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Faramir's defense of Osgiliath

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Faramir's defense of Osgiliath
Donato Giancola - Faramir at Osgiliath.jpg
Conflict: War of the Ring
Date: 12 March T.A. 3019
Place: The ruins of western Osgiliath




Unknown, the men of Gondor

Unknown, forces of Mordor, Southrons, Haradwaith




War of the Ring




Two days after the departure of Frodo Baggins from Henneth Annûn, Faramir returned to Minas Tirith.[1] Early in the morning of the next day Denethor ordered his son back to Osgiliath, hoping to make the Enemy pay dearly for the crossing of the river. Faramir had barely returned from Osgiliath (he was almost caught by Fell Beasts until Gandalf saved him). Despite his warnings that Sauron could easily afford to lose ten times Gondor's losses, and that those so far afield would find retreat perilous, Denethor insisted that Faramir defend the ruined city because no army could cross the river north of Cair Andros or southwards towards Lebennin. After the meeting of the Council Faramir took what strength he could to Osgiliath.[2]

The Battle




Portrayal in adaptations

The movie version of The Return of the King by Peter Jackson condensed the battle. The Orcs led by Gothmog swarm across the Anduin and engage Faramir's garrison throughout the ruins of western Osgiliath. When his forces begin to be overwhelmed and the city is clearly lost, he leads a retreat back to Minas Tirith, harried by the Ringwraiths along the way. Denethor then delusionally orders Faramir to lead a counter-attack to retake Osgiliath, despite Faramir's complaint that the city is completely overrun. In the book, Denethor did not order Faramir on a suicidal cavalry charge against Osgiliath, although Faramir did regard the order to go to help defend Osgiliath ill-advised. Also, in the movie the Causeway Forts and the Rammas Echor did not exist.

