Timeline Event
Hosts of Isengard overrun Helm's Dike in the Battle of the Hornburg
Event Type: Military/Strategic
Age: 3rd Age - Ring War
Date: March 3, 3019
Description:
The initial skirmish in the Battle of the Hornburg; see that entry for an overview:
'[We] are too few to defend the Dike,' said Théoden. 'It is a mile long or more, and the breach in it is wide.'
'At the breach our rearguard must stand, if we are pressed,' said Éomer.
The Two Towers, LoTR Book 3, Ch 7, Helm's Deep
Gimli stood leaning against the breastwork upon the wall. Legolas sat above on the parapet, fingering his bow, and peering out into the gloom....
A slow time passed.... The hosts of Isengard were advancing in silence now. Their torches could be seen winding up the coomb in many lines.
Suddenly from the Dike yells and screams, and the fierce battle-cries of men broke out. Flaming brands appeared over the brink and clustered thickly at the breach. Then they scattered and vanished. Men came galloping back over the field and up the ramp to the gate of the Hornburg. The rearguard of the Westfolders had been driven in.
'The enemy is at hand!' they said. 'We loosed every arrow that we had, and filled the Dike with Orcs. But it will not halt them long. Already they are scaling the bank at many points, thick as marching ants. But we have taught them not to carry torches.'
The Two Towers, LoTR Book 3, Ch 7, Helm's Deep
Contributors:
Elena Tiriel 11Jan05
