In summary, The Battles of the Fords of Isen were the first time Saruman showed his hand and what he truly wanted – Rohan.  He knew the only way he could get Rohan was to get rid of Theoden, Theodred and Eomer.  He had to kill the latter two in order to completely get Theoden under his thumb.  Theoden was under the spell of Grima, and would most likely have no trouble getting him out of the way once he killed Eomer and Theodred, and launched a full scale attack on Rohan.  However, Saruman made some critical blunders along the way, not to mention having to deal with stubborn and brave Grimbold, Erkenbrand, Elfhelm, and their riders.  He ended up not only without Rohan, but trapped in Orthanc with Isengard under water, guarded by the Ents.

-What factors do you think contributed to Sarumans ultimate loss of these battles?  Do you think the Ring distracted him, as the fellowship was at Pareth Galen at the same time the Battle of the Fords was raging?
-Do you think it was fate that the Fellowship broke up when it did, and the events following that (Merry and Pippin being captured by the orcs)?  Do you think that the fate of Rohan would have been different if they fellowship had stayed together and went on to Gondor and Mordor?

Thoughts!!

Lady A.

PS Watch tommorrow and Friday for the summaries on the Appendixes :-)