently having heard news that a large army of Goblins were on the move. This time he did not appear in his former shape of a giant Man, but in that of a gigantic Bear. Beorn drove through the Goblin lines, but paused to carry the wounded Thorin out of the battle with his paw. Beorn then returned to the battle with even greater wrath and smashed the [[The Bodyguard of Bolg|bodyguard of Bolg]], ultimately killing [[Bolg]]. The Goblins panicked and scattered, to be picked off by hunting forces from the victors later.<ref name="Return">{{H|Return}}</ref>

=== Aftermath ===

[[Thorin]] had been mortally wounded on the field, and his nephews [[Fíli]] and [[Kíli]] died defending him as he lay on the ground with shield and body. Thorin died soon after the battle, after he had met Bilbo one last time and had taken back the harsh words he had spoken before.

After defeating the Goblins and Wargs, the victors divided the treasure. Bard took [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]]'s fourteenth share of the gold and silver in return for the [[Arkenstone]], whereupon he shared his reward with the [[Master of Lake-town]] and gave the Elvenking [[Thranduil]] the emeralds of [[Girion]]. Bilbo, despite having forfeited his share, was offered a rich reward by [[Dáin Ironfoot]] but refused to take more than two small chests of gold and silver.

It is said that three quarters of the Goblin warriors of the North were killed on that day. The Goblins of the Misty Mountains and the Dwarves both were significantly spent after the battle, and until the [[War of the Ring]], the North remained quiet on both sides.<ref name="Return"/>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In its first versions, the conflict around Erebor ended after the Siege. While Bard and the Elvenking laid siege, Gandalf would arrive and negotiate a peace treaty. The actual Battle, dubbed by [[John D. Rateliff]] the "Battle of Anduin Vale", would be on the return journey, in what would later be known as the [[Vales of Anduin]]. There, Goblins and Wargs would waylay Bilbo. The Five Armies in this incarnation were the Goblins, the Wargs, the Woodelves, the Woodmen, and [[Beorn|Beorn Medwed]] leading a troop of bears.<ref name=TBo5A">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[John D. Rateliff]] (ed.), ''[[The History of The Hobbit|The History of The Hobbit: Return to Bag-End]]'', pages 713-4</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1966: [[The Hobbit (1966 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1966 film)]]:'''
:The battle is completely omitted. Bilbo kills the dragon, and returns home.<ref name="Deitch">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UBnVL1Y2src|articlename=The Hobbit.mp4|dated=5 January 2012|website=YouTube|accessed=10 January 2012}}</ref>

'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:The "Five Armies" are the Elves, the Men, the Dwarves, the Goblins (and [[Wargs]]) and the Eagles. Bilbo estimates the force of the Men and Elves on 10,000, but this may not be an accurate estimate. The number of Dwarves of [[Thorin and Company]] to have died is seven, but only Thorin and [[Bombur]] are named among the dead. Only [[Glóin]] is shown as having survived the battle.

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:The battle takes up most of the last chapter. Because Bilbo is the main character, his role in the battle is much expanded. After leaving Thranduil, he has to fight his way to Balin, [[Lianna]], [[Corwin]], Gandalf, Beorn, and ultimately Bolg.

'''2014: [[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies|''The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies'']]:'''
:The battle comprises the majority of the film. The five armies are described as Elves, Men, Dwarves, and two armies of Orcs - one from Dol Guldur and the other from [[Gundabad]].<ref>[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (extended edition)]] Appendices</ref> [[Azog]] acts as commander, rather than [[Bolg]], and set up a signal post on [[Raven Hill]] to coordinate the battle.

:During the battle, Thorin decides to kill Azog in [[Ravenhill]] and is followed by Dwalin, Fili and Kili. Fili is then captured, impaled by Azog and thrown off a tower. Bolg finds [[Tauriel]] and injures her but before he can finish her, Kili arrives to save her but is impaled by Bolg's mace and dies. Thorin confronts Azog in a fight to avenge Fili; ultimately, Azog stabs Thorin in the chest, whilst Thorin plunges Orcrist through Azog's chest and stabs him into the ice, killing the Orc. Thorin later apologises to, and makes peace with, Bilbo before dying.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[Category:Sieges]]
[[de:Schlacht der Fünf Heere]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_cinq_armees]]
[[fi:Viiden Armeijan Taistelu]]

Bodyguard of Bolg

2020-09-24T16:34:01Z

InAHoleInTheGround: Created Page: Bodyguard of Bolg

[[File:The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug - Bolg in Lake-town.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Bolg in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]]]
The '''Bodyguard of Bolg''' were a group of [[Orcs]] who served as the bodyguards to the Orc Chieftain [[Bolg|Bolg of the North]], son of [[Azog]], during the [[Battle of Five Armies]].<ref name="H17">{{H|17}}</ref>
==History==
Upon the arrival of the Goblins to the Battle of Five Armies, as they filled the valley, with [[Bolg]] was his bodyguard. Of 'huge size' and armed with scimitars of steel.

During the battle, [[Thorin|Thorin Oakensheild]] left [[Erebor]] and entered the fray. He drove against against the Bodyguard but could not break the Goblin's ranks.<ref name="H17"/> Later, him and the dwarves of his [[Thorin and Company|company]] were gathered in a ring as they fought and were driven against by the bodyguard.<ref name="H17"/>

After Thorin's defeat in the battle, [[Beorn]] arrived to his aid and carried him to safety, he returned swiftly to destroy the bodyguard of Bolg and then Bolg himself. <ref>{{H|18}}</ref>

{{References}}
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Orcs]]

Dol Guldur

2020-09-22T15:48:14Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{Countdown}}
{{disambig-two|the stronghold in [[Mirkwood]]|[[Middle-earth Role Playing|MERP]] supplement|[[Dol Guldur (book)]]}}
{{location infobox
| name=Dol Guldur
| image=[[File:Matěj Čadil - Dol Guldur.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Dol Guldur" by Matěj Čadil
| pronun=
| othernames=[[Amon Lanc]]
| location=Southern [[Mirkwood]]
| typeFortified stronghold/outpost
| description=Barren hilltop later occupied by [[Sauron]] and [[Nazgûl]]
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Silvan Elves]], later [[Orcs]] and other Fell creatures
| created=Around {{TA|1100}}
| destroyed={{TA|3019}}
| events=[[Attack on Dol Guldur]], [[Fall of Dol Guldur]]
}}
{{Pronounce|Dol Guldur.mp3|Ardamir}}

'''Dol Guldur''' ("Hill of Sorcery" in [[Sindarin]]),<ref>{{S|Index}}</ref> also called "the dungeons of the Necromancer",<ref>{{H|1}}</ref><ref>''"The sins of Middle Earth, Tolkien's use of Allegory"''. Chapter 6. Greenwood Press. pp. 86.</ref> was a stronghold of [[Sauron]] located in the south of [[Mirkwood]].

==History==
Dol Guldur was originally known as '''[[Amon Lanc]]''' ("Bald Hill") in [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]].<ref>{{UT|Gladden}}, note 12, p. 280</ref> It had been the capital of [[Oropher]]'s [[Silvan Elves]], who had departed north to the Dark Mountains<ref>{{UT|Gladden}}, note 14, p. 280</ref> (later known as the [[Mountains of Mirkwood]]).

Somewhere after {{TA|1000}}, an evil presence took over Amon Lanc. It was in {{TA|1050|n}} that a [[shadow]] fell upon Greenwood and it began to be called [[Mirkwood]].<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> The hostile entity was known as "the [[Necromancer]]" by the peoples. [[Thranduil]] son of [[Oropher]] led his people over the [[Forest River]], where they remained.<ref>{{UT|6b}}, p. 259</ref>
[[File:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'']]
The [[White Council|Council of the Wise]] long feared the Necromancer might be none other than [[Sauron]] himself who secretly regained his powers after his defeat in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. In {{TA|2063|n}} [[Gandalf]] went to Dol Guldur, and the "Necromancer", not yet powerful, fled to the [[East]] so as not to be identified.

After [[Watchful Peace|four centuries]] in {{TA|2460|n}}, just as [[the One Ring]] was found by [[Sméagol]] the [[Stoors|Stoor]], the "Necromancer" returned there.<ref name="TA"/>

A dark [[shadow]] and cloud flowed from Dol Guldur whereas a golden mist that came from [[Lothlórien]] to the west contended with the darkness coming from Mirkwood. In {{TA|2510}} when [[Eorl]] the Young was leading his riders to the [[Battle of the Field of Celebrant]] he steered his force westward to avoid the phenomenon of the shadow, and they entered the mist.<ref>{{UT|Cirion}}, p. 298</ref>

In {{TA|2845|n}} [[Thráin|Thráin II]], [[Kings of Durin's Folk|King of Durin's Folk]]-in-exile and holder of the [[Ring of Thrór|last]] of the [[Seven Rings]] of the [[Dwarves]], was on his way to the [[Lonely Mountain]]. He was captured near the eaves of Mirkwood, imprisoned and tortured in Dol Guldur's dungeons, and his Ring taken from him. In {{TA|2850|n}} Gandalf again entered Dol Guldur, found the dying Thráin, and was entrusted with the [[Thrór's Map|map]] and key to give to [[Thorin]], although Thráin could not tell him his own or his son's name before he died. Gandalf confirmed that the Necromancer, the master of Dol Guldur at that time, was Sauron.<ref name="TA"/>
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|Angus McBride - ''Dol Guldur'']]
Gandalf returned to the [[White Council]] and urged an attack on Dol Guldur, but was overruled by [[Saruman]], who secretly had begun searching for the One Ring in the area by then. In {{TA|2941}} Saruman finally agreed to an attack, which occurred at the same time as the [[Quest of Erebor]]. This was carefully planned by Gandalf, so that Sauron and [[Smaug]] could not assist each other, as otherwise they could easily have done. During the attack, Sauron fled.

In {{TA|2951|n}} Sauron came to [[Mordor]], his plans now ready, and sent [[Khamûl]], the second chief<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}, note 1, p. 352</ref>, and two other [[Nazgûl]] back to Dol Guldur.<ref name="TA"/>

In the following decades Dol Guldur must have rebuilt some of its power until the [[War of the Ring]], during which its forces (most likely [[Orcs]]) made an [[Battle under the trees|attack]] upon the [[Woodland Realm]] and assaults on [[Lothlórien|Lórien]],<ref name=great/> causing grievous damage to the outlying woodlands. However each time they were driven back by [[Thranduil]], [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]] who held the power of [[Nenya]]; which only Sauron himself could have overcome.

Dol Guldur was finally destroyed and cleansed by the [[Elves]] of Lórien, led by [[Galadriel]], after Sauron's fall.<ref name=great>{{App|Great}}</ref>

==Etymology==
''Dol Guldur'' is [[Sindarin]] from ''[[dol]]'' ("hill") and ''[[guldur]]'' ("sorcery").<ref>{{PE|Eldarin}}, p. 32</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
The original name of Dol Guldur was Dol Dúgol, and on [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s first map for ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' the hill was located much farther east than its later location (in square M-15 of Map II).<ref name="Map II">{{TI|MII}}, p. 305</ref> [[Christopher Tolkien]] explained that Map II had faint traces of green which suggested that Mirkwood originally extended farther to the east too.<ref>{{TI|First}}, p. 298</ref> The name Dol Dúgol was stricken out and the hill was moved to its later location on this map, but its name became Dol Dúghul before finally changing to Dol Guldur.<ref name="Map II"/>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Dol Guldur in adaptations
|width=165
|height=140
|lines=3
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Dol Guldur.jpg|Dol Guldur in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Galadriel dol guldur bfmeII.JPG|The [[Fall of Dol Guldur]] from ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II|The Battle for Middle-earth II]]''
|File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Dol Guldur.png|Dol Guldur in [[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit film trilogy]]}}
===Films===
'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:Dol Guldur is depicted as a ruined and abandoned fortress of unknown origin. It features statues of the Nazgûl. [[Radagast]], not [[Gandalf]], enters Dol Guldur. He is attacked by the [[Witch-king]], obtains a [[Morgul-knife|Morgul blade]], and finds that Dol Guldur is occupied by a [[Sauron|Necromancer]]. He then travels to Gandalf to tell him the news and gives him the sword as proof.

'''2013: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''
:Gandalf enters Dol Guldur to investigate its ruins. There he meets [[Azog]] and his army. He tries to escape, but is trapped by [[Sauron|the Necromancer]], who reveals to Gandalf his true identity. Gandalf is later seen trapped in one of the cages.

'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''
:[[Galadriel]] enters Dol Guldur in order to rescue Gandalf. Accompanied by [[Saruman]] and [[Elrond]] they encounter Sauron and [[Nazgûl|the Nine]]. The [[Attack on Dol Guldur|Attack]] begins and Sauron flees to [[Mordor|the East]].

===Games===
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Dol Guldur makes appearance during both "Good" and "Evil" campaigns as a site of a major battleground.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Dol Guldur is commanded by the [[Mouth of Sauron]], not [[Khamûl]]. Dol Guldur (or Mordor itself) sent a huge army of Orcs, Haradrim, and Trolls to assault [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]]. The attack fails, and the Mouth of Sauron is killed along with all the attacking force. Dol Guldur is then itself attacked by a combined army of Elves and Dwarves led by [[Elrond]], [[Arwen]], [[Glorfindel]], [[Glóin]], and [[Dáin Ironfoot]]. After a long and hard struggle, the Elves and Dwarves finally overrun Dol Guldur and lay waste to the evil that dwelled there, ending Sauron's war campaign in the North once and for all.

:In the Evil Campaign, the Goblins from Dol Guldur eliminate the Elves and the Ents that guard the Forest Road in Mirkwood.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Dol Guldur is a central point in the game's second expansion, ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Siege of Mirkwood]]''. In its storyline, Celeborn and Galadriel organize a military campaign against Dol Guldur while the Fellowship still resides in Lothlórien (not to be confused with the later battle during the War of the Ring). The announced goal is to sow chaos into Orc forces by destroying as many of their troops, weapons and supplies as possible, to delay an inevitable assault upon Lothlórien. The true purpose, however, is to distract the Eye of Sauron from the company departing down the shores of Anduin. An assault by the Golden Host of the Galadhrim is successful despite minor losses and after establishing multiple camps throughout southern Mirkwood arrives at the walls of the fortress itself. However, without the White Lady they do not have the means of bringing down the walls, so the Elves prepare to swiftly fall back beyond Anduin before the main forces of the Enemy arrive. The players can also explore multiple locations within the Fortress, among them the Necromancer's Gate, the Ringwraith's Lair, the Dungeons of Dol Guldur, the chief tower named Barad Guldur and Sammath Gul - the chambers once occupied by the Dark Lord himself. Much later, after the [[War of the Ring]], the Galadhrim and [[Elves of Mirkwood]] lead a great assault on Dol Guldur, where Galadriel casts down the walls of the stronghold, and renames the hill ''Dol Dhannen'', "The Hill of Ruin".

==See also==
* [[Attack on Dol Guldur]]
* [[Fall of Dol Guldur]]
* [[Sauron|Necromancer]]
{{references}}
[[Category:Buildings]]
[[Category:Fortresses]]
[[Category:Rhovanion]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]

[[de:Dol Guldur]]
[[fi:Dol Guldur]]
[[fr:encyclo:geographie:villes_tours_et_forteresses:rhovanion:dol_guldur]]

Battle under the trees

2020-09-21T18:24:31Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{unnamed}}
{{battle
| name=Battle under the trees
| image=[[Image:Soni Alcorn-Hender - Battle Under Trees, Elves and Orca.jpeg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of the Ring]]
| date=[[15 March|March 15]]
| place= [[Mirkwood]]
| result= [[Thranduil]] repels the forces of [[Dol Guldur]]
| side1=[[Elves of Mirkwood]]
| side2=[[Orcs]] of Dol Guldur
| commanders1=[[Thranduil]]
| commanders2=[[Khamûl]]
| forces1=Unknown, enough for victory
| forces2=Unknown
| casual1=Unknown
| casual2=Unknown, enough for defeat
|}}
{{wotr}}
The '''Battle under the trees''' was a conflict fought on [[15 March|March 15]], the {{TA|3019}} forming part of [[The War of the Ring]].<ref name="battle under trees">{{App|Great}}</ref> It was fought simultaneously to the second assault on [[Lórien]], a battle also fought against the forces of [[Dol Guldur]].
== Prelude and The Battle ==

[[Dol Guldur]] had recently become active<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>(possibly under the power of [[Khamûl]], it's former commander)<ref> J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Hunt for the Ring", note 1, p. 352</ref>
under the service of [[Sauron]]. On [[11 March|11th of March]] (4 days prior) Dol Guldor had sent a force of Orcs to Lórien. <ref name="battle under trees"/> It failed, though acted as the first of three assaults.

On the 15th of March, The [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] took place in [[Gondor]].<ref>{{RK|Battle}}</ref> Not soon after it's end, Orcs were sent from Dol Guldur to Lórien and the [[Woodland Realm]]. The Battle took place under the trees of Mirkwood when Thranduil's realm was invaded. There was a long battle under the trees and a great ruin of fire. In the end Thranduil had the victory and the Elves of Mirkwood had won. <ref name="battle under trees"/>

At the same time, Orcs were sent to Lothlórien a second time and once again failed the assault. <ref name="battle under trees"/>

== Aftermath ==
A third assault on Lórien was made on [[22 March]] and ended the same as the others. On [[28 March]] [[Celeborn]] took Dol Guldur and [[Galadriel]] laid it bare. <ref name="battle under trees"/>

On [[6 April|April 6]] Celeborn and King [[Thranduil]] met in the midst of the forest and renamed it [[Eryn Lasgalen]] "wood of green leaves". Celeborn took the land south of [[The Narrows]] for himself and named it [[East Lórien]], while Thranduil took all wood north of the [[Mountains of Mirkwood]], and they gave the middle of the wood to the [[Beornings]] and [[Woodmen]]. <ref name="battle under trees"/>

{{references}}
==External links==
*[https://middle-earth.xenite.org/what-was-the-battle-of-mirkwood/ What was the Battle of Mirkwood?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]

Battle under the trees

2020-09-21T17:36:54Z

InAHoleInTheGround: Thank you for taking an interest. I assumed it was under the command of Khamúl, due to Appendix B stating this in 2951. I realise this time spent with power over Dol Guldur, possibly didn't last to 3019, and the time is ambiguous and unspecified

{{unnamed}}
{{battle
| name=Battle under the trees
| image=[[Image:Soni Alcorn-Hender - Battle Under Trees, Elves and Orca.jpeg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of the Ring]]
| date=[[15 March|March 15]]
| place= [[Mirkwood]]
| result= [[Thranduil]] repels the forces of [[Dol Guldur]]
| side1=[[Elves of Mirkwood]]
| side2=[[Orcs]] of Dol Guldur
| commanders1=[[Thranduil]]
| commanders2=[[Khamûl]]
| forces1=Unknown, enough for victory
| forces2=Unknown
| casual1=Unknown
| casual2=Unknown, enough for defeat
|}}
{{wotr}}
The '''Battle under the trees''' was a conflict fought on [[15 March|March 15]], the {{TA|3019}} forming part of [[The War of the Ring]].<ref name="battle under trees">{{App|Great}}</ref> It was fought simultaneously to the second assault on [[Lórien]], a battle also fought against the forces of [[Dol Guldur]].
== Prelude and The Battle ==

[[Dol Guldur]] had recently become active<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>(possibly under the power of [[Khamûl]], it's former commander<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>)under the service of [[Sauron]]. On [[11 March|11th of March]] (4 days prior) Dol Guldor had sent a force of Orcs to Lórien. <ref name="battle under trees"/> It failed, though acted as the first of three assaults.

On the 15th of March, The [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] took place in [[Gondor]].<ref>{{RK|Battle}}</ref> Not soon after it's end, Orcs were sent from Dol Guldur to Lórien and the [[Woodland Realm]]. The Battle took place under the trees of Mirkwood when Thranduil's realm was invaded. There was a long battle under the trees and a great ruin of fire. In the end Thranduil had the victory and the Elves of Mirkwood had won. <ref name="battle under trees"/>

At the same time, Orcs were sent to Lothlórien a second time and once again failed the assault. <ref name="battle under trees"/>

== Aftermath ==
A third assault on Lórien was made on [[22 March]] and ended the same as the others. On [[28 March]] [[Celeborn]] took Dol Guldur and [[Galadriel]] laid it bare. <ref name="battle under trees"/>

On [[6 April|April 6]] Celeborn and King [[Thranduil]] met in the midst of the forest and renamed it [[Eryn Lasgalen]] "wood of green leaves". Celeborn took the land south of [[The Narrows]] for himself and named it [[East Lórien]], while Thranduil took all wood north of the [[Mountains of Mirkwood]], and they gave the middle of the wood to the [[Beornings]] and [[Woodmen]]. <ref name="battle under trees"/>

{{references}}
==External links==
*[https://middle-earth.xenite.org/what-was-the-battle-of-mirkwood/ What was the Battle of Mirkwood?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]

User talk:Sage

2020-09-21T17:23:14Z

InAHoleInTheGround: /* Battle under the trees */ new section

{{w|Hyarion|[[User:Hyarion|Hyarion]]}}
==Tale of Years==
It's a known fact that the Tale of Years is full of mistakes, however, most of these were corrected in the [[The Lord of the Rings (50th Anniversary Edition)|50th anniversary edition]]. That should be included as well. -- [[User:Ederchil|Ederchil]] 04:54, 30 July 2008 (EDT)

==Standards==
We should really include this in the welcome message, but just FYI: [[Tolkien Gateway:Manual of Style]]. This is in reference to your use of "LotR" in [[Gildor|Gildor Inglorion]]. -- [[User:Ederchil|Ederchil]] 05:39, 30 July 2008 (EDT)

== Elves ==

What published works say that elves are taller?

[[User:Ælfwine|Ælfwine228]] 20:58, 2 August 2008 (EDT)

:from the Appendices:
*the People of the Great Journey, the People of the Stars. They were tall, fair of skin and grey-eyed

:Since the writer of the Appendices is a Man, and his readers are also Men, why would he describe the Eldar as tall and not as short?

:Some characters, both Elves and Men are mentioned to be tall, and I understand these can be understood as 'relativistic'; for example you can say that the Eldar were tall relative to the other Elves, but still shorter than Men (although this explanation is quite tentative, and plausible only if you ''want'' to prove that Elves were shorter). I skimmed through the Silmarillion and saw that while the people of Marach are said to be tall, and while other men described as tall such as Galdor the Tall, most references were about Elves.
:*Ingwë the High King, golden-haired and tall
:*The seven sons of Fëanáro were Maedhros the tall...
:*their sister was Ar-feiniel the White. She was younger in the years of the Eldar than her brothers; and when she was grown to full stature and beauty she was tall and strong
:*[Thingol] tallest of all the Children of Ilúvatar
:*But Eöl, though stooped by his smithwork, was no Dwarf, but a tall Elf of a high kin of the Teleri
:*[Maeglin] was tall and black-haired; his eyes were dark

:I don't argue that the assumption that more Elves than Men tended to be tall, can be proben by a statistical analysis. However if Elves are shorter, why Thingol was to be the tallest of all Elves and Men, and not some Man? [[User:Sage|Sage]] 05:56, 3 August 2008 (EDT)

Well, Tolkien stated that elves and men were at first "of a like size" (that is probably the best description in the whole legendarium for their size difference) in the BOLT2. If this is true, whether they became smaller in later ages or not, Thingol could easily be the tallest of all the Children of Iluvatar, but that doesn't mean that most elves were taller than men. Also, more elves are described as tall in the Silmarillion than men because the Silmarillion was almost all about elves, and the very few central character men that were in it were often described as tall, such as Tuor and Turin, as were many men of later ages, especially of Numenorian decent.

While the elves may not be shorter than men in general, I do not think it can be said with certainty that they are taller. By the way, can we make a real talk page/forum for this?
[[User:Ælfwine|Ælfwine228]] 17:48, 3 August 2008 (EDT)
:I am new here, I don't know the process so be my guest. But as a last note, I also remember in BOLT 1 that Elves are shorter, and I was shocked. Furthermore, I think I also read a comment that this idea was later dropped. Anyway I hope you are aware that the BOLT books take place in a different 'continuity' and shouldn't be considered as guides for the general canon. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 17:51, 3 August 2008 (EDT)

Perhaps they shouldn't be considered canon, but from '''''Tolkien's Legendarium; Essays on The History of Middle-earth'''''; "...there are Tolkien's latest thoughts, his best thoughts, and his published thoughts and these are not necessarily the same."
That is probably the wisest analysis that I have ever read about the world of Middle earth.
[[User:Ælfwine|Ælfwine228]] 18:31, 3 August 2008 (EDT)

==Amras==

Hi and welcome to TG (I never "officially" got to greet you). [[Amras]] now. I know it is not much what you wrote, but please don't do it again in the future when you see that "claimed" tag. I am asking this of you as nice as I can and I can only hope that you'll understand it. I know you saw a mistake and wanted to correct it, but keep in mind that all the Sons will get rewritten by me to the last word in those articles, so all the errors will be fixed. It is just a matter of time. There are over 7000 articles here. I'm sure there's plenty of work for all of us. All the best! :) ~~ [[User:Þelma|Þelma]] 05:24, 4 August 2008 (EDT)
:Yes I know you are asking it nicely (I am not of those hot-tempered people who frown at each scolding :P) and I understand. But last time I asked I was told its usage was mainly to avoid edit conflicts and loss of data, therefore it's not always that ''bad'' to edit minimally those articles in the meantime (of course there is a problem with larger edits). So my edit was to make sure that you wouldn't miss that mistake and leave it there intact. Anyway I won't do this again (at least with your claimed articles :)). I trust you will do a good work. Namarie :) [[User:Sage|Sage]] 06:41, 4 August 2008 (EDT)

::My bad for that. I voiced my personal opinion. Like I said, guidelines are too grey. -- [[User:Ederchil|Ederchil]] 06:58, 4 August 2008 (EDT)

::: Sage - It's a good thing at least one of us isn't from that kind of hot-tempered people :)) If you won't agree with something I'll write in future articles (for various reasons, like better knowledge of the text), feel free to drop me a message and corrections will be made, promise. Ederchil - There's no such thing as "my bad" here. :) Thank you both for understanding. ~~ [[User:Þelma|Þelma]] 13:52, 4 August 2008 (EDT)

==Dwarf names==
A couple of things... there are several etymological theories about the Dwarf-names in the ''Dvergatal''. Therefore, I think it's important to state the source of the translation, and add others as well. Also, place Etymolgies above Genealogies, and use double ", not '. -- [[User:Ederchil|Ederchil]] 03:49, 5 August 2008 (EDT)
:Right away [[User:Sage|Sage]] 04:50, 5 August 2008 (EDT)

::And maybe it's handy to mention the language as well, re: [[Arkenstone]]. -- [[User:Ederchil|Ederchil]] 10:20, 5 August 2008 (EDT)

== Meetings ==

Hi Sage! I just wanted to draw your attention to [[Forum:Meetings|here]]. We are currently discussing the idea of a weekly site meeting. Thanks!--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 18:11, 7 August 2008 (EDT)

==Individual Tengwar==
Since you're listing the Westron names, you should really mention ''Report from Marquette'' by Jim Allan among the references. Even if you haven't read it. -- [[User:Ederchil|Ederchil]] 05:07, 15 August 2008 (EDT)

==References==
Hiya. Just a note: <nowiki><ref> tags don't work unless you include a <references/> section at the end (or rather, a <references> section). </nowiki>-- {{User:Ederchil/sig}} 08:02, 22 January 2009 (UTC)

==[[:Template:HM]]==
Any thoughts? Other than "Expand to include LotR, S, H and UT" and "Add chapters"? -- {{User:Ederchil/sig}} 12:45, 22 February 2009 (UTC)

== Next Meeting ==

It is planned that we hold our next meeting on the [[Tolkien Gateway:Meetings/5 April 2009|5th of April 2009]], please inform us if you can attend [[Tolkien Gateway talk:Meetings/5 April 2009|here]].--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 18:40, 22 March 2009 (UTC)

== Re: Geia!==
Geia sou kai esena! dystyxws den to exw to allo vivlio tou Tsouli alla to xw diavasei... o typos einai kamenos.

Xairomai pou kai alloi ellhnares diavazoun Tolkien kai grafoun so Tolkien Gateway. Kai se eixa dei polles fores sto Recent changes kai den hxera oti eisai ellhnas... nomizw pws sou eixa grapsei ena talk page se kapoio athro sta agglika... [[User:Mthomas|mthomas]] 15:30, 31 March 2009 (UTC)

==Next Meeting==

Sorry to clutter up your talk page, but just informing you about the next meeting. It is planned that we hold our next meeting on '''Monday''' the [[Tolkien Gateway:Meetings/13 April 2009|13th of April 2009]], please inform us if you can attend [[Tolkien Gateway talk:Meetings/13 April 2009|here]]. Remember that it's on Easter Monday, not Easter Sunday. Thanks!--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 13:21, 9 April 2009 (UTC)
==Xristos Anesth==
Xristos Anesth re patriwth! xronia polla![[User:Mthomas|mthomas]] 08:14, 19 April 2009 (UTC)

==Multiple language words==
Just a question how to deal with words that exist in multiple languages - [[Tur]], [[Tûr]], [[Aran]] for example. What layout do we use? -- {{User:Ederchil/sig}} 11:35, 12 May 2009 (UTC)
==Orcs==
Exw dei edw kai kairo oti psaxnete gia contributors stin selida twn Orcs. Loipon, ama psaxnete akomh endiaferomai egw na voithisw giati ta goustarw poly ta Orcs. Oti idees exeis pes mou. [[User:Mthomas|mthomas]] 14:48, 15 May 2009 (UTC)

==Tengwar==
A lot of the tengwar pages require specific fonts, and people that don't have those fonts installed get gibberish. How about a template at the top, saying "for optimal reading, this page requires any of the following fonts"? -- {{User:Ederchil/sig}} 18:47, 23 May 2009 (UTC)

==[[Common Eldarin|CE]] "3"==
I see you use the 3 to represent the [[wikipedia:Yogh|yogh]]/ʒ. If you look at the edittools bar ("Insert:") at the bottom, you can see the actual symbol next to the dagger symbol. -- {{User:Ederchil/sig}} 11:28, 20 September 2009 (UTC)

== [[Amrod]] (and [[Amras]]) ==

You’re not wrong in what you added to the etymology of that name (although ''Ambaráto'' is the Telerin form, appropriate for Aegnor, whereas Amrod would of course have the Quenya form ''Ambarto''), but unfortunately it makes the messed up alignment of names that was already there even worse. Have a look at what I wrote on the Talk pages of both twins, and see if you can follow what I argue. Feel free to get back to me (or add to the Talk pages) when you got problems. But I think probably the time has come to untangle the mess and reorganise both articles (on the twins). I would be glad of your opinion on that. — [[User:Mithrennaith|Mithrennaith]] 04:40, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

== Upcoming Meeting ==

Hi Sage, I was wondering if you wanted to attend an upcoming meeting this Sunday. If you can make, please [[Tolkien Gateway talk:Meetings/27 June 2010|sign up]]. Thanks! --{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 16:21, 25 June 2010 (UTC)

== Cirth/Angerthas ==

Hi Sage, I was wondering why you moved Angerthas Daeron, Angerthas Erebor and Angerthas Moria to [[Cirth/Angerthas Daeron]], [[Cirth/Angerthas Erebor]] and [[Cirth/Angerthas Moria]] respectively? It seems somewhat counter-intuitive to me (especially as no article links directly to these three), and I'm not sure what they mean as subtitles: are they meant to be subpages of [[Cirth]] or are you just indicating in the titles that "''cirth''" can be used as another name for "''angerthas''"? Would you object if I were to move them back to their original articles? --{{User:Mith/sig}} 15:22, 7 August 2010 (UTC)

==New words==
Hi Sage! Sorry to trespass your linguistic ground by creating an article for ''[[Mae]]''. Since you have more experience on this field, do you have any thoughts on what I did on the page? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 16:31, 28 August 2010 (UTC)

== Meeting - Sunday 5th September ==

Hi, Sage! Just a quick message to inform you that we are holding our next [[Tolkien Gateway:Meetings|Meeting]] on [[Tolkien Gateway:Meetings/5 September 2010|Sunday, 5th September 2010]] at 7pm [[wikipedia:UTC|UTC]]. Whether you are or aren't able to attend, please sign your name on the [[Tolkien Gateway talk:Meetings/5 September 2010|here]]. Hope to see you on Sunday! --{{User:Mith/sig}} 18:16, 30 August 2010 (UTC)

== Meeting - Sunday 3rd October ==

Hi Sage - do you reckon you'll be available for [[Tolkien Gateway talk:Meetings/3 October 2010|tomorrow's meeting]]? It would be good to see you there! --{{User:Mith/sig}} 20:18, 2 October 2010 (UTC)

== A Few Issues ==

Just a few things I think you should know about:
* This may seem trivial, but could you make sure that you end your sentences in a full-stop?
* When quoting, you should indicate such with quotation marks, otherwise it is technically plagiarism.
* With regards to references, [[Template:References]] has to be at the bottom of the article, or else they won't work (see [http://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Amon_Amarth&curid=1115&oldid=128927 this], for example).
* Also re: referencing, could you make sure you include page numbers for all publications save for ''The Hobbit'', ''The Lord of the Rings'', ''The Silmarillion'' and ''The Unfinished Tales''; in particular, '' A Readers' Companion'' has only one pagination so there is no need to omit page numbers.
**I am using a copy of ''Nomenclature'' that was handed to me before the Companion was published, so I can't know the pages. In any case I think it is not necessary, since the Nomenclature is arranged like a dictionary. If that's a problem, then I should reference simply "Nomenclature" instead. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 00:06, 15 October 2010 (UTC)
* There's no need to remove interwiki links (unless they are incorrect).
**You mean the links to other languages? That must be by accident, I didn't meddle with those. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 00:06, 15 October 2010 (UTC)
* Also, I really must ask that you don't move articles unless there is clear reason, and when you do, use the Move button at the top of the page, and don't copy and paste. The problem with copying and pasting is that it separates an article from its history and therefore obscures its development. Obviously, if the article is spelt incorrectly, is clearly under an under-used name, or uses our old verbose disambiguation system, you can move it without debate, but otherwise it's best to just do a quick message on the talk page (and if no one replies assume it's safe to proceed).
**I try to separate English-named articles from Elvish-named articles. My personal rule of thumb is that the main article is under the English name; the Elvish articles have a link to the main article, and linguistic/etymological notes. When I see e.g. both Silvertine and Zirakzigil redirect to Celebdil, the best thing I can do is replace the redirects with actual content, and copy the bulk of the text to the one that fits most; I can't put an explanation of "tine" in the article for Celebdil, and I can't create an article for Silvertine only to put this explanation. The 'Move' action was unavailable because the target was occupied by the redirects. I understand that copying instead of moving must cause such issues, but while in the fever of adding etymologies and encountering these obstacles, I confess that the issues you mentioned seemed trivial at that moment *blush* [[User:Sage|Sage]] 00:06, 15 October 2010 (UTC)
* Disambiguation pages should only include the actual articles which require disambiguating - etymological information (other than a brief description in the opening line) should be seeded into the individual articles.
**I fail to understand the reason. Why should the etymology of the name "Hurin" be copied to the five articles of the five individuals called Hurin and not in the single disambiguation page? In similar cases I'd write the full etymology in the disambig page and in the individual articles put a "See Hurin (disambiguation)" link under "Etymology". It seems cleaner and tidier that way. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 00:06, 15 October 2010 (UTC)
* Re: categorisation. There is no point categorising articles in categories which don't exist; it does nothing and just puts a redlink at the bottom of the page. Creation categories (and categorising them), is exactly the same as creation (and categorising) articles. (See [http://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Oathbreakers&oldid=128044 this] for the redlink.)
None of the above is meant in vitriol, rudeness, admonition or patronisation: it's just a few pointers to make sure that TG conforms to the very highest standards to be something we can all be proud of. Do keep up the work, here - you are a ''very'' valued contributor. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 17:08, 14 October 2010 (UTC)

:Also, be sure to follow the advice given {{Redlink|[[Portal:Locations/Category tree|here]]}} on the Locations category structure. It seems a lot of editors don't understand the structure I put in place, that page should go some way in explaining what to do (if unsure, just ask me :) ). --{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 17:56, 14 October 2010 (UTC)

== File:Beleriand-eriador-fonstad.png ==
[[File:Steven White Jr. - ME FA 02.gif|thumb|right|150px]]
Hi there. Can you please tell me whose maps you used to create the compound map? The basic Beleriand map is obviously the one derived by me (with the cut-outs where the forst labels are in CT's original map) when I first attempted to join CT's maps at Mount Himring. See an earlier sketch of said map on the right. I wonder how that ended up on the web at all...
[[User:Smeagol|Smeagol]] 23:28, 8 November 2010 (UTC)

:Hi there. I made this composition some years ago, using elements from various maps I had found online. My purpose was to portray a "sunken" Beleriand with the 3rd Age outline of Lindon, and Fonstad's North. It seems that I used your composite map as a base (yes, the one where you have Himring marked in red). When I edited the map recently in order to upload it, I had a [[Wikipedia:false memory|false memory]] that my base had been Fonstad's Arda map, including the shores and outlines; but now that you made me check again, I saw that the southern shoreline as she envisioned it, differs greatly from this one. It turns out that the greater part of this map is your work. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 01:29, 9 November 2010 (UTC)

::You mean the one on the right? Where did you find that? The file is almost 10 years old and I had forgotten about it. I later adjusted the southern coastline, as can be seen on the map in my user page. Those were the days before Photoshop :-) Maybe I should get into the mapmaking business again. My clash with the Tolkien Estate is 6 years back, after all. [[User:Smeagol|Smeagol]] 07:05, 9 November 2010 (UTC)
:::I had a newer version of that map of yours, part of a big collection of fan-made maps I had downloaded from fansites. I think this one was on Tolkienion.com? [[User:Sage|Sage]] 13:20, 9 November 2010 (UTC)

::::Ah, that may be. I had to remove the maps section of the Tolkienion when I got in trouble over the maps. However, the maps still exist [http://7a6972656f5f74637568.killerhor.net/index2.php?framesource=indexframe.php here]. But the map you used is not there. I have lost a couple of maps when I had a hard drive failure a few years back. [[User:Smeagol|Smeagol]] 13:45, 9 November 2010 (UTC)

==Elvish roots/stems==

Hello Sage. I have a question about how to interpret a specific form often occurring in the ''Etymologies''. For example, for the base AK-, the form *''akrā'' appears, after which follows the Quenya and Noldorin forms. Now, my question is: what is the form *''akrā'' supposed to signify? Primitive Quendian? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 13:28, 27 November 2010 (UTC)

:Thanks for the quick answer (for other editors, see [[User talk:Morgan#Roots]])! I hope you don't mind that I have some related questions (I suggest that you answer here, since that makes it easier to follow the conversation):
#Which form should we use as title for these articles? ÁLAT- or just ÁLAT? I've noticed that earlier root articles omit the hyphen. Is this intentional? I started to include the hyphens in the articles I just created, since this is how they appear in the ''Etymologies''.
**I guess the hyphens indicate that the roots are not complete words. Since this is one of the definitions of a root, and '''all''' roots have one, I consider trivial such an indication. If you look at Ardalambion or linguistic discussions in the mailing lists, there is no hyphen. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 08:03, 28 November 2010 (UTC)
#How should we think about the e/ë question in Quenya words? Should the name of the article be, for example, aiwe or aiwë?
**I am against using the diaereses for several reasons, but I think the TG prefers to include them. A couple of Quenya articles I wrote were renamed by some other editor. In any case, I never use them :D [[User:Sage|Sage]] 08:03, 28 November 2010 (UTC)
***According to Fauskanger, "''Tolkien often uses the diaeresis (two dots as in Manwë) to clarify the pronunciation of Elvish names for readers of English, but it is hardly ever used in the Etymologies, a work that was never intended for wider circulation.''" ([http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/index/indexs.htm]). Perhaps this is a good reason to actually use the diaereses? Or is it possible for you to explain the reasons against using them? I just noticed the issue in the article on ''[[yáve]]''. I found out that the spelling ''yávë'' is used in ''The Silmarillion'' (appendix) - isn't then this the more "proper" (canonical?) spelling? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 20:13, 28 November 2010 (UTC)
#A general linguistic remark: right now, the standard on TG is to use the past tense in article text which is "inside" the legendarium. However, in linguistic texts (such as etymology sections and "dictionary" articles on specific words) we always use the present tense. Is there a reason behind these different uses? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 14:51, 27 November 2010 (UTC)
**I see that languages, as abstract entities, are outside of time. Once a language exists, its vocabulary and rules will always "exist", even if the language itself is dead or ancient. For example everyone says "Amor in Latin means love" rather than "meant". [[User:Sage|Sage]] 08:03, 28 November 2010 (UTC)
***Good point. --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 20:13, 28 November 2010 (UTC)
===Dots===
The dots signify nothing to Quenya itself. Tolkien in his personal writings (and the Elves) did not use dots. Its quite different from the accents which '''are''' significant to the language and denote a long vowel; yave and yáve would be two different words, with different pronunciation, and different Tengwar spelling. 
On the contrary, the dots don't exist in the language and are of course not represented in tengwar. Tolkien invented them for the published books only to visually assist the occasional English readers to remember that ''e'' is pronounced. In fact, all ''e''s in Quenya are pronounced but the English (or French, who also has silent ''e''s) reader perhaps needs such a reminder. yáve and yávë are not different spellings, they are exactly the same thing, only that yávë is perhaps more visually helpful for the English (or the French). 
The reason '''not''' to use the dots, besides being not a part of the language, is that it's quite more complicated to write and search in the wiki for ''yávë'' than ''yáve''. 
And if I may mention, in Albanian ''ë'' signifies a silent ''e'', so it would have the contrary effect to an Albanian reader :) [[User:Sage|Sage]] 12:08, 29 November 2010 (UTC)

:I am personally in favour of the diaereses: this is an English-language website aimed at those who know English - diaereses have a clear meaning in English which I think it is important to maintain. Furthermore, should we be over-ruling the Professor's use of diaereses?

:The problem of typing/searching can be solved by redirects. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 01:31, 2 December 2010 (UTC)

::I agree with Mith, I think we should use Yávë, with Yáve as redirects. --[[User:Amroth|Amroth]]
::I'd argue that the Professor used the diaereses with publication in mind, not as a rule-not-to-be-over-ruled; or else such forms would be seen in HoMe. It would be interested to bring the matter up in the forum, what do you say? [[User:Sage|Sage]] 20:03, 4 December 2010 (UTC)

:::I don't know if a publication post-mortem can really be conclusive evidence either way of the professor's intentions. However, as you point out, the Professor included diaereses with publication in mind and he never had HOME in mind for publication (and if he did we can't know that he wouldn't have gone through adding diaereses). I think it's a moot point, really.
:::Furthermore, is it not confusing to readers not so well-versed in Tolkienian linguistics to encounter words lacking diaereses where they think they should see them? (I notice, for instance, that many scholars retain diaereses where Tolkien uses them.)
:::I know it can be hard for non-native speakers of English to understand, but the diaereses really is a valuable tool in aiding pronunciation amongst native speakers (remember Cate Blanchett's "''The light of Erendil''"!), and, contrary to popular belief amongst some (non-native speakers) scholars, it is understand by many: words such as coöperate, continuüm, reëlect, zoölogy and naïve as well as names like Chloë, Zaïre, Boötes, and the Brontë Sisters. Notwithstanding the above, I would still support the use of diaereses as a distinguishing feature of unusualness: in English, any form of diacritic signifies "''I am a foreign word.''" - it creates an aura of intrigue and mystery which I wouldn't wish to lose.
:::It would be good if you could attend [[Tolkien Gateway talk:Meetings/5 December 2010|the meeting today]], I've added this issue on the list of things to discuss. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 01:44, 5 December 2010 (UTC)

==Elvish/PQ==
Hi Sage! I just wanted to draw your attention to this question of mine: [[Talk:ÁS-AT]] --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 19:36, 11 December 2010 (UTC)

== Second Age Globe ==

As you pointed out, I completely forgot that Arda wasn't made round until the end of the Second Age. I really like the images you put together for the First Age and Third Age globes as I used in my [[User:KingAragorn/Sandbox|sandbox]] for the location portal. Would it be possible for you to create a Second Age globe in the same style? --{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 23:00, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

==Boromir and Beornings==
Hello Sage! Just drawing you attention to [[Talk:Boromir#Etymology]] and [[Talk:Beornings]], where I discuss your edits.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 01:54, 8 January 2011 (UTC)

==Use of asterisk==
I noted that you use both single and double asterisks in the article on [[Valaraukar]]. I think the use needs to be explained, either by making the asterisks into links (as was my initial idea), or, as can be seen here [[Talk:*]], where [[User:Mith]] is of the opinion that we should avoid the use of asterisk altogether. --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 15:04, 11 April 2011 (UTC)

:I am not sure on what you want me to comment [[User:Sage|Sage]] 09:36, 12 April 2011 (UTC)

::What does the double asterisk (**) signify? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 20:16, 12 April 2011 (UTC)

:::The double asterisk is explained in [[asterisk]] :) [[User:Sage|Sage]] 21:00, 12 April 2011 (UTC)

::::Oh, thank you! :) Then I'll go ahead and make internal links for the asterisks (at least for the time being - since there is a debate on wether we should use asterisks or not). (BTW, don't you find it more convenient to keep a conversation to one talk page? It tends to get confusing having to switch between talk pages when following a conversation.) /Cheers --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 21:04, 12 April 2011 (UTC)

== Taniquetil ==

Hi Sage! On this article I removed the redlinks as I find redlinks ugly whilst showing to the reader where our holes are (and giving false hope that those articles may exist); I personally think redlinks shouldn't be created unless you expect to create the article ''yourself'' or have a realistic expectation that someone else will do so soon. Are you intending on creating articles for ''TĀ'', ''nique'' and ''til''? --{{User:Mith/sig}} 11:13, 22 July 2011 (UTC)
:Hi, personally I don't think redlinks ugly and I consider them only 'work to be done in the future'. For example, if someone ever will create an article for "nique", he will have to manually trace every page containing the word and wikify it. I believe redlinks can be useful by the "Wanted Pages" of the "What links here" features. But I respect the different aesthetics about the wiki. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 12:02, 22 July 2011 (UTC)

::I accept that - and indeed agree - so long as it ''is'' "work to be done in the future" and not just "work someone else ''might'' do at some point"; if an article never gets created the redlink serves no useful function. We have 6690 wanted pages (of which a good chunk are linguistic ones) - a figure which is increasing and not decreasing - so the work isn't really getting done; in the meeting last September I argued, "''let's be honest, they probably aren't all articles waiting to happen''".
::The problem is especially true for linguistic articles because it's such a specialised area there are very few people who know enough to edit those articles and even fewer who are happy to do so, therefore you can't ever realistically expect anyone to ever create those articles. Are you planning on creating links to ''TĀ'', ''nique'' and ''til''? --{{User:Mith/sig}} 12:23, 22 July 2011 (UTC)
:::Well I will have in mind to complete immediately the articles I wikify from now on. I will try to work on complete trees and their related pages when possible. Don't worry about that. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 12:46, 22 July 2011 (UTC)

==PQ/PE==

Hello Sage! I need help on the following: should "Proto-Eldarin" be redirected to Primitive Quendian or Common Eldarin? Or do you think Proto-Eldarin have its own article ([http://reocities.com/athens/parthenon/9902/langlst.html Lisa Star] says that it sometimes seem to refer to PQ and sometimes to CE)? I've tried (without success) to find this term in Tolkien's writings.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 21:24, 3 December 2011 (UTC)
:Obviously Proto-Eldarin is not an attested form, but a term originating before Tolkien's writings about Primitive Quendian were published, and before any details about the Eldar vs Avari were known. I think it is safe to redirect it to Common Eldarin. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 12:37, 6 December 2011 (UTC)

==Etymology of ''Sauron''==
Sage, do you have ideas/comments on how we should present the etymology of the name ''Sauron'' on Tolkien Gateway? Having investigated it a bit, a complete version is [[User:Morgan/Sandbox6|more complicated]] than what I think could be presented on a general wiki article. As I understand it, Tolkien struggled with deriving ''Sauron'' either from Sindarin ''thaur'' (PE:17, p. 183; EQS), or giving the name a Quenya derivation (''saura'' "cruel") ultimately deriving from a base THAW (PE:17, p. 184; Letter 297). --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 02:11, 4 January 2012 (UTC)
:We can mention both derivations from ''saura'' and ''thaur''. It seems like it is needed an entry on the word ''[[saura]]'' which seems to have suffered most under Tolkien's revisions, and provide them in its article. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 14:17, 4 January 2012 (UTC)
::Thanks - I've added the info to our Sauron etymology section.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 02:44, 5 January 2012 (UTC)

==Letter 427==
Hi Sage, I just saw you added {{redlink|[[Letter 427]]}} as a reference to [[-nguo]]. This letter does however not exist, could you look into this and add the correct letter? --[[User:Amroth|Amroth]] 14:53, 2 February 2012 (UTC)

==Legendary locations==
Ah! I had forgotten about the Last Desert - it's a good addition to the template. I'm sure there are some others I haven't thought about.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 17:14, 30 March 2012 (UTC)

== Images ==

Hello Sage. As you probably know, I've been sorting out images on TG and making sure that they all have the proper file licensing templates. I'm sure that you will agree that this is a mammoth task; therefore I would like to ask for your help sorting out the images that you've uploaded. Please see below for a list of files that need sorting and/or checking.

