Faramir's defence of Osgiliath: Difference between revisions
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Faramir retired with his men to the [[Causeway Forts]] where the ongoing battle resumed. Soon this battle would also be lost, Faramir would be wounded, and [[siege of Gondor]] would begin. | Faramir retired with his men to the [[Causeway Forts]] where the ongoing battle resumed. Soon this battle would also be lost, Faramir would be wounded, and [[siege of Gondor]] would begin. | ||
==Portrayal in adaptations == | ==Portrayal in adaptations == | ||
The movie version of ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]'' by Peter Jackson condensed the battle. In the book, Denethor did not order Faramir on a suicidal cavalry charge against Osgiliath, although Faramir did regard the order to go to help defend Osgiliath ill-advised. Also, in the movie the Causeway Forts and the [[Rammas Echor]] did not exist. | The movie version of ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]'' by Peter Jackson condensed the battle. The Orcs led by [[Gothmog]] swarm across the Anduin and engage Faramir's garrison throughout the ruins of western Osgiliath. When his forces begin to be overwhelmed and the city is clearly lost, he leads a retreat back to Minas Tirith, harried by the Ringwraiths along the way. Denethor then delusionally orders Faramar to lead a counter-attack to retake Osgiliath, despite Faramir's complaint that the city is completely overrun. In the book, Denethor did not order Faramir on a suicidal cavalry charge against Osgiliath, although Faramir did regard the order to go to help defend Osgiliath ill-advised. Also, in the movie the Causeway Forts and the [[Rammas Echor]] did not exist. | ||
{{References}} | {{References}} | ||
[[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]] | [[Category:Conflicts of the War of the Ring]] | ||
Revision as of 02:41, 2 July 2013
| This article describes a concept which is mentioned in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, but was never given a definite name. |
| Faramir's defense of Osgiliath | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Conflict: War of the Ring | |
| Date: 12 March T.A. 3019 | |
| Place: The ruins of western Osgiliath | |
| Outcome: Victory for Sauron, gaining the crossing of the Anduin River | |
| Combatants | |
| Commanders | |
| Strength | |
|
Unknown, the men of Gondor |
Unknown, forces of Mordor, Southrons, Haradwaith |
| Casualties | |
|
Unknown |
Unknown |
| War of the Ring |
|---|
| Osgiliath (1) · Moria · Isen (1) · Rauros · Isen (2) · Fangorn · Isengard · Hornburg · Osgiliath (2) · Siege of Gondor · Dale · Pelennor Fields · Black Gate · Dol Guldur · Bywater |
Faramir's defense of Osgiliath was a futile attempt to stem the advance of Sauron's army advancing from Minas Morgul towards Minas Tirith through the ruins of the city on the Anduin.
Prelude
Two days after the departure of Frodo Baggins from Henneth Annûn, Faramir returned to Minas Tirith.[1] Early in the morning of the next day Denethor ordered his son to Osgiliath, hoping to make the Enemy pay dearly for the crossing of the river. Although Faramir warned that Sauron could easily afford to lose ten times Gondor's losses, and that those so far afield would find retreat perilous, Denethor insisted that Faramir defend the ruined city because no army could cross the river north of Cair Andros or southwards towards Lebennin. After the meeting of the Council Faramir took what strength he could to Osgiliath.[2]
The Battle
On 12 March, T.A. 3019,[1] Sauron's army met and shoved Faramir's scratch forces west out of Osgiliath. Although the Enemy did pay dearly for the crossing, it was less than hoped. In secret, numerous floats and barges had been built in East Osgiliath which allowed Sauron's forces to swarm like beetles upon the defenders.[2]
Aftermath
Faramir retired with his men to the Causeway Forts where the ongoing battle resumed. Soon this battle would also be lost, Faramir would be wounded, and siege of Gondor would begin.
Portrayal in adaptations
The movie version of The Return of the King by Peter Jackson condensed the battle. The Orcs led by Gothmog swarm across the Anduin and engage Faramir's garrison throughout the ruins of western Osgiliath. When his forces begin to be overwhelmed and the city is clearly lost, he leads a retreat back to Minas Tirith, harried by the Ringwraiths along the way. Denethor then delusionally orders Faramar to lead a counter-attack to retake Osgiliath, despite Faramir's complaint that the city is completely overrun. In the book, Denethor did not order Faramir on a suicidal cavalry charge against Osgiliath, although Faramir did regard the order to go to help defend Osgiliath ill-advised. Also, in the movie the Causeway Forts and the Rammas Echor did not exist.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Siege of Gondor"
