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New Line Cinema Presents

The Return Of The King



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Storyboard 'The Return of the King' 25 March celebrates the Tolkien Society's 'Tolkien Reading Day' (day of the fall of Sauron).

The Lord Of The Rings


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The Return Of The King


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Boat on the Anduin: cousins, Déagol and Sméagol, are fishing.

Déagol: "Sméagol! I've got one! I've got a fish, Sméag!"
Sméagol: "Go on! Go on, pull it up!"

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The fish pulls Déagol out of the boat and into the water. Déagol loses grip on the pole as the fish escapes. He sees a ring in the river bed

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and scoops it out of the riverbed.

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Déagol returns to land, Sméagol sees the ring: "Give us that, Déagol, my love. Its my birthday.’ Déagol refuses. They fight, and the ring drops to the grass.
Ring: "Ash nazg durbatulûk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatulûk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul!"

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They struggle furiously to pick-up the ring.
Sméagol strangles Déagol, and takes the ring: "My Precious!"


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Sméagol: (voiceover): "They cursed us. Murderer, murderer they called us.”
The Ring progressively possess Sméagol.

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Sméagol: “They cursed us and drove us away!"
Sméagol finds and crawls into a cave in the Misty Mountains.

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Under the evil of the Ring, Sméagol transforms into Gollum.

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(Voiceover): "We even forgot our own name. My Precious."

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An age later: at the exit to the Osgiliath sewer

Sam (asleep), Frodo and Gollum.
Frodo dazed, is inspecting the Ring on its chain.

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Frodo hears Gollum coming, and hides the Ring again.
Gollum: "Wake up! Wake up! Wake up, sleepies! We must go, yes. We must go at once."

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Sam takes out and passes Frodo some Lembas bread, eating none himself: "There should be enough... for the journey home."

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Gollum urges Frodo and Sam to follow him quickly: “Very close to Mordor No safe places here. Hurry!
They walk into Mordor, as once they saw it in the distance in FOTR.

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End of Chapter 1: The Finding of The One Ring

Chapter 2: The Voice of Saruman

Watchwood, near Isengard

A group of riders move through the wood: Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Théoden and Éomer. At the end of the forest, a flooded, smouldering Isengard comes into view. Hobbit laughter is heard.

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It is from Merry and Pippin sitting on top of Isengard’s storeroom feasting, with Merry smoking

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and Pippin puffing on Longbottom leaf.
The two hobbits see the riders and welcome them, slightly inebriated:

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"We are sitting on the field of victory. The salted pork is particularly good. We're under orders from Treebeard, who's taken over management of Isengard."

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The riders approach the tower of Isengard, Orthanc

Treebeard: " Gandalf, I'm glad you've come, there's a Wizard to manage here, locked in his tower."

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Gandalf and company ride through the refuse of the flood to door of Isengard.

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Aragorn calls out to Saruman: "Show yourself."
Gimli suggests slaying Saruman and “be done with it".
Gandalf: "No, we need him alive. We need him to talk about Sauron’s plans."

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Saruman comes into view, standing on the top of the tower, asking: “Can we not have peace…?”

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Théoden: "When you hang from a gibbet for the sport of your own crows… we shall have peace."
Saruman from the pinnacle: "What do you want Gandalf Greyhame? The key of Barad-dûr itself…’

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Gandalf: "…Thousands are at risk, but you could save them. You were deep in the enemy's council."
Saruman: "So you have come here for information. I have some for you”, and he producing a palantir.

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Saruman: "Something festers in the heart of Middle-Earth. Something that you have failed to see. But the Great Eye has seen it. Even now he presses his advantage. His attack will come soon."

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Saruman: "You're all going to die. But you know this don't you, Gandalf. You cannot think that this Ranger will ever sit upon the throne of Gondor. This exile, crept from the shadows, will never be crowned king."

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Saruman: "Gandalf does not hesitate to sacrifice those closest to him, those he professes to love. Tell me what words of comfort did you give the halfling before you sent him to his doom?"

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Gandalf: "Come down Saruman, and your life will be spared."

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Saruman: "Save your pity and your mercy; I have no use for it!"
Saruman shoots a fireball from his staff.

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The flames shot from the pinnacle of Orthanc down


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to engulf Gandalf.

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To a shocked Saruman, Gandalf reappears unscathed.
Gandalf: "Saruman, your staff is broken."

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Saruman glares horrified as his staff shatters in his hand.

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From behind Saruman, a hunched figure approaches: Gríma Wormtongue.

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Théoden: "Gríma, you need not follow him. You were not always as you are now. You were once a man of Rohan! Come down. Be free of him."

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Saruman: "A man of Rohan. Victory at Helms Deep does not belong to you, Théoden, horsemaster! You are a lesser son of greater sires.” “Free? He will never be free."

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Grima: “No!”
Saruman to Gríma: "Get down, cur!" Saruman slaps Grima and he falls down.

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Gandalf: "Saruman, you were deep in the enemy's council. Tell us what you know.’
Saruman: "You withdraw your guard, and I will tell you where your doom will be decided."

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Gríma draws a dagger and lunges at Saruman, stabbing him in the back.

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Saruman grimaces, as blood gushes.

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Legolas fires an arrow which strikes Gríma.

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Gríma who falls down, dead.
Saruman falls off the tower and is impaled by the wheel spoke, his palantir falling into the water.


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Gandalf: "Send word to all our allies, and to every corner of Middle-Earth that still stands free. The enemy moves against us. We need to know where he will strike."

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Treebeard returns: "The filth of Saruman is washing away. Trees will come back to live here."

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Pippin sees a glowing orb in the water. He dismounts and picks it up, mesmerised by it.

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Gandalf: "Peregrin Took, I'll take that, my lad. Quickly now!"

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Pippin reluctantly hands Gandalf the orb. Gandalf covers it up, and the group start out for Edoras.

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End of Chapter 2: The Voice of Saruman

Chapter 3: Edoras

The group rides towards Edoras.
Éowyn is waiting outside the Golden Hall.

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Later inside the Golden Hall

Éowyn carries a celebration goblet

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and presents it to Théoden.

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Théoden: “Remember those who gave their blood... Hail the victorious dead!"

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Aragorn hesitates, thinking of those not present, then drinks from his tankard.

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The Rohirrim party in the Hall.
Éowyn approaches Aragorn, handing him a goblet: "Westu, Aragorn, hál" (‘Be-thou Aragorn well’).
Aragorn takes a goblet from Éowyn, and drinks from it.

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Éowyn smiles at Aragorn.


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Aragorn returns the cup and walks away.
Théoden joins Éowyn: "I am happy for you. He is an honourable man."

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Éowyn: "You are both honourable men."
Théoden: "It was not Théoden of Rohan who led our people to victory. Ah, don't listen to me…”

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The celebration continues

While Merry and Pippin are dancing and singing on a tabletop, Gimli challenges Legolas to a drinking contest.


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After the draining of many tankards, Gimli passes out.
Legolas smugly smiling: "I feel something. A slight tingling in my fingers. I think it's affecting me… Game over.”

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Aragorn and Gandalf are discussing that no news has been received about Frodo.
Aragorn: "We have time... What does your heart tell you?”
Gandalf: "That Frodo is alive. Yes, he is alive."

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End of Chapter 3: Edoras

Chapter 4: A villain revealed

Ephel Dúath: Frodo and Sam are asleep.

Gollum has woken and creeps down to and looks into a pool, and sees his (Sméagol’s) reflection.