You noted on these images that they were public domain, so I've put a PD template on them. However, we need to know the author's name so that they can be categorised and named properly.
*{{Redlink|[[File:Rumil2.gif.jpg]]}}
*{{Redlink|[[File:Elemm.gif]]}}
:The author made those as spontaneous doodles. He is not a professional and doesn't pursue any credit, and as far as I know he wouldn't like to have his name published online either. I wonder if we can support the option to name some files as "Anonymous" [[User:Sage|Sage]] 13:14, 12 July 2012 (UTC)

Please check these maps and decide whether you, [[Karen Wynn Fonstad]] (her estate or publisher, I don't know), or someone else owns the copyright. You'll notice that on some I've guessed and put on a file licensing template, but please check them.
:The maps I have marked with an asterisk are derivatives of (usually) Fonstad's works, therefore I don't have the authority to grant any permission to publish them under any term. I think that we should track Fonstad's copyright holders. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 13:14, 12 July 2012 (UTC)
*[[:File:Sage - Almaren.png]]
*[[:File:Sage - Evolution of Arda.jpg]]*
*[[:File:Sage - Reunited Kingdom.png]]
*[[:File:Sage - Middle-earth.jpg]]*
*[[:File:1050.png]]*
*[[:File:1105.png]]*
*[[:File:1115.png]]*
*[[:File:1125.png]]*
*[[:File:1132.png]]*
*[[:File:1149.png]]*
*[[:File:1150.png]]*
*[[:File:1200.png]]*
*[[:File:1300.png]]*
*[[:File:1350.png]]*
*[[:File:1498.png]]*
*[[:File:1129.png]]*
*{{redlink|File:Belfalas 2nd Age.jpg}} (NB: I tried to contact [[Andreas Möhn]] but his e-mail bounced)
*[[:File:Sage - Beleriand and Eriador collage.png]]
:this is a collage of maps by Fonstad, Raw and User:Smeagol [[User:Sage|Sage]] 13:14, 12 July 2012 (UTC)
*[[:File:Sage - Location of Numenor.png]]*
*[[:File:Sage - Great Plague.png]]
*{{Redlink|[[File:Pan-route.png]]}}*
*{{Redlink|[[File:Overhill-route.png]]}}*
*[[:File:Pauline Baynes - The Little Kingdom.jpg]]
:this is a map by Pauline Baynes, therefore it should take the template that other Baynes' images do. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 13:14, 12 July 2012 (UTC)

I've put an unknown copyright status on these miscellaneous images. Please identify the copyright holder and conact them for permission. If you want me to contact them, just ask.
:I do believe that it would be better if you include these in your existing work. You have better experience in this and you will do quicker and better than if we shared the work. However I will put notes to help you [[User:Sage|Sage]] 13:14, 12 July 2012 (UTC)
*[[:File:PP banner.jpg]]
:this is a derivative of collective work by members of the GTS. You can contact them from their Facebook page. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 13:14, 12 July 2012 (UTC)
*{{redlink|[[File:Michael Gaydos - TolkienWilliamsLewis.jpg]]}}
*{{redlink|[[File:Daniel reeve.jpg]]}}
:the picture was taken from a package of maps by Decipher. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 13:14, 12 July 2012 (UTC)
*{{redlink|File:Dwafrune.gif}}
*{{redlink|File:Dwarfrunes.JPEG}}
*{{redlink|File:Dansmith.png}}
:these pictures were taken by Dan Smith's font site. FYI I contacted him once but he didn't reply [[User:Sage|Sage]] 13:14, 12 July 2012 (UTC)
*[[:File:Mani and Sol.jpg]]
:I took the image from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:M%C3%A1ni_and_S%C3%B3l_by_Lorenz_Fr%C3%B8lich.jpg here]. It belongs in the PD. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 13:14, 12 July 2012 (UTC)
*{{redlink|[[File:Alex lewis.jpg]]}}
:this picture was taken by members of the GTS at Oxonmoot (I think 2002). [[User:Sage|Sage]] 13:14, 12 July 2012 (UTC)
*{{redlink|[[File:Idril.gif]]}}
:I will try to contact MB and ask him if we can use his heraldry here. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 13:14, 12 July 2012 (UTC)
*{{redlink|[[File:Steve Notley - Bob the Angry Flower's Lord of the Ringz.gif]]}}
*{{redlink|[[File:Gift.jpg]]}}
:This was made by the Hildebrandts [[User:Sage|Sage]] 13:14, 12 July 2012 (UTC)
*{{redlink|[[File:Brothers Hildebrandt - Return of the King.jpg]]}} (NB: I will try to contact Greg Hildebrandt)
*{{Redlink|[[File:Cave.jpg]]}}
:Made by Wenzel, however I don't know what's the copyright and if he gave permission for this [[User:Sage|Sage]] 13:14, 12 July 2012 (UTC)

Many thanks for your help!--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 10:50, 12 July 2012 (UTC)

::Thanks for the info. I shall grow through them at some point.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 18:03, 12 July 2012 (UTC)

==Buckland==
See [[Talk:Buckland]]. In no primary source does it talk about Buckland becoming part of the Shire (it does for the Westmarch, however). Indeed "Eastmarch" is not mentioned, but "East March" is (only once).--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 18:03, 12 July 2012 (UTC)

== Category:Greco-Romance names ==

Hey Sage. [[Tolkien Gateway:Meetings/5 August 2012|At the meeting just gone]] we discussed your [[:Category:Greco-Roman names|Category:Greco-Romance names]]. You may have noticed that I moved it (because I thought that you have made a spelling mistake). You can read the discussion [[Tolkien Gateway:Meetings/5 August 2012/Transcript|here]]. As you can see, we decided that it would be best to diffuse the category into "Romanic names" and "Ancient Greek names". Are you happy with this? If so, could you sort it out?--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 21:23, 5 August 2012 (UTC)
:Please have a look at [[Category talk:Greco-Roman names]] [[User:Sage|Sage]] 23:49, 5 August 2012 (UTC)

==Westlands==
I just noticed that your reference in [[Westlands]] didn't work as the parameter "X1" doesn't exist in [[Template:SD]]. I've changed it to "XI" (Epilogue). Was this correct or did you use another chapter as source? --[[User:Amroth|Amroth]] 16:39, 23 August 2012 (UTC)
:Oops! yes, that's correct :) [[User:Sage|Sage]] 19:09, 23 August 2012 (UTC)

==Alatar and Pallando==

Sage, do you know of any good linguistic analysis of the names ''Alatar'' and ''Pallando''? I made a quick search, but couldn't find any -- surely it must have been discussed in VT or PE? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 20:19, 12 September 2012 (UTC)

:No, other than the lotr.wikia.com speculates that Pallando is related to palan/palla [[User:Sage|Sage]] 06:54, 13 September 2012 (UTC)

::{{UT|Istari}}, Note 6 says: "''Pallando'', despite the spelling, perhaps contains ''palan'' 'afar', as in ''palantír'' and in ''Palarran'' 'Far Wanderer', the name of Aldarion's ship." This is C.R.T.'s speculation for Pallando, could we speculate Alatar's etymology? Or should we just say that it's unknown?--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 11:10, 13 September 2012 (UTC)

:::Yes we could. There is ''alata'' "great", ''al(a)-'' "blessed" with ''atar'' "father" or ''tar'' "high one" and so on. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 21:20, 13 September 2012 (UTC)

::::Right. Just to make a note of it, Encylopedia of Arda also suggests that ''Alatar'' can be interpreted as "after-comer" [http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/a/alatar.html].--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 21:43, 13 September 2012 (UTC)

== Category:Angicised Westron words ==

Are you going to make ''[[Special:WantedCategories|Category:Angicised Westron words]]''?--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 19:37, 16 September 2012 (UTC)

==Maps==
Who made these maps?
*{{redlink|[[Media:At the crossroads map.png]]}}
*{{redlink|[[Media:Over hill.png]]}}
*{{redlink|[[Media:Short Rest.png]]}}
*{{redlink|[[Media:Roast Mutton.png]]}}--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 23:32, 2 November 2012 (UTC)
:They are croppings from [[:File:Mith01.jpg|this map]] but since they would take the unknown-copyright tag anyway, I didn't bother to add more information for that moment. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 08:35, 3 November 2012 (UTC)

==Lenition/Mutation==
Hello Sage! I noticed that we have no separate page for mutation in Sindarin (like we have for [[lenition]]). Do you reckon such a page could be useful, or do you know if we have any other article to which mutation can be redirected? Thanks --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 18:23, 12 March 2013 (UTC)

==The "Hobbit" week==
Sage, do you have any thoughts about this: can the "archaic" names of the days of the week be said to be Westron, and the later names to be Hobbitish (Kuduk)? I'm just thinking of how to categorize the names according to language.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 23:53, 15 June 2013 (UTC)
:The names ''Monendei'' and so are Middle English and can be considered "Middle Westron" according to [https://sites.google.com/site/endorenya/language-periodizations this project]. The modern day names ''Monday'' etc can be considered regular developments in "modern" Westron, but I don't think we can tell how much they are proper, or Hobbitish Westron. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 14:34, 16 June 2013 (UTC)
:For example, I am not sure if "Trewsday" was the name also used by the Rangers, Gondorians, Gandalf, etc, or whether they would say *"Treesday". [[User:Sage|Sage]] 14:37, 16 June 2013 (UTC)

==Wintring==
Thanks for correcting my silly edit at the Wintring article, Sage! :-) --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 21:41, 18 November 2013 (UTC)

== Bain pic ==

Since there don't seem to be any other images of Bain on the site (yet), is there really any harm in keeping the shot from "The Desolation of Smaug" as his 'profile pic,' so to speak? --[[User:BalrogTrainer|BalrogTrainer]] 03:24, 24 July 2014 (UTC)

:According to my own personal understanding I wouldn't use it as a main picture of a canonical article, but other than that there isn't any harm keeping it as a profile pic :) [[User:Sage|Sage]] 05:57, 24 July 2014 (UTC)

== Articles needed citations ==

I don't know if you've ever looked through [[:Category:Articles needing citation|Articles needing citation]], but it contains 246 articles to which the <nowiki>{{fact}}</nowiki> template has been applied. For the majority of these it appears to be on etymologies; with this is mind, I was wondering whether you (perhaps with [[User:Morgan]]'s help?) might be willing to go through these articles and either add sources or remove/amend the articles as appropriate? --{{User:Mith/sig}} 19:52, 11 November 2014 (UTC)

== Wereworms ==

There is no image with the wereworms as they appeared in [[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]] in tolkien gateway at all.Someone should upload at least an image on tolkien gateway with the wereworms as they appeared in the third Hobbit film.What do you think?

:Good idea! Go on, as I don't have any pictures from that film. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 10:00, 1 January 2017 (UTC)

As i have said, there is no image with the were-worms as they appeared in [[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]] in Tolkien Gateway.Can you upload at least an image on Tolkien Gateway with the were-worms as they appeared on the third Hobbit film? You can find on Internet.I don't have the ability to upload images on Tolkien Gateway generally, but you do have this ability.

:I haven't even watched the film. Find me an image and I will consider it. Also, consider creating an account here. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 21:13, 6 January 2017 (UTC)

Yes.I already found not only one, but two images:[http://www-images.theonering.org/torwp/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/BotFAWereWorms01.jpg this one] and [http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/lotr/images/8/85/BOTFA_Wereworm.PNG/revision/latest?cb=20150306211236 this one].What do you think? Are these images good or not?

== Discussion ==

I would like to be discussed something generally.Read [[User talk:2.86.255.128#Tolkien Gateway and The Hobbit film|here]].
This place, Trollshaws,appears in the First Hobbit film.You can check it by seeing the movie.I am telling that because [[User:Ederchil]] removes my editing about the Trollshaws in which i say that Trollshaws do appear in the First Hobbit film.You can see it [http://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Trollshaws&action=history here] or [http://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Trollshaws&oldid=291125 here]. {{unsignedanon| 2.86.255.128}}
:Please check the others's replies to you, their comments and the edits they do to your edits. The administrators's obligations do NOT include discussing and explaining again ana again their points and correcting the grammar and spelling of our edits. Ederchil said he did this for most of your edits but that can't go on for ever; from a point they will start just reverting your edits, and if you insist, they will block you. As for your edit on Trollshaws, you don't add any useful information (just appearing as in the book isn't something worth to be mentioned) and also you have a grammar mistake, as in almost all of your edits (should be "its role" instead of "'''it's''' role"). [[User:Sage|Sage]] 10:21, 6 January 2017 (UTC)

::The IP address of this anon is in Athens. Would you be able to explain in Greek so the user can better understand why their edits are being undone/reverted/amended? --{{User:Mith/sig}} 23:16, 6 January 2017 (UTC)

Yes I am Greek.I am from Athens.{{unsignedanon| 2.86.255.128}}

In case you don't know it,I have already found not one, but two images about the wereworms as they were depicted in the Hobbit film Trilogy:[http://www-images.theonering.org/torwp/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/BotFAWereWorms01.jpg this one] and [http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/lotr/images/8/85/BOTFA_Wereworm.PNG/revision/latest?cb=20150306211236 this one].I found these images a week ago.So, what do you think? Are these images good or not? --[[User talk:2.86.255.128|2.86.255.128]] 00:26, 13 January 2017 (UTC)
:Oi sygkekrimenes den einai poly kales. Na ftiaxeis logariasmo melous wste na mporeis na dhmiourgeis arthra kai na anevazeis eikones. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 11:56, 13 January 2017 (UTC)

OK.I have seen that there is no image uploaded on page [[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]] about the game with the same name.I have also seen that only a single image about that game is uploaded here on Tolkien Gateway.Can you upoad at least two images (images-posters I suggest) about that game on Tolkien Gateway? I don't have the ability to upload inages in Tolkien Gateway, but you do have this ability. --[[User talk:2.86.255.128|2.86.255.128]] 21:47, 13 January 2017 (UTC)

:Den kanw tipota mexri na dw oti diavazeis ti sou grafw. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 22:04, 13 January 2017 (UTC)

== Proposition ==

I would like to propose something.I would like not to blog me again from Tolkien Gateway if I did something wrong about the image that I just uploaded.What do you say? [[User:Gegou|Gegou]]

== Evil or Servants of Melkor ==

I am not so sure Sauron and Ungoliant should be in the Servants of Melkor category. Why? They both 'betrayed' him in their own ways: Ungoliant turned on him and attempted to devour him, while Sauron forsook his ties to him before Eonwe (sure he was afraid of the wrath of the Valar, but it's still treachery) and rose as the Enemy of Middle-earth, but pursued his own agenda instead of continuing Morgoth's work.
Both Sauron and Ungoliant served Morgoth (the former more so than the latter), but they ultimately had their own purposes in mind. They joined him and carried out his bidding, but at those respective times it suited them as well: Morgoth undermined the influence of the Valar which later proved useful in Sauron's rise; Morgoth destroyed the Two Trees, allowing Ungoliant to feed on their Light and briefly sate her hunger.
What I'm saying is neither is a truly loyal ally/servant. We don't even know if Sauron returned to Morgoth after his defeat by Huan and Luthien. He fled to Taur-nu-Fuin, not Angband. He might not have participated at all in the War of Wrath, explaining why he escaped the triumph of Valinor's host and why Eonwe even bothered to listen to his (un)genuine repetance.
Also, on the Evil Category page it says: "Articles about evil. Evil individuals, evil places, evil objects, etc. For people, this includes the Dark Lords, evil chieftains, or otherwise doers of great evil. Servants." Sauron is a Dark Lord and Ungoliant is a doer of evil. --[[User:LordoftheEarth|LordoftheEarth]] 10:10, 1 June 2020 (UTC)

:I agree with removing the 'Servant of Melkor' category for Ungoliant. It is never mentioned that Ungoliant served Morgoth, they were temporal allies; and what kind of servant tries to eat his master? However, Sauron was faithful to Morgoth and his porpouses even after the First Age (both in promoting the dark cult in Númenor and becoming the new Dark Lord). He deserves to be in the 'Evil' category, though. --[[User:LorenzoCB|LorenzoCB]] 10:22, 1 June 2020 (UTC)

It was not loyalty that made Sauron promote the worship of Morgoth. Think of his situation. He is a master of Darkness, but he is now something between a prisoner and an adviser. He could hardly propound himself as a God at that time. Morgoth's name, however, and its association with evil could be used on the other hand to great effect. Let's hear J.R.R. himself:

Sauron was not a ‘sincere’ atheist, but he preached atheism, because it weakened resistance to himself (and he had ceased to fear God’s action in Arda) [...] he spoke of Melkor in Melkor’s own terms: as a god, or even as God. This may have been the residue of a state which was in a sense a shadow of good [...] Melkor, and still more Sauron himself afterwards, both profited by this darkened shadow of good and services of ‘worshippers’. '''But it may be doubted whether even such a shadow of good was still sincerely operative in Sauron by that time'''. '''His cunning motive is probably best expressed thus. To wean one of the God-fearing from their allegiance it is best to propound another unseen object of allegiance and another hope of benefits; propound to him a Lord who will sanction what he desires and not forbid it. Sauron, apparently a defeated rival for world-power, now a mere hostage, can hardly propound himself; but as the former servant and disciple of Melkor, the worship of Melkor will raise him from hostage to high priest.''' --[[User:LordoftheEarth|LordoftheEarth]] 10:29, 1 June 2020 (UTC)
::Sauron's categorization as "servant of M" is not because of his situation on Numenor, but being his lieutenant and minion during the First Age, as all the Maiar who followed him. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 18:56, 1 June 2020 (UTC)

==Lost Tales==
Hi Sage! On the matter you told me early this year, about making a subwiki for the "LT-continuity", maybe we could begin creating categories and templates for Gnomes? You said to make "Lost Tales characters" categories, but many of them exist beyond the LT, but categorizing them as "Gnomes" could be a step further and will remove the anachronical "Noldo" categories/templates that many have. What do you think? --[[User:LorenzoCB|LorenzoCB]] 21:47, 13 June 2020 (UTC)

== [[Melian]] <nowiki><ref name=s4/></nowiki> [http://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Melian&diff=next&oldid=311926] ==

It seems that you did not add text for this reference in April. Is it {{[[Template:S|S]]|4}}: {{S|4}}? [[User:BartekChom|BartekChom]] 16:45, 19 August 2020 (UTC)

== Battle under the trees ==

Hi Sage. I just wanted to say thank you for reviewing and editing my page: Battle Under Tress. (or 'battle under the trees' as you rightly corrected me) I've been part of Tolkien Gateway for a few months now and only made minimum edits to some fairly obscure pages. You editing my page on the battle under the trees has made me feel like a part of a community for the first time here. so, nothing but, Thank You.

Battle under the trees

2020-09-21T17:04:08Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{unnamed}}
{{battle
| name=Battle under the trees
| image=[[Image:Soni Alcorn-Hender - Battle Under Trees, Elves and Orca.jpeg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of the Ring]]
| date=[[15 March|March 15]]
| place= [[Mirkwood]]
| result= [[Thranduil]] repels the forces of [[Dol Guldur]]
| side1=[[Elves of Mirkwood]]
| side2=[[Orcs]] of Dol Guldur
| commanders1=[[Thranduil]]
| commanders2=[[Khamûl]]
| forces1=Unknown, enough for victory
| forces2=Unknown
| casual1=Unknown
| casual2=Unknown, enough for defeat
|}}
{{wotr}}
The '''Battle under the trees''' was a conflict fought on [[15 March|March 15]], the {{TA|3019}} forming part of [[The War of the Ring]].<ref name="battle under trees">{{App|Great}}</ref> It was fought simultaneously to the second assault on [[Lórien]], a battle also fought against the forces of [[Dol Guldur]].
== Prelude and The Battle ==

[[Dol Guldur]] had become active under the power of [[Khamûl]]<ref>J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"</ref> under the service of [[Sauron]]. On [[11 March|11th of March]] (4 days prior) Dol Guldor had sent a force of Orcs to Lórien. <ref name="battle under trees"/> It failed, though acted as the first of three assaults.

On the 15th of March, The [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] took place in [[Gondor]].<ref>{{RK|Battle}}</ref> Not soon after it's end, Orcs were sent from Dol Guldur to Lórien and the [[Woodland Realm]]. The Battle took place under the trees of Mirkwood when Thranduil's realm was invaded. There was a long battle under the trees and a great ruin of fire. In the end Thranduil had the victory and the Elves of Mirkwood had won. <ref name="battle under trees"/>

At the same time, Orcs were sent to Lothlórien a second time and once again failed the assault. <ref name="battle under trees"/>

== Aftermath ==
A third assault on Lórien was made on [[22 March]] and ended the same as the others. On [[28 March]] [[Celeborn]] took Dol Guldur and [[Galadriel]] laid it bare. <ref name="battle under trees"/>

On [[6 April|April 6]] Celeborn and King [[Thranduil]] met in the midst of the forest and renamed it [[Eryn Lasgalen]] "wood of green leaves". Celeborn took the land south of [[The Narrows]] for himself and named it [[East Lórien]], while Thranduil took all wood north of the [[Mountains of Mirkwood]], and they gave the middle of the wood to the [[Beornings]] and [[Woodmen]]. <ref name="battle under trees"/>

{{references}}
==External links==
*[https://middle-earth.xenite.org/what-was-the-battle-of-mirkwood/ What was the Battle of Mirkwood?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]

Elves of Mirkwood

2020-09-21T16:57:04Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{sources}}{{expansion}}
{{people infobox
| name=Elves of Mirkwood
| image=[[File:David T. Wenzel - Mirkwood elves.jpg|250px]]
| caption=Mirkwood elves by [[David T. Wenzel]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Elves of Thranduil, Elves of the Wood, Folk of the Wood, Wood-elves
| origin=[[Silvan Elves|Silvan]] followers of [[Thranduil]] and his [[Sindar|kin]]
| location=[[Woodland Realm]], [[Ithilien]]
| affiliation=[[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]
| rivalry=
| language=[[Silvan language]], [[Sindarin]], [[Westron]]
| members=[[Oropher]], [[Thranduil]], [[Legolas]], [[Galion]]
| lifespan=Immortal
| distinctions=
| height=
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=
}}
The '''Elves of Mirkwood''' were [[Silvan Elves]] that lived in the [[Woodland Realm]] of northern [[Mirkwood]], under the rule of [[Thranduil]].

==History==
During the [[First Age]], the [[Valar]] summoned the first [[Elves]] to move with them to [[Valinor]]. There were three hosts that first set out to answer the call of the Valar. Of these, the largest host was that of the [[Teleri]]. They advanced very slowly, and would often lose sight of the other two, smaller hosts.<ref name="S3">{{S|3}}</ref> There was a time, when they reached the river [[Anduin]], one smaller leader of that host, [[Lenwë]], wished to go no further, and he and his people began to live in the forests surrounding the Anduin Vale as the remaining Teleri continued their journey to [[Valinor]]. Their descendants were the Silvan elves of [[Lothlórien]] and Greenwood the Great.<ref name="S3"/>

===Second Age===
During the [[Second Age]], many [[Sindar]] survivors, who did not sail to the [[Valinor|West]], did not wish to stay with the [[Noldor]] in [[Lindon]] and be dominated by them.<ref name="UT6b"/> They travelled eastward from Lindon and eventually ended up in Greenwood the Great, where the Silvan Elves of [[Nandorin]] descent lived. The Silvan Elves were ''[[morbin]]'',<ref>{{WJ|B}} (pp. 376-7, 380)</ref> but they shared the same Telerin ancestry. The Sindar longed to experience a more "rustic" and "natural" way of life and fully embraced and adopted their culture and language. [[Oropher]], one of the [[Iathrim]] who spent his early life in [[Doriath]],<ref name="Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref> was taken by them as King and founded the [[Woodland Realm]] in {{SA|750}} with the capital at [[Amon Lanc]].<ref>{{PM|Second}}, p. 174</ref><ref name="UT6b">{{UT|6b}}</ref>

Originally Oropher's realm encompassed the entirety of Greenwood, with its capital at [[Amon Lanc]]. However, during the Second Age, he and his people migrated north three times.<ref name="Note 14">{{UT|Gladden}}, note 14</ref> According to one tradition, the first movement was northward beyond the [[Gladden Fields]], due to Oropher's desire to distance himself from the increasing encroachments of the [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]] and his resentment of the intrusions of [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]] in [[Lothlórien]]. However his people did maintain constant intercourse with their kin west of the [[Anduin]].<ref name="Sindarin Princes"/> Oropher was also disturbed by the reports of [[Sauron]]'s rising power and by the end of the Second Age he dwelt in the western glens of the [[Mountains of Mirkwood|Emyn Duir]] or Dark Mountains and his people lived north of the [[Men-i-Naugrim]] or Dwarf-road.<ref name="Note 14"/>

Oropher joined the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] by summoning a great army which joined with [[Amdír]]'s smaller force of [[Galadhrim|Lórien Elves]] to create one large host of Silvan Elves; the Silvan Elves were strong and brave, but they had poor armour and weapons in comparison with the [[Noldor]]. [[Amdír]] and Oropher were unwilling to submit to the supreme command of [[High King of the Noldor|High King]] [[Gil-galad]] who was a Noldo, and rushed forward by themselves before his signal to charge. As a result they suffered in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] and Oropher who was to the fore was slain.<ref name="UT6b"/>

Over the course of the [[War of the Last Alliance]], which ended with the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]] in {{SA|3441}}, two-thirds of the Silvan army had been lost. The remnants of the army returned to Greenwood under the command of Oropher's son, [[Thranduil]], and he was crowned king.<ref name="UT6b"/>

===Third Age===
With the return of [[Sauron]] around {{TA|1050}} southern Greenwood became dangerous and was renamed [[Mirkwood]]. Creatures like great spiders came to dwell in Mirkwood and Thranduil's folk retreated to the north-eastern corner of Mirkwood, where they fortified themselves near the [[Forest River]].

By the middle of the Third Age, the Silvan Elves of Mirkwood were much reduced in number though Mirkwood still had a greater population of Elves than [[Lindon]], [[Rivendell]], or [[Lothlórien]].<ref>{{L|347}} p. 425 </ref> To avoid the encroachment of the Necromancer from the south, they dwelt in the lands north of the [[Forest River]], living mainly in and around the [[Elvenking's Halls]]. They also had become increasingly withdrawn and wary of strangers, though they did trade with the neighbouring realms.
====Quest for Erebor====
In {{TA|2941}},<ref name="TA"/> Thranduil's people were disturbed, three times, by a band of [[Dwarves]] while feasting in the forest. The Dwarves were captured after the third interruption and brought to the Elvenking's halls. Though they had trespassed, they were not imprisoned until after they had been questioned and refused to be forthright. Their leader, [[Thorin]], refused to reveal the purpose of their journey from their halls far to the west in [[Eriador]].<ref name=Flies/> The others, taken separately, had been questioned, refused to speak openly, and also spoke insultingly of the Elves.<ref name=Barrels/>

Thranduil was content to wait for the Dwarves' stubborness to subside. Though prisoners in the king's dungeons, they were not ill-treated by the Wood-elves who "were reasonably well-behaved even to their worst enemies, when they captured them."<ref name=Flies>{{H|Flies}}</ref> After many days of imprisonment, they escaped with the help of their companion, the [[Hobbits|hobbit]] [[Bilbo Baggins]], who had avoided capture using a [[The One Ring|magic ring]].<ref name=Barrels>{{H|Barrels}}</ref>

After the Dwarves' escape Thranduil sent out messengers; the Elves heard that Smaug, provoked by the escaped dwarves, had left Erebor to attack [[Lake-town]] where he was slain by [[Bard|Bard the Bowman]]. With that news, it was believed that the dwarves must have died and the wealth of [[Thror]], augmented by Smaug's pillage of Dale, was left unprotected. He set out towards the [[Lonely Mountain]] with a company of Elves with spears and bows. On the way they met messengers from [[Bard]] in [[Lake-town]] who was seeking aid for his destroyed town. Thranduil being "the lord of a good and kindly people," turned his march to lend them aid.<ref name=Fire/> He gave them a great store of goods and skilled Elves stayed to help the people erect shelters for the winter. He and Bard joined forces and marched north in arms as Thranduil had perceived that the swift spreading news of Smaug's death was "an ill wind . . . that blows no one any good."<ref name=Fire>{{H|Fire}}</ref> They were very surprised when they found out that Thorin and his company had survived Smaug's attacks, had taken possession of the Lonely Mountain and its treasures and that Thorin Oakenshield had claimed the title [[King under the Mountain]].

Bard demanded a part of the treasure for [[Dale]] and Lake-town, which Smaug had destroyed, as well as for himself because he had shot the dragon. When Thorin refused to give away parts of the treasure, Thranduil and Bard besieged the mountain and Thorin sent for aid from his cousin [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] from the [[Iron Hills]].<Ref>{{H|Gathering}}</ref> After a few days Dáin's host approached and fight seemed unavoidable. But in the night Bilbo brought the [[Arkenstone]], a great jewel that Thorin valued above all to him open to negotiations.<ref>{{H|Thief}}</ref> The next morning Bard and Thranduil entered into negotiations with an angered Thorin, who agreed to pay 1/14 share of the treasure in exchange for the stone. The next day Dáin arrived with his forces and although Thranduil was reluctant to start a war over gold, the dwarves proceeded to attack.

At the last moment, when the battle was almost joined between the two sides Gandalf intervened and revealed that while they were bickering amongst themselves, the [[Orcs]] of the [[Misty Mountains]] and [[Grey Mountains]] under [[Bolg]] were using the opportunity to march against them. They had been incited by Gandalf's earlier slaying of the [[Great Goblin]], but had now mobilized for a full-scale attack after hearing news of the death of the Dragon and the now relatively unguarded treasure hoard. With the counsel of Gandalf, the three commanders agreed that the Orcs were the enemies of all and previous grievances between them were put on hold in face of the greater threat. So the [[Battle of Five Armies]] began.

Thranduil's host was positioned on the southern side of the Mountain, and they were the first to charge. Many Wood-elves were slain,<ref>{{H|Burst}}</ref> and things looked grim when the [[Eagles]] arrived on the battlefield. They turned the tide and the battle was won. Afterwards an agreement was reached for the division of the dragon hoard by the victors.<ref>{{H|Return}}</ref>
====War of the Ring====
On [[21 March|March 21]], {{TA|3018}} [[Aragorn]] and [[Gandalf]] delivered [[Gollum]] as a prisoner to Thranduil. He was guarded day and night, but the Elves pitied him and allowed him to climb a tree that stood alone. When one night in June of 3018, Gollum refused to come down, the Elves were attacked by Orcs and Gollum could escape in the confusion. Thranduil sent his son [[Legolas]] to Rivendell to inform [[Elrond]], and in the [[Council of Elrond]] Legolas was selected as one of the nine members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|II2}}</ref> He journeyed with the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] [[Frodo Baggins]] towards Mordor. After the [[Breaking of the Fellowship]] Legolas continued to accompany Aragorn, fighting in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] and the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. Legolas also developed a close friendship with the dwarf [[Gimli]], son of one of Thorin's companions: [[Glóin]]. This friendship did much to improve relations between the two peoples.

On [[15 March|March 15]], {{TA|3019}}, an army of [[Sauron]] from [[Dol Guldur]], tasked with destroying the Woodland Realm, attacked Mirkwood. There was a long [[Battle under the trees]] and the woods were set on fire. But in the end Thranduil defeated the invaders.

Because the Shadow over Mirkwood was lifted, Thranduil and Celeborn renamed it [[Eryn Lasgalen]], the Wood of Greenleaves. They divided it up, so that Thranduil received the northern part as far as the Mountains, and Celeborn took the southern part below the [[Narrows of the Forest|Narrows]], naming it [[East Lórien]]. The wide forest in-between was given to the [[Beornings]] and the [[Woodmen]]<ref name="AppB">{{App|B}}</ref>.

After the destruction of [[Dol Guldur]] and the cleansing of Mirkwood, Thranduil and the Wood-Elves remained untroubled for many years.

After the fall of Sauron, around {{FoA|20}},<ref>{{RK|Cormallen}}</ref> Legolas brought south Elves out of Greenwood, and they dwelt in Ithilien, and it became once again the fairest country in all the westlands.<ref>{{App|Durin}}</ref> They stayed in Ithilien for "a hundred years of Men."<ref>{{RK|Cormallen}}</ref> Legolas and the Wood-Elves later worked together with Gimli and the Dwarves to rebuild and improve [[Minas Tirith]], capital city of [[Gondor]], the realm of their mutual friend King [[Aragorn|Aragorn Elessar]]<ref name="AppB"/>. After King Aragorn died, Legolas sailed West, reportedly taking Gimli with him, and with them left numerous other [[Elves]].<ref>{{RK|Cormallen}}</ref><ref>{{App|Durin}}</ref>

==Language==
It is unclear precisely what form of [[Sindarin]] and/or [[Silvan Elvish]] the Elves of Mirkwood spoke.

In "The Silvan Elves and Their Speech" Tolkien writes that, "Thranduil father of Legolas of the Nine Walkers was Sindarin, and that tongue was used in his house, though not by all his folk."<ref name="UT6a"/> This implies that Sindarin was the language of court and Silvan Elvish or the woodland tongue was the language of the people. It was later written that, "by the end of the Third Age the Silvan tongues had probably ceased to be spoken in the two regions that had importance at the time of the War of the Ring: Lórien and the realm of Thranduil in northern Mirkwood."<ref name="UT6a">{{UT|6a}}</ref> However, when Legolas related the song of Nimrodel, a song about a [[Third Age]] event, he said, "it is a fair song in our woodland tongue."<ref>{{FR|II6}} p. 330</ref><ref group="note">"Silvan Elvish is also referred to as the 'woodland tongue'." (J.R.R. Tolkien Encyclopedia: Scholarship and Critical Assessment - Languages Invented by Tolkien - edited by Michael D. C. Drout, p. 339)</ref>

In "The Sindarin Princes of the Silvan Elves", Tolkien states that:

{{blockquote|Oropher had come among them with only a handful of Sindar, and they were soon merged with the Silvan Elves, adopting their language and taking names of Silvan form and style. This they did deliberately; for they . . . came from Doriath after its ruin, and had no desire to leave [[Middle-earth]], nor to be merged with the other Sindar of Beleriand, dominated by the Noldorin Exiles for whom the folk of Doriath had no great love. They wished indeed to become Silvan folk . . .|{{UT|6b}}}}

In [[Letter 347]], written in [[1972]], there is a note which states: "The Silvan Elves of Thranduil's realm did not speak [[Sindarin|S.]] but a related language or dialect."<ref>{{L|347}}</ref> This could be a mixture of [[Doriathrin]], or Old Sindarin, mixing with the Silvan Elvish of the Nandor and Avari.<ref group="note">See [[David Salo]]'s ''[[A Gateway to Sindarin]]'' p. 13</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
*'''[[2013]]: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''
:[[Beorn]] says about these Elves that they are dangerous and less wise than their kindred. There seems to be a gap between the Sindar and the Silvan, as Thranduil disaproves Legolas's affection for [[Tauriel]].
==See also==
*[[Woodland Realm]]

{{references|notes}}
[[Category:Elven peoples]]
[[Category:Nandor]]
[[Category:Silvan Elves]]

War of the Ring

2020-09-21T16:52:48Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{disambig-more|War of the Ring|[[War of the Ring (disambiguation)]]}}{{sources}}
{{expansion}}
{{wotr}}
{{War
| previous= [[Corsair Wars]]
| next=
| name=War of the Ring
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|300px]]
| begin={{TA|3018}} (earlier fighting in Gondor)
| end={{TA|3019}}
|place=Northwestern [[Middle-earth]]
|result=Free Peoples' victory; destruction of [[the One Ring]], [[Sauron]] and [[Mordor]]; start of the [[Fourth Age]]; [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]] reunited under restoration of the [[King of Gondor]]
| battles=[[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath]], [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]], [[Battle of Isengard]], [[Battle of the Hornburg]], [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], [[Battle of the Morannon]], [[Battle under the trees]], [[Fall of Dol Guldur]], [[Battle of Dale]], [[Battle of Bywater]]
|side1='''Free Peoples of Middle-earth:''' [[Gondor]], [[Rangers of the North]], [[Rohan]], [[Dale]], [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], [[The Shire]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Woodland Realm]], [[Rivendell]], [[Fangorn]], [[Beornings]]
|side2='''Under [[Sauron]]:''' [[Mordor]], [[Dol Guldur]], [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]], [[Rhûn]], [[Harad]], [[Umbar]], and [[Khand]] '''Under [[Saruman]]:''' [[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]
|commanders1=
* [[Aragorn]]
* [[Denethor]] †
* [[Gandalf]] † (but resurrected)
* [[Théoden]] †
* [[Éomer]]
* [[Imrahil]]
* [[Dáin Ironfoot]] †
* [[Brand]] †
* [[Thranduil]]
* [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]]
|commanders2=
* [[Sauron]] †
* [[Saruman]] †{{clear}}
* [[Witch-king|The Witch-king of Angmar]] †
* [[Khamûl]] †
}}
{{Quote|So we come to it in the end, [...] the great battle of our time, in which many things shall pass away.|[[Théoden]]<ref>{{RK|Muster}}</ref>}}

The '''War of the Ring''' was the great conflict at the end of the [[Third Age]], named for [[the One Ring]] and the importance this had in the final outcome. The war was fought between [[Sauron]], the [[Dark Lord]] of [[Mordor]] who attempted to conquer [[Middle-earth]] as he nearly did in the [[Second Age]]; and the [[Free peoples]], being a loose alliance of [[Elves]] and [[Men]] led by the [[Wise]]. [[Saruman]] was a third power based in [[Orthanc]].

Sauron at all times held the military advantage in the War, due to his overwhelming forces; not only [[Orcs]] and [[Trolls]], but [[Haradrim|Men of Harad]] and the [[East]]. His main objective was to overthrow [[Gondor]], his neighbour and the strongest of his enemies. He had such forces at his command, though, that he was able to fight the war on many fronts, simultaneously attacking [[Dale]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood|Wood-elves]] in the far north, and [[Lothlórien]] from his secondary stronghold at [[Dol Guldur]]. There can be no doubt that, had the Wise not achieved and maintained possession of the Ring, Sauron would ultimately have been victorious.

The policy of the Wise was based around the [[Quest of the Ring]]: a company of nine under the leadership of [[Gandalf]] travelled from [[Rivendell]] with the One Ring, with the hope of taking it to [[Orodruin]] in [[Mordor]] and there destroying it. Because the Ring held much of Sauron's native power, they realised that in unmaking it, they would also defeat its creator.

Saruman had claimed alliance with both the Wise and the Dark Lord, but was ultimately fighting for his own ends. In alliance with the [[Dunlendings]], and having [[Orcs]] at his own command, his objective was the defeat of [[Rohan]]. Until late in the War, he held the advantage, defeating Rohan twice at the [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]].

==Background==
{{Seealso|Rings of Power|Third Age}}
Sauron had been defeated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], but because of Isildur's refusal to destroy [[the One Ring]], he was not entirely vanquished. He survived in spirit form, and the foundations of Barad-dûr were also not destroyed. Sauron's spirit wandered the wastelands of Middle-earth for over 1000 years, but eventually he rebuilt his power and became a threat once again. Around {{TA|1000}}, the [[Valar]] sent [[Maiar]] [[Wizards|emissaries]] to [[Middle-earth]] to help the [[Free peoples]] against the growing evil.

Indeed, Orcs were multiplying and the [[Witch-king]] from his fortress in [[Angmar]] waged unending war against [[Arnor]]. [[Moria]] and [[Minas Ithil]] fell and were abandoned, among other battles, plagues, and catastrophes which ended the Kingdom of Arnor and the Royal line of [[Gondor]]. The evil entity known only as the [[Necromancer]] fled from [[Dol Guldur]] because of Gandalf, allowing for some centuries of calmness.

In the meantime, Sauron's One Ring was found by two of the [[Stoors]] in the [[Gladden River]]. The Hobbit who got it, under its influence, was corrupted as [[Gollum]] and eventually retreated in the [[Goblin-town]] under the [[Misty Mountains]]. By the end of the Age, Sauron attempted to gather back all the Rings to augment his power. He took the Nine, but of the Seven he managed to reclaim only three, the last of them being the [[Ring of Thrór]]<ref>"the Nine [Sauron] has gathered to himself; the Seven also, or else they are destroyed." {{FR|Shadow}}</ref><ref>"You saw the Eye of him that holds the Seven and the Nine." {{FR|mirror}}</ref> but could not find the One.

[[File:John Howe - Alert the Folk.jpg|thumb|[[John Howe]] - ''Alert the Folk'']]
[[Gandalf]] was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]]. About [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] was desolation which Sauron might use to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of [[Angmar]]. Gandalf, seeing no hope in [[Thorin]]'s plans of battle and war against Smaug, persuaded him that he should go secretly to Erebor to reclaim its treasure, and to take with him [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[The Shire|the Shire]].<ref>{{UT|Quest}}</ref>. Smaug was killed by [[Bard]], Erebor was retaken, and most importantly, the kingdoms of Erebor and Dale were re-established. In a small incident along the way, [[the One Ring]] was lost by [[Gollum]] and wound up in Bilbo's hands.<ref>{{H|Riddles}}</ref>

Around the time the War began, it is said that the [[Ithryn Luin]] had gained influence in the [[East]] and, thanks to their efforts, Sauron could not manage to gather as much people in his side.<ref>{{PM|Last}}</ref>

==History==
===Prelude===
During the [[Quest of Erebor]], the [[White Council]] attacked Dol Guldur and the Necromancer withdrew. However, Sauron returned to his old abode in [[Mordor]] to reconstruct [[Barad-dûr]] and ten years after the fall of Smaug he sent three [[Nazgûl]] to reoccupy Dol Guldur. He declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}. The [[White Council]] met for the last time in {{TA|2953}} to discuss the Rings of Power when Saruman reassured them that the One Ring had been lost forever in [[the Sea]]. After this, Saruman fortified Isengard, spied on Gandalf, learning thus his interest in the Shire, and started sending agents.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>

Sauron began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the hated remnants of Númenor and the Eldar. Armies of [[Easterlings]] from [[Khand]] and beyond the [[Sea of Rhûn]] reinforced Mordor, joined by men from South [[Harad]]. Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts were multiplying while Sauron's minions were searching the Anduin for the One Ring.

A year before the war, while Gollum was looking for his ring, he was taken to Mordor and interrogated by Sauron, who learned that the One Ring was in the possession of a "[[Baggins]]" in a place called "[[the Shire]]". However, Sauron was led into thinking that the Shire was on the banks of the Gladden River.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> Gollum was then set free, but caught by [[Aragorn]], who placed him in the care of the [[Silvan Elves]] and held him in [[Mirkwood]].

A messenger from Mordor visited King [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II]] and asked information on Bilbo and the Ring. Meanwhile, Gandalf reading the [[Scroll of Isildur]] in [[Minas Tirith]], also realized that Bilbo's Ring was the One Ring.<ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

===First conflicts===
[[File:Donato Giancola - Faramir at Osgiliath.jpg|thumb|left|[[Donato Giancola]] - ''Faramir at Osgiliath'']]
Sauron made an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack]] on [[Osgiliath]] on [[20 June|June 20]] of {{TA|3018}} which was the beginning of the War. Sauron saw it as an opportunity to test [[Denethor|Denethor II]]'s strength. [[Boromir]] and [[Faramir]] managed to defend and destroy the ancient Bridge in order to deny the enemy access to the western side of the river.<ref name="AB"/><ref name="hunt"/>

About the same time the [[Elves]] of [[Mirkwood]] were attacked and during the fray, the captive [[Gollum]] escaped and would not be found nor by the Elves nor by Sauron's servants.<ref name="AB"/> The following months, Faramir led several [[Rangers of Ithilien|Ranger]] attacks deep into Mordor-occupied Ithilien, ambushing enemy armies moving to the Black Gate.

The presence of the Nazgûl in the battle of Osgiliath served to make them seem like a military asset against Gondor, concealing from the Wise their true mission, to hunt the Ring. After the assault, Sauron sent the Nine unclothed and invisible to search for the Ring under the leadership of the Witch-king. The Ringwraith [[Khamûl]] was unable to find the "[[the Shire|Shire]]" in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The [[Witch-king]] searched north and west for Gollum or the Shire.<ref name="hunt"/> Gandalf heard from Radagast about the riders and went to [[Isengard]] for counsel, where he was trapped by Saruman.<ref name="council"/>

Sauron's plans were halted when he received word of the prophecy in Gondor and the doings of the turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the [[Wise]] did not yet have possession of the Ring yet, as he feared. [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] arrived at [[Isengard]] around [[18 September|September 18]], but Gandalf had escaped. Traitor Saruman fortified himself in Isengard and convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring was, and so the Nine passed into [[Rohan]] in search of him. A terrified [[Gríma|Wormtongue]] answered that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The riders were divided into four pairs, and the Witch-King went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]]. Along the way, they captured several spies of Saruman and found charts and maps of the Shire. They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Saruman.<ref name="hunt"/>

In [[22 September|September 22]] they came to [[Sarn Ford]]. Although the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] were guarding the crossing, their chieftain [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] was away and the Riders captured the ford, killing many of the Rangers. The Witch-king sent Khamûl and three Riders into the Shire while he went east with the others and then returned to watch the [[Greenway]].<ref name="AB">{{App|B3}}</ref> A Rider came to Hobbiton at nightfall, but failed to capture [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] who departed that same day carrying the Ring to the east.<ref name="hunt"/> The hunt continued to [[Buckland]] and Bree, aided by Sauron's spies, such as [[Bill Ferny]] and [[Harry Goatleaf]], but nonetheless, the Ring escaped them.<ref>{{FR|Strider}}</ref>

[[File: The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Council of Elrond.jpg|thumb|left|The Council of Elrond, a pivotal phase of the War.]]
In October, Frodo came to [[Rivendell]] and during his arrival, the Black Riders were temporarily neutralized and were forced to return to Mordor to regroup. Some days later, the [[Council of Elrond]] was called, where it was decided that the only way to be free of Sauron and the Ring was to cast the Ring into the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Frodo surprised everyone, including himself, by declaring that he would take the Ring<ref name="council"/>. The [[Fellowship_of_the_Ring|team]] who would travel to Mordor departed Rivendell in December.<ref name="AB"/>

===Saruman's part in the War===
Saruman was caught now between the Wise and Sauron as a known traitor to both. He implemented a strategy of controlling the King of Rohan; sending spies to waylay Frodo Baggins on his flight from the Shire, and dispatching raiding parties on likely routes a [[Fellowship of the Ring|company of travelers]] might take the Ring to Gondor. During the fall of the first year of the War, some [[Ruffians]] were sent to the Shire to gain control of the region, collecting the crops and suppressing any dissent.
[[File: The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - First Battle of the Fords of Isen.jpg|thumb|The aftermath at Isen]]
He then endeavored to kill [[Théoden]] King's [[Théodred|son]] and [[Éomer|nephew]] and have full control of him. On [[25 February|February 25]], {{TA|3019}}, he sent his forces to attack [[Rohan]]'s army (commanded by [[Théodred]] and [[Grimbold]]) at the [[Isen]]. [[Dunlendings]], [[wolf-riders]] and [[Uruk-hai|Uruks]] clashed against the [[Rohirrim]] in the '''[[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' with orders to slay Prince Théodred at any cost. [[Erkenbrand]] took command of the western defenses of Rohan. He sent a messenger to [[Edoras]] to inform the King of the ill news and ask for reinforcements, but [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] delayed the message. [[Elfhelm]] joined [[Grimbold of Grimslade]] and were left in charge of the Fords when Erkenbrand tried to send stragglers to [[Helm's Deep]]. Saruman was successful in eliminating the Prince.<ref name="Isen">{{UT|Isen}}</ref>
[[File:Matt Stewart - The Horn of Boromir.jpg|thumb|left|[[Matt Stewart]] - ''The Horn of Boromir'']]
The [[26 February|next day]] while the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]] was in the [[Emyn Muil]] thinking whether to take the Ring to Minas Tirith or go directly to Mordor, Orcs from Isengard attempted to capture the Ring-bearer; but instead they took Merry and Pippin as prisoners.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> Éomer hearing of the descent of the Orcband set out from [[Eastfold]] against Théoden's orders and overtook them outside [[Fangorn Forest]], unknowingly setting the hobbits free.<ref name="AB"/><ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref>

Having heard the news about Théodred's death, [[Erkenbrand]], who became the commander of Rohan's western armies, gathered the forces of Grimbold and Elfhelm to assault Isen once more in the '''[[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' ([[2 March|March 2]]). Though they had a force of about 2000 men and had constructed a shield wall to hold off the enemy, Saruman's forces overcame them and scattered the retreating Rohirrim across Rohan.<ref name="Isen"/><ref name="Deep">{{TT|Deep}}</ref>

Saruman's victory would not last; he did not know that on the very same day, Gandalf had healed Théoden from [[Gríma|Wormtongue]]'s influence. In the meantime, the [[Ents]] after ending their long [[Entmoot]], decided to go to [[Isengard]] and battle Saruman.<ref name="AB"/>
[[File: Alan Lee - The Battle of the Hornburg.jpg|thumb|right|"The Battle of the Hornburg" by [[Alan Lee]]]]
The next day ([[3 March|March 3]]) seeking to take the fight away from his people, Théoden brought around a thousand horsemen to the [[Fords of Isen]] along with any others in [[Edoras]]. Among this force were [[Éomer]], [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]]. On their way they found [[Ceorl]] who reported a defeat to the Fords; Théoden then redirected his troops to [[Helm's Deep]], which was commanded by [[Gamling]] in his lord Erkenbrand's absence. Against overwhelming odds, they fought the '''[[Battle of the Hornburg]]''' for two days against [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Dunlendings]], until the [[Deeping Wall]] was breached and all seemed lost. The surviving horsemen rode out to meet the hordes of Isengard.<ref name="Deep"/>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Wrath of the Ents'']]
At that moment, [[Gandalf]] returned, bringing with him Erkenbrand and many other soldiers from [[Westfold]]. They attacked the army from the rear, driving the attackers back into a forest of [[Huorns]]. While Saruman suffered this military defeat, Isengard was attacked by a march of [[Ents]] in the '''[[Battle of Isengard]]''' who drowned all the valley.<ref name="Flotsam">{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref>

After the defeat of Saruman, Pippin looked in the [[Orthanc-stone]] and saw the [[Eye of Sauron]]; Gandalf believed that seeing the Hobbit, Sauron would imagine that the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] was caught by Saruman's Orcs and that they could make good use of the delay caused by this confusion.<ref name="Pal">{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> The protagonists of the War separated, anticipating Sauron's attack on Minas Tirith. Gandalf set out for Minas Tirith taking Pippin since he would not be safe. Théoden set out from the Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]].

