Sauron's Triumph: The Impact of Mordor's Victory in Lord of the Rings

In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, the conflict between the armies of Mordor and the Free Peoples culminates in a series of epic battles. However, what if Mordor had triumphed over Gondor before Rohan arrived to prevent it? This hypothetical scenario explores the consequences of such an outcome, focusing on the pivotal Battle of Minas Tirith.

The Defensive Forces and Sauron's Strategic Disadvantages

Minas Tirith, the fortified City of Gondor, was an imposing stronghold, but it was not fully prepared for the impending siege. The city's defensive force, including the Guard of the Citadel and other men-at-arms, numbered around four thousand. Another three thousand reinforcements, out of a potential thirty thousand, arrived from other fiefs. This brings the total number of Gondorian troops to approximately seven thousand. These troops were a fraction of the combat-ready forces Gondor could have mustered.

Sauron had miscalculated the effectiveness of Saruman's influence on Rohan and overestimated the impact of the Corsair fleet on the Southern fiefs. As a result, he underestimated the strength of the relief force led by Theoden, which comprised six thousand riders. Additionally, Sauron misjudged the route the Rohirrim would take, assuming his forces had effectively blocked it. However, the tactical delay caused by the guidance of Wild Men allowed the Rohirrim to arrive fresh and unharmed.

The Consequences of Mordor's Victory

Had the armies of Mordor defeated Gondor before Rohan could arrive, the consequences would have been dire. The fall of Minas Tirith would have opened the gates to the forces of Mordor, allowing them to flood into Gondor. The Witch-King, encountering Gandalf the White, could have emerged as a formidable opponent. Despite the uncertainty of their duel, once the Witch-King fell, or if he managed to hold his ground, Sauron's forces would have entered the city and begun a systematic looting and destruction.

The destruction of Minas Tirith would have had severe ramifications. With the city's fall, the superior numbers of Mordor's army would have overwhelmed any remaining defenses, leading to the swift capture of the city within an hour. The looting and pillaging would have decimated Gondor's reserves and sapped its will to resist further.

Incendiary Influence: The Rohirrim and the Corsair Fleet

Despite Mordor's victory, the arrival of the Rohirrim at dawn would have disrupted the invaders' plans. The majority of Mordor's forces would have been looting the city or returning to Osgiliath, leaving the City and its surroundings vulnerable. The orcs would be caught off guard, setting up for a citizen barbecue, and the Nazgul would likely have been recalled to Mordor. If Theoden had acted decisively, the Rohirrim could have attacked the loot-trains, cleared the Pelennor, and held off any reinforcements from Osgiliath.

Theodos' strategic actions, combined with the arrival of reinforcements from the Southern fiefs, would have made the city more defensible. The increased numbers and the Ghost Army of the Oathbreakers would have bolstered the Gondorian forces, turning the tide against Mordor. Even without the Dead Army, the presence of Theoden's optimized military force would have made the siege much more challenging for Mordor, allowing for a potential counter-attack at Minas Tirith.

A Balancing Act: Gandalf's Strategic Goals

Gandalf's strategy was to ensure that Sauron's focus remained outside of Mordor. By keeping the Eye of Sauron on events outside the Dark Lord's borders, Gandalf aimed to allow the Ringbearer to complete his quest. Sauron's need to retake Minas Tirith would involve extensive troop-gathering and siege preparation, giving Sam and Frodo the much-needed time to make their way to Mount Doom. Only the capture or death of both Frodo and Sam would render Sauron's victory inevitable, highlighting the precarious balance required for the Free Peoples to triumph.

Conclusion

In the scenario where Mordor's armies had defeated Gondor, the line of resistance in Middle-earth would have weakened significantly. However, the arrival of the Rohirrim and the Ghost Army of the Oathbreakers would have injected new vigor into the Free Peoples' efforts, potentially leading to a much-deserved victory. The strategic considerations and shifting dynamics of the war highlight the intricate and dynamic nature of Tolkien's Middle-earth.

Keywords: Sauron victory, Lord of the Rings, Gondor defense