Good summary video. I've always wondered about these guys. If I do think about them at all, then I usually do in the context of _also_ wondering about Alatar and Pallando. Another great mystery. There are a lot of different ways of looking at things. I've also imagined what factions of Easterlings might be out there. There is a temptation to assume Alatar and Pallando are just, basically dead. But imagine if even one of them remains? Obviously there are all kinds of different variations on this theme that one could propose: e.g. - Alatar turns evil, Pallando does not/Pallando turns evil, Alatar does not; either helps the good Eastern Dwarves and Easterlings fight the bad Eastern Dwarves and Easterlings. Orcs would not be the primary foe for good in the East, obviously the pro-Sauron Easterlings would be. I'd view it as more likely that if there were 'bad Dwarves' out there, then they'd be far fewer in estimated total numbers than the estimated total numbers of the Easterlings, at any point. - Maybe Saruman knew more than he was letting on, after returning from the East (he had gone into the East with Alatar and Pallando; and in the past I'd entertained the notion of him either falling out with them and going West, or simply even murdering one or both of them during a quarrel. Just a speculative flight of fancy. However, I later grew to change my mind on that theoretical idea, and just make it that they parted ways, with Saruman merely leaving them to their work in the East. I like to think of Saruman, Alatar and Pallando, having encountered the Eastern Dwarves for the first time, and go through a process of winning their trust, sort of ingratiating themselves in their tribal/or small clan type communities. In this concept, Saruman would greatly and irreverently distrust all of the Easterlings, with his implied knowledge of the War of Wrath and the Wars of Beleriand in general, judging them harshly - with plenty of primary evidence of the more dangerous forces among the Easterlings. Canonically, the Easterlings first attacked Gondor in TA 490, long before the Istari arrived in Middle Earth (TA 1000, 510 years later) I imagine that it might be possible that Saruman knew of that history, before going into the East, though it is hard to tell. In any case, he might be more disinterested in making serious attempts at 'converting' Easterlings to the light, away from Sauron's influence. I see Saruman as being there to oversee their (Alatar and Pallando's) establishment among the free peoples of the Far East. In TA 1000, the way these would appear would certainly be very different to the way they would in say, the War of the Dwarves and Orcs. Entire civilisations in the East would rise and fall. Even before theorising of potential murder mysteries (Istari edition) or speculating on the possible short term or long term downfall of one or both Blue Wizards, there'd be a natural civilisational maturation and over two millennia separated TA 1000 and the War of the Ring (example year e.g. TA 3018) The prospect of one or both Wizards either; dying/turning evil/fighting each other etc is immediately obvious, over a span of 2,000 years. That is plenty of time to fall out. But even without those rather pessimistic possibilities, the East would go through a great deal of change across such a great span of time. Alatar and Pallando would end up spending centuries having to try and fight Sauron's influence in the East. It's how I see it anyway. Who knows (only the man, the myth, the legend himself, JRR Tolkien; and I'm not entirely convinced he did either; some-things, left unknown even to himself on purpose) For a start, the Istari would be seeing Middle Earth in a dynamic time, when Gondor was unrivalled in power, when the Elves were still far stronger than we see them in the War of the Ring, and when Khazad-dum had not yet been despoiled. Eryn Lasgalen was still Greenwood the Great, and the darkness of Sauron had not crept into it's woods yet. Unfortunately, this would not take much longer; as by merely TA 1050, Sauron's evil had begun to pollute Southern Greenwood, in a long and harrowing process of contamination and decay which would haunt Eryn Lasgalen, turning it into the Mirkwood of later centuries. Yet it is likely, that by the time Saruman, Alatar and Pallando arrived in the East, that had not yet begun (did their very arrival in the East, trigger this response from Sauron I wonder?) Sauron would establish himself in Dol Guldur in TA 1050. Rather tragically ironically in retrospect, Gondor would reach the height of her power in roughly the same year, as King Ciryaher of Gondor, conquered Harad and forced their remaining chiefs to pay homage to him. He was spectacularly powerful by Gondor's own standards, and this was when he took the name Hyarmendacil I, to honour his victory over the Southrons. For 99 years to come until his death in TA 1149, no faction so much as gave Gondor a mean look. They were imperiously strong, reaching a sublime state. Even though his son Atanatar the Glorious oversaw a period of decline in Gondor after that point, Gondor's strength was still so impressive at that juncture, that even centuries after TA 1050, the legacy of Hyarmendacil I lived on, arguably. Gondorians during the 17th century TA would have nostalgically dreamed of the might of Gondor in the 11th century; much as Gondorians in the 21st century TA lamented their own state of being compared to the 17th century TA etc etc (and all previous iterations of Gondor would probably be in tears just _looking_ at what Gondor was reduced to in the 31st century TA; during the War of the Ring) It's all relative, after all. We must remember the paradigmatic changes across the entire map throughout the early to mid Third Age, and later in the late Third Age. This helps when trying to contextualise what _might_ have been going on in the East. Although we'll always be able to speculate on the ins and outs of what may or may not have been for this or that faction or speculative series of possible events, to the point of turning it into an inevitable and understandable world-building exercise, there are clues to be found which might indicate _some_ outlines. There are a number of implications in certain historical points mentioned here. For instance, if the Eastern Dwarves answered the all of Erebor during the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, fighting thousands of leagues West, up and down the Hithaeglir, including at Azanulbizar outside Moria, then they were certainly _able to_ logically without necessarily denuding their own homelands. Maybe this suggests they had enough breathing room in that time (TA 2793-2799) in their own lands to afford to be able to send them. That, or they had means of secretively conveying their army West without encouraging the Easterlings to attack their civilian folk when they were away. It would probably indicate that they are so secretive that they could leave their own lands in small groups, and coalesce into a large force, on the road, going West. I imagine a few dozen warriors here, a trio there, a hundred more from another delving in some secretive subterranean dwelling and stronghold. I imagine several small communities dotted around the uplands and mountains, or in caves out of the reach of most of their enemies. Several more once proud delvings of the Eastern Dwarves, hewn into red sandstone and mafic granite rocks, may well have been abandoned for many centuries since the days of TA 1000. Maybe a stronghold in the crags of black and red rock in the sands of the East, had been long since overrun by Sauron's servants; discovered, plundered and ruined. Sand, windblown over the doors and statues toppled. A forgotten memory of an ancient past, like Petra in Jordan was for so long. Maybe even smaller scale than that, with hidden postern gates into obscure tunnels, leading out of the place at odd angles that could not be seen so easily from the dunes below. Maybe they would have procedures of entry and exit, taking the greatest care to maintain secrecy in their remaining delving based strongholds. They'd be playing an eternal game of hide and seek with those Easterlings - and corrupted Dwarves, perhaps - still looking for them. Easterling elders would tell their sons about tales of Dwarves in rocky valleys in the further East of Rhun, or whispers around the campfire of alleged sightings of these rare people. Those Easterlings predisposed to kill the Eastern Dwarves, would try and hunt them. Most would fail. Some would go missing, never to be seen again. The Easterlings occasionally discover a larger group of Eastern Dwarves, and besiege their strongholds. Sometimes the strict secrecy and determined covert nature of their existence, would not be enough; perhaps because of a traitor among their ranks, or from the information of a corrupted, rival clan of Dwarves whom envied them and wanted to see them destroyed. Eastern Dwarves may even have worn attire adapted to this life of relative obscurity and survival necessities; perhaps wearing padded boots wrapped in animal skins, to dull the sound of their footfalls on rock. Perhaps they'd wear more 'oriental' (so to speak) attire, more akin to that of the Medieval Mongols or the Turkic peoples. Maybe they'd have leather coated armour to keep them warm in cold desert nights, though also best to stop their armour from glinting in the blazing sunlight, giving them away. They might wear pointed shoes and flowing, silky fabrics, with modest colour schemes to not stand out in the dunes. They could - like Tuskens in Star Wars - even walk in single file, to hide their numbers. [1/5 - parts 2-5 replied below]
[2/5] There are so many ideas that could be explored. Perhaps they have composite iron-horn-animal sinew bows, and shoot poison tipped barbs designed to ensure that anyone they shoot, will die even if they get away; as so not to reveal what they had seen (or improve the chances of maintaining their secrecy ideally) Maybe they would dress more lavishly and exuberantly inside their halls and tunnels, with tunnel networks spanning many leagues to minimise travel topside where they are at most risk. Another idea could be that the 'bad Dwarves' that remain in the Late Third Age (if ever there were any at all, let alone then) are almost solely devoted to Sauron and given deliberate immunity by the pro-Sauron Easterlings; with the Easterlings serving Sauron, using them like scouts to try and find the Dwarves whom still defy them.
