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User talk:Mith/2011

2010-11-23T09:44:59Z

Multikillerbot: /* Hi its me Multibot ! */ new section

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I hope you enjoy editing here and we look forward to your future edits. By the way, you can sign your name on Talk and vote pages using three tildes, like this: ~<nowiki>~~</nowiki>. Four tildes (~~<nowiki>~~</nowiki>) produces your name and the current date. If you have any questions, see the [[Tolkien Gateway:Help|help pages]], add a question to the [[Forum:Council|Council forums]] or ask me on [[User talk:Hyarion|my talk page]]. Keep up the great work! — [[User:Hyarion|Hyarion]]

== Happy Birthday ==

Just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday! --[[User:Hyarion|Hyarion]] 14:34, 12 September 2007 (EDT)

== Tom Bombadil ==

Hey, I was just wondering about your Tom Bombadil edits. In the Fellowship of the Ring he certainly bore the ring, if only for about a minute. Does this not count for ring bearer status? If it doesn't then Deagol should probably be taken out too, as he had it for only a few minutes before being murdered.
[[User:Ælfwine|Ælfwine228]] 01:03, 11 October 2008 (UTC)

:We actually had a discussion about this some weeks ago, last night I was only enacting changes which were long agreed by other members.

:I personally do not see time or physical holding as the crucial deciding factor, but perceived ownership. Tom did not own the Ring, he borrowed it (and in fact he said, "''Show me the precious Ring!''" rather than "give"); Déagol, on the other hand, clearly was in ownership of the Ring albeit for a brief period - if Déagol did not own the Ring then Sméagol would not have needed to steal it from him. Déagol says "''I found this, and I'm going to keep it''" (according to Gandalf).

:Furthermore, is physical holding or time is to be crucial deciding factor over whether someone is the Ring-bearer, Gandalf should be included also because he held the Ring in his hand.

:Also, if Tom were a Ring-bearer why was he never mentioned as being considered - or even that it could be a possibility - for him to take the ship into the West?--{{User:Mith/sig}} 10:03, 11 October 2008 (UTC)

== Nations ==

You should take a look at nationstates.net its fun/
I've moved my nation to Arnor, contact me my nation is breragor. Invite anyone you know to join my region also. And how do you get the things on your profile that say like the race you prefer and lore level?

== 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}} 18:44, 22 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)

:Who is "we"/"us" and who decides these dates? --{{User:Mith/sig}} 15:22, 9 April 2009 (UTC)

::"We" is the community, "us" is me and the community. Me and Ederchil decided about Easter Monday [[Tolkien Gateway talk:Meetings|here]]; I've put the scheduling of the meetings on the agenda.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 23:00, 9 April 2009 (UTC)

:::I wouldn't really call it "decided", actually. TBF. -- {{User:Ederchil/sig}} 23:04, 9 April 2009 (UTC)

==Apostrophes==

Hello Mith! Since I'm not a native English speaker I'm a bit curious about the correct grammar of, e.g., 1920s/1920's. Initially I wrote "1920s", but Ederchil changed it to 1920's. Is it a question of American English and British English? I happened to watch the film ''Goodbye, and Good Luck'', which featured an old commercial spelling "in the 1920's and 1930's". Are you able to shed any light on the issue? Cheers/--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 22:20, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

:I did? Far as I can find, it's 1920s in English. -- {{User:Ederchil/sig}} 22:36, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

::Maybe it was a mistake ;-) I checked if I remembered wrong, but going through the revision history of "Books by year", you suggested the "...'s" in the revision as of 11:46, 18 April 2010. What I remembered wrong was that you didn't change it, just added the decades from the earlier year by year. Anyway, I'll google the issue and see what comes up. --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 22:49, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

:::A google search of "In the 1920's" (I used that sentence since only 1920's also yields the possesive usage) gave 11 900 000 hits. "In the 1920s" gave 47 400 000 hits. This is a method used by some linguists trying to find the most common usage of grammar, but is there a grammatical rule applying to this case?--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 22:53, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

::::Here is what the ''Guide to Grammar and Style'' (by Jack Lynch) says: ''Using an apostrophe to refer to a decade — the 1960's versus the 1960s — is another matter of house style; again, journalists tend to use the apostrophe, and most other publishers don't. I prefer to omit it: refer to the 1960s or the '60s (the apostrophe indicates that "19" has been omitted), not the 1960's or (worse) the '60's.'' --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 23:00, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

:::::Although some would consider it a stylistic issue, strictly it is grammatically incorrect. An apostrophe is used for a) possessive/genitive or b) missing letters; neither case applies to "1920's" - the apostrophe serves no function whatsoever. Certainly in the UK it would be considered ''very'' poor style indeed to apostrophise "1920s"; I don't know the style in the USA. That article was annoying me so I had to remove them! --{{User:Mith/sig}} 10:27, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

==Grammar==

I hope you don't mind that I from time to time ask questions about English grammar and spelling ;-)

If I want to say that something was written in 19XX, at an unknown date, do I say "it was written '''some time''' in 1957" or "it was written '''sometime''' in 1957"? As far as I understand it, the sentence "it was written '''sometimes''' in 1957" is clearly wrong. --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 10:17, 27 June 2010 (UTC)

:Of course I don't mind, I'm happy to help!
:You are right, "sometimes" is wrong. I suppose the correct use would be "sometime", if you ask me ([http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/sometime?view=uk definition from CEOD]), but that's not to say that "some time" is incorrect; it's one of those occasions (like "can not" and "cannot") in which it all comes down to your personal preference.--{{User:Mith/sig}} 10:25, 27 June 2010 (UTC)

==Translation of interview==

Hi Mith! I've translated about a third of the interview by now. Would you mind sending your email to morgan[at]kingtape.se, so I can send you the file? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 00:20, 29 June 2010 (UTC)

:Done. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 00:26, 29 June 2010 (UTC)

== Mithbot ==

Sorry, Mith, but your bot has been making errors. It was a good idea to change link to "Took" into links to "Took Family", but where this also resulted in links to "''Firstname'' Took" changing to link to "''Firstname'' Took Family" (which are redlinks) the result was a bit unfortunate. Also, changing links to "Maggot" into links to "Farmer Farmer Maggot" is overdoing it a bit. I have corrected these errors in the article [[Translated names]], but I have no idea where else they may have been made, and not much time to search. Maybe your want your bot to have a go at it? ;-) — [[User:Mithrennaith|Mithrennaith]] 01:52, 3 July 2010 (UTC)

:No need to apologise, it's entirely my fault. Unfortunately Mithbot couldn't fix the mess (as it kept encountering a 500 server error every time it hit [[Bilbo Baggins]]), but I have made the necessary by hand. Thanks for informing me. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 07:07, 3 July 2010 (UTC)

::You’re welcome, and thanks for dealing with this quickly :-) Those 500 errors are getting to be a nuisance ;-) — [[User:Mithrennaith|Mithrennaith]] 01:47, 5 July 2010 (UTC)
==Angerthas==
I used the slash to indicate subcategory or subdirectory of a topic which I think it's a feature overlooked in wikis. I participate in a wiki of alternate realities and we make heavy use of such slashes, which indicate the alternate version of each topic. To my experience, slashes make it more tidy and "make more sense" since they are adaptations of the same concept. I see no problem with them since they are redirected from their simple names, and they are visible in their categories. It's logical they are not linked from other articles since they do not belong in a narrative or story but to the historical background. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 08:16, 8 August 2010 (UTC)

== Dates ==

I notice you've started changing the format on the letter articles I've been editing. I don't mind, I'm all for consistency and will use that style in the future. In fact I've sort of been waiting for someone to challenge me on them so I can ask the question: is there a standard date style for TG? Before I embarked on the letter articles I
:a) checked the Manual of Style
:b) did a quick sampling of other articles
And couldn't find a definitive answer, which is why I decided to just do what I thought best. --[[User:Aule the Smith|Aule the Smith]] 10:40, 13 August 2010 (UTC)

:There isn't really a definite format, no; I just changed the links so readers could find their way to the required day, as well as just year, easily enough. I didn't change the links in the infoboxes, so readers do have the option. I wouldn't trust the Manual of Style: it's woefully out of date and hideously inadequate!

:About the infobox, would you mind if I widened it? I noticed that many common topics (e.g. ''The Lord of the Rings'') are wider than the infobox allows for, so it might be best to widen it slightly to accommodate them. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 10:47, 13 August 2010 (UTC)

::Not at all. --[[User:Aule the Smith|Aule the Smith]] 10:53, 13 August 2010 (UTC)

::Regarding date formats, perhaps a template might be used to introduce consistency across the wiki (and make things slightly easier). So the input would be like {\{date|2010-08-10}} (i.e. the ISO standard format), which could then be converted to whatever format and method of linking desired. Of course the hard part would be changing the thousands of current entries, but maybe your bot could help with that. —[[User:Aule the Smith|Aulë the Smith]] ([[User_talk:Aule the Smith|Tk]]·[[Special:Contributions/Aule_the_Smith|Cb]]) 12:22, 13 August 2010 (UTC)

:::I'll look into it (although I'm a little apprehensive about infringing on personal style too much). I'll ask see if the bot could do it, although the several hundred dates written in a variety formats may make it pretty tricky. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 13:11, 13 August 2010 (UTC)

== Sources on Gandalf ==

[[Gandalf]] is a featured article (i.e. it's supposed to be among the best), and moreover a [[Special:Statistics|very highly visible one]]. I think for those reasons you should at least give some explanation on the talk page before putting an ugly cleanup box in front of it. It seems well-sourced to me, and if there is a particular part of it that you feel isn't you should make that explicit (as well as the talk page also consider using <nowiki>{{fact}}</nowiki> or placing <nowiki>{{sources}}</nowiki> in a specific section).

(P.S. I don't know about TG but on every other wiki I'm involved with it's considered very bad form to revert somebody's non-vandalism edits without a summary) {{User:Aule the Smith/sig}} 10:31, 16 August 2010 (UTC)

:My mistake, it was only nominated for featured article status some time ago. Maybe that box should be removed too. Still, the point about high visibility stands. {{User:Aule the Smith/sig}} 10:34, 16 August 2010 (UTC)

::Sorry, I didn't mean to offend. It was nominated at a time, I would argue, when our standards were lower than they are. Also, [http://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Gandalf&oldid=78567 since Ederchil added the sources template], the [http://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Gandalf&diff=120958&oldid=78567 number of sources throughout most of the article has barely improved] (notable exception being the first three sections).
::I am aware that it is one of the most popular articles, but our "ugly cleanup box" is probably better at the top rather than putting the "ugly cleanup box" in all other sections, or sticking [[Template:Fact]] after every sentence throughout the entire article (which would be a very tedious job). Anyway, we put those template at the top precisely because we don't want people to miss them and to encourage editors to rectify the situation.
::I don't work on any other wikis, so I don't know how they operate. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 12:03, 16 August 2010 (UTC)

==In/of==
I don't mind, of course (just glad to get response)! But didn't you confuse Belegaer with Beleriand? I guess it would either be "Remnants of Beleriand" or "Remnants in Belegaer", right? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 18:10, 24 August 2010 (UTC)

:Ah, I did; I mis-read it - I apologise. I think I prefer "Remnants of Beleriand" because then Lindon could be included in the template, what d'you reckon? --{{User:Mith/sig}} 18:16, 24 August 2010 (UTC)

::How about making the template more like [[Template:Cosmology]]? It could then perhaps look something like this: [[User:Morgan/Sandbox]]. /morgan (on Chrome!)

:::It looks good (although aren't they remnants in the Second and Fourth Ages, too?). The fact you're using Chrome is less good! --{{User:Mith/sig}} 20:05, 24 August 2010 (UTC) (on [http://www.mozilla-europe.org/sv/ Firefox 3.6.8]!)

== Dragon infobox ==

I was thinking of making a dragon infobox. Is that OK with you? {{User:Aule the Smith/sig}} 10:06, 28 August 2010 (UTC)

:I was going to edit the evil infobox so it would display race under the name of the character, including dragons, but sure. Is it worth it, though - there's only a few? --{{User:Mith/sig}} 10:10, 28 August 2010 (UTC)

::Only four, yeah, but I figure there's quite a few fields that only apply to dragons: whether they had legs, whether they flew, fire-drake/cold-drake, items in their horde. That sort of thing. Is there an existing infobox in particular I can copy to make it up to date with your latest revisions? {{User:Aule the Smith/sig}} 10:18, 28 August 2010 (UTC)

:::None of them are actually finished because I keep discovering missing fields: I never realise just how much of a mess the infoboxes were in terms of their coding and their lack of standardisation. The closest to being finished are [[Template:Edain infobox|Edain infobox]] and [[Template:Half-elf infobox|Half-elf infobox]]; I've not added a "{{{rule}}}" to them yet, though. Not sure if it's relevant to you or not (although I suppose Smaug ruled Erebor...). --{{User:Mith/sig}} 10:22, 28 August 2010 (UTC)

==Nomenclature template==
Hi Mith! I added the line <nowiki>{{HM|N}}</nowiki> to use when giving references to the Nomenclature. Should we use it (instead of typing out the whole reference)? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 00:12, 11 October 2010 (UTC)

:Sure. I honestly don't mind, though, how people write out references, so long as they take the right form. By the way, I was going to ask, how come you put page numbers in brackets in references - I've never seen that done before? --{{User:Mith/sig}} 00:22, 11 October 2010 (UTC)

::True, it might be more standard to use ", p. X". I think I started using it when pondering about how to best give references to the HoMe, where I have different paginations in my DelRey and HarperCollins's editions: "(p. X; HarperCollins 199X)" or ", p. X (HarperCollins 199X)". But perhaps the latter is better. --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 00:29, 11 October 2010 (UTC)

==Userbox==
No problem, I was hoping for some help! :-) I think I understand how to do it now. --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 19:47, 11 October 2010 (UTC)

:Tables are one of those things which are really quite difficult to understand. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Table Wikipedia has a pretty good tutorial], but essentially you need to do remember to do "<nowiki>|-</nowiki>" for every row, and then "|" for every cell within that. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 22:26, 11 October 2010 (UTC)

==Dates==
I noticed you were the "dates supervisor". I was wondering if non-canon lore dates could be added in the articles for the dates if it is stated it is non-canon? -- [[User:Pinkkeith]]

:Apologies for the late reply, I haven't been around much over the last 48 hours. My personal inclination is to say no because I already think we're quite generous with non-canon people/places/events and I sort of like the idea that it doesn't find its way into all articles (not to mention that <nowiki>{{noncanon}}</nowiki> is ugly).

:Saying that, I probably shouldn't make a unilateral decision.. If no one else replies here, I reckon either a forum topic or just edit a couple of dates as examples to see what people think. How does that sound? --{{User:Mith/sig}} 08:27, 20 October 2010 (UTC)

::It sounds fair to me. I just added a date to one of the LOTRO aricles and noticed it was red. I know in many articles we have a "Portrayals in Adaptations" section for many articles. I was thinking something similar might be good for articles related to dates like "This Date in Adaptations" or the like. It was just a thought. -- [[User:Pinkkeith]]

:::If we have such a heading, I wouldn't mind Pinkkeith's idea. --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 10:27, 21 October 2010 (UTC)

::::My concern is that a year in which only one known event happens (as with the vast majority of dates articles) the article could be completely swamped by a Portrayal in Adaptations sections. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 14:00, 22 October 2010 (UTC)

:::::I was looking at the dates corner on Main page today, and just thinking how it might look if a ‘This date in Adaptations’ section were added. On balance, I think I’m rather with Mith on this one. — [[User:Mithrennaith|Mithrennaith]] 01:56, 23 October 2010 (UTC)

::::::You actually could use the <nowiki><noinclude></nowiki> tag on the "This Date in Adaptations" section so that it won't show up on the Main page of the Tolkien Gateway. --[[User:Pinkkeith|Pinkkeith]] 16:49, 25 October 2010 (UTC)

:::::::I think <nowiki><noinclude></nowiki> would have to be included in any case, but that wasn't really my concern, as such. It was more about very small year articles being taken over by adaptations ones. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 11:38, 26 October 2010 (UTC)

::::::::I agree with Mith. --[[User:Amroth|Amroth]]

:::::::::I agree with <s>Nick</s> Mith. --{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 17:08, 26 October 2010 (UTC)

::::::::::I agree with Nick. --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 17:20, 26 October 2010 (UTC)

==Mithbot requests==
When you come back:
* All pages in [[:Category:Images of Peter Jackson's The Return of the King]] to [[:Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]
* All pages in [[:Category:Images from Peter Jackson's The Return of the King]] to [[:Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]
* All pages in [[:Category:Images from Peter Jackson's The Two Towers]] to [[:Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]
* All pages in [[:Category:Images from Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]] to [[:Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]

Thanks in advance. -- {{User:Ederchil/sig}} 11:03, 10 November 2010 (UTC)

:All done. I've not created or deleted any of the affected categories as I'm not sure what you want to do about [[:Category:Images from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]]. I'm guessing you want to move it to [[:Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]] (or something similar)? Also, what do you want to do about [[:Category:Images of the Premiere of Peter Jackson's The Return of the King]]? --{{User:Mith/sig}} 09:11, 17 November 2010 (UTC)

::"Category:Images from the premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King"? -- 09:26, 17 November 2010 (UTC)

:::Sure. In what category? I'm not convinced it fits where it is now. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 09:53, 17 November 2010 (UTC)

::::Neither am I, but I find it a bit too much to create an "Images of Events (real-world)" for this.
::::By the way, could you also move all the other movie images to categories of "Images of <nowiki>{{PAGENAME}}"</nowiki>? Bakshi and Rankin/Bass, I mean. -- {{User:Ederchil/sig}} 16:15, 17 November 2010 (UTC)

:::::OK, all of the film trilogy is sorted. So you want the Bakshi and Rankin/Bass moved to "The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)", "The Hobbit (1977 film)" and "The Return of the King (1980 film)"? I assume you mean "Images from BLA" rather than "Images of BLA"? --{{User:Mith/sig}} 20:28, 17 November 2010 (UTC)

::::::My bad, yeah, I meant that. --{{User:Ederchil/sig}} 21:48, 17 November 2010 (UTC)

:::::::All done. I've sorted out the entirety of [[:Category:Images from Adaptations]] whilst I was there. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 15:03, 18 November 2010 (UTC)

==Character templates==
A couple of points I'd like to raise:
* Royalty infobox could probably best be moved to/changed into "Arnorian infobox", because we're missing a real template for the denizens of the North-kingdom that aren't royalty. I think, in that case, a light blue is better suited as a colour.
* The Men Infobox probably needs most work of all. It simply is too different with the Men sub-templates.
* On second thought, let's just get rid of the Men infobox altogether. We'd need separate ones for Northman, Dale-man, Ent, Eotheod, Beorning, Enigma/Mystery, Dunlending, Pre-Numenorean, Bree-man, Middle Man, Black Numenorean and maybe a couple of others.
* We probably need some sort of field or link acknowledging the artist of the mainpic.
* Just my ideas. -- {{User:Ederchil/sig}} 20:19, 16 November 2010 (UTC)

