The History of Isengard - Region Spotlight

Isengard was a fortress of Gondor in Middle-Earth that was under the ownership of Saruman during the War of the Ring. It’s history is one of fascination, nature versus industry and renewal. Thank you all so much for watching, let me know your thoughts about Isengard in the comments! As always, a great thanks to the online artists whose visual works made this video possible! If you are one of the artists, please let me know and I will post your name and a link to your work in this description!
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[@annatar9365]

Saruman: What do you want Gandalf greyhame? The keys of Orthanc, or perhaps the keys of Barad-Due itself! Along with the crowns of seven kings and the rods of the five wizards? Gandalf: Just tea, thank you

[@brianmessemer2973]

Annatar 😂😂😂

[@PhoenixRiseinFlame]

@Annatar Do you have any free gifts to spare?

[@alphaowo3313]

Barad dür

[@TheNN]

I've heard the salted pork at Isengard is *particularly good* .

[@jeansalomon8225]

Salted pork? 🤤

[@constitutionalconversation9924]

Ug, Hobbits.

[@1776PonySoldier]

And the longbottom leaf. A good year.

[@avonthesageoc4980]

Salted pork

[@joshuabudiarto5036]

Leslie Tincher We’re under orders, from treebeard!

[@roguehelljumper6112]

You did not seriously think that a viewer could contend with the will of Yoystan? There are none who can. Against the power of the "Men of the West," there can be no victory. We must subscribe to his channel. We must watch all of his videos . It would be wise, my friends.

[@MenoftheWest]

RogueHelljumper Hahaha this is hilarious!

[@anthonyortiz3142]

*talks in Gandalf voice* Tell me "friend," how did RogueHelljumper the Wise maintain reason over madness?

[@roguehelljumper6112]

@@anthonyortiz3142 : I gave you the chance of watching his content willingly. But you...have subscribed...the way of PAIN!

[@anthonyortiz3142]

@@roguehelljumper6112 There is only ONE Man of the West. Only one who can bring in subscribers at will, and he does NOT insult their intelligence. *jumps off and soars through KZbin via eagle*

[@edgardtheknowledgekeeper3119]

@@anthonyortiz3142 So you have chosen *Death*

[@orangexlightning]

They're Taking the Hobbits To Isengard!

[@benwest3223]

Tell me, where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him.

[@itsmainman2709]

LSSJOrangeLightning *taking

[@ajsmusic711]

the hobbits the hobbits the hobbits the hobbits to isengard lol

[@redblaze8700]

Why is the rum gone?

[@edgardtheknowledgekeeper3119]

@@redblaze8700 To Isengard-gard-gard- gard

[@geviesanta3631]

"Welcome, my lords to Isengard!!!"😊😊😊😊😊

[@KTChamberlain]

Tell me, friend, when did Saruman the White abandon reason for Longbottom Leaf?

[@LocalHeretic-ck1kd]

Its funny because Saruman often ridiculed Gandalf for his habit of smoking leafs. Gandalf taught it from hobbitsand Saruman laughed at that. But it turned out Saruman started to smoke leafs as well. He bought the finest leaves from Shire for his own needs.

[@excitedlast6471]

@@LocalHeretic-ck1kd thats called being a hypocrite

[@tylersoto7465]

And salted pork lol 😎 🥓🥓🌿🌿

[@thunderballzz]

Its amazing the sheer might of Numenor/Early Gondor. Establishing 2 realms, creating fortresses across middle earth and taking Sauron head-on, these men were truly accomplished.

[@seriously.....]

Bonafide!!!

[@evenstar1608]

From the height of their power and glory. Before Dark Lord Sauron came to Mordor.

[@donnatornay2537]

This a stellar piece of work on Isengard. Kudos! I've had my weekly fix of Legendarium now it's my bedtime with a smile.

[@captainjackpugh6050]

This is a stellar piece of work on deez nuts

[@unlimitedperseverance1706]

I think the dunedain are my favorite people to learn about in tolkiens universe. I've always wondered what happened to Aragorn's descendants.

[@varun634]

Well Tolkien actually started writing a sequel to LOTR set during the reign of Aragorn's son. Unfortunately it was abandoned after only a couple of chapters.

[@captainjackpugh6050]

I’ve always wondered what happened to deez nuts

[@birinderwarraich1179]

Well my theory is that the gift of valar or the long life started disappearing as everything magical faded away in Arda after like 8 age or something.

