Timeline Event
Aragorn captures the Corsair fleet at Pelargir
Event Type: Military/Strategic
Age: 3rd Age - Ring War
Date: March 13, 3019
Description:
An event in the prelude to the Battle of the Pelennor and also the Siege of Minas Tirith; see those entries for an overview:
[Said] Gimli... '[We] came then at last upon battle in earnest. There at Pelargir lay the main fleet of Umbar, fifty great ships and smaller vessels beyond count. Many of those that we pursued had reached the havens before us, and brought their fear with them; and some of the ships had put off, seeking to escape down the River...; and many of the smaller craft were ablaze. But the Haradrim... turned at bay, and they were fierce in despair; and they laughed when they looked on us, for they were a great army still.
'But Aragorn halted and cried with a great voice: "Now come! By the Black Stone I call you!" And suddenly the Shadow Host that had hung back at the last came up like a grey tide, sweeping all away before it. Faint cries I heard, and dim horns blowing, and a murmur as of countless far voices.... Pale swords were drawn; but I know not whether their blades would still bite, for the Dead needed no longer any weapon but fear....
'To every ship they came that was drawn up, and then they passed over the water to those that were anchored; and all the mariners were filled with a madness of terror and leaped overboard, save the slaves chained to the oars. Reckless we rode among our fleeing foes, driving them like leaves, until we came to the shore. And then to each of the great ships that remained Aragorn sent one of the Dúnedain, and they comforted the captives that were aboard, and bade them put aside fear and be free.
'Ere that dark day ended none of the enemy were left to resist us; all were drowned, or were flying south in the hope to find their own lands upon foot. Strange and wonderful I thought it that the designs of Mordor should be overthrown by such wraiths of fear and darkness. With its own weapons was it worsted!'
The Return of the King, LoTR Book 5, Ch 9, The Last Debate
Contributors:
Lyllyn 3Aug03
Elena Tiriel 12Mar08
