The Impact of Isengard Attacking Rohan Instead of Gondor in Middle-earth

In the universe of The Lord of the Rings, the pivotal battle of Isengard against Gondor sees a significant strategic shift if it were to have targeted Rohan first. To fully understand the ramifications of such a change, we need to delve into the logistical, geographical, and tactical challenges as well as the broader implications for the larger war.

Logistical and Geographic Challenges

Logistically speaking, attacking Gondor without first eliminating Rohan would have been tantamount to suicide. Gondor and Rohan shared a crucial geographic reality - Rohan's territory served as the natural barrier between Isengard and Gondor. Any force aiming to reach Gondor from Isengard would inevitably have to cross Rohan's lands, placing them in a vulnerable position.

The Rohirrim, renowned for their prowess in cavalry, would have formed a formidable obstacle for any attackers. A direct march through the open plains leading to Gondor would have been continuously harassed and pursued by the horse lords. Moreover, the populace of Rohan, heavily allied with Gondor, would likely have risen to defend their homeland, further complicating the Isengard forces' objectives.

Geopolitical Implications

The long-standing alliance between Gondor and Rohan meant that any attempt to bypass Rohan would have been met with immediate and fierce resistance. The Rohirrim had a pledge to guard Gondor's northern borders, ensuring that crossing their territory would be akin to engaging a faraway enemy army.

There are additional considerations regarding the composition of Saruman's forces. Unit cohesion and morale would have been severely tested as the forces were composed of Uruks and Dunlendings. The Dunlendings' deep-seated grievances with the Rohirrim would likely result in a significant defection or attrition rate among Saruman's ranks. Given the described challenges, Saruman's attack on Gondor would have been impractical and potentially disastrous.

What Follows: A Weakened Enemy

Should Isengard troops have managed to reach Gondor, the journey would have weakened them considerably. Uruks marching through the open plains would face relentless pursuit by Rohirrim cavalry, leading to significant casualties and a disorganized force by the time they reached the city of Minas Tirith.

In addition, the flora and fauna of Middle-earth play a significant role in the narrative. The Ents, with their capacity for swift and decisive action, would easily destroy Isengard, further decimating Saruman's forces. This would leave a much-weakened and demoralized army at the gates of Gondor.

A More Favourable Battle of Pelennor

Given that the Rohirrim, along with Gondor, would have stood united against Isengard, the outcome at the Pelennor Fields would have been dramatically different. The strategic coordination between Gondor's army under Denethor and the Rohirrim would have allowed for a more effective defense and counterattack.

Had Rohan been an ally of Gondor, the Rohirrim's cavalry would have played a pivotal role in turning the tide of the battle. Their experience and expertise in terrain warfare would have given Gondor's defenders a significant advantage, potentially leading to a more decisive victory.

Conclusion

While Saruman's plan to attack Gondor failed due to the numerous challenges posed by Rohan, the strategic implications of such a scenario are profound. The weakening of Isengard's forces and the unity of Gondor and Rohan would have significantly altered the course of the battle and possibly the entire war. This hypothetical shift underscores the critical importance of alliances and strategic positioning in the conflicts of Middle-earth.