The Second Battle of the Fords of Isen

After midnight in the deep night/early morning Gollum continued to lead Frodo and Sam through the Dead Marshes. Just before dawn they began to reach firmer ground and Gollum was quite pleased with himself for finding the path through. Still he could sense the weather was changing and this did not make him happy. In fact his uneasiness only grew. Suddenly all three travelers heard a long wail over the increasing wind and a shape in the air could be seen flying by them and then back over them even closer. All three shuddered and Gollum froze and refused to move. "'Wraiths!' he wailed. 'Wraiths on wings! The Precious is their master. They see everything, everything. Nothing can hide from them'" (p. 237, The Two Towers). He was worried the Wraiths would tell Sauron of their presence; Sam, from this point on, perceived a change in Gollum. To make matters worse Frodo was become very weary. The Ring had become a heavier the closer they drew to Mordor. And worse still Frodo could feel the will of Sauron searching for him. Sam was left to try and care for his master while watching out for Gollum. As day drew on they were surprised to see how much closer to the Black Gates they had come.

Meanwhile Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas had ridden through the night with minimal rest to seek Theoden in Edoras. As morning broke they could see the city in the distance. As they rode closer they passed the burial mounds of the Kings and Aragorn sang a song of the Rohirrim to his comrades. He told of Eorl the Young as a bitter chill came into the land. They were met at the gates by guards saying that by orders of Theoden no strangers should enter. Aragorn explained that they came at the bidding of Eomer to return the horses they had borrowed. This brought a strange look to the guard's face and he thought perhaps Theoden may be expecting them; for it was just two days previous that Wormtongue gave the orders that strangers should be barred. "'Wormtongue?' said Gandalf, looking sharply at the guard. 'Say no more! My errand is not to Wormtongue, but to the Lord of the Mark himself. I am in haste. Will you not go or send to say that we are come?'" (p. 113, The Two Towers). The guard led them forth into the city.

Hama the Doorward met them before the great hall; he was ordered to take their weapons. Legolas gave his up cautioning care with the bow of Galadriel. It was set down and untouched for the Rohirrim feared that name. "Aragorn stood a while hesitating. 'It is not my will,' he said, 'to put aside my sword or to deliver Anduril to the hand of any other man'" (p. 115, The Two Towers). After some intervention by Gandalf, who set aside Glamdring, Aragorn set Anduril down unsure of whether the heir of Gondor should submit to the King of Rohan. Gimli set his axe beside Anduril. They were set to enter when Hama asked Gandalf to give up his staff. The wizard bristled at this. "Aragorn laughed. 'Every man has something too dear to trust to another. But would you part an old man from his support? Come, will you not let us enter?'" (p. 116, The Two Towers). Hama relented counting the strangers before him as folk of honor and let them proceed.

Into the great hall of Meduseld they went. There were intricately carved wooden beams along with tapestries that depicted the history of Rohan. At the far end they saw a throne and an old man bent with age on it. Behind him was a women clad in white: Eowyn. Gandalf greeted Theoden with honor. Theoden did not return such a greeting labeling Gandalf a Stormcrow who brought only ill tidings. "'I will not deceive you: when I heard that Shadowfax had come back riderless, I rejoiced at the return of the horse, but still more at the lack of rider; and when Eomer brought the tidings that you had gone at last to your long home, I did not mourn'" (p. 117, The Two Towers). How's that for a chilly reception? Speaking up to agree with the King was a pale man sitting near him, Grima Wormtongue. Gandalf and Wormtongue traded insults, some backhanded others blatant. The others stood by until Grima insulted Galadriel at which Gimli advanced until stayed by Gandalf. The Wizard sang a song about Galadriel and the changed his tone toward Grima: "'I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a serving-man until lightening falls'" (p. 118, The Two Towers).

The room became dark and to Grima's dismay the wizard revealed his staff; lightening flashed and Grima found himself face down on the floor. Gandalf called to Theoden to follow him and listen to his counsel. Theoden followed Gandalf out of the halls to the amazement of the guards. Eowyn followed him too until dismissed by Gandalf. "Thus Aragorn for the first time in full light of day beheld Eowyn, Lady of Rohan, and thought her fair, fair and cold, like a morning of pale spring that is not yet come to womanhood. And she now was suddenly aware of him: tall heir of kings, wise with many winters, greycloaked, hiding a power that yet she felt'" (p. 119, The Two Towers). An indication by Tolkien of the attraction of Eowyn to Aragorn. Gandalf began to speak to Theoden and slowly the strength of the King returned. Theoden feared that Gandalf was come too late and the Wizard called for Eomer to be released from prison or so he guessed. "'It is true,' said Theoden. 'He had rebelled against my commands, and threatened death to Grima in my hall'" (p. 120, The Two Towers). Grima had counseled the King to wait and do nothing. So by taking his riders to pursue Orcs, who carried Merry and Pippen, Eomer had disobeyed the King.

