The Confrontation of Elendil and Gil-Galad with Sauron: The Battle of Personal Combat and the Fall of Barad-D?r

Background and Context

The War of the Last Alliance was a pivotal conflict in the history of Middle-earth, occurring at the end of the Second Age. This war was fought between the Last Alliance of Elves and Men and Sauron, who had taken control of Mordor and was threatening the free peoples of Middle-earth. The culmination of this war was a personal battle between Elendil and Gil-Galad, two of the greatest leaders of the Alliance, and Sauron, the Dark Lord of Mordor.

Reasons for the Confrontation

The Gathering of Forces: The Last Alliance, led by Elendil of the Dúnedain and Gil-Galad of the Noldor, united their forces to challenge Sauron's growing power. This power had become a grave threat after the loss of the One Ring, which had been created by Sauron.

Siege of Barad-D?r: The siege of Barad-D?r, Sauron's fortress in Mordor, lasted for seven long years. During this time, the combined forces of Elendil and Gil-Galad slowly wore down Sauron's defenses. The passage from The Fellowship of the Ring suggests that Barad-D?r was made of stone and strengthened by magic, but still heavily damaged by the end of the siege.

The Personal Combat

In the final stages of the battle, Sauron emerged from Barad-D?r to face Elendil and Gil-Galad in combat. This decision was pivotal as it allowed the two leaders to challenge Sauron directly. Both Elendil and Gil-Galad fought valiantly, but they ultimately fell in the struggle. Their sacrifice, however, provided an opportunity for Isildur, Elendil's son, to cut the One Ring from Sauron's hand, leading to Sauron's defeat and the temporary end of his reign of terror.

The Fall of Barad-D?r and Sauron's Confrontation

The Broken Tower: According to Elrond, the Dark Tower of Barad-D?r was broken, but its foundations endured due to the power of the Ring. The siege engines likely damaged the structure significantly, making it no longer safe for Sauron to hide. He emerged because he had to help his armies and ensure their survival. Furthermore, Barad-D?r itself was not safe in the long term, and thus Sauron had to come out of his fortress.

Sauron's Approach and the Heroes' Tragedy

Sauron did not come out of his own free will. A coward, despite his immense power, he was unwilling to face the Last Alliance. Sauron also had not fully recovered from his death on Numenor, which likely limited his power. His entry into the open was a desperate move, not one he would have made if he had his way.

During the final hours of the siege, Gil-Galad and Elendil faced Sauron in the valley of Gorgoroth. Sauron was clearly a terrifying foe, capable of scaring off the bulk of the army and defeating both Gil-Galad and Elendil. Even Elrond and Círdan, toilsome as they were, were afraid to approach Sauron. It was only after the duel was concluded, and Sauron had gained the upper hand, that Isildur found the courage to fight him.

Conclusion

Although Sauron's confrontation with Elendil and Gil-Galad was a tragic event, it was a defining moment in the struggle between good and evil. The fall of Barad-D?r and the loss of the One Ring marked the end of Sauron's reign and a new beginning for Middle-earth.