That was the last time in those wars that [Morgoth] passed the doors of his stronghold, and it is said that he took not the challenge willingly; for though his might was greatest of all things in this world, alone of the Valar he knew fear.
But he could not now deny the challenge before the face of his captains;
(...)
But now in the western battle Fingon and Turgon were assailed by a tide of foes thrice greater than all the force that was left to them.
Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs, high-captain of Angband, was come; and he drove a dark wedge between the Elvenhosts...
- Silmarillion
But the Lord of the City was master of his Council, and he was in no mood that day to bow to others.
Early in the morning the Council had been summoned. There all the captains judged that because of the threat in the South their force was too weak to make any stroke of war on their own part, unless perchance the Riders of Rohan yet should come.
(...)
It was night again ere news came. A man rode in haste from the fords, saying that
a host had issued from Minas Morgul and was already drawing nigh to Osgiliath; and it had been joined by regiments from the South, Haradrim, cruel and tall. ‘And we have learned ‘ said the messenger, ‘that the Black Captain leads them once again, and the fear of him has passed before him over the River.’
(...)
‘Yet now under the Lord of Barad-dûr the most fell of all his captains is already master of your outer walls,’ said Gandalf. ‘King of Angmar long ago, Sorcerer, Ringwraith, Lord of the Nazgûl, a spear of terror in the hand of Sauron, shadow of despair.’
‘Then, Mithrandir, you had a foe to match you,’ said Denethor. ‘For myself, I have long known who is
the chief captain of the hosts of the Dark Tower. '
- RotK
‘It is well,’ said Théoden. ‘I will ride now to the Hold, and there before I go to rest
I will meet the marshals and captains. Let them come to me as soon as may be!’
- RotK
'That will be the Captain: he can master both beasts and men. ’
- Beregond about Faramir, RotK
Alone of the messengers
Mablung, chief captain of the King, escaped, and he brought the dread tidings to Thingol.
(...)
Then
the hearts of the Noldor grew hot, and their captains wished to assail their foes upon the plain;
- Silmarillion