THERETURNOFTHEKING

BEINGTHETHIRDPARTOF

THELORDOFTHERINGS

BYJ.R.R.

TOLKIEN

ThreeRingsfortheElven-kingsunderthesky,SevenfortheDwarf-lordsintheirhallsofstone,

NineforMortalMendoomedtodie,OnefortheDarkLordonhisdarkthrone

IntheLandofMordorwheretheShadowslie.OneRingtorulethemall,OneRingtofindthem,OneRingtobringthemallandinthedarknessbindthem

IntheLandofMordorwheretheShadowslie.

CONTENTS

COVERPAGE

TITLEPAGE

SYNOPSIS

BOOKFIVE

Chapter1:MINASTIRITH

Chapter2:THEPASSINGOFTHEGREYCOMPANY

Chapter3:THEMUSTEROFROHAN

Chapter4:THESIEGEOFGONDOR

Chapter5:THERIDEOFTHEROHIRRIM

Chapter6:THEBATTLEOFTHEPELENNORFIELDS

Chapter7:THEPYREOFDENETHOR

Chapter8:THEHOUSESOFHEALING

Chapter9:THELASTDEBATE

Chapter10:THEBLACKGATEOPENS

BOOKSIX

Chapter1:THETOWEROFCIRITHUNGOL

Chapter2:THELANDOFSHADOW

Chapter3:MOUNTDOOM

Chapter4:THEFIELDOFCORMALLEN

Chapter5:THESTEWARDANDTHEKING

Chapter6:MANYPARTINGS

Chapter7:HOMEWARDBOUND

Chapter8:THESCOURINGOFTHESHIRE

Chapter9:THEGREYHAVENS

APPENDIXA:ANNALSOFTHEKINGSANDRULERS

APPENDIXB:THETALEOFYEARS

APPENDIXC:FAMILY

TREES

APPENDIXD:SHIRECALENDARFORUSEINALLYEARS

APPENDIXE:WritingandSpelling

APPENDIXF

INDEX

MAPS

WORKSBYJ.R.R.

TOLKIEN

COPYRIGHT

ABOUTTHEPUBLISHER

SYNOPSIS

ThisisthethirdpartofTheLordoftheRings.

Thefirstpart,TheFellowshipoftheRing,toldhowGandalftheGreydiscoveredthattheringpossessedbyFrodothe

HobbitwasinfacttheOneRing,rulerofalltheRingsofPower.ItrecountedtheflightofFrodoandhiscompanionsfromthequietShireoftheirhome,pursuedbytheterroroftheBlackRidersofMordor,untilatlast,withtheaidofAragorntheRangerofEriador,theycamethroughdesperateperilstothehouseofElrondinRivendell.

Therewasheldthegreat

CouncilofElrond,atwhichitwasdecidedtoattemptthedestructionoftheRing,andFrodowasappointedtheRing-bearer.TheCompanionsoftheRingwerethenchosen,whoweretoaidhiminhisquest:tocomeifhecouldtotheMountainofFireinMordor,thelandoftheEnemyhimself,wherealonetheRingcouldbeunmade.Inthisfellowship

wereAragorn,andBoromirsonoftheLordofGondor,representingMen;LegolassonoftheElven-kingofMirkwood,fortheElves;GimlisonofGlóinoftheLonelyMountain,fortheDwarves;FrodowithhisservantSamwise,andhistwoyoungkinsmenMeriadocandPeregrin,fortheHobbits;andGandalftheGrey.

TheCompanions

journeyedinsecretfarfromRivendellintheNorth,untilbaffledintheirattempttocrossthehighpassofCaradhrasinwinter,theywereledbyGandalfthroughthehiddengateandenteredthevastMinesofMoria,seekingawaybeneaththemountains.ThereGandalf,inbattlewithadreadfulspiritoftheunderworld,fellintoadarkabyss.ButAragorn,now

revealedasthehiddenheiroftheancientKingsoftheWest,ledtheCompanyonfromtheEastGateofMoria,throughtheElvishlandofLórien,anddownthegreatRiverAnduin,untiltheycametotheFallsofRauros.Alreadytheyhadbecomeawarethattheirjourneywaswatchedbyspies,andthatthecreatureGollum,whooncehadpossessedtheRingand

stilllustedforit,wasfollowingtheirtrail.

ItnowbecamenecessaryforthemtodecidewhethertheyshouldturneasttoMordor;orgoonwithBoromirtotheaidofMinasTirith,chiefcityofGondor,inthecomingwar;orshoulddivide.WhenitbecameclearthattheRing-bearerwasresolvedtocontinuehishopelessjourneytotheland

oftheEnemy,BoromirattemptedtoseizetheRingbyforce.ThefirstpartendedwiththefallofBoromirtothelureoftheRing;withtheescapeanddisappearanceofFrodoandhisservantSamwise;andthescatteringoftheremainderoftheFellowshipbyasuddenattackoforc-soldiers,someintheserviceoftheDarkLordofMordor,someofthetraitor

SarumanofIsengard.TheQuestoftheRing-bearerseemedalreadyovertakenbydisaster.

Thesecondpart,(BooksThreeandFour),TheTwoTowers,recountedthedeedsofalltheCompanyafterthebreakingoftheFellowshipoftheRing.BookThreetoldoftherepentanceanddeathofBoromir,andofhisfuneralinaboatcommittedtotheFalls

ofRauros;ofthecaptureofMeriadocandPeregrinbyorc-solders,whoborethemtowardsIsengardovertheeasternplainsofRohan;andoftheirpursuitbyAragorn,LegolasandGimli.

TheRidersofRohanthenappeared.Atroopofhorsemen,ledbyÉomertheMarshal,surroundedtheorcsonthebordersoftheForestofFangorn,anddestroyed

them;butthehobbitsescapedintothewoodandtheremetTreebeardtheEnt,secretmasterofFangorn.InhiscompanytheywitnessedtherousingofthewrathoftheTree-folkandtheirmarchonIsengard.

InthemeanwhileAragornandhiscompanionsmetÉomerreturningfromthebattle.Heprovidedthemwithhorses,andtheyrodeonto

theforest.Therewhilesearchinginvainforthehobbits,theymetGandalfagain,returnedfromdeath,nowtheWhiteRider,yetveiledstillingrey.WithhimtheyrodeoverRohantothehallsofKingThéodenoftheMark,whereGandalfhealedtheagedkingandrescuedhimfromthespellsofWormtongue,hisevilcounsellor,secretallyof

Saruman.TheyrodethenwiththekingandhishostagainsttheforcesofIsengard,andtookpartinthedesperatevictoryoftheHornburg.GandalfthenledthemtoIsengard,andtheyfoundthegreatfortresslaidinruinsbytheTree-folk,andSarumanandWormtonguebesiegedintheindomitabletowerofOrthanc.

Intheparleybeforethe

doorSarumanrefusedtorepent,andGandalfdeposedhimandbrokehisstaff,leavinghimtothevigilanceoftheEnts.FromahighwindowWormtonguehurledastoneatGandalf;butitmissedhim,andwaspickedupbyPeregrin.Thisprovedtobeoneofthefoursurvivingpalantíri,theSeeingStonesofNúmenor.LateratnightPeregrin

succumbedtothelureoftheStone;hestoleitandlookedinit,andsowasrevealedtoSauron.ThebookendedwiththecomingofaNazgûlovertheplainsofRohan,aRingwraithmountedonaflyingsteed,presageofimminentwar.GandalfdeliveredthepalantírtoAragorn,andtakingPeregrinrodeawaytoMinasTirith.

BookFourturnedto

FrodoandSamwise,nowlostinthebleakhillsofEmynMuil.Ittoldhowtheyescapedfromthehills,andwereovertakenbySméagol-Gollum;andhowFrodotamedGollumandalmostovercamehismalice,sothatGollumledthemthroughtheDeadMarshesandruinedlandstotheMorannon,theBlackGateoftheLandofMordorintheNorth.

ThereitwasimpossibletoenterandFrodoacceptedGollum’sadvice:toseeka‘secretentrance’thatheknewof,awaysouthintheMountainsofShadow,thewesternwallsofMordor.Astheyjourneyedthithertheyweretakenbyascouting-forceoftheMenofGondorledbyFaramirbrotherofBoromir.Faramirdiscoveredthenatureoftheirquest,but

resistedthetemptationtowhichBoromirhadsuccumbed,andsentthemforwardonthelaststageoftheirjourneytoCirithUngol,theSpider’sPass;thoughhewarnedthemthatitwasaplaceofmortalperil,ofwhichGollumhadtoldthemlessthanheknew.EvenastheyreachedtheCross-roadsandtookthepathtotheghastlycityofMinasMorgul,

agreatdarknessissuedfromMordor,coveringallthelands.ThenSauronsentforthhisfirstarmy,ledbytheblackKingoftheRingwraiths:theWaroftheRinghadbegun.

GollumguidedthehobbitstoasecretwaythatavoidedMinasMorgul,andinthedarknesstheycameatlasttoCirithUngol.ThereGollumfellbackintoevil,and

attemptedtobetraythemtothemonstrousguardianofthepass,Shelob.HewasfrustratedbytheheroismofSamwise,whobeatoffhisattack,andwoundedShelob.

ThesecondpartendswiththechoicesofSamwise.Frodo,stungbyShelob,liesdead,asitseems:thequestmustendindisaster,orSamwisemustabandonhismaster.Atlengthhetakesthe

Ringandattemptstocarryonthehopelessquestalone.ButjustasheisabouttocrossintothelandofMordor,orcscomeupfromMinasMorgulanddownfromthetowerofCirithUngolthatguardsthecrownofthepass.HiddenbytheRingSamwiselearnsfromthebickeringoftheorcsthatFrodoisnotdeadbutdrugged.Toolatehepursuesthem;buttheorcscarryoff

thebodyofFrododownatunnelleadingtothereargateoftheirtower.Samwisefallsinaswoonbeforeitasitcloseswithaclang.

This,thethirdandlastpart,willtelloftheopposingstrategiesofGandalfandSauron,untilthefinalcatastropheandtheendofthegreatdarkness.WereturnfirsttothefortunesofbattleintheWest.

BOOKFIVE

Chapter1

MINASTIRITH

PippinlookedoutfromtheshelterofGandalf’scloak.Hewonderedifhewasawakeorstillsleeping,stillinthe

swift-movingdreaminwhichhehadbeenwrappedsolongsincethegreatridebegan.Thedarkworldwasrushingbyandthewindsangloudlyinhisears.Hecouldseenothingbutthewheelingstars,andawaytohisrightvastshadowsagainsttheskywherethemountainsoftheSouthmarchedpast.Sleepilyhetriedtoreckonthetimesandstagesoftheirjourney,

buthismemorywasdrowsyanduncertain.

Therehadbeenthefirstrideatterriblespeedwithoutahalt,andtheninthedawnhehadseenapalegleamofgold,andtheyhadcometothesilenttownandthegreatemptyhouseonthehill.Andhardlyhadtheyreacheditsshelterwhenthewingedshadowhadpassedoveronceagain,andmenwiltedwith

fear.ButGandalfhadspokensoftwordstohim,andhehadsleptinacorner,tiredbutuneasy,dimlyawareofcomingsandgoingsandofmentalkingandGandalfgivingorders.Andthenagainriding,ridinginthenight.Thiswasthesecond,no,thethirdnightsincehehadlookedintheStone.Andwiththathideousmemoryhewokefully,andshivered,andthe

noiseofthewindbecamefilledwithmenacingvoices.

Alightkindledinthesky,ablazeofyellowfirebehinddarkbarriers.Pippincoweredback,afraidforamoment,wonderingintowhatdreadfulcountryGandalfwasbearinghim.Herubbedhiseyes,andthenhesawthatitwasthemoonrisingabovetheeasternshadows,nowalmostatthefull.Sothenightwasnotyet

oldandforhoursthedarkjourneywouldgoon.Hestirredandspoke.

‘Wherearewe,Gandalf?’heasked.

‘IntherealmofGondor,’thewizardanswered.‘ThelandofAnórienisstillpassingby.’

Therewasasilenceagainforawhile.Then,‘Whatisthat?’criedPippinsuddenly,clutchingatGandalf’scloak.

‘Look!Fire,redfire!Aretheredragonsinthisland?Look,thereisanother!’

ForanswerGandalfcriedaloudtohishorse.‘On,Shadowfax!Wemusthasten.Timeisshort.See!ThebeaconsofGondorarealight,callingforaid.Wariskindled.See,thereisthefireonAmonDîn,andflameonEilenach;andtheretheygospeedingwest:Nardol,

Erelas,Min-Rimmon,Calenhad,andtheHalifirienonthebordersofRohan.’

ButShadowfaxpausedinhisstride,slowingtoawalk,andthenhelifteduphisheadandneighed.Andoutofthedarknesstheansweringneighofotherhorsescame;andpresentlythethuddingofhoofswasheard,andthreeriderssweptupandpassedlikeflyingghostsinthemoon

andvanishedintotheWest.ThenShadowfaxgatheredhimselftogetherandsprangaway,andthenightflowedoverhimlikearoaringwind.

PippinbecamedrowsyagainandpaidlittleattentiontoGandalftellinghimofthecustomsofGondor,andhowtheLordoftheCityhadbeaconsbuiltonthetopsofoutlyinghillsalongbothbordersofthegreatrange,

andmaintainedpostsatthesepointswherefreshhorseswerealwaysinreadinesstobearhiserrand-riderstoRohanintheNorth,ortoBelfalasintheSouth.‘ItislongsincethebeaconsoftheNorthwerelit,’hesaid;‘andintheancientdaysofGondortheywerenotneeded,fortheyhadtheSevenStones.’Pippinstirreduneasily.

‘Sleepagain,anddonot

beafraid!’saidGandalf.‘ForyouarenotgoinglikeFrodotoMordor,buttoMinasTirith,andthereyouwillbeassafeasyoucanbeanywhereinthesedays.IfGondorfalls,ortheRingistaken,thentheShirewillbenorefuge.’

‘Youdonotcomfortme,’saidPippin,butnonethelesssleepcreptoverhim.Thelastthingthatheremembered

beforehefellintodeepdreamwasaglimpseofhighwhitepeaks,glimmeringlikefloatingislesabovethecloudsastheycaughtthelightofthewesteringmoon.HewonderedwhereFrodowas,andifhewasalreadyinMordor,orifhewasdead;andhedidnotknowthatFrodofromfarawaylookedonthatsamemoonasitsetbeyondGondorerethe

comingoftheday.

Pippinwoketothesoundofvoices.Anotherdayofhidingandanightofjourneyhadfleetedby.Itwastwilight:thecolddawnwasathandagain,andchillgreymistswereaboutthem.Shadowfaxstoodsteamingwithsweat,butheheldhisneckproudlyandshowedno

signofweariness.Manytallmenheavilycloakedstoodbesidehim,andbehindtheminthemistloomedawallofstone.Partlyruinousitseemed,butalreadybeforethenightwaspassedthesoundofhurriedlabourcouldbeheard:beatofhammers,clinkoftrowels,andthecreakofwheels.Torchesandflaresgloweddullyhereandthereinthefog.Gandalfwas

speakingtothementhatbarredhisway,andashelistenedPippinbecameawarethathehimselfwasbeingdiscussed.

‘Yeatruly,weknowyou,Mithrandir,’saidtheleaderofthemen,‘andyouknowthepass-wordsoftheSevenGatesandarefreetogoforward.Butwedonotknowyourcompanion.Whatishe?Adwarfoutofthemountains

intheNorth?Wewishfornostrangersinthelandatthistime,unlesstheybemightymenofarmsinwhosefaithandhelpwecantrust.’

‘IwillvouchforhimbeforetheseatofDenethor,’saidGandalf.‘Andasforvalour,thatcannotbecomputedbystature.Hehaspassedthroughmorebattlesandperilsthanyouhave,Ingold,thoughyoubetwice

hisheight;andhecomesnowfromthestormingofIsengard,ofwhichwebeartidings,andgreatwearinessisonhim,orIwouldwakehim.HisnameisPeregrin,averyvaliantman.’

‘Man?’saidIngolddubiously,andtheotherslaughed.

‘Man!’criedPippin,nowthoroughlyroused.‘Man!Indeednot!Iamahobbitand

nomorevaliantthanIamaman,saveperhapsnowandagainbynecessity.DonotletGandalfdeceiveyou!’

‘Manyadoerofgreatdeedsmightsaynomore,’saidIngold.‘Butwhatisahobbit?’

‘AHalfling,’answeredGandalf.‘Nay,nottheonethatwasspokenof,’headdedseeingthewonderinthemen’sfaces.‘Nothe,yetone

ofhiskindred.’‘Yes,andonewho

journeyedwithhim,’saidPippin.‘AndBoromirofyourCitywaswithus,andhesavedmeinthesnowsoftheNorth,andatthelasthewasslaindefendingmefrommanyfoes.’

‘Peace!’saidGandalf.‘Thenewsofthatgriefshouldhavebeentoldfirsttothefather.’

‘Ithasbeenguessedalready,’saidIngold;‘fortherehavebeenstrangeportentshereoflate.Butpassonnowquickly!FortheLordofMinasTirithwillbeeagertoseeanythatbearthelatesttidingsofhisson,behemanor——’

‘Hobbit,’saidPippin.‘LittleservicecanIoffertoyourlord,butwhatIcando,Iwoulddo,remembering

Boromirthebrave.’‘Fareyouwell!’said

Ingold;andthemenmadewayforShadowfax,andhepassedthroughanarrowgateinthewall.‘MayyoubringgoodcounseltoDenethorinhisneed,andtousall,Mithrandir!’Ingoldcried.‘Butyoucomewithtidingsofgriefanddanger,asisyourwont,theysay.’

‘BecauseIcomeseldom

butwhenmyhelpisneeded,’answeredGandalf.‘Andasforcounsel,toyouIwouldsaythatyouareover-lateinrepairingthewallofthePelennor.Couragewillnowbeyourbestdefenceagainstthestormthatisathand–thatandsuchhopeasIbring.FornotallthetidingsthatIbringareevil.Butleaveyourtrowelsandsharpenyourswords!’

‘Theworkwillbefinishedereevening,’saidIngold.‘Thisisthelastportionofthewalltobeputindefence:theleastopentoattack,foritlookstowardsourfriendsofRohan.Doyouknowaughtofthem?Willtheyanswerthesummons,thinkyou?’

‘Yes,theywillcome.Buttheyhavefoughtmanybattlesatyourback.Thisroadandnoroadlookstowardssafety

anylonger.Bevigilant!ButforGandalfStormcrowyouwouldhaveseenahostoffoescomingoutofAnórienandnoRidersofRohan.Andyoumayyet.Fareyouwell,andsleepnot!’

GandalfpassednowintothewidelandbeyondtheRammasEchor.SothemenofGondorcalledtheout-wall

thattheyhadbuiltwithgreatlabour,afterIthilienfellundertheshadowoftheirEnemy.Fortenleaguesormoreitranfromthemountains’feetandsobackagain,enclosinginitsfencethefieldsofthePelennor:fairandfertiletownlandsonthelongslopesandterracesfallingtothedeeplevelsoftheAnduin.AtitsfurthestpointfromtheGreatGateof

theCity,north-eastward,thewallwasfourleaguesdistant,andtherefromafrowningbankitoverlookedthelongflatsbesidetheriver,andmenhadmadeithighandstrong;foratthatpoint,uponawalledcauseway,theroadcameinfromthefordsandbridgesofOsgiliathandpassedthroughaguardedgatebetweenembattledtowers.Atitsnearestpoint

thewallwaslittlemorethanoneleaguefromtheCity,andthatwassouth-eastward.ThereAnduin,goinginawidekneeaboutthehillsofEmynArneninSouthIthilien,bentsharplywest,andtheout-wallroseuponitsverybrink;andbeneathitlaythequaysandlandingsoftheHarlondforcraftthatcameupstreamfromthesouthernfiefs.

Thetownlandswererich,withwidetilthandmanyorchards,andhomesteadstherewerewithoastandgarner,foldandbyre,andmanyrillsripplingthroughthegreenfromthehighlandsdowntoAnduin.Yettheherdsmenandhusbandmenthatdwelttherewerenotmany,andthemostpartofthepeopleofGondorlivedinthesevencirclesoftheCity,

orinthehighvalesofthemountain-borders,inLossarnach,orfurthersouthinfairLebenninwithitsfiveswiftstreams.Theredweltahardyfolkbetweenthemountainsandthesea.TheywerereckonedmenofGondor,yettheirbloodwasmingled,andtherewereshortandswarthyfolkamongthemwhosesirescamemorefromtheforgottenmenwho

housedintheshadowofthehillsintheDarkYearserethecomingofthekings.Butbeyond,inthegreatfiefofBelfalas,dweltPrinceImrahilinhiscastleofDolAmrothbythesea,andhewasofhighblood,andhisfolkalso,tallmenandproudwithsea-greyeyes.

NowafterGandalfhadriddenforsometimethelightofdaygrewinthesky,and

Pippinrousedhimselfandlookedup.Tohisleftlayaseaofmist,risingtoableakshadowintheEast;buttohisrightgreatmountainsrearedtheirheads,rangingfromtheWesttoasteepandsuddenend,asifinthemakingofthelandtheRiverhadburstthroughagreatbarrier,carvingoutamightyvalleytobealandofbattleanddebateintimestocome.Andthere

wheretheWhiteMountainsofEredNimraiscametotheirendhesaw,asGandalfhadpromised,thedarkmassofMountMindolluin,thedeeppurpleshadowsofitshighglens,anditstallfacewhiteningintherisingday.Anduponitsout-thrustkneewastheGuardedCity,withitssevenwallsofstonesostrongandoldthatitseemedtohavebeennotbuildedbut

carvenbygiantsoutofthebonesoftheearth.

EvenasPippingazedinwonderthewallspassedfromloominggreytowhite,blushingfaintlyinthedawn;andsuddenlythesunclimbedovertheeasternshadowandsentforthashaftthatsmotethefaceoftheCity.ThenPippincriedaloud,fortheTowerofEcthelion,standinghighwithinthetopmostwall,

shoneoutagainstthesky,glimmeringlikeaspikeofpearlandsilver,tallandfairandshapely,anditspinnacleglitteredasifitwerewroughtofcrystals;andwhitebannersbrokeandflutteredfromthebattlementsinthemorningbreeze,andhighandfarheheardaclearringingasofsilvertrumpets.

SoGandalfandPeregrinrodetotheGreatGateoftheMenofGondorattherisingofthesun,anditsirondoorsrolledbackbeforethem.

‘Mithrandir!Mithrandir!’mencried.‘Nowweknowthatthestormisindeednigh!’

‘Itisuponyou,’saidGandalf.‘Ihaveriddenonitswings.Letmepass!ImustcometoyourLordDenethor,whilehisstewardshiplasts.

Whateverbetide,youhavecometotheendoftheGondorthatyouhaveknown.Letmepass!’

Thenmenfellbackbeforethecommandofhisvoiceandquestionedhimnofurther,thoughtheygazedinwonderatthehobbitthatsatbeforehimandatthehorsethatborehim.ForthepeopleoftheCityusedhorsesverylittleandtheywereseldomseenin

theirstreets,saveonlythoseriddenbytheerrand-ridersoftheirlord.Andtheysaid:‘SurelythatisoneofthegreatsteedsoftheKingofRohan?MaybetheRohirrimwillcomesoontostrengthenus.’ButShadowfaxwalkedproudlyupthelongwindingroad.

ForthefashionofMinas

Tirithwassuchthatitwasbuiltonsevenlevels,eachdelvedintothehill,andabouteachwassetawall,andineachwallwasagate.Butthegateswerenotsetinaline:theGreatGateintheCityWallwasattheeastpointofthecircuit,butthenextfacedhalfsouth,andthethirdhalfnorth,andsotoandfroupwards;sothatthepavedwaythatclimbedtowardsthe

Citadelturnedfirstthiswayandthenthatacrossthefaceofthehill.AndeachtimethatitpassedthelineoftheGreatGateitwentthroughanarchedtunnel,piercingavastpierofrockwhosehugeout-thrustbulkdividedintwoallthecirclesoftheCitysavethefirst.Forpartlyintheprimevalshapingofthehill,partlybythemightycraftandlabourofold,therestoodup

fromtherearofthewidecourtbehindtheGateatoweringbastionofstone,itsedgesharpasaship-keelfacingeast.Upitrose,eventothelevelofthetopmostcircle,andtherewascrownedbyabattlement;sothatthoseintheCitadelmight,likemarinersinamountainousship,lookfromitspeaksheerdownupontheGatesevenhundredfeetbelow.The

entrancetotheCitadelalsolookedeastward,butwasdelvedintheheartoftherock;thencealonglamp-litsloperanuptotheseventhgate.ThusmenreachedatlasttheHighCourt,andthePlaceoftheFountainbeforethefeetoftheWhiteTower:tallandshapely,fiftyfathomsfromitsbasetothepinnacle,wherethebanneroftheStewardsfloatedathousand

feetabovetheplain.Astrongcitadelitwas

indeed,andnottobetakenbyahostofenemies,iftherewereanywithinthatcouldholdweapons;unlesssomefoecouldcomebehindandscalethelowerskirtsofMindolluin,andsocomeuponthenarrowshoulderthatjoinedtheHillofGuardtothemountainmass.Butthatshoulder,whichrosetothe

heightofthefifthwall,washedgedwithgreatrampartsrightuptotheprecipicethatoverhungitswesternend;andinthatspacestoodthehousesanddomedtombsofbygonekingsandlords,foreversilentbetweenthemountainandthetower.

Pippingazedingrowingwonderatthegreatstonecity,

vasterandmoresplendidthananythingthathehaddreamedof;greaterandstrongerthanIsengard,andfarmorebeautiful.Yetitwasintruthfallingyearbyyearintodecay;andalreadyitlackedhalfthementhatcouldhavedweltateasethere.Ineverystreettheypassedsomegreathouseorcourtoverwhosedoorsandarchedgateswerecarvedmanyfairlettersof

strangeandancientshapes:namesPippinguessedofgreatmenandkindredsthathadoncedweltthere;andyetnowtheyweresilent,andnofootstepsrangontheirwidepavements,norvoicewasheardintheirhalls,noranyfacelookedoutfromdoororemptywindow.

Atlasttheycameoutofshadowtotheseventhgate,andthewarmsunthatshone

downbeyondtheriver,asFrodowalkedinthegladesofIthilien,glowedhereonthesmoothwallsandrootedpillars,andthegreatarchwithkeystonecarveninthelikenessofacrownedandkinglyhead.Gandalfdismounted,fornohorsewasallowedintheCitadel,andShadowfaxsufferedhimselftobeledawayatthesoftwordofhismaster.

TheGuardsofthegatewererobedinblack,andtheirhelmswereofstrangeshape,high-crowned,withlongcheek-guardsclose-fittingtotheface,andabovethecheek-guardsweresetthewhitewingsofsea-birds;butthehelmsgleamedwithaflameofsilver,fortheywereindeedwroughtofmithril,heirloomsfromthegloryofolddays.Upontheblack

surcoatswereembroideredinwhiteatreeblossominglikesnowbeneathasilvercrownandmany-pointedstars.ThiswastheliveryoftheheirsofElendil,andnoneworeitnowinallGondor,savetheGuardsoftheCitadelbeforetheCourtoftheFountainwheretheWhiteTreeoncehadgrown.

Alreadyitseemedthatwordoftheircominghadgonebeforethem;andatoncetheywereadmitted,silently,andwithoutquestion.QuicklyGandalfstrodeacrossthewhite-pavedcourt.Asweetfountainplayedthereinthemorningsun,andaswardofbrightgreenlayaboutit;butinthemidst,droopingoverthepool,stoodadeadtree,andthefalling

dropsdrippedsadlyfromitsbarrenandbrokenbranchesbackintotheclearwater.

PippinglancedatitashehurriedafterGandalf.Itlookedmournful,hethought,andhewonderedwhythedeadtreewasleftinthisplacewhereeverythingelsewaswelltended.

Sevenstarsandsevenstonesandonewhitetree.

ThewordsthatGandalf

hadmurmuredcamebackintohismind.Andthenhefoundhimselfatthedoorsofthegreathallbeneaththegleamingtower;andbehindthewizardhepassedthetallsilentdoor-wardensandenteredthecoolechoingshadowsofthehouseofstone.

Theywalkeddownapavedpassage,longandempty,andastheywent

GandalfspokesoftlytoPippin.‘Becarefulofyourwords,MasterPeregrin!Thisisnotimeforhobbitpertness.Théodenisakindlyoldman.Denethorisofanothersort,proudandsubtle,amanoffargreaterlineageandpower,thoughheisnotcalledaking.Buthewillspeakmosttoyou,andquestionyoumuch,sinceyoucantellhimofhissonBoromir.Helovedhim

greatly:toomuchperhaps;andthemoresobecausetheywereunlike.Butundercoverofthislovehewillthinkiteasiertolearnwhathewishesfromyouratherthanfromme.Donottellhimmorethanyouneed,andleavequietthematterofFrodo’serrand.Iwilldealwiththatinduetime.AndsaynothingaboutAragorneither,unlessyoumust.’

‘Whynot?WhatiswrongwithStrider?’Pippinwhispered.‘Hemeanttocomehere,didn’the?Andhe’llbearrivingsoonhimself,anyway.’

‘Maybe,maybe,’saidGandalf.‘Thoughifhecomes,itislikelytobeinsomewaythatnooneexpects,notevenDenethor.Itwillbebetterso.Atleastheshouldcomeunheraldedby

us.’Gandalfhaltedbeforea

talldoorofpolishedmetal.‘See,MasterPippin,thereisnotimetoinstructyounowinthehistoryofGondor;thoughitmighthavebeenbetter,ifyouhadlearnedsomethingofit,whenyouwerestillbirds-nestingandplayingtruantinthewoodsoftheShire.DoasIbid!Itisscarcelywisewhenbringingthenewsofthe

deathofhisheirtoamightylordtospeakovermuchofthecomingofonewhowill,ifhecomes,claimthekingship.Isthatenough?’

‘Kingship?’saidPippinamazed.

‘Yes,’saidGandalf.‘Ifyouhavewalkedallthesedayswithclosedearsandmindasleep,wakeupnow!’Heknockedonthedoor.

Thedooropened,butnoonecouldbeseentoopenit.Pippinlookedintoagreathall.Itwaslitbydeepwindowsinthewideaislesateitherside,beyondtherowsoftallpillarsthatupheldtheroof.Monolithsofblackmarble,theyrosetogreatcapitalscarvedinmanystrangefiguresofbeastsandleaves;andfaraboveinshadowthewidevaulting

gleamedwithdullgold.Thefloorwasofpolishedstone,white-gleaming,insetwithflowingtraceriesofmanycolours.Nohangingsnorstoriedwebs,noranythingsofwovenstufforofwood,weretobeseeninthatlongsolemnhall;butbetweenthepillarstherestoodasilentcompanyoftallimagesgravenincoldstone.

SuddenlyPippinwas

remindedofthehewnrocksofArgonath,andawefellonhim,ashelookeddownthatavenueofkingslongdead.Atthefarenduponadaisofmanystepswassetahighthroneunderacanopyofmarbleshapedlikeacrownedhelm;behinditwascarveduponthewallandsetwithgemsanimageofatreeinflower.Butthethronewasempty.Atthefootofthedais,

upontheloweststepwhichwasbroadanddeep,therewasastonechair,blackandunadorned,andonitsatanoldmangazingathislap.Inhishandwasawhiterodwithagoldenknob.Hedidnotlookup.Solemnlytheypacedthelongfloortowardshim,untiltheystoodthreepacesfromhisfootstool.ThenGandalfspoke.

‘Hail,LordandSteward

ofMinasTirith,DenethorsonofEcthelion!Iamcomewithcounselandtidingsinthisdarkhour.’

Thentheoldmanlookedup.Pippinsawhiscarvenfacewithitsproudbonesandskinlikeivory,andthelongcurvednosebetweenthedarkdeepeyes;andhewasremindednotsomuchofBoromirasofAragorn.‘Darkindeedisthehour,’saidthe

oldman,‘andatsuchtimesyouarewonttocome,Mithrandir.ButthoughallthesignsforebodethatthedoomofGondorisdrawingnigh,lessnowtomeisthatdarknessthanmyowndarkness.Ithasbeentoldtomethatyoubringwithyouonewhosawmysondie.Isthishe?’

‘Itis,’saidGandalf.‘Oneofthetwain.Theotheriswith

ThéodenofRohanandmaycomehereafter.Halflingstheyare,asyousee,yetthisisnotheofwhomtheomensspoke.’

‘YetaHalflingstill,’saidDenethorgrimly,‘andlittlelovedoIbearthename,sincethoseaccursedwordscametotroubleourcounselsanddrewawaymysononthewilderrandtohisdeath.MyBoromir!Nowwehaveneed

ofyou.Faramirshouldhavegoneinhisstead.’

‘Hewouldhavegone,’saidGandalf.‘Benotunjustinyourgrief!Boromirclaimedtheerrandandwouldnotsufferanyothertohaveit.Hewasamasterfulman,andonetotakewhathedesired.Ijourneyedfarwithhimandlearnedmuchofhismood.Butyouspeakofhisdeath.Youhavehadnewsofthat

erewecame?’‘Ihavereceivedthis,’said

Denethor,andlayingdownhisrodheliftedfromhislapthethingthathehadbeengazingat.Ineachhandhehelduponehalfofagreathorncloventhroughthemiddle:awild-oxhornboundwithsilver.

‘ThatisthehornthatBoromiralwayswore!’criedPippin.

‘Verily,’saidDenethor.‘AndinmyturnIboreit,andsodideacheldestsonofourhouse,farbackintothevanishedyearsbeforethefailingofthekings,sinceVorondilfatherofMardilhuntedthewildkineofArawinthefarfieldsofRhûn.Ihearditblowingdimuponthenorthernmarchesthirteendaysago,andtheRiverbroughtittome,broken:it

willwindnomore.’Hepausedandtherewasaheavysilence.SuddenlyheturnedhisblackglanceuponPippin.‘Whatsayyoutothat,Halfling?’

‘Thirteen,thirteendays,’falteredPippin.‘Yes,Ithinkthatwouldbeso.Yes,Istoodbesidehim,asheblewthehorn.Butnohelpcame.Onlymoreorcs.’

‘So,’saidDenethor,

lookingkeenlyatPippin’sface.‘Youwerethere?Tellmemore!Whydidnohelpcome?Andhowdidyouescape,andyethedidnot,somightyamanashewas,andonlyorcstowithstandhim?’

Pippinflushedandforgothisfear.‘Themightiestmanmaybeslainbyonearrow,’hesaid;‘andBoromirwaspiercedbymany.WhenlastIsawhimhesankbesideatree

andpluckedablack-featheredshaftfromhisside.ThenIswoonedandwasmadecaptive.Isawhimnomore,andknownomore.ButIhonourhismemory,forhewasveryvaliant.Hediedtosaveus,mykinsmanMeriadocandmyself,waylaidinthewoodsbythesoldieryoftheDarkLord;andthoughhefellandfailed,mygratitudeisnonetheless.’

ThenPippinlookedtheoldmanintheeye,forpridestirredstrangelywithinhim,stillstungbythescornandsuspicioninthatcoldvoice.‘Littleservice,nodoubt,willsogreatalordofMenthinktofindinahobbit,ahalflingfromthenorthernShire;yetsuchasitis,Iwillofferit,inpaymentofmydebt.’Twitchingasidehisgreycloak,Pippindrewforthhis

smallswordandlaiditatDenethor’sfeet.

Apalesmile,likeagleamofcoldsunonawinter’sevening,passedovertheoldman’sface;buthebenthisheadandheldouthishand,layingtheshardsofthehornaside.‘Givemetheweapon!’hesaid.

Pippinlifteditandpresentedthehilttohim.‘Whencecamethis?’said

Denethor.‘Many,manyyearslieonit.SurelythisisabladewroughtbyourownkindredintheNorthinthedeeppast?’

‘Itcameoutofthemoundsthatlieonthebordersofmycountry,’saidPippin.‘Butonlyevilwightsdwelltherenow,andIwillnotwillinglytellmoreofthem.’

‘Iseethatstrangetalesare

wovenaboutyou,’saidDenethor,‘andonceagainitisshownthatlooksmaybelietheman–orthehalfling.Iacceptyourservice.Foryouarenotdauntedbywords;andyouhavecourteousspeech,strangethoughthesoundofitmaybetousintheSouth.Andweshallhaveneedofallfolkofcourtesy,betheygreatorsmall,inthedaystocome.Sweartomenow!’

‘Takethehilt,’saidGandalf,‘andspeakaftertheLord,ifyouareresolvedonthis.’

‘Iam,’saidPippin.Theoldmanlaidthe

swordalonghislap,andPippinputhishandtothehilt,andsaidslowlyafterDenethor:

‘HeredoIswearfealtyandservicetoGondor,andtotheLordandStewardofthe

realm,tospeakandtobesilent,todoandtoletbe,tocomeandtogo,inneedorplenty,inpeaceorwar,inlivingordying,fromthishourhenceforth,untilmylordreleaseme,ordeathtakeme,ortheworldend.SosayI,PeregrinsonofPaladinoftheShireoftheHalflings.’

‘AndthisdoIhear,DenethorsonofEcthelion,LordofGondor,Stewardof

theHighKing,andIwillnotforgetit,norfailtorewardthatwhichisgiven:fealtywithlove,valourwithhonour,oath-breakingwithvengeance.’ThenPippinreceivedbackhisswordandputitinitssheath.

‘Andnow,’saidDenethor,‘myfirstcommandtoyou:speakandbenotsilent!Tellmeyourfulltale,andseethatyourecallallthatyoucanof

Boromir,myson.Sitnowandbegin!’Ashespokehestruckasmallsilvergongthatstoodnearhisfootstool,andatonceservantscameforward.Pippinsawthenthattheyhadbeenstandinginalcovesoneithersideofthedoor,unseenasheandGandalfentered.

‘Bringwineandfoodandseatsfortheguests,’saidDenethor,‘andseethatnonetroubleusforonehour.’

‘ItisallthatIhavetospare,forthereismuchelsetoheed,’hesaidtoGandalf.‘Muchofmoreimport,itmayseem,andyettomelesspressing.Butmaybewecanspeakagainattheendoftheday.’

‘Andearlier,itistobehoped,’saidGandalf.‘ForIhavenotriddenhitherfromIsengard,onehundredandfiftyleagues,withthespeed

ofwind,onlytobringyouonesmallwarrior,howevercourteous.IsitnaughttoyouthatThéodenhasfoughtagreatbattle,andthatIsengardisoverthrown,andthatIhavebrokenthestaffofSaruman?’

‘Itismuchtome.ButIknowalreadysufficientofthesedeedsformyowncounselagainstthemenaceoftheEast.’HeturnedhisdarkeyesonGandalf,andnow

Pippinsawalikenessbetweenthetwo,andhefeltthestrainbetweenthem,almostasifhesawalineofsmoulderingfire,drawnfromeyetoeye,thatmightsuddenlyburstintoflame.

DenethorlookedindeedmuchmorelikeagreatwizardthanGandalfdid,morekingly,beautiful,andpowerful;andolder.YetbyasenseotherthansightPippin

perceivedthatGandalfhadthegreaterpowerandthedeeperwisdom,andamajestythatwasveiled.Andhewasolder,farolder.‘Howmucholder?’hewondered,andthenhethoughthowodditwasthathehadneverthoughtaboutitbefore.Treebeardhadsaidsomethingaboutwizards,buteventhenhehadnotthoughtofGandalfasoneofthem.WhatwasGandalf?

Inwhatfartimeandplacedidhecomeintotheworld,andwhenwouldheleaveit?Andthenhismusingsbrokeoff,andhesawthatDenethorandGandalfstilllookedeachotherintheeye,asifreadingtheother’smind.ButitwasDenethorwhofirstwithdrewhisgaze.

‘Yea,’hesaid;‘forthoughtheStonesbelost,theysay,stillthelordsofGondorhave

keenersightthanlessermen,andmanymessagescometothem.Butsitnow!’

Thenmencamebearingachairandalowstool,andonebroughtasalverwithasilverflagonandcups,andwhitecakes.Pippinsatdown,buthecouldnottakehiseyesfromtheoldlord.Wasitso,orhadheonlyimaginedit,

thatashespokeoftheStonesasuddengleamofhiseyehadglanceduponPippin’sface?

‘Nowtellmeyourtale,myliege,’saidDenethor,halfkindly,halfmockingly.‘Forthewordsofonewhommysonsobefriendedwillbewelcomeindeed.’

PippinneverforgotthathourinthegreathallunderthepiercingeyeoftheLordofGondor,stabbedeverand

anonbyhisshrewdquestions,andallthewhileconsciousofGandalfathisside,watchingandlistening,and(soPippinfelt)holdingincheckarisingwrathandimpatience.WhenthehourwasoverandDenethoragainrangthegong,Pippinfeltwornout.‘Itcannotbemorethannineo’clock,’hethought.‘Icouldnoweatthreebreakfastsonend.’

‘LeadtheLordMithrandirtothehousingpreparedforhim,’saidDenethor,‘andhiscompanionmaylodgewithhimforthepresent,ifhewill.ButbeitknownthatIhavenowswornhimtomyservice,andheshallbeknownasPeregrinsonofPaladinandtaughtthelesserpass-words.SendwordtotheCaptainsthattheyshallwaitonmehere,assoonasmay

beafterthethirdhourhasrung.

‘Andyou,myLordMithrandir,shallcometoo,asandwhenyouwill.Noneshallhinderyourcomingtomeatanytime,saveonlyinmybriefhoursofsleep.Letyourwrathatanoldman’sfollyrunoff,andthenreturntomycomfort!’

‘Folly?’saidGandalf.‘Nay,mylord,whenyouare

adotardyouwilldie.Youcanuseevenyourgriefasacloak.DoyouthinkthatIdonotunderstandyourpurposeinquestioningforanhouronewhoknowstheleast,whileIsitby?’

‘Ifyouunderstandit,thenbecontent,’returnedDenethor.‘Pridewouldbefollythatdisdainedhelpandcounselatneed;butyoudealoutsuchgiftsaccordingto

yourowndesigns.YettheLordofGondorisnottobemadethetoolofothermen’spurposes,howeverworthy.AndtohimthereisnopurposehigherintheworldasitnowstandsthanthegoodofGondor;andtheruleofGondor,mylord,ismineandnootherman’s,unlessthekingshouldcomeagain.’

‘Unlessthekingshouldcomeagain?’saidGandalf.

‘Well,mylordSteward,itisyourtasktokeepsomekingdomstillagainstthatevent,whichfewnowlooktosee.Inthattaskyoushallhavealltheaidthatyouarepleasedtoaskfor.ButIwillsaythis:theruleofnorealmismine,neitherofGondornoranyother,greatorsmall.Butallworthythingsthatareinperilastheworldnowstands,thosearemycare.

Andformypart,Ishallnotwhollyfailofmytask,thoughGondorshouldperish,ifanythingpassesthroughthisnightthatcanstillgrowfairorbearfruitandfloweragainindaystocome.ForIalsoamasteward.Didyounotknow?’AndwiththatheturnedandstrodefromthehallwithPippinrunningathisside.

Gandalfdidnotlookat

Pippinorspeakawordtohimastheywent.Theirguidebroughtthemfromthedoorsofthehall,andthenledthemacrosstheCourtoftheFountainintoalanebetweentallbuildingsofstone.Afterseveralturnstheycametoahouseclosetothewallofthecitadeluponthenorthside,notfarfromtheshoulderthatlinkedthehillwiththemountain.Within,uponthe

firstfloorabovethestreet,upawidecarvenstair,heshowedthemtoafairroom,lightandairy,withgoodlyhangingsofdullgoldsheenunfigured.Itwassparelyfurnished,havingbutasmalltable,twochairsandabench;butateithersidetherewerecurtainedalcovesandwell-cladbedswithinwithvesselsandbasinsforwashing.Therewerethreehighnarrow

windowsthatlookednorthwardoverthegreatcurveofAnduin,stillshroudedinmists,towardstheEmynMuilandRaurosfaraway.Pippinhadtoclimbonthebenchtolookoutoverthedeepstonesill.

‘Areyouangrywithme,Gandalf?’hesaid,astheirguidewentoutandclosedthedoor.‘IdidthebestIcould.’

‘Youdidindeed!’said

Gandalf,laughingsuddenly;andhecameandstoodbesidePippin,puttinghisarmaboutthehobbit’sshoulders,andgazingoutofthewindow.Pippinglancedinsomewonderatthefacenowclosebesidehisown,forthesoundofthatlaughhadbeengayandmerry.Yetinthewizard’sfacehesawatfirstonlylinesofcareandsorrow;thoughashelookedmore

intentlyheperceivedthatunderalltherewasagreatjoy:afountainofmirthenoughtosetakingdomlaughing,wereittogushforth.

‘Indeedyoudidyourbest,’saidthewizard;‘andIhopethatitmaybelongbeforeyoufindyourselfinsuchatightcorneragainbetweentwosuchterribleoldmen.StilltheLordofGondor

learnedmorefromyouthanyoumayhaveguessed,Pippin.YoucouldnothidethefactthatBoromirdidnotleadtheCompanyfromMoria,andthattherewasoneamongyouofhighhonourwhowascomingtoMinasTirith;andthathehadafamoussword.MenthinkmuchaboutthestoriesofolddaysinGondor;andDenethorhasgivenlong

thoughttotherhymeandtothewordsIsildur’sBane,sinceBoromirwentaway.

‘Heisnotasothermenofthistime,Pippin,andwhateverbehisdescentfromfathertoson,bysomechancethebloodofWesternesserunsnearlytrueinhim;asitdoesinhisotherson,Faramir,andyetdidnotinBoromirwhomhelovedbest.Hehaslongsight.Hecanperceive,ifhe

bendshiswillthither,muchofwhatispassinginthemindsofmen,evenofthosethatdwellfaroff.Itisdifficulttodeceivehim,anddangeroustotry.

‘Rememberthat!Foryouarenowsworntohisservice.Idonotknowwhatputitintoyourhead,oryourheart,todothat.Butitwaswelldone.Ididnothinderit,forgenerousdeedshouldnotbe

checkedbycoldcounsel.Ittouchedhisheart,aswell(mayIsayit)aspleasinghishumour.AndatleastyouarefreenowtomoveaboutasyouwillinMinasTirith–whenyouarenotonduty.Forthereisanothersidetoit.Youareathiscommand;andhewillnotforget.Bewarystill!’

Hefellsilentandsighed.‘Well,noneedtobroodonwhattomorrowmaybring.

Foronething,tomorrowwillbecertaintobringworsethantoday,formanydaystocome.AndthereisnothingmorethatIcandotohelpit.Theboardisset,andthepiecesaremoving.OnepiecethatIgreatlydesiretofindisFaramir,nowtheheirofDenethor.IdonotthinkthatheisintheCity;butIhavehadnotimetogathernews.Imustgo,Pippin.Imustgoto

thislords’councilandlearnwhatIcan.ButtheEnemyhasthemove,andheisabouttoopenhisfullgame.Andpawnsarelikelytoseeasmuchofitasany,PeregrinsonofPaladin,soldierofGondor.Sharpenyourblade!’

Gandalfwenttothedoor,andthereheturned.‘Iaminhaste,Pippin,’hesaid.‘Domeafavourwhenyougoout.Evenbeforeyourest,ifyou

arenottooweary.GoandfindShadowfaxandseehowheishoused.Thesepeoplearekindlytobeasts,fortheyareagoodandwisefolk,buttheyhavelessskillwithhorsesthansome.’

WiththatGandalfwentout;andashedidso,therecamethenoteofaclearsweetbellringinginatowerofthe

citadel.Threestrokesitrang,likesilverintheair,andceased:thethirdhourfromtherisingofthesun.

AfteraminutePippinwenttothedooranddownthestairandlookedaboutthestreet.Thesunwasnowshiningwarmandbright,andthetowersandtallhousescastlongclear-cutshadowswestward.HighintheblueairMountMindolluinlifted

itswhitehelmandsnowycloak.ArmedmenwenttoandfrointhewaysoftheCity,asifgoingatthestrikingofthehourtochangesofpostandduty.

‘Nineo’clockwe’dcallitintheShire,’saidPippinaloudtohimself.‘Justthetimeforanicebreakfastbytheopenwindowinspringsunshine.AndhowIshouldlikebreakfast!Dothese

peopleeverhaveit,orisitover?Andwhendotheyhavedinner,andwhere?’

Presentlyhenoticedaman,cladinblackandwhite,comingalongthenarrowstreetfromthecentreofthecitadeltowardshim.Pippinfeltlonelyandmadeuphismindtospeakasthemanpassed;buthehadnoneed.Themancamestraightuptohim.

‘YouarePeregrintheHalfling?’hesaid.‘IamtoldthatyouhavebeensworntotheserviceoftheLordandoftheCity.Welcome!’HeheldouthishandandPippintookit.

‘IamnamedBeregondsonofBaranor.Ihavenodutythismorning,andIhavebeensenttoyoutoteachyouthepass-words,andtotellyousomeofthemanythings

thatnodoubtyouwillwishtoknow.Andformypart,Iwouldlearnofyoualso.Forneverbeforehaveweseenahalflinginthislandandthoughwehaveheardrumourofthem,littleissaidoftheminanytalethatweknow.MoreoveryouareafriendofMithrandir.Doyouknowhimwell?’

‘Well,’saidPippin.‘Ihaveknownofhimallmy

shortlife,asyoumightsay;andlatelyIhavetravelledfarwithhim.Butthereismuchtoreadinthatbook,andIcannotclaimtohaveseenmorethanapageortwo.YetperhapsIknowhimaswellasanybutafew.AragornwastheonlyoneofourCompany,Ithink,whoreallyknewhim.’

‘Aragorn?’saidBeregond.‘Whoishe?’

‘Oh,’stammeredPippin,‘hewasamanwhowentaboutwithus.IthinkheisinRohannow.’

‘YouhavebeeninRohan,Ihear.ThereismuchthatIwouldaskyouofthatlandalso;forweputmuchofwhatlittlehopewehaveinitspeople.ButIamforgettingmyerrand,whichwasfirsttoanswerwhatyouwouldask.Whatwouldyouknow,

MasterPeregrin?’‘Erwell,’saidPippin,‘ifI

mayventuretosayso,ratheraburningquestioninmymindatpresentis,well,whataboutbreakfastandallthat?Imean,whatarethemeal-times,ifyouunderstandme,andwhereisthedining-room,ifthereisone?Andtheinns?Ilooked,butneveraonecouldIseeaswerodeup,thoughIhadbeenborneup

bythehopeofadraughtofaleassoonaswecametothehomesofwiseandcourtlymen.’

Beregondlookedathimgravely.‘Anoldcampaigner,Isee,’hesaid.‘Theysaythatmenwhogowarringafieldlookevertothenexthopeoffoodandofdrink;thoughIamnotatravelledmanmyself.Thenyouhavenotyeteatentoday?’

‘Well,yes,tospeakincourtesy,yes,’saidPippin.‘Butnomorethanacupofwineandawhitecakeortwobythekindnessofyourlord;butherackedmeforitwithanhourofquestions,andthatishungrywork.’

Beregondlaughed.‘Atthetablesmallmenmaydothegreaterdeeds,wesay.Butyouhavebrokenyourfastaswellasanymaninthe

Citadel,andwithgreaterhonour.Thisisafortressandatowerofguardandisnowinpostureofwar.WeriseeretheSun,andtakeamorselinthegreylight,andgotoourdutiesattheopeninghour.Butdonotdespair!’Helaughedagain,seeingthedismayinPippin’sface.‘Thosewhohavehadheavydutytakesomewhattorefreshtheirstrengthinthemid-

morning.Thenthereisthenuncheon,atnoonorafterasdutiesallow;andmengatherforthedaymeal,andsuchmirthastherestillmaybe,aboutthehourofsunset.

‘Come!Wewillwalkalittleandthengofindussomerefreshment,andeatanddrinkonthebattlement,andsurveythefairmorning.’

‘Onemoment!’saidPippinblushing.‘Greed,or

hungerbyyourcourtesy,putitoutofmymind.ButGandalf,Mithrandirasyoucallhim,askedmetoseetohishorse–Shadowfax,agreatsteedofRohan,andtheappleoftheking’seye,Iamtold,thoughhehasgivenhimtoMithrandirforhisservices.Ithinkhisnewmasterlovesthebeastbetterthanhelovesmanymen,andifhisgoodwillisofanyvaluetothis

city,youwilltreatShadowfaxwithallhonour:withgreaterkindnessthanyouhavetreatedthishobbit,ifitispossible.’

‘Hobbit?’saidBeregond.‘Thatiswhatwecall

ourselves,’saidPippin.‘Iamgladtolearnit,’said

Beregond,‘fornowImaysaythatstrangeaccentsdonotmarfairspeech,andhobbitsareafair-spokenfolk.But

come!Youshallmakemeacquaintedwiththisgoodhorse.Ilovebeasts,andweseethemseldominthisstonycity;formypeoplecamefromthemountain-vales,andbeforethatfromIthilien.Butfearnot!Thevisitshallbeshort,amerecallofcourtesy,andwewillgothencetothebutteries.’

PippinfoundthatShadowfaxhadbeenwellhousedandtended.Forinthesixthcircle,outsidethewallsofthecitadel,thereweresomefairstableswhereafewswifthorseswerekept,hardbythelodgingsoftheerrand-ridersoftheLord:messengersalwaysreadytogoattheurgentcommandofDenethororhischiefcaptains.Butnowallthe

horsesandtheriderswereoutandaway.

ShadowfaxwhinniedasPippinenteredthestableandturnedhishead.‘Goodmorning!’saidPippin.‘Gandalfwillcomeassoonashemay.Heisbusy,buthesendsgreetings,andIamtoseethatalliswellwithyou;andyouresting,Ihope,afteryourlonglabours.’

Shadowfaxtossedhis

headandstamped.ButheallowedBeregondtohandlehisheadgentlyandstrokehisgreatflanks.

‘Helooksasifhewerespoilingforarace,andnotnewlycomefromagreatjourney,’saidBeregond.‘Howstrongandproudheis!Whereishisharness?Itshouldberichandfair.’

‘Noneisrichandfairenoughforhim,’saidPippin.

‘Hewillhavenone.Ifhewillconsenttobearyou,bearyouhedoes;andifnot,well,nobit,bridle,whip,orthongwilltamehim.Farewell,Shadowfax!Havepatience.Battleiscoming.’

Shadowfaxlifteduphisheadandneighed,sothatthestableshook,andtheycoveredtheirears.Thentheytooktheirleave,seeingthatthemangerwaswellfilled.

‘Andnowforourmanger,’saidBeregond,andheledPippinbacktothecitadel,andsotoadoorinthenorthsideofthegreattower.Theretheywentdownalongcoolstairintoawidealleylitwithlamps.Therewerehatchesinthewallsattheside,andoneofthesewasopen.

‘Thisisthestorehouseandbutteryofmycompanyofthe

Guard,’saidBeregond.‘Greetings,Targon!’hecalledthroughthehatch.‘Itisearlyyet,buthereisanewcomerthattheLordhastakenintohisservice.Hehasriddenlongandfarwithatightbelt,andhashadsorelabourthismorning,andheishungry.Giveuswhatyouhave!’

Theygottherebread,andbutter,andcheeseandapples:

thelastofthewinterstore,wrinkledbutsoundandsweet;andaleatherflagonofnew-drawnale,andwoodenplattersandcups.Theyputallintoawickerbasketandclimbedbackintothesun;andBeregondbroughtPippintoaplaceattheeastendofthegreatout-thrustbattlementwheretherewasanembrasureinthewallswithastoneseatbeneaththesill.

Fromtheretheycouldlookoutonthemorningovertheworld.

Theyateanddrank;andtheytalkednowofGondoranditswaysandcustoms,nowoftheShireandthestrangecountriesthatPippinhadseen.AndeverastheytalkedBeregondwasmoreamazed,andlookedwithgreaterwonderatthehobbit,swinginghisshortlegsashe

satontheseat,orstandingtiptoeuponittopeeroverthesillatthelandsbelow.

‘Iwillnothidefromyou,MasterPeregrin,’saidBeregond,‘thattousyoulookalmostasoneofourchildren,aladofninesummersorso;andyetyouhaveenduredperilsandseenmarvelsthatfewofourgreybeardscouldboastof.Ithoughtitwasthewhimof

ourLordtotakehimanoblepage,afterthemannerofthekingsofold,theysay.ButIseethatitisnotso,andyoumustpardonmyfoolishness.’

‘Ido,’saidPippin.‘Thoughyouarenotfarwrong.Iamstilllittlemorethanaboyinthereckoningofmyownpeople,anditwillbefouryearsyetbeforeI“comeofage”,aswesayintheShire.Butdonotbother

aboutme.ComeandlookandtellmewhatIcansee.’

Thesunwasnowclimbing,andthemistsinthevalebelowhadbeendrawnup.Thelastofthemwerefloatingaway,justoverhead,aswispsofwhitecloudborneonthestiffeningbreezefromtheEast,thatwasnowflappingandtuggingtheflags

andwhitestandardsofthecitadel.Awaydowninthevalley-bottom,fiveleaguesorsoastheeyeleaps,theGreatRivercouldnowbeseengreyandglittering,comingoutofthenorth-west,andbendinginamightysweepsouthandwestagain,tillitwaslosttoviewinahazeandshimmer,farbeyondwhichlaytheSeafiftyleaguesaway.

Pippincouldseeallthe

Pelennorlaidoutbeforehim,dottedintothedistancewithfarmsteadsandlittlewalls,barnsandbyres,butnowherecouldheseeanykineorotherbeasts.Manyroadsandtrackscrossedthegreenfields,andtherewasmuchcomingandgoing:wainsmovinginlinestowardstheGreatGate,andotherspassingout.Nowandagainahorsemanwouldrideup,andleapfromthesaddle

andhastenintotheCity.Butmostofthetrafficwentoutalongthechiefhighway,andthatturnedsouth,andthenbendingswifterthantheRiverskirtedthehillsandpassedsoonfromsight.Itwaswideandwell-paved,andalongitseasternedgeranabroadgreenriding-track,andbeyondthatawall.Ontheridehorsemengallopedtoandfro,butallthestreet

seemedtobechokedwithgreatcoveredwainsgoingsouth.ButsoonPippinsawthatallwasinfactwell-ordered:thewainsweremovinginthreelines,oneswifterdrawnbyhorses;anotherslower,greatwaggonswithfairhousingsofmanycolours,drawnbyoxen;andalongthewestrimoftheroadmanysmallercartshauledbytrudgingmen.

‘ThatistheroadtothevalesofTumladenandLossarnach,andthemountain-villages,andthenontoLebennin,’saidBeregond.‘Theregothelastofthewainsthatbearawaytorefugetheaged,thechildren,andthewomenthatmustgowiththem.TheymustallbegonefromtheGateandtheroadclearforaleaguebeforenoon:thatwastheorder.Itis

asadnecessity.’Hesighed.‘Few,maybe,ofthosenowsunderedwillmeetagain.Andtherewerealwaystoofewchildreninthiscity;butnowtherearenone–savesomeyoungladsthatwillnotdepart,andmayfindsometasktodo:myownsonisoneofthem.’

Theyfellsilentforawhile.Pippingazedanxiouslyeastward,asifatanymoment

hemightseethousandsoforcspouringoverthefields.‘WhatcanIseethere?’heasked,pointingdowntothemiddleofthegreatcurveoftheAnduin.‘Isthatanothercity,orwhatisit?’

‘Itwasacity,’saidBeregond,‘thechiefcityofGondor,ofwhichthiswasonlyafortress.ForthatistheruinofOsgiliathoneithersideofAnduin,whichour

enemiestookandburnedlongago.YetwewonitbackinthedaysoftheyouthofDenethor:nottodwellin,buttoholdasanoutpost,andtorebuildthebridgeforthepassageofourarms.AndthencametheFellRidersoutofMinasMorgul.’

‘TheBlackRiders?’saidPippin,openinghiseyes,andtheywerewideanddarkwithanoldfearre-awakened.

‘Yes,theywereblack,’saidBeregond,‘andIseethatyouknowsomethingofthem,thoughyouhavenotspokenoftheminanyofyourtales.’

‘Iknowofthem,’saidPippinsoftly,‘butIwillnotspeakofthemnow,sonear,sonear.’HebrokeoffandliftedhiseyesabovetheRiver,anditseemedtohimthatallhecouldseewasavastandthreateningshadow.

Perhapsitwasmountainsloomingonthevergeofsight,theirjaggededgessoftenedbywellnightwentyleaguesofmistyair;perhapsitwasbutacloud-wall,andbeyondthatagainayetdeepergloom.Butevenashelookeditseemedtohiseyesthatthegloomwasgrowingandgathering,veryslowly,slowlyrisingtosmothertheregionsofthesun.

‘SoneartoMordor?’saidBeregondquietly.‘Yes,thereitlies.Weseldomnameit;butwehavedwelteverinsightofthatshadow:sometimesitseemsfainterandmoredistant;sometimesneareranddarker.Itisgrowinganddarkeningnow;andthereforeourfearanddisquietgrowtoo.AndtheFellRiders,lessthanayearagotheywonbackthe

crossings,andmanyofourbestmenwereslain.Boromiritwasthatdrovetheenemyatlastbackfromthiswesternshore,andweholdstillthenearhalfofOsgiliath.Foralittlewhile.Butweawaitnowanewonslaughtthere.Maybethechiefonslaughtofthewarthatcomes.’

‘When?’saidPippin.‘Haveyouaguess?ForIsawthebeaconstwonightsago

andtheerrand-riders;andGandalfsaidthatitwasasignthatwarhadbegun.Heseemedinadesperatehurry.Butnoweverythingseemstohaveslowedupagain.’

‘Onlybecauseeverythingisnowready,’saidBeregond.‘Itisbutthedeepbreathbeforetheplunge.’

‘Butwhywerethebeaconslittwonightsago?’

‘Itisover-latetosendfor

aidwhenyouarealreadybesieged,’answeredBeregond.‘ButIdonotknowthecounseloftheLordandhiscaptains.Theyhavemanywaysofgatheringnews.AndtheLordDenethorisunlikeothermen:heseesfar.SomesaythatashesitsaloneinhishighchamberintheToweratnight,andbendshisthoughtthiswayandthat,hecanreadsomewhatofthefuture;and

thathewillattimessearcheventhemindoftheEnemy,wrestlingwithhim.Andsoitisthatheisold,wornbeforehistime.Buthoweverthatmaybe,mylordFaramirisabroad,beyondtheRiveronsomeperilouserrand,andhemayhavesenttidings.

‘ButifyouwouldknowwhatIthinksetthebeaconsablaze,itwasthenewsthatcamethateveoutof

Lebennin.ThereisagreatfleetdrawingneartothemouthsofAnduin,mannedbythecorsairsofUmbarintheSouth.TheyhavelongceasedtofearthemightofGondor,andtheyhavealliedthemwiththeEnemy,andnowmakeaheavystrokeinhiscause.ForthisattackwilldrawoffmuchofthehelpthatwelookedtohavefromLebenninandBelfalas,where

folkarehardyandnumerous.AllthemoredoourthoughtsgonorthtoRohan;andthemoregladareweforthesetidingsofvictorythatyoubring.

‘Andyet’–hepausedandstoodup,andlookedround,north,east,andsouth–‘thedoingsatIsengardshouldwarnusthatwearecaughtnowinagreatnetandstrategy.Thisisnolongera

bickeringatthefords,raidingfromIthilienandfromAnórien,ambushingandpillaging.Thisisagreatwarlong-planned,andwearebutonepieceinit,whateverpridemaysay.ThingsmoveinthefarEastbeyondtheInlandSea,itisreported;andnorthinMirkwoodandbeyond;andsouthinHarad.Andnowallrealmsshallbeputtothetest,tostand,orfall

–undertheShadow.‘Yet,MasterPeregrin,we

havethishonour:everwebearthebruntofthechiefhatredoftheDarkLord,forthathatredcomesdownoutofthedepthsoftimeandoverthedeepsoftheSea.Herewillthehammer-strokefallhardest.AndforthatreasonMithrandircamehitherinsuchhaste.Forifwefall,whoshallstand?And,Master

Peregrin,doyouseeanyhopethatweshallstand?’

Pippindidnotanswer.Helookedatthegreatwalls,andthetowersandbravebanners,andthesuninthehighsky,andthenatthegatheringgloomintheEast;andhethoughtofthelongfingersofthatShadow:oftheorcsinthewoodsandthemountains,thetreasonofIsengard,thebirdsofevileye,andthe

BlackRiderseveninthelanesoftheShire–andofthewingedterror,theNazgûl.Heshuddered,andhopeseemedtowither.Andevenatthatmomentthesunforasecondfalteredandwasobscured,asthoughadarkwinghadpassedacrossit.Almostbeyondhearinghethoughthecaught,highandfarupintheheavens,acry:faint,butheart-quelling,cruelandcold.

Heblanchedandcoweredagainstthewall.

‘Whatwasthat?’askedBeregond.‘Youalsofeltsomething?’

‘Yes,’mutteredPippin.‘Itisthesignofourfall,andtheshadowofdoom,aFellRideroftheair.’

‘Yes,theshadowofdoom,’saidBeregond.‘IfearthatMinasTirithshallfall.Nightcomes.Thevery

warmthofmybloodseemsstolenaway.’

Foratimetheysattogetherwithbowedheadsanddidnotspeak.ThensuddenlyPippinlookedupandsawthatthesunwasstillshiningandthebannersstillstreaminginthebreeze.Heshookhimself.‘Itispassed,’hesaid.‘No,myheartwill

notyetdespair.Gandalffellandhasreturnedandiswithus.Wemaystand,ifonlyononeleg,oratleastbeleftstilluponourknees.’

‘Rightlysaid!’criedBeregond,risingandstridingtoandfro.‘Nay,thoughallthingsmustcomeutterlytoanendintime,Gondorshallnotperishyet.Notthoughthewallsbetakenbyarecklessfoethatwillbuildahillof

carrionbeforethem.Therearestillotherfastnesses,andsecretwaysofescapeintothemountains.Hopeandmemoryshalllivestillinsomehiddenvalleywherethegrassisgreen.’

‘Allthesame,Iwishitwasoverforgoodorill,’saidPippin.‘Iamnowarrioratallanddislikeanythoughtofbattle;butwaitingontheedgeofonethatIcan’t

escapeisworstofall.Whatalongdayitseemsalready!Ishouldbehappier,ifwewerenotobligedtostandandwatch,makingnomove,strikingnowherefirst.NostrokewouldhavebeenstruckinRohan,Ithink,butforGandalf.’

‘Ah,thereyoulayyourfingeronthesorethatmanyfeel!’saidBeregond.‘Butthingsmaychangewhen

Faramirreturns.Heisbold,moreboldthanmanydeem;forinthesedaysmenareslowtobelievethatacaptaincanbewiseandlearnedinthescrollsofloreandsong,asheis,andyetamanofhardihoodandswiftjudgementinthefield.ButsuchisFaramir.LessrecklessandeagerthanBoromir,butnotlessresolute.Yetwhatindeedcanhedo?Wecannot

assaultthemountainsof–ofyonderrealm.Ourreachisshortened,andwecannotstriketillsomefoecomeswithinit.Thenourhandmustbeheavy!’Hesmotethehiltofhissword.

Pippinlookedathim:tallandproudandnoble,asallthementhathehadyetseeninthatland;andwithaglitterinhiseyeashethoughtofthebattle.‘Alas!myownhand

feelsaslightasafeather,’hethought,buthesaidnothing.‘ApawndidGandalfsay?Perhaps;butonthewrongchessboard.’

Sotheytalkeduntilthesunreacheditsheight,andsuddenlythenoon-bellswererung,andtherewasastirinthecitadel;forallsavethewatchmenweregoingtotheir

meal.‘Willyoucomewithme?’

saidBeregond.‘Youmayjoinmymessforthisday.Idonotknowtowhatcompanyyouwillbeassigned;ortheLordmayholdyouathisowncommand.Butyouwillbewelcome.Anditwillbewelltomeetasmanymenasyoumay,whilethereisyettime.’

‘Ishallbegladtocome,’saidPippin.‘Iamlonely,to

tellyouthetruth.IleftmybestfriendbehindinRohan,andIhavehadnoonetotalktoorjestwith.PerhapsIcouldreallyjoinyourcompany?Areyouthecaptain?Ifso,youcouldtakemeon,orspeakforme?’

‘Nay,nay,’Beregondlaughed,‘Iamnocaptain.NeitherofficenorranknorlordshiphaveI,beingbutaplainmanofarmsofthe

ThirdCompanyoftheCitadel.Yet,MasterPeregrin,tobeonlyamanofarmsoftheGuardoftheTowerofGondorisheldworthyintheCity,andsuchmenhavehonourintheland.’

‘Thenitisfarbeyondme,’saidPippin.‘Takemebacktoourroom,andifGandalfisnotthere,Iwillgowhereyoulike–asyourguest.’

Gandalfwasnotinthelodgingandhadsentnomessage;soPippinwentwithBeregondandwasmadeknowntothemenoftheThirdCompany.AnditseemedthatBeregondgotasmuchhonourfromitashisguest,forPippinwasverywelcome.TherehadalreadybeenmuchtalkinthecitadelaboutMithrandir’scompanionandhislong

closetingwiththeLord;andrumourdeclaredthataPrinceoftheHalflingshadcomeoutoftheNorthtoofferallegiancetoGondorandfivethousandswords.AndsomesaidthatwhentheRiderscamefromRohaneachwouldbringbehindhimahalflingwarrior,smallmaybe,butdoughty.

ThoughPippinhadregretfullytodestroythis

hopefultale,hecouldnotberidofhisnewrank,onlyfitting,menthought,toonebefriendedbyBoromirandhonouredbytheLordDenethor;andtheythankedhimforcomingamongthem,andhungonhiswordsandstoriesoftheoutlands,andgavehimasmuchfoodandaleashecouldwish.Indeedhisonlytroublewastobe‘wary’accordingtothe

counselofGandalf,andnottolethistonguewagfreelyafterthemannerofahobbitamongfriends.

AtlengthBeregondrose.‘Farewellforthistime!’hesaid.‘Ihavedutynowtillsundown,ashavealltheothershere,Ithink.Butifyouarelonely,asyousay,maybeyouwouldlikea

merryguideabouttheCity.Mysonwouldgowithyougladly.Agoodlad,Imaysay.Ifthatpleasesyou,godowntothelowestcircleandaskfortheOldGuesthouseintheRathCelerdain,theLampwrights’Street.YouwillfindhimtherewithotherladsthatareremainingintheCity.TheremaybethingsworthseeingdownattheGreatGateeretheclosing.’

Hewentout,andsoonafteralltheothersfollowed.Thedaywasstillfine,thoughitwasgrowinghazy,anditwashotforMarch,evensofarsouthwards.Pippinfeltsleepy,butthelodgingseemedcheerless,andhedecidedtogodownandexploretheCity.HetookafewmorselsthathehadsavedtoShadowfax,andtheyweregraciouslyaccepted,though

thehorseseemedtohavenolack.Thenhewalkedondownmanywindingways.

Peoplestaredmuchashepassed.Tohisfacemenweregravelycourteous,salutinghimafterthemannerofGondorwithbowedheadandhandsuponthebreast;butbehindhimheheardmanycalls,asthoseoutofdoorscriedtootherswithintocomeandseethePrinceofthe

Halflings,thecompanionofMithrandir.ManyusedsomeothertonguethantheCommonSpeech,butitwasnotlongbeforehelearnedatleastwhatwasmeantbyErniliPheriannathandknewthathistitlehadgonedownbeforehimintotheCity.

Hecameatlastbyarchedstreetsandmanyfairalleysandpavementstothelowestandwidestcircle,andthere

hewasdirectedtotheLampwrights’Street,abroadwayrunningtowardstheGreatGate.InithefoundtheOldGuesthouse,alargebuildingofgreyweatheredstonewithtwowingsrunningbackfromthestreet,andbetweenthemanarrowgreensward,behindwhichwasthemany-windowedhouse,frontedalongitswholewidthbyapillaredporchand

aflightofstepsdownontothegrass.Boyswereplayingamongthepillars,theonlychildrenthatPippinhadseeninMinasTirith,andhestoppedtolookatthem.Presentlyoneofthemcaughtsightofhim,andwithashouthesprangacrossthegrassandcameintothestreet,followedbyseveralothers.TherehestoodinfrontofPippin,lookinghimupanddown.

‘Greetings!’saidthelad.‘Wheredoyoucomefrom?YouareastrangerintheCity.’

‘Iwas,’saidPippin;‘buttheysayIhavebecomeamanofGondor.’

‘Ohcome!’saidthelad.‘Thenweareallmenhere.Buthowoldareyou,andwhatisyourname?Iamtenyearsalready,andshallsoonbefivefeet.Iamtallerthan

you.ButthenmyfatherisaGuard,oneofthetallest.Whatisyourfather?’

‘WhichquestionshallIanswerfirst?’saidPippin.‘MyfatherfarmsthelandsroundWhitwellnearTuckboroughintheShire.Iamnearlytwenty-nine,soIpassyouthere;thoughIambutfourfeet,andnotlikelytogrowanymore,savesideways.’

‘Twenty-nine!’saidtheladandwhistled.‘Why,youarequiteold!AsoldasmyuncleIorlas.Still,’headdedhopefully,‘IwagerIcouldstandyouonyourheadorlayyouonyourback.’

