| Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth |
|---|
| Part One: The First Age |
| Part Two: The Second Age |
| Part Three: The Third Age |
| Part Four |
The Battles of the Fords of Isen is a chapter in Unfinished Tales, a posthumously published work of J.R.R. Tolkien edited by Christopher Tolkien. The chapter is an account of the first and second attacks on the critical crossing of the River Isen during which King Théoden's son, Théodred was slain, paving the way to the assault on the Hornburg, the stronghold of Rohan.
Synposis
The main obstacles to Saruman’s conquest over Rohan were Théodred and Éomer. Because of this, in the First Battle of the Fords of Isen, Saruman made sure that Théodred would die. Théodred took his riders to meet Saruman’s forces at the Fords, but was slowed by ambushes from the enemy. When Théodred arrived at the Fords, he set Grimbold in charge of fifty men on the west bank, and the rest on the east bank. He positioned his own company on the small island on the water.
Saruman’s eastern forces came with unexpected speed and ferocity, made up of Dunlending horsemen and Orcish wolfriders. As the eastern side was being overtaken, Grimbold was being attacked on his side, and the enemy was closing in on Théodred from both sides. Grimbold came to his aid too late, and Théodred fell at his side. When it seemed they were done for, a great host led by Elfhelm drove off the enemy.
Erkenbrand assumed command of the West-mark, and in anticipation for a second battle, asked Théoden for reinforcements. This was denied due to the advice of Gríma. Erkenbrand gave field command to Grimbold, who coordinated with Elfhelm to protect the Fords. Grimbold protected the west bank, while Elfhelm waited farther on the east side. Saruman’s troops attacked on 2 March, forcing Grimbold across the Isen. In the night, Grimbold’s forces were scattered, and Elfhelm was fighting the rest of Saruman’s army from Isengard. In the late afternoon of 3 March, Grimbold met Gandalf, and followed his advice to join Elfhelm in the south.
Here, the text is abruptly cut off.
Appendix
The Appendix of the chapter details the military ranks of the Rohirrim. The Marshals of the Mark were the three lieutenants of the King. Théoden had no First Marshal, and would command the Muster of Edoras himself. When Éomer became King, he replaced these three positions with the Marshal of the West-mark and the Marshal of the East-mark.
Also included is a discussion of the importance of the Fords of Isen and the time when Dunlendings occupied Isengard.