Scroll until you reach the end of each chapter. Use the chapter menu to navigate
New Line Cinema Presents
The Return Of The King
001c
001c
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
002c
The Return Of The King
005c
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!"
010b
010c
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
011b
and scoops it out of the riverbed.
012b
012c
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!"
013b
013c
They struggle furiously to pick-up the ring.
Sméagol strangles Déagol, and takes the ring: "My Precious!"
014c
Sméagol: (voiceover): "They cursed us. Murderer, murderer they called us.”
The Ring progressively possess Sméagol.
015b
015c
Sméagol: “They cursed us and drove us away!"
Sméagol finds and crawls into a cave in the Misty Mountains.
016b
016c
Under the evil of the Ring, Sméagol transforms into Gollum.
017b
017c
(Voiceover): "We even forgot our own name. My Precious."
018b
018c
An age later: at the exit to the Osgiliath sewer
Sam (asleep), Frodo and Gollum.
Frodo dazed, is inspecting the Ring on its chain.
019b
019c
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."
020b
020c
Sam takes out and passes Frodo some Lembas bread, eating none himself: "There should be enough... for the journey home."
021b
021c
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.
022b
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.
030b
030c
It is from Merry and Pippin sitting on top of Isengard’s storeroom feasting, with Merry smoking
031b
031c
and Pippin puffing on Longbottom leaf.
The two hobbits see the riders and welcome them, slightly inebriated:
032b
032c
"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."
033b
033c
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."
034b
034c
Gandalf and company ride through the refuse of the flood to door of Isengard.
035b
035c
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."
036b
036c
Saruman comes into view, standing on the top of the tower, asking: “Can we not have peace…?”
037b
037c
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…’
038b
038c
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.
039b
039c
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."
040b
040c
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."
041b
041c
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?"
042b
042c
Gandalf: "Come down Saruman, and your life will be spared."
043b
043c
Saruman: "Save your pity and your mercy; I have no use for it!"
Saruman shoots a fireball from his staff.
044b
044c
The flames shot from the pinnacle of Orthanc down
045c
to engulf Gandalf.
046b
046c
To a shocked Saruman, Gandalf reappears unscathed.
Gandalf: "Saruman, your staff is broken."
047b
047c
Saruman glares horrified as his staff shatters in his hand.
048b
048c
From behind Saruman, a hunched figure approaches: Gríma Wormtongue.
049b
049c
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."
050b
050c
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."
051b
051c
Grima: “No!”
Saruman to Gríma: "Get down, cur!" Saruman slaps Grima and he falls down.
052b
052c
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."
053b
053c
Gríma draws a dagger and lunges at Saruman, stabbing him in the back.
054b
054c
Saruman grimaces, as blood gushes.
055b
055c
Legolas fires an arrow which strikes Gríma.
056b
056c
Gríma who falls down, dead.
Saruman falls off the tower and is impaled by the wheel spoke, his palantir falling into the water.
057c
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."
058b
058c
Treebeard returns: "The filth of Saruman is washing away. Trees will come back to live here."
059b
059c
Pippin sees a glowing orb in the water. He dismounts and picks it up, mesmerised by it.
060b
060c
Gandalf: "Peregrin Took, I'll take that, my lad. Quickly now!"
061b
061c
Pippin reluctantly hands Gandalf the orb. Gandalf covers it up, and the group start out for Edoras.
062b
062c
End of Chapter 2: The Voice of Saruman
Chapter 3: Edoras
The group rides towards Edoras.
Éowyn is waiting outside the Golden Hall.
070b
070c
Later inside the Golden Hall
Éowyn carries a celebration goblet
071b
071c
and presents it to Théoden.
072b
072c
Théoden: “Remember those who gave their blood... Hail the victorious dead!"
073b
073c
Aragorn hesitates, thinking of those not present, then drinks from his tankard.
074b
074c
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.
075b
075c
Éowyn smiles at Aragorn.
076c
Aragorn returns the cup and walks away.
Théoden joins Éowyn: "I am happy for you. He is an honourable man."
077b
077c
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…”
078b
078c
The celebration continues
While Merry and Pippin are dancing and singing on a tabletop, Gimli challenges Legolas to a drinking contest.
079c
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.”
080b
080c
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."
081b
081c
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.
090b
090c
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?"
091b
091c
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."
092b
092c
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.”
093b
093c
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."
094b
094c
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!"
095b
095c
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.”
096b
096c
Frodo: “I need you on my side. Trust me Sam. Come Sméagol”
Gollum, hand in hand with Frodo, grins evily back at Sam.
097b
097c
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.
100b
100c
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."
101b
101c
Aragorn: "Night changes many thoughts. Sleep, Éowyn. Sleep… while you can."
Aragorn leaves the Golden Hall.
102b
102c
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."
103b
103c
Aragorn joins him, looking towards Mordor.
104b
104c
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."
105b
105c
Outside the Hall
Legolas: "He is here!"
106b
106c
Inside the Hall
Pippin becomes affixed to the glowing stone and could not release the palantir, as he heard Sauron say: "I see you!"
107b
107c
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.
108b
108c
Gandalf throws a cloth over it: "Fool of a Took!", then sees Pippin collapsed, terrified.
109c
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."
110b
110c
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?"
111b
111c
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.”
120b
120c
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.”
121b
121c
Gandalf: "Sauron will raze Minas Tirith to the ground.”