:# My intention was to move [[Template:Royalty infobox|Royalty]] to [[Template:Arnorian|Arnorian]], but I see you've created a a template for it now. You've tagged it as claimed by me - I take it you'd like me to polish it?
:# I hate the [[Template:Men infobox|Men Infobox]] - it's of very little usefulness and it ugly with dull colours, anyway. My only concern with sub-dividing Men too much is that each infobox could have only five characters for which it would be useful. [[:Category:Beornings|How many Beornings do we actually known]], for instance? (In fact, the number of [[:Category:Northmen|known men in the whole of Rhovanion]] isn't great.)
:# I've thought about image descriptions before. It can be done already within the image (e.g. [[Pearl Took]]) but it is a bit awkward, I accept. If we do insert an image description, would we have to move the names of characters to the top of the template like [[wikipedia:Tony Blair|this]] or [[wikipedia:Lady Gaga|this]]? --{{User:Mith/sig}} 11:59, 19 November 2010 (UTC)

::# I tagged it as claimed because I cribbed it off the Gondorian infobox and never bothered to remove it.
::# My original plan was a sort of master-character template with custom themes, if we don't go ahead with that (because it can't be bot-changed), maybe we could make a miniature version for Men? Oh, and we know two Beornings and what, four Dalings?
::#Not necessarily a description, maybe just an image link or something? I'm not against moving the name to the top of the template, but I'd like to hear other people's opinions on it before doing it.
::# Extra point; maybe we should use the color codes for the character templates at the Race template too? The red one is just ugly, and unfitting in many cases (Ents red?)
::# Extra point, II: Do you have any idea on better colours for the Half-elf infobox? I don't really like the purple.-- {{User:Ederchil/sig}} 12:48, 19 November 2010 (UTC)

:::#I remember the [[Template:Character Infobox|master template]], but I didn't want to interfere. Anyway, I thought in the meantime we could get the existing ones in order before anything else happens. You're right about not being about to bot it, and the uber-template would get incredibly complicated when dealing with the various parameters on specific races (especially with something like the [[Template:Evil infobox|evil infobox]]). We could do that for men, I suppose, it just feels a bit... "indulgent" giving pretty rare groups of men their own colour (not to mention running out of colours distinct enough to differentiate).
:::# I agree we need to ask others about moving the name to the top. Aren't images ''de facto'' image links?
:::# The [[Template:Race|race template]] is a joke. I tidied it up a bit but it's such a pain that I got bored of it. It did, actually, have a parameter to manually set the colours but I took it out because no template made use of it. What would we do about races which don't have their own specific infoboxes (e.g. elf or troll)?
:::# The [[Template:Half-elf infobox|half-elf]] one bothers me, too, but I haven't changed the colours on it yet because I was thinking about shuffling some colours. I was thinking of giving the Noldor a royal blue and the current red colours on Half-elf, don't know if that's much of an improvement, though. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 18:47, 19 November 2010 (UTC)

== Hi its me Multibot ! ==

Now I would like to thank you on your information about my editing. Now I would like to point out that I do not edit all the battles and military articles. Also I would like to point out that many battles I base it on 3 things : The time that it took place. The strength of the Kingdoms/empires during the particular time and similarities with other battles in the past. For example the Battle of The Plains I noticed that it was just 46 years from the siege of Umbar in T.A 1810, in which Gondor was still recovering from the Great Plague. Now the Great Plague decimated Gondor to the point that ,"if the Easterlings or Haradrim attacked Gondor it would have fallen" that would mean that Gondor's army at that time was much too weak for offenses and defenses. Now almost 2 centuries have passed and the Corsairs attacked Gondor and in 1810 Telumehtar gathered a great force and took Umbar. Just 46 years later in T.A 1856 the Wainriders attacked. Now there was an article here that said that Gondor paid a heavy amount of casualties for the victory in T.A 1810 so it just sums up that Narmacil only would have gathered a force of around 10,000 soldiers at the time to fight the Wainriders as Gondor's military would have to leave most of its army to defend other places in Gondor. For the other armies such as the Northmen's and Wainriders I base it on mostly the same things too . If you have any other information about the battles feel free to contact me :)

Battle of the Camp

2010-11-21T10:27:58Z

Multikillerbot:

{{battle
| image=
| name=Battle of the Camp
| conflict=Battle of the Camp
| date={{TA|1944}}
| place=Northern Ithilien
| result= Decisive Gondorian victory
| side1=[[Gondor]]
| side2=[[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]]
| commanders1=
*[[Eärnil II|Eärnil]]
| commanders2=
Unknown Easterling commanders
| forces1= Most of the southern army (20,000) and a remnant of the northern army (5000){{fact}}
| forces2= At least 30,000 Wainriders{{fact}}
| casual1= Probably no more than 3000 Gondorian soldiers{{fact}}
| casual2= At least 20,000 soldiers, enough to cause the Wainriders to withdraw and never bother Gondor again for hundreds of years{{fact}}
}}

The '''Battle of the Camp''' was a battle fought in [[Dagorlad]] between [[Eärnil II|Eärnil]] of [[Gondor]] and the northern coalition of [[Wainriders]] after the [[Disaster of the Morannon]].

== Events Prior to the Battle ==

In {{TA|1944}}, [[Wainriders|Wainriders]] from [[Rhûn]] made an alliance with the [[Haradrim]], and a dual attack on [[Ithilien]] was launched. While the Wainriders assaulted Ithilien from the north, the armies of the Haradrim crossed the [[Poros]] and invaded [[South Ithilien]].

The northern assault of the Wainriders was met by the King of [[Gondor]] himself, [[Ondoher]], with his two sons [[Artamir]] and [[Faramir (son of Ondoher)|Faramir]]. The Easterlings swept through Gondor's defence, cutting down the King and his heirs and routing his army. Their victory complete, and Gondor defenseless before them, the Wainriders paused in North Ithilien to celebrate their conquest.

Their allies in the south had met with much less success. The Gondorian Captain [[Eärnil II|Eärnil]] had led Gondor's inferior Southern Army to victory over the Haradrim, destroying their army in South Ithilien, to the north of the Poros. After his victory, Eärnil turned north.

== The Battle ==

The feasting [[Wainriders]] suddenly found their success reversed, as Eärnil appeared with his Southern Army, reinforced by fleeing members of Ondoher's defeated northern troops. Eärnil's army descended on the unprepared Wainriders, driving many of them into the swamplands of the [[Dead Marshes]]. The Easterlings, for so long a dreaded enemy of Gondor, did not march against Gondor for hundreds of years afterwards. The battle was named after where it had taken place: the Battle of the Camp.

== Aftermath ==

Because there was no heir apparent to the throne, Ondoher and his sons having been killed in the battle, Eärnil was crowned by [[Pelendur]], the current Steward of Gondor(even though [[Arvedui]] of [[Arthedain]] had already claimed it. He was a distant relative of Ondoher, and could trace his lineage back to [[Elendil]] and [[Anárion]] of old.

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht des Lagers]]
[[fi:Leirin Taistelu]]

Battle of the Plains

2010-11-21T10:23:47Z

Multikillerbot:

{{expansion}}
{{battle
| name=Battle of the Plains
| image=[[Image:Olanda Fong-Surdenas - Easterling.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[Wainrider/Balchoth War]]
| date=[[Third Age 1856|T.A. 1856]]
| place=Plains south of Mirkwood
| result=Victory for the Wainriders
| side1=Gondor, Northmen, Éothéod
| side2=Wainriders
| commanders1=[[Image:ME-GondorKing.png|45px|left]] Narmacil II †
| commanders2=[[Image:ME-Easterlings.png|45px|left]] Unknown Wainrider commander
| forces1=About 10,000 Gondorians and 5,000 Northmen
| forces2=Nearly 25,000-30,000 Wainriders and 5,000 soldiers of [[Khand]]
| casual1=Severe: 10,000: 
6,000 soldiers of Gondor,4,000 Northmen
|casual2=Probably moderate:10,000: 
8,000 Wainriders,2,000 soldiers of [[Khand]]
|}}

The '''Battle of the Plains''' was a battle fought in [[Third Age 1856|T.A. 1856]], in which the armies of [[Gondor]] and their allies the [[Northmen]] faced the invading [[Wainriders]].

== Prior to the Battle ==

Twenty one years prior to the battle, the [[Great Plague]] had killed thousands of people from the east to the west of Middle-earth. The heaviest plague impact afflicted the kingdoms of [[Rhovanion (Realm)|Rhovanion]], which lost half of its people, and Gondor, who lost many thousands of its people as well.
They were slow to recover; but fortunately, their weaknesses were not tested for decades. The [[Easterlings]] had been equally afflicted, so that the enemies of Gondor struck mainly from the south, or were maritime raiders. But when the Wainriders invasions began, it involved Gondor in wars that lasted for nearly a hundred years. In these conflicts, the Northmen bore the brunt of the first assaults.

== The Battle ==

Though we know few details, it appears that that King [[Narmacil II]] took a great army north to the plains south of [[Mirkwood]], and gathered together all he could of the scattered remnants of the Northmen; but he was defeated, and he himself was slain in the battle as well as [[Marhari]] leader of the Northmen, who died fighting in the rearguard. The remnant of his army retreated over [[Dagorlad]] into [[Ithilien]].

== Aftermath and Repercussions ==

The battle was a disaster for [[Gondor]]. The king was slain, and the lands east of the river [[Anduin]] were abandoned, save Ithilien. Narmacil was succeeded by his son [[Calimehtar (King of Gondor)|Calimehtar]].

As for the Northmen, a few fled over the river [[Celduin]] and merged with the [[Men of Dale | People of Dale]] (with whom they were akin), some took refuge in Gondor, and others were gathering under the leadership of [[Marhwini]] son of Marhari. They headed north and eventually settled east of Anduin in the [[Vales of Anduin]]. They were joined by many fugitives who came through Mirkwood. This was the birth of the [[Éothéod]], though no news of this reached Gondor for many years. Most of the Northmen were reduced to servitude, and all their former lands were occupied by the Wainriders.

== Sources ==
*[[The Return of the King]] [[Appendix A]]
*[[Unfinished Tales]]

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf den Ebenen]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_plaines]]
[[fi:Tasankojen Taistelu]]

Battle of the Plains

2010-11-21T10:23:19Z

Multikillerbot:

{{expansion}}
{{battle
| name=Battle of the Plains
| image=[[Image:Olanda Fong-Surdenas - Easterling.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[Wainrider/Balchoth War]]
| date=[[Third Age 1856|T.A. 1856]]
| place=Plains south of Mirkwood
| result=Victory for the Wainriders
| side1=Gondor, Northmen, Éothéod
| side2=Wainriders
| commanders1=[[Image:ME-GondorKing.png|45px|left]] Narmacil II †
| commanders2=[[Image:ME-Easterlings.png|45px|left]] Unknown Wainrider commander
| forces1=About 10,000 Gondorians and 5,000 Northmen
| forces2=Nearly 25,000-30,000 Wainriders and 5,000 soldiers of [[Khand]]
| casual1=Severe: 10,000: 
6,000 soldiers of Gondor,4,000 Northmen
| casual2=Probably moderate:10,000: 
8,000 Wainriders,2,000 soldiers of [[Khand]]
|}}

The '''Battle of the Plains''' was a battle fought in [[Third Age 1856|T.A. 1856]], in which the armies of [[Gondor]] and their allies the [[Northmen]] faced the invading [[Wainriders]].

== Prior to the Battle ==

Twenty one years prior to the battle, the [[Great Plague]] had killed thousands of people from the east to the west of Middle-earth. The heaviest plague impact afflicted the kingdoms of [[Rhovanion (Realm)|Rhovanion]], which lost half of its people, and Gondor, who lost many thousands of its people as well.
They were slow to recover; but fortunately, their weaknesses were not tested for decades. The [[Easterlings]] had been equally afflicted, so that the enemies of Gondor struck mainly from the south, or were maritime raiders. But when the Wainriders invasions began, it involved Gondor in wars that lasted for nearly a hundred years. In these conflicts, the Northmen bore the brunt of the first assaults.

== The Battle ==

Though we know few details, it appears that that King [[Narmacil II]] took a great army north to the plains south of [[Mirkwood]], and gathered together all he could of the scattered remnants of the Northmen; but he was defeated, and he himself was slain in the battle as well as [[Marhari]] leader of the Northmen, who died fighting in the rearguard. The remnant of his army retreated over [[Dagorlad]] into [[Ithilien]].

== Aftermath and Repercussions ==

The battle was a disaster for [[Gondor]]. The king was slain, and the lands east of the river [[Anduin]] were abandoned, save Ithilien. Narmacil was succeeded by his son [[Calimehtar (King of Gondor)|Calimehtar]].

As for the Northmen, a few fled over the river [[Celduin]] and merged with the [[Men of Dale | People of Dale]] (with whom they were akin), some took refuge in Gondor, and others were gathering under the leadership of [[Marhwini]] son of Marhari. They headed north and eventually settled east of Anduin in the [[Vales of Anduin]]. They were joined by many fugitives who came through Mirkwood. This was the birth of the [[Éothéod]], though no news of this reached Gondor for many years. Most of the Northmen were reduced to servitude, and all their former lands were occupied by the Wainriders.

== Sources ==
*[[The Return of the King]] [[Appendix A]]
*[[Unfinished Tales]]

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf den Ebenen]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_plaines]]
[[fi:Tasankojen Taistelu]]

Battle of the Plains

2010-11-21T10:20:39Z

Multikillerbot:

{{expansion}}
{{battle
| name=Battle of the Plains
| image=[[Image:Olanda Fong-Surdenas - Easterling.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[Wainrider/Balchoth War]]
| date=[[Third Age 1856|T.A. 1856]]
| place=Plains south of Mirkwood
| result=Victory for the Wainriders
| side1=Gondor, Northmen, Éothéod
| side2=Wainriders
| commanders1=[[Image:ME-GondorKing.png|45px|left]] Narmacil II †
| commanders2=[[Image:ME-Easterlings.png|45px|left]] Unknown Wainrider commander
| forces1=About 10,000 Gondorians and 5,000 Northmen
| forces2=Nearly 30,000-35,000
| casual1=Severe: 10,000: 6,000 soldiers of Gondor,4,000 Northmen
| casual2=Probably moderate:10,000
|}}

The '''Battle of the Plains''' was a battle fought in [[Third Age 1856|T.A. 1856]], in which the armies of [[Gondor]] and their allies the [[Northmen]] faced the invading [[Wainriders]].

== Prior to the Battle ==

Twenty one years prior to the battle, the [[Great Plague]] had killed thousands of people from the east to the west of Middle-earth. The heaviest plague impact afflicted the kingdoms of [[Rhovanion (Realm)|Rhovanion]], which lost half of its people, and Gondor, who lost many thousands of its people as well.
They were slow to recover; but fortunately, their weaknesses were not tested for decades. The [[Easterlings]] had been equally afflicted, so that the enemies of Gondor struck mainly from the south, or were maritime raiders. But when the Wainriders invasions began, it involved Gondor in wars that lasted for nearly a hundred years. In these conflicts, the Northmen bore the brunt of the first assaults.

== The Battle ==

Though we know few details, it appears that that King [[Narmacil II]] took a great army north to the plains south of [[Mirkwood]], and gathered together all he could of the scattered remnants of the Northmen; but he was defeated, and he himself was slain in the battle as well as [[Marhari]] leader of the Northmen, who died fighting in the rearguard. The remnant of his army retreated over [[Dagorlad]] into [[Ithilien]].

== Aftermath and Repercussions ==

The battle was a disaster for [[Gondor]]. The king was slain, and the lands east of the river [[Anduin]] were abandoned, save Ithilien. Narmacil was succeeded by his son [[Calimehtar (King of Gondor)|Calimehtar]].

As for the Northmen, a few fled over the river [[Celduin]] and merged with the [[Men of Dale | People of Dale]] (with whom they were akin), some took refuge in Gondor, and others were gathering under the leadership of [[Marhwini]] son of Marhari. They headed north and eventually settled east of Anduin in the [[Vales of Anduin]]. They were joined by many fugitives who came through Mirkwood. This was the birth of the [[Éothéod]], though no news of this reached Gondor for many years. Most of the Northmen were reduced to servitude, and all their former lands were occupied by the Wainriders.

== Sources ==
*[[The Return of the King]] [[Appendix A]]
*[[Unfinished Tales]]

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf den Ebenen]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_plaines]]
[[fi:Tasankojen Taistelu]]

Battle of the Plains

2010-11-21T10:18:53Z

Multikillerbot:

{{expansion}}
{{battle
| name=Battle of the Plains
| image=[[Image:Olanda Fong-Surdenas - Easterling.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[Wainrider/Balchoth War]]
| date=[[Third Age 1856|T.A. 1856]]
| place=Plains south of Mirkwood
| result=Victory for the Wainriders
| side1=Gondor, Northmen, Éothéod
| side2=Wainriders
| commanders1=[[Image:ME-GondorKing.png|45px|left]] Narmacil II †
| commanders2=[[Image:ME-Easterlings.png|45px|left]] Unknown Wainrider commander
| forces1=About 10,000 Gondorians and 5,000 Northmen
| forces2=Nearly 30,000-35,000{{fact}}
| casual1=Severe: 10,000:6,000 soldiers of Gondor,4,000 Northmen
| casual2=Probably moderate:10,000
|}}

The '''Battle of the Plains''' was a battle fought in [[Third Age 1856|T.A. 1856]], in which the armies of [[Gondor]] and their allies the [[Northmen]] faced the invading [[Wainriders]].

== Prior to the Battle ==

Twenty one years prior to the battle, the [[Great Plague]] had killed thousands of people from the east to the west of Middle-earth. The heaviest plague impact afflicted the kingdoms of [[Rhovanion (Realm)|Rhovanion]], which lost half of its people, and Gondor, who lost many thousands of its people as well.
They were slow to recover; but fortunately, their weaknesses were not tested for decades. The [[Easterlings]] had been equally afflicted, so that the enemies of Gondor struck mainly from the south, or were maritime raiders. But when the Wainriders invasions began, it involved Gondor in wars that lasted for nearly a hundred years. In these conflicts, the Northmen bore the brunt of the first assaults.

== The Battle ==

Though we know few details, it appears that that King [[Narmacil II]] took a great army north to the plains south of [[Mirkwood]], and gathered together all he could of the scattered remnants of the Northmen; but he was defeated, and he himself was slain in the battle as well as [[Marhari]] leader of the Northmen, who died fighting in the rearguard. The remnant of his army retreated over [[Dagorlad]] into [[Ithilien]].

== Aftermath and Repercussions ==

The battle was a disaster for [[Gondor]]. The king was slain, and the lands east of the river [[Anduin]] were abandoned, save Ithilien. Narmacil was succeeded by his son [[Calimehtar (King of Gondor)|Calimehtar]].

As for the Northmen, a few fled over the river [[Celduin]] and merged with the [[Men of Dale | People of Dale]] (with whom they were akin), some took refuge in Gondor, and others were gathering under the leadership of [[Marhwini]] son of Marhari. They headed north and eventually settled east of Anduin in the [[Vales of Anduin]]. They were joined by many fugitives who came through Mirkwood. This was the birth of the [[Éothéod]], though no news of this reached Gondor for many years. Most of the Northmen were reduced to servitude, and all their former lands were occupied by the Wainriders.

