Why Didn't Sauron Attack Gondor Sooner After Destroying Moria?

The events leading up to the War of the Ring involved complex strategic maneuvers and a carefully orchestrated plan by Sauron. Despite the strength and prowess of the Men and Elves during the Third Age, Sauron's strategic delays in attacking Gondor are intriguing. This article delves into the reasons behind Sauron's delay and explores the role of the destruction of Moria in this timeline.

Sauron’s Delayed Invasion: Strategic Considerations

During the late days of the Third Age, the strengths of Men and Elves were significantly greater than those of the earlier ages. This era was marked by the rise of High Kings and Numenorean warriors, who dealt a severe blow to Sauron at the end of the Second Age. Instead of rash attacks, Sauron preferred to use deception, using lies and phantoms to deceive his enemies.

It is important to note that Gondor and Arnor did not exist until much later in the Second Age. Sauron attacked them after recovering the power that was diminished following his fall from Numenor and the subsequent death in the Fall of Numenor. Boromir described a continuous state of war between Gondor and Mordor, indicating that Sauron had indeed attempted to conquer Gondor numerous times before.

Sauron's Strategic Choices and the Fall of Moria

One major factor contributing to Sauron's delay in attacking Gondor is the discovery of the One Ring. Initially, Sauron might have postponed his final assault, choosing to send the Nazgul in search of the Ring instead. This was a significant strategic choice, possibly aimed at gathering more intelligence and gaining control of the Ring rather than immediately launching an attack on Gondor.

The destruction of Moria, while a critical setback for Gondor, did not alter Sauron's overall strategy significantly. Relatively independent Orc bands took control of Moria after a Balrog was unearthed. These bands were eventually destroyed in the Battle of Azanulbizar, which was a costly victory for the Dwarves. Later, more Orcs entered Moria, and the Dwarven colony was eventually driven out by the Dwarves of Erebor.

Meanwhile, Gondor continued to exist, firmly held by the Men of Gondor. The strategic importance of Osgiliath and the border posts prevented Sauron from easily conquering the region. Sauron required a massive army to make such an attempt, and the logistics of such a conquest were mammoth in scale. This made the invasion of Gondor a complex and time-consuming endeavor.

The Comprehensive Strategy of Sauron

Armies, even those as vast as Sauron’s, require extensive coordination, equipment, and supplies. Sauron's immense military resources still took time to move into place. Middle-earth wasn't conquered much earlier due to the sheer volume of forces Sauron had to prepare and deploy. His idea of "playing it safe" and ensuring he was fully prepared before launching his attack demonstrates his cautious and methodical nature.

In summary, Sauron's delay in attacking Gondor was influenced by a combination of strategic considerations, the discovery of the One Ring, and the logistical challenges of assembling and coordinating a vast army. These factors, along with his desire to deceive and misdirect his enemies, contributed to the timing of his final assault during the War of the Ring.