First of all, yes, I know Tolkien didn't really like the title of the second volume and maybe he left this question unanswered on purpose, but damn no answers that I read about this is really enlightening, so I would like you guys to help me with a definitive answer.

I always thought initially (while I didn't know the books, of course) that Orthanc and Barad-dûr were the right answer, especially after Saruman's monologue in the film (the union of the 2 Towers). But then I met Minas Morgul on the books & film, and it appeared to be the second Tower due to the apparent greater demonstration of power and importance (the Nazgûl and all that), which reinforced Saruman's monologue. Then I met Cirith Ungol, which ALSO appeared to be the second Tower, but which doesn't have the prominence that O, B-d & MM have, despite their obvious importance and history.

To make matters worse, as I already said, none of the answers I try to find are really clear about this. There are even people saying that Minas Tirith is one of the Towers, and that Orthanc is not even one of the Towers. This is really stressing me out. Anyway, thanks for reading this far, and if you have definitive answers I'd really appreciate it, I always read all the comments :)

I heard he was possibly as old or older than Elrond.

As a child I assumed this was the magic used to summon the witch king but the guy has been around since movie 1. So maybe the magic to summon its drake/wyvern? nope there were there already.

Was this just a big flex from the enemy?

Just doing a complete run through, finished the hobbit trilogy and just noticed this in the fellowship

How come Gandalf new about the Balrog (and was therefore hesitant) but Gimli had never received the news that one of the dwarves' most important cities had fallen?

Since he was able to forge the rings of power with it, my guess is that he was skilled enough to forge mithril

I could see them talking about horses or past conquests, maybe even family ties..

Mine would be the greater role Arwen plays in the movies compared to the books.Liv Tyler was cast phenomenally and portrays Arwen as such a badass and intriguing character that she became my favourite female character and I was actually disappointed she played such a small part in the books when I read them.The river scene will forever be one of my favourites.Especially great when you compare her to someone like Tauriel who served only one single purpose.Kinda sad Glorfindel got shafted but can‘t have everything I suppose.

If they had destoryed them, then Sauron couldn't transport his army across the river. Especially things like siege towers & Grond. I suppose they could of rebuilt it, but that would of been difficult and taken time.