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Timeline Event

Sauron's forces from Minas Morgul assault Osgiliath in the Siege of Minas Tirith

Event Type: Military/Strategic

Age: 3rd Age - Ring War

Date: March 11, 3019

Description:
An event in the prelude to the Siege of Minas Tirith; see that entry for an overview:

At that moment the Wraith-king turned and spurred his horse and rode across the bridge [near Minas Morgul], and all his dark host followed him. ... he was in haste. Already the hour had struck, and at his great Master's bidding he must march with war into the West.

Soon he had passed, like a shadow into shadow, down the winding road, and behind him still the black ranks crossed the bridge. So great an army had never issued from that vale since the days of Isildur's might; no host so fell and strong in arms had yet assailed the fords of Anduin; and yet it was but one and not the greatest of the hosts that Mordor now sent forth.

Frodo stirred. And suddenly his heart went out to Faramir. 'The storm has burst at last,' he thought. 'This great array of spears and swords is going to Osgiliath. Will Faramir get across in time? He guessed it, but did he know the hour? And who can now hold the fords when the King of the Nine Riders comes?' ... And still the host of Morgul crossed the bridge.

The Two Towers, LoTR Book 4, Ch 8, The Stairs of Cirith Ungol

It was night again ere news came. A man rode in haste from the fords, saying that a host had issued from Minas Morgul and was already drawing nigh to Osgiliath; and it had been joined by regiments from the South, Haradrim, cruel and tall. 'And we have learned,' said the messenger, 'that the Black Captain leads them once again, and the fear of him has passed before him over the River.'

... small hope had any now that even Faramir could hold the fords for long.

The Return of the King, LoTR Book 5, Ch 4, The Siege of Gondor

Contributors:
Elena Tiriel 5Sep04; added quote: ET 3Oct04

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