The Decline of Westfold and Gondor's Absence: The Fall of an Allied Kingdom

The Westfold, a fertile region of the kingdom of Rohan, holds a significant place in the Legends of Middle-earth. Located to the west of Edoras, the capital city of Rohan, the Westfold is marked by its rolling hills and agricultural importance. However, the region faced a critical challenge during the War of the Ring, leading to its fall and leaving Gondor absent from the battle, as described in The Lord of the Rings.

Why Did the Westfold Fall?

The Westfold's downfall was initiated by Saruman's forces, which included Uruk-hai and other dark creatures. Seeking to gain power and control over Rohan, Saruman viewed the Westfold as a strategic territory crucial to his plans against both Rohan and Gondor.

The fall of the Westfold is depicted in the narrative of the War of the Ring. The invasion brought about a series of events that led to a significant loss of land and life for the Rohirrim, with the Westfold serving as a critical battleground.

Why Wasn't Gondor There?

Gondor, though allied with Rohan, was not present to aid Westfold during its fall for several compelling reasons:

Geographical Distance

Gondor and Rohan are separated by significant distance, which made it challenging for Gondor to respond promptly to the urgency of Saruman's attack on Westfold. This distance left Rohan to fend for itself initially.

Internal Issues

At the time, Gondor was grappling with its own challenges, particularly the threat posed by Sauron in Mordor. Gondor was preparing for its own defenses against potential attacks, as the War of the Ring was escalating.

Trust and Alliances

Gondor and Rohan maintained a mutual respect and alliance, but they were not bound to come to each other's immediate aid in every skirmish. Until the situation worsened and formal declarations of support were made, Rohan had to rely on its own strength.

Historical Context and Future Implications

The Westfold, originally part of the realm of Gondor, was granted to Eorl the Young in T.A. 2510, as detailed in the legends. In the War of the Ring, the region was attacked by Saruman's Orcs and the men of Dunland. Most of the people had been sent to shelter in the Hornburg by Erkenbrand, the Steward of Westfold.

Gondor, while not present in Westfold, was aware of the attack's potential to destabilize Rohan, a crucial ally. However, the urgency of their own defenses and the recent return to active warfare with Sauron made it difficult for them to intervene immediately.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the fall of the Westfold set the stage for the larger conflicts of the War of the Ring, leading to the eventual rallying of forces from both Rohan and Gondor against the greater threats posed by Saruman and Sauron. The events in Westfold highlight the complex strategic situations faced by Middle-earth's kingdoms and the importance of alliance and preparedness in times of unprecedented conflict.