Why Morannon
 

I have a question. Why, in most of the battles I can recall, When Mordor was assaulted by the Elves/Humans did they attack though Ephel Duath or Morannon when they could have, even tho it would take longer, went around and assaulted Barad-Dur from the east and hit it from behind?

I have alwaysed wondered this as well. They might not have gone this way for a number of reasons-

1. They did not know that there was a giant opening in the east of Mordor becasue the borders of Gondor and the realms of the elves did not go that far.

2. If they went that way when they retreated they would have nowhere to rest and they would be overcome by the forces of Mordor chasing them and the possiblity of forces waiting for them by the Morannon

3. They could not reach that way because of Sauron's allies(the men of Rhun) would stop them or significantly lower their forces.
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Well my opinion is that by going around, it would take too much time and they would probably get stopped by Sauron's army way before they even got close to Barad-dur. By hitting them at the nearest point, at least when they get an attack by Sauron's army, it would be closer to the tower and they would have a better chance at getting to it. I agree with Aragost as well though.

If they went around the East attempting to go from behind, then some of Mordor's forces would sweep down from the mountains, swoop around and hit the attackers from behind, while the other forces would attack from the front. Besides that, if the elves/men came from that way, they would be trapped. Mordor's forces and the mountains would be blocking their exits. Besides, no one would want to fight a battle on two fronts. By attacking up through Ephel Duath, they would fight a straight-on battle and not have to worry too mush about being surrounded. and if they could nake a breach through the Ephel Duath, then they would have a route of escape, and although it is an uphill battle, once they reach the top, then it's a downhill battle for them.

[ July 18, 2003: Message edited by: MLD-Grounds-Keeper-Willie ]

Also, supply lines. That's a lot longer of a trip and obviously in Mordor there's not much to feed yourself with when travelling, let along an entire army. Going the shortest way into Mordor would be beneficial in that regard as well.

That's true Beren, and also, Gondor's forces lifeline to Gondor itself could easily be cut off. So, extra forces would not be able to come (well, there weren't really any forces to spare anyways) and supplies could not be replenished if it came down to a seige.