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Fall of Cardolan

2010-11-14T23:18:11Z

Tar-Alcarin: Created page with 'By 1409, the Witch-King of Angmar had realised that Cardolan was Arthedain's strongest ally and as long as it stood, so would Arthedain. A direct assault on Cardolan would proba…'

By 1409, the Witch-King of Angmar had realised that Cardolan was Arthedain's strongest ally and as long as it stood, so would Arthedain.

A direct assault on Cardolan would probably result in disaster as Arthedain would've probably issued from the Weather Hills and struck Angmar's army in the rear or flank.

Therefore, Angmar was forced to launch an all out assault against the remnants of Arnor, using several forces, one to besiege Rivendell to prevent it from sending aid to Arnor, and through blocking Rivendell, also blocking reinforcements from Lorien. An army to tie up Arthedain along the Weather Hills and Amon Sul, and a final army to destroy Cardolan.

Angmar's attack was highly successful. Rivendell was successully besieged, and Arthedain was hard pressed along the length of the hills. Not only that, but Amon Sul was taken and sacked despite the heavy resistance. With Arthedain's forces pinned down or routing towards Fornost, Angmar's last army moved into Cardolan, which was a wide and open land, with little to no natural barriers.

It is probable that the Prince of Cardolan gathered what men he could quickly, rather than mustering his entire army, so Angmar's advance could be stopped and Cardolan's agricultural needs would not be laid waste. The Prince attacked, failed and was killed in the process. However, he did enough damage to Angmar so that it lacked the strength to capture Tyrn Gorthad, Cardolan's capital in the Barrow Downs.

Overall, the 1409 Campaign was a huge success for Angmar. No longer was Arnor an unbreakable wall of defences. Although the siege of Rivendell was broken and Arthedain routed Angmar with the help of Lindon, Angmar had destroyed Amon Sul, Arthedain's chief defence in the Weather Hills, and Cardolan was on the verge of destruction and highly vunerable.

Dagor Bragollach

2010-10-18T12:02:14Z

Tar-Alcarin:

{{battle
| name=''Dagor Bragollach''
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Morgoth vs. Fingolfin.png|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of the Jewels]]
| date=[[First Age 455|F.A. 455]]
| place=Northern [[Beleriand]]/[[Anfauglith]]
| result=Victory for Morgoth, breaking of the [[Siege of Angband]], destruction of [[Dorthonion]], loss of key fortresses and passes
| side1=The [[Ñoldor]], The [[Edain]] (especially the [[House of Bëor]])
| side2=[[Orcs|Orc]] armies, [[Glaurung]], [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]]
| commanders1=
{{Fingolfin blazon|died}}
{{Maedhros blazon}}
{{Finrod blazon}}
* [[Angrod]] †
* [[Aegnor]] †
* [[Bregolas]] †
* [[Barahir]]
* [[Hador Lórindol]] †
| commanders2=
{{Morgoth blazon}}
* [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]]
* [[Glaurung]]
| forces1=50,000 Elves under Fingolfin and Fingon, 20,000 under Maedhros and Maglor with 10,000 under Curufin and Celegorm and another 7000 under Caranthir. 5000 Elves under Angrod and Aegnor, with another 15,000 under Finrod and 3000 at Sirion under Orodreth. 20,000 men under Hador, 5000 under Barahir and 7000 under Bregolas. 4000 from Brethil and a few thousand Elves at Doriah. Overall, over 100,000 Elves and near 40,000 men.| forces2=[[Balrogs]], uncounted [[Orcs]],[[Trolls]], other creatures
| casual1=30,000 Elves under Fingolfin and Fingon, 7000 under Maedhros and Maglor, and at least 6000 among the other Sons of Feanor. Destruction of Aegnor and Angrod's forces, 4000 under Finrod and perhaps a few hundred at Sirion, 10,000 men under Hador and destructive casualties for Barahir and Bregolas, a few hundred casualties in Brethil and Doriath. Overall, over 50,000 Elves and near 25,000 Men| casual2=Unknown, but probably heavy. In the following years of the war, most of Morgoth's gains were reversed but the casualties done to the Noldor, Sindar and Edain was irreplacable.
|}}{{Pronounce|Dagor Bragollach.mp3|Ardamir}}
The '''Dagor Bragollach''' ([[Sindarin]] for '''"Battle of Sudden Flame"''') was the fourth battle of the Wars of [[Beleriand]].

== The Battle Opens ==

It began when [[Morgoth]] broke the [[Siege of Angband]], which had held for four hundred years. On a winter's night, Morgoth sent out rivers of flame, consuming [[Ard-galen]], which was renamed [[Anfauglith]]. Many elves perished as they fled from these flames, from the fire and the smoke. His armies of [[Balrogs]] and [[Orcs]], led by [[Glaurung]] first of the [[Urulóki]], overran the highlands of [[Dorthonion]], and slew [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]]. [[Maglor]]'s horsemen were burnt alive on the plain of [[Lothlann]], and [[Maglor's Gap]] was taken, giving Morgoth an entry into Beleriand itself. Maglor retreated with heavy losses to [[Himring]], where he helped defend the city of [[Maedhros]].

== East Beleriand Overrun ==

The [[Pass of Aglon]] was also breached, and [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]] fled south of [[Doriath]] to [[Nargothrond]]. Morgoth's Orcs took the mountain forests of [[Mount Rerir]], and defiled [[Helevorn|Lake Helevorn]], scattering south through [[Thargelion]] into [[East Beleriand]]. [[Caranthir]] fled to [[Amon Ereb]], where he and [[Amrod]] built defenses. From there they slowly freed East Beleriand of the Orcs, while Maglor and Maedhros held the northern border.

[[Minas Tirith in Beleriand|Minas Tirith]] in the [[Pass of Sirion]] in the West under [[Orodreth of Nargothrond|Orodreth]] held, and Orodreth's brother and Lord [[Finrod Felagund]] came north from [[Nargothrond]] with a large army. However, they were ambushed by a large army of Morgoth's forces at the Fen of Serech. The Noldor now found themselves trapped, and Finrod would have been killed but for a sortie by [[Barahir]], who descended from [[Dorthonion]] and rescued the [[Elves|Elven]] lord. It was this deed which later earned Barahir the ring of Finrod which would become known as the [[Ring of Barahir]].

Finrod and his folk fled south to Nargothrond, while Barahir continued defending Dorthonion. The mountain forts of the [[Ered Wethrin]] around [[Hithlum]] also held, although barely.

== The Battle Ends: Fingolfin's Duel ==
[[Image:Ted_Nasmith_-_Fingolfin's_Wrath.jpg|thumb|''Fingolfin's Wrath'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Thus the Siege was broken, the [[Sons of Fëanor]] scattered, and the forces of Morgoth roamed at will throughout the north.

When [[Fingolfin]], the High King of the Noldor, learned of the losses of so many Noldor, he rode in anger across the dust of Anfauglith and challenged Morgoth to single combat. At the doors of [[Angband]] itself, they fought a great duel. Fingolfin's sword, [[Ringil]], wounded Morgoth seven times. Yet, he was felled by Morgoth's hammer, Grond, and slain by Morgoth's mighty foot.

