Why Didn't Gondor Attack Isengard and Would They Have Succeeded?

In the epic narrative of The Lord of the Rings, the decision of Gondor regarding Isengard is often a subject of debate. Many argue that Gondor's inaction was due to their greater peril posed by Mordor. However, understanding the intricate geopolitical situation and the strategic challenges faced by Gondor can provide deeper insights into their choices and actions.

Greater Peril: Mordor and the Real Threat

Before delving into the specifics, it is crucial to recognize that Gondor's primary concern was Mordor. Saruman and Isengard, while significant, were not the immediate and formidable threat that Mordor represented. As we know, Gondor was well aware of the growing conflagration in Mordor and the inevitable attack. When Saruman attacked Rohan, it merely highlighted the severity of the situation but did not change the fact that Gondor's first priority remained counteracting the darkness that threatened from their eastern border.

Trust and Alliance Misunderstandings

Initially, Gondor and Rohan had assumed Saruman to be an ally. This trust was not unfounded; foes like Oliphaunts (Rohan's greatest nemesis) were far more imminent threats. However, the trust in Saruman was eventually shattered when he betrayed Rohan and Isengard became a reality. The final proof of this betrayal came through Denethor, who used the Palantir and discovered that Saruman's power had waned. The breaking of Saruman's staff, which Gondor had gifted to him centuries ago and had since lost control over, signaled a significant shift in the balance of power.

The Palantir and Struggle for Power

The role of the Palantir in this narrative is often underappreciated. Both Sauron and Saruman attempted to dominate the Palantir, which was ultimately a stalemate. Saruman's craving for power and his belief that he could become a vice dark lord contributed to his downfall. Even Denethor, after his confrontation with the Palantir, was consumed by despair and delusions, clouding his judgment. The Palantir therefore played a pivotal role in revealing the true nature of both villains and the deeper psychological motivations behind their actions.

Strategic Focus: Concentration of Effort

Finally, it is essential to consider that Gondor's resources and manpower were stretched thin. Their primary defense against Mordor required their focused attention and effort. The attack on Isengard, while plausible, would have involved significant logistical and military challenges. Even if Gondor had managed to defeat Isengard's outer defenses, the mighty Orthanc itself would have proven impenetrable. Essentially, the concentrated effort required to tackle both Mordor and Isengard simultaneously would have been insurmountable for Gondor, given their current resources and the reality of their siege situation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the strategic decisions of Gondor to prioritize Mordor over Isengard were not merely hindered by a lack of interest in Isengard but were deeply rooted in their broader geopolitical reality. The potential success of an Isengard attack relies heavily on the assumption that Sauron would not have launched a massive counterattack, which was a highly improbable scenario given the full-scale war already prevalent. The intricate balance of power, the role of the Palantir, and the strategic focus on the more immediate and dire threat of Mordor provide a nuanced and compelling justification for Gondor's inactions.