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Gollum: "Shhh! Quiet! Mustn't wake them! Mustn't ruin it now!"
Sméagol: "But they knows! They knows! They suspects us!"
Gollum: "What's it saying, my precious, my love? Is Sméagol losing his nerve?"

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Sméagol: "No! Not! Never! Sméagol hates nasty hobbitses! Sméagol wants to see them… dead!"
Gollum: "And we will. Sméagol did it once. He can do it again."

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Gollum: "Patience, my love. First we must lead them to her."
Sméagol: "We lead them to the stairs and tunnel."
Gollum: "And when they go in, there's no coming out.”

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Gollum: "She hungers for sweeter meats. Hobbit meat. When she throws away the bones…we will find It!"
Sméagol: "And take it for me!"
Gollum: "For us."
Sméagol (afraid): "Yes, we meant, we meant for us."

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Sam awakes, overhears, and hitting Gollum: "You treacherous little thief!”
Sam, to a now woken Frodo: "He's a villain. I heard it from his own mouth! He means to murder us!"

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Gollum: "Never! Sméagol wouldn't hurt a fly! Fat hobbit who hates Sméagol makes up nasty lies!"
Frodo: "Sam! Leave him alone! We can't do this by ourselves. Not without a guide.”

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Frodo: “I need you on my side. Trust me Sam. Come Sméagol”
Gollum, hand in hand with Frodo, grins evily back at Sam.

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End of Chapter 4: A villain revealed

Chapter 5: The Palantír

Night comes to Edoras. In a communal sleeping room.

Aragorn leaves carrying his pipe. He pauses to stoke a fire near a sleeping Éowyn.
As Éowyn stirs, Aragorn covers her feet and shoulders with a blanket.

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Éowyn grasps his hand, he sits down.
Éowyn: "I dreamed I saw a great wave, climbing over green lands and above the hills. I stood upon the brink. It was utterly dark in the abyss before my feet. A light shone behind me but I could not turn. I could only stand there, waiting."

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Aragorn: "Night changes many thoughts. Sleep, Éowyn. Sleep… while you can."
Aragorn leaves the Golden Hall.

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Outside the Golden Hall

Legolas is standing alone, looking at the sky: "The stars are veiled. Something stirs in the East. A sleepless malice. The Eye of the enemy is moving."

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Aragorn joins him, looking towards Mordor.

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Within the Golden Hall

Pippin is unable to sleep; he is driven to look again into the Palantir. He takes the Palantír from a sleeping eye-wide-open Gandalf, telling Merry: "I just want to look at it! Just one more time."

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Outside the Hall

Legolas: "He is here!"

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Inside the Hall

Pippin becomes affixed to the glowing stone and could not release the palantir, as he heard Sauron say: "I see you!"

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Aragorn and Legolas rush in. Pippin, stuck to the burning orb, writhes in pain.
Aragorn grabs the Palantír, which sticks, then falls from his hands, rolls across the floor.

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Gandalf throws a cloth over it: "Fool of a Took!", then sees Pippin collapsed, terrified.


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Gandalf revives Pippin: “What did you see?"
Pippin: "A tree… there was a white tree in a courtyard of stone… it was dead. The city was burning."

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Pippin: “I saw… I saw Him! I could hear His voice in my head! He asked me my name. I didn't answer.”
Gandalf: "What did you tell Him about Frodo and the Ring?"

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End of Chapter 5: The Palantír

Chapter 6: To Minas Tirith

In the Golden Hall: Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Merry, and Pippin are present.

Gandalf talks to Théoden: "There was no lie in Pippin's eyes. A fool, but an honest fool. He told Sauron nothing of Frodo and the Ring. We've been fortunate. Pippin saw Sauron moves to strike Minas Tirith.”

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Gandalf: “Saruman's defeat at Helm's Deep showed men are not as weak as he supposed; there is courage still, strength perhaps to challenge him. Sauron fears the peoples of Middle-earth uniting and that the heir of Elendil has come forth.”

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Gandalf: "Sauron will raze Minas Tirith to the ground.”

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Gandalf: “If the Beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war."
Théoden: "Tell me, why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours?”

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Gandalf to Théoden: “Things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride for Minas Tirith."
Aragorn: "They must be warned, I will go."

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Gandalf to Aragorn: "No, they will be warned. You must come to Minas Tirith by another road. Follow the river and look to the black ships."

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Outside the Great Hall

Gandalf makes his way to the Edoras stables, followed by Merry explaining to Pippin: "The enemy thinks you have the Ring! He's going to be looking for you, Pip. They have to get you out of here."

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Inside the stables

Gandalf readies Shadowfax, lifts Pippin up: "Run, Shadowfax. Show us the meaning of haste."
Shadowfax gallops out of the stables.

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Merry runs after them. He climbs up to a watchtower; Aragorn following him: "He's always followed me. Everywhere I went, since before we were tweens. I would get him into the worst sort of trouble.”

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Merry: “But I was always there to get him out. And now he's gone just like Frodo, and Sam."
Aragorn puts his hand on Merry's shoulder: "One thing I've learned about hobbits: they are the most hardy folk."

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End of Chapter 6: To Minas Tirith

Chapter 7: Arwen's Choice

In the forest, on the trail to Mithlond

Arwen, along with a group of elves, rides her horse down a wooded path.
Elrond (voiceover): "Take her by the safest road. A ship waits to carry her across the Sea. The last journey of Arwen Undómiel."

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Arwen stops, glances over to the forest and sees a small boy running past the elves. A vision of a gray-haired Aragorn appears. He runs to the boy. Aragorn takes him in his arms and spins him around, laughing.

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The boy stares at Arwen, somberly. The boy is shown wearing Arwen's Evenstar pendant. Elrond (voiceover): "There is nothing for you here, only death."
Arwen realises that in fact there is her son.

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Arwen turns Asfaloth around. The other elves continue to reach the last ship to the West.
She gallops back to Rivendell.

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Arwen rushes to Elrond: “Tell me what you have seen. You have the gift of foresight, what did you see?”


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Elrond: "I looked into your future and I saw death."
Arwen: "But there was also life. You saw there was a child. You saw my son."

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Elrond: "But that future is almost gone."
Arwen: "But it is not lost!

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Arwen: “There is still hope.”

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Elrond: "Nothing is certain."

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Arwen: "Some things are certain! If I leave him now, I will regret it forever…

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...It is time.”

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At the shrine of the Shards of Narsil

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Flashback to the Last Alliance battle with Sauron

Arwen ‘sees’ Sauron and his Ring

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Elendil’s doom and Isildur taking up Elendil’s shattered sword, and severing Sauron’s finger and the Ring.

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Arwen (voiceover): "From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring, renewed shall be the blade that was broken. The crownless again shall be King."

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In the House of Elrond

Arwen speaks to Elrond: "Reforge this Sword… Ada." (father)

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Rivendell elven forge

Two elven swordsmiths at the forge are reforging the shards of Narsil.

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Elrond watches as the sword is reforged.

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Arwen’s chamber

Arwen is standing inspecting a book.

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She sits down to read it.

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As her energy wanes, it slowly slips from her hold.

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Elrond sits with Arwen: "Your hands are cold. The life of the Eldar is leaving you."

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Elrond takes her hands and comforts her.

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Arwen: "This was my choice. Adar, whether by your will or not, there is no ship now that can bear me hence."

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End of Chapter 7: Arwen's Choice

Chapter 8: The Steward of Gondor

Plains of Rohan to Gondor

Gandalf and Pippin ride Shadowfax out of a forest and across a plain.
Gandalf: "We have just passed into the realm of Gondor!"

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Shadowfax crests a hill and a large city appears, built into a mountain of white rock.
Gandalf: "Minas Tirith, City of Kings."

