The Ultimate Power Play: Unveiling Saruman's Masterplan to Seize Isengard

Lord of the Rings presents a captivating narrative of courage that is equally dependent on its settings as its main characters. The realms of Gondor, Mordor, and even the modest Shire serve as the backdrop for numerous significant moments throughout the series. Among these locations, the legendary fortress of Isengard stands out as one of the most crucial, witnessing pivotal turning points in the story.

While many fans recognize Isengard as the dwelling place of Saruman the White, the primary antagonist, only those who have delved into the books truly understand the extensive history and significance of this enigmatic stronghold. What are the origins of this mysterious fortress, and what role did it play in the momentous War of the Ring?

What is Isengard in Lord of the Rings?

Isengard, the fortress at the southernmost edge of the Misty Mountains, holds a significant meaning beyond Saruman's infamous tower, Orthanc. It is an area encompassed by a colossal stone wall known as "the Ring of Isengard." This fortress, established during the Second Age after the creation of Gondor and before Sauron's defeat, was strategically built by the Dúnedain, ancestors of Aragorn, to protect the northern border of their newly formed nation.

Orthanc became renowned for housing one of the seven palantiri, also known as "seeing stones," which the Númenórean civilization utilized for various purposes such as scrying, divination, and long-distance communication. By positioning a palantir within Orthanc, Isengard gained a precious advantage as it enabled the stationed garrison to swiftly anticipate and exchange information about incoming threats.

During the Third Age, a devastating plague struck the region, leading to the closure of Orthanc and the emergence of its association with evil. Despite this, there was still a fortified structure at Isengard, housing a small troop of soldiers. With the rest of the region largely abandoned, the garrison and their leader operated with minimal supervision for many years. Over time, rumors began to circulate about their involvement in dark magic. However, these alleged practices proved futile in protecting the garrison, as they were eventually overpowered by the Hill-Men of Dunland. The fortress was then briefly held by the Hill-Men before being reclaimed by the men of Rohan.

Why is Isengard Important?

Isengard holds a significant role in the War of the Ring and serves as the stronghold of one of the main antagonists in The Lord of the Rings. It is within the walls of Isengard that Gandalf, the wise and elderly wizard, is famously imprisoned. Seeking guidance on the destruction of the Ring, Gandalf approaches Saruman, who attempts to persuade him to join his cause.

However, Gandalf firmly refuses, leading Saruman to resort to imprisoning him at the top of Orthanc. Despite his confinement, Gandalf manages to escape with the assistance of the majestic giant eagles. Nevertheless, he is unable to overcome his once-respected mentor. Saruman remains entrenched in his position within Orthanc until a pair of Hobbits and a furious army of Ents launch a relentless siege on his supposedly impenetrable fortress.

There was little hope for the innocent beings of Middle-earth when the combined forces of Mordor and Isengard stood against them. However, the tides of the War of the Ring began to shift with the defeat of Saruman's army at Helm's Deep and the siege of Isengard led by Pippin, Merry, and the Ents.

How Did Saruman Take Control of Isengard?

Following the expulsion of the Hill-Men from Isengard by the men of Rohan, Saruman the White expressed his aspiration to make Isengard his residence. However, it took another two centuries for him to fulfill this desire, which occurred after the White Council convened.

Saruman's corruption remained a secret, as none were aware of his allegiance to the dark lord Sauron. Through his possession of a palantir, Sauron gradually influenced the wizard to join the forces of evil. With Saruman under his control, Sauron allowed Orcs to enter Isengard and bred them to form a formidable army.

Isengard, once a thriving place, became a desolate and corrupted fortress during the War of the Ring. It served as Saruman's stronghold and held a significant role alongside Barad-dûr in the second book of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. However, like previous occupying forces, Saruman's arrogance eventually led to his downfall and the undoing of his corruption.

The valley was left in ruins by the dark wizard's manipulations, as he mercilessly cleared vast areas of the once lush forest. This act of destruction ignited a deep fury within Treebeard and the Ents, compelling them to rise up in defiance against the wizard. Saruman, either oblivious to the Ents' duty as guardians of the forest or underestimating their power and speed, made a grave miscalculation. The consequences of his actions proved fatal, and the downfall of Saruman and Isengard foreshadowed a similar fate awaiting Barad-dûr and Sauron himself.