Battle of Dagorlad - Printable version

The Battle of Dagorlad also referred to as the Battle of the Last Alliance, took place in SA 3434.

History

A major battle of the late Second Age was fought on the open plains of Dagorlad, outside Mordor. [1] The two armies involved were the Last Alliance headed by Gil-galad and Elendil and a group of Orcs along with a few Sauron loyalists.

Prelude

One of the most significant battles ever witnessed by Middle Earth featured Elves and Men's Last Great alliance. They were joined by the Silvan Elves of the Anárion's army from Gondor While crossing the Misty Mountains and marching south through the vale of Anduin. The Silvan Elves, who were headed by Amdír and Oropher, possessed the Osgiliath and Minas Ithil. They confronted the Sindar and Noldor led by Gil-galad.

The Battle

The Silvan Elves marched towards their enemies valiantly even before receiving the King's orders. Being weakly armed compared to their enemies, Oropher was defeated early on. Amdír, along with his troops, was driven into the marshes. Most of the Galadhrim warriors, along with Amir, died in the hideout. Hence the wetlands were named the Dead Marshes. This battle lasted several months. The High King of the Elves, Gil-galad, and Elendil, and their army of Elves and Númenóreans drove the enemies back. The Elves then marched towards the Black Gate and advanced into Udûn. [2]

Aftermath

The Last Alliance successfully defeated Sauron, who fled back to Barad-dûr. The Elves entered Mordor, established a camp upon the Plateau of Gorgoroth and Sieged Barad-dûr. This siege lasted for seven years. However, Sauron was able to defend his fortress even while under the control of the Last Alliance. But after the bitter years of hiding Sauron fought a final battle on the slopes of Orodruin. This battle brought the end of the Second Age, along with the destruction of Sauron, the One Ring abducted from him, and Gil-galad and Elendil dying as martyrs. Anarion's son succeeded him as King of Gondor, and Isildur became King of Arnor. There was no heir to take over the reins of Gil-galad. The Silvan Elves in the Woodland Realm were ruled by Thranduil, the son of Oropher, after the battle.