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Dagor Bragollach|Images of Dagor Bragollach]]

{{warsofbeleriand}}
{{references}}
[[Category:Pronounced articles]]
[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[Category:Sindarin nouns]]
[[de:Dagor Bragollach]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:1a:guerres:dagor_bragollach]]
[[fi:Dagor Bragollach]]

Dagor Bragollach

2010-10-18T11:59:45Z

Tar-Alcarin:

{{battle
| name=''Dagor Bragollach''
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Morgoth vs. Fingolfin.png|300px]]
| conflict=[[War of the Jewels]]
| date=[[First Age 455|F.A. 455]]
| place=Northern [[Beleriand]]/[[Anfauglith]]
| result=Victory for Morgoth, breaking of the [[Siege of Angband]], destruction of [[Dorthonion]], loss of key fortresses and passes
| side1=The [[Ñoldor]], The [[Edain]] (especially the [[House of Bëor]])
| side2=[[Orcs|Orc]] armies, [[Glaurung]], [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]]
| commanders1=
{{Fingolfin blazon|died}}
{{Maedhros blazon}}
{{Finrod blazon}}
* [[Angrod]] †
* [[Aegnor]] †
* [[Bregolas]] †
* [[Barahir]]
* [[Hador Lórindol]] †
| commanders2=
{{Morgoth blazon}}
* [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]]
* [[Glaurung]]
| forces1=50,000 Elves under Fingolfin and Fingon, 20,000 under Maedhros and Maglor with 10,000 under Curufin and Celegorm and another 7000 under Caranthir. 5000 Elves under Angrod and Aegnor, with another 15,000 under Finrod and 3000 at Sirion under Orodreth. 20,000 men under Hador, 5000 under Barahir and 7000 under Bregolas. 4000 from Brethil and a few thousand Elves at Doriah| forces2=[[Balrogs]], uncounted [[Orcs]],[[Trolls]], other creatures
| casual1=30,000 Elves under Fingolfin and Fingon, 7000 under Maedhros and Maglor, and at least 6000 among the other Sons of Feanor. Destruction of Aegnor and Angrod's forces, 4000 under Finrod and perhaps a few hundred at Sirion, 10,000 men under Hador and destructive casualties for Barahir and Bregolas, a few hundred casualties in Brethil and Doriath| casual2=Unknown, but probably heavy. In the following years of the war, most of Morgoth's gains were reversed but the casualties done to the Noldor, Sindar and Edain was irreplacable.
|}}{{Pronounce|Dagor Bragollach.mp3|Ardamir}}
The '''Dagor Bragollach''' ([[Sindarin]] for '''"Battle of Sudden Flame"''') was the fourth battle of the Wars of [[Beleriand]].

== The Battle Opens ==

It began when [[Morgoth]] broke the [[Siege of Angband]], which had held for four hundred years. On a winter's night, Morgoth sent out rivers of flame, consuming [[Ard-galen]], which was renamed [[Anfauglith]]. Many elves perished as they fled from these flames, from the fire and the smoke. His armies of [[Balrogs]] and [[Orcs]], led by [[Glaurung]] first of the [[Urulóki]], overran the highlands of [[Dorthonion]], and slew [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]]. [[Maglor]]'s horsemen were burnt alive on the plain of [[Lothlann]], and [[Maglor's Gap]] was taken, giving Morgoth an entry into Beleriand itself. Maglor retreated with heavy losses to [[Himring]], where he helped defend the city of [[Maedhros]].

== East Beleriand Overrun ==

The [[Pass of Aglon]] was also breached, and [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]] fled south of [[Doriath]] to [[Nargothrond]]. Morgoth's Orcs took the mountain forests of [[Mount Rerir]], and defiled [[Helevorn|Lake Helevorn]], scattering south through [[Thargelion]] into [[East Beleriand]]. [[Caranthir]] fled to [[Amon Ereb]], where he and [[Amrod]] built defenses. From there they slowly freed East Beleriand of the Orcs, while Maglor and Maedhros held the northern border.

[[Minas Tirith in Beleriand|Minas Tirith]] in the [[Pass of Sirion]] in the West under [[Orodreth of Nargothrond|Orodreth]] held, and Orodreth's brother and Lord [[Finrod Felagund]] came north from [[Nargothrond]] with a large army. However, they were ambushed by a large army of Morgoth's forces at the Fen of Serech. The Noldor now found themselves trapped, and Finrod would have been killed but for a sortie by [[Barahir]], who descended from [[Dorthonion]] and rescued the [[Elves|Elven]] lord. It was this deed which later earned Barahir the ring of Finrod which would become known as the [[Ring of Barahir]].

Finrod and his folk fled south to Nargothrond, while Barahir continued defending Dorthonion. The mountain forts of the [[Ered Wethrin]] around [[Hithlum]] also held, although barely.

== The Battle Ends: Fingolfin's Duel ==
[[Image:Ted_Nasmith_-_Fingolfin's_Wrath.jpg|thumb|''Fingolfin's Wrath'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Thus the Siege was broken, the [[Sons of Fëanor]] scattered, and the forces of Morgoth roamed at will throughout the north.

When [[Fingolfin]], the High King of the Noldor, learned of the losses of so many Noldor, he rode in anger across the dust of Anfauglith and challenged Morgoth to single combat. At the doors of [[Angband]] itself, they fought a great duel. Fingolfin's sword, [[Ringil]], wounded Morgoth seven times. Yet, he was felled by Morgoth's hammer, Grond, and slain by Morgoth's mighty foot.

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Dagor Bragollach|Images of Dagor Bragollach]]

{{warsofbeleriand}}
{{references}}
[[Category:Pronounced articles]]
[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[Category:Sindarin nouns]]
[[de:Dagor Bragollach]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:1a:guerres:dagor_bragollach]]
[[fi:Dagor Bragollach]]

Dagor Aglareb

2010-10-18T11:50:47Z

Tar-Alcarin:

{{battle
| name= Dagor Aglareb
| image=[[Image:angband_aglareb.jpg|300px]]
| conflict= [[Wars of Beleriand]]
| date= [[First Age 75|F.A. 75]]
| place= [[Beleriand]]
| result= Decisive victory for the Noldor
| side1= Noldorin forces from [[Hithlum]], [[Himring]], [[Nargothrond]], and elsewhere in Beleriand
| side2= Morgoth forces of [[Angband]]
| commanders1=
{{Fingolfin blazon}}
{{Maedhros blazon}}
{{Finrod blazon}}
* [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]]
* [[Angrod]]
* [[Aegnor]]
| commanders2={{Morgoth blazon}}
| forces1= Possibly up to 40,000 Elves under Fingolfin and another 30,000 under Maedhros. Several thousand Elves under the Sons of Finarfin along Dorthonion| forces2= As many as 300,000 [[Orcs]] and other creatures as well
| casual1= Light
| casual2= Virtually total
|}}

The '''Dagor Aglareb''' was the third battle of the [[Wars of Beleriand]], also known as the '''Glorious Battle'''.
==History==
===Prelude===
After the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]] the [[Noldor]] of [[Beleriand]] had wasted their chance to destroy [[Morgoth]]'s forces quickly, and instead had been building their numerous realms and establishing contacts with the [[Sindar]].