‘Maybeyoucould,ifIletyou,’saidPippinwithalaugh.‘AndmaybeIcoulddothesametoyou:weknowsomewrestlingtricksinmylittlecountry.Where,letme

tellyou,Iamconsidereduncommonlylargeandstrong;andIhaveneverallowedanyonetostandmeonmyhead.Soifitcametoatrialandnothingelsewouldserve,Imighthavetokillyou.Forwhenyouareolder,youwilllearnthatfolkarenotalwayswhattheyseem;andthoughyoumayhavetakenmeforasoftstranger-ladandeasyprey,letme

warnyou:Iamnot,Iamahalfling,hard,bold,andwicked!’Pippinpulledsuchagrimfacethattheboysteppedbackapace,butatoncehereturnedwithclenchedfistsandthelightofbattleinhiseye.

‘No!’Pippinlaughed.‘Don’tbelievewhatstrangerssayofthemselveseither!Iamnotafighter.Butitwouldbepoliterinanycaseforthe

challengertosaywhoheis.’Theboydrewhimselfup

proudly.‘IamBergilsonofBeregondoftheGuards,’hesaid.

‘SoIthought,’saidPippin,‘foryoulooklikeyourfather.Iknowhimandhesentmetofindyou.’

‘Thenwhydidyounotsaysoatonce?’saidBergil,andsuddenlyalookofdismaycameoverhisface.‘Donot

tellmethathehaschangedhismind,andwillsendmeawaywiththemaidens!Butno,thelastwainshavegone.’

‘Hismessageislessbadthanthat,ifnotgood,’saidPippin.‘Hesaysthatifyouwouldpreferittostandingmeonmyhead,youmightshowmeroundtheCityforawhileandcheermyloneliness.Icantellyousometalesoffarcountriesinreturn.’

Bergilclappedhishands,andlaughedwithrelief.‘Alliswell,’hecried.‘Comethen!WeweresoongoingtotheGatetolookon.Wewillgonow.’

‘Whatishappeningthere?’

‘TheCaptainsoftheOutlandsareexpecteduptheSouthRoaderesundown.Comewithusandyouwillsee.’

Bergilprovedagoodcomrade,thebestcompanyPippinhadhadsincehepartedfromMerry,andsoontheywerelaughingandtalkinggailyastheywentaboutthestreets,heedlessofthemanyglancesthatmengavethem.BeforelongtheyfoundthemselvesinathronggoingtowardstheGreatGate.TherePippinwentupmuchintheesteemofBergil,for

whenhespokehisnameandthepass-wordtheguardsalutedhimandlethimpassthrough;andwhatwasmore,heallowedhimtotakehiscompanionwithhim.

‘Thatisgood!’saidBergil.‘WeboysarenolongerallowedtopasstheGatewithoutanelder.Nowweshallseebetter.’

BeyondtheGatetherewasacrowdofmenalongthe

vergeoftheroadandofthegreatpavedspaceintowhichallthewaystoMinasTirithran.Alleyeswereturnedsouthwards,andsoonamurmurrose:‘Thereisdustawaythere!Theyarecoming!’

PippinandBergiledgedtheirwayforwardtothefrontofthecrowd,andwaited.Hornssoundedatsomedistance,andthenoiseof

cheeringrolledtowardsthemlikeagatheringwind.Thentherewasaloudtrumpet-blast,andallaboutthempeoplewereshouting.

‘Forlong!Forlong!’Pippinheardmencalling.‘Whatdotheysay?’heasked.

‘Forlonghascome,’Bergilanswered;‘oldForlongtheFat,theLordofLossarnach.Thatiswheremygrandsirelives.Hurrah!Here

heis.GoodoldForlong!’Leadingthelinethere

camewalkingabigthick-limbedhorse,andonitsatamanofwideshouldersandhugegirth,butoldandgrey-bearded,yetmail-cladandblack-helmedandbearingalongheavyspear.Behindhimmarchedproudlyadustylineofmen,well-armedandbearinggreatbattle-axes;grim-facedtheywere,and

shorterandsomewhatswarthierthananymenthatPippinhadyetseeninGondor.

‘Forlong!’menshouted.‘Trueheart,truefriend!Forlong!’ButwhenthemenofLossarnachhadpassedtheymuttered:‘Sofew!Twohundreds,whatarethey?Wehopedfortentimesthenumber.Thatwillbethenewtidingsoftheblackfleet.

Theyaresparingonlyatitheoftheirstrength.Stilleverylittleisagain.’

AndsothecompaniescameandwerehailedandcheeredandpassedthroughtheGate,menoftheOutlandsmarchingtodefendtheCityofGondorinadarkhour;butalwaystoofew,alwayslessthanhopelookedfororneed

asked.ThemenofRinglóValebehindthesonoftheirlord,Dervorinstridingonfoot:threehundreds.FromtheuplandsofMorthond,thegreatBlackrootVale,tallDuinhirwithhissons,DuilinandDerufin,andfivehundredbowmen.FromtheAnfalas,theLangstrandfaraway,alonglineofmenofmanysorts,huntersandherdsmenandmenoflittlevillages,

scantilyequippedsaveforthehouseholdofGolasgiltheirlord.FromLamedon,afewgrimhillmenwithoutacaptain.Fisher-folkoftheEthir,somehundredormoresparedfromtheships.HirluintheFairoftheGreenHillsfromPinnathGelinwiththreehundredsofgallantgreen-cladmen.Andlastandproudest,Imrahil,PrinceofDolAmroth,kinsmanofthe

Lord,withgildedbannersbearinghistokenoftheShipandtheSilverSwan,andacompanyofknightsinfullharnessridinggreyhorses;andbehindthemsevenhundredsofmenatarms,tallaslords,grey-eyed,dark-haired,singingastheycame.

Andthatwasall,lessthanthreethousandsfulltold.Nomorewouldcome.Theircriesandthetrampoftheirfeet

passedintotheCityanddiedaway.Theonlookersstoodsilentforawhile.Dusthungintheair,forthewindhaddiedandtheeveningwasheavy.Alreadytheclosinghourwasdrawingnigh,andtheredsunhadgonebehindMindolluin.ShadowcamedownontheCity.

Pippinlookedup,anditseemedtohimthattheskyhadgrownashen-grey,asifa

vastdustandsmokehungabovethem,andlightcamedullythroughit.ButintheWestthedyingsunhadsetallthefumeonfire,andnowMindolluinstoodblackagainstaburningsmoulderfleckedwithembers.‘Soendsafairdayinwrath!’hesaid,forgetfuloftheladathisside.

‘Soitwill,ifIhavenotreturnedbeforethesundown-bells,’saidBergil.‘Come!

TheregoesthetrumpetfortheclosingoftheGate.’

HandinhandtheywentbackintotheCity,thelasttopasstheGatebeforeitwasshut;andastheyreachedtheLampwrights’Streetallthebellsinthetowerstolledsolemnly.Lightsspranginmanywindows,andfromthehousesandwardsofthemen

atarmsalongthewallstherecamethesoundofsong.

‘Farewellforthistime,’saidBergil.‘Takemygreetingstomyfather,andthankhimforthecompanythathesent.Comeagainsoon,Ibeg.AlmostIwishnowthattherewasnowar,forwemighthavehadsomemerrytimes.WemighthavejourneyedtoLossarnach,tomygrandsire’shouse;itis

goodtobethereinspring,thewoodsandfieldsarefullofflowers.Butmaybewewillgothithertogetheryet.TheywillneverovercomeourLord,andmyfatherisveryvaliant.Farewellandreturn!’

TheypartedandPippinhurriedbacktowardsthecitadel.Itseemedalongway,andhegrewhotandveryhungry;andnightcloseddownswiftanddark.Nota

starprickedthesky.Hewaslateforthedaymealinthemess,andBeregondgreetedhimgladly,andsathimathissidetohearnewsofhisson.AfterthemealPippinstayedawhile,andthentookhisleave,forastrangegloomwasonhim,andnowhedesiredverymuchtoseeGandalfagain.

‘Canyoufindyourway?’saidBeregondatthedoorof

thesmallhall,onthenorthsideofthecitadel,wheretheyhadsat.‘Itisablacknight,andalltheblackersinceorderscamethatlightsaretobedimmedwithintheCity,andnonearetoshineoutfromthewalls.AndIcangiveyounewsofanotherorder:youwillbesummonedtotheLordDenethorearlytomorrow.IfearyouwillnotbefortheThirdCompany.

Stillwemayhopetomeetagain.Farewellandsleepinpeace!’

Thelodgingwasdark,saveforalittlelanternsetonthetable.Gandalfwasnotthere.GloomsettledstillmoreheavilyonPippin.Heclimbedonthebenchandtriedtopeeroutofawindow,butitwaslikelookingintoapoolofink.Hegotdownandclosedtheshutterandwentto

bed.ForawhilehelayandlistenedforsoundsofGandalf’sreturn,andthenhefellintoanuneasysleep.

Inthenighthewaswakenedbyalight,andhesawthatGandalfhadcomeandwaspacingtoandfrointheroombeyondthecurtainofthealcove.Therewerecandlesonthetableandrollsofparchment.Heheardthewizardsigh,andmutter:

‘WhenwillFaramirreturn?’‘Hullo!’saidPippin,

pokinghisheadroundthecurtain.‘Ithoughtyouhadforgottenallaboutme.Iamgladtoseeyouback.Ithasbeenalongday.’

‘Butthenightwillbetooshort,’saidGandalf.‘Ihavecomebackhere,forImusthavealittlepeace,alone.Youshouldsleep,inabedwhileyoustillmay.AtthesunriseI

shalltakeyoutotheLordDenethoragain.No,whenthesummonscomes,notatsunrise.TheDarknesshasbegun.Therewillbenodawn.’

Chapter2

THEPASSINGOFTHEGREYCOMPANY

Gandalfwasgone,andthe

thuddinghoofsofShadowfaxwerelostinthenight,whenMerrycamebacktoAragorn.Hehadonlyalightbundle,forhehadlosthispackatParthGalen,andallhehadwasafewusefulthingshehadpickedupamongthewreckageofIsengard.Hasufelwasalreadysaddled.LegolasandGimliwiththeirhorsestoodcloseby.

‘SofouroftheCompany

stillremain,’saidAragorn.‘Wewillrideontogether.Butweshallnotgoalone,asIthought.Thekingisnowdeterminedtosetoutatonce.Sincethecomingofthewingedshadow,hedesirestoreturntothehillsundercoverofnight.’

‘Andthenwhither?’saidLegolas.

‘Icannotsayyet,’Aragornanswered.‘Asfor

theking,hewillgotothemusterthathecommandedatEdoras,fournightsfromnow.Andthere,Ithink,hewillheartidingsofwar,andtheRidersofRohanwillgodowntoMinasTirith.Butformyself,andanythatwillgowithme…’

‘Iforone!’criedLegolas.‘AndGimliwithhim!’saidtheDwarf.

‘Well,formyself,’said

Aragorn,‘itisdarkbeforeme.ImustgodownalsotoMinasTirith,butIdonotyetseetheroad.Anhourlongpreparedapproaches.’

‘Don’tleavemebehind!’saidMerry.‘Ihavenotbeenofmuchuseyet;butIdon’twanttobelaidaside,likebaggagetobecalledforwhenallisover.Idon’tthinktheRiderswillwanttobebotheredwithmenow.

Though,ofcourse,thekingdidsaythatIwastositbyhimwhenhecametohishouseandtellhimallabouttheShire.’

‘Yes,’saidAragorn,‘andyourroadlieswithhim,Ithink,Merry.Butdonotlookformirthattheending.Itwillbelong,Ifear,ereThéodensitsateaseagaininMeduseld.ManyhopeswillwitherinthisbitterSpring.’

Soonallwerereadytodepart:twenty-fourhorses,withGimlibehindLegolas,andMerryinfrontofAragorn.Presentlytheywereridingswiftlythroughthenight.TheyhadnotlongpassedthemoundsattheFordsofIsen,whenaRidergallopedupfromtherearoftheirline.

‘Mylord,’hesaidtotheking,‘therearehorsemen

behindus.AswecrossedthefordsIthoughtthatIheardthem.Nowwearesure.Theyareovertakingus,ridinghard.’

Théodenatoncecalledahalt.TheRidersturnedaboutandseizedtheirspears.AragorndismountedandsetMerryontheground,anddrawinghisswordhestoodbytheking’sstirrup.Éomerandhisesquirerodebackto

therear.Merryfeltmorelikeunneededbaggagethanever,andhewondered,iftherewasafight,whatheshoulddo.Supposingtheking’ssmallescortwastrappedandovercome,butheescapedintothedarkness–aloneinthewildfieldsofRohanwithnoideaofwherehewasinalltheendlessmiles?‘Nogood!’hethought.Hedrewhisswordandtightenedhisbelt.

Thesinkingmoonwasobscuredbyagreatsailingcloud,butsuddenlyitrodeoutclearagain.Thentheyallheardthesoundofhoofs,andatthesamemomenttheysawdarkshapescomingswiftlyonthepathfromthefords.Themoonlightglintedhereandthereonthepointsofspears.Thenumberofthepursuerscouldnotbetold,buttheyseemednofewer

thantheking’sescort,attheleast.

Whentheyweresomefiftypacesoff,Éomercriedinaloudvoice:‘Halt!Halt!WhoridesinRohan?’

Thepursuersbroughttheirsteedstoasuddenstand.Asilencefollowed;andtheninthemoonlight,ahorsemancouldbeseendismountingandwalkingslowlyforward.Hishandshowedwhiteashe

helditup,palmoutward,intokenofpeace;buttheking’smengrippedtheirweapons.Attenpacesthemanstopped.Hewastall,adarkstandingshadow.Thenhisclearvoicerangout.

‘Rohan?Rohandidyousay?Thatisagladword.Weseekthatlandinhastefromlongafar.’

‘Youhavefoundit,’saidÉomer.‘Whenyoucrossed

thefordsyonderyouenteredit.ButitistherealmofThéodentheKing.Nonerideheresavebyhisleave.Whoareyou?Andwhatisyourhaste?’

‘HalbaradDúnadan,RangeroftheNorthIam,’criedtheman.‘WeseekoneAragornsonofArathorn,andweheardthathewasinRohan.’

‘Andyouhavefoundhim

also!’criedAragorn.GivinghisreinstoMerry,heranforwardandembracedthenewcomer.‘Halbarad!’hesaid.‘Ofalljoysthisistheleastexpected!’

Merrybreathedasighofrelief.HehadthoughtthatthiswassomelasttrickofSaruman’s,towaylaythekingwhilehehadonlyafewmenabouthim;butitseemedthattherewouldbenoneed

todieinThéoden’sdefence,notyetatanyrate.Hesheathedhissword.

‘Alliswell,’saidAragorn,turningback.‘HerearesomeofmyownkinfromthefarlandwhereIdwelt.Butwhytheycome,andhowmanytheybe,Halbaradshalltellus.’

‘Ihavethirtywithme,’saidHalbarad.‘Thatisallofourkindredthatcouldbe

gatheredinhaste;butthebrethrenElladanandElrohirhaveriddenwithus,desiringtogotothewar.Werodeasswiftlyaswemightwhenyoursummonscame.’

‘ButIdidnotsummonyou,’saidAragorn,‘saveonlyinwish.Mythoughtshaveoftenturnedtoyou,andseldommorethantonight;yetIhavesentnoword.Butcome!Allsuchmattersmust

wait.Youfindusridinginhasteanddanger.Ridewithusnow,ifthekingwillgivehisleave.’

Théodenwasindeedgladofthenews.‘Itiswell!’hesaid.‘Ifthesekinsmenbeinanywayliketoyourself,mylordAragorn,thirtysuchknightswillbeastrengththatcannotbecountedbyheads.’

ThentheRiderssetoutagain,andAragornforawhilerodewiththeDúnedain;andwhentheyhadspokenoftidingsintheNorthandintheSouth,Elrohirsaidtohim:

‘Ibringwordtoyoufrommyfather:Thedaysareshort.Ifthouartinhaste,rememberthePathsoftheDead.’

‘Alwaysmydayshave

seemedtometooshorttoachievemydesire,’answeredAragorn.‘ButgreatindeedwillbemyhasteereItakethatroad.’

‘Thatwillsoonbeseen,’saidElrohir.‘Butletusspeaknomoreofthesethingsupontheopenroad!’

AndAragornsaidtoHalbarad:‘Whatisthatthatyoubear,kinsman?’Forhesawthatinsteadofaspearhe

boreatallstaff,asitwereastandard,butitwasclose-furledinablackclothboundaboutwithmanythongs.

‘ItisagiftthatIbringyoufromtheLadyofRivendell,’answeredHalbarad.‘Shewroughtitinsecret,andlongwasthemaking.Butshealsosendswordtoyou:Thedaysnowareshort.Eitherourhopecometh,orallhope’send.ThereforeIsendthee

whatIhavemadeforthee.Farewell,Elfstone!’

AndAragornsaid:‘NowIknowwhatyoubear.Bearitstillformeawhile!’AndheturnedandlookedawaytotheNorthunderthegreatstars,andthenhefellsilentandspokenomorewhilethenight’sjourneylasted.

Thenightwasoldandthe

EastgreywhentheyrodeupatlastfromDeeping-coombandcamebacktotheHornburg.Theretheyweretolieandrestforabriefwhileandtakecounsel.

MerrysleptuntilhewasrousedbyLegolasandGimli.‘TheSunishigh,’saidLegolas.‘Allothersareupanddoing.Come,MasterSluggard,andlookatthisplacewhileyoumay!’

‘Therewasabattleherethreenightsago,’saidGimli,‘andhereLegolasandIplayedagamethatIwononlybyasingleorc.Comeandseehowitwas!Andtherearecaves,Merry,cavesofwonder!Shallwevisitthem,Legolas,doyouthink?’

‘Nay!Thereisnotime,’saidtheElf.‘Donotspoilthewonderwithhaste!Ihavegivenyoumywordtoreturn

hitherwithyou,ifadayofpeaceandfreedomcomesagain.Butitisnowneartonoon,andatthathourweeat,andthensetoutagain,Ihear.’

Merrygotupandyawned.Hisfewhours’sleephadnotbeennearlyenough;hewastiredandratherdismal.HemissedPippin,andfeltthathewasonlyaburden,whileeverybodywasmakingplans

forspeedinabusinessthathedidnotfullyunderstand.‘WhereisAragorn?’heasked.

‘InahighchamberoftheBurg,’saidLegolas.‘Hehasneitherrestednorslept,Ithink.Hewentthithersomehoursago,sayingthathemusttakethought,andonlyhiskinsman,Halbarad,wentwithhim;butsomedarkdoubtorcaresitsonhim.’

‘Theyareastrangecompany,thesenewcomers,’saidGimli.‘Stoutmenandlordlytheyare,andtheRidersofRohanlookalmostasboysbesidethem;fortheyaregrimmenofface,wornlikeweatheredrocksforthemostpart,evenasAragornhimself;andtheyaresilent.’

‘ButevenasAragorntheyarecourteous,iftheybreaktheirsilence,’saidLegolas.

‘AndhaveyoumarkedthebrethrenElladanandElrohir?Lesssombreistheirgearthantheothers’,andtheyarefairandgallantasElven-lords;andthatisnottobewonderedatinthesonsofElrondofRivendell.’

‘Whyhavetheycome?Haveyouheard?’askedMerry.Hehadnowdressed,andheflunghisgreycloakabouthisshoulders;andthe

threepassedouttogethertowardstheruinedgateoftheBurg.

‘Theyansweredasummons,asyouheard,’saidGimli.‘WordcametoRivendell,theysay:Aragornhasneedofhiskindred.LettheDúnedainridetohiminRohan!Butwhencethismessagecametheyarenowindoubt.Gandalfsentit,Iwouldguess.’

‘Nay,Galadriel,’saidLegolas.‘DidshenotspeakthroughGandalfoftherideoftheGreyCompanyfromtheNorth?’

‘Yes,youhaveit,’saidGimli.‘TheLadyoftheWood!Shereadmanyheartsanddesires.Nowwhydidnotwewishforsomeofourownkinsfolk,Legolas?’

Legolasstoodbeforethegateandturnedhisbright

eyesawaynorthandeast,andhisfairfacewastroubled.‘Idonotthinkthatanywouldcome,’heanswered.‘Theyhavenoneedtoridetowar;waralreadymarchesontheirownlands.’

Forawhilethethreecompanionswalkedtogether,speakingofthisandthatturnofthebattle,andtheywent

downfromthebrokengate,andpassedthemoundsofthefallenonthegreenswardbesidetheroad,untiltheystoodonHelm’sDikeandlookedintotheCoomb.TheDeathDownalreadystoodthere,blackandtallandstony,andthegreattramplingandscoringofthegrassbytheHuornscouldbeplainlyseen.TheDunlendingsandmanymenofthegarrisonof

theBurgwereatworkontheDikeorinthefieldsandaboutthebatteredwallsbehind;yetallseemedstrangelyquiet:awearyvalleyrestingafteragreatstorm.SoontheyturnedbackandwenttothemiddaymealinthehalloftheBurg.

Thekingwasalreadythere,andassoonastheyenteredhecalledforMerryandhadaseatsetforhimat

hisside.‘ItisnotasIwouldhaveit,’saidThéoden;‘forthisislittlelikemyfairhouseinEdoras.Andyourfriendisgone,whoshouldalsobehere.Butitmaybelongerewesit,youandI,atthehightableinMeduseld;therewillbenotimeforfeastingwhenIreturnthither.Butcomenow!Eatanddrink,andletusspeaktogetherwhilewemay.Andthenyoushallridewith

me.’‘MayI?’saidMerry,

surprisedanddelighted.‘Thatwouldbesplendid!’Hehadneverfeltmoregratefulforanykindnessinwords.‘IamafraidIamonlyineverybody’sway,’hestammered;‘butIshouldliketodoanythingIcould,youknow.’

‘Idoubtitnot,’saidtheking.‘Ihavehadagoodhill-

ponymadereadyforyou.Hewillbearyouasswiftasanyhorsebytheroadsthatweshalltake.ForIwillridefromtheBurgbymountainpaths,notbytheplain,andsocometoEdorasbywayofDunharrowwheretheLadyÉowynawaitsme.Youshallbemyesquire,ifyouwill.Istheregearofwarinthisplace,Éomer,thatmysword-thaincoulduse?’

‘Therearenogreatweapon-hoardshere,lord,’answeredÉomer.‘Maybealighthelmmightbefoundtofithim;butwehavenomailorswordforoneofhisstature.’

‘Ihaveasword,’saidMerry,climbingfromhisseat,anddrawingfromitsblacksheathhissmallbrightblade.Filledsuddenlywithloveforthisoldman,heknelt

ononeknee,andtookhishandandkissedit.‘MayIlaytheswordofMeriadocoftheShireonyourlap,ThéodenKing?’hecried.‘Receivemyservice,ifyouwill!’

‘GladlywillItakeit,’saidtheking;andlayinghislongoldhandsuponthebrownhairofthehobbit,heblessedhim.‘Risenow,Meriadoc,esquireofRohanofthehouseholdofMeduseld!’he

said.‘Takeyourswordandbearituntogoodfortune!’

‘Asafatheryoushallbetome,’saidMerry.

‘Foralittlewhile,’saidThéoden.

Theytalkedthentogetherastheyate,untilpresentlyÉomerspoke.‘Itisnearthehourthatwesetforourgoing,lord,’hesaid.‘ShallI

bidmensoundthehorns?ButwhereisAragorn?Hisplaceisemptyandhehasnoteaten.’

‘Wewillmakereadytoride,’saidThéoden;‘butletwordbesenttotheLordAragornthatthehourisnigh.’

ThekingwithhisguardandMerryathissidepasseddownfromthegateoftheBurgtowheretheRiders

wereassemblingonthegreen.Manywerealreadymounted.Itwouldbeagreatcompany;forthekingwasleavingonlyasmallgarrisonintheBurg,andallwhocouldbesparedwereridingtotheweapontakeatEdoras.Athousandspearshadindeedalreadyriddenawayatnight;butstilltherewouldbesomefivehundredmoretogowiththeking,forthemostpart

menfromthefieldsanddalesofWestfold.

AlittleaparttheRangerssat,silent,inanorderedcompany,armedwithspearandbowandsword.Theywerecladincloaksofdarkgrey,andtheirhoodswerecastnowoverhelmandhead.Theirhorseswerestrongandofproudbearing,butrough-haired;andonestoodtherewithoutarider,

Aragorn’sownhorsethattheyhadbroughtfromtheNorth;Roherynwashisname.Therewasnogleamofstoneorgold,noranyfairthinginalltheirgearandharness;nordidtheirridersbearanybadgeortoken,saveonlythateachcloakwaspinnedupontheleftshoulderbyabroochofsilvershapedlikearayedstar.

Thekingmountedhis

horse,Snowmane,andMerrysatbesidehimonhispony:Stybbawashisname.PresentlyÉomercameoutfromthegate,andwithhimwasAragorn,andHalbaradbearingthegreatstaffclose-furledinblack,andtwotallmen,neitheryoungnorold.Somuchalikewerethey,thesonsofElrond,thatfewcouldtellthemapart:dark-haired,grey-eyed,andtheirfaces

elven-fair,cladalikeinbrightmailbeneathcloaksofsilver-grey.BehindthemwalkedLegolasandGimli.ButMerryhadeyesonlyforAragorn,sostartlingwasthechangethathesawinhim,asifinonenightmanyyearshadfallenonhishead.Grimwashisface,grey-huedandweary.

‘Iamtroubledinmind,lord,’hesaid,standingbythe

king’shorse.‘Ihaveheardstrangewords,andIseenewperilsfaroff.Ihavelabouredlonginthought,andnowIfearthatImustchangemypurpose.Tellme,Théoden,youridenowtoDunharrow,howlongwillitbeereyoucomethere?’

‘Itisnowafullhourpastnoon,’saidÉomer.‘Beforethenightofthethirddayfromnowweshouldcometo

theHold.TheMoonwillthenbetwonightspasthisfull,andthemusterthatthekingcommandedwillbeheldthedayafter.Morespeedwecannotmake,ifthestrengthofRohanistobegathered.’

Aragornwassilentforamoment.‘Threedays,’hemurmured,‘andthemusterofRohanwillonlybebegun.ButIseethatitcannotnowbehastened.’Helookedup,

anditseemedthathehadmadesomedecision;hisfacewaslesstroubled.‘Then,byyourleave,lord,Imusttakenewcounselformyselfandmykindred.Wemustrideourownroad,andnolongerinsecret.Formethetimeofstealthhaspassed.Iwillrideeastbytheswiftestway,andIwilltakethePathsoftheDead.’

‘ThePathsoftheDead!’

saidThéoden,andtrembled.‘Whydoyouspeakofthem?’ÉomerturnedandgazedatAragorn,anditseemedtoMerrythatthefacesoftheRidersthatsatwithinhearingturnedpaleatthewords.‘Iftherebeintruthsuchpaths,’saidThéoden,‘theirgateisinDunharrow;butnolivingmanmaypassit.’

‘Alas!Aragornmyfriend!’saidÉomer.‘Ihad

hopedthatweshouldridetowartogether;butifyouseekthePathsoftheDead,thenourpartingiscome,anditislittlelikelythatweshallevermeetagainundertheSun.’

‘ThatroadIwilltake,nonetheless,’saidAragorn.‘ButIsaytoyou,Éomer,thatinbattlewemayyetmeetagain,thoughallthehostsofMordorshouldstandbetween.’

‘Youwilldoasyouwill,mylordAragorn,’saidThéoden.‘Itisyourdoom,maybe,totreadstrangepathsthatothersdarenot.Thispartinggrievesme,andmystrengthislessenedbyit;butnowImusttakethemountain-roadsanddelaynolonger.Farewell!’

‘Farewell,lord!’saidAragorn.‘Rideuntogreatrenown!Farewell,Merry!I

leaveyouingoodhands,betterthanwehopedwhenwehuntedtheorcstoFangorn.LegolasandGimliwillstillhuntwithme,Ihope;butweshallnotforgetyou.’

‘Good-bye!’saidMerry.Hecouldfindnomoretosay.Hefeltverysmall,andhewaspuzzledanddepressedbyallthesegloomywords.Morethaneverhemissedthe

unquenchablecheerfulnessofPippin.TheRiderswereready,andtheirhorseswerefidgeting;hewishedtheywouldstartandgetitover.

NowThéodenspoketoÉomer,andhelifteduphishandandcriedaloud,andwiththatwordtheRiderssetforth.TheyrodeovertheDikeanddowntheCoomb,andthen,turningswiftlyeastwards,theytookapath

thatskirtedthefoothillsforamileorso,untilbendingsouthitpassedbackamongthehillsanddisappearedfromview.AragornrodetotheDikeandwatchedtilltheking’smenwerefardowntheCoomb.ThenheturnedtoHalbarad.

‘TheregothreethatIlove,andthesmallestnottheleast,’hesaid.‘Heknowsnottowhatendherides;yetifhe

knew,hestillwouldgoon.’‘Alittlepeople,butof

greatwortharetheShire-folk,’saidHalbarad.‘Littledotheyknowofourlonglabourforthesafekeepingoftheirborders,andyetIgrudgeitnot.’

‘Andnowourfatesarewoventogether,’saidAragorn.‘Andyet,alas!herewemustpart.Well,Imusteatalittle,andthenwealsomust

hastenaway.Come,LegolasandGimli!ImustspeakwithyouasIeat.’

TogethertheywentbackintotheBurg;yetforsometimeAragornsatsilentatthetableinthehall,andtheotherswaitedforhimtospeak.‘Come!’saidLegolasatlast.‘Speakandbecomforted,andshakeofftheshadow!Whathashappenedsincewecamebacktothis

grimplaceinthegreymorning?’

‘AstrugglesomewhatgrimmerformypartthanthebattleoftheHornburg,’answeredAragorn.‘IhavelookedintheStoneofOrthanc,myfriends.’

‘Youhavelookedinthataccursedstoneofwizardry!’exclaimedGimliwithfearandastonishmentinhisface.‘Didyousayaughtto–him?

EvenGandalffearedthatencounter.’

‘Youforgettowhomyouspeak,’saidAragornsternly,andhiseyesglinted.‘WhatdoyoufearthatIshouldsaytohim?DidInotopenlyproclaimmytitlebeforethedoorsofEdoras?Nay,Gimli,’hesaidinasoftervoice,andthegrimnesslefthisface,andhelookedlikeonewhohaslabouredin

sleeplesspainformanynights.‘Nay,myfriends,IamthelawfulmasteroftheStone,andIhadboththerightandthestrengthtouseit,orsoIjudged.Therightcannotbedoubted.Thestrengthwasenough–barely.’

Hedrewadeepbreath.‘Itwasabitterstruggle,andthewearinessisslowtopass.Ispokenowordtohim,andin

theendIwrenchedtheStonetomyownwill.Thatalonehewillfindhardtoendure.Andhebeheldme.Yes,MasterGimli,hesawme,butinotherguisethanyouseemehere.Ifthatwillaidhim,thenIhavedoneill.ButIdonotthinkso.ToknowthatIlivedandwalkedtheearthwasablowtohisheart,Ideem;forheknewitnottillnow.TheeyesinOrthancdidnotsee

throughthearmourofThéoden;butSauronhasnotforgottenIsildurandtheswordofElendil.NowintheveryhourofhisgreatdesignstheheirofIsildurandtheSwordarerevealed;forIshowedthebladere-forgedtohim.Heisnotsomightyyetthatheisabovefear;nay,doubtevergnawshim.’

‘Buthewieldsgreatdominion,nonetheless,’said

Gimli;‘andnowhewillstrikemoreswiftly.’

‘Thehastystrokegoesoftastray,’saidAragorn.‘WemustpressourEnemy,andnolongerwaituponhimforthemove.Seemyfriends,whenIhadmasteredtheStone,Ilearnedmanythings.AgraveperilIsawcomingunlooked-foruponGondorfromtheSouththatwilldrawoffgreatstrengthfromthe

defenceofMinasTirith.Ifitisnotcounteredswiftly,IdeemthattheCitywillbelosteretendaysbegone.’

‘Thenlostitmustbe,’saidGimli.‘Forwhathelpistheretosendthither,andhowcoulditcomethereintime?’

‘Ihavenohelptosend,thereforeImustgomyself,’saidAragorn.‘Butthereisonlyonewaythroughthemountainsthatwillbringme

tothecoastlandsbeforeallislost.ThatisthePathsoftheDead.’

‘ThePathsoftheDead!’saidGimli.‘Itisafellname;andlittletothelikingtotheMenofRohan,asIsaw.Canthelivingusesucharoadandnotperish?Andevenifyoupassthatway,whatwillsofewavailtocounterthestrokesofMordor?’

‘Thelivinghavenever

usedthatroadsincethecomingoftheRohirrim,’saidAragorn,‘foritisclosedtothem.ButinthisdarkhourtheheirofIsildurmayuseit,ifhedare.Listen!ThisisthewordthatthesonsofElrondbringtomefromtheirfatherinRivendell,wisestinlore:BidAragornrememberthewordsoftheseer,andthePathsoftheDead.’

‘Andwhatmaybethe

wordsoftheseer?’saidLegolas.

‘ThusspokeMalbeththeSeer,inthedaysofArvedui,lastkingatFornost,’saidAragorn:

Overthelandthereliesalongshadow,westwardreachingwingsofdarkness.TheTowertrembles;tothetombsofkings

doomapproaches.TheDeadawaken;forthehouriscomefortheoathbreakers:attheStoneofErechtheyshallstandagainandhearthereahorninthehillsringing.Whoseshallthehornbe?Whoshallcallthemfromthegreytwilight,theforgottenpeople?Theheirofhimtowhom

theoaththeyswore.FromtheNorthshallhecome,needshalldrivehim:heshallpasstheDoortothePathsoftheDead.

‘Darkways,doubtless,’saidGimli,‘butnodarkerthanthesestavesaretome.’

‘Ifyouwouldunderstandthembetter,thenIbidyoucomewithme,’saidAragorn;

‘forthatwayInowshalltake.ButIdonotgogladly;onlyneeddrivesme.Therefore,onlyofyourfreewillwouldIhaveyoucome,foryouwillfindbothtoilandgreatfear,andmaybeworse.’

‘IwillgowithyouevenonthePathsoftheDead,andtowhateverendtheymaylead,’saidGimli.

‘Ialsowillcome,’saidLegolas,‘forIdonotfearthe

Dead.’‘Ihopethattheforgotten

peoplewillnothaveforgottenhowtofight,’saidGimli;‘forotherwiseIseenotwhyweshouldtroublethem.’

‘ThatweshallknowifeverwecometoErech,’saidAragorn.‘ButtheoaththattheybrokewastofightagainstSauron,andtheymustfighttherefore,iftheyaretofulfilit.ForatErechthere

standsyetablackstonethatwasbrought,itwassaid,fromNúmenorbyIsildur;anditwassetuponahill,anduponittheKingoftheMountainssworeallegiancetohiminthebeginningoftherealmofGondor.ButwhenSauronreturnedandgrewinmightagain,IsildursummonedtheMenoftheMountainstofulfiltheiroath,andtheywouldnot:fortheyhad

worshippedSauronintheDarkYears.

‘ThenIsildursaidtotheirking:“Thoushaltbethelastking.AndiftheWestprovemightierthanthyBlackMaster,thiscurseIlayupontheeandthyfolk:torestneveruntilyouroathisfulfilled.Forthiswarwilllastthroughyearsuncounted,andyoushallbesummonedonceagaineretheend.”Andthey

fledbeforethewrathofIsildur,anddidnotdaretogoforthtowaronSauron’spart;andtheyhidthemselvesinsecretplacesinthemountainsandhadnodealingswithothermen,butslowlydwindledinthebarrenhills.AndtheterroroftheSleeplessDeadliesabouttheHillofErechandallplaceswherethatpeoplelingered.ButthatwayImustgo,since

therearenonelivingtohelpme.’

Hestoodup.‘Come!’hecried,anddrewhissword,anditflashedinthetwilithalloftheBurg.‘TotheStoneofErech!IseekthePathsoftheDead.Comewithmewhowill!’

LegolasandGimlimadenoanswer,buttheyroseandfollowedAragornfromthehall.Onthegreenthere

waited,stillandsilent,thehoodedRangers.LegolasandGimlimounted.AragornspranguponRoheryn.ThenHalbaradliftedagreathorn,andtheblastofitechoedinHelm’sDeep:andwiththattheyleaptaway,ridingdowntheCoomblikethunder,whileallthementhatwereleftonDikeorBurgstaredinamaze.

AndwhileThéodenwentbyslowpathsinthehills,theGreyCompanypassedswiftlyovertheplain,andonthenextdayintheafternoontheycametoEdoras;andtheretheyhaltedonlybriefly,eretheypassedupthevalley,andsocametoDunharrowasdarknessfell.

TheLadyÉowyngreetedthemandwasgladoftheircoming;fornomightiermen

hadsheseenthantheDúnedainandthefairsonsofElrond;butonAragornmostofallhereyesrested.Andwhentheysatatsupperwithher,theytalkedtogether,andsheheardofallthathadpassedsinceThéodenrodeaway,concerningwhichonlyhastytidingshadyetreachedher;andwhensheheardofthebattleinHelm’sDeepandthegreatslaughteroftheir

foes,andofthechargeofThéodenandhisknights,thenhereyesshone.

Butatlastshesaid:‘Lords,youarewearyandshallnowgotoyourbedswithsucheaseascanbecontrivedinhaste.Buttomorrowfairerhousingshallbefoundforyou.’

ButAragornsaid:‘Nay,lady,benottroubledforus!Ifwemaylieheretonightand

breakourfasttomorrow,itwillbeenough.ForIrideonanerrandmosturgent,andwiththefirstlightofmorningwemustgo.’

Shesmiledonhimandsaid:‘Thenitwaskindlydone,lord,toridesomanymilesoutofyourwaytobringtidingstoÉowyn,andtospeakwithherinherexile.’

‘Indeednomanwould

countsuchajourneywasted,’saidAragorn;‘andyet,lady,Icouldnothavecomehither,ifitwerenotthattheroadwhichImusttakeleadsmetoDunharrow.’

Andsheansweredasonethatlikesnotwhatissaid:‘Then,lord,youareastray;foroutofHarrowdalenoroadrunseastorsouth;andyouhadbestreturnasyoucame.’

‘Nay,lady,’saidhe,‘Iam

notastray;forIwalkedinthislandereyouwereborntograceit.Thereisaroadoutofthisvalley,andthatroadIshalltake.TomorrowIshallridebythePathsoftheDead.’

Thenshestaredathimasonethatisstricken,andherfaceblanched,andforlongshespokenomore,whileallsatsilent.‘But,Aragorn,’shesaidatlast,‘isitthenyour

errandtoseekdeath?Forthatisallthatyouwillfindonthatroad.Theydonotsufferthelivingtopass.’

‘Theymaysuffermetopass,’saidAragorn;‘butattheleastIwilladventureit.Nootherroadwillserve.’

‘Butthisismadness,’shesaid.‘Forherearemenofrenownandprowess,whomyoushouldnottakeintotheshadows,butshouldleadto

war,wheremenareneeded.Ibegyoutoremainandridewithmybrother;forthenallourheartswillbegladdened,andourhopebethebrighter.’

‘Itisnotmadness,lady,’heanswered;‘forIgoonapathappointed.Butthosewhofollowmedosooftheirfreewill;andiftheywishnowtoremainandridewiththeRohirrim,theymaydoso.ButIshalltakethePathsof

theDead,alone,ifneedsbe.’Thentheysaidnomore,

andtheyateinsilence;buthereyeswereeveruponAragorn,andtheotherssawthatshewasingreattormentofmind.Atlengththeyarose,andtooktheirleaveoftheLady,andthankedherforhercare,andwenttotheirrest.

ButasAragorncametotheboothwherehewastolodgewithLegolasand

Gimli,andhiscompanionshadgonein,therecametheLadyÉowynafterhimandcalledtohim.Heturnedandsawherasaglimmerinthenight,forshewascladinwhite;buthereyeswereonfire.

‘Aragorn,’shesaid,‘whywillyougoonthisdeadlyroad?’

‘BecauseImust,’hesaid.‘OnlysocanIseeanyhope

ofdoingmypartinthewaragainstSauron.Idonotchoosepathsofperil,Éowyn.WereItogowheremyheartdwells,farintheNorthIwouldnowbewanderinginthefairvalleyofRivendell.’

Forawhileshewassilent,asifponderingwhatthismightmean.Thensuddenlyshelaidherhandonhisarm.‘Youareasternlordandresolute,’shesaid;‘andthus

domenwinrenown.’Shepaused.‘Lord,’shesaid,‘ifyoumustgo,thenletmerideinyourfollowing.ForIamwearyofskulkinginthehills,andwishtofaceperilandbattle.’

‘Yourdutyiswithyourpeople,’heanswered.

‘ToooftenhaveIheardofduty,’shecried.‘ButamInotoftheHouseofEorl,ashieldmaidenandnotadry-

nurse?Ihavewaitedonfalteringfeetlongenough.Sincetheyfalternolonger,itseems,mayInotnowspendmylifeasIwill?’

‘Fewmaydothatwithhonour,’heanswered.‘Butasforyou,lady:didyounotacceptthechargetogovernthepeopleuntiltheirlord’sreturn?Ifyouhadnotbeenchosen,thensomemarshalorcaptainwouldhavebeenset

inthesameplace,andhecouldnotrideawayfromhischarge,werehewearyofitorno.’

‘ShallIalwaysbechosen?’shesaidbitterly.‘ShallIalwaysbeleftbehindwhentheRidersdepart,tomindthehousewhiletheywinrenown,andfindfoodandbedswhentheyreturn?’

‘Atimemaycomesoon,’saidhe,‘whennonewill

return.Thentherewillbeneedofvalourwithoutrenown,fornoneshallrememberthedeedsthataredoneinthelastdefenceofyourhomes.Yetthedeedswillnotbelessvaliantbecausetheyareunpraised.’

Andsheanswered:‘Allyourwordsarebuttosay:youareawoman,andyourpartisinthehouse.Butwhenthemenhavediedinbattle

andhonour,youhaveleavetobeburnedinthehouse,forthemenwillneeditnomore.ButIamoftheHouseofEorlandnotaserving-woman.Icanrideandwieldblade,andIdonotfeareitherpainordeath.’

‘Whatdoyoufear,lady?’heasked.

‘Acage,’shesaid.‘Tostaybehindbars,untiluseandoldageacceptthem,and

allchanceofdoinggreatdeedsisgonebeyondrecallordesire.’

‘AndyetyoucounselledmenottoadventureontheroadthatIhadchosen,becauseitisperilous?’

‘Somayonecounselanother,’shesaid.‘YetIdonotbidyoufleefromperil,buttoridetobattlewhereyourswordmaywinrenownandvictory.Iwouldnotseea

thingthatishighandexcellentcastawayneedlessly.’

‘NorwouldI,’hesaid.‘ThereforeIsaytoyou,lady:Stay!ForyouhavenoerrandtotheSouth.’

‘Neitherhavethoseotherswhogowiththee.Theygoonlybecausetheywouldnotbepartedfromthee–becausetheylovethee.’Thensheturnedandvanishedintothe

night.

WhenthelightofdaywascomeintotheskybutthesunwasnotyetrisenabovethehighridgesintheEast,Aragornmadereadytodepart.Hiscompanywasallmounted,andhewasabouttoleapintothesaddle,whentheLadyÉowyncametobidthemfarewell.Shewasclad

asaRiderandgirtwithasword.Inherhandsheboreacup,andshesetittoherlipsanddrankalittle,wishingthemgoodspeed;andthenshegavethecuptoAragorn,andhedrank,andhesaid:‘Farewell,LadyofRohan!IdrinktothefortunesofyourHouse,andofyou,andofallyourpeople.Saytoyourbrother:beyondtheshadowswemaymeetagain!’

ThenitseemedtoGimliandLegolaswhowerenearbythatshewept,andinonesosternandproudthatseemedthemoregrievous.Butshesaid:‘Aragorn,wiltthougo?’

‘Iwill,’hesaid.‘Thenwiltthounotletme

ridewiththiscompany,asIhaveasked?’

‘Iwillnot,lady,’hesaid.‘ForthatIcouldnotgrantwithoutleaveofthekingand

ofyourbrother;andtheywillnotreturnuntiltomorrow.ButIcountnoweveryhour,indeedeveryminute.Farewell!’

Thenshefellonherknees,saying:‘Ibegthee!’

‘Nay,lady,’hesaid,andtakingherbythehandheraisedher.Thenhekissedherhand,andsprangintothesaddle,androdeaway,anddidnotlookback;andonly

thosewhoknewhimwellandwereneartohimsawthepainthathebore.

ButÉowynstoodstillasafigurecarveninstone,herhandsclenchedathersides,andshewatchedthemuntiltheypassedintotheshadowsundertheblackDwimorberg,theHauntedMountain,inwhichwastheDooroftheDead.Whentheywerelosttoview,sheturned,stumbling

asonethatisblind,andwentbacktoherlodging.Butnoneofherfolksawthisparting,fortheyhidthemselvesinfearandwouldnotcomeforthuntilthedaywasup,andtherecklessstrangersweregone.

Andsomesaid:‘TheyareElvishwights.Letthemgowheretheybelong,intothedarkplaces,andneverreturn.Thetimesareevilenough.’

Thelightwasstillgreyastheyrode,forthesunhadnotyetclimbedovertheblackridgesoftheHauntedMountainbeforethem.Adreadfellonthem,evenastheypassedbetweenthelinesofancientstonesandsocametotheDimholt.ThereunderthegloomofblacktreesthatnotevenLegolascouldlongenduretheyfoundahollowplaceopeningatthe

mountain’sroot,andrightintheirpathstoodasinglemightystonelikeafingerofdoom.

‘Mybloodrunschill,’saidGimli,buttheothersweresilent,andhisvoicefelldeadonthedankfir-needlesathisfeet.Thehorseswouldnotpassthethreateningstone,untiltheridersdismountedandledthemabout.Andsotheycameatlastdeepinto

theglen;andtherestoodasheerwallofrock,andinthewalltheDarkDoorgapedbeforethemlikethemouthofnight.Signsandfigureswerecarvedaboveitswidearchtoodimtoread,andfearflowedfromitlikeagreyvapour.

TheCompanyhalted,andtherewasnotaheartamongthemthatdidnotquail,unlessitweretheheartofLegolasof

theElves,forwhomtheghostsofMenhavenoterror.

‘Thisisanevildoor,’saidHalbarad,‘andmydeathliesbeyondit.Iwilldaretopassitnonetheless;butnohorsewillenter.’

‘Butwemustgoin,andthereforethehorsesmustgotoo,’saidAragorn.‘Forifeverwecomethroughthisdarkness,manyleaguesliebeyond,andeveryhourthat

islosttherewillbringthetriumphofSauronnearer.Followme!’

ThenAragornledtheway,andsuchwasthestrengthofhiswillinthathourthatalltheDúnedainandtheirhorsesfollowedhim.AndindeedthelovethatthehorsesoftheRangersborefortheirriderswassogreatthattheywerewillingtofaceeventheterroroftheDoor,iftheirmasters’

heartsweresteadyastheywalkedbesidethem.ButArod,thehorseofRohan,refusedtheway,andhestoodsweatingandtremblinginafearthatwasgrievoustosee.ThenLegolaslaidhishandsonhiseyesandsangsomewordsthatwentsoftinthegloom,untilhesufferedhimselftobeled,andLegolaspassedin.AndtherestoodGimlitheDwarfleftallalone.

Hiskneesshook,andhewaswrothwithhimself.‘Hereisathingunheardof!’hesaid.‘AnElfwillgoundergroundandaDwarfdarenot!’Withthatheplungedin.Butitseemedtohimthathedraggedhisfeetlikeleadoverthethreshold;andatonceablindnesscameuponhim,evenuponGimliGlóin’ssonwhohadwalkedunafraidinmanydeepplaces

oftheworld.

AragornhadbroughttorchesfromDunharrow,andnowhewentaheadbearingonealoft;andElladanwithanotherwentattherear,andGimli,stumblingbehind,strovetoovertakehim.Hecouldseenothingbutthedimflameofthetorches;butiftheCompanyhalted,there

seemedanendlesswhisperofvoicesallabouthim,amurmurofwordsinnotonguethathehadeverheardbefore.

NothingassailedtheCompanynorwithstoodtheirpassage,andyetsteadilyfeargrewontheDwarfashewenton:mostofallbecauseheknewnowthattherecouldbenoturningback;allthepathsbehindwerethrongedbyan

unseenhostthatfollowedinthedark.

Sotimeunreckonedpassed,untilGimlisawasightthathewaseverafterwardslothtorecall.Theroadwaswide,asfarashecouldjudge,butnowtheCompanycamesuddenlyintoagreatemptyspace,andtherewerenolongeranywallsuponeitherside.Thedreadwassoheavyonhim

thathecouldhardlywalk.AwaytotheleftsomethingglitteredinthegloomasAragorn’storchdrewnear.ThenAragornhaltedandwenttolookwhatitmightbe.

‘Doeshefeelnofear?’mutteredtheDwarf.‘InanyothercaveGimliGlóin’ssonwouldhavebeenthefirsttoruntothegleamofgold.Butnothere!Letitlie!’

Nonethelesshedrewnear,

andsawAragornkneeling,whileElladanheldaloftbothtorches.Beforehimwerethebonesofamightyman.Hehadbeencladinmail,andstillhisharnesslaytherewhole;forthecavern’sairwasasdryasdust,andhishauberkwasgilded.Hisbeltwasofgoldandgarnets,andrichwithgoldwasthehelmuponhisbonyheadfacedownwardonthefloor.He

hadfallennearthefarwallofthecave,asnowcouldbeseen,andbeforehimstoodastonydoorclosedfast:hisfinger-boneswerestillclawingatthecracks.Anotchedandbrokenswordlaybyhim,asifhehadhewnattherockinhislastdespair.

Aragorndidnottouchhim,butaftergazingsilentlyforawhileheroseandsighed.‘Hithershallthe

flowersofsimbelmynëcomeneveruntoworld’send,’hemurmured.‘Ninemoundsandseventherearenowgreenwithgrass,andthroughallthelongyearshehaslainatthedoorthathecouldnotunlock.Whitherdoesitlead?Whywouldhepass?Noneshalleverknow!

‘Forthatisnotmyerrand!’hecried,turningbackandspeakingtothe

whisperingdarknessbehind.‘KeepyourhoardsandyoursecretshiddenintheAccursedYears!Speedonlyweask.Letuspass,andthencome!IsummonyoutotheStoneofErech!’

Therewasnoanswer,unlessitwereanuttersilencemoredreadfulthanthewhispersbefore;andthena

chillblastcameinwhichthetorchesflickeredandwentout,andcouldnotberekindled.Ofthetimethatfollowed,onehourormany,Gimlirememberedlittle.Theotherspressedon,buthewaseverhindmost,pursuedbyagropinghorrorthatseemedalwaysjustabouttoseizehim;andarumourcameafterhimliketheshadow-soundofmanyfeet.Hestumbledon

untilhewascrawlinglikeabeastonthegroundandfeltthathecouldendurenomore:hemusteitherfindanendingandescapeorrunbackinmadnesstomeetthefollowingfear.

Suddenlyheheardthetinkleofwater,asoundhardandclearasastonefallingintoadreamofdarkshadow.Lightgrew,andlo!theCompanypassedthrough

anothergateway,high-archedandbroad,andarillranoutbesidethem;andbeyond,goingsteeplydown,wasaroadbetweensheercliffs,knife-edgedagainsttheskyfarabove.Sodeepandnarrowwasthatchasmthattheskywasdark,andinitsmallstarsglinted.YetasGimliafterlearneditwasstilltwohourseresunsetofthedayonwhichtheyhadsetout

fromDunharrow;thoughforallthathecouldthentellitmighthavebeentwilightinsomelateryear,orinsomeotherworld.

TheCompanynowmountedagain,andGimlireturnedtoLegolas.Theyrodeinfile,andeveningcameonandadeepbluedusk;andstillfearpursued

them.LegolasturningtospeaktoGimlilookedbackandtheDwarfsawbeforehisfacetheglitterintheElf’sbrighteyes.BehindthemrodeElladan,lastoftheCompany,butnotthelastofthosethattookthedownwardroad.

‘TheDeadarefollowing,’saidLegolas.‘IseeshapesofMenandofhorses,andpalebannerslikeshredsofcloud,andspearslikewinter-

thicketsonamistynight.TheDeadarefollowing.’

‘Yes,theDeadridebehind.Theyhavebeensummoned,’saidElladan.

TheCompanycameatlastoutoftheravine,assuddenlyasiftheyhadissuedfromacrackinawall;andtherelaytheuplandsofagreatvalebeforethem,and

thestreambesidethemwentdownwithacoldvoiceovermanyfalls.

‘WhereinMiddle-eartharewe?’saidGimli;andElladananswered:‘WehavedescendedfromtheuprisingoftheMorthond,thelongchillriverthatflowsatlasttotheseathatwashesthewallsofDolAmroth.Youwillnotneedtoaskhereafterhowcomesitsname:Blackroot

mencallit.’TheMorthondValemade

agreatbaythatbeatupagainstthesheersouthernfacesofthemountains.Itssteepslopesweregrass-grown;butallwasgreyinthathour,forthesunhadgone,andfarbelowlightstwinkledinthehomesofMen.Thevalewasrichandmanyfolkdweltthere.

Thenwithoutturning

Aragorncriedaloudsothatallcouldhear:‘Friends,forgetyourweariness!Ridenow,ride!WemustcometotheStoneofErecherethisdaypasses,andlongstillistheway.’Sowithoutlookingbacktheyrodethemountain-fields,untiltheycametoabridgeoverthegrowingtorrentandfoundaroadthatwentdownintotheland.

Lightswentoutinhouse

andhamletastheycame,anddoorswereshut,andfolkthatwereafieldcriedinterrorandranwildlikehunteddeer.Everthererosethesamecryinthegatheringnight:‘TheKingoftheDead!TheKingoftheDeadiscomeuponus!’

Bellswereringingfarbelow,andallmenfledbeforethefaceofAragorn;buttheGreyCompanyintheirhasterodelikehunters,

untiltheirhorseswerestumblingwithweariness.Andthus,justeremidnight,andinadarknessasblackasthecavernsinthemountains,theycameatlasttotheHillofErech.

LonghadtheterroroftheDeadlainuponthathillandupontheemptyfieldsaboutit.Foruponthetopstooda

blackstone,roundasagreatglobe,theheightofaman,thoughitshalfwasburiedintheground.Unearthlyitlooked,asthoughithadfallenfromthesky,assomebelieved;butthosewhorememberedstilltheloreofWesternessetoldthatithadbeenbroughtoutoftheruinofNúmenorandtheresetbyIsildurathislanding.Noneofthepeopleofthevalleydared

toapproachit,norwouldtheydwellnear;fortheysaidthatitwasatrysting-placeoftheShadow-menandtheretheywouldgatherintimesoffear,throngingroundtheStoneandwhispering.

TothatStonetheCompanycameandhaltedinthedeadofnight.ThenElrohirgavetoAragornasilverhorn,andheblewuponit;anditseemedtothosethat

stoodnearthattheyheardasoundofansweringhorns,asifitwasanechoindeepcavesfaraway.Noothersoundtheyheard,andyettheywereawareofagreathostgatheredallaboutthehillonwhichtheystood;andachillwindlikethebreathofghostscamedownfromthemountains.ButAragorndismounted,andstandingbytheStonehecriedinagreat

voice:‘Oathbreakers,whyhave

yecome?’Andavoicewasheardout

ofthenightthatansweredhim,asiffromfaraway:

‘Tofulfilouroathandhavepeace.’

ThenAragornsaid:‘Thehouriscomeatlast.NowIgotoPelargiruponAnduin,andyeshallcomeafterme.Andwhenallthislandiscleanof

theservantsofSauron,Iwillholdtheoathfulfilled,andyeshallhavepeaceanddepartforever.ForIamElessar,Isildur’sheirofGondor.’

AndwiththathebadeHalbaradunfurlthegreatstandardwhichhehadbrought;andbehold!itwasblack,andiftherewasanydeviceuponit,itwashiddeninthedarkness.Thentherewassilence,andnota

whispernorasighwasheardagainallthelongnight.TheCompanycampedbesidetheStone,buttheysleptlittle,becauseofthedreadoftheShadowsthathedgedthemround.

Butwhenthedawncame,coldandpale,Aragornroseatonce,andheledtheCompanyforthuponthejourneyofgreatesthasteandwearinessthatanyamong

themhadknown,savehealone,andonlyhiswillheldthemtogoon.NoothermortalMencouldhaveenduredit,nonebuttheDúnedainoftheNorth,andwiththemGimlitheDwarfandLegolasoftheElves.

TheypassedTarlang’sNeckandcameintoLamedon;andtheShadowHostpressedbehindandfearwentonbeforethem,until

theycametoCalembeluponCiril,andthesunwentdownlikebloodbehindPinnathGelinawayintheWestbehindthem.ThetownshipandthefordsofCiriltheyfounddeserted,formanymenhadgoneawaytowar,andallthatwereleftfledtothehillsattherumourofthecomingoftheKingoftheDead.Butthenextdaytherecamenodawn,andtheGreyCompany

passedonintothedarknessoftheStormofMordorandwerelosttomortalsight;buttheDeadfollowedthem.

Chapter3

THEMUSTEROFROHAN

NowallroadswererunningtogethertotheEasttomeet

thecomingofwarandtheonsetoftheShadow.AndevenasPippinstoodattheGreatGateoftheCityandsawthePrinceofDolAmrothrideinwithhisbanners,theKingofRohancamedownoutofthehills.

Daywaswaning.InthelastraysofthesuntheRiderscastlongpointedshadowsthatwentonbeforethem.Darknesshadalreadycrept

beneaththemurmuringfir-woodsthatclothedthesteepmountain-sides.Thekingrodenowslowlyattheendoftheday.Presentlythepathturnedroundahugebareshoulderofrockandplungedintothegloomofsoft-sighingtrees.Down,downtheywentinalongwindingfile.Whenatlasttheycametothebottomofthegorgetheyfoundthateveninghadfallen

inthedeepplaces.Thesunwasgone.Twilightlayuponthewaterfalls.

Alldayfarbelowthemaleapingstreamhadrundownfromthehighpassbehind,cleavingitsnarrowwaybetweenpine-cladwalls;andnowthroughastonygateitflowedoutandpassedintoawidervale.TheRidersfollowedit,andsuddenlyHarrowdalelaybeforethem,

loudwiththenoiseofwatersintheevening.TherethewhiteSnowbourn,joinedbythelesserstream,wentrushing,fumingonthestones,downtoEdorasandthegreenhillsandtheplains.AwaytotherightattheheadofthegreatdalethemightyStarkhornloomedupaboveitsvastbuttressesswathedincloud;butitsjaggedpeak,clothedineverlastingsnow,

gleamedfarabovetheworld,blue-shadowedupontheEast,red-stainedbythesunsetintheWest.

Merrylookedoutinwonderuponthisstrangecountry,ofwhichhehadheardmanytalesupontheirlongroad.Itwasaskylessworld,inwhichhiseye,throughdimgulfsofshadowyair,sawonlyever-mountingslopes,greatwallsofstone

behindgreatwalls,andfrowningprecipiceswreathedwithmist.Hesatforamomenthalfdreaming,listeningtothenoiseofwater,thewhisperofdarktrees,thecrackofstone,andthevastwaitingsilencethatbroodedbehindallsound.Helovedmountains,orhehadlovedthethoughtofthemmarchingontheedgeofstoriesbroughtfromfar

away;butnowhewasbornedownbytheinsupportableweightofMiddle-earth.Helongedtoshutouttheimmensityinaquietroombyafire.

Hewasverytired,forthoughtheyhadriddenslowly,theyhadriddenwithverylittlerest.Hourafterhourfornearlythreewearydayshehadjoggedupanddown,overpasses,and

throughlongdales,andacrossmanystreams.Sometimeswherethewaywasbroaderhehadriddenattheking’sside,notnoticingthatmanyoftheRiderssmiledtoseethetwotogether:thehobbitonhislittleshaggygreypony,andtheLordofRohanonhisgreatwhitehorse.ThenhehadtalkedtoThéoden,tellinghimabouthishomeandthe

doingsoftheShire-folk,orlisteninginturntotalesoftheMarkanditsmightymenofold.Butmostofthetime,especiallyonthislastday,Merryhadriddenbyhimselfjustbehindtheking,sayingnothing,andtryingtounderstandtheslowsonorousspeechofRohanthatheheardthemenbehindhimusing.Itwasalanguageinwhichthereseemedtobemanywords

thatheknew,thoughspokenmorerichlyandstronglythanintheShire,yethecouldnotpiecethewordstogether.AttimessomeRiderwouldliftuphisclearvoiceinstirringsong,andMerryfelthisheartleap,thoughhedidnotknowwhatitwasabout.

Allthesamehehadbeenlonely,andnevermoresothannowattheday’send.Hewonderedwhereinallthis

strangeworldPippinhadgotto;andwhatwouldbecomeofAragornandLegolasandGimli.ThensuddenlylikeacoldtouchonhishearthethoughtofFrodoandSam.‘Iamforgettingthem!’hesaidtohimselfreproachfully.‘Andyettheyaremoreimportantthanalltherestofus.AndIcametohelpthem;butnowtheymustbehundredsofmilesaway,if

theyarestillalive.’Heshivered.

‘Harrowdaleatlast!’saidÉomer.‘Ourjourneyisalmostatanend.’Theyhalted.Thepathsoutofthenarrowgorgefellsteeply.Onlyaglimpse,asthroughatallwindow,couldbeseenofthegreatvalleyinthegloamingbelow.Asingle

smalllightcouldbeseentwinklingbytheriver.

‘Thisjourneyisover,maybe,’saidThéoden,‘butIhavefaryettogo.Twonightsagothemoonwasfull,andinthemorningIshallridetoEdorastothegatheringoftheMark.’

‘Butifyouwouldtakemycounsel,’saidÉomerinalowvoice,‘youwouldthenreturnhither,untilthewarisover,

lostorwon.’Théodensmiled.‘Nay,my

son,forsoIwillcallyou,speaknotthesoftwordsofWormtongueinmyoldears!’Hedrewhimselfupandlookedbackatthelonglineofhismenfadingintotheduskbehind.‘LongyearsinthespaceofdaysitseemssinceIrodewest;butneverwillIleanonastaffagain.Ifthewarislost,whatgoodwill

bemyhidinginthehills?Andifitiswon,whatgriefwillitbe,evenifIfall,spendingmylaststrength?Butwewillleavethisnow.TonightIwilllieintheHoldofDunharrow.Oneeveningofpeaceatleastisleftus.Letusrideon!’

Inthedeepeningdusktheycamedownintothe

valley.HeretheSnowbournflowedneartothewesternwallsofthedale,andsoonthepathledthemtoafordwheretheshallowwatersmurmuredloudlyonthestones.Thefordwasguarded.Asthekingapproachedmanymensprangupoutoftheshadowoftherocks;andwhentheysawthekingtheycriedwithgladvoices:‘ThéodenKing!Théoden

King!TheKingoftheMarkreturns!’

Thenoneblewalongcallonahorn.Itechoedinthevalley.Otherhornsansweredit,andlightsshoneoutacrosstheriver.

Andsuddenlythereroseagreatchorusoftrumpetsfromhighabove,soundingfromsomehollowplace,asitseemed,thatgatheredtheirnotesintoonevoiceandsent

itrollingandbeatingonthewallsofstone.

SotheKingoftheMarkcamebackvictoriousoutoftheWesttoDunharrowbeneaththefeetoftheWhiteMountains.Therehefoundtheremainingstrengthofhispeoplealreadyassembled;forassoonashiscomingwasknowncaptainsrodetomeethimattheford,bearingmessagesfromGandalf.

Dúnhere,chieftainofthefolkofHarrowdale,wasattheirhead.

‘Atdawnthreedaysago,lord,’hesaid,‘ShadowfaxcamelikeawindoutoftheWesttoEdoras,andGandalfbroughttidingsofyourvictorytogladdenourhearts.ButhebroughtalsowordfromyoutohastenthegatheringoftheRiders.Andthencamethewinged

Shadow.’‘ThewingedShadow?’

saidThéoden.‘Wesawitalso,butthatwasinthedeadofnightbeforeGandalfleftus.’

‘Maybe,lord,’saidDúnhere.‘Yetthesame,oranotherliketoit,aflyingdarknessintheshapeofamonstrousbird,passedoverEdorasthatmorning,andallmenwereshakenwithfear.

ForitstoopeduponMeduseld,andasitcamelow,almosttothegable,therecameacrythatstoppedourhearts.ThenitwasthatGandalfcounselledusnottoassembleinthefields,buttomeetyouhereinthevalleyunderthemountains.Andhebadeustokindlenomorelightsorfiresthanbarestneedasked.Soithasbeendone.Gandalfspokewithgreat

authority.Wetrustthatitisasyouwouldwish.NaughthasbeenseeninHarrowdaleoftheseevilthings.’

‘Itiswell,’saidThéoden.‘IwillridenowtotheHold,andtherebeforeIgotorestIwillmeetthemarshalsandcaptains.Letthemcometomeassoonasmaybe!’

Theroadnowled

eastwardstraightacrossthevalley,whichwasatthatpointlittlemorethanhalfamileinwidth.Flatsandmeadsofroughgrass,greynowinthefallingnight,layallabout,butinfrontonthefarsideofthedaleMerrysawafrowningwall,alastoutlierofthegreatrootsoftheStarkhorn,clovenbytheriverinagespast.

Onallthelevelspaces

therewasgreatconcourseofmen.Somethrongedtotheroadside,hailingthekingandtheridersfromtheWestwithgladcries;butstretchingawayintothedistancebehindtherewereorderedrowsoftentsandbooths,andlinesofpicketedhorses,andgreatstoreofarms,andpiledspearsbristlinglikethicketsofnew-plantedtrees.Nowallthegreatassemblywas

fallingintoshadow,andyet,thoughthenight-chillblewcoldfromtheheights,nolanternsglowed,nofireswerelit.Watchmenheavilycloakedpacedtoandfro.

MerrywonderedhowmanyRiderstherewere.Hecouldnotguesstheirnumberinthegatheringgloom,butitlookedtohimlikeagreatarmy,manythousandsstrong.Whilehewaspeeringfrom

sidetosidetheking’spartycameupundertheloomingcliffontheeasternsideofthevalley;andtheresuddenlythepathbegantoclimb,andMerrylookedupinamazement.Hewasonaroadthelikeofwhichhehadneverseenbefore,agreatworkofmen’shandsinyearsbeyondthereachofsong.Upwardsitwound,coilinglikeasnake,boringitsway

acrossthesheerslopeofrock.Steepasastair,itloopedbackwardsandforwardsasitclimbed.Upithorsescouldwalk,andwainscouldbeslowlyhauled;butnoenemycouldcomethatway,exceptoutoftheair,ifitwasdefendedfromabove.Ateachturnoftheroadthereweregreatstandingstonesthathadbeencarvedinthelikenessofmen,hugeandclumsy-

limbed,squattingcross-leggedwiththeirstumpyarmsfoldedonfatbellies.Someinthewearingoftheyearshadlostallfeaturessavethedarkholesoftheireyesthatstillstaredsadlyatthepassers-by.TheRidershardlyglancedatthem.ThePúkel-mentheycalledthem,andheededthemlittle:nopowerorterrorwasleftinthem;butMerrygazedat

themwithwonderandafeelingalmostofpity,astheyloomedupmournfullyinthedusk.

Afterawhilehelookedbackandfoundthathehadalreadyclimbedsomehundredsoffeetabovethevalley,butstillfarbelowhecoulddimlyseeawindinglineofRiderscrossingthefordandfilingalongtheroadtowardsthecampprepared

forthem.OnlythekingandhisguardweregoingupintotheHold.

Atlasttheking’scompanycametoasharpbrink,andtheclimbingroadpassedintoacuttingbetweenwallsofrock,andsowentupashortslopeandoutontoawideupland.TheFirienfeldmencalledit,agreenmountain-fieldofgrassandheath,highabovethedeep-

delvedcoursesoftheSnowbourn,laiduponthelapofthegreatmountainsbehind:theStarkhornsouthwards,andnorthwardsthesaw-toothedmassofÍrensaga,betweenwhichtherefacedtheriders,thegrimblackwalloftheDwimorberg,theHauntedMountainrisingoutofsteepslopesofsombrepines.Dividingtheuplandintotwo

theremarchedadoublelineofunshapedstandingstonesthatdwindledintotheduskandvanishedinthetrees.ThosewhodaredtofollowthatroadcamesoontotheblackDimholtunderDwimorberg,andthemenaceofthepillarofstone,andtheyawningshadowoftheforbiddendoor.

SuchwasthedarkDunharrow,theworkoflong-

forgottenmen.Theirnamewaslostandnosongorlegendrememberedit.Forwhatpurposetheyhadmadethisplace,asatownorsecrettempleoratombofkings,noneinRohancouldsay.HeretheylabouredintheDarkYears,beforeeverashipcametothewesternshores,orGondoroftheDúnedainwasbuilt;andnowtheyhadvanished,andonly

theoldPúkel-menwereleft,stillsittingattheturningsoftheroad.

Merrystaredatthelinesofmarchingstones:theywerewornandblack;somewereleaning,somewerefallen,somecrackedorbroken;theylookedlikerowsofoldandhungryteeth.Hewonderedwhattheycouldbe,andhehopedthatthekingwasnotgoingtofollowthemintothe

darknessbeyond.Thenhesawthattherewereclustersoftentsandboothsoneithersideofthestonyway;butthesewerenotsetnearthetrees,andseemedrathertohuddleawayfromthemtowardsthebrinkofthecliff.Thegreaternumberwereontheright,wheretheFirienfeldwaswider;andonthelefttherewasasmallercamp,inthemidstofwhichstooda

tallpavilion.Fromthissidearidernow

cameouttomeetthem,andtheyturnedfromtheroad.

AstheydrewnearMerrysawthattheriderwasawomanwithlongbraidedhairgleaminginthetwilight,yetsheworeahelmandwascladtothewaistlikeawarriorandgirdedwithasword.

‘Hail,LordoftheMark!’shecried.‘Myheartisgladat

yourreturning.’‘Andyou,Éowyn,’said

Théoden,‘isallwellwithyou?’

‘Alliswell,’sheanswered;yetitseemedtoMerrythathervoicebeliedher,andhewouldhavethoughtthatshehadbeenweeping,ifthatcouldbebelievedofonesosternofface.‘Alliswell.Itwasawearyroadforthepeopleto

take,tornsuddenlyfromtheirhomes.Therewerehardwords,foritislongsincewarhasdrivenusfromthegreenfields;buttherehavebeennoevildeeds.Allisnowordered,asyousee.Andyourlodgingispreparedforyou;forIhavehadfulltidingsofyouandknewthehourofyourcoming.’

‘SoAragornhascomethen,’saidÉomer.‘Ishestill

here?’‘No,heisgone,’said

ÉowynturningawayandlookingatthemountainsdarkagainsttheEastandSouth.

‘Whitherdidhego?’askedÉomer.

‘Idonotknow,’sheanswered.‘Hecameatnight,androdeawayyestermorn,eretheSunhadclimbedoverthemountain-tops.Heisgone.’

‘Youaregrieved,daughter,’saidThéoden.‘Whathashappened?Tellme,didhespeakofthatroad?’HepointedawayalongthedarkeninglinesofstonestowardstheDwimorberg.‘OfthePathsoftheDead?’

‘Yes,lord,’saidÉowyn.‘Andhehaspassedintotheshadowfromwhichnonehavereturned.Icouldnotdissuadehim.Heisgone.’

‘Thenourpathsaresundered,’saidÉomer.‘Heislost.Wemustridewithouthim,andourhopedwindles.’

Slowlytheypassedthroughtheshortheathanduplandgrass,speakingnomore,untiltheycametotheking’spavilion.ThereMerryfoundthateverythingwasmadeready,andthathe

himselfwasnotforgotten.Alittletenthadbeenpitchedforhimbesidetheking’slodging;andtherehesatalone,whilemenpassedtoandfro,goingintothekingandtakingcounselwithhim.Nightcameonandthehalf-seenheadsofthemountainswestwardwerecrownedwithstars,buttheEastwasdarkandblank.Themarchingstonesfadedslowlyfrom

sight,butstillbeyondthem,blackerthanthegloom,broodedthevastcrouchingshadowoftheDwimorberg.

‘ThePathsoftheDead,’hemutteredtohimself.‘ThePathsoftheDead?Whatdoesallthismean?Theyhaveallleftmenow.Theyhaveallgonetosomedoom:GandalfandPippintowarintheEast;andSamandFrodotoMordor;andStriderand

LegolasandGimlitothePathsoftheDead.Butmyturnwillcomesoonenough,Isuppose.Iwonderwhattheyarealltalkingabout,andwhatthekingmeanstodo.ForImustgowherehegoesnow.’

Inthemidstofthesegloomythoughtshesuddenlyrememberedthathewasveryhungry,andhegotuptogoandseeifanyoneelseinthis

strangecampfeltthesame.Butatthatverymomentatrumpetsounded,andamancamesummoninghim,theking’sesquire,towaitattheking’sboard.

Intheinnerpartofthepavilionwasasmallspace,curtainedoffwithbroideredhangings,andstrewnwithskins;andthereatasmall

tablesatThéodenwithÉomerandÉowyn,andDúnhere,lordofHarrowdale.Merrystoodbesidetheking’sstoolandwaitedonhim,tillpresentlytheoldman,comingoutofdeepthought,turnedtohimandsmiled.

‘Come,MasterMeriadoc!’hesaid.‘Youshallnotstand.Youshallsitbesideme,aslongasIremaininmyownlands,andlightenmyheart

withtales.’Roomwasmadeforthe

hobbitattheking’slefthand,butnoonecalledforanytale.Therewasindeedlittlespeech,andtheyateanddrankforthemostpartinsilence,untilatlast,pluckingupcourage,Merryaskedthequestionthatwastormentinghim.