== Sources ==
*[[The Return of the King]] [[Appendix A]]
*[[Unfinished Tales]]

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf den Ebenen]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_plaines]]
[[fi:Tasankojen Taistelu]]

Battle of the Field of Celebrant

2010-11-21T10:03:41Z

Multikillerbot:

{{expansion}}
{{battle
| name=Battle of the Field of Celebrant
| image=[[Image:Merlin Douglas Larsen - Field of Celebrant.png|300px]]
| conflict=[[Wainrider/Balchoth War]]
| date=[[April 15]], [[Third Age 2510|T.A. 2510]]
| place=[[Field of Celebrant]]
| result=Victory for [[Gondor]], [[Éothéod]]
| side1=Gondor, Éothéod
| side2=Balchoth
| commanders1=[[Image:ME-Gondor.png|45px]] [[Cirion]] 
[[Image:ME-Rohan.png|45px]] [[Eorl]]
| commanders2=Unknown
| forces1=At least 20,000 Gondorian Soldiers and 7000 Eotheod{{fact}}
| forces2=Considering the fact that they were able to drive the Gondorian force back, probably between 25-30,000, possibly 10,000 Orcs from the Misty Mountains{{fact}}
| casual1=At least between 5000-8000 soldiers of Gondor, considering the fact that they were fighting a two front battle and had been already defeated once, probably 500-2000 Eotheod{{fact}}
* [[Borondir|Borondir Udalraph]]
| casual2= Possibly 15,000 Balchoth, and most likely nearly all of the Orcs.{{fact}}
}}The '''Battle of the Field of Celebrant''' was a battle in the late [[Third Age]].

== Prelude ==

In the year 2510 of the Third Age, the fierce [[Easterlings]] known as the [[Balchoth]] waged open war against a weakened [[Gondor]], and had already overrun most of [[Wilderland]]. Gondor had no allies left east of [[Anduin]], and against hope had sent the [[Red Arrow]] north to the [[Éothéod]], ancient allies of Gondor, but they had received no reply.

== The Battle ==

In 2510 the Balchoth crossed Anduin on numerous fords, passing into the ''Wold'' in the north of the Gondorian province of [[Calenardhon]]. They met little resistance as Calenardhon had been mostly abandoned long before, and by the time the North Army of Gondor appeared from the fortresses of [[Isengard]], [[Aglarond]] and other fortresses in the [[White Mountains]] the bulk of the Balchoth army had crossed. The North Army counter-attacked, and was driven into the ''Wold'', cut off from the later reinforcements by the Balchoth host. By the time the South Army appeared, the North Army had come under attack by an [[Orcs|Orc]] band which by chance or design had descended from the mountains, and the [[Dúnedain]] were backed against the river in a hopeless situation.

At this time the Éothéod under their leader [[Eorl|Eorl the Young]] suddenly appeared, unexpected by friend or foe. The Éothéod crossed the Anduin at the ''Undeeps'' of the river, and broke on the rearguard of the Balchoth. The Balchoth were completely defeated and the Gondorian armies saved. The Éothéod continued their foray into northern Gondor, scattering and destroying all the Balchoth in Calenardhon.

== Aftermath ==

Three months after the Battle the [[Steward of Gondor]] [[Cirion]] gave the Éothéod the entire land of Calenardhon in which to dwell, in return for their service. The Éothéod founded the Kingdom of [[Rohan]] there.

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_du_champ_du_celebrant]]
[[fi:Celebrantin kentän taistelu]]

Battle of the Plains

2010-11-21T09:54:07Z

Multikillerbot:

{{expansion}}
{{battle
| name=Battle of the Plains
| image=[[Image:Olanda Fong-Surdenas - Easterling.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[Wainrider/Balchoth War]]
| date=[[Third Age 1856|T.A. 1856]]
| place=Plains south of Mirkwood
| result=Victory for the Wainriders
| side1=Gondor, Northmen, Éothéod
| side2=Wainriders
| commanders1=[[Image:ME-GondorKing.png|45px|left]] Narmacil II †
| commanders2=[[Image:ME-Easterlings.png|45px|left]] Unknown Wainrider commander
| forces1=About 10,000 Gondorians and 5,000 Northmen
| forces2=Nearly 30,000-35,000
| casual1=Severe:10,000
| casual2=Probably moderate:5,000
|}}

The '''Battle of the Plains''' was a battle fought in [[Third Age 1856|T.A. 1856]], in which the armies of [[Gondor]] and their allies the [[Northmen]] faced the invading [[Wainriders]].

== Prior to the Battle ==

Twenty one years prior to the battle, the [[Great Plague]] had killed thousands of people from the east to the west of Middle-earth. The heaviest plague impact afflicted the kingdoms of [[Rhovanion (Realm)|Rhovanion]], which lost half of its people, and Gondor, who lost many thousands of its people as well.
They were slow to recover; but fortunately, their weaknesses were not tested for decades. The [[Easterlings]] had been equally afflicted, so that the enemies of Gondor struck mainly from the south, or were maritime raiders. But when the Wainriders invasions began, it involved Gondor in wars that lasted for nearly a hundred years. In these conflicts, the Northmen bore the brunt of the first assaults.

== The Battle ==

Though we know few details, it appears that that King [[Narmacil II]] took a great army north to the plains south of [[Mirkwood]], and gathered together all he could of the scattered remnants of the Northmen; but he was defeated, and he himself was slain in the battle as well as [[Marhari]] leader of the Northmen, who died fighting in the rearguard. The remnant of his army retreated over [[Dagorlad]] into [[Ithilien]].

== Aftermath and Repercussions ==

The battle was a disaster for [[Gondor]]. The king was slain, and the lands east of the river [[Anduin]] were abandoned, save Ithilien. Narmacil was succeeded by his son [[Calimehtar (King of Gondor)|Calimehtar]].

As for the Northmen, a few fled over the river [[Celduin]] and merged with the [[Men of Dale | People of Dale]] (with whom they were akin), some took refuge in Gondor, and others were gathering under the leadership of [[Marhwini]] son of Marhari. They headed north and eventually settled east of Anduin in the [[Vales of Anduin]]. They were joined by many fugitives who came through Mirkwood. This was the birth of the [[Éothéod]], though no news of this reached Gondor for many years. Most of the Northmen were reduced to servitude, and all their former lands were occupied by the Wainriders.

== Sources ==
*[[The Return of the King]] [[Appendix A]]
*[[Unfinished Tales]]

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf den Ebenen]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_plaines]]
[[fi:Tasankojen Taistelu]]

Gondorian Military Forces

2010-09-01T10:27:05Z

Multikillerbot: /* The Third Age */

{{sources}}

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

== Infantry of Gondor ==

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

Within a century of Gondor's founding, her armed forces were put to a severe test during the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. In alliance with [[Arnor]] and Elven forces from [[Lindon]] and [[Rhovanion (region)|Rhovanion]], Gondor fought a series of battle with the forces of [[Sauron]]. Sauron's ground forces were completely infantry based, and the allies were predominately infantry as well. This was a result of having brought few horses with them after the Downfall of Númenor. The War was a long struggle of attrition involving hundreds of thousands of troops on each side, and Gondor's casualties were serious while Arnor's were crippling. In this great conflict, Gondor's troops fought in close, well ordered regiments, with infantry in front and archers behind. Archers were also used as mobile reserves, with companies of them moved from on weak spot in the battle line to another.<ref>[[Chris Smith]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]'', "The Last Alliance of Elves and Men", pp. 5-6</ref>

Gondor's infantrymen were well-armored, carrying large, broad shields. They were made of multi-layered wood, and edged in metal. They always bore the device of the tree of Gondor, in metal. Infantrymen wore heavy armor, so they definitely considered heavy infantry. Above their tunics, they wore a layer of chain mail extending down to their knees and elbows. This ended with heavy gauntlets on the forearms, and heavy knee boots. Soldiers also wore plate armor, with a heavy embossed breastplate and backplate. Steel greaves extended downwards from the breastplate to the knees for added protection. All of this was topped off with a large steel helmet, with cheek plates, and a curved neck piece to protect the next from enemy blows. Decorative wings were usually attached, and the helmet was often edged in bronze. <ref name="WaW2527">[[Chris Smith]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]'', "Númenóreans", pp. 25-27</ref>

The weapons used by the infantry included [[spears]], [[swords]], [[axes]], and [[bows]]. Gondorian spears were very long, about nine feet in length. The point was made of steel, and often two feet long. It was designed to be used as a thrusting weapons, as opposed to elven spears, which were often thrown. Swords were usually of medium length — longer than a short sword, but shorter than a broadsword. They were heavy blades usually pointed and designed to be used one-handed, either thrusting or chopping at an opponent. While the pommel was polished wood, the sword guard was usually made of bronze. In close hand-to-hand action, axes would sometimes be used. These were usually single-edged, and about three feet in length.<ref name="WaW2527"/>

=== The Third Age ===

During the [[Third Age]],Gondor's military powess eventually got weakened.The soldiers used two diff. types of armour and shields.The first one was the same as the ones used in the [[War of the Last Alliance]] and were still being used when Gondor was ruled by the Kings,however when Gondor was ruled by the Stewards instead of Kings(this was during the second half of the Third Age),this caused their armour and shields to change.The shields that they carried changed and was only about half the height of it's user which was made of metal. Their armour was affected as well, for it was made out of a thin layer strip of metal that would block against a few attacks unlike the one used in the Second Age which could block many attacks.The weapons were the same (ex.spear,sword,bow and arrows)throughout the Third Age.Another major diff. was their soldiers.Although the soldiers would have proudly fought to the last man , they were never as strong as the warriors of the past especially by the second half of the Third Age, after the Great Plague and the [[Kin-strife]] which left Gondor very weakened for many Numenoreans of pure blood died during those times, soon the Gondorian troops mostly consisted of regular soldiers for the rest of the Third Age.

== Gondorian Knights and Cavalry Forces ==

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

== Gondorian Naval Forces ==

[[Image:ME-DolAmroth.png|thumb|right|Dol Amroth's ensign shows its sea theme]]The '''Gondorian Navy''' constituted the sea-going defense forces of the Southern kingdom of [[Gondor]]. They were often in action against opposition naval forces from [[Pelargir]] or [[Umbar]], renegade fiefs of Gondor.

Before the Downfall of [[Númenor]], it had been known as a mighty sea power, the greatest that ever existed in Middle Earth. Previously they had sent great fleets, under [[Minastir]], to the aid of [[Gil-galad]] against Sauron in the middle of the Third Age. [[Elendil]] and his sons, who founded [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], were all great mariners; therefore, there was a long distinguished tradition of shipbuilding, sea exploration, and seapower projection. By [[Third Age 830|T.A. 830]], Falastur was engaged in heavy fleet building, and became know as the first of the [[Ship-kings]] of Gondor.<ref>{{HM|AA}}</ref> These fleets were usually based at Pelargir, and sometimes Umbar. After the [[Kin-strife]] in Gondor, the defeated rebels took refuge in [[Umbar]], where they long troubled Gondor. Late in the Third Age, [[Thorongil]] (Aragorn II) led a Gondorian naval task force in a raid known as the [[Surprise Attack on Umbar]]. This was a successful raid that neutralized the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs']] naval power for decades, and reduced the southern pressure on Gondor at a time when its power was waning.

== Gondorian Special Forces ==

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

{{references}}
[[Category: Gondorians]]
[[Category: Organizations]]

Gondorian Military Forces

2010-09-01T10:26:55Z

Multikillerbot: /* The Third Age */

{{sources}}

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

== Infantry of Gondor ==

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

Within a century of Gondor's founding, her armed forces were put to a severe test during the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. In alliance with [[Arnor]] and Elven forces from [[Lindon]] and [[Rhovanion (region)|Rhovanion]], Gondor fought a series of battle with the forces of [[Sauron]]. Sauron's ground forces were completely infantry based, and the allies were predominately infantry as well. This was a result of having brought few horses with them after the Downfall of Númenor. The War was a long struggle of attrition involving hundreds of thousands of troops on each side, and Gondor's casualties were serious while Arnor's were crippling. In this great conflict, Gondor's troops fought in close, well ordered regiments, with infantry in front and archers behind. Archers were also used as mobile reserves, with companies of them moved from on weak spot in the battle line to another.<ref>[[Chris Smith]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]'', "The Last Alliance of Elves and Men", pp. 5-6</ref>

Gondor's infantrymen were well-armored, carrying large, broad shields. They were made of multi-layered wood, and edged in metal. They always bore the device of the tree of Gondor, in metal. Infantrymen wore heavy armor, so they definitely considered heavy infantry. Above their tunics, they wore a layer of chain mail extending down to their knees and elbows. This ended with heavy gauntlets on the forearms, and heavy knee boots. Soldiers also wore plate armor, with a heavy embossed breastplate and backplate. Steel greaves extended downwards from the breastplate to the knees for added protection. All of this was topped off with a large steel helmet, with cheek plates, and a curved neck piece to protect the next from enemy blows. Decorative wings were usually attached, and the helmet was often edged in bronze. <ref name="WaW2527">[[Chris Smith]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]'', "Númenóreans", pp. 25-27</ref>

The weapons used by the infantry included [[spears]], [[swords]], [[axes]], and [[bows]]. Gondorian spears were very long, about nine feet in length. The point was made of steel, and often two feet long. It was designed to be used as a thrusting weapons, as opposed to elven spears, which were often thrown. Swords were usually of medium length — longer than a short sword, but shorter than a broadsword. They were heavy blades usually pointed and designed to be used one-handed, either thrusting or chopping at an opponent. While the pommel was polished wood, the sword guard was usually made of bronze. In close hand-to-hand action, axes would sometimes be used. These were usually single-edged, and about three feet in length.<ref name="WaW2527"/>

=== The Third Age ===

During the [[Third Age]],Gondor's military powess eventually got weakened.The soldiers used two diff. types of armour and shields.The first one was the same as the ones used in the [[War of the Last Alliance]] and were still being used when Gondor was ruled by the Kings,however when Gondor was ruled by the Stewards instead of Kings(this was during the second half of the Third Age),this caused their armour and shields to change.The shields that they carried changed and was only about half the height of it's user which was made of metal. Their armour was affected as well, for it was made out of a thin layer strip of metal that would block against a few attacks unlike the one used in the Second Age which could block many attacks.The weapons were the same (ex.spear,sword,bow and arrows)throughout the Third Age.Another major diff. was their soldiers.Although the soldiers would have proudly fought to the last man , they were never as strong as the warriors of the past especially by the second half of the Third Age, after the Great Plague and the [[Kin-trife]] which left Gondor very weakened for many Numenoreans of pure blood died during those times, soon the Gondorian troops mostly consisted of regular soldiers for the rest of the Third Age.

== Gondorian Knights and Cavalry Forces ==

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

== Gondorian Naval Forces ==

[[Image:ME-DolAmroth.png|thumb|right|Dol Amroth's ensign shows its sea theme]]The '''Gondorian Navy''' constituted the sea-going defense forces of the Southern kingdom of [[Gondor]]. They were often in action against opposition naval forces from [[Pelargir]] or [[Umbar]], renegade fiefs of Gondor.

Before the Downfall of [[Númenor]], it had been known as a mighty sea power, the greatest that ever existed in Middle Earth. Previously they had sent great fleets, under [[Minastir]], to the aid of [[Gil-galad]] against Sauron in the middle of the Third Age. [[Elendil]] and his sons, who founded [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], were all great mariners; therefore, there was a long distinguished tradition of shipbuilding, sea exploration, and seapower projection. By [[Third Age 830|T.A. 830]], Falastur was engaged in heavy fleet building, and became know as the first of the [[Ship-kings]] of Gondor.<ref>{{HM|AA}}</ref> These fleets were usually based at Pelargir, and sometimes Umbar. After the [[Kin-strife]] in Gondor, the defeated rebels took refuge in [[Umbar]], where they long troubled Gondor. Late in the Third Age, [[Thorongil]] (Aragorn II) led a Gondorian naval task force in a raid known as the [[Surprise Attack on Umbar]]. This was a successful raid that neutralized the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs']] naval power for decades, and reduced the southern pressure on Gondor at a time when its power was waning.

== Gondorian Special Forces ==

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

{{references}}
[[Category: Gondorians]]
[[Category: Organizations]]

Gondorian Military Forces

2010-09-01T10:26:38Z

Multikillerbot: /* The Third Age */

{{sources}}

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

== Infantry of Gondor ==

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

Within a century of Gondor's founding, her armed forces were put to a severe test during the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. In alliance with [[Arnor]] and Elven forces from [[Lindon]] and [[Rhovanion (region)|Rhovanion]], Gondor fought a series of battle with the forces of [[Sauron]]. Sauron's ground forces were completely infantry based, and the allies were predominately infantry as well. This was a result of having brought few horses with them after the Downfall of Númenor. The War was a long struggle of attrition involving hundreds of thousands of troops on each side, and Gondor's casualties were serious while Arnor's were crippling. In this great conflict, Gondor's troops fought in close, well ordered regiments, with infantry in front and archers behind. Archers were also used as mobile reserves, with companies of them moved from on weak spot in the battle line to another.<ref>[[Chris Smith]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]'', "The Last Alliance of Elves and Men", pp. 5-6</ref>

Gondor's infantrymen were well-armored, carrying large, broad shields. They were made of multi-layered wood, and edged in metal. They always bore the device of the tree of Gondor, in metal. Infantrymen wore heavy armor, so they definitely considered heavy infantry. Above their tunics, they wore a layer of chain mail extending down to their knees and elbows. This ended with heavy gauntlets on the forearms, and heavy knee boots. Soldiers also wore plate armor, with a heavy embossed breastplate and backplate. Steel greaves extended downwards from the breastplate to the knees for added protection. All of this was topped off with a large steel helmet, with cheek plates, and a curved neck piece to protect the next from enemy blows. Decorative wings were usually attached, and the helmet was often edged in bronze. <ref name="WaW2527">[[Chris Smith]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]'', "Númenóreans", pp. 25-27</ref>

The weapons used by the infantry included [[spears]], [[swords]], [[axes]], and [[bows]]. Gondorian spears were very long, about nine feet in length. The point was made of steel, and often two feet long. It was designed to be used as a thrusting weapons, as opposed to elven spears, which were often thrown. Swords were usually of medium length — longer than a short sword, but shorter than a broadsword. They were heavy blades usually pointed and designed to be used one-handed, either thrusting or chopping at an opponent. While the pommel was polished wood, the sword guard was usually made of bronze. In close hand-to-hand action, axes would sometimes be used. These were usually single-edged, and about three feet in length.<ref name="WaW2527"/>

=== The Third Age ===

During the [[Third Age]],Gondor's military powess eventually got weakened.The soldiers used two diff. types of armour and shields.The first one was the same as the ones used in the [[War of the Last Alliance]] and were still being used when Gondor was ruled by the Kings,however when Gondor was ruled by the Stewards instead of Kings(this was during the second half of the Third Age),this caused their armour and shields to change.The shields that they carried changed and was only about half the height of it's user which was made of metal. Their armour was affected as well, for it was made out of a thin layer strip of metal that would block against a few attacks unlike the one used in the Second Age which could block many attacks.The weapons were the same (ex.spear,sword,bow and arrows)throughout the Third Age.Another major diff. was their soldiers.Although the soldiers would have proudly fought to the last man , they were never as strong as the warriors of the past especially by the second half of the Third Age, after the Great Plague and the [[Kins-trife]] which left Gondor very weakened for many Numenoreans of pure blood died during those times, soon the Gondorian troops mostly consisted of regular soldiers for the rest of the Third Age.