===Battle===
As the [[Ered Engrin]] spewed forth fire, Morgoth sent forth numerous small bands of [[Orcs]], which passed through the [[Pass of Sirion]] in the west and [[Maglor's Gap]] in the east. Fighting small battles along the way, they penetrated deep in West and [[East Beleriand]], where they were destroyed by southern forces of the Noldor and [[Elves]] under [[Círdan]] of the Falas. In the east, [[Maedhros]], Maglor and their brothers hunted down other roving bands of Orcs as they penetrated [[Maglor's Gap]] and operated in Ossiriand.

[[Thingol]] refused to march besides the sons of [[Feanor]], and thus no help came from [[Doriath]]. The [[Laiquendi]] of [[Ossiriand]] fought no more battles after their leader had been killed in the [[First Battle of Beleriand]], and they also played no part in the current struggle.

Meanwhile, the main force of the Orcs spewed forth from [[Angband]] across the plains to the highlands of [[Dorthonion]], where the brothers [[Angrod]] and [[Aegnor]] held them off. Soon armies under [[Fingolfin]] and [[Maedhros]] counter-attacked on the plains of [[Lothlann]] and [[Ard-galen]], from both east and west. The Orc armies were caught between the hammer and anvil of the two elven forces, with most of the Orcs being destroyed, and the remnant retreating towards Angband. The Noldor pursued them, and utterly destroyed what remained of their enemies within sight of the peaks of [[Thangorodrim]].

=== Aftermath===

This was the first complete victory over Morgoth, and after it the Noldor maintained a close guard on Angband, beginning the period of watchful peace known as the [[Siege of Angband]]. This siege lasted some 400 years, but it could never be a complete investment because of the impassable [[Iron Mountains]] on the northern flank of Morgoth's fortress.

== References ==
<small>
* [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Return of the Noldor]]"
</small>
{{warsofbeleriand}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[Category:Wars and Battles]]
[[de:Dagor Aglareb]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:1a:guerres:dagor_aglareb]]
[[fi:Dagor Aglareb]]

Battle in the Thousand Caves

2010-10-18T11:47:42Z

Tar-Alcarin:

{{battle|
image=|
name=Battle of the Thousand Caves|
conflict=[[Sack of Doriath]]|
date=[[First Age 503 | 503]] FA|
place=The Elven city of [[Menegroth]]|
result=Victory for the Dwarves|
side1=Elves|
side2=Dwarves|
commanders1=|
commanders2=* King [[Naugladur]]|
forces1=The entire strength of Doriath, which hadn't participated in any wars since the beginning of the First Age. Probably 30,000 Elves, although not all would've been armed or trained.|
forces2=Unnown, Est. 20-40,000|
casual1=
Fairly heavy. Although the Dwarves wouldn't have slain all of them, they did break in and sack Menegroth, leading us to believe that the majority of the Elven Army was destroyed. Probably upwards of 20,000.|
casual2=
Heavy, Est. 10,000 or more|
}}

The ''' Battle of the Thousand Caves''' was a battle between the [[Dwarves of Nogrod]] and the [[Sindar|Elves of Menegroth]].

== Events Prior to the Battle ==
The [[Quest for the Silmaril]] resulted the one of the [[Silmaril]]s taken from the [[Iron Crown]] of [[Morgoth]] by [[Beren]] and [[Luthien]], and it was later, after the [[Hunting of the Wolf]] and the slaing of [[Carcharoth]], given to [[Elu Thingol]] of [[Doriath]]. It remained in the treasury of Thingol, and he desired to have it always at hand.

After some years, [[Hurin]] was releast by Morgoth and was let to go wherever he he may desire. Hurin then desired revenge for him and his family, and came first to [[Nargothrond]], and there he found [[Mim]] and killed him. From all the treasures he took only [[Nauglamir]], the Necklace of the Dwarves, and brought it to Thingol.

Having the [[Nauglamir]] and the [[Silmaril]], the two great treasures, he desided to unite them and put the Silmaril into the Dwarven Necklace. The [[Nogrod|Dwarves]] that made that work desired the Silmaril from the beginning, and when the work ended refused to give it. In the conflict Thingol was killed, but the rest of the Dwarves were hunted down at their road to home, and Nauglamir, now with the Silmaril in it, was taken from them.

== Opposing Forces ==
But two of the [[Dwarves]] that killed [[Thingol]] survived, and they fled to their home at the [[Blue Mountains]]. They didn't tell the Dwarves of [[Nogrod]] the truth, but instead told them that Thingol killed the Dwarves that made the [[Nauglamir]], refusing to pay them for their work. The Dwarves were enraged, and desided to make revenge, and although the Dwarves of Belegost refused to aid them, the Dwarves of Nogrod entered [[Beleriand]] with a big army, and, crossing [[Sarn Athrad]], moved west towards [[Doriath]].

After the death of Thingol the power of [[Melian]] waned, and she lost her magical control upon the woods of Doriath, and soon the [[Girdle of Melian]] was no longer protecting Doriath. Melian left [[Middle-earth]] and returned to [[Valinor]], and the [[Sindar]] remained leaderless, except their chieftains, which were scattered and without hope. But the Sindars lived mostly in [[Menegroth]], and there most of them resisted the attack of the Dwarves.

== The Battle ==
The Dwarves entered [[Menegroth]] and began fighting in the Thousand Caves. We don't know much about the battle, but we know that the losses were heavy on the both sides. Mablung was defending the treasury were the [[Nauglamir]] lay, and there he was killed before it's doors, and the Silmaril was taken. After the Nauglamir was in the hands of the [[Dwarves]], they retreated from [[Menegroth]] and began their way home, to the mountains of [[Ered Lindon]].

== Aftermath and Repercussions ==

== Sources ==
*[[The Silmarillion]]

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]

Battle of the Gelion-Ascar stockade

2010-10-18T11:44:48Z

Tar-Alcarin:

The '''Battle of the Gelion-Ascar Stockade''' was a battle fought about [[First Age 375|FA 375]] between [[Orcs]] of the [[Ered Luin]] and the [[Haladin]] under [[Haldad]]. The Orcs laid siege to the [[Gelion-Ascar Stockade]], where the Haladin had retreated upon their initial attack. The food of the fortress ran out, and Haldad made a sortie in which he and his eldest son, [[Haldar]], were killed. His daughter [[Haleth]] held the Haladin together for another ten days, until [[Caranthir]] came to rescue them. The Elf-lord drove away the Orcs, saving the besieged.

