The War of the Ring

The great conflict between the forces of Sauron and the Free Peoples of Middle-earth.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Sauron's Awakening

Sauron's Awakening The Return to Mordor Sauron declares himself openly in Mordor, rebuilding Barad-dûr and gathering his forces. He sends the Nazgûl to seek the Ring. The Shadow over the World The Shadow of Mordor spreads, causing fear and war in many lands. Saruman is corrupted by the desire for the Ring, and Isengard becomes a threat. The Spreading Darkness Orcs multiply, the East stirs, and rumors of war reach the Shire. The stage is set for the great conflict.

The First Moves

The First Moves The Capture of Gollum Sauron's servants capture Gollum, who reveals that the Ring is in the Shire. The Nazgûl are sent to find it. The Attack on the Fellowship Sauron's forces attack the Fellowship at Moria and later on the Anduin. The war intensifies as the Ring is drawn toward Mordor. The Siege of Gondor Begins Sauron launches a major assault on Gondor, overwhelming Osgiliath and besieging Minas Tirith. The nine Nazgûl lead the attack.

The Battle of the Pelennor Fields

The Battle of the Pelennor Fields The Rohirrim's Charge Théoden and the Rohirrim arrive at dawn, breaking the siege. They charge into the enemy lines, but Théoden is killed by the Witch-king. The Witch-king's Fall Éowyn and Merry slay the Witch-king, fulfilling the prophecy that he would not be killed by a man. The defeat of their leader demoralizes the enemy. Aragorn's Arrival Aragorn arrives with the fleet from the South, turning the tide completely. The battle ends with a decisive victory for Gondor and Rohan.

The March on the Black Gate

The March on the Black Gate The Last Debate After the victory, Gandalf and the Captains decide to march to the Black Gate to draw Sauron's attention away from Frodo. They lead a small army as a diversion. The Battle at the Gate The army is surrounded by Sauron's forces. The Mouth of Sauron taunts them with Frodo's gear. Just as despair sets in, the Ring is destroyed. The Fall of Barad-dûr Sauron's power collapses, the Dark Tower crumbles, and the Nazgûl are destroyed. The war ends with the victory of the Free Peoples.

The Aftermath and Peace

The Aftermath and Peace The Surrender of the Enemies The remaining Easterlings and Southrons surrender or flee. The war is over, and the Free Peoples begin to rebuild. The Restoration of the Kingdoms Aragorn is crowned King, and peace is restored. The Shire is freed from Saruman's influence, and the Fourth Age begins. The Legacy of the War The War of the Ring ends the Third Age and ushers in a new era of peace and dominance of Men.

Before the story, around T.A. 2951

T.A. 3018

March 15, T.A. 3019

March 18–25, T.A. 3019

After March 25, T.A. 3019