== Gondorian Knights and Cavalry Forces ==

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

== Gondorian Naval Forces ==

[[Image:ME-DolAmroth.png|thumb|right|Dol Amroth's ensign shows its sea theme]]The '''Gondorian Navy''' constituted the sea-going defense forces of the Southern kingdom of [[Gondor]]. They were often in action against opposition naval forces from [[Pelargir]] or [[Umbar]], renegade fiefs of Gondor.

Before the Downfall of [[Númenor]], it had been known as a mighty sea power, the greatest that ever existed in Middle Earth. Previously they had sent great fleets, under [[Minastir]], to the aid of [[Gil-galad]] against Sauron in the middle of the Third Age. [[Elendil]] and his sons, who founded [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], were all great mariners; therefore, there was a long distinguished tradition of shipbuilding, sea exploration, and seapower projection. By [[Third Age 830|T.A. 830]], Falastur was engaged in heavy fleet building, and became know as the first of the [[Ship-kings]] of Gondor.<ref>{{HM|AA}}</ref> These fleets were usually based at Pelargir, and sometimes Umbar. After the [[Kin-strife]] in Gondor, the defeated rebels took refuge in [[Umbar]], where they long troubled Gondor. Late in the Third Age, [[Thorongil]] (Aragorn II) led a Gondorian naval task force in a raid known as the [[Surprise Attack on Umbar]]. This was a successful raid that neutralized the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs']] naval power for decades, and reduced the southern pressure on Gondor at a time when its power was waning.

== Gondorian Special Forces ==

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

{{references}}
[[Category: Gondorians]]
[[Category: Organizations]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2010-08-31T07:35:09Z

Multikillerbot: /* Portrayal in Adaptations */

{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[Image:Perkan Pickman - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=March 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=[[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor II|Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]]†
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]]†
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Éomer]]|
commanders2=*The [[Witch-king of Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
|forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison (strength unknown); possibly around 2200 troops smaller than the supported small southern contingent (<2800).{{fact}} 6000 Rohirrim cavalry arriving from the north at dawn, later reinforced by an unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)|
forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 100,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000 [[Haradrim]], and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)|
casual1=
2000 [[Rohirrim]], 3000-4500 overall (number unknown){{fact}}; see article|
casual2=
Complete destruction of attacking force
}}{{wotr}}
'''Battle of Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[March 15]], [[Third Age 3019]] as the [[Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[mûmakil|oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]; The defenders' numbers were considerably less despite the addition of about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] in the days before the battle.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering-ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king of Angmar|Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.

When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] (Merry) wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir|Faramir]], son of [[Denethor II|Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[Image:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''The Black Serpent founders'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Eomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Last Battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the cavalry of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were cowardly running away, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Eowyn.

:The battle begins with Sauron's forces marching on city and firing a volley of severed Gondorian heads over the walls (as in the book).Seeing Mordor's overwhelming army, Denethor despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders.Both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets, many orcs,and a few dozen Gondorian soldiers were killed along with a few catapults and siege towers.Then the Ringwraiths mounted on top of their fellbeasts descended from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults.Meanwhile trolls bring forth the siege towers which do reach the city and engages the Gondorian troops and Gandalf throughout the night.As the battle wages throughout the night the orcs bring forth a giant battering ram named Grond and with it the gates of Minas Tirith are shattered allowing the orcs, trolls and wargs to invade the city.By morning the Gondorian soldiers take heavy casualties and retreat to the higher levels of Minas Tirith,there Gandalf helps them hold out until Théoden and six thousand Rohirrim arrive, decimating the invading orcs and routing the Witch King's right flank. However, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several Oliphaunts, commanded by the Haradrim, who turn the tide against the Rohirrim, as many of the Rohirrim are slain however they did manage to bring down many Haradrim soldiers and their [[Mumakil]].As the battle was turning against Gondor and it's allies,fortunately, Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2010-08-31T07:09:37Z

Multikillerbot: /* Portrayal in Adaptations */

{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[Image:Perkan Pickman - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=March 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=[[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor II|Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]]†
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]]†
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Éomer]]|
commanders2=*The [[Witch-king of Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
|forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison (strength unknown); possibly around 2200 troops smaller than the supported small southern contingent (<2800).{{fact}} 6000 Rohirrim cavalry arriving from the north at dawn, later reinforced by an unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)|
forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 100,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000 [[Haradrim]], and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)|
casual1=
2000 [[Rohirrim]], 3000-4500 overall (number unknown){{fact}}; see article|
casual2=
Complete destruction of attacking force
}}{{wotr}}
'''Battle of Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[March 15]], [[Third Age 3019]] as the [[Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[mûmakil|oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]; The defenders' numbers were considerably less despite the addition of about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] in the days before the battle.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering-ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king of Angmar|Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.

When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] (Merry) wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir|Faramir]], son of [[Denethor II|Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[Image:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''The Black Serpent founders'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Eomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Last Battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the cavalry of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were cowardly running away, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Eowyn.

:The battle begins with Sauron's forces marching on city and firing a volley of severed Gondorian heads over the walls (as in the book).Seeing Mordor's overwhelming army, Denethor despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders.Both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets, many orcs,and a few dozen Gondorian soldiers were killed along with a few catapults and siege towers.Then the Ringwraiths mounted on top of their fellbeasts descended from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults.Meanwhile trolls bring forth the siege towers which do reach the city and engages the Gondorian troops and Gandalf throughout the night.As the battle wages throughout the night the orcs bring forth a giant battering ram named Grond and with it the gates of Minas Tirith are shattered allowing the orcs, trolls and wargs to invade the city.By morning the Gondorian soldiers take heavy casualties and retreat to the higher levels of Minas Tirith,there Gandalf helps them hold out until Théoden and six thousand Rohirrim arrive, decimating the invading orcs and routing the Witch King's right flank. However, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several Oliphaunts, commanded by the Haradrim, who turn the tide against the Rohirrim, as many of the Rohirrim are slain however they did manage to bring down many Haradrim soldiers and their [[Mumakil]]. Fortunately, Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2010-08-31T07:06:27Z

Multikillerbot: /* Portrayal in Adaptations */

{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[Image:Perkan Pickman - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=March 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=[[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor II|Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]]†
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]]†
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Éomer]]|
commanders2=*The [[Witch-king of Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
|forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison (strength unknown); possibly around 2200 troops smaller than the supported small southern contingent (<2800).{{fact}} 6000 Rohirrim cavalry arriving from the north at dawn, later reinforced by an unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)|
forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 100,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000 [[Haradrim]], and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)|
casual1=
2000 [[Rohirrim]], 3000-4500 overall (number unknown){{fact}}; see article|
casual2=
Complete destruction of attacking force
}}{{wotr}}
'''Battle of Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[March 15]], [[Third Age 3019]] as the [[Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[mûmakil|oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]; The defenders' numbers were considerably less despite the addition of about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] in the days before the battle.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering-ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king of Angmar|Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.

When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] (Merry) wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir|Faramir]], son of [[Denethor II|Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[Image:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''The Black Serpent founders'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Eomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Last Battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the cavalry of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were cowardly running away, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Eowyn.

:The battle begins with Sauron's forces marching on city and firing a volley of severed Gondorian heads over the walls (as in the book).Seeing Mordor's overwhelming army, Denethor despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders.Both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets, many orcs,and a few dozen Gondorian soldiers were killed along with a few catapults and siege towers.Then the Ringwraiths mounted on top of their fellbeasts descended from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults.Meanwhile trolls bring forth the siege towers which do reach the city and engages the Gondorian troops and Gandalf throughout the night.As the battle wages throughout the night the orcs bring forth a giant battering ram named Grond and with it the gates of Minas Tirith are shattered allowing the orcs, trolls and wargs to invade the city.By morning the Gondorian soldiers take heavy casualties and retreat to the higher levels of Minas Tirith,there Gandalf helps them hold out until Théoden and six thousand Rohirrim arrive, decimating the invading orcs and routing the Witch King's right flank. However, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several Oliphaunts, commanded by the Haradrim, who turn the tide against the Rohirrim, as many of the Rohirrim are slain however they did manage to bring down many Haradrim soldiers and their [[Mumakil]]. Fortunately, Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces. This is an alteration from the book, in which the Dead depart after they defeat the Corsairs and liberate Pelargir, after which Gondor's Southern Army is now free for rallying to Aragorn.In the theatrical cut of the film, the scenes at Pelargir are cut entirely. The filmmakers felt that tension would be better maintained by not letting the audience know whether or not Aragorn was successful in recruiting the Dead Army. The Pelargir scenes were restored for the extended cut of the movie.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2010-08-31T06:45:15Z

Multikillerbot: /* Portrayal in Adaptations */

{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[Image:Perkan Pickman - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=March 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=[[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor II|Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]]†
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]]†
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Éomer]]|
commanders2=*The [[Witch-king of Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
|forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison (strength unknown); possibly around 2200 troops smaller than the supported small southern contingent (<2800).{{fact}} 6000 Rohirrim cavalry arriving from the north at dawn, later reinforced by an unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)|
forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 100,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000 [[Haradrim]], and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)|
casual1=
2000 [[Rohirrim]], 3000-4500 overall (number unknown){{fact}}; see article|
casual2=
Complete destruction of attacking force
}}{{wotr}}
'''Battle of Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[March 15]], [[Third Age 3019]] as the [[Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[mûmakil|oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]; The defenders' numbers were considerably less despite the addition of about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] in the days before the battle.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering-ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king of Angmar|Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.

When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] (Merry) wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir|Faramir]], son of [[Denethor II|Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[Image:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''The Black Serpent founders'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Eomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Last Battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the cavalry of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were cowardly running away, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Eowyn.

:The battle begins with Sauron's forces marching on city and firing a volley of severed heads over the walls (as in the book).Seeing Mordor's overwhelming army, Denethor despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders.Both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets, many orcs,and a few dozen Gondorian soldiers were killed along with a few catapults and siege towers.Then the flying Ringwraiths descend from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults.Meanwhile trolls bring forth and engages the Gondorian troops and Gandalf throughout the night.As the battle wages throughout the night the orcs bring forth a giant battering ram named Grond and with it the gates of Minas Tirith are shattered allowing the orcs, trolls and wargs to invade the city.By morning the Godorian soldiers take heavy casualties and retreat to the higher levels of Minas Tirith there Gandalf helps them hold out until Théoden and six thousand Rohirrim arrive, decimating the invading orcs and routing the Witch King's right flank. However, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several Oliphaunts, commanded by the Haradrim, who turn the tide against the Rohirrim, as many of the Rohirrim are slain however they did manage to bring down many Haradrim soldiers and their [[Mumakil]]. Fortunately, Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces. This is an alteration from the book, in which the Dead depart after they defeat the Corsairs and liberate Pelargir, after which Gondor's Southern Army is now free to rally to Aragorn. Peter Jackson likely wanted to make the Army of the Dead more of a focus in the story, giving them greater impact in the overall scheme of events and, thus, giving greater significance to Aragorn's decision to take the Paths of the Dead, as well as his trials therein. In the theatrical cut of the film, the scenes at Pelargir are cut entirely. The filmmakers felt that tension would be better maintained by not letting the audience know whether or not Aragorn was successful in recruiting the Dead Army. The Pelargir scenes were restored for the extended cut of the movie.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2010-08-31T06:31:40Z

Multikillerbot: /* Portrayal in Adaptations */

{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[Image:Perkan Pickman - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=March 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=[[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor II|Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]]†
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]]†
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Éomer]]|
commanders2=*The [[Witch-king of Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
|forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison (strength unknown); possibly around 2200 troops smaller than the supported small southern contingent (<2800).{{fact}} 6000 Rohirrim cavalry arriving from the north at dawn, later reinforced by an unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)|
forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 100,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000 [[Haradrim]], and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)|
casual1=
2000 [[Rohirrim]], 3000-4500 overall (number unknown){{fact}}; see article|
casual2=
Complete destruction of attacking force
}}{{wotr}}
'''Battle of Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[March 15]], [[Third Age 3019]] as the [[Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[mûmakil|oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]; The defenders' numbers were considerably less despite the addition of about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] in the days before the battle.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering-ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king of Angmar|Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.

When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] (Merry) wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir|Faramir]], son of [[Denethor II|Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[Image:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''The Black Serpent founders'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Eomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Last Battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the cavalry of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were cowardly running away, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Eowyn.

:The battle begins with Sauron's forces marching on city and firing a volley of severed heads over the walls (as in the book).Seeing Mordor's overwhelming army, Denethor despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders.Both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets, many orcs,and a few dozen Gondorian soldiers were killed along with a few catapults and siege towers.Then the flying Ringwraiths descend from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults.Meanwhile trolls bring forth and engages the Gondorian troops and Gandalf throughout the night.He helps them hold out until Théoden and over six thousand Rohirrim arrive, decimating the invading orcs. However, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several Oliphaunts, commanded by the Haradrim, who turn the tide against the Rohirrim, as many of the Rohirrim are slain however they did manage to bring down many Haradrim soldiers and their [[Mumakil]]. Fortunately, Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces. This is an alteration from the book, in which the Dead depart after they defeat the Corsairs and liberate Pelargir, after which Gondor's Southern Army is now free to rally to Aragorn. Peter Jackson likely wanted to make the Army of the Dead more of a focus in the story, giving them greater impact in the overall scheme of events and, thus, giving greater significance to Aragorn's decision to take the Paths of the Dead, as well as his trials therein. In the theatrical cut of the film, the scenes at Pelargir are cut entirely. The filmmakers felt that tension would be better maintained by not letting the audience know whether or not Aragorn was successful in recruiting the Dead Army. The Pelargir scenes were restored for the extended cut of the movie.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2010-08-31T02:14:46Z

Multikillerbot:

{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[Image:Perkan Pickman - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=March 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=[[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor II|Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]]†
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]]†
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Éomer]]|
commanders2=*The [[Witch-king of Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
|forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison (strength unknown); possibly around 2200 troops smaller than the supported small southern contingent (<2800).{{fact}} 6000 Rohirrim cavalry arriving from the north at dawn, later reinforced by an unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)|
forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 100,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000 [[Haradrim]], and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)|
casual1=
2000 [[Rohirrim]], 3000-4500 overall (number unknown){{fact}}; see article|
casual2=
Complete destruction of attacking force
}}{{wotr}}
'''Battle of Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[March 15]], [[Third Age 3019]] as the [[Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[mûmakil|oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]; The defenders' numbers were considerably less despite the addition of about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] in the days before the battle.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering-ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king of Angmar|Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.

When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] (Merry) wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir|Faramir]], son of [[Denethor II|Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[Image:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''The Black Serpent founders'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Eomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Last Battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the cavalry of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were cowardly running away, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Eowyn.

:The battle begins with Sauron's forces marching on city and firing a volley of severed heads over the walls (as in the book). Initially, both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets. The flying Ringwraiths then descend from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Seeing Mordor's overwhelming army, Denethor despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders. He helps them hold out until Théoden and over six thousand Rohirrim arrive, decimating the invading orcs. However, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several Oliphaunts, commanded by the Haradrim, who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces. This is an alteration from the book, in which the Dead depart after they defeat the Corsairs and liberate Pelargir, after which Gondor's Southern Army is now free to rally to Aragorn. Peter Jackson likely wanted to make the Army of the Dead more of a focus in the story, giving them greater impact in the overall scheme of events and, thus, giving greater significance to Aragorn's decision to take the Paths of the Dead, as well as his trials therein. In the theatrical cut of the film, the scenes at Pelargir are cut entirely. The filmmakers felt that tension would be better maintained by not letting the audience know whether or not Aragorn was successful in recruiting the Dead Army. The Pelargir scenes were restored for the extended cut of the movie.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of Osgiliath (disambiguation)

2010-08-31T02:03:31Z

Multikillerbot:

{{cleanup}}
{{battle
|name=Battle of Osgiliath
|image=[[Image:Donato Giancola - Faramir at Osgiliath.jpg|300px]]
|conflict=War of the Ring
|date= 3018-3019 TA
|place= The ruins of Osgiliath, Anduin river fords
|result=Victory for Sauron, Fall of the eastern and western halves of Osgiliath, leading to the siege of Minas Tirith
|side1=Gondor
|side2=Mordor
|commanders1=
* Boromir (1st battle)
* Faramir (1st and 2nd battles)
|commanders2=
{{Sauron blazon}}
* The Witch-king
|forces1=Several hundred to several thousand Gondorians
|forces2=thousands of Orcs and other servants of Sauron
|casual1=Unknown, hundreds maybe even thousands
|casual2=Unknown, thousands
}}
{{wotr}}
The '''Battle of Osgiliath''' was a prelude to the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].

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

Prior to this, Sauron had regained all his military strength and was prepared to attack [[Middle-earth]]. He first planned to attack his most powerful enemy, the land of Gondor, where "the hammer will fall hardest". But in order to destroy Gondor's capital, [[Minas Tirith in Gondor|Minas Tirith]], he first needed to capture [[Osgiliath]], a city strategically positioned on the river. Fords across the river were located in Osgiliath (half of the city was located on each side of the river) that were the only path a large army could cross the Anduin for hundreds of miles up or downstream (from Cair Andros to Pelargir). If captured, Sauron could freely move his main army across the river and to the primary target of his strategy in the war, Minas Tirith.

The battle to control the ruins of Osgiliath had actually been fought, on and off, for over a century since the fall of [[Ithilien]] to Mordor. A renewed offensive by Mordor to take the city had begun several years prior to the [[Quest of Mount Doom]] (several years before TA 3018), and was fought continuously after that point with occasional lulls.

=== The Battle ===

The forces of Gondor, led by their captain-general [[Boromir|Boromir]], engaged in fierce urban warfare during this long siege. Under Boromir's command the enemy was pushed out of the half of the city on the west bank of the river, and on a strike force including Boromir and his younger brother [[Faramir|Faramir]] was able to destroy the last bridge in the city that connected the two banks of the river. This prevented Mordor's army from making an easy crossing, although the fords remained. After this temporary victory secured the river passing, Sauron's assault lessened. This lull in the Mordor-offensive was probably caused by Sauron not sending more troops to Osgiliath, but instead massing them within Mordor for a killing-blow months later. During this break in heavy fighting Boromir left Gondor to seek consul at [[Rivendell]]; he would never return.

During this time, Faramir led several Ranger attacks deep into Mordor-occupied Ithilien, ambushing enemy armies moving to the Black Gate; Frodo and Sam stumbled into one such attack.