Possible numbers for either forces would've been relatively low. It is likely tha only a part of Haldad's folk participated in the battle and I would give their number no more than a few hundred. The Orcs could've numbered up to two thousand at the most. Caranthir may have arrived with upwards of five thousand Elves, which was probably only a small force of his anyway. Haldad's casualties would've been light considering that the stockade was never broken and only the men in his sortie would've been slain, the Orcish force would've been annihilated.

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]

Battle of Tumhalad

2010-10-18T11:41:33Z

Tar-Alcarin:

The '''Battle of Tumhalad''' was the last battle of the Elves of [[Nargothrond]]. It was fought on the plain of [[Tumhalad]] between the [[Narog]] and its tributary, the [[Ginglith]].

The battle was fought as result of a massive [[Orc]]-buildup beneath the [[Ered Wethrin|Mountains of Shadow]] and in the [[Pass of Sirion]]. Messengers from [[Círdan]] brought these tidings and a message from Círdan concerning a warning from the [[Vala]] [[Ulmo]] that the Elves of Nargothrond should not fight in open battles against the armies of [[Morgoth]].

However [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]], a [[Men|Man]] and an influential commander of Nargothrond's forces, urged King [[Orodreth of Nargothrond|Orodreth]] to venture out and fight the forces of Morgoth.

The Elves of Nargothrond, though, were not used to open battle for they had always waged a guerilla war, ambushing but never assaulting the forces of Morgoth. Also, the evil hosts were larger than anticipated and led by the [[Dragons|Dragon]] [[Glaurung]].

The forces of Nargothrond could not withstand the assault and were driven towards the plain of Tumhalad, were most of them, including King Orodreth and the Elf-lord [[Gwindor]], were slain. Only Túrin withstood the attack of Glaurung, as he wore the [[Dwarves|Dwarven]]-crafted [[Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin]].

The defeat suffered by the Elves allowed the [[Sack of Nargothrond]] by Glaurung.

Possible numbers for the battle are at least 30,000 Noldorin Elves, as Nargothrond had barely participated in th crushing defeat of the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. The army led by Glaurung must have been at least 70,000 if they could've defeated such a large Noldorin force, although it is likely that the presence of Glaurung contributed greatly to the elven defeat.
Casualties for the Elves could've been as high as 25,000, with the remainder fleeing to Doriath, the Isle of Balar or possibly rallying to the defence of Nargothrond itself. Glaurung's army likely suffered heavy casualties as well, with possibly two thirds of the force being destroyed.

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Schlacht von Tumhalad]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:1a:guerres:bataille_de_tumhalad]]

Battle of Tumhalad

2010-10-18T11:40:18Z

Tar-Alcarin:

The '''Battle of Tumhalad''' was the last battle of the Elves of [[Nargothrond]]. It was fought on the plain of [[Tumhalad]] between the [[Narog]] and its tributary, the [[Ginglith]].

The battle was fought as result of a massive [[Orc]]-buildup beneath the [[Ered Wethrin|Mountains of Shadow]] and in the [[Pass of Sirion]]. Messengers from [[Círdan]] brought these tidings and a message from Círdan concerning a warning from the [[Vala]] [[Ulmo]] that the Elves of Nargothrond should not fight in open battles against the armies of [[Morgoth]].

However [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]], a [[Men|Man]] and an influential commander of Nargothrond's forces, urged King [[Orodreth of Nargothrond|Orodreth]] to venture out and fight the forces of Morgoth.

The Elves of Nargothrond, though, were not used to open battle for they had always waged a guerilla war, ambushing but never assaulting the forces of Morgoth. Also, the evil hosts were larger than anticipated and led by the [[Dragons|Dragon]] [[Glaurung]].

The forces of Nargothrond could not withstand the assault and were driven towards the plain of Tumhalad, were most of them, including King Orodreth and the Elf-lord [[Gwindor]], were slain. Only Túrin withstood the attack of Glaurung, as he wore the [[Dwarves|Dwarven]]-crafted [[Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin]].

The defeat suffered by the Elves allowed the [[Sack of Nargothrond]] by Glaurung.

Possible numbers for the battle are at least 30,000 Noldorin Elves, as Nargothrond had barely participated in th crushing defeat of the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. The army led by Glaurung must have been at least 70,000 if they could've defeated such a large Noldorin force, although it is likely that the presence of Glaurung contributed greatly to the elven defeat.
Casualties for the Elves could've been as high as 25,000, with the remainder fleeing to Doriath, Falas or possibly rallying to the defence of Nargothrond itself.

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Schlacht von Tumhalad]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:1a:guerres:bataille_de_tumhalad]]

Battle of Tumhalad

2010-10-18T11:38:58Z

Tar-Alcarin:

The '''Battle of Tumhalad''' was the last battle of the Elves of [[Nargothrond]]. It was fought on the plain of [[Tumhalad]] between the [[Narog]] and its tributary, the [[Ginglith]].

The battle was fought as result of a massive [[Orc]]-buildup beneath the [[Ered Wethrin|Mountains of Shadow]] and in the [[Pass of Sirion]]. Messengers from [[Círdan]] brought these tidings and a message from Círdan concerning a warning from the [[Vala]] [[Ulmo]] that the Elves of Nargothrond should not fight in open battles against the armies of [[Morgoth]].

However [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]], a [[Men|Man]] and an influential commander of Nargothrond's forces, urged King [[Orodreth of Nargothrond|Orodreth]] to venture out and fight the forces of Morgoth.

The Elves of Nargothrond, though, were not used to open battle for they had always waged a guerilla war, ambushing but never assaulting the forces of Morgoth. Also, the evil hosts were larger than anticipated and led by the [[Dragons|Dragon]] [[Glaurung]].

The forces of Nargothrond could not withstand the assault and were driven towards the plain of Tumhalad, were most of them, including King Orodreth and the Elf-lord [[Gwindor]], were slain. Only Túrin withstood the attack of Glaurung, as he wore the [[Dwarves|Dwarven]]-crafted [[Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin]].

The defeat suffered by the Elves allowed the [[Sack of Nargothrond]] by Glaurung.

Possible numbers for the battle are at least 30,000 Noldorin Elves, as Nargothrond had barely participated in th crushing defeat of the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. The army led by Glaurung must have been at least 70,000 if they could've defeated such a large Noldorin force, although it is likely that the presence of Glaurung contributed greatly to the elven defeat.

