The Final Conflict at the Black Gate

The Lord of the Rings

The army of the West marches to the Black Gate to draw Sauron's attention away from Frodo.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
The March to the GateThe 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 SauronThe 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 SauronThe 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