Battle upon the quays

In TA 2980, the battle upon the quays was a raid launched by Gondor upon the Corsair city of Umbar in TA 2980. The attack was led by Thorongil, later revealed to be Aragorn II.

History

During the rule of Ecthelion II the threat posed by the Corsairs of Umbar to Gondor's coasts had continued to grow, a dangerous threat given they were allied with Mordor. Therefore the captain Thorongil created a plan to attack Umbar directly so as to temporarily neutralise the threat. Leading a small force of ships, he launched a surprise night attack on the Corsairs, burning many of their ships and shipyards. Thorongil himself overthrew the Captain of the Haven in single combat upon the quays.

Having suffered only light casualties and practically destroying the entire Corsair fleet, the people of Gondor were prepared give Thorongil a hero's welcome, but instead he sent a message to Ecthelion saying; 'Other tasks now call me, lord, and much time and many perils must pass, ere I come again to Gondor, if that be my fate.' Afterwards he departed Gondor and headed toward the Ephel Dúath.

The Corsair threat was therefore diminished for many years, but by the time of the War of the Ring their fleet had been rebuilt, only to again be defeated again by Aragorn at the Battle of Pelargir.