Summary
In J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy worldThe Lord of the Rings, two great kingdoms stand as bulwarks against the darkness that threatens to engulf Middle-earth: Gondor and Rohan. These two realms play pivotal roles in the struggle against Sauron’s forces, and their combined military might is a subject of much fascination among fans of the series.
Gondor stands as a beacon of civilization and order. Its capital, Minas Tirith, a city carved into the very mountains, symbolizes resilience and nobility. Gondor’s commitment to preserving the remnants of a fading age is evident in its disciplined armies and storied history.
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Yet, as fans ponder the magnitude of Gondor’s military might, it is a must to delve beyond the grandeur of Minas Tirith and the iconic scenes depicted in Peter Jackson’s film adaptations. The question of Gondor’s army size beckons for a deeper exploration, one that draws from Tolkien’s literary masterpieces, the original source ofLOTR’s rich lore.
How Big Was Gondor’s Army?
Gondor, the southern realm of Men, was a land steeped in ancient traditions and had a long history of military prowess. At the height of its power, Gondor boasted a formidable army. In both the Lord of the Rings movies and Tolkien’s literature, fans gain insights into the size and strength of Gondor’s military.
According to the texts, Gondor could muster a substantial force when the need arose. InThe Return of the King, the novel that forms the basis for the film adaptation, we learn that Gondor called upon its reservesto defend Minas Tirith, the capital city, during the climactic Battle of the Pelennor Fields. This army comprised both regular troops and irregular levies from various regions of Gondor.
The size of this force is not precisely quantified in the books or movies, but it’s clear that Gondor could muster several thousand soldiers. In the film adaptation ofThe Return of the King, directed by Peter Jackson, viewers witness a visually stunning depiction of the Gondorian army defending the city against the relentless onslaught of Sauron’s forces. While the film’s portrayal might not align precisely with Tolkien’s descriptions, it provides a compelling visual representation of the kingdom’s military might.
Additionally, it’s important to note thatGondor maintained strong fortificationsand a standing army to protect its borders and territories, which suggests a sizable military establishment.
How Big Was Rohan’s Army?
Rohan, often referred to as the Horse-lords, was renowned for its cavalry and its martial prowess on horseback. The strength of Rohan’s army was showcased prominently inThe Two Towers, both in Tolkien’s written work and the film adaptation.
The centerpiece of Rohan’s military power wasthe Riders of Rohan, a formidable cavalry force. Under the leadership of King Théoden and his nephew Éomer, the Riders were renowned for their skill in mounted combat. InThe Two Towers, they displayed their valor in the Battle of Helm’s Deep, where a relatively small but highly mobile force held off the armies of Saruman.
While Rohan’s army might have been smaller in terms of sheer numbers compared to Gondor, it was highly specialized and effective in its own right. The horse-lords could swiftly respond to threats, and their mobility allowed them to cover vast distances in a short amount of time, a crucial advantage in the fast-paced events ofThe Lord of the Rings.
In the films, director Peter Jackson visuallydepicted the Riders of Rohanas a breathtaking sight, thundering across the plains with their spears and lances. The scale and spectacle of their charge may have left audiences with the impression that Rohan’s army was larger than it might have been, but it undoubtedly showcased their martial prowess.
The Battle of Pelennor Fields
One of the most iconic and pivotal battles inThe Lord of the Ringsisthe Battle of Pelennor Fields. It is here that fans witness the combined might of Gondor and Rohan facing the overwhelming forces of Sauron.
Before the siege of Minas Tirith began, the Guards of the Citadel held Mordor’s initial garrison. Their exact numbers remain uncertain, but it’s estimated to be several hundred strong, divided into three companies or possibly more. As the call for aid echoed through southern Gondor, less than 3,000 men answered, gathering to defend their realm. Rohan, known for its horse lords, dispatched a relief force of 6,000 riders to aid Gondor in its darkest hour. Tragically, 2,000 of these valiant riders lost their lives in the battle,including their beloved king, Théoden.
The defenders of Minas Tirith numbered between 6,000 to 7,000, but precise figures are elusive. Aragorn, after the Battle of Pelennor Fields, led an army towards the Black Gate. This force initially consisted of 7,000 men but dwindled to less than 6,000 by the time they reached their destination. It’s important to note that the exact size of this relief force remains a matter of conjecture.
Éomer, the Marshal of the Mark, mentioned that many of their horses were either killed or wounded in the battle, and he couldn’t hope to lead even 2,000 riders, which would have been over half of his mounted force, in the subsequent Last Debate. He dispatched 3,000 riders with Elfhelm to engage the northern army in Anorien before the main army set out for the Black Gate. Tragically, besides Théoden, other notable leaders like Forlong and Grimbold also met their end during the Battle of Pelennor Fields. The dire state of Gondor led Steward Denethor to take his own life during the siege.
While the battle at Pelennor Fields was a victory, Gandalf foresaw that Sauron could still overcome them militarily. Despite securing their flanks by dealing with Isengard and the Corsairs on the southern coasts, Gandalf believed thatfacing Sauron’s overwhelming strengthhead-on would result in a war of attrition, and Sauron’s might would eventually prevail.
Therefore, the leaders of the Free Peoples agreed that a conventional military victory was nearly impossible. Instead, they chose to gamble everything on a daring diversionary attack on the Black Gate, led by Aragorn. This bold move was their best chance to create a distraction and aid Frodo on his perilous journey within Mordor.
In the end, the Battle of Pelennor Fields and the subsequent strategies inLOTRdevised by theleaders of Gondor and Rohanwere not merely contests of numbers but tests of courage, resourcefulness, and the indomitable spirit of those who stood against the darkness that threatened to engulf Middle-earth.
