Gondor's Military Forces in Middle-earth

How many soldiers does Gondor have? In J.R.R. Tolkien's vast world of Middle-earth, the answer to this question is not explicitly stated. However, through various descriptions and estimates, we can paint a picture of Gondor's significant military force, particularly during times of conflict.

Overview of Gondor's Military Force

In The Lord of the Rings, especially in The Return of the King, Gondor is described as having a substantial number of troops, especially during the preparation for the siege of Minas Tirith. Tolkien, however, often focused on narrative and character aspects rather than detailed military logistics, leaving the exact figures vague.

Significant Military Presence

Despite the lack of precise numbers, it is clear that Gondor could muster tens of thousands of soldiers, particularly when calling upon its allies and regions under its influence. For instance, during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Gondor, along with Rohan, fields a substantial army. The southern region of Gondor, being the most populous, contributes significantly to this force.

Estimations and Supporting Texts

Estimates from various texts suggest that Gondor could field as many as 21,000 troops from its southern region alone. This region was expected to send ten times this number, indicating a potential force of 210,000 soldiers, although they were tied up by attacks from the Corsairs. Even under ideal circumstances, it would be unreasonable to assume they would send only 2,100 forces to reinforce Minas Tirith. However, Minas Tirith was the most crucial location in Gondor and possibly Middle-earth to defend, so it is reasonable to assume a significant portion of the southern troops were sent.

Calculating Gondor's Force

If 2100 troops from the southern region reinforce the garrison of Minas Tirith (before the siege), and 70-75% of the region's troops were mobilized, this suggests that the southern region could field around 26,000-27,000 troops. Adding the standing garrisons at Minas Tirith, Cair Andros, and Osgiliath, as well as troops in Ithilian and small forts throughout Gondor, the total could range from 30,000 to nearly 40,000 soldiers.

Conclusion

While the exact number of soldiers in Gondor is not specified, it is evident that they possessed a significant military force, particularly in times of war. Through careful analysis and estimation, we can conclude that Gondor's army could have consisted of around 30,000 to 40,000 troops, with the southern region being the primary source of soldiers.