Aragorn consulted the Stone of Orthanc and confronted Sauron subduing the stone’s power to his own will. In doing so, however, Aragorn has alerted Sauron to his existence as Isildur’s heir to the throne of Gondor. Gimli feared that Sauron would now release his forces sooner because of this revelation. Aragorn, however, hoped such a hasty move may weaken the Enemy’s attack<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>. They set out with the [[Grey Company]] to [[Dunharrow]] and took the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Théoden would come to Dunharrow.

===Sauron strikes===
On [[10 March|March 10]] fumes from Mordor veiled the [[Sun]] in an attempt by Sauron to disparage or misguide his enemies. The veil blacked out most of Gondor and Rohan who observed that day as [[The Dawnless Day]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Nazgûl'']]
Along with the Darkness, a host from [[Minas Morgul]] set forth toward Minas Tirith, as witnessed by Frodo, Sam, and Gollum who passed the Cross-roads. Later Orcs from the [[Morannon]] took [[Cair Andros]] and passed into [[Anórien]]. [[Denethor|Denethor II]] called the [[Council of Gondor]] together on that day<ref name="AB"/> and it advised him to make no stroke of war against the enemy due to the threat from the south.<ref name=" siege"/>

The Rohirrim mustered their Riders and rode from Harrowdale, while Aragorn led the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]] and the Grey Company, across the river [[Ringló]].

While preparing against Gondor, Sauron also began campaigns to conquer [[Rhovanion|Wilderland]], activating his armies stationed in [[Dol Guldur]] and eastern allies. This would bring the eastern half of Middle-earth entirely into his dominion. On [[11 March|March 11]] Orcs from Dol Guldur attacked [[Lothlórien]] and Eastern Rohan. [[12 March|The next day]] the invaders of Rohan were utterly defeated by Ents.<ref name="AB"/>

In Gondor, Most of the citizens were sent north and west; except those in the arts of healing and boys who refused to leave. The same day, 3,000 men from [[Belfalas]], [[Dol Amroth]] and other places arrived to assist the garrison. But, it was less than a tenth of what was needed. Most that were needed were holding off the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Black Fleet]] of [[Umbar]].

[[Denethor|Denethor II]] sent Faramir to Osgiliath to [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath|intercept the Morgul-host]]. The Witch-King led the assault upon the western side the next morning aided by boats built in secret, and swiftly overwhelmed the defenders and on [[13 March]] Faramir retreated to the [[Causeway Forts]]; Gandalf, upon learning the Witch-King was on the field, [[14 March|the next day]] went from the city to the Rammas Echor where the forces which had fallen back. It was taken by blasting stones, and a charge by Prince [[Imrahil]] and the Knights of [[Dol Amroth]] saved Faramir who fell wounded by an Easterling champion.

As Pelennor was overrun, Denethor sent a sortie of cavalry to assist the defenders who retreated back to the city. Denethor, upon seeing his son in this grave state, lost his will to fight and gave no more thought to the defense of his city. He was seriously wounded while [[Pelennor Fields|Pelennor]] was overrun. The [[Siege of Gondor]] began.<ref name="siege"/>

Meanwhile, invaders from [[Umbar]] and [[Harad]] who sought to capture [[Linhir]] and the fords of the River [[Gilrain]]. The men of [[Lamedon]] fought against them and the arrival of Aragorn with the Army of the Dead from [[Erech]] terrified both sides. As Aragorn pressed on to [[Pelargir]], [[Angbor]] mustered as many horsemen as he could, helped by the fast-spreading rumor of the return of the [[Heir of Isildur]]. Soon later the group reached Pelargir, drove the Corsairs away and captured their [[Black Ships|fleet]] an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|assault]] he had also carried out decades earlier.<ref name="Debate">{{RK|Debate}}</ref>

===Climax===
On [[15 March]] three simultaneous battles occurred.

In [[Rhovanion]], an army was sent from [[Dol Guldur]] to destroy the realm of [[Thranduil]] and a second assault against Lothlórien was made. After a long [[Battle under the trees|battle under the trees]], and great ruin of fire<ref name="AB"/> the Orcs were defeated on both fronts on the same day.

In Gondor, after the enemy passed Osgiliath, [[Pelennor Fields|Pelennor]] outside Minas Tirith was overrun, despite the armies that gathered from southern Gondor already in the days before the battle. The hosts of Mordor dug pits and set up siege weapons beyond the city's range as the Nazgul swooped near the city uttering cries of death, demoralizing the defenders. Then the weapons began launching stones at the city, many of which would burst into flame as they came crashing down. Then, the heads of all those that had been slain in battle were flung over the city. The whole first level was soon in flames.<ref name="siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref>
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Siege of Minas Tirith.jpg|thumb|[[Stephen Hickman]] - ''Siege of Minas Tirith'']]
Near midnight the Witch-King launched his assault pushing many defenders to the higher levels, while others were slain trying to reach the walls. Many towers were also destroyed as they rolled forward. <ref name="siege"/>

The Witch-King rode assisted by magic the battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] as it hit the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]]. As he entered the gate he was confronted by Gandalf who alone stood steadfast. Then a cock crowed and horn from the west sounded. The Witch-King left to deal with the Riders of Rohan at the Rammas Echor. The '''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]''' began.<ref name="siege"/>

[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|thumb|left|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]
The combined army of Orcs, [[Haradrim]], [[Men of Rhûn]] and [[Men of Khand]], outnumbered the Rohirrim at least 10 to 1 but lost almost a third of their own forces. In the process, King Théoden was killed, and the Witch-King was destroyed by Théoden's niece, Lady [[Éowyn]] of Rohan. When all seemed lost, a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arrived at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but it was actually manned by Aragorn. As his army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Éomer's cavalry and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil".

[[File: Jan Pospisil - Dale units vs. Rhun.jpg|thumb|Jan Pospíšil - The Battle of Dale]]
Meanwhile in the North, [[Easterlings]] crossed the [[Carnen]], and King [[Brand]] was driven back to [[Dale]]. He gathered there with the [[Dwarves of Erebor]], and engaged in the '''[[Battle of Dale]]''' against the Orcs at the feet of the [[Lonely Mountain]] for three days until ([[17 March|March 17]]) he fell alongside King [[Dáin Ironfoot]]. Many Dwarves and Men took refuge in [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and were besieged by the Easterlings. However, news from the defeat at the Pelennor reached the Easterlings who began to fail.

===Sauron's defeat===
The [[16 March|next day]] it was understood that the army vanquished in the Battle of the Pelennor was only a fraction of Sauron's forces, and eventually Minas Tirith would not manage to withstand forever. [[Imrahil]] expressed concern for the defense of Gondor. Aragorn assured him that [[Angbor]] was marching with 4,000 men through [[Lossarnach]] to garrison Minas Tirith.<ref name="debate"/>

The [[Host of the West]] marched from Minas Tirith on [[18 March]] to confront Sauron. During that course, Lothlórien was attacked for a third and last time by Orcs ([[22 March]]). After much destruction, the Elves repulsed them once again.

The Host of the West would meet Sauron's forces outside the gates of Mordor [[25 March|seven days later]], hoping to divert their attention away from the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], who was nearing the end of his mission.

[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Battle of the Morannon.jpg|thumb|left|Fell beasts fly over the Battle of the Morannon]]
During the course of the '''[[Battle of the Morannon]]''' against [[Trolls]], Orcs and Men, the eight remaining Nazgûl attacked the army of the West. The [[Eagles]] of the [[Misty Mountains]], led by [[Gwaihir]], arrived and attacked the Ringwraiths. When all hope seemed lost, Frodo failed his mission: he claimed the One Ring for himself, and Sauron was suddenly aware that Frodo had the Ring and was in the [[Cracks of Doom]]. Finally realizing that his enemies meant to destroy his Ring, Sauron immediately sent the Nazgûl to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. However, Gollum wrenched the Ring from Frodo but fell accidentally into the fire, destroying the Ring. The hosts of Mordor, suddenly without direction, hesitated as Sauron's power was overthrown.

The Nazgûl were all destroyed as they flew over Mount Doom just as it underwent a gigantic eruption. [[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 and the Easterlings eventually threw down their weapons and surrendered. <Ref name="Doom">{{RK|Doom}}</ref>

[[27 March|Two days later]], [[Bard II]] and [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III]] Stonehelm, taking the reign from their respective fathers who fell in the assault, drove the enemy from Dale.<ref name="AB"/>

[[File: Galadriel dol guldur bfmeII.JPG|thumb|right|The fall of Dol Guldur in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'']]
On [[28 March|March 28]] with [[Celeborn]] at their head, Elves crossed the Anduin in many boats and stormed Dol Guldur. Galadriel came after them in the '''[[Fall of Dol Guldur]]''', throwing down the walls of the fortress and laying bare its pits, so that the forest was cleansed. Thranduil cleared all the orcs and foul beings from North Mirkwood.<ref name="AB"/>

===Scouring of the Shire===
The War did not end with the defeat of Sauron, for Saruman fled northward after the capture of Orthanc, and established himself in the Shire, bending the Hobbits to his will by threat of violence and the persuasive power of his voice. The return of Frodo Baggins and his companions from the coronation of King Elessar and the reunification of Gondor and Arnor, led to their arrest by the [[Shire-hobbits]] but they talked their way out.<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref>

A small group of [[Ruffians]] was encountered, and Pippin declared the return of the King to them, and the message that emissaries were on their way. The group was routed, but managed to get a message to a bigger contingent in [[Waymeet]].<ref name="Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref> 20 Men marched from [[Hobbiton]] towards [[Bywater]], and 200 Bucklanders and [[Cotton Family|Cottons]] answered the call of Captain Merry's horn.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Storming the Bank.jpg|left|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Storming the Bank'']]
The Men walked up [[Bywater Road]], to the point where [[Tolman Cotton Senior|Farmer Cotton]] was standing and found themselves heavily outnumbered. Their leader fell by arrows as he tried to strike at Merry. The rest surrendered. Pippin had set up a rebellion in [[Tookland]], and returned with one hundred Tooks when the larger group of Men from Waymeet arrived the following day and walked straight into a defensive pocket set up by Merry. Merry and Pippin charged from the eastern bank, and Merry killed the leader.<ref name="Scouring"/> Nearly 70 Men were killed and 12 were taken prisoner, while 19 Hobbits died and about 30 were wounded.

After their victory the Hobbits marched on to [[Bag End]], where they found [[Sharkey]]. It was not [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] as had been thought, but rather [[Saruman]] who revealed that his servant [[Gríma]] killed Lotho. Gríma cut Saruman's throat in a rage for years of oppression and abuse but was himself shot by Hobbit archers. As the spirit of Saruman rose from its bodily form, it was blown away by a wind from the West; [[Manwë]] did not want him back.<ref name="Scouring"/>

This battle is considered to mark the end of the War.

==Aftermath==
{{main|Fourth Age}}
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The White Sapling.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The White Sapling'']]
The consequences of the War were "apocalyptical" for the [[Westlands]] of [[Middle-earth]]. The ''status quo'' of many entities were restored, or even radically changed after centuries. Not only the millennia of Sauron's dominion were permanently brought to an end, but the relationships of peoples and races were redefined. It is also notable that during the War many personalities died (Denethor, Théoden, Brand, Dain), and brought their descendants into the aftermath.

The major effect of the war however was that with the destruction of the One Ring, the [[Three Rings]] that had maintained the realms of the Elves in Middle-earth lost their power, and the Elves began to leave for the [[Undying Lands]]; significant Elves who marked the history of the Westlands for millennia, like Galadriel and Elrond departed, setting stage for the [[Dominion of Men]].
===Political===
The downfall of Sauron brought the restoration of the long-awaited line of [[Kings of Gondor]], the restoration of [[Arnor]] and simultaneously the [[Reunited Kingdom|reunification]] of the two kingdoms; after of centuries of nomadic wandering the [[Rangers of the North]] had again a kingdom and the Gondorians had a king. This King was Aragorn II a descendant both of [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]]; furthermore, his marriage with [[Arwen]] reunited the lines of [[Elrond]] and [[Elros]] since the [[First Age]].
[[File:Sage - Reunited Kingdom.png|thumb|The Reunited Kingdom]]
Other political repercussions were the strengthening of the relationships between the Kingdom and [[Rohan]], new relationships with the [[Ents]] (who now occupied [[Treegarth]], former [[Isengard]]), the [[Woses]] and the [[Hobbits]], now known as free peoples. On the [[Elven New Year]], Celeborn and Thranduil renamed Mirkwood as [[Eryn Lasgalen]] and Celeborn took the southern part below [[East Bight]], naming it East Lórien. The wide forest inbetween was given to the [[Beornings]] and the [[Woodmen]].

===Calendrical impact===
{{quote|You were born at the end of a great age, [[Elanor Gamgee|Elanorellë]]|[[Samwise Gamgee]], ''[[Sauron Defeated]]'', [[The Epilogue]]}}
All the above events made historians to mark the years following the War as the end of the [[Third Age]].

Another calendric change was the [[New Reckoning]] which replaced the [[Stewards' Reckoning]], and the introduction of ''[[Cormarë]]'', a holiday on [[25 March|March 25]] that commemorated the fall of Sauron.<ref>{{App|D2}}</ref>

==Combatants==
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Fleet of Harad.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Fleet of Harad'']]

===Sauron and his allies===
*'''[[Mordor]]'''
**[[Sauron]] †
**[[Mouth of Sauron]]
**[[Nazgûl]] †
*'''[[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]'''
**[[Saruman]] †
**[[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] †
*'''[[Harad]]'''
**[[Black Serpent]] †
*'''[[Rhûn]]'''
*'''[[Khand]]'''
*'''[[Dol Guldur]]'''
**[[Khamûl]] †
*'''[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]'''
*'''[[Umbar]]'''

===Free peoples===
*'''[[Gondor|Kingdom of Gondor]]'''
**[[Minas Tirith]]
***[[Denethor|Denethor II]] †
***[[Boromir]] †
***[[Faramir]]
***[[Húrin (Warden of the Keys)|Húrin the Tall]]
**[[Dol Amroth]]
***[[Imrahil]]
**[[Lebennin]]
**[[Lossarnach]]
***[[Forlong]] the Fat †
**[[Ringló Vale]]
***[[Dervorin]] †
**[[Morthond]]
***[[Duinhir]]
***[[Duilin (son of Duinhir)|Duilin]] †
***[[Derufin]] †
**[[Anfalas]]
***[[Golasgil]]
**[[Lamedon]]
***[[Angbor|Angbor the Fearless]]
**Shipmen of [[Ethir Anduin]]
**[[Pinnath Gelin]]
***[[Hirluin]] the Fair †
**[[White Mountains]]
***[[King of the Dead]] †
*'''[[Arnor|Chiefdom of Arnor]]'''
**[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]
**[[Grey Company]]
***[[Halbarad]] †
***[[Elladan]]
***[[Elrohir]]
*'''[[Rohan|Kingdom of Rohan]]'''
**[[Théoden]] †
**[[Théodred]] †
**[[Éomer]]
**[[Éowyn]]
**[[Erkenbrand]]
**[[Elfhelm]]
**[[Grimbold]] †
*'''[[Woodland Realm]]'''
**[[Thranduil]]
**[[Legolas]]
*'''[[Lothlórien]]'''
**[[Celeborn]]
**[[Galadriel]]
*'''[[The Shire]]'''
**[[Hobbiton]]
***[[Frodo Baggins]]
***[[Samwise Gamgee]]
**[[Tookland]]
***[[Peregrin Took]]
**[[Buckland]] and [[Bree]]
***[[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
*'''[[Fangorn Forest]]'''
**[[Treebeard]]
**[[Quickbeam]]
*'''[[Istari]]'''
**[[Gandalf]]
*'''[[Kingdom Under the Mountain]]'''
**[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] †
**[[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]]
**[[Gimli]]
*'''[[Kingdom of Dale]]'''
**[[Brand]] †
**[[Bard II]]

==Non-combatants==
*'''[[Elvendom]]'''
**[[Rivendell]]
***[[Elrond]]
***[[Glorfindel]]
**[[Grey Havens]]
***[[Círdan]]
***[[Galdor of the Havens]]
*'''[[Istari]]'''
**[[Radagast]]
*'''[[Drúedain]]'''
**[[Ghân-buri-Ghân]]

{{References}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/3a/guerres/guerre_de_l_anneau]]

War of the Ring

2020-09-21T16:49:54Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{disambig-more|War of the Ring|[[War of the Ring (disambiguation)]]}}{{sources}}
{{expansion}}
{{wotr}}
{{War
| previous= [[Corsair Wars]]
| next=
| name=War of the Ring
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|300px]]
| begin={{TA|3018}} (earlier fighting in Gondor)
| end={{TA|3019}}
|place=Northwestern [[Middle-earth]]
|result=Free Peoples' victory; destruction of [[the One Ring]], [[Sauron]] and [[Mordor]]; start of the [[Fourth Age]]; [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]] reunited under restoration of the [[King of Gondor]]
| battles=[[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath]], [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]], [[Battle of Isengard]], [[Battle of the Hornburg]], [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], [[Battle of the Morannon]], [[Battle under the trees]], [[Fall of Dol Guldur]], [[Battle of Dale]], [[Battle of Bywater]]
|side1='''Free Peoples of Middle-earth:''' [[Gondor]], [[Rangers of the North]], [[Rohan]], [[Dale]], [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], [[The Shire]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Woodland Realm]], [[Rivendell]], [[Fangorn]], [[Beornings]]
|side2='''Under [[Sauron]]:''' [[Mordor]], [[Dol Guldur]], [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]], [[Rhûn]], [[Harad]], [[Umbar]], and [[Khand]] '''Under [[Saruman]]:''' [[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]
|commanders1=
* [[Aragorn]]
* [[Denethor]] †
* [[Gandalf]] † (but resurrected)
* [[Théoden]] †
* [[Éomer]]
* [[Imrahil]]
* [[Dáin Ironfoot]] †
* [[Brand]] †
* [[Thranduil]]
* [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]]
|commanders2=
* [[Sauron]] †
* [[Saruman]] †{{clear}}
* [[Witch-king|The Witch-king of Angmar]] †
* [[Khamûl]] †
}}
{{Quote|So we come to it in the end, [...] the great battle of our time, in which many things shall pass away.|[[Théoden]]<ref>{{RK|Muster}}</ref>}}

The '''War of the Ring''' was the great conflict at the end of the [[Third Age]], named for [[the One Ring]] and the importance this had in the final outcome. The war was fought between [[Sauron]], the [[Dark Lord]] of [[Mordor]] who attempted to conquer [[Middle-earth]] as he nearly did in the [[Second Age]]; and the [[Free peoples]], being a loose alliance of [[Elves]] and [[Men]] led by the [[Wise]]. [[Saruman]] was a third power based in [[Orthanc]].

Sauron at all times held the military advantage in the War, due to his overwhelming forces; not only [[Orcs]] and [[Trolls]], but [[Haradrim|Men of Harad]] and the [[East]]. His main objective was to overthrow [[Gondor]], his neighbour and the strongest of his enemies. He had such forces at his command, though, that he was able to fight the war on many fronts, simultaneously attacking [[Dale]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood|Wood-elves]] in the far north, and [[Lothlórien]] from his secondary stronghold at [[Dol Guldur]]. There can be no doubt that, had the Wise not achieved and maintained possession of the Ring, Sauron would ultimately have been victorious.

The policy of the Wise was based around the [[Quest of the Ring]]: a company of nine under the leadership of [[Gandalf]] travelled from [[Rivendell]] with the One Ring, with the hope of taking it to [[Orodruin]] in [[Mordor]] and there destroying it. Because the Ring held much of Sauron's native power, they realised that in unmaking it, they would also defeat its creator.

Saruman had claimed alliance with both the Wise and the Dark Lord, but was ultimately fighting for his own ends. In alliance with the [[Dunlendings]], and having [[Orcs]] at his own command, his objective was the defeat of [[Rohan]]. Until late in the War, he held the advantage, defeating Rohan twice at the [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]].

==Background==
{{Seealso|Rings of Power|Third Age}}
Sauron had been defeated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], but because of Isildur's refusal to destroy [[the One Ring]], he was not entirely vanquished. He survived in spirit form, and the foundations of Barad-dûr were also not destroyed. Sauron's spirit wandered the wastelands of Middle-earth for over 1000 years, but eventually he rebuilt his power and became a threat once again. Around {{TA|1000}}, the [[Valar]] sent [[Maiar]] [[Wizards|emissaries]] to [[Middle-earth]] to help the [[Free peoples]] against the growing evil.

Indeed, Orcs were multiplying and the [[Witch-king]] from his fortress in [[Angmar]] waged unending war against [[Arnor]]. [[Moria]] and [[Minas Ithil]] fell and were abandoned, among other battles, plagues, and catastrophes which ended the Kingdom of Arnor and the Royal line of [[Gondor]]. The evil entity known only as the [[Necromancer]] fled from [[Dol Guldur]] because of Gandalf, allowing for some centuries of calmness.

In the meantime, Sauron's One Ring was found by two of the [[Stoors]] in the [[Gladden River]]. The Hobbit who got it, under its influence, was corrupted as [[Gollum]] and eventually retreated in the [[Goblin-town]] under the [[Misty Mountains]]. By the end of the Age, Sauron attempted to gather back all the Rings to augment his power. He took the Nine, but of the Seven he managed to reclaim only three, the last of them being the [[Ring of Thrór]]<ref>"the Nine [Sauron] has gathered to himself; the Seven also, or else they are destroyed." {{FR|Shadow}}</ref><ref>"You saw the Eye of him that holds the Seven and the Nine." {{FR|mirror}}</ref> but could not find the One.

[[File:John Howe - Alert the Folk.jpg|thumb|[[John Howe]] - ''Alert the Folk'']]
[[Gandalf]] was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]]. About [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] was desolation which Sauron might use to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of [[Angmar]]. Gandalf, seeing no hope in [[Thorin]]'s plans of battle and war against Smaug, persuaded him that he should go secretly to Erebor to reclaim its treasure, and to take with him [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[The Shire|the Shire]].<ref>{{UT|Quest}}</ref>. Smaug was killed by [[Bard]], Erebor was retaken, and most importantly, the kingdoms of Erebor and Dale were re-established. In a small incident along the way, [[the One Ring]] was lost by [[Gollum]] and wound up in Bilbo's hands.<ref>{{H|Riddles}}</ref>

Around the time the War began, it is said that the [[Ithryn Luin]] had gained influence in the [[East]] and, thanks to their efforts, Sauron could not manage to gather as much people in his side.<ref>{{PM|Last}}</ref>

==History==
===Prelude===
During the [[Quest of Erebor]], the [[White Council]] attacked Dol Guldur and the Necromancer withdrew. However, Sauron returned to his old abode in [[Mordor]] to reconstruct [[Barad-dûr]] and ten years after the fall of Smaug he sent three [[Nazgûl]] to reoccupy Dol Guldur. He declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}. The [[White Council]] met for the last time in {{TA|2953}} to discuss the Rings of Power when Saruman reassured them that the One Ring had been lost forever in [[the Sea]]. After this, Saruman fortified Isengard, spied on Gandalf, learning thus his interest in the Shire, and started sending agents.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>

Sauron began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the hated remnants of Númenor and the Eldar. Armies of [[Easterlings]] from [[Khand]] and beyond the [[Sea of Rhûn]] reinforced Mordor, joined by men from South [[Harad]]. Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts were multiplying while Sauron's minions were searching the Anduin for the One Ring.

A year before the war, while Gollum was looking for his ring, he was taken to Mordor and interrogated by Sauron, who learned that the One Ring was in the possession of a "[[Baggins]]" in a place called "[[the Shire]]". However, Sauron was led into thinking that the Shire was on the banks of the Gladden River.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> Gollum was then set free, but caught by [[Aragorn]], who placed him in the care of the [[Silvan Elves]] and held him in [[Mirkwood]].

A messenger from Mordor visited King [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II]] and asked information on Bilbo and the Ring. Meanwhile, Gandalf reading the [[Scroll of Isildur]] in [[Minas Tirith]], also realized that Bilbo's Ring was the One Ring.<ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

===First conflicts===
[[File:Donato Giancola - Faramir at Osgiliath.jpg|thumb|left|[[Donato Giancola]] - ''Faramir at Osgiliath'']]
Sauron made an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack]] on [[Osgiliath]] on [[20 June|June 20]] of {{TA|3018}} which was the beginning of the War. Sauron saw it as an opportunity to test [[Denethor|Denethor II]]'s strength. [[Boromir]] and [[Faramir]] managed to defend and destroy the ancient Bridge in order to deny the enemy access to the western side of the river.<ref name="AB"/><ref name="hunt"/>

About the same time the [[Elves]] of [[Mirkwood]] were attacked and during the fray, the captive [[Gollum]] escaped and would not be found nor by the Elves nor by Sauron's servants.<ref name="AB"/> The following months, Faramir led several [[Rangers of Ithilien|Ranger]] attacks deep into Mordor-occupied Ithilien, ambushing enemy armies moving to the Black Gate.

The presence of the Nazgûl in the battle of Osgiliath served to make them seem like a military asset against Gondor, concealing from the Wise their true mission, to hunt the Ring. After the assault, Sauron sent the Nine unclothed and invisible to search for the Ring under the leadership of the Witch-king. The Ringwraith [[Khamûl]] was unable to find the "[[the Shire|Shire]]" in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The [[Witch-king]] searched north and west for Gollum or the Shire.<ref name="hunt"/> Gandalf heard from Radagast about the riders and went to [[Isengard]] for counsel, where he was trapped by Saruman.<ref name="council"/>

Sauron's plans were halted when he received word of the prophecy in Gondor and the doings of the turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the [[Wise]] did not yet have possession of the Ring yet, as he feared. [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] arrived at [[Isengard]] around [[18 September|September 18]], but Gandalf had escaped. Traitor Saruman fortified himself in Isengard and convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring was, and so the Nine passed into [[Rohan]] in search of him. A terrified [[Gríma|Wormtongue]] answered that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The riders were divided into four pairs, and the Witch-King went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]]. Along the way, they captured several spies of Saruman and found charts and maps of the Shire. They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Saruman.<ref name="hunt"/>

In [[22 September|September 22]] they came to [[Sarn Ford]]. Although the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] were guarding the crossing, their chieftain [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] was away and the Riders captured the ford, killing many of the Rangers. The Witch-king sent Khamûl and three Riders into the Shire while he went east with the others and then returned to watch the [[Greenway]].<ref name="AB">{{App|B3}}</ref> A Rider came to Hobbiton at nightfall, but failed to capture [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] who departed that same day carrying the Ring to the east.<ref name="hunt"/> The hunt continued to [[Buckland]] and Bree, aided by Sauron's spies, such as [[Bill Ferny]] and [[Harry Goatleaf]], but nonetheless, the Ring escaped them.<ref>{{FR|Strider}}</ref>

[[File: The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Council of Elrond.jpg|thumb|left|The Council of Elrond, a pivotal phase of the War.]]
In October, Frodo came to [[Rivendell]] and during his arrival, the Black Riders were temporarily neutralized and were forced to return to Mordor to regroup. Some days later, the [[Council of Elrond]] was called, where it was decided that the only way to be free of Sauron and the Ring was to cast the Ring into the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Frodo surprised everyone, including himself, by declaring that he would take the Ring<ref name="council"/>. The [[Fellowship_of_the_Ring|team]] who would travel to Mordor departed Rivendell in December.<ref name="AB"/>

===Saruman's part in the War===
Saruman was caught now between the Wise and Sauron as a known traitor to both. He implemented a strategy of controlling the King of Rohan; sending spies to waylay Frodo Baggins on his flight from the Shire, and dispatching raiding parties on likely routes a [[Fellowship of the Ring|company of travelers]] might take the Ring to Gondor. During the fall of the first year of the War, some [[Ruffians]] were sent to the Shire to gain control of the region, collecting the crops and suppressing any dissent.
[[File: The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - First Battle of the Fords of Isen.jpg|thumb|The aftermath at Isen]]
He then endeavored to kill [[Théoden]] King's [[Théodred|son]] and [[Éomer|nephew]] and have full control of him. On [[25 February|February 25]], {{TA|3019}}, he sent his forces to attack [[Rohan]]'s army (commanded by [[Théodred]] and [[Grimbold]]) at the [[Isen]]. [[Dunlendings]], [[wolf-riders]] and [[Uruk-hai|Uruks]] clashed against the [[Rohirrim]] in the '''[[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' with orders to slay Prince Théodred at any cost. [[Erkenbrand]] took command of the western defenses of Rohan. He sent a messenger to [[Edoras]] to inform the King of the ill news and ask for reinforcements, but [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] delayed the message. [[Elfhelm]] joined [[Grimbold of Grimslade]] and were left in charge of the Fords when Erkenbrand tried to send stragglers to [[Helm's Deep]]. Saruman was successful in eliminating the Prince.<ref name="Isen">{{UT|Isen}}</ref>
[[File:Matt Stewart - The Horn of Boromir.jpg|thumb|left|[[Matt Stewart]] - ''The Horn of Boromir'']]
The [[26 February|next day]] while the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]] was in the [[Emyn Muil]] thinking whether to take the Ring to Minas Tirith or go directly to Mordor, Orcs from Isengard attempted to capture the Ring-bearer; but instead they took Merry and Pippin as prisoners.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> Éomer hearing of the descent of the Orcband set out from [[Eastfold]] against Théoden's orders and overtook them outside [[Fangorn Forest]], unknowingly setting the hobbits free.<ref name="AB"/><ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref>

Having heard the news about Théodred's death, [[Erkenbrand]], who became the commander of Rohan's western armies, gathered the forces of Grimbold and Elfhelm to assault Isen once more in the '''[[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' ([[2 March|March 2]]). Though they had a force of about 2000 men and had constructed a shield wall to hold off the enemy, Saruman's forces overcame them and scattered the retreating Rohirrim across Rohan.<ref name="Isen"/><ref name="Deep">{{TT|Deep}}</ref>

Saruman's victory would not last; he did not know that on the very same day, Gandalf had healed Théoden from [[Gríma|Wormtongue]]'s influence. In the meantime, the [[Ents]] after ending their long [[Entmoot]], decided to go to [[Isengard]] and battle Saruman.<ref name="AB"/>
[[File: Alan Lee - The Battle of the Hornburg.jpg|thumb|right|"The Battle of the Hornburg" by [[Alan Lee]]]]
The next day ([[3 March|March 3]]) seeking to take the fight away from his people, Théoden brought around a thousand horsemen to the [[Fords of Isen]] along with any others in [[Edoras]]. Among this force were [[Éomer]], [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]]. On their way they found [[Ceorl]] who reported a defeat to the Fords; Théoden then redirected his troops to [[Helm's Deep]], which was commanded by [[Gamling]] in his lord Erkenbrand's absence. Against overwhelming odds, they fought the '''[[Battle of the Hornburg]]''' for two days against [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Dunlendings]], until the [[Deeping Wall]] was breached and all seemed lost. The surviving horsemen rode out to meet the hordes of Isengard.<ref name="Deep"/>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Wrath of the Ents'']]
At that moment, [[Gandalf]] returned, bringing with him Erkenbrand and many other soldiers from [[Westfold]]. They attacked the army from the rear, driving the attackers back into a forest of [[Huorns]]. While Saruman suffered this military defeat, Isengard was attacked by a march of [[Ents]] in the '''[[Battle of Isengard]]''' who drowned all the valley.<ref name="Flotsam">{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref>

After the defeat of Saruman, Pippin looked in the [[Orthanc-stone]] and saw the [[Eye of Sauron]]; Gandalf believed that seeing the Hobbit, Sauron would imagine that the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] was caught by Saruman's Orcs and that they could make good use of the delay caused by this confusion.<ref name="Pal">{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> The protagonists of the War separated, anticipating Sauron's attack on Minas Tirith. Gandalf set out for Minas Tirith taking Pippin since he would not be safe. Théoden set out from the Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]].

Aragorn consulted the Stone of Orthanc and confronted Sauron subduing the stone’s power to his own will. In doing so, however, Aragorn has alerted Sauron to his existence as Isildur’s heir to the throne of Gondor. Gimli feared that Sauron would now release his forces sooner because of this revelation. Aragorn, however, hoped such a hasty move may weaken the Enemy’s attack<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>. They set out with the [[Grey Company]] to [[Dunharrow]] and took the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Théoden would come to Dunharrow.

===Sauron strikes===
On [[10 March|March 10]] fumes from Mordor veiled the [[Sun]] in an attempt by Sauron to disparage or misguide his enemies. The veil blacked out most of Gondor and Rohan who observed that day as [[The Dawnless Day]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Nazgûl'']]
Along with the Darkness, a host from [[Minas Morgul]] set forth toward Minas Tirith, as witnessed by Frodo, Sam, and Gollum who passed the Cross-roads. Later Orcs from the [[Morannon]] took [[Cair Andros]] and passed into [[Anórien]]. [[Denethor|Denethor II]] called the [[Council of Gondor]] together on that day<ref name="AB"/> and it advised him to make no stroke of war against the enemy due to the threat from the south.<ref name=" siege"/>

The Rohirrim mustered their Riders and rode from Harrowdale, while Aragorn led the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]] and the Grey Company, across the river [[Ringló]].

While preparing against Gondor, Sauron also began campaigns to conquer [[Rhovanion|Wilderland]], activating his armies stationed in [[Dol Guldur]] and eastern allies. This would bring the eastern half of Middle-earth entirely into his dominion. On [[11 March|March 11]] Orcs from Dol Guldur attacked [[Lothlórien]] and Eastern Rohan. [[12 March|The next day]] the invaders of Rohan were utterly defeated by Ents.<ref name="AB"/>

In Gondor, Most of the citizens were sent north and west; except those in the arts of healing and boys who refused to leave. The same day, 3,000 men from [[Belfalas]], [[Dol Amroth]] and other places arrived to assist the garrison. But, it was less than a tenth of what was needed. Most that were needed were holding off the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Black Fleet]] of [[Umbar]].

[[Denethor|Denethor II]] sent Faramir to Osgiliath to [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath|intercept the Morgul-host]]. The Witch-King led the assault upon the western side the next morning aided by boats built in secret, and swiftly overwhelmed the defenders and on [[13 March]] Faramir retreated to the [[Causeway Forts]]; Gandalf, upon learning the Witch-King was on the field, [[14 March|the next day]] went from the city to the Rammas Echor where the forces which had fallen back. It was taken by blasting stones, and a charge by Prince [[Imrahil]] and the Knights of [[Dol Amroth]] saved Faramir who fell wounded by an Easterling champion.

As Pelennor was overrun, Denethor sent a sortie of cavalry to assist the defenders who retreated back to the city. Denethor, upon seeing his son in this grave state, lost his will to fight and gave no more thought to the defense of his city. He was seriously wounded while [[Pelennor Fields|Pelennor]] was overrun. The [[Siege of Gondor]] began.<ref name="siege"/>

Meanwhile, invaders from [[Umbar]] and [[Harad]] who sought to capture [[Linhir]] and the fords of the River [[Gilrain]]. The men of [[Lamedon]] fought against them and the arrival of Aragorn with the Army of the Dead from [[Erech]] terrified both sides. As Aragorn pressed on to [[Pelargir]], [[Angbor]] mustered as many horsemen as he could, helped by the fast-spreading rumor of the return of the [[Heir of Isildur]]. Soon later the group reached Pelargir, drove the Corsairs away and captured their [[Black Ships|fleet]] an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|assault]] he had also carried out decades earlier.<ref name="Debate">{{RK|Debate}}</ref>

===Climax===
On [[15 March]] three simultaneous battles occurred.

In [[Rhovanion]], an army was sent to destroy the realm of [[Thranduil]] and a second assault against Lothlórien was made. After a long battle under the trees, and great ruin of fire<ref name="AB"/> the Orcs were defeated on both fronts on the same day.

In Gondor, after the enemy passed Osgiliath, [[Pelennor Fields|Pelennor]] outside Minas Tirith was overrun, despite the armies that gathered from southern Gondor already in the days before the battle. The hosts of Mordor dug pits and set up siege weapons beyond the city's range as the Nazgul swooped near the city uttering cries of death, demoralizing the defenders. Then the weapons began launching stones at the city, many of which would burst into flame as they came crashing down. Then, the heads of all those that had been slain in battle were flung over the city. The whole first level was soon in flames.<ref name="siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref>
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Siege of Minas Tirith.jpg|thumb|[[Stephen Hickman]] - ''Siege of Minas Tirith'']]
Near midnight the Witch-King launched his assault pushing many defenders to the higher levels, while others were slain trying to reach the walls. Many towers were also destroyed as they rolled forward. <ref name="siege"/>

The Witch-King rode assisted by magic the battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] as it hit the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]]. As he entered the gate he was confronted by Gandalf who alone stood steadfast. Then a cock crowed and horn from the west sounded. The Witch-King left to deal with the Riders of Rohan at the Rammas Echor. The '''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]''' began.<ref name="siege"/>

[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|thumb|left|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]
The combined army of Orcs, [[Haradrim]], [[Men of Rhûn]] and [[Men of Khand]], outnumbered the Rohirrim at least 10 to 1 but lost almost a third of their own forces. In the process, King Théoden was killed, and the Witch-King was destroyed by Théoden's niece, Lady [[Éowyn]] of Rohan. When all seemed lost, a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arrived at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but it was actually manned by Aragorn. As his army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Éomer's cavalry and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil".

[[File: Jan Pospisil - Dale units vs. Rhun.jpg|thumb|Jan Pospíšil - The Battle of Dale]]
Meanwhile in the North, [[Easterlings]] crossed the [[Carnen]], and King [[Brand]] was driven back to [[Dale]]. He gathered there with the [[Dwarves of Erebor]], and engaged in the '''[[Battle of Dale]]''' against the Orcs at the feet of the [[Lonely Mountain]] for three days until ([[17 March|March 17]]) he fell alongside King [[Dáin Ironfoot]]. Many Dwarves and Men took refuge in [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and were besieged by the Easterlings. However, news from the defeat at the Pelennor reached the Easterlings who began to fail.

===Sauron's defeat===
The [[16 March|next day]] it was understood that the army vanquished in the Battle of the Pelennor was only a fraction of Sauron's forces, and eventually Minas Tirith would not manage to withstand forever. [[Imrahil]] expressed concern for the defense of Gondor. Aragorn assured him that [[Angbor]] was marching with 4,000 men through [[Lossarnach]] to garrison Minas Tirith.<ref name="debate"/>

The [[Host of the West]] marched from Minas Tirith on [[18 March]] to confront Sauron. During that course, Lothlórien was attacked for a third and last time by Orcs ([[22 March]]). After much destruction, the Elves repulsed them once again.

The Host of the West would meet Sauron's forces outside the gates of Mordor [[25 March|seven days later]], hoping to divert their attention away from the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], who was nearing the end of his mission.

[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Battle of the Morannon.jpg|thumb|left|Fell beasts fly over the Battle of the Morannon]]
During the course of the '''[[Battle of the Morannon]]''' against [[Trolls]], Orcs and Men, the eight remaining Nazgûl attacked the army of the West. The [[Eagles]] of the [[Misty Mountains]], led by [[Gwaihir]], arrived and attacked the Ringwraiths. When all hope seemed lost, Frodo failed his mission: he claimed the One Ring for himself, and Sauron was suddenly aware that Frodo had the Ring and was in the [[Cracks of Doom]]. Finally realizing that his enemies meant to destroy his Ring, Sauron immediately sent the Nazgûl to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. However, Gollum wrenched the Ring from Frodo but fell accidentally into the fire, destroying the Ring. The hosts of Mordor, suddenly without direction, hesitated as Sauron's power was overthrown.

The Nazgûl were all destroyed as they flew over Mount Doom just as it underwent a gigantic eruption. [[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 and the Easterlings eventually threw down their weapons and surrendered. <Ref name="Doom">{{RK|Doom}}</ref>

[[27 March|Two days later]], [[Bard II]] and [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III]] Stonehelm, taking the reign from their respective fathers who fell in the assault, drove the enemy from Dale.<ref name="AB"/>

[[File: Galadriel dol guldur bfmeII.JPG|thumb|right|The fall of Dol Guldur in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'']]
On [[28 March|March 28]] with [[Celeborn]] at their head, Elves crossed the Anduin in many boats and stormed Dol Guldur. Galadriel came after them in the '''[[Fall of Dol Guldur]]''', throwing down the walls of the fortress and laying bare its pits, so that the forest was cleansed. Thranduil cleared all the orcs and foul beings from North Mirkwood.<ref name="AB"/>

===Scouring of the Shire===
The War did not end with the defeat of Sauron, for Saruman fled northward after the capture of Orthanc, and established himself in the Shire, bending the Hobbits to his will by threat of violence and the persuasive power of his voice. The return of Frodo Baggins and his companions from the coronation of King Elessar and the reunification of Gondor and Arnor, led to their arrest by the [[Shire-hobbits]] but they talked their way out.<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref>

A small group of [[Ruffians]] was encountered, and Pippin declared the return of the King to them, and the message that emissaries were on their way. The group was routed, but managed to get a message to a bigger contingent in [[Waymeet]].<ref name="Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref> 20 Men marched from [[Hobbiton]] towards [[Bywater]], and 200 Bucklanders and [[Cotton Family|Cottons]] answered the call of Captain Merry's horn.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Storming the Bank.jpg|left|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Storming the Bank'']]
The Men walked up [[Bywater Road]], to the point where [[Tolman Cotton Senior|Farmer Cotton]] was standing and found themselves heavily outnumbered. Their leader fell by arrows as he tried to strike at Merry. The rest surrendered. Pippin had set up a rebellion in [[Tookland]], and returned with one hundred Tooks when the larger group of Men from Waymeet arrived the following day and walked straight into a defensive pocket set up by Merry. Merry and Pippin charged from the eastern bank, and Merry killed the leader.<ref name="Scouring"/> Nearly 70 Men were killed and 12 were taken prisoner, while 19 Hobbits died and about 30 were wounded.

After their victory the Hobbits marched on to [[Bag End]], where they found [[Sharkey]]. It was not [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] as had been thought, but rather [[Saruman]] who revealed that his servant [[Gríma]] killed Lotho. Gríma cut Saruman's throat in a rage for years of oppression and abuse but was himself shot by Hobbit archers. As the spirit of Saruman rose from its bodily form, it was blown away by a wind from the West; [[Manwë]] did not want him back.<ref name="Scouring"/>

This battle is considered to mark the end of the War.

==Aftermath==
{{main|Fourth Age}}
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The White Sapling.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The White Sapling'']]
The consequences of the War were "apocalyptical" for the [[Westlands]] of [[Middle-earth]]. The ''status quo'' of many entities were restored, or even radically changed after centuries. Not only the millennia of Sauron's dominion were permanently brought to an end, but the relationships of peoples and races were redefined. It is also notable that during the War many personalities died (Denethor, Théoden, Brand, Dain), and brought their descendants into the aftermath.

The major effect of the war however was that with the destruction of the One Ring, the [[Three Rings]] that had maintained the realms of the Elves in Middle-earth lost their power, and the Elves began to leave for the [[Undying Lands]]; significant Elves who marked the history of the Westlands for millennia, like Galadriel and Elrond departed, setting stage for the [[Dominion of Men]].
===Political===
The downfall of Sauron brought the restoration of the long-awaited line of [[Kings of Gondor]], the restoration of [[Arnor]] and simultaneously the [[Reunited Kingdom|reunification]] of the two kingdoms; after of centuries of nomadic wandering the [[Rangers of the North]] had again a kingdom and the Gondorians had a king. This King was Aragorn II a descendant both of [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]]; furthermore, his marriage with [[Arwen]] reunited the lines of [[Elrond]] and [[Elros]] since the [[First Age]].
[[File:Sage - Reunited Kingdom.png|thumb|The Reunited Kingdom]]
Other political repercussions were the strengthening of the relationships between the Kingdom and [[Rohan]], new relationships with the [[Ents]] (who now occupied [[Treegarth]], former [[Isengard]]), the [[Woses]] and the [[Hobbits]], now known as free peoples. On the [[Elven New Year]], Celeborn and Thranduil renamed Mirkwood as [[Eryn Lasgalen]] and Celeborn took the southern part below [[East Bight]], naming it East Lórien. The wide forest inbetween was given to the [[Beornings]] and the [[Woodmen]].

===Calendrical impact===
{{quote|You were born at the end of a great age, [[Elanor Gamgee|Elanorellë]]|[[Samwise Gamgee]], ''[[Sauron Defeated]]'', [[The Epilogue]]}}
All the above events made historians to mark the years following the War as the end of the [[Third Age]].