[[Category:Conflicts of the First Age]]
[[de:Schlacht von Tumhalad]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:1a:guerres:bataille_de_tumhalad]]

Battle of the Camp

2010-10-18T11:33:42Z

Tar-Alcarin:

{{battle
|image=
|name=Battle of the Camp
|conflict=Battle of the Camp
|date=[[Third Age 1944]]
|place=[[Northern Ithillien]
|result= Decisive Gondorian victory
|side1=[[Gondor]]
|side2=[[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]]
|commanders1=
*[[Eärnil II|Eärnil]]
|commanders2=
Unknown Easterling commanders
|forces1= Most of the southern army (25,000) and a remnant of the northern army (8000).
|forces2= At least 30,000 Wainriders
|casual1= Probably no more than 3000 Gondorian soldiers.
|casual2= At least 18,000 soldiers, enough to cause the Wainriders to withdraw and never bother Gondor again}}

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 1944 [[Third Age]], [[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 Camp

2010-10-18T11:30:06Z

Tar-Alcarin:

{{battle
|image=
|name=Battle of the Camp
|conflict=Battle of the Camp
|date=[[Third Age 1944]]
|place=[[Dagorlad]]
|result= Decisive Gondorian victory
|side1=[[Gondor]]
|side2=[[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]]
|commanders1=
*[[Ondoher]]
*[[Eärnil II|Eärnil]]
|commanders2=
Unknown Easterling commanders
|forces1= Most of the southern army (25,000) and a remnant of the northern army (8000).
|forces2= At least 30,000 Wainriders
|casual1= Probably no more than 3000 Gondorian soldiers.
|casual2= At least 18,000 soldiers, enough to cause the Wainriders to withdraw and never bother Gondor again}}

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 1944 [[Third Age]], [[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 Field of Celebrant

2010-10-18T11:24:49Z

Tar-Alcarin:

{{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]]<br>
[[Image:ME-Rohan.png|45px]] [[Eorl]]
| commanders2=Unknown
| forces1=At least 20,000 Gondorian Soldiers and 7000 Eotheod| 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| casual1=At least between 5000-8000, considering the fact that they were fighting a two front battle and had been already defeated once, probably 500-2000 Eotheod.
* [[Borondir|Borondir Udalraph]]
| casual2= Possibly 15,000 Balchoth, and most likely nearly all of the Orcs.
}}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]]

Fall of Fornost

2010-10-18T11:18:52Z

Tar-Alcarin:

{{battle
| name=Fall of Fornost
| image=
| conflict=War of Angmar
| date=[[Third Age 1974|T.A. 1974]]
| place=[[Fornost Erain]]
| result=Decisive Angmar victory
| side1=Men, Elves, Hobbits
| side2=Angmar
| commanders1=[[Arvedui]]
| commanders2=[[Witch-king]]
| forces1=Est. 10-20,000 Men of Arnor, several thousand Elves from, Lindon, Rivendell, and Lothlórien, and 500 Hobbit archers
| forces2=Est. 40-60,000 Orcs, Trolls, Evil Men from Rhudaur and elsewhere, Wolves, other evil creatures
| casual1=Est. Around 10,000 Arnorian Soldiers, several hundred Elves and the entire company of Hobbits| casual2=Est. Probably a third of the force, possibly half. Angmar's casualties must have been particularly heavy if he could not further advance throughout Eriador.
|}}
The '''Fall of Fornost''' was an event that resulted from the defeat of the forces of [[Arnor]], and the taking of their capitol city of [[Fornost]] by the [[Witch-king of Angmar]] and his armies.

== Leading Up to the Siege ==

By the year [[Third Age 1974]] things were looking very grim for the Dúnedain of Arnor. The [[Great Plague]] three hundred years previously had killed most of the people of [[Cardolan]] which later fell to the Witch King. And even with the aid of [[Elves]] and [[Hobbits]] most of the now diminished and totally demoralized people of Arnor were now waiting to make their final stand at Fornost, capitol city of [[Arthedain]].

== Opposing Forces ==

For the forces of [[Eriador]] exact numbers are not known, but it can be estimated that at the most ten thousand [[Men of Arnor]] were present at the city. Along with likely several thousand Elves of [[Lindon]], [[Rivendell]], [[Lothlórien]], and five hundred Hobbits archers from [[the Shire]].

For the forces of [[Angmar]] it can be estimated that there was at least forty thousand or at the most sixty thousand [[Orcs]], Trolls, Evil Men, Wolves, and all other manner of evil creatures.

== The Battle ==

Not much is known of the battle, and it is simply stated that the Witch King overran Fornost and the King was driven into the North Downs.
It is likely that the Witch King issued from Angmar and swept aside Arthedain's defences along the Great North South Road and assaulted the city from the south and east. Considering that Arvedui was able to flee into the North Downs and hold out there for a while, and the fact that refugees and fleeing soldiers were able to escape, it is likely that Arthedain repulsed Angmar along the North Downs.
It is likely that several companies of Orcs were sent down to Bree-Land and possibly the Shire, but considering that those lands were largely unscathed by the war, we can assume that any assaults on them regions were repulsed and the majority of the war was fought in Fornost and the Downs.
The fighting outside the gates of Fornost was fierce, as the might of Arthedain held the walls against the seemingly endless hordes of the servants of Angmar. Whether by brute strength or dark magic, the gates were breached and the Orcs and Evil Men poured in. The street to street fighting would've been a nightmare for the defenders and attackers, and it is probable that during this stage, Arvedui ordered the military evacuation of the city to the north and west. It is possible that Arvedui was trapped in the city and was forced to fight his way out, or he may have departed the city moments before its fall. Thousands of refugees would've been fleeing from the city at this point and it is likely that the remnants of Arthedain's Army protected these bands of refugees as they made their way to the Lhun.
Regardless, the North Downs possibly held out for several more weeks with the arrival of Arvedui and his personal guard, giving the King hope that if Gondor arrived soon, Fornost may yet be recovered. However, with most of his enemies dead or fleeing west, the Witch King was able to concentrate the remainder of his forces on the Downs, and Arvedui was forced to flee, giving the Witch King supremacy of most of Arthedain.

== Aftermath ==

With Arthedain in his hands, the Witch King had conquered all of Arnor. Arvedui perished in the [[Icebay of Forochel]] when a ship sent to rescue him sank in a storm. The Witch King took the throne in the king's palace, until a year later in [[Third Age 1975|T.A. 1975]] when the forces of Eriador had regrouped with newly arrived reinforcements from [[Gondor]]. In the [[Battle of Fornost]] his army was destroyed, and he himself fled east over the [[Misty Mountains]].
Fornost was not resettled after the war. It became a deserted place, feared by the men of [[Bree]], who called it Deadman's Dike. Not until a thousand years later after the [[War of the Ring]] under King [[Aragorn|Elessar]] was it refounded.