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They ride to the city gates. The tiers of the White City gleam in the sun.

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They ride through the city, up to the top, the seventh tier of the White City, where the Citadel and White Tower of Ecthelion are located (1000 feet above the plain); protected by Gondorian guards.

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Pippin sees a tree: "It's the tree, Gandalf.”
Gandalf: "Yes, the White Tree of Gondor, the tree of the King. Lord Denethor however is not the king.”

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Before the Throne Room

Gandalf hesitates to speak to Pippin: "Lord Denethor is Boromir's father. To give him news of his beloved son's death would be most unwise…Do not mention Frodo or the Ring, or Aragorn… In fact, it's better if you don't speak at all.”

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Within the Throne Room

Gandalf slowly approaches Denethor, who sits on the Stewards' Throne, his face lowered.

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Denethor holds the broken Horn of Gondor in his hands.

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Gandalf: "Hail, Denethor, Lord and Steward of Gondor. I come with tidings in this dark hour.”
Denethor: "Perhaps you've come to tell me why my son is dead."

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A flashback to the battle of Amon Hen

Boromir is killed by Lurtz

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In Minas Tirith

Pippin walks to face Denethor: "Boromir died to save us, my kinsmen and me. He fell defending us from many foes. "I offer you my service, such as it is, in payment of this debt."

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Denethor: "My first command. How did you escape and my son did not? So mighty a man as he was."
Pippin: "The mightiest man may be slain by one arrow, and Boromir was pierced by many."

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Gandalf pushes Pippin out of the way: "My lord, there will be a time to grieve for Boromir, but it is not now. War is coming. The enemy is on your doorstep! As Steward, you're charged with the defence of this city. Where are Gondor's armies?"

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Gandalf: "You have friends. You're not alone in this fight. Send word to Théoden. Light the beacons."
Denethor: "You think you are wise, Mithrandir, yet you have not wisdom. Do you think the eyes of the White Towers are blind?

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Denethor: ‘I have seen more than you know.”
It was rumoured that Denethor had used a palantir, as Gandalf said after Denethor’s passing: “When his wisdom failed; and I fear that as the peril of his realm grew he looked into the Stone and was deceived…”

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Denethor: "I know who rides with Théoden: Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and I tell you now: I will not bow to this Ranger from the north. Last of a ragged house long bereft of Lordship!"
Gandalf: "Authority is not given to you to deny the return of the King, Steward!"

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Denethor rises: "The whole rule of Gondor is mine! And no others'!"

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Gandalf (to Pippin): "Come!" “All has turned to vain ambition! He would even use his grief as a cloak.”
As they walk out, the door opens, revealing the courtyard, its tree, and in the distance, Mordor.

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Gandalf: "A thousand years this city has stood. Now, at the whim of a madman it will fall. The White Tree waits in the hope that a new king will come and a new line of kingship will rule again.”

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Gandalf and Pippin look over to Mordor as dark grey plumes rise and spread towards Gondor.
Gandalf: "This is the device of Sauron's making. A broil of fumes he sends ahead of his orcs.”

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Gandalf: “He covers the face of the sun to ease their passage along the road to war. When the shadow of Mordor reaches this city, it will begin… There's no leaving this city. Help must come to us.”

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End of Chapter 8: The Steward of Gondor

Chapter 9: The WitchKing of Angmar

Ithilien: Gollum leads Sam and Frodo through the wilderness

Frodo stops: "It's just a feeling. I don't think I'll be coming back."
Sam: "Yes you will, of course you will. We're goin there and back again, just like Mister Bilbo. You'll see.”

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They come across the head of a statue lying on the ground, where flowers have grown around as a crown.
Gollum: "Come on, Hobbits! Mustn't stop now. This way."

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Minas Tirith at night

Gandalf is standing out on a balcony looking out to Mordor .
Pippin joins him: "It's so quiet.”

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Gandalf: "It's the deep breath before the plunge."
Pippin: "I don't want to be in a battle, but waiting on the edge of one is even worse! Is there any hope?”

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Gandalf: "There never was much hope. Our enemy is ready, his full strength gathers. Not only orcs, but men as well, legions of Haradrim from the South, mercenaries from the coast,

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all answer Mordor's call, some with lumbering Mumakil (war Oliphants).

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Gandalf: "This will be the end of Gondor as we know it. Here the hammer stroke will fall the hardest. If the river is taken, if the garrison at Osgiliath falls, the last defence of this city will be gone."

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Gandalf: "Sauron has yet to reveal his deadliest servant. The one who would lead Mordor's armies in war. The one they say no living man can kill: the WitchKing of Angmar.”

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In Minas Morgul

The WitchKing of Angmar prepares for battle.

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Gandalf: "You've met him before. He stabbed Frodo on Weathertop. He is the lord of the Nazgûl, the greatest of the nine. Minas Morgul is his lair."


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A flashback to Weathertop

The Nazgûl approaching the hobbits.

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The WitchKing reaching for the Ring

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and stabs Frodo with the Morgul blade.

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Minas Morgul

Gollum leads Frodo and Sam to the other side of the road to the city.

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Gollum points out a long, steep staircase, set into the rock.
Frodo wanders towards the dead city, past a pair of gargoyles.

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Gollum: "Not that way! What's it doing?"
Frodo: "They're calling me."

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Frodo mesmerised, stares at Minas Morgul.

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As Sam and Gollum rush to pull Frodo away, the middle of the city erupts with a bright blue-green light, Frodo and Sam look up horrified.

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In Minas Tirith

The eruption is visible to Gandalf and Pippin on the balcony.
Gandalf: "The board is set. The pieces are moving. We come to it at last, the great battle of our time.”

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In Minas Morgul

The WitchKing emerges from Minas Morgul, mounted on a fell beast.

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He emits a deafening cry.

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Sam and Frodo flinch with the cry, and Frodo grabs his shoulder in pain: "I can feel his blade."


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An orc army leaves Minas Morgul and crosses the bridge, marching towards Minas Tirith.

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Gollum: "Hurry, hobbits! We climb! We must climb!"

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End of Chapter 9: The WitchKing of Angmar

Chapter 10: The Beacons of War

At the Cirith Ungol stair

Gollum leads the hobbits up the steep stairs.
Frodo and Sam look up at them.

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Sam warns/threatens Gollum. The hobbits continue climbing. Gollum grins up at Sam and follows.

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In the morning in Minas Tirith

Gandalf walks Pippin towards the top of Minas Tirith: "Peregrin Took, there is a task now to be done. Another opportunity for one of the Shire-folk to prove their great worth. You must not fail me."

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In Osgiliath

Madril to Faramir: “If the Orcs attack from the north, we'll have some warning."
Gothmog directs boats filled with armed orcs rowing towards Osgiliath: "Quiet!"

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Faramir realises the orcs are coming via the river. He rallies his men for the attack: "To the river! Quick!”
Faramir and his men gather behind pillars at the riverbank.

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As the Orcs arrive on shore, Faramir's men attack.

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But the orcs swarm into the city.

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In Minas Tirith

Gandalf takes Pippin to the signal beacon.
Pippin climbs to the top, evading the guards.

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He tosses the lit lamp onto the wood.

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To Pippin's shock it quickly catches fire. He scrambles down safely.
As Gandalf watches, the beacon burns: "Hope is rekindled."

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The guard on watch sees the next signal light-up: "The beacon of Amon Dîn is lit!"
Denethor looks out of a window and frowns.

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Signals successively light-up.
Amon Dîn alight in background; Eilenach in foreground; to Halifirien, where Aragorn sees it and runs to Théoden.