Another calendric change was the [[New Reckoning]] which replaced the [[Stewards' Reckoning]], and the introduction of ''[[Cormarë]]'', a holiday on [[25 March|March 25]] that commemorated the fall of Sauron.<ref>{{App|D2}}</ref>

==Combatants==
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Fleet of Harad.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Fleet of Harad'']]

===Sauron and his allies===
*'''[[Mordor]]'''
**[[Sauron]] †
**[[Mouth of Sauron]]
**[[Nazgûl]] †
*'''[[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]'''
**[[Saruman]] †
**[[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] †
*'''[[Harad]]'''
**[[Black Serpent]] †
*'''[[Rhûn]]'''
*'''[[Khand]]'''
*'''[[Dol Guldur]]'''
**[[Khamûl]] †
*'''[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]'''
*'''[[Umbar]]'''

===Free peoples===
*'''[[Gondor|Kingdom of Gondor]]'''
**[[Minas Tirith]]
***[[Denethor|Denethor II]] †
***[[Boromir]] †
***[[Faramir]]
***[[Húrin (Warden of the Keys)|Húrin the Tall]]
**[[Dol Amroth]]
***[[Imrahil]]
**[[Lebennin]]
**[[Lossarnach]]
***[[Forlong]] the Fat †
**[[Ringló Vale]]
***[[Dervorin]] †
**[[Morthond]]
***[[Duinhir]]
***[[Duilin (son of Duinhir)|Duilin]] †
***[[Derufin]] †
**[[Anfalas]]
***[[Golasgil]]
**[[Lamedon]]
***[[Angbor|Angbor the Fearless]]
**Shipmen of [[Ethir Anduin]]
**[[Pinnath Gelin]]
***[[Hirluin]] the Fair †
**[[White Mountains]]
***[[King of the Dead]] †
*'''[[Arnor|Chiefdom of Arnor]]'''
**[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]
**[[Grey Company]]
***[[Halbarad]] †
***[[Elladan]]
***[[Elrohir]]
*'''[[Rohan|Kingdom of Rohan]]'''
**[[Théoden]] †
**[[Théodred]] †
**[[Éomer]]
**[[Éowyn]]
**[[Erkenbrand]]
**[[Elfhelm]]
**[[Grimbold]] †
*'''[[Woodland Realm]]'''
**[[Thranduil]]
**[[Legolas]]
*'''[[Lothlórien]]'''
**[[Celeborn]]
**[[Galadriel]]
*'''[[The Shire]]'''
**[[Hobbiton]]
***[[Frodo Baggins]]
***[[Samwise Gamgee]]
**[[Tookland]]
***[[Peregrin Took]]
**[[Buckland]] and [[Bree]]
***[[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
*'''[[Fangorn Forest]]'''
**[[Treebeard]]
**[[Quickbeam]]
*'''[[Istari]]'''
**[[Gandalf]]
*'''[[Kingdom Under the Mountain]]'''
**[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] †
**[[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]]
**[[Gimli]]
*'''[[Kingdom of Dale]]'''
**[[Brand]] †
**[[Bard II]]

==Non-combatants==
*'''[[Elvendom]]'''
**[[Rivendell]]
***[[Elrond]]
***[[Glorfindel]]
**[[Grey Havens]]
***[[Círdan]]
***[[Galdor of the Havens]]
*'''[[Istari]]'''
**[[Radagast]]
*'''[[Drúedain]]'''
**[[Ghân-buri-Ghân]]

{{References}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/3a/guerres/guerre_de_l_anneau]]

Khamûl

2020-09-21T16:47:38Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{evil infobox
| name=Khamûl
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Khamûl the Easterling.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Khamûl the Easterling" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Shadow of the East, the Black Easterling
| titles=
| position=Second-in-command to [[Witch-king]]
| location=[[East|East of Middle-earth]] [[Mordor]] [[Dol Guldur]]
| affiliation=[[Sauron]] and [[Witch-king]]
| language=
| birth=[[Second Age]]
| birthlocation=[[East|East of Middle-earth]]
| rule=
| death=[[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Battle of the Morannon]]
| age=4200+
| notablefor=Commanding [[Dol Guldur]] Pursuing [[Frodo Baggins]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| race=[[Easterlings|Easterling]] (early) [[Nazgûl|Ringwraith]] (later)
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=Black horse
}}
'''Khamûl'''<ref group="note">He was the only Ringwraith whose name is revealed in the [[Legendarium]].</ref> was one of the nine [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], second only to the [[Witch-king]] himself. He was called [[Sauron]]'s lieutenant, "'''Shadow of the East'''",<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> and "'''the Second Chief'''" or "'''the Black Easterling'''".<ref name="Note1">{{UT|Hunt}}, note 1</ref>
==History==
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Gaffer Gamgee and the Black Rider.jpg|thumb|left|''Gaffer Gamgee and the Black Rider'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]
He was a king of [[Easterlings]] during the [[Second Age]], and he was one of the nine Men to whom Sauron gave [[Nine Rings|one of the Rings of Power]]. Like the others, he became a powerful sorcerer and ruler until eventually faded into a [[Wraiths|Wraith]] and his will was surrendered to Sauron.<ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref> By {{SA|2251}} he was already one of Sauron's servants.<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref>

It was said that, after the Witch-king, Khamûl was most ready to perceive the presence of [[the One Ring]], but his power was most confused and diminished by daylight.

In {{TA|2951}} Sauron returned to [[Mordor]] and declared openly to his enemies. Khamûl and two other Ringwraiths were sent to the fortress of [[Dol Guldur]], with the former taking command.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>

During the [[War of the Ring]] he was one of the Ringwraiths who entered [[the Shire]], and asked [[Gaffer Gamgee|Hamfast Gamgee]] for "Baggins". However it was the day after [[Frodo Baggins]] had left [[Hobbiton]], and he then pursued the [[Hobbits]] to [[Bucklebury Ferry]] in the Shire some days later.<ref name="Note1"/>

As part of The War of The Ring, between [[11 March]] to [[22 March]] Dol Guldur led a series of three assaults on [[Lórien]] and an [[Battle under the trees|attack]] on [[The Woodland Realm]], likely led by Khamúl.

Following the destruction of the One Ring, Khamûl perished with the rest of the Ringwraiths.<ref>{{RK|VI3}}</ref>

== Portrayal in adaptations ==
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]]'':'''
:During the nighttime section of the Shire level, Frodo overhears the conversation between Khamûl and [[Gaffer Gamgee]] just as he is about to deliver the [[Bag End]] key to Number 3, Bagshot Row. The conversation plays out as it does in the novel except that Khamûl's lines are audible. Instead of simply walking back down the path after the conversation ends, Khamûl (who is mounted on his horse) intimidates the Gaffer by rearing his steed while letting out a ghastly wail, before galloping back down the road. No voice actor is specified for the role.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl in charge of Dol Guldur is known simply as "The Lieutenant of Dol Guldur", formerly "The Cursed Rider". He is said to have been an Easterling chieftain who wielded the Ring "Orôm, the Warmonger".

{{references|note}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Khamul}}
[[Category:Easterlings]]
[[Category:Nazgûl]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[de:Khamûl]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/nazgul/khamul]]
[[fi:Khamûl]]

Khamûl

2020-09-21T16:45:28Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{evil infobox
| name=Khamûl
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Khamûl the Easterling.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Khamûl the Easterling" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Shadow of the East, the Black Easterling
| titles=
| position=Second-in-command to [[Witch-king]]
| location=[[East|East of Middle-earth]] [[Mordor]] [[Dol Guldur]]
| affiliation=[[Sauron]] and [[Witch-king]]
| language=
| birth=[[Second Age]]
| birthlocation=[[East|East of Middle-earth]]
| rule=
| death=[[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Battle of the Morannon]]
| age=4200+
| notablefor=Commanding [[Dol Guldur]] Pursuing [[Frodo Baggins]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| race=[[Easterlings|Easterling]] (early) [[Nazgûl|Ringwraith]] (later)
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=Black horse
}}
'''Khamûl'''<ref group="note">He was the only Ringwraith whose name is revealed in the [[Legendarium]].</ref> was one of the nine [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], second only to the [[Witch-king]] himself. He was called [[Sauron]]'s lieutenant, "'''Shadow of the East'''",<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> and "'''the Second Chief'''" or "'''the Black Easterling'''".<ref name="Note1">{{UT|Hunt}}, note 1</ref>
==History==
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Gaffer Gamgee and the Black Rider.jpg|thumb|left|''Gaffer Gamgee and the Black Rider'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]
He was a king of [[Easterlings]] during the [[Second Age]], and he was one of the nine Men to whom Sauron gave [[Nine Rings|one of the Rings of Power]]. Like the others, he became a powerful sorcerer and ruler until eventually faded into a [[Wraiths|Wraith]] and his will was surrendered to Sauron.<ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref> By {{SA|2251}} he was already one of Sauron's servants.<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref>

It was said that, after the Witch-king, Khamûl was most ready to perceive the presence of [[the One Ring]], but his power was most confused and diminished by daylight.

In {{TA|2951}} Sauron returned to [[Mordor]] and declared openly to his enemies. Khamûl and two other Ringwraiths were sent to the fortress of [[Dol Guldur]], with the former taking command.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>

During the [[War of the Ring]] he was one of the Ringwraiths who entered [[the Shire]], and asked [[Gaffer Gamgee|Hamfast Gamgee]] for "Baggins". However it was the day after [[Frodo Baggins]] had left [[Hobbiton]], and he then pursued the [[Hobbits]] to [[Bucklebury Ferry]] in the Shire some days later.<ref name="Note1"/>

As part of The War of The Ring, between [[11 March]] to [[22 March]] Dol Guldur led a series of three assaults on [[Lórien]] and an [[Battle Under Trees|attack]] on [[The Woodland Realm]], likely led by Khamúl.

Following the destruction of the One Ring, Khamûl perished with the rest of the Ringwraiths.<ref>{{RK|VI3}}</ref>

== Portrayal in adaptations ==
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]]'':'''
:During the nighttime section of the Shire level, Frodo overhears the conversation between Khamûl and [[Gaffer Gamgee]] just as he is about to deliver the [[Bag End]] key to Number 3, Bagshot Row. The conversation plays out as it does in the novel except that Khamûl's lines are audible. Instead of simply walking back down the path after the conversation ends, Khamûl (who is mounted on his horse) intimidates the Gaffer by rearing his steed while letting out a ghastly wail, before galloping back down the road. No voice actor is specified for the role.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl in charge of Dol Guldur is known simply as "The Lieutenant of Dol Guldur", formerly "The Cursed Rider". He is said to have been an Easterling chieftain who wielded the Ring "Orôm, the Warmonger".

{{references|note}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Khamul}}
[[Category:Easterlings]]
[[Category:Nazgûl]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[de:Khamûl]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/nazgul/khamul]]
[[fi:Khamûl]]

War of the Ring

2020-09-21T16:06:49Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{disambig-more|War of the Ring|[[War of the Ring (disambiguation)]]}}{{sources}}
{{expansion}}
{{wotr}}
{{War
| previous= [[Corsair Wars]]
| next=
| name=War of the Ring
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|300px]]
| begin={{TA|3018}} (earlier fighting in Gondor)
| end={{TA|3019}}
|place=Northwestern [[Middle-earth]]
|result=Free Peoples' victory; destruction of [[the One Ring]], [[Sauron]] and [[Mordor]]; start of the [[Fourth Age]]; [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]] reunited under restoration of the [[King of Gondor]]
| battles=[[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath]], [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]], [[Battle of Isengard]], [[Battle of the Hornburg]], [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], [[Battle of the Morannon]], [[Battle Under Trees]], [[Fall of Dol Guldur]], [[Battle of Dale]], [[Battle of Bywater]]
|side1='''Free Peoples of Middle-earth:''' [[Gondor]], [[Rangers of the North]], [[Rohan]], [[Dale]], [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], [[The Shire]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Woodland Realm]], [[Rivendell]], [[Fangorn]], [[Beornings]]
|side2='''Under [[Sauron]]:''' [[Mordor]], [[Dol Guldur]], [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]], [[Rhûn]], [[Harad]], [[Umbar]], and [[Khand]] '''Under [[Saruman]]:''' [[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]
|commanders1=
* [[Aragorn]]
* [[Denethor]] †
* [[Gandalf]] † (but resurrected)
* [[Théoden]] †
* [[Éomer]]
* [[Imrahil]]
* [[Dáin Ironfoot]] †
* [[Brand]] †
* [[Thranduil]]
* [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]]
|commanders2=
* [[Sauron]] †
* [[Saruman]] †{{clear}}
* [[Witch-king|The Witch-king of Angmar]] †
* [[Khamûl]] †
}}
{{Quote|So we come to it in the end, [...] the great battle of our time, in which many things shall pass away.|[[Théoden]]<ref>{{RK|Muster}}</ref>}}

The '''War of the Ring''' was the great conflict at the end of the [[Third Age]], named for [[the One Ring]] and the importance this had in the final outcome. The war was fought between [[Sauron]], the [[Dark Lord]] of [[Mordor]] who attempted to conquer [[Middle-earth]] as he nearly did in the [[Second Age]]; and the [[Free peoples]], being a loose alliance of [[Elves]] and [[Men]] led by the [[Wise]]. [[Saruman]] was a third power based in [[Orthanc]].

Sauron at all times held the military advantage in the War, due to his overwhelming forces; not only [[Orcs]] and [[Trolls]], but [[Haradrim|Men of Harad]] and the [[East]]. His main objective was to overthrow [[Gondor]], his neighbour and the strongest of his enemies. He had such forces at his command, though, that he was able to fight the war on many fronts, simultaneously attacking [[Dale]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood|Wood-elves]] in the far north, and [[Lothlórien]] from his secondary stronghold at [[Dol Guldur]]. There can be no doubt that, had the Wise not achieved and maintained possession of the Ring, Sauron would ultimately have been victorious.

The policy of the Wise was based around the [[Quest of the Ring]]: a company of nine under the leadership of [[Gandalf]] travelled from [[Rivendell]] with the One Ring, with the hope of taking it to [[Orodruin]] in [[Mordor]] and there destroying it. Because the Ring held much of Sauron's native power, they realised that in unmaking it, they would also defeat its creator.

Saruman had claimed alliance with both the Wise and the Dark Lord, but was ultimately fighting for his own ends. In alliance with the [[Dunlendings]], and having [[Orcs]] at his own command, his objective was the defeat of [[Rohan]]. Until late in the War, he held the advantage, defeating Rohan twice at the [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]].

==Background==
{{Seealso|Rings of Power|Third Age}}
Sauron had been defeated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], but because of Isildur's refusal to destroy [[the One Ring]], he was not entirely vanquished. He survived in spirit form, and the foundations of Barad-dûr were also not destroyed. Sauron's spirit wandered the wastelands of Middle-earth for over 1000 years, but eventually he rebuilt his power and became a threat once again. Around {{TA|1000}}, the [[Valar]] sent [[Maiar]] [[Wizards|emissaries]] to [[Middle-earth]] to help the [[Free peoples]] against the growing evil.

Indeed, Orcs were multiplying and the [[Witch-king]] from his fortress in [[Angmar]] waged unending war against [[Arnor]]. [[Moria]] and [[Minas Ithil]] fell and were abandoned, among other battles, plagues, and catastrophes which ended the Kingdom of Arnor and the Royal line of [[Gondor]]. The evil entity known only as the [[Necromancer]] fled from [[Dol Guldur]] because of Gandalf, allowing for some centuries of calmness.

In the meantime, Sauron's One Ring was found by two of the [[Stoors]] in the [[Gladden River]]. The Hobbit who got it, under its influence, was corrupted as [[Gollum]] and eventually retreated in the [[Goblin-town]] under the [[Misty Mountains]]. By the end of the Age, Sauron attempted to gather back all the Rings to augment his power. He took the Nine, but of the Seven he managed to reclaim only three, the last of them being the [[Ring of Thrór]]<ref>"the Nine [Sauron] has gathered to himself; the Seven also, or else they are destroyed." {{FR|Shadow}}</ref><ref>"You saw the Eye of him that holds the Seven and the Nine." {{FR|mirror}}</ref> but could not find the One.

[[File:John Howe - Alert the Folk.jpg|thumb|[[John Howe]] - ''Alert the Folk'']]
[[Gandalf]] was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]]. About [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] was desolation which Sauron might use to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of [[Angmar]]. Gandalf, seeing no hope in [[Thorin]]'s plans of battle and war against Smaug, persuaded him that he should go secretly to Erebor to reclaim its treasure, and to take with him [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[The Shire|the Shire]].<ref>{{UT|Quest}}</ref>. Smaug was killed by [[Bard]], Erebor was retaken, and most importantly, the kingdoms of Erebor and Dale were re-established. In a small incident along the way, [[the One Ring]] was lost by [[Gollum]] and wound up in Bilbo's hands.<ref>{{H|Riddles}}</ref>

Around the time the War began, it is said that the [[Ithryn Luin]] had gained influence in the [[East]] and, thanks to their efforts, Sauron could not manage to gather as much people in his side.<ref>{{PM|Last}}</ref>

==History==
===Prelude===
During the [[Quest of Erebor]], the [[White Council]] attacked Dol Guldur and the Necromancer withdrew. However, Sauron returned to his old abode in [[Mordor]] to reconstruct [[Barad-dûr]] and ten years after the fall of Smaug he sent three [[Nazgûl]] to reoccupy Dol Guldur. He declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}. The [[White Council]] met for the last time in {{TA|2953}} to discuss the Rings of Power when Saruman reassured them that the One Ring had been lost forever in [[the Sea]]. After this, Saruman fortified Isengard, spied on Gandalf, learning thus his interest in the Shire, and started sending agents.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>

Sauron began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the hated remnants of Númenor and the Eldar. Armies of [[Easterlings]] from [[Khand]] and beyond the [[Sea of Rhûn]] reinforced Mordor, joined by men from South [[Harad]]. Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts were multiplying while Sauron's minions were searching the Anduin for the One Ring.

A year before the war, while Gollum was looking for his ring, he was taken to Mordor and interrogated by Sauron, who learned that the One Ring was in the possession of a "[[Baggins]]" in a place called "[[the Shire]]". However, Sauron was led into thinking that the Shire was on the banks of the Gladden River.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> Gollum was then set free, but caught by [[Aragorn]], who placed him in the care of the [[Silvan Elves]] and held him in [[Mirkwood]].

A messenger from Mordor visited King [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II]] and asked information on Bilbo and the Ring. Meanwhile, Gandalf reading the [[Scroll of Isildur]] in [[Minas Tirith]], also realized that Bilbo's Ring was the One Ring.<ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

===First conflicts===
[[File:Donato Giancola - Faramir at Osgiliath.jpg|thumb|left|[[Donato Giancola]] - ''Faramir at Osgiliath'']]
Sauron made an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack]] on [[Osgiliath]] on [[20 June|June 20]] of {{TA|3018}} which was the beginning of the War. Sauron saw it as an opportunity to test [[Denethor|Denethor II]]'s strength. [[Boromir]] and [[Faramir]] managed to defend and destroy the ancient Bridge in order to deny the enemy access to the western side of the river.<ref name="AB"/><ref name="hunt"/>

About the same time the [[Elves]] of [[Mirkwood]] were attacked and during the fray, the captive [[Gollum]] escaped and would not be found nor by the Elves nor by Sauron's servants.<ref name="AB"/> The following months, Faramir led several [[Rangers of Ithilien|Ranger]] attacks deep into Mordor-occupied Ithilien, ambushing enemy armies moving to the Black Gate.

The presence of the Nazgûl in the battle of Osgiliath served to make them seem like a military asset against Gondor, concealing from the Wise their true mission, to hunt the Ring. After the assault, Sauron sent the Nine unclothed and invisible to search for the Ring under the leadership of the Witch-king. The Ringwraith [[Khamûl]] was unable to find the "[[the Shire|Shire]]" in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The [[Witch-king]] searched north and west for Gollum or the Shire.<ref name="hunt"/> Gandalf heard from Radagast about the riders and went to [[Isengard]] for counsel, where he was trapped by Saruman.<ref name="council"/>

Sauron's plans were halted when he received word of the prophecy in Gondor and the doings of the turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the [[Wise]] did not yet have possession of the Ring yet, as he feared. [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] arrived at [[Isengard]] around [[18 September|September 18]], but Gandalf had escaped. Traitor Saruman fortified himself in Isengard and convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring was, and so the Nine passed into [[Rohan]] in search of him. A terrified [[Gríma|Wormtongue]] answered that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The riders were divided into four pairs, and the Witch-King went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]]. Along the way, they captured several spies of Saruman and found charts and maps of the Shire. They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Saruman.<ref name="hunt"/>

In [[22 September|September 22]] they came to [[Sarn Ford]]. Although the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] were guarding the crossing, their chieftain [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] was away and the Riders captured the ford, killing many of the Rangers. The Witch-king sent Khamûl and three Riders into the Shire while he went east with the others and then returned to watch the [[Greenway]].<ref name="AB">{{App|B3}}</ref> A Rider came to Hobbiton at nightfall, but failed to capture [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] who departed that same day carrying the Ring to the east.<ref name="hunt"/> The hunt continued to [[Buckland]] and Bree, aided by Sauron's spies, such as [[Bill Ferny]] and [[Harry Goatleaf]], but nonetheless, the Ring escaped them.<ref>{{FR|Strider}}</ref>

[[File: The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Council of Elrond.jpg|thumb|left|The Council of Elrond, a pivotal phase of the War.]]
In October, Frodo came to [[Rivendell]] and during his arrival, the Black Riders were temporarily neutralized and were forced to return to Mordor to regroup. Some days later, the [[Council of Elrond]] was called, where it was decided that the only way to be free of Sauron and the Ring was to cast the Ring into the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Frodo surprised everyone, including himself, by declaring that he would take the Ring<ref name="council"/>. The [[Fellowship_of_the_Ring|team]] who would travel to Mordor departed Rivendell in December.<ref name="AB"/>

===Saruman's part in the War===
Saruman was caught now between the Wise and Sauron as a known traitor to both. He implemented a strategy of controlling the King of Rohan; sending spies to waylay Frodo Baggins on his flight from the Shire, and dispatching raiding parties on likely routes a [[Fellowship of the Ring|company of travelers]] might take the Ring to Gondor. During the fall of the first year of the War, some [[Ruffians]] were sent to the Shire to gain control of the region, collecting the crops and suppressing any dissent.
[[File: The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - First Battle of the Fords of Isen.jpg|thumb|The aftermath at Isen]]
He then endeavored to kill [[Théoden]] King's [[Théodred|son]] and [[Éomer|nephew]] and have full control of him. On [[25 February|February 25]], {{TA|3019}}, he sent his forces to attack [[Rohan]]'s army (commanded by [[Théodred]] and [[Grimbold]]) at the [[Isen]]. [[Dunlendings]], [[wolf-riders]] and [[Uruk-hai|Uruks]] clashed against the [[Rohirrim]] in the '''[[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' with orders to slay Prince Théodred at any cost. [[Erkenbrand]] took command of the western defenses of Rohan. He sent a messenger to [[Edoras]] to inform the King of the ill news and ask for reinforcements, but [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] delayed the message. [[Elfhelm]] joined [[Grimbold of Grimslade]] and were left in charge of the Fords when Erkenbrand tried to send stragglers to [[Helm's Deep]]. Saruman was successful in eliminating the Prince.<ref name="Isen">{{UT|Isen}}</ref>
[[File:Matt Stewart - The Horn of Boromir.jpg|thumb|left|[[Matt Stewart]] - ''The Horn of Boromir'']]
The [[26 February|next day]] while the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]] was in the [[Emyn Muil]] thinking whether to take the Ring to Minas Tirith or go directly to Mordor, Orcs from Isengard attempted to capture the Ring-bearer; but instead they took Merry and Pippin as prisoners.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> Éomer hearing of the descent of the Orcband set out from [[Eastfold]] against Théoden's orders and overtook them outside [[Fangorn Forest]], unknowingly setting the hobbits free.<ref name="AB"/><ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref>

Having heard the news about Théodred's death, [[Erkenbrand]], who became the commander of Rohan's western armies, gathered the forces of Grimbold and Elfhelm to assault Isen once more in the '''[[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' ([[2 March|March 2]]). Though they had a force of about 2000 men and had constructed a shield wall to hold off the enemy, Saruman's forces overcame them and scattered the retreating Rohirrim across Rohan.<ref name="Isen"/><ref name="Deep">{{TT|Deep}}</ref>

Saruman's victory would not last; he did not know that on the very same day, Gandalf had healed Théoden from [[Gríma|Wormtongue]]'s influence. In the meantime, the [[Ents]] after ending their long [[Entmoot]], decided to go to [[Isengard]] and battle Saruman.<ref name="AB"/>
[[File: Alan Lee - The Battle of the Hornburg.jpg|thumb|right|"The Battle of the Hornburg" by [[Alan Lee]]]]
The next day ([[3 March|March 3]]) seeking to take the fight away from his people, Théoden brought around a thousand horsemen to the [[Fords of Isen]] along with any others in [[Edoras]]. Among this force were [[Éomer]], [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]]. On their way they found [[Ceorl]] who reported a defeat to the Fords; Théoden then redirected his troops to [[Helm's Deep]], which was commanded by [[Gamling]] in his lord Erkenbrand's absence. Against overwhelming odds, they fought the '''[[Battle of the Hornburg]]''' for two days against [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Dunlendings]], until the [[Deeping Wall]] was breached and all seemed lost. The surviving horsemen rode out to meet the hordes of Isengard.<ref name="Deep"/>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Wrath of the Ents'']]
At that moment, [[Gandalf]] returned, bringing with him Erkenbrand and many other soldiers from [[Westfold]]. They attacked the army from the rear, driving the attackers back into a forest of [[Huorns]]. While Saruman suffered this military defeat, Isengard was attacked by a march of [[Ents]] in the '''[[Battle of Isengard]]''' who drowned all the valley.<ref name="Flotsam">{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref>

After the defeat of Saruman, Pippin looked in the [[Orthanc-stone]] and saw the [[Eye of Sauron]]; Gandalf believed that seeing the Hobbit, Sauron would imagine that the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] was caught by Saruman's Orcs and that they could make good use of the delay caused by this confusion.<ref name="Pal">{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> The protagonists of the War separated, anticipating Sauron's attack on Minas Tirith. Gandalf set out for Minas Tirith taking Pippin since he would not be safe. Théoden set out from the Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]].

Aragorn consulted the Stone of Orthanc and confronted Sauron subduing the stone’s power to his own will. In doing so, however, Aragorn has alerted Sauron to his existence as Isildur’s heir to the throne of Gondor. Gimli feared that Sauron would now release his forces sooner because of this revelation. Aragorn, however, hoped such a hasty move may weaken the Enemy’s attack<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>. They set out with the [[Grey Company]] to [[Dunharrow]] and took the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Théoden would come to Dunharrow.

===Sauron strikes===
On [[10 March|March 10]] fumes from Mordor veiled the [[Sun]] in an attempt by Sauron to disparage or misguide his enemies. The veil blacked out most of Gondor and Rohan who observed that day as [[The Dawnless Day]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Nazgûl'']]
Along with the Darkness, a host from [[Minas Morgul]] set forth toward Minas Tirith, as witnessed by Frodo, Sam, and Gollum who passed the Cross-roads. Later Orcs from the [[Morannon]] took [[Cair Andros]] and passed into [[Anórien]]. [[Denethor|Denethor II]] called the [[Council of Gondor]] together on that day<ref name="AB"/> and it advised him to make no stroke of war against the enemy due to the threat from the south.<ref name=" siege"/>

The Rohirrim mustered their Riders and rode from Harrowdale, while Aragorn led the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]] and the Grey Company, across the river [[Ringló]].

While preparing against Gondor, Sauron also began campaigns to conquer [[Rhovanion|Wilderland]], activating his armies stationed in [[Dol Guldur]] and eastern allies. This would bring the eastern half of Middle-earth entirely into his dominion. On [[11 March|March 11]] Orcs from Dol Guldur attacked [[Lothlórien]] and Eastern Rohan. [[12 March|The next day]] the invaders of Rohan were utterly defeated by Ents.<ref name="AB"/>

In Gondor, Most of the citizens were sent north and west; except those in the arts of healing and boys who refused to leave. The same day, 3,000 men from [[Belfalas]], [[Dol Amroth]] and other places arrived to assist the garrison. But, it was less than a tenth of what was needed. Most that were needed were holding off the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Black Fleet]] of [[Umbar]].

[[Denethor|Denethor II]] sent Faramir to Osgiliath to [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath|intercept the Morgul-host]]. The Witch-King led the assault upon the western side the next morning aided by boats built in secret, and swiftly overwhelmed the defenders and on [[13 March]] Faramir retreated to the [[Causeway Forts]]; Gandalf, upon learning the Witch-King was on the field, [[14 March|the next day]] went from the city to the Rammas Echor where the forces which had fallen back. It was taken by blasting stones, and a charge by Prince [[Imrahil]] and the Knights of [[Dol Amroth]] saved Faramir who fell wounded by an Easterling champion.

As Pelennor was overrun, Denethor sent a sortie of cavalry to assist the defenders who retreated back to the city. Denethor, upon seeing his son in this grave state, lost his will to fight and gave no more thought to the defense of his city. He was seriously wounded while [[Pelennor Fields|Pelennor]] was overrun. The [[Siege of Gondor]] began.<ref name="siege"/>

Meanwhile, invaders from [[Umbar]] and [[Harad]] who sought to capture [[Linhir]] and the fords of the River [[Gilrain]]. The men of [[Lamedon]] fought against them and the arrival of Aragorn with the Army of the Dead from [[Erech]] terrified both sides. As Aragorn pressed on to [[Pelargir]], [[Angbor]] mustered as many horsemen as he could, helped by the fast-spreading rumor of the return of the [[Heir of Isildur]]. Soon later the group reached Pelargir, drove the Corsairs away and captured their [[Black Ships|fleet]] an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|assault]] he had also carried out decades earlier.<ref name="Debate">{{RK|Debate}}</ref>

===Climax===
On [[15 March]] three simultaneous battles occurred.

In [[Rhovanion]], an army was sent to destroy the realm of [[Thranduil]] and a second assault against Lothlórien was made. After a long battle under the trees, and great ruin of fire<ref name="AB"/> the Orcs were defeated on both fronts on the same day.

In Gondor, after the enemy passed Osgiliath, [[Pelennor Fields|Pelennor]] outside Minas Tirith was overrun, despite the armies that gathered from southern Gondor already in the days before the battle. The hosts of Mordor dug pits and set up siege weapons beyond the city's range as the Nazgul swooped near the city uttering cries of death, demoralizing the defenders. Then the weapons began launching stones at the city, many of which would burst into flame as they came crashing down. Then, the heads of all those that had been slain in battle were flung over the city. The whole first level was soon in flames.<ref name="siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref>
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Siege of Minas Tirith.jpg|thumb|[[Stephen Hickman]] - ''Siege of Minas Tirith'']]
Near midnight the Witch-King launched his assault pushing many defenders to the higher levels, while others were slain trying to reach the walls. Many towers were also destroyed as they rolled forward. <ref name="siege"/>

The Witch-King rode assisted by magic the battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] as it hit the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]]. As he entered the gate he was confronted by Gandalf who alone stood steadfast. Then a cock crowed and horn from the west sounded. The Witch-King left to deal with the Riders of Rohan at the Rammas Echor. The '''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]''' began.<ref name="siege"/>

[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|thumb|left|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]
The combined army of Orcs, [[Haradrim]], [[Men of Rhûn]] and [[Men of Khand]], outnumbered the Rohirrim at least 10 to 1 but lost almost a third of their own forces. In the process, King Théoden was killed, and the Witch-King was destroyed by Théoden's niece, Lady [[Éowyn]] of Rohan. When all seemed lost, a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arrived at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but it was actually manned by Aragorn. As his army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Éomer's cavalry and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil".

[[File: Jan Pospisil - Dale units vs. Rhun.jpg|thumb|Jan Pospíšil - The Battle of Dale]]
Meanwhile in the North, [[Easterlings]] crossed the [[Carnen]], and King [[Brand]] was driven back to [[Dale]]. He gathered there with the [[Dwarves of Erebor]], and engaged in the '''[[Battle of Dale]]''' against the Orcs at the feet of the [[Lonely Mountain]] for three days until ([[17 March|March 17]]) he fell alongside King [[Dáin Ironfoot]]. Many Dwarves and Men took refuge in [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and were besieged by the Easterlings. However, news from the defeat at the Pelennor reached the Easterlings who began to fail.

===Sauron's defeat===
The [[16 March|next day]] it was understood that the army vanquished in the Battle of the Pelennor was only a fraction of Sauron's forces, and eventually Minas Tirith would not manage to withstand forever. [[Imrahil]] expressed concern for the defense of Gondor. Aragorn assured him that [[Angbor]] was marching with 4,000 men through [[Lossarnach]] to garrison Minas Tirith.<ref name="debate"/>

The [[Host of the West]] marched from Minas Tirith on [[18 March]] to confront Sauron. During that course, Lothlórien was attacked for a third and last time by Orcs ([[22 March]]). After much destruction, the Elves repulsed them once again.

The Host of the West would meet Sauron's forces outside the gates of Mordor [[25 March|seven days later]], hoping to divert their attention away from the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], who was nearing the end of his mission.

[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Battle of the Morannon.jpg|thumb|left|Fell beasts fly over the Battle of the Morannon]]
During the course of the '''[[Battle of the Morannon]]''' against [[Trolls]], Orcs and Men, the eight remaining Nazgûl attacked the army of the West. The [[Eagles]] of the [[Misty Mountains]], led by [[Gwaihir]], arrived and attacked the Ringwraiths. When all hope seemed lost, Frodo failed his mission: he claimed the One Ring for himself, and Sauron was suddenly aware that Frodo had the Ring and was in the [[Cracks of Doom]]. Finally realizing that his enemies meant to destroy his Ring, Sauron immediately sent the Nazgûl to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. However, Gollum wrenched the Ring from Frodo but fell accidentally into the fire, destroying the Ring. The hosts of Mordor, suddenly without direction, hesitated as Sauron's power was overthrown.

The Nazgûl were all destroyed as they flew over Mount Doom just as it underwent a gigantic eruption. [[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 and the Easterlings eventually threw down their weapons and surrendered. <Ref name="Doom">{{RK|Doom}}</ref>

[[27 March|Two days later]], [[Bard II]] and [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III]] Stonehelm, taking the reign from their respective fathers who fell in the assault, drove the enemy from Dale.<ref name="AB"/>

[[File: Galadriel dol guldur bfmeII.JPG|thumb|right|The fall of Dol Guldur in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'']]
On [[28 March|March 28]] with [[Celeborn]] at their head, Elves crossed the Anduin in many boats and stormed Dol Guldur. Galadriel came after them in the '''[[Fall of Dol Guldur]]''', throwing down the walls of the fortress and laying bare its pits, so that the forest was cleansed. Thranduil cleared all the orcs and foul beings from North Mirkwood.<ref name="AB"/>

===Scouring of the Shire===
The War did not end with the defeat of Sauron, for Saruman fled northward after the capture of Orthanc, and established himself in the Shire, bending the Hobbits to his will by threat of violence and the persuasive power of his voice. The return of Frodo Baggins and his companions from the coronation of King Elessar and the reunification of Gondor and Arnor, led to their arrest by the [[Shire-hobbits]] but they talked their way out.<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref>

A small group of [[Ruffians]] was encountered, and Pippin declared the return of the King to them, and the message that emissaries were on their way. The group was routed, but managed to get a message to a bigger contingent in [[Waymeet]].<ref name="Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref> 20 Men marched from [[Hobbiton]] towards [[Bywater]], and 200 Bucklanders and [[Cotton Family|Cottons]] answered the call of Captain Merry's horn.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Storming the Bank.jpg|left|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Storming the Bank'']]
The Men walked up [[Bywater Road]], to the point where [[Tolman Cotton Senior|Farmer Cotton]] was standing and found themselves heavily outnumbered. Their leader fell by arrows as he tried to strike at Merry. The rest surrendered. Pippin had set up a rebellion in [[Tookland]], and returned with one hundred Tooks when the larger group of Men from Waymeet arrived the following day and walked straight into a defensive pocket set up by Merry. Merry and Pippin charged from the eastern bank, and Merry killed the leader.<ref name="Scouring"/> Nearly 70 Men were killed and 12 were taken prisoner, while 19 Hobbits died and about 30 were wounded.

After their victory the Hobbits marched on to [[Bag End]], where they found [[Sharkey]]. It was not [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] as had been thought, but rather [[Saruman]] who revealed that his servant [[Gríma]] killed Lotho. Gríma cut Saruman's throat in a rage for years of oppression and abuse but was himself shot by Hobbit archers. As the spirit of Saruman rose from its bodily form, it was blown away by a wind from the West; [[Manwë]] did not want him back.<ref name="Scouring"/>

This battle is considered to mark the end of the War.

==Aftermath==
{{main|Fourth Age}}
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The White Sapling.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The White Sapling'']]
The consequences of the War were "apocalyptical" for the [[Westlands]] of [[Middle-earth]]. The ''status quo'' of many entities were restored, or even radically changed after centuries. Not only the millennia of Sauron's dominion were permanently brought to an end, but the relationships of peoples and races were redefined. It is also notable that during the War many personalities died (Denethor, Théoden, Brand, Dain), and brought their descendants into the aftermath.

The major effect of the war however was that with the destruction of the One Ring, the [[Three Rings]] that had maintained the realms of the Elves in Middle-earth lost their power, and the Elves began to leave for the [[Undying Lands]]; significant Elves who marked the history of the Westlands for millennia, like Galadriel and Elrond departed, setting stage for the [[Dominion of Men]].
===Political===
The downfall of Sauron brought the restoration of the long-awaited line of [[Kings of Gondor]], the restoration of [[Arnor]] and simultaneously the [[Reunited Kingdom|reunification]] of the two kingdoms; after of centuries of nomadic wandering the [[Rangers of the North]] had again a kingdom and the Gondorians had a king. This King was Aragorn II a descendant both of [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]]; furthermore, his marriage with [[Arwen]] reunited the lines of [[Elrond]] and [[Elros]] since the [[First Age]].
[[File:Sage - Reunited Kingdom.png|thumb|The Reunited Kingdom]]
Other political repercussions were the strengthening of the relationships between the Kingdom and [[Rohan]], new relationships with the [[Ents]] (who now occupied [[Treegarth]], former [[Isengard]]), the [[Woses]] and the [[Hobbits]], now known as free peoples. On the [[Elven New Year]], Celeborn and Thranduil renamed Mirkwood as [[Eryn Lasgalen]] and Celeborn took the southern part below [[East Bight]], naming it East Lórien. The wide forest inbetween was given to the [[Beornings]] and the [[Woodmen]].

===Calendrical impact===
{{quote|You were born at the end of a great age, [[Elanor Gamgee|Elanorellë]]|[[Samwise Gamgee]], ''[[Sauron Defeated]]'', [[The Epilogue]]}}
All the above events made historians to mark the years following the War as the end of the [[Third Age]].

Another calendric change was the [[New Reckoning]] which replaced the [[Stewards' Reckoning]], and the introduction of ''[[Cormarë]]'', a holiday on [[25 March|March 25]] that commemorated the fall of Sauron.<ref>{{App|D2}}</ref>

==Combatants==
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Fleet of Harad.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Fleet of Harad'']]

===Sauron and his allies===
*'''[[Mordor]]'''
**[[Sauron]] †
**[[Mouth of Sauron]]
**[[Nazgûl]] †
*'''[[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]'''
**[[Saruman]] †
**[[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] †
*'''[[Harad]]'''
**[[Black Serpent]] †
*'''[[Rhûn]]'''
*'''[[Khand]]'''
*'''[[Dol Guldur]]'''
**[[Khamûl]] †
*'''[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]'''
*'''[[Umbar]]'''

===Free peoples===
*'''[[Gondor|Kingdom of Gondor]]'''
**[[Minas Tirith]]
***[[Denethor|Denethor II]] †
***[[Boromir]] †
***[[Faramir]]
***[[Húrin (Warden of the Keys)|Húrin the Tall]]
**[[Dol Amroth]]
***[[Imrahil]]
**[[Lebennin]]
**[[Lossarnach]]
***[[Forlong]] the Fat †
**[[Ringló Vale]]
***[[Dervorin]] †
**[[Morthond]]
***[[Duinhir]]
***[[Duilin (son of Duinhir)|Duilin]] †
***[[Derufin]] †
**[[Anfalas]]
***[[Golasgil]]
**[[Lamedon]]
***[[Angbor|Angbor the Fearless]]
**Shipmen of [[Ethir Anduin]]
**[[Pinnath Gelin]]
***[[Hirluin]] the Fair †
**[[White Mountains]]
***[[King of the Dead]] †
*'''[[Arnor|Chiefdom of Arnor]]'''
**[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]
**[[Grey Company]]
***[[Halbarad]] †
***[[Elladan]]
***[[Elrohir]]
*'''[[Rohan|Kingdom of Rohan]]'''
**[[Théoden]] †
**[[Théodred]] †
**[[Éomer]]
**[[Éowyn]]
**[[Erkenbrand]]
**[[Elfhelm]]
**[[Grimbold]] †
*'''[[Woodland Realm]]'''
**[[Thranduil]]
**[[Legolas]]
*'''[[Lothlórien]]'''
**[[Celeborn]]
**[[Galadriel]]
*'''[[The Shire]]'''
**[[Hobbiton]]
***[[Frodo Baggins]]
***[[Samwise Gamgee]]
**[[Tookland]]
***[[Peregrin Took]]
**[[Buckland]] and [[Bree]]
***[[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
*'''[[Fangorn Forest]]'''
**[[Treebeard]]
**[[Quickbeam]]
*'''[[Istari]]'''
**[[Gandalf]]
*'''[[Kingdom Under the Mountain]]'''
**[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] †
**[[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]]
**[[Gimli]]
*'''[[Kingdom of Dale]]'''
**[[Brand]] †
**[[Bard II]]

==Non-combatants==
*'''[[Elvendom]]'''
**[[Rivendell]]
***[[Elrond]]
***[[Glorfindel]]
**[[Grey Havens]]
***[[Círdan]]
***[[Galdor of the Havens]]
*'''[[Istari]]'''
**[[Radagast]]
*'''[[Drúedain]]'''
**[[Ghân-buri-Ghân]]

{{References}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/3a/guerres/guerre_de_l_anneau]]

Battle under the trees

2020-09-21T16:05:36Z

InAHoleInTheGround: Added references

{{battle
| name=Battle Under Trees
| image=[[Image:Soni Alcorn-Hender - Battle Under Trees, Elves and Orca.jpeg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of the Ring]]
| date=[[15 March|March 15]]
| place= [[Mirkwood]]
| result= [[Thranduil]] repels the forces of [[Dol Guldur]]
| side1=[[Elves of Mirkwood]]
| side2=[[Orcs]] of Dol Guldur
| commanders1=[[Thranduil]]
| commanders2=[[Khamûl]]
| forces1=Unknown, enough for victory
| forces2=Several thousand?
| casual1=Unknown
| casual2=Unknown, enough for defeat
|}}
{{wotr}}
The '''Battle Under Trees''', also known as 'Battle under the trees' was a great battle fought on [[15 March|March 15]], the year [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]] forming part of [[The War of the Ring]].<ref name="battle under trees">J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years"</ref> It was fought simultaneously to the second assault on Lórien, a battle also fought against the forces of [[Dol Guldur]].

== Prelude and The Battle ==

[[Dol Guldur]] had recently become active under the power of [[Khamûl]], under the service of [[Sauron]]. On [[11 March|11th of March]] (4 days prior) Dol Guldor had sent a force of Orcs to Lórien. <ref name="battle under trees"/> It failed, though acted as the first of three assaults.

On the 15th of March, The Battle of The Pelennor Fields took place in Gondor.<ref>J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields"</ref> Not soon after it's end, Orcs were sent from Dol Guldur to Lórien and [[The Woodland Realm]]. The Battle took place under the trees of Mirkwood when Thranduil's realm was invaded. There was a long battle under the trees and a great ruin of fire. In the end Thranduil had the victory and the Elves of Mirkwood had won. <ref name="battle under trees"/>

At the same time, Orcs were sent to Lothlórien a second time and once again failed the assault. <ref name="battle under trees"/>

== Aftermath ==

A third assault on Lórien was made on [[22 March]] and ended the same as the others. On [[28 March]] Celeborn took Dol Guldur and [[Galadriel]] laid it bare. <ref name="battle under trees"/>

On [[6 April|April 6]] Celeborn and King [[Thranduil]] met in the midst of the forest and renamed it [[Eryn Lasgalen]] "wood of green leaves". Celeborn took the land south of [[East Bight|The Narrows]] for himself and named it [[East Lórien]], while Thranduil took all wood north of the [[Mountains of Mirkwood]], and they gave the middle of the wood to the [[Beornings]] and [[Woodmen]]. <ref name="battle under trees"/>

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]

Battle under the trees

2020-09-21T15:23:50Z

InAHoleInTheGround: Created full Page. Supplying Sources yet to be done.

{{battle
| name=Battle Under Trees
| image=[[Image:Soni Alcorn-Hender - Battle Under Trees, Elves and Orca.jpeg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of the Ring]]
| date=[[15 March|March 15]]
| place= [[Mirkwood]]
| result= [[Thranduil]] repels the forces of [[Dol Guldur]]
| side1=[[Elves of Mirkwood]]
| side2=[[Orcs]] of Dol Guldur
| commanders1=[[Thranduil]]
| commanders2=[[Khamûl]]
| forces1=Unknown, enough for victory
| forces2=Several thousand?
| casual1=Unknown
| casual2=Unknown, enough for defeat
|}}
{{wotr}}
The '''Battle Under Trees''', also known as 'Battle under the trees' was a great battle fought on [[15 March|March 15]], the year [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]] forming part of [[The War of the Ring]]. It was fought simultaneously to the second assault on Lórien, a battle also fought against the forces of [[Dol Guldur]].

== Prelude and The Battle ==

[[Dol Guldur]] had recently become active under the power of [[Khamûl]], under the service of [[Sauron]]. On [[11 March|11th of March]] (4 days prior) Dol Guldor had sent a force of Orcs to Lórien. It failed, though acted as the first of three assaults.

On the 15th of March, The Battle of The Pelennor Fields took place in Gondor. Not soon after it's end, Orcs were sent from Dol Guldur to Lórien and [[The Woodland Realm]]. The Battle took place under the trees of Mirkwood when Thranduil's realm was invaded. There was a long battle under the trees and a great ruin of fire. In the end Thranduil had the victory and the Elves of Mirkwood had won.

At the same time, Orcs were sent to Lothlórien a second time and once again failed the assault.

== Aftermath ==

A third assault on Lórien was made on [[22 March]] and ended the same as the others. On [[28 March]] Celeborn took Dol Guldur and [[Galadriel]] laid it bare.

On [[6 April|April 6]] Celeborn and King [[Thranduil]] met in the midst of the forest and renamed it [[Eryn Lasgalen]] "wood of green leaves". Celeborn took the land south of [[East Bight|The Narrows]] for himself and named it [[East Lórien]], while Thranduil took all wood north of the [[Mountains of Mirkwood]], and they gave the middle of the wood to the [[Beornings]] and [[Woodmen]].

[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]

User:InAHoleInTheGround

2020-09-21T13:31:07Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{user infobox
| name=InAHoleInTheGround
|language=English
}}
In a hole in the ground, there lived a person who very much enjoys Tolkien Gateway. Not a nasty, dirty troller, filled with little knowledge of the Legendarium, nor yet a person who gets confused between adaptation and book: It was a person who loves Tolkien's works and respects adaptations, and that means comfort.

It had a perfectly rectangular bookshelf like a door, painted brown, with a shiny first-edition Silmarillion in the exact middle. The bookcase opened to a cuboid shelf like a small room: a very comfortable room without smoke, with three copies of The Lord of The Rings illustrated by Alan Lee, with a 50th anniversary edition of The Hobbit, Unfinished Tales and lots and lots of John Howe illustrated History of Middle Earths. The Tolkien Fan was fond of new additions to the shelf.

War of the Ring

2020-09-20T11:52:59Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{disambig-more|War of the Ring|[[War of the Ring (disambiguation)]]}}{{sources}}
{{expansion}}
{{wotr}}
{{War
| previous= [[Corsair Wars]]
| next=
| name=War of the Ring
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|300px]]
| begin={{TA|3018}} (earlier fighting in Gondor)
| end={{TA|3019}}
|place=Northwestern [[Middle-earth]]
|result=Free Peoples' victory; destruction of [[the One Ring]], [[Sauron]] and [[Mordor]]; start of the [[Fourth Age]]; [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]] reunited under restoration of the [[King of Gondor]]
| battles=[[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath]], [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]], [[Battle of Isengard]], [[Battle of the Hornburg]], [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], [[Battle of the Morannon]], Battle Under Trees, [[Fall of Dol Guldur]], [[Battle of Dale]], [[Battle of Bywater]]
|side1='''Free Peoples of Middle-earth:''' [[Gondor]], [[Rangers of the North]], [[Rohan]], [[Dale]], [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], [[The Shire]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Woodland Realm]], [[Rivendell]], [[Fangorn]], [[Beornings]]
|side2='''Under [[Sauron]]:''' [[Mordor]], [[Dol Guldur]], [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]], [[Rhûn]], [[Harad]], [[Umbar]], and [[Khand]] '''Under [[Saruman]]:''' [[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]
|commanders1=
* [[Aragorn]]
* [[Denethor]] †
* [[Gandalf]] † (but resurrected)
* [[Théoden]] †
* [[Éomer]]
* [[Imrahil]]
* [[Dáin Ironfoot]] †
* [[Brand]] †
* [[Thranduil]]
* [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]]
|commanders2=
* [[Sauron]] †
* [[Saruman]] †{{clear}}
* [[Witch-king|The Witch-king of Angmar]] †
* [[Khamûl]] †
}}
{{Quote|So we come to it in the end, [...] the great battle of our time, in which many things shall pass away.|[[Théoden]]<ref>{{RK|Muster}}</ref>}}

The '''War of the Ring''' was the great conflict at the end of the [[Third Age]], named for [[the One Ring]] and the importance this had in the final outcome. The war was fought between [[Sauron]], the [[Dark Lord]] of [[Mordor]] who attempted to conquer [[Middle-earth]] as he nearly did in the [[Second Age]]; and the [[Free peoples]], being a loose alliance of [[Elves]] and [[Men]] led by the [[Wise]]. [[Saruman]] was a third power based in [[Orthanc]].

Sauron at all times held the military advantage in the War, due to his overwhelming forces; not only [[Orcs]] and [[Trolls]], but [[Haradrim|Men of Harad]] and the [[East]]. His main objective was to overthrow [[Gondor]], his neighbour and the strongest of his enemies. He had such forces at his command, though, that he was able to fight the war on many fronts, simultaneously attacking [[Dale]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood|Wood-elves]] in the far north, and [[Lothlórien]] from his secondary stronghold at [[Dol Guldur]]. There can be no doubt that, had the Wise not achieved and maintained possession of the Ring, Sauron would ultimately have been victorious.

The policy of the Wise was based around the [[Quest of the Ring]]: a company of nine under the leadership of [[Gandalf]] travelled from [[Rivendell]] with the One Ring, with the hope of taking it to [[Orodruin]] in [[Mordor]] and there destroying it. Because the Ring held much of Sauron's native power, they realised that in unmaking it, they would also defeat its creator.