‘Twicenow,lord,IhaveheardofthePathsofthe

Dead,’hesaid.‘Whatarethey?AndwherehasStrider,ImeantheLordAragorn,wherehashegone?’

Thekingsighed,butnooneanswered,untilatlastÉomerspoke.‘Wedonotknow,andourheartsareheavy,’hesaid.‘ButasforthePathsoftheDead,youhaveyourselfwalkedontheirfirststeps.Nay,Ispeaknowordsofillomen!Theroad

thatwehaveclimbedistheapproachtotheDoor,yonderintheDimholt.Butwhatliesbeyondnomanknows.’

‘Nomanknows,’saidThéoden:‘yetancientlegend,nowseldomspoken,hassomewhattoreport.IftheseoldtalesspeaktruethathavecomedownfromfathertosonintheHouseofEorl,thentheDoorunderDwimorbergleadstoasecretwaythat

goesbeneaththemountaintosomeforgottenend.Butnonehaveeverventuredintosearchitssecrets,sinceBaldor,sonofBrego,passedtheDoorandwasneverseenamongmenagain.Arashvowhespoke,ashedrainedthehornatthatfeastwhichBregomadetohallownew-builtMeduseld,andhecamenevertothehighseatofwhichhewastheheir.

‘FolksaythatDeadMenoutoftheDarkYearsguardthewayandwillsuffernolivingmantocometotheirhiddenhalls;butatwhilestheymaythemselvesbeseenpassingoutofthedoorlikeshadowsanddownthestonyroad.ThenthepeopleofHarrowdaleshutfasttheirdoorsandshroudtheirwindowsandareafraid.ButtheDeadcomeseldomforth

andonlyattimesofgreatunquietandcomingdeath.’

‘YetitissaidinHarrowdale,’saidÉowyninalowvoice,‘thatinthemoonlessnightsbutlittlewhileagoagreathostinstrangearraypassedby.Whencetheycamenoneknew,buttheywentupthestonyroadandvanishedintothehill,asiftheywenttokeepatryst.’

‘ThenwhyhasAragorngonethatway?’askedMerry.‘Don’tyouknowanythingthatwouldexplainit?’

‘Unlesshehasspokenwordstoyouashisfriendthatwehavenotheard,’saidÉomer,‘nonenowinthelandofthelivingcantellhispurpose.’

‘GreatlychangedheseemedtomesinceIsawhimfirstintheking’shouse,’said

Éowyn:‘grimmer,older.FeyIthoughthim,andlikeonewhomtheDeadcall.’

‘Maybehewascalled,’saidThéoden;‘andmyhearttellsmethatIshallnotseehimagain.Yetheisakinglymanofhighdestiny.Andtakecomfortinthis,daughter,sincecomfortyouseemtoneedinyourgriefforthisguest.ItissaidthatwhentheEorlingascameoutofthe

NorthandpassedatlengthuptheSnowbourn,seekingstrongplacesofrefugeintimeofneed,BregoandhissonBaldorclimbedtheStairoftheHoldandsocamebeforetheDoor.Onthethresholdsatanoldman,agedbeyondguessofyears;tallandkinglyhehadbeen,butnowhewaswitheredasanoldstone.Indeedforstonetheytookhim,forhemoved

not,andhesaidnoword,untiltheysoughttopasshimbyandenter.Andthenavoicecameoutofhim,asitwereoutoftheground,andtotheiramazeitspokeinthewesterntongue:Thewayisshut.

‘Thentheyhaltedandlookedathimandsawthathelivedstill;buthedidnotlookatthem.Thewayisshut,hisvoicesaidagain.Itwasmade

bythosewhoareDead,andtheDeadkeepit,untilthetimecomes.Thewayisshut.

‘Andwhenwillthattimebe?saidBaldor.Butnoanswerdidheeverget.Fortheoldmandiedinthathourandfelluponhisface;andnoothertidingsoftheancientdwellersinthemountainshaveourfolkeverlearned.Yetmaybeatlastthetimeforetoldhascome,and

Aragornmaypass.’‘Buthowshallaman

discoverwhetherthattimebecomeorno,savebydaringtheDoor?’saidÉomer.‘AndthatwayIwouldnotgothoughallthehostsofMordorstoodbeforeme,andIwerealoneandhadnootherrefuge.Alasthatafeymoodshouldfallonamansogreatheartedinthishourofneed!Aretherenotevil

thingsenoughabroadwithoutseekingthemundertheearth?Warisathand.’

Hepaused,foratthatmomenttherewasanoiseoutside,aman’svoicecryingthenameofThéoden,andthechallengeoftheguard.

PresentlythecaptainoftheGuardthrustasidethecurtain.‘Amanishere,lord,’

hesaid,‘anerrand-riderofGondor.Hewishestocomebeforeyouatonce.’

‘Lethimcome!’saidThéoden.

Atallmanentered,andMerrychokedbackacry;foramomentitseemedtohimthatBoromirwasaliveagainandhadreturned.Thenhesawthatitwasnotso;themanwasastranger,thoughasliketoBoromirasifhewere

oneofhiskin,tallandgrey-eyedandproud.Hewascladasariderwithacloakofdarkgreenoveracoatoffinemail;onthefrontofhishelmwaswroughtasmallsilverstar.Inhishandheboreasinglearrow,black-featheredandbarbedwithsteel,butthepointwaspaintedred.

HesankononekneeandpresentedthearrowtoThéoden.‘Hail,Lordofthe

Rohirrim,friendofGondor!’hesaid.‘HirgonIam,errand-riderofDenethor,whobringyouthistokenofwar.Gondorisingreatneed.OftentheRohirrimhaveaidedus,butnowtheLordDenethorasksforallyourstrengthandallyourspeed,lestGondorfallatlast.’

‘TheRedArrow!’saidThéoden,holdingit,asonewhoreceivesasummonslong

expectedandyetdreadfulwhenitcomes.Hishandtrembled.‘TheRedArrowhasnotbeenseenintheMarkinallmyyears!Hasitindeedcometothat?AndwhatdoestheLordDenethorreckonthatallmystrengthandallmyspeedmaybe?’

‘Thatisbestknowntoyourself,lord,’saidHirgon.‘ButerelongitmaywellcometopassthatMinas

Tirithissurrounded,andunlessyouhavethestrengthtobreakasiegeofmanypowers,theLordDenethorbidsmesaythathejudgesthatthestrongarmsoftheRohirrimwouldbebetterwithinhiswallsthanwithout.’

‘Butheknowsthatweareapeoplewhofightratheruponhorsebackandintheopen,andthatwearealsoa

scatteredpeopleandtimeisneededforthegatheringofourRiders.Isitnottrue,Hirgon,thattheLordofMinasTirithknowsmorethanhesetsinhismessage?Forwearealreadyatwar,asyoumayhaveseen,andyoudonotfindusallunprepared.GandalftheGreyhasbeenamongus,andevennowwearemusteringforbattleintheEast.’

‘WhattheLordDenethormayknoworguessofallthesethingsIcannotsay,’answeredHirgon.‘Butindeedourcaseisdesperate.Mylorddoesnotissueanycommandtoyou,hebegsyouonlytorememberoldfriendshipandoathslongspoken,andforyourowngoodtodoallthatyoumay.ItisreportedtousthatmanykingshaveriddeninfromtheEasttotheservice

ofMordor.FromtheNorthtothefieldofDagorladthereisskirmishandrumourofwar.IntheSouththeHaradrimaremoving,andfearhasfallenonallourcoastlands,sothatlittlehelpwillcometousthence.Makehaste!ForitisbeforethewallsofMinasTiriththatthedoomofourtimewillbedecided,andifthetidebenotstemmedthere,thenitwillflowoverallthe

fairfieldsofRohan,andeveninthisHoldamongthehillsthereshallbenorefuge.’

‘Darktidings,’saidThéoden,‘yetnotallunguessed.ButsaytoDenethorthatevenifRohanitselffeltnoperil,stillwewouldcometohisaid.ButwehavesufferedmuchlossinourbattleswithSarumanthetraitor,andwemuststillthinkofourfrontiertothe

northandeast,ashisowntidingsmakeclear.SogreatapowerastheDarkLordseemsnowtowieldmightwellcontainusinbattlebeforetheCityandyetstrikewithgreatforceacrosstheRiverawaybeyondtheGateofKings.

‘Butwewillspeaknolongercounselsofprudence.Wewillcome.Theweapontakewassetforthe

morrow.Whenallisorderedwewillsetout.TenthousandspearsImighthavesentridingovertheplaintothedismayofyourfoes.Itwillbelessnow,Ifear;forIwillnotleavemystrongholdsallunguarded.Yetsixthousandsattheleastshallridebehindme.ForsaytoDenethorthatinthishourtheKingoftheMarkhimselfwillcomedowntothelandofGondor,

thoughmaybehewillnotrideback.Butitisalongroad,andmanandbeastmustreachtheendwithstrengthtofight.Aweekitmaybefromtomorrow’smornereyouhearthecryoftheSonsofEorlcomingfromtheNorth.’

‘Aweek!’saidHirgon.‘Ifitmustbeso,itmust.Butyouareliketofindonlyruinedwallsinsevendaysfromnow,unlessotherhelp

unlooked-forcomes.Still,youmayattheleastdisturbtheOrcsandSwarthyMenfromtheirfeastingintheWhiteTower.’

‘Attheleastwewilldothat,’saidThéoden.‘ButImyselfamnew-comefrombattleandlongjourney,andIwillnowgotorest.Tarryherethisnight.ThenyoushalllookonthemusterofRohanandrideawaythe

gladderforthesight,andtheswifterfortherest.Inthemorningcounselsarebest,andnightchangesmanythoughts.’

Withthatthekingstoodup,andtheyallrose.‘Gonoweachtoyourrest,’hesaid,‘andsleepwell.Andyou,MasterMeriadoc,Ineednomoretonight.Butbeready

tomycallassoonastheSunisrisen.’

‘Iwillbeready,’saidMerry,‘evenifyoubidmeridewithyouonthePathsoftheDead.’

‘Speaknotwordsofomen!’saidtheking.‘Fortheremaybemoreroadsthanonethatcouldbearthatname.ButIdidnotsaythatIwouldbidyouridewithmeonanyroad.Goodnight!’

‘Iwon’tbeleftbehind,tobecalledforonreturn!’saidMerry.‘Iwon’tbeleft,Iwon’t.’Andrepeatingthisoverandoveragaintohimselfhefellasleepatlastinhistent.

Hewaswakenedbyamanshakinghim.‘Wakeup,wakeup,MasterHolbytla!’hecried;andatlengthMerrycameoutofdeepdreamsandsatupwithastart.Itstill

seemedverydark,hethought.‘Whatisthematter?’he

asked.‘Thekingcallsforyou.’‘ButtheSunhasnotrisen,

yet,’saidMerry.‘No,andwillnotrise

today,MasterHolbytla.Noreveragain,onewouldthinkunderthiscloud.Buttimedoesnotstandstill,thoughtheSunbelost.Makehaste!’

Flingingonsomeclothes,

Merrylookedoutside.Theworldwasdarkling.Theveryairseemedbrown,andallthingsaboutwereblackandgreyandshadowless;therewasagreatstillness.Noshapeofcloudcouldbeseen,unlessitwerefarawaywestward,wherethefurthestgropingfingersofthegreatgloomstillcrawledonwardsandalittlelightleakedthroughthem.Overheadthere

hungaheavyroof,sombreandfeatureless,andlightseemedrathertobefailingthangrowing.

Merrysawmanyfolkstanding,lookingupandmuttering;alltheirfacesweregreyandsad,andsomewereafraid.Withasinkinghearthemadehiswaytotheking.HirgontheriderofGondorwastherebeforehim,andbesidehimstoodnowanother

man,likehimanddressedalike,butshorterandbroader.AsMerryenteredhewasspeakingtotheking.

‘ItcomesfromMordor,lord,’hesaid.‘Itbeganlastnightatsunset.FromthehillsintheEastfoldofyourrealmIsawitriseandcreepacrossthesky,andallnightasIrodeitcamebehindeatingupthestars.Nowthegreatcloudhangsoveralltheland

betweenhereandtheMountainsofShadow;anditisdeepening.Warhasalreadybegun.’

Forawhilethekingsatsilent.Atlasthespoke.‘Sowecometoitintheend,’hesaid:‘thegreatbattleofourtime,inwhichmanythingsshallpassaway.Butatleastthereisnolongerneedfor

hiding.Wewillridethestraightwayandtheopenroadandwithallourspeed.Themustershallbeginatonce,andwaitfornonethattarry.HaveyougoodstoreinMinasTirith?Forifwemustridenowinallhaste,thenwemustridelight,withbutmealandwaterenoughtolastusintobattle.’

‘Wehaveverygreatstorelongprepared,’answered

Hirgon.‘Ridenowaslightandasswiftasyoumay!’

‘Thencalltheheralds,Éomer,’saidThéoden.‘LettheRidersbemarshalled!’

Éomerwentout,andpresentlythetrumpetsrangintheHoldandwereansweredbymanyothersfrombelow;buttheirvoicesnolongersoundedclearandbraveastheyhadseemedtoMerrythenightbefore.Dullthey

seemedandharshintheheavyair,brayingominously.

ThekingturnedtoMerry.‘Iamgoingtowar,MasterMeriadoc,’hesaid.‘InalittlewhileIshalltaketheroad.Ireleaseyoufrommyservice,butnotfrommyfriendship.Youshallabidehere,andifyouwill,youshallservetheLadyÉowyn,whowill

governthefolkinmystead.’‘But,but,lord,’Merry

stammered,‘Iofferedyoumysword.Idonotwanttobepartedfromyoulikethis,ThéodenKing.Andasallmyfriendshavegonetothebattle,Ishouldbeashamedtostaybehind.’

‘Butwerideonhorsestallandswift,’saidThéoden;‘andgreatthoughyourheartbe,youcannotrideonsuch

beasts.’‘Thentiemeontothe

backofone,orletmehangonastirrup,orsomething,’saidMerry.‘Itisalongwaytorun;butrunIshall,ifIcannotride,evenifIwearmyfeetoffandarriveweekstoolate.’

Théodensmiled.‘RatherthanthatIwouldbearyouwithmeonSnowmane,’hesaid.‘Butattheleastyou

shallridewithmetoEdorasandlookonMeduseld;forthatwayIshallgo.SofarStybbacanbearyou:thegreatracewillnotbegintillwereachtheplains.’

ThenÉowynroseup.‘Comenow,Meriadoc!’shesaid.‘IwillshowyouthegearthatIhavepreparedforyou.’Theywentouttogether.‘ThisrequestonlydidAragornmaketome,’said

Éowyn,astheypassedamongthetents,‘thatyoushouldbearmedforbattle.Ihavegrantedit,asIcould.Formyhearttellsmethatyouwillneedsuchgeareretheend.’

NowsheledMerrytoaboothamongthelodgesoftheking’sguard;andthereanarmourerbroughtouttoherasmallhelm,andaroundshield,andothergear.

‘Nomailhavewetofit

you,’saidÉowyn,‘noranytimefortheforgingofsuchahauberk;buthereisalsoastoutjerkinofleather,abelt,andaknife.Aswordyouhave.’

Merrybowed,andtheladyshowedhimtheshield,whichwasliketheshieldthathadbeengiventoGimli,anditboreonitthedeviceofthewhitehorse.‘Takeallthesethings,’shesaid,‘andbear

themtogoodfortune!Farewellnow,MasterMeriadoc!Yetmaybeweshallmeetagain,youandI.’

SoitwasthatamidagatheringgloomtheKingoftheMarkmadereadytoleadallhisRidersontheeastwardroad.Heartswereheavyandmanyquailedintheshadow.Buttheywereasternpeople,

loyaltotheirlord,andlittleweepingormurmuringwasheard,eveninthecampintheHoldwheretheexilesfromEdoraswerehoused,womenandchildrenandoldmen.Doomhungoverthem,buttheyfaceditsilently.

Twoswifthourspassed,andnowthekingsatuponhiswhitehorse,glimmeringinthehalf-light.Proudandtallheseemed,thoughthehair

thatflowedbeneathhishighhelmwaslikesnow;andmanymarvelledathimandtookhearttoseehimunbentandunafraid.

ThereonthewideflatsbesidethenoisyriverweremarshalledinmanycompanieswellnighfiveandfiftyhundredsofRidersfullyarmed,andmanyhundredsofothermenwithsparehorseslightlyburdened.Asingle

trumpetsounded.Thekingraisedhishand,andthensilentlythehostoftheMarkbegantomove.Foremostwenttwelveoftheking’shousehold-men,Ridersofrenown.ThenthekingfollowedwithÉomeronhisright.HehadsaidfarewelltoÉowynaboveintheHold,andthememorywasgrievous;butnowheturnedhismindtotheroadthatlay

ahead.BehindhimMerryrodeonStybbawiththeerrandridersofGondor,andbehindthemagaintwelvemoreoftheking’shousehold.Theypasseddownthelongranksofwaitingmenwithsternandunmovedfaces.Butwhentheyhadcomealmosttotheendofthelineonelookedupglancingkeenlyatthehobbit.Ayoungman,Merrythoughtashereturned

theglance,lessinheightandgirththanmost.Hecaughttheglintofcleargreyeyes;andthenheshivered,foritcamesuddenlytohimthatitwasthefaceofonewithouthopewhogoesinsearchofdeath.

OndownthegreyroadtheywentbesidetheSnowbournrushingonitsstones;throughthehamletsofUnderharrowandUpbourn,

wheremanysadfacesofwomenlookedoutfromdarkdoors;andsowithouthornorharpormusicofmen’svoicesthegreatrideintotheEastbeganwithwhichthesongsofRohanwerebusyformanylonglivesofmenthereafter.

FromdarkDunharrowinthedimmorningwiththaneandcaptainrodeThengel’sson:

toEdorashecame,theancienthallsoftheMark-wardensmist-enshrouded;goldentimberswereingloommantled.Farewellhebadetohisfreepeople,hearthandhigh-seat,andthehallowedplaces,wherelonghehadfeastederethelightfaded.

Forthrodetheking,fearbehindhim,fatebeforehim.Fealtykepthe;oathshehadtaken,allfulfilledthem.ForthrodeThéoden.FivenightsanddayseastandonwardrodetheEorlingasthroughFoldeandFenmarchandtheFirienwood,

sixthousandspearstoSunlending,MundburgthemightyunderMindolluin,Sea-kings’cityintheSouth-kingdomfoe-beleaguered,fire-encircled.Doomdrovethemon.Darknesstookthem,horseandhorseman;hoofbeatsafarsankintosilence:sothe

songstellus.

ItwasindeedindeepeninggloomthatthekingcametoEdoras,althoughitwasthenbutnoonbythehour.TherehehaltedonlyashortwhileandstrengthenedhishostbysomethreescoreofRidersthatcamelatetotheweapontake.Nowhavingeatenhemadereadytosetoutagain,andhewishedhis

esquireakindlyfarewell.ButMerrybeggedforthelasttimenottobepartedfromhim.

‘ThisisnojourneyforsuchsteedsasStybba,asIhavetoldyou,’saidThéoden.‘AndinsuchabattleaswethinktomakeonthefieldsofGondorwhatwouldyoudo,MasterMeriadoc,swordthainthoughyoube,andgreaterofheartthanofstature?’

‘Asforthat,whocantell?’answeredMerry.‘Butwhy,lord,didyoureceivemeasswordthain,ifnottostaybyyourside?AndIwouldnothaveitsaidofmeinsongonlythatIwasalwaysleftbehind!’

‘Ireceivedyouforyoursafe-keeping,’answeredThéoden;‘andalsotodoasImightbid.NoneofmyRiderscanbearyouasburden.Ifthe

battlewerebeforemygates,maybeyourdeedswouldberememberedbytheminstrels;butitisahundredleaguesandtwotoMundburgwhereDenethorislord.Iwillsaynomore.’

Merrybowedandwentawayunhappily,andstaredatthelinesofhorsemen.Alreadythecompanieswerepreparingtostart:menweretighteninggirths,lookingto

saddles,caressingtheirhorses;somegazeduneasilyattheloweringsky.UnnoticedaRidercameupandspokesoftlyinthehobbit’sear.

‘Wherewillwantsnot,awayopens,sowesay,’hewhispered;‘andsoIhavefoundmyself.’MerrylookedupandsawthatitwastheyoungRiderwhomhehadnoticedinthemorning.‘You

wishtogowhithertheLordoftheMarkgoes:Iseeitinyourface.’

‘Ido,’saidMerry.‘Thenyoushallgowith

me,’saidtheRider.‘Iwillbearyoubeforeme,undermycloakuntilwearefarafield,andthisdarknessisyetdarker.Suchgoodwillshouldnotbedenied.Saynomoretoanyman,butcome!’

‘Thankyouindeed!’said

Merry.‘Thankyou,sir,thoughIdonotknowyourname.’

‘Doyounot?’saidtheRidersoftly.‘ThencallmeDernhelm.’

Thusitcametopassthatwhenthekingsetout,beforeDernhelmsatMeriadocthehobbit,andthegreatgreysteedWindfolamadelittleof

theburden;forDernhelmwaslessinweightthanmanymen,thoughlitheandwell-knitinframe.

Onintotheshadowtheyrode.Inthewillow-thicketswhereSnowbournflowedintoEntwash,twelveleagueseastofEdoras,theycampedthatnight.AndthenonagainthroughtheFolde;andthroughtheFenmarch,wheretotheirrightgreatoakwoods

climbedontheskirtsofthehillsundertheshadesofdarkHalifirienbythebordersofGondor;butawaytotheirleftthemistslayonthemarshesfedbythemouthsofEntwash.AndastheyroderumourcameofwarintheNorth.Lonemen,ridingwild,broughtwordoffoesassailingtheireast-borders,oforc-hostsmarchingintheWoldofRohan.

‘Rideon!Rideon!’criedÉomer.‘Toolatenowtoturnaside.ThefensofEntwashmustguardourflank.Hastenowweneed.Rideon!’

AndsoKingThéodendepartedfromhisownrealm,andmilebymilethelongroadwoundaway,andthebeaconhillsmarchedpast:Calenhad,Min-Rimmon,Erelas,Nardol.Buttheirfireswerequenched.Allthelands

weregreyandstill;andevertheshadowdeepenedbeforethem,andhopewanedineveryheart.

Chapter4

THESIEGEOFGONDOR

PippinwasrousedbyGandalf.Candleswerelitin

theirchamber,foronlyadimtwilightcamethroughthewindows;theairwasheavyaswithapproachingthunder.

‘Whatisthetime?’saidPippinyawning.

‘Pastthesecondhour,’saidGandalf.‘Timetogetupandmakeyourselfpresentable.YouaresummonedtotheLordoftheCitytolearnyournewduties.’

‘Andwillheprovidebreakfast?’

‘No!Ihaveprovidedit:allthatyouwillgettillnoon.Foodisnowdoledoutbyorder.’

Pippinlookedruefullyatthesmallloafand(hethought)veryinadequatepatofbutterwhichwassetoutforhim,besideacupofthinmilk.‘Whydidyoubringmehere?’hesaid.

‘Youknowquitewell,’saidGandalf.‘Tokeepyououtofmischief;andifyoudonotlikebeinghere,youcanrememberthatyoubroughtitonyourself.’Pippinsaidnomore.

BeforelonghewaswalkingwithGandalfoncemoredownthecoldcorridortothedooroftheTowerHall.

ThereDenethorsatinagreygloom,likeanoldpatientspider,Pippinthought;hedidnotseemtohavemovedsincethedaybefore.HebeckonedGandalftoaseat,butPippinwasleftforawhilestandingunheeded.Presentlytheoldmanturnedtohim:

‘Well,MasterPeregrin,Ihopethatyouusedyesterdaytoyourprofit,andtoyourliking?ThoughIfearthatthe

boardisbarerinthiscitythanyoucouldwish.’

PippinhadanuncomfortablefeelingthatmostofwhathehadsaidordonewassomehowknowntotheLordoftheCity,andmuchwasguessedofwhathethoughtaswell.Hedidnotanswer.

‘Whatwouldyoudoinmyservice?’

‘Ithought,sir,thatyou

wouldtellmemyduties.’‘Iwill,whenIlearnwhat

youarefitfor,’saidDenethor.‘ButthatIshalllearnsoonest,maybe,ifIkeepyoubesideme.Theesquireofmychamberhasbeggedleavetogototheout-garrison,soyoushalltakehisplaceforawhile.Youshallwaitonme,bearerrands,andtalktome,ifwarandcouncilleavemeanyleisure.Canyou

sing?’‘Yes,’saidPippin.‘Well,

yes,wellenoughformyownpeople.Butwehavenosongsfitforgreathallsandeviltimes,lord.Weseldomsingofanythingmoreterriblethanwindorrain.Andmostofmysongsareaboutthingsthatmakeuslaugh;oraboutfoodanddrink,ofcourse.’

‘Andwhyshouldsuchsongsbeunfitformyhalls,or

forsuchhoursasthese?WewhohavelivedlongundertheShadowmaysurelylistentoechoesfromalanduntroubledbyit?Thenwemayfeelthatourvigilwasnotfruitless,thoughitmayhavebeenthankless.’

Pippin’sheartsank.HedidnotrelishtheideaofsinginganysongoftheShiretotheLordofMinasTirith,certainlynotthecomicones

thatheknewbest;theyweretoo,well,rusticforsuchanoccasion.Hewashoweversparedtheordealforthepresent.Hewasnotcommandedtosing.DenethorturnedtoGandalf,askingquestionsabouttheRohirrimandtheirpolicies,andthepositionofÉomer,theking’snephew.PippinmarvelledattheamountthattheLordseemedtoknowabouta

peoplethatlivedfaraway,thoughitmust,hethought,bemanyyearssinceDenethorhimselfhadriddenabroad.

PresentlyDenethorwavedtoPippinanddismissedhimagainforawhile.‘GotothearmouriesoftheCitadel,’hesaid,‘andgetyoutheretheliveryandgearoftheTower.Itwillbeready.Itwascommandedyesterday.Returnwhenyouareclad!’

Itwasashesaid;andPippinsoonfoundhimselfarrayedinstrangegarments,allofblackandsilver.Hehadasmallhauberk,itsringsforgedofsteel,maybe,yetblackasjet;andahigh-crownedhelmwithsmallraven-wingsoneitherside,setwithasilverstarinthecentreofthecirclet.Abovethemailwasashortsurcoatofblack,butbroideredonthe

breastinsilverwiththetokenoftheTree.Hisoldclotheswerefoldedandputaway,buthewaspermittedtokeepthegreycloakofLórien,thoughnottowearitwhenonduty.Helookednow,hadheknownit,verilyErniliPheriannath,thePrinceoftheHalflings,thatfolkhadcalledhim;buthefeltuncomfortable.Andthegloombegantoweighonhis

spirits.Itwasdarkanddimall

day.Fromthesunlessdawnuntileveningtheheavyshadowhaddeepened,andallheartsintheCitywereoppressed.FaraboveagreatcloudstreamedslowlywestwardfromtheBlackLand,devouringlight,borneuponawindofwar;butbelowtheairwasstillandbreathless,asifalltheVale

ofAnduinwaitedfortheonsetofaruinousstorm.

Abouttheeleventhhour,releasedatlastforawhilefromservice,Pippincameoutandwentinsearchoffoodanddrinktocheerhisheavyheartandmakehistaskofwaitingmoresupportable.InthemesseshemetBeregondagain,whohadjustcome

fromanerrandoverthePelennorouttotheGuard-towersupontheCauseway.Togethertheystrolledouttothewalls;forPippinfeltimprisonedindoors,andstifledevenintheloftycitadel.Nowtheysatsidebysideagainintheembrasurelookingeastward,wheretheyhadeatenandtalkedthedaybefore.

Itwasthesunset-hour,but

thegreatpallhadnowstretchedfarintotheWest,andonlyasitsankatlastintotheSeadidtheSunescapetosendoutabrieffarewellgleambeforethenight,evenasFrodosawitattheCross-roadstouchingtheheadofthefallenking.ButtothefieldsofthePelennor,undertheshadowofMindolluin,therecamenogleam:theywerebrownanddrear.

AlreadyitseemedyearstoPippinsincehehadsattherebefore,insomehalf-forgottentimewhenhehadstillbeenahobbit,alight-heartedwanderertouchedlittlebytheperilshehadpassedthrough.Nowhewasonesmallsoldierinacitypreparingforagreatassault,cladintheproudbutsombremanneroftheTowerofGuard.

Insomeothertimeand

placePippinmighthavebeenpleasedwithhisnewarray,butheknewnowthathewastakingpartinnoplay;hewasindeadlyearnesttheservantofagrimmasterinthegreatestperil.Thehauberkwasburdensome,andthehelmweigheduponhishead.Hiscloakhehadcastasideupontheseat.Heturnedhistiredgazeawayfromthedarklingfieldsbelowand

yawned,andthenhesighed.‘Youarewearyofthis

day?’saidBeregond.‘Yes,’saidPippin,‘very:

tiredoutwithidlenessandwaiting.Ihavekickedmyheelsatthedoorofmymaster’schamberformanyslowhours,whilehehasdebatedwithGandalfandthePrinceandothergreatpersons.AndI’mnotused,MasterBeregond,towaiting

hungryonotherswhiletheyeat.Itisasoretrialforahobbit,that.NodoubtyouwillthinkIshouldfeelthehonourmoredeeply.Butwhatisthegoodofsuchhonour?Indeedwhatisthegoodevenoffoodanddrinkunderthiscreepingshadow?Whatdoesitmean?Theveryairseemsthickandbrown!Doyouoftenhavesuchgloomswhenthewindisin

theEast?’‘Nay,’saidBeregond,

‘thisisnoweatheroftheworld.Thisissomedeviceofhismalice;somebroiloffumefromtheMountainofFirethathesendstodarkenheartsandcounsel.Andsoitdothindeed.IwishtheLordFaramirwouldreturn.Hewouldnotbedismayed.Butnow,whoknowsifhewillevercomebackacrossthe

RiveroutoftheDarkness?’‘Yes,’saidPippin,

‘Gandalf,too,isanxious.Hewasdisappointed,Ithink,nottofindFaramirhere.Andwherehashegottohimself?HelefttheLord’scouncilbeforethenoon-meal,andinnogoodmoodeither,Ithought.Perhapshehassomeforebodingofbadnews.’

Suddenlyastheytalkedtheywerestrickendumb,frozenasitweretolisteningstones.Pippincowereddownwithhishandspressedtohisears;butBeregond,whohadbeenlookingoutfromthebattlementashespokeofFaramir,remainedthere,stiffened,staringoutwithstartingeyes.Pippinknewtheshudderingcrythathehadheard:itwasthesamethathe

hadheardlongagointheMarishoftheShire,butnowitwasgrowninpowerandhatred,piercingtheheartwithapoisonousdespair.

AtlastBeregondspokewithaneffort.‘Theyhavecome!’hesaid.‘Takecourageandlook!Therearefellthingsbelow.’

ReluctantlyPippinclimbedontotheseatandlookedoutoverthewall.The

Pelennorlaydimbeneathhim,fadingawaytothescarceguessedlineoftheGreatRiver.Butnowwheelingswiftlyacrossit,likeshadowsofuntimelynight,hesawinthemiddleairsbelowhimfivebirdlikeforms,horribleascarrion-fowlyetgreaterthaneagles,cruelasdeath.Nowtheyswoopednear,venturingalmostwithinbowshotofthe

walls,nowtheycircledaway.‘BlackRiders!’muttered

Pippin.‘BlackRidersoftheair!Butsee,Beregond!’hecried.‘Theyarelookingforsomething,surely?Seehowtheywheelandswoop,alwaysdowntothatpointoverthere!Andcanyouseesomethingmovingontheground?Darklittlethings.Yes,menonhorses:fourorfive.Ah!Icannotstandit!

Gandalf!Gandalfsaveus!’Anotherlongscreechrose

andfell,andhethrewhimselfbackagainfromthewall,pantinglikeahuntedanimal.Faintandseeminglyremotethroughthatshudderingcryheheardwindingupfrombelowthesoundofatrumpetendingonalonghighnote.

‘Faramir!TheLordFaramir!Itishiscall!’criedBeregond.‘Braveheart!But

howcanhewintotheGate,ifthesefoulhell-hawkshaveotherweaponsthanfear?Butlook!Theyholdon.TheywillmaketheGate.No!thehorsesarerunningmad.Look!themenarethrown;theyarerunningonfoot.No,oneisstillup,butheridesbacktotheothers.ThatwillbetheCaptain:hecanmasterbothbeastsandmen.Ah!thereoneofthefoulthingsis

stoopingonhim.Help!help!Willnoonegoouttohim?Faramir!’

WiththatBeregondsprangawayandranoffintothegloom.Ashamedofhisterror,whileBeregondoftheGuardthoughtfirstofthecaptainwhomheloved,Pippingotupandpeeredout.AtthatmomenthecaughtaflashofwhiteandsilvercomingfromtheNorth,likea

smallstardownontheduskyfields.Itmovedwiththespeedofanarrowandgrewasitcame,convergingswiftlywiththeflightofthefourmentowardstheGate.ItseemedtoPippinthatapalelightwasspreadaboutitandtheheavyshadowsgavewaybeforeit;andthenasitdrewnearhethoughtthatheheard,likeanechointhewalls,agreatvoicecalling.

‘Gandalf!’hecried.‘Gandalf!Healwaysturnsupwhenthingsaredarkest.Goon!Goon,WhiteRider!Gandalf,Gandalf!’heshoutedwildly,likeanonlookeratagreatraceurgingonarunnerwhoisfarbeyondencouragement.

Butnowthedarkswoopingshadowswereawareofthenewcomer.Onewheeledtowardshim;butit

seemedtoPippinthatheraisedhishand,andfromitashaftofwhitelightstabbedupwards.TheNazgûlgavealongwailingcryandswervedaway;andwiththatthefourotherswavered,andthenrisinginswiftspiralstheypassedawayeastwardvanishingintotheloweringcloudabove;anddownonthePelennoritseemedforawhilelessdark.

Pippinwatched,andhesawthehorsemanandtheWhiteRidermeetandhalt,waitingforthoseonfoot.MennowhurriedouttothemfromtheCity;andsoontheyallpassedfromsightundertheouterwalls,andheknewthattheywereenteringtheGate.GuessingthattheywouldcomeatoncetotheTowerandtheSteward,hehurriedtotheentranceofthe

citadel.Therehewasjoinedbymanyotherswhohadwatchedtheraceandtherescuefromthehighwalls.

Itwasnotlongbeforeaclamourwasheardinthestreetsleadingupfromtheoutercircles,andtherewasmuchcheeringandcryingofthenamesofFaramirandMithrandir.PresentlyPippinsawtorches,andfollowedbyapressofpeopletwo

horsemenridingslowly:onewasinwhitebutshiningnolonger,paleinthetwilightasifhisfirewasspentorveiled;theotherwasdarkandhisheadwasbowed.Theydismounted,andasgroomstookShadowfaxandtheotherhorse,theywalkedforwardtothesentinelatthegate:Gandalfsteadily,hisgreycloakflungback,andafirestillsmoulderinginhiseyes;

theother,cladallingreen,slowly,swayingalittleasawearyorawoundedman.

Pippinpressedforwardastheypassedunderthelampbeneaththegate-arch,andwhenhesawthepalefaceofFaramirhecaughthisbreath.Itwasthefaceofonewhohasbeenassailedbyagreatfearoranguish,buthasmastereditandnowisquiet.Proudandgravehestoodfor

amomentashespoketotheguard,andPippingazingathimsawhowcloselyheresembledhisbrotherBoromir–whomPippinhadlikedfromthefirst,admiringthegreatman’slordlybutkindlymanner.YetsuddenlyforFaramirhisheartwasstrangelymovedwithafeelingthathehadnotknownbefore.Herewasonewithanairofhighnobilitysuchas

Aragornattimesrevealed,lesshighperhaps,yetalsolessincalculableandremote:oneoftheKingsofMenbornintoalatertime,buttouchedwiththewisdomandsadnessoftheElderRace.HeknewnowwhyBeregondspokehisnamewithlove.Hewasacaptainthatmenwouldfollow,thathewouldfollow,evenundertheshadowoftheblackwings.

‘Faramir!’hecriedaloudwiththeothers.‘Faramir!’AndFaramir,catchinghisstrangevoiceamongtheclamourofthemenoftheCity,turnedandlookeddownathimandwasamazed.

‘Whencecomeyou?’hesaid.‘Ahalfling,andintheliveryoftheTower!Whence…?’

ButwiththatGandalfsteppedtohissideandspoke.

‘HecamewithmefromthelandoftheHalflings,’hesaid.‘Hecamewithme.Butletusnottarryhere.Thereismuchtosayandtodo,andyouareweary.Heshallcomewithus.Indeedhemust,forifhedoesnotforgethisnewdutiesmoreeasilythanIdo,hemustattendonhislordagainwithinthishour.Come,Pippin,followus!’

SoatlengththeycametotheprivatechamberoftheLordoftheCity.Theredeepseatsweresetaboutabrazierofcharcoal;andwinewasbrought;andtherePippin,hardlynoticed,stoodbehindthechairofDenethorandfelthiswearinesslittle,soeagerlydidhelistentoallthatwassaid.

WhenFaramirhadtakenwhitebreadanddrunka

draughtofwine,hesatuponalowchairathisfather’slefthand.RemovedalittleupontheothersidesatGandalfinachairofcarvenwood;andheseemedatfirsttobeasleep.ForatthebeginningFaramirspokeonlyoftheerranduponwhichhehadbeensentouttendaysbefore,andhebroughttidingsofIthilienandofmovementsoftheEnemyandhisallies;andhetoldof

thefightontheroadwhenthemenofHaradandtheirgreatbeastwereoverthrown:acaptainreportingtohismastersuchmattersashadoftenbeenheardbefore,smallthingsofborder-warthatnowseemeduselessandpetty,shornoftheirrenown.

ThensuddenlyFaramirlookedatPippin.‘Butnowwecometostrangematters,’hesaid.‘Forthisisnotthe

firsthalflingthatIhaveseenwalkingoutofnorthernlegendsintotheSouthlands.’

AtthatGandalfsatupandgrippedthearmsofhischair;buthesaidnothing,andwithalookstoppedtheexclamationonPippin’slips.Denethorlookedattheirfacesandnoddedhishead,asthoughinsignthathehadreadmuchtherebeforeitwasspoken.Slowly,whilethe

otherssatsilentandstill,Faramirtoldhistale,withhiseyesforthemostpartonGandalf,thoughnowandagainhisglancestrayedtoPippin,asiftorefreshhismemoryofothersthathehadseen.

AshisstorywasunfoldedofhismeetingwithFrodoandhisservantandoftheeventsatHennethAnnûn,PippinbecameawarethatGandalf’s

handsweretremblingastheyclutchedthecarvenwood.Whitetheyseemednowandveryold,andashelookedatthem,suddenlywithathrilloffearPippinknewthatGandalf,Gandalfhimself,wastroubled,evenafraid.Theairoftheroomwascloseandstill.AtlastwhenFaramirspokeofhispartingwiththetravellers,andoftheirresolvetogotoCirith

Ungol,hisvoicefell,andheshookhisheadandsighed.ThenGandalfsprangup.

‘CirithUngol?MorgulVale?’hesaid.‘Thetime,Faramir,thetime?Whendidyoupartwiththem?Whenwouldtheyreachthataccursedvalley?’

‘Ipartedwiththeminthemorningtwodaysago,’saidFaramir.‘Itisfifteenleaguesthencetothevaleofthe

Morgulduin,iftheywentstraightsouth;andthentheywouldbestillfiveleagueswestwardoftheaccursedTower.Atswiftesttheycouldnotcometherebeforetoday,andmaybetheyhavenotcomethereyet.IndeedIseewhatyoufear.Butthedarknessisnotduetotheirventure.Itbeganyestereve,andallIthilienwasundershadowlastnight.Itisclear

tomethattheEnemyhaslongplannedanassaultonus,anditshourhadalreadybeendeterminedbeforeeverthetravellersleftmykeeping.’

Gandalfpacedthefloor.‘Themorningoftwodaysago,nighonthreedaysofjourney!Howfaristheplacewhereyouparted?’

‘Sometwenty-fiveleaguesasabirdflies,’answeredFaramir.‘ButIcouldnot

comemoreswiftly.YestereveIlayatCairAndros,thelongisleintheRivernorthwardwhichweholdindefence;andhorsesarekeptonthehitherbank.AsthedarkdrewonIknewthathastewasneeded,soIrodethencewiththreeothersthatcouldalsobehorsed.TherestofmycompanyIsentsouthtostrengthenthegarrisonatthefordsofOsgiliath.Ihopethat

Ihavenotdoneill?’Helookedathisfather.

‘Ill?’criedDenethor,andhiseyesflashedsuddenly.‘Whydoyouask?Themenwereunderyourcommand.Ordoyouaskformyjudgementonallyourdeeds?Yourbearingislowlyinmypresence,yetitislongnowsinceyouturnedfromyourownwayatmycounsel.See,youhavespokenskilfully,as

ever;butI,haveInotseenyoureyefixedonMithrandir,seekingwhetheryousaidwellortoomuch?Hehaslonghadyourheartinhiskeeping.

‘Myson,yourfatherisoldbutnotyetdotard.Icanseeandhear,aswasmywont;andlittleofwhatyouhavehalfsaidorleftunsaidisnowhiddenfromme.Iknowtheanswertomanyriddles.Alas,

alasforBoromir!’‘IfwhatIhavedone

displeasesyou,myfather,’saidFaramirquietly,‘IwishIhadknownyourcounselbeforetheburdenofsoweightyajudgementwasthrustonme.’

‘Wouldthathaveavailedtochangeyourjudgement?’saidDenethor.‘Youwouldstillhavedonejustso,Ideem.Iknowyouwell.Ever

yourdesireistoappearlordlyandgenerousasakingofold,gracious,gentle.Thatmaywellbefitoneofhighrace,ifhesitsinpowerandpeace.Butindesperatehoursgentlenessmayberepaidwithdeath.’

‘Sobeit,’saidFaramir.‘Sobeit!’criedDenethor.

‘Butnotwithyourdeathonly,LordFaramir:withthedeathalsoofyourfather,and

ofallyourpeople,whomitisyourparttoprotectnowthatBoromirisgone.’

‘Doyouwishthen,’saidFaramir,‘thatourplaceshadbeenexchanged?’

‘Yes,Iwishthatindeed,’saidDenethor.‘ForBoromirwasloyaltomeandnowizard’spupil.Hewouldhaverememberedhisfather’sneed,andwouldnothavesquanderedwhatfortune

gave.Hewouldhavebroughtmeamightygift.’

ForamomentFaramir’srestraintgaveway.‘Iwouldaskyou,myfather,torememberwhyitwasthatI,nothe,wasinIthilien.Ononeoccasionatleastyourcounselhasprevailed,notlongago.ItwastheLordoftheCitythatgavetheerrandtohim.’

‘Stirnotthebitternessin

thecupthatImixedformyself,’saidDenethor.‘HaveInottasteditnowmanynightsuponmytongue,forebodingthatworseyetlayinthedregs?AsnowindeedIfind.Woulditwerenotso!Wouldthatthisthinghadcometome!’

‘Comfortyourself!’saidGandalf.‘InnocasewouldBoromirhavebroughtittoyou.Heisdead,anddied

well;mayhesleepinpeace!Yetyoudeceiveyourself.Hewouldhavestretchedouthishandtothisthing,andtakingithewouldhavefallen.Hewouldhavekeptitforhisown,andwhenhereturnedyouwouldnothaveknownyourson.’

ThefaceofDenethorsethardandcold.‘YoufoundBoromirlessapttoyourhand,didyounot?’hesaid

softly.‘ButIwhowashisfathersaythathewouldhavebroughtittome.Youarewise,maybe,Mithrandir,yetwithallyoursubtletiesyouhavenotallwisdom.Counselsmaybefoundthatareneitherthewebsofwizardsnorthehasteoffools.Ihaveinthismattermoreloreandwisdomthanyoudeem.’

‘Whatthenisyour

wisdom?’saidGandalf.‘Enoughtoperceivethat

therearetwofolliestoavoid.Tousethisthingisperilous.Atthishour,tosenditinthehandsofawitlesshalflingintothelandoftheEnemyhimself,asyouhavedone,andthissonofmine,thatismadness.’

‘AndtheLordDenethorwhatwouldhehavedone?’

‘Neither.Butmostsurely

notforanyargumentwouldhehavesetthisthingatahazardbeyondallbutafool’shope,riskingourutterruin,iftheEnemyshouldrecoverwhathelost.Nay,itshouldhavebeenkept,hidden,hiddendarkanddeep.Notused,Isay,unlessattheuttermostendofneed,butsetbeyondhisgrasp,savebyavictorysofinalthatwhatthenbefellwouldnottroubleus,

beingdead.’‘Youthink,asisyour

wont,mylord,ofGondoronly,’saidGandalf.‘Yetthereareothermenandotherlives,andtimestilltobe.Andforme,Ipityevenhisslaves.’

‘Andwherewillothermenlookforhelp,ifGondorfalls?’answeredDenethor.‘IfIhadthisthingnowinthedeepvaultsofthiscitadel,we

shouldnotthenshakewithdreadunderthisgloom,fearingtheworst,andourcounselswouldbeundisturbed.Ifyoudonottrustmetoendurethetest,youdonotknowmeyet.’

‘NonethelessIdonottrustyou,’saidGandalf.‘HadIdoneso,Icouldhavesentthisthinghithertoyourkeepingandsparedmyselfandothersmuchanguish.Andnow

hearingyouspeakItrustyouless,nomorethanBoromir.Nay,stayyourwrath!Idonottrustmyselfinthis,andIrefusedthisthing,evenasafreelygivengift.Youarestrongandcanstillinsomemattersgovernyourself,Denethor;yetifyouhadreceivedthisthing,itwouldhaveoverthrownyou.WereitburiedbeneaththerootsofMindolluin,stillitwould

burnyourmindaway,asthedarknessgrows,andtheyetworsethingsfollowthatsoonshallcomeuponus.’

ForamomenttheeyesofDenethorglowedagainashefacedGandalf,andPippinfeltoncemorethestrainbetweentheirwills;butnowalmostitseemedasiftheirglanceswerelikebladesfromeyetoeye,flickeringastheyfenced.Pippintrembledfearingsome

dreadfulstroke.ButsuddenlyDenethorrelaxedandgrewcoldagain.Heshruggedhisshoulders.

‘IfIhad!Ifyouhad!’hesaid.‘Suchwordsandifsarevain.IthasgoneintotheShadow,andonlytimewillshowwhatdoomawaitsit,andus.Thetimewillnotbelong.Inwhatisleft,letallwhofighttheEnemyintheirfashionbeatone,andkeep

hopewhiletheymay,andafterhopestillthehardihoodtodiefree.’HeturnedtoFaramir.‘WhatthinkyouofthegarrisonatOsgiliath?’

‘Itisnotstrong,’saidFaramir.‘IhavesentthecompanyofIthilientostrengthenit,asIhavesaid.’

‘Notenough,Ideem,’saidDenethor.‘Itistherethatthefirstblowwillfall.Theywillhaveneedofsomestout

captainthere.’‘Thereandelsewherein

manyplaces,’saidFaramir,andsighed.‘Alasformybrother,whomItooloved!’Herose.‘MayIhaveyourleave,father?’Andthenheswayedandleaneduponhisfather’schair.

‘Youareweary,Isee,’saidDenethor.‘Youhaveriddenfastandfar,andundershadowsofevilintheair,I

amtold.’‘Letusnotspeakofthat!’

saidFaramir.‘Thenwewillnot,’said

Denethor.‘Gonowandrestasyoumay.Tomorrow’sneedwillbesterner.’

AllnowtookleaveoftheLordoftheCityandwenttorestwhiletheystillcould.Outsidetherewasastarless

blacknessasGandalf,withPippinbesidehimbearingasmalltorch,madehiswaytotheirlodging.Theydidnotspeakuntiltheywerebehindcloseddoors.ThenatlastPippintookGandalf’shand.

‘Tellme,’hesaid,‘isthereanyhope?ForFrodo,Imean;oratleastmostlyforFrodo.’

GandalfputhishandonPippin’shead.‘Therenever

wasmuchhope,’heanswered.‘Justafool’shope,asIhavebeentold.AndwhenIheardofCirithUngol——’Hebrokeoffandstrodetothewindow,asifhiseyescouldpiercethenightintheEast.‘CirithUngol!’hemuttered.‘Whythatway,Iwonder?’Heturned.‘Justnow,Pippin,myheartalmostfailedme,hearingthatname.AndyetintruthIbelievethat

thenewsthatFaramirbringshassomehopeinit.ForitseemsclearthatourEnemyhasopenedhiswaratlastandmadethefirstmovewhileFrodowasstillfree.Sonowformanydayshewillhavehiseyeturnedthiswayandthat,awayfromhisownland.Andyet,Pippin,Ifeelfromafarhishasteandfear.Hehasbegunsoonerthanhewould.Somethinghashappenedto

stirhim.’Gandalfstoodfora

momentinthought.‘Maybe,’hemuttered.‘Maybeevenyourfoolishnesshelped,mylad.Letmesee:somefivedaysagonowhewoulddiscoverthatwehadthrowndownSaruman,andhadtakentheStone.Stillwhatofthat?Wecouldnotuseittomuchpurpose,orwithouthisknowing.Ah!Iwonder.

Aragorn?Histimedrawsnear.Andheisstrongandsternunderneath,Pippin;bold,determined,abletotakehisowncounselanddaregreatrisksatneed.Thatmaybeit.HemayhaveusedtheStoneandshownhimselftotheEnemy,challenginghim,forthisverypurpose.Iwonder.Well,weshallnotknowtheanswertilltheRidersofRohancome,ifthey

donotcometoolate.Thereareevildaysahead.Tosleepwhilewemay!’

‘But,’saidPippin.‘Butwhat?’saidGandalf.

‘OnlyonebutwillIallowtonight.’

‘Gollum,’saidPippin.‘Howonearthcouldtheybegoingaboutwithhim,evenfollowinghim?AndIcouldseethatFaramirdidnotliketheplacehewastakingthem

toanymorethanyoudo.Whatiswrong?’

‘Icannotanswerthatnow,’saidGandalf.‘YetmyheartguessedthatFrodoandGollumwouldmeetbeforetheend.Forgood,orforevil.ButofCirithUngolIwillnotspeaktonight.Treachery,treacheryIfear;treacheryofthatmiserablecreature.Butsoitmustbe.Letusrememberthatatraitormay

betrayhimselfanddogoodthathedoesnotintend.Itcanbeso,sometimes.Goodnight!’

Thenextdaycamewithamorninglikeabrowndusk,andtheheartsofmen,liftedforawhilebythereturnofFaramir,sanklowagain.ThewingedShadowswerenotseenagainthatday,yetever

andanon,highabovethecity,afaintcrywouldcome,andmanywhohearditwouldstandstrickenwithapassingdread,whilethelessstout-heartedquailedandwept.

AndnowFaramirwasgoneagain.‘Theygivehimnorest,’somemurmured.‘TheLorddriveshissontoohard,andnowhemustdothedutyoftwo,forhimselfandfortheonethatwillnot

return.’Andevermenlookednorthward,asking:‘WherearetheRidersofRohan?’

IntruthFaramirdidnotgobyhisownchoosing.ButtheLordoftheCitywasmasterofhisCouncil,andhewasinnomoodthatdaytobowtoothers.EarlyinthemorningtheCouncilhadbeensummoned.ThereallthecaptainsjudgedthatbecauseofthethreatintheSouththeir

forcewastooweaktomakeanystrokeofwarontheirownpart,unlessperchancetheRidersofRohanyetshouldcome.Meanwhiletheymustmanthewallsandwait.

‘Yet,’saidDenethor,‘weshouldnotlightlyabandontheouterdefences,theRammasmadewithsogreatalabour.AndtheEnemymustpaydearlyforthecrossingoftheRiver.Thathecannotdo,

inforcetoassailtheCity,eithernorthofCairAndrosbecauseofthemarshes,orsouthwardstowardsLebenninbecauseofthebreadthoftheRiver,thatneedsmanyboats.ItisatOsgiliaththathewillputhisweight,asbeforewhenBoromirdeniedhimthepassage.’

‘Thatwasbutatrial,’saidFaramir.‘TodaywemaymaketheEnemypayten

timesourlossatthepassageandyetruetheexchange.Forhecanaffordtoloseahostbetterthanwetoloseacompany.Andtheretreatofthosethatweputoutfarafieldwillbeperilous,ifhewinsacrossinforce.’

‘AndwhatofCairAndros?’saidthePrince.‘That,too,mustbeheld,ifOsgiliathisdefended.Letusnotforgetthedangeronour

left.TheRohirrimmaycome,andtheymaynot.ButFaramirhastoldusofgreatstrengthdrawingevertotheBlackGate.Morethanonehostmayissuefromit,andstrikeformorethanonepassage.’

‘Muchmustberiskedinwar,’saidDenethor.‘CairAndrosismanned,andnomorecanbesentsofar.ButIwillnotyieldtheRiverand

thePelennorunfought–notifthereisacaptainherewhohasstillthecouragetodohislord’swill.’

Thenallweresilent.ButatlengthFaramirsaid:‘Idonotopposeyourwill,sire.SinceyouarerobbedofBoromir,IwillgoanddowhatIcaninhisstead–ifyoucommandit.’

‘Idoso,’saidDenethor.‘Thenfarewell!’said

Faramir.‘ButifIshouldreturn,thinkbetterofme!’

‘Thatdependsonthemannerofyourreturn,’saidDenethor.

GandalfitwasthatlastspoketoFaramirereherodeeast.‘Donotthrowyourlifeawayrashlyorinbitterness,’hesaid.‘Youwillbeneededhere,forotherthingsthanwar.Yourfatherlovesyou,Faramir,andwillrememberit

eretheend.Farewell!’

SonowtheLordFaramirhadgoneforthagain,andhadtakenwithhimsuchstrengthofmenaswerewillingtogoorcouldbespared.Onthewallssomegazedthroughthegloomtowardstheruinedcity,andtheywonderedwhatchancedthere,fornothingcouldbeseen.Andothers,as

ever,lookednorthandcountedtheleaguestoThéodeninRohan.‘Willhecome?Willherememberouroldalliance?’theysaid.

‘Yes,hewillcome,’saidGandalf,‘evenifhecomestoolate.Butthink!AtbesttheRedArrowcannothavereachedhimmorethantwodaysago,andthemilesarelongfromEdoras.’

Itwasnightagainerenewscame.Amanrodeinhastefromthefords,sayingthatahosthadissuedfromMinasMorgulandwasalreadydrawingnightoOsgiliath;andithadbeenjoinedbyregimentsfromtheSouth,Haradrim,cruelandtall.‘Andwehavelearned,’saidthemessenger,‘thattheBlackCaptainleadsthemonceagain,andthefearof

himhaspassedbeforehimovertheRiver.’

Withthoseill-bodingwordsthethirddayclosedsincePippincametoMinasTirith.Fewwenttorest,forsmallhopehadanynowthatevenFaramircouldholdthefordsforlong.

Thenextday,thoughthedarknesshadreacheditsfull

andgrewnodeeper,itweighedheavieronmen’shearts,andagreatdreadwasonthem.Illnewscamesoonagain.ThepassageofAnduinwaswonbytheEnemy.FaramirwasretreatingtothewallofthePelennor,rallyinghismentotheCausewayForts;buthewastentimesoutnumbered.

‘IfhewinsbackatallacrossthePelennor,his

enemieswillbeonhisheels,’saidthemessenger.‘Theyhavepaiddearforthecrossing,butlessdearlythanwehoped.Theplanhasbeenwelllaid.ItisnowseenthatinsecrettheyhavelongbeenbuildingfloatsandbargesingreatnumberinEastOsgiliath.Theyswarmedacrosslikebeetles.ButitistheBlackCaptainthatdefeatsus.Fewwillstandandabide

eventherumourofhiscoming.Hisownfolkquailathim,andtheywouldslaythemselvesathisbidding.’

‘ThenIamneededtheremorethanhere,’saidGandalf,androdeoffatonce,andtheglimmerofhimfadedsoonfromsight.AndallthatnightPippinaloneandsleeplessstooduponthewallandgazedeastward.

Thebellsofdayhadscarcelyrungoutagain,amockeryintheunlighteneddark,whenfarawayhesawfiresspringup,acrossinthedimspaceswherethewallsofthePelennorstood.Thewatchmencriedaloud,andallmenintheCitystoodtoarms.Noweverandanontherewasaredflash,andslowlythroughtheheavyairdullrumblescouldbeheard.

‘Theyhavetakenthewall!’mencried.‘Theyareblastingbreachesinit.Theyarecoming!’

‘WhereisFaramir?’criedBeregondindismay.‘Saynotthathehasfallen!’

ItwasGandalfthatbroughtthefirsttidings.Withahandfulofhorsemenhecameinthemiddlemorning,ridingasescorttoalineofwains.Theywerefilledwith

woundedmen,allthatcouldbesavedfromthewreckoftheCausewayForts.AtoncehewenttoDenethor.TheLordoftheCitysatnowinahighchamberabovetheHalloftheWhiteTowerwithPippinathisside;andthroughthedimwindows,northandsouthandeast,hebenthisdarkeyes,asiftopiercetheshadowsofdoomthatringedhimround.Most

totheNorthhelooked,andwouldpauseatwhilestolistenasifbysomeancientarthisearsmighthearthethunderofhoofsontheplainsfaraway.

‘IsFaramircome?’heasked.

‘No,’saidGandalf.‘ButhestilllivedwhenIlefthim.Yetheisresolvedtostaywiththerearguard,lesttheretreatoverthePelennor

becomearout.Hemay,perhaps,holdhismentogetherlongenough,butIdoubtit.Heispittedagainstafoetoogreat.ForonehascomethatIfeared.’

‘Not–theDarkLord?’criedPippin,forgettinghisplaceinhisterror.

Denethorlaughedbitterly.‘Nay,notyet,MasterPeregrin!Hewillnotcomesaveonlytotriumphoverme

whenalliswon.Heusesothersashisweapons.Sodoallgreatlords,iftheyarewise,MasterHalfling.OrwhyshouldIsithereinmytowerandthink,andwatch,andwait,spendingevenmysons?ForIcanstillwieldabrand.’

Hestoodupandcastopenhislongblackcloak,andbehold!hewascladinmailbeneath,andgirtwithalong

sword,great-hiltedinasheathofblackandsilver.‘ThushaveIwalked,andthusnowformanyyearshaveIslept,’hesaid,‘lestwithagethebodyshouldgrowsoftandtimid.’

‘YetnowundertheLordofBarad-dûrthemostfellofallhiscaptainsisalreadymasterofyourouterwalls,’saidGandalf.‘KingofAngmarlongago,Sorcerer,

Ringwraith,LordoftheNazgûl,aspearofterrorinthehandofSauron,shadowofdespair.’

‘Then,Mithrandir,youhadafoetomatchyou,’saidDenethor.‘Formyself,IhavelongknownwhoisthechiefcaptainofthehostsoftheDarkTower.Isthisallthatyouhavereturnedtosay?Orcanitbethatyouhavewithdrawnbecauseyouare

overmatched?’Pippintrembled,fearing

thatGandalfwouldbestungtosuddenwrath,buthisfearwasneedless.‘Itmightbeso,’Gandalfansweredsoftly.‘Butourtrialofstrengthisnotyetcome.Andifwordsspokenofoldbetrue,notbythehandofmanshallhefall,andhiddenfromtheWiseisthedoomthatawaitshim.Howeverthatmaybe,the

CaptainofDespairdoesnotpressforward,yet.Herulesratheraccordingtothewisdomthatyouhavejustspoken,fromtherear,drivinghisslavesinmadnessonbefore.

‘Nay,Icamerathertoguardthehurtmenthatcanyetbehealed;fortheRammasisbreachedfarandwide,andsoonthehostofMorgulwillenterinatmany

points.AndIcamechieflytosaythis.Soontherewillbebattleonthefields.Asortiemustbemadeready.Letitbeofmountedmen.Inthemliesourbriefhope,forinonethingonlyistheenemystillpoorlyprovided:hehasfewhorsemen.’

‘Andwealsohavefew.NowwouldthecomingofRohanbeinthenickoftime,’saidDenethor.

‘Wearelikelytoseeothernewcomersfirst,’saidGandalf.‘FugitivesfromCairAndroshavealreadyreachedus.Theislehasfallen.AnotherarmyiscomefromtheBlackGate,crossingfromthenorth-east.’

‘Somehaveaccusedyou,Mithrandir,ofdelightingtobearillnews,’saidDenethor,‘buttomethisisnolongernews:itwasknowntomeere

nightfallyesterday.Asforthesortie,Ihadalreadygiventhoughttoit.Letusgodown.’

Timepassed.Atlengthwatchersonthewallscouldseetheretreatoftheout-companies.Smallbandsofwearyandoftenwoundedmencamefirstwithlittleorder;somewererunning

wildlyasifpursued.Awaytotheeastwardthedistantfiresflickered,andnowitseemedthathereandtheretheycreptacrosstheplain.Housesandbarnswereburning.Thenfrommanypointslittleriversofredflamecamehurryingon,windingthroughthegloom,convergingtowardsthelineofthebroadroadthatledfromtheCity-gatetoOsgiliath.

‘Theenemy,’menmurmured.‘Thedikeisdown.Heretheycomepouringthroughthebreaches!Andtheycarrytorches,itseems.Whereareourownfolk?’

Itdrewnowtoeveningbythehour,andthelightwassodimthatevenfar-sightedmenupontheCitadelcoulddiscernlittleclearlyoutuponthefields,saveonlythe

burningsthatevermultiplied,andthelinesoffirethatgrewinlengthandspeed.Atlast,lessthanamilefromtheCity,amoreorderedmassofmencameintoview,marchingnotrunning,stillholdingtogether.

Thewatchersheldtheirbreath.‘Faramirmustbethere,’theysaid.‘Hecangovernmanandbeast.Hewillmakeityet.’

Nowthemainretreatwasscarcelytwofurlongsdistant.Outofthegloombehindasmallcompanyofhorsemengalloped,allthatwasleftoftherearguard.Onceagaintheyturnedatbay,facingtheoncominglinesoffire.Thensuddenlytherewasatumultoffiercecries.Horsemenoftheenemysweptup.Thelinesoffirebecameflowingtorrents,fileuponfileofOrcs

bearingflames,andwildSouthronmenwithredbanners,shoutingwithharshtongues,surgingup,overtakingtheretreat.Andwithapiercingcryoutofthedimskyfellthewingedshadows,theNazgûlstoopingtothekill.

Theretreatbecamearout.Alreadymenwerebreakingaway,flyingwildandwitlesshereandthere,flingingaway

theirweapons,cryingoutinfear,fallingtotheground.

AndthenatrumpetrangfromtheCitadel,andDenethoratlastreleasedthesortie.DrawnupwithintheshadowoftheGateandundertheloomingwallsoutsidetheyhadwaitedforhissignal:allthemountedmenthatwereleftintheCity.Nowtheysprangforward,formed,quickenedtoagallop,and

chargedwithagreatshout.Andfromthewallsanansweringshoutwentup;forforemostonthefieldrodetheswan-knightsofDolAmrothwiththeirPrinceandhisbluebannerattheirhead.

‘AmrothforGondor!’theycried.‘AmrothtoFaramir!’

Likethundertheybrokeupontheenemyoneitherflankoftheretreat;butone

rideroutranthemall,swiftasthewindinthegrass:Shadowfaxborehim,shining,unveiledoncemore,alightstartingfromhisupraisedhand.

TheNazgûlscreechedandsweptaway,fortheirCaptainwasnotyetcometochallengethewhitefireofhisfoe.ThehostsofMorgulintentontheirprey,takenatunawaresinwildcareer,broke,

scatteringlikesparksinagale.Theout-companieswithagreatcheerturnedandsmotetheirpursuers.Huntersbecamethehunted.Theretreatbecameanonslaught.Thefieldwasstrewnwithstrickenorcsandmen,andareekaroseoftorchescastaway,sputteringoutinswirlingsmoke.Thecavalryrodeon.

ButDenethordidnot

permitthemtogofar.Thoughtheenemywaschecked,andforthemomentdrivenback,greatforceswereflowinginfromtheEast.Againthetrumpetrang,soundingtheretreat.ThecavalryofGondorhalted.Behindtheirscreentheout-companiesre-formed.Nowsteadilytheycamemarchingback.TheyreachedtheGateoftheCityandentered,

steppingproudly;andproudlythepeopleoftheCitylookedonthemandcriedtheirpraise,andyettheyweretroubledinheart.Forthecompaniesweregrievouslyreduced.Faramirhadlostathirdofhismen.Andwherewashe?

Lastofallhecame.Hismenpassedin.Themountedknightsreturned,andattheirrearthebannerofDol

Amroth,andthePrince.Andinhisarmsbeforehimonhishorseheborethebodyofhiskinsman,FaramirsonofDenethor,founduponthestrickenfield.

‘Faramir!Faramir!’mencried,weepinginthestreets.Buthedidnotanswer,andtheyborehimawayupthewindingroadtotheCitadelandhisfather.EvenastheNazgûlhadswervedaside

fromtheonsetoftheWhiteRider,therecameflyingadeadlydart,andFaramir,asheheldatbayamountedchampionofHarad,hadfallentotheearth.OnlythechargeofDolAmrothhadsavedhimfromtheredsouthlandswordsthatwouldhavehewedhimashelay.

ThePrinceImrahilbroughtFaramirtotheWhiteTower,andhesaid:‘Your

sonhasreturned,lord,aftergreatdeeds,’andhetoldallthathehadseen.ButDenethorroseandlookedonthefaceofhissonandwassilent.ThenhebadethemmakeabedinthechamberandlayFaramiruponitanddepart.ButhehimselfwentupaloneintothesecretroomunderthesummitoftheTower;andmanywholookedupthitheratthattimesawa

palelightthatgleamedandflickeredfromthenarrowwindowsforawhile,andthenflashedandwentout.AndwhenDenethordescendedagainhewenttoFaramirandsatbesidehimwithoutspeaking,butthefaceoftheLordwasgrey,moredeathlikethanhisson’s.

SonowatlasttheCity

wasbesieged,enclosedinaringoffoes.TheRammaswasbroken,andallthePelennorabandonedtotheEnemy.ThelastwordtocomefromoutsidethewallswasbroughtbymenflyingdownthenorthwardroaderetheGatewasshut.TheyweretheremnantoftheguardthatwaskeptatthatpointwherethewayfromAnórienandRohanranintothetownlands.

Ingoldledthem,thesamewhohadadmittedGandalfandPippinlessthanfivedaysbefore,whilethesunstillroseandtherewashopeinthemorning.

‘ThereisnonewsoftheRohirrim,’hesaid.‘Rohanwillnotcomenow.Oriftheycome,itwillnotavailus.Thenewhostthatwehadtidingsofhascomefirst,fromovertheRiverbywayofAndros,

itissaid.Theyarestrong:battalionsofOrcsoftheEye,andcountlesscompaniesofMenofanewsortthatwehavenotmetbefore.Nottall,butbroadandgrim,beardedlikedwarves,wieldinggreataxes.OutofsomesavagelandinthewideEasttheycome,wedeem.Theyholdthenorthwardroad;andmanyhavepassedonintoAnórien.TheRohirrimcannotcome.’

TheGatewasshut.Allnightwatchmenonthewallsheardtherumouroftheenemythatroamedoutside,burningfieldandtree,andhewinganymanthattheyfoundabroad,livingordead.ThenumbersthathadalreadypassedovertheRivercouldnotbeguessedinthedarkness,butwhenmorning,oritsdimshadow,stoleovertheplain,itwasseenthat

evenfearbynighthadscarcelyover-countedthem.Theplainwasdarkwiththeirmarchingcompanies,andasfaraseyescouldstraininthemirktheresprouted,likeafoulfungus-growth,allaboutthebeleagueredcitygreatcampsoftents,blackorsombrered.

Busyasantshurryingorcsweredigging,digginglinesofdeeptrenchesinahugering,

justoutofbowshotfromthewalls;andasthetrenchesweremadeeachwasfilledwithfire,thoughhowitwaskindledorfed,byartordevilry,nonecouldsee.Alldaythelabourwentforward,whilethemenofMinasTirithlookedon,unabletohinderit.Andaseachlengthoftrenchwascompleted,theycouldseegreatwainsapproaching;andsoonyetmorecompanies

oftheenemywereswiftlysettingup,eachbehindthecoverofatrench,greatenginesforthecastingofmissiles.TherewerenoneupontheCitywallslargeenoughtoreachsofarortostaythework.

Atfirstmenlaughedanddidnotgreatlyfearsuchdevices.ForthemainwalloftheCitywasofgreatheightandmarvellousthickness,

builterethepowerandcraftofNúmenorwanedinexile;anditsoutwardfacewasliketotheTowerofOrthanc,hardanddarkandsmooth,unconquerablebysteelorfire,unbreakableexceptbysomeconvulsionthatwouldrendtheveryearthonwhichitstood.

‘Nay,’theysaid,‘notiftheNamelessOnehimselfshouldcome,notevenhe

couldenterherewhileweyetlive.’Butsomeanswered:‘Whileweyetlive?Howlong?Hehasaweaponthathasbroughtlowmanystrongplacessincetheworldbegan.Hunger.Theroadsarecut.Rohanwillnotcome.’

Buttheenginesdidnotwasteshotupontheindomitablewall.Itwasnobrigandororc-chieftainthatorderedtheassaultuponthe

LordofMordor’sgreatestfoe.Apowerandmindofmaliceguidedit.Assoonasthegreatcatapultswereset,withmanyyellsandthecreakingofropeandwinch,theybegantothrowmissilesmarvellouslyhigh,sothattheypassedrightabovethebattlementandfellthuddingwithinthefirstcircleoftheCity;andmanyofthembysomesecretartburstinto

flameastheycametopplingdown.

Soontherewasgreatperiloffirebehindthewall,andallwhocouldbesparedwerebusyquellingtheflamesthatsprangupinmanyplaces.Thenamongthegreatercaststherefellanotherhail,lessruinousbutmorehorrible.AllaboutthestreetsandlanesbehindtheGateittumbleddown,smallroundshotthat

didnotburn.Butwhenmenrantolearnwhatitmightbe,theycriedaloudorwept.FortheenemywasflingingintotheCityalltheheadsofthosewhohadfallenfightingatOsgiliath,orontheRammas,orinthefields.Theyweregrimtolookon;forthoughsomewerecrushedandshapeless,andsomehadbeencruellyhewn,yetmanyhadfeaturesthatcouldbetold,

anditseemedthattheyhaddiedinpain;andallwerebrandedwiththefoultokenoftheLidlessEye.Butmarredanddishonouredastheywere,itoftenchancedthatthusamanwouldseeagainthefaceofsomeonethathehadknown,whohadwalkedproudlyonceinarms,ortilledthefields,orriddeninuponaholidayfromthegreenvalesinthehills.

InvainmenshooktheirfistsatthepitilessfoesthatswarmedbeforetheGate.Cursestheyheedednot,norunderstoodthetonguesofwesternmen,cryingwithharshvoiceslikebeastsandcarrion-birds.ButsoontherewerefewleftinMinasTirithwhohadthehearttostandupanddefythehostsofMordor.Foryetanotherweapon,swifterthanhunger,theLord

oftheDarkTowerhad:dreadanddespair.

TheNazgûlcameagain,andastheirDarkLordnowgrewandputforthhisstrength,sotheirvoices,whichutteredonlyhiswillandhismalice,werefilledwithevilandhorror.EvertheycircledabovetheCity,likevulturesthatexpecttheirfillofdoomedmen’sflesh.Outofsightandshotthey

flew,andyetwereeverpresent,andtheirdeadlyvoicesrenttheair.Moreunbearabletheybecame,notless,ateachnewcry.Atlengtheventhestout-heartedwouldflingthemselvestothegroundasthehiddenmenacepassedoverthem,ortheywouldstand,lettingtheirweaponsfallfromnervelesshandswhileintotheirmindsablacknesscame,andthey

thoughtnomoreofwar;butonlyofhidingandofcrawling,andofdeath.

DuringallthisblackdayFaramirlayuponhisbedinthechamberoftheWhiteTower,wanderinginadesperatefever;dyingsomeonesaid,andsoon‘dying’allmenweresayinguponthewallsandinthe

streets.Andbyhimhisfathersat,andsaidnothing,butwatched,andgavenolongeranyheedtothedefence.

NohourssodarkhadPippinknown,notevenintheclutchesoftheUruk-hai.ItwashisdutytowaitupontheLord,andwaithedid,forgottenitseemed,standingbythedooroftheunlitchamber,masteringhisownfearsasbesthecould.Andas

hewatched,itseemedtohimthatDenethorgrewoldbeforehiseyes,asifsomethinghadsnappedinhisproudwill,andhissternmindwasoverthrown.Griefmaybehadwroughtit,andremorse.Hesawtearsonthatoncetearlessface,moreunbearablethanwrath.

‘Donotweep,lord,’hestammered.‘Perhapshewillgetwell.Haveyouasked

Gandalf?’‘Comfortmenotwith

wizards!’saidDenethor.‘Thefool’shopehasfailed.TheEnemyhasfoundit,andnowhispowerwaxes;heseesourverythoughts,andallwedoisruinous.

‘Isentmysonforth,unthanked,unblessed,outintoneedlessperil,andherehelieswithpoisoninhisveins.Nay,nay,whatever

maynowbetideinwar,mylinetooisending,eventheHouseoftheStewardshasfailed.MeanfolkshallrulethelastremnantoftheKingsofMen,lurkinginthehillsuntilallarehoundedout.’