Occasionally Easterling warbands will set out into the mountains, and seek to destroy good Eastern Dwarves, following up a lead from a scout ('evil Dwarf') among their ranks. I can't help but think of the bad Dwarves serving Jadis the Ice Queen in C.S Lewis's _The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe_ though I would hasten to add they'd look quite different (bigger, and stockier, for a start) Eastern Dwarves would have small mining operations delving to delving, and although spread far and wide, their numbers could still be in the thousands all told (though, like very many real world examples of native peoples in history, globally in context, they might only be seen in relatively small numbers locally, area by area) Given time, their truer numbers could muster. One delving stronghold, could be under attack, only for a second to send aid and catch the Easterling attackers in an ambush. There would be many a tale among the Easterlings, of raiding parties and warbands that had gone missing in the mountains, never to be seen again. Dwarven valour in battle and the stout nature of their fighting prowess, would defiantly outlast all attempts to purge them from the East entirely. They could be semi-nomadic, shifting from one place to the next. Whenever things got ''too hot'' in one area, they might slip away and seal tunnels/collapse tunnels behind them, abandoning entire delvings and leaving the Easterlings enraged, no closer to destroying their foe, near-empty handed. This could have _all_ been going on in the East for a very, very long time. At times the Easterlings would focus their efforts against Gondor - as they did in TA 1851 (the Wainriders) or long before that, in the 13th century TA during the regency of Minalcar (whom defeated them soundly) When Gondor and the North-men of Rhovanion formed an alliance against the invading Easterlings in TA 1248 in their victory over their assailants, I would speculate that the Eastern Dwarves temporarily became bolder, and struck out more often in ambushes and raids on Easterling warriors and tribes in their own right. Inversely, during times of relative peace in the West - e.g. the Watchful Peace, TA 2063-2460 - things would get very much more difficult for the Eastern Dwarves (so I speculate) This almost certainly _had_ to be true. Sauron himself went into the East, and spent centuries gathering Easterling tribes together. It could not have been fun for the Eastern Dwarves to have _Sauron_ himself after them directly. I would write it that one by one, Eastern Dwarves retreat into their delvings; and one by one, in turn, the delvings will be found and destroyed. Many survive, but many others do not. Sauron will destroy some strongholds, during the 'Watchful Peace'. Sauron will punish stubborn old strongholds and put them to the sword. Even in his weakened state, he would be deadly. However, he would have to contend with the potential presence of up to two beings whom he could _not_ so lightly bully; Alatar and Pallando. The Blue Wizards, if active at all, could be responsible for saving many Dwarves over 2,000 years of tireless patience. There are different ways of writing this. Perhaps one of them fell to evil long, long before. Maybe one had to kill the other. Maybe one of them died fighting Sauron himself. Maybe neither of them died or fell to evil. I doubt both died, or both fell to evil before dying. At least one of them, and maybe two, would still be around in the War of the Ring, in my opinion. Just out there, doing their own thing, thanklessly in the West save for the thanks they received from the peoples they fought so long to preserve. 'Good Easterlings' are also indebted to them, standing loyally by the Blue Wizards. They would be fierce allies, fighting for generations to preserve each other. Alatar will be known fondly among one tribe, Pallando among another (much as Gandalf/Mithrandir/Olorin was known so well among the Shirefolk, and Radagast was to the Beornings and Woodsmen of the North) They might be equally well-famed among another tribe/faction (such as how _both_ Saruman and Gandalf were iconic among the Rohirrim) But I mean this bond to be even closer in terms of the way Alatar and Pallando lived, in theory, among the Eastern Dwarves and 'Good Easterlings'. For 2,000 years, fighting a determined campaign to keep as many of these people alive and safe, as possible. But sometimes, going further - deliberately waylaying 'evil Easterling' forces, and waging a form of guerrilla war, to divert as many of Sauron servants in the Far East, away from their invasions of the West. From some central stronghold, especially sacred to the Eastern Dwarves, Alatar and Pallando could use their power and vision, as the Blue Wizards, to look West, and see the Decline of Gondor (as Gandalf had 'vision' over the whereabouts of Frodo maybe?) Roving Dwarves sometimes sent on missions by them, would bring back word of the state of affairs in the West. Did Mithrandir ever visit _them_ over those two millennia? Maybe. I'd like to think, at least _once_ in all that time. Did Radagast? Probably not. Did Saruman after he returned to the West? I doubt it. Another concept is that during the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, a conflict which saw many Dwarves drawn to the leading house of the seven houses of the Dwarves; a matter we could regard as, unique. The Blue Wizards in theory (if alive at all at this time, as I'd personally prefer) might suggest _not_ going; wagering that the other Dwarves would win the war anyway, and that it would place their own delvings in grave danger. However, the Dwarves would tell the Blue Wizards that they _had_ to go on their honour, lest they be seen as cowards or traitors by the other Dwarves, or even cursed by them (maybe Thrain would have a curse for them, much as Isildur did for the Oathbreakers? - not that they'd know that, and to be honest this is just an extra idea I'm not sure about, and not fond of; maybe they were just scared of looking like they were cowards, simple as) Some Dwarves might argue in gatherings in their strongholds, of the wisdom of marching thousands of miles West for the sake of the Longbeards whom rarely seemed to lift a finger to help them, as far as we know. Others would say that even if they were called cowards by the other Dwarves for not going, they would not be able to do anything about it, as the Easterlings would destroy them if they marched East to 'punish' the Eastern Dwarves. Another argument in the gatherings might be that this very fate could await them; that they'd be destroyed by the other, vengeful houses of the Dwarves, for not helping them. Other voices would call that paranoid, and others still, would reason that the Easterlings could be avoided for a few years. They would take extra measures to be even more secretive. Alatar and Pallando would speak to all the gathered lords, in perhaps multiple gatherings, and promise them that they would use all their power to shield their homes, and use all their experience to keep the women and children safe. The debates would rage for hours, though come to an end. The final votes would be cast, and the decision to answer the summons from Erebor would be agreed. Perhaps part reluctantly, the Eastern Dwarves would send forerunning envoys out with all possible haste to reach Erebor, bring word of their compliance. The lords of the Eastern Dwarves would part ways, and move to gather their warriors, prior to moving out to an agreed-upon rendezvous point to the West (out of sight of the Easterlings) Like rivulets and streams trickling down to the headwaters of the larger river, they'd collectively amount to a greater force of several hundred or so warriors (other Dwarven Warriors, particularly younger ones, would be left home, to guard their halls) They could not completely denude their defences. Alatar and Pallando would lead them in the stead of the absent lords. Moreover, the Easterlings whom were loyal to the Blue Wizards, would work even harder to cover the bases, with patrols and scouts doubling the guard outside the Dwarven strongholds they were allied with. Alatar and Pallando would fend off 'evil Easterlings' and 'bad Eastern Dwarves' for a few years while the main forces were abroad. When the tragic news of the grim losses for all the Dwarves in the War of the Dwarves and Orcs had reached the Far East, there would be ceremonies held to mourn the dead within the strongholds of the Eastern Dwarves. Many years pass. Smaug is still known even to the Eastern Dwarves, to lurk beyond the Desolation. There is far less communication after the events of the War of the Dwarves and Orcs (again, I'm just speculating and head-canon...ing) Decades pass.
[3/5] Alatar and Pallando learn of the White Council driving the Necromancer (Sauron) out of Dol Guldur in TA 2941. Fearing Sauron may once again plague the East, the ever diminishing numbers of those whom the Blue Wizards defend. The Battle of Five Armies rages in the same year, and Smaug is finally slain. Word of this reaches the Far East, as news of the death of Thorin Oakenshield travels as does the news of the coronation of the new King Dain II Ironfoot (via the Iron Hills, perhaps) The Eastern Dwarves returned from the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, with fewer than half that set out (I speculate that a few hundred returned, many scarred and traumatised by the deadly conflict, which lasted longer by a few years, than anyone thought) Sauron returns to Mordor in TA 2942. Although news of this does eventually reach the Blue Wizards, Dwarf Lords and loyal Easterling chiefs, they already realised something was happening; as 'evil Easterling' forces were becoming far more active. Emissaries of the Dark Lord (Mouth of Sauron from time to time?) and maybe even Khamul the Easterling, 2nd among the Nazgul himself, would transit the East. Further Dwarven strongholds would be lost in the intervening decades leading up to the War of the Ring. Limited contact with King Dain II Ironfoot in Erebor, ceased once the West Roads were cut off. Determined Easterling Legionary assaults on their strongholds, began (I headcanon) in the years immediately prior to and during the War of the Ring. Assassins and hunters had intensified their attacks for nearly eight decades since the death of Smaug, across all that time. Skirmishing and guerrilla warfare would continue, with the Blue Wizards realising that Sauron was preparing for war. It was all they could do since the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, so many years before, to slowly help the Eastern Dwarves recover. They were in no shape to become too bold with the Easterling Legions now forming in and beyond Rhun. I speculate that the Easterling armies that attacked Dale and Erebor during the War of the Ring, numbered about 60,000. Some claim 200,000 but I have seen little if any evidence for that. Just a made up number. I'd argue that 60,000 would be more realistic, and that would be more than enough to achieve what they did. Easterling Legionaries are among Sauron's finest troops, and arguably his very best infantry. Certainly the most disciplined. Nor do they suffer under sunlight as do the Orcs. 60,000 in one army would represent a terrifying force. If that isn't enough, we could say that 15,000 Easterling armoured cavalry went too (pushing it up to 75,000) This would make more sense. A few legions still fought in the Southern Theatre against Rohan and Gondor but were only a minority force compared to the 60,000-75,000 or so Orcs coming from the Morgul Host from Minas Morgul (I'd speculate 10,000-15,000 Easterlings were in the South; far greater numbers - undefined - went to Erebor and Dale in the North) 60,000-75,000 going after Erebor, would be more than enough. I'd guess that with the Haradrim, Easterlings and Variags, the Mordor forces attacking Gondor numbered at least 100,000 (not including the Orcs and Easterlings sent to Cair Andros, or the Corsairs of Umbar at Pelargir) Makes sense. I always wonder about the military might of Dol Guldur in the War of the Ring, but I speculate at least 30,000-40,000. They made so many attacks. For all we know, Dol Guldur only had 10,000-15,000 ish. But I think Dol Guldur had greater numerical strength than Isengard (which was about as strong as that all affiliates and servants drawn out) The point is, this still leaves logical room for there still being large Easterling numbers still in the East (after all, Sauron hadn't tapped all of the potential strength of the Easterlings to serve under his banner) Ironically I'd imagine that _a lot_ of Easterlings were still independent. Alatar and Pallando would be going around securing as many of these 'neutrals' as possible (sometimes, this might backfire) Alatar and Pallando would lead a heroic resistance of the good Dwarves and Easterlings, against far numerically superior Easterlings. Although the vast majority of the Easterlings under Sauron's command would reach Gondor and Erebor eventually (or at least, those who were ready to mobilise in time, anyway; which doesn't mean there weren't many others whom needed more time from further East), the Blue Wizards and their people would fight a protracted and desperate guerrilla war against the Easterling forces still attacking them. The last of the evil Dwarves would also reveal themselves and overrun one of the few remaining strongholds of the good in those lands. A showdown with the good and evil Dwarves of the East would rage even as the Second Battle of Osgiliath in the War of the Ring began. Bands of good Easterlings throw javelins at Easterling legionaries on the roads, ambushing them and bogging them down, denying them timely passage to Mordor. Completely outnumbered, they melt away after each hit and run attack, though fewer and fewer of them return to their bases of operations each time, as inevitably, men fall in the rocky canyons fighting the servants of Sauron. Sometimes the Dwarves can afford to support the good Easterlings, and I would write it that they combine all their strength in a final operation to defeat the evil Dwarves. Having retaken the overrun hall, they scattered the evil Dwarves. I speculate that another battle is needed to finish them off. They chase them into a canyon, and fight a bloody battle to the death. The Blue Wizards are in the thick of the fighting, slaying any foe they encounter. They fight back to back typically, as a duo. The lords of the good Dwarves fight furiously, and yet some of them begin to fall. Half will die before the battle is won. Refusing to surrender, declaring their loyalty to the Dark Lord, the last company of the evil Dwarves forms a shield wall and backs themselves into a slender ravine. They are killed to the last, in bloody fighting. Victorious, the Blue Wizards mourn with the survivors of their people. The legions of Minas Morgul are pouring onto the Pelennor Fields, while this is happening, for example. Distracted by fighting the evil Dwarves and finally bringing the last of them to an end, the allies of the Blue Wizards are unable to frustrate the Easterling Legions of Rhun from largely reaching Erebor intact. Even so, thousands more are stuck in Rhun and beyond, dealing with the Blue Wizards and their people. Many Easterling Legionaries die fighting the Blue Wizards. However, the unsung heroes of what I now provisionally think I'll refer to in this, as the *Blue Wizard's Cloak* as a subsidiary conflict of the War of the Ring, are on the verge of collapse. An Easterling Legion aggressively assaults the good Easterlings that remain, defeating them in a series of skirmishes en route to the secondary stronghold of the resistance forces. The survivors rally beside Pallando, while Alatar gathers reinforcements further North. The Dwarves are shattered after their victory earlier, though still send as many warriors as they can. 5,000 Easterling legionaries directly assault the second most important stronghold they have left, due South of the central stronghold (the sacred site mentioned earlier) A grim fight for survival sees Pallando guard the hidden door to the stronghold. The Easterling legionaries form shield walls and phalanxes (like schiltrons or testudos) moving up the rocky canyon leading to the gate. Many are picked off by poison barbs shot from hidden loop holes in the cliffs, yet most reach the gates, and engage in a vanguard of the Dwarves and good Easterlings. Dwarven axes chime on Easterling helms and plate, and the spears of the good Easterlings find gaps in their more heavily armoured foes. The faster, lighter units of the good Easterlings, fight bravely, though are not as strong in close quarters. Pallando draws his scimitar and levels his staff at the advancing legionaries. Dozens are killed by Pallando personally. The fighting continues for hours (simultaneous to the Siege of Minas Tirith, for instance) Alatar rushes back to the secondary stronghold, with around 500 men and Dwarves. The few hundred men and Dwarves with Pallando (4/5 being Easterling men, the others being Dwarves from that hall) are hard-pressed to defend this stronghold, as wave after wave of Easterling legionaries of Sauron crash into them. Injured by an Easterling polearm, cut in the upper arm and slashed across the chest, Pallando stumbled back and is carried inside by Dwarves and Men. The Northern access tunnel connecting the strongholds is soon filled with the clamour of Dwarven armour and weapons as they literally run through the tunnel, with a heavy echo of thunderous footfalls. Knowing how dangerous the legionaries are. Alatar sees Pallando covered in his own blood (and a lot of his fallen enemies blood too) The defenders have been pushed back inside, and the gates are being attacked violently by Easterlings using iron spikes and hammers. Archers still harry them from the loop holes; though occasionally, Easterling archers attached to the legion, hit them back with cruelly barbed arrows with hardwood shafts. The gates eventually break and the fighting spills into the atrium hall.
