Assaults on Lothlórien
| War of the Ring |
|---|
| Osgiliath (1) · Moria · Isen (1) · Rauros · Isen (2) · Fangorn · Isengard · Hornburg · Osgiliath (2) · Siege of Gondor · Dale · Pelennor Fields · Black Gate · Dol Guldur · Bywater |
The assaults on Lothlórien were a series of conflicts in March T.A. 3019 initiated by Sauron against the Golden Wood during the War of the Ring.
All attempts by Sauron failed. Besides the valour of the Galadhrim, the realm was already too powerful, and only could have been overcome if Sauron came himself.[1]
Prelude
In the years leading to the War of the Ring, Dol Guldur had become active[2](possibly under the power of Khamûl, its former commander)[3]
Escaping from Moria, the Fellowship of the Ring arrived at Lothlórien, bringing the One Ring. Soon after, a band of hundred Orcs (presumably Orcs of the Misty Mountains pursuing them) crossed the Nimrodel. The wardens used feigned voices and led them into a trap, where a regiment or so of the Galadhrim were sent out, and destroyed them.[4]
But the coming of the One Ring and the orc pursuers were only the heralds of greater conflicts that were to occur. Sauron unleashed attacks on the Galadhrim.
Assaults
On 11 March, forces from Dol Guldur swarmed into the forest in a full-scale assault and were held back by the power of the Wood-elves.[1]
On 15 March, there was a big battle outside Minas Tirith. At the same time forces from Dol Guldur invaded Mirkwood and attacked once more Lothlórien.[1]
The third and last attack was made seven days later, on 22 March. They caused much destruction on the wood's borders, but the valiant Galadhrim routed them utterly, and the realm remained safe for the following days until the passing of Sauron.[1]
Aftermath
In 28 March,[5] after the Shadow of Sauron was lifted, Celeborn led the hosts of the Galadhrim across the Anduin, and they stormed Dol Guldur and cleansed Mirkwood; Thranduil gave its southern part into the dominion of Lothlórien, and it was called East Lórien.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years", pp. 1093-1094
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Hunt for the Ring", p. 352, note 1
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Lothlórien"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Chief Days from the Fall of Barad-dûr to the End of the Third Age", p. 1095