When the Great Signal from Mordor went up and another answered from Minas Morgul, the [[War of the Ring]] proper began (although [[Isengard]] had been fighting before this and Sauron had been pursuing his other fronts). Thus the Battle of Osgiliath was the first battle of the war in a strict sense.

While there were men defending the west side of Osgiliath, the Steward [[Denethor II]] ordered Faramir to lead a force to reinforce them. However, Mordor was prepared. Months beforehand, the Orcs in East Osgiliath had been secretly constructing massive numbers of boats and rafts, and swelled by reinforcements they swarmed across the River Anduin to the Gondorian positions on the other bank. After long and heavy fighting the garrison under Faramir and his troops were forced to flee back to Minas Tirith, behind the [[Rammas Echor]]. Faramir himself was badly wounded in the retreat, when a poisoned Southron arrow pierced him; more severe damage was done by the [[Black Breath]] of the [[Nazgûl]]. In the meantime, the Orcs made makeshift repairs to several destroyed bridges. The main combined army of Mordor then arrived, formed from those that Frodo saw leaving Minas Morgul, but this was "but one and not the greatest of the hosts that Mordor now sent forth": a far greater host that had massed at the Black Gate joined them at Osgiliath, and the combined forces now entired the western bank of Osgiliath. More also came from the fords at Cair Andros, which was recently captured, but they would not reach Minas Tirith until later.

=== Aftermath and Repercussions ===

Osgiliath now completely in the hands of Mordor, the vast army of Sauron marched from the city and surrounded Minas Tirith, beginning the [[siege of Gondor]] and leading directly into the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].

==Portrayal in adaptations ==
For cinematic purposes, the movie-version of ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]'' by Peter Jackson condensed the battle. (In the book, Denethor did not order Faramir on a suicidal cavalry charge against Osgiliath, although Faramir did regard the order to go to help defend Osgiliath ill-advised and certain to result in death.)

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[Category:Sieges]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2010-08-31T00:49:10Z

Multikillerbot:

{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[Image:Perkan Pickman - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=March 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=[[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor II|Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]]†
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]]†
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Halbarad]]†
*[[Éomer]]|
commanders2=*The [[Witch-king of Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
|forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison (strength unknown); possibly around 2200 troops smaller than the supported small southern contingent (<2800).{{fact}} 6000 Rohirrim cavalry arriving from the north at dawn, later reinforced by an unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)|
forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 100,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000 [[Haradrim]], and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)|
casual1=
2000 [[Rohirrim]],3000-4500 overall (number unknown); see article|
casual2=
Complete destruction of attacking force
}}{{wotr}}
'''Battle of Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[March 15]], [[Third Age 3019]] as the [[Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[mûmakil|oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]; The defenders' numbers were considerably less despite the addition of about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] in the days before the battle.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering-ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king of Angmar|Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.

When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] (Merry) wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir|Faramir]], son of [[Denethor II|Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[Image:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''The Black Serpent founders'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Eomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Last Battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the cavalry of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were cowardly running away, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Eowyn.

:The battle begins with Sauron's forces marching on city and firing a volley of severed heads over the walls (as in the book). Initially, both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets. The flying Ringwraiths then descend from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Seeing Mordor's overwhelming army, Denethor despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders. He helps them hold out until Théoden and over six thousand Rohirrim arrive, decimating the invading orcs. However, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several Oliphaunts, commanded by the Haradrim, who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces. This is an alteration from the book, in which the Dead depart after they defeat the Corsairs and liberate Pelargir, after which Gondor's Southern Army is now free to rally to Aragorn. Peter Jackson likely wanted to make the Army of the Dead more of a focus in the story, giving them greater impact in the overall scheme of events and, thus, giving greater significance to Aragorn's decision to take the Paths of the Dead, as well as his trials therein. In the theatrical cut of the film, the scenes at Pelargir are cut entirely. The filmmakers felt that tension would be better maintained by not letting the audience know whether or not Aragorn was successful in recruiting the Dead Army. The Pelargir scenes were restored for the extended cut of the movie.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2010-08-31T00:47:12Z

Multikillerbot:

{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[Image:Perkan Pickman - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=March 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=[[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor II|Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]]†
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]]†
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Halbarad]]†
*[[Éomer]]|
*[[Dervorin]]

commanders2=*The [[Witch-king of Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
|forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison(strength unknown)Possibly around 2200 troops smaller than the supported small southern contingent (<2800). 6000 Rohirrim cavalry arriving from the north at dawn, later reinforced by an unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)|
forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 100,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000 [[Haradrim]], and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)|
casual1=
2000 [[Rohirrim]],2000-4500 overall(number unknown); see article|
casual2=
Complete destruction of attacking force
}}{{wotr}}
'''Battle of Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[March 15]], [[Third Age 3019]] as the [[Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[mûmakil|oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]; The defenders' numbers were considerably less despite the addition of about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] in the days before the battle.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering-ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king of Angmar|Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.

When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] (Merry) wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir|Faramir]], son of [[Denethor II|Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[Image:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''The Black Serpent founders'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Eomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Last Battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the cavalry of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were cowardly running away, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Eowyn.

:The battle begins with Sauron's forces marching on city and firing a volley of severed heads over the walls (as in the book). Initially, both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets. The flying Ringwraiths then descend from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Seeing Mordor's overwhelming army, Denethor despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders. He helps them hold out until Théoden and over six thousand Rohirrim arrive, decimating the invading orcs. However, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several Oliphaunts, commanded by the Haradrim, who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces. This is an alteration from the book, in which the Dead depart after they defeat the Corsairs and liberate Pelargir, after which Gondor's Southern Army is now free to rally to Aragorn. Peter Jackson likely wanted to make the Army of the Dead more of a focus in the story, giving them greater impact in the overall scheme of events and, thus, giving greater significance to Aragorn's decision to take the Paths of the Dead, as well as his trials therein. In the theatrical cut of the film, the scenes at Pelargir are cut entirely. The filmmakers felt that tension would be better maintained by not letting the audience know whether or not Aragorn was successful in recruiting the Dead Army. The Pelargir scenes were restored for the extended cut of the movie.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2010-08-31T00:46:45Z

Multikillerbot:

{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[Image:Perkan Pickman - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=March 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=[[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor II|Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]]†
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]]†
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Halbarad]]†
*[[Éomer]]|
*[[Dervorin]]
commanders2=*The [[Witch-king of Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
|forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison(strength unknown)Possibly around 2200 troops smaller than the supported small southern contingent (<2800). 6000 Rohirrim cavalry arriving from the north at dawn, later reinforced by an unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)|
forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 100,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000 [[Haradrim]], and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)|
casual1=
2000 [[Rohirrim]],2000-4500 overall(number unknown); see article|
casual2=
Complete destruction of attacking force
}}{{wotr}}
'''Battle of Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[March 15]], [[Third Age 3019]] as the [[Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[mûmakil|oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]; The defenders' numbers were considerably less despite the addition of about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] in the days before the battle.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering-ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king of Angmar|Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.

When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] (Merry) wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir|Faramir]], son of [[Denethor II|Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[Image:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''The Black Serpent founders'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Eomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Last Battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the cavalry of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were cowardly running away, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Eowyn.

:The battle begins with Sauron's forces marching on city and firing a volley of severed heads over the walls (as in the book). Initially, both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets. The flying Ringwraiths then descend from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Seeing Mordor's overwhelming army, Denethor despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders. He helps them hold out until Théoden and over six thousand Rohirrim arrive, decimating the invading orcs. However, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several Oliphaunts, commanded by the Haradrim, who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces. This is an alteration from the book, in which the Dead depart after they defeat the Corsairs and liberate Pelargir, after which Gondor's Southern Army is now free to rally to Aragorn. Peter Jackson likely wanted to make the Army of the Dead more of a focus in the story, giving them greater impact in the overall scheme of events and, thus, giving greater significance to Aragorn's decision to take the Paths of the Dead, as well as his trials therein. In the theatrical cut of the film, the scenes at Pelargir are cut entirely. The filmmakers felt that tension would be better maintained by not letting the audience know whether or not Aragorn was successful in recruiting the Dead Army. The Pelargir scenes were restored for the extended cut of the movie.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2010-08-31T00:45:59Z

Multikillerbot:

{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[Image:Perkan Pickman - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=March 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=[[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor II|Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Hirluin]]†
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]]†
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Halbarad]]†
*[[Éomer]]|
*others
commanders2=*The [[Witch-king of Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
|forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison(strength unknown)Possibly around 2200 troops smaller than the supported small southern contingent (<2800). 6000 Rohirrim cavalry arriving from the north at dawn, later reinforced by an unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)|
forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 100,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000 [[Haradrim]], and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)|
casual1=
2000 [[Rohirrim]],2000-4500 overall(number unknown); see article|
casual2=
Complete destruction of attacking force
}}{{wotr}}
'''Battle of Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[March 15]], [[Third Age 3019]] as the [[Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[mûmakil|oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]; The defenders' numbers were considerably less despite the addition of about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] in the days before the battle.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering-ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king of Angmar|Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.

When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] (Merry) wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir|Faramir]], son of [[Denethor II|Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[Image:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''The Black Serpent founders'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Eomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Last Battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the cavalry of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were cowardly running away, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Eowyn.

:The battle begins with Sauron's forces marching on city and firing a volley of severed heads over the walls (as in the book). Initially, both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets. The flying Ringwraiths then descend from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Seeing Mordor's overwhelming army, Denethor despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders. He helps them hold out until Théoden and over six thousand Rohirrim arrive, decimating the invading orcs. However, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several Oliphaunts, commanded by the Haradrim, who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces. This is an alteration from the book, in which the Dead depart after they defeat the Corsairs and liberate Pelargir, after which Gondor's Southern Army is now free to rally to Aragorn. Peter Jackson likely wanted to make the Army of the Dead more of a focus in the story, giving them greater impact in the overall scheme of events and, thus, giving greater significance to Aragorn's decision to take the Paths of the Dead, as well as his trials therein. In the theatrical cut of the film, the scenes at Pelargir are cut entirely. The filmmakers felt that tension would be better maintained by not letting the audience know whether or not Aragorn was successful in recruiting the Dead Army. The Pelargir scenes were restored for the extended cut of the movie.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2010-08-31T00:39:07Z

Multikillerbot:

{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[Image:Perkan Pickman - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=March 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=[[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor II|Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]]†
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Halbarad]]†
*[[Éomer]]|
commanders2=*The [[Witch-king of Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
|forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison(strength unknown)Possibly around 2200 troops smaller than the supported small southern contingent (<2800). 6000 Rohirrim cavalry arriving from the north at dawn, later reinforced by an unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)|
forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 100,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000 [[Haradrim]], and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)|
casual1=
2000 [[Rohirrim]],2000-4500 overall(number unknown); see article|
casual2=
Complete destruction of attacking force
}}{{wotr}}
'''Battle of Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[March 15]], [[Third Age 3019]] as the [[Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[mûmakil|oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]; The defenders' numbers were considerably less despite the addition of about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] in the days before the battle.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering-ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king of Angmar|Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.

When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] (Merry) wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir|Faramir]], son of [[Denethor II|Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[Image:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''The Black Serpent founders'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Eomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Last Battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the cavalry of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were cowardly running away, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Eowyn.

:The battle begins with Sauron's forces marching on city and firing a volley of severed heads over the walls (as in the book). Initially, both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets. The flying Ringwraiths then descend from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Seeing Mordor's overwhelming army, Denethor despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders. He helps them hold out until Théoden and over six thousand Rohirrim arrive, decimating the invading orcs. However, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several Oliphaunts, commanded by the Haradrim, who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces. This is an alteration from the book, in which the Dead depart after they defeat the Corsairs and liberate Pelargir, after which Gondor's Southern Army is now free to rally to Aragorn. Peter Jackson likely wanted to make the Army of the Dead more of a focus in the story, giving them greater impact in the overall scheme of events and, thus, giving greater significance to Aragorn's decision to take the Paths of the Dead, as well as his trials therein. In the theatrical cut of the film, the scenes at Pelargir are cut entirely. The filmmakers felt that tension would be better maintained by not letting the audience know whether or not Aragorn was successful in recruiting the Dead Army. The Pelargir scenes were restored for the extended cut of the movie.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Gondor

2010-08-31T00:36:56Z

Multikillerbot: /* War of the Ring */

{{kingdom
| image = [[Image:Gondor.jpg|300px]]
| name = Gondor
| meaning = Land of Stone
| type = Monarchy/Stewardship
| hidep=yes
| headofstate = [[King of Gondor]]/[[Ruling Steward]]
| executive = [[Council of Gondor]]
| legislative =
| judicial =
| capital = [[Osgiliath]]/[[Minas Tirith]]
| language = [[Westron]]
| location = South of the [[White Mountains]], west of [[Mordor]]
| populace= Mostly [[Men]]
| currency = The [[castar]]
| religious =
| holiday =
| anthem =
| formed = The escape of the [[Faithful]] from the [[Downfall of Númenor]] in [[Second Age 3319|S.A. 3319]]
| established = [[Second Age 3320|S.A. 3320]]
| reorganized = [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]]
| fragmented =
| dissolved =
| restored =
}}{{Pronounce|Gondor.mp3|Ardamir}}
<center>{{quote|Gondor! Gondor, between the Mountains and the Sea! West Wind blew there; light upon the Silver Tree|[[Aragorn]]<ref name="tRoR">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Riders of Rohan]]"</ref>}}</center>

'''Gondor''' was the '''South Kingdom''' of the [[Númenóreans]] in [[Middle-earth]], established soon after the downfall of [[Númenor]] by [[Isildur]] and his brother [[Anárion|Anárion]]. Their father [[Elendil]], who ruled the North Kingdom [[Arnor]], held the overlordship of the realm, however. Though it waned in power over time and the line of its Kings failed, Gondor survived to the end of the [[Third Age]], and had an instrumental role in the [[War of the Ring]]. After the defeat of [[Sauron]], Gondor was ruled by [[Aragorn|Elessar]], Heir of Isildur. Gondor was the seat of the [[Dominion of Men]] in the beginning of the [[Fourth Age]], and many of the tales and legends of the earlier [[Ages of the Children of Ilúvatar|Age]]s of Middle-earth come from the lore and history it preserved.

== History ==
=== Early History ===
Before the Downfall of Númenor, the region that would become Gondor was home to many Númenórean colonists, who either mingled with the indigenous [[Middle Men]] if they were friendly, or dispersed them into [[Ras Morthil]], [[Dunland]], and [[Drúadan Forest]]. The land on which Gondor was founded was more fertile than the more northerly areas of Middle-earth, and therefore it already had a fairly large population before the ships of Elendil's sons arrived, including a well-established haven, [[Pelargir]].<ref name="UTD">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Drúedain]]"</ref> Pelargir was founded by the [[Faithful]] Númenóreans in the year [[Second Age 2350|2350 of the Second Age]].

The refugees from [[Númenor]] led by [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion|Anárion]] were given a warm reception upon their arrival by those that had already colonized this area of Middle-earth. The colonists north of the river [[Anduin]] accepted Elendil's claim to kingship over them. South of the Great River, however, the also-newly-exiled [[Black Númenóreans]] did not recognize Elendil's claim. Since the Black Númenóreans were the descendants of the [[King's Men]] of Númenor, who were opposed to the Faithful, they did not unite with Elendil and his sons, who represented the [[Faithful]] in Middle-earth. Much of Gondor's early history was marked by conflict with the Black Númenóreans.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The White Tree.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''The White Tree'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]After their arrival and acceptance by the people, Isildur and Anárion put themselves to the task of ordering their realm. Isildur built the tower of [[Minas Ithil]] near Mordor as a threat to the [[Black Land]], and within its walls he planted a seedling of the [[Nimloth of Númenor|White Tree]] of Númenor that he had taken before its destruction. Anárion raised the tower of [[Minas Anor]] on the other side of Anduin's floodplain as a bulwark against the [[Wild Men]]. In between their cities, the brothers founded [[Osgiliath]], their capital. From this city Isildur and Anárion ruled side-by-side, and used the ''[[palantíri]]'', the Seeing Stones that the Faithful had taken with them from Númenor, to maintain contact with Elendil and the other areas under their control.

=== First Conflict with Sauron ===
The Dúnedain were at first unaware that Sauron, who had been taken as a prisoner to Númenor before its destruction, had survived the disastrous Downfall. However, not long after the kingdom's cities were built, the awakening of the fires of [[Orodruin]] signaled his return. At that time, the Men of Gondor first called the mountain ''Amon Amarth'', or Mount Doom. Soon after, Sauron launched an attack on Minas Ithil, which forced Isildur into a retreat. Sauron took the fortress and burned the White Tree that had grown there, but Isildur saved one of its seedlings and took it and his family on a ship down the Anduin. He sailed to the north to confer with Elendil about these events. Anárion remained in Gondor and continued to hold Osgiliath. He also managed to push back Sauron's forces to the mountain range of [[Ephel Dúath]], but Sauron began to gather reinforcements, among whom were a large number of Black Númenóreans, and the Men of Gondor knew that their realm was in great danger of being destroyed unless aid came.

=== The [[War of the Last Alliance]] ===
Elendil reacted to the threat of Sauron by combining forces with [[Gil-galad]] the [[Elves|Elven]]-king to make the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]. Their armies marched southeast from Arnor and Gil-galad's realm of [[Lindon]]. Supported by the forces of Gondor, [[Lórinand]], [[Mirkwood]] and the dwarves of [[Moria]], the Alliance fought a great battle on the plain of [[Dagorlad]] north of Mordor. The armies of Elendil and Gil-galad were victorious, and entered Mordor itself, where they laid a siege on Sauron's Tower of [[Siege of Barad-dûr|Barad-dûr]] for seven years. During this time, Anárion was killed by a rock thrown from the Tower that broke his helm. The siege ended when Sauron himself emerged from Barad-dûr to fight the Alliance. Gil-galad and Elendil attacked and destroyed Sauron, though they themselves were slain the process.<ref name="OtRoP">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]"</ref>

=== Gondor in the Beginning of the [[Third Age]] ===
====Rebuilding====
After the battle, during which the long Second Age came to an end, Isildur built a secret tomb for Elendil on the mountain [[Amon Anwar]].<ref name="CE"/> He also aided Anárion's son [[Meneldil]], who was now King, in reorganizing Gondor. Isildur planted the seedling of the White Tree that he had saved in Minas Anor, and it endured for several centuries. After these acts, Isildur left Gondor in the third year of the Third Age with the intent of ruling his father's kingdom of Arnor. He [[Battle of the Gladden Fields|never arrived]].<ref name="Gladden">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Disaster of the Gladden Fields]]"</ref>

==== Gondor Prospers ====
After the war, Gondor's power and wealth grew steadily (only interrupted by an [[Easterlings|Easterling]] invasion in [[Third Age 492]]). Its power would continue to grow into the 9th century of the Third Age. While the power of Gondor's sister kingdom [[Arnor]] peaked during the 9th century, when it broke into various successor states, Gondor's greatest glory was yet to come.