[4/5] Into the chokepoint, the Easterling legionaries continue to pour. Piles of them form by the atrium stairs as Alatar hews his way through a hundred of them himself; he was always the better fighter, albeit not as talented in magic. Alatar also wields a graceful scimitar, made for him by gracious friends in a previous and long bygone era of the Third Age; it is from the year TA 1102. Pallando's was forged in the same time and place. They were made for him, in my take on these stories, by Dwarven and Easterling smiths working with the Blue Wizards in the master foundries of the sacred capital (as yet unnamed) Thousands of Easterling legionaries in their plate armour and chain-mail, remain outside the stronghold. Fighting goes back and forth in the atrium and eventually the numbers of the legionaries simply overpowers the defenders. Alatar takes the injured Pallando back to the capital stronghold, and the fighting continues every step of the way, in a fighting withdrawal from the halls of the secondary stronghold. First the canyon fell, then the gatehouse, then the atrium hall, then the grand chamber, then the memorial gallery, then the access galleries, then the second hall, then the ancillary chamber and then the access hall. Staircase by staircase, hall by hall, chamber by chamber. They were buying time for the women and children to evacuate to the capital stronghold. Finally the Dwarves and good Easterlings were hemmed into the North Hall, adjoined to the North Access Tunnel. Over a thousand Easterlings fell up to this point, with around 4,000 still attacking. A quarter as many heroic defenders fell for their trouble. They sold their lives dearly. Eventually Alatar used a blast of power from his staff to collapse the North Tunnel behind them, barring passage to the Easterlings - being the last out himself, ensuring Pallando was carried away by his guards. As the distance between the capital stronghold and the secondary bastion was over five miles, the Easterlings could not know where the tunnel would end. Although tactically victorious, they lost their prey. The followers of Alatar and Pallando rally all they have left at the capital. On the way back to it, Alatar used the some power from his staff to collapse further sections of the tunnel, for good measure. Even if the Easterling legionaries cleared the rubble in the first section (safely, if possible at all), they would then have to this five more times at least. Effectively, it was impassable for now. The bad Easterlings spent all day ransacking the secondary chamber, defiling it. As the Rohirrim charged on the Pelennor the following day, far to the West, Pallando was healed and the capital sealed. The Easterlings left the secondary bastion, moving out and searching to the North via different roads after leaving the canyon. The legionaries hunted for days, but could not find the Blue Wizards. By time of the simultaneous (speculative) events of the Battle of the Morannon, the Blue Wizards were harassing legionary companies on the road again; Pallando, back on his feet. This was how they continued, for weeks after the Downfall of Sauron and the end of the One Ring. News of this came late to them of course, though they knew at last their work had not been in vain. They had played an important strategic and humanitarian role in the War of the Ring - and the over 2,000 years preceding it. Scattered and demoralised Easterling survivors from the Siege of Erebor, sent running by the Dwarves and Men of Dale (and perhaps more so, by the news of Sauron's defeat to the South), would eventually return to Rhun. Thousands died in the attacks on Dale and Erebor, and hundreds took their own lives in despair on the road back to Rhun. Others strayed into the sands in their disoriented mind-sets, thinking their false 'God' (Sauron) to have been destroyed. This would have been their world turned upside down. Madness overtook some of them. Infighting spread among other units. Leaderless legions whose captains fell outside Erebor, traipse home, tired and hungry. A quarter of those whom fled Erebor and Dale, do not survive the journey back into the Far East. Their movements are tracked by the Blue Wizards and their people, and there is great apprehension. Although they seem to be returning in a devastated series of demoralised and silent groups, out of formation, having thrown off a lot of their armour in despair, the Blue Wizards sensed they were defeated men, not victorious. The surviving good Dwarves and Easterlings agreed. Unfortunately, now they were simply too depleted to risk much more than basic patrols around the capital. The Blue Wizards did what they could in the following years, seeing factionalism increase among Easterling legionary forces - lacking the will of Sauron to bind their tribes together. Extreme factions splintered off, refusing to believe Sauron was really gone, or defeated. It was flat out refused by some. This caused a rift between former legionaries, and a civil war began to erupt around the last stronghold of the followers of the Blue Wizards. High above the sand dunes, hidden among mountain peaks, a great, red sandstone tower jutted up like a lesser peak in it's own right, above the capital halls below. Wells and springs by the base of the tower supplied the capital with a constant water supply. Herded goats lived on a grassy field tended to by the Blue Wizards in centuries past. The curtain walls of the mountains hid all of this, though sunlight still reached them; as did the very rare rainfall. Blue flowers grew down the moistened, glistening rock-faces, down which a small, yet pretty little stream flowed, into the pools near the base of the tower, adjacent to the springs. Deep beneath the surface, all of this stood atop a large aquifer in the desert, hidden under the mountains. Mahogany woodwork centuries old already, polished by time, were built into small livestock pens and walkways connecting a series of tunnels in this central basin, within which the hidden tower of the capital stood. An oasis within the mountains, kissed by the sun at least twice a day. It was beautiful. But a sense of ancient sadness hung over the entire place. That sense of generations living and dying here, not knowing if they were ever going to be safe. That sense of sanctuary, offset by sobering sacrifice. Overlooking the waterfall stream, was a viewing gallery which was hewn into the rock a thousand years before, and now smooth to the touch due to the spray of the waterfall. Moss and lichen grew on the boulders and pebbles beneath the springs. It was a place of memory, reflection and solemn isolation. Although the hidden heart of a network of what were once several dozen strongholds dotted around the Far East, now this was apparently the last of them all. Alatar and Pallando used a number of special enchantments to further conceal the capital. They were trying to do this for the second stronghold, when the Easterlings of Sauron interrupted them. Great statues of fallen Dwarf lords of the East, long past, looked inwards into the central basin, from ledges hewn into the rock-faces. Beneath this, dozens of ever emptier halls descended for a mile, until touching seams of iron ore beneath the city. Some gemstones and precious metals were found here too. Yet clearly, the main attraction of this location, was the water supply. No city of the longbeards was quite like it, in terms of masonry and architecture; it was more austere, utilitarian and basic. Yet in being so, it was interesting in it's own way. Blue banners representing the Blue Wizards, hung from every hall. A large, beautifully carved relief of the War of the Dwarves and the Orcs, adorned the head wall of the main atrium of the city, and it had been the most significant architectural change here in the past 250 years. Stonework on a new artistic masterpiece in the Hall of Heroes, was half finished, reflecting the strained manpower and resources of their time. It was a new commission, ordered by the leading lord of the city, to celebrate the Death of Smaug. A great dragon carved in polished granite with ruby eyes, inlaid with gold filigree. A shimmering commemoration of a triumph in a far off land, not won by the hands of Dwarvenkind - but a victory so vital to them all, that it deserved celebrating. The trailing tail and wings of Smaug were not complete, and it had sat this way for decades (the artisans whom began it, slain long ago in war, as they - like all Dwarven males here of mature age - doubled up as warriors out of necessity) The other Dwarves still here, meant to finish it, though they were often far too busy. Nobody could be spared for such luxuries, for entire decades following the Battle of the Five Armies. Indeed, even earlier, since Azanulbizar cost this place so many of it's warriors. Alatar and Pallando stayed here, guarding the surviving lords and chiefs of the Dwarves and good Easterlings, for years to come... ...Eventually, Rohan and Gondor (or, the Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor) rode East under Elessar and Eomer, and there they fought campaigns against the Easterlings. Unknown to them, they were actually fighting fractured tribes, whom were already fighting each other. Alatar and Pallando stepped forth, once the mighty hosts of the Horse Lords and Gondorians passed near the capital (totally unaware it was there, mind you) The High-King of the Reunited Kingdom, Aragorn II Elessar himself, was humbled to meet the Blue Wizards. He had heard tale of them from Gandalf over the years, and knew they were in existence, though did not know whatsoever if they were alive. King Eomer was completely unaware of their existence.
[5/5] The Men of the West imperiously drove all before them, and the Rohirrim and the Gondorian Knights crushed the Easterling cataphracts in the Battle of the Dunes, days beforehand, in a thunderous cavalry clash in the desert. Allied losses were minimal; Easterling losses catastrophic. They had been overpowered by the Rohirrim and flanked by the Gondorian Knights, simultaneously. In what were for Sauron's servants, 'better and more cohesively organised times', those heavy cavalry might have fought a mutually devastating battle on their home territory; but now they were more ill-disciplined and poorly led. Many of them had died in their own civil war. Heat exhaustion troubled the Men of the West (and their horses) and the Kings of the West sent out cavalry squadrons to find water sources. It had been a long time since they were able to drink from the rivers feeding into the Sea of Rhun. Water-skins brought with them were running out. The Lords of the West were relieved to water their troops, horses and themselves within the mysterious Dwarven city. Thousands of them circulated into the city, and there were far too many to fully host and feed, from the perspective of the Dwarves. Food supplies were not the issue though; they brought a lot of food and horse feed with them. The fighting was not over, and the Easterling legionary remnants to the East, across the arid plains, prepared for battle with the Men of the West. The Blue Wizards bade good fortune to the Rohirrim and Gondorians, as they pressed East, advising them of the best water sources and sheltered areas. Places where their horses could rest easy. Elessar and Eomer would defeat and subdue the Easterlings, as would they do the same to the Haradrim in the Far South, in another campaign. The Rohirrim left a curious impression on the Eastern Dwarves - culturally reminding them of the ancient Northmen of Rhovanion, so well-remembered in their own histories. Yet they were long since passed from the world as a distinct entity, with their descendants including in part, the Rohirrim, remaining in this time. Before departing, Aragorn marvelled at a statue of Hyarmendacil I tucked into a random corner of the Hall of Heroes; a surprising relic of a bygone age. That statue alone was over four times older than Rohan. It was made there when the Blue Wizards first arrived, so long before; over 2,000 years prior. The Rohirrim were happily drinking ale in the great hall, and feasted merrily; singing folk songs of the War of the Ring. The Gondorians were something of a spectacular sight to the Eastern Dwarves, albeit a little too reminiscent of the armour plated, heavy-clad Easterling legionaries in bearing. Their like had not been seen in the East, for a thousand years. Some Dwarves were old enough to remember the War of the Dwarves and Orcs. Elders among the Council of the Eastern Lords. They were young warriors in that war, and recalled how, in TA 2799, the Orcs that survived the war, fled South beyond Azanulbizar. Eomer told them that those Orcs troubled his ancestors in Rohan, for two generations - until finally driven off. That the Rohirrim had fought their hated Orc enemies in the same era, was a revelation to the Eastern Dwarves, and they were impressed upon realising it, as their descendants stood victorious over yet another common foe. Aragorn told the Blue Wizards that they were always welcome in Gondor. Much was explained to them of the betrayal of Saruman and the gallantry of Gandalf in the War of the Ring. Radagast's part, also told. The departure of Gandalf was news to them, as was the death of Saruman. In my version of events, Radagast _lives on_ (!) and remained in Eryn Lasgalen, helping it recover in the new Fourth Age. The Fourth Age dawning, was a revelation to them too; only now realising that this was based on Sauron's final defeat, delineating the Third and Fourth Ages. Alatar and Pallando spoke freely about disliking Saruman 2,000 years ago, and not being interested in social calls now! (not that he even could) He apparently annoyed them with his aloof attitude while they travelled into the East together. Ironically, a statue of Saruman stood in the Hall of Heroes, honouring him. It was discretely removed in the following days - cast into the water pool. "I never trusted Curunir", mused Alatar. "Me either", added Pallando (while removing it) Thus the glory days of the Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor and Rohan allied, rolled out before them, and Alatar and Pallando could count on the aid of the mighty Kingdoms of Men to the West and South West, but also, in time, the allegiance of the Men of Dale and Esgaroth (rebuilt) Durin VII the Last, came to the throne of Erebor, and he was (in my take on things) in contact with the Eastern Lords and the Blue Wizards. Under the auspices of the Blue Wizards the remaining good Easterlings were brought into a golden age in relative peace and freedom. The few remaining pro-Sauron hard-liners, were reduced to scattered bands of raiders and brigands in the furthest reaches (occasionally paid a visit by the Blue Wizards) Once considering their work complete in the East, I would write it that the Blue Wizards travelled to visit Erebor, Dale, Eryn Lasgalen, Lorien, Rohan, Gondor, Rivendell and even the Shire. They would encounter Radagast on their travels, too. After a final journey back to the East, to tie up loose ends, they would travel to Mithlond, to attempt to contact Valinor. Here, they would very slowly build a ship together, and imbue it with magic. They would leave Middle Earth in my concept, in Fourth Age 60. They would be being watched by the Valar while in Mithlond, and allowed back into the West for their good deeds. Radagast would remain in Eryn Lasgalen, looking after the flora and fauna of the region, away with the fairies as ever. Yet even he may leave Middle Earth; and as Aiwendil - Bird Friend - he would do so on the back of a giant Eagle (maybe circa FA 200) 🪶
For the ending of the dwarves as a species, I think I once read something as them digging and living deeper and deeper, until being forgotten deep beneath the earth.
