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Timeline Event

Erkenbrand takes command of the West-mark after the 1st Battle of the Fords of Isen

Event Type: Military/Strategic

Age: 3rd Age - Ring War

Date: February 26, 3019

Description:
An event in the aftermath of the First Battle of the Fords of Isen; see that entry for an overview:

After the fall of Théodred command in the West-mark (again without orders from Edoras) was assumed by Erkenbrand, Lord of Deeping-coomb and of much other land in Westfold. ... He was ... the chief lord in the West-mark, and since its people were in peril it was his right and duty to gather all those among them able to bear arms to resist invasion. He thus took command also of the Riders of the Western Muster; but Elfhelm remained in independent command of the Riders of the Muster of Edoras that Théodred had summoned to his assistance.

Unfinished Tales, Part 3, Ch 5, The Battles of the Fords of Isen: Appendix

Erkenbrand did not at once himself proceed to the battlefield. All was in confusion. He did not know what forces he could muster in haste; nor could he yet estimate the losses that Théodred's troops had actually suffered. ... The command in the field he gave to Grimbold, until he could come himself....

Unfinished Tales, Part 3, Ch 5, The Battles of the Fords of Isen

Erkenbrand ... assumed command ... when news of the fall of Théodred reached him in the Hornburg on the next day. He sent errand-riders to Edoras to announce this1 and to bear to Théoden his son's last words, adding his own prayer that Éomer should be sent at once with all help that could be spared. "Let the defence of Edoras be made here in the West," he said, "and not wait till it is itself besieged." But Gríma used the curtness of this advice to further his policy of delay. It was not until his defeat by Gandalf that any action was taken. The reinforcements with Éomer and the King himself set out in the afternoon of March the 2nd, but that night the Second Battle of the Fords was fought and lost, and the invasion of Rohan began.

Unfinished Tales, Part 3, Ch 5, The Battles of the Fords of Isen

Notes

1
The messages did not reach Edoras until about noon on February the 27th. Gandalf came there early in the morning of March the 2nd (February had thirty days!): it was thus, as Gríma said, not then fully five days since news of Théodred’s death had reached the King. [Author's note.]

Unfinished Tales, Part 3, Ch 5, The Battles of the Fords of Isen: Notes, Note 7

Contributors:
Elena Tiriel 9Feb05

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