==== Gondor's Golden Age ====
[[Image:Gondor map.gif|thumb|right|300px|Gondor in [[Third Age 1050|T.A. 1050]]]]Gondor's power reached its Golden Age under the four "[[Ship-king|Ship-kings]]":

* [[Tarannon Falastur]], reigned [[Third Age 830]] - [[Third Age 913]]. First of the Ship-Kings, died childless
* [[Eärnil I]], [[Third Age 913]] - [[Third Age 936]]. Nephew of Tarannon
* [[Ciryandil]], [[Third Age 936]] - [[Third Age 1015]]
* [[Hyarmendacil I|Ciryaher Hyarmendacil I]], [[Third Age 1015]] - [[Third Age 1149]]. Last of the Ship-Kings.<ref name="Gondor">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[Appendix A]]'', "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion"</ref>

The reign of Tarannon was an unhappy one: he married [[Berúthiel]], nefarious and loveless. Unlike her husband, she hated the Sea, its smells and its sounds. Mystery began to surround her as she used her [[cats]] to spy on every one, and paranoia and fear rose. After much ado, Tarannon banished her from Gondor, setting her on an adrift ship with her cats. It was last seen passing [[Haven of Umbar|Umbar]] in the South.<ref name="UTI7">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Istari]]", note 7</ref>

In the reign of the powerful king Hyarmendacil I Gondor reached the height of its power. During Hyarmendacil's reign Gondor's borders reached their furthest extent. The Kingdom extended east to the [[Sea of Rhûn]], south to the nearest lands of the [[Haradrim]], as far north as [[Mirkwood]] and west towards the borders of [[Arnor]]. Gondor would also enjoy several centuries of peace due to its military might.<ref name="Gondor"/>

[[Rómendacil II]] built on the northern approach to [[Nen Hithoel]] the giant pillars [[Argonath]] to mark the northern border of Gondor around [[Third Age 1340]].

=== The Decline of Gondor ===
But after his reign decadence spread under the kings of Gondor and a long period of decline began (although Gondor experienced several revivals). Three great calamities struck Gondor during the second millennium of the Third Age, which are held to be the chief reasons for its decline: the [[Kin-strife]], the [[Great Plague]], and the invasion of the [[Wainriders]] (a tribe of Easterlings), one of series of conflicts in the [[Wainrider/Balchoth War]].

==== The Kin-strife ====
In the 15th century a great civil war named the Kin-strife tore the nation apart. The current King Eldacar was of mixed blood: his mother was of the Northmen. Popular displeasure at this led to the overthrow of King Eldacar by Castamir, the admiral of all of Gondor's naval forces who possessed some royal blood. Eldacar's son was slain, and he fled north. Castamir was afterward known as [[Castamir|Castamir the Usurper]]. During his ten year rule he proved to be very cruel, and because of his love of his old fleet, he lavished attention on the coastal regions while the interior provinces were ignored and left to rot. Eldacar then returned with an army of his Northmen kinsmen, and they were joined by armies of Gondorians from interior provinces such as Anórien. [[Osgiliath]] was devastated during this conflict, its great bridge destroyed and its ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'' lost. Eldacar slew Castamir and reclaimed his throne, but Castamir's sons and their forces were besieged in Pelargir, the great port of Gondor. They eventually retreated to Umbar, where they joined with the Corsairs, and troubled Gondor for many years, until their descendants died out.

==== The Great Plague ====
In [[Third Age 1636]] the [[Great Plague]] struck and the [[White Tree of Gondor|White Tree]] died. This Plague was no localized event: the Plague swept through all of Middle-earth, reaching the successor states of Arnor and the [[Hobbits]] of [[the Shire]] in the North. King [[Tarondor (King of Gondor)|Tarondor]] found a sapling of the White Tree, and moved the capital from Osgiliath to [[Minas Anor]], the City of Anárion. During this time, Gondor was so depopulated that the fortifications guarding against the re-entry of evil into Mordor were abandoned. It is believed that had the Haradrim or Easterlings been capable of attacking Gondor at this time, it would have fallen. However, the Plague left Gondor's enemies in no better condition than Gondor itself, and neither side was capable of mounting new offensives.

==== The Invasion of the Wainriders ====
Following the sapping of Gondor's strength by the plague, the Wainrider invasions devastated Gondor, and the conflict lasted for almost a century. The Wainriders destroyed the Northern Army of Gondor, but survivors linked up with the victorious Southern Army of Gondor, led by a general named Eärnil, and they destroyed the Wainriders as they celebrated their victory during the [[Battle of the Camp]], in [[Third Age 1944]].

=== The Line of the Kings Fails ===
==== Reunification Rejected ====
In 1944, Gondor also faced a constitutional crisis when King [[Ondoher]] was slain in a previous battle with both his sons. [[Arvedui]], King of [[Arthedain]], Ondoher's son-in-law, and the victorious general Eärnil, who was a distant blood-relative of Ondoher, claimed the throne. Arvedui's claim lay mainly in the reintroduction of the old Númenórean law of accession, which stated the eldest (remaining) child should succeed the king. If the law was reintroduced, then Arvedui's wife [[Fíriel]], Ondoher's daughter and last remaining child would become [[Ruling Queens of Númenor|Ruling Queen]], making their descendants Kings of both Arnor and Gondor. Arvedui also tried to put weight behind his claim as he was Isildur's heir. The council of Gondor recognised that the name of Isildur was held in honour in Gondor, but they dictated that the South-Kingdom must be ruled by an Heir of Anárion. Due to his ancestry from Fíriel and Arvedui, more than a millennium later, Aragorn Elessar put forward his claim as the heir of both Isildur and Anárion.

Eärnil lay his claim as being a direct descendant of King [[Telumehtar]] Umbardacil. His claim was also greatly bolstered by the popularity he had gained as the victorious general who saved Gondor from the Wainriders after winning the southern theatre of the war. Steward [[Pelendur]] who was temporarily ruling Gondor as serving as arbiter of succession, intervened in favour of Gondor's victorious general who would rule as [[Eärnil II]].

==== The Last Heir of Anárion ====
During the [[Battle of Fornost]], Eärnil II's heir Eärnur led Gondor's forces to victory over the [[Witch-king of Angmar]], who was actually the Lord of the [[Nazgûl]]. Although Eärnur wished to fight him, Eärnur's horse was terrified and fled the battle against his wishes. By the time he mastered his horse and return, the Witch-king had fled. [[Glorfindel of Rivendell|Glorfindel]] the Elf then prophesied to him that it was better that he not fight the Lord of the Nazgûl because "never by the hand of man shall he fall".

Eärnur later ascended to the throne, ruling from Minas Anor (Tower of the Sun). During this time, the Ringwraiths captured Minas Anor's sister city, Minas Ithil (Tower of the Moon), renaming it Minas Morgul (Tower of Sorcery) and taking it as their lair. Minas Anor was renamed Minas Tirith (Tower of Guard) as a result. The Lord of the Nazgûl repeatedly sent messengers to Minas Tirith challenging Eärnur to single combat, taunting him that he had fled out of cowardice from facing him during the Battle of Fornost. Eventually, King Eärnur was overcome by wrath and rode with a small company of knights to Minas Morgul, to accept the challenge. They were never heard from again. So ended the Line of [[Anárion]].

=== The Stewards of Gondor ===
==== The Ruling Stewards ====
The realm was governed by a long line of hereditary Stewards after the disappearance of [[Eärnur]], son of Eärnil, since there was no proof that the last king was dead, and no claimant had enough support to be accepted as his successor. The line of Anárion was held to have failed, and Gondor was not willing to risk to another Kin-strife, which would surely have destroyed it. Whenever there was a new Steward, he would swear an oath to yield rule of Gondor back to the King, in essence only an heir of Isildur, if he should ever return. In Gondor there was no one who could claim descent from Isildur in direct line, and the northern line of Arnor had effectively disappeared, so this oath was not considered seriously. The line of Stewards ruled as Kings, without having the title.

==== Cirion and Eorl ====
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl.jpg|thumb|left|300px|''The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
In [[Third Age 2510]], when Steward [[Cirion]] ruled over Gondor, the nation faced one of its greatest perils: an Easterling tribe named the ''[[Balchoth]]'' invaded Gondor with massive force. Gondor's army marched to fight the Balchoth but were cut off from [[Minas Tirith]] and pushed back in the direction of the [[Limlight]].

Messengers were sent to get help from the [[Éothéod]], a tribe which lived in the northern vales of the [[Anduin]], but nobody expected the messengers to reach their destination. When certain peril came upon Gondor, however, the Éothéod turned the tide of the [[Battle of the Field of Celebrant]]. After the victory the Éothéod were awarded the fields of [[Calenardhon]] north of the [[Ered Nimrais]] from the Gap of Rohan at the southern end of the [[Hithaeglir]], [[Fangorn Forest]], rivers Limlight to river [[Anduin]], western [[Emyn Muil]] and the [[Mering Stream]], where they established the kingdom of [[Rohan]] with [[Eorl the Young]] as their first king. A perpetual alliance between Gondor and Rohan was established by the oath Eorl swore to Cirion.<ref name="CE"/>

=== [[War of the Ring]]===
[[Image:Gondor map (Third Age).gif|thumb|right|300px|Gondor in [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]]]]
In 3019, during the [[War of the Ring]], Gondor was the strongest of the free nations that opposed Sauron, and thus, its defeat was his primary strategic goal in the war.<ref name="MT">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Minas Tirith (chapter)|Minas Tirith]]"</ref> Gondor faced an all out attack on its capital Minas Tirith in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. Although nearly defeated, the Rohirrim once again turned the tide of battle, and helped win the war.<ref name="tBotPF">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]],though with heavy losses."The combined army of the West then carried the battle to Sauron at the Battle of the Morannon, a feint to distract Sauron's attention from Frodo Baggins's quest to destroy the One Ring in Mount Doom, thus causing Sauron's destruction and the allies' ultimate victory.
.</ref>

After the second and final defeat of Sauron the Kingship was restored, [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] became king of the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor.

[[Faramir|Faramir]], last heir of the Ruling Stewards, was to retain the office of steward (though not ruling), and was made [[Prince of Ithilien]], which had been reconquered from the forces of Mordor.<ref name="tSatK">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"</ref> Faramir would serve as the King's representative during absence or illness, and became the chief counsellor of the [[Council of Gondor]].<ref name="L244">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 244]] (dated c. [[1963]])</ref>

==Geography==
Initially, Gondor was comprised of the lands to the North and South of the [[White Mountains]], but [[Calenardhon|a large part of the northern territories]] was gifted to the [[Éothéod]] in [[Third Age 2510]].<ref name="CE">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[Cirion and Eorl]]"</ref> Gondor's close proximity to Sauron's land was the catalyst of many battles and skirmishes, but its location also gave the Gondorians more ability to protect the other regions of Middle-earth from the Dark Lord and his servants.<ref name="CoE">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"</ref>
===Regions===
Gondor was divided between several nearly autonomous regions. These were the following:
* [[Ithilien]], across the [[Anduin]] from Minas Tirith
* [[Anórien]], surrounding [[Minas Tirith in Gondor|Minas Tirith]]
* [[Lossarnach]]
* [[Lebennin]]
* [[Belfalas]]
* [[Dor-en-Ernil]], ruled by the [[Prince of Dol Amroth]]
* [[Lamedon]], north of the [[Ringló]]
* [[Anfalas]], or the Langstrand, in the south-west
* [[Ethir Anduin]]

The long cape of [[Andrast]] was not populated.

Additionally, Gondor held or had held the following regions at certain points in its history:
* [[Harondor]] or South Gondor, which was contested between Gondor and [[Harad]]
* [[Calenardhon]], which was given to the Éothéod and became Rohan
* [[Enedwaith]], never really populated by Gondor and soon abandoned
* [[Rhovanion (region)|Rhovanion]], which was never fully under the control of Gondor but under Gondorian influence at certain times during the Third Age

===Cities===
Cities in Gondor included:
* [[Calembel]]
* [[Dol Amroth]], a city on the coast of Belfalas
* [[Erech]], fortress of Gondor, abandoned by the end of the Third Age
* [[Linhir]]
* [[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] (originally named Minas Anor), City of the Kings
* [[Osgiliath]], city and former capital of Gondor on the river Anduin, largely destroyed and abandoned by the end of the Third Age
* [[Pelargir]]
* [[Tarnost]] (debatable)<ref name="t2M">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]], ''[[The War of the Ring]]'', "[[The Second Map]]"</ref>

===Fortresses and outposts===
Additionally, Gondor used the following locations as military strongholds at certain points in its history, many of which Mordor later took:
* The outposts of [[Amon Hen]] and [[Amon Lhaw]] on [[Emyn Muil]] probably had small garrisons
* [[Isengard|Angrenost]], the fortress of Isengard, later granted to [[Saruman]]
* [[Aglarond]], the Gondorian fortress, later known as Helm's Deep
* The [[Towers of the Teeth]], built by the Gondorians to keep watch over Mordor
* The Gondorian fortress guarding the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]]
* The castle that came to be called [[Durthang]], the largest fortress in Mordor, originally built to guard the [[Ephel Dúath]]
* [[Minas Ithil]], conquered by [[Mordor]] and renamed [[Minas Morgul]] by the Gondorians
* [[Tharbad]] to the north, held by both Gondor and Arnor but abandoned and later ruined after Gondor retreated from [[Enedwaith]]
* The [[Haven of Umbar]], a harbour in the south which was contested by the Haradrim and lost and reclaimed several times

==Languages==
As the Gondorians came from Númenor, so came their language: [[Westron]], or the Common Speech, was the main language of the people of Gondor. Though the source of Westron lied in Pelargir,<ref name="AppF">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[Appendix F]]'', "Of Men"</ref> the clearest form, without any accent, was spoken in Minas Tirith.<ref name="L193">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 193]] (dated [[November 2]], [[1956]])</ref> This style was nobler and more antique than other dialects, and this was the Westron the Elves adopted.<ref name="L144">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 144]] (dated [[April 25]], [[1954]])</ref> In reverence of the mighty lords of Númenor of old, Eldarin was spoken by nobility. Quenya was known to the learned, and Sindarin was used to be polite, especially by those of high [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] blood.<ref name="L347">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 347]] (dated [[December 17]], [[1972]])</ref> However, especially the Sindarin contained several [[Gondor Sindarin|dialectical differences]].<ref name="CE49">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[Cirion and Eorl]]", note 49</ref>

==Etymology==
'''Gondor''' translates from [[Sindarin]] as "Stone-land", from the [[Sindarin]] words ''gond'', "stone", and ''(n)dor'', "land".<ref name="L324"/> The (generally not used) [[Quenya]] form of the name was ''Ondonórë''.<ref name="VT42">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor" (edited by [[Carl F. Hostetter]] and [[Christopher Tolkien]]), published in [[Vinyar Tengwar 42]], July [[2001]]</ref> Gondor received its name because of the abundance of stone in the [[Ered Nimrais]], and the usage of it in great stone cities, statues, and monuments, such as Minas Tirith and the Argonath. In earlier times, it was called the South Kingdom, or ''Hyaralondië'', ''Hyallondië'' and ''Turmen Hyallondiéva'' in Quenya, and ''Arthor na Challonnas'' in Sindarin. Though absent in the English translation, both these names are clearly from the Númenórean point of view: the elements ''[[lond|londië'' and ''lonnas'']] mean "harbour, landing".<ref name="PE17">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "Words, Phrases and Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''" (edited by [[Christopher Gilson]], published in [[Parma Eldalamberon]] 17 (July [[2007]]), page 28</ref> Tolkien wrote that the newer name was likely adopted from lesser people's terminology;<ref name="L324">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 324]] (dated [[June 4]]-[[June 5|5]], [[1971]])</ref> in [[Rohan]], it was known as '''Stoningland''',<ref name="tBotPF"/> and [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]] of the [[Drúedain]] also recognized their use of stone.<ref name="RotR">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Ride of the Rohirrim]]"</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:Gondor]]
[[Category:Realms]]
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]
[[de:Gondor]]
[[fi:Gondor]]

Gondor

2010-08-31T00:31:42Z

Multikillerbot: /* The Invasion of the Wainriders */

{{kingdom
| image = [[Image:Gondor.jpg|300px]]
| name = Gondor
| meaning = Land of Stone
| type = Monarchy/Stewardship
| hidep=yes
| headofstate = [[King of Gondor]]/[[Ruling Steward]]
| executive = [[Council of Gondor]]
| legislative =
| judicial =
| capital = [[Osgiliath]]/[[Minas Tirith]]
| language = [[Westron]]
| location = South of the [[White Mountains]], west of [[Mordor]]
| populace= Mostly [[Men]]
| currency = The [[castar]]
| religious =
| holiday =
| anthem =
| formed = The escape of the [[Faithful]] from the [[Downfall of Númenor]] in [[Second Age 3319|S.A. 3319]]
| established = [[Second Age 3320|S.A. 3320]]
| reorganized = [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]]
| fragmented =
| dissolved =
| restored =
}}{{Pronounce|Gondor.mp3|Ardamir}}
<center>{{quote|Gondor! Gondor, between the Mountains and the Sea! West Wind blew there; light upon the Silver Tree|[[Aragorn]]<ref name="tRoR">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Riders of Rohan]]"</ref>}}</center>

'''Gondor''' was the '''South Kingdom''' of the [[Númenóreans]] in [[Middle-earth]], established soon after the downfall of [[Númenor]] by [[Isildur]] and his brother [[Anárion|Anárion]]. Their father [[Elendil]], who ruled the North Kingdom [[Arnor]], held the overlordship of the realm, however. Though it waned in power over time and the line of its Kings failed, Gondor survived to the end of the [[Third Age]], and had an instrumental role in the [[War of the Ring]]. After the defeat of [[Sauron]], Gondor was ruled by [[Aragorn|Elessar]], Heir of Isildur. Gondor was the seat of the [[Dominion of Men]] in the beginning of the [[Fourth Age]], and many of the tales and legends of the earlier [[Ages of the Children of Ilúvatar|Age]]s of Middle-earth come from the lore and history it preserved.

== History ==
=== Early History ===
Before the Downfall of Númenor, the region that would become Gondor was home to many Númenórean colonists, who either mingled with the indigenous [[Middle Men]] if they were friendly, or dispersed them into [[Ras Morthil]], [[Dunland]], and [[Drúadan Forest]]. The land on which Gondor was founded was more fertile than the more northerly areas of Middle-earth, and therefore it already had a fairly large population before the ships of Elendil's sons arrived, including a well-established haven, [[Pelargir]].<ref name="UTD">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Drúedain]]"</ref> Pelargir was founded by the [[Faithful]] Númenóreans in the year [[Second Age 2350|2350 of the Second Age]].