It's only in the last couple years that I've been aware of how much we *don't* know about 70% of Dwarves and Dwarven history. Handy that Tolkien described them as secretive, so the very lack of detail becomes part of the effect.
It should also be noted that Tolkien has said that the dwarves are nearly incorruptible by the evil of Sauron, however this does not mean they were good. The eastern dwarves played more of a true neutral role in middle earth, never explicitly doing evil by the will of Sauron, but also they would fight alongside or work with him in certain cases, such as the battle of the last alliance and the construction of Barad Dur and other fortresses where Sauron is believed to have hired dwarvish architects.
Aule explicitly made the Dwarves to resist Morgoth's evil, so while a few may fall, I doubt that a whole clan would. Being secretive they would be more concerned in their own doings, though, with little concern for others.
Yes 👍. I can see it. Archaeologist 1: Come quick, we found yet another doorway in the underground ruin. Maybe this is the big one. Archaeologist 2: *Is running along* That door is magnificent, let’s open it. Archaeologist 1: Yes we wanted to wait for you. Here goes. Archaeologist 2: That is a bad smell, must have been closed for thousands of years. Hopefully we will find something interesting. But what is that drum like sound. Archaeologist 1: Maybe an underground river or something. Her what is that *eyes starts to widen in disbelief * Archaeologist 2: RUN FOR YOU LIVES
The "strange" Dwarves are Dwarves Frodo had never seen before, but there is no evidence that they were eastern Dwarves; he has not seen the Blue Mountains or the Iron Hills. He is used to the Company members who were all friendly and jovial to hom ; Dwarves are a grim people by nature, so the sight of unknown Dwarves acting naturally makes them 'strange'.
That's sort of what you get to do in LotRO. Sure, you're playing adjacent to the main story of the book, but you get to go on a whole lot of side adventures in places like Dunland, the North Downs, and Angmar. Much of it is adapted to fit the structure of the game, but that's always the case with things like this.
I wonder what happened to the Eastern Elves that didn't travel west. As far as I know there's no mention of them and there's only one Elf character mentioned that maybe one of them in the Silmarillion. The really sketchy Dark elf who was a poor father and a bad husband that got thrown out from the walls of Gondolin rightfully.
The Avari elves would just faded away and become disembodied spirits. That was the fate of Tolkien's elves would choose to stay in Middle Earth and not to sail west to Aman after of the War of the Ring and during the Fourth Age.
in my headcanon half the eastern clans fought for sauron (the two who's rings survived, which sauron retrieved like he did the nazgul's), and the other half were destroyed for not doing so (two that lost their rings to dragons) then the two blue mountain clans which joined with durin's folk lost their rings in the grey mountains during the war with the dragons and thrain ofc lost his ring in dol guldur
I have no evidence to support this view but it does seem rather symetric and fits in with the clans being put in pairs and everything, just seems like a neat solution
As an enthusiastic LOTRO player myself, I have multiple characters who are the game's version of Eastern Dwarves. I really like the backstory LOTRO has created for them.
Not sure if they are canon or not but I somewhere vaguely remember Khamûl's Black Easterlings being described as short, well-built and wielding hammers - kind of making me think that perhaps these Easterlings were Eastern Dwarves under Sauron's command
I know who you're talking about. It's the Easterlings that take Cair Andros, and they're described as being broad and grim, but short, and bearded like Dwarves. However, they are referred to as Men.
@@DarthGandalfYT Yeah those! Suppose they were just short men in the end.. still a fun thought that my favourite race might have had a clan join my favourite overall faction in Middle Earth
I love hearing about the Dwarves and really wish Tolkien had written more about them. I feel they don't get the respect they deserve in this elven-obsessed culture! Even so, his writings left an indelible mark on dwarves as a whole in fantasy literature. P.S. As I don't keep my money in the form of gems, gold, or silver, I feel pretty good about my chances of avoiding a dragon attack.
A bit of a tangent on the Dwarven Rings. We know a bit of math: 7 rings, 7 hoards, 7 clans. I like those parallels. Then, what do we know of so far? One ring is easy- Thror's ring. Comes from Moria (hoard #1) and falls to Sauron. Now, what other hoards do we know of? My main theory is that the halls in the Grey Mountains and in Erebor (pre-Smaug) were two other hoards. If we assume one rings went with each of them (maybe the Broadbeam/Firebeards) then that gives us two of the rings taken by dragons. It also fits with that fact that Scatha and Smaug both were said to have dwarven hoards. (Note: I am assuming the Blue Mountain rings were given to whoever the "kings" of those clans were at the time, most likely residing in Moria, considering we don't hear of any large hoards in the Blue Mountains. It also explains how the Longbeards and co. got so powerful and rich. ) That then means that two Eastern rings need to be hit by Dragons. (The two in the Orocarni?) and then two need to be taken by Sauron (The two in the South?) But the math works nicely and also fits well with the established history of Durin's Folk.
Of course it is not explicitly stated that they dwell in the Orocarni, but where else could they be? Mordor? Sure, if they opnely sided with Sauron. But what if they didn't openly ally with Sauron, as I suspect? Are there any other mountains inbetween? Some have theorized that the Iron Hills may have a connection to the Ironfists, because of their name. But that's all just a wild guess and nothing more. I think we should take into account that their mansions are on the Orocarni and that some of them must have survived and thrived by the end of the Third Age. Their mansions are said to be eastwards of Mount Gundabad on distances great or greater than the equivalient mansions at the Ered Luin. I think this is an indication of the Orocarni.
I do think Orocarni is the most likely option, but there is nothing that says there weren't other mountain ranges in the east. We know mountain ranges such as the Yellow Mounains and the Grey Mountains (a southern chain) existed in the south during the First Age, and possibly beyond. Tolkien also mentions the Mountains of the Wind existing in the east during his earlier drafts, although they disappear from all of his later writings.
Yeah, there should be at last one mountainrange in between... two would most likely live in the Orocarni, but what about those whom JRRT calls "the nearer ones", most likely there was another mountainrange halfway in between the iron hills and the Orocarni.
@@Aurora2097 My thought has always been that the Eastern Dwarves actually had half their number in Harad or Khand. The Grey Mountains (no, not THOSE Grey Mountains) seem to be a likely sport, or the Yellow Mountains if those didn't get drowned. Thus, the dwarves have 2 clans in the Ered Luin, 2 in the Orocarni, and 2 in the Grey or Yellow Mountains, and then Durin's Folk in the Misty Mts.
As Sauron was originally a Maiar of Aule I would guess that he went amongst them in disguise as he did with the Noldor who shared the dwarven love of things made by craft!
I have always been an lotr fan who preferred Elves to Dwarves but the eastern clans are something I've always been curious about, if Alatar and Pallando were successful at lessening the numbers of Easterlings to join in the war of the ring could that mean that there was another a conflict between easterlings and dwarves that we never saw?
It’s my suspicion that dwarves under Sauron’s thrall were probably bred with Uruks and as a result were The creators of many weapons of war used by him and his dark armies as well as crafters of Morgul Blades and Uruk armors.
once again amazing content lore, always wonder about this, thanks man! :) In all races there is bad and evil... they are tough and resistant, the rings had no effect, I think only a few of them fought for Sauron
1:30 - Stonefeet!! :D 3:57 - Those Dwarves bred with Orcs, thus Dork's weer born! lol :D Have you rea Middle-Earth in the Fourth Age (Fairbanks Folios)? An interesting read, can send links if interested, the two blue wizards finally get an appearance! :D
I feel that at least one of the eastern dwarf clans Had to have lived in the mountains surrounding Mordor... That's to much mountain range for no dwarf to live there
The pretty much only two lines on the eastern dwarves are the names of the Ironfists, Stiffbeards, Stonefoots and Blacklocks. And the very earliest tale from book of lost tales where evil dwarves fight along with corrupted humans and orcs against faithful men and elves in Hildorien (mesopotamia?)... i always thought those might ahve been the ancestors of the petty dwarves.
... but you're right implicitly they should have fought innthe last alliance, some on the wrong side apparently, in the war against the orcs, the dragon wars and those dwarven regugees in breeland probably too.I agree it us very likely eastern dwarves were active in all of these, even if never described in detail. I wonder if
...some dwarves would have lived in Harad too.If there are Asian and african stories on dwarves i suppose the unknown dwarf tribes were similar to them, just like the three westland tribes are similar to the european mythology dwarfs.
So how could of Sauron got the dwarves of the East to serve him, if the Seven Rings of power and The One Ring had already failed to corrupt the Seven Dwarf Lords?
By conning them as he did with the Noldor of Eregion in the making of the rings of power. As a Maia of Aule he would have much knowledge the dwarves would desire!
Are the dwarves no more? Or did they do as the elves and left? But...while the elves crossed the sea the dwarves just went deeper into the earth and never came back up?
Where do the petty dwarves fit into this? I love how they were thought to be animals and were hunted by elves. I understand they weren't actually eaten but it does make me happy to imagine they were delicious and their pelts used for beautiful arts.
They're made up for the game. The Dourhands are supposed to be an offshoot from one of the Blue Mountain clans: the Broadbeams and the Firebeards. But those names appear outside of LOTR/The Hobbit, so the developers were unable to use them in the game.
How come Melkor could not create his own creatures? But rather just pervert? But Aule could create the dwarves? If Melkor shared more in the mind of Aluvitar should he not have been able to create his own creatures?
Aule's Dwarves were automatons, extensions of his own will. Only Iluvatar could give them true life, aka free will. Iluvatar did this because Aule's intentions were pure. Melkor's intentions were never pure.
Nope. Any Elf (or their descendants) who undertook the Great Journey were known collectively as the "Eldar". Warhammer 40k borrowed the name, as did Raymond E Feist in his Midkemia Cycle books. You'll find a lot of terminology in modern sci-fi or fantasy descends from Tolkien's works.
@@Random-World-Eater he's right Warhammer the elder scrolls and any other modern fantasy that uses orcs elves and dwarves are directly descended from Tolkien's work. While trolls elves and such had real world Legends before Tolkien they were changed quite a bit to fit his narrative and spawn the modern depictions of them
Good summary video. I've always wondered about these guys. If I do think about them at all, then I usually do in the context of _also_ wondering about Alatar and Pallando. Another great mystery. There are a lot of different ways of looking at things. I've also imagined what factions of Easterlings might be out there. There is a temptation to assume Alatar and Pallando are just, basically dead. But imagine if even one of them remains? Obviously there are all kinds of different variations on this theme that one could propose:
e.g.
- Alatar turns evil, Pallando does not/Pallando turns evil, Alatar does not; either helps the good Eastern Dwarves and Easterlings fight the bad Eastern Dwarves and Easterlings. Orcs would not be the primary foe for good in the East, obviously the pro-Sauron Easterlings would be. I'd view it as more likely that if there were 'bad Dwarves' out there, then they'd be far fewer in estimated total numbers than the estimated total numbers of the Easterlings, at any point.
- Maybe Saruman knew more than he was letting on, after returning from the East (he had gone into the East with Alatar and Pallando; and in the past I'd entertained the notion of him either falling out with them and going West, or simply even murdering one or both of them during a quarrel. Just a speculative flight of fancy.
However, I later grew to change my mind on that theoretical idea, and just make it that they parted ways, with Saruman merely leaving them to their work in the East. I like to think of Saruman, Alatar and Pallando, having encountered the Eastern Dwarves for the first time, and go through a process of winning their trust, sort of ingratiating themselves in their tribal/or small clan type communities.
