Characters:
Sauron
King Brand
Dwarves of Erebor
King Dáin II Ironfoot
Text:
Battle of Dale: (from the Tale of Years, Appdx. B – tying up loose ends
& details.)
"At the same time as the great armies besieged Minas Tirith a host of the
allies of Sauron that had long threatened the borders of King Brand crossed the
River Carnen, and Brand was driven back to Dale. There he had the aid of the
Dwarves of Erebor; and there was a great battle at the Mountain’s feet. It
lasted three days, but in the end both King Brand and King Dáin Ironfoot were
slain, and the Easterlings had the victory. But they could not take the Gate,
and many, both Dwarves and Men, took refuge in Erebor, and there withstood a
siege.
When news came of the great victories in the South, then Sauron’s northern army
was filled with dismay; and the besieged came forth and routed them, and the
remnant fled into the East and troubled Dale no more. Then Bard II, Brand’s
son, became King in Dale, and Thorin III Stonehelm, Dáin’s Son, became King
under the Mountain. They sent ambassadors to the crowning of King Elessar; and
their realms remained ever after, as long as they lasted, in friendship with
Gondor; and they were under crown and protection of the King of the West."
‘Yet things might have gone far otherwise and far worse. When you think of the
Great Battle of the Pelennor, do not forget the Battles in Dale and the valour
of Durin’s Folk. . . ."
Questions:
Battle of Dale: Things were looking grim for everyone in Middle-earth until
Frodo reached Mount Doom and the Ring was destroyed.
3. Under Siege: what do you think it was like for the Dwarves and Men
sequestered together in the Lonely Mountain?
4. Endure: How safe were they? How long could they hold out?
4. Battle of Dale: Any comments on the Battle of Dale in the War of the Ring?
5. Crowning: Who do you think each Kingdom sent to the crowning?
6. Friendship with Gondor: describe the relationship of Erebor have with
Gondor? And Dale’s relationship with Gondor? How deep were these Friendships?
7. Ever after: "realms remained ever after, as long as they lasted, …" At first
the term ‘ever after’ implies the standard fairy tale ending of: ‘They lived
happily ever after’. Why qualify ‘ever after’ with ‘as long as they lasted’?
What is being implied? Is this another application of Tlien’s famous ambiguity?
8. As Long as they Lasted: How long could these realms have lasted?
Links:
Battle of Dale
(Encyclopedia of Arda)
White Council
(AoE)
Gandalf chance meeting with Thorin (Google
Search)
* * * * * * * * * * *
Mightier than Estë is Nienna, sister of Fëanturi; she dwells alone. She is acquainted with grief, and mourns for every wound that Arda suffered in the marring of Melkor. So great was her sorrow, as the Music unfolded that her song turned to lamentation long before its end, and the sound of mourning was woven into the themes of the World before it began. But she does not weep for herself; and those who hearken to her learn pity, and endurance in hope. . . . All those who wait in Mandos cry to her, for she brings strength to the spirit and turns sorrow to wisdom.
Valaquenta