[@Mark723]

You have amazing diction - I could listen to you read the phone book and be happy. Thanks for your excellent videos.

[@seriously.....]

True that!!!

[@captainjackpugh6050]

I could listen to deez nuts

[@orrointhewise87]

My business is with Isengard tonight; with a rock and stone

[@anthonyortiz3142]

Come, my friends! The Ents are going to war. It is likely... we go to our doom. Last March of the Ents...

[@TheEthanEdge]

I feel like middle earth would be a stunning place to be. Another great video =]

[@baonkang5990]

u could always visit new zealand

[@captainjackpugh6050]

I feel like deez nuts would be a stunning place to be

[@spyrofrost9158]

Fun fact, Isengard is the perfect vacation spot to be takin' hobbits.

[@captainjackpugh6050]

Perfect vacation spot to be takin deez nuts

[@tylersoto7465]

Isengard would make a good colony for Gondor using orthanc for thousands of civilians to move in with a steward, prince or governor etc to lord it and it comes with a ring wall to protect It and good farming land to support the population and would thrive lol

[@anthonylotts2676]

You should do a video about your thoughts on the biopic about tolkein

[@geviesanta3631]

That's what I was thinking he should do!!

[@captainjackpugh6050]

You should do a video about deez nuts

[@anthonylotts2676]

@@captainjackpugh6050 two years too late bud

[@nazfromqueens]

For those that may be interested just went to the Tolkein exhibit at the Morgan Library in NYC featuring original manuscripts and letter and drawing by Tolkein. Excellent exhibit!

[@TwinOusKysAni]

you should do if Elrond turned man instead of elf But anyways, ive been listening for a minute and its already good

[@a.r11384]

I have been immensely enjoying these playlist in this channel. Thanks for such details and effort made into each of these videos!!

[@chevin0]

That message at the end about a place not being damaged forever is really comforting right now, thanks for that Yoystan

[@gobigblue6782]

Isengard, one of the few remaining works of Numenor. A testament to "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." The Valar wiped them and their works away from history for the most part. So often the deeds of a few are costly to the many. Great video and background story this week. Treebeard and the Ents were such great characters.... Any news on the Entwives? Poor Treebeard. If only he had Internet dating. Lol. Best part of Sundays. Thanks for this week and all the others.

[@zeldaknight101]

You and Arachir keep me sane.

[@holtzappledalton2153]

Who's Arachir

[@captainjackpugh6050]

You and deez nuts keep me sane

[@gimdaesunghaneul2877]

you are getting better and better every time

[@tylercassidy4526]

Hey Yoystan! Tyler here, I just want to say thank you for your videos! Your videos are what I watch when I get off duty (I’m in the military) I change out of my uniform, brew some tea, and relax while listening to the Tolkien lore I grew up with. Gives me a little peace in a stressful world. Thanks brother!

[@peterpoulsen1210]

R. I. P. Christopher Lee May you live on in our memories as the great actor with many stores to tell. Saruman the White is to this day one of my most beloved characters from the Lord of the Rings.

[@rorydonaldson2794]

They're taking the hobbits to where?

[@MenoftheWest]

Rory Donaldson ISENGARD, GARD, GARD. (Music plays).

[@Ah-Sol]

Mordor

[@Eowyn3Pride]

To Isengard, to Isengard!!!

[@tylerjones7592]

Doriath

[@paulwagner688]

And it was the perfect place for communication with Arnor, as it was in 1944 of the Third Age when Araphant and Onodher began communicating again, finally perceiving that a single will was bent against the Realms of the Heirs of Elendil.

[@sprounzit6487]

Did any other races ever contract out the dwarves to build architectural structures? I remember something about dwarves building an elven fastness in the first age.

[@celestialspartan1176]

Could you do a region spotlight on Mordor? Most fans know only of the Plains Of Gorgoroth and Udûn, where the Black Gate, Barad-Dûr, and Mount Doom are. But, there were many other locations in Mordor occupied by the Dark Lord’s legions.