In this concept, Saruman would greatly and irreverently distrust all of the Easterlings, with his implied knowledge of the War of Wrath and the Wars of Beleriand in general, judging them harshly - with plenty of primary evidence of the more dangerous forces among the Easterlings. Canonically, the Easterlings first attacked Gondor in TA 490, long before the Istari arrived in Middle Earth (TA 1000, 510 years later)
I imagine that it might be possible that Saruman knew of that history, before going into the East, though it is hard to tell. In any case, he might be more disinterested in making serious attempts at 'converting' Easterlings to the light, away from Sauron's influence. I see Saruman as being there to oversee their (Alatar and Pallando's) establishment among the free peoples of the Far East. In TA 1000, the way these would appear would certainly be very different to the way they would in say, the War of the Dwarves and Orcs. Entire civilisations in the East would rise and fall.
Even before theorising of potential murder mysteries (Istari edition) or speculating on the possible short term or long term downfall of one or both Blue Wizards, there'd be a natural civilisational maturation and over two millennia separated TA 1000 and the War of the Ring (example year e.g. TA 3018) The prospect of one or both Wizards either; dying/turning evil/fighting each other etc is immediately obvious, over a span of 2,000 years. That is plenty of time to fall out. But even without those rather pessimistic possibilities, the East would go through a great deal of change across such a great span of time.
Alatar and Pallando would end up spending centuries having to try and fight Sauron's influence in the East. It's how I see it anyway. Who knows (only the man, the myth, the legend himself, JRR Tolkien; and I'm not entirely convinced he did either; some-things, left unknown even to himself on purpose)
For a start, the Istari would be seeing Middle Earth in a dynamic time, when Gondor was unrivalled in power, when the Elves were still far stronger than we see them in the War of the Ring, and when Khazad-dum had not yet been despoiled.
Eryn Lasgalen was still Greenwood the Great, and the darkness of Sauron had not crept into it's woods yet.
Unfortunately, this would not take much longer; as by merely TA 1050, Sauron's evil had begun to pollute Southern Greenwood, in a long and harrowing process of contamination and decay which would haunt Eryn Lasgalen, turning it into the Mirkwood of later centuries. Yet it is likely, that by the time Saruman, Alatar and Pallando arrived in the East, that had not yet begun (did their very arrival in the East, trigger this response from Sauron I wonder?) Sauron would establish himself in Dol Guldur in TA 1050.
Rather tragically ironically in retrospect, Gondor would reach the height of her power in roughly the same year, as King Ciryaher of Gondor, conquered Harad and forced their remaining chiefs to pay homage to him. He was spectacularly powerful by Gondor's own standards, and this was when he took the name Hyarmendacil I, to honour his victory over the Southrons. For 99 years to come until his death in TA 1149, no faction so much as gave Gondor a mean look.
They were imperiously strong, reaching a sublime state. Even though his son Atanatar the Glorious oversaw a period of decline in Gondor after that point, Gondor's strength was still so impressive at that juncture, that even centuries after TA 1050, the legacy of Hyarmendacil I lived on, arguably. Gondorians during the 17th century TA would have nostalgically dreamed of the might of Gondor in the 11th century; much as Gondorians in the 21st century TA lamented their own state of being compared to the 17th century TA etc etc (and all previous iterations of Gondor would probably be in tears just _looking_ at what Gondor was reduced to in the 31st century TA; during the War of the Ring) It's all relative, after all.
We must remember the paradigmatic changes across the entire map throughout the early to mid Third Age, and later in the late Third Age. This helps when trying to contextualise what _might_ have been going on in the East. Although we'll always be able to speculate on the ins and outs of what may or may not have been for this or that faction or speculative series of possible events, to the point of turning it into an inevitable and understandable world-building exercise, there are clues to be found which might indicate _some_ outlines.
There are a number of implications in certain historical points mentioned here. For instance, if the Eastern Dwarves answered the all of Erebor during the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, fighting thousands of leagues West, up and down the Hithaeglir, including at Azanulbizar outside Moria, then they were certainly _able to_ logically without necessarily denuding their own homelands. Maybe this suggests they had enough breathing room in that time (TA 2793-2799) in their own lands to afford to be able to send them.
That, or they had means of secretively conveying their army West without encouraging the Easterlings to attack their civilian folk when they were away. It would probably indicate that they are so secretive that they could leave their own lands in small groups, and coalesce into a large force, on the road, going West.
I imagine a few dozen warriors here, a trio there, a hundred more from another delving in some secretive subterranean dwelling and stronghold. I imagine several small communities dotted around the uplands and mountains, or in caves out of the reach of most of their enemies. Several more once proud delvings of the Eastern Dwarves, hewn into red sandstone and mafic granite rocks, may well have been abandoned for many centuries since the days of TA 1000.
Maybe a stronghold in the crags of black and red rock in the sands of the East, had been long since overrun by Sauron's servants; discovered, plundered and ruined. Sand, windblown over the doors and statues toppled. A forgotten memory of an ancient past, like Petra in Jordan was for so long. Maybe even smaller scale than that, with hidden postern gates into obscure tunnels, leading out of the place at odd angles that could not be seen so easily from the dunes below.
Maybe they would have procedures of entry and exit, taking the greatest care to maintain secrecy in their remaining delving based strongholds. They'd be playing an eternal game of hide and seek with those Easterlings - and corrupted Dwarves, perhaps - still looking for them. Easterling elders would tell their sons about tales of Dwarves in rocky valleys in the further East of Rhun, or whispers around the campfire of alleged sightings of these rare people. Those Easterlings predisposed to kill the Eastern Dwarves, would try and hunt them. Most would fail. Some would go missing, never to be seen again.
The Easterlings occasionally discover a larger group of Eastern Dwarves, and besiege their strongholds. Sometimes the strict secrecy and determined covert nature of their existence, would not be enough; perhaps because of a traitor among their ranks, or from the information of a corrupted, rival clan of Dwarves whom envied them and wanted to see them destroyed.
Eastern Dwarves may even have worn attire adapted to this life of relative obscurity and survival necessities; perhaps wearing padded boots wrapped in animal skins, to dull the sound of their footfalls on rock. Perhaps they'd wear more 'oriental' (so to speak) attire, more akin to that of the Medieval Mongols or the Turkic peoples. Maybe they'd have leather coated armour to keep them warm in cold desert nights, though also best to stop their armour from glinting in the blazing sunlight, giving them away. They might wear pointed shoes and flowing, silky fabrics, with modest colour schemes to not stand out in the dunes. They could - like Tuskens in Star Wars - even walk in single file, to hide their numbers.
[1/5 - parts 2-5 replied below]
[2/5] There are so many ideas that could be explored. Perhaps they have composite iron-horn-animal sinew bows, and shoot poison tipped barbs designed to ensure that anyone they shoot, will die even if they get away; as so not to reveal what they had seen (or improve the chances of maintaining their secrecy ideally) Maybe they would dress more lavishly and exuberantly inside their halls and tunnels, with tunnel networks spanning many leagues to minimise travel topside where they are at most risk.
Another idea could be that the 'bad Dwarves' that remain in the Late Third Age (if ever there were any at all, let alone then) are almost solely devoted to Sauron and given deliberate immunity by the pro-Sauron Easterlings; with the Easterlings serving Sauron, using them like scouts to try and find the Dwarves whom still defy them.
Occasionally Easterling warbands will set out into the mountains, and seek to destroy good Eastern Dwarves, following up a lead from a scout ('evil Dwarf') among their ranks. I can't help but think of the bad Dwarves serving Jadis the Ice Queen in C.S Lewis's _The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe_ though I would hasten to add they'd look quite different (bigger, and stockier, for a start)
Eastern Dwarves would have small mining operations delving to delving, and although spread far and wide, their numbers could still be in the thousands all told (though, like very many real world examples of native peoples in history, globally in context, they might only be seen in relatively small numbers locally, area by area) Given time, their truer numbers could muster. One delving stronghold, could be under attack, only for a second to send aid and catch the Easterling attackers in an ambush.
There would be many a tale among the Easterlings, of raiding parties and warbands that had gone missing in the mountains, never to be seen again. Dwarven valour in battle and the stout nature of their fighting prowess, would defiantly outlast all attempts to purge them from the East entirely. They could be semi-nomadic, shifting from one place to the next. Whenever things got ''too hot'' in one area, they might slip away and seal tunnels/collapse tunnels behind them, abandoning entire delvings and leaving the Easterlings enraged, no closer to destroying their foe, near-empty handed.
This could have _all_ been going on in the East for a very, very long time. At times the Easterlings would focus their efforts against Gondor - as they did in TA 1851 (the Wainriders) or long before that, in the 13th century TA during the regency of Minalcar (whom defeated them soundly) When Gondor and the North-men of Rhovanion formed an alliance against the invading Easterlings in TA 1248 in their victory over their assailants, I would speculate that the Eastern Dwarves temporarily became bolder, and struck out more often in ambushes and raids on Easterling warriors and tribes in their own right.
Inversely, during times of relative peace in the West - e.g. the Watchful Peace, TA 2063-2460 - things would get very much more difficult for the Eastern Dwarves (so I speculate) This almost certainly _had_ to be true. Sauron himself went into the East, and spent centuries gathering Easterling tribes together. It could not have been fun for the Eastern Dwarves to have _Sauron_ himself after them directly. I would write it that one by one, Eastern Dwarves retreat into their delvings; and one by one, in turn, the delvings will be found and destroyed. Many survive, but many others do not. Sauron will destroy some strongholds, during the 'Watchful Peace'.
Sauron will punish stubborn old strongholds and put them to the sword. Even in his weakened state, he would be deadly. However, he would have to contend with the potential presence of up to two beings whom he could _not_ so lightly bully; Alatar and Pallando. The Blue Wizards, if active at all, could be responsible for saving many Dwarves over 2,000 years of tireless patience. There are different ways of writing this. Perhaps one of them fell to evil long, long before. Maybe one had to kill the other. Maybe one of them died fighting Sauron himself. Maybe neither of them died or fell to evil. I doubt both died, or both fell to evil before dying.
At least one of them, and maybe two, would still be around in the War of the Ring, in my opinion. Just out there, doing their own thing, thanklessly in the West save for the thanks they received from the peoples they fought so long to preserve. 'Good Easterlings' are also indebted to them, standing loyally by the Blue Wizards. They would be fierce allies, fighting for generations to preserve each other.
Alatar will be known fondly among one tribe, Pallando among another (much as Gandalf/Mithrandir/Olorin was known so well among the Shirefolk, and Radagast was to the Beornings and Woodsmen of the North) They might be equally well-famed among another tribe/faction (such as how _both_ Saruman and Gandalf were iconic among the Rohirrim) But I mean this bond to be even closer in terms of the way Alatar and Pallando lived, in theory, among the Eastern Dwarves and 'Good Easterlings'.
For 2,000 years, fighting a determined campaign to keep as many of these people alive and safe, as possible. But sometimes, going further - deliberately waylaying 'evil Easterling' forces, and waging a form of guerrilla war, to divert as many of Sauron servants in the Far East, away from their invasions of the West.
From some central stronghold, especially sacred to the Eastern Dwarves, Alatar and Pallando could use their power and vision, as the Blue Wizards, to look West, and see the Decline of Gondor (as Gandalf had 'vision' over the whereabouts of Frodo maybe?)
Roving Dwarves sometimes sent on missions by them, would bring back word of the state of affairs in the West. Did Mithrandir ever visit _them_ over those two millennia? Maybe. I'd like to think, at least _once_ in all that time. Did Radagast? Probably not. Did Saruman after he returned to the West? I doubt it. Another concept is that during the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, a conflict which saw many Dwarves drawn to the leading house of the seven houses of the Dwarves; a matter we could regard as, unique.
The Blue Wizards in theory (if alive at all at this time, as I'd personally prefer) might suggest _not_ going; wagering that the other Dwarves would win the war anyway, and that it would place their own delvings in grave danger. However, the Dwarves would tell the Blue Wizards that they _had_ to go on their honour, lest they be seen as cowards or traitors by the other Dwarves, or even cursed by them (maybe Thrain would have a curse for them, much as Isildur did for the Oathbreakers? - not that they'd know that, and to be honest this is just an extra idea I'm not sure about, and not fond of; maybe they were just scared of looking like they were cowards, simple as)
Some Dwarves might argue in gatherings in their strongholds, of the wisdom of marching thousands of miles West for the sake of the Longbeards whom rarely seemed to lift a finger to help them, as far as we know. Others would say that even if they were called cowards by the other Dwarves for not going, they would not be able to do anything about it, as the Easterlings would destroy them if they marched East to 'punish' the Eastern Dwarves.
