Highlights
- The Lord of the Rings film trilogies couldn't cover every battle from the books, so some major battles, like the Battle of the Fields of Celebrant and the Battle of Bywater, are only known to fans who have read the books.
- The Fall of Gondolin and the Kinslayings were important battles in Middle Earth's history, with the former resulting in the destruction of the Elven City of Gondolin and the latter being the first time elves spilled each other's blood.
- The Battle of Dagorlad, part of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men's fight against Sauron, was a significant battle that led to Ilsildur cutting off Sauron's finger and defeating him, although it is not fully shown in the Lord of the Rings films.
The Lord of the Rings is one of the most popular film trilogies ever created. Based on the iconic fantasy book series by JRR Tolkien, the series features a fellowship of all the peoples of Middle Earth fighting the forces of evil. This includes several major battles during the rise and reign of the Dark Lord Sauron.
Major battles were featured in both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Tolkien wrote extensively about battles in this magical land that he created. Try as they might, Peter Jackson and his team couldn't cover every single battle on film. These are a few that fans will only know about if they read the books.
8 The Battle of the Fields of Celebrant
Gondor vs. the Easterlings
While this battle may seem small compared to others, it's still essential to Middle Earth, as it resulted in the beginnings of the Kingdom of Rohan. Raiders from the East called Balchoth joined up with the Orcs to attack Gondor.
When it looked like Gondor was defeated, the ancestors of the people who would become known as the Riders of Rohan rescued Gondor. This event became a major plot point when Gondor failed to help Rohan during the War of the Ring, and Theoden was left with a tough choice when Gondor needed help again.
7 The Battle of Bywater
The Shire vs. Saruman's Forces
In the extended edition of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy, Saruman's scourge of the Shire is barely touched. However, it was a key part of the books that led to Saruman's final battle. After taking over the Shire, the Hobbits return and lead their fellow Hobbits in an uprising against Saruman's forces.
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This results in the Battle of Bywater, and Wormtongue killing Saruman on Frodo's doorstep. Wormtongue is then killed by arrows as he tries to flee. While Saruman's and Wormtongue's deaths are featured in the film adaptation of The Return of the King, it's not shown as connected to the Shire.
6 The Fall of Gondolin
Gondolin vs. Morgoth
Before the days of Sauron, Morgoth presented the major villainous presence in Middle Earth. This Dark Lord teamed up with Balrogs, Orcs, and dragons to take over the Elven City of Gondolin after the Elf, Maeglin, betrayed his people.
The surprise assault was smaller than some of the more epic battles in Middle Earth, but the city of Gondolin was destroyed. Some elves managed to escape, setting up future battles.
5 The Kinslayings
The Noldor vs. The Telerin
While men would often battle with each other, the elves were better at respecting each other. However, during the Kinslayings, it was the first time elves spilled other elvish blood. After Morgoth stole the Silmarils, Feanor, the king of the Noldor, wanted to use Telerin ships to retrieve them.
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When the Telerin refused Feanor's request, he took it upon himself to lead an attack. Noldor wound up being banned from the Valinor because of Feanor's actions.
4 Dagor-Nuin-Giliath
Exiles Of The Noldor vs. Morgoth
Following the Kinslayings, Feanor continued his tumultuous journey across Middle Earth. The journey led to a split between the Elves of Noldor. Some remained loyal to Feanor, while others abandoned him. Meanwhile, Morgoth, sensing both danger and weakness, sent werewolves and Orcs to battle the Noldor Exiles.
Despite being clearly weakened, the Elves managed to fight off the werewolves and the Orcs. However, when the Lord of the Balrogs, Gothmog, joined the fight, the Exiles of Noldor eventually fell.
3 Nirnaeth Arnoediad
Morgoth vs. Union Of Beleriand
This battle has also been called the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. Morgoth led his forces against a prominent Elven settlement called the Union of Beleriand. Morgoth and his Orcs piled the bodies of Elves and Men into a mountain of corpses following the victory that severely weakened Elven strength in the North.
While the battle itself has not been featured on screen in any way, as of this writing, the mountain of corpses was briefly seen during an episode of The Rings of Power.
2 The Battle of the Powers
Valar vs. Morgoth
The oldest recorded battle in Middle Earth, the Battle of the Powers, took place before the creation of the sun and moon. The Elves awoke in Middle Earth and the original Dark Lord, Morgoth, decided to torment them in an effort to turn them into Dark Elves.
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Morgoth had been a member of the Valar before his turn to evil, so the rest of the Valar took up arms against him. It was an epic battle of god versus god until Morgoth was captured. Unfortunately, he would eventually escape and cause more chaos.
1 The Battle of Dagorlad
Last Alliance of Elves and Men vs. Sauron
Morgoth may have employed Balrogs, dragons, and giant spiders in his quest to take over Middle Earth, but it was Sauron's One Ring that caused the greatest trouble for Elves, men, and dwarves. While Sauron was at the height of his power, the Last Alliance formed to fight against the Dark Lord and his forces. In the end, it was Ilsildur, using his father's blade, who defeated Sauron and cut the ring and Sauron's finger off.
While this battle isn't fully shown in The Lord of the Rings films, it is the central point of the opening narration to the trilogy. Scenes from the battle were shown, especially Ilsildur's crowning achievement before his eventual downfall.