Hama brought Eomer to them so they all could take counsel. Quickly Gandalf spoke to Theoden informing him of the situation and the hope that was left to Rohan and Gondor. The others gazed Eastward to the Land of Shadow and wondered how the Ring-bearer was faring. Theoden felt weary again wondering why the young perish and the old linger. Gandalf encouraged him to once again grip his sword to remember the strength in his old limbs. Eomer, just arrived, offered up his sword to the King. Theoden raised the sword and called his men to arms. "'Take back your sword, Eomer, sister-son!' said the king. 'Go, Hama, and seek my own sword! Grima has it in his keeping. Bring him to me also. Now, Gandalf, you said that you had counsel to give, if I would hear it. What is your counsel?' 'You have yourself already taken it,' answered Gandalf. 'To put your trust in Eomer, rather than in a man of crooked mind'" (p. 122, The Two Towers). The Wizard encouraged Theoden to ride out and meet Saruman while sending the defenseless to refuges. Theoden agreed.

Hama came forth with Grima and Theoden's sword. Wormtongue tried to infect Theoden with his lies again; seeking ever to delay the king from action. It's an interesting picture a man likened to a snake seeking to nullify a man of action by making him passive with lies. I've read something like this once before. Theoden gave Grima a choice: to ride to battle at his side and prove himself true. Grima asked rather to lead the refugees in the place of the King. Eomer thought him a coward but Gandalf knew better. "'How long is it since Saruman bought you? What was the promised price? When all the men were dead, you were to pick your share of the treasure, and take the woman you desire? Too long have you watched her under your eyelids and haunted her steps'" (p. 124, The Two Towers). He was referring to Eowyn and this roused Eomer's anger for she was his sister. Gandalf now gave Wormtongue a choice. To ride to battle with Theoden or take horse and flee wherever he wished; Theoden agreed, only warning him that should he flee he would not be merciful if they met again. Grima spit at the king's feet and fled Rohan.

As this was happening in Edoras the Second Battle of the Fords of Isen was raging on the borders of Rohan. Gandalf was correct when he said haste was needed. No clear account of the second battle was given. Erkenbrand of Westfold had assumed command of the West-mark at the death of Theodred; Theoden's son. He had sent messengers to Edoras for help. Grima had once again delayed Theoden from doing anything. So Erkenbrand spent several days mustering as many fighting men as he could after the first battle. He left the Fords in the command of Grimbold and Elfhelm who had differing opinions of how it should be defended. Elfhelm felt the Fords no longer important and argued they be abandoned. He was sure Saruman's armies would travel on the East side of the Isen, a slower route, but they would avoid fighting to cross the River. He sought to set up his men on some higher ground a few miles north of the Fords with the thought that the cavalry could drive the enemy into the River and route them.

Grimbold was not ready to abandon the Fords. "'We do not know,' he said, 'what force Saruman has still at his command. But if it is indeed his purpose to ravage Westfold and drive its defender's into Helm's Deep and there contain them, then it must be very great. He is unlikely to display it all at once. As soon as he guesses or discovers how we have disposed our defence, he will certainly send great strength at all speed down the road from Isengard, and crossing the undefended Fords come into our rear, if we are all gathered northwards'" (p. 360-361, Unfinished Tales). In the end each man followed his own counsel; and each counsel was correct. Saruman's force was greater than either imagined. Even had they joined their forces together they would have been defeated. "He began his attack by day, and before noon of March 2nd a strong force of his best fighters, coming down the Road from Isengard, attacked the forts on the west of the Fords'" (p. 361, Unfinished Tales). This is where Grimbold was entrenched. Both his forts were heavily attacked and trusting to Elfhelm to guard his flank ushered his troops out of the forts to drive the enemy back. This worked but not to sustained success.

The enemy withdrew inflicted with heavy losses but Grimbold also suffered harm. Elfhelm had not engaged the enemy waiting for a great force to come down the East side of the Isen. During the lull in fighting Grimbold sent messengers to Erkenbrand to inform him the battle was engaged. As night fell Grimbold saw many hundreds of torches advancing across the Fords. "A great company of archers might have made them rue the light of their torches, but Grimbold had only a handful of archers" (p. 362, Unfinished Tales). Soon Grimbold's men, in forts, were surrounded. The Orcs, accompanied by Dunlendings, charged the forts but the walls held firm. Grimbold now saw wisdom in Elfhelm's plan and knew his men would be killed to the last; but he also knew "...any man that could break out and escape southwards would be more useful, though he might seem inglorious" (p. 362, Unfinished Tales). As the assault dissipated Grimbold horsed as many riders as he could and issued forth form the gates charging into the enemies. This created a confusion and fear that allowed those on foot to escape. Saruman's forces opted not to pursue the fleeing men and began to move South allowing a good number of Grimbold's defenders to escape.