[@joshuapaulson9116]

Will you every do a theory video about how you think the Middle Earth time line would progress towards Dagor Dagorath? I remember hearing from somewhere that Middle Earth is a fictional history of our Earth. So if the 3rd age leads to 4th and so on...wouldn't it be interesting to imagine how that would progress. I always imagine it as the Elves would remain hidden from Humans (modern day humans) through magic, and humans have all but forgotten real elves and have only made up myths and folklore about elves (Santa's elves, short elves, gnomes, etc) . The dwarves, who by this point have befriended the elves and are also protected by the elves with the same enchantment concealing their presence from humans. Humans have lost the honor and loyalty they once had. Legends have all but vanished from memory. Evil, corruption, greed is what drives mankind in the modern age. The drive for power and wealth is so insatiable that somehow they fulfill the prophecy of Dagor Dagorath, by unlocking the door of knight (really this was always going to happen, and the Ainur had predicted it ages ago...deciding to release/or allowing him to break free, Morgoth and his minions would unleash chaos and judgment upon earth one final time). Opening the door of night would also activate another prophecy and Túrin Turambar will leave the halls of Mandos and return to middle earth. His return will release the spell of the elves concealing them from humans and the world will see them once more. Men, Elves, and Dwarves will once more exist together in middle earth. Melkor will corrupt men and nations will fall to his will, and the world will be divided. I can't imagine how we would look. Would humans revert to the ways of old, wearing traditional garb of ancient middle earth...or would elves and dwarves adapt to modern life and choose to dress like us. I'd like to think the former rather then the later. Melkor would build his fortresses and create new evils to kill mankind. Long dead ancient animals and beings would be resurrected to scourge the earth. Many many years of turmoil would ensue, nations would get wiped off the map, and landscapes would become scared and burned. Cities would be turned to ash. What remained of the humans who could flee and resists Melkor would find safe refuge with the elves and dwarves. In secret mountain valleys and hidden mines in mountains...humans would begin to remember the past and who they were in another time many ages ago. (A few years or maybe 1000s) Melkor's reign of terror was almost complete and the few free people of middle earth would prepare to make their last stand. Armies of humans wearing strange clothing (I would like to imagine if modern armor was imbued with middle earth armor). Elves would be wearing silver armor like they did in the first battles against Morgoth, not gold like against Sauron. Dwarves would be wearing mithril and strong iron helms. Modern weapons would be used, but also swords and arrows, spears and axes too. The small battalions of free people would have their backs to sea as a wall of evil approached. Corrupted men, dragons, bolrogs, trolls, goblins...new terrors too. Just when the enemy is about to charge a horn sounds from behind. A wall of white sails can be seen on the horizon, hundreds maybe thousands of ships filled with elves and some men who had been given the privilege of immortality and the right to live in the undying lands. In the lead boat stands Turin, Gurthang held out towards Morgoth's legions. ...that's where I'll stop. I could go crazy writing. I wrote my own 60k + word novel, but finding someone to edit and publish it is very hard. So sadly it sits on a flash drive. It's finished, but I need a more practiced individual to point out the flaws and any misspellings and grammar errors.

[@suzannewilliam-james9744]

this is very interesting 😊 thank you

[@noble1825]

Nice video man! I've watched a lot of lotr videos here on KZbin. I think this is the first one I've watched about Isengard that's been so detailed. You're my favorite lotr youtuber. Keep up the great work! 👍🏼

[@lukehenry1936]

thanks for doing the region spot light! I really enjoyed!

[@ferro1398]

Ooh so Saruman didn't get stabbed and fell off Orthanc and landed on a spike! That's it why it's in the extended version.

[@pstandlee]

Francis Gerard Opeña: gotta read the books. The ending is quite different.

[@holtzappledalton2153]

Involves Hobbits kicking ass

[@scottmantooth8785]

@@pstandlee yep...very differently indeed

[@ferro1398]

@Karl Quetzacoatl holy shit that's gruesome.

[@captainjackpugh6050]

Landed on deez nuts

[@dbgaming9166]

You've brightened the end of the weekend with another video! Thanks for sharing! (They're getting better, Yoystan!) Also, if you could, please post links to any Tolkien podcasts you're a part of, or like to listen to, if any. I think some of us would be delighted to hear them!

[@jacksoneflin6006]

That was really well told! I’d love to see a film/short series centered on Isengard over the ages, it’s compelling and has a satisfying ending.

[@redblaze8700]

Saruman: "We must subscribe to him Gandalf. We must subscribe to Men of the West. It will be wise, my friend." After some arguments were Gandlaf ultimately refuses to subscribe: Saruman: "I gave you the chance of subscribing willingly, but you have elected the way of pain."

[@philnorris3746]

Fantastic videos! Could you possibly look into doing one about the 4th & possibly 5th age after the events of the lord of the rings? 😊

[@MpowerdAPE]

Did we already do a... "What if Saruman had not turned to the dark side"... episode...?

[@treynienhuser2616]

We did. It is one of my favorite episodes of the channel.