Saruman had claimed alliance with both the Wise and the Dark Lord, but was ultimately fighting for his own ends. In alliance with the [[Dunlendings]], and having [[Orcs]] at his own command, his objective was the defeat of [[Rohan]]. Until late in the War, he held the advantage, defeating Rohan twice at the [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]].

==Background==
{{Seealso|Rings of Power|Third Age}}
Sauron had been defeated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], but because of Isildur's refusal to destroy [[the One Ring]], he was not entirely vanquished. He survived in spirit form, and the foundations of Barad-dûr were also not destroyed. Sauron's spirit wandered the wastelands of Middle-earth for over 1000 years, but eventually he rebuilt his power and became a threat once again. Around {{TA|1000}}, the [[Valar]] sent [[Maiar]] [[Wizards|emissaries]] to [[Middle-earth]] to help the [[Free peoples]] against the growing evil.

Indeed, Orcs were multiplying and the [[Witch-king]] from his fortress in [[Angmar]] waged unending war against [[Arnor]]. [[Moria]] and [[Minas Ithil]] fell and were abandoned, among other battles, plagues, and catastrophes which ended the Kingdom of Arnor and the Royal line of [[Gondor]]. The evil entity known only as the [[Necromancer]] fled from [[Dol Guldur]] because of Gandalf, allowing for some centuries of calmness.

In the meantime, Sauron's One Ring was found by two of the [[Stoors]] in the [[Gladden River]]. The Hobbit who got it, under its influence, was corrupted as [[Gollum]] and eventually retreated in the [[Goblin-town]] under the [[Misty Mountains]]. By the end of the Age, Sauron attempted to gather back all the Rings to augment his power. He took the Nine, but of the Seven he managed to reclaim only three, the last of them being the [[Ring of Thrór]]<ref>"the Nine [Sauron] has gathered to himself; the Seven also, or else they are destroyed." {{FR|Shadow}}</ref><ref>"You saw the Eye of him that holds the Seven and the Nine." {{FR|mirror}}</ref> but could not find the One.

[[File:John Howe - Alert the Folk.jpg|thumb|[[John Howe]] - ''Alert the Folk'']]
[[Gandalf]] was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]]. About [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] was desolation which Sauron might use to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of [[Angmar]]. Gandalf, seeing no hope in [[Thorin]]'s plans of battle and war against Smaug, persuaded him that he should go secretly to Erebor to reclaim its treasure, and to take with him [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[The Shire|the Shire]].<ref>{{UT|Quest}}</ref>. Smaug was killed by [[Bard]], Erebor was retaken, and most importantly, the kingdoms of Erebor and Dale were re-established. In a small incident along the way, [[the One Ring]] was lost by [[Gollum]] and wound up in Bilbo's hands.<ref>{{H|Riddles}}</ref>

Around the time the War began, it is said that the [[Ithryn Luin]] had gained influence in the [[East]] and, thanks to their efforts, Sauron could not manage to gather as much people in his side.<ref>{{PM|Last}}</ref>

==History==
===Prelude===
During the [[Quest of Erebor]], the [[White Council]] attacked Dol Guldur and the Necromancer withdrew. However, Sauron returned to his old abode in [[Mordor]] to reconstruct [[Barad-dûr]] and ten years after the fall of Smaug he sent three [[Nazgûl]] to reoccupy Dol Guldur. He declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}. The [[White Council]] met for the last time in {{TA|2953}} to discuss the Rings of Power when Saruman reassured them that the One Ring had been lost forever in [[the Sea]]. After this, Saruman fortified Isengard, spied on Gandalf, learning thus his interest in the Shire, and started sending agents.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>

Sauron began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the hated remnants of Númenor and the Eldar. Armies of [[Easterlings]] from [[Khand]] and beyond the [[Sea of Rhûn]] reinforced Mordor, joined by men from South [[Harad]]. Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts were multiplying while Sauron's minions were searching the Anduin for the One Ring.

A year before the war, while Gollum was looking for his ring, he was taken to Mordor and interrogated by Sauron, who learned that the One Ring was in the possession of a "[[Baggins]]" in a place called "[[the Shire]]". However, Sauron was led into thinking that the Shire was on the banks of the Gladden River.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> Gollum was then set free, but caught by [[Aragorn]], who placed him in the care of the [[Silvan Elves]] and held him in [[Mirkwood]].

A messenger from Mordor visited King [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II]] and asked information on Bilbo and the Ring. Meanwhile, Gandalf reading the [[Scroll of Isildur]] in [[Minas Tirith]], also realized that Bilbo's Ring was the One Ring.<ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

===First conflicts===
[[File:Donato Giancola - Faramir at Osgiliath.jpg|thumb|left|[[Donato Giancola]] - ''Faramir at Osgiliath'']]
Sauron made an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack]] on [[Osgiliath]] on [[20 June|June 20]] of {{TA|3018}} which was the beginning of the War. Sauron saw it as an opportunity to test [[Denethor|Denethor II]]'s strength. [[Boromir]] and [[Faramir]] managed to defend and destroy the ancient Bridge in order to deny the enemy access to the western side of the river.<ref name="AB"/><ref name="hunt"/>

About the same time the [[Elves]] of [[Mirkwood]] were attacked and during the fray, the captive [[Gollum]] escaped and would not be found nor by the Elves nor by Sauron's servants.<ref name="AB"/> The following months, Faramir led several [[Rangers of Ithilien|Ranger]] attacks deep into Mordor-occupied Ithilien, ambushing enemy armies moving to the Black Gate.

The presence of the Nazgûl in the battle of Osgiliath served to make them seem like a military asset against Gondor, concealing from the Wise their true mission, to hunt the Ring. After the assault, Sauron sent the Nine unclothed and invisible to search for the Ring under the leadership of the Witch-king. The Ringwraith [[Khamûl]] was unable to find the "[[the Shire|Shire]]" in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The [[Witch-king]] searched north and west for Gollum or the Shire.<ref name="hunt"/> Gandalf heard from Radagast about the riders and went to [[Isengard]] for counsel, where he was trapped by Saruman.<ref name="council"/>

Sauron's plans were halted when he received word of the prophecy in Gondor and the doings of the turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the [[Wise]] did not yet have possession of the Ring yet, as he feared. [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] arrived at [[Isengard]] around [[18 September|September 18]], but Gandalf had escaped. Traitor Saruman fortified himself in Isengard and convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring was, and so the Nine passed into [[Rohan]] in search of him. A terrified [[Gríma|Wormtongue]] answered that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The riders were divided into four pairs, and the Witch-King went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]]. Along the way, they captured several spies of Saruman and found charts and maps of the Shire. They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Saruman.<ref name="hunt"/>

In [[22 September|September 22]] they came to [[Sarn Ford]]. Although the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] were guarding the crossing, their chieftain [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] was away and the Riders captured the ford, killing many of the Rangers. The Witch-king sent Khamûl and three Riders into the Shire while he went east with the others and then returned to watch the [[Greenway]].<ref name="AB">{{App|B3}}</ref> A Rider came to Hobbiton at nightfall, but failed to capture [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] who departed that same day carrying the Ring to the east.<ref name="hunt"/> The hunt continued to [[Buckland]] and Bree, aided by Sauron's spies, such as [[Bill Ferny]] and [[Harry Goatleaf]], but nonetheless, the Ring escaped them.<ref>{{FR|Strider}}</ref>

[[File: The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Council of Elrond.jpg|thumb|left|The Council of Elrond, a pivotal phase of the War.]]
In October, Frodo came to [[Rivendell]] and during his arrival, the Black Riders were temporarily neutralized and were forced to return to Mordor to regroup. Some days later, the [[Council of Elrond]] was called, where it was decided that the only way to be free of Sauron and the Ring was to cast the Ring into the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Frodo surprised everyone, including himself, by declaring that he would take the Ring<ref name="council"/>. The [[Fellowship_of_the_Ring|team]] who would travel to Mordor departed Rivendell in December.<ref name="AB"/>

===Saruman's part in the War===
Saruman was caught now between the Wise and Sauron as a known traitor to both. He implemented a strategy of controlling the King of Rohan; sending spies to waylay Frodo Baggins on his flight from the Shire, and dispatching raiding parties on likely routes a [[Fellowship of the Ring|company of travelers]] might take the Ring to Gondor. During the fall of the first year of the War, some [[Ruffians]] were sent to the Shire to gain control of the region, collecting the crops and suppressing any dissent.
[[File: The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - First Battle of the Fords of Isen.jpg|thumb|The aftermath at Isen]]
He then endeavored to kill [[Théoden]] King's [[Théodred|son]] and [[Éomer|nephew]] and have full control of him. On [[25 February|February 25]], {{TA|3019}}, he sent his forces to attack [[Rohan]]'s army (commanded by [[Théodred]] and [[Grimbold]]) at the [[Isen]]. [[Dunlendings]], [[wolf-riders]] and [[Uruk-hai|Uruks]] clashed against the [[Rohirrim]] in the '''[[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' with orders to slay Prince Théodred at any cost. [[Erkenbrand]] took command of the western defenses of Rohan. He sent a messenger to [[Edoras]] to inform the King of the ill news and ask for reinforcements, but [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] delayed the message. [[Elfhelm]] joined [[Grimbold of Grimslade]] and were left in charge of the Fords when Erkenbrand tried to send stragglers to [[Helm's Deep]]. Saruman was successful in eliminating the Prince.<ref name="Isen">{{UT|Isen}}</ref>
[[File:Matt Stewart - The Horn of Boromir.jpg|thumb|left|[[Matt Stewart]] - ''The Horn of Boromir'']]
The [[26 February|next day]] while the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]] was in the [[Emyn Muil]] thinking whether to take the Ring to Minas Tirith or go directly to Mordor, Orcs from Isengard attempted to capture the Ring-bearer; but instead they took Merry and Pippin as prisoners.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> Éomer hearing of the descent of the Orcband set out from [[Eastfold]] against Théoden's orders and overtook them outside [[Fangorn Forest]], unknowingly setting the hobbits free.<ref name="AB"/><ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref>

Having heard the news about Théodred's death, [[Erkenbrand]], who became the commander of Rohan's western armies, gathered the forces of Grimbold and Elfhelm to assault Isen once more in the '''[[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' ([[2 March|March 2]]). Though they had a force of about 2000 men and had constructed a shield wall to hold off the enemy, Saruman's forces overcame them and scattered the retreating Rohirrim across Rohan.<ref name="Isen"/><ref name="Deep">{{TT|Deep}}</ref>

Saruman's victory would not last; he did not know that on the very same day, Gandalf had healed Théoden from [[Gríma|Wormtongue]]'s influence. In the meantime, the [[Ents]] after ending their long [[Entmoot]], decided to go to [[Isengard]] and battle Saruman.<ref name="AB"/>
[[File: Alan Lee - The Battle of the Hornburg.jpg|thumb|right|"The Battle of the Hornburg" by [[Alan Lee]]]]
The next day ([[3 March|March 3]]) seeking to take the fight away from his people, Théoden brought around a thousand horsemen to the [[Fords of Isen]] along with any others in [[Edoras]]. Among this force were [[Éomer]], [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]]. On their way they found [[Ceorl]] who reported a defeat to the Fords; Théoden then redirected his troops to [[Helm's Deep]], which was commanded by [[Gamling]] in his lord Erkenbrand's absence. Against overwhelming odds, they fought the '''[[Battle of the Hornburg]]''' for two days against [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Dunlendings]], until the [[Deeping Wall]] was breached and all seemed lost. The surviving horsemen rode out to meet the hordes of Isengard.<ref name="Deep"/>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Wrath of the Ents'']]
At that moment, [[Gandalf]] returned, bringing with him Erkenbrand and many other soldiers from [[Westfold]]. They attacked the army from the rear, driving the attackers back into a forest of [[Huorns]]. While Saruman suffered this military defeat, Isengard was attacked by a march of [[Ents]] in the '''[[Battle of Isengard]]''' who drowned all the valley.<ref name="Flotsam">{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref>

After the defeat of Saruman, Pippin looked in the [[Orthanc-stone]] and saw the [[Eye of Sauron]]; Gandalf believed that seeing the Hobbit, Sauron would imagine that the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] was caught by Saruman's Orcs and that they could make good use of the delay caused by this confusion.<ref name="Pal">{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> The protagonists of the War separated, anticipating Sauron's attack on Minas Tirith. Gandalf set out for Minas Tirith taking Pippin since he would not be safe. Théoden set out from the Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]].

Aragorn consulted the Stone of Orthanc and confronted Sauron subduing the stone’s power to his own will. In doing so, however, Aragorn has alerted Sauron to his existence as Isildur’s heir to the throne of Gondor. Gimli feared that Sauron would now release his forces sooner because of this revelation. Aragorn, however, hoped such a hasty move may weaken the Enemy’s attack<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>. They set out with the [[Grey Company]] to [[Dunharrow]] and took the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Théoden would come to Dunharrow.

===Sauron strikes===
On [[10 March|March 10]] fumes from Mordor veiled the [[Sun]] in an attempt by Sauron to disparage or misguide his enemies. The veil blacked out most of Gondor and Rohan who observed that day as [[The Dawnless Day]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Nazgûl'']]
Along with the Darkness, a host from [[Minas Morgul]] set forth toward Minas Tirith, as witnessed by Frodo, Sam, and Gollum who passed the Cross-roads. Later Orcs from the [[Morannon]] took [[Cair Andros]] and passed into [[Anórien]]. [[Denethor|Denethor II]] called the [[Council of Gondor]] together on that day<ref name="AB"/> and it advised him to make no stroke of war against the enemy due to the threat from the south.<ref name=" siege"/>

The Rohirrim mustered their Riders and rode from Harrowdale, while Aragorn led the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]] and the Grey Company, across the river [[Ringló]].

While preparing against Gondor, Sauron also began campaigns to conquer [[Rhovanion|Wilderland]], activating his armies stationed in [[Dol Guldur]] and eastern allies. This would bring the eastern half of Middle-earth entirely into his dominion. On [[11 March|March 11]] Orcs from Dol Guldur attacked [[Lothlórien]] and Eastern Rohan. [[12 March|The next day]] the invaders of Rohan were utterly defeated by Ents.<ref name="AB"/>

In Gondor, Most of the citizens were sent north and west; except those in the arts of healing and boys who refused to leave. The same day, 3,000 men from [[Belfalas]], [[Dol Amroth]] and other places arrived to assist the garrison. But, it was less than a tenth of what was needed. Most that were needed were holding off the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Black Fleet]] of [[Umbar]].

[[Denethor|Denethor II]] sent Faramir to Osgiliath to [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath|intercept the Morgul-host]]. The Witch-King led the assault upon the western side the next morning aided by boats built in secret, and swiftly overwhelmed the defenders and on [[13 March]] Faramir retreated to the [[Causeway Forts]]; Gandalf, upon learning the Witch-King was on the field, [[14 March|the next day]] went from the city to the Rammas Echor where the forces which had fallen back. It was taken by blasting stones, and a charge by Prince [[Imrahil]] and the Knights of [[Dol Amroth]] saved Faramir who fell wounded by an Easterling champion.

As Pelennor was overrun, Denethor sent a sortie of cavalry to assist the defenders who retreated back to the city. Denethor, upon seeing his son in this grave state, lost his will to fight and gave no more thought to the defense of his city. He was seriously wounded while [[Pelennor Fields|Pelennor]] was overrun. The [[Siege of Gondor]] began.<ref name="siege"/>

Meanwhile, invaders from [[Umbar]] and [[Harad]] who sought to capture [[Linhir]] and the fords of the River [[Gilrain]]. The men of [[Lamedon]] fought against them and the arrival of Aragorn with the Army of the Dead from [[Erech]] terrified both sides. As Aragorn pressed on to [[Pelargir]], [[Angbor]] mustered as many horsemen as he could, helped by the fast-spreading rumor of the return of the [[Heir of Isildur]]. Soon later the group reached Pelargir, drove the Corsairs away and captured their [[Black Ships|fleet]] an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|assault]] he had also carried out decades earlier.<ref name="Debate">{{RK|Debate}}</ref>

===Climax===
On [[15 March]] three simultaneous battles occurred.

In [[Rhovanion]], an army was sent to destroy the realm of [[Thranduil]] and a second assault against Lothlórien was made. After a long battle under the trees, and great ruin of fire<ref name="AB"/> the Orcs were defeated on both fronts on the same day.

In Gondor, after the enemy passed Osgiliath, [[Pelennor Fields|Pelennor]] outside Minas Tirith was overrun, despite the armies that gathered from southern Gondor already in the days before the battle. The hosts of Mordor dug pits and set up siege weapons beyond the city's range as the Nazgul swooped near the city uttering cries of death, demoralizing the defenders. Then the weapons began launching stones at the city, many of which would burst into flame as they came crashing down. Then, the heads of all those that had been slain in battle were flung over the city. The whole first level was soon in flames.<ref name="siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref>
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Siege of Minas Tirith.jpg|thumb|[[Stephen Hickman]] - ''Siege of Minas Tirith'']]
Near midnight the Witch-King launched his assault pushing many defenders to the higher levels, while others were slain trying to reach the walls. Many towers were also destroyed as they rolled forward. <ref name="siege"/>

The Witch-King rode assisted by magic the battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] as it hit the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]]. As he entered the gate he was confronted by Gandalf who alone stood steadfast. Then a cock crowed and horn from the west sounded. The Witch-King left to deal with the Riders of Rohan at the Rammas Echor. The '''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]''' began.<ref name="siege"/>

[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|thumb|left|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]
The combined army of Orcs, [[Haradrim]], [[Men of Rhûn]] and [[Men of Khand]], outnumbered the Rohirrim at least 10 to 1 but lost almost a third of their own forces. In the process, King Théoden was killed, and the Witch-King was destroyed by Théoden's niece, Lady [[Éowyn]] of Rohan. When all seemed lost, a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arrived at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but it was actually manned by Aragorn. As his army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Éomer's cavalry and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil".

[[File: Jan Pospisil - Dale units vs. Rhun.jpg|thumb|Jan Pospíšil - The Battle of Dale]]
Meanwhile in the North, [[Easterlings]] crossed the [[Carnen]], and King [[Brand]] was driven back to [[Dale]]. He gathered there with the [[Dwarves of Erebor]], and engaged in the '''[[Battle of Dale]]''' against the Orcs at the feet of the [[Lonely Mountain]] for three days until ([[17 March|March 17]]) he fell alongside King [[Dáin Ironfoot]]. Many Dwarves and Men took refuge in [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and were besieged by the Easterlings. However, news from the defeat at the Pelennor reached the Easterlings who began to fail.

===Sauron's defeat===
The [[16 March|next day]] it was understood that the army vanquished in the Battle of the Pelennor was only a fraction of Sauron's forces, and eventually Minas Tirith would not manage to withstand forever. [[Imrahil]] expressed concern for the defense of Gondor. Aragorn assured him that [[Angbor]] was marching with 4,000 men through [[Lossarnach]] to garrison Minas Tirith.<ref name="debate"/>

The [[Host of the West]] marched from Minas Tirith on [[18 March]] to confront Sauron. During that course, Lothlórien was attacked for a third and last time by Orcs ([[22 March]]). After much destruction, the Elves repulsed them once again.

The Host of the West would meet Sauron's forces outside the gates of Mordor [[25 March|seven days later]], hoping to divert their attention away from the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], who was nearing the end of his mission.

[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Battle of the Morannon.jpg|thumb|left|Fell beasts fly over the Battle of the Morannon]]
During the course of the '''[[Battle of the Morannon]]''' against [[Trolls]], Orcs and Men, the eight remaining Nazgûl attacked the army of the West. The [[Eagles]] of the [[Misty Mountains]], led by [[Gwaihir]], arrived and attacked the Ringwraiths. When all hope seemed lost, Frodo failed his mission: he claimed the One Ring for himself, and Sauron was suddenly aware that Frodo had the Ring and was in the [[Cracks of Doom]]. Finally realizing that his enemies meant to destroy his Ring, Sauron immediately sent the Nazgûl to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. However, Gollum wrenched the Ring from Frodo but fell accidentally into the fire, destroying the Ring. The hosts of Mordor, suddenly without direction, hesitated as Sauron's power was overthrown.

The Nazgûl were all destroyed as they flew over Mount Doom just as it underwent a gigantic eruption. [[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 and the Easterlings eventually threw down their weapons and surrendered. <Ref name="Doom">{{RK|Doom}}</ref>

[[27 March|Two days later]], [[Bard II]] and [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III]] Stonehelm, taking the reign from their respective fathers who fell in the assault, drove the enemy from Dale.<ref name="AB"/>

[[File: Galadriel dol guldur bfmeII.JPG|thumb|right|The fall of Dol Guldur in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'']]
On [[28 March|March 28]] with [[Celeborn]] at their head, Elves crossed the Anduin in many boats and stormed Dol Guldur. Galadriel came after them in the '''[[Fall of Dol Guldur]]''', throwing down the walls of the fortress and laying bare its pits, so that the forest was cleansed. Thranduil cleared all the orcs and foul beings from North Mirkwood.<ref name="AB"/>

===Scouring of the Shire===
The War did not end with the defeat of Sauron, for Saruman fled northward after the capture of Orthanc, and established himself in the Shire, bending the Hobbits to his will by threat of violence and the persuasive power of his voice. The return of Frodo Baggins and his companions from the coronation of King Elessar and the reunification of Gondor and Arnor, led to their arrest by the [[Shire-hobbits]] but they talked their way out.<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref>

A small group of [[Ruffians]] was encountered, and Pippin declared the return of the King to them, and the message that emissaries were on their way. The group was routed, but managed to get a message to a bigger contingent in [[Waymeet]].<ref name="Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref> 20 Men marched from [[Hobbiton]] towards [[Bywater]], and 200 Bucklanders and [[Cotton Family|Cottons]] answered the call of Captain Merry's horn.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Storming the Bank.jpg|left|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Storming the Bank'']]
The Men walked up [[Bywater Road]], to the point where [[Tolman Cotton Senior|Farmer Cotton]] was standing and found themselves heavily outnumbered. Their leader fell by arrows as he tried to strike at Merry. The rest surrendered. Pippin had set up a rebellion in [[Tookland]], and returned with one hundred Tooks when the larger group of Men from Waymeet arrived the following day and walked straight into a defensive pocket set up by Merry. Merry and Pippin charged from the eastern bank, and Merry killed the leader.<ref name="Scouring"/> Nearly 70 Men were killed and 12 were taken prisoner, while 19 Hobbits died and about 30 were wounded.

After their victory the Hobbits marched on to [[Bag End]], where they found [[Sharkey]]. It was not [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] as had been thought, but rather [[Saruman]] who revealed that his servant [[Gríma]] killed Lotho. Gríma cut Saruman's throat in a rage for years of oppression and abuse but was himself shot by Hobbit archers. As the spirit of Saruman rose from its bodily form, it was blown away by a wind from the West; [[Manwë]] did not want him back.<ref name="Scouring"/>

This battle is considered to mark the end of the War.

==Aftermath==
{{main|Fourth Age}}
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The White Sapling.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The White Sapling'']]
The consequences of the War were "apocalyptical" for the [[Westlands]] of [[Middle-earth]]. The ''status quo'' of many entities were restored, or even radically changed after centuries. Not only the millennia of Sauron's dominion were permanently brought to an end, but the relationships of peoples and races were redefined. It is also notable that during the War many personalities died (Denethor, Théoden, Brand, Dain), and brought their descendants into the aftermath.

The major effect of the war however was that with the destruction of the One Ring, the [[Three Rings]] that had maintained the realms of the Elves in Middle-earth lost their power, and the Elves began to leave for the [[Undying Lands]]; significant Elves who marked the history of the Westlands for millennia, like Galadriel and Elrond departed, setting stage for the [[Dominion of Men]].
===Political===
The downfall of Sauron brought the restoration of the long-awaited line of [[Kings of Gondor]], the restoration of [[Arnor]] and simultaneously the [[Reunited Kingdom|reunification]] of the two kingdoms; after of centuries of nomadic wandering the [[Rangers of the North]] had again a kingdom and the Gondorians had a king. This King was Aragorn II a descendant both of [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]]; furthermore, his marriage with [[Arwen]] reunited the lines of [[Elrond]] and [[Elros]] since the [[First Age]].
[[File:Sage - Reunited Kingdom.png|thumb|The Reunited Kingdom]]
Other political repercussions were the strengthening of the relationships between the Kingdom and [[Rohan]], new relationships with the [[Ents]] (who now occupied [[Treegarth]], former [[Isengard]]), the [[Woses]] and the [[Hobbits]], now known as free peoples. On the [[Elven New Year]], Celeborn and Thranduil renamed Mirkwood as [[Eryn Lasgalen]] and Celeborn took the southern part below [[East Bight]], naming it East Lórien. The wide forest inbetween was given to the [[Beornings]] and the [[Woodmen]].

===Calendrical impact===
{{quote|You were born at the end of a great age, [[Elanor Gamgee|Elanorellë]]|[[Samwise Gamgee]], ''[[Sauron Defeated]]'', [[The Epilogue]]}}
All the above events made historians to mark the years following the War as the end of the [[Third Age]].

Another calendric change was the [[New Reckoning]] which replaced the [[Stewards' Reckoning]], and the introduction of ''[[Cormarë]]'', a holiday on [[25 March|March 25]] that commemorated the fall of Sauron.<ref>{{App|D2}}</ref>

==Combatants==
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Fleet of Harad.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Fleet of Harad'']]

===Sauron and his allies===
*'''[[Mordor]]'''
**[[Sauron]] †
**[[Mouth of Sauron]]
**[[Nazgûl]] †
*'''[[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]'''
**[[Saruman]] †
**[[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] †
*'''[[Harad]]'''
**[[Black Serpent]] †
*'''[[Rhûn]]'''
*'''[[Khand]]'''
*'''[[Dol Guldur]]'''
**[[Khamûl]] †
*'''[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]'''
*'''[[Umbar]]'''

===Free peoples===
*'''[[Gondor|Kingdom of Gondor]]'''
**[[Minas Tirith]]
***[[Denethor|Denethor II]] †
***[[Boromir]] †
***[[Faramir]]
***[[Húrin (Warden of the Keys)|Húrin the Tall]]
**[[Dol Amroth]]
***[[Imrahil]]
**[[Lebennin]]
**[[Lossarnach]]
***[[Forlong]] the Fat †
**[[Ringló Vale]]
***[[Dervorin]] †
**[[Morthond]]
***[[Duinhir]]
***[[Duilin (son of Duinhir)|Duilin]] †
***[[Derufin]] †
**[[Anfalas]]
***[[Golasgil]]
**[[Lamedon]]
***[[Angbor|Angbor the Fearless]]
**Shipmen of [[Ethir Anduin]]
**[[Pinnath Gelin]]
***[[Hirluin]] the Fair †
**[[White Mountains]]
***[[King of the Dead]] †
*'''[[Arnor|Chiefdom of Arnor]]'''
**[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]
**[[Grey Company]]
***[[Halbarad]] †
***[[Elladan]]
***[[Elrohir]]
*'''[[Rohan|Kingdom of Rohan]]'''
**[[Théoden]] †
**[[Théodred]] †
**[[Éomer]]
**[[Éowyn]]
**[[Erkenbrand]]
**[[Elfhelm]]
**[[Grimbold]] †
*'''[[Woodland Realm]]'''
**[[Thranduil]]
**[[Legolas]]
*'''[[Lothlórien]]'''
**[[Celeborn]]
**[[Galadriel]]
*'''[[The Shire]]'''
**[[Hobbiton]]
***[[Frodo Baggins]]
***[[Samwise Gamgee]]
**[[Tookland]]
***[[Peregrin Took]]
**[[Buckland]] and [[Bree]]
***[[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
*'''[[Fangorn Forest]]'''
**[[Treebeard]]
**[[Quickbeam]]
*'''[[Istari]]'''
**[[Gandalf]]
*'''[[Kingdom Under the Mountain]]'''
**[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] †
**[[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]]
**[[Gimli]]
*'''[[Kingdom of Dale]]'''
**[[Brand]] †
**[[Bard II]]

==Non-combatants==
*'''[[Elvendom]]'''
**[[Rivendell]]
***[[Elrond]]
***[[Glorfindel]]
**[[Grey Havens]]
***[[Círdan]]
***[[Galdor of the Havens]]
*'''[[Istari]]'''
**[[Radagast]]
*'''[[Drúedain]]'''
**[[Ghân-buri-Ghân]]

{{References}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/3a/guerres/guerre_de_l_anneau]]

User:InAHoleInTheGround

2020-09-20T10:26:29Z

InAHoleInTheGround: Created page with "{{user infobox | name=InAHoleInTheGround |language=English }} In a hole in a ground, there lived a person who very much enjoys Tolkien Gateway. Not a nasty, dirty troller, filled..."

{{user infobox
| name=InAHoleInTheGround
|language=English
}}
In a hole in a ground, there lived a person who very much enjoys Tolkien Gateway. Not a nasty, dirty troller, filled with little knowledge of the Legendarium, nor yet a person who gets confused between adaptation and book: It was a person who loves Tolkien's works and respects adaptations, and that means comfort.

It had a perfectly rectangular bookshelf like a door, painted brown, with a shiny first-edition Silmarillion in the exact middle. The bookcase opened to a cuboid shelf like a small room: a very comfortable room without smoke, with three copies of The Lord of The Rings illustrated by Alan Lee, with a 50th anniversary edition of The Hobbit, Unfinished Tales and lots and lots of John Howe illustrated History of Middle Earths. The Tolkien Fan was fond of new additions to the shelf.

War of the Ring

2020-09-20T08:41:18Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{disambig-more|War of the Ring|[[War of the Ring (disambiguation)]]}}{{sources}}
{{expansion}}
{{wotr}}
{{War
| previous= [[Corsair Wars]]
| next=
| name=War of the Ring
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|300px]]
| begin={{TA|3018}} (earlier fighting in Gondor)
| end={{TA|3019}}
|place=Northwestern [[Middle-earth]]
|result=Free Peoples' victory; destruction of [[the One Ring]], [[Sauron]] and [[Mordor]]; start of the [[Fourth Age]]; [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]] reunited under restoration of the [[King of Gondor]]
| battles=[[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath]], [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]], [[Battle of Isengard]], [[Battle of the Hornburg]], [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], [[Battle of the Morannon]], [[Battle Under Trees]], [[Fall of Dol Guldur]], [[Battle of Dale]], [[Battle of Bywater]]
|side1='''Free Peoples of Middle-earth:''' [[Gondor]], [[Rangers of the North]], [[Rohan]], [[Dale]], [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], [[The Shire]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Woodland Realm]], [[Rivendell]], [[Fangorn]], [[Beornings]]
|side2='''Under [[Sauron]]:''' [[Mordor]], [[Dol Guldur]], [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]], [[Rhûn]], [[Harad]], [[Umbar]], and [[Khand]] '''Under [[Saruman]]:''' [[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]
|commanders1=
* [[Aragorn]]
* [[Denethor]] †
* [[Gandalf]] † (but resurrected)
* [[Théoden]] †
* [[Éomer]]
* [[Imrahil]]
* [[Dáin Ironfoot]] †
* [[Brand]] †
* [[Thranduil]]
* [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]]
|commanders2=
* [[Sauron]] †
* [[Saruman]] †{{clear}}
* [[Witch-king|The Witch-king of Angmar]] †
* [[Khamûl]] †
}}
{{Quote|So we come to it in the end, [...] the great battle of our time, in which many things shall pass away.|[[Théoden]]<ref>{{RK|Muster}}</ref>}}

The '''War of the Ring''' was the great conflict at the end of the [[Third Age]], named for [[the One Ring]] and the importance this had in the final outcome. The war was fought between [[Sauron]], the [[Dark Lord]] of [[Mordor]] who attempted to conquer [[Middle-earth]] as he nearly did in the [[Second Age]]; and the [[Free peoples]], being a loose alliance of [[Elves]] and [[Men]] led by the [[Wise]]. [[Saruman]] was a third power based in [[Orthanc]].

Sauron at all times held the military advantage in the War, due to his overwhelming forces; not only [[Orcs]] and [[Trolls]], but [[Haradrim|Men of Harad]] and the [[East]]. His main objective was to overthrow [[Gondor]], his neighbour and the strongest of his enemies. He had such forces at his command, though, that he was able to fight the war on many fronts, simultaneously attacking [[Dale]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood|Wood-elves]] in the far north, and [[Lothlórien]] from his secondary stronghold at [[Dol Guldur]]. There can be no doubt that, had the Wise not achieved and maintained possession of the Ring, Sauron would ultimately have been victorious.

The policy of the Wise was based around the [[Quest of the Ring]]: a company of nine under the leadership of [[Gandalf]] travelled from [[Rivendell]] with the One Ring, with the hope of taking it to [[Orodruin]] in [[Mordor]] and there destroying it. Because the Ring held much of Sauron's native power, they realised that in unmaking it, they would also defeat its creator.

Saruman had claimed alliance with both the Wise and the Dark Lord, but was ultimately fighting for his own ends. In alliance with the [[Dunlendings]], and having [[Orcs]] at his own command, his objective was the defeat of [[Rohan]]. Until late in the War, he held the advantage, defeating Rohan twice at the [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]].

==Background==
{{Seealso|Rings of Power|Third Age}}
Sauron had been defeated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], but because of Isildur's refusal to destroy [[the One Ring]], he was not entirely vanquished. He survived in spirit form, and the foundations of Barad-dûr were also not destroyed. Sauron's spirit wandered the wastelands of Middle-earth for over 1000 years, but eventually he rebuilt his power and became a threat once again. Around {{TA|1000}}, the [[Valar]] sent [[Maiar]] [[Wizards|emissaries]] to [[Middle-earth]] to help the [[Free peoples]] against the growing evil.

Indeed, Orcs were multiplying and the [[Witch-king]] from his fortress in [[Angmar]] waged unending war against [[Arnor]]. [[Moria]] and [[Minas Ithil]] fell and were abandoned, among other battles, plagues, and catastrophes which ended the Kingdom of Arnor and the Royal line of [[Gondor]]. The evil entity known only as the [[Necromancer]] fled from [[Dol Guldur]] because of Gandalf, allowing for some centuries of calmness.

In the meantime, Sauron's One Ring was found by two of the [[Stoors]] in the [[Gladden River]]. The Hobbit who got it, under its influence, was corrupted as [[Gollum]] and eventually retreated in the [[Goblin-town]] under the [[Misty Mountains]]. By the end of the Age, Sauron attempted to gather back all the Rings to augment his power. He took the Nine, but of the Seven he managed to reclaim only three, the last of them being the [[Ring of Thrór]]<ref>"the Nine [Sauron] has gathered to himself; the Seven also, or else they are destroyed." {{FR|Shadow}}</ref><ref>"You saw the Eye of him that holds the Seven and the Nine." {{FR|mirror}}</ref> but could not find the One.

[[File:John Howe - Alert the Folk.jpg|thumb|[[John Howe]] - ''Alert the Folk'']]
[[Gandalf]] was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]]. About [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] was desolation which Sauron might use to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of [[Angmar]]. Gandalf, seeing no hope in [[Thorin]]'s plans of battle and war against Smaug, persuaded him that he should go secretly to Erebor to reclaim its treasure, and to take with him [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[The Shire|the Shire]].<ref>{{UT|Quest}}</ref>. Smaug was killed by [[Bard]], Erebor was retaken, and most importantly, the kingdoms of Erebor and Dale were re-established. In a small incident along the way, [[the One Ring]] was lost by [[Gollum]] and wound up in Bilbo's hands.<ref>{{H|Riddles}}</ref>

Around the time the War began, it is said that the [[Ithryn Luin]] had gained influence in the [[East]] and, thanks to their efforts, Sauron could not manage to gather as much people in his side.<ref>{{PM|Last}}</ref>

==History==
===Prelude===
During the [[Quest of Erebor]], the [[White Council]] attacked Dol Guldur and the Necromancer withdrew. However, Sauron returned to his old abode in [[Mordor]] to reconstruct [[Barad-dûr]] and ten years after the fall of Smaug he sent three [[Nazgûl]] to reoccupy Dol Guldur. He declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}. The [[White Council]] met for the last time in {{TA|2953}} to discuss the Rings of Power when Saruman reassured them that the One Ring had been lost forever in [[the Sea]]. After this, Saruman fortified Isengard, spied on Gandalf, learning thus his interest in the Shire, and started sending agents.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>

Sauron began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the hated remnants of Númenor and the Eldar. Armies of [[Easterlings]] from [[Khand]] and beyond the [[Sea of Rhûn]] reinforced Mordor, joined by men from South [[Harad]]. Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts were multiplying while Sauron's minions were searching the Anduin for the One Ring.

A year before the war, while Gollum was looking for his ring, he was taken to Mordor and interrogated by Sauron, who learned that the One Ring was in the possession of a "[[Baggins]]" in a place called "[[the Shire]]". However, Sauron was led into thinking that the Shire was on the banks of the Gladden River.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> Gollum was then set free, but caught by [[Aragorn]], who placed him in the care of the [[Silvan Elves]] and held him in [[Mirkwood]].

A messenger from Mordor visited King [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II]] and asked information on Bilbo and the Ring. Meanwhile, Gandalf reading the [[Scroll of Isildur]] in [[Minas Tirith]], also realized that Bilbo's Ring was the One Ring.<ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

===First conflicts===
[[File:Donato Giancola - Faramir at Osgiliath.jpg|thumb|left|[[Donato Giancola]] - ''Faramir at Osgiliath'']]
Sauron made an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack]] on [[Osgiliath]] on [[20 June|June 20]] of {{TA|3018}} which was the beginning of the War. Sauron saw it as an opportunity to test [[Denethor|Denethor II]]'s strength. [[Boromir]] and [[Faramir]] managed to defend and destroy the ancient Bridge in order to deny the enemy access to the western side of the river.<ref name="AB"/><ref name="hunt"/>

About the same time the [[Elves]] of [[Mirkwood]] were attacked and during the fray, the captive [[Gollum]] escaped and would not be found nor by the Elves nor by Sauron's servants.<ref name="AB"/> The following months, Faramir led several [[Rangers of Ithilien|Ranger]] attacks deep into Mordor-occupied Ithilien, ambushing enemy armies moving to the Black Gate.

The presence of the Nazgûl in the battle of Osgiliath served to make them seem like a military asset against Gondor, concealing from the Wise their true mission, to hunt the Ring. After the assault, Sauron sent the Nine unclothed and invisible to search for the Ring under the leadership of the Witch-king. The Ringwraith [[Khamûl]] was unable to find the "[[the Shire|Shire]]" in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The [[Witch-king]] searched north and west for Gollum or the Shire.<ref name="hunt"/> Gandalf heard from Radagast about the riders and went to [[Isengard]] for counsel, where he was trapped by Saruman.<ref name="council"/>

Sauron's plans were halted when he received word of the prophecy in Gondor and the doings of the turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the [[Wise]] did not yet have possession of the Ring yet, as he feared. [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] arrived at [[Isengard]] around [[18 September|September 18]], but Gandalf had escaped. Traitor Saruman fortified himself in Isengard and convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring was, and so the Nine passed into [[Rohan]] in search of him. A terrified [[Gríma|Wormtongue]] answered that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The riders were divided into four pairs, and the Witch-King went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]]. Along the way, they captured several spies of Saruman and found charts and maps of the Shire. They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Saruman.<ref name="hunt"/>

In [[22 September|September 22]] they came to [[Sarn Ford]]. Although the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] were guarding the crossing, their chieftain [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] was away and the Riders captured the ford, killing many of the Rangers. The Witch-king sent Khamûl and three Riders into the Shire while he went east with the others and then returned to watch the [[Greenway]].<ref name="AB">{{App|B3}}</ref> A Rider came to Hobbiton at nightfall, but failed to capture [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] who departed that same day carrying the Ring to the east.<ref name="hunt"/> The hunt continued to [[Buckland]] and Bree, aided by Sauron's spies, such as [[Bill Ferny]] and [[Harry Goatleaf]], but nonetheless, the Ring escaped them.<ref>{{FR|Strider}}</ref>

[[File: The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Council of Elrond.jpg|thumb|left|The Council of Elrond, a pivotal phase of the War.]]
In October, Frodo came to [[Rivendell]] and during his arrival, the Black Riders were temporarily neutralized and were forced to return to Mordor to regroup. Some days later, the [[Council of Elrond]] was called, where it was decided that the only way to be free of Sauron and the Ring was to cast the Ring into the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Frodo surprised everyone, including himself, by declaring that he would take the Ring<ref name="council"/>. The [[Fellowship_of_the_Ring|team]] who would travel to Mordor departed Rivendell in December.<ref name="AB"/>

===Saruman's part in the War===
Saruman was caught now between the Wise and Sauron as a known traitor to both. He implemented a strategy of controlling the King of Rohan; sending spies to waylay Frodo Baggins on his flight from the Shire, and dispatching raiding parties on likely routes a [[Fellowship of the Ring|company of travelers]] might take the Ring to Gondor. During the fall of the first year of the War, some [[Ruffians]] were sent to the Shire to gain control of the region, collecting the crops and suppressing any dissent.
[[File: The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - First Battle of the Fords of Isen.jpg|thumb|The aftermath at Isen]]
He then endeavored to kill [[Théoden]] King's [[Théodred|son]] and [[Éomer|nephew]] and have full control of him. On [[25 February|February 25]], {{TA|3019}}, he sent his forces to attack [[Rohan]]'s army (commanded by [[Théodred]] and [[Grimbold]]) at the [[Isen]]. [[Dunlendings]], [[wolf-riders]] and [[Uruk-hai|Uruks]] clashed against the [[Rohirrim]] in the '''[[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' with orders to slay Prince Théodred at any cost. [[Erkenbrand]] took command of the western defenses of Rohan. He sent a messenger to [[Edoras]] to inform the King of the ill news and ask for reinforcements, but [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] delayed the message. [[Elfhelm]] joined [[Grimbold of Grimslade]] and were left in charge of the Fords when Erkenbrand tried to send stragglers to [[Helm's Deep]]. Saruman was successful in eliminating the Prince.<ref name="Isen">{{UT|Isen}}</ref>
[[File:Matt Stewart - The Horn of Boromir.jpg|thumb|left|[[Matt Stewart]] - ''The Horn of Boromir'']]
The [[26 February|next day]] while the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]] was in the [[Emyn Muil]] thinking whether to take the Ring to Minas Tirith or go directly to Mordor, Orcs from Isengard attempted to capture the Ring-bearer; but instead they took Merry and Pippin as prisoners.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> Éomer hearing of the descent of the Orcband set out from [[Eastfold]] against Théoden's orders and overtook them outside [[Fangorn Forest]], unknowingly setting the hobbits free.<ref name="AB"/><ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref>

Having heard the news about Théodred's death, [[Erkenbrand]], who became the commander of Rohan's western armies, gathered the forces of Grimbold and Elfhelm to assault Isen once more in the '''[[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' ([[2 March|March 2]]). Though they had a force of about 2000 men and had constructed a shield wall to hold off the enemy, Saruman's forces overcame them and scattered the retreating Rohirrim across Rohan.<ref name="Isen"/><ref name="Deep">{{TT|Deep}}</ref>

Saruman's victory would not last; he did not know that on the very same day, Gandalf had healed Théoden from [[Gríma|Wormtongue]]'s influence. In the meantime, the [[Ents]] after ending their long [[Entmoot]], decided to go to [[Isengard]] and battle Saruman.<ref name="AB"/>
[[File: Alan Lee - The Battle of the Hornburg.jpg|thumb|right|"The Battle of the Hornburg" by [[Alan Lee]]]]
The next day ([[3 March|March 3]]) seeking to take the fight away from his people, Théoden brought around a thousand horsemen to the [[Fords of Isen]] along with any others in [[Edoras]]. Among this force were [[Éomer]], [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]]. On their way they found [[Ceorl]] who reported a defeat to the Fords; Théoden then redirected his troops to [[Helm's Deep]], which was commanded by [[Gamling]] in his lord Erkenbrand's absence. Against overwhelming odds, they fought the '''[[Battle of the Hornburg]]''' for two days against [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Dunlendings]], until the [[Deeping Wall]] was breached and all seemed lost. The surviving horsemen rode out to meet the hordes of Isengard.<ref name="Deep"/>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Wrath of the Ents'']]
At that moment, [[Gandalf]] returned, bringing with him Erkenbrand and many other soldiers from [[Westfold]]. They attacked the army from the rear, driving the attackers back into a forest of [[Huorns]]. While Saruman suffered this military defeat, Isengard was attacked by a march of [[Ents]] in the '''[[Battle of Isengard]]''' who drowned all the valley.<ref name="Flotsam">{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref>

After the defeat of Saruman, Pippin looked in the [[Orthanc-stone]] and saw the [[Eye of Sauron]]; Gandalf believed that seeing the Hobbit, Sauron would imagine that the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] was caught by Saruman's Orcs and that they could make good use of the delay caused by this confusion.<ref name="Pal">{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> The protagonists of the War separated, anticipating Sauron's attack on Minas Tirith. Gandalf set out for Minas Tirith taking Pippin since he would not be safe. Théoden set out from the Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]].

Aragorn consulted the Stone of Orthanc and confronted Sauron subduing the stone’s power to his own will. In doing so, however, Aragorn has alerted Sauron to his existence as Isildur’s heir to the throne of Gondor. Gimli feared that Sauron would now release his forces sooner because of this revelation. Aragorn, however, hoped such a hasty move may weaken the Enemy’s attack<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>. They set out with the [[Grey Company]] to [[Dunharrow]] and took the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Théoden would come to Dunharrow.

===Sauron strikes===
On [[10 March|March 10]] fumes from Mordor veiled the [[Sun]] in an attempt by Sauron to disparage or misguide his enemies. The veil blacked out most of Gondor and Rohan who observed that day as [[The Dawnless Day]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Nazgûl'']]
Along with the Darkness, a host from [[Minas Morgul]] set forth toward Minas Tirith, as witnessed by Frodo, Sam, and Gollum who passed the Cross-roads. Later Orcs from the [[Morannon]] took [[Cair Andros]] and passed into [[Anórien]]. [[Denethor|Denethor II]] called the [[Council of Gondor]] together on that day<ref name="AB"/> and it advised him to make no stroke of war against the enemy due to the threat from the south.<ref name=" siege"/>

The Rohirrim mustered their Riders and rode from Harrowdale, while Aragorn led the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]] and the Grey Company, across the river [[Ringló]].

While preparing against Gondor, Sauron also began campaigns to conquer [[Rhovanion|Wilderland]], activating his armies stationed in [[Dol Guldur]] and eastern allies. This would bring the eastern half of Middle-earth entirely into his dominion. On [[11 March|March 11]] Orcs from Dol Guldur attacked [[Lothlórien]] and Eastern Rohan. [[12 March|The next day]] the invaders of Rohan were utterly defeated by Ents.<ref name="AB"/>

In Gondor, Most of the citizens were sent north and west; except those in the arts of healing and boys who refused to leave. The same day, 3,000 men from [[Belfalas]], [[Dol Amroth]] and other places arrived to assist the garrison. But, it was less than a tenth of what was needed. Most that were needed were holding off the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Black Fleet]] of [[Umbar]].

[[Denethor|Denethor II]] sent Faramir to Osgiliath to [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath|intercept the Morgul-host]]. The Witch-King led the assault upon the western side the next morning aided by boats built in secret, and swiftly overwhelmed the defenders and on [[13 March]] Faramir retreated to the [[Causeway Forts]]; Gandalf, upon learning the Witch-King was on the field, [[14 March|the next day]] went from the city to the Rammas Echor where the forces which had fallen back. It was taken by blasting stones, and a charge by Prince [[Imrahil]] and the Knights of [[Dol Amroth]] saved Faramir who fell wounded by an Easterling champion.

As Pelennor was overrun, Denethor sent a sortie of cavalry to assist the defenders who retreated back to the city. Denethor, upon seeing his son in this grave state, lost his will to fight and gave no more thought to the defense of his city. He was seriously wounded while [[Pelennor Fields|Pelennor]] was overrun. The [[Siege of Gondor]] began.<ref name="siege"/>

Meanwhile, invaders from [[Umbar]] and [[Harad]] who sought to capture [[Linhir]] and the fords of the River [[Gilrain]]. The men of [[Lamedon]] fought against them and the arrival of Aragorn with the Army of the Dead from [[Erech]] terrified both sides. As Aragorn pressed on to [[Pelargir]], [[Angbor]] mustered as many horsemen as he could, helped by the fast-spreading rumor of the return of the [[Heir of Isildur]]. Soon later the group reached Pelargir, drove the Corsairs away and captured their [[Black Ships|fleet]] an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|assault]] he had also carried out decades earlier.<ref name="Debate">{{RK|Debate}}</ref>

===Climax===
On [[15 March]] three simultaneous battles occurred.

In [[Rhovanion]], an army was sent to destroy the realm of [[Thranduil]] and a second assault against Lothlórien was made. After a long battle under the trees, and great ruin of fire<ref name="AB"/> the Orcs were defeated on both fronts on the same day.