==Sources==
*[[Appendix A]]

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]

Battle of Azanulbizar

2010-10-18T11:10:20Z

Tar-Alcarin:

{{rewrite}}
{{battle|
image=[[Image:Mikel Janin - Battle of Azanulbizar.jpeg|300px]]|
name=Battle of Azanulbizar|
conflict=War of the Dwarves and Orcs|
date=2799 TA|
place=The Dimrill Dale and the steps of the East-gate of Moria|
result=Pyrrhic victory for the Dwarves|
side1=[[Image:Dwarven Device.jpg|45px|left]] Dwarves|
side2=[[Image:ME-Orcs.png|45px|left]]Orcs|
commanders1=*[[Thráin II]]
*[[Thorin Oakenshield]]
*[[Náin son of Grór|Náin]] †
*[[Dáin II Ironfoot]]
*Commanders of other Houses|
commanders2=*[[Azog]] †|
forces1=[[Longbeards]], [[Broadbeams]], [[Firebeards]], and Houses of the far East numbering at possibly 10-30,000 (taking in mind that most of the Longbeard, Broadbeam and Firebeards would've been assembled), plus 500-1,000 (est.) Dwarves from the [[Iron Hills]]|
forces2=Goblins of Moria, and the remnants of other Orc-dwellings throughout the [[Misty Mountains]], (est.) at 50-70,000|
casual1=
Half of the host; 7-12,000|
casual2=
At least 50,000 as the Orcs of the Misty Mountains never really recovered from the war, the rest of the force likely fled into the White or Grey Mountains, or remained hidden|
}}
The '''Battle of Azanulbizar''' ([[Third Age 2799]]) was the penultimate battle in the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]]. It was fought beneath the [[East-gate of Moria]] in the valley of Azanulbizar, called ''[[Nanduhirion]]'' in [[Sindarin]] or ''[[Dimrill Dale]]'' in [[Westron]]. Therefore the event is also known as the '''Battle of Nanduhirion''' and the '''Battle of Dimrill Dale'''.

== Prior to the Battle ==

The War of the Dwarves and Orcs was started when [[Azog]] the [[Orc]]-chieftain of [[Moria]] captured and mutilated [[Thrór]], King of [[Durin's folk]]. Azog carved his own name in runes onto Thrór's severed head, and then let his companion [[Nár (companion of Thrór)|Nár]] escape so that all [[Dwarves]] would know that an Orc now ruled Moria. Full of righteous fury, Thrór's son [[Thráin II]] gathered a great army of Dwarves, including those not of Durin's folk ([[Firebeards]] and [[Broadbeams]] from the [[Blue Mountains]] and those from the far East of Middle-earth). For six years they systematically destroyed the Orc-holds of the [[Misty Mountains]], until only Moria was left where those Goblins that survived the destruction fled.

== Opposing Forces ==

The exact number for the Dwarves was not specified, but it can be estimated at being somewhere between six to ten thousand Longbeards, Firebeards, Broadbeams, Ironfists, Stonefoots, Blacklocks, and Stiffbeards.
The Orcs, as stated above, came from Moria, and from as far north as [[Mount Gundabad]]. So their numbers can be estimated at fifteen to twenty thousand Orcs.

== The Battle ==

The battle started on a dark day of cold winter with no sunlight. The Dwarves had marched into the Dimrill Dale where they found the great East-gate and sent up a great noise. They discovered that on the western slopes above thousands of Orcs had gathered and more were coming out of the East-gate, outnumbering them and holding the higher ground.

The first Vanguard led by King Thraín, assaulted the slopes but were driven back with casualties, into a wood near the Mirrormere, where [[Frerin]] youngest son of Thraín was slain along with [[Fundin]], father of [[Balin]]; and many others. Thraín himself was wounded, as well as his eldest son [[Thorin II Oakenshield]]. Who's shield was broken during the battle and had to use an oak branch that he hewed off a tree to defend himself.

Elsewhere, the battle swayed back and forth until [[Náin son of Grór|Náin]] from the [[Iron Hills]], arrived with a host of fresh troops. Naín, and his Dwarves hewed through the Orc lines with their mattocks shouting AZOG! AZOG! AZOG! until they got to the steps of the gate, in-which Naín called upon Azog to come out and fight. When Azog emerged from the inner gate with his guards, Naín was very tired and half blind with rage and tried to swing as hard as he could at Azog but the orc darted aside, and he missed, which splintered his mattocks on the ground. The orc kicked him in the leg when he dodged the Dwarf's blow, making him stumble, at which Azog tried to decapitate him but Azog only broke Naín's neck because of the strong mail he was wearing, Naín died instantly.
Azog laughed at this, but when he looked out into the valley he found that his entire army was routed. Those that could were fleeing southwards, and all his guards were killed as well. With that he fled back to the gate. But Náin's son, [[Dáin II Ironfoot|Dáin]], leaped up the steps after him with his red axe and just before the gate he hewed off Azog's head, thus ending the war.
He was just 32-years old at the time, very young for a Dwarf, and it was remarked an amazing feat. Dáin would later become [[King under the Mountain]] as [[Dáin II Ironfoot]].

== Aftermath ==

The Dwarves were victorious, but with heavy casualties. Half of their forces dead or mortally wounded. But the Orcs casualties were ten thousand.
After the battle, King Thráin wanted to enter and reclaim Moria, the ancestral home of Durin's folk. However, since the Dwarves had taken heavy losses and the Dwarves of the other Houses did not see any benefit in it for them unless they got some treasure from Moria. More significantly, Dáin had peered beyond the East-gate after slaying Azog, and saw that [[Durin's Bane]] still lingered within and advised Thráin not to enter.
They then stripped the dead, so the orcs couldn't plunder them, and felled all the trees in the valley which they made many pyres with, and put there dead on them to burn. For they could not bury them all in fashioned tombs of stone, as was their custom for it would take many years. So those that fell in that battle were known proudly as ''Burned Dwarves''.
The Houses then parted ways, returning to their homes to the North, East, and West.

Thráin, with what was left of Durin's folks' forces, went back to [[Dunland]], and shortly afterwards wandered in [[Eriador]] till they settled in the Northern Blue Mountains. There Durin's folk regrew slowly in population and waited till the days they could take back the halls of [[Erebor]], and Khazad-dum.

== Repercussions ==

Although the Dwarves suffered heavy casualties, the battle would have lasting effects for the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]. Their numbers were severely shrunken after the battle and never fully recovered. If it hadn't been for the battle, [[Bilbo Baggins]] and his thirteen Dwarf companions may have never made it to Erebor; the [[Battle of Five Armies]] wouldn't have been won by the army of Elves, Men, and Dwarves; and [[The Fellowship of the Ring | The Fellowship]] may have never got through Moria alive.

== References ==

*[[The Return of the King]], [[Appendix A]]
*[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht von Azanulbizar]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_d_azanulbizar]]
[[fi:Azanulbizarin taistelu]]

Fall of Fornost

2010-10-18T11:01:53Z

Tar-Alcarin:

{{battle
| name=Fall of Fornost
| image=
| conflict=War of Angmar
| date=[[Third Age 1974|T.A. 1974]]
| place=[[Fornost Erain]]
| result=Decisive Angmar victory
| side1=Men, Elves, Hobbits
| side2=Angmar
| commanders1=[[Arvedui]]
| commanders2=[[Witch-king]]
| forces1=Est. 10-20,000 Men of Arnor, several thousand Elves from, Lindon, Rivendell, and Lothlórien, and 500 Hobbit archers
| forces2=Est. 40-60,000 Orcs, Trolls, Evil Men from Rhudaur and elsewhere, Wolves, other evil creatures
| casual1=Est. Around 10,000 Arnorian Soldiers, several hundred Elves and the entire company of Hobbits| casual2=Est. Thousands
|}}
The '''Fall of Fornost''' was an event that resulted from the defeat of the forces of [[Arnor]], and the taking of their capitol city of [[Fornost]] by the [[Witch-king of Angmar]] and his armies.