Meanwhile Elfhelm was also in dire straights. His prediction of forces advancing on the East side of the Isen proved accurate. He and his men were caught unawares for the Orcs had not used torches. In fact, the larger portion of Saruman's force came toward Elfhelm. The far advance of the enemy consisted of wolfriders that silently attacked the defenders. "Before Elfhelm had any warning of the approach of enemies on his side of the river wolfriders were between him and Grombold's camp; and they were attempting to surround each of his small groups of Riders" (p. 363, Unfinished Tales). Elfhelm had been planning to aid Grimbold before he was attacked. As it was his forces were in disarray and he guessed rightly that the wolfriders were only the beginning of a far greater advance. He too gathered all that he could and retreated.

As the Second Battle of the Fords of Isen was beginning Theoden had a quick meal with his guests while final plans were made. Theoden had many questions for Gandalf concerning the treachery of Saruman. It was obvious that Saruman had long sought the ruin of Rohan and the coming of Wormtongue almost achieved that end. Indeed, Gandalf's quick visit after escaping Orthanc began to shed the first light on Grima's motives. After that Grima could only seek to delay Theoden and almost succeeded. In fact, Eomer's disobedience to pursue the roaming Orcs proved a great victory since it robbed Saruman of Merry and Pippin. (At this point Gandalf was still not at liberty to tell Theoden about the Ring). Theoden was very thankful to both Eomer and Gandalf and he offered the Wizard any gift in his kingdom save his sword. Gandalf asked for Shadowfax. "'You choose well,' said Theoden; 'and I give him now gladly. Yet it is a great gift. There is none like to Shadowfax'" (p. 126, The Two Towers).

Before they set out Eowyn served them the cup of parting. "As she stood before Aragorn she paused suddenly and looked upon him, and her eyes were shining. And he looked down upon her fair face and smiled; but as he took the cup, his hand met hers, and he knew that she trembled at the touch. 'Hail Aragorn son of Arathorn!' she said. 'Hail Lady of Rohan!' he answered, but his face now was troubled and did not smile" (p. 127, The Two Towers). Again, a quick glimpse of her attraction to Aragorn. He did not return the feelings as the movie adaptation of the implied. Theoden declared that Eomer was his heir should he die in the upcoming battle and asked the court to choose a new heir should they both perish. There was silence. Finally the chorus was that they trusted only in the house of Eorl. Again Theoden said they must choose if Eomer perished for he could not be spared. "'I said not Eomer,' answered Hama. 'And he is not the last. There is Eowyn, daughter of Eomund, his sister. She is fearless and and high-hearted. All love her. Let her be as lord to the Eorlingas, while we are gone'" (p. 128, The Two Towers). The king agreed. There was something about this moment, this description of Eowyn that made me sort of weepy. I really liked this moment of the story.

Now the men made ready. Eomer asked Gimli to ride with him, which pleased the Dwarf who was very anxious to join in battle. Legolas and Aragorn would also ride by Eomer while Theoden and Gandalf led the company. Theoden's men were overjoyed to see their King in action again. Gandalf called Shadowfax who by now would let no other man touch him. Theoden declared Gandalf a trusted counselor and gifted the great horse to him in front of his people. Trumpets sounded and soon they were riding forth to the already lost Fords of Isen.

Merry and Pippin found themselves waiting with Quickbeam still. The day was windy and bleak. (I like the common thread; each of our hero stories mentioned something about the colder weather). By late afternoon/early evening everything grew quiet; even Quickbeam seemed expectant. Suddenly there came a great shout from the Entmoot: "'ra-hoom-rah!'" (p. 88, The Two Towers). The Ents began marching toward them chanting war-chants as they went. Quickbeam picked up the hobbits and joined in line passing them to Treebeard. It was clear they were marching to Isengard to deal with Saruman. Pippin asked Treebeard if they had made up their minds quickly. "'We Ents do not like being roused; and we are never roused unless it is clear to us that our trees and our lives are in great danger...Wizards ought to know better: they do know better. There is no curse in Elvish, Entish, or the tongues of Men bad enough for such treachary. Down with Saruman!'" (p. 89, The Two Towers).

Merry wondered if the Ents could really break Isengard. Treebeard went to describe the great strength of the Ents. "'Maybe you have heard of Trolls? They are mighty strong. But Trolls are only counterfeits, made by the Enemy in the Great Darkness, in mockery of Ents, as Orcs were of Elves. We are stronger than Trolls'" (p. 89, The Two Towers). That's a fun little side history of where Trolls came from. Treebeard did concede, however, that this could very well be the last march of the Ents and they were only headed to their death and doom. As they marched long hours into the night Pippin noticed the group had grown. It seemed that the very trees of the forest had begin to follow the Ents. Finally they arrived close enough to Isengard as night encompassed it. They did not know that Saruman had emptied nearly his whole army in the advance on the Fords of Isen and invasion of Rohan. Orthanc's main defense now was its walls of stone.

Indeed, Theoden led his troops toward the Fords of Isen. Hoping to find still a defense against Isengard there. Even as night fell news of the Second Battle of the Fords of Isen had not reached them for they were some forty leagues away.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3019, March 2nd
Today's reading comes from: The Two Towers, pages 236-238; 110-123; Unfinished Tales, pages 359-363; 368; The Two Towers, pages 123-130; 88-90; 131