The Battle of Fornost in LOTR: A Comprehensive Guide

Highlights

Before the events of The Lord of the Rings, the Battle of Fornost played a crucial role in Middle Earth's history, establishing the foundation for a captivating prophecy and serving as a significant war.

Gondor, Arthedain, and the Elvish troops from Lindon, commanded by Earnur and Glorfindel, formed the main military powers in the battle. Their well-thought-out strategy successfully defeated the forces of Angmar. Through a sudden cavalry charge and the timely arrival of Glorfindel, the enemy forces were overcome and suffered heavy losses. This outcome led to a resounding triumph for the forces fighting on the side of justice, as the Witch-King fled the battlefield.

The Lord Of The Rings trilogy showcases numerous exhilarating battles, leading some to mistakenly believe that the majority of the world's conflicts took place solely in those films. However, Middle Earth's history is riddled with numerous wars, many of which hold equal significance to the ones depicted in the movies. While some battles may consist of lesser-known figures, the most consequential conflicts always involve formidable fighters.

One particularly pivotal battle, known as The Battle of Fornost, predates Frodo's journey in The Lord Of The Rings. This battle not only holds great importance in its own right but also sets the foundation for one of the series' captivating prophecies, which would later gain recognition years after the battle's occurrence. The war for Fornost Erain was characterized by its bloody and brutal nature, surpassing the understanding of those who took part in it at the time.

When Did The Battle Of Fornost Take Place?

The Battle of Fornost commenced in the Third Age year of 1975 as the united armies of Gondor, Arthedain, Lindon, and others marched to recapture the capital of Dunedain from the forces of Angmar. Notably, Frodo's quest to destroy the One Ring in Mount Doom was still over a thousand years away. A year prior to the battle, Angmar had seized complete control over Fornost Erain, Arthedain, and Dunedain, leaving the once proud lands of Arnor in the grip of one of Middle Earth's most nefarious figures.

In TA 1975, the efforts to reclaim the kingdom did not involve direct fighting within the city's walls. Instead, the forces of Angmar assembled in the nearby plains to confront their enemies. This strategy aimed to keep the battle away from the city, but Gondor anticipated this and arranged an ambush to devastate the Angmar army. In a vicious clash, the combined armies struggled to gain an advantage, until Gondor's surprise cavalry charge turned the tides in their favor.

Who Fought In The Battle Of Fornost?

While the battle inflicted greater casualties upon the forces of Angmar, it was ultimately this very entity that emerged as the true victor. Angmar's ruthless onslaught laid waste to the lands of Arnor, leaving devastation in its wake and scattering the few remaining survivors. Only with the ascension of Aragorn, more than a millennium later, did the long-awaited restoration of Arnor's former glory commence.

The Battle of Fornost witnessed the alliance of Gondor, the remnants of Arthedain, and the Elvish troops from Lindon, serving as the three major forces fighting for the side of good. Commanded by Earnur, the human armies joined forces with Glorfindel, the esteemed Elven leader. With their exceptional strategies, the two brilliant commanders devised a flawless plan that rendered the forces of Angmar humiliated and ruthlessly defeated. On the opposing side, the notorious Witch-King of Angmar held command over Angmar's forces.

Earnur, the final ruler of Gondor before Sauron's defeat, was a formidable but imprudent king. Even before his ascension, he had gained the respect of the lands due to his exceptional skills on the battlefield and his natural leadership abilities. Although it remains uncertain whether he would have possessed the skill to defeat the Witch-King in a fair fight, it is worth mentioning that he displayed unwavering courage in facing the formidable enemy alone.

Glorfindel, one of the most formidable Elven figures in The Lord of the Rings series, possessed such immense power that he was brought back to Middle Earth long after his death in the First Age. He possessed strength unparalleled even among his Elven counterparts, leading his people against Sauron's malevolent forces wherever they were found. Without Glorfindel's aid in Middle Earth, it is conceivable that Sauron could have successfully executed his nefarious plans long before Frodo's existence.

The Witch-King of Angmar, a formidable foe in Middle Earth and one of Sauron's trusted allies, is believed to be a corrupted ruler of Numenor. He leads the Nazgul and possesses immense power associated with his position. His sole purpose is to serve Sauron and wage war against the peaceful races of Middle Earth. Ultimately, this character meets his demise at the hands of Eowyn, defying a prophecy created by Glorfindel.

How Did The Battle Of Fornost End?

Following the unexpected cavalry charge by Gondor, Angmar was left in disarray. Their troops were swiftly overwhelmed and almost completely annihilated, compelling the Witch-King of Angmar to order a retreat. With only a scant number of forces remaining, he attempted to escape to the east, encountering yet another surprise. Unbeknownst to the Witch-King, Glorfindel lay in ambush, choosing the opportune moment to join the battle. This resulted in a far bloodier conflict than the Battle of Helms Deep could ever aspire to be. Catching the retreating forces off guard once again, the forces of good were able to further dismantle Angmar, solidifying what promised to be an authoritative military triumph.

Earnur, sensing imminent victory, decided to challenge the Witch-King to a one-on-one duel, delighting his foe with the sight of his terrified horse. However, the Witch-King chose to flee the battleground, and despite Earnur's desire to pursue, Glorfindel intervened. It was at this precise moment that Glorfindel uttered a prophecy that would prove true for millennia: no mortal man could ever slay the Witch-King. Some time later, Earnur recklessly ventured into battle against the Witch-King within Minas Morgul, and he was never seen again.

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The Lord of the Rings is synonymous with exceptional entertainment. Originating from J. R. R. Tolkien's novels, this franchise captivated audiences worldwide and made its mark on the silver screen. Peter Jackson brought this enchanting tale to life in a phenomenal film trilogy, which continues to receive widespread critical acclaim. Additionally, The Lord of the Rings has inspired a range of video games, offering diverse experiences to fans.