MencametothedoorcryingfortheLordoftheCity.‘Nay,Iwillnotcomedown,’hesaid.‘Imuststaybesidemyson.Hemightstillspeakbeforetheend.Butthat

isnear.Followwhomyouwill,eventheGreyFool,thoughhishopehasfailed.HereIstay.’

SoitwasthatGandalftookcommandofthelastdefenceoftheCityofGondor.Whereverhecamemen’sheartswouldliftagain,andthewingedshadowspassfrommemory.Tirelesslyhe

strodefromCitadeltoGate,fromnorthtosouthaboutthewall;andwithhimwentthePrinceofDolAmrothinhisshiningmail.ForheandhisknightsstillheldthemselveslikelordsinwhomtheraceofNúmenorrantrue.Menthatsawthemwhisperedsaying:‘Beliketheoldtalesspeakwell;thereisElvishbloodintheveinsofthatfolk,forthepeopleofNimrodeldweltin

thatlandoncelongago.’AndthenonewouldsingamidthegloomsomestavesoftheLayofNimrodel,orothersongsoftheValeofAnduinoutofvanishedyears.

Andyet–whentheyhadgone,theshadowsclosedonmenagain,andtheirheartswentcold,andthevalourofGondorwitheredintoash.Andsoslowlytheypassedoutofadimdayoffearsinto

thedarknessofadesperatenight.FiresnowrageduncheckedinthefirstcircleoftheCity,andthegarrisonupontheouterwallwasalreadyinmanyplacescutofffromretreat.Butthefaithfulwhoremainedthereattheirpostswerefew;mosthadfledbeyondthesecondgate.

Farbehindthebattlethe

Riverhadbeenswiftlybridged,andalldaymoreforceandgearofwarhadpouredacross.Nowatlastinthemiddlenighttheassaultwasloosed.Thevanguardpassedthroughthetrenchesoffirebymanydeviouspathsthathadbeenleftbetweenthem.Ontheycame,recklessoftheirlossastheyapproached,stillbunchedandherded,withintherangeof

bowmenonthewall.Butindeedthereweretoofewnowlefttheretodothemgreatdamage,thoughthelightofthefiresshowedupmanyamarkforarchersofsuchskillasGondoroncehadboasted.ThenperceivingthatthevalouroftheCitywasalreadybeatendown,thehiddenCaptainputforthhisstrength.Slowlythegreatsiege-towersbuiltinOsgiliath

rolledforwardthroughthedark.

MessengerscameagaintothechamberintheWhiteTower,andPippinletthementer,fortheywereurgent.DenethorturnedhisheadslowlyfromFaramir’sface,andlookedatthemsilently.

‘ThefirstcircleoftheCityisburning,lord,’theysaid.

‘Whatareyourcommands?YouarestilltheLordandSteward.NotallwillfollowMithrandir.Menareflyingfromthewallsandleavingthemunmanned.’

‘Why?Whydothefoolsfly?’saidDenethor.‘Bettertoburnsoonerthanlate,forburnwemust.Gobacktoyourbonfire!AndI?Iwillgonowtomypyre.Tomypyre!NotombforDenethorand

Faramir.Notomb!Nolongslowsleepofdeathembalmed.WewillburnlikeheathenkingsbeforeeverashipsailedhitherfromtheWest.TheWesthasfailed.Gobackandburn!’

Themessengerswithoutboworanswerturnedandfled.

NowDenethorstoodupandreleasedthefeveredhandofFaramirthathehadheld.

‘Heisburning,alreadyburning,’hesaidsadly.‘Thehouseofhisspiritcrumbles.’ThensteppingsoftlytowardsPippinhelookeddownathim.

‘Farewell!’hesaid.‘Farewell,PeregrinsonofPaladin!Yourservicehasbeenshort,andnowitisdrawingtoanend.Ireleaseyoufromthelittlethatremains.Gonow,anddiein

whatwayseemsbesttoyou.Andwithwhomyouwill,eventhatfriendwhosefollybroughtyoutothisdeath.Sendformyservantsandthengo.Farewell!’

‘Iwillnotsayfarewell,mylord,’saidPippinkneeling.Andthensuddenlyhobbit-likeoncemore,hestoodupandlookedtheoldmanintheeyes.‘Iwilltakeyourleave,sir,’hesaid;‘forI

wanttoseeGandalfverymuchindeed.Butheisnofool;andIwillnotthinkofdyinguntilhedespairsoflife.ButfrommywordandyourserviceIdonotwishtobereleasedwhileyoulive.AndiftheycomeatlasttotheCitadel,Ihopetobehereandstandbesideyouandearnperhapsthearmsthatyouhavegivenme.’

‘Doasyouwill,Master

Halfling,’saidDenethor.‘Butmylifeisbroken.Sendformyservants!’HeturnedbacktoFaramir.

Pippinlefthimandcalledfortheservants,andtheycame:sixmenofthehousehold,strongandfair;yettheytrembledatthesummons.ButinaquietvoiceDenethorbadethemlay

warmcoverletsonFaramir’sbedandtakeitup.Andtheydidso,andliftingupthebedtheyboreitfromthechamber.Slowlytheypacedtotroublethefeveredmanaslittleasmightbe,andDenethor,nowbendingonastaff,followedthem;andlastcamePippin.

OutfromtheWhiteTowertheywalked,asiftoafuneral,outintothedarkness,

wheretheoverhangingcloudwaslitbeneathwithflickersofdullred.Softlytheypacedthegreatcourtyard,andatawordfromDenethorhaltedbesidetheWitheredTree.

Allwassilent,savefortherumourofwarintheCitydownbelow,andtheyheardthewaterdrippingsadlyfromthedeadbranchesintothedarkpool.ThentheywentonthroughtheCitadelgate,

wherethesentinelstaredattheminwonderanddismayastheypassedby.Turningwestwardtheycameatlengthtoadoorintherearwardwallofthesixthcircle.FenHollenitwascalled,foritwaskeptevershutsaveattimesoffuneral,andonlytheLordoftheCitymightusethatway,orthosewhoborethetokenofthetombsandtendedthehousesofthedead.Beyondit

wentawindingroadthatdescendedinmanycurvesdowntothenarrowlandundertheshadowofMindolluin’sprecipicewherestoodthemansionsofthedeadKingsandoftheirStewards.

Aportersatinalittlehousebesidetheway,andwithfearinhiseyeshecameforthbearingalanterninhishand.AttheLord’scommand

heunlockedthedoor,andsilentlyitswungback;andtheypassedthrough,takingthelanternfromhishand.Itwasdarkontheclimbingroadbetweenancientwallsandmany-pillaredbalustersloomingintheswayinglantern-beam.Theirslowfeetechoedastheywalkeddown,down,untilatlasttheycametotheSilentStreet,RathDínen,betweenpaledomes

andemptyhallsandimagesofmenlongdead;andtheyenteredintotheHouseoftheStewardsandsetdowntheirburden.

TherePippin,staringuneasilyabouthim,sawthathewasinawidevaultedchamber,drapedasitwerewiththegreatshadowsthatthelittlelanternthrewuponitsshroudedwalls.Anddimlytobeseenweremanyrowsof

tables,carvedofmarble;anduponeachtablelayasleepingform,handsfolded,headpilloweduponstone.Butonetablenearathandstoodbroadandbare.UponitatasignfromDenethortheylaidFaramirandhisfathersidebyside,andcoveredthemwithonecovering,andstoodthenwithbowedheadsasmournersbesideabedofdeath.ThenDenethorspoke

inalowvoice.‘Herewewillwait,’he

said.‘Butsendnotfortheembalmers.Bringuswoodquicktoburn,andlayitallaboutus,andbeneath;andpouroiluponit.AndwhenIbidyouthrustinatorch.Dothisandspeaknomoretome.Farewell!’

‘Byyourleave,lord!’saidPippinandturnedandfledinterrorfromthedeathlyhouse.

‘PoorFaramir!’hethought.‘ImustfindGandalf.PoorFaramir!Quitelikelyheneedsmedicinemorethantears.Oh,wherecanIfindGandalf?Inthethickofthings,Isuppose;andhewillhavenotimetosparefordyingmenormadmen.’

Atthedoorheturnedtooneoftheservantswhohadremainedonguardthere.‘Yourmasterisnothimself,’

hesaid.‘Goslow!BringnofiretothisplacewhileFaramirlives!DonothinguntilGandalfcomes!’

‘WhoisthemasterofMinasTirith?’themananswered.‘TheLordDenethorortheGreyWanderer?’

‘TheGreyWandererornoone,itwouldseem,’saidPippin,andhespedbackandupthewindingwayasswiftly

ashisfeetwouldcarryhim,pasttheastonishedporter,outthroughthedoor,andon,tillhecamenearthegateoftheCitadel.Thesentinelhailedhimashewentby,andherecognizedthevoiceofBeregond.

‘Whitherdoyourun,MasterPeregrin?’hecried.

‘TofindMithrandir,’Pippinanswered.

‘TheLord’serrandsare

urgentandshouldnotbehinderedbyme,’saidBeregond;‘buttellmequickly,ifyoumay:whatgoesforward?WhitherhasmyLordgone?Ihavejustcomeonduty,butIheardthathepassedtowardstheClosedDoor,andmenwerebearingFaramirbeforehim.’

‘Yes,’saidPippin,‘totheSilentStreet.’

Beregondbowedhishead

tohidehistears.‘Theysaidthathewasdying,’hesighed,‘andnowheisdead.’

‘No,’saidPippin,‘notyet.Andevennowhisdeathmightbeprevented,Ithink.ButtheLordoftheCity,Beregond,hasfallenbeforehiscityistaken.Heisfeyanddangerous.’QuicklyhetoldofDenethor’sstrangewordsanddeeds.‘ImustfindGandalfatonce.’

‘Thenyoumustgodowntothebattle.’

‘Iknow.TheLordhasgivenmeleave.But,Beregond,ifyoucan,dosomethingtostopanydreadfulthinghappening.’

‘TheLorddoesnotpermitthosewhoweartheblackandsilvertoleavetheirpostforanycause,saveathisowncommand.’

‘Well,youmustchoose

betweenordersandthelifeofFaramir,’saidPippin.‘Andasfororders,Ithinkyouhaveamadmantodealwith,notalord.Imustrun.IwillreturnifIcan.’

Heranon,down,downtowardstheoutercity.Menflyingbackfromtheburningpassedhim,andsomeseeinghisliveryturnedandshouted,buthepaidnoheed.AtlasthewasthroughtheSecond

Gate,beyondwhichgreatfiresleapedupbetweenthewalls.Yetitseemedstrangelysilent.Nonoiseorshoutsofbattleordinofarmscouldbeheard.Thensuddenlytherewasadreadfulcryandagreatshock,andadeepechoingboom.Forcinghimselfonagainstagustoffearandhorrorthatshookhimalmosttohisknees,Pippinturnedacorneropeningonthewide

placebehindtheCityGate.Hestoppeddead.HehadfoundGandalf;butheshrankback,coweringintoashadow.

Eversincethemiddlenightthegreatassaulthadgoneon.Thedrumsrolled.Tothenorthandtothesouthcompanyuponcompanyoftheenemypressedtothe

walls.Therecamegreatbeasts,likemovinghousesintheredandfitfullight,themûmakiloftheHaraddraggingthroughthelanesamidthefireshugetowersandengines.YettheirCaptaincarednotgreatlywhattheydidorhowmanymightbeslain:theirpurposewasonlytotestthestrengthofthedefenceandtokeepthemenofGondorbusyinmany

places.ItwasagainsttheGatethathewouldthrowhisheaviestweight.Verystrongitmightbe,wroughtofsteelandiron,andguardedwithtowersandbastionsofindomitablestone,yetitwasthekey,theweakestpointinallthathighandimpenetrablewall.

Thedrumsrolledlouder.Firesleapedup.Greatenginescrawledacrossthe

field;andinthemidstwasahugeram,greatasaforest-treeahundredfeetinlength,swingingonmightychains.LonghaditbeenforginginthedarksmithiesofMordor,anditshideoushead,foundedofblacksteel,wasshapedinthelikenessofaraveningwolf;onitspellsofruinlay.Grondtheynamedit,inmemoryoftheHammeroftheUnderworldofold.Great

beastsdrewit,orcssurroundedit,andbehindwalkedmountain-trollstowieldit.

ButabouttheGateresistancestillwasstout,andtheretheknightsofDolAmrothandthehardiestofthegarrisonstoodatbay.Shotanddartfellthick;siege-towerscrashedorblazedsuddenlyliketorches.Allbeforethewallsoneitherside

oftheGatethegroundwaschokedwithwreckandwithbodiesoftheslain;yetstilldrivenasbyamadnessmoreandmorecameup.

Grondcrawledon.Uponitshousingnofirewouldcatch;andthoughnowandagainsomegreatbeastthathauleditwouldgomadandspreadstampingruinamongtheorcsinnumerablethatguardedit,theirbodieswere

castasidefromitspathandotherstooktheirplace.

Grondcrawledon.Thedrumsrolledwildly.Overthehillsofslainahideousshapeappeared:ahorseman,tall,hooded,cloakedinblack.Slowly,tramplingthefallen,herodeforth,heedingnolongeranydart.Hehaltedandheldupalongpalesword.Andashedidsoagreatfearfellonall,defender

andfoealike;andthehandsofmendroopedtotheirsides,andnobowsang.Foramomentallwasstill.

Thedrumsrolledandrattled.WithavastrushGrondwashurledforwardbyhugehands.ItreachedtheGate.Itswung.AdeepboomrumbledthroughtheCitylikethunderrunningintheclouds.Butthedoorsofironandpostsofsteelwithstoodthe

stroke.ThentheBlackCaptain

roseinhisstirrupsandcriedaloudinadreadfulvoice,speakinginsomeforgottentonguewordsofpowerandterrortorendbothheartandstone.

Thricehecried.Thricethegreatramboomed.AndsuddenlyuponthelaststroketheGateofGondorbroke.Asifstrickenbysomeblasting

spellitburstasunder:therewasaflashofsearinglightning,andthedoorstumbledinrivenfragmentstotheground.

InrodetheLordoftheNazgûl.Agreatblackshapeagainstthefiresbeyondheloomedup,growntoavastmenaceofdespair.InrodetheLordoftheNazgûl,under

thearchwaythatnoenemyeveryethadpassed,andallfledbeforehisface.

Allsaveone.Therewaiting,silentandstillinthespacebeforetheGate,satGandalfuponShadowfax:Shadowfaxwhoaloneamongthefreehorsesoftheearthenduredtheterror,unmoving,steadfastasagravenimageinRathDínen.

‘Youcannotenterhere,’

saidGandalf,andthehugeshadowhalted.‘Gobacktotheabysspreparedforyou!Goback!FallintothenothingnessthatawaitsyouandyourMaster.Go!’

TheBlackRiderflungbackhishood,andbehold!hehadakinglycrown;andyetuponnoheadvisiblewasitset.Theredfiresshonebetweenitandthemantledshouldersvastanddark.From

amouthunseentherecameadeadlylaughter.

‘Oldfool!’hesaid.‘Oldfool!Thisismyhour.DoyounotknowDeathwhenyouseeit?Dienowandcurseinvain!’Andwiththatheliftedhighhisswordandflamesrandowntheblade.

Gandalfdidnotmove.Andinthatverymoment,

awaybehindinsomecourtyardoftheCity,acockcrowed.Shrillandclearhecrowed,reckingnothingofwizardryorwar,welcomingonlythemorningthatintheskyfarabovetheshadowsofdeathwascomingwiththedawn.

Andasifinanswertherecamefromfarawayanothernote.Horns,horns,horns.IndarkMindolluin’ssidesthey

dimlyechoed.GreathornsoftheNorthwildlyblowing.Rohanhadcomeatlast.

Chapter5

THERIDEOFTHEROHIRRIM

ItwasdarkandMerrycouldseenothingashelayonthe

groundrolledinablanket;yetthoughthenightwasairlessandwindless,allabouthimhiddentreesweresighingsoftly.Heliftedhishead.Thenhehearditagain:asoundlikefaintdrumsinthewoodedhillsandmountain-steps.Thethrobwouldceasesuddenlyandthenbetakenupagainatsomeotherpoint,nownearer,nowfurtheroff.Hewonderedifthewatchmen

hadheardit.Hecouldnotseethem,but

heknewthatallroundhimwerethecompaniesoftheRohirrim.Hecouldsmellthehorsesinthedark,andcouldheartheirshiftingsandtheirsoftstampingontheneedle-coveredground.Thehostwasbivouackedinthepine-woodsthatclusteredaboutEilenachBeacon,atallhillstandingupfromthelongridgesofthe

DrúadanForestthatlaybesidethegreatroadinEastAnórien.

TiredashewasMerrycouldnotsleep.Hehadriddennowforfourdaysonend,andtheever-deepeninggloomhadslowlyweigheddownhisheart.Hebegantowonderwhyhehadbeensoeagertocome,whenhehadbeengiveneveryexcuse,evenhislord’scommand,to

staybehind.Hewondered,too,iftheoldKingknewthathehadbeendisobeyedandwasangry.Perhapsnot.ThereseemedtobesomeunderstandingbetweenDernhelmandElfhelm,theMarshalwhocommandedtheéoredinwhichtheywereriding.HeandallhismenignoredMerryandpretendednottohearifhespoke.Hemighthavebeenjustanother

bagthatDernhelmwascarrying.Dernhelmwasnocomfort:heneverspoketoanyone.Merryfeltsmall,unwanted,andlonely.Nowthetimewasanxious,andthehostwasinperil.Theywerelessthanaday’sridefromtheout-wallsofMinasTiriththatencircledthetownlands.Scoutshadbeensentahead.Somehadnotreturned.Othershasteningbackhad

reportedthattheroadwasheldinforceagainstthem.Ahostoftheenemywasencampeduponit,threemileswestofAmonDîn,andsomestrengthofmenwasalreadythrustingalongtheroadandwasnomorethanthreeleaguesaway.Orcswererovinginthehillsandwoodsalongtheroadside.ThekingandÉomerheldcouncilinthewatchesofthenight.

Merrywantedsomebodytotalkto,andhethoughtofPippin.Butthatonlyincreasedhisrestlessness.PoorPippin,shutupinthegreatcityofstone,lonelyandafraid.MerrywishedhewasatallRiderlikeÉomerandcouldblowahornorsomethingandgogallopingtohisrescue.Hesatup,listeningtothedrumsthatwerebeatingagain,now

nearerathand.Presentlyheheardvoicesspeakinglow,andhesawdimhalf-shroudedlanternspassingthroughthetrees.Mennearbybegantomoveuncertainlyinthedark.

Atallfigureloomedupandstumbledoverhim,cursingthetree-roots.HerecognizedthevoiceofElfhelmtheMarshal.

‘Iamnotatree-root,Sir,’hesaid,‘norabag,buta

bruisedhobbit.Theleastyoucandoinamendsistotellmewhatisafoot.’

‘Anythingthatcankeepsointhisdevil’smirk,’answeredElfhelm.‘Butmylordsendswordthatwemustsetourselvesinreadiness:ordersmaycomeforasuddenmove.’

‘Istheenemycomingthen?’askedMerryanxiously.‘Arethosetheir

drums?IbegantothinkIwasimaginingthem,asnooneelseseemedtotakeanynoticeofthem.’

‘Nay,nay,’saidElfhelm,‘theenemyisontheroadnotinthehills.YouheartheWoses,theWildMenoftheWoods:thustheytalktogetherfromafar.TheystillhauntDrúadanForest,itissaid.Remnantsofanoldertimetheybe,livingfewand

secretly,wildandwaryasthebeasts.TheygonottowarwithGondorortheMark;butnowtheyaretroubledbythedarknessandthecomingoftheorcs:theyfearlesttheDarkYearsbereturning,asseemslikelyenough.Letusbethankfulthattheyarenothuntingus:fortheyusepoisonedarrows,itissaid,andtheyarewoodcraftybeyondcompare.Butthey

haveofferedtheirservicestoThéoden.Evennowoneoftheirheadmenisbeingtakentotheking.Yondergothelights.SomuchIhaveheardbutnomore.AndnowImustbusymyselfwithmylord’scommands.Packyourselfup,MasterBag!’Hevanishedintotheshadows.

Merrydidnotlikethistalkofwildmenandpoisoneddarts,butquiteapartfrom

thatagreatweightofdreadwasonhim.Waitingwasunbearable.Helongedtoknowwhatwasgoingtohappen.Hegotupandsoonwaswalkingwarilyinpursuitofthelastlanternbeforeitdisappearedamongthetrees.

Presentlyhecametoanopenspacewhereasmalltenthadbeensetupfortheking

underagreattree.Alargelantern,coveredabove,washangingfromaboughandcastapalecircleoflightbelow.TheresatThéodenandÉomer,andbeforethemonthegroundsatastrangesquatshapeofaman,gnarledasanoldstone,andthehairsofhisscantybeardstraggledonhislumpychinlikedrymoss.Hewasshort-leggedandfat-armed,thickandstumpy,and

cladonlywithgrassabouthiswaist.Merryfeltthathehadseenhimbeforesomewhere,andsuddenlyherememberedthePúkel-menofDunharrow.Herewasoneofthoseoldimagesbroughttolife,ormaybeacreaturedescendedintruelinethroughendlessyearsfromthemodelsusedbytheforgottencraftsmenlongago.

Therewasasilenceas

Merrycreptnearer,andthentheWildManbegantospeak,inanswertosomequestion,itseemed.Hisvoicewasdeepandguttural,yettoMerry’ssurprisehespoketheCommonSpeech,thoughinahaltingfashion,anduncouthwordsweremingledwithit.

‘No,fatherofHorse-men,’hesaid,‘wefightnot.Huntonly.Killgorgûninwoods,hateorc-folk.Youhate

gorgûntoo.Wehelpaswecan.WildMenhavelongearsandlongeyes;knowallpaths.WildMenliveherebeforeStone-houses;beforeTallMencomeupoutofWater.’

‘Butourneedisforaidinbattle,’saidÉomer.‘Howwillyouandyourfolkhelpus?’

‘Bringnews,’saidtheWildMan.‘Welookoutfrom

hills.Weclimbbigmountainandlookdown.Stone-cityisshut.Fireburnsthereoutside;nowinsidetoo.Youwishtocomethere?Thenyoumustbequick.Butgorgûnandmenoutoffar-away,’hewavedashortgnarledarmeastward,‘sitonhorse-road.Verymany,morethanHorse-men.’

‘Howdoyouknowthat?’saidÉomer.

Theoldman’sflatfaceanddarkeyesshowednothing,buthisvoicewassullenwithdispleasure.‘WildMenarewild,free,butnotchildren,’heanswered.‘Iamgreatheadman,Ghân-buri-Ghân.Icountmanythings:starsinsky,leavesontrees,meninthedark.Youhaveascoreofscorescountedtentimesandfive.Theyhavemore.Bigfight,andwhowill

win?AndmanymorewalkroundwallsofStone-houses.’

‘Alas!hespeaksalltooshrewdly,’saidThéoden.‘Andourscoutssaythattheyhavecasttrenchesandstakesacrosstheroad.Wecannotsweepthemawayinsuddenonset.’

‘Andyetweneedgreathaste,’saidÉomer.‘Mundburgisonfire!’

‘LetGhân-buri-Ghân

finish!’saidtheWildMan.‘Morethanoneroadheknows.Hewillleadyoubyroadwherenopitsare,nogorgûnwalk,onlyWildMenandbeasts.ManypathsweremadewhenStonehouse-folkwerestronger.Theycarvedhillsashunterscarvebeast-flesh.WildMenthinktheyatestoneforfood.TheywentthroughDrúadantoRimmonwithgreatwains.Theygono

longer.Roadisforgotten,butnotbyWildMen.Overhillandbehindhillitliesstillundergrassandtree,therebehindRimmonanddowntoDîn,andbackattheendtoHorse-men’sroad.WildMenwillshowyouthatroad.Thenyouwillkillgorgûnanddriveawaybaddarkwithbrightiron,andWildMencangobacktosleepinthewildwoods.’

Éomerandthekingspoketogetherintheirowntongue.AtlengthThéodenturnedtotheWildMan.‘Wewillreceiveyouroffer,’hesaid.‘Forthoughweleaveahostoffoesbehind,whatmatter?IftheStone-cityfalls,thenweshallhavenoreturning.Ifitissaved,thentheorc-hostitselfwillbecutoff.Ifyouarefaithful,Ghân-buri-Ghân,thenwewillgiveyourich

reward,andyoushallhavethefriendshipoftheMarkforever.’

‘Deadmenarenotfriendstolivingmen,andgivethemnogifts,’saidtheWildMan.‘ButifyouliveaftertheDarkness,thenleaveWildMenaloneinthewoodsanddonothuntthemlikebeastsanymore.Ghân-buri-Ghânwillnotleadyouintotrap.Hewillgohimselfwithfatherof

Horse-men,andifheleadsyouwrong,youwillkillhim.’

‘Sobeit!’saidThéoden.‘Howlongwillittaketo

passbytheenemyandcomebacktotheroad?’askedÉomer.‘Wemustgoatfoot-pace,ifyouguideus;andIdoubtnotthewayisnarrow.’

‘WildMengoquickonfeet,’saidGhân.‘WayiswideforfourhorsesinStonewainValleyyonder,’he

wavedhishandsouthwards;‘butnarrowatbeginningandatend.WildMancouldwalkfromheretoDînbetweensunriseandnoon.’

‘Thenwemustallowatleastsevenhoursfortheleaders,’saidÉomer;‘butwemustreckonratheronsometenhoursforall.Thingsunforeseenmayhinderus,andifourhostisallstrungout,itwillbelongereitcan

besetinorderwhenweissuefromthehills.Whatisthehournow?’

‘Whoknows?’saidThéoden.‘Allisnightnow.’

‘Itisalldark,butitisnotallnight,’saidGhân.‘WhenSuncomeswefeelher,evenwhensheishidden.AlreadysheclimbsoverEast-mountains.Itistheopeningofdayinthesky-fields.’

‘Thenwemustsetoutas

soonasmaybe,’saidÉomer.‘EvensowecannothopetocometoGondor’saidtoday.’

Merrywaitedtohearnomore,butslippedawaytogetreadyforthesummonstothemarch.Thiswasthelaststagebeforethebattle.Itdidnotseemlikelytohimthatmanyofthemwouldsurviveit.ButhethoughtofPippinandthe

flamesinMinasTirithandthrustdownhisowndread.

Allwentwellthatday,andnosightorsoundhadtheyoftheenemywaitingtowaylaythem.TheWildMenhadputoutascreenofwaryhunters,sothatnoorcorrovingspyshouldlearnofthemovementsinthehills.Thelightwasmoredimthaneverastheydrewnearertothebeleagueredcity,andthe

Riderspassedinlongfileslikedarkshadowsofmenandhorses.Eachcompanywasguidedbyawildwoodman;butoldGhânwalkedbesidetheking.Thestarthadbeenslowerthanwashoped,forithadtakentimefortheRiders,walkingandleadingtheirhorses,tofindpathsoverthethicklywoodedridgesbehindtheircampanddownintothehiddenStonewainValley.It

waslateintheafternoonwhentheleaderscametowidegreythicketsstretchingbeyondtheeastwardsideofAmonDîn,andmaskingagreatgapinthelineofhillsthatfromNardoltoDînraneastandwest.Throughthegaptheforgottenwain-roadlongagohadrundown,backintothemainhorse-wayfromtheCitythroughAnórien;butnowformanylivesofmen

treeshadhadtheirwaywithit,andithadvanished,brokenandburiedundertheleavesofuncountedyears.ButthethicketsofferedtotheRiderstheirlasthopeofcoverbeforetheywentintoopenbattle;forbeyondthemlaytheroadandtheplainsofAnduin,whileeastandsouthwardstheslopeswerebareandrocky,asthewrithenhillsgatheredthemselvestogetherand

climbedup,bastionuponbastion,intothegreatmassandshouldersofMindolluin.

Theleadingcompanywashalted,andasthosebehindfiledupoutofthetroughoftheStonewainValleytheyspreadoutandpassedtocamping-placesunderthegreytrees.Thekingsummonedthecaptainstocouncil.Éomersentoutscoutstospyupontheroad;

butoldGhânshookhishead.‘NogoodtosendHorse-

men,’hesaid.‘WildMenhavealreadyseenallthatcanbeseeninthebadair.Theywillcomesoonandspeaktomehere.’

Thecaptainscame;andthenoutofthetreescreptwarilyotherpúkel-shapessolikeoldGhânthatMerrycouldhardlytellthemapart.TheyspoketoGhânina

strangethroatylanguage.PresentlyGhânturnedto

theking.‘WildMensaymanythings,’hesaid.‘First,bewary!StillmanymenincampbeyondDîn,anhour’swalkyonder,’hewavedhisarmwesttowardstheblackbeacon.‘ButnonetoseebetweenhereandStone-folk’snewwalls.Manybusythere.Wallsstandupnolonger:gorgûnknockthem

downwithearth-thunderandwithclubsofblackiron.Theyareunwaryanddonotlookaboutthem.Theythinktheirfriendswatchallroads!’AtthatoldGhânmadeacuriousgurglingnoise,anditseemedthathewaslaughing.

‘Goodtidings!’criedÉomer.‘Eveninthisgloomhopegleamsagain.OurEnemy’sdevicesoftserveusinhisdespite.Theaccursed

darknessitselfhasbeenacloaktous.Andnow,lustingtodestroyGondorandthrowitdownstonefromstone,hisorcshavetakenawaymygreatestfear.Theout-wallcouldhavebeenheldlongagainstus.Nowwecansweepthrough–ifoncewewinsofar.’

‘OnceagainIthankyou,Ghân-buri-Ghânofthewoods,’saidThéoden.‘Good

fortunegowithyoufortidingsandforguidance!’

‘Killgorgûn!Killorc-folk!NootherwordspleaseWildMen,’answeredGhân.‘Driveawaybadairanddarknesswithbrightiron!’

‘Todothesethingswehaveriddenfar,’saidtheking,‘andweshallattemptthem.Butwhatweshallachieveonlytomorrowwillshow.’

Ghân-buri-Ghânsquatteddownandtouchedtheearthwithhishornybrowintokenoffarewell.Thenhegotupasiftodepart.Butsuddenlyhestoodlookinguplikesomestartledwoodlandanimalsnufflingastrangeair.Alightcameinhiseyes.

‘Windischanging!’hecried,andwiththat,inatwinklingasitseemed,heandhisfellowshadvanished

intotheglooms,nevertobeseenbyanyRiderofRohanagain.Notlongafterfarawayeastwardthefaintdrumsthrobbedagain.YettonoheartinallthehostcameanyfearthattheWildMenwereunfaithful,strangeandunlovelythoughtheymightappear.

‘Weneednofurtherguidance,’saidElfhelm;‘forthereareridersinthehost

whohaveriddendowntoMundburgindaysofpeace.Iforone.Whenwecometotheroaditwillveersouth,andtherewillliebeforeusstillsevenleagueserewereachthewallofthetownlands.Alongmostofthatwaythereismuchgrassoneithersideoftheroad.Onthatstretchtheerrand-ridersofGondorreckonedtomaketheirgreatestspeed.Wemayride

itswiftlyandwithoutgreatrumour.’

‘Thensincewemustlookforfelldeedsandtheneedofallourstrength,’saidÉomer,‘Icounselthatwerestnow,andsetouthencebynight,andsotimeourgoingthatwecomeuponthefieldswhentomorrowisaslightasitwillbe,orwhenourlordgivesthesignal.’

Tothisthekingassented,

andthecaptainsdeparted.ButsoonElfhelmreturned.‘ThescoutshavefoundnaughttoreportbeyondtheGreyWood,lord,’hesaid,‘savetwomenonly:twodeadmenandtwodeadhorses.’

‘Well?’saidÉomer.‘Whatofit?’

‘This,lord:theywereerrand-ridersofGondor;Hirgonwasonemaybe.Atleasthishandstillclaspedthe

RedArrow,buthisheadwashewnoff.Andthisalso:itwouldseembythesignsthattheywerefleeingwestwardwhentheyfell.AsIreadit,theyfoundtheenemyalreadyontheout-wall,orassailingit,whentheyreturned–andthatwouldbetwonightsago,iftheyusedfreshhorsesfromtheposts,asistheirwont.TheycouldnotreachtheCityandturnedback.’

‘Alas!’saidThéoden.‘ThenDenethorhasheardnonewsofourridingandwilldespairofourcoming.’

‘Needbrooksnodelay,yetlateisbetterthannever,’saidÉomer.‘Andmayhapinthistimeshalltheoldsawbeprovedtruerthaneverbeforesincemenspokewithmouth.’

Itwasnight.Oneither

sideoftheroadthehostofRohanwasmovingsilently.NowtheroadpassingabouttheskirtsofMindolluinturnedsouthward.Farawayandalmoststraightaheadtherewasaredglowundertheblackskyandthesidesofthegreatmountainloomeddarkagainstit.TheyweredrawingneartheRammasofthePelennor;butthedaywasnotyetcome.

Thekingrodeinthemidstoftheleadingcompany,hishousehold-menabouthim.Elfhelm’séoredcamenext;andnowMerrynoticedthatDernhelmhadlefthisplaceandinthedarknesswasmovingsteadilyforward,untilatlasthewasridingjustinrearoftheking’sguard.Therecameacheck.Merryheardvoicesinfrontspeakingsoftly.Out-ridershadcome

backwhohadventuredforwardalmosttothewall.Theycametotheking.

‘Therearegreatfires,lord,’saidone.‘TheCityisallsetaboutwithflame,andthefieldisfulloffoes.Butallseemdrawnofftotheassault.Aswellaswecouldguess,therearefewleftupontheout-wall,andtheyareheedless,busyindestruction.’

‘Doyourememberthe

WildMan’swords,lord?’saidanother.‘IliveupontheopenWoldindaysofpeace;Wídfaraismyname,andtomealsotheairbringsmessages.Alreadythewindisturning.TherecomesabreathoutoftheSouth;thereisasea-tanginit,faintthoughitbe.Themorningwillbringnewthings.Abovethereekitwillbedawnwhenyoupassthewall.’

‘Ifyouspeaktruly,Wídfara,thenmayyoulivebeyondthisdayinyearsofblessedness!’saidThéoden.Heturnedtothemenofhishouseholdwhowerenear,andhespokenowinaclearvoicesothatmanyalsooftheridersofthefirstéoredheardhim:

‘Nowisthehourcome,RidersoftheMark,sonsofEorl!Foesandfirearebefore

you,andyourhomesfarbehind.Yet,thoughyoufightuponanalienfield,theglorythatyoureapthereshallbeyourownforever.Oathsyehavetaken:nowfulfilthemall,tolordandlandandleagueoffriendship!’

Menclashedspearuponshield.

‘Éomer,myson!Youleadthefirstéored,’saidThéoden;‘anditshallgobehindthe

king’sbannerinthecentre.Elfhelm,leadyourcompanytotherightwhenwepassthewall.AndGrimboldshallleadhistowardstheleft.Lettheothercompaniesbehindfollowthesethreethatlead,astheyhavechance.Strikewherevertheenemygathers.Otherplanswecannotmake,forweknownotyethowthingsstanduponthefield.Forthnow,andfearno

darkness!’

Theleadingcompanyrodeoffasswiftlyastheycould,foritwasstilldeepdark,whateverchangeWídfaramightforebode.MerrywasridingbehindDernhelm,clutchingwiththelefthandwhilewiththeotherhetriedtoloosenhisswordinitssheath.Hefeltnow

bitterlythetruthoftheoldking’swords:insuchabattlewhatwouldyoudo,Meriadoc?Justthis,’hethought:‘encumberarider,andhopeatbesttostayinmyseatandnotbepoundedtodeathbygallopinghoofs!’

Itwasnomorethanaleaguetowheretheout-wallshadstood.Theysoonreached

them;toosoonforMerry.Wildcriesbrokeout,andtherewassomeclashofarms,butitwasbrief.Theorcsbusyaboutthewallswerefewandamazed,andtheywerequicklyslainordrivenoff.Beforetheruinofthenorth-gateintheRammasthekinghaltedagain.Thefirstéoreddrewupbehindhimandabouthimoneitherside.Dernhelmkeptclosetothe

king,thoughElfhelm’scompanywasawayontheright.Grimbold’smenturnedasideandpassedroundtoagreatgapinthewallfurthereastward.

MerrypeeredfrombehindDernhelm’sback.Faraway,maybetenmilesormore,therewasagreatburning,butbetweenitandtheRiderslinesoffireblazedinavastcrescent,atthenearestpoint

lessthanaleaguedistant.Hecouldmakeoutlittlemoreonthedarkplain,andasyetheneithersawanyhopeofmorning,norfeltanywind,changedorunchanged.

NowsilentlythehostofRohanmovedforwardintothefieldofGondor,pouringinslowlybutsteadily,liketherisingtidethroughbreachesinadikethatmenhavethoughtsecure.Butthemind

andwilloftheBlackCaptainwerebentwhollyonthefallingcity,andasyetnotidingscametohimwarningthathisdesignsheldanyflaw.

Afterawhilethekingledhismenawaysomewhateastward,tocomebetweenthefiresofthesiegeandtheouterfields.Stilltheywereunchallenged,andstillThéodengavenosignal.At

lasthehaltedonceagain.TheCitywasnownearer.Asmellofburningwasintheairandaveryshadowofdeath.Thehorseswereuneasy.ButthekingsatuponSnowmane,motionless,gazingupontheagonyofMinasTirith,asifstrickensuddenlybyanguish,orbydread.Heseemedtoshrinkdown,cowedbyage.Merryhimselffeltasifagreatweightofhorrorand

doubthadsettledonhim.Hisheartbeatslowly.Timeseemedpoisedinuncertainty.Theyweretoolate!Toolatewasworsethannever!PerhapsThéodenwouldquail,bowhisoldhead,turn,slinkawaytohideinthehills.

ThensuddenlyMerryfeltitatlast,beyonddoubt:achange.Windwasinhisface!

Lightwasglimmering.Far,faraway,intheSouththecloudscouldbedimlyseenasremotegreyshapes,rollingup,drifting:morninglaybeyondthem.

Butatthatsamemomenttherewasaflash,asiflightninghadsprungfromtheearthbeneaththeCity.Forasearingseconditstooddazzlingfaroffinblackandwhite,itstopmosttowerlike

aglitteringneedle;andthenasthedarknessclosedagaintherecamerollingoverthefieldsagreatboom.

Atthatsoundthebentshapeofthekingsprangsuddenlyerect.Tallandproudheseemedagain;andrisinginhisstirrupshecriedinaloudvoice,moreclearthananytherehadeverheardamortalmanachievebefore:

Arise,arise,RidersofThéoden!Felldeedsawake:fireandslaughter!spearshallbeshaken,shieldbesplintered,asword-day,aredday,erethesunrises!Ridenow,ridenow!RidetoGondor!

WiththatheseizedagreathornfromGuthláfhisbanner-

bearer,andheblewsuchablastuponitthatitburstasunder.Andstraightwayallthehornsinthehostwereliftedupinmusic,andtheblowingofthehornsofRohaninthathourwaslikeastormupontheplainandathunderinthemountains.

Ridenow,ridenow!RidetoGondor!

Suddenlythekingcriedto

Snowmaneandthehorsesprangaway.Behindhimhisbannerblewinthewind,whitehorseuponafieldofgreen,butheoutpacedit.Afterhimthunderedtheknightsofhishouse,buthewaseverbeforethem.Éomerrodethere,thewhitehorsetailonhishelmfloatinginhisspeed,andthefrontofthefirstéoredroaredlikeabreakerfoamingtotheshore,

butThéodencouldnotbeovertaken.Feyheseemed,orthebattle-furyofhisfathersranlikenewfireinhisveins,andhewasborneuponSnowmanelikeagodofold,evenasOromëtheGreatinthebattleoftheValarwhentheworldwasyoung.Hisgoldenshieldwasuncovered,andlo!itshonelikeanimageoftheSun,andthegrassflamedintogreenaboutthe

whitefeetofhissteed.Formorningcame,morningandawindfromthesea;anddarknesswasremoved,andthehostsofMordorwailed,andterrortookthem,andtheyfled,anddied,andthehoofsofwrathrodeoverthem.AndthenallthehostofRohanburstintosong,andtheysangastheyslew,forthejoyofbattlewasonthem,andthesoundoftheirsingingthat

wasfairandterriblecameeventotheCity.

Chapter6

THEBATTLEOFTHEPELENNORFIELDS

Butitwasnoorc-chieftainor

brigandthatledtheassaultuponGondor.Thedarknesswasbreakingtoosoon,beforethedatethathisMasterhadsetforit:fortunehadbetrayedhimforthemoment,andtheworldhadturnedagainsthim;victorywasslippingfromhisgraspevenashestretchedouthishandtoseizeit.Buthisarmwaslong.Hewasstillincommand,wieldinggreatpowers.King,

Ringwraith,LordoftheNazgûl,hehadmanyweapons.HelefttheGateandvanished.

ThéodenKingoftheMarkhadreachedtheroadfromtheGatetotheRiver,andheturnedtowardstheCitythatwasnowlessthanamiledistant.Heslackenedhisspeedalittle,seekingnew

foes,andhisknightscameabouthim,andDernhelmwaswiththem.AheadnearerthewallsElfhelm’smenwereamongthesiege-engines,hewing,slaying,drivingtheirfoesintothefire-pits.WellnighallthenorthernhalfofthePelennorwasoverrun,andtherecampswereblazing,orcswereflyingtowardstheRiverlikeherdsbeforethehunters;andthe

Rohirrimwenthitherandthitherattheirwill.Buttheyhadnotyetoverthrownthesiege,norwontheGate.Manyfoesstoodbeforeit,andonthefurtherhalfoftheplainwereotherhostsstillunfought.SouthwardbeyondtheroadlaythemainforceoftheHaradrim,andtheretheirhorsemenweregatheredaboutthestandardoftheirchieftain.Andhelookedout,

andinthegrowinglighthesawthebanneroftheking,andthatitwasfaraheadofthebattlewithfewmenaboutit.Thenhewasfilledwitharedwrathandshoutedaloud,anddisplayinghisstandard,blackserpentuponscarlet,hecameagainstthewhitehorseandthegreenwithgreatpressofmen;andthedrawingofthescimitarsoftheSouthronswaslikeaglitterofstars.

ThenThéodenwasawareofhim,andwouldnotwaitforhisonset,butcryingtoSnowmanehechargedheadlongtogreethim.Greatwastheclashoftheirmeeting.ButthewhitefuryoftheNorthmenburnedthehotter,andmoreskilledwastheirknighthoodwithlongspearsandbitter.FewerweretheybuttheyclovethroughtheSouthronslikeafire-bolt

inaforest.RightthroughthepressdroveThéodenThengel’sson,andhisspearwasshiveredashethrewdowntheirchieftain.Outswepthissword,andhespurredtothestandard,hewedstaffandbearer;andtheblackserpentfoundered.Thenallthatwasleftunslainoftheircavalryturnedandfledfaraway.

Butlo!suddenlyinthemidstofthegloryofthekinghisgoldenshieldwasdimmed.Thenewmorningwasblottedfromthesky.Darkfellabouthim.Horsesrearedandscreamed.Mencastfromthesaddlelaygrovellingontheground.

‘Tome!Tome!’criedThéoden.‘UpEorlingas!Fearnodarkness!’ButSnowmanewildwithterrorstoodupon

high,fightingwiththeair,andthenwithagreatscreamhecrasheduponhisside:ablackdarthadpiercedhim.Thekingfellbeneathhim.

Thegreatshadowdescendedlikeafallingcloud.Andbehold!itwasawingedcreature:ifbird,thengreaterthanallotherbirds,anditwasnaked,andneitherquillnorfeatherdiditbear,anditsvastpinionswereas

websofhidebetweenhornedfingers;anditstank.Acreatureofanolderworldmaybeitwas,whosekind,lingeringinforgottenmountainscoldbeneaththeMoon,outstayedtheirday,andinhideouseyriebredthislastuntimelybrood,apttoevil.AndtheDarkLordtookit,andnurseditwithfellmeats,untilitgrewbeyondthemeasureofallother

thingsthatfly;andhegaveittohisservanttobehissteed.Down,downitcame,andthen,foldingitsfingeredwebs,itgaveacroakingcry,andsettleduponthebodyofSnowmane,digginginitsclaws,stoopingitslongnakedneck.

Uponitsatashape,black-mantled,hugeandthreatening.Acrownofsteelhebore,butbetweenrimand

robenaughtwastheretosee,saveonlyadeadlygleamofeyes:theLordoftheNazgûl.Totheairhehadreturned,summoninghissteederethedarknessfailed,andnowhewascomeagain,bringingruin,turninghopetodespair,andvictorytodeath.Agreatblackmacehewielded.

ButThéodenwasnotutterlyforsaken.Theknightsofhishouselayslainabout

him,orelsemasteredbythemadnessoftheirsteedswerebornefaraway.Yetonestoodtherestill:Dernhelmtheyoung,faithfulbeyondfear;andhewept,forhehadlovedhislordasafather.RightthroughthechargeMerryhadbeenborneunharmedbehindhim,untiltheShadowcame;andthenWindfolahadthrowntheminhisterror,andnowranwildupontheplain.

Merrycrawledonallfourslikeadazedbeast,andsuchahorrorwasonhimthathewasblindandsick.

‘King’sman!King’sman!’hisheartcriedwithinhim.‘Youmuststaybyhim.Asafatheryoushallbetome,yousaid.’Buthiswillmadenoanswer,andhisbodyshook.Hedarednotopenhiseyesorlookup.

Thenoutoftheblackness

inhismindhethoughtthatheheardDernhelmspeaking;yetnowthevoiceseemedstrange,recallingsomeothervoicethathehadknown.

‘Begone,fouldwimmerlaik,lordofcarrion!Leavethedeadinpeace!’

Acoldvoiceanswered:‘ComenotbetweentheNazgûlandhisprey!Orhewillnotslaytheeinthyturn.Hewillbeartheeawaytothe

housesoflamentation,beyondalldarkness,wherethyfleshshallbedevoured,andthyshrivelledmindbeleftnakedtotheLidlessEye.’

Aswordrangasitwasdrawn.‘Dowhatyouwill;butIwillhinderit,ifImay.’

‘Hinderme?Thoufool.Nolivingmanmayhinderme!’

ThenMerryheardofallsoundsinthathourthe

strangest.ItseemedthatDernhelmlaughed,andtheclearvoicewasliketheringofsteel.‘ButnolivingmanamI!Youlookuponawoman.ÉowynIam,Éomund’sdaughter.Youstandbetweenmeandmylordandkin.Begone,ifyoubenotdeathless!Forlivingordarkundead,Iwillsmiteyou,ifyoutouchhim.’

Thewingedcreature

screamedather,buttheRingwraithmadenoanswer,andwassilent,asifinsuddendoubt.VeryamazementforamomentconqueredMerry’sfear.Heopenedhiseyesandtheblacknesswasliftedfromthem.Theresomepacesfromhimsatthegreatbeast,andallseemeddarkaboutit,andaboveitloomedtheNazgûlLordlikeashadowofdespair.Alittletotheleft

facingthemstoodshewhomhehadcalledDernhelm.Butthehelmofhersecrecyhadfallenfromher,andherbrighthair,releasedfromitsbonds,gleamedwithpalegolduponhershoulders.Hereyesgreyastheseawerehardandfell,andyettearswereonhercheek.Aswordwasinherhand,andsheraisedhershieldagainstthehorrorofherenemy’seyes.

Éowynitwas,andDernhelmalso.ForintoMerry’smindflashedthememoryofthefacethathesawattheridingfromDunharrow:thefaceofonethatgoesseekingdeath,havingnohope.Pityfilledhisheartandgreatwonder,andsuddenlytheslow-kindledcourageofhisraceawoke.Heclenchedhishand.Sheshouldnotdie,sofair,so

desperate!Atleastsheshouldnotdiealone,unaided.

Thefaceoftheirenemywasnotturnedtowardshim,butstillhehardlydaredtomove,dreadinglestthedeadlyeyesshouldfallonhim.Slowly,slowlyhebegantocrawlaside;buttheBlackCaptain,indoubtandmaliceintentuponthewomanbeforehim,heededhimnomorethanaworminthemud.

Suddenlythegreatbeastbeatitshideouswings,andthewindofthemwasfoul.Againitleapedintotheair,andthenswiftlyfelldownuponÉowyn,shrieking,strikingwithbeakandclaw.

Stillshedidnotblench:maidenoftheRohirrim,childofkings,slenderbutasasteel-blade,fairyetterrible.Aswiftstrokeshedealt,skilledanddeadly.Theoutstretched

neckshecloveasunder,andthehewnheadfelllikeastone.Backwardshesprangasthehugeshapecrashedtoruin,vastwingsoutspread,crumpledontheearth;andwithitsfalltheshadowpassedaway.Alightfellabouther,andherhairshoneinthesunrise.

OutofthewreckrosetheBlackRider,tallandthreatening,toweringabove

her.Withacryofhatredthatstungtheveryearslikevenomheletfallhismace.Hershieldwasshiveredinmanypieces,andherarmwasbroken;shestumbledtoherknees.Hebentoverherlikeacloud,andhiseyesglittered;heraisedhismacetokill.

Butsuddenlyhetoostumbledforwardwithacryofbitterpain,andhisstrokewentwide,drivingintothe

ground.Merry’sswordhadstabbedhimfrombehind,shearingthroughtheblackmantle,andpassingupbeneaththehauberkhadpiercedthesinewbehindhismightyknee.

‘Éowyn!Éowyn!’criedMerry.Thentottering,strugglingup,withherlaststrengthshedroveherswordbetweencrownandmantle,asthegreatshouldersbowed

beforeher.Theswordbrokesparklingintomanyshards.Thecrownrolledawaywithaclang.Éowynfellforwarduponherfallenfoe.Butlo!themantleandhauberkwereempty.Shapelesstheylaynowontheground,tornandtumbled;andacrywentupintotheshudderingair,andfadedtoashrillwailing,passingwiththewind,avoicebodilessandthinthat

died,andwasswallowedup,andwasneverheardagaininthatageofthisworld.

AndtherestoodMeriadocthehobbitinthemidstoftheslain,blinkinglikeanowlinthedaylight,fortearsblindedhim;andthroughamisthelookedonÉowyn’sfairhead,asshelayanddidnotmove;andhelookedonthefaceof

theking,falleninthemidstofhisglory.ForSnowmaneinhisagonyhadrolledawayfromhimagain;yethewasthebaneofhismaster.

ThenMerrystoopedandliftedhishandtokissit,andlo!Théodenopenedhiseyes,andtheywereclear,andhespokeinaquietvoicethoughlaboured.

‘Farewell,MasterHolbytla!’hesaid.‘Mybody

isbroken.Igotomyfathers.AndevenintheirmightycompanyIshallnotnowbeashamed.Ifelledtheblackserpent.Agrimmorn,andagladday,andagoldensunset!’

Merrycouldnotspeak,butweptanew.‘Forgiveme,lord,’hesaidatlast,‘ifIbrokeyourcommand,andyethavedonenomoreinyourservicethantoweepatour

parting.’Theoldkingsmiled.

‘Grievenot!Itisforgiven.Greatheartwillnotbedenied.Livenowinblessedness;andwhenyousitinpeacewithyourpipe,thinkofme!FornevernowshallIsitwithyouinMeduseld,asIpromised,orlistentoyourherb-lore.’Heclosedhiseyes,andMerrybowedbesidehim.Presentlyhe

spokeagain.‘WhereisÉomer?Formyeyesdarken,andIwouldseehimereIgo.Hemustbekingafterme.AndIwouldsendwordtoÉowyn.She,shewouldnothavemeleaveher,andnowIshallnotseeheragain,dearerthandaughter.’

‘Lord,lord,’beganMerrybrokenly,‘sheis——’;butatthatmomenttherewasagreatclamour,andallaboutthem

hornsandtrumpetswereblowing.Merrylookedround:hehadforgottenthewar,andalltheworldbeside,andmanyhoursitseemedsincethekingrodetohisfall,thoughintruthitwasonlyalittlewhile.Butnowhesawthattheywereindangerofbeingcaughtintheverymidstofthegreatbattlethatwouldsoonbejoined.

Newforcesoftheenemy

werehasteninguptheroadfromtheRiver;andfromunderthewallscamethelegionsofMorgul;andfromthesouthwardfieldscamefootmenofHaradwithhorsemenbeforethem,andbehindthemrosethehugebacksofthemûmakilwithwar-towersuponthem.ButnorthwardthewhitecrestofÉomerledthegreatfrontoftheRohirrimwhichhehad

againgatheredandmarshalled;andoutoftheCitycameallthestrengthofmenthatwasinit,andthesilverswanofDolAmrothwasborneinthevan,drivingtheenemyfromtheGate.

ForamomentthethoughtflittedthroughMerry’smind:‘WhereisGandalf?Ishenothere?CouldhenothavesavedthekingandÉowyn?’ButthereuponÉomerrodeup

inhaste,andwithhimcametheknightsofthehouseholdthatstilllivedandhadnowmasteredtheirhorses.Theylookedinwonderatthecarcaseofthefellbeastthatlaythere;andtheirsteedswouldnotgonear.ButÉomerleapedfromthesaddle,andgriefanddismayfelluponhimashecametotheking’ssideandstoodthereinsilence.

Thenoneoftheknightstooktheking’sbannerfromthehandofGuthláfthebanner-bearerwholaydead,andhelifteditup.SlowlyThéodenopenedhiseyes.SeeingthebannerhemadeasignthatitshouldbegiventoÉomer.

‘Hail,KingoftheMark!’hesaid.‘Ridenowtovictory!BidÉowynfarewell!’Andsohedied,andknewnotthat

Éowynlaynearhim.Andthosewhostoodbywept,crying:‘ThéodenKing!ThéodenKing!’

ButÉomersaidtothem:

Mournnotovermuch!Mightywasthefallen,meetwashisending.Whenhismoundisraised,womenthenshallweep.Warnowcallsus!

Yethehimselfweptashespoke.‘Lethisknightsremainhere,’hesaid,‘andbearhisbodyinhonourfromthefield,lestthebattlerideoverit!Yea,andalltheseotheroftheking’smenthatliehere.’Andhelookedattheslain,recallingtheirnames.ThensuddenlyhebeheldhissisterÉowynasshelay,andheknewher.Hestoodamomentasaman

whoispiercedinthemidstofacrybyanarrowthroughtheheart;andthenhisfacewentdeathlywhite,andacoldfuryroseinhim,sothatallspeechfailedhimforawhile.Afeymoodtookhim.

‘Éowyn,Éowyn!’hecriedatlast.‘Éowyn,howcomeyouhere?Whatmadnessordevilryisthis?Death,death,death!Deathtakeusall!’

Thenwithouttaking

counselorwaitingfortheapproachofthemenoftheCity,hespurredheadlongbacktothefrontofthegreathost,andblewahorn,andcriedaloudfortheonset.Overthefieldranghisclearvoicecalling:‘Death!Ride,ridetoruinandtheworld’sending!’

Andwiththatthehostbegantomove.ButtheRohirrimsangnomore.

Deaththeycriedwithonevoiceloudandterrible,andgatheringspeedlikeagreattidetheirbattlesweptabouttheirfallenkingandpassed,roaringawaysouthwards.

AndstillMeriadocthehobbitstoodthereblinkingthroughhistears,andnoonespoketohim,indeednoneseemedtoheedhim.He

brushedawaythetears,andstoopedtopickupthegreenshieldthatÉowynhadgivenhim,andheslungitathisback.Thenhelookedforhisswordthathehadletfall;forevenashestruckhisblowhisarmwasnumbed,andnowhecouldonlyusehislefthand.Andbehold!therelayhisweapon,butthebladewassmokinglikeadrybranchthathasbeenthrustinafire;

andashewatchedit,itwrithedandwitheredandwasconsumed.

SopassedtheswordoftheBarrow-downs,workofWesternesse.ButgladwouldhehavebeentoknowitsfatewhowroughtitslowlylongagointheNorth-kingdomwhentheDúnedainwereyoung,andchiefamongtheirfoeswasthedreadrealmofAngmaranditssorcererking.

Nootherblade,notthoughmightierhandshadwieldedit,wouldhavedealtthatfoeawoundsobitter,cleavingtheundeadflesh,breakingthespellthatknithisunseensinewstohiswill.

Mennowraisedtheking,andlayingcloaksuponspear-truncheonstheymadeshifttobearhimawaytowardsthe

City;andothersliftedÉowyngentlyupandboreherafterhim.Butthemenoftheking’shouseholdtheycouldnotyetbringfromthefield;forsevenoftheking’sknightshadfallenthere,andDéorwinetheirchiefwasamongthem.Sotheylaidthemapartfromtheirfoesandthefellbeastandsetspearsaboutthem.Andafterwardswhenallwasover

menreturnedandmadeafirethereandburnedthecarcaseofthebeast;butforSnowmanetheydugagraveandsetupastoneuponwhichwascarvedinthetonguesofGondorandtheMark:

Faithfulservantyetmaster’sbane,Lightfoot’sfoal,swiftSnowmane.

GreenandlonggrewthegrassonSnowmane’sHowe,buteverblackandbarewasthegroundwherethebeastwasburned.

NowslowlyandsadlyMerrywalkedbesidethebearers,andhegavenomoreheedtothebattle.Hewaswearyandfullofpain,andhislimbstrembledaswitha

chill.AgreatraincameoutoftheSea,anditseemedthatallthingsweptforThéodenandÉowyn,quenchingthefiresintheCitywithgreytears.ItwasthroughamistthatpresentlyhesawthevanofthemenofGondorapproaching.Imrahil,PrinceofDolAmroth,rodeupanddrewreinbeforethem.

‘Whatburdendoyoubear,MenofRohan?’hecried.

‘ThéodenKing,’theyanswered.‘Heisdead.ButÉomerKingnowridesinthebattle:hewiththewhitecrestinthewind.’

Thentheprincewentfromhishorse,andkneltbythebierinhonourofthekingandhisgreatonset;andhewept.AndrisinghelookedthenonÉowynandwasamazed.‘Surely,hereisawoman?’hesaid.‘Haveeventhewomen

oftheRohirrimcometowarinourneed?’

‘Nay!Oneonly,’theyanswered.‘TheLadyÉowynisshe,sisterofÉomer;andweknewnaughtofherridinguntilthishour,andgreatlywerueit.’

Thentheprinceseeingherbeauty,thoughherfacewaspaleandcold,touchedherhandashebenttolookmorecloselyonher.‘Menof

Rohan!’hecried.‘Aretherenoleechesamongyou?Sheishurt,tothedeathmaybe,butIdeemthatsheyetlives.’Andheheldthebright-burnishedvambracethatwasuponhisarmbeforehercoldlips,andbehold!alittlemistwaslaidonithardlytobeseen.

‘Hastenowisneeded,’hesaid,andhesentoneridingbackswiftlytotheCitytobringaid.Buthebowinglow

tothefallen,badethemfarewell,andmountingrodeawayintobattle.

AndnowthefightingwaxedfuriousonthefieldsofthePelennor;andthedinofarmsroseuponhigh,withthecryingofmenandtheneighingofhorses.Hornswereblownandtrumpetswerebraying,andthe

mûmakilwerebellowingastheyweregoadedtowar.UnderthesouthwallsoftheCitythefootmenofGondornowdroveagainstthelegionsofMorgulthatwerestillgatheredthereinstrength.ButthehorsemenrodeeastwardtothesuccourofÉomer:HúrintheTall,WardenoftheKeys,andtheLordofLossarnach,andHirluinoftheGreenHills,

andPrinceImrahilthefairwithhisknightsallabouthim.

NottoosooncametheiraidtotheRohirrim;forfortunehadturnedagainstÉomer,andhisfuryhadbetrayedhim.Thegreatwrathofhisonsethadutterlyoverthrownthefrontofhisenemies,andgreatwedgesofhisRidershadpassedclearthroughtheranksofthe

Southrons,discomfitingtheirhorsemenandridingtheirfootmentoruin.Butwhereverthemûmakilcametherethehorseswouldnotgo,butblenchedandswervedaway;andthegreatmonsterswereunfought,andstoodliketowersofdefence,andtheHaradrimralliedaboutthem.AndiftheRohirrimattheironsetwerethriceoutnumberedbytheHaradrim

alone,soontheircasebecameworse;fornewstrengthcamenowstreamingtothefieldoutofOsgiliath.TheretheyhadbeenmusteredforthesackoftheCityandtherapeofGondor,waitingonthecalloftheirCaptain.Henowwasdestroyed;butGothmogthelieutenantofMorgulhadflungthemintothefray;Easterlingswithaxes,andVariagsofKhand,Southrons

inscarlet,andoutofFarHaradblackmenlikehalf-trollswithwhiteeyesandredtongues.SomenowhastenedupbehindtheRohirrim,othersheldwestwardtoholdofftheforcesofGondorandpreventtheirjoiningwithRohan.

ItwasevenasthedaythusbegantoturnagainstGondorandtheirhopewaveredthatanewcrywentupintheCity,

itbeingthenmid-morning,andagreatwindblowing,andtherainflyingnorth,andthesunshining.Inthatclearairwatchmenonthewallssawafaranewsightoffear,andtheirlasthopeleftthem.

ForAnduin,fromthebendattheHarlond,soflowedthatfromtheCitymencouldlookdownitlengthwiseforsomeleagues,andthefar-sightedcouldseeanyshipsthat

approached.Andlookingthithertheycriedindismay;forblackagainsttheglitteringstreamtheybeheldafleetborneuponthewind:dromunds,andshipsofgreatdraughtwithmanyoars,andwithblacksailsbellyinginthebreeze.

‘TheCorsairsofUmbar!’menshouted.‘TheCorsairsofUmbar!Look!TheCorsairsofUmbarare

coming!SoBelfalasistaken,andtheEthir,andLebenninisgone.TheCorsairsareuponus!Itisthelaststrokeofdoom!’

Andsomewithoutorder,fornonecouldbefoundtocommandthemintheCity,rantothebellsandtolledthealarm;andsomeblewthetrumpetssoundingtheretreat.‘Backtothewalls!’theycried.‘Backtothewalls!

ComebacktotheCitybeforeallareoverwhelmed!’Butthewindthatspedtheshipsblewalltheirclamouraway.

TheRohirrimindeedhadnoneedofnewsoralarm.Alltoowelltheycouldseeforthemselvestheblacksails.ForÉomerwasnowscarcelyamilefromtheHarlond,andagreatpressofhisfirstfoeswasbetweenhimandthehaventhere,whilenewfoes

cameswirlingbehind,cuttinghimofffromthePrince.NowhelookedtotheRiver,andhopediedinhisheart,andthewindthathehadblessedhenowcalledaccursed.ButthehostsofMordorwereenheartened,andfilledwithanewlustandfurytheycameyellingtotheonset.

SternnowwasÉomer’smood,andhismindclearagain.Heletblowthehorns

torallyallmentohisbannerthatcouldcomethither;forhethoughttomakeagreatshield-wallatthelast,andstand,andfightthereonfoottillallfell,anddodeedsofsongonthefieldsofPelennor,thoughnomanshouldbeleftintheWesttorememberthelastKingoftheMark.Soherodetoagreenhillockandtheresethisbanner,andtheWhiteHorse

ranripplinginthewind.

Outofdoubt,outofdarktotheday’srisingIcamesinginginthesun,swordunsheathing.Tohope’sendIrodeandtoheart’sbreaking:Nowforwrath,nowforruinandarednightfall!

Thesestaveshespoke,yet

helaughedashesaidthem.Foroncemorelustofbattlewasonhim;andhewasstillunscathed,andhewasyoung,andhewasking:thelordofafellpeople.Andlo!evenashelaughedatdespairhelookedoutagainontheblackships,andhelifteduphisswordtodefythem.

Andthenwondertookhim,andagreatjoy;andhecasthisswordupinthe

sunlightandsangashecaughtit.Andalleyesfollowedhisgaze,andbehold!upontheforemostshipagreatstandardbroke,andthewinddisplayeditassheturnedtowardstheHarlond.TherefloweredaWhiteTree,andthatwasforGondor;butSevenStarswereaboutit,andahighcrownaboveit,thesignsofElendilthatnolordhadbornefor

yearsbeyondcount.Andthestarsflamedinthesunlight,fortheywerewroughtofgemsbyArwendaughterofElrond;andthecrownwasbrightinthemorning,foritwaswroughtofmithrilandgold.

ThuscameAragornsonofArathorn,Elessar,Isildur’sheir,outofthePathsoftheDead,borneuponawindfromtheSeatothekingdom

ofGondor;andthemirthoftheRohirrimwasatorrentoflaughterandaflashingofswords,andthejoyandwonderoftheCitywasamusicoftrumpetsandaringingofbells.ButthehostsofMordorwereseizedwithbewilderment,andagreatwizardryitseemedtothemthattheirownshipsshouldbefilledwiththeirfoes;andablackdreadfellonthem,

knowingthatthetidesoffatehadturnedagainstthemandtheirdoomwasathand.

EastrodetheknightsofDolAmrothdrivingtheenemybeforethem:troll-menandVariagsandorcsthathatedthesunlight.SouthstrodeÉomerandmenfledbeforehisface,andtheywerecaughtbetweenthehammerandtheanvil.Fornowmenleapedfromtheshipstothe

quaysoftheHarlondandsweptnorthlikeastorm.TherecameLegolas,andGimliwieldinghisaxe,andHalbaradwiththestandard,andElladanandElrohirwithstarsontheirbrow,andthedour-handedDúnedain,RangersoftheNorth,leadingagreatvalourofthefolkofLebenninandLamedonandthefiefsoftheSouth.ButbeforeallwentAragornwith

theFlameoftheWest,Andúrillikeanewfirekindled,Narsilre-forgedasdeadlyasofold;anduponhisbrowwastheStarofElendil.

AndsoatlengthÉomerandAragornmetinthemidstofthebattle,andtheyleanedontheirswordsandlookedononeanotherandwereglad.

‘Thuswemeetagain,thoughallthehostsofMordorlaybetweenus,’said

Aragorn.‘DidInotsaysoattheHornburg?’

‘Soyouspoke,’saidÉomer,‘buthopeoftdeceives,andIknewnotthenthatyouwereamanforesighted.Yettwiceblessedishelpunlookedfor,andneverwasameetingoffriendsmorejoyful.’Andtheyclaspedhandinhand.‘Norindeedmoretimely,’saidÉomer.‘Youcomenone

toosoon,myfriend.Muchlossandsorrowhasbefallenus.’

‘Thenletusavengeit,erewespeakofit!’saidAragorn,andtheyrodebacktobattletogether.

Hardfightingandlonglabourtheyhadstill;fortheSouthronswereboldmenandgrim,andfierceindespair;

andtheEasterlingswerestrongandwar-hardenedandaskedfornoquarter.Andsointhisplaceandthat,byburnedhomesteadorbarn,uponhillockormound,underwalloronfield,stilltheygatheredandralliedandfoughtuntilthedayworeaway.

ThentheSunwentatlastbehindMindolluinandfilledalltheskywithagreat

burning,sothatthehillsandthemountainsweredyedaswithblood;fireglowedintheRiver,andthegrassofthePelennorlayredinthenightfall.AndinthathourthegreatBattleofthefieldofGondorwasover;andnotonelivingfoewasleftwithinthecircuitoftheRammas.Allwereslainsavethosewhofledtodie,ortodrownintheredfoamoftheRiver.Few

evercameeastwardtoMorgulorMordor;andtothelandoftheHaradrimcameonlyatalefromfaroff:arumourofthewrathandterrorofGondor.

AragornandÉomerandImrahilrodebacktowardstheGateoftheCity,andtheywerenowwearybeyondjoyorsorrow.Thesethreewere

unscathed,forsuchwastheirfortuneandtheskillandmightoftheirarms,andfewindeedhaddaredtoabidethemorlookontheirfacesinthehouroftheirwrath.Butmanyotherswerehurtormaimedordeaduponthefield.TheaxeshewedForlongashefoughtaloneandunhorsed;andbothDuilinofMorthondandhisbrotherweretrampledto

deathwhentheyassailedthemûmakil,leadingtheirbowmenclosetoshootattheeyesofthemonsters.NeitherHirluinthefairwouldreturntoPinnathGelin,norGrimboldtoGrimslade,norHalbaradtotheNorthlands,dour-handedRanger.Nofewhadfallen,renownedornameless,captainorsoldier;foritwasagreatbattleandthefullcountofitnotalehas

told.SolongafterwardamakerinRohansaidinhissongoftheMoundsofMundburg:

Weheardofthehornsinthehillsringing,theswordsshiningintheSouth-kingdom.SteedswentstridingtotheStoninglandaswindinthemorning.Warwaskindled.

ThereThéodenfell,Thenglingmighty,tohisgoldenhallsandgreenpasturesintheNorthernfieldsneverreturning,highlordofthehost.HardingandGuthláf,DúnhereandDéorwine,doughtyGrimbold,HerefaraandHerubrand,HornandFastred,

foughtandfellthereinafarcountry:intheMoundsofMundburgundermouldtheyliewiththeirleague-fellows,lordsofGondor.NeitherHirluintheFairtothehillsbythesea,norForlongtheoldtothefloweringvalesever,toArnach,tohisowncountry

returnedintriumph;northetallbowmen,DerufinandDuilin,totheirdarkwaters,meresofMorthondundermountain-shadows.Deathinthemorningandatday’sendinglordstookandlowly.LongnowtheysleepundergrassinGondorbytheGreatRiver.Greynowastears,

gleamingsilver,redthenitrolled,roaringwater:foamdyedwithbloodflamedatsunset;asbeaconsmountainsburnedatevening;redfellthedewinRammasEchor.

Chapter7

THEPYREOFDENETHOR

WhenthedarkshadowattheGatewithdrewGandalfstill

satmotionless.ButPippinrosetohisfeet,asifagreatweighthadbeenliftedfromhim;andhestoodlisteningtothehorns,anditseemedtohimthattheywouldbreakhisheartwithjoy.Andneverinafteryearscouldhehearahornblowninthedistancewithouttearsstartinginhiseyes.Butnowsuddenlyhiserrandreturnedtohismemory,andheranforward.

AtthatmomentGandalfstirredandspoketoShadowfax,andwasabouttoridethroughtheGate.

‘Gandalf,Gandalf!’criedPippin,andShadowfaxhalted.

‘Whatareyoudoinghere?’saidGandalf.‘IsitnotalawintheCitythatthosewhoweartheblackandsilvermuststayintheCitadel,unlesstheirlordgivesthem

leave?’‘Hehas,’saidPippin.‘He

sentmeaway.ButIamfrightened.Somethingterriblemayhappenupthere.TheLordisoutofhismind,Ithink.Iamafraidhewillkillhimself,andkillFaramirtoo.Can’tyoudosomething?’

GandalflookedthroughthegapingGate,andalreadyonthefieldsheheardthegatheringsoundofbattle.He

clenchedhishand.‘Imustgo,’hesaid.‘TheBlackRiderisabroad,andhewillyetbringruinonus.Ihavenotime.’

‘ButFaramir!’criedPippin.‘Heisnotdead,andtheywillburnhimalive,ifsomeonedoesnotstopthem.’

‘Burnhimalive?’saidGandalf.‘Whatisthistale?Bequick!’

‘Denethorhasgonetothe

Tombs,’saidPippin,‘andhehastakenFaramir,andhesayswearealltoburn,andhewillnotwait,andtheyaretomakeapyreandburnhimonit,andFaramiraswell.Andhehassentmentofetchwoodandoil.AndIhavetoldBeregond,butI’mafraidhewon’tdaretoleavehispost:heisonguard.Andwhatcanhedoanyway?’SoPippinpouredouthistale,reaching

upandtouchingGandalf’skneewithtremblinghands.‘Can’tyousaveFaramir?’

‘MaybeIcan,’saidGandalf;‘butifIdo,thenotherswilldie,Ifear.Well,Imustcome,sincenootherhelpcanreachhim.Butevilandsorrowwillcomeofthis.EvenintheheartofourstrongholdtheEnemyhaspowertostrikeus:forhiswillitisthatisatwork.’

Thenhavingmadeuphismindheactedswiftly;andcatchingupPippinandsettinghimbeforehim,heturnedShadowfaxwithaword.UptheclimbingstreetsofMinasTiriththeyclattered,whilethenoiseofwarrosebehindthem.Everywheremenwererisingfromtheirdespairanddread,seizingtheirweapons,cryingonetoanother:‘Rohanhascome!’

Captainswereshouting,companiesweremustering;manyalreadyweremarchingdowntotheGate.

TheymetthePrinceImrahil,andhecalledtothem:‘Whithernow,Mithrandir?TheRohirrimarefightingonthefieldsofGondor!Wemustgatherallthestrengththatwecanfind.’

‘Youwillneedeverymanandmore,’saidGandalf.

‘Makeallhaste.IwillcomewhenIcan.ButIhaveanerrandtotheLordDenethorthatwillnotwait.TakecommandintheLord’sabsence!’

Theypassedon;andastheyclimbedanddrewneartotheCitadeltheyfeltthewindblowingintheirfaces,andtheycaughttheglimmer

ofmorningfaraway,alightgrowinginthesouthernsky.Butitbroughtlittlehopetothem,notknowingwhatevillaybeforethem,fearingtocometoolate.

‘Darknessispassing,’saidGandalf,‘butitstillliesheavyonthisCity.’

AtthegateoftheCitadeltheyfoundnoguard.‘ThenBeregondhasgone,’saidPippinmorehopefully.They

turnedawayandhastenedalongtheroadtotheClosedDoor.Itstoodwideopen,andtheporterlaybeforeit.Hewasslainandhiskeyhadbeentaken.