Another argument in the gatherings might be that this very fate could await them; that they'd be destroyed by the other, vengeful houses of the Dwarves, for not helping them. Other voices would call that paranoid, and others still, would reason that the Easterlings could be avoided for a few years. They would take extra measures to be even more secretive. Alatar and Pallando would speak to all the gathered lords, in perhaps multiple gatherings, and promise them that they would use all their power to shield their homes, and use all their experience to keep the women and children safe. The debates would rage for hours, though come to an end.
The final votes would be cast, and the decision to answer the summons from Erebor would be agreed. Perhaps part reluctantly, the Eastern Dwarves would send forerunning envoys out with all possible haste to reach Erebor, bring word of their compliance. The lords of the Eastern Dwarves would part ways, and move to gather their warriors, prior to moving out to an agreed-upon rendezvous point to the West (out of sight of the Easterlings)
Like rivulets and streams trickling down to the headwaters of the larger river, they'd collectively amount to a greater force of several hundred or so warriors (other Dwarven Warriors, particularly younger ones, would be left home, to guard their halls) They could not completely denude their defences. Alatar and Pallando would lead them in the stead of the absent lords. Moreover, the Easterlings whom were loyal to the Blue Wizards, would work even harder to cover the bases, with patrols and scouts doubling the guard outside the Dwarven strongholds they were allied with.
Alatar and Pallando would fend off 'evil Easterlings' and 'bad Eastern Dwarves' for a few years while the main forces were abroad. When the tragic news of the grim losses for all the Dwarves in the War of the Dwarves and Orcs had reached the Far East, there would be ceremonies held to mourn the dead within the strongholds of the Eastern Dwarves. Many years pass. Smaug is still known even to the Eastern Dwarves, to lurk beyond the Desolation. There is far less communication after the events of the War of the Dwarves and Orcs (again, I'm just speculating and head-canon...ing) Decades pass.
[3/5] Alatar and Pallando learn of the White Council driving the Necromancer (Sauron) out of Dol Guldur in TA 2941. Fearing Sauron may once again plague the East, the ever diminishing numbers of those whom the Blue Wizards defend. The Battle of Five Armies rages in the same year, and Smaug is finally slain.
Word of this reaches the Far East, as news of the death of Thorin Oakenshield travels as does the news of the coronation of the new King Dain II Ironfoot (via the Iron Hills, perhaps) The Eastern Dwarves returned from the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, with fewer than half that set out (I speculate that a few hundred returned, many scarred and traumatised by the deadly conflict, which lasted longer by a few years, than anyone thought)
Sauron returns to Mordor in TA 2942. Although news of this does eventually reach the Blue Wizards, Dwarf Lords and loyal Easterling chiefs, they already realised something was happening; as 'evil Easterling' forces were becoming far more active. Emissaries of the Dark Lord (Mouth of Sauron from time to time?) and maybe even Khamul the Easterling, 2nd among the Nazgul himself, would transit the East. Further Dwarven strongholds would be lost in the intervening decades leading up to the War of the Ring.
Limited contact with King Dain II Ironfoot in Erebor, ceased once the West Roads were cut off. Determined Easterling Legionary assaults on their strongholds, began (I headcanon) in the years immediately prior to and during the War of the Ring. Assassins and hunters had intensified their attacks for nearly eight decades since the death of Smaug, across all that time. Skirmishing and guerrilla warfare would continue, with the Blue Wizards realising that Sauron was preparing for war. It was all they could do since the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, so many years before, to slowly help the Eastern Dwarves recover. They were in no shape to become too bold with the Easterling Legions now forming in and beyond Rhun.
I speculate that the Easterling armies that attacked Dale and Erebor during the War of the Ring, numbered about 60,000. Some claim 200,000 but I have seen little if any evidence for that. Just a made up number. I'd argue that 60,000 would be more realistic, and that would be more than enough to achieve what they did. Easterling Legionaries are among Sauron's finest troops, and arguably his very best infantry. Certainly the most disciplined. Nor do they suffer under sunlight as do the Orcs. 60,000 in one army would represent a terrifying force.
If that isn't enough, we could say that 15,000 Easterling armoured cavalry went too (pushing it up to 75,000) This would make more sense. A few legions still fought in the Southern Theatre against Rohan and Gondor but were only a minority force compared to the 60,000-75,000 or so Orcs coming from the Morgul Host from Minas Morgul (I'd speculate 10,000-15,000 Easterlings were in the South; far greater numbers - undefined - went to Erebor and Dale in the North) 60,000-75,000 going after Erebor, would be more than enough.
I'd guess that with the Haradrim, Easterlings and Variags, the Mordor forces attacking Gondor numbered at least 100,000 (not including the Orcs and Easterlings sent to Cair Andros, or the Corsairs of Umbar at Pelargir) Makes sense. I always wonder about the military might of Dol Guldur in the War of the Ring, but I speculate at least 30,000-40,000. They made so many attacks. For all we know, Dol Guldur only had 10,000-15,000 ish. But I think Dol Guldur had greater numerical strength than Isengard (which was about as strong as that all affiliates and servants drawn out)
The point is, this still leaves logical room for there still being large Easterling numbers still in the East (after all, Sauron hadn't tapped all of the potential strength of the Easterlings to serve under his banner) Ironically I'd imagine that _a lot_ of Easterlings were still independent. Alatar and Pallando would be going around securing as many of these 'neutrals' as possible (sometimes, this might backfire)
Alatar and Pallando would lead a heroic resistance of the good Dwarves and Easterlings, against far numerically superior Easterlings. Although the vast majority of the Easterlings under Sauron's command would reach Gondor and Erebor eventually (or at least, those who were ready to mobilise in time, anyway; which doesn't mean there weren't many others whom needed more time from further East), the Blue Wizards and their people would fight a protracted and desperate guerrilla war against the Easterling forces still attacking them.
The last of the evil Dwarves would also reveal themselves and overrun one of the few remaining strongholds of the good in those lands. A showdown with the good and evil Dwarves of the East would rage even as the Second Battle of Osgiliath in the War of the Ring began. Bands of good Easterlings throw javelins at Easterling legionaries on the roads, ambushing them and bogging them down, denying them timely passage to Mordor.
Completely outnumbered, they melt away after each hit and run attack, though fewer and fewer of them return to their bases of operations each time, as inevitably, men fall in the rocky canyons fighting the servants of Sauron. Sometimes the Dwarves can afford to support the good Easterlings, and I would write it that they combine all their strength in a final operation to defeat the evil Dwarves.
Having retaken the overrun hall, they scattered the evil Dwarves. I speculate that another battle is needed to finish them off. They chase them into a canyon, and fight a bloody battle to the death. The Blue Wizards are in the thick of the fighting, slaying any foe they encounter. They fight back to back typically, as a duo.
The lords of the good Dwarves fight furiously, and yet some of them begin to fall. Half will die before the battle is won. Refusing to surrender, declaring their loyalty to the Dark Lord, the last company of the evil Dwarves forms a shield wall and backs themselves into a slender ravine. They are killed to the last, in bloody fighting.
Victorious, the Blue Wizards mourn with the survivors of their people. The legions of Minas Morgul are pouring onto the Pelennor Fields, while this is happening, for example. Distracted by fighting the evil Dwarves and finally bringing the last of them to an end, the allies of the Blue Wizards are unable to frustrate the Easterling Legions of Rhun from largely reaching Erebor intact. Even so, thousands more are stuck in Rhun and beyond, dealing with the Blue Wizards and their people. Many Easterling Legionaries die fighting the Blue Wizards.
However, the unsung heroes of what I now provisionally think I'll refer to in this, as the *Blue Wizard's Cloak* as a subsidiary conflict of the War of the Ring, are on the verge of collapse. An Easterling Legion aggressively assaults the good Easterlings that remain, defeating them in a series of skirmishes en route to the secondary stronghold of the resistance forces.
The survivors rally beside Pallando, while Alatar gathers reinforcements further North. The Dwarves are shattered after their victory earlier, though still send as many warriors as they can. 5,000 Easterling legionaries directly assault the second most important stronghold they have left, due South of the central stronghold (the sacred site mentioned earlier) A grim fight for survival sees Pallando guard the hidden door to the stronghold.
The Easterling legionaries form shield walls and phalanxes (like schiltrons or testudos) moving up the rocky canyon leading to the gate. Many are picked off by poison barbs shot from hidden loop holes in the cliffs, yet most reach the gates, and engage in a vanguard of the Dwarves and good Easterlings.
Dwarven axes chime on Easterling helms and plate, and the spears of the good Easterlings find gaps in their more heavily armoured foes. The faster, lighter units of the good Easterlings, fight bravely, though are not as strong in close quarters. Pallando draws his scimitar and levels his staff at the advancing legionaries. Dozens are killed by Pallando personally. The fighting continues for hours (simultaneous to the Siege of Minas Tirith, for instance) Alatar rushes back to the secondary stronghold, with around 500 men and Dwarves.
The few hundred men and Dwarves with Pallando (4/5 being Easterling men, the others being Dwarves from that hall) are hard-pressed to defend this stronghold, as wave after wave of Easterling legionaries of Sauron crash into them. Injured by an Easterling polearm, cut in the upper arm and slashed across the chest, Pallando stumbled back and is carried inside by Dwarves and Men.
The Northern access tunnel connecting the strongholds is soon filled with the clamour of Dwarven armour and weapons as they literally run through the tunnel, with a heavy echo of thunderous footfalls. Knowing how dangerous the legionaries are. Alatar sees Pallando covered in his own blood (and a lot of his fallen enemies blood too)
The defenders have been pushed back inside, and the gates are being attacked violently by Easterlings using iron spikes and hammers. Archers still harry them from the loop holes; though occasionally, Easterling archers attached to the legion, hit them back with cruelly barbed arrows with hardwood shafts. The gates eventually break and the fighting spills into the atrium hall.
[4/5] Into the chokepoint, the Easterling legionaries continue to pour. Piles of them form by the atrium stairs as Alatar hews his way through a hundred of them himself; he was always the better fighter, albeit not as talented in magic. Alatar also wields a graceful scimitar, made for him by gracious friends in a previous and long bygone era of the Third Age; it is from the year TA 1102. Pallando's was forged in the same time and place. They were made for him, in my take on these stories, by Dwarven and Easterling smiths working with the Blue Wizards in the master foundries of the sacred capital (as yet unnamed)
Thousands of Easterling legionaries in their plate armour and chain-mail, remain outside the stronghold. Fighting goes back and forth in the atrium and eventually the numbers of the legionaries simply overpowers the defenders. Alatar takes the injured Pallando back to the capital stronghold, and the fighting continues every step of the way, in a fighting withdrawal from the halls of the secondary stronghold.
First the canyon fell, then the gatehouse, then the atrium hall, then the grand chamber, then the memorial gallery, then the access galleries, then the second hall, then the ancillary chamber and then the access hall. Staircase by staircase, hall by hall, chamber by chamber. They were buying time for the women and children to evacuate to the capital stronghold.
Finally the Dwarves and good Easterlings were hemmed into the North Hall, adjoined to the North Access Tunnel. Over a thousand Easterlings fell up to this point, with around 4,000 still attacking. A quarter as many heroic defenders fell for their trouble. They sold their lives dearly. Eventually Alatar used a blast of power from his staff to collapse the North Tunnel behind them, barring passage to the Easterlings - being the last out himself, ensuring Pallando was carried away by his guards.
As the distance between the capital stronghold and the secondary bastion was over five miles, the Easterlings could not know where the tunnel would end. Although tactically victorious, they lost their prey. The followers of Alatar and Pallando rally all they have left at the capital. On the way back to it, Alatar used the some power from his staff to collapse further sections of the tunnel, for good measure. Even if the Easterling legionaries cleared the rubble in the first section (safely, if possible at all), they would then have to this five more times at least. Effectively, it was impassable for now. The bad Easterlings spent all day ransacking the secondary chamber, defiling it.
