...there is much else that may be told.
 | |
| 2 March, T.A. 3019 | |
| Second Battle of the Fords of Isen | |
|---|---|
| Conflict | War of the Ring |
| Place | The Fords of Isen |
| Outcome | Isengard victory, scattering of the Rohirrim |
| Combatants | |
| Commanders | |
| Strength | |
About 2,000 men Over 10,000 Uruk-hai, Orcs, Dunlendings, Wargs, and evil men | |
| Casualties | |
Heavy Moderate | |
The Second Battle of the Fords of Isen, also called the Second Battle of Isenford,[1] was the second of two conflicts at the Fords of Isen, of which no clear accounts were ever made. It occurred on March 2nd, T.A. 3019, just seven days after the first battle and the death of Théodred.
History
The day after the end of the First Battle of the Fords of Isen, Erkenbrand of Westfold assumed command of the West-mark after he received a message of the fall of Théodred. He sent errand-riders to Edoras asking that Éomer be sent at once with all the help that could be spared, but this request was not followed due to the machinations of Gríma.[2][note 1]
The forces of the West-mark were commanded by Grimbold, while Erkenbrand gathered more forces in the Hornburg. Meanwhile, the Muster of Edoras, which was commanded by Elfhelm, came to fight Saruman's forces at the Fords of Isen. Elfhelm wanted to abandon the fords and wished to hold up the enemy on their eastern side. Elfhelm worried that Saruman would send his army down from Isengard on the east side of Isen, but Grimbold was not willing to abandon the fords.[2]
Therefore, Grimbold remained with the rest of his men on the east bank, while Elfhelm withdrew his Riders and took up his position north of the fords.[2]
At night, much of Saruman's army arrived at the fords, and Grimbold had his men form a shieldwall, which held for a long time.[2] However, Grimbold, being severely outnumbered by Saruman's army, eventually had his men pull back, and this was done to aid Erkenbrand, who would need as many men as possible during the oncoming assault.
Grimbold, seeing that the shieldwall wouldn't last for long, and realizing that it was imperative for as many soldiers as possible to aid Erkenbrand, ordered his troops to retreat, even though he knew this might be seen as inglorious. In a sudden maneuver, purposefully breaking the shieldwall, Grimbold and his men scattered in the night, turning away from the road. So it was that the greater part of his men survived.[2]
Saruman had sent two armies from Isengard to attack Grimbold and Elfhelm. One army was sent down the west side of Isen, and the other was sent down the east side. While the western army engaged Grimbold's forces and secured the fords, the larger eastern army dealt with Elfhelm's men, ultimately forcing them to retreat eastwards. After scattering the Rohirrim, the armies began to make their way towards Helm's Deep.
Aftermath
Thus ended the Second Battle of the Fords of Isen. The Rider Ceorl was sent to report to Éomer about the defeat. On his way Ceorl met Théoden's band, who were already on their way to aid in the battle, only to be told about the defeat. This report made Théoden to retreat to Helm's Deep.[2]
When they received news from Ceorl, Gandalf rode towards Isengard with the greatest speed that Shadowfax could command. He must have met Grimbold and Elfhelm, whom he advised and ordered to go southward to join Erkenbrand and Théoden at the Hornburg.[2]
Portrayal in adaptations
2013: The Lord of the Rings Online:
- The Rohirrim forces in the battle are commanded by the Lords of the Westfold: Erkenbrand of the Hornburg, Grimbold of Grimslade and Gladsúnu of Marton, with Elfhelm commanding the garrison of Edoras. The advancing host of Isengard cut Erkenbrand off and pushed him south of the river Isen and kill Gladsúnu. Grimbold was among the last remaining defenders of the Ford, unwilling to abandon the grave of Prince Théodred. Seeing their position as lost, Elfhelm withdrew his men east of the Ford and tried to persuade Grimbold to go with them, but Grimbold refused, and Elfhelm has no choice but to leave him behind.
- The player finds Grimbold in despair and willing to accept his death but motivates him to live and fight by telling him that King Théoden himself had rode to war. They escape the Ford and meet with Gandalf and Erkenbrand and proceed to regroup with Dúnhere before Gandalf orders them to march on Helm's Deep.
See also
Notes
- ↑ The reinforcements with Éomer and the King himself set out in the afternoon of March the 2nd, but that night the Second Battle of the Fords was fought and lost, and the invasion of Rohan began.
References
- ↑ The Chronology of The Lord of the Rings, "Men and Friends" entry for March 2, p. 60
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Battles of the Fords of Isen"
| War of the Ring | |
|---|---|
| Osgiliath (1) · Moria · Isen (1) · Rauros · Isen (2) · Fangorn · Isengard · Hornburg · Osgiliath (2) · Siege of Gondor · Mirkwood · Dale · Pelennor Fields · Black Gate · Dol Guldur · Bywater |