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Timeline Event

Isildur commands Ohtar to escape with the shards of Narsil

Event Type: Military/Strategic

Age: 3rd Age - The Kings

Date: October 4, 0002

Description:

An event in the Disaster of the Gladden Fields; see that entry for an overview:
The Orcs were now drawing near. Isildur turned to his esquire: 'Ohtar,' 1 he said, 'I give this now into your keeping;' and he delivered to him the great sheath and the shards of Narsil, Elendil's sword. 'Save it from capture by all means that you can find, and at all costs; even at the cost of being held a coward who deserted me. Take your companion with you and flee! Go! I command you!' Then Ohtar knelt and kissed his hand, and the two young men fled down into the dark valley. 2

If the keen-eyed Orcs marked their flight they took no heed.

Unfinished Tales, Part 3, Ch 1, The Disaster of the Gladden Fields


Notes
1Ohtar is the only name used in the legends; but it is probably only the title of address that Isildur used at this tragic moment, hiding his feelings under formality. Ohtar 'warrior, soldier' was the title of all who, though fully trained and experienced, had not yet been admitted to the rank of roquen, 'knight.' But Ohtar was dear to Isildur and of his own kin. [Author's note.]

Unfinished Tales, Part 3, Ch 1, The Disaster of the Gladden Fields: Notes, Note 17

2In the earlier draft Isildur directed Ohtar to take two companions with him. In Of the Rings of Power (The Silmarillion...) and in The Fellowship of the Ring II 2 it is told that 'three men only came ever back over the mountains.' In the text given here the implication is that the third was Estelmo, Elendur's esquire, who survived the battle....

Unfinished Tales, Part 3, Ch 1, The Disaster of the Gladden Fields: Notes, Note 18

Contributors:
Elena Tiriel 7Nov07

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