[@G36Sperrfeuer]

OMG I was waiting so long for a video about Isengard or Gundabad and here it is. Thank you so much. I love the thing that Isengard was once green and nice has become evil and good again as you pointed out. Isengard has also a really strategic and interesting location. And it matches perfectly that saruman not only betrayed the white council but also sauron and send the Nazgûl away to search for gandalf instead of explaining them where the shire is.

[@craemac]

Keep the videos coming. All are well done!

[@joelleblanc8670]

*jumps for joy*

[@HoundofOdin]

How about a video on the history of the Dunlendings?

[@ajsmusic711]

everytime i see a notification from “Men Of the West” I click as fast as I can.

[@RemusKingOfRome]

Excellent

[@joshwatson8539]

Grate video love your videos please keep them coming

[@MrKarnator]

Nice. Isengard is quite beautiful once it's covered in trees, and Orthanc is one awesome looking towers. I do wonder if there could be a layout or cutout of the tower, showing the inside.

[@JayStephens8]

Next region spotlight do the land east of middle earth or the east lands/those big islands separate from the main continent and highlight the area south of middle earth

[@oddjam]

Glad I found your channel! Thanks for this

[@marsrizzo2854]

Well done again

[@Badboyben1422]

Don't forget that the walls of Minas Tirith except for the Gate was made from the same Orthanc stone! Thank you for the video I forgot to watch it last week!

[@lipingrahman6648]

When i was young I first saw the illustration of the base of Isengard and always wondered what the whole tower looked like. When the films came out it looked so much like I always wanted.

[@markmicco1005]

Wonderfully done video

[@grandlotus1]

LOVE your work, clearly, a labor of scholarly love! My recollection (50 years past) from reading Tolkien is that Orthanc as was smooth, utterly featureless from foundation to spire. Please known, I do not begrudge other interpretations, I merely ask if I remember aright.

[@gratedrawur]

What a sweet ending. Isengard redeemed of the evil which took place there.

[@venkelos6996]

I'm rather fond of Saruman, and Isengard, so this was a fun video. It does marvel me that, on occasion, the Numenorians could craft something effectively Indestructible, though they didn't do so often. It's also weird to me, though convenient, that it so strongly resemble a stereotypical wizard's tower, and not a man-built fortress, and a wizard eventually happens to take up residence. I assume that the appearance of the pinnacle of Orthanc, and the design of Saruman's staff being so similar is an affectation of the movies, but I do appreciate the touch.

[@stargatefan10]

Love The Channel Dude. I think region spotlights the most.

[@reyk3381]

Thank you for this content

[@cheezemonkeyeater]

8:04 - Treebeard be derpin'.

[@paulelliott3220]

Fascinating and interesting as always, Men of the West Agree that it's awesome that the mighty tower and it's demesnes once again became healed by the 4th age

[@partywithartty]

Has there been a specific episode about the Kings of Men who later became the Wraiths? Like who they were and where they ruled/came from?

[@MewnBoi]

Love your videos man. Can you go deeper into the witch king? I know you’ve made vids but I want to know more ab him and dark sorcery in arda

[@bahamutzerox666]

Good vids!

[@aquamander2071]

Nice work!

[@theimmortalsuperbeing549]

Your channel is awesome and have you ever thought about doing a video on the Theory that Game of Thrones is in the same universe as Lord of the Rings. I believe it's true I think it takes place about 200.000 years after LOTR that's why its not mentioned. With everything else that has happened it has slipped in to obscurity.

[@MightOfChrist]

Pity we have to wait another week for a great video like this....

[@seriously.....]

Very pleased to know the history of such a prominent icon within the lore of middle Earth. Also very pleased to know the land within the wall would heal and become what it once was. When sauroman started to rip down the forest surrounding the tower it had practically broken my heart!!! Such beautiful forest land it had been!! And then it was again !! Such beautiful images you chose to depict this iconic tower within the stories of middle Earth!! I hadn't ever heard of these stories until the movies came out and of course to my delight the stories are endles...!! so much beautiful art people have made over the years I can't believe I hadn't run into Tolkiens work pre movie just because of the art alone but I sure am thankful to know of his work these days. The stories are great to take ones mind off everyday problems. All the different images which are derived from his work are just ageless and endless.. ty for your amazing work Men Of The West- you make the stories and history so easy to understand for those of us who only found Tolkien lore post movie. He would be amazed at how much beautiful art there is based on his work!! On to the next Men Of The West upload!! Me

[@CassiusThePro]

As usual another incredible video. Can we get one on Beleriand? Well as much as before the War of Wrath.