‘WorkoftheEnemy!’saidGandalf.‘Suchdeedsheloves:friendatwarwithfriend;loyaltydividedinconfusionofhearts.’NowhedismountedandbadeShadowfaxreturntohis

stable.‘For,myfriend,’hesaid,‘youandIshouldhaveriddentothefieldslongago,butothermattersdelayme.YetcomeswiftlyifIcall!’

TheypassedtheDoorandwalkedondownthesteepwindingroad.Lightwasgrowing,andthetallcolumnsandcarvenfiguresbesidethewaywentslowlybylikegreyghosts.

Suddenlythesilencewas

broken,andtheyheardbelowthemcriesandtheringingofswords:suchsoundsashadnotbeenheardinthehallowedplacessincethebuildingoftheCity.AtlasttheycametoRathDínenandhastenedtowardstheHouseoftheStewards,loominginthetwilightunderitsgreatdome.

‘Stay!Stay!’criedGandalf,springingforwardto

thestonestairbeforethedoor.‘Staythismadness!’

ForthereweretheservantsofDenethorwithswordsandtorchesintheirhands;butaloneintheporchuponthetopmoststepstoodBeregond,cladintheblackandsilveroftheGuard;andheheldthedooragainstthem.Twoofthemhadalreadyfallentohissword,stainingthehallowswiththeirblood;

andtheotherscursedhim,callinghimoutlawandtraitortohismaster.

EvenasGandalfandPippinranforward,theyheardfromwithinthehouseofthedeadthevoiceofDenethorcrying:‘Haste,haste!DoasIhavebidden!Slaymethisrenegade!OrmustIdosomyself?’ThereuponthedoorwhichBeregondheldshutwithhis

lefthandwaswrenchedopen,andtherebehindhimstoodtheLordoftheCity,tallandfell;alightlikeflamewasinhiseyes,andheheldadrawnsword.

ButGandalfsprangupthesteps,andthemenfellbackfromhimandcoveredtheireyes;forhiscomingwasliketheincomingofawhitelightintoadarkplace,andhecamewithgreatanger.He

lifteduphishand,andintheverystroke,theswordofDenethorflewupandlefthisgraspandfellbehindhimintheshadowsofthehouse;andDenethorsteppedbackwardbeforeGandalfasoneamazed.

‘Whatisthis,mylord?’saidthewizard.‘Thehousesofthedeadarenoplacesfortheliving.AndwhydomenfighthereintheHallows

whenthereiswarenoughbeforetheGate?OrhasourEnemycomeeventoRathDínen?’

‘SincewhenhastheLordofGondorbeenanswerabletothee?’saidDenethor.‘OrmayInotcommandmyownservants?’

‘Youmay,’saidGandalf.‘Butothersmaycontestyourwill,whenitisturnedtomadnessandevil.Whereis

yourson,Faramir?’‘Helieswithin,’said

Denethor,‘burning,alreadyburning.Theyhavesetafireinhisflesh.Butsoonallshallbeburned.TheWesthasfailed.Itshallallgoupinagreatfire,andallshallbeended.Ash!Ashandsmokeblownawayonthewind!’

ThenGandalfseeingthemadnessthatwasonhimfearedthathehadalready

donesomeevildeed,andhethrustforward,withBeregondandPippinbehindhim,whileDenethorgavebackuntilhestoodbesidethetablewithin.ButtheretheyfoundFaramir,stilldreaminginhisfever,lyinguponthetable.Woodwaspiledunderit,andhighallaboutit,andallwasdrenchedwithoil,eventhegarmentsofFaramirandthecoverlets;butasyet

nofirehadbeensettothefuel.ThenGandalfrevealedthestrengththatlayhidinhim,evenasthelightofhispowerwashiddenunderhisgreymantle.Heleapedupontothefaggots,andraisingthesickmanlightlyhesprangdownagain,andborehimtowardsthedoor.ButashedidsoFaramirmoanedandcalledonhisfatherinhisdream.

Denethorstartedasonewakingfromatrance,andtheflamediedinhiseyes,andhewept;andhesaid:‘Donottakemysonfromme!Hecallsforme.’

‘Hecalls,’saidGandalf,‘butyoucannotcometohimyet.Forhemustseekhealingonthethresholdofdeath,andmaybefinditnot.WhereasyourpartistogoouttothebattleofyourCity,where

maybedeathawaitsyou.Thisyouknowinyourheart.’

‘Hewillnotwakeagain,’saidDenethor.‘Battleisvain.Whyshouldwewishtolivelonger?Whyshouldwenotgotodeathsidebyside?’

‘Authorityisnotgiventoyou,StewardofGondor,toorderthehourofyourdeath,’answeredGandalf.‘Andonlytheheathenkings,underthedominationoftheDark

Power,didthus,slayingthemselvesinprideanddespair,murderingtheirkintoeasetheirowndeath.’ThenpassingthroughthedoorhetookFaramirfromthedeadlyhouseandlaidhimonthebieronwhichhehadbeenbrought,andwhichhadnowbeensetintheporch.Denethorfollowedhim,andstoodtrembling,lookingwithlongingonthefaceofhisson.

Andforamoment,whileallweresilentandstill,watchingtheLordinhisthroes,hewavered.

‘Come!’saidGandalf.‘Weareneeded.Thereismuchthatyoucanyetdo.’

ThensuddenlyDenethorlaughed.Hestooduptallandproudagain,andsteppingswiftlybacktothetableheliftedfromitthepillowonwhichhisheadhadlain.Then

comingtothedoorwayhedrewasidethecovering,andlo!hehadbetweenhishandsapalantír.Andashehelditup,itseemedtothosethatlookedonthattheglobebegantoglowwithaninnerflame,sothattheleanfaceoftheLordwaslitaswitharedfire,anditseemedcutoutofhardstone,sharpwithblackshadows,noble,proud,andterrible.Hiseyesglittered.

‘Prideanddespair!’hecried.‘DidstthouthinkthattheeyesoftheWhiteTowerwereblind?Nay,Ihaveseenmorethanthouknowest,GreyFool.Forthyhopeisbutignorance.Gothenandlabourinhealing!Goforthandfight!Vanity.Foralittlespaceyoumaytriumphonthefield,foraday.ButagainstthePowerthatnowarisesthereisnovictory.Tothis

Cityonlythefirstfingerofitshandhasyetbeenstretched.AlltheEastismoving.AndevennowthewindofthyhopecheatstheeandwaftsupAnduinafleetwithblacksails.TheWesthasfailed.Itistimeforalltodepartwhowouldnotbeslaves.’

‘SuchcounselswillmaketheEnemy’svictorycertainindeed,’saidGandalf.

‘Hopeonthen!’laughed

Denethor.‘DoInotknowthee,Mithrandir?Thyhopeistoruleinmystead,tostandbehindeverythrone,north,south,orwest.Ihavereadthymindanditspolicies.DoInotknowthatthishalflingwascommandedbytheetokeepsilence?Thathewasbroughthithertobeaspywithinmyverychamber?AndyetinourspeechtogetherIhavelearnedthe

namesandpurposeofallthycompanions.So!WiththelefthandthouwouldstusemeforalittlewhileasashieldagainstMordor,andwiththerightbringupthisRangeroftheNorthtosupplantme.

‘ButIsaytothee,GandalfMithrandir,Iwillnotbethytool!IamStewardoftheHouseofAnárion.Iwillnotstepdowntobethedotardchamberlainofanupstart.

Evenwerehisclaimprovedtome,stillhecomesbutofthelineofIsildur.Iwillnotbowtosuchaone,lastofaraggedhouselongbereftoflordshipanddignity.’

‘Whatthenwouldyouhave,’saidGandalf,‘ifyourwillcouldhaveitsway?’

‘Iwouldhavethingsastheywereinallthedaysofmylife,’answeredDenethor,‘andinthedaysofmy

longfathersbeforeme:tobetheLordofthisCityinpeace,andleavemychairtoasonafterme,whowouldbehisownmasterandnowizard’spupil.Butifdoomdeniesthistome,thenIwillhavenaught:neitherlifediminished,norlovehalved,norhonourabated.’

‘TomeitwouldnotseemthataStewardwhofaithfullysurrendershischargeis

diminishedinloveorinhonour,’saidGandalf.‘Andattheleastyoushallnotrobyoursonofhischoicewhilehisdeathisstillindoubt.’

AtthosewordsDenethor’seyesflamedagain,andtakingtheStoneunderhisarmhedrewaknifeandstrodetowardsthebier.ButBeregondsprangforwardandsethimselfbeforeFaramir.

‘So!’criedDenethor.

‘Thouhadstalreadystolenhalfmyson’slove.Nowthoustealesttheheartsofmyknightsalso,sothattheyrobmewhollyofmysonatthelast.Butinthisatleastthoushaltnotdefymywill:torulemyownend.’

‘Comehither!’hecriedtohisservants.‘Come,ifyouarenotallrecreant!’Thentwoofthemranupthestepstohim.Swiftlyhesnatcheda

torchfromthehandofoneandsprangbackintothehouse.BeforeGandalfcouldhinderhimhethrustthebrandamidthefuel,andatonceitcrackledandroaredintoflame.

ThenDenethorleapeduponthetable,andstandingtherewreathedinfireandsmokehetookupthestaffofhissteward-shipthatlayathisfeetandbrokeitonhis

knee.Castingthepiecesintotheblazehebowedandlaidhimselfonthetable,claspingthepalantírwithbothhandsuponhisbreast.Anditwassaidthateverafter,ifanymanlookedinthatStone,unlesshehadagreatstrengthofwilltoturnittootherpurpose,hesawonlytwoagedhandswitheringinflame.

Gandalfingriefand

horrorturnedhisfaceawayandclosedthedoor.Forawhilehestoodinthought,silentuponthethreshold,whilethoseoutsideheardthegreedyroaringofthefirewithin.AndthenDenethorgaveagreatcry,andafterwardsspokenomore,norwaseveragainseenbymortalmen.

‘SopassesDenethor,sonofEcthelion,’saidGandalf.ThenheturnedtoBeregondandtheLord’sservantsthatstoodthereaghast.‘AndsopassalsothedaysofGondorthatyouhaveknown;forgoodoreviltheyareended.Illdeedshavebeendonehere;butletnowallenmitythatliesbetweenyoubeputaway,foritwascontrivedbytheEnemyandworkshis

will.Youhavebeencaughtinanetofwarringdutiesthatyoudidnotweave.Butthink,youservantsoftheLord,blindinyourobedience,thatbutforthetreasonofBeregondFaramir,CaptainoftheWhiteTower,wouldnowalsobeburned.

‘Bearawayfromthisunhappyplaceyourcomradeswhohavefallen.AndwewillbearFaramir,Stewardof

Gondor,toaplacewherehecansleepinpeace,ordieifthatbehisdoom.’

ThenGandalfandBeregondtakingupthebierboreitawaytowardstheHousesofHealing,whilebehindthemwalkedPippinwithdowncasthead.ButtheservantsoftheLordstoodgazingasstrickenmenatthehouseofthedead;andevenasGandalfcametotheendof

RathDínentherewasagreatnoise.Lookingbacktheysawthedomeofthehousecrackandsmokesissueforth;andthenwitharushandrumbleofstoneitfellinaflurryoffire;butstillunabatedtheflamesdancedandflickeredamongtheruins.TheninterrortheservantsfledandfollowedGandalf.

AtlengththeycamebacktotheSteward’sDoor,andBeregondlookedwithgriefattheporter.‘ThisdeedIshalleverrue,’hesaid;‘butamadnessofhastewasonme,andhewouldnotlisten,butdrewswordagainstme.’Thentakingthekeythathehadwrestedfromtheslainmanheclosedthedoorandlockedit.‘ThisshouldnowbegiventotheLord

Faramir,’hesaid.‘ThePrinceofDol

AmrothisincommandintheabsenceoftheLord,’saidGandalf;‘butsinceheisnothere,Imusttakethisonmyself.Ibidyoukeepthekeyandguardit,untiltheCityissetinorderagain.’

NowatlasttheypassedintothehighcirclesoftheCity,andinthelightofmorningtheywenttheirway

towardstheHousesofHealing;andthesewerefairhousessetapartforthecareofthosewhoweregrievouslysick,butnowtheywerepreparedforthetendingofmenhurtinbattleordying.TheystoodnotfarfromtheCitadel-gate,inthesixthcircle,nightoitssouthwardwall,andaboutthemwasagardenandagreenswardwithtrees,theonlysuchplacein

theCity.TheredweltthefewwomenthathadbeenpermittedtoremaininMinasTirith,sincetheywereskilledinhealingorintheserviceofthehealers.

ButevenasGandalfandhiscompanionscamecarryingthebiertothemaindooroftheHouses,theyheardagreatcrythatwentupfromthefieldbeforetheGateandrisingshrillandpiercing

intotheskypassed,anddiedawayonthewind.Soterriblewasthecrythatforamomentallstoodstill,andyetwhenithadpassed,suddenlytheirheartswereliftedupinsuchahopeastheyhadnotknownsincethedarknesscameoutoftheEast;anditseemedtothemthatthelightgrewclearandthesunbrokethroughtheclouds.

ButGandalf’sfacewasgraveandsad,andbiddingBeregondandPippintotakeFaramirintotheHousesofHealing,hewentupontothewallsnearby;andtherelikeafigurecarveninwhitehestoodinthenewsunandlookedout.Andhebeheldwiththesightthatwasgiventohimallthathadbefallen;andwhenÉomerrodeoutfromtheforefrontofhis

battleandstoodbesidethosewholayuponthefield,hesighed,andhecasthiscloakabouthimagain,andwentfromthewalls.AndBeregondandPippinfoundhimstandinginthoughtbeforethedooroftheHouseswhentheycameout.

Theylookedathim,andforawhilehewassilent.Atlasthespoke.‘Myfriends,’hesaid,‘andallyoupeopleof

thiscityandoftheWesternlands!Thingsofgreatsorrowandrenownhavecometopass.Shallweweeporbeglad?BeyondhopetheCaptainofourfoeshasbeendestroyed,andyouhaveheardtheechoofhislastdespair.Buthehasnotgonewithoutwoeandbitterloss.AndthatImighthaveavertedbutforthemadnessofDenethor.Solonghasthe

reachofourEnemybecome!Alas!butnowIperceivehowhiswillwasabletoenterintotheveryheartoftheCity.

‘ThoughtheStewardsdeemedthatitwasasecretkeptonlybythemselves,longagoIguessedthathereintheWhiteTower,oneatleastoftheSevenSeeingStoneswaspreserved.InthedaysofhiswisdomDenethorwouldnotpresumetouseittochallenge

Sauron,knowingthelimitsofhisownstrength.Buthiswisdomfailed;andIfearthatastheperilofhisrealmgrewhelookedintheStoneandwasdeceived:fartoooften,Iguess,sinceBoromirdeparted.HewastoogreattobesubduedtothewilloftheDarkPower,hesawnonethelessonlythosethingswhichthatPowerpermittedhimtosee.Theknowledge

whichheobtainedwas,doubtless,oftenofservicetohim;yetthevisionofthegreatmightofMordorthatwasshowntohimfedthedespairofhisheartuntilitoverthrewhismind.’

‘NowIunderstandwhatseemedsostrangetome!’saidPippin,shudderingathismemoriesashespoke.‘TheLordwentawayfromtheroomwhereFaramirlay;and

itwasonlywhenhereturnedthatIfirstthoughthewaschanged,oldandbroken.’

‘ItwasintheveryhourthatFaramirwasbroughttotheTowerthatmanyofussawastrangelightinthetopmostchamber,’saidBeregond.‘Butwehaveseenthatlightbefore,andithaslongbeenrumouredintheCitythattheLordwouldattimeswrestleinthoughtwith

hisEnemy.’‘Alas!thenIhaveguessed

rightly,’saidGandalf.‘ThusthewillofSauronenteredintoMinasTirith;andthusIhavebeendelayedhere.AndhereIshallstillbeforcedtoremain,forIshallsoonhaveothercharges,notFaramironly.

‘NowImustgodowntomeetthosewhocome.Ihaveseenasightuponthefield

thatisverygrievoustomyheart,andgreatersorrowmayyetcometopass.Comewithme,Pippin!Butyou,Beregond,shouldreturntotheCitadelandtellthechiefoftheGuardtherewhathasbefallen.Itwillbehisduty,Ifear,towithdrawyoufromtheGuard;butsaytohimthat,ifImaygivehimcounsel,youshouldbesenttotheHousesofHealing,tobe

theguardandservantofyourcaptain,andtobeathissidewhenheawakes–ifthatshalleverbeagain.Forbyyouhewassavedfromthefire.Gonow!Ishallreturnsoon.’

WiththatheturnedawayandwentwithPippindowntowardsthelowercity.Andevenastheyhastenedontheirwaythewindbroughtagreyrain,andallthefiressank,andtherearoseagreatsmoke

beforethem.

Chapter8

THEHOUSESOFHEALING

AmistwasinMerry’seyesoftearsandwearinesswhen

theydrewneartheruinedGateofMinasTirith.Hegavelittleheedtothewreckandslaughterthatlayaboutall.Fireandsmokeandstenchwasintheair;formanyengineshadbeenburnedorcastintothefire-pits,andmanyoftheslainalso,whilehereandtherelaymanycarcasesofthegreatSouthronmonsters,half-burned,orbrokenbystone-cast,orshot

throughtheeyesbythevaliantarchersofMorthond.Theflyingrainhadceasedforatime,andthesungleamedupabove;butallthelowercitywasstillwrappedinasmoulderingreek.

Alreadymenwerelabouringtoclearawaythroughthejetsamofbattle;andnowoutfromtheGatecamesomebearinglitters.GentlytheylaidÉowynupon

softpillows;buttheking’sbodytheycoveredwithagreatclothofgold,andtheyboretorchesabouthim,andtheirflames,paleinthesunlight,wereflutteredbythewind.

SoThéodenandÉowyncametotheCityofGondor,andallwhosawthembaredtheirheadsandbowed;andtheypassedthroughtheashandfumeoftheburnedcircle,

andwentonandupalongthestreetsofstone.ToMerrytheascentseemedagelong,ameaninglessjourneyinahatefuldream,goingonandontosomedimendingthatmemorycannotseize.

Slowlythelightsofthetorchesinfrontofhimflickeredandwentout,andhewaswalkinginadarkness;andhethought:‘Thisisatunnelleadingtoatomb;

thereweshallstayforever.’Butsuddenlyintohisdreamtherefellalivingvoice.

‘Well,Merry!ThankgoodnessIhavefoundyou!’

Helookedupandthemistbeforehiseyesclearedalittle.TherewasPippin!Theywerefacetofaceinanarrowlane,andbutforthemselvesitwasempty.Herubbedhiseyes.

‘Whereistheking?’he

said.‘AndÉowyn?’Thenhestumbledandsatdownonadoorstepandbegantoweepagain.

‘TheyhavegoneupintotheCitadel,’saidPippin.‘Ithinkyoumusthavefallenasleeponyourfeetandtakenthewrongturning.Whenwefoundthatyouwerenotwiththem,Gandalfsentmetolookforyou.PooroldMerry!HowgladIamtoseeyou

again!Butyouarewornout,andIwon’tbotheryouwithanytalk.Buttellme,areyouhurt,orwounded?’

‘No,’saidMerry.‘Well,no,Idon’tthinkso.ButIcan’tusemyrightarm,Pippin,notsinceIstabbedhim.Andmyswordburnedallawaylikeapieceofwood.’

Pippin’sfacewasanxious.‘Well,youhadbettercome

withmeasquickasyoucan,’hesaid.‘IwishIcouldcarryyou.Youaren’tfittowalkanyfurther.Theyshouldn’thaveletyouwalkatall;butyoumustforgivethem.SomanydreadfulthingshavehappenedintheCity,Merry,thatonepoorhobbitcominginfromthebattleiseasilyoverlooked.’

‘It’snotalwaysamisfortunebeing

overlooked,’saidMerry.‘Iwasoverlookedjustnowby–no,no,Ican’tspeakofit.Helpme,Pippin!It’sallgoingdarkagain,andmyarmissocold.’

‘Leanonme,Merrylad!’saidPippin.‘Comenow!Footbyfoot.It’snotfar.’

‘Areyougoingtoburyme?’saidMerry.

‘No,indeed!’saidPippin,tryingtosoundcheerful,

thoughhisheartwaswrungwithfearandpity.‘No,wearegoingtotheHousesofHealing.’

Theyturnedoutofthelanethatranbetweentallhousesandtheouterwallofthefourthcircle,andtheyregainedthemainstreetclimbinguptotheCitadel.Stepbysteptheywent,while

Merryswayedandmurmuredasoneinsleep.

‘I’llnevergethimthere,’thoughtPippin.‘Istherenoonetohelpme?Ican’tleavehimhere.’Justthentohissurpriseaboycamerunningupbehind,andashepassedherecognizedBergilBeregond’sson.

‘Hullo,Bergil!’hecalled.‘Whereareyougoing?Gladtoseeyouagain,andstill

alive!’‘Iamrunningerrandsfor

theHealers,’saidBergil.‘Icannotstay.’

‘Don’t!’saidPippin.‘ButtellthemuptherethatIhaveasickhobbit,aperianmindyou,comefromthebattle-field.Idon’tthinkhecanwalksofar.IfMithrandiristhere,hewillbegladofthemessage.’Bergilranon.

‘I’dbetterwaithere,’

thoughtPippin.SoheletMerrysinkgentlydownontothepavementinapatchofsunlight,andthenhesatdownbesidehim,layingMerry’sheadinhislap.Hefelthisbodyandlimbsgently,andtookhisfriend’shandsinhisown.Therighthandfelticytothetouch.

ItwasnotlongbeforeGandalfhimselfcameinsearchofthem.Hestooped

overMerryandcaressedhisbrow;thenheliftedhimcarefully.‘Heshouldhavebeenborneinhonourintothiscity,’hesaid.‘Hehaswellrepaidmytrust;forifElrondhadnotyieldedtome,neitherofyouwouldhavesetout;andthenfarmoregrievouswouldtheevilsofthisdayhavebeen.’Hesighed.‘Andyethereisanotherchargeonmyhands,whileallthetime

thebattlehangsinthebalance.’

SoatlastFaramirandÉowynandMeriadocwerelaidinbedsintheHousesofHealing;andtheretheyweretendedwell.Forthoughalllorewasintheselatterdaysfallenfromitsfullnessofold,theleechcraftofGondorwasstillwise,andskilledinthe

healingofwoundandhurt,andallsuchsicknessaseastoftheSeamortalmenweresubjectto.Saveoldageonly.Forthattheyhadfoundnocure;andindeedthespanoftheirliveshadnowwanedtolittlemorethanthatofothermen,andthoseamongthemwhopassedthetaleoffivescoreyearswithvigourweregrownfew,saveinsomehousesofpurerblood.But

nowtheirartandknowledgewerebaffled;forthereweremanysickofamaladythatwouldnotbehealed;andtheycalledittheBlackShadow,foritcamefromtheNazgûl.Andthosewhowerestrickenwithitfellslowlyintoaneverdeeperdream,andthenpassedtosilenceandadeadlycold,andsodied.AnditseemedtothetendersofthesickthatontheHalflingand

ontheLadyofRohanthismaladylayheavily.Stillatwhilesasthemorningworeawaytheywouldspeak,murmuringintheirdreams;andthewatcherslistenedtoallthattheysaid,hopingperhapstolearnsomethingthatwouldhelpthemtounderstandtheirhurts.Butsoontheybegantofalldownintothedarkness,andasthesunturnedwestagrey

shadowcreptovertheirfaces.ButFaramirburnedwithafeverthatwouldnotabate.

Gandalfwentfromonetotheotherfullofcare,andhewastoldallthatthewatcherscouldhear.Andsothedaypassed,whilethegreatbattleoutsidewentonwithshiftinghopesandstrangetidings;andstillGandalfwaitedandwatchedanddidnotgoforth;tillatlasttheredsunsetfilled

allthesky,andthelightthroughthewindowsfellonthegreyfacesofthesick.Thenitseemedtothosewhostoodbythatintheglowthefacesflushedsoftlyaswithhealthreturning,butitwasonlyamockeryofhope.

Thenanoldwife,Ioreth,theeldestofthewomenwhoservedinthathouse,lookingonthefairfaceofFaramir,wept,forallthepeopleloved

him.Andshesaid:‘Alas!ifheshoulddie.WouldthattherewerekingsinGondor,astherewereonceuponatime,theysay!Foritissaidinoldlore:Thehandsofthekingarethehandsofahealer.Andsotherightfulkingcouldeverbeknown.’

AndGandalf,whostoodby,said:‘Menmaylongrememberyourwords,Ioreth!Forthereishopeinthem.

MaybeakinghasindeedreturnedtoGondor;orhaveyounotheardthestrangetidingsthathavecometotheCity?’

‘Ihavebeentoobusywiththisandthattoheedallthecryingandshouting,’sheanswered.‘AllIhopeisthatthosemurderingdevilsdonotcometothisHouseandtroublethesick.’

ThenGandalfwentoutin

haste,andalreadythefireintheskywasburningout,andthesmoulderinghillswerefading,whileash-greyeveningcreptoverthefields.

NowasthesunwentdownAragornandÉomerandImrahildrewneartheCitywiththeircaptainsandknights;andwhentheycamebeforetheGateAragornsaid:

‘BeholdtheSunsettinginagreatfire!Itisasignoftheendandfallofmanythings,andachangeinthetidesoftheworld.ButthisCityandrealmhasrestedinthechargeoftheStewardsformanylongyears,andIfearthatifIenteritunbidden,thendoubtanddebatemayarise,whichshouldnotbewhilethiswarisfought.Iwillnotenterin,normakeanyclaim,untilit

beseenwhetherweorMordorshallprevail.Menshallpitchmytentsuponthefield,andhereIwillawaitthewelcomeoftheLordoftheCity.’

ButÉomersaid:‘AlreadyyouhaveraisedthebanneroftheKingsanddisplayedthetokensofElendil’sHouse.Willyousufferthesetobechallenged?’

‘No,’saidAragorn.‘ButI

deemthetimeunripe;andIhavenomindforstrifeexceptwithourEnemyandhisservants.’

AndthePrinceImrahilsaid:‘Yourwords,lord,arewise,ifonewhoisakinsmanoftheLordDenethormaycounselyouinthismatter.Heisstrong-willedandproud,butold;andhismoodhasbeenstrangesincehissonwasstrickendown.YetI

wouldnothaveyouremainlikeabeggaratthedoor.’

‘Notabeggar,’saidAragorn.‘SayacaptainoftheRangers,whoareunusedtocitiesandhousesofstone.’Andhecommandedthathisbannershouldbefurled;andhedidofftheStaroftheNorthKingdomandgaveittothekeepingofthesonsofElrond.

ThenthePrinceImrahilandÉomerofRohanlefthimandpassedthroughtheCityandthetumultofthepeople,andmountedtotheCitadel;andtheycametotheHalloftheTower,seekingtheSteward.Buttheyfoundhischairempty,andbeforethedaislayThéodenKingoftheMarkuponabedofstate;andtwelvetorchesstoodaboutit,andtwelveguards,knights

bothofRohanandGondor.Andthehangingsofthebedwereofgreenandwhite,butuponthekingwaslaidthegreatclothofgolduptohisbreast,anduponthathisunsheathedsword,andathisfeethisshield.Thelightofthetorchesshimmeredinhiswhitehairlikesuninthesprayofafountain,buthisfacewasfairandyoung,savethatapeacelayonitbeyond

thereachofyouth;anditseemedthatheslept.

Whentheyhadstoodsilentforatimebesidetheking,Imrahilsaid:‘WhereistheSteward?AndwherealsoisMithrandir?’

Andoneoftheguardsanswered:‘TheStewardofGondorisintheHousesofHealing.’

ButÉomersaid:‘WhereistheLadyÉowyn,mysister;

forsurelysheshouldbelyingbesidetheking,andinnolesshonour?Wherehavetheybestowedher?’

AndImrahilsaid:‘ButtheLadyÉowynwasyetlivingwhentheyboreherhither.Didyounotknow?’

Thenhopeunlooked-forcamesosuddenlytoÉomer’sheart,andwithitthebiteofcareandfearrenewed,thathesaidnomore,butturnedand

wentswiftlyfromthehall;andthePrincefollowedhim.Andwhentheycamefortheveninghadfallenandmanystarswereinthesky.AndtherecameGandalfonfootandwithhimonecloakedingrey;andtheymetbeforethedoorsoftheHousesofHealing.AndtheygreetedGandalfandsaid:‘WeseektheSteward,andmensaythatheisinthisHouse.Hasany

hurtbefallenhim?AndtheLadyÉowyn,whereisshe?’

AndGandalfanswered:‘Shelieswithinandisnotdead,butisneardeath.ButtheLordFaramirwaswoundedbyanevildart,asyouhaveheard,andheisnowtheSteward;forDenethorhasdeparted,andhishouseisinashes.’Andtheywerefilledwithgriefandwonderatthetalethathe

told.ButImrahilsaid:‘So

victoryisshornofgladness,anditisbitterbought,ifbothGondorandRohanareinonedaybereftoftheirlords.ÉomerrulestheRohirrim.WhoshallruletheCitymeanwhile?ShallwenotsendnowfortheLordAragorn?’

Andthecloakedmanspokeandsaid:‘Heiscome.’

AndtheysawashesteppedintothelightofthelanternbythedoorthatitwasAragorn,wrappedinthegreycloakofLórienabovehismail,andbearingnoothertokenthanthegreenstoneofGaladriel.‘IhavecomebecauseGandalfbegsmetodoso,’hesaid.‘ButforthepresentIambuttheCaptainoftheDúnedainofArnor;andtheLordofDolAmrothshallrule

theCityuntilFaramirawakes.ButitismycounselthatGandalfshouldruleusallinthedaysthatfollowandinourdealingswiththeEnemy.’Andtheyagreeduponthat.

ThenGandalfsaid:‘Letusnotstayatthedoor,forthetimeisurgent.Letusenter!ForitisonlyinthecomingofAragornthatanyhoperemainsforthesickthatlieintheHouse.ThusspakeIoreth,

wise-womanofGondor:Thehandsofthekingarethehandsofahealer,andsoshalltherightfulkingbeknown.’

ThenAragornenteredfirstandtheothersfollowed.AndthereatthedoorweretwoguardsintheliveryoftheCitadel:onetall,buttheotherscarcetheheightofaboy;

andwhenhesawthemhecriedaloudinsurpriseandjoy.

‘Strider!Howsplendid!Doyouknow,Iguesseditwasyouintheblackships.Buttheywereallshoutingcorsairsandwouldn’tlistentome.Howdidyoudoit?’

Aragornlaughed,andtookthehobbitbythehand.‘Wellmetindeed!’hesaid.‘Butthereisnottimeyetfor

travellers’tales.’ButImrahilsaidtoÉomer:

‘Isitthusthatwespeaktoourkings?Yetmaybehewillwearhiscrowninsomeothername!’

AndAragornhearinghim,turnedandsaid:‘Verily,forinthehightongueofoldIamElessar,theElfstone,andEnvinyatar,theRenewer’:andheliftedfromhisbreastthegreenstonethatlaythere.

‘ButStridershallbethenameofmyhouse,ifthatbeeverestablished.Inthehightongueitwillnotsoundsoill,andTelcontarIwillbeandalltheheirsofmybody.’

AndwiththattheypassedintotheHouse;andastheywenttowardstheroomswherethesickweretendedGandalftoldofthedeedsofÉowynandMeriadoc.‘For,’hesaid,‘longhaveIstoodby

them,andatfirsttheyspokemuchintheirdreaming,beforetheysankintothedeadlydarkness.Alsoitisgiventometoseemanythingsfaroff.’

AragornwentfirsttoFaramir,andthentotheLadyÉowyn,andlasttoMerry.Whenhehadlookedonthefacesofthesickandseentheirhurtshesighed.‘HereImustputforthallsuchpower

andskillasisgiventome,’hesaid.‘WouldthatElrondwerehere,forheistheeldestofallourrace,andhasthegreaterpower.’

AndÉomerseeingthathewasbothsorrowfulandwearysaid:‘Firstyoumustrest,surely,andattheleasteatalittle?’

ButAragornanswered:‘Nay,forthesethree,andmostsoonforFaramir,time

isrunningout.Allspeedisneeded.’

ThenhecalledtoIorethandhesaid:‘YouhavestoreinthisHouseoftheherbsofhealing?’

‘Yes,lord,’sheanswered;‘butnotenough,Ireckon,forallthatwillneedthem.ButIamsureIdonotknowwhereweshallfindmore;forallthingsareamissinthesedreadfuldays,whatwithfires

andburnings,andtheladsthatrunerrandssofew,andalltheroadsblocked.Why,itisdaysoutofcountsinceeveracarriercameinfromLossarnachtothemarket!ButwedoourbestinthisHousewithwhatwehave,asIamsureyourlordshipwillknow.’

‘IwilljudgethatwhenIsee,’saidAragorn.‘Onethingalsoisshort,timefor

speech.Haveyouathelas?’‘Idonotknow,Iamsure,

lord,’sheanswered,‘atleastnotbythatname.Iwillgoandaskoftheherb-master;heknowsalltheoldnames.’

‘Itisalsocalledkingsfoil,’saidAragorn;‘andmaybeyouknowitbythatname,forsothecountry-folkcallitintheselatterdays.’

‘Ohthat!’saidIoreth.‘Well,ifyourlordshiphad

nameditatfirstIcouldhavetoldyou.No,wehavenoneofit,Iamsure.Why,Ihaveneverheardthatithadanygreatvirtue;andindeedIhaveoftensaidtomysisterswhenwecameuponitgrowinginthewoods:“kingsfoil”,Isaid,“’tisastrangename,andIwonderwhy’tiscalledso;forifIwereaking,Iwouldhaveplantsmorebrightinmy

garden”.Stillitsmellssweetwhenbruised,doesitnot?Ifsweetistherightword:wholesome,maybe,isnearer.’

‘Wholesomeverily,’saidAragorn.‘Andnow,dame,ifyoulovetheLordFaramir,runasquickasyourtongueandgetmekingsfoil,ifthereisaleafintheCity.’

‘Andifnot,’saidGandalf,‘IwillridetoLossarnach

withIorethbehindme,andsheshalltakemetothewoods,butnottohersisters.AndShadowfaxshallshowherthemeaningofhaste.’

WhenIorethwasgone,Aragornbadetheotherwomentomakewaterhot.ThenhetookFaramir’shandinhis,andlaidtheotherhanduponthesickman’sbrow.It

wasdrenchedwithsweat;butFaramirdidnotmoveormakeanysign,andseemedhardlytobreathe.

‘Heisnearlyspent,’saidAragornturningtoGandalf.‘Butthiscomesnotfromthewound.See!thatishealing.HadhebeensmittenbysomedartoftheNazgûl,asyouthought,hewouldhavediedthatnight.ThishurtwasgivenbysomeSouthron

arrow,Iwouldguess.Whodrewitforth?Wasitkept?’

‘Idrewitforth,’saidImrahil,‘andstaunchedthewound.ButIdidnotkeepthearrow,forwehadmuchtodo.Itwas,asIremember,justsuchadartastheSouthronsuse.YetIbelievedthatitcamefromtheShadowsabove,forelsehisfeverandsicknesswerenottobeunderstood;sincethewound

wasnotdeeporvital.Howthendoyoureadthematter?’

‘Weariness,griefforhisfather’smood,awound,andoveralltheBlackBreath,’saidAragorn.‘Heisamanofstaunchwill,foralreadyhehadcomecloseundertheShadowbeforeeverherodetobattleontheout-walls.Slowlythedarkmusthavecreptonhim,evenashefoughtandstrovetoholdhis

outpost.WouldthatIcouldhavebeenheresooner!’

Thereupontheherb-masterentered.‘Yourlordshipaskedforkingsfoil,astherusticsnameit,’hesaid;‘orathelasinthenobletongue,ortothosewhoknowsomewhatoftheValinorean…’

‘Idoso,’saidAragorn,

‘andIcarenotwhetheryousaynowasëaaranionorkingsfoil,solongasyouhavesome.’

‘Yourpardonlord!’saidtheman.‘Iseeyouarealore-master,notmerelyacaptainofwar.Butalas!sir,wedonotkeepthisthingintheHousesofHealing,whereonlythegravelyhurtorsickaretended.Forithasnovirtuethatweknowof,save

perhapstosweetenafouledair,ortodriveawaysomepassingheaviness.Unless,ofcourse,yougiveheedtorhymesofolddayswhichwomensuchasourgoodIorethstillrepeatwithoutunderstanding.

Whentheblackbreathblowsanddeath’sshadowgrows

andalllightspass,comeathelas!comeathelas!LifetothedyingIntheking’shandlying!

Itisbutadoggrel,Ifear,garbledinthememoryofoldwives.ItsmeaningIleavetoyourjudgement,ifindeedithasany.Butoldfolkstilluseaninfusionoftheherbforheadaches.’

‘Theninthenameoftheking,goandfindsomeoldmanoflessloreandmorewisdomwhokeepssomeinhishouse!’criedGandalf.

NowAragornkneltbesideFaramir,andheldahanduponhisbrow.Andthosethatwatchedfeltthatsomegreatstrugglewasgoingon.ForAragorn’sfacegrewgrey

withweariness;andeverandanonhecalledthenameofFaramir,buteachtimemorefaintlytotheirhearing,asifAragornhimselfwasremovedfromthem,andwalkedafarinsomedarkvale,callingforonethatwaslost.

AndatlastBergilcamerunningin,andheboresixleavesinacloth.‘Itiskingsfoil,Sir,’hesaid;‘but

notfresh,Ifear.Itmusthavebeenculledtwoweeksagoattheleast.Ihopeitwillserve,Sir?’ThenlookingatFaramirheburstintotears.

ButAragornsmiled.‘Itwillserve,’hesaid.‘Theworstisnowover.Stayandbecomforted!’Thentakingtwoleaves,helaidthemonhishandsandbreathedonthem,andthenhecrushedthem,andstraightwaya

livingfreshnessfilledtheroom,asiftheairitselfawokeandtingled,sparklingwithjoy.Andthenhecasttheleavesintothebowlsofsteamingwaterthatwerebroughttohim,andatonceallheartswerelightened.Forthefragrancethatcametoeachwaslikeamemoryofdewymorningsofunshadowedsuninsomelandofwhichthefairworldin

springisitselfbutafleetingmemory.ButAragornstoodupasonerefreshed,andhiseyessmiledasheheldabowlbeforeFaramir’sdreamingface.

‘Wellnow!Whowouldhavebelievedit?’saidIorethtoawomanthatstoodbesideher.‘TheweedisbetterthanIthought.ItremindsmeoftherosesofImlothMeluiwhenIwasalass,andnokingcould

askforbetter.’SuddenlyFaramirstirred,

andheopenedhiseyes,andhelookedonAragornwhobentoverhim;andalightofknowledgeandlovewaskindledinhiseyes,andhespokesoftly.‘Mylord,youcalledme.Icome.Whatdoesthekingcommand?’

‘Walknomoreintheshadows,butawake!’saidAragorn.‘Youareweary.

Restawhile,andtakefood,andbereadywhenIreturn.’

‘Iwill,lord,’saidFaramir.‘Forwhowouldlieidlewhenthekinghasreturned?’

‘Farewellthenforawhile!’saidAragorn.‘Imustgotootherswhoneedme.’AndheleftthechamberwithGandalfandImrahil;butBeregondandhissonremainedbehind,unabletocontaintheirjoy.Ashe

followedGandalfandshutthedoorPippinheardIorethexclaim:

‘King!Didyouhearthat?WhatdidIsay?Thehandsofahealer,Isaid.’AndsoonthewordhadgoneoutfromtheHousethatthekingwasindeedcomeamongthem,andafterwarhebroughthealing;andthenewsranthroughtheCity.

ButAragorncametoÉowyn,andhesaid:‘Herethereisagrievoushurtandaheavyblow.Thearmthatwasbrokenhasbeentendedwithdueskill,anditwillmendintime,ifshehasthestrengthtolive.Itistheshield-armthatismaimed;butthechiefevilcomesthroughthesword-arm.Inthattherenowseemsnolife,althoughitisunbroken.

‘Alas!Forshewaspittedagainstafoebeyondthestrengthofhermindorbody.Andthosewhowilltakeaweapontosuchanenemymustbesternerthansteel,iftheveryshockshallnotdestroythem.Itwasanevildoomthatsetherinhispath.Forsheisafairmaiden,fairestladyofahouseofqueens.AndyetIknownothowIshouldspeakofher.

WhenIfirstlookedonherandperceivedherunhappiness,itseemedtomethatIsawawhiteflowerstandingstraightandproud,shapelyasalily,andyetknewthatitwashard,asifwroughtbyelf-wrightsoutofsteel.Orwasit,maybe,afrostthathadturneditssaptoice,andsoitstood,bitter-sweet,stillfairtosee,butstricken,soontofallanddie?

Hermaladybeginsfarbackbeforethisday,doesitnot,Éomer?’

‘Imarvelthatyoushouldaskme,lord,’heanswered.‘ForIholdyoublamelessinthismatter,asinallelse;yetIknewnotthatÉowyn,mysister,wastouchedbyanyfrost,untilshefirstlookedonyou.Careanddreadshehad,andsharedwithme,inthedaysofWormtongueandthe

king’sbewitchment;andshetendedthekingingrowingfear.Butthatdidnotbringhertothispass!’

‘Myfriend,’saidGandalf,‘youhadhorses,anddeedsofarms,andthefreefields;butshe,borninthebodyofamaid,hadaspiritandcourageatleastthematchofyours.Yetshewasdoomedtowaituponanoldman,whomshelovedasafather,andwatch

himfallingintoameandishonoureddotage;andherpartseemedtohermoreignoblethanthatofthestaffheleanedon.

‘ThinkyouthatWormtonguehadpoisononlyforThéoden’sears?Dotard!WhatisthehouseofEorlbutathatchedbarnwherebrigandsdrinkinthereek,andtheirbratsrollontheflooramongtheirdogs?Have

younotheardthosewordsbefore?Sarumanspokethem,theteacherofWormtongue.ThoughIdonotdoubtthatWormtongueathomewrappedtheirmeaningintermsmorecunning.Mylord,ifyoursister’sloveforyou,andherwillstillbenttoherduty,hadnotrestrainedherlips,youmighthaveheardevensuchthingsastheseescapethem.Butwhoknows

whatshespoketothedarkness,alone,inthebitterwatchesofthenight,whenallherlifeseemedshrinking,andthewallsofherbowerclosinginabouther,ahutchtotrammelsomewildthingin?’

ThenÉomerwassilent,andlookedonhissister,asifponderinganewallthedaysoftheirpastlifetogether.ButAragornsaid:‘Isawalsowhatyousaw,Éomer.Few

othergriefsamidtheillchancesofthisworldhavemorebitternessandshameforaman’sheartthantobeholdtheloveofaladysofairandbravethatcannotbereturned.SorrowandpityhavefollowedmeeversinceIleftherdesperateinDunharrowandrodetothePathsoftheDead;andnofearuponthatwaywassopresentasthefearforwhatmightbefallher.

Andyet,Éomer,Isaytoyouthatshelovesyoumoretrulythanme;foryoushelovesandknows;butinmeshelovesonlyashadowandathought:ahopeofgloryandgreatdeeds,andlandsfarfromthefieldsofRohan.

‘Ihave,maybe,thepowertohealherbody,andtorecallherfromthedarkvalley.Buttowhatshewillawake:hope,orforgetfulness,ordespair,I

donotknow.Andiftodespair,thenshewilldie,unlessotherhealingcomeswhichIcannotbring.Alas!forherdeedshavesetheramongthequeensofgreatrenown.’

ThenAragornstoopedandlookedinherface,anditwasindeedwhiteasalily,coldasfrost,andhardasgravenstone.Buthebentandkissedheronthebrow,andcalled

hersoftly,saying:‘ÉowynÉomund’s

daughter,awake!Foryourenemyhaspassedaway!’

Shedidnotstir,butnowshebeganagaintobreathedeeply,sothatherbreastroseandfellbeneaththewhitelinenofthesheet.OncemoreAragornbruisedtwoleavesofathelasandcastthemintosteamingwater;andhelavedherbrowwithit,andherright

armlyingcoldandnervelessonthecoverlet.

Then,whetherAragornhadindeedsomeforgottenpowerofWesternesse,orwhetheritwasbuthiswordsoftheLadyÉowynthatwroughtonthem,asthesweetinfluenceoftheherbstoleaboutthechamberitseemedtothosewhostoodbythatakeenwindblewthroughthewindow,andit

borenoscent,butwasanairwhollyfreshandcleanandyoung,asifithadnotbeforebeenbreathedbyanylivingthingandcamenew-madefromsnowymountainshighbeneathadomeofstars,orfromshoresofsilverfarawaywashedbyseasoffoam.

‘Awake,Éowyn,LadyofRohan!’saidAragornagain,andhetookherrighthandinhisandfeltitwarmwithlife

returning.‘Awake!Theshadowisgoneandalldarknessiswashedclean!’ThenhelaidherhandinÉomer’sandsteppedaway.‘Callher!’hesaid,andhepassedsilentlyfromthechamber.

‘Éowyn,Éowyn!’criedÉomeramidhistears.Butsheopenedhereyesandsaid:‘Éomer!Whatjoyisthis?Fortheysaidthatyouwereslain.

Nay,butthatwasonlythedarkvoicesinmydream.HowlonghaveIbeendreaming?’

‘Notlong,mysister,’saidÉomer.‘Butthinknomoreonit!’

‘Iamstrangelyweary,’shesaid.‘Imustrestalittle.Buttellme,whatoftheLordoftheMark?Alas!Donottellmethatthatwasadream;forIknowthatitwasnot.He

isdeadasheforesaw.’‘Heisdead,’saidÉomer,

‘buthebademesayfarewelltoÉowyn,dearerthandaughter.HeliesnowingreathonourintheCitadelofGondor.’

‘Thatisgrievous,’shesaid.‘AndyetitisgoodbeyondallthatIdaredhopeinthedarkdays,whenitseemedthattheHouseofEorlwassunkinhonourlessthan

anyshepherd’scot.Andwhatoftheking’sesquire,theHalfling?Éomer,youshallmakehimaknightoftheRiddermark,forheisvaliant!’

‘HeliesnearbyinthisHouse,andIwillgotohim,’saidGandalf.‘Éomershallstayhereforawhile.Butdonotspeakyetofwarorwoe,untilyouaremadewholeagain.Greatgladnessitisto

seeyouwakeagaintohealthandhope,sovaliantalady!’

‘Tohealth?’saidÉowyn.‘Itmaybeso.AtleastwhilethereisanemptysaddleofsomefallenRiderthatIcanfill,andtherearedeedstodo.Buttohope?Idonotknow.’

GandalfandPippincametoMerry’sroom,andtheretheyfoundAragornstanding

bythebed.‘PooroldMerry!’criedPippin,andherantothebedside,foritseemedtohimthathisfriendlookedworseandagreynesswasinhisface,asifaweightofyearsofsorrowlayonhim;andsuddenlyafearseizedPippinthatMerrywoulddie.

‘Donotbeafraid,’saidAragorn.‘Icameintime,andIhavecalledhimback.Heiswearynow,andgrieved,and

hehastakenahurtliketheLadyÉowyn,daringtosmitethatdeadlything.Buttheseevilscanbeamended,sostrongandgayaspiritisinhim.Hisgriefhewillnotforget;butitwillnotdarkenhisheart,itwillteachhimwisdom.’

ThenAragornlaidhishandonMerry’shead,andpassinghishandgentlythroughthebrowncurls,he

touchedtheeyelids,andcalledhimbyname.Andwhenthefragranceofathelasstolethroughtheroom,likethescentoforchards,andofheatherinthesunshinefullofbees,suddenlyMerryawoke,andhesaid:

‘Iamhungry.Whatisthetime?’

‘Pastsupper-timenow,’saidPippin;‘thoughIdaresayIcouldbringyousomething,

iftheywillletme.’‘Theywillindeed,’said

Gandalf.‘AndanythingelsethatthisRiderofRohanmaydesire,ifitcanbefoundinMinasTirith,wherehisnameisinhonour.’

‘Good!’saidMerry.‘ThenIwouldlikesupperfirst,andafterthatapipe.’Atthathisfaceclouded.‘No,notapipe.Idon’tthinkI’llsmokeagain.’

‘Whynot?’saidPippin.‘Well,’answeredMerry

slowly.‘Heisdead.Ithasbroughtitallbacktome.Hesaidhewassorryhehadneverhadachanceoftalkingherb-lorewithme.Almostthelastthingheeversaid.Ishan’teverbeabletosmokeagainwithoutthinkingofhim,andthatday,Pippin,whenherodeuptoIsengardandwassopolite.’

‘Smokethen,andthinkofhim!’saidAragorn.‘Forhewasagentleheartandagreatkingandkepthisoaths;andheroseoutoftheshadowstoalastfairmorning.Thoughyourservicetohimwasbrief,itshouldbeamemorygladandhonourabletotheendofyourdays.’

Merrysmiled.‘Wellthen,’hesaid,‘ifStriderwillprovidewhatisneeded,Iwill

smokeandthink.IhadsomeofSaruman’sbestinmypack,butwhatbecameofitinthebattle,IamsureIdon’tknow.’

‘MasterMeriadoc,’saidAragorn,‘ifyouthinkthatIhavepassedthroughthemountainsandtherealmofGondorwithfireandswordtobringherbstoacarelesssoldierwhothrowsawayhisgear,youaremistaken.If

yourpackhasnotbeenfound,thenyoumustsendfortheherb-masterofthisHouse.Andhewilltellyouthathedidnotknowthattheherbyoudesirehadanyvirtues,butthatitiscalledwest-mansweedbythevulgar,andgalenasbythenoble,andothernamesinothertonguesmorelearned,andafteraddingafewhalf-forgottenrhymesthathedoesnot

understand,hewillregretfullyinformyouthatthereisnoneintheHouse,andhewillleaveyoutoreflectonthehistoryoftongues.AndsonowmustI.ForIhavenotsleptinsuchabedasthis,sinceIrodefromDunharrow,noreatensincethedarkbeforedawn.’

Merryseizedhishandandkissedit.‘Iamfrightfullysorry,’hesaid.‘Goatonce!

EversincethatnightatBreewehavebeenanuisancetoyou.Butitisthewayofmypeopletouselightwordsatsuchtimesandsaylessthantheymean.Wefeartosaytoomuch.Itrobsusoftherightwordswhenajestisoutofplace.’

‘Iknowthatwell,orIwouldnotdealwithyouinthesameway,’saidAragorn.‘MaytheShireliveforever

unwithered!’AndkissingMerryhewentout,andGandalfwentwithhim.

Pippinremainedbehind.‘Wasthereeveranyonelikehim?’hesaid.‘ExceptGandalf,ofcourse.Ithinktheymustberelated.Mydearass,yourpackislyingbyyourbed,andyouhaditonyourbackwhenImetyou.

Hesawitallthetime,ofcourse.AndanywayIhavesomestuffofmyown.Comeonnow!LongbottomLeafitis.FillupwhileIrunandseeaboutsomefood.Andthenlet’sbeeasyforabit.Dearme!WeTooksandBrandybucks,wecan’tlivelongontheheights.’

‘No,’saidMerry.‘Ican’t.Notyet,atanyrate.Butatleast,Pippin,wecannowsee

them,andhonourthem.Itisbesttolovefirstwhatyouarefittedtolove,Isuppose:youmuststartsomewhereandhavesomeroots,andthesoiloftheShireisdeep.Stilltherearethingsdeeperandhigher;andnotagaffercouldtendhisgardeninwhathecallspeacebutforthem,whetherheknowsaboutthemornot.IamgladthatIknowaboutthem,alittle.ButI

don’tknowwhyIamtalkinglikethis.Whereisthatleaf?Andgetmypipeoutofmypack,ifitisn’tbroken.’

AragornandGandalfwentnowtotheWardenoftheHousesofHealing,andtheycounselledhimthatFaramirandÉowynshouldremainthereandstillbetendedwithcareformany

days.‘TheLadyÉowyn,’said

Aragorn,‘willwishsoontoriseanddepart;butsheshouldnotbepermittedtodoso,ifyoucaninanywayrestrainher,untilatleasttendaysbepassed.’

‘AsforFaramir,’saidGandalf,‘hemustsoonlearnthathisfatherisdead.ButthefulltaleofthemadnessofDenethorshouldnotbetold

tohim,untilheisquitehealedandhasdutiestodo.SeethatBeregondandtheperianwhowerepresentdonotspeaktohimofthesethingsyet!’

‘Andtheotherperian,Meriadoc,whoisundermycare,whatofhim?’saidtheWarden.

‘Itislikelythathewillbefittoarisetomorrow,forashortwhile,’saidAragorn.

‘Lethimdoso,ifhewishes.Hemaywalkalittleinthecareofhisfriends.’

‘Theyarearemarkablerace,’saidtheWarden,noddinghishead.‘Verytoughinthefibre,Ideem.’

AtthedoorsoftheHousesmanywerealreadygatheredtoseeAragorn,andtheyfollowedafterhim;and

whenatlasthehadsupped,mencameandprayedthathewouldhealtheirkinsmenortheirfriendswhoseliveswereinperilthroughhurtorwound,orwholayundertheBlackShadow.AndAragornaroseandwentout,andhesentforthesonsofElrond,andtogethertheylabouredfarintothenight.AndwordwentthroughtheCity:‘TheKingiscomeagainindeed.’And

theynamedhimElfstone,becauseofthegreenstonethathewore,andsothenamewhichitwasforetoldathisbirththatheshouldbearwaschosenforhimbyhisownpeople.

Andwhenhecouldlabournomore,hecasthiscloakabouthim,andslippedoutoftheCity,andwenttohistentjusteredawnandsleptforalittle.Andinthemorningthe

bannerofDolAmroth,awhiteshiplikeaswanuponbluewater,floatedfromtheTower,andmenlookedupandwonderedifthecomingoftheKinghadbeenbutadream.

Chapter9

THELASTDEBATE

Themorningcameafterthedayofbattle,anditwasfairwithlightcloudsandthewindturningwestward.

LegolasandGimliwereearlyabroad,andtheybeggedleavetogoupintotheCity;fortheywereeagertoseeMerryandPippin.

‘Itisgoodtolearnthattheyarestillalive,’saidGimli;‘fortheycostusgreatpainsinourmarchoverRohan,andIwouldnothavesuchpainsallwasted.’

TogethertheElfandtheDwarfenteredMinasTirith,

andfolkthatsawthempassmarvelledtoseesuchcompanions;forLegolaswasfairoffacebeyondthemeasureofMen,andhesanganelven-songinaclearvoiceashewalkedinthemorning;butGimlistalkedbesidehim,strokinghisbeardandstaringabouthim.

‘Thereissomegoodstone-workhere,’hesaidashelookedatthewalls;‘but

alsosomethatislessgood,andthestreetscouldbebettercontrived.WhenAragorncomesintohisown,IshallofferhimtheserviceofstonewrightsoftheMountain,andwewillmakethisatowntobeproudof.’

‘Theyneedmoregardens,’saidLegolas.‘Thehousesaredead,andthereistoolittleherethatgrowsandisglad.IfAragorncomesinto

hisown,thepeopleoftheWoodshallbringhimbirdsthatsingandtreesthatdonotdie.’

AtlengththeycametothePrinceImrahil,andLegolaslookedathimandbowedlow;forhesawthathereindeedwasonewhohadelven-bloodinhisveins.‘Hail,lord!’hesaid.‘Itis

longsincethepeopleofNimrodelleftthewoodlandsofLórien,andyetstillonemayseethatnotallsailedfromAmroth’shavenwestoverwater.’

‘Soitissaidintheloreofmyland,’saidthePrince;‘yetneverhasoneofthefairfolkbeenseenthereforyearsbeyondcount.AndImarveltoseeoneherenowinthemidstofsorrowandwar.

Whatdoyouseek?’‘IamoneoftheNine

CompanionswhosetoutwithMithrandirfromImladris,’saidLegolas;‘andwiththisDwarf,myfriend,IcamewiththeLordAragorn.Butnowwewishtoseeourfriends,MeriadocandPeregrin,whoareinyourkeeping,wearetold.’

‘YouwillfindthemintheHousesofHealing,andIwill

leadyouthither,’saidImrahil.

‘Itwillbeenoughifyousendonetoguideus,lord,’saidLegolas.‘ForAragornsendsthismessagetoyou.HedoesnotwishtoentertheCityagainatthistime.Yetthereisneedforthecaptainstoholdcouncilatonce,andhepraysthatyouandÉomerofRohanwillcomedowntohistents,assoonasmaybe.

Mithrandirisalreadythere.’‘Wewillcome,’said

Imrahil;andtheypartedwithcourteouswords.

‘Thatisafairlordandagreatcaptainofmen,’saidLegolas.‘IfGondorhassuchmenstillinthesedaysoffading,greatmusthavebeenitsgloryinthedaysofitsrising.’

‘Anddoubtlessthegoodstone-workistheolderand

waswroughtinthefirstbuilding,’saidGimli.‘ItiseversowiththethingsthatMenbegin:thereisafrostinSpring,orablightinSummer,andtheyfailoftheirpromise.’

‘Yetseldomdotheyfailoftheirseed,’saidLegolas.‘Andthatwilllieinthedustandrottospringupagainintimesandplacesunlooked-for.ThedeedsofMenwill

outlastus,Gimli.’‘Andyetcometonaught

intheendbutmight-have-beens,Iguess,’saidtheDwarf.

‘TothattheElvesknownottheanswer,’saidLegolas.

WiththattheservantofthePrincecameandledthemtotheHousesofHealing;andtheretheyfoundtheirfriends

inthegarden,andtheirmeetingwasamerryone.Forawhiletheywalkedandtalked,rejoicingforabriefspaceinpeaceandrestunderthemorninghighupinthewindycirclesoftheCity.ThenwhenMerrybecameweary,theywentandsatuponthewallwiththegreenswardoftheHousesofHealingbehindthem;andawaysouthwardbeforethem

wastheAnduinglitteringinthesun,asitflowedaway,outofthesightevenofLegolas,intothewideflatsandgreenhazeofLebenninandSouthIthilien.

AndnowLegolasfellsilent,whiletheotherstalked,andhelookedoutagainstthesun,andashegazedhesawwhitesea-birdsbeatinguptheRiver.

‘Look!’hecried.‘Gulls!

Theyareflyingfarinland.Awondertheyaretomeandatroubletomyheart.NeverinallmylifehadImetthem,untilwecametoPelargir,andthereIheardthemcryingintheairaswerodetothebattleoftheships.ThenIstoodstill,forgettingwarinMiddle-earth;fortheirwailingvoicesspoketomeoftheSea.TheSea!Alas!Ihavenotyetbeheldit.But

deepintheheartsofallmykindredliesthesea-longing,whichitisperiloustostir.Alas!forthegulls.NopeaceshallIhaveagainunderbeechorunderelm.’

‘Saynotso!’saidGimli.‘TherearecountlessthingsstilltoseeinMiddle-earth,andgreatworkstodo.ButifallthefairfolktaketotheHavens,itwillbeadullerworldforthosewhoare

doomedtostay.’‘Dullanddrearyindeed!’

saidMerry.‘YoumustnotgototheHavens,Legolas.Therewillalwaysbesomefolk,bigorlittle,andevenafewwisedwarveslikeGimli,whoneedyou.AtleastIhopeso.ThoughIfeelsomehowthattheworstofthiswarisstilltocome.HowIwishitwasallover,andwellover!’

‘Don’tbesogloomy!’

criedPippin.‘TheSunisshining,andherewearetogetherforadayortwoatleast.Iwanttohearmoreaboutyouall.Come,Gimli!YouandLegolashavementionedyourstrangejourneywithStrideraboutadozentimesalreadythismorning.Butyouhaven’ttoldmeanythingaboutit.’

‘TheSunmayshinehere,’saidGimli,‘butthereare

memoriesofthatroadthatIdonotwishtorecalloutofthedarkness.HadIknownwhatwasbeforeme,IthinkthatnotforanyfriendshipwouldIhavetakenthePathsoftheDead.’

‘ThePathsoftheDead?’saidPippin.‘IheardAragornsaythat,andIwonderedwhathecouldmean.Won’tyoutellussomemore?’

‘Notwillingly,’said

Gimli.‘ForuponthatroadIwasputtoshame:GimliGlóin’sson,whohaddeemedhimselfmoretoughthanMen,andhardierunderearththananyElf.ButneitherdidIprove;andIwasheldtotheroadonlybythewillofAragorn.’

‘Andbytheloveofhimalso,’saidLegolas.‘Forallthosewhocometoknowhimcometolovehimaftertheir

ownfashion,eventhecoldmaidenoftheRohirrim.Itwasatearlymornofthedayereyoucamethere,Merry,thatweleftDunharrow,andsuchafearwasonallthefolkthatnonewouldlookonourgoing,savetheLadyÉowyn,wholiesnowhurtintheHousebelow.Therewasgriefatthatparting,andIwasgrievedtobeholdit.’

‘Alas!Ihadheartonlyfor

myself,’saidGimli.‘Nay!Iwillnotspeakofthatjourney.’

Hefellsilent;butPippinandMerryweresoeagerfornewsthatatlastLegolassaid:‘Iwilltellyouenoughforyourpeace;forIfeltnotthehorror,andIfearednottheshadowsofMen,powerlessandfrailasIdeemedthem.’

Swiftlythenhetoldofthehauntedroadunderthe

mountains,andthedarktrystatErech,andthegreatridethence,ninetyleaguesandthree,toPelargironAnduin.‘Fourdaysandnights,andonintoafifth,werodefromtheBlackStone,’hesaid.‘Andlo!inthedarknessofMordormyhoperose;forinthatgloomtheShadowHostseemedtogrowstrongerandmoreterribletolookupon.SomeIsawriding,some

striding,yetallmovingwiththesamegreatspeed.Silenttheywere,buttherewasagleamintheireyes.IntheuplandsofLamedontheyovertookourhorses,andsweptroundus,andwouldhavepassedusby,ifAragornhadnotforbiddenthem.

‘Athiscommandtheyfellback.“EventheshadesofMenareobedienttohiswill,”Ithought.“Theymayserve

hisneedsyet!”‘Onedayoflightwerode,

andthencamethedaywithoutdawn,andstillwerodeon,andCirilandRinglówecrossed;andonthethirddaywecametoLinhirabovethemouthofGilrain.AndtheremenofLamedoncontestedthefordswithfellfolkofUmbarandHaradwhohadsaileduptheriver.Butdefendersandfoesalikegave

upthebattleandfledwhenwecame,cryingoutthattheKingoftheDeadwasuponthem.OnlyAngbor,LordofLamedon,hadthehearttoabideus;andAragornbadehimgatherhisfolkandcomebehind,iftheydared,whentheGreyHosthadpassed.

‘“AtPelargirtheHeirofIsildurwillhaveneedofyou,”hesaid.

‘Thuswecrossedover

Gilrain,drivingthealliesofMordorinroutbeforeus;andthenwerestedawhile.ButsoonAragornarose,saying:“Lo!alreadyMinasTirithisassailed.Ifearthatitwillfallerewecometoitsaid.”SowemountedagainbeforenighthadpassedandwentonwithallthespeedthatourhorsescouldendureovertheplainsofLebennin.’

Legolaspausedand

sighed,andturninghiseyessouthwardsoftlyhesang:

SilverflowthestreamsfromCelostoEruiInthegreenfieldsofLebennin!Tallgrowsthegrassthere.InthewindfromtheSeaThewhiteliliessway,Andthegoldenbellsareshakenofmallosand

alfirinInthegreenfieldsofLebennin,InthewindfromtheSea!

‘Greenarethosefieldsinthesongsofmypeople;buttheyweredarkthen,greywastesintheblacknessbeforeus.Andoverthewideland,tramplingunheededthegrassandtheflowers,wehuntedourfoesthroughaday

andanight,untilwecameatthebitterendtotheGreatRiveratlast.

‘ThenIthoughtinmyheartthatwedrewneartotheSea;forwidewasthewaterinthedarkness,andsea-birdsinnumerablecriedonitsshores.Alasforthewailingofthegulls!DidnottheLadytellmetobewareofthem?AndnowIcannotforgetthem.’

‘FormypartIheededthemnot,’saidGimli;‘forwecamethenatlastuponbattleinearnest.ThereatPelargirlaythemainfleetofUmbar,fiftygreatshipsandsmallervesselsbeyondcount.Manyofthosethatwepursuedhadreachedthehavensbeforeus,andbroughttheirfearwiththem;andsomeoftheshipshadputoff,seekingtoescapedowntheRiverortoreach

thefarshore;andmanyofthesmallercraftwereablaze.ButtheHaradrim,beingnowdriventothebrink,turnedatbay,andtheywerefierceindespair;andtheylaughedwhentheylookedonus,fortheywereagreatarmystill.

‘ButAragornhaltedandcriedwithagreatvoice:“Nowcome!BytheBlackStoneIcallyou!”AndsuddenlytheShadowHost

thathadhungbackatthelastcameuplikeagreytide,sweepingallawaybeforeit.FaintcriesIheard,anddimhornsblowing,andamurmurasofcountlessfarvoices:itwasliketheechoofsomeforgottenbattleintheDarkYearslongago.Paleswordsweredrawn;butIknownotwhethertheirbladeswouldstillbite,fortheDeadneedednolongeranyweaponbut

fear.Nonewouldwithstandthem.

‘Toeveryshiptheycamethatwasdrawnup,andthentheypassedoverthewatertothosethatwereanchored;andallthemarinerswerefilledwithamadnessofterrorandleapedoverboard,savetheslaveschainedtotheoars.Recklesswerodeamongourfleeingfoes,drivingthemlikeleaves,untilwecametothe

shore.AndthentoeachofthegreatshipsthatremainedAragornsentoneoftheDúnedain,andtheycomfortedthecaptivesthatwereaboard,andbadethemputasidefearandbefree.

‘Erethatdarkdayendednoneoftheenemywerelefttoresistus;allweredrowned,orwereflyingsouthinthehopetofindtheirownlandsuponfoot.Strangeand

wonderfulIthoughtitthatthedesignsofMordorshouldbeoverthrownbysuchwraithsoffearanddarkness.Withitsownweaponswasitworsted!’

‘Strangeindeed,’saidLegolas.‘InthathourIlookedonAragornandthoughthowgreatandterribleaLordhemighthavebecomeinthestrengthofhiswill,hadhetakentheRingto

himself.NotfornaughtdoesMordorfearhim.ButnoblerishisspiritthantheunderstandingofSauron;forishenotofthechildrenofLúthien?Nevershallthatlinefail,thoughtheyearsmaylengthenbeyondcount.’

‘BeyondtheeyesoftheDwarvesaresuchforetellings,’saidGimli.‘ButmightyindeedwasAragornthatday.Lo!alltheblack

fleetwasinhishands;andhechosethegreatestshiptobehisown,andhewentupintoit.Thenheletsoundagreatconcourseoftrumpetstakenfromtheenemy;andtheShadowHostwithdrewtotheshore.Theretheystoodsilent,hardlytobeseen,saveforaredgleamintheireyesthatcaughttheglareoftheshipsthatwereburning.AndAragornspokeinaloudvoice

totheDeadMen,crying:‘“Hearnowthewordsof

theHeirofIsildur!Youroathisfulfilled.Gobackandtroublenotthevalleyseveragain!Departandbeatrest!”

‘AndthereupontheKingoftheDeadstoodoutbeforethehostandbrokehisspearandcastitdown.Thenhebowedlowandturnedaway;andswiftlythewholegreyhostdrewoffandvanished

likeamistthatisdrivenbackbyasuddenwind;anditseemedtomethatIawokefromadream.

‘Thatnightwerestedwhileotherslaboured.Forthereweremanycaptivessetfree,andmanyslavesreleasedwhohadbeenfolkofGondortakeninraids;andsoonalsotherewasagreatgatheringofmenoutofLebenninandtheEthir,and

AngborofLamedoncameupwithallthehorsementhathecouldmuster.NowthatthefearoftheDeadwasremovedtheycametoaidusandtolookontheHeirofIsildur;fortherumourofthatnamehadrunlikefireinthedark.

‘Andthatisneartheendofourtale.Forduringthateveningandnightmanyshipsweremadereadyandmanned;andinthemorning

thefleetsetforth.Longpastitnowseems,yetitwasbutthemornofthedayereyesterday,thesixthsincewerodefromDunharrow.ButstillAragornwasdrivenbyfearthattimewastooshort.

‘“ItisfortyleaguesandtwofromPelargirtothelandingsattheHarlond,”hesaid.“YettotheHarlondwemustcometomorroworfailutterly.”

‘Theoarswerenowwieldedbyfreemen,andmanfullytheylaboured;yetslowlywepasseduptheGreatRiver,forwestroveagainstitsstream,andthoughthatisnotswiftdownintheSouth,wehadnohelpofwind.Heavywouldmyhearthavebeen,forallourvictoryatthehavens,ifLegolashadnotlaughedsuddenly.

‘“Upwithyourbeard,

Durin’sson!”hesaid.“Forthusisitspoken:Ofthopeisborn,whenallisforlorn.”Butwhathopehesawfromafarhewouldnottell.Whennightcameitdidbutdeepenthedarkness,andourheartswerehot,forawayintheNorthwesawaredglowunderthecloud,andAragornsaid:“MinasTirithisburning.”

‘Butatmidnighthopewas

indeedbornanew.Sea-craftymenoftheEthirgazingsouthwardspokeofachangecomingwithafreshwindfromtheSea.Longeredaythemastedshipshoistedsail,andourspeedgrew,untildawnwhitenedthefoamatourprows.Andsoitwas,asyouknow,thatwecameinthethirdhourofthemorningwithafairwindandtheSununveiled,andweunfurledthe

greatstandardinbattle.Itwasagreatdayandagreathour,whatevermaycomeafter.’

‘Followwhatmay,greatdeedsarenotlessenedinworth,’saidLegolas.‘GreatdeedwastheridingofthePathsoftheDead,andgreatitshallremain,thoughnonebeleftinGondortosingofitinthedaysthataretocome.’

‘Andthatmaywellbefall,’saidGimli.‘Forthe

facesofAragornandGandalfaregrave.MuchIwonderwhatcounselstheyaretakinginthetentstherebelow.Formypart,likeMerry,Iwishthatwithourvictorythewarwasnowover.Yetwhateverisstilltodo,Ihopetohaveapartinit,forthehonourofthefolkoftheLonelyMountain.’

‘AndIforthefolkoftheGreatWood,’saidLegolas,

‘andfortheloveoftheLordoftheWhiteTree.’

Thenthecompanionsfellsilent,butawhiletheysatthereinthehighplace,eachbusywithhisownthoughts,whiletheCaptainsdebated.

WhenthePrinceImrahilhadpartedfromLegolasandGimli,atoncehesentforÉomer;andhewentdown

withhimfromtheCity,andtheycametothetentsofAragornthatweresetuponthefieldnotfarfromtheplacewhereKingThéodenhadfallen.AndtheretheytookcounseltogetherwithGandalfandAragornandthesonsofElrond.

‘Mylords,’saidGandalf,‘listentothewordsoftheStewardofGondorbeforehedied:Youmaytriumphonthe

fieldsofthePelennorforaday,butagainstthePowerthathasnowarisenthereisnovictory.Idonotbidyoudespair,ashedid,buttoponderthetruthinthesewords.

‘TheStonesofSeeingdonotlie,andnoteventheLordofBarad-dûrcanmakethemdoso.Hecan,maybe,byhiswillchoosewhatthingsshallbeseenbyweakerminds,or

causethemtomistakethemeaningofwhattheysee.NonethelessitcannotbedoubtedthatwhenDenethorsawgreatforcesarrayedagainsthiminMordor,andmorestillbeinggathered,hesawthatwhichtrulyis.

‘Hardlyhasourstrengthsufficedtobeatoffthefirstgreatassault.Thenextwillbegreater.Thiswartheniswithoutfinalhope,as

Denethorperceived.Victorycannotbeachievedbyarms,whetheryousitheretoenduresiegeaftersiege,ormarchouttobeoverwhelmedbeyondtheRiver.Youhaveonlyachoiceofevils;andprudencewouldcounselyoutostrengthensuchstrongplacesasyouhave,andthereawaittheonset;forsoshallthetimebeforeyourendbemadealittlelonger.’

‘ThenyouwouldhaveusretreattoMinasTirith,orDolAmroth,ortoDunharrow,andtheresitlikechildrenonsand-castleswhenthetideisflowing?’saidImrahil.

‘Thatwouldbenonewcounsel,’saidGandalf.‘HaveyounotdonethisandlittlemoreinallthedaysofDenethor?Butno!Isaidthiswouldbeprudent.Idonotcounselprudence.Isaid

victorycouldnotbeachievedbyarms.Istillhopeforvictory,butnotbyarms.ForintothemidstofallthesepoliciescomestheRingofPower,thefoundationofBarad-dûr,andthehopeofSauron.

‘Concerningthisthing,mylords,younowallknowenoughfortheunderstandingofourplight,andofSauron’s.Ifheregainsit,yourvalouris

vain,andhisvictorywillbeswiftandcomplete:socompletethatnonecanforeseetheendofitwhilethisworldlasts.Ifitisdestroyed,thenhewillfall;andhisfallwillbesolowthatnonecanforeseehisarisingeveragain.Forhewilllosethebestpartofthestrengththatwasnativetohiminhisbeginning,andallthatwasmadeorbegunwiththat

powerwillcrumble,andhewillbemaimedforever,becomingamerespiritofmalicethatgnawsitselfintheshadows,butcannotagaingrowortakeshape.Andsoagreatevilofthisworldwillberemoved.

