Where Was Gondor When The Westfold Fell in The Lord of the Rings Universe?

Theoden, the King of Rohan, famously declared, 'Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell?' This question, though often attributed to Theoden's utterances, is a simplified take on a complex series of events in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings universe. To understand the context, it is essential to delve into the geography, timelines, and alliances.

Geography and Logistics

Geographically, Rohan (The Riddermark) is a kingdom situated to the east of Gondor. In the context of The Two Towers, the Westfold, a region within Rohan, fell under Saruman's control. This fell during the Battles of the Fords of Isen and the Battle of Helms Deep. The fall of Westfold was a significant event, highlighting the threat of Sauron’s forces and Saruman’s treachery towards Gondor and other realms.

Gondor, a vast kingdom located to the southeast of Rohan, faced its own challenges. It was embroiled in the growing conflict with Mordor, preparing for the Siege of Minas Tirith. The distance between Gondor and Westfold posed significant logistical challenges for any rapid military support. The time required for messages to travel, troops to march, and resources to be procured would have stretched over weeks if not months.

Strategic and Temporal Challenges

A key point to consider is the timeline of events surrounding Osgiliath and the fall of Westfold. The city of Osgiliath fell and was recaptured several times during the war. For instance, Boromir left for Rivendell after the recapture on July 4th and was killed on February 26th by Saruman’s forces. This timeline spans nearly nine months, indicating that Gondor had been at war for at least a year before the fall of Westfold.

It is not accurate to say that Gondor did not respond to the call when Westfold fell, as Gondor, along with other allies like Rohan, was engaged in a prolonged and difficult struggle against the forces of Sauron. While Gondor’s role in assisting Rohan in the immediate defense of Westfold is less documented, the kingdom’s focus remained on the looming threat of Mordor and Minas Tirith.

Historical Context and Attribution

The statement 'Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell?' is more a metaphorical critique of Theoden's behavior rather than a literal question about Gondor’s response. Theoden, as a flawed leader, faced internal struggles and sought to justify his failures. This question serves as a convenient rejoinder to his shortcomings, making him appear more morally upright than he might have been in his position.

However, for those outside of the narrative, this question is often misunderstood. It is akin to asking, 'Why didn’t the Eagles fly the Ring to Mordor?' or 'Why didn’t the Nazg?l fly to the Shire?' Such questions miss the complexity of the story and the character development that Tolkien intended. Instead, the correct question to ask is, 'Where was Rohan when Osgiliath fell?' Both times.

In conclusion, Gondor, like Rohan, was engaged in a critical battle for its survival. The fall of Westfold, while significant, should not be judged as a failure of Gondor’s responsivity but rather as an unfortunate consequence of a broader, more complex conflict. The true heroism lies in the unity and resilience of the realms under threat from Sauron’s overwhelming force.