Disaster of the Morannon

From Tolkien Gateway
Revision as of 23:44, 8 March 2015 by Bloody Mary (talk | contribs)
This article describes a concept which is mentioned in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, but was never given a definite name.
"...It is a long tale..." — Aragorn
This article or section needs expansion and/or modification. Please help the wiki by expanding it.


The Disaster of the Morannon was a battle in T.A. 1944 in which King Ondoher of Gondor attempted to rout the northern alliance of Wainriders.

Events Prior to the Battle

After previous defeats, the Wainriders prepared for revenge. Easterlings allied with Haradrim and Men of Khand, and attacked Gondor from two sides from north and from south.

The Battle

Gondor's host marched on the alliance of Wainriders in the north, attempting to rout them once and for all from Gondor's northern borders; however, the Wainrdiers and their allies, bitter from previous defeats, attacked them with vengeance. Their cavalry swept over Ondoher's army and utterly defeated them. Ondoher and his eldest son Artamir were killed, and the Wainriders were victorious. They celebrated at their camps after the battle, feasting in honor of their victory.

Aftermath

Gondor referred to the battle as The Disaster of the Morannon. It is unknown if the Wainriders gave quarter to King Ondoher's forces, though it is known that his army was almost entirely crushed. Some of his troops managed to escape, however, and fled southward where they joined up with Gondor's Southern Army, which quickly marched north to catch the Wainriders by surprise during their celebrations.