‘Otherevilstherearethatmaycome;forSauronishimselfbutaservantoremissary.Yetitisnotourparttomasterallthetidesof

theworld,buttodowhatisinusforthesuccourofthoseyearswhereinweareset,uprootingtheevilinthefieldsthatweknow,sothatthosewholiveaftermayhavecleanearthtotill.Whatweathertheyshallhaveisnotourstorule.

‘NowSauronknowsallthis,andheknowsthatthispreciousthingwhichhelosthasbeenfoundagain;buthe

doesnotyetknowwhereitis,orsowehope.Andthereforeheisnowingreatdoubt.Forifwehavefoundthisthing,therearesomeamonguswithstrengthenoughtowieldit.Thattooheknows.FordoInotguessrightly,Aragorn,thatyouhaveshownyourselftohimintheStoneofOrthanc?’

‘IdidsoereIrodefromtheHornburg,’answered

Aragorn.‘Ideemedthatthetimewasripe,andthattheStonehadcometomeforjustsuchapurpose.ItwasthentendayssincetheRing-bearerwenteastfromRauros,andtheEyeofSauron,Ithought,shouldbedrawnoutfromhisownland.TooseldomhashebeenchallengedsincehereturnedtohisTower.ThoughifIhadforeseenhowswiftwouldbe

hisonsetinanswer,maybeIshouldnothavedaredtoshowmyself.Baretimewasgivenmetocometoyouraid.’

‘Buthowisthis?’askedÉomer.‘Allisvain,yousay,ifhehastheRing.Whyshouldhethinkitnotvaintoassailus,ifwehaveit?’

‘Heisnotyetsure,’saidGandalf,‘andhehasnotbuiltuphispowerbywaitinguntil

hisenemiesaresecure,aswehavedone.Alsowecouldnotlearnhowtowieldthefullpowerallinaday.Indeeditcanbeusedonlybyonemasteralone,notbymany;andhewilllookforatimeofstrife,ereoneofthegreatamongusmakeshimselfmasterandputsdowntheothers.InthattimetheRingmightaidhim,ifheweresudden.

‘Heiswatching.Heseesmuchandhearsmuch.HisNazgûlarestillabroad.Theypassedoverthisfielderethesunrise,thoughfewofthewearyandsleepingwereawareofthem.Hestudiesthesigns:theSwordthatrobbedhimofhistreasurere-made;thewindsoffortuneturninginourfavour,andthedefeatunlooked-forofhisfirstassault;thefallofhisgreat

Captain.‘Hisdoubtwillbe

growing,evenaswespeakhere.HisEyeisnowstrainingtowardsus,blindalmosttoallelsethatismoving.Sowemustkeepit.Thereinliesallourhope.This,then,ismycounsel.WehavenottheRing.Inwisdomorgreatfollyithasbeensentawaytobedestroyed,lestitdestroyus.Withoutitwecannotby

forcedefeathisforce.ButwemustatallcostskeephisEyefromhistrueperil.Wecannotachievevictorybyarms,butbyarmswecangivetheRing-bearerhisonlychance,frailthoughitbe.

‘AsAragornhasbegun,sowemustgoon.WemustpushSaurontohislastthrow.Wemustcallouthishiddenstrength,sothatheshallemptyhisland.Wemust

marchouttomeethimatonce.Wemustmakeourselvesthebait,thoughhisjawsshouldcloseonus.Hewilltakethatbait,inhopeandingreed,forhewillthinkthatinsuchrashnessheseestheprideofthenewRinglord:andhewillsay:“So!hepushesouthisnecktoosoonandtoofar.Lethimcomeon,andbeholdIwillhavehiminatrapfromwhichhecannot

escape.ThereIwillcrushhim,andwhathehastakeninhisinsolenceshallbemineagainforever.”

‘Wemustwalkopen-eyedintothattrap,withcourage,butsmallhopeforourselves.For,mylords,itmaywellprovethatweourselvesshallperishutterlyinablackbattlefarfromthelivinglands;sothatevenifBarad-dûrbethrowndown,weshallnot

livetoseeanewage.Butthis,Ideem,isourduty.Andbettersothantoperishnonetheless–aswesurelyshall,ifwesithere–andknowaswediethatnonewageshallbe.’

Theyweresilentforawhile.AtlengthAragornspoke.‘AsIhavebegun,soIwillgoon.Wecomenowto

theverybrink,wherehopeanddespairareakin.Towaveristofall.LetnonenowrejectthecounselsofGandalf,whoselonglaboursagainstSauroncomeatlasttotheirtest.Butforhimallwouldlongagohavebeenlost.NonethelessIdonotyetclaimtocommandanyman.Letotherschooseastheywill.’

ThensaidElrohir:‘From

theNorthwecamewiththispurpose,andfromElrondourfatherwebroughtthisverycounsel.Wewillnotturnback.’

‘Asformyself,’saidÉomer,‘Ihavelittleknowledgeofthesedeepmatters;butIneeditnot.ThisIknow,anditisenough,thatasmyfriendAragornsuccouredmeandmypeople,soIwillaidhimwhenhe

calls.Iwillgo.’‘Asforme,’saidImrahil,

‘theLordAragornIholdtobemyliege-lord,whetherheclaimitorno.Hiswishistomeacommand.Iwillgoalso.YetforawhileIstandintheplaceoftheStewardofGondor,anditisminetothinkfirstofitspeople.Toprudencesomeheedmuststillbegiven.Forwemustprepareagainstallchances,

goodaswellasevil.Now,itmaybethatweshalltriumph,andwhilethereisanyhopeofthis,Gondormustbeprotected.IwouldnothaveusreturnwithvictorytoaCityinruinsandalandravagedbehindus.AndyetwelearnfromtheRohirrimthatthereisanarmystillunfoughtuponournorthernflank.’

‘Thatistrue,’said

Gandalf.‘IdonotcounselyoutoleavetheCityallunmanned.IndeedtheforcethatweleadeastneednotbegreatenoughforanyassaultinearnestuponMordor,solongasitbegreatenoughtochallengebattle.Anditmustmovesoon.ThereforeIasktheCaptains:whatforcecouldwemusterandleadoutintwodays’timeatthelatest?Andtheymustbe

hardymenthatgowillingly,knowingtheirperil.’

‘Allareweary,andverymanyhavewoundslightorgrievous,’saidÉomer,‘andwehavesufferedmuchlossofourhorses,andthatisilltobear.Ifwemustridesoon,thenIcannothopetoleadeventwothousands,andyetleaveasmanyforthedefenceoftheCity.’

‘Wehavenotonlyto

reckonwiththosewhofoughtonthisfield,’saidAragorn.‘Newstrengthisonthewayfromthesouthernfiefs,nowthatthecoastshavebeenrid.FourthousandsIsentmarchingfromPelargirthroughLossarnachtwodaysago;andAngborthefearlessridesbeforethem.Ifwesetoutintwodaysmore,theywilldrawnigherewedepart.Moreovermanywerebidden

tofollowmeuptheRiverinanycrafttheycouldgather;andwiththiswindtheywillsoonbeathand,indeedseveralshipshavealreadycometotheHarlond.Ijudgethatwecouldleadoutseventhousandsofhorseandfoot,andyetleavetheCityinbetterdefencethanitwaswhentheassaultbegan.’

‘TheGateisdestroyed,’saidImrahil,‘andwherenow

istheskilltorebuilditandsetitupanew?’

‘InEreborintheKingdomofDáinthereissuchskill,’saidAragorn;‘andifallourhopesdonotperish,thenintimeIwillsendGimliGlóin’ssontoaskforwrightsoftheMountain.Butmenarebetterthangates,andnogatewillendureagainstourEnemyifmendesertit.’

Thisthenwastheendofthedebateofthelords:thattheyshouldsetforthonthesecondmorningfromthatdaywithseventhousands,ifthesemightbefound;andthegreatpartofthisforceshouldbeonfoot,becauseoftheevillandsintowhichtheywouldgo.AragornshouldfindsometwothousandsofthosethathehadgatheredtohimintheSouth;butImrahilshould

findthreeandahalfthousands;andÉomerfivehundredsoftheRohirrimwhowereunhorsedbutthemselveswarworthy,andhehimselfshouldleadfivehundredsofhisbestRidersonhorse;andanothercompanyoffivehundredhorsethereshouldbe,amongwhichshouldridethesonsofElrondwiththeDúnedainandtheknightsofDolAmroth:

alltoldsixthousandfootandathousandhorse.ButthemainstrengthoftheRohirrimthatremainedhorsedandabletofight,somethreethousandunderthecommandofElfhelm,shouldwaylaytheWestRoadagainsttheenemythatwasinAnórien.Andatonceswiftridersweresentouttogatherwhatnewstheycouldnorthwards;andeastwardsfromOsgiliathand

theroadtoMinasMorgul.Andwhentheyhad

reckonedupalltheirstrengthandtakenthoughtforthejourneystheyshouldmakeandtheroadstheyshouldchoose,Imrahilsuddenlylaughedaloud.

‘Surely,’hecried,‘thisisthegreatestjestinallthehistoryofGondor:thatweshouldridewithseventhousands,scarceasmanyas

thevanguardofitsarmyinthedaysofitspower,toassailthemountainsandtheimpenetrablegateoftheBlackLand!Somightachildthreatenamail-cladknightwithabowofstringandgreenwillow!IftheDarkLordknowssomuchasyousay,Mithrandir,willhenotrathersmilethanfear,andwithhislittlefingercrushuslikeaflythattriestosting

him?’‘No,hewilltrytotrapthe

flyandtakethesting,’saidGandalf.‘Andtherearenamesamongusthatareworthmorethanathousandmail-cladknightsapiece.No,hewillnotsmile.’

‘Neithershallwe,’saidAragorn.‘Ifthisbejest,thenitistoobitterforlaughter.Nay,itisthelastmoveinagreatjeopardy,andforone

sideortheotheritwillbringtheendofthegame.’ThenhedrewAndúrilandhelditupglitteringinthesun.‘Youshallnotbesheathedagainuntilthelastbattleisfought,’hesaid.

Chapter10

THEBLACKGATEOPENS

TwodayslaterthearmyoftheWestwasallassembled

onthePelennor.ThehostofOrcsandEasterlingshadturnedbackoutofAnórien,butharriedandscatteredbytheRohirrimtheyhadbrokenandfledwithlittlefightingtowardsCairAndros;andwiththatthreatdestroyedandnewstrengtharrivingoutoftheSouththeCitywasaswellmannedasmightbe.Scoutsreportedthatnoenemiesremaineduponthe

roadseastasfarastheCross-roadsoftheFallenKing.Allnowwasreadyforthelastthrow.

LegolasandGimliweretorideagaintogetherinthecompanyofAragornandGandalf,whowentinthevanwiththeDúnedainandthesonsofElrond.ButMerrytohisshamewasnottogowiththem.

‘Youarenotfitforsucha

journey,’saidAragorn.‘Butdonotbeashamed.Ifyoudonomoreinthiswar,youhavealreadyearnedgreathonour.PeregrinshallgoandrepresenttheShire-folk;anddonotgrudgehimhischanceofperil,forthoughhehasdoneaswellashisfortuneallowedhim,hehasyettomatchyourdeed.Butintruthallnowareinlikedanger.Thoughitmaybeourpartto

findabitterendbeforetheGateofMordor,ifwedoso,thenyouwillcomealsotoalaststand,eitherhereorwherevertheblacktideovertakesyou.Farewell!’

AndsodespondentlyMerrynowstoodandwatchedthemusteringofthearmy.Bergilwaswithhim,andhealsowasdowncast;forhisfatherwastomarchleadingacompanyofthe

MenoftheCity:hecouldnotrejointheGuarduntilhiscasewasjudged.InthatsamecompanyPippinwasalsotogo,asasoldierofGondor.Merrycouldseehimnotfaroff,asmallbutuprightfigureamongthetallmenofMinasTirith.

Atlastthetrumpetsrangandthearmybegantomove.

Troopbytroop,andcompanybycompany,theywheeledandwentoffeastward.AndlongaftertheyhadpassedawayoutofsightdownthegreatroadtotheCauseway,Merrystoodthere.Thelastglintofthemorningsunonspearandhelmtwinkledandwaslost,andstillheremainedwithbowedheadandheavyheart,feelingfriendlessandalone.

Everyonethathecaredforhadgoneawayintothegloomthathungoverthedistanteasternsky;andlittlehopeatallwasleftinhisheartthathewouldeverseeanyofthemagain.

Asifrecalledbyhismoodofdespair,thepaininhisarmreturned,andhefeltweakandold,andthesunlightseemedthin.HewasrousedbythetouchofBergil’shand.

‘Come,MasterPerian!’saidthelad.‘Youarestillinpain,Isee.IwillhelpyoubacktotheHealers.Butdonotfear!Theywillcomeback.TheMenofMinasTirithwillneverbeovercome.AndnowtheyhavetheLordElfstone,andBeregondoftheGuardtoo.’

Erenoonthearmycame

toOsgiliath.Therealltheworkersandcraftsmenthatcouldbesparedwerebusy.Somewerestrengtheningtheferriesandboat-bridgesthattheenemyhadmadeandinpartdestroyedwhentheyfled;somegatheredstoresandbooty;andothersontheeasternsideacrosstheRiverwerethrowinguphastyworksofdefence.

Thevanguardpassedon

throughtheruinsofOldGondor,andoverthewideRiver,andonupthelongstraightroadthatinthehighdayshadbeenmadetorunfromthefairToweroftheSuntothetallToweroftheMoon,whichnowwasMinasMorgulinitsaccursedvale.FivemilesbeyondOsgiliaththeyhalted,endingtheirfirstday’smarch.

Butthehorsemenpressed

onandereeveningtheycametotheCross-roadsandthegreatringoftrees,andallwassilent.Nosignofanyenemyhadtheyseen,nocryorcallhadbeenheard,noshafthadspedfromrockorthicketbytheway,yeteverastheywentforwardtheyfeltthewatchfulnessofthelandincrease.Treeandstone,bladeandleafwerelistening.Thedarknesshadbeen

dispelled,andfarawaywestwardsunsetwasontheValeofAnduin,andthewhitepeaksofthemountainsblushedintheblueair;butashadowandagloombroodedupontheEphelDúath.

ThenAragornsettrumpetersateachofthefourroadsthatranintotheringoftrees,andtheyblewagreatfanfare,andtheheraldscriedaloud:‘TheLordsofGondor

havereturnedandallthislandthatistheirstheytakeback.’Thehideousorc-headthatwassetuponthecarvenfigurewascastdownandbrokeninpieces,andtheoldking’sheadwasraisedandsetinitsplaceoncemore,stillcrownedwithwhiteandgoldenflowers;andmenlabouredtowashandpareawayallthefoulscrawlsthatorcshadputuponthestone.

NowintheirdebatesomehadcounselledthatMinasMorgulshouldfirstbeassailed,andiftheymighttakeit,itshouldbeutterlydestroyed.‘And,maybe,’saidImrahil,‘theroadthatleadsthencetothepassabovewillproveaneasierwayofassaultupontheDarkLordthanhisnortherngate.’

ButagainstthisGandalfhadspokenurgently,because

oftheevilthatdweltinthevalley,wherethemindsoflivingmenwouldturntomadnessandhorror,andbecausealsoofthenewsthatFaramirhadbrought.ForiftheRing-bearerhadindeedattemptedthatway,thenabovealltheyshouldnotdrawtheEyeofMordorthither.Sothenextdaywhenthemainhostcameup,theysetastrongguarduponthe

Cross-roadstomakesomedefence,ifMordorshouldsendaforceovertheMorgulPass,orshouldbringmoremenupfromtheSouth.ForthatguardtheychosemostlyarcherswhoknewthewaysofIthilienandwouldliehidinthewoodsandslopesaboutthemeetingoftheways.ButGandalfandAragornrodewiththevanguardtotheentranceofMorgulValeand

lookedontheevilcity.Itwasdarkandlifeless;

fortheOrcsandlessercreaturesofMordorthathaddwelttherehadbeendestroyedinbattle,andtheNazgûlwereabroad.Yettheairofthevalleywasheavywithfearandenmity.Thentheybroketheevilbridgeandsetredflamesinthenoisomefieldsanddeparted.

Thedayafter,beingthethirddaysincetheysetoutfromMinasTirith,thearmybeganitsnorthwardmarchalongtheroad.ItwassomehundredmilesbythatwayfromtheCross-roadstotheMorannon,andwhatmightbefallthembeforetheycamesofarnoneknew.Theywentopenlybutheedfully,withmountedscoutsbeforethemontheroad,andotherson

footuponeitherside,especiallyontheeastwardflank;fortherelaydarkthickets,andatumbledlandofrockyghyllsandcrags,behindwhichthelonggrimslopesoftheEphelDúathclamberedup.Theweatheroftheworldremainedfair,andthewindheldinthewest,butnothingcouldwaftawaythegloomsandthesadmiststhatclungabouttheMountainsof

Shadow;andbehindthematwhilesgreatsmokeswouldariseandhoverintheupperwinds.

EverandanonGandalfletblowthetrumpets,andtheheraldswouldcry:‘TheLordsofGondorarecome!Letallleavethislandoryieldthemup!’ButImrahilsaid:‘SaynotTheLordsofGondor.SayTheKingElessar.Forthatistrue,even

thoughhehasnotyetsatuponthethrone;anditwillgivetheEnemymorethought,iftheheraldsusethatname.’AndthereafterthriceadaytheheraldsproclaimedthecomingoftheKingElessar.Butnoneansweredthechallenge.

Nonetheless,thoughtheymarchedinseemingpeace,theheartsofallthearmy,fromthehighesttothe

lowest,weredowncast,andwitheverymilethattheywentnorthforebodingofevilgrewheavieronthem.ItwasneartheendoftheseconddayoftheirmarchfromtheCross-roadsthattheyfirstmetanyofferofbattle.ForastrongforceofOrcsandEasterlingsattemptedtotaketheirleadingcompaniesinanambush;andthatwasintheveryplacewhereFaramirhad

waylaidthemenofHarad,andtheroadwentinadeepcuttingthroughanout-thrustoftheeastwardhills.ButtheCaptainsoftheWestwerewellwarnedbytheirscouts,skilledmenfromHennethAnnûnledbyMablung;andsotheambushwasitselftrapped.Forhorsemenwentwideaboutwestwardandcameupontheflankoftheenemyandfrombehind,and

theyweredestroyedordriveneastintothehills.

Butthevictorydidlittletoenheartenthecaptains.‘Itisbutafeint,’saidAragorn;‘anditschiefpurpose,Ideem,wasrathertodrawusonbyafalseguessofourEnemy’sweaknessthantodousmuchhurt,yet.’AndfromthateveningonwardtheNazgûlcameandfollowedeverymoveofthearmy.

TheystillflewhighandoutofsightofallsaveLegolas,andyettheirpresencecouldbefelt,asadeepeningofshadowandadimmingofthesun;andthoughtheRingwraithsdidnotyetstooplowupontheirfoesandweresilent,utteringnocry,thedreadofthemcouldnotbeshakenoff.

Sotimeandthehopelessjourneyworeaway.UponthefourthdayfromtheCross-roadsandthesixthfromMinasTiriththeycameatlasttotheendofthelivinglands,andbegantopassintothedesolationthatlaybeforethegatesofthePassofCirithGorgor;andtheycoulddescrythemarshesandthedesertthatstretchednorthandwesttotheEmynMuil.So

desolatewerethoseplacesandsodeepthehorrorthatlayonthemthatsomeofthehostwereunmanned,andtheycouldneitherwalknorridefurthernorth.

Aragornlookedatthem,andtherewaspityinhiseyesratherthanwrath;forthesewereyoungmenfromRohan,fromWestfoldfaraway,orhusbandmenfromLossarnach,andtothem

Mordorhadbeenfromchildhoodanameofevil,andyetunreal,alegendthathadnopartintheirsimplelife;andnowtheywalkedlikemeninahideousdreammadetrue,andtheyunderstoodnotthiswarnorwhyfateshouldleadthemtosuchapass.

‘Go!’saidAragorn.‘Butkeepwhathonouryoumay,anddonotrun!Andthereisataskwhichyoumayattempt

andsobenotwhollyshamed.Takeyourwaysouth-westtillyoucometoCairAndros,andifthatisstillheldbyenemies,asIthink,thenre-takeit,ifyoucan;andholdittothelastindefenceofGondorandRohan!’

Thensomebeingshamedbyhismercyovercametheirfearandwenton,andtheotherstooknewhope,hearingofamanfuldeedwithintheir

measurethattheycouldturnto,andtheydeparted.Andso,sincemanymenhadalreadybeenleftattheCross-roads,itwaswithlessthansixthousandsthattheCaptainsoftheWestcameatlasttochallengetheBlackGateandthemightofMordor.

Theyadvancednowslowly,expectingatevery

hoursomeanswertotheirchallenge,andtheydrewtogether,sinceitwasbutwasteofmentosendoutscoutsorsmallpartiesfromthemainhost.AtnightfallofthefifthdayofthemarchfromMorgulValetheymadetheirlastcamp,andsetfiresaboutitofsuchdeadwoodandheathastheycouldfind.Theypassedthehoursofnightinwakefulnessandthey

wereawareofmanythingshalf-seenthatwalkedandprowledallaboutthem,andtheyheardthehowlingofwolves.Thewindhaddiedandalltheairseemedstill.Theycouldseelittle,forthoughitwascloudlessandthewaxingmoonwasfournightsold,thereweresmokesandfumesthatroseoutoftheearthandthewhitecrescentwasshroudedinthemistsof

Mordor.Itgrewcold.Asmorning

camethewindbegantostiragain,butnowitcamefromtheNorth,andsoonitfreshenedtoarisingbreeze.Allthenight-walkersweregone,andthelandseemedempty.Northamidtheirnoisomepitslaythefirstofthegreatheapsandhillsofslagandbrokenrockandblastedearth,thevomitofthe

maggot-folkofMordor;butsouthandnownearloomedthegreatrampartofCirithGorgor,andtheBlackGateamidmost,andthetwoTowersoftheTeethtallanddarkuponeitherside.ForintheirlastmarchtheCaptainshadturnedawayfromtheoldroadasitbenteast,andavoidedtheperilofthelurkinghills,andsonowtheywereapproachingthe

Morannonfromthenorthwest,evenasFrodohaddone.

ThetwovastirondoorsoftheBlackGateunderitsfrowningarchwerefastclosed.Uponthebattlementnothingcouldbeseen.Allwassilentbutwatchful.Theywerecometothelastendoftheirfolly,andstoodforlorn

andchillinthegreylightofearlydaybeforetowersandwallswhichtheirarmycouldnotassaultwithhope,notevenifithadbroughtthitherenginesofgreatpower,andtheEnemyhadnomoreforcethanwouldsufficeforthemanningofthegateandwallalone.YettheyknewthatallthehillsandrocksabouttheMorannonwerefilledwithhiddenfoes,andtheshadowy

defilebeyondwasboredandtunnelledbyteemingbroodsofevilthings.AndastheystoodtheysawalltheNazgûlgatheredtogether,hoveringabovetheTowersoftheTeethlikevultures;andtheyknewthattheywerewatched.ButstilltheEnemymadenosign.

Nochoicewasleftthembuttoplaytheirparttoitsend.ThereforeAragornnow

setthehostinsucharrayascouldbestbecontrived;andtheyweredrawnupontwogreathillsofblastedstoneandearththatorcshadpiledinyearsoflabour.BeforethemtowardsMordorlaylikeamoatagreatmireofreekingmudandfoul-smellingpools.Whenallwasordered,theCaptainsrodeforthtowardstheBlackGatewithagreatguardofhorsemenandthe

bannerandheraldsandtrumpeters.TherewasGandalfaschiefherald,andAragornwiththesonsofElrond,andÉomerofRohan,andImrahil;andLegolasandGimliandPeregrinwerebiddentogoalso,sothatalltheenemiesofMordorshouldhaveawitness.

TheycamewithincryoftheMorannon,andunfurledthebanner,andblewupon

theirtrumpets;andtheheraldsstoodoutandsenttheirvoicesupoverthebattlementofMordor.

‘Comeforth!’theycried.‘LettheLordoftheBlackLandcomeforth!Justiceshallbedoneuponhim.ForwrongfullyhehasmadewaruponGondorandwresteditslands.ThereforetheKingofGondordemandsthatheshouldatoneforhisevils,and

departthenforever.Comeforth!’

Therewasalongsilence,andfromwallandgatenocryorsoundwasheardinanswer.ButSauronhadalreadylaidhisplans,andhehadamindfirsttoplaythesemicecruellybeforehestrucktokill.Soitwasthat,evenastheCaptainswereabouttoturnaway,thesilencewasbrokensuddenly.Therecame

alongrollingofgreatdrumslikethunderinthemountains,andthenabrayingofhornsthatshooktheverystonesandstunnedmen’sears.AndthereuponthedooroftheBlackGatewasthrownopenwithagreatclang,andoutofittherecameanembassyfromtheDarkTower.

Atitsheadthererodeatallandevilshape,mounteduponablackhorse,ifhorseit

was;foritwashugeandhideous,anditsfacewasafrightfulmask,morelikeaskullthanalivinghead,andinthesocketsofitseyesandinitsnostrilsthereburnedaflame.Theriderwasrobedallinblack,andblackwashisloftyhelm;yetthiswasnoRingwraithbutalivingman.TheLieutenantoftheTowerofBarad-dûrhewas,andhisnameisrememberedinno

tale;forhehimselfhadforgottenit,andhesaid:‘IamtheMouthofSauron.’Butitistoldthathewasarenegade,whocameoftheraceofthosethatarenamedtheBlackNúmenóreans;fortheyestablishedtheirdwellingsinMiddle-earthduringtheyearsofSauron’sdomination,andtheyworshippedhim,beingenamouredofevil

knowledge.AndheenteredtheserviceoftheDarkTowerwhenitfirstroseagain,andbecauseofhiscunninghegreweverhigherintheLord’sfavour;andhelearnedgreatsorcery,andknewmuchofthemindofSauron;andhewasmorecruelthananyorc.

Heitwasthatnowrodeout,andwithhimcameonlyasmallcompanyofblack-harnessedsoldiery,anda

singlebanner,blackbutbearingonitinredtheEvilEye.NowhaltingafewpacesbeforetheCaptainsoftheWesthelookedthemupanddownandlaughed.

‘Isthereanyoneinthisroutwithauthoritytotreatwithme?’heasked.‘Orindeedwithwittounderstandme?Notthouatleast!’hemocked,turningtoAragornwithscorn.‘Itneedsmoreto

makeakingthanapieceofElvishglass,orarabblesuchasthis.Why,anybrigandofthehillscanshowasgoodafollowing!’

Aragornsaidnaughtinanswer,buthetooktheother’seyeandheldit,andforamomenttheystrovethus;butsoon,thoughAragorndidnotstirnormovehandtoweapon,theotherquailedandgavebackasif

menacedwithablow.‘Iamaheraldandambassador,andmaynotbeassailed!’hecried.

‘Wheresuchlawshold,’saidGandalf,‘itisalsothecustomforambassadorstouselessinsolence.Butnoonehasthreatenedyou.Youhavenaughttofearfromus,untilyourerrandisdone.Butunlessyourmasterhascometonewwisdom,thenwithall

hisservantsyouwillbeingreatperil.’

‘So!’saidtheMessenger.‘Thenthouartthespokesman,oldgreybeard?Havewenotheardoftheeatwhiles,andofthywanderings,everhatchingplotsandmischiefatasafedistance?Butthistimethouhaststuckoutthynosetoofar,MasterGandalf;andthoushaltseewhatcomestohim

whosetshisfoolishwebsbeforethefeetofSaurontheGreat.IhavetokensthatIwasbiddentoshowtothee–totheeinespecial,ifthoushouldstdaretocome.’Hesignedtooneofhisguards,andhecameforwardbearingabundleswathedinblackcloths.

TheMessengerputtheseaside,andtheretothewonderanddismayofallthe

CaptainsheheldupfirsttheshortswordthatSamhadcarried,andnextagreycloakwithanelven-brooch,andlastthecoatofmithril-mailthatFrodohadwornwrappedinhistatteredgarments.Ablacknesscamebeforetheireyes,anditseemedtotheminamomentofsilencethattheworldstoodstill,buttheirheartsweredeadandtheirlasthopegone.Pippinwho

stoodbehindPrinceImrahilsprangforwardwithacryofgrief.

‘Silence!’saidGandalfsternly,thrustinghimback;buttheMessengerlaughedaloud.

‘Soyouhaveyetanotheroftheseimpswithyou!’hecried.‘WhatuseyoufindinthemIcannotguess;buttosendthemasspiesintoMordorisbeyondevenyour

accustomedfolly.Still,Ithankhim,foritisplainthatthisbratatleasthasseenthesetokensbefore,anditwouldbevainforyoutodenythemnow.’

‘Idonotwishtodenythem,’saidGandalf.‘Indeed,Iknowthemallandalltheirhistory,anddespiteyourscorn,foulMouthofSauron,youcannotsayasmuch.Butwhydoyoubringthemhere?’

‘Dwarf-coat,elf-cloak,bladeofthedownfallenWest,andspyfromthelittlerat-landoftheShire–nay,donotstart!Weknowitwell–herearethemarksofaconspiracy.Now,maybehethatborethesethingswasacreaturethatyouwouldnotgrievetolose,andmaybeotherwise:onedeartoyou,perhaps?Ifso,takeswiftcounselwithwhatlittlewitis

lefttoyou.ForSaurondoesnotlovespies,andwhathisfateshallbedependsnowonyourchoice.’

Nooneansweredhim;buthesawtheirfacesgreywithfearandthehorrorintheireyes,andhelaughedagain,foritseemedtohimthathissportwentwell.‘Good,good!’hesaid.‘Hewasdeartoyou,Isee.Orelsehiserrandwasonethatyoudid

notwishtofail?Ithas.Andnowheshallenduretheslowtormentofyears,aslongandslowasourartsintheGreatTowercancontrive,andneverbereleased,unlessmaybewhenheischangedandbroken,sothathemaycometoyou,andyoushallseewhatyouhavedone.ThisshallsurelybeunlessyouacceptmyLord’sterms.’

‘Nametheterms,’said

Gandalfsteadily,butthosenearbysawtheanguishinhisface,andnowheseemedanoldandwizenedman,crushed,defeatedatlast.Theydidnotdoubtthathewouldaccept.

‘Thesearetheterms,’saidtheMessenger,andsmiledasheeyedthemonebyone.‘TherabbleofGondoranditsdeludedalliesshallwithdrawatoncebeyondtheAnduin,

firsttakingoathsneveragaintoassailSaurontheGreatinarms,openorsecret.AlllandseastoftheAnduinshallbeSauron’sforever,solely.WestoftheAnduinasfarastheMistyMountainsandtheGapofRohanshallbetributarytoMordor,andmenthereshallbearnoweapons,butshallhaveleavetogoverntheirownaffairs.ButtheyshallhelptorebuildIsengard

whichtheyhavewantonlydestroyed,andthatshallbeSauron’s,andtherehislieutenantshalldwell:notSaruman,butonemoreworthyoftrust.’

LookingintheMessenger’seyestheyreadhisthought.Hewastobethatlieutenant,andgatherallthatremainedoftheWestunderhissway;hewouldbetheirtyrantandtheyhisslaves.

ButGandalfsaid:‘Thisismuchtodemandforthedeliveryofoneservant:thatyourMastershouldreceiveinexchangewhathemustelsefightmanyawartogain!OrhasthefieldofGondordestroyedhishopeinwar,sothathefallstohaggling?Andifindeedweratedthisprisonersohigh,whatsuretyhavewethatSauron,theBaseMasterofTreachery,will

keephispart?Whereisthisprisoner?Lethimbebroughtforthandyieldedtous,andthenwewillconsiderthesedemands.’

ItseemedthentoGandalf,intent,watchinghimasamanengagedinfencingwithadeadlyfoe,thatforthetakingofabreaththeMessengerwasataloss;yetswiftlyhelaughedagain.

‘Donotbandywordsin

yourinsolencewiththeMouthofSauron!’hecried.‘Suretyyoucrave!Saurongivesnone.Ifyousueforhisclemencyyoumustfirstdohisbidding.Thesearehisterms.Takethemorleavethem!’

‘Thesewewilltake!’saidGandalfsuddenly.Hecastasidehiscloakandawhitelightshoneforthlikeaswordinthatblackplace.Beforehis

upraisedhandthefoulMessengerrecoiled,andGandalfcomingseizedandtookfromhimthetokens:coat,cloak,andsword.‘Thesewewilltakeinmemoryofourfriend,’hecried.‘Butasforyourterms,werejectthemutterly.Getyougone,foryourembassyisoveranddeathisneartoyou.Wedidnotcomeheretowastewordsintreatingwith

Sauron,faithlessandaccursed;stilllesswithoneofhisslaves.Begone!’

ThentheMessengerofMordorlaughednomore.Hisfacewastwistedwithamazementandangertothelikenessofsomewildbeastthat,asitcrouchesonitsprey,issmittenonthemuzzlewithastingingrod.Ragefilledhimandhismouthslavered,andshapeless

soundsoffurycamestranglingfromhisthroat.ButhelookedatthefellfacesoftheCaptainsandtheirdeadlyeyes,andfearovercamehiswrath.Hegaveagreatcry,andturned,leapeduponhissteed,andwithhiscompanygallopedmadlybacktoCirithGorgor.Butastheywenthissoldiersblewtheirhornsinsignallongarranged;andevenbefore

theycametothegateSauronspranghistrap.

Drumsrolledandfiresleapedup.ThegreatdoorsoftheBlackGateswungbackwide.Outofitstreamedagreathostasswiftlyasswirlingwaterswhenasluiceislifted.

TheCaptainsmountedagainandrodeback,and

fromthehostofMordortherewentupajeeringyell.Dustrosesmotheringtheair,asfromnearbytheremarchedupanarmyofEasterlingsthathadwaitedforthesignalintheshadowsofEredLithuibeyondthefurtherTower.DownfromthehillsoneithersideoftheMorannonpouredOrcsinnumerable.ThemenoftheWestweretrapped,andsoon,allaboutthegrey

moundswheretheystood,forcestentimesandmorethantentimestheirmatchwouldringtheminaseaofenemies.Sauronhadtakentheprofferedbaitinjawsofsteel.

LittletimewaslefttoAragornfortheorderingofhisbattle.UpontheonehillhestoodwithGandalf,andtherefairanddesperatewasraisedthebanneroftheTree

andStars.UpontheotherhillhardbystoodthebannersofRohanandDolAmroth,WhiteHorseandSilverSwan.Andabouteachhillaringwasmadefacingallways,bristlingwithspearandsword.ButinthefronttowardsMordorwherethefirstbitterassaultwouldcometherestoodthesonsofElrondontheleftwiththeDúnedainaboutthem,andon

therightthePrinceImrahilwiththemenofDolAmrothtallandfair,andpickedmenoftheTowerofGuard.

Thewindblew,andthetrumpetssang,andarrowswhined;butthesunnowclimbingtowardstheSouthwasveiledinthereeksofMordor,andthroughathreateninghazeitgleamed,remote,asullenred,asifitweretheendingoftheday,or

theendmaybeofalltheworldoflight.AndoutofthegatheringmirktheNazgûlcamewiththeircoldvoicescryingwordsofdeath;andthenallhopewasquenched.

PippinhadbowedcrushedwithhorrorwhenheheardGandalfrejectthetermsanddoomFrodotothetormentoftheTower;buthehad

masteredhimself,andnowhestoodbesideBeregondinthefrontrankofGondorwithImrahil’smen.Foritseemedbesttohimtodiesoonandleavethebitterstoryofhislife,sinceallwasinruin.

‘IwishMerrywashere,’heheardhimselfsaying,andquickthoughtsracedthroughhismind,evenashewatchedtheenemycomechargingtotheassault.‘Well,well,now

atanyrateIunderstandpoorDenethoralittlebetter.Wemightdietogether,MerryandI,andsincediewemust,whynot?Well,asheisnothere,Ihopehe’llfindaneasierend.ButnowImustdomybest.’

Hedrewhisswordandlookedatit,andtheintertwiningshapesofredandgold;andtheflowingcharactersofNúmenorglintedlikefireuponthe

blade.‘Thiswasmadeforjustsuchanhour,’hethought.‘IfonlyIcouldsmitethatfoulMessengerwithit,thenalmostIshoulddrawlevelwitholdMerry.Well,I’llsmitesomeofthisbeastlybroodbeforetheend.IwishIcouldseecoolsunlightandgreengrassagain!’

Thenevenashethoughtthesethingsthefirstassaultcrashedintothem.Theorcs

hinderedbythemiresthatlaybeforethehillshaltedandpouredtheirarrowsintothedefendingranks.Butthroughthemtherecamestridingup,roaringlikebeasts,agreatcompanyofhill-trollsoutofGorgoroth.TallerandbroaderthanMentheywere,andtheywerecladonlyinclose-fittingmeshofhornyscales,ormaybethatwastheirhideoushide;buttheyboreround

bucklershugeandblackandwieldedheavyhammersintheirknottedhands.Recklesstheysprangintothepoolsandwadedacross,bellowingastheycame.LikeastormtheybrokeuponthelineofthemenofGondor,andbeatuponhelmandhead,andarmandshield,assmithshewingthehotbendingiron.AtPippin’ssideBeregondwasstunnedandoverborne,and

hefell;andthegreattroll-chiefthatsmotehimdownbentoverhim,reachingoutaclutchingclaw;forthesefellcreatureswouldbitethethroatsofthosethattheythrewdown.

ThenPippinstabbedupwards,andthewrittenbladeofWesternessepiercedthroughthehideandwentdeepintothevitalsofthetroll,andhisblackblood

camegushingout.Hetoppledforwardandcamecrashingdownlikeafallingrock,buryingthosebeneathhim.BlacknessandstenchandcrushingpaincameuponPippin,andhismindfellawayintoagreatdarkness.

‘SoitendsasIguesseditwould,’histhoughtsaid,evenasitflutteredaway;anditlaughedalittlewithinhimereitfled,almostgayitseemed

tobecastingoffatlastalldoubtandcareandfear.Andthenevenasitwingedawayintoforgetfulnessitheardvoices,andtheyseemedtobecryinginsomeforgottenworldfarabove:

‘TheEaglesarecoming!TheEaglesarecoming!’

ForonemomentmorePippin’sthoughthovered.‘Bilbo!’itsaid.‘Butno!Thatcameinhistale,longlong

ago.Thisismytale,anditisendednow.Good-bye!’Andhisthoughtfledfarawayandhiseyessawnomore.

BOOKSIX

Chapter1

THETOWEROFCIRITHUNGOL

Samrousedhimselfpainfullyfromtheground.Fora

momenthewonderedwherehewas,andthenallthemiseryanddespairreturnedtohim.Hewasinthedeepdarkoutsidetheunder-gateoftheorcs’stronghold;itsbrazendoorswereshut.Hemusthavefallenstunnedwhenhehurledhimselfagainstthem;buthowlonghehadlaintherehedidnotknow.Thenhehadbeenonfire,desperateandfurious;

nowhewasshiveringandcold.Hecrepttothedoorsandpressedhisearsagainstthem.

Farwithinhecouldhearfaintlythevoicesoforcsclamouring,butsoontheystoppedorpassedoutofhearing,andallwasstill.Hisheadachedandhiseyessawphantomlightsinthedarkness,buthestruggledtosteadyhimselfandthink.It

wasclearatanyratethathehadnohopeofgettingintotheorc-holdbythatgate;hemightwaittherefordaysbeforeitwasopened,andhecouldnotwait:timewasdesperatelyprecious.Henolongerhadanydoubtabouthisduty:hemustrescuehismasterorperishintheattempt.

‘Theperishingismorelikely,andwillbealoteasier

anyway,’hesaidgrimlytohimself,ashesheathedStingandturnedfromthebrazendoors.Slowlyhegropedhiswaybackinthedarkalongthetunnel,notdaringtousetheelven-light;andashewenthetriedtofittogethertheeventssinceFrodoandhehadlefttheCross-roads.Hewonderedwhatthetimewas.Somewherebetweenonedayandthenext,hesupposed;

butevenofthedayshehadquitelostcount.Hewasinalandofdarknesswherethedaysoftheworldseemedforgotten,andwhereallwhoenteredwereforgottentoo.

‘Iwonderiftheythinkofusatall,’hesaid,‘andwhatishappeningtothemallawaythere.’Hewavedhishandvaguelyintheairbeforehim;buthewasinfactnowfacingsouthwards,ashecameback

toShelob’stunnel,notwest.OutwestwardintheworlditwasdrawingtonoonuponthefourteenthdayofMarchintheShire-reckoning,andevennowAragornwasleadingtheblackfleetfromPelargir,andMerrywasridingwiththeRohirrimdowntheStonewainValley,whileinMinasTirithflameswererisingandPippinwatchedthemadnessgrowingintheeyesofDenethor.Yet

amidalltheircaresandfearthethoughtsoftheirfriendsturnedconstantlytoFrodoandSam.Theywerenotforgotten.Buttheywerefarbeyondaid,andnothoughtcouldyetbringanyhelptoSamwiseHamfast’sson;hewasutterlyalone.

Hecamebackatlasttothestonedooroftheorc-

passage,andstillunabletodiscoverthecatchorboltthatheldit,hescrambledoverasbeforeanddroppedsoftlytotheground.ThenhemadehiswaystealthilytotheoutletofShelob’stunnel,wheretheragsofhergreatwebwerestillblowingandswayinginthecoldairs.ForcoldtheyseemedtoSamafterthenoisomedarknessbehind;butthebreathofthemrevived

him.Hecreptcautiouslyout.Allwasominouslyquiet.

Thelightwasnomorethanthatofduskatadarkday’send.ThevastvapoursthataroseinMordorandwentstreamingwestwardpassedlowoverhead,agreatwelterofcloudandsmokenowlitagainbeneathwithasullenglowofred.

Samlookeduptowardstheorc-tower,andsuddenly

fromitsnarrowwindowslightsstaredoutlikesmallredeyes.Hewonderediftheyweresomesignal.Hisfearoftheorcs,forgottenforawhileinhiswrathanddesperation,nowreturned.Asfarashecouldsee,therewasonlyonepossiblecourseforhimtotake:hemustgoonandtrytofindthemainentrancetothedreadfultower;buthiskneesfeltweak,andhefoundthat

hewastrembling.DrawinghiseyesdownfromthetowerandthehornsoftheCleftbeforehim,heforcedhisunwillingfeettoobeyhim,andslowly,listeningwithallhisears,peeringintothedenseshadowsoftherocksbesidetheway,heretracedhissteps,pasttheplacewhereFrodofell,andstillthestenchofSheloblingered,andthenonandup,untilhestood

againintheverycleftwherehehadputontheRingandseenShagrat’scompanygoby.

Therehehaltedandsatdown.Forthemomenthecoulddrivehimselfnofurther.HefeltthatifoncehewentbeyondthecrownofthepassandtookonestepveritablydownintothelandofMordor,thatstepwouldbeirrevocable.Hecouldnever

comeback.WithoutanyclearpurposehedrewouttheRingandputitonagain.Immediatelyhefeltthegreatburdenofitsweight,andfeltafresh,butnowmorestrongandurgentthanever,themaliceoftheEyeofMordor,searching,tryingtopiercetheshadowsthatithadmadeforitsowndefence,butwhichnowhindereditinitsunquietanddoubt.

Asbefore,Samfoundthathishearingwassharpened,butthattohissightthethingsofthisworldseemedthinandvague.Therockywallsofthepathwerepale,asifseenthroughamist,butstillatadistanceheheardthebubblingofShelobinhermisery;andharshandclear,andverycloseitseemed,heheardcriesandtheclashofmetal.Hesprangtohisfeet,

andpressedhimselfagainstthewallbesidetheroad.HewasgladoftheRing,forherewasyetanothercompanyoforcsonthemarch.Orsoatfirsthethought.Thensuddenlyherealizedthatitwasnotso,hishearinghaddeceivedhim:theorc-criescamefromthetower,whosetopmosthornwasnowrightabovehim,onthelefthandoftheCleft.

Samshudderedandtriedtoforcehimselftomove.Therewasplainlysomedevilrygoingon.Perhapsinspiteofallordersthecrueltyoftheorcshadmasteredthem,andtheyweretormentingFrodo,orevensavagelyhackinghimtopieces.Helistened;andashedidsoagleamofhopecametohim.Therecouldnotbemuchdoubt:therewas

fightinginthetower,theorcsmustbeatwaramongthemselves,ShagratandGorbaghadcometoblows.Faintaswasthehopethathisguessbroughthim,itwasenoughtorousehim.Theremightbejustachance.HisloveforFrodoroseaboveallotherthoughts,andforgettinghisperilhecriedaloud:‘I’mcoming,Mr.Frodo!’

Heranforwardtothe

climbingpath,andoverit.Atoncetheroadturnedleftandplungedsteeplydown.SamhadcrossedintoMordor.

HetookofftheRing,moveditmaybebysomedeeppremonitionofdanger,thoughtohimselfhethoughtonlythathewishedtoseemoreclearly.‘Betterhavealookattheworst,’he

muttered.‘Nogoodblunderingaboutinafog!’

Hardandcruelandbitterwasthelandthatmethisgaze.BeforehisfeetthehighestridgeoftheEphelDúathfellsteeplyingreatcliffsdownintoadarktrough,onthefurthersideofwhichthereroseanotherridge,muchlower,itsedgenotchedandjaggedwithcragslikefangsthatstoodout

blackagainsttheredlightbehindthem:itwasthegrimMorgai,theinnerringofthefencesoftheland.Farbeyondit,butalmoststraightahead,acrossawidelakeofdarknessdottedwithtinyfires,therewasagreatburningglow;andfromitroseinhugecolumnsaswirlingsmoke,dustyredattheroots,blackabovewhereitmergedintothebillowing

canopythatroofedinalltheaccursedland.

SamwaslookingatOrodruin,theMountainofFire.Everandanonthefurnacesfarbelowitsashenconewouldgrowhotandwithagreatsurgingandthrobbingpourforthriversofmoltenrockfromchasmsinitssides.SomewouldflowblazingtowardsBarad-dûrdowngreatchannels;some

wouldwindtheirwayintothestonyplain,untiltheycooledandlayliketwisteddragon-shapesvomitedfromthetormentedearth.InsuchanhouroflabourSambeheldMountDoom,andthelightofit,cutoffbythehighscreenoftheEphelDúathfromthosewhoclimbedupthepathfromtheWest,nowglaredagainstthestarkrockfaces,sothattheyseemedto

bedrenchedwithblood.InthatdreadfullightSam

stoodaghast,fornow,lookingtohisleft,hecouldseetheTowerofCirithUngolinallitsstrength.Thehornthathehadseenfromtheothersidewasonlyitstopmostturret.Itseasternfacestoodupinthreegreattiersfromashelfinthemountain-wallfarbelow;itsbackwastoagreatcliff

behind,fromwhichitjuttedoutinpointedbastions,oneabovetheother,diminishingastheyrose,withsheersidesofcunningmasonrythatlookednorth-eastandsouth-east.Aboutthelowesttier,twohundredfeetbelowwhereSamnowstood,therewasabattlementedwallenclosinganarrowcourt.Itsgate,uponthenearsouth-easternside,openedona

broadroad,theouterparapetofwhichranuponthebrinkofaprecipice,untilitturnedsouthwardandwentwindingdownintothedarknesstojointheroadthatcameovertheMorgulPass.ThenonitwentthroughajaggedriftintheMorgaioutintothevalleyofGorgorothandawaytoBarad-dûr.ThenarrowupperwayonwhichSamstoodleaptswiftlydownbystair

andsteeppathtomeetthemainroadunderthefrowningwallsclosetotheTower-gate.

AshegazedatitsuddenlySamunderstood,almostwithashock,thatthisstrongholdhadbeenbuiltnottokeepenemiesoutofMordor,buttokeepthemin.ItwasindeedoneoftheworksofGondorlongago,aneasternoutpostofthedefencesofIthilien,madewhen,aftertheLast

Alliance,MenofWesternessekeptwatchontheevillandofSauronwherehiscreaturesstilllurked.ButaswithNarchostandCarchost,theTowersoftheTeeth,soheretoothevigilancehadfailed,andtreacheryhadyieldeduptheTowertotheLordoftheRingwraiths,andnowforlongyearsithadbeenheldbyevilthings.SincehisreturntoMordor,Sauronhadfoundit

useful;forhehadfewservantsbutmanyslavesoffear,andstillitschiefpurposeasofoldwastopreventescapefromMordor.Thoughifanenemyweresorashastotrytoenterthatlandsecretly,thenitwasalsoalastunsleepingguardagainstanythatmightpassthevigilanceofMorgulandofShelob.

OnlytooclearlySamsaw

howhopelessitwouldbeforhimtocreepdownunderthosemany-eyedwallsandpassthewatchfulgate.Andevenifhedidso,hecouldnotgofarontheguardedroadbeyond:noteventheblackshadows,lyingdeepwheretheredglowcouldnotreach,wouldshieldhimlongfromthenight-eyedorcs.Butdesperateasthatroadmightbe,histaskwasnowfar

worse:nottoavoidthegateandescape,buttoenterit,alone.

HisthoughtturnedtotheRing,buttherewasnocomfortthere,onlydreadanddanger.NosoonerhadhecomeinsightofMountDoom,burningfaraway,thanhewasawareofachangeinhisburden.Asitdrewnear

thegreatfurnaceswhere,inthedeepsoftime,ithadbeenshapedandforged,theRing’spowergrew,anditbecamemorefell,untameablesavebysomemightywill.AsSamstoodthere,eventhoughtheRingwasnotonhimbuthangingbyitschainabouthisneck,hefelthimselfenlarged,asifhewererobedinahugedistortedshadowofhimself,avastandominous

threathalteduponthewallsofMordor.Hefeltthathehadfromnowononlytwochoices:toforbeartheRing,thoughitwouldtormenthim;ortoclaimit,andchallengethePowerthatsatinitsdarkholdbeyondthevalleyofshadows.AlreadytheRingtemptedhim,gnawingathiswillandreason.Wildfantasiesaroseinhismind;andhesawSamwisethe

Strong,HerooftheAge,stridingwithaflamingswordacrossthedarkenedland,andarmiesflockingtohiscallashemarchedtotheoverthrowofBarad-dûr.Andthenallthecloudsrolledaway,andthewhitesunshone,andathiscommandthevaleofGorgorothbecameagardenofflowersandtreesandbroughtforthfruit.HehadonlytoputontheRingand

claimitforhisown,andallthiscouldbe.

Inthathouroftrialitwastheloveofhismasterthathelpedmosttoholdhimfirm;butalsodeepdowninhimlivedstillunconqueredhisplainhobbit-sense:heknewinthecoreofhisheartthathewasnotlargeenoughtobearsuchaburden,evenifsuchvisionswerenotamerecheattobetrayhim.Theonesmall

gardenofafreegardenerwasallhisneedanddue,notagardenswollentoarealm;hisownhandstouse,notthehandsofotherstocommand.

‘Andanywayallthesenotionsareonlyatrick,’hesaidtohimself.‘He’dspotmeandcowme,beforeIcouldsomuchasshoutout.He’dspotme,prettyquick,ifIputtheRingonnow,inMordor.Well,allIcansayis:

thingslookashopelessasafrostinSpring.Justwhenbeinginvisiblewouldbereallyuseful,Ican’tusetheRing!AndifeverIgetanyfurther,it’sgoingtobenothingbutadragandaburdeneverystep.Sowhat’stobedone?’

Hewasnotreallyinanydoubt.Heknewthathemustgodowntothegateandnotlingeranymore.Withashrug

ofhisshoulders,asiftoshakeofftheshadowanddismissthephantoms,hebeganslowlytodescend.Witheachstepheseemedtodiminish.Hehadnotgonefarbeforehehadshrunkagaintoaverysmallandfrightenedhobbit.HewasnowpassingundertheverywallsoftheTower,andthecriesandsoundsoffightingcouldbeheardwithhisunaidedears.Atthe

momentthenoiseseemedtobecomingfromthecourtbehindtheouterwall.

Samwasabouthalfwaydownthepathwhenoutofthedarkgatewayintotheredglowtherecametwoorcsrunning.Theydidnotturntowardshim.Theyweremakingforthemainroad;butevenastheyranthey

stumbledandfelltothegroundandlaystill.Samhadseennoarrows,butheguessedthattheorcshadbeenshotdownbyothersonthebattlementsorhiddenintheshadowofthegate.Hewenton,huggingthewallonhisleft.Onelookupwardhadshownhimthattherewasnohopeofclimbingit.Thestone-workrosethirtyfeet,withoutacrackorledge,to

overhangingcourseslikeinvertedsteps.Thegatewastheonlyway.

Hecrepton;andashewenthewonderedhowmanyorcslivedintheTowerwithShagrat,andhowmanyGorbaghad,andwhattheywerequarrellingabout,ifthatwaswhatwashappening.Shagrat’scompanyhadseemedtobeaboutforty,andGorbag’smorethantwiceas

large;butofcourseShagrat’spatrolhadonlybeenapartofhisgarrison.AlmostcertainlytheywerequarrellingaboutFrodo,andthespoil.ForasecondSamhalted,forsuddenlythingsseemedcleartohim,almostasifhehadseenthemwithhiseyes.Themithrilcoat!Ofcourse,Frodowaswearingit,andtheywouldfindit.AndfromwhatSamhadheardGorbagwould

covetit.ButtheordersoftheDarkTowerwereatpresentFrodo’sonlyprotection,andiftheyweresetaside,Frodomightbekilledoutofhandatanymoment.

‘Comeon,youmiserablesluggard!’Samcriedtohimself.‘Nowforit!’HedrewStingandrantowardstheopengate.Butjustashewasabouttopassunderitsgreatarchhefeltashock:as

ifhehadrunintosomeweblikeShelob’s,onlyinvisible.Hecouldseenoobstacle,butsomethingtoostrongforhiswilltoovercomebarredtheway.Helookedabout,andthenwithintheshadowofthegatehesawtheTwoWatchers.

Theywerelikegreatfiguresseateduponthrones.Eachhadthreejoinedbodies,andthreeheadsfacing

outward,andinward,andacrossthegateway.Theheadshadvulture-faces,andontheirgreatkneeswerelaidclawlikehands.Theyseemedtobecarvedoutofhugeblocksofstone,immovable,andyettheywereaware:somedreadfulspiritofevilvigilanceabodeinthem.Theyknewanenemy.Visibleorinvisiblenonecouldpassunheeded.Theywouldforbid

hisentry,orhisescape.HardeninghiswillSam

thrustforwardonceagain,andhaltedwithajerk,staggeringasiffromablowuponhisbreastandhead.Thengreatlydaring,becausehecouldthinkofnothingelsetodo,answeringasuddenthoughtthatcametohim,hedrewslowlyoutthephialofGaladrielandhelditup.Itswhitelightquickenedswiftly,

andtheshadowsunderthedarkarchfled.ThemonstrousWatcherssattherecoldandstill,revealedinalltheirhideousshape.ForamomentSamcaughtaglitterintheblackstonesoftheireyes,theverymaliceofwhichmadehimquail;butslowlyhefelttheirwillwaverandcrumbleintofear.

Hesprangpastthem;butevenashedidso,thrusting

thephialbackintohisbosom,hewasaware,asplainlyasifabarofsteelhadsnappedtobehindhim,thattheirvigilancewasrenewed.Andfromthoseevilheadstherecameahighshrillcrythatechoedinthetoweringwallsbeforehim.Farupabove,likeanansweringsignal,aharshbellclangedasinglestroke.

‘That’sdoneit!’saidSam.‘NowI’verungthefront-doorbell!Well,comeonsomebody!’hecried.‘TellCaptainShagratthatthegreatElf-warriorhascalled,withhiself-swordtoo!’

Therewasnoanswer.Samstrodeforward.Stingglitteredblueinhishand.Thecourtyardlayindeepshadow,buthecouldseethatthepavementwasstrewnwith

bodies.Rightathisfeetweretwoorc-archerswithknivesstickingintheirbacks.Beyondlaymanymoreshapes;somesinglyastheyhadbeenhewndownorshot;othersinpairs,stillgrapplingoneanother,deadintheverythroesofstabbing,throttling,biting.Thestoneswereslipperywithdarkblood.

TwoliveriesSamnoticed,onemarkedbytheRedEye,

theotherbyaMoondisfiguredwithaghastlyfaceofdeath;buthedidnotstoptolookmoreclosely.AcrossthecourtagreatdooratthefootoftheTowerstoodhalfopen,andaredlightcamethrough;alargeorclaydeaduponthethreshold.Samsprangoverthebodyandwentin;andthenhepeeredaboutataloss.

Awideandechoing

passageledbackfromthedoortowardsthemountain-side.Itwasdimlylitwithtorchesflaringinbracketsonthewalls,butitsdistantendwaslostingloom.Manydoorsandopeningscouldbeseenonthissideandthat;butitwasemptysavefortwoorthreemorebodiessprawlingonthefloor.Fromwhathehadheardofthecaptains’talkSamknewthat,deadoralive,

Frodowouldmostlikelybefoundinachamberhighupintheturretfarabove;buthemightsearchforadaybeforehefoundtheway.

‘It’llbeneartheback,Iguess,’Sammuttered.‘ThewholeTowerclimbsbackwards-like.AndanywayI’dbetterfollowtheselights.’

Headvanceddownthepassage,butslowlynow,eachstepmorereluctant.

Terrorwasbeginningtogriphimagain.Therewasnosoundsavetherapofhisfeet,whichseemedtogrowtoanechoingnoise,liketheslappingofgreathandsuponthestones.Thedeadbodies;theemptiness;thedankblackwallsthatinthetorchlightseemedtodripwithblood;thefearofsuddendeathlurkingindoorwayorshadow;andbehindallhis

mindthewaitingwatchfulmaliceatthegate:itwasalmostmorethanhecouldscrewhimselftoface.Hewouldhavewelcomedafight–withnottoomanyenemiesatatime–ratherthanthishideousbroodinguncertainty.HeforcedhimselftothinkofFrodo,lyingboundorinpainordeadsomewhereinthisdreadfulplace.Hewenton.

Hehadpassedbeyondthe

torchlight,almosttoagreatarcheddoorattheendofthepassage,theinnersideoftheunder-gate,asherightlyguessed,whentherecamefromhighaboveadreadfulchokingshriek.Hestoppedshort.Thenheheardfeetcoming.Someonewasrunningingreathastedownanechoingstairwayoverhead.

Hiswillwastooweakand

slowtorestrainhishand.ItdraggedatthechainandclutchedtheRing.ButSamdidnotputiton;forevenasheclaspedittohisbreast,anorccameclatteringdown.Leapingoutofadarkopeningattheright,itrantowardshim.Itwasnomorethansixpacesfromhimwhen,liftingitshead,itsawhim;andSamcouldhearitsgaspingbreathandseetheglareinits

bloodshoteyes.Itstoppedshortaghast.Forwhatitsawwasnotasmallfrightenedhobbittryingtoholdasteadysword:itsawagreatsilentshape,cloakedinagreyshadow,loomingagainstthewaveringlightbehind;inonehanditheldasword,theverylightofwhichwasabitterpain,theotherwasclutchedatitsbreast,butheldconcealedsomenameless

menaceofpoweranddoom.Foramomenttheorc

crouched,andthenwithahideousyelpoffearitturnedandfledbackasithadcome.NeverwasanydogmoreheartenedwhenitsenemyturnedtailthanSamatthisunexpectedflight.Withashouthegavechase.

‘Yes!TheElf-warriorisloose!’hecried.‘I’mcoming.Justyoushowmethewayup,

orI’llskinyou!’Buttheorcwasinitsown

haunts,nimbleandwell-fed.Samwasastranger,hungryandweary.Thestairswerehighandsteepandwinding.Sam’sbreathbegantocomeingasps.Theorchadsoonpassedoutofsight,andnowonlyfaintlycouldbeheardtheslappingofitsfeetasitwentonandup.Everynowandagainitgaveayell,and

theechoranalongthewalls.Butslowlyallsoundofitdiedaway.

Samploddedon.Hefeltthathewasontherightroad,andhisspiritshadrisenagooddeal.HethrusttheRingawayandtightenedhisbelt.‘Well,well!’hesaid.‘IfonlytheyalltakesuchadisliketomeandmySting,thismayturnoutbetterthanIhoped.Andanywayitlooksasif

Shagrat,Gorbag,andcompanyhavedonenearlyallmyjobforme.Exceptforthatlittlefrightenedrat,Idobelievethere’snobodyleftaliveintheplace!’

Andwiththathestopped,broughtuphard,asifhehadhithisheadagainstthestonewall.Thefullmeaningofwhathehadsaidstruckhimlikeablow.Nobodyleftalive!Whosehadbeenthat

horribledyingshriek?‘Frodo,Frodo!Master!’hecriedhalfsobbing.‘Ifthey’vekilledyou,whatshallIdo?Well,I’mcomingatlast,righttothetop,toseewhatImust.’

Up,uphewent.Itwasdarksaveforanoccasionaltorchflaringataturn,orbesidesomeopeningthatledintothehigherlevelsofthe

Tower.Samtriedtocountthesteps,butaftertwohundredhelosthisreckoning.Hewasmovingquietlynow;forhethoughtthathecouldhearthesoundofvoicestalking,stillsomewayabove.Morethanoneratremainedaliveitseemed.

Allatonce,whenhefeltthathecouldpumpoutnomorebreath,norforcehiskneestobendagain,thestair

ended.Hestoodstill.Thevoiceswerenowloudandnear.Sampeeredabout.HehadclimbedrighttotheflatroofofthethirdandhighesttieroftheTower:anopenspace,abouttwentyyardsacross,withalowparapet.Therethestairwascoveredbyasmalldomedchamberinthemidstoftheroof,withlowdoorsfacingeastandwest.EastwardSamcouldsee

theplainofMordorvastanddarkbelow,andtheburningmountainfaraway.Afreshturmoilwassurginginitsdeepwells,andtheriversoffireblazedsofiercelythatevenatthisdistanceofmanymilesthelightofthemlitthetower-topwitharedglare.Westwardtheviewwasblockedbythebaseofthegreatturretthatstoodatthebackofthisuppercourtand

reareditshornhighabovethecrestoftheencirclinghills.Lightgleamedinawindow-slit.ItsdoorwasnottenyardsfromwhereSamstood.Itwasopenbutdark,andfromjustwithinitsshadowthevoicescame.

AtfirstSamdidnotlisten;hetookapaceoutoftheeastwarddoorandlookedabout.Atoncehesawthatupherethefightinghadbeen

fiercest.Allthecourtwaschokedwithdeadorcs,ortheirseveredandscatteredheadsandlimbs.Theplacestankofdeath.Asnarlfollowedbyablowandacrysenthimdartingbackintohiding.Anorc-voiceroseinanger,andheknewitagainatonce,harsh,brutal,cold.ItwasShagratspeaking,CaptainoftheTower.

‘Youwon’tgoagain,you

say?Curseyou,Snaga,youlittlemaggot!IfyouthinkI’msodamagedthatit’ssafetofloutme,you’remistaken.Comehere,andI’llsqueezeyoureyesout,likeIdidtoRadbugjustnow.Andwhensomenewladscome,I’lldealwithyou:I’llsendyoutoShelob.’

‘Theywon’tcome,notbeforeyou’redeadanyway,’answeredSnagasurlily.‘I’ve

toldyoutwicethatGorbag’sswinegottothegatefirst,andnoneofoursgotout.LagdufandMuzgashranthrough,buttheywereshot.Isawitfromawindow,Itellyou.Andtheywerethelast.’

‘Thenyoumustgo.Imuststayhereanyway.ButI’mhurt.TheBlackPitstakethatfilthyrebelGorbag!’Shagrat’svoicetrailedoffintoastringoffoulnames

andcurses.‘IgavehimbetterthanIgot,butheknifedme,thedung,beforeIthrottledhim.Youmustgo,orI’lleatyou.NewsmustgetthroughtoLugbúrz,orwe’llbothbefortheBlackPits.Yes,youtoo.Youwon’tescapebyskulkinghere.’

‘I’mnotgoingdownthosestairsagain,’growledSnaga,‘beyoucaptainorno.Nar!Keepyourhandsoffyour

knife,orI’llputanarrowinyourguts.Youwon’tbeacaptainlongwhenTheyhearaboutallthesegoings-on.I’vefoughtfortheToweragainstthosestinkingMorgul-rats,butanicemessyoutwopreciouscaptainshavemadeofthings,fightingovertheswag.’

‘That’senoughfromyou,’snarledShagrat.‘Ihadmyorders.ItwasGorbagstarted

it,tryingtopinchthatprettyshirt.’

‘Well,youputhisbackup,beingsohighandmighty.Andhehadmoresensethanyouanyway.Hetoldyoumorethanoncethatthemostdangerousofthesespieswasstillloose,andyouwouldn’tlisten.Andyouwon’tlistennow.Gorbagwasright,Itellyou.There’sagreatfighterabout,oneofthosebloody-

handedElves,oroneofthefilthytarks.*He’scominghere,Itellyou.Youheardthebell.He’sgotpasttheWatchers,andthat’stark’swork.He’sonthestairs.Anduntilhe’soffthem,I’mnotgoingdown.NotifyouwereaNazgûl,Iwouldn’t.’

‘Sothat’sit,isit?’yelledShagrat.‘You’lldothis,andyou’llnotdothat?Andwhenhedoescome,you’llboltand

leaveme?No,youwon’t!I’llputredmaggot-holesinyourbellyfirst.’

Outoftheturret-doorthesmallerorccameflying.BehindhimcameShagrat,alargeorcwithlongarmsthat,asherancrouching,reachedtotheground.Butonearmhunglimpandseemedtobebleeding;theotherhuggedalargeblackbundle.IntheredglareSam,coweringbehind

thestair-door,caughtaglimpseofhisevilfaceasitpassed:itwasscoredasifbyrendingclawsandsmearedwithblood;slaverdrippedfromitsprotrudingfangs;themouthsnarledlikeananimal.

AsfarasSamcouldsee,ShagrathuntedSnagaroundtheroof,untilduckingandeludinghimthesmallerorcwithayelpdartedbackintotheturretanddisappeared.

ThenShagrathalted.OutoftheeastwarddoorSamcouldseehimnowbytheparapet,panting,hisleftclawclenchingandunclenchingfeebly.Heputthebundleonthefloorandwithhisrightclawdrewoutalongredknifeandspatonit.Goingtotheparapetheleanedover,lookingdownintotheoutercourtfarbelow.Twiceheshoutedbutnoanswercame.

Suddenly,asShagratwasstoopedoverthebattlement,hisbacktotheroof-top,Samtohisamazementsawthatoneofthesprawlingbodieswasmoving.Itwascrawling.Itputoutaclawandclutchedthebundle.Itstaggeredup.Initsotherhanditheldabroad-headedspearwithashortbrokenhaft.Itwaspoisedforastabbingthrust.Butatthatverymomentahissescaped

itsteeth,agaspofpainorhate.QuickasasnakeShagratslippedaside,twistedround,anddrovehisknifeintohisenemy’sthroat.

‘Gotyou,Gorbag!’hecried.‘Notquitedead,eh?Well,I’llfinishmyjobnow.’Hesprangontothefallenbody,andstampedandtrampleditinhisfury,stoopingnowandagaintostabandslashitwithhis

knife.Satisfiedatlast,hethrewbackhisheadandletoutahorriblegurglingyelloftriumph.Thenhelickedhisknife,andputitbetweenhisteeth,andcatchingupthebundlehecamelopingtowardstheneardoorofthestairs.

Samhadnotimetothink.Hemighthaveslippedoutoftheotherdoor,buthardlywithoutbeingseen;andhe

couldnothaveplayedhide-and-seekwiththishideousorcforlong.Hedidwhatwasprobablythebestthinghecouldhavedone.HesprangouttomeetShagratwithashout.HewasnolongerholdingtheRing,butitwasthere,ahiddenpower,acowingmenacetotheslavesofMordor;andinhishandwasSting,anditslightsmotetheeyesoftheorclikethe

glitterofcruelstarsintheterribleelf-countries,thedreamofwhichwasacoldfeartoallhiskind.AndShagratcouldnotbothfightandkeepholdofhistreasure.Hestopped,growling,baringhisfangs.Thenoncemore,orc-fashion,heleaptaside,andasSamsprangathim,usingtheheavybundleasbothshieldandweapon,hethrustithardintohisenemy’s

face.Samstaggered,andbeforehecouldrecover,Shagratdartedpastanddownthestairs.

Samranafterhim,cursing,buthedidnotgofar.SoonthethoughtofFrodoreturnedtohim,andherememberedthattheotherorchadgonebackintotheturret.Herewasanotherdreadfulchoice,andhehadnotimetoponderit.IfShagratgot

away,hewouldsoongethelpandcomeback.ButifSampursuedhim,theotherorcmightdosomehorribledeedupthere.AndanywaySammightmissShagratorbekilledbyhim.Heturnedquicklyandranbackupthestairs.‘Wrongagain,Iexpect,’hesighed.‘Butit’smyjobtogorightuptothetopfirst,whateverhappensafterwards.’

AwaybelowShagratwentleapingdownthestairsandoutoverthecourtandthroughthegate,bearinghispreciousburden.IfSamcouldhaveseenhimandknownthegriefthathisescapewouldbring,hemighthavequailed.Butnowhismindwassetonthelaststageofhissearch.Hecamecautiouslytotheturret-doorandsteppedinside.Itopenedinto

darkness.Butsoonhisstaringeyeswereawareofadimlightathisrighthand.Itcamefromanopeningthatledtoanotherstairway,darkandnarrow:itappearedtogowindinguptheturretalongtheinsideofitsroundouterwall.Atorchwasglimmeringfromsomewhereupabove.

SoftlySambegantoclimb.Hecametothegutteringtorch,fixedabovea

dooronhisleftthatfacedawindow-slitlookingoutwestward:oneoftheredeyesthatheandFrodohadseenfromdownbelowbythetunnel’smouth.QuicklySampassedthedoorandhurriedontothesecondstorey,dreadingatanymomenttobeattackedandtofeelthrottlingfingersseizehisthroatfrombehind.Hecamenexttoawindowlookingeastand

anothertorchabovethedoortoapassagethroughthemiddleoftheturret.Thedoorwasopen,thepassagedarksavefortheglimmerofthetorchandtheredglarefromoutsidefilteringthroughthewindow-slit.Butherethestairstoppedandclimbednofurther.Samcreptintothepassage.Oneithersidetherewasalowdoor;bothwereclosedandlocked.Therewas

nosoundatall.‘Adeadend,’muttered

Sam;‘andafterallmyclimb!Thiscan’tbethetopofthetower.ButwhatcanIdonow?’

Heranbacktothelowerstoreyandtriedthedoor.Itwouldnotmove.Heranupagain,andsweatbegantotrickledownhisface.Hefeltthatevenminuteswereprecious,butonebyonethey

escaped;andhecoulddonothing.HecarednolongerforShagratorSnagaoranyotherorcthatwaseverspawned.Helongedonlyforhismaster,foronesightofhisfaceoronetouchofhishand.

Atlast,wearyandfeelingfinallydefeated,hesatonastepbelowthelevelofthepassage-floorandbowedhisheadintohishands.Itwas

quiet,horriblyquiet.Thetorch,thatwasalreadyburninglowwhenhearrived,sputteredandwentout;andhefeltthedarknesscoverhimlikeatide.Andthensoftly,tohisownsurprise,thereatthevainendofhislongjourneyandhisgrief,movedbywhatthoughtinhishearthecouldnottell,Sambegantosing.

Hisvoicesoundedthinandquaveringinthecold

darktower:thevoiceofaforlornandwearyhobbitthatnolisteningorccouldpossiblymistakefortheclearsongofanElven-lord.HemurmuredoldchildishtunesoutoftheShire,andsnatchesofMr.Bilbo’srhymesthatcameintohismindlikefleetingglimpsesofthecountryofhishome.Andthensuddenlynewstrengthroseinhim,andhisvoice

rangout,whilewordsofhisowncameunbiddentofitthesimpletune.

InwesternlandsbeneaththeSuntheflowersmayriseinSpring,thetreesmaybud,thewatersrun,themerryfinchessing.Ortheremaybe’tiscloudlessnight

andswayingbeechesbeartheElven-starsasjewelswhiteamidtheirbranchinghair.

Thoughhereatjourney’sendIlieindarknessburieddeep,beyondalltowersstrongandhigh,beyondallmountains

steep,aboveallshadowsridestheSunandStarsforeverdwell:IwillnotsaytheDayisdone,norbidtheStarsfarewell.

‘Beyondalltowersstrongandhigh,’hebeganagain,andthenhestoppedshort.Hethoughtthathehadhearda

faintvoiceansweringhim.Butnowhecouldhearnothing.Yes,hecouldhearsomething,butnotavoice.Footstepswereapproaching.Nowadoorwasbeingopenedquietlyinthepassageabove;thehingescreaked.Samcroucheddownlistening.Thedoorclosedwithadullthud;andthenasnarlingorc-voicerangout.

‘Hola!Youupthere,you

dunghillrat!Stopyoursqueaking,orI’llcomeanddealwithyou.D’youhear?’

Therewasnoanswer.‘Allright,’growled

Snaga.‘ButI’llcomeandhavealookatyouallthesame,andseewhatyou’reupto.’

Thehingescreakedagain,andSam,nowpeeringoverthecornerofthepassage-threshold,sawaflickerof

lightinanopendoorway,andthedimshapeofanorccomingout.Heseemedtobecarryingaladder.SuddenlytheanswerdawnedonSam:thetopmostchamberwasreachedbyatrap-doorintheroofofthepassage.Snagathrusttheladderupwards,steadiedit,andthenclamberedoutofsight.Samheardaboltdrawnback.Thenheheardthehideous

voicespeakingagain.‘Youliequiet,oryou’ll

payforit!You’venotgotlongtoliveinpeace,Iguess;butifyoudon’twantthefuntobeginrightnow,keepyourtrapshut,see?There’sareminderforyou!’Therewasasoundlikethecrackofawhip.

