Isengard

**Isengard**, also known as Angrenost ('Iron Fortress') in Sindarin, was one of the fortresses of Gondor in Middle-earth. However, in the late Third Age, Isengard came into the ownership of Saruman and temporarily held Gandalf prisoner.

## Geography

The fortress of Isengard was located in a valley at the southern tip of the Misty Mountains; the Ring of Isengard was a great wall of stone that ran out from the mountain-side and then back again. The only entrance to Isengard was found delved into the southern wall of Isengard. One entering Isengard would pass through its only gate, travel down the long tunnel and pass through the iron doors to come to the plain of Isengard. In the centre of the plain, half a mile from the gate, stood the looming tower of Orthanc. For most of its history the lands of Isengard were green and a river ran from the mountains to form a lake. However after the treason of Saruman all green things that grew were removed and the river was dammed. The inner-ring was riddled with houses which cut into the walls. About the plain great shafts had been dug deep and many stone-flags paved the roads of the surface.

## History

### Second Age

It is unknown exactly when Isengard was first established. However it must have been built between S.A. 3320, the year in which the realms of Gondor and Arnor were established, and S.A. 3430, the year in which the Last Alliance of Elves and Men was formed. The Ring of Isengard, and the tower of Orthanc therein, were built by the Dúnedain, the Exiles of Númenor, as a fortress on the north-western tip of Gondor. Within Orthanc was placed one of the seven seeing stones, the *palantíri*. This stone would be later referred to as the Orthanc-stone.

Calenardhon, a region never densely populated, suffered greatly at the hands of the T.A. 1636 Great Plague. Orthanc was thus closed and its keys were sent to Minas Tirith. The fortress of Isengard, however, remained manned by a small garrison led by a hereditary Gondorian chieftain. This company grew more secretive as time progressed; its chieftain became known as the "Lord of Isengard" and they were believed to meddle in dark magic by the Rohirrim.

The attention of the Stewards of Gondor turned eastwards and their emissaries to Isengard eventually ceased completely. In their neglect they (and the Rohirrim) did not realize that the line of Gondorian chieftains had failed. The people had long intermingled with the Dunlendings and became more friendly to them than to the 'wild Northmen'. Dunlendings were allowed to settle in and around Isengard. They seized control of the fortress and killed any of the ancient Isengard guards who were unwilling to merge with them. During the reign of King Déor they became openly hostile to the Rohirrim. Déor could not besiege the fortress and Egalmoth, the Steward of Gondor, was unable to send help. Instead Déor kept a strong force of riders in the north of the Westfold. The occupation lasted through the reign of King Gram.

### Third Age

#### Saruman's Establishment

In T.A. 2758, Wulf led the Dunlendings into a great invasion of Rohan. Despite impressive victories, they were eventually defeated by the Rohirrim. The Dunlendings who occupied Isengard suffered considerably in the Long Winter. They capitulated and were driven out by Fréaláf (soon to be the new king of Rohan) near the end of T.A. 2759.

When Saruman returned from his travels into the east of Middle-earth, he offered to make Isengard his home and to command the defenses of the West. As both Gondor and Rohan suffered from the Long Winter and wars, the Wizard was welcomed by King Fréaláf and Steward Beren alike. In T.A. 2759, The valley in which Isengard resided soon became known as "Nan Curunír", the "Valley of Saruman" or the "Wizard's Vale".

In T.A. 2953, following the last meeting of the White Council, Saruman took Isengard for his own as Lord of Isengard, and fortified it. Saruman what often leave the tower of Orthanc, being allies with Treebeard and walking amongst his Forest before his corruption.

#### Quest of Erebor

Saruman was summoned away from Isengard to attend to Rivendell to discuss Gandalf's actions with helping Thorin and Company reclaiming the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug.

#### War of the Ring

On 10 July, T.A. 3018, Gandalf arrived at Isengard. Saruman revealed his true colors and demanded that Gandalf submit to him and Sauron. He refused and was imprisoned in Orthanc. From the pinnacle of the tower Gandalf could see that Isengard had been transformed; in place of trees and grass were pits and forges, and Saruman was gathering an army of orcs and wolves. On 18 September, T.A. 3018, Gandalf was borne away by Gwaihir the eagle.

Believing that Saruman knew the location of the One Ring, Sauron sent the Nazgûl to Isengard. The Witch-king arrived at the gate of Isengard two days after Gandalf's escape (or, according to a different account, on the very day of his escape). But the Lord of Morgul and his company did not have the strength to assault the Ring of Isengard. He departed after Saruman told them that he believed Gandalf knew the whereabouts of the Ring.

Isengard became Saruman's base of operations during the War of the Ring. His war with Rohan began on 25 February, T.A. 3019, with the First Battle of the Fords of Isen. The forces of Isengard were victorious and Saruman's main objective, the killing of Théodred (son of King Théoden), was achieved. With another victory at the Second Battle of the Fords of Isen on 2 March, the forces of Isengard won passage into the plains of Rohan and marched towards defeat at the Battle of the Hornburg (on 3 March).

On 2 March, the Battle of Isengard began when the Ents of Fangorn Forest began their attack. They overran the orcs and men therein, but were unable to assail the tower of Orthanc.

On 5 March, Merry and Pippin, now the "doorwardens" of Isengard, welcomed Théoden, Éomer, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. They parleyed with Saruman, but he refused to co-operate.

Following the Battle of Isengard, the Ents destroyed the Ring of Isengard and filled the land with gardens of orchards and trees. A stream ran into a small clear lake, in the middle of which stood the black-stone tower of Orthanc. Whilst the Treegarth of Orthanc became part of the Reunited Kingdom, King Elessar granted the Ents complete self-governance of what was formerly Isengard.

1. ↑ *The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey*