Unfinished Tales - Part Three - V - The Battles of the Fords of Isen

[Estelyn Telcontar]

In addition to battle information, as the title says, this chapter offers a number of other helpful tidbits about Rohan, its geography, history, and relationship to its neighbours and to Gondor. Théoden and the importance of his son Théodred and nephew Éomer, and the influence of Grima Wormtongue on the King, are the central themes.

One of the things that raised more questions than it answered when I first read LotR was the fact that Théodred died off-stage, so to say. I didn't understand why such an important event was not told in greater detail. The addition of his death to the movie was one of the positive aspects, strengthening the background of the Rohan plot. However, as we read here, he did not die at home, but on the battlefield within a brief time after his injury. What do you think is the significance of his last words, which were passed on to his father?

Those readers who are interested in the minor characters of Grimbold, Elfhelm and Erkenbrand find more information about their role in the battles here. Some good material for fan fictions or RPGs is included!

There is also a bit of speculation on what might have happened if things had gone differently. Do you think they could have been better?

We read information on military ranks, and the course of the battles is told. As I'm not an expert in this field, I will leave discussion on that to those who are more knowledgeable.

Quite frankly, had I not been committed to posting on this chapter, I probably would not have read it. But I found myself interested in some of the information anyway! Have you read this chapter (before)? If so, what was/is your impression?