AtthatrageblazedinSam’shearttoasuddenfury.Hesprangup,ran,andwent

uptheladderlikeacat.Hisheadcameoutinthemiddleofthefloorofalargeroundchamber.Aredlamphungfromitsroof;thewestwardwindow-slitwashighanddark.Somethingwaslyingonthefloorbythewallunderthewindow,butoveritablackorc-shapewasstraddled.Itraisedawhipasecondtime,buttheblowneverfell.

WithacrySamleaptacrossthefloor,Stinginhand.Theorcwheeledround,butbeforeitcouldmakeamoveSamslasheditswhip-handfromitsarm.Howlingwithpainandfearbutdesperatetheorcchargedhead-downathim.Sam’snextblowwentwide,andthrownoffhisbalancehefellbackwards,clutchingattheorcasitstumbledoverhim.

Beforehecouldscrambleupheheardacryandathud.Theorcinitswildhastehadtrippedontheladder-headandfallenthroughtheopentrap-door.Samgavenomorethoughttoit.Herantothefigurehuddledonthefloor.ItwasFrodo.

Hewasnaked,lyingasifinaswoononaheapoffilthy

rags:hisarmwasflungup,shieldinghishead,andacrosshissidethererananuglywhip-weal.

‘Frodo!Mr.Frodo,mydear!’criedSam,tearsalmostblindinghim.‘It’sSam,I’vecome!’Hehalfliftedhismasterandhuggedhimtohisbreast.Frodoopenedhiseyes.

‘AmIstilldreaming?’hemuttered.‘Buttheother

dreamswerehorrible.’‘You’renotdreamingat

all,Master,’saidSam.‘It’sreal.It’sme.I’vecome.’

‘Icanhardlybelieveit,’saidFrodo,clutchinghim.‘Therewasanorcwithawhip,andthenitturnsintoSam!ThenIwasn’tdreamingafterallwhenIheardthatsingingdownbelow,andItriedtoanswer?Wasityou?’

‘Itwasindeed,Mr.Frodo.

I’dgivenuphope,almost.Icouldn’tfindyou.’

‘Well,youhavenow,Sam,dearSam,’saidFrodo,andhelaybackinSam’sgentlearms,closinghiseyes,likeachildatrestwhennight-fearsaredrivenawaybysomelovedvoiceorhand.

Samfeltthathecouldsitlikethatinendlesshappiness;butitwasnotallowed.Itwasnotenoughforhimtofindhis

master,hehadstilltotryandsavehim.HekissedFrodo’sforehead.‘Come!Wakeup,Mr.Frodo!’hesaid,tryingtosoundascheerfulashehadwhenhedrewbackthecurtainsatBagEndonasummer’smorning.

Frodosighedandsatup.‘Wherearewe?HowdidIgethere?’heasked.

‘There’snotimefortalestillwegetsomewhereelse,

Mr.Frodo,’saidSam.‘Butyou’reinthetopofthattoweryouandmesawfromawaydownbythetunnelbeforetheorcsgotyou.HowlongagothatwasIdon’tknow.Morethanaday,Iguess.’

‘Onlythat?’saidFrodo.‘Itseemsweeks.Youmusttellmeallaboutit,ifwegetachance.Somethinghitme,didn’tit?AndIfellintodarknessandfouldreams,

andwokeandfoundthatwakingwasworse.Orcswereallroundme.Ithinktheyhadjustbeenpouringsomehorribleburningdrinkdownmythroat.Myheadgrewclear,butIwasachingandweary.Theystrippedmeofeverything;andthentwogreatbrutescameandquestionedme,questionedmeuntilIthoughtIshouldgomad,standingoverme,

gloating,fingeringtheirknives.I’llneverforgettheirclawsandeyes.’

‘Youwon’t,ifyoutalkaboutthem,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam.‘Andifwedon’twanttoseethemagain,thesoonerwegetgoingthebetter.Canyouwalk?’

‘Yes,Icanwalk,’saidFrodo,gettingupslowly.‘Iamnothurt,Sam.OnlyIfeelverytired,andI’veapain

here.’Heputhishandtothebackofhisneckabovehisleftshoulder.Hestoodup,anditlookedtoSamasifhewasclothedinflame:hisnakedskinwasscarletinthelightofthelampabove.Twicehepacedacrossthefloor.

‘That’sbetter!’hesaid,hisspiritsrisingalittle.‘Ididn’tdaretomovewhenIwasleftalone,oroneofthe

guardscame.Untiltheyellingandfightingbegan.Thetwobigbrutes:theyquarrelled,Ithink.Overmeandmythings.Ilayhereterrified.Andthenallwentdeadlyquiet,andthatwasworse.’

‘Yes,theyquarrelled,seemingly,’saidSam.‘Theremusthavebeenacoupleofhundredofthedirtycreaturesinthisplace.AbitofatallorderforSamGamgee,as

youmightsay.Butthey’vedoneallthekillingofthemselves.That’slucky,butit’stoolongtomakeasongabout,tillwe’reoutofhere.Nowwhat’stobedone?Youcan’tgowalkingintheBlackLandinnaughtbutyourskin,Mr.Frodo.’

‘They’vetakeneverything,Sam,’saidFrodo.‘EverythingIhad.Doyouunderstand?Everything!’He

coweredontheflooragainwithbowedhead,ashisownwordsbroughthometohimthefullnessofthedisaster,anddespairoverwhelmedhim.‘Thequesthasfailed,Sam.Evenifwegetoutofhere,wecan’tescape.OnlyElvescanescape.Away,awayoutofMiddle-earth,farawayovertheSea.IfeventhatiswideenoughtokeeptheShadowout.’

‘No,noteverything,Mr.Frodo.Andithasn’tfailed,notyet.Itookit,Mr.Frodo,beggingyourpardon.AndI’vekeptitsafe.It’sroundmynecknow,andaterribleburdenitis,too.’SamfumbledfortheRinganditschain.‘ButIsupposeyoumusttakeitback.’Nowithadcometoit,SamfeltreluctanttogiveuptheRingandburdenhismasterwithit

again.‘You’vegotit?’gasped

Frodo.‘You’vegotithere?Sam,you’reamarvel!’Thenquicklyandstrangelyhistonechanged.‘Giveittome!’hecried,standingup,holdingoutatremblinghand.‘Giveitmeatonce!Youcan’thaveit!’

‘Allright,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam,ratherstartled.‘Hereitis!’Slowlyhedrew

theRingoutandpassedthechainoverhishead.‘Butyou’reinthelandofMordornow,sir;andwhenyougetout,you’llseetheFieryMountainandall.You’llfindtheRingverydangerousnow,andveryhardtobear.Ifit’stoohardajob,Icouldshareitwithyou,maybe?’

‘No,no!’criedFrodo,snatchingtheRingandchainfromSam’shands.‘Noyou

won’t,youthief!’Hepanted,staringatSamwitheyeswidewithfearandenmity.Thensuddenly,claspingtheRinginoneclenchedfist,hestoodaghast.Amistseemedtoclearfromhiseyes,andhepassedahandoverhisachingbrow.Thehideousvisionhadseemedsorealtohim,halfbemusedashewasstillwithwoundandfear.Samhadchangedbeforehisveryeyes

intoanorcagain,leeringandpawingathistreasure,afoullittlecreaturewithgreedyeyesandslobberingmouth.Butnowthevisionhadpassed.TherewasSamkneelingbeforehim,hisfacewrungwithpain,asifhehadbeenstabbedintheheart;tearswelledfromhiseyes.

‘OSam!’criedFrodo.‘WhathaveIsaid?WhathaveIdone?Forgiveme!Afterall

youhavedone.ItisthehorriblepoweroftheRing.Iwishithadnever,never,beenfound.Butdon’tmindme,Sam.Imustcarrytheburdentotheend.Itcan’tbealtered.Youcan’tcomebetweenmeandthisdoom.’

‘That’sallright,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam,rubbinghissleeveacrosshiseyes.‘Iunderstand.ButIcanstillhelp,can’tI?I’vegottoget

yououtofhere.Atonce,see!Butfirstyouwantsomeclothesandgear,andthensomefood.Theclotheswillbetheeasiestpart.Aswe’reinMordor,we’dbestdressupMordor-fashion;andanywaythereisn’tnochoice.It’llhavetobeorc-stuffforyou,Mr.Frodo,I’mafraid.Andformetoo.Ifwegotogether,we’dbestmatch.Nowputthisroundyou!’

SamunclaspedhisgreycloakandcastitaboutFrodo’sshoulders.Thenunslinginghispackhelaiditonthefloor.HedrewStingfromitssheath.Hardlyaflickerwastobeseenuponitsblade.‘Iwasforgettingthis,Mr.Frodo,’hesaid.‘No,theydidn’tgeteverything!YoulentmeSting,ifyouremember,andtheLady’sglass.I’vegotthembothstill.

Butlendthemtomealittlelonger,Mr.Frodo.ImustgoandseewhatIcanfind.Youstayhere.Walkaboutabitandeaseyourlegs.Ishan’tbelong.Ishan’thavetogofar.’

‘Takecare,Sam!’saidFrodo.‘Andbequick!Theremaybeorcsstillalive,lurkinginwait.’

‘I’vegottochanceit,’saidSam.Hesteppedtothetrap-doorandslippeddown

theladder.Inaminutehisheadreappeared.Hethrewalongknifeonthefloor.

‘There’ssomethingthatmightbeuseful,’hesaid.‘He’sdead:theonethatwhippedyou.Brokehisneck,itseems,inhishurry.Nowyoudrawuptheladder,ifyoucan,Mr.Frodo;anddon’tyouletitdowntillyouhearmecallthepass-word.ElberethI’llcall.WhattheElvessay.

Noorcwouldsaythat.’

Frodosatforawhileandshivered,dreadfulfearschasingoneanotherthroughhismind.Thenhegotup,drewthegreyelven-cloakabouthim,andtokeephismindoccupied,begantowalktoandfro,pryingandpeeringintoeverycornerofhisprison.

Itwasnotverylong,thoughfearmadeitseemanhouratleast,beforeheheardSam’svoicecallingsoftlyfrombelow:Elbereth,Elbereth.Frodoletdownthelightladder.UpcameSam,puffing,heavingagreatbundleonhishead.Heletitfallwithathud.

‘Quicknow,Mr.Frodo!’hesaid.‘I’vehadabitofasearchtofindanythingsmall

enoughforthelikesofus.We’llhavetomakedo.Butwemusthurry.I’vemetnothingalive,andI’veseennothing,butI’mnoteasy.Ithinkthisplaceisbeingwatched.Ican’texplainit,butwell:itfeelstomeasifoneofthosefoulflyingRiderswasabout,upintheblacknesswherehecan’tbeseen.’

Heopenedthebundle.

Frodolookedindisgustatthecontents,buttherewasnothingforit:hehadtoputthethingson,orgonaked.Therewerelonghairybreechesofsomeuncleanbeast-fell,andatunicofdirtyleather.Hedrewthemon.Overthetunicwentacoatofstoutring-mail,shortforafull-sizedorc,toolongforFrodoandheavy.Aboutitheclaspedabelt,atwhichthere

hungashortsheathholdingabroad-bladedstabbing-sword.Samhadbroughtseveralorc-helmets.OneofthemfittedFrodowellenough,ablackcapwithironrim,andironhoopscoveredwithleatheruponwhichtheEvilEyewaspaintedinredabovethebeaklikenose-guard.

‘TheMorgul-stuff,Gorbag’sgear,wasabetterfitandbettermade,’said

Sam;‘butitwouldn’tdo,Iguess,togocarryinghistokensintoMordor,notafterthisbusinesshere.Well,thereyouare,Mr.Frodo.Aperfectlittleorc,ifImaymakesobold–atleastyouwouldbe,ifwecouldcoveryourfacewithamask,giveyoulongerarms,andmakeyoubow-legged.Thiswillhidesomeofthetell-tales.’Heputalargeblackcloakround

Frodo’sshoulders.‘Nowyou’reready!Youcanpickupashieldaswego.’

‘Whataboutyou,Sam?’saidFrodo.‘Aren’twegoingtomatch?’

‘Well,Mr.Frodo,I’vebeenthinking,’saidSam.‘I’dbestnotleaveanyofmystuffbehind,andwecan’tdestroyit.AndIcan’twearorc-mailoverallmyclothes,canI?I’lljusthavetocoverup.’

Hekneltdownandcarefullyfoldedhiselven-cloak.Itwentintoasurprisinglysmallroll.Thisheputintohispackthatlayonthefloor.Standingup,heslungitbehindhisback,putanorc-helmonhishead,andcastanotherblackcloakabouthisshoulders.‘There!’hesaid.‘Nowwematch,nearenough.Andnowwemustbeoff!’

‘Ican’tgoallthewayatarun,Sam,’saidFrodowithawrysmile.‘Ihopeyou’vemadeinquiriesaboutinnsalongtheroad?Orhaveyouforgottenaboutfoodanddrink?’

‘Saveme,butsoIhad!’saidSam.Hewhistledindismay.‘Blessme,Mr.Frodo,butyou’vegoneandmademethathungryandthirsty!Idon’tknowwhen

dropormorsellastpassedmylips.I’dforgottenit,tryingtofindyou.Butletmethink!LasttimeIlookedI’dgotaboutenoughofthatway-bread,andofwhatCaptainFaramirgaveus,tokeepmeonmylegsforacoupleofweeksatapinch.Butifthere’sadropleftinmybottle,there’snomore.That’snotgoingtobeenoughfortwo,nohow.Don’torcs

eat,anddon’ttheydrink?Ordotheyjustliveonfoulairandpoison?’

‘No,theyeatanddrink,Sam.TheShadowthatbredthemcanonlymock,itcannotmake:notrealnewthingsofitsown.Idon’tthinkitgavelifetotheorcs,itonlyruinedthemandtwistedthem;andiftheyaretoliveatall,theyhavetolivelikeotherlivingcreatures.Foul

watersandfoulmeatsthey’lltake,iftheycangetnobetter,butnotpoison.They’vefedme,andsoI’mbetteroffthanyou.Theremustbefoodandwatersomewhereinthisplace.’

‘Butthere’snotimetolookforthem,’saidSam.

‘Well,thingsareabitbetterthanyouthink,’saidFrodo.‘Ihavehadabitofluckwhileyouwereaway.

Indeedtheydidnottakeeverything.I’vefoundmyfood-bagamongsomeragsonthefloor.They’verummagedit,ofcourse.ButIguesstheydislikedtheverylookandsmellofthelembas,worsethanGollumdid.It’sscatteredaboutandsomeofitistrampledandbroken,butI’vegatheredittogether.It’snotfarshortofwhatyou’vegot.Butthey’vetaken

Faramir’sfood,andthey’veslashedupmywater-bottle.’

‘Well,there’snomoretobesaid,’saidSam.‘We’vegotenoughtostarton.Butthewater’sgoingtobeabadbusiness.Butcome,Mr.Frodo!Offwego,orawholelakeofitwon’tdousanygood!’

‘Nottillyou’vehadamouthful,Sam,’saidFrodo.‘Iwon’tbudge.Here,take

thiselven-cake,anddrinkthatlastdropinyourbottle!Thewholethingisquitehopeless,soit’snogoodworryingabouttomorrow.Itprobablywon’tcome.’

Atlasttheystarted.Downtheladdertheyclimbed,andthenSamtookitandlaiditinthepassagebesidethehuddledbodyofthefallen

orc.Thestairwasdark,butontheroof-toptheglareoftheMountaincouldstillbeseen,thoughitwasdyingdownnowtoasullenred.Theypickeduptwoshieldstocompletetheirdisguiseandthenwenton.

Downthegreatstairwaytheyplodded.Thehighchamberoftheturretbehind,wheretheyhadmetagain,seemedalmosthomely:they

wereoutintheopenagainnow,andterrorranalongthewalls.AllmightbedeadintheTowerofCirithUngol,butitwassteepedinfearandevilstill.

Atlengththeycametothedoorupontheoutercourt,andtheyhalted.EvenfromwheretheystoodtheyfeltthemaliceoftheWatchersbeatingonthem,blacksilentshapesoneithersideofthe

gatethroughwhichtheglareofMordordimlyshowed.Astheythreadedtheirwayamongthehideousbodiesoftheorcseachstepbecamemoredifficult.Beforetheyevenreachedthearchwaytheywerebroughttoastand.Tomoveaninchfurtherwasapainandwearinesstowillandlimb.

Frodohadnostrengthforsuchabattle.Hesanktothe

ground.‘Ican’tgoon,Sam,’hemurmured.‘I’mgoingtofaint.Idon’tknowwhat’scomeoverme.’

‘Ido,Mr.Frodo.Holdupnow!It’sthegate.There’ssomedevilrythere.ButIgotthrough,andI’mgoingtogetout.Itcan’tbemoredangerousthanbefore.Nowforit!’

Samdrewouttheelven-glassofGaladrielagain.Asif

todohonourtohishardihood,andtogracewithsplendourhisfaithfulbrownhobbit-handthathaddonesuchdeeds,thephialblazedforthsuddenly,sothatalltheshadowycourtwaslitwithadazzlingradiancelikelightning;butitremainedsteadyanddidnotpass.

‘Gilthoniel,AElbereth!’Samcried.For,whyhedidnotknow,histhoughtsprang

backsuddenlytotheElvesintheShire,andthesongthatdroveawaytheBlackRiderinthetrees.

‘Aiyaelenionancalima!’criedFrodoonceagainbehindhim.

ThewilloftheWatcherswasbrokenwithasuddennesslikethesnappingofacord,andFrodoandSamstumbledforward.Thentheyran.Throughthegateand

pastthegreatseatedfigureswiththeirglitteringeyes.Therewasacrack.Thekeystoneofthearchcrashedalmostontheirheels,andthewallabovecrumbled,andfellinruin.Onlybyahairdidtheyescape.Abellclanged;andfromtheWatcherstherewentupahighanddreadfulwail.Farupaboveinthedarknessitwasanswered.Outoftheblackskythere

camedroppinglikeaboltawingedshape,rendingthecloudswithaghastlyshriek.

Chapter2

THELANDOFSHADOW

Samhadjustwitsenoughlefttothrustthephialbackinto

hisbreast.‘Run,Mr.Frodo!’hecried.‘No,notthatway!There’sasheerdropoverthewall.Followme!’

Downtheroadfromthegatetheyfled.Infiftypaces,withaswiftbendroundajuttingbastionofthecliff,ittookthemoutofsightfromtheTower.Theyhadescapedforthemoment.Coweringbackagainsttherocktheydrewbreath,andthenthey

clutchedattheirhearts.PerchingnowonthewallbesidetheruinedgatetheNazgûlsentoutitsdeadlycries.Allthecliffsechoed.

Interrortheystumbledon.SoontheroadbentsharplyeastwardagainandexposedthemforadreadfulmomenttoviewfromtheTower.Astheyflittedacrosstheyglancedbackandsawthegreatblackshapeuponthe

battlement;thentheyplungeddownbetweenhighrock-wallsinacuttingthatfellsteeplytojointheMorgul-road.Theycametotheway-meeting.Therewasstillnosignoforcs,norofananswertothecryoftheNazgûl;buttheyknewthatthesilencewouldnotlastlong.Atanymomentnowthehuntwouldbegin.

‘Thiswon’tdo,Sam,’said

Frodo.‘Ifwewererealorcs,weoughttobedashingbacktotheTower,notrunningaway.Thefirstenemywemeetwillknowus.Wemustgetoffthisroadsomehow.’

‘Butwecan’t,’saidSam,‘notwithoutwings.’

TheeasternfacesoftheEphelDúathweresheer,fallingincliffandprecipice

totheblacktroughthatlaybetweenthemandtheinnerridge.Ashortwaybeyondtheway-meeting,afteranothersteepincline,aflyingbridgeofstoneleaptoverthechasmandboretheroadacrossintothetumbledslopesandglensoftheMorgai.WithadesperatespurtFrodoandSamdashedalongthebridge;buttheyhadhardlyreacheditsfurtherendwhenthey

heardthehueandcrybegin.Awaybehindthem,nowhighaboveonthemountain-side,loomedtheTowerofCirithUngol,itsstonesglowingdully.Suddenlyitsharshbellclangedagain,andthenbrokeintoashatteringpeal.Hornssounded.Andnowfrombeyondthebridge-endcameansweringcries.Downinthedarktrough,cutofffromthedyingglareofOrodruin,

FrodoandSamcouldnotseeahead,butalreadytheyheardthetrampofiron-shodfeet,andupontheroadthererangtheswiftclatterofhoofs.

‘Quick,Sam!Overwego!’criedFrodo.Theyscrambledontothelowparapetofthebridge.Fortunatelytherewasnolongeranydreadfuldropintothegulf,fortheslopesoftheMorgaihadalreadyrisen

almosttotheleveloftheroad;butitwastoodarkforthemtoguessthedepthofthefall.

‘Well,heregoes,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam.‘Good-bye!’

Heletgo.Frodofollowed.Andevenastheyfelltheyheardtherushofhorsemensweepingoverthebridgeandtherattleoforc-feetrunningupbehind.ButSamwould

havelaughed,ifhehaddared.Halffearingabreakingplungedownontounseenrocksthehobbitslanded,inadropofnomorethanadozenfeet,withathudandacrunchintothelastthingthattheyhadexpected:atangleofthornybushes.ThereSamlaystill,softlysuckingascratchedhand.

Whenthesoundofhoofandfoothadpassedhe

venturedawhisper.‘Blessme,Mr.Frodo,butIdidn’tknowasanythinggrewinMordor!ButifIhada’known,thisisjustwhatI’dhavelookedfor.Thesethornsmustbeafootlongbythefeelofthem;they’vestuckthrougheverythingI’vegoton.WishI’da’putthatmailshirton!’

‘Orc-maildoesn’tkeepthesethornsout,’saidFrodo.

‘Notevenaleatherjerkinisanygood.’

Theyhadastruggletogetoutofthethicket.Thethornsandbriarswereastoughaswireandasclingingasclaws.Theircloakswererentandtatteredbeforetheybrokefreeatlast.

‘Nowdownwego,Sam,’Frodowhispered.‘Downinto

thevalleyquick,andthenturnnorthward,assoonaseverwecan.’

Daywascomingagainintheworldoutside,andfarbeyondthegloomsofMordortheSunwasclimbingovertheeasternrimofMiddle-earth;buthereallwasstilldarkasnight.TheMountainsmoulderedanditsfireswentout.Theglarefadedfromthecliffs.Theeasterlywindthat

hadbeenblowingeversincetheyleftIthiliennowseemeddead.Slowlyandpainfullytheyclambereddown,groping,stumbling,scramblingamongrockandbriaranddeadwoodintheblindshadows,downanddownuntiltheycouldgonofurther.

Atlengththeystopped,andsatsidebyside,theirbacksagainstaboulder.Both

weresweating.‘IfShagrathimselfwastooffermeaglassofwater,I’dshakehishand,’saidSam.

‘Don’tsaysuchthings!’saidFrodo.‘Itonlymakesitworse.’Thenhestretchedhimselfout,dizzyandweary,andhespokenomoreforawhile.Atlastwithastrugglehegotupagain.TohisamazementhefoundthatSamwasasleep.‘Wakeup,

Sam!’hesaid.‘Comeon!It’stimewemadeanothereffort.’

Samscrambledtohisfeet.‘WellInever!’hesaid.‘Imusthavedroppedoff.It’salongtime,Mr.Frodo,sinceIhadapropersleep,andmyeyesjustcloseddownontheirown.’

Frodonowledtheway,northwardasnearashecould

guess,amongthestonesandboulderslyingthickatthebottomofthegreatravine.Butpresentlyhestoppedagain.

‘It’snogood,Sam,’hesaid.‘Ican’tmanageit.Thismail-shirt,Imean.Notinmypresentstate.Evenmymithril-coatseemedheavywhenIwastired.Thisisfarheavier.Andwhat’stheuseofit?Weshan’twinthrough

byfighting.’‘Butwemayhavesometo

do,’saidSam.‘Andthere’sknivesandstrayarrows.ThatGollumisn’tdead,foronething.Idon’tliketothinkofyouwithnaughtbutabitofleatherbetweenyouandastabinthedark.’

‘Lookhere,Samdearlad,’saidFrodo:‘Iamtired,weary,Ihaven’tahopeleft.ButIhavetogoontryingto

gettotheMountain,aslongasIcanmove.TheRingisenough.Thisextraweightiskillingme.Itmustgo.Butdon’tthinkI’mungrateful.Ihatetothinkofthefoulworkyoumusthavehadamongthebodiestofinditforme.’

‘Don’ttalkaboutit,Mr.Frodo.Blessyou!I’dcarryyouonmyback,ifIcould.Letitgothen!’

Frodolaidasidehiscloak

andtookofftheorc-mailandflungitaway.Heshiveredalittle.‘WhatIreallyneedissomethingwarm,’hesaid.‘It’sgonecold,orelseI’vecaughtachill.’

‘Youcanhavemycloak,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam.Heunslunghispackandtookouttheelven-cloak.‘How’sthis,Mr.Frodo?’hesaid.‘Youwrapthatorc-ragcloseroundyou,andputthebeltoutside

it.Thenthiscangooverall.Itdon’tlookquiteorc-fashion,butit’llkeepyouwarmer;andIdaresayit’llkeepyoufromharmbetterthananyothergear.ItwasmadebytheLady.’

Frodotookthecloakandfastenedthebrooch.‘That’sbetter!’hesaid.‘Ifeelmuchlighter.Icangoonnow.Butthisblinddarkseemstobegettingintomyheart.AsIlay

inprison,Sam,ItriedtoremembertheBrandywine,andWoodyEnd,andTheWaterrunningthroughthemillatHobbiton.ButIcan’tseethemnow.’

‘Therenow,Mr.Frodo,it’syouthat’stalkingofwaterthistime!’saidSam.‘IfonlytheLadycouldseeusorhearus,I’dsaytoher:“YourLadyship,allwewantislightandwater:justcleanwater

andplaindaylight,betterthananyjewels,beggingyourpardon.”Butit’salongwaytoLórien.’SamsighedandwavedhishandtowardstheheightsoftheEphelDúath,nowonlytobeguessedasadeeperblacknessagainsttheblacksky.

Theystartedoffagain.Theyhadnotgonefarwhen

Frodopaused.‘There’saBlackRideroverus,’hesaid.‘Icanfeelit.Wehadbetterkeepstillforawhile.’

Crouchedunderagreatbouldertheysatfacingbackwestwardanddidnotspeakforsometime.ThenFrodobreathedasighofrelief.‘It’spassed,’hesaid.Theystoodup,andthentheybothstaredinwonder.Awaytotheirleft,southward,againstaskythat

wasturninggrey,thepeaksandhighridgesofthegreatrangebegantoappeardarkandblack,visibleshapes.Lightwasgrowingbehindthem.SlowlyitcrepttowardstheNorth.Therewasbattlefaraboveinthehighspacesoftheair.ThebillowingcloudsofMordorwerebeingdrivenback,theiredgestatteringasawindoutofthelivingworldcameupand

sweptthefumesandsmokestowardsthedarklandoftheirhome.UndertheliftingskirtsofthedrearycanopydimlightleakedintoMordorlikepalemorningthroughthegrimedwindowofaprison.

‘Lookatit,Mr.Frodo!’saidSam.‘Lookatit!Thewind’schanged.Something’shappening.He’snothavingitallhisownway.Hisdarknessisbreakingupoutinthe

worldthere.IwishIcouldseewhatisgoingon!’

ItwasthemorningofthefifteenthofMarch,andovertheValeofAnduintheSunwasrisingabovetheeasternshadow,andthesouth-westwindwasblowing.ThéodenlaydyingonthePelennorFields.

AsFrodoandSamstoodandgazed,therimoflightspreadallalongthelineof

theEphelDúath,andthentheysawashape,movingatagreatspeedoutoftheWest,atfirstonlyablackspeckagainsttheglimmeringstripabovethemountain-tops,butgrowing,untilitplungedlikeaboltintothedarkcanopyandpassedhighabovethem.Asitwentitsentoutalongshrillcry,thevoiceofaNazgûl;butthiscrynolongerheldanyterrorforthem:it

wasacryofwoeanddismay,illtidingsfortheDarkTower.TheLordoftheRingwraithshadmethisdoom.

‘WhatdidItellyou?Something’shappening!’criedSam.‘“Thewar’sgoingwell,”saidShagrat;butGorbaghewasn’tsosure.Andhewasrighttheretoo.Thingsarelookingup,Mr.Frodo.Haven’tyougotsomehopenow?’

‘Wellno,notmuch,Sam,’Frodosighed.‘That’sawaybeyondthemountains.We’regoingeastnotwest.AndI’msotired.AndtheRingissoheavy,Sam.AndIbegintoseeitinmymindallthetime,likeagreatwheeloffire.’

Sam’squickspiritssankagainatonce.Helookedathismasteranxiously,andhetookhishand.‘Come,Mr.Frodo!’hesaid.‘I’vegotone

thingIwanted:abitoflight.Enoughtohelpus,andyetIguessit’sdangeroustoo.Tryabitfurther,andthenwe’llliecloseandhavearest.Buttakeamorseltoeatnow,abitoftheElves’food;itmayheartenyou.’

Sharingawaferoflembas,andmunchingitasbesttheycouldwiththeir

parchedmouths,FrodoandSamploddedon.Thelight,thoughnomorethanagreydusk,wasnowenoughforthemtoseethattheyweredeepinthevalleybetweenthemountains.Itslopedupgentlynorthward,andatitsbottomwentthebedofanowdryandwitheredstream.Beyonditsstonycoursetheysawabeatenpaththatwounditswayunderthefeetofthe

westwardcliffs.Hadtheyknown,theycouldhavereacheditquicker,foritwasatrackthatleftthemainMorgul-roadatthewesternbridge-endandwentdownbyalongstaircutintherocktothevalley’sbottom.Itwasusedbypatrolsorbymessengersgoingswiftlytolesserpostsandstrongholdsnorth-away,betweenCirithUngolandthenarrowsof

Isenmouthe,theironjawsofCarachAngren.

Itwasperilousforthehobbitstousesuchapath,buttheyneededspeed,andFrodofeltthathecouldnotfacethetoilofscramblingamongthebouldersorinthetracklessglensoftheMorgai.Andhejudgedthatnorthwardwas,maybe,thewaythattheirhunterswouldleastexpectthemtotake.Theroadeastto

theplain,orthepassbackwestward,thosetheywouldfirstsearchmostthoroughly.OnlywhenhewaswellnorthoftheTowerdidhemeantoturnandseekforsomewaytotakehimeast,eastonthelastdesperatestageofhisjourney.Sonowtheycrossedthestonybedandtooktotheorc-path,andforsometimetheymarchedalongit.Thecliffsattheirleftwere

overhung,andtheycouldnotbeseenfromabove;butthepathmademanybends,andateachbendtheygrippedtheirsword-hiltsandwentforwardcautiously.

Thelightgrewnostronger,forOrodruinwasstillbelchingforthagreatfumethat,beatenupwardsbytheopposingairs,mountedhigherandhigher,untilitreachedaregionabovethe

windandspreadinanimmeasurableroof,whosecentralpillarroseoutoftheshadowsbeyondtheirview.Theyhadtrudgedformorethananhourwhentheyheardasoundthatbroughtthemtoahalt.Unbelievable,butunmistakable.Watertrickling.Outofagullyontheleft,sosharpandnarrowthatitlookedasiftheblackcliffhadbeenclovenbysome

hugeaxe,watercamedrippingdown:thelastremains,maybe,ofsomesweetraingatheredfromsunlitseas,butill-fatedtofallatlastuponthewallsoftheBlackLandandwanderfruitlessdownintothedust.Hereitcameoutoftherockinalittlefallingstreamlet,andflowedacrossthepath,andturningsouthranawayswiftlytobelostamongthe

deadstones.Samsprangtowardsit.‘If

everIseetheLadyagain,Iwilltellher!’hecried.‘Lightandnowwater!’Thenhestopped.‘Letmedrinkfirst,Mr.Frodo,’hesaid.

‘Allright,butthere’sroomenoughfortwo.’

‘Ididn’tmeanthat,’saidSam.‘Imean:ifit’spoisonous,orsomethingthatwillshowitsbadnessquick,

well,bettermethanyou,master,ifyouunderstandme.’

‘Ido.ButIthinkwe’lltrustourlucktogether,Sam;orourblessing.Still,becarefulnow,ifit’sverycold!’

Thewaterwascoolbutnoticy,andithadanunpleasanttaste,atoncebitterandoily,orsotheywouldhavesaidathome.Hereitseemedbeyondallpraise,and

beyondfearorprudence.Theydranktheirfill,andSamreplenishedhiswater-bottle.AfterthatFrodofelteasier,andtheywentonforseveralmiles,untilthebroadeningoftheroadandthebeginningsofaroughwallalongitsedgewarnedthemthattheyweredrawingneartoanotherorc-hold.

‘Thisiswhereweturnaside,Sam,’saidFrodo.‘And

wemustturneast.’Hesighedashelookedatthegloomyridgesacrossthevalley.‘Ihavejustaboutenoughstrengthlefttofindsomeholeawayupthere.AndthenImustrestalittle.’

Theriver-bedwasnowsomewaybelowthepath.Theyscrambleddowntoit,andbegantocrossit.Totheir

surprisetheycameupondarkpoolsfedbythreadsofwatertricklingdownfromsomesourcehigherupthevalley.UponitsoutermargesunderthewestwardmountainsMordorwasadyingland,butitwasnotyetdead.Andherethingsstillgrew,harsh,twisted,bitter,strugglingforlife.IntheglensoftheMorgaiontheothersideofthevalleylowscrubbytrees

lurkedandclung,coarsegreygrass-tussocksfoughtwiththestones,andwitheredmossescrawledonthem;andeverywheregreatwrithing,tangledbramblessprawled.Somehadlongstabbingthorns,somehookedbarbsthatrentlikeknives.Thesullenshrivelledleavesofapastyearhungonthem,gratingandrattlinginthesadairs,buttheirmaggot-ridden

budswereonlyjustopening.Flies,dunorgrey,orblack,markedlikeorcswitharedeye-shapedblotch,buzzedandstung;andabovethebriar-thicketscloudsofhungrymidgesdancedandreeled.

‘Orc-gear’snogood,’saidSamwavinghisarms.‘IwishI’dgotanorc’shide!’

AtlastFrodocouldgonofurther.Theyhadclimbedup

anarrowshelvingravine,buttheystillhadalongwaytogobeforetheycouldevencomeinsightofthelastcraggyridge.‘Imustrestnow,Sam,andsleepifIcan,’saidFrodo.Helookedabout,butthereseemednowhereevenforananimaltocrawlintointhisdismalcountry.Atlength,tiredout,theyslunkunderacurtainofbramblesthathungdownlikeamat

overalowrock-face.Theretheysatandmade

suchamealastheycould.Keepingbackthepreciouslembasfortheevildaysahead,theyatethehalfofwhatremainedinSam’sbagofFaramir’sprovision:somedriedfruit,andasmallslipofcuredmeat;andtheysippedsomewater.Theyhaddrunkagainfromthepoolsinthevalley,buttheywerevery

thirstyagain.TherewasabittertangintheairofMordorthatdriedthemouth.WhenSamthoughtofwaterevenhishopefulspiritquailed.BeyondtheMorgaitherewasthedreadfulplainofGorgorothtocross.

‘Nowyougotosleepfirst,Mr.Frodo,’hesaid.‘It’sgettingdarkagain.Ireckonthisdayisnearlyover.’

Frodosighedandwas

asleepalmostbeforethewordswerespoken.Samstruggledwithhisownweariness,andhetookFrodo’shand;andtherehesatsilenttilldeepnightfell.Thenatlast,tokeephimselfawake,hecrawledfromthehiding-placeandlookedout.Thelandseemedfullofcreakingandcrackingandslynoises,buttherewasnosoundofvoiceoroffoot.Far

abovetheEphelDúathintheWestthenight-skywasstilldimandpale.There,peepingamongthecloud-wrackaboveadarktorhighupinthemountains,Samsawawhitestartwinkleforawhile.Thebeautyofitsmotehisheart,ashelookedupoutoftheforsakenland,andhopereturnedtohim.Forlikeashaft,clearandcold,thethoughtpiercedhimthatin

theendtheShadowwasonlyasmallandpassingthing:therewaslightandhighbeautyforeverbeyonditsreach.HissongintheTowerhadbeendefianceratherthanhope;forthenhewasthinkingofhimself.Now,foramoment,hisownfate,andevenhismaster’s,ceasedtotroublehim.HecrawledbackintothebramblesandlaidhimselfbyFrodo’sside,and

puttingawayallfearhecasthimselfintoadeepuntroubledsleep.

Theywoketogether,handinhand.Samwasalmostfresh,readyforanotherday;butFrodosighed.Hissleephadbeenuneasy,fullofdreamsoffire,andwakingbroughthimnocomfort.Stillhissleephadnotbeen

withoutallhealingvirtue:hewasstronger,moreabletobearhisburdenonestagefurther.Theydidnotknowthetime,norhowlongtheyhadslept;butafteramorseloffoodandasipofwatertheywentonuptheravine,untilitendedinasharpslopeofscreesandslidingstones.Therethelastlivingthingsgaveuptheirstruggle;thetopsoftheMorgaiwere

grassless,bare,jagged,barrenasaslate.

Aftermuchwanderingandsearchtheyfoundawaythattheycouldclimb,andwithalasthundredfeetofclawingscrambletheywereup.Theycametoacleftbetweentwodarkcrags,andpassingthroughfoundthemselvesontheveryedgeofthelastfenceofMordor.Belowthem,atthebottomofafallofsome

fifteenhundredfeet,laytheinnerplainstretchingawayintoaformlessgloombeyondtheirsight.ThewindoftheworldblewnowfromtheWest,andthegreatcloudswereliftedhigh,floatingawayeastward;butstillonlyagreylightcametothedrearyfieldsofGorgoroth.Theresmokestrailedonthegroundandlurkedinhollows,andfumesleakedfrom

fissuresintheearth.Stillfaraway,fortymiles

atleast,theysawMountDoom,itsfeetfoundedinashenruin,itshugeconerisingtoagreatheight,whereitsreekingheadwasswathedincloud.Itsfireswerenowdimmed,anditstoodinsmoulderingslumber,asthreateninganddangerousasasleepingbeast.Behindittherehungavastshadow,

ominousasathunder-cloud,theveilsofBarad-dûrthatwasrearedfarawayuponalongspuroftheAshenMountainsthrustdownfromtheNorth.TheDarkPowerwasdeepinthought,andtheEyeturnedinward,ponderingtidingsofdoubtanddanger:abrightsword,andasternandkinglyfaceitsaw,andforawhileitgavelittlethoughttootherthings;andallitsgreat

stronghold,gateongate,andtowerontower,waswrappedinabroodinggloom.

FrodoandSamgazedoutinmingledloathingandwonderonthishatefulland.Betweenthemandthesmokingmountain,andaboutitnorthandsouth,allseemedruinousanddead,adesertburnedandchoked.TheywonderedhowtheLordofthisrealmmaintainedandfed

hisslavesandhisarmies.Yetarmieshehad.Asfarastheireyescouldreach,alongtheskirtsoftheMorgaiandawaysouthward,therewerecamps,someoftents,someorderedlikesmalltowns.Oneofthelargestofthesewasrightbelowthem.Barelyamileoutintotheplainitclusteredlikesomehugenestofinsects,withstraightdrearystreetsofhutsandlonglow

drabbuildings.Aboutitthegroundwasbusywithfolkgoingtoandfro;awideroadranfromitsouth-easttojointheMorgul-way,andalongitmanylinesofsmallblackshapeswerehurrying.

‘Idon’tlikethelookofthingsatall,’saidSam.‘Prettyhopeless,Icallit–savingthatwherethere’ssuchalotoffolktheremustbewellsorwater,notto

mentionfood.AndtheseareMennotOrcs,ormyeyesareallwrong.’

NeitherhenorFrodoknewanythingofthegreatslave-workedfieldsawaysouthinthiswiderealm,beyondthefumesoftheMountainbythedarksadwatersofLakeNúrnen;norofthegreatroadsthatranawayeastandsouthtotributarylands,fromwhich

thesoldiersoftheTowerbroughtlongwaggon-trainsofgoodsandbootyandfreshslaves.Hereinthenorthwardregionsweretheminesandforges,andthemusteringsoflong-plannedwar;andheretheDarkPower,movingitsarmieslikepiecesontheboard,wasgatheringthemtogether.Itsfirstmoves,thefirstfeelersofitsstrength,hadbeencheckeduponits

westernline,southwardandnorthward.Forthemomentitwithdrewthem,andbroughtupnewforces,massingthemaboutCirithGorgorforanavengingstroke.AndifithadalsobeenitspurposetodefendtheMountainagainstallapproach,itcouldscarcelyhavedonemore.

‘Well!’Samwenton.‘Whatevertheyhavetoeatanddrink,wecan’tgetit.

There’snowaydownthatIcansee.Andwecouldn’tcrossallthatopencountrycrawlingwithenemies,evenifwedidgetdown.’

‘Stillweshallhavetotry,’saidFrodo.‘It’snoworsethanIexpected.Ineverhopedtogetacross.Ican’tseeanyhopeofitnow.ButI’vestillgottodothebestIcan.Atpresentthatistoavoidbeingcapturedaslong

aspossible.Sowemuststillgonorthwards,Ithink,andseewhatitislikewheretheopenplainisnarrower.’

‘Iguesswhatit’llbelike,’saidSam.‘Whereit’snarrowertheOrcsandMenwilljustbepackedcloser.You’llsee,Mr.Frodo.’

‘IdaresayIshall,ifweevergetsofar,’saidFrodoandturnedaway.

TheysoonfoundthatitwasimpossibletomaketheirwayalongthecrestoftheMorgai,oranywherealongitshigherlevels,pathlessastheywereandscoredwithdeepghylls.Intheendtheywereforcedtogobackdowntheravinethattheyhadclimbedandseekforawayalongthevalley.Itwasroughgoing,fortheydarednotcrossovertothepathonthewestward

side.Afteramileormoretheysaw,huddledinahollowatthecliff’sfoot,theorc-holdthattheyhadguessedwasnearathand:awallandaclusterofstonehutssetaboutthedarkmouthofacave.Therewasnomovementtobeseen,butthehobbitscreptbycautiously,keepingasmuchastheycouldtothethorn-brakesthatgrewthicklyatthispointalongbothsidesof

theoldwater-course.Theywenttwoorthree

milesfurther,andtheorc-holdwashiddenfromsightbehindthem;buttheyhadhardlybeguntobreathemorefreelyagainwhenharshandloudtheyheardorc-voices.Quicklytheyslunkoutofsightbehindabrownandstuntedbush.Thevoicesdrewnearer.Presentlytwoorcscameintoview.Onewas

cladinraggedbrownandwasarmedwithabowofhorn;itwasofasmallbreed,black-skinned,withwideandsnufflingnostrils:evidentlyatrackerofsomekind.Theotherwasabigfighting-orc,likethoseofShagrat’scompany,bearingthetokenoftheEye.Healsohadabowathisbackandcarriedashortbroad-headedspear.Asusualtheywerequarrelling,and

beingofdifferentbreedstheyusedtheCommonSpeechaftertheirfashion.

Hardlytwentypacesfromwherethehobbitslurkedthesmallorcstopped.‘Nar!’itsnarled.‘I’mgoinghome.’Itpointedacrossthevalleytotheorc-hold.‘Nogoodwearingmynoseoutonstonesanymore.There’snotatraceleft,Isay.I’velostthescentthroughgivingwayto

you.Itwentupintothehills,notalongthevalley,Itellyou.’

‘Notmuchuseareyou,youlittlesnufflers?’saidthebigorc.‘Ireckoneyesarebetterthanyoursnottynoses.’

‘Thenwhathaveyouseenwiththem?’snarledtheother.‘Garn!Youdon’tevenknowwhatyou’relookingfor.’

‘Whoseblame’sthat?’saidthesoldier.‘Notmine.

ThatcomesfromHigherUp.Firsttheysayit’sagreatElfinbrightarmour,thenit’sasortofsmalldwarf-man,thenitmustbeapackofrebelUruk-hai;ormaybeit’sallthelottogether.’

‘Ar!’saidthetracker.‘They’velosttheirheads,that’swhatitis.Andsomeofthebossesaregoingtolosetheirskinstoo,Iguess,ifwhatIhearistrue:Tower

raidedandall,andhundredsofyourladsdonein,andprisonergotaway.Ifthat’sthewayyoufightersgoon,smallwonderthere’sbadnewsfromthebattles.’

‘Whosaysthere’sbadnews?’shoutedthesoldier.

‘Ar!Whosaysthereisn’t?’

‘That’scursedrebel-talk,andI’llstickyou,ifyoudon’tshutitdown,see?’

‘Allright,allright!’saidthetracker.‘I’llsaynomoreandgoonthinking.Butwhat’stheblacksneakgottodowithitall?Thatgobblerwiththeflappinghands?’

‘Idon’tknow.Nothing,maybe.Buthe’suptonogood,nosingaround,I’llwager.Cursehim!Nosoonerhadheslippedusandrunoffthanwordcamehe’swantedalive,wantedquick.’

‘Well,Ihopetheygethimandputhimthroughit,’growledthetracker.‘Hemessedupthescentbackthere,pinchingthatcast-offmail-shirtthathefound,andpaddlingallroundtheplacebeforeIcouldgetthere.’

‘Itsavedhislifeanyhow,’saidthesoldier.‘Why,beforeIknewhewaswantedIshothim,asneatasneat,atfiftypacesrightintheback;buthe

ranon.’‘Garn!Youmissedhim,’

saidthetracker.‘Firstyoushootwild,thenyouruntooslow,andthenyousendforthepoortrackers.I’vehadenoughofyou.’Helopedoff.

‘Youcomeback,’shoutedthesoldier,‘orI’llreportyou!’

‘Whoto?NottoyourpreciousShagrat.Hewon’tbecaptainanymore.’

‘I’llgiveyournameandnumbertotheNazgûl,’saidthesoldierloweringhisvoicetoahiss.‘Oneofthem’sinchargeattheTowernow.’

Theotherhalted,andhisvoicewasfulloffearandrage.‘Youcursedpeachingsneakthief!’heyelled.‘Youcan’tdoyourjob,andyoucan’tevenstickbyyourownfolk.GotoyourfilthyShriekers,andmaythey

freezethefleshoffyou!Iftheenemydoesn’tgetthemfirst.They’vedoneinNumberOne,I’veheard,andIhopeit’strue!’

Thebigorc,spearinhand,leaptafterhim.Butthetracker,springingbehindastone,putanarrowinhiseyeasheranup,andhefellwithacrash.Theotherranoffacrossthevalleyanddisappeared.

Forawhilethehobbitssatinsilence.AtlengthSamstirred.‘Well,Icallthatneatasneat,’hesaid.‘IfthisnicefriendlinesswouldspreadaboutinMordor,halfourtroublewouldbeover.’

‘Quietly,Sam,’Frodowhispered.‘Theremaybeothersabout.Wehaveevidentlyhadaverynarrowescape,andthehuntwashotteronourtracksthanwe

guessed.ButthatisthespiritofMordor,Sam;andithasspreadtoeverycornerofit.Orcshavealwaysbehavedlikethat,orsoalltalessay,whentheyareontheirown.Butyoucan’tgetmuchhopeoutofit.Theyhateusfarmore,altogetherandallthetime.Ifthosetwohadseenus,theywouldhavedroppedalltheirquarreluntilweweredead.’

Therewasanotherlongsilence.Sambrokeitagain,butwithawhisperthistime.‘Didyouhearwhattheysaidaboutthatgobbler,Mr.Frodo?ItoldyouGollumwasn’tdeadyet,didn’tI?’

‘Yes,Iremember.AndIwonderedhowyouknew,’saidFrodo.‘Well,comenow!Ithinkwehadbetternotmoveoutfromhereagain,untilithasgonequitedark.

Soyoushalltellmehowyouknow,andallaboutwhathappened.Ifyoucandoitquietly.’

‘I’lltry,’saidSam,‘butwhenIthinkofthatStinkerIgetsohotIcouldshout.’

Therethehobbitssatunderthecoverofthethornybush,whilethedrearlightofMordorfadedslowlyintoadeepandstarlessnight;andSamspokeintoFrodo’sear

allthathecouldfindwordsforofGollum’streacherousattack,thehorrorofShelob,andhisownadventureswiththeorcs.Whenhehadfinished,FrodosaidnothingbuttookSam’shandandpressedit.Atlengthhestirred.

‘Well,Isupposewemustbegoingonagain,’hesaid.‘Iwonderhowlongitwillbebeforewereallyarecaught

andallthetoilingandtheslinkingwillbeover,andinvain.’Hestoodup.‘It’sdark,andwecannotusetheLady’sglass.Keepitsafeforme,Sam.Ihavenowheretokeepitnow,exceptinmyhand,andIshallneedbothhandsintheblindnight.ButStingIgivetoyou.Ihavegotanorc-blade,butIdonotthinkitwillbemyparttostrikeanyblowagain.’

Itwasdifficultanddangerousmovinginthenightinthepathlessland;butslowlyandwithmuchstumblingthetwohobbitstoiledonhourbyhournorthwardalongtheeasternedgeofthestonyvalley.Whenagreylightcreptbackoverthewesternheights,longafterdayhadopenedinthelandsbeyond,theywentintohidingagainandsleptalittle,

turnbyturn.InhistimesofwakingSamwasbusywiththoughtsoffood.AtlastwhenFrodorousedhimselfandspokeofeatingandmakingreadyforyetanothereffort,heaskedthequestionthatwastroublinghimmost.

‘Beggingyourpardon,Mr.Frodo,’hesaid,‘buthaveyouanynotionhowfarthereisstilltogo?’

‘No,notanyclearnotion,

Sam,’Frodoanswered.‘InRivendellbeforeIsetoutIwasshownamapofMordorthatwasmadebeforetheEnemycamebackhere;butIonlyrememberitvaguely.Irememberclearestthattherewasaplaceinthenorthwherethewesternrangeandthenorthernrangesendoutspursthatnearlymeet.Thatmustbetwentyleaguesatleastfromthebridgebackby

theTower.Itmightbeagoodpointatwhichtocross.Butofcourse,ifwegetthere,weshallbefurtherthanwewerefromtheMountain,sixtymilesfromit,Ishouldthink.Iguessthatwehavegoneabouttwelveleaguesnorthfromthebridgenow.Evenifallgoeswell,IcouldhardlyreachtheMountaininaweek.Iamafraid,Sam,thattheburdenwillgetvery

heavy,andIshallgostillsloweraswegetnearer.’

Samsighed.‘That’sjustasIfeared,’hesaid.‘Well,tosaynothingofwater,we’vegottoeatless,Mr.Frodo,orelsemoveabitquicker,atanyratewhilewe’restillinthisvalley.Onemorebiteandallthefood’sended,savetheElves’waybread.’

‘I’lltryandbeabitquicker,Sam,’saidFrodo,

drawingadeepbreath.‘Comeonthen!Let’sstartanothermarch!’

Itwasnotyetquitedarkagain.Theyploddedalong,onintothenight.Thehourspassedinawearystumblingtrudgewithafewbriefhalts.Atthefirsthintofgreylightundertheskirtsofthecanopyofshadowtheyhid

themselvesagaininadarkhollowunderanoverhangingstone.

Slowlythelightgrew,untilitwasclearerthanityethadbeen.AstrongwindfromtheWestwasnowdrivingthefumesofMordorfromtheupperairs.Beforelongthehobbitscouldmakeouttheshapeofthelandforsomemilesaboutthem.Thetroughbetweenthemountainsand

theMorgaihadsteadilydwindledasitclimbedupwards,andtheinnerridgewasnownomorethanashelfinthesteepfacesoftheEphelDúath;buttotheeastitfellassheerlyaseverdownintoGorgoroth.Aheadthewater-coursecametoanendinbrokenstepsofrock;foroutfromthemainrangetheresprangahighbarrenspur,thrustingeastwardlikeawall.

TomeetittherestretchedoutfromthegreyandmistynorthernrangeofEredLithuialongjuttingarm;andbetweentheendstherewasanarrowgap:CarachAngren,theIsenmouthe,beyondwhichlaythedeepdaleofUdûn.InthatdalebehindtheMorannonwerethetunnelsanddeeparmouriesthattheservantsofMordorhadmadeforthedefenceoftheBlack

Gateoftheirland;andtherenowtheirLordwasgatheringinhastegreatforcestomeettheonslaughtoftheCaptainsoftheWest.Upontheout-thrustspursfortsandtowerswerebuilt,andwatch-firesburned;andallacrossthegapanearth-wallhadbeenraised,andadeeptrenchdelvedthatcouldbecrossedonlybyasinglebridge.

Afewmilesnorth,high

upintheanglewherethewesternspurbranchedawayfromthemainrange,stoodtheoldcastleofDurthang,nowoneofthemanyorc-holdsthatclusteredaboutthedaleofUdûn.Aroad,alreadyvisibleinthegrowinglight,camewindingdownfromit,untilonlyamileortwofromwherethehobbitslayitturnedeastandranalongashelfcutinthesideofthe

spur,andsowentdownintotheplain,andontotheIsenmouthe.

Tothehobbitsastheylookedoutitseemedthatalltheirjourneynorthhadbeenuseless.Theplaintotheirrightwasdimandsmoky,andtheycouldseethereneithercampsnortroopsmoving;butallthatregionwasunderthevigilanceofthefortsofCarachAngren.

‘Wehavecometoadeadend,Sam,’saidFrodo.‘Ifwegoon,weshallonlycomeuptothatorc-tower,buttheonlyroadtotakeisthatroadthatcomesdownfromit–unlesswegoback.Wecan’tclimbupwestward,orclimbdowneastward.’

‘Thenwemusttaketheroad,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam.‘Wemusttakeitandchanceourluck,ifthereisanyluck

inMordor.Wemightaswellgiveourselvesupaswanderaboutanymore,ortrytogoback.Ourfoodwon’tlast.We’vegottomakeadashforit!’

‘Allright,Sam,’saidFrodo.‘Leadme!Aslongasyou’vegotanyhopeleft.Mineisgone.ButIcan’tdash,Sam.I’lljustplodalongafteryou.’

‘Beforeyoustartany

moreplodding,youneedsleepandfood,Mr.Frodo.Comeandtakewhatyoucangetofthem!’

HegaveFrodowaterandanadditionalwaferofthewaybread,andhemadeapillowofhiscloakforhismaster’shead.Frodowastoowearytodebatethematter,andSamdidnottellhimthathehaddrunkthelastdropoftheirwater,andeatenSam’s

shareofthefoodaswellashisown.WhenFrodowasasleepSambentoverhimandlistenedtohisbreathingandscannedhisface.Itwaslinedandthin,andyetinsleepitlookedcontentandunafraid.‘Well,heregoes,Master!’Sammutteredtohimself.‘I’llhavetoleaveyouforabitandtrusttoluck.Waterwemusthave,orwe’llgetnofurther.’

Samcreptout,andflittingfromstonetostonewithmorethanhobbit-care,hewentdowntothewater-course,andthenfolloweditforsomewayasitclimbednorth,untilhecametotherock-stepswherelongago,nodoubt,itsspringhadcomegushingdowninalittlewaterfall.Allnowseemeddryandsilent;butrefusingtodespairSamstoopedandlistened,andto

hisdelighthecaughtthesoundoftrickling.Clamberingafewstepsuphefoundatinystreamofdarkwaterthatcameoutfromthehill-sideandfilledalittlebarepool,fromwhichagainitspilled,andvanishedthenunderthebarrenstones.

Samtastedthewater,anditseemedgoodenough.Thenhedrankdeeply,refilledthebottle,andturnedtogoback.

AtthatmomenthecaughtaglimpseofablackformorshadowflittingamongtherocksawaynearFrodo’shiding-place.Bitingbackacry,heleaptdownfromthespringandran,jumpingfromstonetostone.Itwasawarycreature,difficulttosee,butSamhadlittledoubtaboutit:helongedtogethishandsonitsneck.Butitheardhimcomingandslippedquickly

away.Samthoughthesawalastfleetingglimpseofit,peeringbackovertheedgeoftheeastwardprecipice,beforeitduckedanddisappeared.

‘Well,luckdidnotletmedown,’mutteredSam,‘butthatwasanearthing!Isn’titenoughtohaveorcsbythethousandwithoutthatstinkingvillaincomingnosinground?Iwishhehadbeenshot!’Hesatdownby

Frodoanddidnotrousehim;buthedidnotdaretogotosleephimself.Atlastwhenhefelthiseyesclosingandknewthathisstruggletokeepawakecouldnotgoonmuchlonger,hewakenedFrodogently.

‘ThatGollum’saboutagain,I’mafraid,Mr.Frodo,’hesaid.‘Leastways,ifitwasn’thim,thenthere’stwoofhim.Iwentawaytofind

somewaterandspiedhimnosingroundjustasIturnedback.Ireckonitisn’tsafeforusbothtosleeptogether,andbeggingyourpardon,butIcan’tholdupmylidsmuchlonger.’

‘Blessyou,Sam!’saidFrodo.‘Liedownandtakeyourproperturn!ButI’dratherhaveGollumthanorcs.Atanyratehewon’tgiveusawaytothem–notunless

he’scaughthimself.’‘Buthemightdoabitof

robberyandmurderonhisown,’growledSam.‘Keepyoureyesopen,Mr.Frodo!There’sabottlefullofwater.Drinkup.Wecanfillitagainwhenwegoon.’WiththatSamplungedintosleep.

Lightwasfadingagainwhenhewoke.Frodosat

proppedagainsttherockbehind,buthehadfallenasleep.Thewater-bottlewasempty.TherewasnosignofGollum.

Mordor-darkhadreturned,andthewatch-firesontheheightsburnedfierceandred,whenthehobbitssetoutagainonthemostdangerousstageofalltheirjourney.Theywentfirsttothelittlespring,andthenclimbing

warilyuptheycametotheroadatthepointwhereitswungeasttowardstheIsenmouthetwentymilesaway.Itwasnotabroadroad,andithadnowallorparapetalongtheedge,andasitranonthesheerdropfromitsbrinkbecamedeeperanddeeper.Thehobbitscouldhearnomovements,andafterlisteningforawhiletheysetoffeastwardatasteadypace.

Afterdoingsometwelvemiles,theyhalted.Ashortwaybacktheroadhadbentalittlenorthwardandthestretchthattheyhadpassedoverwasnowscreenedfromsight.Thisproveddisastrous.Theyrestedforsomeminutesandthenwenton;buttheyhadnottakenmanystepswhensuddenlyinthestillnessofthenighttheyheardthesoundthatallalongtheyhad

secretlydreaded:thenoiseofmarchingfeet.Itwasstillsomewaybehindthem,butlookingbacktheycouldseethetwinkleoftorchescomingroundthebendlessthanamileaway,andtheyweremovingfast:toofastforFrodotoescapebyflightalongtheroadahead.

‘Ifearedit,Sam,’saidFrodo.‘We’vetrustedtoluck,andithasfailedus.

We’retrapped.’Helookedwildlyupatthefrowningwall,wheretheroad-buildersofoldhadcuttherocksheerformanyfathomsabovetheirheads.Herantotheothersideandlookedoverthebrinkintoadarkpitofgloom.‘We’retrappedatlast!’hesaid.Hesanktothegroundbeneaththewallofrockandbowedhishead.

‘Seemsso,’saidSam.

‘Well,wecanbutwaitandsee.’AndwiththathesatdownbesideFrodoundertheshadowofthecliff.

Theydidnothavetowaitlong.Theorcsweregoingatagreatpace.Thoseintheforemostfilesboretorches.Ontheycame,redflamesinthedark,swiftlygrowing.NowSamtoobowedhishead,hopingthatitwouldhidehisfacewhenthetorches

reachedthem;andhesettheirshieldsbeforetheirkneestohidetheirfeet.

‘Ifonlytheyareinahurryandwillletacoupleoftiredsoldiersaloneandpasson!’hethought.

Andsoitseemedthattheywould.Theleadingorcscamelopingalong,panting,holdingtheirheadsdown.Theywereagangofthesmallerbreedsbeingdrivenunwillingto

theirDarkLord’swars;alltheycaredforwastogetthemarchoverandescapethewhip.Besidethem,runningupanddowntheline,wenttwoofthelargefierceuruks,crackinglashesandshouting.Fileafterfilepassed,andthetell-taletorchlightwasalreadysomewayahead.Samheldhisbreath.Nowmorethanhalfthelinehadgoneby.Thensuddenlyoneofthe

slave-driversspiedthetwofiguresbytheroad-side.Heflickedawhipatthemandyelled:‘Hi,you!Getup!’Theydidnotanswer,andwithashouthehaltedthewholecompany.

‘Comeon,youslugs!’hecried.‘Thisisnotimeforslouching.’Hetookasteptowardsthem,andeveninthegloomherecognizedthedevicesontheirshields.

‘Deserting,eh?’hesnarled.‘Orthinkingofit?AllyourfolkshouldhavebeeninsideUdûnbeforeyesterdayevening.Youknowthat.Upyougetandfallin,orI’llhaveyournumbersandreportyou.’

Theystruggledtotheirfeet,andkeepingbent,limpinglikefootsoresoldiers,theyshuffledbacktowardstherearoftheline.‘No,not

attherear!’theslave-drivershouted.‘Threefilesup.Andstaythere,oryou’llknowit,whenIcomedowntheline!’Hesenthislongwhip-lashcrackingovertheirheads;thenwithanothercrackandayellhestartedthecompanyoffagainatabrisktrot.

ItwashardenoughforpoorSam,tiredashewas;butforFrodoitwasatorment,andsoonanightmare.Heset

histeethandtriedtostophismindfromthinking,andhestruggledon.Thestenchofthesweatingorcsabouthimwasstifling,andhebegantogaspwiththirst.On,ontheywent,andhebentallhiswilltodrawhisbreathandtomakehislegskeepgoing;andyettowhatevilendhetoiledandenduredhedidnotdaretothink.Therewasnohopeoffallingoutunseen.Now

andagaintheorc-driverfellbackandjeeredatthem.

‘Therenow!’helaughed,flickingattheirlegs.‘Wherethere’sawhipthere’sawill,myslugs.Holdup!I’dgiveyouanicefreshenernow,onlyyou’llgetasmuchlashasyourskinswillcarrywhenyoucomeinlatetoyourcamp.Doyougood.Don’tyouknowwe’reatwar?’

Theyhadgonesomemiles,andtheroadwasatlastrunningdownalongslopeintotheplain,whenFrodo’sstrengthbegantogiveoutandhiswillwavered.Helurchedandstumbled.DesperatelySamtriedtohelphimandholdhimup,thoughhefeltthathecouldhimselfhardlystaythepacemuchlonger.Atanymomentnowheknewthattheendwouldcome:his

masterwouldfaintorfall,andallwouldbediscovered,andtheirbittereffortsbeinvain.‘I’llhavethatbigslave-drivingdevilanyway,’hethought.

Thenjustashewasputtinghishandtothehiltofhissword,therecameanunexpectedrelief.TheywereoutontheplainnowanddrawingneartheentrancetoUdûn.Somewayinfrontof

it,beforethegateatthebridge-end,theroadfromthewestconvergedwithotherscomingfromthesouth,andfromBarad-dûr.Alongalltheroadstroopsweremoving;fortheCaptainsoftheWestwereadvancingandtheDarkLordwasspeedinghisforcesnorth.Soitchancedthatseveralcompaniescametogetherattheroad-meeting,inthedarkbeyondthelight

ofthewatch-firesonthewall.Atoncetherewasgreatjostlingandcursingaseachtrooptriedtogetfirsttothegateandtheendingoftheirmarch.Thoughthedriversyelledandpliedtheirwhips,scufflesbrokeoutandsomebladesweredrawn.Atroopofheavy-armeduruksfromBarad-dûrchargedintotheDurthanglineandthrewthemintoconfusion.

Dazedashewaswithpainandweariness,Samwokeup,graspedquicklyathischance,andthrewhimselftotheground,draggingFrododownwithhim.Orcsfelloverthem,snarlingandcursing.Slowlyonhandandkneethehobbitscrawledawayoutoftheturmoil,untilatlastunnoticedtheydroppedoverthefurtheredgeoftheroad.Ithadahighkerbbywhichtroop-leaders

couldguidethemselvesinblacknightorfog,anditwasbankedupsomefeetabovetheleveloftheopenland.

Theylaystillforawhile.Itwastoodarktoseekforcover,ifindeedtherewasanytofind;butSamfeltthattheyoughtatleasttogetfurtherawayfromthehighwaysandoutoftherangeoftorchlight.

‘Comeon,Mr.Frodo!’hewhispered.‘Onemorecrawl,

andthenyoucanliestill.’Withalastdespairing

effortFrodoraisedhimselfonhishands,andstruggledonformaybetwentyyards.Thenhepitcheddownintoashallowpitthatopenedunexpectedlybeforethem,andtherehelaylikeadeadthing.

Chapter3

MOUNTDOOM

Samputhisraggedorc-cloakunderhismaster’shead,andcoveredthembothwiththegreyrobeofLórien;andashe

didsohisthoughtswentouttothatfairland,andtotheElves,andhehopedthattheclothwovenbytheirhandsmighthavesomevirtuetokeepthemhiddenbeyondallhopeinthiswildernessoffear.HeheardthescufflingandcriesdiedownasthetroopspassedonthroughtheIsenmouthe.Itseemedthatintheconfusionandtheminglingofmanycompanies

ofvariouskindstheyhadnotbeenmissed,notyetatanyrate.

Samtookasipofwater,butpressedFrodotodrink,andwhenhismasterhadrecoveredalittlehegavehimawholewaferoftheirpreciouswaybreadandmadehimeatit.Then,toowornouteventofeelmuchfear,theystretchedthemselvesout.Theysleptalittleinuneasy

fits;fortheirsweatgrewchillonthem,andthehardstonesbitthem,andtheyshivered.OutofthenorthfromtheBlackGatethroughCirithGorgorthereflowedwhisperingalongthegroundathincoldair.

Inthemorningagreylightcameagain,forinthehighregionstheWestWindstillblew,butdownonthestonesbehindthefencesofthe

BlackLandtheairseemedalmostdead,chillandyetstifling.Samlookedupoutofthehollow.Thelandallaboutwasdreary,flatanddrab-hued.Ontheroadsnearbynothingwasmovingnow;butSamfearedthewatchfuleyesonthewalloftheIsenmouthe,nomorethanafurlongawaynorthward.South-eastward,farofflikeadarkstandingshadow,

loomedtheMountain.Smokeswerepouringfromit,andwhilethosethatroseintotheupperairtrailedawayeastward,greatrollingcloudsfloateddownitssidesandspreadovertheland.Afewmilestothenorth-eastthefoothillsoftheAshenMountainsstoodlikesombregreyghosts,behindwhichthemistynorthernheightsroselikealineofdistantcloud

hardlydarkerthantheloweringsky.

Samtriedtoguessthedistancesandtodecidewhatwaytheyoughttotake.‘Itlookseverystepoffiftymiles,’hemutteredgloomily,staringatthethreateningmountain,‘andthat’lltakeaweek,ifittakesaday,withMr.Frodoasheis.’Heshookhishead,andasheworkedthingsout,slowlyanewdark

thoughtgrewinhismind.Neverforlonghadhopediedinhisstaunchheart,andalwaysuntilnowhehadtakensomethoughtfortheirreturn.Butthebittertruthcamehometohimatlast:atbesttheirprovisionwouldtakethemtotheirgoal;andwhenthetaskwasdone,theretheywouldcometoanend,alone,houseless,foodlessinthemidstofaterribledesert.

Therecouldbenoreturn.‘SothatwasthejobIfeltI

hadtodowhenIstarted,’thoughtSam:‘tohelpMr.Frodotothelaststepandthendiewithhim?Well,ifthatisthejobthenImustdoit.ButIwoulddearlyliketoseeBywateragain,andRosieCottonandherbrothers,andtheGafferandMarigoldandall.Ican’tthinksomehowthatGandalfwouldhavesent

Mr.Frodoonthiserrand,iftherehadn’ta’beenanyhopeofhisevercomingbackatall.ThingsallwentwrongwhenhewentdowninMoria.Iwishhehadn’t.Hewouldhavedonesomething.’

ButevenashopediedinSam,orseemedtodie,itwasturnedtoanewstrength.Sam’splainhobbit-facegrewstern,almostgrim,asthewillhardenedinhim,andhefelt

throughallhislimbsathrill,asifhewasturningintosomecreatureofstoneandsteelthatneitherdespairnorwearinessnorendlessbarrenmilescouldsubdue.

Withanewsenseofresponsibilityhebroughthiseyesbacktothegroundnearathand,studyingthenextmove.Asthelightgrewalittlehesawtohissurprisethatwhatfromadistancehad

seemedwideandfeaturelessflatswereinfactallbrokenandtumbled.IndeedthewholesurfaceoftheplainsofGorgorothwaspockedwithgreatholes,asif,whileitwasstillawasteofsoftmud,ithadbeensmittenwithashowerofboltsandhugeslingstones.Thelargestoftheseholeswererimmedwithridgesofbrokenrock,andbroadfissuresranoutfrom

theminalldirections.Itwasalandinwhichitwouldbepossibletocreepfromhidingtohiding,unseenbyallbutthemostwatchfuleyes:possibleatleastforonewhowasstrongandhadnoneedforspeed.Forthehungryandworn,whohadfartogobeforelifefailed,ithadanevillook.

ThinkingofallthesethingsSamwentbacktohis

master.Hehadnoneedtorousehim.Frodowaslyingonhisbackwitheyesopen,staringatthecloudysky.‘Well,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam,‘I’vebeenhavingalookroundandthinkingabit.There’snothingontheroads,andwe’dbestbegettingawaywhilethere’sachance.Canyoumanageit?’

‘Icanmanageit,’saidFrodo.‘Imust.’

Oncemoretheystarted,crawlingfromhollowtohollow,flittingbehindsuchcoverastheycouldfind,butmovingalwaysinaslanttowardsthefoothillsofthenorthernrange.Butastheywentthemosteasterlyoftheroadsfollowedthem,untilitranoff,huggingtheskirtsofthemountains,awayintoawallofblackshadowfarahead.Neithermannororc

nowmovedalongitsflatgreystretches;fortheDarkLordhadalmostcompletedthemovementofhisforces,andeveninthefastnessofhisownrealmhesoughtthesecrecyofnight,fearingthewindsoftheworldthathadturnedagainsthim,tearingasidehisveils,andtroubledwithtidingsofboldspiesthathadpassedthroughhisfences.

Thehobbitshadgoneafewwearymileswhentheyhalted.Frodoseemednearlyspent.Samsawthathecouldnotgomuchfurtherinthisfashion,crawling,stooping,nowpickingadoubtfulwayveryslowly,nowhurryingatastumblingrun.

‘I’mgoingbackontotheroadwhilethelightlasts,Mr.Frodo,’hesaid.‘Trusttoluckagain!Itnearlyfaileduslast

time,butitdidn’tquite.Asteadypaceforafewmoremiles,andthenarest.’

Hewastakingafargreaterriskthanheknew;butFrodowastoomuchoccupiedwithhisburdenandwiththestruggleinhismindtodebate,andalmosttoohopelesstocare.Theyclimbedontothecausewayandtrudgedalong,downthehardcruelroadthatledtothe

DarkToweritself.Buttheirluckheld,andfortherestofthatdaytheymetnolivingormovingthing;andwhennightfelltheyvanishedintothedarknessofMordor.Allthelandnowbroodedasatthecomingofagreatstorm:fortheCaptainsoftheWesthadpassedtheCross-roadsandsetflamesinthedeadlyfieldsofImladMorgul.

Sothedesperatejourney

wenton,astheRingwentsouthandthebannersofthekingsrodenorth.Forthehobbitseachday,eachmile,wasmorebitterthantheonebefore,astheirstrengthlessenedandthelandbecamemoreevil.Theymetnoenemiesbyday.Attimesbynight,astheycoweredordrowseduneasilyinsomehidingbesidetheroad,theyheardcriesandthenoiseof

manyfeetortheswiftpassingofsomecruellyriddensteed.Butfarworsethanallsuchperilswastheever-approachingthreatthatbeatuponthemastheywent:thedreadfulmenaceofthePowerthatwaited,broodingindeepthoughtandsleeplessmalicebehindthedarkveilaboutitsThrone.Nearerandneareritdrew,loomingblacker,liketheoncomingofawallof

nightatthelastendoftheworld.

Therecameatlastadreadfulnightfall;andevenastheCaptainsoftheWestdrewneartotheendofthelivinglands,thetwowandererscametoanhourofblankdespair.Fourdayshadpassedsincetheyhadescapedfromtheorcs,butthetimelaybehindthemlikeanever-darkeningdream.Allthislast

dayFrodohadnotspoken,buthadwalkedhalf-bowed,oftenstumbling,asifhiseyesnolongersawthewaybeforehisfeet.Samguessedthatamongalltheirpainsheboretheworst,thegrowingweightoftheRing,aburdenonthebodyandatormenttohismind.AnxiouslySamhadnotedhowhismaster’slefthandwouldoftenberaisedasiftowardoffablow,orto

screenhisshrinkingeyesfromadreadfulEyethatsoughttolookinthem.Andsometimeshisrighthandwouldcreeptohisbreast,clutching,andthenslowly,asthewillrecoveredmastery,itwouldbewithdrawn.