The refugees from [[Númenor]] led by [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion|Anárion]] were given a warm reception upon their arrival by those that had already colonized this area of Middle-earth. The colonists north of the river [[Anduin]] accepted Elendil's claim to kingship over them. South of the Great River, however, the also-newly-exiled [[Black Númenóreans]] did not recognize Elendil's claim. Since the Black Númenóreans were the descendants of the [[King's Men]] of Númenor, who were opposed to the Faithful, they did not unite with Elendil and his sons, who represented the [[Faithful]] in Middle-earth. Much of Gondor's early history was marked by conflict with the Black Númenóreans.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The White Tree.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''The White Tree'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]After their arrival and acceptance by the people, Isildur and Anárion put themselves to the task of ordering their realm. Isildur built the tower of [[Minas Ithil]] near Mordor as a threat to the [[Black Land]], and within its walls he planted a seedling of the [[Nimloth of Númenor|White Tree]] of Númenor that he had taken before its destruction. Anárion raised the tower of [[Minas Anor]] on the other side of Anduin's floodplain as a bulwark against the [[Wild Men]]. In between their cities, the brothers founded [[Osgiliath]], their capital. From this city Isildur and Anárion ruled side-by-side, and used the ''[[palantíri]]'', the Seeing Stones that the Faithful had taken with them from Númenor, to maintain contact with Elendil and the other areas under their control.

=== First Conflict with Sauron ===
The Dúnedain were at first unaware that Sauron, who had been taken as a prisoner to Númenor before its destruction, had survived the disastrous Downfall. However, not long after the kingdom's cities were built, the awakening of the fires of [[Orodruin]] signaled his return. At that time, the Men of Gondor first called the mountain ''Amon Amarth'', or Mount Doom. Soon after, Sauron launched an attack on Minas Ithil, which forced Isildur into a retreat. Sauron took the fortress and burned the White Tree that had grown there, but Isildur saved one of its seedlings and took it and his family on a ship down the Anduin. He sailed to the north to confer with Elendil about these events. Anárion remained in Gondor and continued to hold Osgiliath. He also managed to push back Sauron's forces to the mountain range of [[Ephel Dúath]], but Sauron began to gather reinforcements, among whom were a large number of Black Númenóreans, and the Men of Gondor knew that their realm was in great danger of being destroyed unless aid came.

=== The [[War of the Last Alliance]] ===
Elendil reacted to the threat of Sauron by combining forces with [[Gil-galad]] the [[Elves|Elven]]-king to make the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]. Their armies marched southeast from Arnor and Gil-galad's realm of [[Lindon]]. Supported by the forces of Gondor, [[Lórinand]], [[Mirkwood]] and the dwarves of [[Moria]], the Alliance fought a great battle on the plain of [[Dagorlad]] north of Mordor. The armies of Elendil and Gil-galad were victorious, and entered Mordor itself, where they laid a siege on Sauron's Tower of [[Siege of Barad-dûr|Barad-dûr]] for seven years. During this time, Anárion was killed by a rock thrown from the Tower that broke his helm. The siege ended when Sauron himself emerged from Barad-dûr to fight the Alliance. Gil-galad and Elendil attacked and destroyed Sauron, though they themselves were slain the process.<ref name="OtRoP">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]"</ref>

=== Gondor in the Beginning of the [[Third Age]] ===
====Rebuilding====
After the battle, during which the long Second Age came to an end, Isildur built a secret tomb for Elendil on the mountain [[Amon Anwar]].<ref name="CE"/> He also aided Anárion's son [[Meneldil]], who was now King, in reorganizing Gondor. Isildur planted the seedling of the White Tree that he had saved in Minas Anor, and it endured for several centuries. After these acts, Isildur left Gondor in the third year of the Third Age with the intent of ruling his father's kingdom of Arnor. He [[Battle of the Gladden Fields|never arrived]].<ref name="Gladden">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Disaster of the Gladden Fields]]"</ref>

==== Gondor Prospers ====
After the war, Gondor's power and wealth grew steadily (only interrupted by an [[Easterlings|Easterling]] invasion in [[Third Age 492]]). Its power would continue to grow into the 9th century of the Third Age. While the power of Gondor's sister kingdom [[Arnor]] peaked during the 9th century, when it broke into various successor states, Gondor's greatest glory was yet to come.

==== Gondor's Golden Age ====
[[Image:Gondor map.gif|thumb|right|300px|Gondor in [[Third Age 1050|T.A. 1050]]]]Gondor's power reached its Golden Age under the four "[[Ship-king|Ship-kings]]":

* [[Tarannon Falastur]], reigned [[Third Age 830]] - [[Third Age 913]]. First of the Ship-Kings, died childless
* [[Eärnil I]], [[Third Age 913]] - [[Third Age 936]]. Nephew of Tarannon
* [[Ciryandil]], [[Third Age 936]] - [[Third Age 1015]]
* [[Hyarmendacil I|Ciryaher Hyarmendacil I]], [[Third Age 1015]] - [[Third Age 1149]]. Last of the Ship-Kings.<ref name="Gondor">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[Appendix A]]'', "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion"</ref>

The reign of Tarannon was an unhappy one: he married [[Berúthiel]], nefarious and loveless. Unlike her husband, she hated the Sea, its smells and its sounds. Mystery began to surround her as she used her [[cats]] to spy on every one, and paranoia and fear rose. After much ado, Tarannon banished her from Gondor, setting her on an adrift ship with her cats. It was last seen passing [[Haven of Umbar|Umbar]] in the South.<ref name="UTI7">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Istari]]", note 7</ref>

In the reign of the powerful king Hyarmendacil I Gondor reached the height of its power. During Hyarmendacil's reign Gondor's borders reached their furthest extent. The Kingdom extended east to the [[Sea of Rhûn]], south to the nearest lands of the [[Haradrim]], as far north as [[Mirkwood]] and west towards the borders of [[Arnor]]. Gondor would also enjoy several centuries of peace due to its military might.<ref name="Gondor"/>

[[Rómendacil II]] built on the northern approach to [[Nen Hithoel]] the giant pillars [[Argonath]] to mark the northern border of Gondor around [[Third Age 1340]].

=== The Decline of Gondor ===
But after his reign decadence spread under the kings of Gondor and a long period of decline began (although Gondor experienced several revivals). Three great calamities struck Gondor during the second millennium of the Third Age, which are held to be the chief reasons for its decline: the [[Kin-strife]], the [[Great Plague]], and the invasion of the [[Wainriders]] (a tribe of Easterlings), one of series of conflicts in the [[Wainrider/Balchoth War]].

==== The Kin-strife ====
In the 15th century a great civil war named the Kin-strife tore the nation apart. The current King Eldacar was of mixed blood: his mother was of the Northmen. Popular displeasure at this led to the overthrow of King Eldacar by Castamir, the admiral of all of Gondor's naval forces who possessed some royal blood. Eldacar's son was slain, and he fled north. Castamir was afterward known as [[Castamir|Castamir the Usurper]]. During his ten year rule he proved to be very cruel, and because of his love of his old fleet, he lavished attention on the coastal regions while the interior provinces were ignored and left to rot. Eldacar then returned with an army of his Northmen kinsmen, and they were joined by armies of Gondorians from interior provinces such as Anórien. [[Osgiliath]] was devastated during this conflict, its great bridge destroyed and its ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'' lost. Eldacar slew Castamir and reclaimed his throne, but Castamir's sons and their forces were besieged in Pelargir, the great port of Gondor. They eventually retreated to Umbar, where they joined with the Corsairs, and troubled Gondor for many years, until their descendants died out.

==== The Great Plague ====
In [[Third Age 1636]] the [[Great Plague]] struck and the [[White Tree of Gondor|White Tree]] died. This Plague was no localized event: the Plague swept through all of Middle-earth, reaching the successor states of Arnor and the [[Hobbits]] of [[the Shire]] in the North. King [[Tarondor (King of Gondor)|Tarondor]] found a sapling of the White Tree, and moved the capital from Osgiliath to [[Minas Anor]], the City of Anárion. During this time, Gondor was so depopulated that the fortifications guarding against the re-entry of evil into Mordor were abandoned. It is believed that had the Haradrim or Easterlings been capable of attacking Gondor at this time, it would have fallen. However, the Plague left Gondor's enemies in no better condition than Gondor itself, and neither side was capable of mounting new offensives.

==== The Invasion of the Wainriders ====
Following the sapping of Gondor's strength by the plague, the Wainrider invasions devastated Gondor, and the conflict lasted for almost a century. The Wainriders destroyed the Northern Army of Gondor, but survivors linked up with the victorious Southern Army of Gondor, led by a general named Eärnil, and they destroyed the Wainriders as they celebrated their victory during the [[Battle of the Camp]], in [[Third Age 1944]].

=== The Line of the Kings Fails ===
==== Reunification Rejected ====
In 1944, Gondor also faced a constitutional crisis when King [[Ondoher]] was slain in a previous battle with both his sons. [[Arvedui]], King of [[Arthedain]], Ondoher's son-in-law, and the victorious general Eärnil, who was a distant blood-relative of Ondoher, claimed the throne. Arvedui's claim lay mainly in the reintroduction of the old Númenórean law of accession, which stated the eldest (remaining) child should succeed the king. If the law was reintroduced, then Arvedui's wife [[Fíriel]], Ondoher's daughter and last remaining child would become [[Ruling Queens of Númenor|Ruling Queen]], making their descendants Kings of both Arnor and Gondor. Arvedui also tried to put weight behind his claim as he was Isildur's heir. The council of Gondor recognised that the name of Isildur was held in honour in Gondor, but they dictated that the South-Kingdom must be ruled by an Heir of Anárion. Due to his ancestry from Fíriel and Arvedui, more than a millennium later, Aragorn Elessar put forward his claim as the heir of both Isildur and Anárion.

Eärnil lay his claim as being a direct descendant of King [[Telumehtar]] Umbardacil. His claim was also greatly bolstered by the popularity he had gained as the victorious general who saved Gondor from the Wainriders after winning the southern theatre of the war. Steward [[Pelendur]] who was temporarily ruling Gondor as serving as arbiter of succession, intervened in favour of Gondor's victorious general who would rule as [[Eärnil II]].

==== The Last Heir of Anárion ====
During the [[Battle of Fornost]], Eärnil II's heir Eärnur led Gondor's forces to victory over the [[Witch-king of Angmar]], who was actually the Lord of the [[Nazgûl]]. Although Eärnur wished to fight him, Eärnur's horse was terrified and fled the battle against his wishes. By the time he mastered his horse and return, the Witch-king had fled. [[Glorfindel of Rivendell|Glorfindel]] the Elf then prophesied to him that it was better that he not fight the Lord of the Nazgûl because "never by the hand of man shall he fall".

Eärnur later ascended to the throne, ruling from Minas Anor (Tower of the Sun). During this time, the Ringwraiths captured Minas Anor's sister city, Minas Ithil (Tower of the Moon), renaming it Minas Morgul (Tower of Sorcery) and taking it as their lair. Minas Anor was renamed Minas Tirith (Tower of Guard) as a result. The Lord of the Nazgûl repeatedly sent messengers to Minas Tirith challenging Eärnur to single combat, taunting him that he had fled out of cowardice from facing him during the Battle of Fornost. Eventually, King Eärnur was overcome by wrath and rode with a small company of knights to Minas Morgul, to accept the challenge. They were never heard from again. So ended the Line of [[Anárion]].

=== The Stewards of Gondor ===
==== The Ruling Stewards ====
The realm was governed by a long line of hereditary Stewards after the disappearance of [[Eärnur]], son of Eärnil, since there was no proof that the last king was dead, and no claimant had enough support to be accepted as his successor. The line of Anárion was held to have failed, and Gondor was not willing to risk to another Kin-strife, which would surely have destroyed it. Whenever there was a new Steward, he would swear an oath to yield rule of Gondor back to the King, in essence only an heir of Isildur, if he should ever return. In Gondor there was no one who could claim descent from Isildur in direct line, and the northern line of Arnor had effectively disappeared, so this oath was not considered seriously. The line of Stewards ruled as Kings, without having the title.

==== Cirion and Eorl ====
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl.jpg|thumb|left|300px|''The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
In [[Third Age 2510]], when Steward [[Cirion]] ruled over Gondor, the nation faced one of its greatest perils: an Easterling tribe named the ''[[Balchoth]]'' invaded Gondor with massive force. Gondor's army marched to fight the Balchoth but were cut off from [[Minas Tirith]] and pushed back in the direction of the [[Limlight]].

Messengers were sent to get help from the [[Éothéod]], a tribe which lived in the northern vales of the [[Anduin]], but nobody expected the messengers to reach their destination. When certain peril came upon Gondor, however, the Éothéod turned the tide of the [[Battle of the Field of Celebrant]]. After the victory the Éothéod were awarded the fields of [[Calenardhon]] north of the [[Ered Nimrais]] from the Gap of Rohan at the southern end of the [[Hithaeglir]], [[Fangorn Forest]], rivers Limlight to river [[Anduin]], western [[Emyn Muil]] and the [[Mering Stream]], where they established the kingdom of [[Rohan]] with [[Eorl the Young]] as their first king. A perpetual alliance between Gondor and Rohan was established by the oath Eorl swore to Cirion.<ref name="CE"/>

=== [[War of the Ring]]===
[[Image:Gondor map (Third Age).gif|thumb|right|300px|Gondor in [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]]]]
In 3019, during the [[War of the Ring]], Gondor was the strongest of the free nations that opposed Sauron, and thus, its defeat was his primary strategic goal in the war.<ref name="MT">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Minas Tirith (chapter)|Minas Tirith]]"</ref> Gondor faced an all out attack on its capital Minas Tirith in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. Although nearly defeated, the Rohirrim once again turned the tide of battle, and helped win the war.<ref name="tBotPF">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]"</ref>

After the second and final defeat of Sauron the Kingship was restored, [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] became king of the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor.

[[Faramir|Faramir]], last heir of the Ruling Stewards, was to retain the office of steward (though not ruling), and was made [[Prince of Ithilien]], which had been reconquered from the forces of Mordor.<ref name="tSatK">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"</ref> Faramir would serve as the King's representative during absence or illness, and became the chief counsellor of the [[Council of Gondor]].<ref name="L244">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 244]] (dated c. [[1963]])</ref>

==Geography==
Initially, Gondor was comprised of the lands to the North and South of the [[White Mountains]], but [[Calenardhon|a large part of the northern territories]] was gifted to the [[Éothéod]] in [[Third Age 2510]].<ref name="CE">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[Cirion and Eorl]]"</ref> Gondor's close proximity to Sauron's land was the catalyst of many battles and skirmishes, but its location also gave the Gondorians more ability to protect the other regions of Middle-earth from the Dark Lord and his servants.<ref name="CoE">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"</ref>
===Regions===
Gondor was divided between several nearly autonomous regions. These were the following:
* [[Ithilien]], across the [[Anduin]] from Minas Tirith
* [[Anórien]], surrounding [[Minas Tirith in Gondor|Minas Tirith]]
* [[Lossarnach]]
* [[Lebennin]]
* [[Belfalas]]
* [[Dor-en-Ernil]], ruled by the [[Prince of Dol Amroth]]
* [[Lamedon]], north of the [[Ringló]]
* [[Anfalas]], or the Langstrand, in the south-west
* [[Ethir Anduin]]

The long cape of [[Andrast]] was not populated.

Additionally, Gondor held or had held the following regions at certain points in its history:
* [[Harondor]] or South Gondor, which was contested between Gondor and [[Harad]]
* [[Calenardhon]], which was given to the Éothéod and became Rohan
* [[Enedwaith]], never really populated by Gondor and soon abandoned
* [[Rhovanion (region)|Rhovanion]], which was never fully under the control of Gondor but under Gondorian influence at certain times during the Third Age

===Cities===
Cities in Gondor included:
* [[Calembel]]
* [[Dol Amroth]], a city on the coast of Belfalas
* [[Erech]], fortress of Gondor, abandoned by the end of the Third Age
* [[Linhir]]
* [[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] (originally named Minas Anor), City of the Kings
* [[Osgiliath]], city and former capital of Gondor on the river Anduin, largely destroyed and abandoned by the end of the Third Age
* [[Pelargir]]
* [[Tarnost]] (debatable)<ref name="t2M">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]], ''[[The War of the Ring]]'', "[[The Second Map]]"</ref>

===Fortresses and outposts===
Additionally, Gondor used the following locations as military strongholds at certain points in its history, many of which Mordor later took:
* The outposts of [[Amon Hen]] and [[Amon Lhaw]] on [[Emyn Muil]] probably had small garrisons
* [[Isengard|Angrenost]], the fortress of Isengard, later granted to [[Saruman]]
* [[Aglarond]], the Gondorian fortress, later known as Helm's Deep
* The [[Towers of the Teeth]], built by the Gondorians to keep watch over Mordor
* The Gondorian fortress guarding the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]]
* The castle that came to be called [[Durthang]], the largest fortress in Mordor, originally built to guard the [[Ephel Dúath]]
* [[Minas Ithil]], conquered by [[Mordor]] and renamed [[Minas Morgul]] by the Gondorians
* [[Tharbad]] to the north, held by both Gondor and Arnor but abandoned and later ruined after Gondor retreated from [[Enedwaith]]
* The [[Haven of Umbar]], a harbour in the south which was contested by the Haradrim and lost and reclaimed several times

==Languages==
As the Gondorians came from Númenor, so came their language: [[Westron]], or the Common Speech, was the main language of the people of Gondor. Though the source of Westron lied in Pelargir,<ref name="AppF">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[Appendix F]]'', "Of Men"</ref> the clearest form, without any accent, was spoken in Minas Tirith.<ref name="L193">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 193]] (dated [[November 2]], [[1956]])</ref> This style was nobler and more antique than other dialects, and this was the Westron the Elves adopted.<ref name="L144">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 144]] (dated [[April 25]], [[1954]])</ref> In reverence of the mighty lords of Númenor of old, Eldarin was spoken by nobility. Quenya was known to the learned, and Sindarin was used to be polite, especially by those of high [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] blood.<ref name="L347">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 347]] (dated [[December 17]], [[1972]])</ref> However, especially the Sindarin contained several [[Gondor Sindarin|dialectical differences]].<ref name="CE49">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[Cirion and Eorl]]", note 49</ref>

==Etymology==
'''Gondor''' translates from [[Sindarin]] as "Stone-land", from the [[Sindarin]] words ''gond'', "stone", and ''(n)dor'', "land".<ref name="L324"/> The (generally not used) [[Quenya]] form of the name was ''Ondonórë''.<ref name="VT42">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor" (edited by [[Carl F. Hostetter]] and [[Christopher Tolkien]]), published in [[Vinyar Tengwar 42]], July [[2001]]</ref> Gondor received its name because of the abundance of stone in the [[Ered Nimrais]], and the usage of it in great stone cities, statues, and monuments, such as Minas Tirith and the Argonath. In earlier times, it was called the South Kingdom, or ''Hyaralondië'', ''Hyallondië'' and ''Turmen Hyallondiéva'' in Quenya, and ''Arthor na Challonnas'' in Sindarin. Though absent in the English translation, both these names are clearly from the Númenórean point of view: the elements ''[[lond|londië'' and ''lonnas'']] mean "harbour, landing".<ref name="PE17">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "Words, Phrases and Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''" (edited by [[Christopher Gilson]], published in [[Parma Eldalamberon]] 17 (July [[2007]]), page 28</ref> Tolkien wrote that the newer name was likely adopted from lesser people's terminology;<ref name="L324">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 324]] (dated [[June 4]]-[[June 5|5]], [[1971]])</ref> in [[Rohan]], it was known as '''Stoningland''',<ref name="tBotPF"/> and [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]] of the [[Drúedain]] also recognized their use of stone.<ref name="RotR">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Ride of the Rohirrim]]"</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:Gondor]]
[[Category:Realms]]
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]
[[de:Gondor]]
[[fi:Gondor]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2010-08-30T16:35:20Z

Multikillerbot:

{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[Image:Perkan Pickman - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=March 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=[[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor II|Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Grimbold]]†
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Halbarad]]†
*[[Éomer]]|
*Others
commanders2=*The [[Witch-king of Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
|forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison(strength unknown)Possibly around 2200 troops smaller than the supported small southern contingent (<2800). 6000 Rohirrim cavalry arriving from the north at dawn, later reinforced by an unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)|
forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 100,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000 [[Haradrim]], and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)|
casual1=
2000 [[Rohirrim]],2000-4500 overall(number unknown); see article|
casual2=
Complete destruction of attacking force
}}{{wotr}}
'''Battle of Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[March 15]], [[Third Age 3019]] as the [[Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[mûmakil|oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]; The defenders' numbers were considerably less despite the addition of about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] in the days before the battle.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering-ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king of Angmar|Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.