As the Rohirrim charged on the Pelennor the following day, far to the West, Pallando was healed and the capital sealed. The Easterlings left the secondary bastion, moving out and searching to the North via different roads after leaving the canyon. The legionaries hunted for days, but could not find the Blue Wizards.
By time of the simultaneous (speculative) events of the Battle of the Morannon, the Blue Wizards were harassing legionary companies on the road again; Pallando, back on his feet. This was how they continued, for weeks after the Downfall of Sauron and the end of the One Ring. News of this came late to them of course, though they knew at last their work had not been in vain. They had played an important strategic and humanitarian role in the War of the Ring - and the over 2,000 years preceding it.
Scattered and demoralised Easterling survivors from the Siege of Erebor, sent running by the Dwarves and Men of Dale (and perhaps more so, by the news of Sauron's defeat to the South), would eventually return to Rhun. Thousands died in the attacks on Dale and Erebor, and hundreds took their own lives in despair on the road back to Rhun.
Others strayed into the sands in their disoriented mind-sets, thinking their false 'God' (Sauron) to have been destroyed. This would have been their world turned upside down. Madness overtook some of them. Infighting spread among other units. Leaderless legions whose captains fell outside Erebor, traipse home, tired and hungry. A quarter of those whom fled Erebor and Dale, do not survive the journey back into the Far East.
Their movements are tracked by the Blue Wizards and their people, and there is great apprehension. Although they seem to be returning in a devastated series of demoralised and silent groups, out of formation, having thrown off a lot of their armour in despair, the Blue Wizards sensed they were defeated men, not victorious. The surviving good Dwarves and Easterlings agreed.
Unfortunately, now they were simply too depleted to risk much more than basic patrols around the capital. The Blue Wizards did what they could in the following years, seeing factionalism increase among Easterling legionary forces - lacking the will of Sauron to bind their tribes together. Extreme factions splintered off, refusing to believe Sauron was really gone, or defeated. It was flat out refused by some.
This caused a rift between former legionaries, and a civil war began to erupt around the last stronghold of the followers of the Blue Wizards. High above the sand dunes, hidden among mountain peaks, a great, red sandstone tower jutted up like a lesser peak in it's own right, above the capital halls below. Wells and springs by the base of the tower supplied the capital with a constant water supply. Herded goats lived on a grassy field tended to by the Blue Wizards in centuries past.
The curtain walls of the mountains hid all of this, though sunlight still reached them; as did the very rare rainfall. Blue flowers grew down the moistened, glistening rock-faces, down which a small, yet pretty little stream flowed, into the pools near the base of the tower, adjacent to the springs. Deep beneath the surface, all of this stood atop a large aquifer in the desert, hidden under the mountains.
Mahogany woodwork centuries old already, polished by time, were built into small livestock pens and walkways connecting a series of tunnels in this central basin, within which the hidden tower of the capital stood. An oasis within the mountains, kissed by the sun at least twice a day. It was beautiful. But a sense of ancient sadness hung over the entire place.
That sense of generations living and dying here, not knowing if they were ever going to be safe. That sense of sanctuary, offset by sobering sacrifice. Overlooking the waterfall stream, was a viewing gallery which was hewn into the rock a thousand years before, and now smooth to the touch due to the spray of the waterfall. Moss and lichen grew on the boulders and pebbles beneath the springs. It was a place of memory, reflection and solemn isolation.
Although the hidden heart of a network of what were once several dozen strongholds dotted around the Far East, now this was apparently the last of them all. Alatar and Pallando used a number of special enchantments to further conceal the capital. They were trying to do this for the second stronghold, when the Easterlings of Sauron interrupted them.
Great statues of fallen Dwarf lords of the East, long past, looked inwards into the central basin, from ledges hewn into the rock-faces. Beneath this, dozens of ever emptier halls descended for a mile, until touching seams of iron ore beneath the city. Some gemstones and precious metals were found here too. Yet clearly, the main attraction of this location, was the water supply.
No city of the longbeards was quite like it, in terms of masonry and architecture; it was more austere, utilitarian and basic. Yet in being so, it was interesting in it's own way. Blue banners representing the Blue Wizards, hung from every hall. A large, beautifully carved relief of the War of the Dwarves and the Orcs, adorned the head wall of the main atrium of the city, and it had been the most significant architectural change here in the past 250 years.
Stonework on a new artistic masterpiece in the Hall of Heroes, was half finished, reflecting the strained manpower and resources of their time. It was a new commission, ordered by the leading lord of the city, to celebrate the Death of Smaug. A great dragon carved in polished granite with ruby eyes, inlaid with gold filigree. A shimmering commemoration of a triumph in a far off land, not won by the hands of Dwarvenkind - but a victory so vital to them all, that it deserved celebrating.
The trailing tail and wings of Smaug were not complete, and it had sat this way for decades (the artisans whom began it, slain long ago in war, as they - like all Dwarven males here of mature age - doubled up as warriors out of necessity) The other Dwarves still here, meant to finish it, though they were often far too busy. Nobody could be spared for such luxuries, for entire decades following the Battle of the Five Armies. Indeed, even earlier, since Azanulbizar cost this place so many of it's warriors. Alatar and Pallando stayed here, guarding the surviving lords and chiefs of the Dwarves and good Easterlings, for years to come...
...Eventually, Rohan and Gondor (or, the Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor) rode East under Elessar and Eomer, and there they fought campaigns against the Easterlings. Unknown to them, they were actually fighting fractured tribes, whom were already fighting each other. Alatar and Pallando stepped forth, once the mighty hosts of the Horse Lords and Gondorians passed near the capital (totally unaware it was there, mind you)
The High-King of the Reunited Kingdom, Aragorn II Elessar himself, was humbled to meet the Blue Wizards. He had heard tale of them from Gandalf over the years, and knew they were in existence, though did not know whatsoever if they were alive. King Eomer was completely unaware of their existence.
[5/5] The Men of the West imperiously drove all before them, and the Rohirrim and the Gondorian Knights crushed the Easterling cataphracts in the Battle of the Dunes, days beforehand, in a thunderous cavalry clash in the desert. Allied losses were minimal; Easterling losses catastrophic.
They had been overpowered by the Rohirrim and flanked by the Gondorian Knights, simultaneously. In what were for Sauron's servants, 'better and more cohesively organised times', those heavy cavalry might have fought a mutually devastating battle on their home territory; but now they were more ill-disciplined and poorly led. Many of them had died in their own civil war.
Heat exhaustion troubled the Men of the West (and their horses) and the Kings of the West sent out cavalry squadrons to find water sources. It had been a long time since they were able to drink from the rivers feeding into the Sea of Rhun. Water-skins brought with them were running out.
The Lords of the West were relieved to water their troops, horses and themselves within the mysterious Dwarven city. Thousands of them circulated into the city, and there were far too many to fully host and feed, from the perspective of the Dwarves. Food supplies were not the issue though; they brought a lot of food and horse feed with them. The fighting was not over, and the Easterling legionary remnants to the East, across the arid plains, prepared for battle with the Men of the West.
The Blue Wizards bade good fortune to the Rohirrim and Gondorians, as they pressed East, advising them of the best water sources and sheltered areas. Places where their horses could rest easy. Elessar and Eomer would defeat and subdue the Easterlings, as would they do the same to the Haradrim in the Far South, in another campaign.
The Rohirrim left a curious impression on the Eastern Dwarves - culturally reminding them of the ancient Northmen of Rhovanion, so well-remembered in their own histories. Yet they were long since passed from the world as a distinct entity, with their descendants including in part, the Rohirrim, remaining in this time.
Before departing, Aragorn marvelled at a statue of Hyarmendacil I tucked into a random corner of the Hall of Heroes; a surprising relic of a bygone age. That statue alone was over four times older than Rohan. It was made there when the Blue Wizards first arrived, so long before; over 2,000 years prior. The Rohirrim were happily drinking ale in the great hall, and feasted merrily; singing folk songs of the War of the Ring.
The Gondorians were something of a spectacular sight to the Eastern Dwarves, albeit a little too reminiscent of the armour plated, heavy-clad Easterling legionaries in bearing. Their like had not been seen in the East, for a thousand years. Some Dwarves were old enough to remember the War of the Dwarves and Orcs. Elders among the Council of the Eastern Lords. They were young warriors in that war, and recalled how, in TA 2799, the Orcs that survived the war, fled South beyond Azanulbizar.
Eomer told them that those Orcs troubled his ancestors in Rohan, for two generations - until finally driven off. That the Rohirrim had fought their hated Orc enemies in the same era, was a revelation to the Eastern Dwarves, and they were impressed upon realising it, as their descendants stood victorious over yet another common foe.
Aragorn told the Blue Wizards that they were always welcome in Gondor. Much was explained to them of the betrayal of Saruman and the gallantry of Gandalf in the War of the Ring. Radagast's part, also told. The departure of Gandalf was news to them, as was the death of Saruman. In my version of events, Radagast _lives on_ (!) and remained in Eryn Lasgalen, helping it recover in the new Fourth Age.
The Fourth Age dawning, was a revelation to them too; only now realising that this was based on Sauron's final defeat, delineating the Third and Fourth Ages. Alatar and Pallando spoke freely about disliking Saruman 2,000 years ago, and not being interested in social calls now! (not that he even could) He apparently annoyed them with his aloof attitude while they travelled into the East together. Ironically, a statue of Saruman stood in the Hall of Heroes, honouring him. It was discretely removed in the following days - cast into the water pool. "I never trusted Curunir", mused Alatar. "Me either", added Pallando (while removing it)
Thus the glory days of the Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor and Rohan allied, rolled out before them, and Alatar and Pallando could count on the aid of the mighty Kingdoms of Men to the West and South West, but also, in time, the allegiance of the Men of Dale and Esgaroth (rebuilt) Durin VII the Last, came to the throne of Erebor, and he was (in my take on things) in contact with the Eastern Lords and the Blue Wizards.
Under the auspices of the Blue Wizards the remaining good Easterlings were brought into a golden age in relative peace and freedom. The few remaining pro-Sauron hard-liners, were reduced to scattered bands of raiders and brigands in the furthest reaches (occasionally paid a visit by the Blue Wizards) Once considering their work complete in the East, I would write it that the Blue Wizards travelled to visit Erebor, Dale, Eryn Lasgalen, Lorien, Rohan, Gondor, Rivendell and even the Shire. They would encounter Radagast on their travels, too.
After a final journey back to the East, to tie up loose ends, they would travel to Mithlond, to attempt to contact Valinor. Here, they would very slowly build a ship together, and imbue it with magic. They would leave Middle Earth in my concept, in Fourth Age 60.
They would be being watched by the Valar while in Mithlond, and allowed back into the West for their good deeds. Radagast would remain in Eryn Lasgalen, looking after the flora and fauna of the region, away with the fairies as ever. Yet even he may leave Middle Earth; and as Aiwendil - Bird Friend - he would do so on the back of a giant Eagle (maybe circa FA 200)
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TL;DR
For the ending of the dwarves as a species, I think I once read something as them digging and living deeper and deeper, until being forgotten deep beneath the earth.
Species or race?
Eat earth, drink water. Must have turned into Ents then.
The surfaced much later, o ly now calling themselves Morlocks
I'm pretty sure you're referencing the New Shadow, Tolkien's unfinished sequel to the Lord of the Rings.
It's only in the last couple years that I've been aware of how much we *don't* know about 70% of Dwarves and Dwarven history. Handy that Tolkien described them as secretive, so the very lack of detail becomes part of the effect.
Hey lexi . ( fancy meeting your here )
From this amazing video I have learned that I shouldn’t ever put my money in the bank, for fear of dragons
Dw Dragons own the banks
Better the bank than your house!
It should also be noted that Tolkien has said that the dwarves are nearly incorruptible by the evil of Sauron, however this does not mean they were good. The eastern dwarves played more of a true neutral role in middle earth, never explicitly doing evil by the will of Sauron, but also they would fight alongside or work with him in certain cases, such as the battle of the last alliance and the construction of Barad Dur and other fortresses where Sauron is believed to have hired dwarvish architects.
Aule explicitly made the Dwarves to resist Morgoth's evil, so while a few may fall, I doubt that a whole clan would. Being secretive they would be more concerned in their own doings, though, with little concern for others.
@@pachacutti1012 Source?
