The Dark Secrets of the Dead Men of Dunharrow

Highlights

The Men of the Mountains, once loyal to the Dark Lord Sauron, transformed into the Dead Men of Dunharrow when they refused to participate in the War of the Last Alliance. As a consequence, Isildur cursed them to remain in Middle-earth until they fulfilled their sworn pledge.

Aragorn, who is directly descended from Isildur, insists that the Dead Men of Dunharrow must honor their oath and fight alongside him in the War of the Ring. United in battle, they strike fear into the hearts of the Corsairs of Umbar, who subsequently retreat, thereby aiding Aragorn in turning the tide of the conflict.

The Dead Men of Dunharrow, known for their menacing appearance and spear-like weapons, are among the most feared characters in The Lord of the Rings. In Peter Jackson's film adaptation, The Return of the King, they are called the Army of the Dead and are portrayed as green and glowing figures.

Originally known as the Men of the Mountains, they inhabited the White Mountains during the Second Age. They existed prior to the arrival of the Númenóreans and had connections to both the Dunlendings and the people of Haleth. The film focuses on their crucial role in the War of the Ring but does not delve into their place in the wider world of The Lord of the Rings.

Why Are the Dead Men of Dunharrow Cursed?

The Men of the Mountains served the Dark Lord Sauron during his rule over Middle-earth. Isildur, later the High King of Arnor and Gondor, formed an alliance with the King of the Mountains at the Stone of Erech. However, the Men of the Mountains refused to fight against their former master in the War of the Last Alliance. Instead, they chose to hide in the mountains and remain neutral. In response, Isildur cursed them to eternal restlessness in Middle-earth until they fulfilled their oath to fight Sauron.

The Men of the Mountains retreated to hidden locations in the mountains, cutting off contact with others. Over time, their line diminished until only their spirits remained in the Third Age. These ghostly Oathbreakers haunted the caverns beneath Dwimorberg and appeared in Harrowdale during times of trouble or death. The residents near Erech feared the Sleepless Dead, particularly the King of the Dead. Brego, the second Lord of the Mark, and his son Baldor ventured along the Paths of the Dead and met a man who spoke of the Dead keeping the Dark Door closed "until the time comes". Tragically, Baldor vowed to walk the Paths but never returned.

What Happens to the Dead Men After the Battle of the Pelennor Fields?

Malbeth the Seer, a royal counselor of Arthedain, once prophesied that a day would come when the "forgotten people" will hear "a horn in the hills ringing" and will be called by the "heir of him to whom the oath they swore," whose "need shall drive him." This prophecy comes true in TA 3019 during the War of the Ring when Aragorn, a descendant of Isildur, summons the Dead Men of Dunharrow at the Stone of Erech to fulfill their oath. Despite the book depicting their immediate willingness, the film portrays them as initially hesitant and hostile. Even before embarking on his mission, Aragorn challenges Elrond, the Lord of Rivendell, questioning the wisdom of calling upon murderers and traitors to fight. However, Elrond firmly believes that they will heed the call of the King of Gondor, a belief that is eventually proven true when Aragorn demonstrates his lineage by parrying the King's blade with the legendary sword Andúril.

Amidst the siege on Minas Tirith by Sauron's forces, Aragorn takes charge of leading the Dead Men through Lamedon. On their arduous journey, they discover a deserted land, as the fear of encountering the King of the Dead has driven everyone away, except for Angbor, the Lord of Lamedon. Aragorn commands Angbor to gather his forces and join him in Pelargir. Upon their arrival, they are confronted by the Corsairs of Umbar, who are loyal to Sauron. Despite hearing rumors of the Oathbreakers aligning with the Grey Company, the Corsairs scoff at the sight of Aragorn and his warriors. However, their laughter quickly turns into terror as the Dead emerge, forcing the Corsairs to flee, abandoning their ships. Those who dare to stay meet their demise in the depths of the sea. Recounting the events to Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took, Legolas, the Prince of Mirkwood, describes the encounter as one where "Pale swords were drawn, but I know not if their blades still carried any bite, for the Dead required nothing more than fear" and likens it to the distant echoes of a battle fought in the Dark Years of bygone days.

Aragorn is able to depart on the dark ships of the Corsairs, which in turn changes the outcome of the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Prior to his departure, he proclaims that the Dead Men of Dunharrow have successfully fulfilled their pledge. They retreat to the banks of the river Anduin to the sound of trumpets, where their King ceremoniously breaks his spear and kneels before Aragorn, before vanishing forever.

In the extended version of the movie, the encounter between the Dead and the Corsairs is briefly depicted. They accompany Aragorn and contribute to the victory in the battle. Despite Gimli, the Dwarf, suggesting that they can be helpful in challenging situations, Aragorn releases them, allowing them to dissipate with the wind.