[@therealdarkwhale7977]

Great video!

[@bargainbrandmilk9858]

not sure why but i always liked the idea that merry and pipin turned orthanc into like an inn or something like lol

[@gerjondejong9237]

Can you do an epic character history about Finrod Felagund? I love his story and would love to hear it and maybe learn some extra things.

[@jonseptcayaco9718]

your videos unites lord of the rings fans book or movies..

[@Jenacide]

How the hell have I never in all this time before now heard of Saruman of many colors!

[@davidwoods9812]

U didnt read the books

[@arcanekanuck]

Great Vid. You should eventually do a video on the Werewolves and Vampires of Middle Earth. 🍻

[@Ravenesque]

I love your videos, consolodating many sources into a very enjoy able ten minutes however, I wish you would give credit for the artwork, as i want them for wallpapers!

[@MenezPaul]

wonderful !

[@nemesis637]

Do more for arnor. And explain how the witch king managed to destroy the kingdom and separate the dunedains. LOVE YOUR VIDSSS💪💪. If you will do it it would be greatly appreciated

[@alexgummer4979]

I wish you spoke about the items that are inside that they found or Saruman had collected.

[@Beachbumartist]

Great video man, I don't know if it matters but in the book it says that Isengard is 500 feet tall. Thanks

[@warpcore9681]

It's interesting how the top of Isengard resembles the Witch kings helmet. Was there always a connection?

[@riftvallance2087]

Didn't think it was pity that swayed treebeard to let Sauromon and wormtongue go I thought Sauromon cast a spell on him. Lotr mentions that Sauromon's abilities include being able to break wills and Influence minds simply by talking to someone. I thought the implication with that scene was that Sauromon used this ability to convince Treebeard to let him go, it's why in a very short span treebeard went from" we will guard him until the end of time" to" Well he said he was Sorry so good enough "

[@Chrysaetos11]

**grisly voice** How? How can fire undo stone? What kind of device could bring down the wall?

[@marionbaggins]

Thanks for Uploading Isengard's History, Mellon!!! Just a question: Will you be reviewing Tolkien's Bio Pic when it comes out?!!! Thanks again Mellon, Until the WOTR Battles...Marion Baggins Out!!!

[@MenoftheWest]

Marion Baggins Hey Marion, thank you so much for the support! I’ll definitely make a video about the BioPic after I see it! Have a good one!

[@marionbaggins]

@@MenoftheWest I know it is not out yet...but there are interesting pictures about it!!! And thanks again!!!

[@MultiBiller]

Man Orthanc ID5 was lit as hell

[@palantir135]

This is so much better than a Tolkien compendium or encyclopedia. Just watch and learn.

[@carnum1159]

do one on Mordor

[@midimusicforever]

They're icing the takits to Hobbingard!

[@matthewevans9405]

Midi Music Forever Hahaha

[@holtzappledalton2153]

I love the Ents SO MUCH

[@rudmersennema7603]

High fells of Rhudaur?

[@jonahstirbis3361]

That was a sad story but had a great ending!

[@todorminchev2123]

heres a question for next video. Could Saruman be brought back to life like Gandalf was. And if he did could he affect the outcome of the war

[@KoltiraMemeweaver]

Isenguard! You know what they say

[@gustav9086]

I have an idea for a video, what if the fellowship was not seperated at Amon Hen.

[@brodbutarian6621]

Do a video about the events that would happen if azog had lived

[@alphaowo3313]

Interesting...

[@ConnorGotsTheFilms]

PO TAY TOES

[@partywithartty]

Boil'em, mash'em, stick'em in a stew

[@petra5841]

Can you make a video about dragon sickness, please?

[@dianabliss1142]

Thank you and I was to let you know the black waters here because of that story and what happen is clear thank you again! I enjoy the messages, Lady Elfso

[@dv4975]

Didn’t you used to say mae govannen in the beginning of every video at one time? If so, please do that again 😊

[@Rocku01]

What video game images are in the videos?

[@leonievw2466]

I love your videos, but one question: it sounds like you talked faster this time? As a none native speaker person I found it hard sometimes too keep up :)

[@madeputra7649]

do you have any video on battle under the trees?

[@oldedominion8782]

Why is the Orthanc always pictured like something Sauron would have created? The original description suggests it looks like a natural pillar of stone, not something "created by craft"