The Battles of the Fords of Isen are well depicted by Tolkien. Theodred's
initial plans seem reasonable. I was at first prepared to question the
Rohirrim's intel, but heodred was aware of the general situation and
plans of Saruman (which makes all the more absurd Saruman's speech
to Theoden at Orthanc). On reconsideration the underestimation of
Saruman's forces was understandable, and rather frequent in military
history- giving verisimilitude to the battles. (Among others, consider Gen.
McClellan vastly overestimating Confederate forces in 1861-62 due to
not only his overcautious nature but badly flawed intel provided by
the Pinkertons, the wehrmacht greatly underestimating Russian forces
in 1941, and the incredibly, disappeaaring "weapons of mass
destruction" in Iraq---which fooled all intelligence services).
From what they surmised, the Rohan forces prepared and fought well
even in the Second Battle. Had Wormtongue not delayed Theoden
sending aid a stronger delaying action might have been fought in
the West Emnet while the muster of Rohan proceeded---based on
Erkanbrand's strategic vision:
Quote:
He sent errand-riders to Edoras to announce this
(Theodred's loss) and to bear to Theoden his son's last words,
adding his own prayer that Eomer should be sent at once with
all help that could be spared. 'Let the defence of Edoras be made
here in the West,' he said, ' and not wait till it is itself besieged.'...
It was not until his (Grima's) defeat by Gandalf that any
action was taken. The reinforcements with Eomer and the King
himself set out in the afternoon of March the 2nd, but that night
the Second Battle of the Fords was fought and lost, and the
nvasion of Rohan began.
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The twin evils of underestimating Saruman's forces and Grima's influence
may have delayed an effective defense of the Westfold. While speculative,
and ignoring needs to rapidly assist Gondor and to destroy Orthanc itself,
as a military
in situ problem I would suggest Rohan would probably
have prevailed over Saruman, especially given the quality of Rohan's
leadership.