Why did Sauron attack in the North as well? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Osse · 12-04-2003, 11:16 PM

Sorry if this topic has been discussed rescently, I couldn't find anything similar when I searched.

I am interested in hearing your views on why Sauron launched his attack in the north at the same time as the battle of Pelennor. To me it seems both attacks would have been more successful if he had instead of attacking Erebor and Dale at the same time as Gondor, he had committed his forces in the north to the war in the south. This is probably just another case of Sauron underestimating his enemy's capabilities. Nowhere are we told what strength of numbers was sent against the north, so we don't know how much of a difference it would have made if added to the attack on Minas Tirith, however, it seems he should have pushed everything into the destruction of Gondor, before even contemplating anywhere else. Once Minas Tirith had fallen, it would have been easier to attack Lothlorien, Erebor, the Elves of Mirkwood, Dale and Imlardris...these battles would have been won. Perhaps sending a host of troops down from Dol Guldur wasn't an option... I don't see why not, Lorien wasn't much of a threat, and the men of Gondor already knew an attack was eminent, in that case, why not pump all you can into their destruction; it just seems unlike Sauron. The force that attacked Erebor and Dale must not have been very substantial, after all it was defeated; though marginally by the dwarves. We must remember how narrow the victory at Pelennor really was; perhaps even a small force could have turned the tide in Sauron's favour. Another thing to bear in mind was that Sauron had power beyond reckoning; the first real attack on Minas Tirith didn't really matter if it failed, he'd just send another. He underestimated the folk of the north, he thought he could crush them easily. But if he had reserved such great strength for Mordor's defence and the battle before the Black Gate, then why didn't he send more of these troops to crush the kingdoms in the north??

Your thoughts are much appreciated!

Enjoy!
Osse

12-04-2003, 11:16 PM	#1
Osse Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: The Encircling Sea, deciding which ship to ruin next...could be yours. Posts: 274	Why did Sauron attack in the North as well? Sorry if this topic has been discussed rescently, I couldn't find anything similar when I searched. I am interested in hearing your views on why Sauron launched his attack in the north at the same time as the battle of Pelennor. To me it seems both attacks would have been more successful if he had instead of attacking Erebor and Dale at the same time as Gondor, he had committed his forces in the north to the war in the south. This is probably just another case of Sauron underestimating his enemy's capabilities. Nowhere are we told what strength of numbers was sent against the north, so we don't know how much of a difference it would have made if added to the attack on Minas Tirith, however, it seems he should have pushed everything into the destruction of Gondor, before even contemplating anywhere else. Once Minas Tirith had fallen, it would have been easier to attack Lothlorien, Erebor, the Elves of Mirkwood, Dale and Imlardris...these battles would have been won. Perhaps sending a host of troops down from Dol Guldur wasn't an option... I don't see why not, Lorien wasn't much of a threat, and the men of Gondor already knew an attack was eminent, in that case, why not pump all you can into their destruction; it just seems unlike Sauron. The force that attacked Erebor and Dale must not have been very substantial, after all it was defeated; though marginally by the dwarves. We must remember how narrow the victory at Pelennor really was; perhaps even a small force could have turned the tide in Sauron's favour. Another thing to bear in mind was that Sauron had power beyond reckoning; the first real attack on Minas Tirith didn't really matter if it failed, he'd just send another. He underestimated the folk of the north, he thought he could crush them easily. But if he had reserved such great strength for Mordor's defence and the battle before the Black Gate, then why didn't he send more of these troops to crush the kingdoms in the north?? Your thoughts are much appreciated! Enjoy! Osse __________________ 'A thinking tyrant, it seemed to Vetinari, had a much harder job than a ruler raised to power by some idiot system like democracy. At least HE could tell the people he was THEIR fault.'