The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Date
The forces of Mordor invaded the Pelennor and prepared for the siege on 13 March, and the siege itself took place from 14-15 March III 3019
Location
The Pelennor Fields, outside the walls of Minas Tirith
Races
The City was held by Men, and attacked by Men and Orcs
Divisions
Cultures
Various; Minas Tirith was primarily defended by Gondorians and Rohirrim, against attacks by Haradrim and Orcs of Mordor, among others
Family
Gondor was ruled by Denethor, a Steward of the House of Húrin
Settlements
The siege was laid against Minas Tirith, the City of Gondor
Pronunciation
Gondor is pronounced 'go'ndorr' (the final 'r' should be pronounced - 'rr' is used here to emphasise this)
Meaning
Gondor means 'land of the (the people of) stone'
Other names
The greater battle of which the siege formed a part was known as the Battle of the Field of Gondor or (more commonly) the Battle of the Pelennor Fields

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 7 July 2024
  • This entry is complete

Siege of Gondor

Sauron’s assault on Minas Tirith

The greatest battle of the War of the Ring came about when Sauron concentrated vast forces on the city of Minas Tirith, with the hope of overthrowing the strongest of his foes in a single strike. After gaining a crossing of the Great River at Osgiliath, a vast array of warriors and arms poured into the Pelennor Fields: Orcs, Trolls and Men under the command of Sauron's lieutenant, the Lord of the Nazgûl.

The Siege itself took place over two days, from 14 to 15 March III 3019. At first Sauron's forces had the upper hand, and they even succeeded in breaking through the Great Gate of Minas Tirith. As the Battle of the Pelennor was fought out, though, the tide began to turn. The arrival of the Rohirrim, as well as a fleet from the south under the command of Aragorn, finally enabled the Men of Gondor to drive the Enemy from their walls.


Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 7 July 2024
  • This entry is complete

For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page.

Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 2007, 2024. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.

Website services kindly sponsored by Discus from Axiom Software Ltd.
Find out how you can get the most out of teams using the DISC personality test.
The Encyclopedia of Arda
The Encyclopedia of Arda
Menu
Homepage Search Latest Entries and Updates Random Entry