== Leading Up to the Siege ==

By the year [[Third Age 1974]] things were looking very grim for the Dúnedain of Arnor. The [[Great Plague]] three hundred years previously had killed most of the people of [[Cardolan]] which later fell to the Witch King. And even with the aid of [[Elves]] and [[Hobbits]] most of the now diminished and totally demoralized people of Arnor were now waiting to make their final stand at Fornost, capitol city of [[Arthedain]].

== Opposing Forces ==

For the forces of [[Eriador]] exact numbers are not known, but it can be estimated that at the most ten thousand [[Men of Arnor]] were present at the city. Along with likely several thousand Elves of [[Lindon]], [[Rivendell]], [[Lothlórien]], and five hundred Hobbits archers from [[the Shire]].

For the forces of [[Angmar]] it can be estimated that there was at least twenty thousand or at the most forty thousand [[Orcs]], Trolls, Evil Men, Wolves, and all other manner of evil creatures.

== The Battle ==

Not much is known of the battle, and it is simply stated that the Witch King overran Fornost and the King was driven into the North Downs.
It is likely that the Witch King issued from Angmar and swept aside Arthedain's defences along the Great North South Road and assaulted the city from the south and east. Considering that Arvedui was able to flee into the North Downs and hold out there for a while, and the fact that refugees and fleeing soldiers were able to escape, it is likely that Arthedain repulsed Angmar along the North Downs.
It is likely that several companies of Orcs were sent down to Bree-Land and possibly the Shire, but considering that those lands were largely unscathed by the war, we can assume that any assaults on them regions were repulsed and the majority of the war was fought in Fornost and the Downs.
The fighting outside the gates of Fornost was fierce, as the might of Arthedain held the walls against the seemingly endless hordes of the servants of Angmar. Whether by brute strength or dark magic, the gates were breached and the Orcs and Evil Men poured in. The street to street fighting would've been a nightmare for the defenders and attackers, and it is probable that during this stage, Arvedui ordered the military evacuation of the city to the north and west. It is possible that Arvedui was trapped in the city and was forced to fight his way out, or he may have departed the city moments before its fall. Thousands of refugees would've been fleeing from the city at this point and it is likely that the remnants of Arthedain's Army protected these bands of refugees as they made their way to the Lhun.
Regardless, the North Downs possibly held out for several more weeks with the arrival of Arvedui and his personal guard, giving the King hope that if Gondor arrived soon, Fornost may yet be recovered. However, with most of his enemies dead or fleeing west, the Witch King was able to concentrate the remainder of his forces on the Downs, and Arvedui was forced to flee, giving the Witch King supremacy of most of Arthedain.

== Aftermath ==

With Arthedain in his hands, the Witch King had conquered all of Arnor. Arvedui perished in the [[Icebay of Forochel]] when a ship sent to rescue him sank in a storm. The Witch King took the throne in the king's palace, until a year later in [[Third Age 1975|T.A. 1975]] when the forces of Eriador had regrouped with newly arrived reinforcements from [[Gondor]]. In the [[Battle of Fornost]] his army was destroyed, and he himself fled east over the [[Misty Mountains]].
Fornost was not resettled after the war. It became a deserted place, feared by the men of [[Bree]], who called it Deadman's Dike. Not until a thousand years later after the [[War of the Ring]] under King [[Aragorn|Elessar]] was it refounded.

==Sources==
*[[Appendix A]]

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]

Fall of Fornost

2010-10-18T10:59:34Z

Tar-Alcarin: /* The Battle */

{{battle
| name=Fall of Fornost
| image=
| conflict=War of Angmar
| date=[[Third Age 1974|T.A. 1974]]
| place=[[Fornost Erain]]
| result=Decisive Angmar victory
| side1=Men, Elves, Hobbits
| side2=Angmar
| commanders1=[[Arvedui]]
| commanders2=[[Witch-king]]
| forces1=Est. 2-10,000 Men of Arnor, several thousand Elves from, Lindon, Rivendell, and Lothlórien, and 500 Hobbit archers
| forces2=Est. 10-40,000 Orcs, Trolls, Evil Men from Rhudaur and elsewhere, Wolves, other evil creatures
| casual1=Est. Hundreds or even thousands of Men and Elves, along with all 500 Hobbits
| casual2=Est. Thousands
|}}
The '''Fall of Fornost''' was an event that resulted from the defeat of the forces of [[Arnor]], and the taking of their capitol city of [[Fornost]] by the [[Witch-king of Angmar]] and his armies.

== Leading Up to the Siege ==

By the year [[Third Age 1974]] things were looking very grim for the Dúnedain of Arnor. The [[Great Plague]] three hundred years previously had killed most of the people of [[Cardolan]] which later fell to the Witch King. And even with the aid of [[Elves]] and [[Hobbits]] most of the now diminished and totally demoralized people of Arnor were now waiting to make their final stand at Fornost, capitol city of [[Arthedain]].

== Opposing Forces ==

For the forces of [[Eriador]] exact numbers are not known, but it can be estimated that at the most ten thousand [[Men of Arnor]] were present at the city. Along with likely several thousand Elves of [[Lindon]], [[Rivendell]], [[Lothlórien]], and five hundred Hobbits archers from [[the Shire]].

For the forces of [[Angmar]] it can be estimated that there was at least twenty thousand or at the most forty thousand [[Orcs]], Trolls, Evil Men, Wolves, and all other manner of evil creatures.

== The Battle ==

Not much is known of the battle, and it is simply stated that the Witch King overran Fornost and the King was driven into the North Downs.
It is likely that the Witch King issued from Angmar and swept aside Arthedain's defences along the Great North South Road and assaulted the city from the south and east. Considering that Arvedui was able to flee into the North Downs and hold out there for a while, and the fact that refugees and fleeing soldiers were able to escape, it is likely that Arthedain repulsed Angmar along the North Downs.
It is likely that several companies of Orcs were sent down to Bree-Land and possibly the Shire, but considering that those lands were largely unscathed by the war, we can assume that any assaults on them regions were repulsed and the majority of the war was fought in Fornost and the Downs.
The fighting outside the gates of Fornost was fierce, as the might of Arthedain held the walls against the seemingly endless hordes of the servants of Angmar. Whether by brute strength or dark magic, the gates were breached and the Orcs and Evil Men poured in. The street to street fighting would've been a nightmare for the defenders and attackers, and it is probable that during this stage, Arvedui ordered the military evacuation of the city to the north and west. It is possible that Arvedui was trapped in the city and was forced to fight his way out, or he may have departed the city moments before its fall. Thousands of refugees would've been fleeing from the city at this point and it is likely that the remnants of Arthedain's Army protected these bands of refugees as they made their way to the Lhun.
Regardless, the North Downs possibly held out for several more weeks with the arrival of Arvedui and his personal guard, giving the King hope that if Gondor arrived soon, Fornost may yet be recovered. However, with most of his enemies dead or fleeing west, the Witch King was able to concentrate the remainder of his forces on the Downs, and Arvedui was forced to flee, giving the Witch King supremacy of most of Arthedain.

