From the Shire to Mordor: Battle of the Hornburg (AKA Battle of Helm's Deep)

http://www.councilofelrond.com/encyclopedia/battle-of-the-hornburg/

I love the Battle at Helms Deep (or more correctly known as the Battle of the Hornburg). This is one of the places that J.R.R. Tolkien really shines. This is one of the best portions of the whole trilogy, but that is just my opinion. It is full of suspense and conflict, which is fully understandable for a battle scene. This was the second largest battle of The War of the Ring. There are many notable differences between the book’s battle and the one in Peter Jackson’s Film, “Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.” In the book, there is no elfish reinforcement; there are 2000 defenders, one of whom is Eomer, son of Theoden King of Rohirrim. When Gandalf arrives, it is upon demoralized orcs, Uruk-Hai and Dunland Men, and it is with the remaining forces of Rohirrim who had been driven from another Garrison, not with Gondor, for the White City had enough problems of its own. Also in the book, The Huorn “Forest” is there to help surround Saruman’s army and, in the end, to annihilate the remainder of it. This battle is a turning point in the War of the Ring. It spells the doom for Saruman. At around this time in Isengard, the Ents and some of their Huorn “forests” and their tree “flocks” destroy Isengard and trap Saruman and Wormtongue in the Isengard Tower, closing the defeat of Saruman. This Chapter of the book and this Scene of the Movie is amazing, read and watch them. I will not tell you all, for that would ruin the surprise!!