The Army of the Dead

The Army of the Dead were the shades of the Men of the White Mountains who had sworn an oath of allegiance to Isildur at the end of the Second Age. Having broken it, they were cursed to walk the Paths of the Dead until they could redeem themselves. More than three thousand years later, Aragorn, as Isildur's heir, summoned them to aid in defeating the Corsairs of Umbar laying siege to Pelargir. Led by King Rioc, the Army obeyed his command, and once Pelargir was freed, Aragorn declared their oath fulfilled, commanded them to depart, and allowed them to rest.

Not all spirits answered Aragorn's call: The Ruthless Dead, led by Drugât, continued their worship of Sauron and remained in the Paths of the Dead, threatening the passage of any living mortal.

Quest Involvement

[95] Book 1, Chapter 2: The Ruthless Dead

[95] The Ruthless Dead

[96] Interlude: Those Who Are Dead

[96] Instance: Those Who Are Dead

[100] Book 2: Chapter 8: The Battle of Pelargir – Epic Battles