In Gondor, after the enemy passed Osgiliath, [[Pelennor Fields|Pelennor]] outside Minas Tirith was overrun, despite the armies that gathered from southern Gondor already in the days before the battle. The hosts of Mordor dug pits and set up siege weapons beyond the city's range as the Nazgul swooped near the city uttering cries of death, demoralizing the defenders. Then the weapons began launching stones at the city, many of which would burst into flame as they came crashing down. Then, the heads of all those that had been slain in battle were flung over the city. The whole first level was soon in flames.<ref name="siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref>
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Siege of Minas Tirith.jpg|thumb|[[Stephen Hickman]] - ''Siege of Minas Tirith'']]
Near midnight the Witch-King launched his assault pushing many defenders to the higher levels, while others were slain trying to reach the walls. Many towers were also destroyed as they rolled forward. <ref name="siege"/>

The Witch-King rode assisted by magic the battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] as it hit the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]]. As he entered the gate he was confronted by Gandalf who alone stood steadfast. Then a cock crowed and horn from the west sounded. The Witch-King left to deal with the Riders of Rohan at the Rammas Echor. The '''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]''' began.<ref name="siege"/>

[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|thumb|left|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]
The combined army of Orcs, [[Haradrim]], [[Men of Rhûn]] and [[Men of Khand]], outnumbered the Rohirrim at least 10 to 1 but lost almost a third of their own forces. In the process, King Théoden was killed, and the Witch-King was destroyed by Théoden's niece, Lady [[Éowyn]] of Rohan. When all seemed lost, a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arrived at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but it was actually manned by Aragorn. As his army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Éomer's cavalry and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil".

[[File: Jan Pospisil - Dale units vs. Rhun.jpg|thumb|Jan Pospíšil - The Battle of Dale]]
Meanwhile in the North, [[Easterlings]] crossed the [[Carnen]], and King [[Brand]] was driven back to [[Dale]]. He gathered there with the [[Dwarves of Erebor]], and engaged in the '''[[Battle of Dale]]''' against the Orcs at the feet of the [[Lonely Mountain]] for three days until ([[17 March|March 17]]) he fell alongside King [[Dáin Ironfoot]]. Many Dwarves and Men took refuge in [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and were besieged by the Easterlings. However, news from the defeat at the Pelennor reached the Easterlings who began to fail.

===Sauron's defeat===
The [[16 March|next day]] it was understood that the army vanquished in the Battle of the Pelennor was only a fraction of Sauron's forces, and eventually Minas Tirith would not manage to withstand forever. [[Imrahil]] expressed concern for the defense of Gondor. Aragorn assured him that [[Angbor]] was marching with 4,000 men through [[Lossarnach]] to garrison Minas Tirith.<ref name="debate"/>

The [[Host of the West]] marched from Minas Tirith on [[18 March]] to confront Sauron. During that course, Lothlórien was attacked for a third and last time by Orcs ([[22 March]]). After much destruction, the Elves repulsed them once again.

The Host of the West would meet Sauron's forces outside the gates of Mordor [[25 March|seven days later]], hoping to divert their attention away from the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], who was nearing the end of his mission.

[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Battle of the Morannon.jpg|thumb|left|Fell beasts fly over the Battle of the Morannon]]
During the course of the '''[[Battle of the Morannon]]''' against [[Trolls]], Orcs and Men, the eight remaining Nazgûl attacked the army of the West. The [[Eagles]] of the [[Misty Mountains]], led by [[Gwaihir]], arrived and attacked the Ringwraiths. When all hope seemed lost, Frodo failed his mission: he claimed the One Ring for himself, and Sauron was suddenly aware that Frodo had the Ring and was in the [[Cracks of Doom]]. Finally realizing that his enemies meant to destroy his Ring, Sauron immediately sent the Nazgûl to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. However, Gollum wrenched the Ring from Frodo but fell accidentally into the fire, destroying the Ring. The hosts of Mordor, suddenly without direction, hesitated as Sauron's power was overthrown.

The Nazgûl were all destroyed as they flew over Mount Doom just as it underwent a gigantic eruption. [[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 and the Easterlings eventually threw down their weapons and surrendered. <Ref name="Doom">{{RK|Doom}}</ref>

[[27 March|Two days later]], [[Bard II]] and [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III]] Stonehelm, taking the reign from their respective fathers who fell in the assault, drove the enemy from Dale.<ref name="AB"/>

[[File: Galadriel dol guldur bfmeII.JPG|thumb|right|The fall of Dol Guldur in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'']]
On [[28 March|March 28]] with [[Celeborn]] at their head, Elves crossed the Anduin in many boats and stormed Dol Guldur. Galadriel came after them in the '''[[Fall of Dol Guldur]]''', throwing down the walls of the fortress and laying bare its pits, so that the forest was cleansed. Thranduil cleared all the orcs and foul beings from North Mirkwood.<ref name="AB"/>

===Scouring of the Shire===
The War did not end with the defeat of Sauron, for Saruman fled northward after the capture of Orthanc, and established himself in the Shire, bending the Hobbits to his will by threat of violence and the persuasive power of his voice. The return of Frodo Baggins and his companions from the coronation of King Elessar and the reunification of Gondor and Arnor, led to their arrest by the [[Shire-hobbits]] but they talked their way out.<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref>

A small group of [[Ruffians]] was encountered, and Pippin declared the return of the King to them, and the message that emissaries were on their way. The group was routed, but managed to get a message to a bigger contingent in [[Waymeet]].<ref name="Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref> 20 Men marched from [[Hobbiton]] towards [[Bywater]], and 200 Bucklanders and [[Cotton Family|Cottons]] answered the call of Captain Merry's horn.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Storming the Bank.jpg|left|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Storming the Bank'']]
The Men walked up [[Bywater Road]], to the point where [[Tolman Cotton Senior|Farmer Cotton]] was standing and found themselves heavily outnumbered. Their leader fell by arrows as he tried to strike at Merry. The rest surrendered. Pippin had set up a rebellion in [[Tookland]], and returned with one hundred Tooks when the larger group of Men from Waymeet arrived the following day and walked straight into a defensive pocket set up by Merry. Merry and Pippin charged from the eastern bank, and Merry killed the leader.<ref name="Scouring"/> Nearly 70 Men were killed and 12 were taken prisoner, while 19 Hobbits died and about 30 were wounded.

After their victory the Hobbits marched on to [[Bag End]], where they found [[Sharkey]]. It was not [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] as had been thought, but rather [[Saruman]] who revealed that his servant [[Gríma]] killed Lotho. Gríma cut Saruman's throat in a rage for years of oppression and abuse but was himself shot by Hobbit archers. As the spirit of Saruman rose from its bodily form, it was blown away by a wind from the West; [[Manwë]] did not want him back.<ref name="Scouring"/>

This battle is considered to mark the end of the War.

==Aftermath==
{{main|Fourth Age}}
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The White Sapling.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The White Sapling'']]
The consequences of the War were "apocalyptical" for the [[Westlands]] of [[Middle-earth]]. The ''status quo'' of many entities were restored, or even radically changed after centuries. Not only the millennia of Sauron's dominion were permanently brought to an end, but the relationships of peoples and races were redefined. It is also notable that during the War many personalities died (Denethor, Théoden, Brand, Dain), and brought their descendants into the aftermath.

The major effect of the war however was that with the destruction of the One Ring, the [[Three Rings]] that had maintained the realms of the Elves in Middle-earth lost their power, and the Elves began to leave for the [[Undying Lands]]; significant Elves who marked the history of the Westlands for millennia, like Galadriel and Elrond departed, setting stage for the [[Dominion of Men]].
===Political===
The downfall of Sauron brought the restoration of the long-awaited line of [[Kings of Gondor]], the restoration of [[Arnor]] and simultaneously the [[Reunited Kingdom|reunification]] of the two kingdoms; after of centuries of nomadic wandering the [[Rangers of the North]] had again a kingdom and the Gondorians had a king. This King was Aragorn II a descendant both of [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]]; furthermore, his marriage with [[Arwen]] reunited the lines of [[Elrond]] and [[Elros]] since the [[First Age]].
[[File:Sage - Reunited Kingdom.png|thumb|The Reunited Kingdom]]
Other political repercussions were the strengthening of the relationships between the Kingdom and [[Rohan]], new relationships with the [[Ents]] (who now occupied [[Treegarth]], former [[Isengard]]), the [[Woses]] and the [[Hobbits]], now known as free peoples. On the [[Elven New Year]], Celeborn and Thranduil renamed Mirkwood as [[Eryn Lasgalen]] and Celeborn took the southern part below [[East Bight]], naming it East Lórien. The wide forest inbetween was given to the [[Beornings]] and the [[Woodmen]].

===Calendrical impact===
{{quote|You were born at the end of a great age, [[Elanor Gamgee|Elanorellë]]|[[Samwise Gamgee]], ''[[Sauron Defeated]]'', [[The Epilogue]]}}
All the above events made historians to mark the years following the War as the end of the [[Third Age]].

Another calendric change was the [[New Reckoning]] which replaced the [[Stewards' Reckoning]], and the introduction of ''[[Cormarë]]'', a holiday on [[25 March|March 25]] that commemorated the fall of Sauron.<ref>{{App|D2}}</ref>

==Combatants==
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Fleet of Harad.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Fleet of Harad'']]

===Sauron and his allies===
*'''[[Mordor]]'''
**[[Sauron]] †
**[[Mouth of Sauron]]
**[[Nazgûl]] †
*'''[[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]'''
**[[Saruman]] †
**[[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] †
*'''[[Harad]]'''
**[[Black Serpent]] †
*'''[[Rhûn]]'''
*'''[[Khand]]'''
*'''[[Dol Guldur]]'''
**[[Khamûl]] †
*'''[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]'''
*'''[[Umbar]]'''

===Free peoples===
*'''[[Gondor|Kingdom of Gondor]]'''
**[[Minas Tirith]]
***[[Denethor|Denethor II]] †
***[[Boromir]] †
***[[Faramir]]
***[[Húrin (Warden of the Keys)|Húrin the Tall]]
**[[Dol Amroth]]
***[[Imrahil]]
**[[Lebennin]]
**[[Lossarnach]]
***[[Forlong]] the Fat †
**[[Ringló Vale]]
***[[Dervorin]] †
**[[Morthond]]
***[[Duinhir]]
***[[Duilin (son of Duinhir)|Duilin]] †
***[[Derufin]] †
**[[Anfalas]]
***[[Golasgil]]
**[[Lamedon]]
***[[Angbor|Angbor the Fearless]]
**Shipmen of [[Ethir Anduin]]
**[[Pinnath Gelin]]
***[[Hirluin]] the Fair †
**[[White Mountains]]
***[[King of the Dead]] †
*'''[[Arnor|Chiefdom of Arnor]]'''
**[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]
**[[Grey Company]]
***[[Halbarad]] †
***[[Elladan]]
***[[Elrohir]]
*'''[[Rohan|Kingdom of Rohan]]'''
**[[Théoden]] †
**[[Théodred]] †
**[[Éomer]]
**[[Éowyn]]
**[[Erkenbrand]]
**[[Elfhelm]]
**[[Grimbold]] †
*'''[[Woodland Realm]]'''
**[[Thranduil]]
**[[Legolas]]
*'''[[Lothlórien]]'''
**[[Celeborn]]
**[[Galadriel]]
*'''[[The Shire]]'''
**[[Hobbiton]]
***[[Frodo Baggins]]
***[[Samwise Gamgee]]
**[[Tookland]]
***[[Peregrin Took]]
**[[Buckland]] and [[Bree]]
***[[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
*'''[[Fangorn Forest]]'''
**[[Treebeard]]
**[[Quickbeam]]
*'''[[Istari]]'''
**[[Gandalf]]
*'''[[Kingdom Under the Mountain]]'''
**[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] †
**[[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]]
**[[Gimli]]
*'''[[Kingdom of Dale]]'''
**[[Brand]] †
**[[Bard II]]

==Non-combatants==
*'''[[Elvendom]]'''
**[[Rivendell]]
***[[Elrond]]
***[[Glorfindel]]
**[[Grey Havens]]
***[[Círdan]]
***[[Galdor of the Havens]]
*'''[[Istari]]'''
**[[Radagast]]
*'''[[Drúedain]]'''
**[[Ghân-buri-Ghân]]

{{References}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/3a/guerres/guerre_de_l_anneau]]

Second Battle of the Fords of Isen

2020-09-20T08:37:16Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{Stub}}
{{battle
| image=
| name=Second Battle of the Fords of Isen
| conflict=[[War of the Ring]]
| date=[[2 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| place=The [[Fords of Isen]]
| result=Isengard victory, scattering of the Rohirrim
| side1=[[Rohan]]
| side2=[[Isengard]]
| commanders1=*[[Grimbold]]
*[[Elfhelm]]
| commanders2=Unnamed Uruk-hai captain
| forces1=About 2,000 men
| forces2=Over 10,000 Uruk-hai, Orcs, Dunlendings, Wargs, and evil men
| casual1= Heavy
| casual2= Moderate
}}
[[Erkenbrand]]'s [[Rohirrim]], commanded by [[Grimbold]] and [[Elfhelm]], fought [[Saruman]]'s forces at the Fords of Isen. However, being severely outnumbered, the [[Rohirrim]] were forced to pull back, and the shield wall they had made was broken in the process. [[Saruman]] was victorious, and the Riders of Rohan scattered and retreated. The Rider [[Ceorl]] was sent to report to [[Éomer]] about the defeat.

{{wotr}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]
[[de:Schlacht an den Furten des Isen]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:deuxieme_bataille_des_gues_de_l_isen]]
[[fi:Taistelut Rautkymin Kahlaamolla]]

War of the Ring

2020-09-20T08:29:51Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{disambig-more|War of the Ring|[[War of the Ring (disambiguation)]]}}{{sources}}
{{expansion}}
{{wotr}}
{{War
| previous= [[Corsair Wars]]
| next=
| name=War of the Ring
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|300px]]
| begin={{TA|3018}} (earlier fighting in Gondor)
| end={{TA|3019}}
|place=Northwestern [[Middle-earth]]
|result=Free Peoples' victory; destruction of [[the One Ring]], [[Sauron]] and [[Mordor]]; start of the [[Fourth Age]]; [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]] reunited under restoration of the [[King of Gondor]]
| battles=[[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath]], [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]], [[Battle of Isengard]], [[Battle of the Hornburg]], [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], [[Battle of the Morannon]], [[Battle Under Trees]], [[Fall of Dol Guldur]], [[Battle of Dale]], [[Battle of Bywater]]
|side1='''Free Peoples of Middle-earth:''' [[Gondor]], [[Rangers of the North]], [[Rohan]], [[Dale]], [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], [[The Shire]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Woodland Realm]], [[Rivendell]], [[Fangorn]], [[Beornings]]
|side2='''Under [[Sauron]]:''' [[Mordor]], [[Dol Guldur]], [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]], [[Rhûn]], [[Harad]], [[Umbar]], and [[Khand]] '''Under [[Saruman]]:''' [[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]
|commanders1=
* [[Aragorn]]
* [[Denethor]] †
* [[Gandalf]] † (but resurrected)
* [[Théoden]] †
* [[Éomer]]
* [[Imrahil]]
* [[Dáin Ironfoot]] †
* [[Brand]] †
* [[Thranduil]]
* [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]]
|commanders2=
* [[Sauron]] †
* [[Saruman]] †{{clear}}
* [[Witch-king|The Witch-king of Angmar]] †
* [[Khamûl]] †
}}
{{Quote|So we come to it in the end, [...] the great battle of our time, in which many things shall pass away.|[[Théoden]]<ref>{{RK|Muster}}</ref>}}

The '''War of the Ring''' was the great conflict at the end of the [[Third Age]], named for [[the One Ring]] and the importance this had in the final outcome. The war was fought between [[Sauron]], the [[Dark Lord]] of [[Mordor]] who attempted to conquer [[Middle-earth]] as he nearly did in the [[Second Age]]; and the [[Free peoples]], being a loose alliance of [[Elves]] and [[Men]] led by the [[Wise]]. [[Saruman]] was a third power based in [[Orthanc]].

Sauron at all times held the military advantage in the War, due to his overwhelming forces; not only [[Orcs]] and [[Trolls]], but [[Haradrim|Men of Harad]] and the [[East]]. His main objective was to overthrow [[Gondor]], his neighbour and the strongest of his enemies. He had such forces at his command, though, that he was able to fight the war on many fronts, simultaneously attacking [[Dale]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood|Wood-elves]] in the far north, and [[Lothlórien]] from his secondary stronghold at [[Dol Guldur]]. There can be no doubt that, had the Wise not achieved and maintained possession of the Ring, Sauron would ultimately have been victorious.

The policy of the Wise was based around the [[Quest of the Ring]]: a company of nine under the leadership of [[Gandalf]] travelled from [[Rivendell]] with the One Ring, with the hope of taking it to [[Orodruin]] in [[Mordor]] and there destroying it. Because the Ring held much of Sauron's native power, they realised that in unmaking it, they would also defeat its creator.

Saruman had claimed alliance with both the Wise and the Dark Lord, but was ultimately fighting for his own ends. In alliance with the [[Dunlendings]], and having [[Orcs]] at his own command, his objective was the defeat of [[Rohan]]. Until late in the War, he held the advantage, defeating Rohan twice at the [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]].

==Background==
{{Seealso|Rings of Power|Third Age}}
Sauron had been defeated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], but because of Isildur's refusal to destroy [[the One Ring]], he was not entirely vanquished. He survived in spirit form, and the foundations of Barad-dûr were also not destroyed. Sauron's spirit wandered the wastelands of Middle-earth for over 1000 years, but eventually he rebuilt his power and became a threat once again. Around {{TA|1000}}, the [[Valar]] sent [[Maiar]] [[Wizards|emissaries]] to [[Middle-earth]] to help the [[Free peoples]] against the growing evil.

Indeed, Orcs were multiplying and the [[Witch-king]] from his fortress in [[Angmar]] waged unending war against [[Arnor]]. [[Moria]] and [[Minas Ithil]] fell and were abandoned, among other battles, plagues, and catastrophes which ended the Kingdom of Arnor and the Royal line of [[Gondor]]. The evil entity known only as the [[Necromancer]] fled from [[Dol Guldur]] because of Gandalf, allowing for some centuries of calmness.

In the meantime, Sauron's One Ring was found by two of the [[Stoors]] in the [[Gladden River]]. The Hobbit who got it, under its influence, was corrupted as [[Gollum]] and eventually retreated in the [[Goblin-town]] under the [[Misty Mountains]]. By the end of the Age, Sauron attempted to gather back all the Rings to augment his power. He took the Nine, but of the Seven he managed to reclaim only three, the last of them being the [[Ring of Thrór]]<ref>"the Nine [Sauron] has gathered to himself; the Seven also, or else they are destroyed." {{FR|Shadow}}</ref><ref>"You saw the Eye of him that holds the Seven and the Nine." {{FR|mirror}}</ref> but could not find the One.

[[File:John Howe - Alert the Folk.jpg|thumb|[[John Howe]] - ''Alert the Folk'']]
[[Gandalf]] was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]]. About [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] was desolation which Sauron might use to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of [[Angmar]]. Gandalf, seeing no hope in [[Thorin]]'s plans of battle and war against Smaug, persuaded him that he should go secretly to Erebor to reclaim its treasure, and to take with him [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[The Shire|the Shire]].<ref>{{UT|Quest}}</ref>. Smaug was killed by [[Bard]], Erebor was retaken, and most importantly, the kingdoms of Erebor and Dale were re-established. In a small incident along the way, [[the One Ring]] was lost by [[Gollum]] and wound up in Bilbo's hands.<ref>{{H|Riddles}}</ref>

Around the time the War began, it is said that the [[Ithryn Luin]] had gained influence in the [[East]] and, thanks to their efforts, Sauron could not manage to gather as much people in his side.<ref>{{PM|Last}}</ref>

==History==
===Prelude===
During the [[Quest of Erebor]], the [[White Council]] attacked Dol Guldur and the Necromancer withdrew. However, Sauron returned to his old abode in [[Mordor]] to reconstruct [[Barad-dûr]] and ten years after the fall of Smaug he sent three [[Nazgûl]] to reoccupy Dol Guldur. He declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}. The [[White Council]] met for the last time in {{TA|2953}} to discuss the Rings of Power when Saruman reassured them that the One Ring had been lost forever in [[the Sea]]. After this, Saruman fortified Isengard, spied on Gandalf, learning thus his interest in the Shire, and started sending agents.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>

Sauron began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the hated remnants of Númenor and the Eldar. Armies of [[Easterlings]] from [[Khand]] and beyond the [[Sea of Rhûn]] reinforced Mordor, joined by men from South [[Harad]]. Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts were multiplying while Sauron's minions were searching the Anduin for the One Ring.

A year before the war, while Gollum was looking for his ring, he was taken to Mordor and interrogated by Sauron, who learned that the One Ring was in the possession of a "[[Baggins]]" in a place called "[[the Shire]]". However, Sauron was led into thinking that the Shire was on the banks of the Gladden River.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> Gollum was then set free, but caught by [[Aragorn]], who placed him in the care of the [[Silvan Elves]] and held him in [[Mirkwood]].

A messenger from Mordor visited King [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II]] and asked information on Bilbo and the Ring. Meanwhile, Gandalf reading the [[Scroll of Isildur]] in [[Minas Tirith]], also realized that Bilbo's Ring was the One Ring.<ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

===First conflicts===
[[File:Donato Giancola - Faramir at Osgiliath.jpg|thumb|left|[[Donato Giancola]] - ''Faramir at Osgiliath'']]
Sauron made an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack]] on [[Osgiliath]] on [[20 June|June 20]] of {{TA|3018}} which was the beginning of the War. Sauron saw it as an opportunity to test [[Denethor|Denethor II]]'s strength. [[Boromir]] and [[Faramir]] managed to defend and destroy the ancient Bridge in order to deny the enemy access to the western side of the river.<ref name="AB"/><ref name="hunt"/>

About the same time the [[Elves]] of [[Mirkwood]] were attacked and during the fray, the captive [[Gollum]] escaped and would not be found nor by the Elves nor by Sauron's servants.<ref name="AB"/> The following months, Faramir led several [[Rangers of Ithilien|Ranger]] attacks deep into Mordor-occupied Ithilien, ambushing enemy armies moving to the Black Gate.

The presence of the Nazgûl in the battle of Osgiliath served to make them seem like a military asset against Gondor, concealing from the Wise their true mission, to hunt the Ring. After the assault, Sauron sent the Nine unclothed and invisible to search for the Ring under the leadership of the Witch-king. The Ringwraith [[Khamûl]] was unable to find the "[[the Shire|Shire]]" in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The [[Witch-king]] searched north and west for Gollum or the Shire.<ref name="hunt"/> Gandalf heard from Radagast about the riders and went to [[Isengard]] for counsel, where he was trapped by Saruman.<ref name="council"/>

Sauron's plans were halted when he received word of the prophecy in Gondor and the doings of the turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the [[Wise]] did not yet have possession of the Ring yet, as he feared. [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] arrived at [[Isengard]] around [[18 September|September 18]], but Gandalf had escaped. Traitor Saruman fortified himself in Isengard and convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring was, and so the Nine passed into [[Rohan]] in search of him. A terrified [[Gríma|Wormtongue]] answered that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The riders were divided into four pairs, and the Witch-King went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]]. Along the way, they captured several spies of Saruman and found charts and maps of the Shire. They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Saruman.<ref name="hunt"/>

In [[22 September|September 22]] they came to [[Sarn Ford]]. Although the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] were guarding the crossing, their chieftain [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] was away and the Riders captured the ford, killing many of the Rangers. The Witch-king sent Khamûl and three Riders into the Shire while he went east with the others and then returned to watch the [[Greenway]].<ref name="AB">{{App|B3}}</ref> A Rider came to Hobbiton at nightfall, but failed to capture [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] who departed that same day carrying the Ring to the east.<ref name="hunt"/> The hunt continued to [[Buckland]] and Bree, aided by Sauron's spies, such as [[Bill Ferny]] and [[Harry Goatleaf]], but nonetheless, the Ring escaped them.<ref>{{FR|Strider}}</ref>

[[File: The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Council of Elrond.jpg|thumb|left|The Council of Elrond, a pivotal phase of the War.]]
In October, Frodo came to [[Rivendell]] and during his arrival, the Black Riders were temporarily neutralized and were forced to return to Mordor to regroup. Some days later, the [[Council of Elrond]] was called, where it was decided that the only way to be free of Sauron and the Ring was to cast the Ring into the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Frodo surprised everyone, including himself, by declaring that he would take the Ring<ref name="council"/>. The [[Fellowship_of_the_Ring|team]] who would travel to Mordor departed Rivendell in December.<ref name="AB"/>

===Saruman's part in the War===
Saruman was caught now between the Wise and Sauron as a known traitor to both. He implemented a strategy of controlling the King of Rohan; sending spies to waylay Frodo Baggins on his flight from the Shire, and dispatching raiding parties on likely routes a [[Fellowship of the Ring|company of travelers]] might take the Ring to Gondor. During the fall of the first year of the War, some [[Ruffians]] were sent to the Shire to gain control of the region, collecting the crops and suppressing any dissent.
[[File: The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - First Battle of the Fords of Isen.jpg|thumb|The aftermath at Isen]]
He then endeavored to kill [[Théoden]] King's [[Théodred|son]] and [[Éomer|nephew]] and have full control of him. On [[25 February|February 25]], {{TA|3019}}, he sent his forces to attack [[Rohan]]'s army (commanded by [[Théodred]] and [[Grimbold]]) at the [[Isen]]. [[Dunlendings]], [[wolf-riders]] and [[Uruk-hai|Uruks]] clashed against the [[Rohirrim]] in the '''[[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' with orders to slay Prince Théodred at any cost. [[Erkenbrand]] took command of the western defenses of Rohan. He sent a messenger to [[Edoras]] to inform the King of the ill news and ask for reinforcements, but [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] delayed the message. [[Elfhelm]] joined [[Grimbold of Grimslade]] and were left in charge of the Fords when Erkenbrand tried to send stragglers to [[Helm's Deep]]. Saruman was successful in eliminating the Prince.<ref name="Isen">{{UT|Isen}}</ref>
[[File:Matt Stewart - The Horn of Boromir.jpg|thumb|left|[[Matt Stewart]] - ''The Horn of Boromir'']]
The [[26 February|next day]] while the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]] was in the [[Emyn Muil]] thinking whether to take the Ring to Minas Tirith or go directly to Mordor, Orcs from Isengard attempted to capture the Ring-bearer; but instead they took Merry and Pippin as prisoners.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> Éomer hearing of the descent of the Orcband set out from [[Eastfold]] against Théoden's orders and overtook them outside [[Fangorn Forest]], unknowingly setting the hobbits free.<ref name="AB"/><ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref>

Having heard the news about Théodred's death, [[Erkenbrand]], who became the commander of Rohan's western armies, gathered the forces of Grimbold and Elfhelm to assault Isen once more in the '''[[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' ([[2 March|March 2]]). Though they had a force of about 2000 men and had constructed a shield wall to hold off the enemy, Saruman's forces overcame them and scattered the retreating Rohirrim across Rohan.<ref name="Isen"/><ref name="Deep">{{TT|Deep}}</ref>

Saruman's victory would not last; he did not know that on the very same day, Gandalf had healed Théoden from [[Gríma|Wormtongue]]'s influence. In the meantime, the [[Ents]] after ending their long [[Entmoot]], decided to go to [[Isengard]] and battle Saruman.<ref name="AB"/>
[[File: Alan Lee - The Battle of the Hornburg.jpg|thumb|right|"The Battle of the Hornburg" by [[Alan Lee]]]]
The next day ([[3 March|March 3]]) seeking to take the fight away from his people, Théoden brought around a thousand horsemen to the [[Fords of Isen]] along with any others in [[Edoras]]. Among this force were [[Éomer]], [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]]. On their way they found [[Ceorl]] who reported a defeat to the Fords; Théoden then redirected his troops to [[Helm's Deep]], which was commanded by [[Gamling]] in his lord Erkenbrand's absence. Against overwhelming odds, they fought the '''[[Battle of the Hornburg]]''' for two days against [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Dunlendings]], until the [[Deeping Wall]] was breached and all seemed lost. The surviving horsemen rode out to meet the hordes of Isengard.<ref name="Deep"/>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Wrath of the Ents'']]
At that moment, [[Gandalf]] returned, bringing with him Erkenbrand and many other soldiers from [[Westfold]]. They attacked the army from the rear, driving the attackers back into a forest of [[Huorns]]. While Saruman suffered this military defeat, Isengard was attacked by a march of [[Ents]] in the '''[[Battle of Isengard]]''' who drowned all the valley.<ref name="Flotsam">{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref>

After the defeat of Saruman, Pippin looked in the [[Orthanc-stone]] and saw the [[Eye of Sauron]]; Gandalf believed that seeing the Hobbit, Sauron would imagine that the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] was caught by Saruman's Orcs and that they could make good use of the delay caused by this confusion.<ref name="Pal">{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> The protagonists of the War separated, anticipating Sauron's attack on Minas Tirith. Gandalf set out for Minas Tirith taking Pippin since he would not be safe. Théoden set out from the Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]].

Aragorn consulted the Stone of Orthanc and confronted Sauron subduing the stone’s power to his own will. In doing so, however, Aragorn has alerted Sauron to his existence as Isildur’s heir to the throne of Gondor. Gimli feared that Sauron would now release his forces sooner because of this revelation. Aragorn, however, hoped such a hasty move may weaken the Enemy’s attack<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>. They set out with the [[Grey Company]] to [[Dunharrow]] and took the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Théoden would come to Dunharrow.

===Sauron strikes===
On [[10 March|March 10]] fumes from Mordor veiled the [[Sun]] in an attempt by Sauron to disparage or misguide his enemies. The veil blacked out most of Gondor and Rohan who observed that day as [[The Dawnless Day]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Nazgûl'']]
Along with the Darkness, a host from [[Minas Morgul]] set forth toward Minas Tirith, as witnessed by Frodo, Sam, and Gollum who passed the Cross-roads. Later Orcs from the [[Morannon]] took [[Cair Andros]] and passed into [[Anórien]].[[Denethor|Denethor II]] called the [[Council of Gondor]] together on that day<ref name="AB"/> and it advised him to make no stroke of war against the enemy due to the threat from the south.<ref name=" siege"/>

The Rohirrim mustered their Riders and rode from Harrowdale, while Aragorn led the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]] and the Grey Company, across the river [[Ringló]].

While preparing against Gondor, Sauron also began campaigns to conquer [[Rhovanion|Wilderland]], activating his armies stationed in [[Dol Guldur]] and eastern allies. This would bring the eastern half of Middle-earth entirely into his dominion. On [[11 March|March 11]] Orcs from Dol Guldur attacked [[Lothlórien]] and Eastern Rohan. [[12 March|The next day]] the invaders of Rohan were utterly defeated by Ents.<ref name="AB"/>

In Gondor, Most of the citizens were sent north and west; except those in the arts of healing and boys who refused to leave. The same day, 3,000 men from [[Belfalas]], [[Dol Amroth]] and other places arrived to assist the garrison. But, it was less than a tenth of what was needed. Most that were needed were holding off the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Black Fleet]] of [[Umbar]].

[[Denethor|Denethor II]] sent Faramir to Osgiliath to [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath|intercept the Morgul-host]]. The Witch-King led the assault upon the western side the next morning aided by boats built in secret, and swiftly overwhelmed the defenders and on [[13 March]] Faramir retreated to the [[Causeway Forts]]; Gandalf, upon learning the Witch-King was on the field, [[14 March|the next day]] went from the city to the Rammas Echor where the forces which had fallen back. It was taken by blasting stones, and a charge by Prince [[Imrahil]] and the Knights of [[Dol Amroth]] saved Faramir who fell wounded by an Easterling champion.

As Pelennor was overrun, Denethor sent a sortie of cavalry to assist the defenders who retreated back to the city. Denethor, upon seeing his son in this grave state, lost his will to fight and gave no more thought to the defense of his city. He was seriously wounded while [[Pelennor Fields|Pelennor]] was overrun. The [[Siege of Gondor]] began.<ref name="siege"/>

Meanwhile, invaders from [[Umbar]] and [[Harad]] who sought to capture [[Linhir]] and the fords of the River [[Gilrain]]. The men of [[Lamedon]] fought against them and the arrival of Aragorn with the Army of the Dead from [[Erech]] terrified both sides. As Aragorn pressed on to [[Pelargir]], [[Angbor]] mustered as many horsemen as he could, helped by the fast-spreading rumor of the return of the [[Heir of Isildur]]. Soon later the group reached Pelargir, drove the Corsairs away and captured their [[Black Ships|fleet]] an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|assault]] he had also carried out decades earlier.<ref name="Debate">{{RK|Debate}}</ref>

===Climax===
On [[15 March]] three simultaneous battles occurred.

In [[Rhovanion]], an army was sent to destroy the realm of [[Thranduil]] and a second assault against Lothlórien was made. After a long battle under the trees, and great ruin of fire<ref name="AB"/> the Orcs were defeated on both fronts on the same day.

In Gondor, after the enemy passed Osgiliath, [[Pelennor Fields|Pelennor]] outside Minas Tirith was overrun, despite the armies that gathered from southern Gondor already in the days before the battle. The hosts of Mordor dug pits and set up siege weapons beyond the city's range as the Nazgul swooped near the city uttering cries of death, demoralizing the defenders. Then the weapons began launching stones at the city, many of which would burst into flame as they came crashing down. Then, the heads of all those that had been slain in battle were flung over the city. The whole first level was soon in flames.<ref name="siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref>
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Siege of Minas Tirith.jpg|thumb|[[Stephen Hickman]] - ''Siege of Minas Tirith'']]
Near midnight the Witch-King launched his assault pushing many defenders to the higher levels, while others were slain trying to reach the walls. Many towers were also destroyed as they rolled forward. <ref name="siege"/>

The Witch-King rode assisted by magic the battering ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] as it hit the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]]. As he entered the gate he was confronted by Gandalf who alone stood steadfast. Then a cock crowed and horn from the west sounded. The Witch-King left to deal with the Riders of Rohan at the Rammas Echor. The '''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]''' began.<ref name="siege"/>

[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|thumb|left|[[Anke Eißmann]] - ''The Black Serpent founders'']]
The combined army of Orcs, [[Haradrim]], [[Men of Rhûn]] and [[Men of Khand]], outnumbered the Rohirrim at least 10 to 1 but lost almost a third of their own forces. In the process, King Théoden was killed, and the Witch-King was destroyed by Théoden's niece, Lady [[Éowyn]] of Rohan. When all seemed lost, a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arrived at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but it was actually manned by Aragorn. As his army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Éomer's cavalry and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil".

[[File: Jan Pospisil - Dale units vs. Rhun.jpg|thumb|Jan Pospíšil - The Battle of Dale]]
Meanwhile in the North, [[Easterlings]] crossed the [[Carnen]], and King [[Brand]] was driven back to [[Dale]]. He gathered there with the [[Dwarves of Erebor]], and engaged in the '''[[Battle of Dale]]''' against the Orcs at the feet of the [[Lonely Mountain]] for three days until ([[17 March|March 17]]) he fell alongside King [[Dáin Ironfoot]]. Many Dwarves and Men took refuge in [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and were besieged by the Easterlings. However, news from the defeat at the Pelennor reached the Easterlings who began to fail.

===Sauron's defeat===
The [[16 March|next day]] it was understood that the army vanquished in the Battle of the Pelennor was only a fraction of Sauron's forces, and eventually Minas Tirith would not manage to withstand forever. [[Imrahil]] expressed concern for the defense of Gondor. Aragorn assured him that [[Angbor]] was marching with 4,000 men through [[Lossarnach]] to garrison Minas Tirith.<ref name="debate"/>

The [[Host of the West]] marched from Minas Tirith on [[18 March]] to confront Sauron. During that course, Lothlórien was attacked for a third and last time by Orcs ([[22 March]]). After much destruction, the Elves repulsed them once again.

The Host of the West would meet Sauron's forces outside the gates of Mordor [[25 March|seven days later]], hoping to divert their attention away from the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], who was nearing the end of his mission.

[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Battle of the Morannon.jpg|thumb|left|Fell beasts fly over the Battle of the Morannon]]
During the course of the '''[[Battle of the Morannon]]''' against [[Trolls]], Orcs and Men, the eight remaining Nazgûl attacked the army of the West. The [[Eagles]] of the [[Misty Mountains]], led by [[Gwaihir]], arrived and attacked the Ringwraiths. When all hope seemed lost, Frodo failed his mission: he claimed the One Ring for himself, and Sauron was suddenly aware that Frodo had the Ring and was in the [[Cracks of Doom]]. Finally realizing that his enemies meant to destroy his Ring, Sauron immediately sent the Nazgûl to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. However, Gollum wrenched the Ring from Frodo but fell accidentally into the fire, destroying the Ring. The hosts of Mordor, suddenly without direction, hesitated as Sauron's power was overthrown.

The Nazgûl were all destroyed as they flew over Mount Doom just as it underwent a gigantic eruption. [[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 and the Easterlings eventually threw down their weapons and surrendered. <Ref name="Doom">{{RK|Doom}}</ref>

[[27 March|Two days later]], [[Bard II]] and [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III]] Stonehelm, taking the reign from their respective fathers who fell in the assault, drove the enemy from Dale.<ref name="AB"/>

[[File: Galadriel dol guldur bfmeII.JPG|thumb|right|The fall of Dol Guldur in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'']]
On [[28 March|March 28]] with [[Celeborn]] at their head, Elves crossed the Anduin in many boats and stormed Dol Guldur. Galadriel came after them in the '''[[Fall of Dol Guldur]]''', throwing down the walls of the fortress and laying bare its pits, so that the forest was cleansed. Thranduil cleared all the orcs and foul beings from North Mirkwood.<ref name="AB"/>

===Scouring of the Shire===
The War did not end with the defeat of Sauron, for Saruman fled northward after the capture of Orthanc, and established himself in the Shire, bending the Hobbits to his will by threat of violence and the persuasive power of his voice. The return of Frodo Baggins and his companions from the coronation of King Elessar and the reunification of Gondor and Arnor, led to their arrest by the [[Shire-hobbits]] but they talked their way out.<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref>

A small group of [[Ruffians]] was encountered, and Pippin declared the return of the King to them, and the message that emissaries were on their way. The group was routed, but managed to get a message to a bigger contingent in [[Waymeet]].<ref name="Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref> 20 Men marched from [[Hobbiton]] towards [[Bywater]], and 200 Bucklanders and [[Cotton Family|Cottons]] answered the call of Captain Merry's horn.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Storming the Bank.jpg|left|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Storming the Bank'']]
The Men walked up [[Bywater Road]], to the point where [[Tolman Cotton Senior|Farmer Cotton]] was standing and found themselves heavily outnumbered. Their leader fell by arrows as he tried to strike at Merry. The rest surrendered. Pippin had set up a rebellion in [[Tookland]], and returned with one hundred Tooks when the larger group of Men from Waymeet arrived the following day and walked straight into a defensive pocket set up by Merry. Merry and Pippin charged from the eastern bank, and Merry killed the leader.<ref name="Scouring"/> Nearly 70 Men were killed and 12 were taken prisoner, while 19 Hobbits died and about 30 were wounded.

After their victory the Hobbits marched on to [[Bag End]], where they found [[Sharkey]]. It was not [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] as had been thought, but rather [[Saruman]] who revealed that his servant [[Gríma]] killed Lotho. Gríma cut Saruman's throat in a rage for years of oppression and abuse but was himself shot by Hobbit archers. As the spirit of Saruman rose from its bodily form, it was blown away by a wind from the West; [[Manwë]] did not want him back.<ref name="Scouring"/>

This battle is considered to mark the end of the War.

==Aftermath==
{{main|Fourth Age}}
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The White Sapling.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The White Sapling'']]
The consequences of the War were "apocalyptical" for the [[Westlands]] of [[Middle-earth]]. The ''status quo'' of many entities were restored, or even radically changed after centuries. Not only the millennia of Sauron's dominion were permanently brought to an end, but the relationships of peoples and races were redefined. It is also notable that during the War many personalities died (Denethor, Théoden, Brand, Dain), and brought their descendants into the aftermath.

The major effect of the war however was that with the destruction of the One Ring, the [[Three Rings]] that had maintained the realms of the Elves in Middle-earth lost their power, and the Elves began to leave for the [[Undying Lands]]; significant Elves who marked the history of the Westlands for millennia, like Galadriel and Elrond departed, setting stage for the [[Dominion of Men]].
===Political===
The downfall of Sauron brought the restoration of the long-awaited line of [[Kings of Gondor]], the restoration of [[Arnor]] and simultaneously the [[Reunited Kingdom|reunification]] of the two kingdoms; after of centuries of nomadic wandering the [[Rangers of the North]] had again a kingdom and the Gondorians had a king. This King was Aragorn II a descendant both of [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]]; furthermore, his marriage with [[Arwen]] reunited the lines of [[Elrond]] and [[Elros]] since the [[First Age]].
[[File:Sage - Reunited Kingdom.png|thumb|The Reunited Kingdom]]
Other political repercussions were the strengthening of the relationships between the Kingdom and [[Rohan]], new relationships with the [[Ents]] (who now occupied [[Treegarth]], former [[Isengard]]), the [[Woses]] and the [[Hobbits]], now known as free peoples. On the [[Elven New Year]], Celeborn and Thranduil renamed Mirkwood as [[Eryn Lasgalen]] and Celeborn took the southern part below [[East Bight]], naming it East Lórien. The wide forest inbetween was given to the [[Beornings]] and the [[Woodmen]].

===Calendrical impact===
{{quote|You were born at the end of a great age, [[Elanor Gamgee|Elanorellë]]|[[Samwise Gamgee]], ''[[Sauron Defeated]]'', [[The Epilogue]]}}
All the above events made historians to mark the years following the War as the end of the [[Third Age]].

Another calendric change was the [[New Reckoning]] which replaced the [[Stewards' Reckoning]], and the introduction of ''[[Cormarë]]'', a holiday on [[25 March|March 25]] that commemorated the fall of Sauron.<ref>{{App|D2}}</ref>

==Combatants==
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Fleet of Harad.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Fleet of Harad'']]

===Sauron and his allies===
*'''[[Mordor]]'''
**[[Sauron]] †
**[[Mouth of Sauron]]
**[[Nazgûl]] †
*'''[[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]'''
**[[Saruman]] †
**[[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]] †
*'''[[Harad]]'''
**[[Black Serpent]] †
*'''[[Rhûn]]'''
*'''[[Khand]]'''
*'''[[Dol Guldur]]'''
**[[Khamûl]] †
*'''[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]'''
*'''[[Umbar]]'''

===Free peoples===
*'''[[Gondor|Kingdom of Gondor]]'''
**[[Minas Tirith]]
***[[Denethor|Denethor II]] †
***[[Boromir]] †
***[[Faramir]]
***[[Húrin (Warden of the Keys)|Húrin the Tall]]
**[[Dol Amroth]]
***[[Imrahil]]
**[[Lebennin]]
**[[Lossarnach]]
***[[Forlong]] the Fat †
**[[Ringló Vale]]
***[[Dervorin]] †
**[[Morthond]]
***[[Duinhir]]
***[[Duilin (son of Duinhir)|Duilin]] †
***[[Derufin]] †
**[[Anfalas]]
***[[Golasgil]]
**[[Lamedon]]
***[[Angbor|Angbor the Fearless]]
**Shipmen of [[Ethir Anduin]]
**[[Pinnath Gelin]]
***[[Hirluin]] the Fair †
**[[White Mountains]]
***[[King of the Dead]] †
*'''[[Arnor|Chiefdom of Arnor]]'''
**[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]
**[[Grey Company]]
***[[Halbarad]] †
***[[Elladan]]
***[[Elrohir]]
*'''[[Rohan|Kingdom of Rohan]]'''
**[[Théoden]] †
**[[Théodred]] †
**[[Éomer]]
**[[Éowyn]]
**[[Erkenbrand]]
**[[Elfhelm]]
**[[Grimbold]] †
*'''[[Woodland Realm]]'''
**[[Thranduil]]
**[[Legolas]]
*'''[[Lothlórien]]'''
**[[Celeborn]]
**[[Galadriel]]
*'''[[The Shire]]'''
**[[Hobbiton]]
***[[Frodo Baggins]]
***[[Samwise Gamgee]]
**[[Tookland]]
***[[Peregrin Took]]
**[[Buckland]] and [[Bree]]
***[[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
*'''[[Fangorn Forest]]'''
**[[Treebeard]]
**[[Quickbeam]]
*'''[[Istari]]'''
**[[Gandalf]]
*'''[[Kingdom Under the Mountain]]'''
**[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] †
**[[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]]
**[[Gimli]]
*'''[[Kingdom of Dale]]'''
**[[Brand]] †
**[[Bard II]]

==Non-combatants==
*'''[[Elvendom]]'''
**[[Rivendell]]
***[[Elrond]]
***[[Glorfindel]]
**[[Grey Havens]]
***[[Círdan]]
***[[Galdor of the Havens]]
*'''[[Istari]]'''
**[[Radagast]]
*'''[[Drúedain]]'''
**[[Ghân-buri-Ghân]]

{{References}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/3a/guerres/guerre_de_l_anneau]]

Dol Guldur

2020-09-20T08:17:48Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{Countdown}}
{{disambig-two|the stronghold in [[Mirkwood]]|[[Middle-earth Role Playing|MERP]] supplement|[[Dol Guldur (book)]]}}
{{location infobox
| name=Dol Guldur
| image=[[File:Matěj Čadil - Dol Guldur.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Dol Guldur" by Matěj Čadil
| pronun=
| othernames=[[Amon Lanc]]
| location=Southern [[Mirkwood]]
| typeFortified stronghold/outpost
| description=Barren hilltop later occupied by [[Sauron]] and [[Nazgûl]]
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Silvan Elves]], later [[Orcs]] and other Fell creatures
| created=Around {{TA|1100}}
| destroyed={{TA|3019}}
| events=[[Attack on Dol Guldur]], [[Fall of Dol Guldur]]
}}
{{Pronounce|Dol Guldur.mp3|Ardamir}}

'''Dol Guldur''' ("Hill of Sorcery" in [[Sindarin]]),<ref>{{S|Index}}</ref> also called "the dungeons of the Necromancer",<ref>{{H|1}}</ref><ref>''"The sins of Middle Earth, Tolkien's use of Allegory"''. Chapter 6. Greenwood Press. pp. 86.</ref> was a stronghold of [[Sauron]] located in the south of [[Mirkwood]].

==History==
Dol Guldur was originally known as '''[[Amon Lanc]]''' ("Bald Hill") in [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]].<ref>{{UT|Gladden}}, note 12, p. 280</ref> It had been the capital of [[Oropher]]'s [[Silvan Elves]], who had departed north to the Dark Mountains<ref>{{UT|Gladden}}, note 14, p. 280</ref> (later known as the [[Mountains of Mirkwood]]).

Somewhere after {{TA|1000}}, an evil presence took over Amon Lanc. It was in {{TA|1050|n}} that a [[shadow]] fell upon Greenwood and it began to be called [[Mirkwood]].<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> The hostile entity was known as "the [[Necromancer]]" by the peoples. [[Thranduil]] son of [[Oropher]] led his people over the [[Forest River]], where they remained.<ref>{{UT|6b}}, p. 259</ref>
[[File:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'']]
The [[White Council|Council of the Wise]] long feared the Necromancer might be none other than [[Sauron]] himself who secretly regained his powers after his defeat in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. In {{TA|2063|n}} [[Gandalf]] went to Dol Guldur, and the "Necromancer", not yet powerful, fled to the [[East]] so as not to be identified.

After [[Watchful Peace|four centuries]] in {{TA|2460|n}}, just as [[the One Ring]] was found by [[Sméagol]] the [[Stoors|Stoor]], the "Necromancer" returned there.<ref name="TA"/>

A dark [[shadow]] and cloud flowed from Dol Guldur whereas a golden mist that came from [[Lothlórien]] to the west contended with the darkness coming from Mirkwood. In {{TA|2510}} when [[Eorl]] the Young was leading his riders to the [[Battle of the Field of Celebrant]] he steered his force westward to avoid the phenomenon of the shadow, and they entered the mist.<ref>{{UT|Cirion}}, p. 298</ref>

In {{TA|2845|n}} [[Thráin|Thráin II]], [[Kings of Durin's Folk|King of Durin's Folk]]-in-exile and holder of the [[Ring of Thrór|last]] of the [[Seven Rings]] of the [[Dwarves]], was on his way to the [[Lonely Mountain]]. He was captured near the eaves of Mirkwood, imprisoned and tortured in Dol Guldur's dungeons, and his Ring taken from him. In {{TA|2850|n}} Gandalf again entered Dol Guldur, found the dying Thráin, and was entrusted with the [[Thrór's Map|map]] and key to give to [[Thorin]], although Thráin could not tell him his own or his son's name before he died. Gandalf confirmed that the Necromancer, the master of Dol Guldur at that time, was Sauron.<ref name="TA"/>
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|Angus McBride - ''Dol Guldur'']]
Gandalf returned to the [[White Council]] and urged an attack on Dol Guldur, but was overruled by [[Saruman]], who secretly had begun searching for the One Ring in the area by then. In {{TA|2941}} Saruman finally agreed to an attack, which occurred at the same time as the [[Quest of Erebor]]. This was carefully planned by Gandalf, so that Sauron and [[Smaug]] could not assist each other, as otherwise they could easily have done. During the attack, Sauron fled.