241b

241c

241cc

241ccc

241cccc

241ccccc

Aragorn, bursting through doors: "The Beacons of Minas Tirith! The Beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!"

243b

243c

Théoden, in council, pauses and then announces: "And Rohan will answer. Muster the Rohirrim!"

244b

244c

Éowyn watches Théoden with pride at his decision.

245b

245c

A soldier rings the alarm bell, calling men to arms.

246b

246c

Théoden exits Meduseld, speaking with Éomer: "Assemble the army at Dunharrow, as many men as can be found. You have two days. On the third, we ride for Gondor. And war."

247b

247c

At Edoras’ stables: Aragorn and Éowyn meet as they saddle up

Aragorn uncovers a sword, hidden in Éowyn's saddle.
Éowyn: "The men have found their captain, they will follow you even to death. You have given us hope."

248b

248c

Merry presents his service to Théoden, who accepts him as "...Meriadoc, esquire of Rohan."
Legolas and Gimli prepare to depart. Théoden takes one last look at his kingdom's banner.

249b

249c

Théoden (voiceover): "So it is before the walls of Minas Tirith, the doom of our time will be decided."
Éomer: "Now is the hour, Riders of Rohan, oaths you have taken! Now, fulfil them all! To Lord and Land!"

250b

250c

End of Chapter 10: The Beacons of War

Chapter 11: Retreat from Osgiliath

In Osgiliath

The Gondorian soldiers are overwhelmed by orcs and Nazgûl. Faramir gives the order to retreat.
Madril lies injured. Gothmog takes a spear and kills him: "The age of Men is over. The time of the Orc has come."

260b

260c

The Nazgûl attack the soldiers in desperate retreat, tossing horses and men through the air to their death.

261b

261c

On Shadowfax, Gandalf races to the aid of the soldiers, his staff sets off a bright, white light, blinding the Nazgûl, which fly away. The soldiers and Gandalf ride on to Minas Tirith.

262b

262c

Inside the gates of the White City: Faramir comes to Gandalf

Faramir: “The orcs have taken the bridge and the West bank." He stares at Pippin.
Gandalf: "Faramir? This is not the first halfling to have crossed your path?"

263b

263c

Faramir: "No. In Ithilien, not two days ago. Frodo and Sam are taking the road to the Morgul Vale."
Gandalf: "And then the Pass of Cirith Ungol. Faramir, tell me everything. Tell me all you know."

264b

264c

In the citadel, Faramir stands before his father.

Denethor: "You sent the Ring of Power into Mordor in the hands of a witless halfling. It should have been brought back to the Citadel to be kept safe. Hidden not to be used unless at the uttermost… end of need."

265b

265c

Faramir: "I would not use the Ring. Not if Minas Tirith were falling in ruin and I alone could save her."
Denethor: "Ever you desire to appear gracious as a king of old. Boromir would have brought me this kingly gift."

266b

266c

Faramir: "Boromir would not have brought the Ring. He would have taken it. He would've fallen."
Denethor angrily jumps up: "You know nothing of this! Boromir was loyal to me!” He cries and falls, demented.

267b

267c

Faramir runs to his side, Denethor rises, and looks over Faramir's shoulder and smiles: “My son!”, hallucinating the image of Boromir, which fades.

268b

268c

Denethor is left looking at Faramir. His mood shifts back to anger: yelling to Faramir: "Leave me!"
Faramir hesitates, and departs from the hall; his father staring at his departure.

269b

269c

End of Chapter 11: Retreat from Osgiliath

Chapter 12: Faramir's loyalty

Stairs of Cirith Ungol: Gollum, Frodo, and Sam climb.

Gollum reaches a ledge and looks down at a struggling Frodo: "Careful, master! Very far to fall!”
Gollum sees the One Ring around Frodo's neck. He reaches for it.

280b

280c

Sam sees Gollum’s ominous reach: "Get back, you! Don't touch him!"
Gollum pulls Frodo up onto the ledge: "Why does he hates poor Sméagol?”

281b

281c

Gollum takes Frodo aside while Sam climbs onto the ledge: "He wants It. He needs It, Sméagol sees it in his eyes! Very soon he will ask you for It! You will see! The fat one will take it from you!"

282b

282c

Osgiliath: The Witch-King of Angmar lauds over the orcs

WitchKing: "Send forth all legions. Do not stop the attack until the city is taken. Slay them all."

283b

283c

Gothmog: "What of the wizard?"
Witch-King: "I will break him."


284c

On the walls of Minas Tirith, Gandalf and the soldiers look towards Osgiliath

The soldiers ask Gandalf about when Rohan’s army will come.
Gandalf: "Courage is the best defence that you have now."

285b

285c

Outside the Hall of Kings: Pippin sits in his Gondorian armour

Faramir appears, and confirms Pippin’s armour belonged to him as a child: though “Boromir was always the soldier. They were so alike, he and my father. Proud. Stubborn even. But strong."

286b

286c

Pippin: "I think you have strength of a different kind. And one day your father will see it."

287b

287c

Inside Gondor's throne room: Pippin kneels before Denethor swearing allegiance. Faramir observes

Denethor (to Faramir) "Disloyalty with vengeance. I do not think we should so lightly abandon the outer defences. Defences that your brother long held intact. Osgiliath must be retaken.”
He sits to eat.

288b

288c

Faramir: "My lord, Osgiliath is overrun."
Denethor: "Much must be risked in war. Is there a Captain here who has the courage to do his lord's will?"

289b

289c

Faramir: "You wish now that our places had been exchanged. That I had died and Boromir had lived."
Denethor (eating): "Yes. I wish that."

290b

290c

Faramir: "Since you are robbed of Boromir, I will do what I can in his stead. If I should return, think better of me, father."
Denethor: "That will depend on the manner of your return." Denethor takes up his goblet to drink.

291b

291c

Faramir walks slowly away, to do as his father's will.

292b

292c

End of Chapter 12: Faramir's loyalty

Chapter 13: Missing Lembas

On a ledge on the secret stair, Sam and Frodo are asleep, Gollum is awake

Gollum open’s Sam’s backpack. He takes out the Lembas, scatters crumbs on Sam's cloak. He then throws the remainder of the food over the ledge.

300b

300c

Sam awoke, suspicious but has not seen what Gollum has done: "Where are you off to? Sneaking off are we?"
Gollum: "Sneaking? Sneaking! Fat hobbit is always so polite.” "Sneaking."

301b

301c

Sam wakes Frodo and checks his pack: "It's gone! The elven bread!, Gollum took it! He must have!"

302b

302c

Gollum: "No, Sméagol hates nasty Elf bread." “Look”, wiping crumbs off Sam’s jacket: “He took it.”

303b

303c

Sam in a fit of fury, attacks Gollum: "That's a filthy lie! You stinking filth face!"
Frodo: "Sam! No!" Frodo collapses.
Sam halts his attack and tries to explain and tend to an exhausted Frodo.

304b

304c

Sam: "You're exhausted….It's that thing around your neck. I… could help a bit. I could carry it for a while…"
Frodo remembers Gollum’s warning, horrified: "Get away! It is not Gollum Sam…it is you! Go home!”

305b

305c

Distraught, Sam collapses, crying, as Frodo and Gollum continue up the stairs.

306b

306c

End of Chapter 13: Missing Lembas

Chapter 14: The Muster of Rohan

Minas Tirith: Faramir leads a group of cavalry slowly out of Minas Tirith.

Citizens watch on, looking sad. Some throw flowers in the men's path.
Gandalf pushes through the crowd: “Faramir! Your father's will is turned to madness. Do not throw away your life so rashly."