== Aftermath ==

With Arthedain in his hands, the Witch King had conquered all of Arnor. Arvedui perished in the [[Icebay of Forochel]] when a ship sent to rescue him sank in a storm. The Witch King took the throne in the king's palace, until a year later in [[Third Age 1975|T.A. 1975]] when the forces of Eriador had regrouped with newly arrived reinforcements from [[Gondor]]. In the [[Battle of Fornost]] his army was destroyed, and he himself fled east over the [[Misty Mountains]].
Fornost was not resettled after the war. It became a deserted place, feared by the men of [[Bree]], who called it Deadman's Dike. Not until a thousand years later after the [[War of the Ring]] under King [[Aragorn|Elessar]] was it refounded.

==Sources==
*[[Appendix A]]

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]

Corsair wars

2010-10-18T10:44:13Z

Tar-Alcarin: /* Siege of Umbar */

{{unnamed}}
{{war
| previous=[[Wainrider/Balchoth War]]
| next= [[War of the Ring]]
| image=[[Image:Angus McBride - Corsairs.gif|300px]]
| name=Corsair Wars
| place=Umbar, Pelargir, South Gondor, coastal waters
| result=Victory for Gondor, destruction of the Corsair state
| battles=[[Siege of Pelargir]], [[Harad/Umbar Battles]], [[Battle of Pelargir]], [[Surprise Attack on Umbar]], [[First Fall of Umbar]], [[Second Fall of Umbar]]
| begin=[[Third Age 1447|T.A. 1447]]
| end=[[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]]
| side1=Gondorian land and naval forces
| side2=Naval and land forces of Umbar
| commanders1=
[[Image:ME-GondorKing.png|45px|left]] [[Eldacar (King of Gondor)|Eldacar]]{{clear}}
[[Image:ME-Gondor.png|45px|left]] [[Ecthelion I]]{{clear}}
[[Image:ME-GondorKing.png|45px|left]] [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]{{clear}}
* [[Aldamir]] †
* [[Minardil]] †
* [[Telumehtar]]
* [[Denethor II]] †
| commanders2=
{{Sauron blazon}}
* [[Captain of Umbar]]
| strength1=Unknown number of sailors and soldiers
| strength2=Unknown number of sailors and soldiers
| casual1=Unknown, probably moderate
| casual2=Unknown, probably severe
}}
The '''Corsair Wars''' were a long, predominately naval struggle between Kings and Stewards of Gondor and a series of renegade rebel forces based at Umbar and Pelargir.

== Historical Background ==

The fortress haven of [[Umbar]] was founded by Númenórean colonists during the Second Age, during the peak of Númenorean power. When [[Ar-Pharazôn|Ar-Pharazôn the Golden]] landed in Middle Earth to challenge the power of Sauron, he landed at this heavily fortified port city. After the [[Downfall of Númenor]], these colonists continued to be influenced by Sauron, and showed great antipathy to the exile Kingdoms founded by the [[Faithful|Faithful of Númenor]], [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. They became known forever afterward as the [[Black Númenoreans]], battling Gondor by land and sea. It is likely that Umbar was conquered for Gondor under one of the Ship-Kings, possibly by [[Tarannon Falastur]]. During the reign of [[Earnil I]] and his son, [[Ciryandil]], the Haradrim constantly laid siege to Umbar and in [[1015 T.A.]], Ciryandil himself was slain defending it. This caused his son to conquer [[Harad]] and eventually take the name, [[Hyarmendacil I]].

== Early Years ==

In the aftermath of the [[Kin-strife]], the great civil conflict between [[Eldacar (King of Gondor)|Eldacar]] and the usurper [[Castamir]], Castamir's sons fled to to Umbar. There they established a breakaway government in opposition to Gondor, and continued to clash with Gondor for centuries to come.

== Pelargir Battles ==

In [[1551 T.A]], [[Hyarmendacil II]] conquered Harad when his father, [[Aldamir]], was slain in a skirmish with the Corsairs. However, Umbar held out against Hyarmendacil's attacks, but suffered greviously.
In 1634 T.A. the Corsair learnt that King Minardil, son of Hyarmendacil, was holidaying in the port city of Pelagir.
The Corsairs staged a surprise attack, and Minardil was slain before he could organise a proper defence of the port. The Corsairs then made a sudden withdrawal.
Unfortunately for Gondor, Pelagir remained a prime target for the Corsairs throughout the rest of the Third Age and by the time of the War of the Ring, the city was a shadow of its former glory.

== Siege of Umbar ==

The Siege of Umbar may refer to several different events in history, when Umbar constantly changed hands between Gondor, and the Corsairs with their Haradrim allies.
The first time Umbar was involved with the wars between Gondor and Harad was when one of the Ship-Kings conquered it from the Haradrim and Black Numenoreans who resided there. At this point, Harondor was still under Gondorian control so it can be assumed that perhaps Umbar was connected by land to Gondor, and not just a port outpost surrounded by enemies.
The wars with Harad never ceased and in 1015 T.A. the Haradrim staged an assault on Umbar and King Ciryandil was slain defendings its walls. Although the port was not taken, it effected the Gondorian populace and above all else, Ciryaher, Ciryandil's son. 35 years later, King Ciryaher not only lifted the Siege of Umbar, but conquered a huge portion of Near Harad, crushing the power of the Haradrim.
For the next four hundred years, Umbar was to remain in Gondorian control until after the Kin Strife, when the Sons of Castimir fled Pelagir and seized Umbar for their own. This proved to be the start of Gondor's rapid decline.
Aldamir, son of Eldacar, still holding a grudge against Castimir and his sons for the murder of his brother in th burning of Osgilliath, assaulted Umbar and was slain in the process, but the Corsairs victory was soon avenged when Vinyarion, Aldamir's son, conquered Harad and laid siege to Umbar.
But Gondor's temporary territorial claims in the south were soon reversed when the Gondorian siege of Umbar was lifted and the Corsairs raided Pelagir, killing King Minardil in the process.
Following the destruction of the Plague, both sides were temporarily weakened, but Telumehtar of Gondor struck first and conquered Umbar for Gondor, the last descendants of Castimir perished in the process.
It never states when the Corsairs reconquered Umbar, but it is likely that it fell back to the Corsairs sometime during the reigns of the next few Kings, when Gondor itself was nearly toppled by Wainriders.

== War of the Ring ==

== Aftermath ==

== References ==

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]

Corsair wars

2010-10-18T10:23:17Z

Tar-Alcarin: /* Pelargir Battles */

Corsair wars

2010-10-18T10:14:56Z

Tar-Alcarin: /* Historical Background */

Corsair wars

2010-10-18T10:14:27Z

Tar-Alcarin: /* Historical Background */

User talk:Tar-Alcarin

2010-10-18T10:05:53Z

Tar-Alcarin: Adding welcome message to new user's talk page