1:28 Stone-FEET!
I would love to be an archaeologists in Middle Earth. As long as someone has taken care of the balrog problem.
Yes 👍. I can see it.
Archaeologist 1: Come quick, we found yet another doorway in the underground ruin. Maybe this is the big one.
Archaeologist 2: *Is running along* That door is magnificent, let’s open it.
Archaeologist 1: Yes we wanted to wait for you. Here goes.
Archaeologist 2: That is a bad smell, must have been closed for thousands of years. Hopefully we will find something interesting. But what is that drum like sound.
Archaeologist 1: Maybe an underground river or something. Her what is that *eyes starts to widen in disbelief *
Archaeologist 2: RUN FOR YOU LIVES
The "strange" Dwarves are Dwarves Frodo had never seen before, but there is no evidence that they were eastern Dwarves; he has not seen the Blue Mountains or the Iron Hills. He is used to the Company members who were all friendly and jovial to hom ; Dwarves are a grim people by nature, so the sight of unknown Dwarves acting naturally makes them 'strange'.
We need an Elder Scrolls style game for the Middle Earth universe, full of exploration, quests and dungeons to explore
That's sort of what you get to do in LotRO. Sure, you're playing adjacent to the main story of the book, but you get to go on a whole lot of side adventures in places like Dunland, the North Downs, and Angmar. Much of it is adapted to fit the structure of the game, but that's always the case with things like this.
Give lotro a try, the several developers over the years really loved the setting. Lake Evendim at night is still gorgeous despite being an older game.
@@akaroth7542 Already played it in the past, its really good. But a new game based on it will be good
I wonder what happened to the Eastern Elves that didn't travel west. As far as I know there's no mention of them and there's only one Elf character mentioned that maybe one of them in the Silmarillion. The really sketchy Dark elf who was a poor father and a bad husband that got thrown out from the walls of Gondolin rightfully.
How offensive of you, he was just misunderstood
The Avari elves would just faded away and become disembodied spirits. That was the fate of Tolkien's elves would choose to stay in Middle Earth and not to sail west to Aman after of the War of the Ring and during the Fourth Age.
in my headcanon half the eastern clans fought for sauron (the two who's rings survived, which sauron retrieved like he did the nazgul's), and the other half were destroyed for not doing so (two that lost their rings to dragons)
then the two blue mountain clans which joined with durin's folk lost their rings in the grey mountains during the war with the dragons and thrain ofc lost his ring in dol guldur
I have no evidence to support this view but it does seem rather symetric and fits in with the clans being put in pairs and everything, just seems like a neat solution
I agree with the overall pattern yes, just makes me wonder what and how Gandalf knew about the eastern clans
As an enthusiastic LOTRO player myself, I have multiple characters who are the game's version of Eastern Dwarves. I really like the backstory LOTRO has created for them.
Not sure if they are canon or not but I somewhere vaguely remember Khamûl's Black Easterlings being described as short, well-built and wielding hammers - kind of making me think that perhaps these Easterlings were Eastern Dwarves under Sauron's command
I know who you're talking about. It's the Easterlings that take Cair Andros, and they're described as being broad and grim, but short, and bearded like Dwarves. However, they are referred to as Men.
@@DarthGandalfYT Yeah those! Suppose they were just short men in the end.. still a fun thought that my favourite race might have had a clan join my favourite overall faction in Middle Earth
@@DarthGandalfYT Perhaps some interbreeding between those Eastern Dwarves and Easterlings?
@@markwaldron8954 Can dwarves interbreed with men?
Awesome stuff. No one really talks about them on youtube, thanks for shedding some light
The music of the Great Delving is amazing.
I love hearing about the Dwarves and really wish Tolkien had written more about them. I feel they don't get the respect they deserve in this elven-obsessed culture! Even so, his writings left an indelible mark on dwarves as a whole in fantasy literature.
P.S. As I don't keep my money in the form of gems, gold, or silver, I feel pretty good about my chances of avoiding a dragon attack.
A bit of a tangent on the Dwarven Rings.
We know a bit of math:
7 rings, 7 hoards, 7 clans. I like those parallels.
Then, what do we know of so far?
One ring is easy- Thror's ring. Comes from Moria (hoard #1) and falls to Sauron.
Now, what other hoards do we know of?
My main theory is that the halls in the Grey Mountains and in Erebor (pre-Smaug) were two other hoards.
If we assume one rings went with each of them (maybe the Broadbeam/Firebeards) then that gives us two of the rings taken by dragons. It also fits with that fact that Scatha and Smaug both were said to have dwarven hoards. (Note: I am assuming the Blue Mountain rings were given to whoever the "kings" of those clans were at the time, most likely residing in Moria, considering we don't hear of any large hoards in the Blue Mountains. It also explains how the Longbeards and co. got so powerful and rich. )
That then means that two Eastern rings need to be hit by Dragons. (The two in the Orocarni?) and then two need to be taken by Sauron (The two in the South?)
But the math works nicely and also fits well with the established history of Durin's Folk.
Of course it is not explicitly stated that they dwell in the Orocarni, but where else could they be? Mordor? Sure, if they opnely sided with Sauron. But what if they didn't openly ally with Sauron, as I suspect? Are there any other mountains inbetween? Some have theorized that the Iron Hills may have a connection to the Ironfists, because of their name. But that's all just a wild guess and nothing more.
I think we should take into account that their mansions are on the Orocarni and that some of them must have survived and thrived by the end of the Third Age. Their mansions are said to be eastwards of Mount Gundabad on distances great or greater than the equivalient mansions at the Ered Luin. I think this is an indication of the Orocarni.
I do think Orocarni is the most likely option, but there is nothing that says there weren't other mountain ranges in the east. We know mountain ranges such as the Yellow Mounains and the Grey Mountains (a southern chain) existed in the south during the First Age, and possibly beyond. Tolkien also mentions the Mountains of the Wind existing in the east during his earlier drafts, although they disappear from all of his later writings.
Yeah, there should be at last one mountainrange in between... two would most likely live in the Orocarni, but what about those whom JRRT calls "the nearer ones", most likely there was another mountainrange halfway in between the iron hills and the Orocarni.
@@Aurora2097 I am not sure this would work.
@@Aurora2097 My thought has always been that the Eastern Dwarves actually had half their number in Harad or Khand. The Grey Mountains (no, not THOSE Grey Mountains) seem to be a likely sport, or the Yellow Mountains if those didn't get drowned.
Thus, the dwarves have 2 clans in the Ered Luin, 2 in the Orocarni, and 2 in the Grey or Yellow Mountains, and then Durin's Folk in the Misty Mts.
As Sauron was originally a Maiar of Aule I would guess that he went amongst them in disguise as he did with the Noldor who shared the dwarven love of things made by craft!
You do great videos. Thanks for creating them.
Loving the more obscure middle earth lore on your channel, dude.
Love the content mate keep it up
I have always been an lotr fan who preferred Elves to Dwarves but the eastern clans are something I've always been curious about, if Alatar and Pallando were successful at lessening the numbers of Easterlings to join in the war of the ring could that mean that there was another a conflict between easterlings and dwarves that we never saw?
I wish we knew more about the petty-dwarves.
Please make more of these! I find the lesser known topics of middle earth extremely interesting
You may enjoy The Red Book channel
It’s my suspicion that dwarves under Sauron’s thrall were probably bred with Uruks and as a result were The creators of many weapons of war used by him and his dark armies as well as crafters of Morgul Blades and Uruk armors.
once again amazing content lore, always wonder about this, thanks man! :)
In all races there is bad and evil... they are tough and resistant, the rings had no effect, I think only a few of them fought for Sauron
good choice of topic.
1:30 - Stonefeet!! :D
3:57 - Those Dwarves bred with Orcs, thus Dork's weer born! lol :D
Have you rea Middle-Earth in the Fourth Age (Fairbanks Folios)? An interesting read, can send links if interested, the two blue wizards finally get an appearance! :D
I feel that at least one of the eastern dwarf clans Had to have lived in the mountains surrounding Mordor... That's to much mountain range for no dwarf to live there
The pretty much only two lines on the eastern dwarves are the names of the Ironfists, Stiffbeards, Stonefoots and Blacklocks.
And the very earliest tale from book of lost tales where evil dwarves fight along with corrupted humans and orcs against faithful men and elves in Hildorien (mesopotamia?)... i always thought those might ahve been the ancestors of the petty dwarves.
... but you're right implicitly they should have fought innthe last alliance, some on the wrong side apparently, in the war against the orcs, the dragon wars and those dwarven regugees in breeland probably too.I agree it us very likely eastern dwarves were active in all of these, even if never described in detail. I wonder if
...some dwarves would have lived in Harad too.If there are Asian and african stories on dwarves i suppose the unknown dwarf tribes were similar to them, just like the three westland tribes are similar to the european mythology dwarfs.
So how could of Sauron got the dwarves of the East to serve him, if the Seven Rings of power and The One Ring had already failed to corrupt the Seven Dwarf Lords?
maybe he promised them stewardship of the western dwarven halls
By conning them as he did with the Noldor of Eregion in the making of the rings of power. As a Maia of Aule he would have much knowledge the dwarves would desire!
Fun theorising, thanks
StoneFEET!
Intriguing
Are the dwarves no more? Or did they do as the elves and left? But...while the elves crossed the sea the dwarves just went deeper into the earth and never came back up?
Unfortunately, Dwarves gradually dwindled and seemingly died out. Their ultimate fate is unknown.
I feel like the Dwarfs of the east were slowly brought further into corruption until sauron was defeated
Stone*feet*!
Where do the petty dwarves fit into this? I love how they were thought to be animals and were hunted by elves. I understand they weren't actually eaten but it does make me happy to imagine they were delicious and their pelts used for beautiful arts.
Outlaws from other Dwarven clans who banded together and formed their own shitty little clan that doesn't count.
Stonefeet!
Cheers
Video idea; Middle-Earth Mysteries The Last Desert.
Wasnt there something about dragons being loosed on them , dwarfen rings or something
I wonder if there are still men from the first age still living in Hildorien? Which is in the east,
War of the Ring music?
The thumbnail looks more like Zothique to me rather than Middle earth.
I thought the Petty Dwarves would have been one of the seven clans.
They were exiles from Nogrod and Belegost, not a clan of their own.
how to the Dwarves solve ventilation?
In Lotro there are evil dwarves called "Dourhands". Are they from Tolkien or made up exclusively for the game?
They're made up for the game. The Dourhands are supposed to be an offshoot from one of the Blue Mountain clans: the Broadbeams and the Firebeards. But those names appear outside of LOTR/The Hobbit, so the developers were unable to use them in the game.
How come Melkor could not create his own creatures? But rather just pervert? But Aule could create the dwarves? If Melkor shared more in the mind of Aluvitar should he not have been able to create his own creatures?
Aule's Dwarves were automatons, extensions of his own will. Only Iluvatar could give them true life, aka free will. Iluvatar did this because Aule's intentions were pure. Melkor's intentions were never pure.
Is it exhausting to replace every th with an f or a v?
Wait wait wait, are Elvs in Middle-earth called "Eldar" ????????? Are you not getting your Middle earth and Warhammer elvs mixed up? =)
Nope. Any Elf (or their descendants) who undertook the Great Journey were known collectively as the "Eldar". Warhammer 40k borrowed the name, as did Raymond E Feist in his Midkemia Cycle books. You'll find a lot of terminology in modern sci-fi or fantasy descends from Tolkien's works.
@@DarthGandalfYT Hum, maybe your right, im not an expert :P
@@Random-World-Eater he's right Warhammer the elder scrolls and any other modern fantasy that uses orcs elves and dwarves are directly descended from Tolkien's work. While trolls elves and such had real world Legends before Tolkien they were changed quite a bit to fit his narrative and spawn the modern depictions of them
@@Random-World-Eater 🤡
@@xanders.3810 💩
Is this where Games Workshop copied the Chaos Dwarves from?
I find some of the animations (I presume from video games) used in these videos irritating and distracting.
Static images are better.
: D
So could dwarves from the east have darker skin?
The rings of power turned the dwarves into mountain jews.
Love your content!! But can i please help you with the sound? DM me
Stonefeet!