The Rise of Sauron and the Shadow

Sauron's return to power and the spreading darkness that threatens Middle-earth.

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The Return to Mordor

The Return to Mordor The Secret Rebuilding Sauron returns to Mordor and begins to rebuild Barad-dûr. He gathers his forces and plans his war. The Corruption of Saruman Saruman, through the Palantír, becomes a servant of Sauron. He begins to build an army of his own, but his allegiance is to the Dark Lord. The Spreading Fear The Shadow grows, causing Orcs to multiply and dark creatures to stir. The free peoples are threatened.

The War Begins

The War Begins The Attack on Osgiliath Sauron's forces cross the Anduin and attack Osgiliath, capturing the crossings. The war in the East begins. The Hunt for the Ring The Nazgûl are sent to find the Ring. They pursue Frodo across Eriador, causing terror. The Siege of Gondor Sauron masses his armies for a final assault on Gondor. The siege of Minas Tirith is the climax of his campaign.

The Defeat of Sauron

The Defeat of Sauron The Destruction of the Ring When the Ring is destroyed, Sauron's power is broken. His spirit is diminished, and he can never again take physical form. The Fall of Barad-dûr The Dark Tower crumbles, and the Nazgûl are destroyed. The armies of Mordor scatter and are defeated. The End of the Shadow With Sauron's defeat, the Shadow is lifted from Middle-earth. The Fourth Age begins with peace and hope.

T.A. 2942

T.A. 3018

March 25, T.A. 3019