Watchful Peace: Difference between revisions

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The '''Watchful Peace''' was a relatively peaceful 4-century period during the [[Third Age]], from {{TA|2063}} until [[Sauron]]'s return to [[Dol Guldur]] in [[Third Age 2460|2460]]. During this time Dol Guldur was ruled by [[Khamûl]] the Easterling in the Absence of the [[Necromancer]].
The '''Watchful Peace''' was a relatively peaceful 4-century period during the [[Third Age]], from {{TA|2063}}, when [[Sauron]], then known as "the Necromancer", fled from [[Dol Guldur]] to hide himself from the [[Wise]]. That was until Sauron returned in {{TA|2460|n}}.  
 
The Shadow on [[Mirkwood]] had lessened, but the [[Nazgûl]] had used this period to prepare for Sauron's return.
==Background==
==Background==
It was during this period that the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] had overthrown the Northern Kingdom of [[Arnor]] and its three successor kingdoms: [[Arthedain]], [[Rhudaur]], and [[Cardolan]]. The Elves of [[Rivendell]] however destroyed Angmar not long after.
When [[Arnor]] reestablished relations with [[Gondor]], Kings [[Araphant]] and [[Ondoher]] realised that a single force was co-ordinating the attacks on both of their kingdoms and that they should work together to combat the evil. However it was already too late; the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] managed to overthrow [[Arthedain]], the last remnant of the Northern Kingdom of [[Arnor]].
Angmar was in turn destroyed by [[Host of the West (Arnor)|the forces of Gondor]] and the [[Elves]].<ref name=gondor>{{App|Gondor}}</ref><ref name=ta>{{App|TA}}</ref>


The later years saw also the [[Nazgûl]] gathering back in [[Mordor]] and subsequently capturing of [[Minas Ithil]], now renamed [[Minas Morgul]]. The [[Dwarves of Moria]] also suffered a big loss with the awakening of a [[Balrog]] and the following evacuation of [[Khazad-dûm]].
The [[Nazgûl]] gathered back in [[Mordor]] to prepare for Sauron's return;<ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref> they subsequently captured [[Minas Ithil]] and [[Gondor]] suffered the end of the line of the [[Kings of Gondor]]. The [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]] also suffered a major loss with the awakening of a [[Balrog]] and the subsequent evacuation of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]], which caused many [[Galadhrim]] to seek to leave [[Middle-earth]].<ref name=gondor/><ref name=ta/> By {{TA|2060}} the shadow of Dol Guldur grew so much that [[the Wise]] realised that Sauron was returning there.<ref name=ta/>


The last years before the Watchful peace, [[Gondor]] suffered the loss of its last childless King [[Earnur II]], and the beginning of the [[Ruling Stewards]].
[[File:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|[[John Howe]] - ''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'']]
But Sauron's plans were to change; in {{TA|2063}} [[Gandalf]] went there to investigate; the "Necromancer" fled to the [[East]] so that he would not be identified.<ref name=ta/>


Eventually the [[Wise]] feared that their enemy is active in [[Dol Guldur]] and in {{TA|2063}} [[Gandalf]] went there; Sauron fled to the [[East]] so that he would not be identified.
During his absence, the Nazgûl remained quiet in [[Minas Morgul]].<ref name=ta/> The Shadow on [[Mirkwood]] had lessened, but the [[Nazgûl]] had used this period to prepare for Sauron's return, who, in the meantime, was corrupting the [[Men]] of the East.


==History==
==History==
===Gondor===
===Gondor===
The first ten [[Ruling Steward]]s had relative calm in which to renew their strength. During the Watchful Peace Gondor strengthened its borders, keeping a watchful eye on the east, as [[Minas Morgul]] was still a threat on their flank and [[Mordor]] was still occupied with [[Orcs]]. But no major escalations occurred except for minor skirmishes with the [[Haven of Umbar]].   
The first ten [[Ruling Steward]]s had relative calm in which to renew their strength. These included [[Mardil|Mardil Voronwë]], [[Eradan]], [[Herion]], [[Belegorn]], [[Húrin I]], [[Túrin I]], [[Hador (Steward of Gondor)|Hador]], [[Barahir (Steward of Gondor)|Barahir]], [[Dior (Steward of Gondor)|Dior]], and [[Denethor I]].
 
During the Peace Gondor strengthened its borders, keeping a watchful eye on the east, as [[Minas Morgul]] was still a threat on their flank and [[Mordor]] was still occupied with [[Orcs]]. But no major escalations occurred except for minor skirmishes with the [[Umbar|Haven of Umbar]].   


