How Do You Envision Middle-Earth? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Bill Ferny · 03-05-2003, 01:59 AM

After re-thinking the chapter in UT, Battle at the Fords of Isen, I was struck by Tolkien’s description of the battle as being rather modern, like he was describing a typical WWI battle with swords, spears and horses, instead of rifles, artillery and machine guns.

Granted, Tolkien was no scholar of medieval warfare, but I find it hard to believe that, if the Fords of Isen was such an important land mark, it wouldn’t be defended by some sort of fortification. There seems to be a lack of typical medieval style fortifications in general. Bree is surrounded by a wall and the shire is bordered by a hedge, the cities of Gondor are walled, but considering the necessities of medieval like weapons and tactics, one would assume that there would be many more fortifications throughout Middle Earth than what is described in the books.

Just a thought.

Regardless, this illustration of a historical motte-and-bailey castle would fit well into the landscape of Rohan.

03-05-2003, 01:59 AM	#16
Bill Ferny Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bree Posts: 390	After re-thinking the chapter in UT, Battle at the Fords of Isen, I was struck by Tolkien’s description of the battle as being rather modern, like he was describing a typical WWI battle with swords, spears and horses, instead of rifles, artillery and machine guns. Granted, Tolkien was no scholar of medieval warfare, but I find it hard to believe that, if the Fords of Isen was such an important land mark, it wouldn’t be defended by some sort of fortification. There seems to be a lack of typical medieval style fortifications in general. Bree is surrounded by a wall and the shire is bordered by a hedge, the cities of Gondor are walled, but considering the necessities of medieval like weapons and tactics, one would assume that there would be many more fortifications throughout Middle Earth than what is described in the books. Just a thought. Regardless, this illustration of a historical motte-and-bailey castle would fit well into the landscape of Rohan. __________________ I prefer Gillaume d’Férny, connoisseur of fine fruit.