The battle that had the most effect on me in LOTR was Faramir's troops skirmishing against the Southrons, and Sam's reaction to it.
Up until then the hobbits had only seen battles against orcs, wargs and otherworldly creatures, who were killed with no real compunction. Sam's first experience of seeing men fighting men, and his thoughts about the Southron soldier whom he saw fall before him, was a surprising, touching moment. I'm glad Tolkien put that episode in the book.
[ March 10, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]
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