In {{TA|2951|n}} Sauron came to [[Mordor]], his plans now ready, and sent [[Khamûl]], the second chief<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}, note 1, p. 352</ref>, and two other [[Nazgûl]] back to Dol Guldur.<ref name="TA"/>

In the following decades Dol Guldur must have rebuilt some of its power until the [[War of the Ring]], during which its forces (most likely [[Orcs]]) made assaults upon the [[Woodland Realm]] and [[Lothlórien|Lórien]],<ref name=great/> causing grievous damage to the outlying woodlands. However each time they were driven back by [[Thranduil]] and [[Galadriel]] who held the power of [[Nenya]]; which only Sauron himself could have overcome.

Dol Guldur was finally destroyed and cleansed by the [[Elves]] of Lórien, led by [[Galadriel]], after Sauron's fall.<ref name=great>{{App|Great}}</ref>

==Etymology==
''Dol Guldur'' is [[Sindarin]] from ''[[dol]]'' ("hill") and ''[[guldur]]'' ("sorcery").<ref>{{PE|Eldarin}}, p. 32</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
The original name of Dol Guldur was Dol Dúgol, and on [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s first map for ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' the hill was located much farther east than its later location (in square M-15 of Map II).<ref name="Map II">{{TI|MII}}, p. 305</ref> [[Christopher Tolkien]] explained that Map II had faint traces of green which suggested that Mirkwood originally extended farther to the east too.<ref>{{TI|First}}, p. 298</ref> The name Dol Dúgol was stricken out and the hill was moved to its later location on this map, but its name became Dol Dúghul before finally changing to Dol Guldur.<ref name="Map II"/>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Dol Guldur in adaptations
|width=165
|height=140
|lines=3
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Dol Guldur.jpg|Dol Guldur in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Galadriel dol guldur bfmeII.JPG|The [[Fall of Dol Guldur]] from ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II|The Battle for Middle-earth II]]''
|File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Dol Guldur.png|Dol Guldur in [[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit film trilogy]]}}
===Films===
'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:Dol Guldur is depicted as a ruined and abandoned fortress of unknown origin. It features statues of the Nazgûl. [[Radagast]], not [[Gandalf]], enters Dol Guldur. He is attacked by the [[Witch-king]], obtains a [[Morgul-knife|Morgul blade]], and finds that Dol Guldur is occupied by a [[Sauron|Necromancer]]. He then travels to Gandalf to tell him the news and gives him the sword as proof.

'''2013: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''
:Gandalf enters Dol Guldur to investigate its ruins. There he meets [[Azog]] and his army. He tries to escape, but is trapped by [[Sauron|the Necromancer]], who reveals to Gandalf his true identity. Gandalf is later seen trapped in one of the cages.

'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''
:[[Galadriel]] enters Dol Guldur in order to rescue Gandalf. Accompanied by [[Saruman]] and [[Elrond]] they encounter Sauron and [[Nazgûl|the Nine]]. The [[Attack on Dol Guldur|Attack]] begins and Sauron flees to [[Mordor|the East]].

===Games===
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Dol Guldur makes appearance during both "Good" and "Evil" campaigns as a site of a major battleground.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Dol Guldur is commanded by the [[Mouth of Sauron]], not [[Khamûl]]. Dol Guldur (or Mordor itself) sent a huge army of Orcs, Haradrim, and Trolls to assault [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]]. The attack fails, and the Mouth of Sauron is killed along with all the attacking force. Dol Guldur is then itself attacked by a combined army of Elves and Dwarves led by [[Elrond]], [[Arwen]], [[Glorfindel]], [[Glóin]], and [[Dáin Ironfoot]]. After a long and hard struggle, the Elves and Dwarves finally overrun Dol Guldur and lay waste to the evil that dwelled there, ending Sauron's war campaign in the North once and for all.

:In the Evil Campaign, the Goblins from Dol Guldur eliminate the Elves and the Ents that guard the Forest Road in Mirkwood.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Dol Guldur is a central point in the game's second expansion, ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Siege of Mirkwood]]''. In its storyline, Celeborn and Galadriel organize a military campaign against Dol Guldur while the Fellowship still resides in Lothlórien (not to be confused with the later battle during the War of the Ring). The announced goal is to sow chaos into Orc forces by destroying as many of their troops, weapons and supplies as possible, to delay an inevitable assault upon Lothlórien. The true purpose, however, is to distract the Eye of Sauron from the company departing down the shores of Anduin. An assault by the Golden Host of the Galadhrim is successful despite minor losses and after establishing multiple camps throughout southern Mirkwood arrives at the walls of the fortress itself. However, without the White Lady they do not have the means of bringing down the walls, so the Elves prepare to swiftly fall back beyond Anduin before the main forces of the Enemy arrive. The players can also explore multiple locations within the Fortress, among them the Necromancer's Gate, the Ringwraith's Lair, the Dungeons of Dol Guldur, the chief tower named Barad Guldur and Sammath Gul - the chambers once occupied by the Dark Lord himself. Much later, after the [[War of the Ring]], the Galadhrim and [[Elves of Mirkwood]] lead a great assault on Dol Guldur, where Galadriel casts down the walls of the stronghold, and renames the hill ''Dol Dhannen'', "The Hill of Ruin".

==See also==
* [[Attack on Dol Guldur]]
* [[Fall of Dol Guldur]]
* [[Sauron|Necromancer]]
{{references}}
[[Category:Buildings]]
[[Category:Fortresses]]
[[Category:Rhovanion]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]

[[de:Dol Guldur]]
[[fi:Dol Guldur]]
[[fr:encyclo:geographie:villes_tours_et_forteresses:rhovanion:dol_guldur]]

Battle of Bywater

2020-09-18T15:34:15Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{battle
| name=Battle of Bywater
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Storming the Bank.jpg|298px]]
| conflict=[[War of the Ring]]
| date=[[3 November]] {{TA|3019}}
| result=Freedom for the Hobbits
| place=The Bywater Road, Bywater, [[the Shire]]
| side1=Hobbits
| side2=[[Sharkey]]'s men
| commanders1=[[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], [[Peregrin Took]], [[Farmer Cotton]]
| commanders2=[[Saruman]] †
| forces1=*200 [[Buckland|Bucklanders]]
*100 [[Took Family|Tooks]]
*[[Samwise Gamgee]]
*[[Tolman Cotton Junior|Young Tom]], [[Wilcome Cotton II|Jolly]] and [[Bowman Cotton|Nick Cotton]]
*Unknown number of [[Hobbiton]] residents
| forces2=100 [[Ruffians]]
| casual1=19 Hobbits killed, 30 wounded
| casual2=70 Ruffians killed (including [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]]), 12 captured
}}
{{wotr}}

The '''Battle of Bywater''' was the last military engagement of the [[War of the Ring]], and the second and last known battle to have been fought in [[the Shire]].

==History==
===Prelude===
When [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and his companions returned from the Coronation of [[Aragorn|Elessar]], they found their homeland to be under the dominion of [[Ruffians]]. These Men had been pouring into the Shire since late {{TA|3018|n}},<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref> and were under the command of "the Chief", or "[[Sharkey]]", who outlawed everything that the Hobbits held dear; food and inns most notably. It did not take [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] long to violate several rules:
<blockquote>''You're arrested for Gate-breaking, and Tearin up of Rules, and Assaulting Gatekeepers, and Tresspassing, and Sleeping in Shire-buildings without Leave, and Bribing Guards with Food.''</blockquote>

The four Hobbits were arrested, but managed to talk themselves out of custody, and subsequently rally the Hobbits to overthrow the Chief. A small group of Men was encountered, and Pippin declared the return of the King to them, and the message that emissaries were on their way. When he was scoffed, he declared himself the emissary, as he was not released from Elessar's service yet. The group was routed, but managed to get a message to a bigger contingent in [[Waymeet]].<ref name="Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref>

===Battle===
As twenty Men from [[Hobbiton]] marched towards Bywater, 200 Bucklanders answered the call of Captain Merry's horn. In Bywater, barricades were set up at the command of Merry. Meanwhile, the Cottons also joined the group.

When the Men came, they did not expect a trap. They walked up [[Bywater Road]], to the point where [[Tolman Cotton Senior|Farmer Cotton]] was standing. They threatened him, but found themselves heavily outnumbered, and as the hobbits closed the barricade behind them, also surrounded. Their leader fell by arrows as he tried to strike at Merry. The rest surrendered.

The larger group of Men from Waymeet arrived the following day. In the meantime, Pippin had set up a rebellion in [[Tookland]], and returned with one hundred Tooks. Merry set up a defensive pocket on a heavily banked part of the Bywater Road. The Men walked straight into the pocket. Some surrendered, some escaped, and about twenty broke out. Six men and two hobbits were killed. The others now became desperate, and didn't care about escaping, only killing. The banks proved too steep to climb, and many fell before Hobbit axes. Merry and Pippin charged from the eastern bank, and Merry killed the leader.<ref name="Scouring"/>

===Aftermath===
In the end, nearly seventy Men were killed and twelve were taken prisoner, while nineteen Hobbits died and about 30 were wounded. The dead Men were buried in a nearby sand-pit that came to be called the [[Battle Pit]]. The Hobbits were buried separately, and a stone was placed on their grave with a garden around it. A Roll was made of the names of all the Hobbits who fought in the Battle of Bywater, with Captains Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took listed at the top.

After the victory at Bywater, the Hobbits marched on to [[Bag End]], where they found Sharkey. It was not [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] as had been thought, but rather [[Saruman]]. Saruman was ordered away by Frodo, and Saruman revealed that his servant [[Gríma]] killed Lotho. Gríma cut Saruman's throat in a rage for years of oppression and abuse, but was himself shot by Hobbit archers. As the spirit of Saruman rose from its bodily form, it was blown away by a wind from the West; [[Manwë]] did not want him back.<ref name="Scouring"/>

The following year, preparations were made to restore the damage done by Saruman. Sam spread the blessed soil from [[Sam's garden box|the box of Galadriel]], and planted the [[mallorn]]-seed where once the [[The Party Tree]] had stood. 1420, by Shire Reckoning, became one of the best harvest years ever.<ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The Scouring of the Shire appeared in abridged form. The arrest by the Shirriffs is omitted, as is the second part of the battle.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:The Battle of Bywater is excluded from the film series due to the climax already being in Mount Doom. However, [[the Scouring of the Shire]] is referenced upon looking into the mirror of Galadriel, as a vision of a possible future. Hobbits are shown to be enslaved and the Ruffians are changed to orcs. Many areas are alight with fire and the [[Old Mill|New Mill]] is shown.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]
[[Category:History of the Shire]]
[[de:Schlacht von Wasserau]]
[[fi:Virranvarren Taistelu]]

Battle of Bywater

2020-09-18T15:33:05Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{battle
| name=Battle of Bywater
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Storming the Bank.jpg|298px]]
| conflict=[[War of the Ring]]
| date=[[3 November]] {{TA|3019}}
| result=Freedom for the Hobbits
| place=The Bywater Road, Bywater, [[the Shire]]
| side1=Hobbits
| side2=[[Sharkey]]'s men
| commanders1=[[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], [[Peregrin Took]], [[Farmer Cotton]]
| commanders2=[[Saruman]] †
| forces1=*200 [[Buckland|Bucklanders]]
*100 [[Took Family|Tooks]]
*[[Samwise Gamgee]]
*[[Tolman Cotton Junior|Young Tom]], [[Wilcome Cotton II|Jolly]] and [[Bowman Cotton|Nick Cotton]]
*Unknown number of [[Hobbiton]] residents
| forces2=100 [[Ruffians]]
| casual1=19 Hobbits killed, 30 wounded
| casual2=70 Ruffians killed (including [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]]), 12 captured
}}
{{wotr}}

The '''Battle of Bywater''' was the last military engagement of the [[War of the Ring]], and the second and last known battle to have been fought in [[the Shire]].

==History==
===Prelude===
When [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and his companions returned from the Coronation of [[Aragorn|Elessar]], they found their homeland to be under the dominion of [[Ruffians]]. These Men had been pouring into the Shire since late {{TA|3018|n}},<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref> and were under the command of "the Chief", or "[[Sharkey]]", who outlawed everything that the Hobbits held dear; food and inns most notably. It did not take [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] long to violate several rules:
<blockquote>''You're arrested for Gate-breaking, and Tearin up of Rules, and Assaulting Gatekeepers, and Tresspassing, and Sleeping in Shire-buildings without Leave, and Bribing Guards with Food.''</blockquote>

The four Hobbits were arrested, but managed to talk themselves out of custody, and subsequently rally the Hobbits to overthrow the Chief. A small group of Men was encountered, and Pippin declared the return of the King to them, and the message that emissaries were on their way. When he was scoffed, he declared himself the emissary, as he was not released from Elessar's service yet. The group was routed, but managed to get a message to a bigger contingent in [[Waymeet]].<ref name="Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref>

===Battle===
As twenty Men from [[Hobbiton]] marched towards Bywater, 200 Bucklanders answered the call of Captain Merry's horn. In Bywater, barricades were set up at the command of Merry. Meanwhile, the Cottons also joined the group.

When the Men came, they did not expect a trap. They walked up [[Bywater Road]], to the point where [[Tolman Cotton Senior|Farmer Cotton]] was standing. They threatened him, but found themselves heavily outnumbered, and as the hobbits closed the barricade behind them, also surrounded. Their leader fell by arrows as he tried to strike at Merry. The rest surrendered.

The larger group of Men from Waymeet arrived the following day. In the meantime, Pippin had set up a rebellion in [[Tookland]], and returned with one hundred Tooks. Merry set up a defensive pocket on a heavily banked part of the Bywater Road. The Men walked straight into the pocket. Some surrendered, some escaped, and about twenty broke out. Six men and two hobbits were killed. The others now became desperate, and didn't care about escaping, only killing. The banks proved too steep to climb, and many fell before Hobbit axes. Merry and Pippin charged from the eastern bank, and Merry killed the leader.<ref name="Scouring"/>

===Aftermath===
In the end, nearly seventy Men were killed and twelve were taken prisoner, while nineteen Hobbits died and about 30 were wounded. The dead Men were buried in a nearby sand-pit that came to be called the [[Battle Pit]]. The Hobbits were buried separately, and a stone was placed on their grave with a garden around it. A Roll was made of the names of all the Hobbits who fought in the Battle of Bywater, with Captains Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took listed at the top.

After the victory at Bywater, the Hobbits marched on to [[Bag End]], where they found Sharkey. It was not [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] as had been thought, but rather [[Saruman]]. Saruman was ordered away by Frodo, and Saruman revealed that his servant [[Gríma]] killed Lotho. Gríma cut Saruman's throat in a rage for years of oppression and abuse, but was himself shot by Hobbit archers. As the spirit of Saruman rose from its bodily form, it was blown away by a wind from the West; [[Manwë]] did not want him back.<ref name="Scouring"/>

The following year, preparations were made to restore the damage done by Saruman. Sam spread the blessed soil from [[Sam's garden box|the box of Galadriel]], and planted the [[mallorn]]-seed where once the [[The Party Tree]] had stood. 1420, by Shire Reckoning, became one of the best harvest years ever.<ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The Scouring of the Shire appeared in abridged form. The arrest by the Shirriffs is omitted, as is the second part of the battle.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:The Battle of Bywater is excluded from the film series due to the climax already being in Mount Doom. However, [[the Scouring of the Shire]] is referenced upon looking into the mirror of Galadriel, as a vision of a possible future. Hobbits are shown to be enslaved and the Ruffians are changed to orcs. Many areas are alight with fire and the [[New Mill|Old Mill]] is shown.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]
[[Category:History of the Shire]]
[[de:Schlacht von Wasserau]]
[[fi:Virranvarren Taistelu]]

Battle of Bywater

2020-09-18T15:31:47Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

{{battle
| name=Battle of Bywater
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Storming the Bank.jpg|298px]]
| conflict=[[War of the Ring]]
| date=[[3 November]] {{TA|3019}}
| result=Freedom for the Hobbits
| place=The Bywater Road, Bywater, [[the Shire]]
| side1=Hobbits
| side2=[[Sharkey]]'s men
| commanders1=[[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], [[Peregrin Took]], [[Farmer Cotton]]
| commanders2=[[Saruman]] †
| forces1=*200 [[Buckland|Bucklanders]]
*100 [[Took Family|Tooks]]
*[[Samwise Gamgee]]
*[[Tolman Cotton Junior|Young Tom]], [[Wilcome Cotton II|Jolly]] and [[Bowman Cotton|Nick Cotton]]
*Unknown number of [[Hobbiton]] residents
| forces2=100 [[Ruffians]]
| casual1=19 Hobbits killed, 30 wounded
| casual2=70 Ruffians killed (including [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]]), 12 captured
}}
{{wotr}}

The '''Battle of Bywater''' was the last military engagement of the [[War of the Ring]], and the second and last known battle to have been fought in [[the Shire]].

==History==
===Prelude===
When [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and his companions returned from the Coronation of [[Aragorn|Elessar]], they found their homeland to be under the dominion of [[Ruffians]]. These Men had been pouring into the Shire since late {{TA|3018|n}},<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref> and were under the command of "the Chief", or "[[Sharkey]]", who outlawed everything that the Hobbits held dear; food and inns most notably. It did not take [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] long to violate several rules:
<blockquote>''You're arrested for Gate-breaking, and Tearin up of Rules, and Assaulting Gatekeepers, and Tresspassing, and Sleeping in Shire-buildings without Leave, and Bribing Guards with Food.''</blockquote>

The four Hobbits were arrested, but managed to talk themselves out of custody, and subsequently rally the Hobbits to overthrow the Chief. A small group of Men was encountered, and Pippin declared the return of the King to them, and the message that emissaries were on their way. When he was scoffed, he declared himself the emissary, as he was not released from Elessar's service yet. The group was routed, but managed to get a message to a bigger contingent in [[Waymeet]].<ref name="Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref>

===Battle===
As twenty Men from [[Hobbiton]] marched towards Bywater, 200 Bucklanders answered the call of Captain Merry's horn. In Bywater, barricades were set up at the command of Merry. Meanwhile, the Cottons also joined the group.

When the Men came, they did not expect a trap. They walked up [[Bywater Road]], to the point where [[Tolman Cotton Senior|Farmer Cotton]] was standing. They threatened him, but found themselves heavily outnumbered, and as the hobbits closed the barricade behind them, also surrounded. Their leader fell by arrows as he tried to strike at Merry. The rest surrendered.

The larger group of Men from Waymeet arrived the following day. In the meantime, Pippin had set up a rebellion in [[Tookland]], and returned with one hundred Tooks. Merry set up a defensive pocket on a heavily banked part of the Bywater Road. The Men walked straight into the pocket. Some surrendered, some escaped, and about twenty broke out. Six men and two hobbits were killed. The others now became desperate, and didn't care about escaping, only killing. The banks proved too steep to climb, and many fell before Hobbit axes. Merry and Pippin charged from the eastern bank, and Merry killed the leader.<ref name="Scouring"/>

===Aftermath===
In the end, nearly seventy Men were killed and twelve were taken prisoner, while nineteen Hobbits died and about 30 were wounded. The dead Men were buried in a nearby sand-pit that came to be called the [[Battle Pit]]. The Hobbits were buried separately, and a stone was placed on their grave with a garden around it. A Roll was made of the names of all the Hobbits who fought in the Battle of Bywater, with Captains Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took listed at the top.

After the victory at Bywater, the Hobbits marched on to [[Bag End]], where they found Sharkey. It was not [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] as had been thought, but rather [[Saruman]]. Saruman was ordered away by Frodo, and Saruman revealed that his servant [[Gríma]] killed Lotho. Gríma cut Saruman's throat in a rage for years of oppression and abuse, but was himself shot by Hobbit archers. As the spirit of Saruman rose from its bodily form, it was blown away by a wind from the West; [[Manwë]] did not want him back.<ref name="Scouring"/>

The following year, preparations were made to restore the damage done by Saruman. Sam spread the blessed soil from [[Sam's garden box|the box of Galadriel]], and planted the [[mallorn]]-seed where once the [[The Party Tree]] had stood. 1420, by Shire Reckoning, became one of the best harvest years ever.<ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The Scouring of the Shire appeared in abridged form. The arrest by the Shirriffs is omitted, as is the second part of the battle.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:The Battle of Bywater is excluded from the film series due to the climax already being in Mount Doom. However, [[the Scouring of the Shire]] is referenced upon looking into the mirror of Galadriel, a vision of a possible future. Hobbits are shown to be enslaved and the Ruffians are changed to orcs. Many areas are alight with fire and the [[New Mill|Old Mill]] is shown.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]]
[[Category:History of the Shire]]
[[de:Schlacht von Wasserau]]
[[fi:Virranvarren Taistelu]]

Witch-king

2020-09-18T10:31:56Z

InAHoleInTheGround: corrected a grammatical error

{{footnotes}}
{{evil infobox
| name=The Witch-king of Angmar
| image=[[File:Melissa Hitchcock - The Black Captain.jpg|250px]]
| caption="The Black Captain" by [[:Category:Images by Melissa Hitchcock|Melissa Hitchcock]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Black Captain, Chief of the Nine, Lord of Minas Morgul
| titles=
| position=Lord of the [[Nazgûl]]
| location=[[Angmar]] [[Minas Morgul]]
| affiliation=[[Sauron]]
| language=[[Black Speech]], [[Westron]]
| birth=[[Second Age]]
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=[[15 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]
| age=4200+
| notablefor=[[Arnor#The Fall of Arthedain|Fall of Arnor]] Establishing [[Angmar]] Fall of [[Minas Ithil]] and [[Osgiliath]] Deaths of [[Eärnur]], [[Boromir (Steward of Gondor)|Boromir]], and [[Théoden]] Stabbing [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| race=[[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] (early) [[Nazgûl|Ringwraith]] (later)
| gender=Male
| height=Tallest of the Nazgûl
| hair=Gleaming
| eyes=
| clothing=Crown
| weapons=[[Morgul-knife]]; [[Black Breath]]; A great black mace
| steed=Black horse
| gallery=the Witch-king
}}
{{quote|In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl. A great black shape against the fires beyond he loomed up, grown to a vast menace of despair. In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl, under the archway that no enemy ever yet had passed, and all fled before his face.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Siege of Gondor]]"}}
The '''Witch-king of Angmar''' was the chief of the [[Nazgûl]], King of [[Angmar]] and [[Sauron]]’s great captain in his wars. A [[Wraiths|wraith]], the Witch-king of Angmar was nearly indestructible, a terrifying warrior, and a cunning strategist.

==History==
Some time after Sauron seized the [[Rings of Power]] in the [[Sack of Eregion]], {{SA|1697}} he gave [[Nine Rings|nine of them]] to [[Men|Mannish]] kings, sorcerers and other warriors.<ref>{{S|Rings}}, p. 289</ref> With the power of their rings, the Nine achieved glory and grew wealthy, but they eventually started hating life as they were slowly drawn under Sauron’s dominion. In the end, they all became the dreadful [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]].

The one later known as the Witch-king was one of these, likely one of the unnamed three lords of [[Númenor]] to take the rings.<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}, p. 267, Ballantine Books p. 320</ref><ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 20</ref> He first appeared in the histories as a Ringwraith in {{SA|2251}}. Being the most powerful of the Nazgûl, he became their chief and the most feared servant of his master Sauron.

When [[Mordor]] fell in {{SA|3441}}, the Nazgûl vanished into the shadows and were not heard of again for a long time.<ref name="appendixB">{{App|B}}</ref>

===Early Power in Angmar===
More than a thousand years later, in c. {{TA|1050|n}} of the [[Third Age]], [[Sauron]] began to rebuild his power in [[Dol Guldur]]. In c. {{TA|1300|n}} his Nazgûl also reappeared and the Witch-king established his realm, [[Angmar]], in the north.<ref name="appendixB">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix B]]</ref> His capital was [[Carn Dûm]], on the northernmost peak of the [[Misty Mountains]]. He summoned men, [[orcs]] and other creatures of evil inclination to his banner. No one knew that he was actually a servant of the long-dormant [[Sauron]] and few that he was a wraith.<ref name="AppA">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]] (iii), [[Houghton Mifflin]] p. 320</ref>

In the north, disunity plagued the [[Dúnedain]] of [[Arnor]]. They had divided into three kingdoms: [[Cardolan]], [[Rhudaur]] and [[Arthedain]], and were constantly at war with one another.<ref name="AppA">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iii), Houghton Mifflin p. 320 </ref> The Witch-king saw the North-kingdom of Arnor as more vulnerable than the South-kingdom of Gondor.<ref name="Malvegil">[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]], [[The Heirs of Elendil]], entry for [[Malvegil]], [[HarperCollins]] p. 193-194 </ref> He played upon their opposition, sending in infiltrators and taking over the hearts of the men of that land. By {{TA|1349|n}}, the government of Rhudaur was controlled by men secretly in his service,<ref name="Malvegil">[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]], [[The Heirs of Elendil]], entry for [[Malvegil]], [[HarperCollins]], p. 193-194</ref> and he secretly aided them in their wars against the other kingdoms.<ref name="Argeleb">[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]], [[The Heirs of Elendil]], entry for [[Argeleb I]], [[HarperCollins]] p. 194</ref> He then struck at a time of great hostility among the three, in {{TA|1409|n}}. Rhudaur in the east fell first, and most of the Dúnedain there were hunted down and slaughtered by sorcerers.<ref name="Arveleg">[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]], [[The Heirs of Elendil]], entry for [[Arveleg I]], [[HarperCollins]] p. 194 </ref> Cardolan was ravaged and the tower of [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]], held by the men of Arthedain, was placed under siege. King [[Arveleg I]] was slain and the tower was destroyed, but the coveted ''[[Amon Sûl-stone|palantír]]'' escaped in the hands of the surviving men of Arthedain and was brought to [[Fornost]].<ref name="Palantiri16">[[Unfinished Tales]], [[The Palantíri]], note 16, [[Houghton Mifflin]] p. 413</ref>

The Witch-king continued to press the men of Arthedain, laying siege to Fornost, and he might have taken over all of Arnor in that one offensive. But [[Araphor]], the 18-year-old son of Arveleg, came to leadership and, with the help of the ancient elf [[Círdan]] of [[Lindon]], repelled the Witch-king’s forces at Fornost and the [[North Downs]].<ref name="ten">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iii), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 321-322</ref> [[Elrond]] brought an army of [[Elves]] from [[Rivendell]] and [[Lothlórien]], and the Witch-king was pushed back and subdued.

===Twilight of Angmar===
The Witch-king sat silent in Carn Dûm, rebuilding his armies and preparing for a final assault on [[Arthedain]], last of the Arnorian kingdoms. The [[Great Plague]] came and went in {{TA|1636|n}}, taking with it the last of the Dúnedain of [[Cardolan]]. The Witch-king sent [[barrow-wights]] to inhabit the barrows in [[Barrow-downs|Tyrn Gorthad]].<ref name="ten">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iii), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 321-322</ref> In {{TA|1974|n}}, he felt that his power was sufficiently restored to begin the advance.

His attack was sudden, but not unexpected. King [[Arvedui]] sent a message to King [[Eärnil II]] of [[Gondor]] the year before, but help did not arrive in time. [[Fornost Erain]] fell, and the Witch-king took up residence there in the palace.<ref name="eleven">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iv), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 331-332</ref> Arvedui held out as best as he might on the [[North Downs]], but at last fled north with the treasured ''[[palantíri]]'' of [[Amon Sûl-stone|Amon Sûl]] and [[Annúminas-stone|Annúminas]]. He would not return, for he perished in a shipwreck in {{TA|1975|n}}. With him the ''palantíri'' were lost forever in the icy seas of [[Forod]]. The already-diminished North-kingdom ended, and [[Arnor]] fell.<ref name="ten">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iii), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 321-322</ref>

Meanwhile, a coalition in the south had formed. Eärnil sent his son, [[Eärnur]], north with a great fleet, all that Gondor could spare. They arrived at [[Lindon]] and joined with the folk of Círdan. Círdan summoned all that would come: surviving Dúnedain of Arnor and elves of Lindon.<ref name="eleven">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iv), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 331-332</ref> Even a company of [[Hobbits|hobbit]] archers went to their aide.<ref name="ten">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iii), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 321-322</ref> The Witch-king had grown overconfident and, instead of staying behind his fortifications, initiated the attack. The [[Battle of Fornost]] was fought on the plain between [[Nenuial]] and the North Downs. The Witch-king may not have anticipated the strength brought against him, but for whatever reason the alliance gained the upper hand. His army began to fall back toward Fornost, but Eärnur’s magnificent horsemen struck from the north and the Witch-king was routed.<ref name="eleven">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iv), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 331-332</ref>

He decided to flee to Angmar and the safety of Carn Dûm, but the cavalry, with Eärnur himself in the lead, overtook him. Moreover, the ranks of the allies swelled, as an army of elves from [[Rivendell]] came led by the mighty hero of old, [[Glorfindel]]. Angmar was purged of men and orcs, and all seemed lost for the Witch-king in the face of such numbers. But the Witch-king himself came at the last, robed and masked in black and riding a black horse, and attempted to kill Eärnur with his own hands. But Eärnur’s horse shied away and fled, and the Witch-king laughed. But Glorfindel came on his white horse, and faced with such power the Witch-king fled. He vanished into the shadows and no-one marked where he had gone.<ref name="eleven">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iv), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 331-332</ref>

Eärnur wanted to pursue, but Glorfindel held him back and made his famous prophecy.

{{Blockquote|He will not return to this land. Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man will he fall.|Glorfindel, ''[[The Return of the King]]'', [[Appendix A]] (iv)}}

===Lord of Minas Morgul===
The Witch-king escaped to [[Mordor]], and gathered the other Ringwraiths about him in {{TA|1980|n}}. Angmar and Carn Dûm were lost, and so in {{TA|2000|n}} the Ringwraiths began a two-year siege of [[Minas Ithil]], eventually capturing the place and turning it into his residence. The wraiths sent an aura of fear in [[Gondor]], and much of [[Ithilien]] was deserted.<ref name=gondor/>

Eärnur succeeded his father as King of Gondor, and still held the Witch-king in especial hostility due to his humiliation at the Battle of Fornost. [[Third Age 2043|The year]] of his coronation the Witch-king sent him a taunting challenge, but [[Mardil]] the [[steward]] restrained Eärnur from rash action. [[Third Age 2050|Seven years later]] the challenge was repeated, and Eärnur rode with a small escort to Minas Morgul; none ever returned, and there was no longer a King in Gondor.<ref name=gondor>{{App|Gondor}}</ref>

After this the Witch-king bided his time. He and the Nazgûl built up their armies, including the terrible new orc-race of [[uruks]]. In {{TA|2475|n}} he sent them out to capture [[Osgiliath]], which they did successfully. They were driven out by [[Boromir (Steward of Gondor)|Boromir]], [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] of [[Gondor]], but Osgiliath now lay completely in ruins. Boromir went on to retake Ithilien, so that even the Witch-king feared him. But he was killed by a Morgul-wound, and so his rule was but twelve years.<ref name="twelve">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iv), [[Houghton Mifflin]] p. 333</ref>

===Hunt for the Ring===
Sauron declared himself openly in {{TA|2951|n}}, and sent three of his Ringwraiths to [[Dol Guldur]] (though the Witch-king was left in Minas Morgul). Then, by lucky chance, the creature [[Gollum]] was captured and interrogated. Under torture, the wretched creature revealed the tale of [[the One Ring]] and how it came to be in his possession. But from his words Sauron misunderstod that the land of the hobbits who stole the Ring was on the banks of the [[Gladden River]], whence Gollum originally came from.<ref name="thirteen">{{UT|Hunt}}, p. 338-341</ref> Sauron sent the Nine, under the leadership of the Witch-king, invisible and uncloaked, to search for the Ring after the assault of Osgiliath.

[[Khamûl]], the Witch-king’s lieutenant, reported that he was unable to find the “[[the Shire|Shire]]” in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The Witch-king was determined to search north and west until Gollum was found, or the Shire. But plans were halted when Sauron received word of the prophecy in Gondor and the doings of the turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the Wise did not yet have possession of the Ring. He sent the Ringwraiths to [[Isengard]] in the form of [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]], too late to prevent the escape of the captured wizard [[Gandalf]], but had words with Saruman. Saruman, already a traitor to both sides due to his transparent lust for the Ring, fortified himself in Isengard. The Witch-king did not have enough power with him to assault Saruman in his great fortress, but had words with him. Saruman convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring was, and so the Nine passed into [[Rohan]] in search of him.<ref name="thirteen"/>

They came upon the traitor called [[Gríma|Wormtongue]] and questioned him. The terrified man told them everything he knew; that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The Witch-king spared Wormtongue’s life, foreseeing that Wormtongue would bring ruin to Saruman. He divided his wraiths into four pairs, and went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]]. Along the way they captured several spies of Saruman, and found to their delight charts and maps of the Shire. They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Saruman.<ref name="thirteen"/>

They came to [[Sarn Ford]], but the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] prevented them from crossing. They sent for their great captain, the chieftain [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]], who alone could well resist the wraiths, but he was away, and the Ringwraiths captured the ford and killed many of the Rangers.<ref name="thirteen"/> The Witch-king sent three Ringwraiths under Khamûl into the Shire while he went east with the others.<ref name="appendixB">{{App|B}}</ref> But they had come too late: the Ring had moved on in the hands of a hobbit, [[Frodo Baggins]].

===Pursuit of the Ring===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Fire on Weathertop.jpg|thumb|right|220px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Fire on Weathertop'']]Khamûl was unsuccessful, but brought word from the spy they had spared in Bree. The man had witnessed a vanishing act on Frodo's part, and had organized an attack on the inn. The Witch-king guessed that Frodo would head east, and sent four wraiths to [[Weathertop]], the ruins of the tower he had destroyed long ago. He went south along the [[Greenway]] and discovered nothing. Gandalf followed them, but the Witch-king let him slip ahead, and attacked him on Weathertop. Gandalf escaped at dawn, and again the Witch-king divided his force and sent four after the wizard.

The Ring walked almost right into his hands. The captain of the Dúnedain, Aragorn II, had become the guide of the hobbits, and led them to Weathertop, where they were spotted and attacked. The Witch-king advanced on Frodo, and the terrified hobbit put on the Ring, seeing them as they truly were. When Frodo resisted, and invoked the name of [[Varda|Elbereth]], the Witch-king stabbed Frodo in the shoulder. The tip of his blade broke off and sent poison through the hobbit’s veins. Then Aragorn counterattacked with flaming brands. The Witch-king departed with the other Nazgûl, believing that his objective was completed.

He resumed the pursuit quickly, though, and found that Khamûl had been driven from the [[Last Bridge]] by his old enemy [[Glorfindel]]. The Witch-king, who only had one companion with him, was likewise unable to confront him openly. They regrouped and went south, rejoining with the other four. They managed to pick up the trail of the company of the Ring, and despite hindrance from Glorfindel and Aragorn managed to pursue Frodo alone on [[Asfaloth]]. The pursuit came to the [[Ford of Bruinen]], and there Frodo compelled the horse to stop. The Witch-king saw his defiance and laughed, breaking his sword with a movement of his hand. But the waters of the [[Bruinen]] rose at [[Elrond]]'s command, sweeping the Nine downstream.<ref name="fourteen">{{FR|Flight}}</ref>

===War of the Ring===
[[File:Angus McBride - Gandalf facing Witch-king.gif|thumb|left|"Gandalf facing the Witch-king" by [[Angus McBride]]]]
The Witch-king took the only surviving horse back to [[Mordor]], arriving there in December. He then sent aid to the other eight Nazgûl, and they returned in secret. In [[Minas Morgul]] they prepared for a grand invasion of [[Gondor]] at the order of their master. The Witch-king was given by Sauron added "demonic" force.<ref name="fifteen">{{L|210}}, p. 272</ref> On 10 March {{TA|3019|n}}, the signal was given and Minas Morgul was emptied. The Witch-king rode at the head of the army in black, upon a black horse, as he had in the time of the wars of Angmar. As the Witch-king passed out of the gates of the dead city, he sensed the presence of Frodo. He was disturbed, but continued on through Ithilien.

With the Witch-king in command, [[Osgiliath]] soon fell.<ref name="Siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref> The defeat was attributed to his superior numbers, and his terrible presence which made all hearts to quail. The [[Rammas Echor]] was breached, and the [[Pelennor Fields]] were overrun. Other wraiths he sent out mounted on [[Fell beasts]]. [[Faramir]], [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Denethor|Denethor II]]'s son, was wounded by a dart and the [[Black Breath|black breath]], but his company was saved by a sortie. Then the Witch-king laid siege to [[Minas Tirith]] itself, sending fire and the heads of the dead Gondorians into the city via catapults. Then he launched the assault.

He sent [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] out first, accompanying it in person so as to be the first to enter the city. Three times Grond struck the gate, empowered by the sorcery of the Witch-king. The third time the Gate shattered in a flash of fire. The Witch-king passed into Minas Tirith, but was confronted by Gandalf on [[Shadowfax]]. Gandalf forbade him entry, but the Witch-king laughed and put on a show of power.

{{Blockquote|The Black Rider flung back his hood, and behold! he had a kingly crown; and yet upon no head visible was it set. The red fires shone between it and the mantled shoulders vast and dark. From a mouth unseen there came a deadly laughter. 'Old fool!' he said. 'Old fool! This is my hour. Do you not know Death when you see it? Die now and curse in vain!' And with that he lifted high his sword and flames ran down the blade.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Siege of Gondor]]"}}.

===The Fall of the Witch-king===
[[File:Nick Deligaris - Éowyn and Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|350px|"Éowyn and Nazgûl" by [[:Category:Images by Nick Deligaris|Nick Deligaris]]]]
As Gandalf stood resolute before the Witch-king, the [[Rohirrim]] arrived. Thus he departed, mounting a fell beast and descending upon King [[Théoden]] who led the attack. [[Snowmane]], the King's horse, collapsed with a dart in the side, and Théoden was crushed beneath him. But the rider [[Dernhelm]] defied the Witch-king. The Witch-king threatened Dernhelm with a terrible death, but the rider revealed that she was a woman, [[Éowyn]], and the Witch-king remembered the words of Glorfindel. He hesitated, but then moved forward. Éowyn decapitated the fell beast, but the Witch-king rose and struck her down with his mace, breaking her shield-arm. Then the hobbit [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] stabbed him in the sinew of his leg with the [[Daggers of Westernesse|blade of Westernesse]] (though there was much pain in Meriadoc's arm afterward), as he drew back to kill the woman. Then Éowyn rose and drove her sword through where his invisible head was, and the sword broke as his crown toppled. The Witch-king gave a great and horrible wail, perishing at last.<ref name="Pelennor">{{RK|Battle}}</ref>

So the prophecy of Glorfindel was fulfilled, for the Witch-king did not fall at the hands of a man, but at the hands of [[Éowyn|a woman]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|a hobbit]]. With his defeat, and the coming of Aragorn II in the black ships, the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] was lost by Sauron.

==Names==
* Witch-king of Angmar - "Witch" most likely coming from his background in sorcery, and "king" after his establishment of the realm of Angmar in 1300.
* Witch-lord of Angmar - A variant of the above title.
* Lord of the Nazgûl
* Lord of the Ringwraiths
* Chieftain of the Ringwraiths
* Lord of the Nine Riders
* King of the Nine Riders
* Wraith-lord
* Wraith-king
* High Nazgûl
* Lord of Morgul
* Morgul-lord
* King of Minas Morgul
* Black Captain
* Captain of Despair
* [[Dwimmerlaik]]
* Lord of Carrion
* Number One<ref>{{RK|Shadow}}</ref>

==Etymology==
While in modern English ''witch'' has mostly female connotations, referring to a hag or sorceress, in middle-English ''wicche'' had no gender distinction; the preference of ''witch'' for female persons (the males referred more usually as ''wizzards'') evolved later through the centuries.

Tolkien uses the archaic, gender-unspecific meaning of the term; of course, the word [[Wizards|Wizard]] refers exclusively to the [[Maiar]] [[Istari]].

==Inspirations==
An undead witch-king named ''Þráinn'' appears in ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hrómundar_saga_Gripssonar Hrómundar saga Gripssonar]''. It is possible that this was Tolkien's source of inspiration.

The prophecy that the Witch-king would fall "not by the hand of man" and the fulfillment of the prophecy occurring as a technicality (being slain by a hobbit and a woman) bears a striking resemblance to the prophecy regarding the title character's death in Shakespeare's Macbeth, where it was foretold that Macbeth will be slain "not by man born of woman" and is then killed by Macduff, born by caesarian section. Tolkien was familiar with the play, having reputedly taken inspiration for the Last March of the Ents from the same source (See article ''[[Ents]]'' for details).

==Portrayal in adaptations==
The Witch-king's true name is never given, and therefore among [[Tolkien fandom|Tolkien fans]], the Witch-king is often simply called ''Angmar'', after the name of the realm he founded and led. It is possible that he was one of the three [[Black Númenóreans]] Tolkien stated had become Nazgûl, or possibly [[Isilmo]], a Númenórean prince and father of Tar-Minastir. This possibility was adopted by the now defunct [[Middle-earth Role Playing]] game and [[Mithril Miniatures]] where he is named ''Er-Murazor'', a Númenórean prince and younger son of [[Tar-Ciryatan]].
<center><gallery>
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Witch-King.jpg|<center>The Witch-king in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]</center>
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Witch-king.jpg|<center>The Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]''</center>
File:Witchking ea rotk.jpg|<center>The Witch-king from [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]</center>
File:The Lord of the Rings online Shadows of Angmar - Witch-king 1.jpg|<center>The Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''</center>
File:The Lord of the Rings War in the North - Witch-king of Angmar.png|<center>The Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''</center>
File:Shadow of War - The Witch King.png|<center>The Witch-king in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]''</center>
</gallery></center>
===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The Witch-king is shown with no distinction from the other [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]]; all are robed in brown and black, and none seem to be able to talk clearly.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:The Witch-king is portrayed as a humanoid figure with no head. Red eyes glare under a golden crown. His dialogue is more or less as in the books, albeit in a strange and somewhat unfitting electronic voice. After a stab from behind by [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], [[Éowyn]] beheads him. It is worthy of note that the Witch-king is seen with the [[Red Eye]] of [[Barad-dûr]] as his emblem and faction, rather than the grim moon of [[Minas Morgul]].

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:The Witch-king is called the "Witch-king of [[Angmar]]", the "Lord of the [[Nazgûl]]", and the "Greatest of the Nine" by [[Gandalf]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''; however, no other mention of the kingdom of Angmar itself is made. Also, in that film, there is no mention of [[Glorfindel]]'s prophecy; there is only a claim among the enemy that "no man can kill" the Witch-king. Like the other Nazgûl, he is depicted as a humanoid figure shrouded in a hooded black robe; his only distinguishing feature is a mask-like spiked helmet with a huge mouth. His first mention is when Gandalf tells [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] while in Minas Tirith that the Dark Lord has not yet revealed his "deadliest" servant: the Witch-king, the one that "stabbed [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] on [[Weathertop]]".

:During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], the Witch-king's army uses the ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] to break through the city gates early in the battle (after the failure of a lesser ram), and the Witch-king is not present to confront Gandalf as he is in the book. The confrontation takes place later, as Pippin and Gandalf race to the tombs to save [[Faramir]], and the Witch-king intercepts them. Unlike in the book, this meeting decisively favors the Witch-king, who breaks Gandalf's staff and throws the wizard to the ground before leaving to deal with the arrival of the [[Rohirrim]]. Gandalf's face shows obvious fear in this scene, in comparison to the resolution (for "victory or death") in the books.

:The Witch-king's final stand on the battlefield occurs with less dialogue than in the book, and the weapons used to defeat him are both mundane: Merry's sword is not a [[Daggers of Westernesse|dagger]] from the [[Barrow-downs]], but rather the Rohirric sword that [[Théoden]] had as a child. This does makes it somewhat confusing in the film whether the Witch-King was truly destroyed in this fight (as he was in the book), or whether we was temporarily incapacitated (as at the ford of Bruinen) and later perished along with his fellow Nazgul due to the One Ring's destruction.

:Eight actors are known to have played some part of the Witch-king.
# An unidentified extra portrayed the "King of Men" in the prologue. He was chosen to be the Witch-king simply because he was the smallest of the nine.
# [[Shane Rangi]] did the horse chase.
# [[Fran Walsh]] provided the "Ringwraith scream".
# Effects technician Ben Price played the Witch-king in "many scenes"<ref>http://www.decipher.com/content/2004/07/072904lotrwetaprops.html</ref>
# [[Brent McIntyre]] is officially credited as the Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''. He stabbed Frodo.
# [[Lawrence Makoare]] filled the robe of the Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''.
# [[Mark Ferguson]] filled the heavy armoured costume when Makoare felt claustrophobic.<ref>http://www.markferguson.net/articles/interview_Nautilus20.html</ref>
# [[Andy Serkis]] provided the voice of the Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series) ]]:'''
:The Witch-king is mentioned to have been defeated years ago, and his body sealed by the "Men of the North" in a very deep and dark tomb in the "[[High Fells of Rhudaur]]". His [[wraith]], apparently summoned by the [[Sauron#Sauron's Return|Necromancer]], is encountered by [[Radagast]] in the ruins of [[Dol Guldur]], but the [[Wizards|Wizard]] fends him off and salvages the Witch-king's [[Morgul-knife|Morgul blade]] in the struggle.

:In the [[Attack on Dol Guldur]], The Witch-King, along with the other Nazgûl, participates by fighting [[Saruman]] and [[Elrond]], members of the [[White Council]]. In the end, he and the other Nine are driven back to [[Mordor]] by [[Galadriel]] and her [[Phial of Galadriel|phial]], [[Sauron|his master]] also eventually following suit.

===Television===
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''
:The Witch-king is shown without distinction of the other Nazgûl.He was portrayed through computer-graphics.

===Radio series===
'''1956: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The Black Captain is played by [[Felix Felton]].<ref name="RT1727">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1727, [[14 December|December 14]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The role of The Lord of the Nazgul, as he is always credited in this production, is expanded with material from ''[[The Hunt for the Ring]]''. He is the second speaking character in the series: he is the one who captures [[Gollum]], though he is not identified as such until the credits. [[Philip Voss]] provided the voice for The Lord of the Nazgul.

===Games===
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:The Witch-king is shown without distinction of the other Nazgûl.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]'':'''
:The Witch-king's role and voice are similar to that of the film, but his appearance is different. An early helmet design, that had been removed from the film because it resembled [[Sauron]]'s helm too much, was used here, presumably because there was no time to make a new character model.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Witch-King is one the main "Hero" units for the Servants of Sauron, his signature ability is being able to turn Wights into Nazgûl. The evil campaign storyline shows him reclaiming Dol Guldur for Sauron.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Witch-King is a "Hero" unit for Mordor faction. He is an airborne unit riding on a Fell Beast and one of the strongest units in the game.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:In addition to his appearance from the first game, the Witch-King can now also dismount and become a landscape unit armed with a mace.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is a non-playable character present in several scenes. His most memorable appearance takes place in the Great Barrow within the Barrow-Downs. There are also multiple references to him in quest dialogue, the most notable is that the Witch-King for whatever reason cannot return to rule [[Carn Dum]] and instead has erected a Steward named [[Mordirith]] to rule in his place, in mockery of the Stewards of Gondor.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:In the campaign for the "Evil" side, the Witch-King is revived by other Nazgûl after Sauron reclaims The One Ring.

''''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:The Witch-king appears in a flashback of the playable characters during the prologue of the game. He and the other [[Nazgûl]] attack and destroy the [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]] camp at [[Sarn Ford]]. Shortly after he speaks with [[Agandaûr]], who explains that he has assembled an army in [[Fornost]]. The Witch-king commands him to return and attack immediately, to aid in the [[Hunt of the Ring]].<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</reF>

''''2017: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is featured in the game. Voiced by Matthew Mercer, he serves as the main antagonist of the game.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</reF>

==See also==
*[[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]]

{{references}}

[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Featured Articles]]
[[Category:Nazgûl]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[de:Der Hexenkönig von Angmar]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/nazgul/roi-sorcier]]
[[fi:Noitakuningas]]

Bilbo's Last Song (at the Grey Havens)

2020-09-11T16:33:33Z

InAHoleInTheGround: Complete lyrics added

'''''Bilbo's Last Song''''' is a poem written by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]. It is sung by [[Bilbo Baggins]] at the [[Grey Havens]] as he is about to leave [[Middle-earth]]. Chronologically this places it at the very end of ''[[The Return of the King]]'', the last volume of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', although it was written later than the books and never included in them.

==The Poem==
<poem style="font:italic; margin-left:20px;">
Day is ended, dim my eyes,
but journey long before me lies.
Farewell, friends! I hear the call.
The ship's beside the stony wall.
Foam is white and waves are grey;
beyond the sunset leads my way.
Foam is salt, the wind is free;
I hear the rising of the Sea.