During the Peace the garrisons of the forts of [[Calenardhon]] (which was depopulated during the [[Great Plague]]) were not renewed, and local chieftains (whose subjects were increasingly of mixed blood) gained more control.<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref>
During the Peace the garrisons of the forts of [[Calenardhon]] (which was depopulated during the [[Great Plague]]) were not renewed, and local chieftains (whose subjects were increasingly of mixed blood) gained more control.<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref>


Stewards of Gondor during the Watchful Peace included [[Mardil|Mardil Voronwë]], [[Eradan]], [[Herion]], [[Belegorn]], [[Húrin I]], [[Túrin I]], [[Hador (Steward of Gondor)|Hador]], [[Barahir (Steward of Gondor)|Barahir]], [[Dior (Steward of Gondor)|Dior]], and [[Denethor I]].
===Eriador===
The first seven [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]] ruled their people, the [[Rangers of the North]], during the Watchful Peace: [[Aranarth]], [[Arahael]], [[Aranuir]], [[Aravir]], [[Aragorn I]], [[Araglas]], and [[Arahad I]]. Even before the Peace ended, evil things secretly invaded or attacked Eriador. The region suffered only from some evil creatures such as [[wolves]].<ref name=eriador>{{App|Eriador}}</ref>
 
The [[Hobbits]] of [[the Shire]] prospered and even expanded and appointed a [[Thain]] to take the role of the King, the first being [[Bucca]],<ref name=eriador/> and [[Isumbras Took I|Isumbras I]] became the first [[Took|Tookish]] Thain later; [[Buckland]] was first occupied by [[Oldbucks]] at this time.


===Eriador===
===Longbeards===
The first seven [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]] reigned during the Watchful Peace: [[Aranarth]], [[Arahael]], [[Aranuir]], [[Aravir]], [[Aragorn I]], [[Araglas]], and [[Arahad I]]. The region suffered from [[wolves]] and other evil creatures.
At the beginning of the Watchful Peace, the [[Dwarves]] of [[Durin's Folk]] dwelt in both the [[Grey Mountains]] and in [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]]. [[Thráin I]] made his abode at Erebor, but the majority of his people inhabited the Grey Mountains and his son [[Thorin I]] moved there as well.
 
He was followed as [[Kings of Durin's Folk|King of Durin's Folk]] by [[Glóin (King of Durin's Folk)|Glóin]] and [[Óin (King of Durin's Folk)|Óin]].


The [[Hobbits]] of [[the Shire]] prospered and even expanded; [[Buckland]] was first occupied by [[Oldbucks]] at this time. [[Isumbras Took I|Isumbras I]] became the first [[Took|Tookish]] [[Thain]] of the Shire in [[Third Age 2340|2340]].
===Dwarves===
At the beginning of the Watchful Peace, the [[Dwarves]] of [[Durin's folk]] dwelt in both the [[Grey Mountains]] and in [[Erebor]]. [[Thráin I]] made his abode at Erebor, but the majority of his people inhabited the Grey Mountains and his son [[Thorin I]] moved there as well. He was followed as [[Kings of Durin's Folk|King of Durin's Folk]] by [[Glóin (Son of Thorin I)|Glóin]] and [[Óin (King of Durin's Folk)|Óin]].
===North===
===North===
The [[Éothéod]] dwelt in the north vales of [[Anduin]] during the Watchful Peace.
The [[Éothéod]] dwelt in the north vales of [[Anduin]] during the Watchful Peace.


Further south, some [[Stoors]] inhabited the areas near the [[Gladden Fields]]. [[Sméagol]] was born and spent his youth there toward the end of the Watchful Peace.
Further south, some [[Stoors]] inhabited the areas near the [[Gladden Fields]], having settled there some centuries ago to flee the shadow of [[Angmar]], and formed a matriarchical society.<ref>{{App|Eriador}}</ref><ref>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref> [[Sméagol]] was born and spent his youth there toward the end of the Watchful Peace.


==End of the Peace==
==End of the Peace==
A new race of Orcs was bred in Minas Morgul, the [[Uruk-hai]]. But Sauron was not idle in the east either: he created a strong alliance between the various tribes of [[Easterlings]], so that when he returned he was more powerful and had many [[Men]] in his service.  
A new race of Orcs was bred in Minas Morgul, the [[Uruk-hai]]. But Sauron was not idle in the east either: he created a strong alliance between the various tribes of [[Easterlings]], so that when he returned he was more powerful and had many [[Men]] in his service.  


In {{TA|2460}}, Sauron returned with new strength. His return coincided with [[the One Ring]] revealed itself and Sméagol claimed it three years later.
In {{TA|2460}}, Sauron returned with new strength. His return coincided with [[the One Ring]] revealing itself and Sméagol claimed it three years later. In c. {{TA|2480}} Orcs began to spread again in the Misty Mountains in order to block all passes into Eriador, whilst Sauron's creatures took Moria as their own. The next years [[Ithilien]] and [[Osgiliath]] were devastated by the Uruk-hai.
 
