anghraine | Tumblr crosspost (28 November 2020)

I think it’s fair to point out that Gondorians tend to act as if they’re the only ones holding back Mordor and that nobody appreciates it.

But (I’m sure everyone is shocked that there’s a qualifier) I also think it’s an exaggeration of the reality more than something manufactured out of thin air.

Gondor is one of Sauron’s chief opponents and targets. IMO you could make a very fair argument that Sauron considers Gondor his greatest single obstacle as a state (understanding that Gondor in the book is not a glorified city-state but a large country with highly populated, militarized regions), and this is why he throws so much into assaulting Minas Tirith. It’s not that he isn’t also assaulting other places! But I think it’s pretty clear that the Battle of the Pelennor Fields is particularly monumental; it’s why, among other things, he sends the Witch-king there (described by Gandalf as Sauron’s greatest captain).

So: Gondor is not the only bulwark against Mordor, but it is a very major one and the people of Gondor have lived and breathed the war for generations. And, honestly, IMO it’s also quite fair for them to feel that many people are some mix of dismissive, oblivious, and condescending about Gondor and what it’s enduring as a state and a people. This isn’t coming out of a vacuum.

Tagged: #i'm just imagining if the later stewards of gondor had diverted their forces into something as petty and ridiculous #as the fight over the arkenstone #but they couldn't /afford/ to do that even if they felt so inclined #because of the simple reality of where they are and what they have to be doing #everyone is doing their part but it doesn't mean that all parts are the /same/ or that people aren't kind of shitty about gondor #in particular