Farewell, friends! The sails are set,
the wind is east, the moorings fret.
Shadows long before me lie,
beneath the ever-bending sky,
but islands lie behind the Sun
that I shall raise ere all is done;
lands there are to west of West,
where night is quiet and sleep is rest.

Guided by the Lonely Star,
beyond the utmost harbour-bar
I'll find the havens fair and free,
and beaches of the Starlit Sea.
Ship, my ship! I seek the West,
and fields and mountains ever blest.
Farewell to Middle-Earth at last.
I see the Star above your mast!
</poem>

==History==
It was originally a text without link with Bilbo's story, entitled ''Vestr um haf'', but Tolkien changed it in October 1968. It was given by Tolkien as a gift to his secretary [[Joy Hill]] in 1968 after she discovered it in Tolkien's library.

After Tolkien's death in [[1973]], Hill showed the poem to [[Donald Swann]], who liked the poem so much that he set it to music and included it in the second edition of ''[[The Road Goes Ever On (book)|The Road Goes Ever On]]'' in [[1978]].<ref>{{RGEO|Bilbo}}</ref> The poem was also illustrated by [[Pauline Baynes]], and published as a poster on [[26 November]] [[1974]].

The song was included in the BBC Radio 4 adaptation of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (1981), with music by Stephen Oliver. The first verse is chanted by John Le Mesurier as Bilbo, the second omitted, and the third sung by a boy soprano.

In [[1990]] the text was finally published in book form by Unwin Hyman, re-illustrated by Baynes.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tolkienbooks.net/php/details.php?reference=61220|articlename=Bilbo's Last Song. 1990|dated=|website=TB|accessed=29 October 2012}}</ref> New editions appeared in [[2002]] (Hutchinson, hardcover),<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tolkienbooks.net/php/details.php?reference=61240|articlename=Bilbo's Last Song. 2002|dated=|website=TB|accessed=29 October 2012}}</ref> and [[2012]] (Red Fox/Random House, paperback).<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/editions/bilbos-last-song/9780099439752|articlename=Bilbo's Last Song|dated=|website=[http://www.randomhouse.co.uk RandomHouse.co.uk]|accessed=29 October 2012}}</ref>

In 1996 the song was recorded by the [[Unquendor|Dutch Tolkien Society]] band [[The Hobbitons]], with permission from the [[Tolkien Estate]], for their CD ''J.R.R. Tolkien's Songs from Middle-earth''.<ref>{{webcite|website=[http://web.archive.org/web/20021210152658/http://home.wxs.nl/~hobbiton/home.html The Hobbitons] (via [http://www.archive.org Internet Archive]) |articlename=Our CD|articleurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20021207123849/home.wxs.nl/~hobbiton/OURCD.HTM|accessed=27 May 2014}}</ref>

The copyright of the poem was given by Tolkien to Hill together with the poem itself. Upon her death in 1991, Hill gave the copyright to the [[Wikipedia:Order of the Holy Paraclete|Order of the Holy Paraclete]]. Baynes's illustrations for ''Bilbo's Last Song'' were not included in the bequeathing to the Order, but were given the [[Wikipedia:Williams-Exeter Programme at Oxford|Williams-Exeter Programme at Oxford]] upon her death in 2008.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Wayne G. Hammond]], [[Christina Scull]]|articleurl=http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mythsoc/conversations/messages/25132|articlename=Bilbo's Last Song and the Order of the Holy Paraclete (message 25132)|dated=7 March 2014|website=Mythsoc|accessed=16 March 2014}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Letter to Joy Hill (28 October 1971)]]

{{references}}
{{title|italics}}
[[Category:Books by J.R.R. Tolkien]]
[[Category:Poems by J.R.R. Tolkien]]
[[Category:Poetry books]]
[[Category:Publications by title]]

[[de:Bilbos Abschiehdslied]]
[[fi:Bilbon viimeinen laulu]]

The Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late

2020-09-03T16:53:37Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

'''The Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late''' is a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] poem composed by [[Bilbo Baggins]].

==History==
The poem was composed by [[Bilbo Baggins]] sometime before {{TA|3001}}.

In {{TA|3018}}, in ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' at [[Bree]], [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] jumped on a table and recited "a ridiculous song" invented by Bilbo.<ref>{{FR|I9}}</ref>

In the [[Fourth Age]] a similarly-titled poem was written in the [[Red Book]], ''[[The Man in the Moon Came Down Too Soon]]'', which however was inspired by [[Gondor]]ian lore.

==Form==
The poem is in thirteen ballad-like five-line stanzas, introducing each element in turn: "the [[Man in the Moon]]" himself, the ostler's "tipsy cat that plays a five-stringed fiddle", the little dog, the "hornéd cow".

==The Poem==
<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left:20px;">
There is an inn, a merry old inn
beneath an old grey hill,
And there they brew a beer so brown
That the Man in the Moon himself came down
One night to drink his fill.

The ostler has a tipsy cat
that plays a five-stringed fiddle;
And up and down he runs his bow,
Now squeaking high, now purring low,
Now sawing in the middle.

The landlord keeps a little dog
that is mighty fond of jokes;
When there's good cheer among the guests,
He cocks an ear at all the jests
and laughs until he chokes.

They also keep a hornéd cow
as proud as any queen;
But music turns her head like ale,
And makes her wave her tufted tail
and dance upon the green.

And O! the rows of silver dishes
and the store of silver spoons!
For Sunday there's a special pair,
And these they polish up with care
on Saturday afternoons.

The Man in the Moon was drinking deep,
and the cat began to wail;
A dish and a spoon on the table danced,
The cow in the garden madly pranced,
and the little dog chased his tail.

The Man in the Moon took another mug,
and then rolled beneath his chair;
And there he dozed and dreamed of ale,
Till in the sky the stars were pale,
and dawn was in the air.

Then the ostler said to his tipsy cat;
'The white horses of the Moon,
They neigh and champ their silver bits;
But their master's been and drowned his wits,
and the Sun'll be rising soon!'

So the cat on his fiddle played hey-diddle-diddle,
a jig that would wake the dead:
He squeaked and sawed and quickened the tune,
While the landlord shook the Man in the Moon:'
'It's after three!' he said.

They rolled the Man slowly up the hill
and bundled him into the Moon,
While the horses galloped up in rear,
And the cow came capering like a deer,
and a dish ran up with a spoon.

Now quicker the fiddle went deedle-dum-diddle;
the dog began to roar,
The cow and the horses stood on their heads;
The guests all bounded from their beds
and danced upon the floor.

With a ping and a long the fiddle-strings broke!
the cow jumped over the Moon,
And the little dog laughed to see such fun,
And the Saturday dish went off at a run
with the silver Sunday spoon.

The round Moon rolled behind the hill,
as the Sun raised up her head.
She hardly believed her fiery eyes:
For though it was day, to her surprise
they all went back to bed!
</poem>

==Portrayals in adaptations==
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Frodo sings an abridged version of the song at the Prancing Pony before falling off the table and accidentally slipping on the [[The One Ring|Ring]] for the first time, causing him to disappear and startle the patrons.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Frodo sings the song in Bree. Speeding up at every line, he becomes nigh unintelligible near the end.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Frodo sings an abridged version at the Prancing Pony. The line fragment ''"And there they brew a beer so brown"'' was changed to ''"And there they '''made''' a '''stew''' so brown"'', presumably to censor references to alcohol.

'''2006: [[The Lord of the Rings Musical|''The Lord of the Rings'' (musical)]]:'''
:The hobbits sing a version at the Prancing Pony. The lyrics are quite different.

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:In the Extended Edition of the film, [[Bofur]] sings an abridged version in [[Rivendell]] while the [[Thorin and Company|Company]] dines with the [[Elves]], and the other [[Dwarves]] join in.

===Other media===
A musical version of this poem was recorded by the [[Tolkien Ensemble]] on their album ''[[An Evening in Rivendell]]''.

==Inspiration==
In the context of the [[Legendarium]], this song is the imagined original (by back formation) ditty that is derived to 'our time' in the simplified nursery rhyme "Hey Diddle Diddle".{{fact}}

The title of this version is given in ''[[The Adventures of Tom Bombadil]]''.<ref>{{AB|Up}}</ref>

{{References}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late}}
[[Category:Poems in The Fellowship of the Ring]]

The Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late

2020-09-03T14:51:46Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

'''The Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late''' is a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] poem composed by [[Bilbo Baggins]].

==History==
The poem was composed by [[Bilbo Baggins]] sometime before {{TA|3001}}.

In {{TA|3018}}, in ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' at [[Bree]], [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] jumped on a table and recited "a ridiculous song" invented by Bilbo.<ref>{{FR|I9}}</ref>

In the [[Fourth Age]] a similarly-titled poem was written in the [[Red Book]], ''[[The Man in the Moon Came Down Too Soon]]'', which however was inspired by [[Gondor]]ian lore.

==Form==
The poem is in thirteen ballad-like five-line stanzas, introducing each element in turn: "the [[Man in the Moon]]" himself, the ostler's "tipsy cat that plays a five-stringed fiddle", the little dog, the "hornéd cow".

==The Poem==
<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left:20px;">
There is an inn, a merry old inn
beneath an old grey hill,
And there they brew a beer so brown
That the Man in the Moon himself came down
One night to drink his fill.

The ostler has a tipsy cat
that plays a five-stringed fiddle;
And up and down he runs his bow,
Now squeaking high, now purring low,
Now sawing in the middle.

The landlord keeps a little dog
that is mighty fond of jokes;
When there's good cheer among the guests,
He cocks an ear at all the jests
and laughs until he chokes.

They also keep a hornéd cow
as proud as any queen;
But music turns her head like ale,
And makes her wave her tufted tail
and dance upon the green.

And O! the rows of silver dishes
and the store of silver spoons!
For Sunday there's a special pair,
And these they polish up with care
on Saturday afternoons.

The Man in the Moon was drinking deep,
and the cat began to wail;
A dish and a spoon on the table danced,
The cow in the garden madly pranced,
and the little dog chased his tail.

The Man in the Moon took another mug,
and then rolled beneath his chair;
And there he dozed and dreamed of ale,
Till in the sky the stars were pale,
and dawn was in the air.

Then the ostler said to his tipsy cat;
'The white horses of the Moon,
They neigh and champ their silver bits;
But their master's been and drowned his wits,
and the Sun'll be rising soon!'

So the cat on his fiddle played hey-diddle-diddle,
a jig that would wake the dead:
He squeaked and sawed and quickened the tune,
While the landlord shook the Man in the Moon:'
'It'safter three!' he said.

They rolled the Man slowly up the hill
and bundled him into the Moon,
While the hires galloped up in rear,
And the cow came capering like a deer,
and a dish ran up with a spoon.

Now quicker the fiddle went deedle-dum-diddle;
the dog began to roar,
The cow and the horses stood on their heads;
The guests all bounded from their beds
and danced upon the floor.

With a ping and a long the fiddle-strings broke!
the cow jumped over the Moon,
And the little dog laughed to see such fun,
And the Saturday dish went off at a run
with the silver Sunday spoon.

The round Moon rolled behind the hill,
as the Sun raised up her head.
She hardly believed her fiery eyes:
For though it was day, to her surprise
they all went back to bed!
</poem>

==Portrayals in adaptations==
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Frodo sings an abridged version of the song at the Prancing Pony before falling off the table and accidentally slipping on the [[The One Ring|Ring]] for the first time, causing him to disappear and startle the patrons.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Frodo sings the song in Bree. Speeding up at every line, he becomes nigh unintelligible near the end.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Frodo sings an abridged version at the Prancing Pony. The line fragment ''"And there they brew a beer so brown"'' was changed to ''"And there they '''made''' a '''stew''' so brown"'', presumably to censor references to alcohol.

'''2006: [[The Lord of the Rings Musical|''The Lord of the Rings'' (musical)]]:'''
:The hobbits sing a version at the Prancing Pony. The lyrics are quite different.

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:In the Extended Edition of the film, [[Bofur]] sings an abridged version in [[Rivendell]] while the [[Thorin and Company|Company]] dines with the [[Elves]], and the other [[Dwarves]] join in.

===Other media===
A musical version of this poem was recorded by the [[Tolkien Ensemble]] on their album ''[[An Evening in Rivendell]]''.

==Inspiration==
In the context of the [[Legendarium]], this song is the imagined original (by back formation) ditty that is derived to 'our time' in the simplified nursery rhyme "Hey Diddle Diddle".{{fact}}

The title of this version is given in ''[[The Adventures of Tom Bombadil]]''.<ref>{{AB|Up}}</ref>

{{References}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late}}
[[Category:Poems in The Fellowship of the Ring]]

The Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late

2020-09-03T14:49:03Z

InAHoleInTheGround:

'''The Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late''' is a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] poem composed by [[Bilbo Baggins]].

==History==
The poem was composed by [[Bilbo Baggins]] sometime before {{TA|3001}}.

In {{TA|3018}}, in ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' at [[Bree]], [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] jumped on a table and recited "a ridiculous song" invented by Bilbo.<ref>{{FR|I9}}</ref>

In the [[Fourth Age]] a similarly-titled poem was written in the [[Red Book]], ''[[The Man in the Moon Came Down Too Soon]]'', which however was inspired by [[Gondor]]ian lore.

==Form==
The poem is in thirteen ballad-like five-line stanzas, introducing each element in turn: "the [[Man in the Moon]]" himself, the ostler's "tipsy cat that plays a five-stringed fiddle", the little dog, the "hornéd cow".

==The Poem==
<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left:20px;">
There is an inn, a merry old inn
beneath an old grey hill,
And there they brew a beer so brown
That the Man in the Moon himself came down
One night to drink his fill.

The ostler has a tipsy cat
that plays a five-stringed fiddle;
And up and down he runs his bow,
Now squeaking high, now purring low,
Now sawing in the middle.

The landlord keeps a little dog
that is mighty fond of jokes;
When there's good cheer among the guests,
He cocks an ear at all the jests
and laughs until he chokes.

They also keep a hornéd cow
as proud as any queen;
But music turns her head like ale,
And makes her wave her tufted tail
and dance upon the green.

And O! the rows of silver dishes
and the store of silver spoons!
For Sunday there's a special pair,
And these they polish up with care
on Saturday afternoons.

The Man in the Moon was drinking deep,
and the cat began to wail;
A dish and a spoon on the table danced,
The cow in the garden madly pranced,
and the little dog chased his tail.

The Man in the Moon took another mug,
and then rolled beneath his chair;
And there he fixed and dreamed of ale,
Till in the sky the stars were pale,
and dawn was in the air.

Then the ostler said to his tipsy cat;
'The white horses of the Moon,
They neigh and champ their silver bits;
But their master's been and drowned his wits,
and the Sun'll be rising soon!'

So the cat on his fiddle played hey-diddle-diddle,
a jig that would wake the dead:
He squeaked and sawed and quickened the tune,
While the landlord shook the Man in the Moon:'
'It'safter three!' he said.

They rolled the Man slowly up the hill
and bundled him into the Moon,
While the hires galloped up in rear,
And the cow came capering like a deer,
and a dish ran up with a spoon.

Now quicker the fiddle went deedle-dum-diddle;
the dog began to roar,
The cow and the horses stood on their heads;
The guests all bounded from their beds
and danced upon the floor.

With a ping and a long the fiddle-strings broke!
the cow jumped over the Moon,
And the little dog laughed to see such fun,
And the Saturday dish went off at a run
with the silver Sunday spoon.

The round Moon rolled behind the hill,
as the Sun raised up her head.
She hardly believed her fiery eyes:
For though it was day, to her surprise
they all went back to bed!
</poem>

==Portrayals in adaptations==
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Frodo sings an abridged version of the song at the Prancing Pony before falling off the table and accidentally slipping on the [[The One Ring|Ring]] for the first time, causing him to disappear and startle the patrons.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Frodo sings the song in Bree. Speeding up at every line, he becomes nigh unintelligible near the end.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Frodo sings an abridged version at the Prancing Pony. The line fragment ''"And there they brew a beer so brown"'' was changed to ''"And there they '''made''' a '''stew''' so brown"'', presumably to censor references to alcohol.

'''2006: [[The Lord of the Rings Musical|''The Lord of the Rings'' (musical)]]:'''
:The hobbits sing a version at the Prancing Pony. The lyrics are quite different.

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:In the Extended Edition of the film, [[Bofur]] sings an abridged version in [[Rivendell]] while the [[Thorin and Company|Company]] dines with the [[Elves]], and the other [[Dwarves]] join in.

===Other media===
A musical version of this poem was recorded by the [[Tolkien Ensemble]] on their album ''[[An Evening in Rivendell]]''.

==Inspiration==
In the context of the [[Legendarium]], this song is the imagined original (by back formation) ditty that is derived to 'our time' in the simplified nursery rhyme "Hey Diddle Diddle".{{fact}}

The title of this version is given in ''[[The Adventures of Tom Bombadil]]''.<ref>{{AB|Up}}</ref>

{{References}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late}}
[[Category:Poems in The Fellowship of the Ring]]

The Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late

2020-09-03T14:42:58Z

InAHoleInTheGround: Complete poem added

'''The Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late''' is a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] poem composed by [[Bilbo Baggins]].

==History==
The poem was composed by [[Bilbo Baggins]] sometime before {{TA|3001}}.

In {{TA|3018}}, in ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' at [[Bree]], [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] jumped on a table and recited "a ridiculous song" invented by Bilbo.<ref>{{FR|I9}}</ref>

In the [[Fourth Age]] a similarly-titled poem was written in the [[Red Book]], ''[[The Man in the Moon Came Down Too Soon]]'', which however was inspired by [[Gondor]]ian lore.

==Form==
The poem is in thirteen ballad-like five-line stanzas, introducing each element in turn: "the [[Man in the Moon]]" himself, the ostler's "tipsy cat that plays a five-stringed fiddle", the little dog, the "hornéd cow".

==The Poem==
<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left:20px;">
There is an inn, a merry old inn
beneath an old grey hill,
And there they brew a beer so brown
That the Man in the Moon himself came down
One night to drink his fill.

The ostler has a tipsy cat
that plays a five-stringed fiddle;
And up and down he runs his bow,
Now squeaking high, now purring low,
Now sawing in the middle.The landlord keeps a little dog

that is mighty fond of jokes;
When there's good cheer among the guests,
He cocks an ear at all the jests
and laughs until he chokes.

They also keep a hornéd cow
as proud as any queen;
But music turns her head like ale,
And makes her wave her tufted tail
and dance upon the green.

And O! the rows of silver dishes
and the store of silver spoons!
For Sunday there's a special pair,
And these they polish up with care
on Saturday afternoons.

The Man in the Moon was drinking deep,
and the cat began to wail;
A dish and a spoon on the table danced,
The cow in the garden madly pranced,
and the little dog chased his tail.

The Man in the Moon took another mug,
and then rolled beneath his chair;
And there he fixed and dreamed of ale,
Till in the sky the stars were pale,
and dawn was in the air.

Then the ostler said to his tipsy cat;
'The white horses of the Moon,
They neigh and champ their silver bits;
But their master's been and drowned his wits,
and the Sun'll be rising soon!'

So the cat on his fiddle played hey-diddle-diddle,
a jig that would wake the dead:
He squeaked and sawed and quickened the tune,
While the landlord shook the Man in the Moon:'
'It'safter three!' he said.

They rolled the Man slowly up the hill
and bundled him into the Moon,
While the hires galloped up in rear,
And the cow came capering like a deer,
and a dish ran up with a spoon.

Now quicker the fiddle went deedle-dum-diddle;
the dog began to roar,
The cow and the horses stood on their heads;
The guests all bounded from their beds
and danced upon the floor.

With a ping and a long the fiddle-strings broke!
the cow jumped over the Moon,
And the little dog laughed to see such fun,
And the Saturday dish went off at a run
with the silver Sunday spoon.

The round Moon rolled behind the hill,
as the Sun raised up her head.
She hardly believed her fiery eyes:
For though it was day, to her surprise
they all went back to bed!
</poem>

==Portrayals in adaptations==
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Frodo sings an abridged version of the song at the Prancing Pony before falling off the table and accidentally slipping on the [[The One Ring|Ring]] for the first time, causing him to disappear and startle the patrons.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Frodo sings the song in Bree. Speeding up at every line, he becomes nigh unintelligible near the end.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Frodo sings an abridged version at the Prancing Pony. The line fragment ''"And there they brew a beer so brown"'' was changed to ''"And there they '''made''' a '''stew''' so brown"'', presumably to censor references to alcohol.

'''2006: [[The Lord of the Rings Musical|''The Lord of the Rings'' (musical)]]:'''
:The hobbits sing a version at the Prancing Pony. The lyrics are quite different.

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:In the Extended Edition of the film, [[Bofur]] sings an abridged version in [[Rivendell]] while the [[Thorin and Company|Company]] dines with the [[Elves]], and the other [[Dwarves]] join in.

===Other media===
A musical version of this poem was recorded by the [[Tolkien Ensemble]] on their album ''[[An Evening in Rivendell]]''.

==Inspiration==
In the context of the [[Legendarium]], this song is the imagined original (by back formation) ditty that is derived to 'our time' in the simplified nursery rhyme "Hey Diddle Diddle".{{fact}}

The title of this version is given in ''[[The Adventures of Tom Bombadil]]''.<ref>{{AB|Up}}</ref>

{{References}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late}}
[[Category:Poems in The Fellowship of the Ring]]

The Road Goes Ever On (song)

2020-08-11T07:22:24Z

InAHoleInTheGround: Corrected lyrics from The Hobbit from :'Ever ever on' to 'Ever on'.

{{disambig-more|The Road Goes Ever On|[[The Road Goes Ever On (disambiguation)]]}}
[[File:Matěj Čadil - The Road Goes Ever On.jpg|thumb|right|"The Road Goes Ever On" by [[:Category:Images by Matěj Čadil|Matěj Čadil]]]]
'''The Road Goes Ever On''', also known as '''A Walking Song''', is a walking song by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], fictionally written by [[Bilbo Baggins]]; verses of it are sung at various places in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. This poem was set to music by [[Donald Swann]];<ref>{{RGEO|1}}</ref> the sheet music and an audio recording are part of the song-cycle aptly named ''[[The Road Goes Ever On (book)|The Road Goes Ever On, A Song Cycle]]''.

== ''The Hobbit'' ==
The original version of the song is recited by [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] in the last chapter of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', at the end of his journey back to [[the Shire]]. Coming to the top of a rise he sees his home in the distance, and stops and says the following:
<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left:20px;">
Roads go ever on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that never find the sea;
Over snow by winter sown,
And through the merry flowers of June,
Over grass and over stone,
And under mountains in the moon.

Roads go ever on
Under cloud and under star,
Yet feet that wandering have gone
Turn at last to home afar.
Eyes that fire and sword have seen
And horror in the halls of stone
Look at last on meadows green
And trees and hills they long have known.<ref>{{H|Stage}}</ref>
</poem>

== ''The Lord of the Rings'' ==
There are three versions of this walking song in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.

The first is sung by [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] when he leaves [[the Shire]] and is setting off to visit [[Rivendell]]:
<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left:20px;">
The Road goes ever on and on,
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.<ref>{{FR|I1}}</ref>
</poem>
The second version is identical except for changing the word "eager" to "weary" in the fifth line. It is spoken aloud, slowly, by [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], as he and his companions pause on their way to [[Crickhollow]], looking beyond to lands that some of them have never seen before.<ref>{{FR|I3}}</ref>

The third version is spoken by Bilbo in Rivendell after the hobbits have returned from their journey. Bilbo is now an old, sleepy hobbit, who murmurs the verse and then falls asleep.

<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left:20px;">
The Road goes ever on and on
Out from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
Let others follow it who can!
Let them a journey new begin,
But I at last with weary feet
Will turn towards the lighted inn,
My evening-rest and sleep to meet.<ref>{{RK|VI6}}</ref>
</poem>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:Sections of the poem are sung during the trip through [[Mirkwood]]. It appears on the soundtrack titles "Roads".

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:A song inspired by the poem is sung at the end of the film called "[[Roads Go Ever, Ever On]]".

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Bilbo sings the song as he leaves [[Bag End]]. It is sung by [[John Le Mesurier]] to a tune by [[Stephen Oliver]].

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Parts of the [[Bag End (soundtrack)|song]] are sung by [[Gandalf]] in his first appearance, and also by Bilbo as he leaves [[Bag End]].

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Musical]]'':'''
:The poem is the basis of the song "The Road Goes On" sung by Sam, Frodo, Merry, and Pippin in the first act.

'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''
:Lines of the poem partially make up the lyrics of [[The Last Goodbye]], performed by [[Billy Boyd]] for the credits of the film.

==See also==
*[[Poems in The Hobbit|Poems in ''The Hobbit'']]
* [[Poems in The Lord of the Rings|Poems in ''The Lord of the Rings'']]
{{references}}
{{title}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Road Goes Ever On}}
[[Category:Poems in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Poems in The Fellowship of the Ring]]
[[Category:Poems in The Return of the King]]
[[Category:Songs]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[de:Altes Wanderlied]]
[[fi:Tie vain jatkuu jatkumistaan]]

Once upon a Time

2020-07-27T13:33:39Z

InAHoleInTheGround: Complete lyrics added

'''Once upon a Time''' is a poem consisting of three stanzas, written by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]. The poem tells a story about [[Goldberry]], [[Tom Bombadil]], and the [[lintips]].<ref>{{CG|RG}}, p. 689</ref>

It was first published in October [[1965]] within ''[[Winter's Tales for Children 1]]'' (pp. 44-5). In [[1969]] it was published in the collection ''[[The Young Magicians]]'' (p. 255-6). In [[2013]], the poem was published in [[Tolkien Studies: Volume 10|''Tolkien Studies'': Volume 10]] together with an introduction and comments by Kris Swank.

==The Poem==
<poem>
''Once upon a day on the fields of May''
''There was snow in summer were the blossoms lay;''
''the buttercups tall sent up there light''
''in a steam of gold, and wide and white''
''there opened in the green grass-skies''
''the earth-stars with their steady eyes''
''watching the Sun climb up and down.''
''[[Goldberry]] was there with a wild-rose crown,''
''Goldberry was there in a lady-smock''
''blowing away a dandelion clock,''
''stooping over a lily-pool''
''and twiddling the water green and cool''
''to see it sparkle round her hand:''
''once upon a time in elvish land.'' 
''Once upon a night in the cockshut light''
''the grass was grey but the dew was whight;''
''shadows were dark, and the Sun was gone,''
''the earth-stars shut, but the high stars shone,''
''one to another winking their eyes''
''as they waited for the Moon to rise.''
''Up he came, and on leaf and grass''
''his white beams turned to twinkling glass,''
''and silver dripped from stem and stalk''
''down to where the [[lintips]] walk''
''through the grass-forests gathering dew.''
''[[Tom Bombadil|Tom]] was there without boot or shoe,''
''with moonshine wetting his big brown toes:''
''once upon a time, the story goes.'' 
''Once upon a moon on the brink of June''
''a-dewing the lintips went too soon.''
''Tom stopped and listened, and down he knelt:''
'' 'Ha! little lads! So it was you I smelt?''
''What a mousy smell! Well, this dew is sweet,''
''So drink it up, but mind my feet!' ''
''The lintips laughed and stole away,''
''but old Tom said: 'I wish they'd stay!''
''The only things that won't talk to me,''
''say what they do or what they be.''
''I wonder what they have got to hide?''
''Down from the Moon maybe they slide,''
''or come in star-winks, I don't know'.''
''Once upon a time and long ago.''
</poem>

==See also==
* [[Index:Poems by J.R.R. Tolkien|Poems by J.R.R. Tolkien]]
{{References}}
[[Category:Poems by J.R.R. Tolkien]]

Fëanor

2020-07-25T11:20:56Z

InAHoleInTheGround: a change of the major image of feanor.

{{noldor infobox
| name=Fëanor
| image=[[File:Anna_Lee_-_Feanor.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Feanor" by [[:Category:Images by Anna lee|Anna lee]]
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˈfe.anor]}}
| othernames=''[[Curufinwë]]'' ([[Quenya|Q]], [[Father-name|fn]]), ''Fëanáro'' ([[Quenya|Q]], [[Amilessë|mn]])
| titles=[[King of the Noldor]]
| position=
| location=[[Tirion]], [[Formenos]]
| affiliation=[[Oath of Fëanor]]
| language=[[Quenya]]
| birth={{YT|1169}}
| birthlocation=[[Tirion]]
| rule={{YT|1495}} – {{YT|1497|n}}
| death={{YT|1497}}
| deathlocation=Slopes of [[Ered Wethrin]]
| age=328 [[Years of the Trees|Y.T.]]/3142 [[Years of the Sun|years]]
| notablefor=Created the [[Silmarils]]
| house=[[House of Finwë]], founded the [[House of Fëanor]]
| parentage=[[Finwë]] & [[Míriel]]
| siblings=[[Findis]], [[Fingolfin]], [[Írimë]], and [[Finarfin]] (half-siblings)
| spouse=[[Nerdanel]]
| children=[[Maedhros]], [[Maglor]], [[Celegorm]], [[Caranthir]], [[Curufin]], [[Amrod]], and [[Amras]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Black
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=Sword
| steed=
}}

{{quote|For Fëanor was made the mightiest in all parts of body and mind: in valour, in endurance, in beauty, in understanding, in skill, in strength and subtlety alike: of all the Children of Ilúvatar, and a bright flame was in him.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor]]"}}

'''Fëanor''' was the eldest and most beloved son of [[Finwë]] and succeeded him to the [[King of the Noldor|Kingship of the Noldor]].

Being the greatest of the [[Noldor]], he had the greatest skill of word and hand, was a renowned craftsman, gem-smith, and warrior. His most famous deed was the creation of the [[Silmarils]], whose theft made him lead his people to the [[Exile of the Noldor|exile]]. As the leader of the rebellion, his passionate hatred of [[Morgoth]] and terrible [[Oath of Fëanor|oath]] led directly to the great triumphs and tragedies of the [[First Age]].

== History ==
===Life in Tirion===
Born in {{YT|1169}},<ref>{{MR|P2k}}, Note 1, p.101</ref> Curufinwë Fëanáro (as was his original name in [[Quenya]]<ref name="Shibboleth">{{PM|Finwe}}</ref>) was the eldest son of [[Finwë]], the first [[King of the Noldor]], and his first wife [[Míriel|Míriel Serindë]]. He drew so much of Míriel's life energy when he was born that she grew weary of living, and departed to [[Lórien in Valinor|Lórien]], where she voluntarily left her corporeal form and died. Finwë remarried, and had two more sons, Fëanor's half-brothers [[Fingolfin]] and [[Finarfin]],<ref name="Feanor">{{S|Feanor}}</ref> and two daughters, [[Findis]] and [[Írimë]].<ref name="Shibboleth"/>
[[File:Ryszard Derdzinski - Feanor.jpg|thumb|left|Feanor, deviser of the Tengwar. Art by [[Ryszard Derdzinski]]]]
Fëanor's skills began to blossom and other than a skilled smith, he was a linguist and a [[Lambengolmor|Loremaster]].<ref name=WJ>{{WJ|Quendi}}, pp. 396-8</ref> In {{YT|1250|n}}, he devised the lettering system of [[Tengwar]], improving the work of [[Rúmil (elf of Tirion)|Rúmil]]. He also created the ''[[palantíri]]'',<ref name="SIndex">{{S|Index}}, entry "Fëanor"</ref> and also wrought the [[Fëanorian lamps]].<ref>{{UT|Tuor}}, note 2</ref> He then turned his mind to the study of gems.<ref name="AAsec4">{{MR|P2j}}</ref>
[[File:Tuuliky - Lumen Melma.jpg|thumb|Feanor and Nerdanel. Art by [[:Category:Images by Tuuliky|Tuuliky]]]]
While still in his youth, Fëanor wedded [[Nerdanel]], daughter of [[Mahtan]], a great craftsmen,<ref name="Feanor"/> who bore him [[Sons of Fëanor|seven sons]]: [[Maedhros]], [[Maglor]], [[Celegorm]], [[Caranthir]], [[Curufin]], [[Amrod]], and [[Amras]].<ref>{{S|Princes}}</ref>

In {{YT|1400|n}},<ref name="AAsec4"/> [[Melkor]], the mightiest of the [[Valar]] and source of evil, deceived the [[Valar]] into thinking that he had repented of his evil ways. Pardoned and residing in [[Valinor]], he undertook to corrupt the [[Noldor]] and succeeded in making them instruments of his malice, particularly Fëanor. But Fëanor greatly mistrusted [[Melkor]], which was part of Melkor's plan.<ref name="Feanor"/>

Led by some premonitory thought, he pondered how the [[light]] of the Trees might be preserved imperishable.<ref name="Silmarils">{{S|Unrest}}</ref> Many thought that this idea came first after seeing the [[Hair of Galadriel]], which was both golden and silver. He admired her hair so much that he requested a tress three times, but [[Galadriel]] refused each time and would not give him even a single strand.<ref>{{UT|6}}, p. 230</ref> Therefore, in {{YT|1449|n}}, Fëanor began and by {{YT|1450|n}} he had succeeded<ref name="AAsec4"/> in the greatest of his achievements: capturing the light of the [[Two Trees]] to make the three [[Silmarils]], also called the [[Great Jewels]]. He prized the Silmarils above all else, and grew increasingly suspicious that the Valar and other Eldar coveted them. He either vainly displayed the jewels or jealously guarded them from all except his immediate family.<ref name="Silmarils"></ref>

===Feud with Fingolfin===
[[Image:Antti Autio - The Threat of Feanor.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''The Threat of Feanor'' by [[Antti Autio]]]]
[[Melkor]] greatly desired the [[Silmarils]] and his hatred for Fëanor grew, but the Valar still did not know of Melkor's true intentions. Melkor played upon Fëanor's temperament and pride to convince him that his own half-brother [[Fingolfin]] was not only planning to usurp his place as heir to [[Finwë]], but also seize the jewels for himself.<ref name="Silmarils"/> The Noldor then began forging weapons, which at that point no other [[Eldar]] possessed in [[Valinor]]. Fëanor's hostility grew to the point where, in {{YT|1490|n}},<ref name="AAsec4"/> he threatened Fingolfin's life. For this, the Valar exiled him to [[Formenos]]. He took a substantial treasure with him, including the [[Silmarils]], which he stowed in a locked box. In a show of support for his eldest son, Finwë withdrew to Formenos as well.<ref name="Silmarils"/>

The [[Valar]] realized that Melkor was behind Fëanor's actions. They sent [[Tulkas]] to imprison him again, but he could not be found. Melkor was not seen for a long time, until in {{YT|1492|n}},<ref name="AAsec4"/> he unexpectedly showed up at [[Formenos]]. Melkor tried again to manipulate Fëanor, but he went too far, and Fëanor realized that Melkor's true goal was to obtain the Silmarils. He shut the door in Melkor's face. In a rage, Melkor left. When the Valar heard of the incident, they resumed the hunt. But it was apparent that Melkor had fled from Valinor.<ref name="Silmarils"/>

===Theft of the Silmarils===
In {{YT|1495|n}},<ref name="AAsec4"/> the Valar sought to reconcile Fëanor and [[Fingolfin]], and to mend the enmity between the Noldor and Valar, and invited them all to Valimar to make peace. Fingolfin offered a hand to his half-brother, recognizing Fëanor's place as the eldest, which he grudgingly accepted.

Meanwhile, after first feigning to go north, [[Melkor]] had stolen away to [[Avathar]] in the south of [[Aman]] to seek out the evil, spider-like creature [[Ungoliant]]. Even as Fëanor and Fingolfin were reconciled, Ungoliant helped Morgoth destroy the Two Trees, bringing darkness to [[Valinor]].<ref>{{S|Darkening}}</ref>

[[Yavanna]] examined the [[Two Trees]] and found them lifeless. The light of the Trees survived only in the [[Silmarils]] and she said that only by their power could she restore the Trees. [[Manwë]] then asked Fëanor to give them up for this purpose but Fëanor emphatically declared that he would not give up his Silmarils of his own free will; if the Valar forced him, he said, they would be no better than Melkor. It was after this that messengers came telling of the raid at [[Formenos]].

According to the messengers, Melkor, surrounded by an impenetrable black fog, had come to Fëanor's vault in [[Formenos]]. [[Finwë]] fought and lost against Melkor, and was the first to be slain in Valinor. Melkor ransacked the vault, taking many valuable jewels, including the Silmarils. He and Ungoliant escaped by crossing the [[Helcaraxë]], or Grinding Ice, in the north to [[Beleriand]] in Middle-earth.<ref name="Flight">{{S|Flight}}</ref>

===Kingship===
====The Kinslaying====
[[File:Angel Falto - Feanor (The Oath).jpg|thumb|left|''Fëanor (The Oath)'' by [[:Category:Images by Angel Falto|Angel Falto]]]]

The Valar and Eldar now fully understood the extent of Melkor's treachery. Fëanor, upon learning of his father's murder and the theft of his prized Silmarils, named Melkor "''Morgoth''", or "Black Enemy". Following his father's death, Fëanor claimed the [[King of the Noldor|kingship of the Noldor]] and delivered an impassioned speech, which he unwittingly filled with Morgoth's taint. He rallied the Noldor against the Dark Lord, but because of Morgoth's influence, he also blamed the Valar for Morgoth's deeds. He persuaded most of his people that because the Valar had abandoned them, the Noldor must follow him to Middle-earth and fight the Dark Lord. Fëanor then swore the terrible [[Oath of Fëanor]] which all seven of his sons also proclaimed, vowing to fight anyone and everyone—whether Elf, Man, Maia, or Vala—who withheld the Silmarils, and invoking even [[Ilúvatar]] as a witness. This Oath led to much conflict and later caused great tragedy among his seven sons.

Seeking a way to get to [[Middle-earth]], he went to the shores of Aman, where the seafaring [[Teleri]] lived, and demanded the use of their ships. When Teleri refused to give or lend their vessels, Fëanor ordered the Noldor to take the ships. The Teleri resisted, and a battle broke out, in which many of the Teleri were slain, for they were armed with mere hunting bows, against the fully armed Noldor. Three times the Teleri were able to push back Fëanor until Fingolfin and Finarfin brought up their host, overwhelming the Teleri.

Due this act, the Valar proclaimed the [[Doom of the Noldor]], in which they announced failure for those who followed the House of Fëanor, but Fëanor despised those words. However, those who repented came back with [[Finarfin]], [[Finwë]]'s third son. They were accepted by the Valar, and Finarfin ruled as King of the remaining Noldor in [[Valinor]].<ref name="Flight"/>

====Exile in Middle-earth====
[[File:NOLANOS - La Quema de las Naves.jpg|thumb|''La Quema de las Naves'' by [[:Category:Images by NOLANOS|NOLANOS]]]]
As the year {{YT|1496|n}} wore on Fëanor led the Noldor northward. By {{YT|1497|n}}, the host had reached the [[Helkaraxë]] and halted.<ref>{{MR|P2m}}</ref> There were not enough ships to carry all of the Noldor across the sea, so Fëanor and his sons led the first group. Upon arriving at [[Losgar]], in the land of [[Lammoth]], in the far west of [[Beleriand]], where Morgoth and Ungoliant had passed not long before, Fëanor decided to burn the ships and leave the followers of Fingolfin behind.<ref name="Flight"/> The earth being flat in those days, the remaining Noldor saw the flames, and perceived that if they were to reach Middle-earth, they had no choice but to cross the Helcaraxë. This they did under the leadership of Fingolfin, and suffered heavy losses along the way, which greatly added to the animosity they had for the [[House of Fëanor]].<ref name="Flight"/>
[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Death of Feanor.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Death of Feanor'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]]]]
Learning of the Noldor's arrival, Morgoth summoned his armies from his fortress of [[Angband]] and attacked Fëanor's encampment in [[Mithrim]]. This battle was called the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]] ("Battle under the Stars"), for the [[Sun]] and [[Moon]] had not yet been made. The Noldor managed to win the battle and disperse Morgoth's armies. Fëanor, still in a great rage, pressed on toward Angband with his sons. He came even within sight of Angband, but was ambushed by a force of [[Balrogs]], with few elves about him. He fought mightily, hewing his foe even after receiving several wounds from [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], lord of Balrogs.

His sons came upon the balrogs with great force of elves, and were able to drive them off. However, as Fëanor was being carried off the battlefield, he knew his wounds were fatal. He was brought to the slopes of the [[Ered Wethrin]] from where he saw from afar the peaks of [[Thangorodrim]]. He cursed Angband thrice, but with the eyes of death, he knew that his elves, unaided, would never throw down the dark towers. At the moment of his death the passing of his fiery spirit reduced his body to ashes. He was the only person to die this way, for no death like his was ever seen or heard.<ref name="S|Return">{{S|Return}}</ref>

His sons were still bound by the Oath to recover the Silmarils, which would determine many of the events of Middle-earth during the First Age.

Fëanor's spirit remained in the [[Halls of Mandos]] and would never be reincarnated in [[Arda]].<ref name="S|Return">{{S|Return}}</ref> It is said that he will return for [[Dagor Dagorath]], and will finally reclaim his beloved Silmarils and break them so [[Yavanna]] can use their light to restore the Two Trees.<ref name=Last>{{WJ|Last}}, p. 247</ref>

==Genealogy==
[[File:Amanyar - Fëanor device.png|right|120px|thumb|Fëanor's device]]
<div style="overflow-x: scroll; overflow-y: hidden; border: 1px solid #AAAAAA; padding: 3px; background: #EEEEEE;">
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| MHT | | MIR |y| FIN |y| IND | | | | | | | | | | | | |MHT=[[Mahtan]] ''b. {{YT}}''| MIR=[[Míriel]] ''d. {{YT|1170}}''|FIN=[[Finwë]] ''d. {{YT|1495}}''|IND=[[Indis]] ''b. {{YT}}''}}
{{familytree| |!| | | | | |!| | | |)|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | |}}
{{familytree| NRD |~|y|~| FEA | | FDS | | FNG | | IRM | | FRF | | |NRD=[[Nerdanel]] ''b. {{YT}}''|FEA='''FËANOR''' ''{{YT|1169}} - {{YT|1497|n}}''|FDS=[[Findis]] ''b. {{YT}}''|FNG=[[Fingolfin]] ''{{YT|1190}} - {{FA|456}}''|IRM=[[Írimë]] ''b. {{YT}}''|FRF=[[Finarfin]] ''b. {{YT|1230}}''}}
{{familytree| |,|-|-|^|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| MDH | | MAG | | CEL | | CAR | | CUR | | AMD | | AMR |MDH=[[Maedhros]] ''d. {{FA|587}}''|MAG=[[Maglor]] ''b. {{YT}}''|CEL=[[Celegorm]] ''d. {{FA|506}}''|CAR=[[Caranthir]] ''d. {{FA|506}}''|CUR=[[Curufin]] ''d. {{FA|506}}''|AMD=[[Amrod]] ''d. {{FA|538}}''|AMR=[[Amras]] ''d. {{FA|538}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | CLB | | | | | | | | |CLB=[[Celebrimbor]] ''d. {{SA|1697}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}
</div>

== Etymology ==
{{Pronounce|Feanor.mp3|Ardamir}}
Fëanor's [[father-name]] was '''''[[Curufinwë]]''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˌkuruˈfinwe]}}), "Skillful Finwë", by adding ''[[curu]]'' ("skill") to his father's name. He later gave his favorite son [[Curufin]] the same father-name. His [[Amilessë|mother-name]] was '''''Fëanáro''''' (pron. {{IPA|[fe.aˈnaːro]}}), which translates as "spirit of fire",<ref name="Shibboleth"/> being formed by adding ''[[fëa]]'' ("spirit") and ''[[Nár (Quenya)|nár]]'' ("flame"). Apparently, the masculine ending ''[[-o]]'' is also present.

The name ''Fëanor'' is the [[Sindarization|Sindarized]] version of his [[Quenya]] mother-name; the proper [[Sindarin]] form of his name was '''''Faenor'''''.<ref name="Shibboleth"/>

== External links ==
* [http://www.minastirith.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000635 What do you think of Fëanor?] - Discussion on MinasTirith.com

{{references}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
|race=noldor
|house=[[House of Finwë]]
|born={{YT|1169}}
|died={{YT|1497}}
}}
{{seq
|pvac=
|prev=[[Finwë]]
|next=[[Finarfin]]; [[Fingolfin]] (as [[High King of the Noldor]])
|list=[[King of the Noldor]]
|dates={{YT|1495}} – {{YT|1497|n}}
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Feanor}}
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:House of Finwë]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:House of Fëanor| ]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]

[[de:Feanor]]
[[fi:Fëanor]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/feanor]]

Silver flow the streams from Celos to Erui

2020-07-24T22:24:02Z

InAHoleInTheGround: Corrected the song of Lebennin, from 'lands' to 'fields'.

{{stub}}
"'''Silver flow the streams from Celos to Erui'''" is a poem sung by [[Legolas]] in the chapter "[[The Last Debate]]".

==Text==
<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left:20px;">
Silver flow the streams from [[Celos]] to [[Erui]]
In the green fields of [[Lebennin]]!
Tall grows the grass there. In the wind from the [[Belegaer|Sea]]
The white lilies sway,
And the golden bells are shaken of [[mallos]] and [[alfirin]]
In the green fields of Lebennin,
In the wind from the Sea!
</poem>

==See also==
* [[Poems in The Lord of the Rings|Poems in ''The Lord of the Rings'']]
[[Category:Poems in The Return of the King]]
[[Category:Songs]]

The Road Goes Ever On (song)

2020-07-21T08:31:32Z

InAHoleInTheGround: Correct lyrics from The Hobbit's 'Roads go ever on'.

{{disambig-more|The Road Goes Ever On|[[The Road Goes Ever On (disambiguation)]]}}
[[File:Matěj Čadil - The Road Goes Ever On.jpg|thumb|right|"The Road Goes Ever On" by [[:Category:Images by Matěj Čadil|Matěj Čadil]]]]
'''The Road Goes Ever On''', also known as '''A Walking Song''', is a walking song by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], fictionally written by [[Bilbo Baggins]]; verses of it are sung at various places in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. This poem was set to music by [[Donald Swann]];<ref>{{RGEO|1}}</ref> the sheet music and an audio recording are part of the song-cycle aptly named ''[[The Road Goes Ever On (book)|The Road Goes Ever On, A Song Cycle]]''.

== ''The Hobbit'' ==
The original version of the song is recited by [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] in the last chapter of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', at the end of his journey back to [[the Shire]]. Coming to the top of a rise he sees his home in the distance, and stops and says the following:
<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left:20px;">
Roads go ever ever on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that never find the sea;
Over snow by winter sown,
And through the merry flowers of June,
Over grass and over stone,
And under mountains in the moon.

Roads go ever ever on
Under cloud and under star,
Yet feet that wandering have gone
Turn at last to home afar.
Eyes that fire and sword have seen
And horror in the halls of stone
Look at last on meadows green
And trees and hills they long have known.<ref>{{H|Stage}}</ref>
</poem>

== ''The Lord of the Rings'' ==
There are three versions of this walking song in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.

The first is sung by [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] when he leaves [[the Shire]] and is setting off to visit [[Rivendell]]:
<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left:20px;">
The Road goes ever on and on,
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.<ref>{{FR|I1}}</ref>
</poem>
The second version is identical except for changing the word "eager" to "weary" in the fifth line. It is spoken aloud, slowly, by [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], as he and his companions pause on their way to [[Crickhollow]], looking beyond to lands that some of them have never seen before.<ref>{{FR|I3}}</ref>

The third version is spoken by Bilbo in Rivendell after the hobbits have returned from their journey. Bilbo is now an old, sleepy hobbit, who murmurs the verse and then falls asleep.

<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left:20px;">
The Road goes ever on and on
Out from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
Let others follow it who can!
Let them a journey new begin,
But I at last with weary feet
Will turn towards the lighted inn,
My evening-rest and sleep to meet.<ref>{{RK|VI6}}</ref>
</poem>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:Sections of the poem are sung during the trip through [[Mirkwood]]. It appears on the soundtrack titles "Roads".

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:A song inspired by the poem is sung at the end of the film called "[[Roads Go Ever, Ever On]]".

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Bilbo sings the song as he leaves [[Bag End]]. It is sung by [[John Le Mesurier]] to a tune by [[Stephen Oliver]].

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Parts of the [[Bag End (soundtrack)|song]] are sung by [[Gandalf]] in his first appearance, and also by Bilbo as he leaves [[Bag End]].

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Musical]]'':'''
:The poem is the basis of the song "The Road Goes On" sung by Sam, Frodo, Merry, and Pippin in the first act.

'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''
:Lines of the poem partially make up the lyrics of [[The Last Goodbye]], performed by [[Billy Boyd]] for the credits of the film.

==See also==
*[[Poems in The Hobbit|Poems in ''The Hobbit'']]
* [[Poems in The Lord of the Rings|Poems in ''The Lord of the Rings'']]
{{references}}
{{title}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Road Goes Ever On}}
[[Category:Poems in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Poems in The Fellowship of the Ring]]
[[Category:Poems in The Return of the King]]
[[Category:Songs]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[de:Altes Wanderlied]]
[[fi:Tie vain jatkuu jatkumistaan]]