| Canon | Differences to the Books |
During the Second Age, the forces of Sauron launched an offensive on the city of Osgiliath after taking Minas Ithil. The city was defended by the Men of Gondor led by Anárion. These events led to the retaking of Minas Ithil, driving Sauron's forces back into Mordor.
Prelude[]
During the fall of Númenor, Sauron's physical form was destroyed and his spirit returned to Mordor in secret. 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.[1]
After many years had passed, Sauron was able to physically form again and he launched an attack on the kingdom of Gondor. He first took Minas Ithil which would be renamed Minas Morgul. Isildur son of Elendil was able to escape by sailing down the Anduin into the kingdom of Arnor. There he rose the alarm and alerted Elendil of Sauron's offensive.[1]
The defense[]
The forces of Sauron, used the location of Minas Morgul strategically to launch their offensive on Gondor. Elendil's son Anárion led the Gondorians in a defense of Osgiliath, successfully holding the line for some time. This battle would end with the Gondorians successfully driving Sauron back out of Minas Ithil.[1]
Aftermath[]
Sauron's aggression led to an alliance between High King Gil-galad and Elendil, which led to a plan to march upon Mordor to defeat Sauron. Sauron would end up temporarily defeated, although Elendil, Gil-galad and Anárion all would lose their lives during the war.[1]