==Portrayal in adaptations==
The next years [[Ithilien]] and [[Osgiliath]] were devastated by the Uruk-hai.
'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
[[category:Periods]]
:[[Elrond]] mentions a "watchful peace" that as of {{TA|2941}} has lasted for "four hundred years", referring to the absence of Sauron. In the context of the movie (which is quite different than the canonical chronology), Sauron had been inactive between T.A. 2541 and 2941, when the Necromancer first emerges.
 
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Revision as of 07:39, 10 May 2021

"Who told you, and who sent you?" — Gandalf
This article or section needs more/new/more-detailed sources to conform to a higher standard and to provide proof for claims made.

The Watchful Peace was a relatively peaceful 4-century period during the Third Age, from T.A. 2063, when Sauron, then known as "the Necromancer", fled from Dol Guldur to hide himself from the Wise. That was until Sauron returned in 2460.

Background

When Arnor reestablished relations with Gondor, Kings Araphant and Ondoher realised that a single force was co-ordinating the attacks on both of their kingdoms and that they should work together to combat the evil. However it was already too late; the Witch-king of Angmar managed to overthrow Arthedain, the last remnant of the Northern Kingdom of Arnor. Angmar was in turn destroyed by the forces of Gondor and the Elves.[1][2]

The Nazgûl gathered back in Mordor to prepare for Sauron's return;[3] they subsequently captured Minas Ithil and Gondor suffered the end of the line of the Kings of Gondor. The Dwarves of Khazad-dûm also suffered a major loss with the awakening of a Balrog and the subsequent evacuation of Khazad-dûm, which caused many Galadhrim to seek to leave Middle-earth.[1][2] By T.A. 2060 the shadow of Dol Guldur grew so much that the Wise realised that Sauron was returning there.[2]

John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur

But Sauron's plans were to change; in T.A. 2063 Gandalf went there to investigate; the "Necromancer" fled to the East so that he would not be identified.[2]

During his absence, the Nazgûl remained quiet in Minas Morgul.[2] The Shadow on Mirkwood had lessened, but the Nazgûl had used this period to prepare for Sauron's return, who, in the meantime, was corrupting the Men of the East.

History

Gondor

The first ten Ruling Stewards had relative calm in which to renew their strength. These included Mardil Voronwë, Eradan, Herion, Belegorn, Húrin I, Túrin I, Hador, Barahir, Dior, and Denethor I.

During the Peace Gondor strengthened its borders, keeping a watchful eye on the east, as Minas Morgul was still a threat on their flank and Mordor was still occupied with Orcs. But no major escalations occurred except for minor skirmishes with the Haven of Umbar.

During the Peace the garrisons of the forts of Calenardhon (which was depopulated during the Great Plague) were not renewed, and local chieftains (whose subjects were increasingly of mixed blood) gained more control.[4]

Eriador

The first seven Chieftains of the Dúnedain ruled their people, the Rangers of the North, during the Watchful Peace: Aranarth, Arahael, Aranuir, Aravir, Aragorn I, Araglas, and Arahad I. Even before the Peace ended, evil things secretly invaded or attacked Eriador. The region suffered only from some evil creatures such as wolves.[5]

The Hobbits of the Shire prospered and even expanded and appointed a Thain to take the role of the King, the first being Bucca,[5] and Isumbras I became the first Tookish Thain later; Buckland was first occupied by Oldbucks at this time.

Longbeards

At the beginning of the Watchful Peace, the Dwarves of Durin's Folk dwelt in both the Grey Mountains and in Erebor. Thráin I made his abode at Erebor, but the majority of his people inhabited the Grey Mountains and his son Thorin I moved there as well.

He was followed as King of Durin's Folk by Glóin and Óin.

North

The Éothéod dwelt in the north vales of Anduin during the Watchful Peace.

Further south, some Stoors inhabited the areas near the Gladden Fields, having settled there some centuries ago to flee the shadow of Angmar, and formed a matriarchical society.[6][7] Sméagol was born and spent his youth there toward the end of the Watchful Peace.

End of the Peace

A new race of Orcs was bred in Minas Morgul, the Uruk-hai. But Sauron was not idle in the east either: he created a strong alliance between the various tribes of Easterlings, so that when he returned he was more powerful and had many Men in his service.

In T.A. 2460, Sauron returned with new strength. His return coincided with the One Ring revealing itself and Sméagol claimed it three years later. In c. T.A. 2480 Orcs began to spread again in the Misty Mountains in order to block all passes into Eriador, whilst Sauron's creatures took Moria as their own. The next years Ithilien and Osgiliath were devastated by the Uruk-hai.

Portrayal in adaptations

2012: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey:

Elrond mentions a "watchful peace" that as of T.A. 2941 has lasted for "four hundred years", referring to the absence of Sauron. In the context of the movie (which is quite different than the canonical chronology), Sauron had been inactive between T.A. 2541 and 2941, when the Necromancer first emerges.

References

Preceded by:
Angmar War
Major events of Middle-earth
T.A. 2063 - T.A. 2460
Followed by:
War of the Dwarves and Dragons