| “ | The age of Men is over. The time of the Orc has come. | „ |
~ Gothmog's most famous line. |
Gothmog is a major antagonist in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, serving as one of the main antagonists of The Return of the King.
He is an Orc commander who works for Sauron, and leads the armies of Mordor against Minas Tirith in the Battle of Pelennor Fields, alongside the Witch-King of Angmar, Sauron's most trusted lieutenant. Gothmog's race is unknown in the books, but he is portrayed as an Orc in the films.
He was portrayed by Lawrence Makoare (who also portrays the Witch-King of Angmar, Lurtz, and Bolg) and is voiced by Craig Parker.
Biography
Gothmog was the second-in-command of the Witch-King of Angmar in the Third Age, from Minas Morgul, notably at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. He assumed control of all 7,000 or so Orcs at that battle after the Witch-king was slain by Eowyn and Merry. Gothmog's race is unknown in the books, but he is assumed in all media to be an Orc or related person. He is mentioned only once in The Lord of the Rings, at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, following the loss of his master: in response to the arrival of the Rohirrim, he called his army's reserve out of Osgiliath and into the main battle, and brought in Easterlings, Southrons, Variags, and troll-men "into the fray".
Portrayal in Adaptations
In Peter Jackson's 2003 film, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Gothmog is portrayed as a deformed Morannon orc-general with a crippled left arm, and his role is brought out more than his single mention in the 3rd book in effect playing the role of one of the film's major antagonists.
Gothmog with his army.
The troops of Gondor retreated, leaving behind they're wounded, one of whom is Madril, the badly-wounded captain of the Ithilien rangers, whom Gothmog kills with another orc underling's spear, proclaiming to his troops triumphantly that now Orcs would rise to dominance over Men. The Witch-King, arrived from Minas Morgul, then instructs him to assault Minas Tirith using all four legions there at his disposal. Gothmog asks about Gandalf but the Witch-King replies that he will break him.
When Faramir rides out with a small band of Gondor Knights on horseback, attempting to retake the city, Gothmog orders his archers to fire a volley from the ruins of Osgiliath which kill the knights save Faramir. Once his forces arrive on the Pelennor Fields, he orders the heads of the dead soldiers in Osgiliath to be launched off the catapults, to instill fear into the hearts of Gondor's soldiers and to lower their morale.
Gothmog during the siege on Minas Tirith.
In the unextended theatrical release, Gothmog's fate is not revealed, as he is last seen backing away from the charging Rohirrim. In the Extended Edition, he is shown to have survived the onslaught and duels Éowyn, who gains the upper hand and wounds his leg. Gothmog collapses in pain moments before the Witch-king arrives on the scene of the battle. Éowyn succeeds in destroying the Witch-king, but is injured in the process and crawls to Merry.
Gothmog's death in the extended edition of The Return of the King.
Personality
Like all Mordor Orcs, Gothmog despised the race of Men, wishing to wipe them out and have Orcs reign supreme instead.
He is merciless, planning on killing the entire population of Minas Tirith and murdering Madril while defenceless, as well as sadistic, laughing callously when Minas Tirith is desolated and sending the heads of dead Gondor soldiers onto the city. He is even tough on his own men, not allowing them to evade catapulted rubble and pushing one away when trying to help him.
He is a capable leader, managing to strategize effectively such as knowing of and calling for Grond to destroy the gate of Minas Tirith and using the water to take Osgiliath, both of which were successful. He also informed the Orcs to have pikes in the front lines and the archers behind and uses intimidation, stealth and fear inducement on his opponents. He likely experienced war due to his injuries and clearly had courage, participating in the mist of battle.
Gothmog was loyal to Sauron and his servant, the Witch King of Angmar, following his commands. He was also vengeful, attempting to kill Eowyn for besting him in combat.
Quotes
| “ | Fear! The city is rank with it. Let us ease their pain. Release the prisoners! | „ |
| ~ Gothmog begins the attack on Minas Tirith. |
| “ | Stay where you are. | „ |
| ~ Gothmog to his fellow Orcs. |
| “ | What are you doing, you useless scum?! | „ |
| ~ Gothmog to his army. |
| “ | Grond will breach it. Bring up the wolf's head! | „ |
| ~ Gothmog calls for Grond. |
| “ | Move into the city! Kill all in your path! | „ |
| ~ Gothmog commands his army to slaughter the people of Gondor. |
| “ | Form ranks, you maggots! Form ranks! Pikes in front! Archers behind! | „ |
| ~ Gothmog commanding his army. |
| “ | Fire! Fire at will! | „ |
| ~ Gothmog's last words, before the Riders of Rohan charge into the Orc army. |
Trivia
- It is possible that he was named after the Lord of the Balrogs, whose name was also Gothmog.
- While he is portrayed as an Orc in most media, some speculate he was a Black Númenórean in the books.