310b

310c

Faramir: "Where does my allegiance lie if not here? I will gladly give my life to defend the city…”
Gandalf: "Your father loves you, Faramir. He will remember it before the end."

311b

311c

On Pelennor Fields

The cavalry forms a line and rides towards Osgiliath.


312c

At Osgiliath

The orcs are armed and ready, and waiting.

313b

313c

Gothmog watches the advance, waiting to give the order for the massacre.

314b

314c

Hall of Kings

Denethor sits at a banquet: Pippin is watching-on.

315b

315c

Denethor eating (to Pippin): "Come, sing me a song."

316b

316c

Pippin starts to sing his haunting melody: ‘The Edge of Night’: "Home is behind, the world ahead and there are many paths to tread."

317b

317c

Pippin singing: "Through shadow to the edge of night until the stars are all alight."
Denethor continues to eat.

318b

318c

Faramir leads his cavalry to their final charge…

319b

319c

Pippin: "All shall fade..."
As Pippin's song ends, orc archers fire from within Osgiliath on Faramir's men, all but dying in a hail of arrows.

320b

320c

Pippin senses the massacre outside, holds back tears
Gandalf sits in an empty courtyard. A bell tolls.

321b

321c

Encampment at Dunharrow: Théoden and Aragorn survey the army

Théoden: "Six thousand spears - less than half of what I'd hoped for. Not enough, but more will come."
Aragorn: "Every hour lost hastens Gondor's defeat. We have till dawn. Then we must ride."

322b

322c

Near the path (road to the Dimholt): A horse rears.

Legolas: "The horses are restless, and the men are quiet."
Éomer reveals: “They grow nervous in the shadow of the mountain.”

323b

323c

Éomer: "None who venture there ever return. That mountain is evil."
Aragorn looks down the path and

324b

324c

sees a ghostly green figure in the distance on the road.

325b

325c

At night, inside a tent, Éowyn helps Merry dress for battle.

Éowyn sends Merry to smithy to sharpen his sword. He exits the tent, passing Éomer.
Éomer to Éowyn: "You should not encourage him… I do not doubt his heart, just the reach of his arm."

326b

326c

Éowyn: "Why should Merry be left behind? He has as much cause to go to war as you!”

327b

327c

Éowyn: "Why can he not fight for those he loves?"

328b

328c

Éomer: "You know as little of war as that Hobbit. When the fear and horror of battle takes him, do you think he would stand and fight? He would flee, and he would be right to do so. War is the province of men, Éowyn."

329b

329c

End of Chapter 14: The Muster of Rohan

Chapter 15: Andúril

Dunharrow (deep night): a cloaked rider approaches

Sleeping, Aragorn has a vision of Arwen saying: "I choose a mortal life. I wish I could have seen him, one last time."
The Evenstar pendant falls to the floor and shatters.

340b

340c

Aragorn wakes with a shout. A soldier stands in the doorway: ‘King Théoden awaits you, my Lord.”
Aragorn enters Théoden's tent. There is a seated, cloaked figure. Théoden leaves.

341b

341c

Elrond lifts his hood: "Arwen is dying. The light of the Evenstar is failing. As Sauron's power grows, her strength wanes. Her life is now tied to the fate of the Ring. The shadow is upon us, Aragorn. The end has come."

342b

342c

Aragorn: "It will not be our end but His."

343b

343c

Elrond: "You ride to war but not to victory. Sauron's armies march on Minas Tirith and Corsair ships will attack by sea. You need more men. Those who… dwell in the mountain."
A flash shows a leering ghost.

344b

344c

Aragorn: "Murderers! Traitors! They believe in nothing! They answer to no one."

345b

345c

Elrond: "They will answer to the King of Gondor.”
He reveals Andúril: “forged from the shards of Narsil.”

346b

346c

Aragorn: "Sauron will not have forgotten the Sword of Elendil. The blade that was broken shall return to Minas Tirith.”

347b

347c

Elrond: "The man who can wield the power of this sword can summon to him an army more deadly than any that walks this earth. Put aside the ranger. Become who you were born to be. Take the Dimholt road."

348b

348c

Elrond: "Ónen i-Estel Edain." (I gave hope to the Dúnedain.)
Aragorn: "Ú-chebin Estel anim." (I have kept no hope for myself.)

349b

349c

In the camp

Aragorn readies his horse to depart.
Éowyn rushes up to him: "Why are you doing this? The war lies to the East. You cannot leave on the eve of battle!"

350b

350c

Éowyn (struggling for words): "You cannot abandon the men. We need you here."

351b

351c

Aragorn: "Why have you come?"

352b

352c

Éowyn: "Do you not know?"

353b

353c

Aragorn: "It is but a shadow and a thought that you love. I cannot give you what you seek. I have wished you joy since first I saw you."

354b

354c

Aragorn touches her face then turns and walks away.

355b

355c

Éowyn is shocked and devastated.

356b

356c

Aragorn looks after Éowyn as she rushes off, saddened…

357b

357c

Aragorn leads Brego towards the Dimholt Road

Gimli approaches Aragorn: "Just where do you think you're off to?"
Aragorn: "Not this time. This time you must stay, Gimli."

358b

358c

Legolas appears with his horse: "Have you learned nothing of the stubbornness of dwarves?"
Gimli: "Might as well accept it. We're going with you, laddie."

359b

359c

The three start off on the Dimholt and disappear into the darkness.

360b

360c

Soldiers, seeing them depart, ask where Aragorn is going, why is he leaving them.
Gamling: "He leaves because there is no hope. Too few have come. We cannot defeat the armies of Mordor."

361b

361c

Théoden joins the soldiers: "He leaves because he must. We cannot defeat Mordor, but we will meet them in battle nonetheless."

362b

362c

End of Chapter 15: Andúril

Chapter 16: Departure from Dunharrow

At dawn

Éowyn is deeply saddened watching the sunrise (as she once faced the towers).
Théoden joins her: "I have left instructions. The people are to follow your rule in my stead.”

370b

370c

Théoden: “Take up my seat in the Golden Hall. Long may you defend Edoras if the battle goes ill."
Éowyn: "What other duty would you have me do, my lord?"

371b

371c

Théoden: "Duty? No. I would have you smile again. Do not grieve for those whose time has come. You shall live to see these days renewed. No more despair."

372b

372c

He lovingly caresses her.

373b

373c

The barren mountain path: Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas ride along

Gimli: "What kind of army would linger in such a place?"
Legolas: "One that is cursed."

374b

374c

Legolas: "The Men of the Mountain swore an oath to the king of Gondor to come to his aid. But when the time came, they fled into the mountain. So Isildur cursed them, never to rest, until they had fulfilled their pledge."

375b

375c

"Who shall call them from the grey twilight? The heir of him to whom the oath they swore. From the north shall he come. Need shall drive him. He shall pass the door to the Paths of the Dead."

376b

376c

They approach the Dimholt door. It is adorned with skulls.
Legolas reads the hieroglyphs above the door: “The way is shut. It was made by those who were dead, and the dead keep it. The way is shut.'"

377b

377c

Wind and noise come out of the door. The horses rear and flee.
Aragorn enters the mountain: "I do not fear death!"

378b

378c

Legolas soon follows.

379b

379c

Gimli hestitates: "Well this is something unheard of! An elf will go underground where a dwarf dare not! Ah, I'd never hear the end of it!" and he runs into the tunnel.

380b

380c

Morning at Dunharrow. The Rohirrim prepare to depart.