122b
122c
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?”
123b
123c
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."
124b
124c
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."
125b
125c
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."
126b
126c
Inside the stables
Gandalf readies Shadowfax, lifts Pippin up: "Run, Shadowfax. Show us the meaning of haste."
Shadowfax gallops out of the stables.
127b
127c
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.”
128b
128c
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."
129b
129c
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."
140b
140cc
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.
141b
141c
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.
142b
142c
Arwen turns Asfaloth around. The other elves continue to reach the last ship to the West.
She gallops back to Rivendell.
143b
143c
Arwen rushes to Elrond: “Tell me what you have seen. You have the gift of foresight, what did you see?”
144c
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."
145b
145c
Elrond: "But that future is almost gone."
Arwen: "But it is not lost!
146b
146c
Arwen: “There is still hope.”
147b
147c
Elrond: "Nothing is certain."
148b
148c
Arwen: "Some things are certain! If I leave him now, I will regret it forever…
149b
149c
...It is time.”
150b
150c
At the shrine of the Shards of Narsil
151b
151c
Flashback to the Last Alliance battle with Sauron
Arwen ‘sees’ Sauron and his Ring
152b
152c
Elendil’s doom and Isildur taking up Elendil’s shattered sword, and severing Sauron’s finger and the Ring.
153b
153c
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."
154b
154c
In the House of Elrond
Arwen speaks to Elrond: "Reforge this Sword… Ada." (father)
155b
155c
Rivendell elven forge
Two elven swordsmiths at the forge are reforging the shards of Narsil.
156b
156c
Elrond watches as the sword is reforged.
157b
157c
Arwen’s chamber
Arwen is standing inspecting a book.
158b
158c
She sits down to read it.
159b
159c
As her energy wanes, it slowly slips from her hold.
160b
160c
Elrond sits with Arwen: "Your hands are cold. The life of the Eldar is leaving you."
161b
161c
Elrond takes her hands and comforts her.
162b
162cc
Arwen: "This was my choice. Adar, whether by your will or not, there is no ship now that can bear me hence."
163b
163c
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!"
170b
170c
Shadowfax crests a hill and a large city appears, built into a mountain of white rock.
Gandalf: "Minas Tirith, City of Kings."
171b
171c
They ride to the city gates. The tiers of the White City gleam in the sun.
172b
172c
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.
173b
173c
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.”
174b
174c
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.”
175b
175c
Within the Throne Room
Gandalf slowly approaches Denethor, who sits on the Stewards' Throne, his face lowered.
176b
176c
Denethor holds the broken Horn of Gondor in his hands.
177b
177c
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."
178b
178c
A flashback to the battle of Amon Hen
Boromir is killed by Lurtz
179b
179c
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."
180b
180c
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."
181b
181c
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?"
182b
182c
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?
183b
183c
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…”
184b
184c
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!"
185b
185c
Denethor rises: "The whole rule of Gondor is mine! And no others'!"
186b
186c
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.
187b
187c
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.”
188b
188c
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.”
189b
189c
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.”
190b
190c
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.”
200b
200c
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."
201b
201c
Minas Tirith at night
Gandalf is standing out on a balcony looking out to Mordor .
Pippin joins him: "It's so quiet.”
202b
202c
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?”
203b
203c
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,
204b
204cc
all answer Mordor's call, some with lumbering Mumakil (war Oliphants).
205b
205c
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."
206b
206c
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.”
207b
207c
In Minas Morgul
The WitchKing of Angmar prepares for battle.
208b
208c
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."
209c
A flashback to Weathertop
The Nazgûl approaching the hobbits.
210b
210c
The WitchKing reaching for the Ring
211b
211c
and stabs Frodo with the Morgul blade.
212b
212c
Minas Morgul
Gollum leads Frodo and Sam to the other side of the road to the city.
213b
213c
Gollum points out a long, steep staircase, set into the rock.
Frodo wanders towards the dead city, past a pair of gargoyles.
214b
214c
Gollum: "Not that way! What's it doing?"
Frodo: "They're calling me."
215b
215c
Frodo mesmerised, stares at Minas Morgul.
216b
216c
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.
217b
217c
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.”
218b
218c
In Minas Morgul
The WitchKing emerges from Minas Morgul, mounted on a fell beast.
219b
219c
He emits a deafening cry.
220b
220c
Sam and Frodo flinch with the cry, and Frodo grabs his shoulder in pain: "I can feel his blade."
221c
An orc army leaves Minas Morgul and crosses the bridge, marching towards Minas Tirith.
222b
222c
Gollum: "Hurry, hobbits! We climb! We must climb!"
223b
223c
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.
230b
230c
Sam warns/threatens Gollum. The hobbits continue climbing. Gollum grins up at Sam and follows.
231b
231c
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."
232b
232c
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!"
233b
233c
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.
234b
234c
As the Orcs arrive on shore, Faramir's men attack.
235b
235c
But the orcs swarm into the city.
236b
236c
In Minas Tirith
Gandalf takes Pippin to the signal beacon.
Pippin climbs to the top, evading the guards.
237b
237c
He tosses the lit lamp onto the wood.
238b
238c
To Pippin's shock it quickly catches fire. He scrambles down safely.
As Gandalf watches, the beacon burns: "Hope is rekindled."
239b
239c
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.
240b
240c
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
