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Why were they not prepared to sacrifice themselves for the destruction of Sauron and the ring
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But quite the opposite, the elves were prepared to do so. The destruction of the One meant consequently stop of operation for the elven Three. Which was pretty much the same as self-sacrifice, or opening the way to their own fading. Just because of said destruction they were obliged to leave ME and go West, after all.
As for the battles, besides what Legolas and Gimli consider, and having in mind that elven fight proof is already provided by
Maédhros let us reestablish good name of the dwarves too. The tale of years mentioned, besides narrative provided, has calendar entries too:
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March 17 Battle of Dale. King Brand and King Dáin Ironfoot fall. Many Dwarves and Men take refuge in Erebor and are besieged. Shagrat brings Frodo's cloak, mail-shirt, and sword to Barad-dûr.
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Narrative follows close by:
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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.
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To draw an assumption, the book itself deals only with events happening around fellows of the ring (if I may be forgiven for coining such an expression). But many things happen elsewhere too, and those are described outside the main narrative. But it is always good to read them too, before coming to conclusions.