| Canon | Differences to the Books |
The city of Minas Ithil was taken over by the forces of Sauron during his offensive into Gondor in the Second Age. It would later be retaken by the Gondorians.
Prelude[]
During the fall of Númenor, Sauron's physical form was lost and he returned to Mordor. The survivors from the island were the Faithful who followed Elendil and sailed to Middle-earth. In these new lands, Elendil and his sons build the towns of Osgiliath, Minas Anor and Minas Ithil within the kingdom of Gondor. After many years, Sauron's physical form returned and he launched a surprise offensive into the lands of Gondor.[1]
The siege[]
Sauron's forces surrounded and then invaded the city of Minas Ithil. The city was defended under the leadership of Isildur son of King Elendil.[1] However, Sauron's forces were too strong and the city was captured. Isildur managed to escape the city in a boat on the Anduin river.[1]
Aftermath[]
Isildur managed to sail to the lands of Arnor where he rose the alarm, alerting Elendil and Anárion of Sauron's attack. Anárion was then able to hold the line at Osgiliath for some time. The city of Minas Ithil would then be taken back by the Gondorians at some point.[2] These events led to the formation of the Last Alliance of Men and Elves who marched upon Mordor and defeated Sauron's physical form again, although Elendil and Anárion's lives were lost, leaving Isildur as heir to the throne of Gondor and Arnor.[1]
In the early third age, Minas Ithil would be placed under siege by the Nazgûl and taken, becoming the infamous Minas Morgul.[2]