Théoden to Eomer: "We must ride light and swift. The men and beast must reach the end with a strength to fight."
Théoden notices Merry in armour: “Little hobbits do not belong in war, Master Meriadoc."

381b

381c

Merry: "All my friends have gone to battle. I will be ashamed to be left behind! I want to fight"
Théoden: "It is a three day gallop to Minas Tirith and none of my riders can bear you as a burden. I will say no more."

382b

382c

Théoden rides away, leaving a despairing Merry.
One of the riders snatches Merry up onto his horse. Éowyn, disguised as a Rohirrim: "Ride with me."
Merry: "My lady!"

383b

383c

Théoden: "Ride! Ride now for Gondor!"
A column of riders flows out of the encampment.


384c

End of Chapter 16: Departure from Dunharrow

Chapter 17: The Paths of the Dead

Pelennor Fields, Minas Tirith

A large army of orcs and battle trolls approaches Minas Tirith.

390b

390c

Trolls beat drums and push large siege towers.

391b

391c

Dwimorberg, the Mountain of the Dead

Aragorn's party moves inside, past piles of skulls on walls and beneath their feet, to the great hall.
A ghost appears, the King of the Dead (KOTD): "Who enters my domain?"

392b

392c

Aragorn: "One who will have your allegiance."
KOTD: "The dead do not suffer the living to pass."
Aragorn: "You will suffer me!"

393b

393c

KOTD laughs.
A dead city appears. Dead soldiers walk out of the city and encircle the living.
KOTD: "The way is shut. It was made by those who are dead. And the dead keep it. Now you must die."

394b

394c

Aragorn: "I summon you to fulfil your oath."
KOTD: "None but the King of Gondor may command me!"
Aragorn draws the reforged sword of the King of Gondor.

395b

395c

KOTD swings at Aragorn. Aragorn parries with the Sword of Elendil.
KOTD: "That sword was broken!"
Aragorn: "It has been remade. Fight for us, and regain your honour. What say you?

396b

396c

Aragorn implores the dead soldiers: "What say you?!"
Gimli: "You waste your time, Aragorn! They had no honour in life, they have none now in death."

397b

397c

Aragorn: "I am Isildur's heir. Fight for me and I will hold your oaths fulfilled! What say you!"
KOTD laughs as his army begins to fade.
Aragorn: "You have my word! Fight, and I will release you from this living death! What say you?"

398b

398c

The ground shakes. Skulls roll on the floor. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli turn to the breaking doorway to see thousands of skulls flowing out of it, they fight their way through the sculls and escape.

399b

399c

Emerging from the doorway in the mountainside, Aragorn sees the black ships and the cities they have sacked.

400b

400c

Aragorn falls to his knees in despair. Legolas comforts him.

401b

401c

Aragorn, distraught, feels he has failed to convince the KOTD to fight for him.

402b

402c

Aragorn hears a sound behind him and turns around.
KOTD appears before him: "We fight!"

403b

403c

End of Chapter 17: The Paths of the Dead

Chapter 18: The Siege of Gondor

In Minas Tirith

As the orc army nears Minas Tirith, a horse drags a wounded Faramir to its gates. Faramir is taken, on a litter, to the citadel's courtyard.
Denethor runs to Faramir: "Faramir? Say not that he has fallen."

500b

500c

On Pelennor Field in the orc army camp

Gothmog rides a snarling warg: "Fear. The city is rank with it. Let us ease their pain. Release the prisoners!"
An orc lieutenant with a skull impaled on top of his helmet relays the order: "Catapults! Ha!"

501b

501c

On the wall of Minas Tirith

Soldiers duck behind their shields as the heads of their fellow soldiers fall, slain and beheaded in the attack on Osgiliath. The soldiers scream with revulsion…

502b

502c

Citadel's courtyard

Denethor wails as he moves from Faramir: "My sons are spent. My line has ended.”
Pippin bends over Faramir: "He's alive! He needs medicine my Lord!"

503b

503c

Meanwhile, the Morgul army pound the city with stone catapults, loaded by trolls, smashing the towers and killing soldiers.

504b

504c

Denethor goes to the edge of the courtyard. He looks down to see the orc army: “The house of Stewards has failed. Rohan has deserted us. Théoden has betrayed me. Abandon your posts! Flee! Flee for your lives!”

505b

505c

Horrified by Denethor’s command, Gandalf hits him with his staff, knocking him out.
He countermands Denethor: "Prepare for battle."



Gandalf rides to the parapet and looks out at the opposing army.

507b

507c

Gandalf: "Send these foul beasts into the abyss!" Soldiers use trebuchets to launch rocks at the orc army.
The masonry squashes orcs. Gothmog: "Stay where you are." He spits on a rock which he just sidestepped.

508b

508c

Suddenly the Nazgûl appear on fellbeasts.

509b

509c

The fellbeasts dive at the city and tear down the trebuchets, diving and killing soldiers.
Gandalf: "Hold them back. Do not give in to fear! Stay at your posts!"


510c

Trolls push siege towers against the city walls, and orcs pour over. Gandalf fights them off with staff and sword.

511b

511c

Pippin appears.
Gandalf: "Go back to the citadel. This is no place for a hobbit!" Gandalf turns to flay an orc.
Pippin sees another about to strike Gandalf. Pippin stabs the orc, killing it.

512b

512c

Gandalf sees this courageous act: "Guard of the Citadel indeed! Now back up the hill! Quick!”
Pippin retreats.


513c

At the gate of Minas Tirith

Gothmog: "Grond will breach it. Bring up the wolf's head."
A great battering ram is pulled and pushed towards the city gates: orc army chant: ‘Grond, Grond!”

514b

514c


End of Chapter 18: The Siege of Gondor

Chapter 19: Corsairs and Shelob's Lair

Pelargir: The corsairs sail upriver.

Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas stand alone on the shore watching them.
Aragorn: "You may go no further. You will not enter Gondor."
Corsair: "Who are you to deny us passage?"

520b

520c

Aragorn: "Legolas, fire a warning shot past the bosun's ear."
As he fires, Gimli nudges Legolas' bow, causing the arrow to hit a pirate (Jackson cameo) square in the chest.

521b

521c

Gimli: "Oh! That's it. We warned you. Prepare to be boarded."

522b

522c

Corsair: "Boarded, by you and whose army?"
Aragorn: "This army."
The KOTD runs through Aragorn, leading his men to charge the ships.
The sailors recoil in terror.

523b

523c

Cirith Ungol: Gollum motions Frodo to enter a tunnel, Frodo hesitates.

Gollum (impatiently): "It's the only way! Go in or go back."
Frodo: "I cannot go back."
He enters the gloom, scared he calls out “Sméagol” no answer, “Sam!”

524b

524c

At the bottom of the stairs

Sam slips down the final steps.
On the ground, he sees the Lembas. Realising Gollum’s trick, he quickly begins to reclimb the steps, intent on saving Frodo from Gollum.

525b

525c

In Shelob’s cave

As Frodo falls into a clump of webs and bones, he remembers Galadriel’s gift (voiceover): "the Light of Eärendil, our most beloved star. May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out."


526c

He pulls out the phial of Galadriel from his jacket, and holds it up: "Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!" (Hail Eärendil brightest of the Stars!)

527b

527c

Frodo turns to see something large moving behind him. It is a giant spider.

528b

528c

Frodo runs into a maze of webs. He is chased, Shelob gaining ground, looming just behind him.

529b

529c

Frodo gets caught in Shelob’s web. As she comes up behind. Frodo slashes the web with Sting.
Gollum emerges from behind a rock, watching Frodo with glee: “Caught in a web. Soon you'll be eaten.”

