The War of the Ring (Part I)

by Aeneas2

Introduction

The War of the Ring is the name given to the war between the forces of Sauron and the Free Peoples of Middle Earth beginning in the year 3018 T.A. and ending in 3019 T.A. Both sides waged the war with one object in mind, the One Ring. The Free Peoples sought to destroy it, and Sauron sought to take it from the Free Peoples. The War of the Ring was fought all across Middle Earth, from Gondor in the south to Erebor in the north.

The Beginning of the War

The War of the Ring started when Sauron attacked the ancient Gondorian stronghold of Osgiliath on June 20, 3018 T.A. Though the attack was repelled, it succeeded in its purpose: to test the defenses of Osgiliath. On the same day, King Thranduil of Mirkwood was attacked, allowing Gollum to escape.

Boromir, wanting to learn the meaning of his dreams, sets out for Imladris on July 4. It is many months before he reaches his destination. On July 10, Gandalf visits and is imprisoned in Orthanc, by the wizard Saruman. This is a dire turn of events as Saruman had once been a powerful ally of the Free Peoples.

After over two months of imprisonment, Gandalf is rescued by Gwaihir the Wind Lord from the pinnacle of Orthanc on September 18. Gandalf then quickly makes his way to the Shire in order to aid Frodo in reaching Rivendell. However, Gandalf overtakes Frodo and his companions and ends up reaching Rivendell on October 18, two days before Frodo and his companions.

In search for the Ring, the Black Riders enter the Shire via the ford of Sarn on September 22. However, the Riders are unable to find Frodo until he reaches Weathertop (Amon Sûl) on October 6. Luckily for the Free Peoples, Aragorn manages to drive them off, but not before the Witch King inflicts a wound on Frodo with a Morgûl blade.

On October 9, Elrond receives word that Frodo is without guidance, and he dispatches Glorfindel to find him, and bring him safely to Rivendell. This Glorfindel sets out to do, driving three Black Riders off the Bridge of Mitheithel as well as forcing two others to flee further south. Finally on October 18, Glorfindel finds Frodo and convinces him to ride Asfaloth, Glorfindel’s horse. Asfaloth bears Frodo safely across the Ford of Bruinen on October 20.

Boromir finally arrives in Rivendell on the 24th of October. The Council of Elrond is held on the next day in order to determine what to do with the One Ring. It is decided that the Ring must be destroyed. After this, patrols are sent out to scout the surrounding area before the Fellowship of the Ring sets out. Two months later, the last of the patrols return, and the Fellowship of the Ring leaves Rivendell on December 25.

Next- Part II: Telling of the War of the Ring from the departure from Rivendell to the Battle of the Hornburg.