LotR -- Book 4 - Chapter 03 - The Black Gate Is Closed

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

I have always put it down to the simple logistics of the mission that Frodo and Sam chose to follow Gollum's way into Mordor. It could have been that they had not seen a map of the place, as simple as that. Or it could have been due to time constraints that they had to get there as quickly as possible. This could be due to a lack of food or flagging energy, or possibly due to Frodo's awareness that the Ring was becoming an impossible burden and he had to get rid of it as quickly as possible.

Well, WE have all seen the maps, and other than the big hole at the rear end of Mordor, what entrances do we know of? And if they hadn't gone that way in the Books, would we even know about Cirith Ungol? As far as I can tell, the Morannon is the only obvious entrance on the north, west, or south sides of Mordor.