Part 4/9:
At the onset of the War of the Ring, Saruman, based in Isengard, launched his first assault on Rohan's forces in a significant battle at the Fords of Isen. His primary target was Prince Théodred, whose death marked a pivotal moment in Rohan's defensive capabilities. The subsequent actions led to a crushing defeat for Rohan, culminating in Saruman's forces advancing towards Helm's Deep, solidifying Théoden's reference to the fall of the Westfold.