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The downfall of Sauron was a cataclysmic event. As seen during the Battle of the Black Gate, many orcs were annihilated as they faced the united forces of Gondor and Rohan. Following Sauron's defeat and the destruction of Barad-dûr, a significant number of orcs fell into chaos. Without a leader, the orc ranks turned against one another in brutal conflict in a bid for dominance and survival. This infighting, coupled with the relentless pursuit by men and elves, led to the vast decimation of their numbers.