The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Unfinished Tales - Part Three - V

Snowdog · 05-12-2012, 09:16 PM

This has always been one of my favorite chapters from UT. Since I first acquired the paperback from a kiosk at a grocery store check-out counter in "82. Since then, when I re-read LOTR and got to the point in the story when the battle happened, I'd pause my reading and go and read this chapter before continuing. It helped fill in some of the story.

I'll have to go read the chapter again now that this discussion is on, but I'll start with a few overview comments. My apologies if I get anything off here as it's been a while since I've read it. I'll post again after reading.

As far as the military strategy of Rohan goes, it was the presence of a strong central leader in Theodred that carried the field. Yet it was the objective of Sarumann in the 1st battle to kill Theodred, partially for this reason. Afterward in the absence of Theodred to lead them, it fell to Grimbold, Elfhelm and Erkenbrand to command the Rohirrim forces 'until Eomer comes'. Good commanders all, they disagreed on the best defence, and underestimated the strength of the Isengard forces that could get to the east side of the River Isen by Isengard. It was these 'warg riders' that decimated the light screening force east of the river and lost the Fords. In turn, the Rohirrim carried out a superb defence and fighting withdrawal under the circumstances.

05-12-2012, 09:16 PM	#5
Snowdog Emperor of the South Pole Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: The Western Shore of Lake Evendim Posts: 647	Battle of the Fords of Isen This has always been one of my favorite chapters from UT. Since I first acquired the paperback from a kiosk at a grocery store check-out counter in "82. Since then, when I re-read LOTR and got to the point in the story when the battle happened, I'd pause my reading and go and read this chapter before continuing. It helped fill in some of the story. I'll have to go read the chapter again now that this discussion is on, but I'll start with a few overview comments. My apologies if I get anything off here as it's been a while since I've read it. I'll post again after reading. As far as the military strategy of Rohan goes, it was the presence of a strong central leader in Theodred that carried the field. Yet it was the objective of Sarumann in the 1st battle to kill Theodred, partially for this reason. Afterward in the absence of Theodred to lead them, it fell to Grimbold, Elfhelm and Erkenbrand to command the Rohirrim forces 'until Eomer comes'. Good commanders all, they disagreed on the best defence, and underestimated the strength of the Isengard forces that could get to the east side of the River Isen by Isengard. It was these 'warg riders' that decimated the light screening force east of the river and lost the Fords. In turn, the Rohirrim carried out a superb defence and fighting withdrawal under the circumstances.