The Final Conflict at the Black Gate
The Lord of the RingsThe army of the West marches to the Black Gate to draw Sauron's attention away from Frodo.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
The March to the Gate

The March to the Gate
The Decision of the Captains
After the Pelennor, the Captains decide to march on the Black Gate as a diversion. They lead a small army.
The Journey Through Ithilien
The army passes through the ruined lands. They are watched by the Nazgûl.
The Arrival at the Morannon
The army reaches the Black Gate, which is closed. They challenge Sauron to come forth.
The Parley with the Mouth of Sauron

The Parley with the Mouth of Sauron
The Mockery of the Emissary
The Mouth of Sauron shows Frodo's belongings, claiming he is captured. He offers terms, but Gandalf rejects them.
The Trap Springs
Sauron's forces surround the army. The Captains prepare for a last stand.
The Desperate Battle
The army is outnumbered and nearly overwhelmed. Just as all seems lost, the Ring is destroyed.
The Fall of Sauron

The Fall of Sauron
The Collapse of the Enemy
With the Ring's destruction, Sauron's power vanishes. The Black Gate falls, and the armies of Mordor flee.
The Destruction of Barad-dûr
The Dark Tower crumbles. The Nazgûl are consumed by the eruption.
The Victory of the West
The war ends. The Captains are saved, and the Free Peoples triumph.
March 18–25, T.A. 3019
March 25, T.A. 3019
March 25, T.A. 3019, after the Ring's destruction