530b

530c

Frodo frees himself, but drops Sting. He runs out of the lair and falls down, exhausted.
Gollum is waiting and attacks him: “Got away, did it, precious! Not this time!”

531b

531c

Frodo, enraged, starts to choke Gollum. Gollum squeals: “It wasn't us! Sméagol wouldn't hurt Master! It was the precious!” Frodo releases Gollum: "I have to destroy It, Sméagol. I have to destroy It for both our sakes."

532b

532c

Gollum is overcome with fury: "No!" flying at Frodo with rage.

533b

533c

Frodo flips Gollum over and watches as he falls over a cliff.
Frodo stands, exhausted and alone: "I'm so sorry, Sam. So sorry."

534b

534c

Frodo collapses, totally spent.
Galadriel ‘appears’ to Frodo: "This task was appointed to you, Frodo of the Shire. If you do not find a way, no one will."

535b

535c

Galadriel pulls Frodo up to his feet.
Frodo sets back on the path to Cirith Ungol.

536b

536c

End of Chapter 19: Corsairs and Shelob's Lair

Chapter 20: The Choices of Master Samwise

The Rohirrim have stopped by a lake.

Éomer reports to the king: “Minas Tirith is surrounded. The lower level is in flames. The enemy advances.”
Théoden: "Time is against us."

540b

540c

Éowyn stands aside with Merry: "Take heart Merry. It will soon be over."

541b

541c

Merry: "My lady, you are fair and brave and have much to live for, and many who love you.”

542b

542c

Merry: "I know there is not much point now in hoping. If I were a knight of Rohan capable of great deeds, but I'm not. I'm a Hobbit and I know I can't save Middle-Earth..."
Éowyn listens...

543b

543c

Merry continues: "I just want to help my friends and see them again.”
Éowyn feels an overwhelming respect for his simple wish and courage.

544b

544c

Horns blow.

They hear Theoden: "Make haste! We ride through the night."
Éowyn and Merry don their helmets.
Éowyn, looking caringly at Merry: "To battle."

545b

545c

Merry: "To battle."

546b

546c

At Minas Tirith

Fighting continues.
The battering ram Grond is hauled up to the outer city gates. Trolls pull back the ram

547b

547c

and let it slam into the gate.

548b

548cc

Orcs exchange volleys with archers.
Gandalf rallies the soldiers to the gate.

549b

549c

On the citadel

Pippin looks down at the battle and sees Denethor followed by guards carrying Faramir’s litter.
Denethor: "I am steward of the House of Anárion. Thus have I walked and thus now will I sleep. Better to die sooner than late. For die we must.”

550b

550c

Denethor: “Gondor is lost. There is no hope for Men. ”
As he passes, a flower on the White Tree blooms.

551b

551c

At the gate of Minas Tirith: Grond breaks through.

Gandalf to the troops: "You are soldiers of Gondor! No matter what comes through that gate, you will stand your ground!"
Heavily armed trolls rush through the gates; some are brought down. The Gondorians are pushed back.

552b

552c

At Cirith Ungol

Frodo comes within sight of the Tower of Cirith Ungol.

553b

553c

Shelob silently crawls out of her lair and across the rocks overhead.

554b

554c

As Frodo turns back towards the tower,
From above, Shelob stabs Frodo with her stinger.
Frodo groans, froths at the mouth, and passes out.

555b

555c

Shelob grabs the limp hobbit and wraps him into a web cocoon.

556b

556c

Sam has climbed the stairs and rushes towards the spider. "Let him go, you filth!"
Shelob attacks him. They fight over the rocky terrain. Sam swipes at the spider, but loses his sword. He retrieves Frodo's Sting and stabs Shelob with it.

557b

557c

After Shelob retreats mortally wounded, Sam runs to Frodo and holds him, crying: "Oh, no! Mister Frodo! Wake up! Don't leave me here alone! Don't go where I can't follow. Wake up! You're not asleep… dead!"

558b

558c

End of Chapter 20: The Choices of Master Samwise

Chapter 21: Sting, Sam & Frodo and Denethor's madness

Sting begins to glow as orcs approach. Sam urgently hides.
The orcs spot Frodo's body.
Shagrat: "What's this? Looks like ol' Shelob's been having a bit of fun."

570b

570c

Gorbag: "Killed another one, has she?"
Shagrat: "No. This fellow ain't dead! She jabs them with her stinger… and he goes as limp as a boned fish!"

571b

571c

Sam watching from his hiding place whispers to himself: "Not dead?! Samwise, you fool!”

572b

572c

The orcs pick up Frodo and head back to the tower.
Gorbag: "This scum will be awake in a couple of hours."
Shagrat: "Then he'll wish he'd never been born!"

573b

573c

Minas Tirith mausoleum

Faramir is on a pyre, Pippin runs to it shouting: "He's not dead!"
Denethor continues: "No tomb for Denethor and Faramir. No long, slow sleep of death embalmed. We shall burn like the heathen kings of old! Bring wood and oil.”

574b

574c

Denethor throws him out: "Go now and die in what way seems best for you."
Pippin hears Denethor (to his men): "Pour oil on the wood!"
Pippin runs to find Gandalf: "Gandalf! Gandalf!"

575b

575c

Minas Tirith lower level burns as it is overrun by orcs and trolls

Gandalf: "Retreat! The city is breached. Pull back to the second level! Fight to the last man! Fight for your lives!”
Gandalf hears Pippin and turns to see him running towards him.

576b

576c

End of Chapter 21: Sting, Sam & Frodo and Denethor's madness

Chapter 22: Gandalf faces the WitchKing and the ride of the Rohirrim

Pippin: "Denethor has lost his mind! He's burning Faramir alive!"
Gandalf pulls Pippin onto Shadowfax. They race up the city tiers and they round a corner to face the WitchKing on a fellbeast.

580b

580c

Gandalf to the WitchKing: "Go back to the abyss! Fall into the nothingness that awaits you and your master."

581b

581c

WitchKing: "Do you not know death when you see it, old man?"

583b

583c

The WitchKing screams and Pippin cries in terror.
The WitchKing draws his sword, which lights on fire.

584b

584c

Gandalf's staff shatters and he falls from his horse.


585c

The WitchKing on the Fellbeast moves to threaten Gandalf and Pippin.
Shadowfax confronts them.

586b

586c

WitchKing: "You have failed. The world of Men will fall."

587b

587c

A chorus of horns is heard in the distance.
The WitchKing turns and flies towards the new threat to his victory.

588b

588c

On Pelennor Fields

Gothmog and orc army turn towards the sound of the horns.
The Riders of Rohan appear across the horizon.
Éowyn looking at the battlefield, speaks to her fellow rider, Merry: "Courage, Merry. Courage for our friends."

589b

589c

Gothmog (to the Orcs): "Form ranks, you maggots! Form ranks! Pikes in front, archers behind." The orc-army flags flying.


590c

Théoden rides striking his sword along the row of spears: “Riders of Théoden! Spears shall be shaken, shields shall be splintered! A sword-day! A red day, ere the sun rises!”

591b

591c

Éowyn to Merry: "Whatever happens, stay with me. I will look after you."

592b

592c

Théoden: "Ride for ruin and the world's ending! Forð Eorlingas! Death!”
Éowyn yells “Death” in unison with her King.

593b

593c

Rohirrim horns sound the charge.
Théoden leads the Rohirrim to crashing into the orc army, slashing and slaying them.

594b

594c

However, many soldiers pierced by orc arrows are slain.

595b

595c

Éomer, charges with his men, into the sea of orcs.