When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] (Merry) wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir|Faramir]], son of [[Denethor II|Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[Image:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''The Black Serpent founders'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Eomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Last Battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the cavalry of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were cowardly running away, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Eowyn.

:The battle begins with Sauron's forces marching on city and firing a volley of severed heads over the walls (as in the book). Initially, both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets. The flying Ringwraiths then descend from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Seeing Mordor's overwhelming army, Denethor despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders. He helps them hold out until Théoden and over six thousand Rohirrim arrive, decimating the invading orcs. However, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several Oliphaunts, commanded by the Haradrim, who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces. This is an alteration from the book, in which the Dead depart after they defeat the Corsairs and liberate Pelargir, after which Gondor's Southern Army is now free to rally to Aragorn. Peter Jackson likely wanted to make the Army of the Dead more of a focus in the story, giving them greater impact in the overall scheme of events and, thus, giving greater significance to Aragorn's decision to take the Paths of the Dead, as well as his trials therein. In the theatrical cut of the film, the scenes at Pelargir are cut entirely. The filmmakers felt that tension would be better maintained by not letting the audience know whether or not Aragorn was successful in recruiting the Dead Army. The Pelargir scenes were restored for the extended cut of the movie.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2010-08-30T16:32:56Z

Multikillerbot:

{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[Image:Perkan Pickman - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=March 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=[[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor II|Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Éomer]]
*Others
commanders2=*The [[Witch-king of Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
|forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison(strength unknown)Possibly around 2200 troops smaller than the supported small southern contingent (<2800). 6000 Rohirrim cavalry arriving from the north at dawn, later reinforced by an unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)|
forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 100,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000 [[Haradrim]], and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)|
casual1=
2000 [[Rohirrim]],2000-4500 overall(number unknown); see article|
casual2=
Complete destruction of attacking force
}}{{wotr}}
'''Battle of Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[March 15]], [[Third Age 3019]] as the [[Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[mûmakil|oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]; The defenders' numbers were considerably less despite the addition of about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] in the days before the battle.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering-ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king of Angmar|Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.

When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] (Merry) wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir|Faramir]], son of [[Denethor II|Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[Image:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''The Black Serpent founders'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Eomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Last Battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the cavalry of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were cowardly running away, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Eowyn.

:The battle begins with Sauron's forces marching on city and firing a volley of severed heads over the walls (as in the book). Initially, both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets. The flying Ringwraiths then descend from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Seeing Mordor's overwhelming army, Denethor despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders. He helps them hold out until Théoden and over six thousand Rohirrim arrive, decimating the invading orcs. However, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several Oliphaunts, commanded by the Haradrim, who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces. This is an alteration from the book, in which the Dead depart after they defeat the Corsairs and liberate Pelargir, after which Gondor's Southern Army is now free to rally to Aragorn. Peter Jackson likely wanted to make the Army of the Dead more of a focus in the story, giving them greater impact in the overall scheme of events and, thus, giving greater significance to Aragorn's decision to take the Paths of the Dead, as well as his trials therein. In the theatrical cut of the film, the scenes at Pelargir are cut entirely. The filmmakers felt that tension would be better maintained by not letting the audience know whether or not Aragorn was successful in recruiting the Dead Army. The Pelargir scenes were restored for the extended cut of the movie.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

Battle of Osgiliath (disambiguation)

2010-08-30T14:00:06Z

Multikillerbot:

{{cleanup}}

{{battle
|name=Battle of Osgiliath
|image=[[Image:Donato Giancola - Faramir at Osgiliath.jpg|300px]]
|conflict=War of the Ring
|date= 3018-3019 TA
|place= The ruins of Osgiliath, Anduin river fords
|result=Victory for Sauron, Fall of the eastern and western halves of Osgiliath, leading to the siege of Minas Tirith
|side1=Gondor
|side2=Mordor
|commanders1=
* Boromir(1st battle)
* Faramir(1st and 2nd battles)
|commanders2=
{{Sauron blazon}}
* The Witch-king
|forces1=Several thousand Gondorians(1st battle),500 Gondorians(second battle)
|forces2=thousands of Orcs and other servants of Sauron
|casual1=Unknown, hundreds maybe even thousands
|casual2=Unknown, thousands|
}}
{{wotr}}
The '''Battle of Osgiliath''' was a prelude to the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].

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

Prior to this, Sauron had regained all his military strength and was prepared to attack [[Middle-earth]]. He first planned to attack his most powerful enemy, the land of Gondor, where "the hammer will fall hardest". But in order to destroy Gondor's capital, [[Minas Tirith in Gondor|Minas Tirith]], he first needed to capture [[Osgiliath]], a city strategically positioned on the river. Fords across the river were located in Osgiliath (half of the city was located on each side of the river) that were the only path a large army could cross the Anduin for hundreds of miles up or downstream (from Cair Andros to Pelargir). If captured, Sauron could freely move his main army across the river and to the primary target of his strategy in the war, Minas Tirith.

The battle to control the ruins of Osgiliath had actually been fought, on and off, for over a century since the fall of [[Ithilien]] to Mordor. A renewed offensive by Mordor to take the city had begun several years prior to the [[Quest of Mount Doom]] (several years before TA 3018), and was fought continuously after that point with occasional lulls.

=== The Battle ===

The forces of Gondor, led by their captain-general [[Boromir|Boromir]], engaged in fierce urban warfare during this long siege. Under Boromir's command the enemy was pushed out of the half of the city on the west bank of the river, and on a strike force including Boromir and his younger brother [[Faramir|Faramir]] was able to destroy the last bridge in the city that connected the two banks of the river. This prevented Mordor's army from making an easy crossing, although the fords remained. After this temporary victory secured the river passing, Sauron's assault lessened. This lull in the Mordor-offensive was probably caused by Sauron not sending more troops to Osgiliath, but instead massing them within Mordor for a killing-blow months later. During this break in heavy fighting Boromir left Gondor to seek consul at [[Rivendell]]; he would never return.

During this time, Faramir led several Ranger attacks deep into Mordor-occupied Ithilien, ambushing enemy armies moving to the Black Gate; Frodo and Sam stumbled into one such attack.

When the Great Signal from Mordor went up and another answered from Minas Morgul, the [[War of the Ring]] proper began (although [[Isengard]] had been fighting before this and Sauron had been pursuing his other fronts). Thus the Battle of Osgiliath was the first battle of the war in a strict sense.

While there were men defending the west side of Osgiliath, the Steward [[Denethor II]] ordered Faramir to lead a force to reinforce them. However, Mordor was prepared. Months beforehand, the Orcs in East Osgiliath had been secretly constructing massive numbers of boats and rafts, and swelled by reinforcements they swarmed across the River Anduin to the Gondorian positions on the other bank. After long and heavy fighting the garrison under Faramir and his troops were forced to flee back to Minas Tirith, behind the [[Rammas Echor]]. Faramir himself was badly wounded in the retreat, when a poisoned Southron arrow pierced him; more severe damage was done by the [[Black Breath]] of the [[Nazgûl]]. In the meantime, the Orcs made makeshift repairs to several destroyed bridges. The main combined army of Mordor then arrived, formed from those that Frodo saw leaving Minas Morgul, but this was "but one and not the greatest of the hosts that Mordor now sent forth": a far greater host that had massed at the Black Gate joined them at Osgiliath, and the combined forces now entired the western bank of Osgiliath. More also came from the fords at Cair Andros, which was recently captured, but they would not reach Minas Tirith until later.

=== Aftermath and Repercussions ===

Osgiliath now completely in the hands of Mordor, the vast army of Sauron marched from the city and surrounded Minas Tirith, beginning the [[siege of Gondor]] and leading directly into the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].

==Portrayal in adaptations ==
For cinematic purposes, the movie-version of ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]'' by Peter Jackson condensed the battle. (In the book, Denethor did not order Faramir on a suicidal cavalry charge against Osgiliath, although Faramir did regard the order to go to help defend Osgiliath ill-advised and certain to result in death.)

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[Category:Sieges]]

Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2010-08-30T13:45:24Z

Multikillerbot:

{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{battle|
image=[[Image:Perkan Pickman - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of Pelennor Fields|
conflict=[[War of the Ring]]|
date=March 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=[[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]] and fields of [[Pelennor]], [[Gondor]]|
result= Victory of Gondor and Rohan|
side1=[[Gondor]], [[Rohan]]|
side2= [[Mordor]], [[Harad]], [[Rhûn]], [[Khand]]|
commanders1=*[[Denethor II|Denethor]] †
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Forlong]] †
*[[Imrahil]]
*[[Théoden]] †
*[[Aragorn]]
*[[Éomer]]|
commanders2=*The [[Witch-king of Angmar]] †
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]
|forces1=In [[Minas Tirith]]: Minas Tirith Garrison(strength unknown)Probabaly around 2200 troops smaller than the supported small southern contingent (<2800). 6000 Rohirrim cavalry arriving from the north at dawn, later reinforced by an unknown number of Men of Southern Gondor under Aragorn arriving from the south (possibly 2-4,000)|
forces2=Unknown total strength, but vast numerical superiority to Gondor's forces in Minas Tirith; possibly over 100,000. Forces consisting of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], [[Wargs]], [[Oliphaunts]], the [[Nazgûl]], 18000 [[Haradrim]], and thousands of [[Easterlings]] (Men of Rhûn, Variags of Khand, etc.)|
casual1=
2000 [[Rohirrim]],2000-4500 overall(number unknown); see article|
casual2=
Complete destruction of attacking force
}}{{wotr}}
'''Battle of Pelennor Fields''' was the greatest battle of the [[War of the Ring]], and indeed the largest of the entire [[Third Age]].

==History==
===Prelude===
After the fall of [[Osgiliath]] there was no longer a barrier against the forces of [[Mordor]], which moved on the [[Pelennor Fields]] before the city on [[March 15]], [[Third Age 3019]] as the [[Great Darkness]] blotted out the sun.

Mordor's troops consisted of more than 30,000 [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]],{{fact}} numerous [[mûmakil|oliphaunts]], and tens of thousands of [[Orcs]]; The defenders' numbers were considerably less despite the addition of about 2,800 men from southern [[Gondor]] in the days before the battle.

===Battle===
The attackers used catapults not only to attack the city, through bombardment and flames, but also to fire the heads of slain men from Osgiliath and other places Mordor's armies had passed through into it.{{fact}} Later on, the great battering ram [[Grond (battering-ram)|Grond]] (named after [[Morgoth]]'s weapon from the First Age) was put into action.

Before dawn Grond was used to break the city's main gate, and the [[Witch-king of Angmar|Witch-king]] rode into the city unchallenged, save by [[Gandalf]]. Before Gandalf's strength was put to the test, however, the cock crowed and the horns of [[Rohan]] were heard as around 6,000 of their riders joined the battle. Mordor's strategy for keeping Rohan out of the battle had failed twice, both through the defeat at Helm's Deep and the blockade in Anorien. So the Witch-king was forced to ride out and attack them instead of fighting Gandalf and destroying the city.

King Théoden's charge drove the Mordor forces from the northern half of the field, and charging the Haradrim cavalry he slew the Southron chieftain, the [[Black Serpent]], and cut down his standardbearer.

When the Witch-king's fell beast attacked King [[Théoden]] of Rohan, the king's horse [[Snowmane]] lost control, and was hit by an arrow. Snowmane fell with the king atop him, and the horse landed on him, which proved fatal. The warrior [[Dernhelm]], defending the king's body, slew the fell beast and challenged its rider. The Witch-king mocked him, telling him that no living man might slay him, but the [[hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] (Merry) wounded him with a sword that had been forged centuries before during the war between [[Arnor]] and [[Angmar]] and which contained spells against the Witch-king. The spells finally found their target, for the Witch-king was distracted and possibly seriously weakened. He was then slain by Dernhelm, now revealed as Théoden's niece [[Éowyn]] and thus no ''man'' at all. The [[Black Breath]] caused both Merry and Éowyn to become gravely ill, and they were sent to the [[Houses of Healing]] in the city. Command of the Rohirrim then passed to Théoden's nephew and heir, Third Marshall Éomer.

At the same time, [[Faramir|Faramir]], son of [[Denethor II|Denethor]], Steward of Gondor, was also gravely wounded. Despairing at the visions of defeat that [[Sauron]] had sent him via his ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'', and believing Faramir to be beyond aid, Denethor prepared to burn himself and his son upon a funeral pyre. Only the intervention of [[Peregrin Took]] and Gandalf saved Faramir, but Denethor immolated himself before they could prevent him.

Meanwhile, the battle turned against the Rohirrim. The Southrons charged with their Mûmakil and wherever they went horses went wild with fear or were trampled underfoot, and the forces of Mordor rallied around them like islands of defense that the Rohirrim cavalry could not overtake. Éomer, grim after the death of Théoden but shocked by the unexpected (seeming) death of his sister Éowyn, the last living member of his family, flew into a [[berserker]] rage and charged his cavalry headlong into the larger enemy forces. So great was the wrath of the outnumbered Rohirrim at the death of their King that they broke through the superior Mordor forces, hammering deep wedges into the Mordor legions' front lines. However, this soon turned against Éomer: his cavalry had pierced the Enemy front lines so quickly that his company was now cut off from the other two, and surrounded between Mordor's front lines and their reserves. Fighting their way to the docks near the Harlond south of the city, Éomer desperately circled up his men on a hill and prepared to fight to the death, when he saw enemy reinforcements sailing up the River [[Anduin]], and let out a defiant cry at his approaching end.
[[Image:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''The Black Serpent founders'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
One of the visions that Denethor had seen was of a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arriving at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but what he had not seen was that they were actually manned by [[Aragorn]] and other [[Rangers of the North]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor. As Aragorn's army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil". Aragorn's army then linked with Eomer's, and with their aid the tide of battle was finally turned, and a brief respite was won until the [[Last Battle]] before the [[Morannon|Black Gate]].

=== Aftermath ===

There is no clearly stated final death toll for the Battle of Pelennor Fields. There is a definite figure for the cavalry of the Rohirrim that came to Gondor's defence; it consisted of 6,000 riders, and a full 2,000 were killed in the battle, including Théoden. Of the 5 to 6 thousand Gondorian defenders of Minas Tirith, and the large relief force of Gondor's southern provinces led by Aragorn, no definite figure remains. Two days after the battle, Aragorn led an army out to attack the Black Gate that consisted of 7,000 men (When he reached the Black Gate he had less than 6,000); 2,000 Rohirrim and 5,000 Gondorians. The size of Aragorn's relief force may have been over 5,000 or as little as 1,000, it is never stated. However, even a conservative estimate would place total Gondorian losses at 3,000, and more probably 5,000.

As for enemy losses, again, the size of Sauron's great army is not definitely known. There were at the very least 60,000, and this is almost surely an overconservative estimation. In [[Peter Jackson]]'s movie adaptation, the enemy numbered over 200,000, and this may be accurate with the number present in the text. It is known that there were some 18,000 [[Haradrim]]. (The Rohirrim, consisting of 6,000 riders, were "thrice outnumbered by the Haradrim alone".) The Enemy's army was utterly destroyed on the field: all War [[Mûmakil]] were killed, the Lord of the Nazgûl was slain, numerous Trolls, and perhaps all of the Orcs (which composed the majority of the army) were killed, those that retreated drowning in the River Anduin. Many Easterlings and Haradrim proudly fought to the death when the tide turned, even as the Orcs were cowardly running away, with few escaping to send news of the power and wrath of Gondor to lands east and south.

Although a great and almost miraculous victory, at the subsequent Last Debate, Gandalf counseled that militarily, Sauron would still defeat them. The Free Peoples had managed to destroy an army outnumbering them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. Sauron had suffered a defeat, but he still had other legions and the force that attacked Minas Tirith, while substantial, was but a fraction of his total strength. Rohan and Gondor had been able to secure their flanks, eliminating the threat of Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, but Gandalf counseled that even with all of their forces concentrated in the main front near Minas Tirith, it would simply be enduring wave after wave of siege like a sandcastle being worn down by the ocean. Thus, it was agreed that it was impossible to achieve a conventional military victory through strength of arms, and instead to risk all on a last throw of the dice by Aragorn leading a diversionary attack on the Black Gate, to aid Frodo's passage in Mordor.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The battle is the major centrepiece of the last film, although some of the events described above are simplified or altered for cinematic purposes. Importance is given to the charge of the Mûmakil, the death of Théoden and the Witch-king's demise at the hands of Eowyn.

:The battle begins with Sauron's forces marching on city and firing a volley of severed heads over the walls (as in the book). Initially, both Sauron's army and the defenders of Minas Tirith exchange fire by way of catapults and trebuchets. The flying Ringwraiths then descend from the skies, spreading fear throughout the city and destroying many catapults. Seeing Mordor's overwhelming army, Denethor despairs and Gandalf assumes command of the defenders. He helps them hold out until Théoden and over six thousand Rohirrim arrive, decimating the invading orcs. However, Sauron's reserves soon arrive with several Oliphaunts, commanded by the Haradrim, who turn the tide against the Rohirrim. Fortunately, Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead (see [[Paths of the Dead]]), who crush Sauron's forces. This is an alteration from the book, in which the Dead depart after they defeat the Corsairs and liberate Pelargir, after which Gondor's Southern Army is now free to rally to Aragorn. Peter Jackson likely wanted to make the Army of the Dead more of a focus in the story, giving them greater impact in the overall scheme of events and, thus, giving greater significance to Aragorn's decision to take the Paths of the Dead, as well as his trials therein. In the theatrical cut of the film, the scenes at Pelargir are cut entirely. The filmmakers felt that tension would be better maintained by not letting the audience know whether or not Aragorn was successful in recruiting the Dead Army. The Pelargir scenes were restored for the extended cut of the movie.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht auf dem Pelennor]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_des_champs_du_pelennor]]
[[fi:Pelennorin kenttien taistelu]]

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