I enjoy this chapter.
The insight into Númenórean military tactics is rare in the books, and that much more appreciated. It's said here that they used their stature to their advantage in fighting the Orcs, and the Noldor-like quality of their arms and armour is notable; another sign of their being the closest among mortals to the Eldar.
As for Saruman being a
jackdaw, that is defined as
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a glossy, black, European bird, Corvus monedula, of the crow family, that nests in towers, ruins, etc.
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Dragons find huge hoards of treasure and sit on them. Birds flit around looking for bits and pieces, mostly to use in nest-building, but sometimes snatching things up for apparently no reason.
Saruman as a tower-dwelling collector of shiny things he doesn't necessarily need (or even want) lends to an apt comparison there.
The Elendilmir is an odd thing. Why was Isildur wearing it in battle? Why did he not, as with the shards of Narsil, entrust it to Ohtar and his companion? Forgetfulness in the moment of stress?
I do admire Isildur for one thing, though. He earlier (according to the words of his scroll as recounted by Gandalf at the Council of Elrond) had thought the Ring suitable as an "heirloom" for Arnor. Yet, he shows that he indeed fully realized the peril of it at that point at the Gladden Fields, and it apparently never crossed his mind to try and give it to Ohtar to be carried away. The argument is there that maybe Isildur was incapable of giving the Ring up. However, I think he could have done it, had he desired to do so enough. He had not had it in his possession for very long, and Sauron was vanquished and far away. I think Isildur knew he stood a good chance of dying before he could reach any help, and the thought of doing so in the wilderness, where the Ring was unlikely to be found for at least many long years, was the main reason he retained it when he left. Indeed, what other reason did he have for leaving? Why not die with the rest of his men?