596b

596c

Éowyn and Merry ride together into the fray.

597b

597c

The orcs face the Rohirrm charge and onslaught

598b

598c

but horrified, they turn and start to flee.

599b

599c

Chapter 22: Gandalf faces the WitchKing and the ride of the Rohirrim

Chapter 23: The Pyre of Denethor and Pelennor Fields

In the Minas Tirith mausoleum

Denethor pours oil over himself and a rousing Faramir.


610c

Denethor: “Set a fire in our flesh!"
Soldiers, with lit torches, approach Denethor.

611b

611c

Gandalf riding Shadowfax bursts through the mausoleum door: "Stay this madness!"

612b

612c

Denethor grabs a torch from a guard: "You may triumph in the field of battle for a day, but against the power that has risen in the east, there is no victory" and he tosses the torch on the pyre and it starts to burn.

613b

613c

Gandalf knocks Denethor off the pyre. Pippin jumps on it and rolls Faramir off it. Denethor attacks Pippin: "You will not take my son from me!"
Shadowfax rears pushing him into the fire, and he sees Faramir open his eyes.


614c

Denethor screams: "Faramir… my son!" as he is engulfed in flames, and runs out of the mausoleum.
Gandalf: "So passes Denethor, son of Ecthelion."

615b

615c

On Pelennor Fields

The Rohirrim are routing the orcs.
Théoden: "Make safe this city!"
Éomer, spearing the orcs: "Drive them back to the river!"

616b

616c

As the Rohirrim drive away the orcs, to the horror of Théoden, giant war Mûmakil come into view; painted with the emblem of the black serpent, mounted Haradrim, blowing horns.

617b

617c

Théoden commands: "Reform the line! Reform the line! Sound the charge!"
A terrifying line of Mûmakil – charge at the Roharrim.

618b

618c

The Rohirrim run headlong into the Mûmakil, which dwarf them, their huge tasks flaying horse and rider.

619b

619c

The Mûmakil fling aside and trample Rohirrim, steered by Southrons.

620b

620c

Éomer turns to face a charging Mûmakil, lifting his spear. He takes aim and spears the Southron dead. The Mûmakil staggers and falls into another.


621c

At this time, Éowyn and Merry ride towards the beasts.


622c

With Merry taking the horse’s reins, she rides beneath a beast, slicing open its legs and felling it.

623b

623c

Meanwhile, Éomer directs the Rohirrm: "Aim for their heads!"

624b

624c

One of rearing Mûmakil is riddled with spears. Théoden: "Bring it down! Bring it down!”
Éowyn throws a spear. The Mûmakil falls and knocks Éowyn and Merry off their horse.
Éowyn: “Merry!”

625b

625c

Théoden, Éowyn, Merry (separated from her), fight orcs.
Gothmog attacks Éowyn, they furiously exchange blows.

626b

626c

End of Chapter 23: The Pyre of Denethor and Pelennor Fields

Chapter 24: The Battle continues

Inside Minas Tirith

A troll hammers at the gate to the second level of the city.

630b

630c

Inside, Gandalf, Pippin, and a few remaining soldiers await the onslaught.
Pippin: "I didn't think it would end this way."

631b

631c

Gandalf: "End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path. The gray rain curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass: white shores, and beyond, the far green country, under a swift sunrise."

632b

632c

Pippin: "Well, that isn't so bad."
Gandalf: "No. No, it isn't."
Gandalf and Pippin smile at each other, and prepare to fight.

633b

633c

On Pelennor Field

Théoden turns and sees a Nazgûl flying towards him.

634b

634c

The beast grabs Théoden's horse in its teeth and throws Théoden across the ground.
Éowyn watches on in horror.

635b

635c

The fellbeast approaches a wounded Théoden, who is pinned under his slain horse.
WitchKing (to the fellbeast): "Feast off his flesh."

636b

636c

Éowyn moves between the fellbeast and Théoden: "I will kill you if you touch him."


637c

WitchKing: "Do not come between the Nazgûl and his prey."
The fellbeast approaches Éowyn.

638b

638c

It threatens her, and she side-steps its attack.

639b

639c

As it lunges at her, she raises her sword, and brings it down on its neck

640b

640c

and decapitates the fellbeast.

641b

641c

As the fellbeast’s headless body crashes to the ground, the WitchKing is dismounted.
He turns to face Éowyn. He towers over her, huge flail in his hand.

642b

642c

The Witch- King's flail hits and shatters Éowyn's shield.

643b

643c

Éowyn collapses.
The WitchKing comes after her.

644b

644c

Harlond - Black ships arrive at the dock

The ships seem empty
Skully: "Late, as usual! Pirate scum! There's work that needs doing. Come on, ya sea rats!”

645b

645c

Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli leap out of the ship.
Skully snickers at seeing the three.
As they advance, the dead army appears then overruns and destroys the orcs.

646b

646ccc

On the Pelennor Field

The Witch-King grabs Éowyn by the throat: "You fool! No man can slay the Lord of the Nazgûl! Die now!"

647b

647c

Merry, crawling from behind, stabs the WitchKing’s knee (with the Noldorin dagger given to him by Galadriel).


648c

Merry is thrown back, writhing in pain.
The WitchKing falls to his knees, and Éowyn recovering her strength, faces him.

649b

649c

Éowyn responds defiantly to him, taking off her helmet: "I am no man!"

650b

650c

Éowyn lunges at him with her sword

651b

651c

…stabbing him through his ‘facemask’.

652b

652c

As she does, the WitchKing starts to implode.

653b

653c

Éowyn drops sword, and the WitchKing disintegrates.
Éowyn collapses, wounded.

654b

654c

End of Chapter 24: The Battle continues

Chapter 25: The oath fulfilled

Pelennor Fields: The army of the dead over-run the orc army

Éowyn crawls away from a snarling Gothmog.
Unaware of Éowyn, Gimli attacks Gothmog

660b

660c

and Aragorn finishes him off.


661c

A mûmakil bears down on Legolas. He jumps on it, kills the Southrons, draws his bow with three arrows

662b

662c

and shoots them into the mûmakil’s brain.
It collapses and as it does, he rides it down, stepping off its trunk.
The army of the dead pour into the city, destroying the orcs.

663b

663c

Elsewhere on the battlefield

Théoden lies dying under his dead horse.
Éowyn crawls to his side.
Théoden: "I know your face. Éowyn. My eyes darken."

664b

664c

Éowyn: "No. No, I am going to save you."

665b

665c

Théoden: "You already did. Éowyn, my body is broken. You have to let me go. I go to my fathers in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed."
Théoden dies in Éowyn's arms.

666b

666c

In front of the White City

The King of the Dead stands before Aragorn: “Release us. You gave us your word.”
Aragorn: "I hold your oath fulfilled. Go, be at peace."

667b

667c

The dead army dissipates into the wind.
Gandalf bows to the new king.
Aragorn accepts his avowal.

668b

668c

On the battlefield: survivors are looked for.

Pippin finds an Elvish cloak and brooch.
Éomer spots his wounded sister and runs towards her and kneels over her.

669b

669c

He lifts up her lifeless body, crying: “No!”
Aragorn hears his cry.

670b

670c

Minas Tirith: Houses of the Healing: at night

Éomer looks on in trepidation as Aragorn treats Éowyn's wound from the WitchKing's touch.

671b

671c

Éowyn wakes in a twilight and the poisons dissipate and she slowly recovers.


672c

A melody plays as Éowyn regains her strength: "With a sigh you turn away With a deepening heart No more words to say You will find that the world has changed Forever."
She rises from her bed and looks out from her window.

673b