NowastheblacknessofnightreturnedFrodosat,hisheadbetweenhisknees,hisarmshangingwearilytothegroundwherehishandslay

feeblytwitching.Samwatchedhim,tillnightcoveredthembothandhidthemfromoneanother.Hecouldnolongerfindanywordstosay;andheturnedtohisowndarkthoughts.Asforhimself,thoughwearyandunderashadowoffear,hestillhadsomestrengthleft.Thelembashadavirtuewithoutwhichtheywouldlongagohavelaindownto

die.Itdidnotsatisfydesire,andattimesSam’smindwasfilledwiththememoriesoffood,andthelongingforsimplebreadandmeats.AndyetthiswaybreadoftheElveshadapotencythatincreasedastravellersreliedonitaloneanddidnotmingleitwithotherfoods.Itfedthewill,anditgavestrengthtoendure,andtomastersinewandlimbbeyondthemeasure

ofmortalkind.Butnowanewdecisionmustbemade.Theycouldnotfollowthisroadanylonger;foritwentoneastwardintothegreatShadow,buttheMountainnowloomedupontheirright,almostduesouth,andtheymustturntowardsit.Yetstillbeforeittherestretchedawideregionoffuming,barren,ash-riddenland.

‘Water,water!’muttered

Sam.Hehadstintedhimself,andinhisparchedmouthhistongueseemedthickandswollen;butforallhiscaretheynowhadverylittleleft,perhapshalfhisbottle,andmaybetherewerestilldaystogo.Allwouldlongagohavebeenspent,iftheyhadnotdaredtofollowtheorc-road.Foratlongintervalsonthathighwaycisternshadbeenbuiltfortheuseoftroopssent

inhastethroughthewaterlessregions.InoneSamhadfoundsomewaterleft,stale,muddiedbytheorcs,butstillsufficientfortheirdesperatecase.Yetthatwasnowadayago.Therewasnohopeofanymore.

AtlastweariedwithhiscaresSamdrowsed,leavingthemorrowtillitcame;hecoulddonomore.Dreamandwakingmingleduneasily.He

sawlightslikegloatingeyes,anddarkcreepingshapes,andheheardnoisesasofwildbeastsorthedreadfulcriesoftorturedthings;andhewouldstartuptofindtheworldalldarkandonlyemptyblacknessallabouthim.Onceonly,ashestoodandstaredwildlyround,diditseemthat,thoughnowawake,hecouldstillseepalelightslikeeyes;butsoontheyflickeredand

vanished.

Thehatefulnightpassedslowlyandreluctantly.Suchdaylightasfollowedwasdim;forhereastheMountaindrewneartheairwasevermirky,whileoutfromtheDarkTowertherecrepttheveilsofShadowthatSauronwoveabouthimself.Frodowaslyingonhisbacknotmoving.

Samstoodbesidehim,reluctanttospeak,andyetknowingthatthewordnowlaywithhim:hemustsethismaster’swilltoworkforanothereffort.Atlength,stoopingandcaressingFrodo’sbrow,hespokeinhisear.

‘Wakeup,Master!’hesaid.‘Timeforanotherstart.’

Asifrousedbyasuddenbell,Frodorosequickly,and

stoodupandlookedawaysouthwards;butwhenhiseyesbeheldtheMountainandthedeserthequailedagain.

‘Ican’tmanageit,Sam,’hesaid.‘Itissuchaweighttocarry,suchaweight.’

Samknewbeforehespoke,thatitwasvain,andthatsuchwordsmightdomoreharmthangood,butinhispityhecouldnotkeepsilent.‘Thenletmecarryita

bitforyou,Master,’hesaid.‘YouknowIwould,andgladly,aslongasIhaveanystrength.’

AwildlightcameintoFrodo’seyes.‘Standaway!Don’ttouchme!’hecried.‘Itismine,Isay.Beoff!’Hishandstrayedtohissword-hilt.Butthenquicklyhisvoicechanged.‘No,no,Sam,’hesaidsadly.‘Butyoumustunderstand.Itismy

burden,andnooneelsecanbearit.Itistoolatenow,Samdear.Youcan’thelpmeinthatwayagain.Iamalmostinitspowernow.Icouldnotgiveitup,andifyoutriedtotakeitIshouldgomad.’

Samnodded.‘Iunderstand,’hesaid.‘ButI’vebeenthinking,Mr.Frodo,there’sotherthingswemightdowithout.Whynotlightentheloadabit?We’re

goingthatwaynow,asstraightaswecanmakeit.’HepointedtotheMountain.‘It’snogoodtakinganythingwe’renotsuretoneed.’

FrodolookedagaintowardstheMountain.‘No,’hesaid,‘weshan’tneedmuchonthatroad.Andatitsendnothing.’Pickinguphisorc-shieldheflungitawayandthrewhishelmetafterit.Thenpullingoffthegrey

cloakheundidtheheavybeltandletitfalltotheground,andthesheathedswordwithit.Theshredsoftheblackcloakhetoreoffandscattered.

‘There,I’llbeanorcnomore,’hecried,‘andI’llbearnoweapon,fairorfoul.Letthemtakeme,iftheywill!’

Samdidlikewise,andputasidehisorc-gear;andhetookoutallthethingsinhis

pack.Somehoweachofthemhadbecomedeartohim,ifonlybecausehehadbornethemsofarwithsomuchtoil.Hardestofallitwastopartwithhiscooking-gear.Tearswelledinhiseyesatthethoughtofcastingitaway.

‘Doyourememberthatbitofrabbit,Mr.Frodo?’hesaid.‘AndourplaceunderthewarmbankinCaptainFaramir’scountry,thedayI

sawanoliphaunt?’‘No,Iamafraidnot,

Sam,’saidFrodo.‘Atleast,Iknowthatsuchthingshappened,butIcannotseethem.Notasteoffood,nofeelofwater,nosoundofwind,nomemoryoftreeorgrassorflower,noimageofmoonorstararelefttome.Iamnakedinthedark,Sam,andthereisnoveilbetweenmeandthewheeloffire.I

begintoseeitevenwithmywakingeyes,andallelsefades.’

Samwenttohimandkissedhishand.‘Thenthesoonerwe’reridofit,thesoonertorest,’hesaidhaltingly,findingnobetterwordstosay.‘Talkingwon’tmendnothing,’hemutteredtohimself,ashegatheredupallthethingsthattheyhadchosentocastaway.Hewas

notwillingtoleavethemlyingopeninthewildernessforanyeyestosee.‘Stinkerpickedupthatorc-shirt,seemingly,andheisn’tgoingtoaddaswordtoit.Hishandsarebadenoughwhenempty.Andheisn’tgoingtomesswithmypans!’Withthathecarriedallthegearawaytooneofthemanygapingfissuresthatscoredthelandandthrewthemin.

Theclatterofhispreciouspansastheyfelldownintothedarkwaslikeadeath-knelltohisheart.

HecamebacktoFrodo,andthenofhiselven-ropehecutashortpiecetoservehismasterasagirdleandbindthegreycloakcloseabouthiswaist.Theresthecarefullycoiledandputbackinhispack.Besidethathekeptonlytheremnantsoftheir

waybreadandthewater-bottle,andStingstillhangingbyhisbelt;andhiddenawayinapocketofhistunicnexthisbreastthephialofGaladrielandthelittleboxthatshegavehimforhisown.

NowatlasttheyturnedtheirfacestotheMountainandsetout,thinkingnomoreofconcealment,bendingtheir

wearinessandfailingwillsonlytotheonetaskofgoingon.Inthedimnessofitsdrearydayfewthingseveninthatlandofvigilancecouldhaveespiedthem,savefromcloseathand.OfalltheslavesoftheDarkLord,onlytheNazgûlcouldhavewarnedhimoftheperilthatcrept,smallbutindomitable,intotheveryheartofhisguardedrealm.Butthe

Nazgûlandtheirblackwingswereabroadonothererrand:theyweregatheredfaraway,shadowingthemarchoftheCaptainsoftheWest,andthitherthethoughtoftheDarkTowerwasturned.

ThatdayitseemedtoSamthathismasterhadfoundsomenewstrength,morethancouldbeexplainedbythesmalllighteningoftheloadthathehadtocarry.Inthe

firstmarchestheywentfurtherandfasterthanhehadhoped.Thelandwasroughandhostile,andyettheymademuchprogress,andevertheMountaindrewnearer.Butasthedayworeonandalltoosoonthedimlightbegantofail,Frodostoopedagain,andbegantostagger,asiftherenewedefforthadsquanderedhisremainingstrength.

Attheirlasthalthesankdownandsaid:‘I’mthirsty,Sam,’anddidnotspeakagain.Samgavehimamouthfulofwater;onlyonemoremouthfulremained.Hewentwithouthimself;andnowasoncemorethenightofMordorclosedoverthem,throughallhisthoughtstherecamethememoryofwater;andeverybrookorstreamorfountthathehadeverseen,

undergreenwillow-shadesortwinklinginthesun,dancedandrippledforhistormentbehindtheblindnessofhiseyes.HefeltthecoolmudabouthistoesashepaddledinthePoolatBywaterwithJollyCottonandTomandNibs,andtheirsisterRosie.‘Butthatwasyearsago,’hesighed,‘andfaraway.Thewayback,ifthereisone,goespasttheMountain.’

Hecouldnotsleepandheheldadebatewithhimself.‘Well,comenow,we’vedonebetterthanyouhoped,’hesaidsturdily.‘Beganwellanyway.Ireckonwecrossedhalfthedistancebeforewestopped.Onemoredaywilldoit.’Andthenhepaused.

‘Don’tbeafool,SamGamgee,’cameananswerinhisownvoice.‘Hewon’tgoanotherdaylikethat,ifhe

movesatall.Andyoucan’tgoonmuchlongergivinghimallthewaterandmostofthefood.’

‘Icangoonagoodwaythough,andIwill.’

‘Whereto?’‘TotheMountain,of

course.’‘Butwhatthen,Sam

Gamgee,whatthen?Whenyougetthere,whatareyougoingtodo?Hewon’tbe

abletodoanythingforhimself.’

TohisdismaySamrealizedthathehadnotgotananswertothis.Hehadnoclearideaatall.Frodohadnotspokenmuchtohimofhiserrand,andSamonlyknewvaguelythattheRinghadsomehowtobeputintothefire.‘TheCracksofDoom,’hemuttered,theoldnamerisingtohismind.

‘Well,ifMasterknowshowtofindthem,Idon’t.’

‘Thereyouare!’cametheanswer.‘It’sallquiteuseless.Hesaidsohimself.Youarethefool,goingonhopingandtoiling.Youcouldhavelaindownandgonetosleeptogetherdaysago,ifyouhadn’tbeensodogged.Butyou’lldiejustthesame,orworse.Youmightjustaswellliedownnowandgiveitup.

You’llnevergettothetopanyway.’

‘I’llgetthere,ifIleaveeverythingbutmybonesbehind,’saidSam.‘AndI’llcarryMr.Frodoupmyself,ifitbreaksmybackandheart.Sostoparguing!’

AtthatmomentSamfeltatremorinthegroundbeneathhim,andheheardorsensedadeepremoterumbleasofthunderimprisonedunderthe

earth.Therewasabriefredflamethatflickeredunderthecloudsanddiedaway.TheMountaintoosleptuneasily.

ThelaststageoftheirjourneytoOrodruincame,anditwasatormentgreaterthanSamhadeverthoughtthathecouldbear.Hewasinpain,andsoparchedthathecouldnolongerswalloweven

amouthfuloffood.Itremaineddark,notonlybecauseofthesmokesoftheMountain:thereseemedtobeastormcomingup,andawaytothesouth-easttherewasashimmeroflightningsundertheblackskies.Worstofall,theairwasfulloffumes;breathingwaspainfulanddifficult,andadizzinesscameonthem,sothattheystaggeredandoftenfell.And

yettheirwillsdidnotyield,andtheystruggledon.

TheMountaincreptupevernearer,until,iftheyliftedtheirheavyheads,itfilledalltheirsight,loomingvastbeforethem:ahugemassofashandslagandburnedstone,outofwhichasheer-sidedconewasraisedintotheclouds.Beforethedaylongduskendedandtruenightcameagaintheyhadcrawled

andstumbledtoitsveryfeet.WithagaspFrodocast

himselfontheground.Samsatbyhim.Tohissurprisehefelttiredbutlighter,andhisheadseemedclearagain.Nomoredebatesdisturbedhismind.Heknewalltheargumentsofdespairandwouldnotlistentothem.Hiswillwasset,andonlydeathwouldbreakit.Hefeltnolongereitherdesireorneedof

sleep,butratherofwatchfulness.Heknewthatallthehazardsandperilswerenowdrawingtogethertoapoint:thenextdaywouldbeadayofdoom,thedayoffinaleffortordisaster,thelastgasp.

Butwhenwoulditcome?Thenightseemedendlessandtimeless,minuteafterminutefallingdeadandaddinguptonopassinghour,bringingno

change.Sambegantowonderifaseconddarknesshadbegunandnodaywouldeverreappear.AtlasthegropedforFrodo’shand.Itwascoldandtrembling.Hismasterwasshivering.

‘Ididn’toughttohaveleftmyblanketbehind,’mutteredSam;andlyingdownhetriedtocomfortFrodowithhisarmsandbody.Thensleeptookhim,andthedimlightof

thelastdayoftheirquestfoundthemsidebyside.ThewindhadfallenthedaybeforeasitshiftedfromtheWest,andnowitcamefromtheNorthandbegantorise;andslowlythelightoftheunseenSunfiltereddownintotheshadowswherethehobbitslay.

‘Nowforit!Nowforthe

lastgasp!’saidSamashestruggledtohisfeet.HebentoverFrodo,rousinghimgently.Frodogroaned;butwithagreateffortofwillhestaggeredup;andthenhefelluponhiskneesagain.HeraisedhiseyeswithdifficultytothedarkslopesofMountDoomtoweringabovehim,andthenpitifullyhebegantocrawlforwardonhishands.

Samlookedathimand

weptinhisheart,butnotearscametohisdryandstingingeyes.‘IsaidI’dcarryhim,ifitbrokemyback,’hemuttered,‘andIwill!’

‘Come,Mr.Frodo!’hecried.‘Ican’tcarryitforyou,butIcancarryyouanditaswell.Soupyouget!Comeon,Mr.Frododear!Samwillgiveyouaride.Justtellhimwheretogo,andhe’llgo.’

AsFrodoclunguponhis

back,armslooselyabouthisneck,legsclaspedfirmlyunderhisarms,Samstaggeredtohisfeet;andthentohisamazementhefelttheburdenlight.Hehadfearedthathewouldhavebarelystrengthtolifthismasteralone,andbeyondthathehadexpectedtoshareinthedreadfuldraggingweightoftheaccursedRing.Butitwasnotso.Whetherbecause

Frodowassowornbyhislongpains,woundofknife,andvenomoussting,andsorrow,fear,andhomelesswandering,orbecausesomegiftoffinalstrengthwasgiventohim,SamliftedFrodowithnomoredifficultythanifhewerecarryingahobbit-childpig-a-backinsomeromponthelawnsorhayfieldsoftheShire.Hetookadeepbreathandstarted

off.Theyhadreachedthe

Mountain’sfootonitsnorthernside,andalittletothewestward;thereitslonggreyslopes,thoughbroken,werenotsheer.Frododidnotspeak,andsoSamstruggledonasbesthecould,havingnoguidancebutthewilltoclimbashighasmightbebeforehisstrengthgaveoutandhiswillbroke.Onhetoiled,upand

up,turningthiswayandthattolessentheslope,oftenstumblingforward,andatthelastcrawlinglikeasnailwithaheavyburdenonitsback.Whenhiswillcoulddrivehimnofurther,andhislimbsgaveway,hestoppedandlaidhismastergentlydown.

Frodoopenedhiseyesanddrewabreath.Itwaseasiertobreatheuphereabovethereeksthatcoiledanddrifted

downbelow.‘Thankyou,Sam,’hesaidinacrackedwhisper.‘Howfaristheretogo?’

‘Idon’tknow,’saidSam,‘becauseIdon’tknowwherewe’regoing.’

Helookedback,andthenhelookedup;andhewasamazedtoseehowfarhislastefforthadbroughthim.The

Mountainstandingominousandalonehadlookedtallerthanitwas.SamsawnowthatitwaslessloftythanthehighpassesoftheEphelDúathwhichheandFrodohadscaled.Theconfusedandtumbledshouldersofitsgreatbaseroseformaybethreethousandfeetabovetheplain,andabovethemwasrearedhalfashighagainitstallcentralcone,likeavastoast

orchimneycappedwithajaggedcrater.ButalreadySamwasmorethanhalfwayupthebase,andtheplainofGorgorothwasdimbelowhim,wrappedinfumeandshadow.Ashelookeduphewouldhavegivenashout,ifhisparchedthroathadallowedhim;foramidtheruggedhumpsandshouldersabovehimhesawplainlyapathorroad.Itclimbedlikea

risinggirdlefromthewestandwoundsnakelikeabouttheMountain,untilbeforeitwentroundoutofviewitreachedthefootoftheconeuponitseasternside.

Samcouldnotseethecourseimmediatelyabovehim,whereitwaslowest,forasteepslopewentupfromwherehestood;butheguessedthatifhecouldonlystruggleonjustalittleway

furtherup,theywouldstrikethispath.Agleamofhopereturnedtohim.TheymightconquertheMountainyet.‘Why,itmighthavebeenputtherea-purpose!’hesaidtohimself.‘Ifitwasn’tthere,I’dhavetosayIwasbeatenintheend.’

ThepathwasnotputthereforthepurposesofSam.Hedidnotknowit,buthewaslookingatSauron’sRoad

fromBarad-dûrtotheSammathNaur,theChambersofFire.OutfromtheDarkTower’shugewesterngateitcameoveradeepabyssbyavastbridgeofiron,andthenpassingintotheplainitranforaleaguebetweentwosmokingchasms,andsoreachedalongslopingcausewaythatledupontotheMountain’seasternside.Thence,turningand

encirclingallitswidegirthfromsouthtonorth,itclimbedatlast,highintheuppercone,butstillfarfromthereekingsummit,toadarkentrancethatgazedbackeaststraighttotheWindowoftheEyeinSauron’sshadow-mantledfortress.OftenblockedordestroyedbythetumultsoftheMountain’sfurnaces,alwaysthatroadwasrepairedandcleared

againbythelaboursofcountlessorcs.

Samdrewadeepbreath.Therewasapath,buthowhewastogetuptheslopetoithedidnotknow.Firsthemusteasehisachingback.HelayflatbesideFrodoforawhile.Neitherspoke.Slowlythelightgrew.SuddenlyasenseofurgencywhichhedidnotunderstandcametoSam.Itwasalmostasifhe

hadbeencalled:‘Now,now,oritwillbetoolate!’Hebracedhimselfandgotup.Frodoalsoseemedtohavefeltthecall.Hestruggledtohisknees.

‘I’llcrawl,Sam,’hegasped.

Sofootbyfoot,likesmallgreyinsects,theycreptuptheslope.Theycametothepathandfoundthatitwasbroad,pavedwithbrokenrubbleand

beatenash.Frodoclamberedontoit,andthenmovedasifbysomecompulsionheturnedslowlytofacetheEast.FarofftheshadowsofSauronhung;buttornbysomegustofwindoutoftheworld,orelsemovedbysomegreatdisquietwithin,themantlingcloudsswirled,andforamomentdrewaside;andthenhesaw,risingblack,blackeranddarkerthanthe

vastshadesamidwhichitstood,thecruelpinnaclesandironcrownofthetopmosttowerofBarad-dûr.Onemomentonlyitstaredout,butasfromsomegreatwindowimmeasurablyhightherestabbednorthwardaflameofred,theflickerofapiercingEye;andthentheshadowswerefurledagainandtheterriblevisionwasremoved.TheEyewasnotturnedto

them:itwasgazingnorthtowheretheCaptainsoftheWeststoodatbay,andthitherallitsmalicewasnowbent,asthePowermovedtostrikeitsdeadlyblow;butFrodoatthatdreadfulglimpsefellasonestrickenmortally.Hishandsoughtthechainabouthisneck.

Samkneltbyhim.Faint,almostinaudibly,heheardFrodowhispering:‘Helpme,

Sam!Helpme,Sam!Holdmyhand!Ican’tstopit.’Samtookhismaster’shandsandlaidthemtogether,palmtopalm,andkissedthem;andthenheheldthemgentlybetweenhisown.Thethoughtcamesuddenlytohim:‘He’sspottedus!It’sallup,oritsoonwillbe.Now,SamGamgee,thisistheendofends.’

AgainheliftedFrodoand

drewhishandsdowntohisownbreast,lettinghismaster’slegsdangle.Thenhebowedhisheadandstruggledoffalongtheclimbingroad.Itwasnotaseasyawaytotakeasithadlookedatfirst.ByfortunethefiresthathadpouredforthinthegreatturmoilswhenSamstooduponCirithUngolhadfloweddownmainlyonthesouthernandwesternslopes,andthe

roadonthissidewasnotblocked.Yetinmanyplacesithadcrumbledawayorwascrossedbygapingrents.Afterclimbingeastwardforsometimeitbentbackuponitselfatasharpangleandwentwestwardforaspace.ThereatthebenditwascutdeepthroughacragofoldweatheredstoneoncelongagovomitedfromtheMountain’sfurnaces.Panting

underhisloadSamturnedthebend;andevenashedidso,outofthecornerofhiseye,hehadaglimpseofsomethingfallingfromthecrag,likeasmallpieceofblackstonethathadtoppledoffashepassed.

Asuddenweightsmotehimandhecrashedforward,tearingthebacksofhishandsthatstillclaspedhismaster’s.Thenheknewwhathad

happened,forabovehimashelayheheardahatedvoice.

‘Wickedmasster!’ithissed.‘Wickedmasstercheatsus;cheatsSméagol,gollum.Hemusstn’tgothatway.Hemusstn’thurtPreciouss.GiveittoSméagol,yess,giveittous!Giveittouss!’

WithaviolentheaveSamroseup.Atoncehedrewhissword;buthecoulddo

nothing.GollumandFrodowerelockedtogether.Gollumwastearingathismaster,tryingtogetatthechainandtheRing.ThiswasprobablytheonlythingthatcouldhaverousedthedyingembersofFrodo’sheartandwill:anattack,anattempttowresthistreasurefromhimbyforce.HefoughtbackwithasuddenfurythatamazedSam,andGollumalso.Evensothings

mighthavegonefarotherwise,ifGollumhimselfhadremainedunchanged;butwhateverdreadfulpaths,lonelyandhungryandwaterless,hehadtrodden,drivenbyadevouringdesireandaterriblefear,theyhadleftgrievousmarksonhim.Hewasalean,starved,haggardthing,allbonesandtight-drawnsallowskin.Awildlightflamedinhiseyes,

buthismalicewasnolongermatchedbyhisoldgripingstrength.Frodoflunghimoffandroseupquivering.

‘Down,down!’hegasped,clutchinghishandtohisbreast,sothatbeneaththecoverofhisleathershirtheclaspedtheRing.‘Down,youcreepingthing,andoutofmypath!Yourtimeisatanend.Youcannotbetraymeorslaymenow.’

Thensuddenly,asbeforeundertheeavesoftheEmynMuil,Samsawthesetworivalswithothervision.Acrouchingshape,scarcelymorethantheshadowofalivingthing,acreaturenowwhollyruinedanddefeated,yetfilledwithahideouslustandrage;andbeforeitstoodstern,untouchablenowbypity,afigurerobedinwhite,butatitsbreastithelda

wheeloffire.Outofthefiretherespokeacommandingvoice.

‘Begone,andtroublemenomore!Ifyoutouchmeeveragain,youshallbecastyourselfintotheFireofDoom.’

Thecrouchingshapebackedaway,terrorinitsblinkingeyes,andyetatthesametimeinsatiabledesire.

Thenthevisionpassed

andSamsawFrodostanding,handonbreast,hisbreathcomingingreatgasps,andGollumathisfeet,restingonhiskneeswithhiswide-splayedhandsupontheground.

‘Lookout!’criedSam.‘He’llspring!’Hesteppedforward,brandishinghissword.‘Quick,Master!’hegasped.‘Goon!Goon!Notimetolose.I’lldealwith

him.Goon!’Frodolookedathimasif

atonenowfaraway.‘Yes,Imustgoon,’hesaid.‘Farewell,Sam!Thisistheendatlast.OnMountDoomdoomshallfall.Farewell!’Heturnedandwenton,walkingslowlybuterect,uptheclimbingpath.

‘Now!’saidSam.‘Atlast

Icandealwithyou!’Heleapedforwardwithdrawnbladereadyforbattle.ButGollumdidnotspring.Hefellflatuponthegroundandwhimpered.

‘Don’tkillus,’hewept.‘Don’thurtuswithnasstycruelsteel!Letuslive,yes,livejustalittlelonger.Lostlost!We’relost.AndwhenPreciousgoeswe’lldie,yes,dieintothedust.’Heclawed

uptheashesofthepathwithhislongfleshlessfingers.‘Dusst!’hehissed.

Sam’shandwavered.Hismindwashotwithwrathandthememoryofevil.Itwouldbejusttoslaythistreacherous,murderouscreature,justandmanytimesdeserved;andalsoitseemedtheonlysafethingtodo.Butdeepinhishearttherewassomethingthatrestrained

him:hecouldnotstrikethisthinglyinginthedust,forlorn,ruinous,utterlywretched.Hehimself,thoughonlyforalittlewhile,hadbornetheRing,andnowdimlyheguessedtheagonyofGollum’sshrivelledmindandbody,enslavedtothatRing,unabletofindpeaceorreliefeverinlifeagain.ButSamhadnowordstoexpresswhathefelt.

‘Oh,curseyou,youstinkingthing!’hesaid.‘Goaway!Beoff!Idon’ttrustyou,notasfarasIcouldkickyou;butbeoff.OrIshallhurtyou,yes,withnastycruelsteel.’

Gollumgotuponallfours,andbackedawayforseveralpaces,andthenheturned,andasSamaimedakickathimhefledawaydownthepath.Samgaveno

moreheedtohim.Hesuddenlyrememberedhismaster.Helookedupthepathandcouldnotseehim.Asfastashecouldhetrudgeduptheroad.Ifhehadlookedback,hemighthaveseennotfarbelowGollumturnagain,andthenwithawildlightofmadnessglaringinhiseyescome,swiftlybutwarily,creepingonbehind,aslinkingshadowamongthestones.

Thepathclimbedon.SoonitbentagainandwithalasteastwardcoursepassedinacuttingalongthefaceoftheconeandcametothedarkdoorintheMountain’sside,thedooroftheSammathNaur.FarawaynowrisingtowardstheSouththesun,piercingthesmokesandhaze,burnedominous,adullbleareddiscofred;butallMordorlayaboutthe

Mountainlikeadeadland,silent,shadow-folded,waitingforsomedreadfulstroke.

Samcametothegapingmouthandpeeredin.Itwasdarkandhot,andadeeprumblingshooktheair.‘Frodo!Master!’hecalled.Therewasnoanswer.Foramomenthestood,hisheartbeatingwithwildfears,andthenheplungedin.Ashadow

followedhim.Atfirsthecouldsee

nothing.InhisgreatneedhedrewoutoncemorethephialofGaladriel,butitwaspaleandcoldinhistremblinghandandthrewnolightintothatstiflingdark.HewascometotheheartoftherealmofSauronandtheforgesofhisancientmight,greatestinMiddle-earth;allotherpowerswereheresubdued.

Fearfullyhetookafewuncertainstepsinthedark,andthenallatoncetherecameaflashofredthatleapedupward,andsmotethehighblackroof.ThenSamsawthathewasinalongcaveortunnelthatboredintotheMountain’ssmokingcone.Butonlyashortwayaheaditsfloorandthewallsoneithersidewereclovenbyagreatfissure,outofwhich

theredglarecame,nowleapingup,nowdyingdownintodarkness;andallthewhilefarbelowtherewasarumourandatroubleasofgreatenginesthrobbingandlabouring.

Thelightsprangupagain,andthereonthebrinkofthechasm,attheveryCrackofDoom,stoodFrodo,blackagainsttheglare,tense,erect,butstillasifhehadbeen

turnedtostone.‘Master!’criedSam.ThenFrodostirredand

spokewithaclearvoice,indeedwithavoiceclearerandmorepowerfulthanSamhadeverheardhimuse,anditroseabovethethrobandturmoilofMountDoom,ringingintheroofandwalls.

‘Ihavecome,’hesaid.‘ButIdonotchoosenowtodowhatIcametodo.Iwill

notdothisdeed.TheRingismine!’Andsuddenly,ashesetitonhisfinger,hevanishedfromSam’ssight.Samgasped,buthehadnochancetocryout,foratthatmomentmanythingshappened.

SomethingstruckSamviolentlyintheback,hislegswereknockedfromunderhimandhewasflungaside,strikinghisheadagainstthe

stonyfloor,asadarkshapesprangoverhim.Helaystillandforamomentallwentblack.

Andfaraway,asFrodoputontheRingandclaimeditforhisown,eveninSammathNaurtheveryheartofhisrealm,thePowerinBarad-dûrwasshaken,andtheTowertrembledfromitsfoundationstoitsproudandbittercrown.TheDarkLord

wassuddenlyawareofhim,andhisEyepiercingallshadowslookedacrosstheplaintothedoorthathehadmade;andthemagnitudeofhisownfollywasrevealedtohiminablindingflash,andallthedevicesofhisenemieswereatlastlaidbare.Thenhiswrathblazedinconsumingflame,buthisfearroselikeavastblacksmoketochokehim.Forheknew

hisdeadlyperilandthethreaduponwhichhisdoomnowhung.

Fromallhispoliciesandwebsoffearandtreachery,fromallhisstratagemsandwarshismindshookfree;andthroughouthisrealmatremorran,hisslavesquailed,andhisarmieshalted,andhiscaptainssuddenlysteerless,bereftofwill,waveredanddespaired.Fortheywere

forgotten.ThewholemindandpurposeofthePowerthatwieldedthemwasnowbentwithoverwhelmingforceupontheMountain.Athissummons,wheelingwitharendingcry,inalastdesperateracethereflew,fasterthanthewinds,theNazgûl,theRing-wraiths,andwithastormofwingstheyhurtledsouthwardstoMountDoom.

Samgotup.Hewasdazed,andbloodstreamingfromhisheaddrippedinhiseyes.Hegropedforward,andthenhesawastrangeandterriblething.Gollumontheedgeoftheabysswasfightinglikeamadthingwithanunseenfoe.Toandfroheswayed,nowsonearthebrinkthatalmosthetumbledin,nowdraggingback,fallingtotheground,rising,and

fallingagain.Andallthewhilehehissedbutspokenowords.

Thefiresbelowawokeinanger,theredlightblazed,andallthecavernwasfilledwithagreatglareandheat.SuddenlySamsawGollum’slonghandsdrawupwardstohismouth;hiswhitefangsgleamed,andthensnappedastheybit.Frodogaveacry,andtherehewas,fallenupon

hiskneesatthechasm’sedge.ButGollum,dancinglikeamadthing,heldaloftthering,afingerstillthrustwithinitscircle.Itshonenowasifverilyitwaswroughtoflivingfire.

‘Precious,precious,precious!’Gollumcried.‘MyPrecious!OmyPrecious!’Andwiththat,evenashiseyeswerelifteduptogloatonhisprize,hesteppedtoo

far,toppled,waveredforamomentonthebrink,andthenwithashriekhefell.OutofthedepthscamehislastwailPrecious,andhewasgone.

Therewasaroarandagreatconfusionofnoise.Firesleapedupandlickedtheroof.Thethrobbinggrewtoagreattumult,andtheMountainshook.SamrantoFrodoandpickedhimupand

carriedhimouttothedoor.AndthereuponthedarkthresholdoftheSammathNaur,highabovetheplainsofMordor,suchwonderandterrorcameonhimthathestoodstillforgettingallelse,andgazedasoneturnedtostone.

Abriefvisionhehadofswirlingcloud,andinthemidstofittowersandbattlements,tallashills,

foundeduponamightymountain-throneaboveimmeasurablepits;greatcourtsanddungeons,eyelessprisonssheerascliffs,andgapinggatesofsteelandadamant:andthenallpassed.Towersfellandmountainsslid;wallscrumbledandmelted,crashingdown;vastspiresofsmokeandspoutingsteamswentbillowingup,up,untiltheytoppledlikean

overwhelmingwave,anditswildcrestcurledandcamefoamingdownupontheland.Andthenatlastoverthemilesbetweentherecamearumble,risingtoadeafeningcrashandroar;theearthshook,theplainheavedandcracked,andOrodruinreeled.Firebelchedfromitsrivensummit.Theskiesburstintothundersearedwithlightning.Downlikelashingwhipsfell

atorrentofblackrain.Andintotheheartofthestorm,withacrythatpiercedallothersounds,tearingthecloudsasunder,theNazgûlcame,shootinglikeflamingbolts,ascaughtinthefieryruinofhillandskytheycrackled,withered,andwentout.

‘Well,thisistheend,Sam

Gamgee,’saidavoicebyhisside.AndtherewasFrodo,paleandworn,andyethimselfagain;andinhiseyestherewaspeacenow,neitherstrainofwill,normadness,noranyfear.Hisburdenwastakenaway.TherewasthedearmasterofthesweetdaysintheShire.

‘Master!’criedSam,andfelluponhisknees.Inallthatruinoftheworldforthe

momenthefeltonlyjoy,greatjoy.Theburdenwasgone.Hismasterhadbeensaved;hewashimselfagain,hewasfree.AndthenSamcaughtsightofthemaimedandbleedinghand.

‘Yourpoorhand!’hesaid.‘AndIhavenothingtobinditwith,orcomfortit.Iwouldhavesparedhimawholehandofminerather.Buthe’sgonenowbeyondrecall,gone

forever.’‘Yes,’saidFrodo.‘Butdo

yourememberGandalf’swords:EvenGollummayhavesomethingyettodo?Butforhim,Sam,IcouldnothavedestroyedtheRing.TheQuestwouldhavebeeninvain,evenatthebitterend.Soletusforgivehim!FortheQuestisachieved,andnowallisover.Iamgladyouareherewithme.Hereattheend

ofallthings,Sam.’

Chapter4

THEFIELDOFCORMALLEN

AllaboutthehillsthehostsofMordorraged.TheCaptains

oftheWestwerefounderinginagatheringsea.Thesungleamedred,andunderthewingsoftheNazgûltheshadowsofdeathfelldarkupontheearth.Aragornstoodbeneathhisbanner,silentandstern,asonelostinthoughtofthingslongpastorfaraway;buthiseyesgleamedlikestarsthatshinethebrighterasthenightdeepens.Uponthehill-topstoodGandalf,andhe

waswhiteandcoldandnoshadowfellonhim.TheonslaughtofMordorbrokelikeawaveonthebeleagueredhills,voicesroaringlikeatideamidthewreckandcrashofarms.

Asiftohiseyessomesuddenvisionhadbeengiven,Gandalfstirred;andheturned,lookingbacknorthwheretheskieswerepaleandclear.Thenhelifteduphis

handsandcriedinaloudvoiceringingabovethedin:TheEaglesarecoming!Andmanyvoicesansweredcrying:TheEaglesarecoming!TheEaglesarecoming!ThehostsofMordorlookedupandwonderedwhatthissignmightmean.

TherecameGwaihirtheWindlord,andLandrovalhisbrother,greatestofalltheEaglesoftheNorth,mightiest

ofthedescendantsofoldThorondor,whobuilthiseyriesintheinaccessiblepeaksoftheEncirclingMountainswhenMiddle-earthwasyoung.Behindtheminlongswiftlinescamealltheirvassalsfromthenorthernmountains,speedingonagatheringwind.StraightdownupontheNazgûltheybore,stoopingsuddenlyoutofthehighairs,andtherush

oftheirwidewingsastheypassedoverwaslikeagale.

ButtheNazgûlturnedandfled,andvanishedintoMordor’sshadows,hearingasuddenterriblecalloutoftheDarkTower;andevenatthatmomentallthehostsofMordortrembled,doubtclutchedtheirhearts,theirlaughterfailed,theirhandsshookandtheirlimbswereloosed.ThePowerthatdrove

themonandfilledthemwithhateandfurywaswavering,itswillwasremovedfromthem;andnowlookingintheeyesoftheirenemiestheysawadeadlylightandwereafraid.

ThenalltheCaptainsoftheWestcriedaloud,fortheirheartswerefilledwithanewhopeinthemidstofdarkness.OutfromthebeleagueredhillsknightsofGondor,

RidersofRohan,DúnedainoftheNorth,close-serriedcompanies,droveagainsttheirwaveringfoes,piercingthepresswiththethrustofbitterspears.ButGandalflifteduphisarmsandcalledoncemoreinaclearvoice:

‘Stand,MenoftheWest!Standandwait!Thisisthehourofdoom.’

Andevenashespoketheearthrockedbeneaththeir

feet.Thenrisingswiftlyup,farabovetheTowersoftheBlackGate,highabovethemountains,avastsoaringdarknesssprangintothesky,flickeringwithfire.Theearthgroanedandquaked.TheTowersoftheTeethswayed,tottered,andfelldown;themightyrampartcrumbled;theBlackGatewashurledinruin;andfromfaraway,nowdim,nowgrowing,now

mountingtotheclouds,therecameadrummingrumble,aroar,alongechoingrollofruinousnoise.

‘TherealmofSauronisended!’saidGandalf.‘TheRing-bearerhasfulfilledhisQuest.’AndastheCaptainsgazedsouthtotheLandofMordor,itseemedtothemthat,blackagainstthepallof

cloud,thereroseahugeshapeofshadow,impenetrable,lightning-crowned,fillingallthesky.Enormousitrearedabovetheworld,andstretchedouttowardsthemavastthreateninghand,terriblebutimpotent:forevenasitleanedoverthem,agreatwindtookit,anditwasallblownaway,andpassed;andthenahushfell.

TheCaptainsbowedtheirheads;andwhentheylookedupagain,behold!theirenemieswereflyingandthepowerofMordorwasscatteringlikedustinthewind.Aswhendeathsmitestheswollenbroodingthingthatinhabitstheircrawlinghillandholdsthemallinsway,antswillwanderwitlessandpurposelessandthenfeeblydie,sothe

creaturesofSauron,orcortrollorbeastspell-enslaved,ranhitherandthithermindless;andsomeslewthemselves,orcastthemselvesinpits,orfledwailingbacktohideinholesanddarklightlessplacesfarfromhope.ButtheMenofRhûnandofHarad,EasterlingandSouthron,sawtheruinoftheirwarandthegreatmajestyandgloryofthe

CaptainsoftheWest.Andthosethatweredeepestandlongestinevilservitude,hatingtheWest,andyetweremenproudandbold,intheirturnnowgatheredthemselvesforalaststandofdesperatebattle.Butthemostpartfledeastwardastheycould;andsomecasttheirweaponsdownandsuedformercy.

ThenGandalf,leavingallsuchmattersofbattleand

commandtoAragornandtheotherlords,stooduponthehill-topandcalled;anddowntohimcamethegreateagle,GwaihirtheWindlord,andstoodbeforehim.

‘Twiceyouhaveborneme,Gwaihirmyfriend,’saidGandalf.‘Thriceshallpayforall,ifyouarewilling.YouwillnotfindmeaburdenmuchgreaterthanwhenyouboremefromZirakzigil,

wheremyoldlifeburnedaway.’

‘Iwouldbearyou,’answeredGwaihir,‘whitheryouwill,evenwereyoumadeofstone.’

‘Thencome,andletyourbrothergowithus,andsomeotherofyourfolkwhoismostswift!Forwehaveneedofspeedgreaterthananywind,outmatchingthewingsoftheNazgûl.’

‘TheNorthWindblows,butweshalloutflyit,’saidGwaihir.AndheliftedupGandalfandspedawaysouth,andwithhimwentLandroval,andMeneldoryoungandswift.AndtheypassedoverUdûnandGorgorothandsawallthelandinruinandtumultbeneaththem,andbeforethemMountDoomblazing,pouringoutitsfire.

‘Iamgladthatyouareherewithme,’saidFrodo.‘Hereattheendofallthings,Sam.’

‘Yes,Iamwithyou,Master,’saidSam,layingFrodo’swoundedhandgentlytohisbreast.‘Andyou’rewithme.Andthejourney’sfinished.ButaftercomingallthatwayIdon’twanttogiveupyet.It’snotlikeme,somehow,ifyouunderstand.’

‘Maybenot,Sam,’saidFrodo;‘butit’slikethingsareintheworld.Hopesfail.Anendcomes.Wehaveonlyalittletimetowaitnow.Wearelostinruinanddownfall,andthereisnoescape.’

‘Well,Master,wecouldatleastgofurtherfromthisdangerousplacehere,fromthisCrackofDoom,ifthat’sitsname.Nowcouldn’twe?Come,Mr.Frodo,let’sgo

downthepathatanyrate!’‘Verywell,Sam.Ifyou

wishtogo,I’llcome,’saidFrodo;andtheyroseandwentslowlydownthewindingroad;andevenastheypassedtowardstheMountain’squakingfeet,agreatsmokeandsteambelchedfromtheSammathNaur,andthesideoftheconewasrivenopen,andahugefieryvomitrolledinslow

thunderouscascadedowntheeasternmountain-side.

FrodoandSamcouldgonofurther.Theirlaststrengthofmindandbodywasswiftlyebbing.TheyhadreachedalowashenhillpiledattheMountain’sfoot;butfromittherewasnomoreescape.Itwasanislandnow,notlongtoendure,amidthetormentofOrodruin.Allaboutittheearthgaped,andfromdeep

riftsandpitssmokeandfumesleapedup.BehindthemtheMountainwasconvulsed.Greatrentsopenedinitsside.Slowriversoffirecamedownthelongslopestowardsthem.Soontheywouldbeengulfed.Arainofhotashwasfalling.

Theystoodnow;andSamstillholdinghismaster’shandcaressedit.Hesighed.‘Whatatalewehavebeenin,Mr.

Frodo,haven’twe?’hesaid.‘IwishIcouldhearittold!Doyouthinkthey’llsay:NowcomesthestoryofNine-fingeredFrodoandtheRingofDoom?Andtheneveryonewillhush,likewedid,wheninRivendelltheytoldusthetaleofBerenOne-handandtheGreatJewel.IwishIcouldhearit!AndIwonderhowitwillgoonafterourpart.’

Butevenwhilehespokeso,tokeepfearawayuntiltheverylast,hiseyesstillstrayednorth,northintotheeyeofthewind,towheretheskyfaroffwasclear,asthecoldblast,risingtoagale,drovebackthedarknessandtheruinoftheclouds.

AndsoitwasthatGwaihirsawthemwithhis

keenfar-seeingeyes,asdownthewildwindhecame,anddaringthegreatperiloftheskieshecircledintheair:twosmalldarkfigures,forlorn,handinhanduponalittlehill,whiletheworldshookunderthem,andgasped,andriversoffiredrewnear.Andevenasheespiedthemandcameswoopingdown,hesawthemfall,wornout,orchokedwithfumesandheat,orstricken

downbydespairatlast,hidingtheireyesfromdeath.

Sidebysidetheylay;anddownsweptGwaihir,anddowncameLandrovalandMeneldortheswift;andinadream,notknowingwhatfatehadbefallenthem,thewandererswereliftedupandbornefarawayoutofthedarknessandthefire.

WhenSamawoke,hefoundthathewaslyingonsomesoftbed,butoverhimgentlyswayedwidebeechenboughs,andthroughtheiryoungleavessunlightglimmered,greenandgold.Alltheairwasfullofasweetmingledscent.

Herememberedthatsmell:thefragranceofIthilien.‘Blessme!’hemused.‘HowlonghaveI

beenasleep?’Forthescenthadbornehimbacktothedaywhenhehadlithislittlefireunderthesunnybank;andforthemomentallelsebetweenwasoutofwakingmemory.Hestretchedanddrewadeepbreath.‘Why,whatadreamI’vehad!’hemuttered.‘Iamgladtowake!’HesatupandthenhesawthatFrodowaslyingbesidehim,andslept

peacefully,onehandbehindhishead,andtheotherrestinguponthecoverlet.Itwastherighthand,andthethirdfingerwasmissing.

Fullmemoryfloodedback,andSamcriedaloud:‘Itwasn’tadream!Thenwherearewe?’

Andavoicespokesoftlybehindhim:‘InthelandofIthilien,andinthekeepingoftheKing;andheawaitsyou.’

WiththatGandalfstoodbeforehim,robedinwhite,hisbeardnowgleaminglikepuresnowinthetwinklingoftheleafysunlight.‘Well,MasterSamwise,howdoyoufeel?’hesaid.

ButSamlayback,andstaredwithopenmouth,andforamoment,betweenbewildermentandgreatjoy,hecouldnotanswer.Atlasthegasped:‘Gandalf!I

thoughtyouweredead!ButthenIthoughtIwasdeadmyself.Iseverythingsadgoingtocomeuntrue?What’shappenedtotheworld?’

‘AgreatShadowhasdeparted,’saidGandalf,andthenhelaughed,andthesoundwaslikemusic,orlikewaterinaparchedland;andashelistenedthethoughtcametoSamthathehadnot

heardlaughter,thepuresoundofmerriment,fordaysupondayswithoutcount.Itfelluponhisearsliketheechoofallthejoyshehadeverknown.Buthehimselfburstintotears.Then,asasweetrainwillpassdownawindofspringandthesunwillshineouttheclearer,histearsceased,andhislaughterwelledup,andlaughinghesprangfromhisbed.

‘HowdoIfeel?’hecried.‘Well,Idon’tknowhowtosayit.Ifeel,Ifeel’–hewavedhisarmsintheair–‘Ifeellikespringafterwinter,andsunontheleaves;andliketrumpetsandharpsandallthesongsIhaveeverheard!’Hestoppedandheturnedtowardshismaster.‘Buthow’sMr.Frodo?’hesaid.‘Isn’titashameabouthispoorhand?ButIhope

he’sallrightotherwise.He’shadacrueltime.’

‘Yes,Iamallrightotherwise,’saidFrodo,sittingupandlaughinginhisturn.‘Ifellasleepagainwaitingforyou,Sam,yousleepy-head.Iwasawakeearlythismorning,andnowitmustbenearlynoon.’

‘Noon?’saidSam,tryingtocalculate.‘Noonofwhatday?’

‘ThefourteenthoftheNewYear,’saidGandalf;‘orifyoulike,theeighthdayofAprilintheShire-reckoning.*ButinGondortheNewYearwillalwaysnowbeginuponthetwenty-fifthofMarchwhenSauronfell,andwhenyouwerebroughtoutofthefiretotheKing.Hehastendedyou,andnowheawaitsyou.Youshalleatanddrinkwithhim.Whenyouare

readyIwillleadyoutohim.’‘TheKing?’saidSam.

‘Whatking,andwhoishe?’‘TheKingofGondorand

LordoftheWesternLands,’saidGandalf;‘andhehastakenbackallhisancientrealm.Hewillridesoontohiscrowning,buthewaitsforyou.’

‘Whatshallwewear?’saidSam;forallhecouldseewastheoldandtattered

clothesthattheyhadjourneyedin,lyingfoldedonthegroundbesidetheirbeds.

‘TheclothesthatyouworeonyourwaytoMordor,’saidGandalf.‘Eventheorc-ragsthatyouboreintheblackland,Frodo,shallbepreserved.Nosilksandlinens,noranyarmourorheraldrycouldbemorehonourable.ButlaterIwillfindsomeotherclothes,

perhaps.’Thenheheldouthishands

tothem,andtheysawthatoneshonewithlight.‘Whathaveyougotthere?’Frodocried.‘Canitbe——?’

‘Yes,Ihavebroughtyourtwotreasures.TheywerefoundonSamwhenyouwererescued,theLadyGaladriel’sgifts:yourglass,Frodo,andyourbox,Sam.Youwillbegladtohavethesesafeagain.’

Whentheywerewashedandclad,andhadeatenalightmeal,theHobbitsfollowedGandalf.Theysteppedoutofthebeech-groveinwhichtheyhadlain,andpassedontoalonggreenlawn,glowinginsunshine,borderedbystatelydark-leavedtreesladenwithscarletblossom.Behindthemtheycouldhearthesoundoffallingwater,andastream

randownbeforethembetweenfloweringbanks,untilitcametoagreenwoodatthelawn’sfootandpassedthenonunderanarchwayoftrees,throughwhichtheysawtheshimmerofwaterfaraway.

Astheycametotheopeninginthewood,theyweresurprisedtoseeknightsinbrightmailandtallguardsinsilverandblackstanding

there,whogreetedthemwithhonourandbowedbeforethem.Andthenoneblewalongtrumpet,andtheywentonthroughtheaisleoftreesbesidethesingingstream.Sotheycametoawidegreenland,andbeyonditwasabroadriverinasilverhaze,outofwhichrosealongwoodedisle,andmanyshipslaybyitsshores.Butonthefieldwheretheynowstooda

greathostwasdrawnup,inranksandcompaniesglitteringinthesun.AndastheHobbitsapproachedswordswereunsheathed,andspearswereshaken,andhornsandtrumpetssang,andmencriedwithmanyvoicesandinmanytongues:

‘LonglivetheHalflings!Praisethemwithgreatpraise!

CuioiPheriainanann!Aglar’niPheriannath!Praisethemwithgreatpraise,FrodoandSamwise!DauraBerhael,ConinenAnnûn!Eglerio!Praisethem!Eglerio!Alaitate,laitate!Andavelaituvalmet!Praisethem!Cormacolindor,alaita

tárienna!Praisethem!TheRing-bearers,praisethemwithgreatpraise!’

Andsotheredbloodblushingintheirfacesandtheireyesshiningwithwonder,FrodoandSamwentforwardandsawthatamidsttheclamoroushostweresetthreehigh-seatsbuiltofgreenturves.Behindtheseatupon

therightfloated,whiteongreen,agreathorserunningfree;upontheleftwasabanner,silveruponblue,ashipswan-prowedfaringonthesea;butbehindthehighestthroneinthemidstofallagreatstandardwasspreadinthebreeze,andthereawhitetreeflowereduponasablefieldbeneathashiningcrownandsevenglitteringstars.Onthethrone

satamail-cladman,agreatswordwaslaidacrosshisknees,butheworenohelm.Astheydrewnearherose.Andthentheyknewhim,changedashewas,sohighandgladofface,kingly,lordofMen,dark-hairedwitheyesofgrey.

Frodorantomeethim,andSamfollowedclosebehind.‘Well,ifthisisn’tthecrownofall!’hesaid.

‘Strider,orI’mstillasleep!’‘Yes,Sam,Strider,’said

Aragorn.‘Itisalongway,isitnot,fromBree,whereyoudidnotlikethelookofme?Alongwayforusall,butyourshasbeenthedarkestroad.’

AndthentoSam’ssurpriseandutterconfusionhebowedhiskneebeforethem;andtakingthembythehand,FrodouponhisrightandSamuponhisleft,heled

themtothethrone,andsettingthemuponit,heturnedtothemenandcaptainswhostoodbyandspoke,sothathisvoicerangoverallthehost,crying:

‘Praisethemwithgreatpraise!’

Andwhenthegladshouthadswelledupanddiedawayagain,toSam’sfinalandcompletesatisfactionandpurejoy,aminstrelof

Gondorstoodforth,andknelt,andbeggedleavetosing.Andbehold!hesaid:

‘Lo!lordsandknightsandmenofvalourunashamed,kingsandprinces,andfairpeopleofGondor,andRidersofRohan,andyesonsofElrond,andDúnedainoftheNorth,andElfandDwarf,andgreatheartsoftheShire,andallfreefolkoftheWest,nowlistentomylay.ForI

willsingtoyouofFrodooftheNineFingersandtheRingofDoom.’

AndwhenSamheardthathelaughedaloudforsheerdelight,andhestoodupandcried:‘Ogreatgloryandsplendour!Andallmywisheshavecometrue!’Andthenhewept.

Andallthehostlaughedandwept,andinthemidstoftheirmerrimentandtearsthe

clearvoiceoftheminstrelroselikesilverandgold,andallmenwerehushed.Andhesangtothem,nowintheelven-tongue,nowinthespeechoftheWest,untiltheirhearts,woundedwithsweetwords,overflowed,andtheirjoywaslikeswords,andtheypassedinthoughtouttoregionswherepainanddelightflowtogetherandtearsaretheverywineof

blessedness.

Andatthelast,astheSunfellfromthenoonandtheshadowsofthetreeslengthened,heended.‘Praisethemwithgreatpraise!’hesaidandknelt.AndthenAragornstoodup,andallthehostarose,andtheypassedtopavilionsmadeready,toeatanddrinkandmakemerry

whilethedaylasted.FrodoandSamwereled

apartandbroughttoatent,andtheretheiroldraimentwastakenoff,butfoldedandsetasidewithhonour;andcleanlinenwasgiventothem.ThenGandalfcameandinhisarms,tothewonderofFrodo,heboretheswordandtheelven-cloakandthemithril-coatthathadbeentakenfromhiminMordor.

ForSamhebroughtacoatofgildedmail,andhiselven-cloakallhealedofthesoilsandhurtsthatithadsuffered;andthenhelaidbeforethemtwoswords.

‘Idonotwishforanysword,’saidFrodo.

‘Tonightatleastyoushouldwearone,’saidGandalf.

ThenFrodotookthesmallswordthathadbelongedto

Sam,andhadbeenlaidathissideinCirithUngol.‘StingIgavetoyouSam,’hesaid.

‘No,master!Mr.Bilbogaveittoyou,anditgoeswithhissilvercoat;hewouldnotwishanyoneelsetowearitnow.’

Frodogaveway;andGandalf,asifheweretheiresquire,kneltandgirtthesword-beltsaboutthem,andthenrisinghesetcircletsof

silverupontheirheads.Andwhentheywerearrayedtheywenttothegreatfeast;andtheysatattheKing’stablewithGandalf,andKingÉomerofRohan,andthePrinceImrahilandallthechiefcaptains;andtherealsowereGimliandLegolas.

Butwhen,aftertheStandingSilence,winewasbroughttherecameintwoesquirestoservethekings;or

sotheyseemedtobe:onewascladinthesilverandsableoftheGuardsofMinasTirith,andtheotherinwhiteandgreen.ButSamwonderedwhatsuchyoungboysweredoinginanarmyofmightymen.Thensuddenlyastheydrewnearandhecouldseethemplainly,heexclaimed:

‘Why,lookMr.Frodo!Lookhere!Well,ifitisn’tPippin.Mr.PeregrinTookI

shouldsay,andMr.Merry!Howtheyhavegrown!Blessme!ButIcanseethere’smoretalestotellthanours.’

‘Thereareindeed,’saidPippinturningtowardshim.‘Andwe’llbegintellingthem,assoonasthisfeastisended.InthemeantimeyoucantryGandalf.He’snotsocloseasheusedtobe,thoughhelaughsnowmorethanhetalks.ForthepresentMerry

andIarebusy.WeareknightsoftheCityandoftheMark,asIhopeyouobserve.’

Atlastthegladdayended;andwhentheSunwasgoneandtheroundMoonrodeslowlyabovethemistsofAnduinandflickeredthroughtheflutteringleaves,FrodoandSamsatunderthewhisperingtreesamidthe

fragranceoffairIthilien;andtheytalkeddeepintothenightwithMerryandPippinandGandalf,andafterawhileLegolasandGimlijoinedthem.ThereFrodoandSamlearnedmuchofallthathadhappenedtotheCompanyaftertheirfellowshipwasbrokenontheevildayatParthGalenbyRaurosFalls;andstilltherewasalwaysmoretoaskand

moretotell.Orcs,andtalkingtrees,

andleaguesofgrass,andgallopingriders,andglitteringcaves,andwhitetowersandgoldenhalls,andbattles,andtallshipssailing,allthesepassedbeforeSam’sminduntilhefeltbewildered.ButamidstallthesewondershereturnedalwaystohisastonishmentatthesizeofMerryandPippin;andhe

madethemstandbacktobackwithFrodoandhimself.Hescratchedhishead.‘Can’tunderstanditatyourage!’hesaid.‘Butthereitis:you’rethreeinchestallerthanyououghttobe,orI’madwarf.’

‘Thatyoucertainlyarenot,’saidGimli.‘ButwhatdidIsay?Mortalscannotgodrinkingent-draughtsandexpectnomoretocomeofthemthanofapotofbeer.’

‘Ent-draughts?’saidSam.‘ThereyougoaboutEntsagain;butwhattheyarebeatsme.Why,itwilltakeweeksbeforewegetallthesethingssizedup!’

‘Weeksindeed,’saidPippin.‘AndthenFrodowillhavetobelockedupinatowerinMinasTirithandwriteitalldown.Otherwisehewillforgethalfofit,andpooroldBilbowillbe

dreadfullydisappointed.’

AtlengthGandalfrose.‘ThehandsoftheKingarehandsofhealing,dearfriends,’hesaid.‘Butyouwenttotheverybrinkofdeathereherecalledyou,puttingforthallhispower,andsentyouintothesweetforgetfulnessofsleep.Andthoughyouhaveindeedslept

longandblessedly,stillitisnowtimetosleepagain.’

‘AndnotonlySamandFrodohere,’saidGimli,‘butyoutoo,Pippin.Iloveyou,ifonlybecauseofthepainsyouhavecostme,whichIshallneverforget.NorshallIforgetfindingyouonthehillofthelastbattle.ButforGimlitheDwarfyouwouldhavebeenlostthen.ButatleastIknownowthelookof

ahobbit’sfoot,thoughitbeallthatcanbeseenunderaheapofbodies.AndwhenIheavedthatgreatcarcaseoffyou,Imadesureyouweredead.Icouldhavetornoutmybeard.Anditisonlyadayyetsinceyouwerefirstupandabroadagain.Tobednowyougo.AndsoshallI.’

‘AndI,’saidLegolas,‘shallwalkinthewoodsofthisfairland,whichisrest

enough.Indaystocome,ifmyElven-lordallows,someofourfolkshallremovehither;andwhenwecomeitshallbeblessed,forawhile.Forawhile:amonth,alife,ahundredyearsofMen.ButAnduinisnear,andAnduinleadsdowntotheSea.TotheSea!

TotheSea,totheSea!Thewhitegullsare

crying,Thewindisblowing,andthewhitefoamisflying.West,westaway,theroundsunisfalling.Greyship,greyship,doyouhearthemcalling,Thevoicesofmypeoplethathavegonebeforeme?Iwillleave,Iwillleavethewoodsthatboreme;

Forourdaysareendingandouryearsfailing.Iwillpassthewidewaterslonelysailing.LongarethewavesontheLastShorefalling,SweetarethevoicesintheLostIslecalling,InEressëa,inElvenhomethatnomancandiscover,Wheretheleavesfallnot:landofmypeoplefor

ever!’

AndsosingingLegolaswentawaydownthehill.

Thentheothersalsodeparted,andFrodoandSamwenttotheirbedsandslept.Andinthemorningtheyroseagaininhopeandpeace;andtheyspentmanydaysinIthilien.FortheFieldof

Cormallen,wherethehostwasnowencamped,wasneartoHennethAnnûn,andthestreamthatflowedfromitsfallscouldbeheardinthenightasitrusheddownthroughitsrockygate,andpassedthroughtheflowerymeadsintothetidesofAnduinbytheIsleofCairAndros.Thehobbitswanderedhereandtherevisitingagaintheplacesthat

theyhadpassedbefore;andSamhopedalwaysinsomeshadowofthewoodsorsecretgladetocatch,maybe,aglimpseofthegreatOliphaunt.AndwhenhelearnedthatatthesiegeofGondortherehadbeenagreatnumberofthesebeastsbutthattheywerealldestroyed,hethoughtitasadloss.

‘Well,onecan’tbeeverywhereatonce,I

suppose,’hesaid.‘ButImissedalot,seemingly.’

InthemeanwhilethehostmadereadyforthereturntoMinasTirith.Thewearyrestedandthehurtwerehealed.ForsomehadlabouredandfoughtmuchwiththeremnantsoftheEasterlingsandSouthrons,untilallweresubdued.And,

latestofall,thosereturnedwhohadpassedintoMordoranddestroyedthefortressesinthenorthoftheland.

ButatthelastwhenthemonthofMaywasdrawingneartheCaptainsoftheWestsetoutagain;andtheywentaboardshipwithalltheirmen,andtheysailedfromCairAndrosdownAnduintoOsgiliath;andtheretheyremainedforoneday;andthe

dayaftertheycametothegreenfieldsofthePelennorandsawagainthewhitetowersundertallMindolluin,theCityoftheMenofGondor,lastmemoryofWesternesse,thathadpassedthroughthedarknessandfiretoanewday.

Andthereinthemidstofthefieldstheysetuptheirpavilionsandawaitedthemorning;foritwastheEveof

May,andtheKingwouldenterhisgateswiththerisingoftheSun.

Chapter5

THESTEWARDANDTHEKING

OverthecityofGondordoubtandgreatdreadhad

hung.Fairweatherandclearsunhadseemedbutamockerytomenwhosedaysheldlittlehope,andwholookedeachmorningfornewsofdoom.Theirlordwasdeadandburned,deadlaytheKingofRohanintheircitadel,andthenewkingthathadcometotheminthenightwasgoneagaintoawarwithpowerstoodarkandterribleforanymightorvalourto

conquer.Andnonewscame.AfterthehostleftMorgulValeandtookthenorthwardroadbeneaththeshadowofthemountainsnomessengerhadreturnednoranyrumourofwhatwaspassinginthebroodingEast.

WhentheCaptainswerebuttwodaysgone,theLadyÉowynbadethewomenwhotendedhertobringherraiment,andshewouldnotbe

gainsaid,butrose;andwhentheyhadclothedherandsetherarminaslingoflinen,shewenttotheWardenoftheHousesofHealing.

‘Sir,’shesaid,‘Iamingreatunrest,andIcannotlielongerinsloth.’

‘Lady,’heanswered,‘youarenotyethealed,andIwascommandedtotendyouwithespecialcare.Youshouldnothaverisenfromyourbedfor

sevendaysyet,orsoIwasbidden.Ibegyoutogoback.’

‘Iamhealed,’shesaid,‘healedatleastinbody,savemyleftarmonly,andthatisatease.ButIshallsickenanew,ifthereisnaughtthatIcando.Aretherenotidingsofwar?Thewomencantellmenothing.’

‘Therearenotidings,’saidtheWarden,‘savethattheLordshaveriddento

MorgulVale;andmensaythatthenewcaptainoutoftheNorthistheirchief.Agreatlordisthat,andahealer;anditisathingpassingstrangetomethatthehealinghandshouldalsowieldthesword.ItisnotthusinGondornow,thoughonceitwasso,ifoldtalesbetrue.Butforlongyearswehealershaveonlysoughttopatchtherentsmadebythemenof

swords.Thoughweshouldstillhaveenoughtodowithoutthem:theworldisfullenoughofhurtsandmischanceswithoutwarstomultiplythem.’

‘Itneedsbutonefoetobreedawar,nottwo,MasterWarden,’answeredÉowyn.‘Andthosewhohavenotswordscanstilldieuponthem.WouldyouhavethefolkofGondorgatheryou

herbsonly,whentheDarkLordgathersarmies?Anditisnotalwaysgoodtobehealedinbody.Norisitalwayseviltodieinbattle,eveninbitterpain.WereIpermitted,inthisdarkhourIwouldchoosethelatter.’

TheWardenlookedather.Tallshestoodthere,hereyesbrightinherwhiteface,herrighthandclenchedassheturnedandgazedoutofhis

windowthatopenedtotheEast.Hesighedandshookhishead.Afterapausesheturnedtohimagain.

‘Istherenodeedtodo?’shesaid.‘WhocommandsinthisCity?’

‘Idonotrightlyknow,’heanswered.‘Suchthingsarenotmycare.ThereisamarshalovertheRidersofRohan;andtheLordHúrin,Iamtold,commandsthemen

ofGondor.ButtheLordFaramirisbyrighttheStewardoftheCity.’

‘WherecanIfindhim?’‘Inthishouse,lady.He

wassorelyhurt,butisnowsetagainonthewaytohealth.ButIdonotknow——’

‘Willyounotbringmetohim?Thenyouwillknow.’

TheLordFaramirwaswalkingaloneinthegardenoftheHousesofHealing,andthesunlightwarmedhim,andhefeltliferunnewinhisveins;buthisheartwasheavy,andhelookedoutoverthewallseastward.Andcoming,theWardenspokehisname,andheturnedandsawtheLadyÉowynofRohan;andhewasmovedwithpity,forhesawthatshe

washurt,andhisclearsightperceivedhersorrowandunrest.

‘Mylord,’saidtheWarden,‘hereistheLadyÉowynofRohan.Sherodewiththekingandwassorelyhurt,anddwellsnowinmykeeping.Butsheisnotcontent,andshewishestospeaktotheStewardoftheCity.’

‘Donotmisunderstand

him,lord,’saidÉowyn.‘Itisnotlackofcarethatgrievesme.Nohousescouldbefairer,forthosewhodesiretobehealed.ButIcannotlieinsloth,idle,caged.Ilookedfordeathinbattle.ButIhavenotdied,andbattlestillgoeson.’

AtasignfromFaramir,theWardenbowedanddeparted.‘Whatwouldyouhavemedo,lady?’saidFaramir.‘Ialsoamaprisoner

ofthehealers.’Helookedather,andbeingamanwhompitydeeplystirred,itseemedtohimthatherlovelinessamidhergriefwouldpiercehisheart.Andshelookedathimandsawthegravetendernessinhiseyes,andyetknew,forshewasbredamongmenofwar,thatherewasonewhomnoRideroftheMarkwouldoutmatchinbattle.

‘Whatdoyouwish?’hesaidagain.‘Ifitliesinmypower,Iwilldoit.’

‘IwouldhaveyoucommandthisWarden,andbidhimletmego,’shesaid;butthoughherwordswerestillproud,herheartfaltered,andforthefirsttimeshedoubtedherself.Sheguessedthatthistallman,bothsternandgentle,mightthinkhermerelywayward,likeachild

thathasnotthefirmnessofmindtogoonwithadulltasktotheend.

‘ImyselfamintheWarden’skeeping,’answeredFaramir.‘NorhaveIyettakenupmyauthorityintheCity.ButhadIdoneso,Ishouldstilllistentohiscounsel,andshouldnotcrosshiswillinmattersofhiscraft,unlessinsomegreatneed.’

‘ButIdonotdesire

healing,’shesaid.‘IwishtoridetowarlikemybrotherÉomer,orbetterlikeThéodentheking,forhediedandhasbothhonourandpeace.’

‘Itistoolate,lady,tofollowtheCaptains,evenifyouhadthestrength,’saidFaramir.‘Butdeathinbattlemaycometousallyet,willingorunwilling.Youwillbebetterpreparedtofaceitinyourownmanner,ifwhile

thereisstilltimeyoudoastheHealercommanded.YouandI,wemustendurewithpatiencethehoursofwaiting.’

Shedidnotanswer,butashelookedatheritseemedtohimthatsomethinginhersoftened,asthoughabitterfrostwereyieldingatthefirstfaintpresageofspring.Atearspranginhereyeandfelldownhercheek,likea

glisteningrain-drop.Herproudheaddroopedalittle.Thenquietly,moreasifspeakingtoherselfthantohim:‘Butthehealerswouldhavemelieabedsevendaysyet,’shesaid.‘Andmywindowdoesnotlookeastward.’Hervoicewasnowthatofamaidenyoungandsad.

Faramirsmiled,thoughhisheartwasfilledwithpity.

‘Yourwindowdoesnotlookeastward?’hesaid.‘Thatcanbeamended.InthisIwillcommandtheWarden.Ifyouwillstayinthishouseinourcare,lady,andtakeyourrest,thenyoushallwalkinthisgardeninthesun,asyouwill;andyoushalllookeast,whitherallourhopeshavegone.Andhereyouwillfindme,walkingandwaiting,andalsolookingeast.Itwould

easemycare,ifyouwouldspeaktome,orwalkatwhileswithme.’

Thensheraisedherheadandlookedhimintheeyesagain;andacolourcameinherpaleface.‘HowshouldIeaseyourcare,mylord?’shesaid.‘AndIdonotdesirethespeechoflivingmen.’

‘Wouldyouhavemyplainanswer?’hesaid.

‘Iwould.’

‘Then,ÉowynofRohan,Isaytoyouthatyouarebeautiful.Inthevalleysofourhillsthereareflowersfairandbright,andmaidensfairerstill;butneitherflowernorladyhaveIseentillnowinGondorsolovely,andsosorrowful.Itmaybethatonlyafewdaysarelefteredarknessfallsuponourworld,andwhenitcomesIhopetofaceitsteadily;butit

wouldeasemyheart,ifwhiletheSunyetshines,Icouldseeyoustill.ForyouandIhavebothpassedunderthewingsoftheShadow,andthesamehanddrewusback.’

‘Alas,notme,lord!’shesaid.‘Shadowliesonmestill.Looknottomeforhealing!Iamashieldmaidenandmyhandisungentle.ButIthankyouforthisatleast,thatIneednotkeeptomychamber.

IwillwalkabroadbythegraceoftheStewardoftheCity.’Andshedidhimacourtesyandwalkedbacktothehouse.ButFaramirforalongwhilewalkedaloneinthegarden,andhisglancenowstrayedrathertothehousethantotheeastwardwalls.

Whenhereturnedtohis

chamberhecalledfortheWarden,andheardallthathecouldtelloftheLadyofRohan.

‘ButIdoubtnot,lord,’saidtheWarden,‘thatyouwouldlearnmorefromtheHalflingthatiswithus;forhewasintheridingoftheking,andwiththeLadyattheend,theysay.’

AndsoMerrywassenttoFaramir,andwhilethatday

lastedtheytalkedlongtogether,andFaramirlearnedmuch,moreeventhanMerryputintowords;andhethoughtthatheunderstoodnowsomethingofthegriefandunrestofÉowynofRohan.AndinthefaireveningFaramirandMerrywalkedinthegarden,butshedidnotcome.

Butinthemorning,asFaramircamefromthe

Houses,hesawher,asshestooduponthewalls;andshewascladallinwhite,andgleamedinthesun.Andhecalledtoher,andshecamedown,andtheywalkedonthegrassorsatunderagreentreetogether,nowinsilence,nowinspeech.Andeachdayaftertheydidlikewise.AndtheWardenlookingfromhiswindowwasgladinheart,forhewasahealer,andhiscare

waslightened;andcertainitwasthat,heavyaswasthedreadandforebodingofthosedaysupontheheartsofmen,stillthesetwoofhischargesprosperedandgrewdailyinstrength.

AndsothefifthdaycamesincetheLadyÉowynwentfirsttoFaramir;andtheystoodnowtogetheroncemoreuponthewallsoftheCityandlookedout.No

tidingshadyetcome,andallheartsweredarkened.Theweather,too,wasbrightnolonger.Itwascold.AwindthathadsprungupinthenightwasblowingnowkeenlyfromtheNorth,anditwasrising;butthelandsaboutlookedgreyanddrear.

Theywerecladinwarmraimentandheavycloaks,andoveralltheLadyÉowynworeagreatbluemantleof

thecolourofdeepsummer-night,anditwassetwithsilverstarsabouthemandthroat.Faramirhadsentforthisrobeandhadwrappeditabouther;andhethoughtthatshelookedfairandqueenlyindeedasshestoodthereathisside.Themantlewaswroughtforhismother,FinduilasofAmroth,whodieduntimely,andwastohimbutamemoryof

lovelinessinfardaysandofhisfirstgrief;andherrobeseemedtohimraimentfittingforthebeautyandsadnessofÉowyn.

Butshenowshiveredbeneaththestarrymantle,andshelookednorthward,abovethegreyhitherlands,intotheeyeofthecoldwindwherefarawaytheskywashardandclear.

‘Whatdoyoulookfor,

Éowyn?’saidFaramir.‘DoesnottheBlackGate

lieyonder?’saidshe.‘Andmusthenotnowbecomethither?Itissevendayssinceherodeaway.’

‘Sevendays,’saidFaramir.‘Butthinknotillofme,ifIsaytoyou:theyhavebroughtmebothajoyandapainthatIneverthoughttoknow.Joytoseeyou;butpain,becausenowthefear

anddoubtofthiseviltimearegrowndarkindeed.Éowyn,Iwouldnothavethisworldendnow,orlosesosoonwhatIhavefound.’

‘Losewhatyouhavefound,lord?’sheanswered;butshelookedathimgravelyandhereyeswerekind.‘Iknownotwhatinthesedaysyouhavefoundthatyoucouldlose.Butcome,myfriend,letusnotspeakofit!

Letusnotspeakatall!Istanduponsomedreadfulbrink,anditisutterlydarkintheabyssbeforemyfeet,butwhetherthereisanylightbehindmeIcannottell.ForIcannotturnyet.Iwaitforsomestrokeofdoom.’

‘Yes,wewaitforthestrokeofdoom,’saidFaramir.Andtheysaidnomore;anditseemedtothemastheystooduponthewall

thatthewinddied,andthelightfailed,andtheSunwasbleared,andallsoundsintheCityorinthelandsaboutwerehushed:neitherwind,norvoice,norbird-call,norrustleofleaf,northeirownbreathcouldbeheard;theverybeatingoftheirheartswasstilled.Timehalted.

Andastheystoodso,theirhandsmetandclasped,thoughtheydidnotknowit.

Andstilltheywaitedfortheyknewnotwhat.Thenpresentlyitseemedtothemthatabovetheridgesofthedistantmountainsanothervastmountainofdarknessrose,toweringuplikeawavethatshouldengulftheworld,andaboutitlightningsflickered;andthenatremorranthroughtheearth,andtheyfeltthewallsoftheCityquiver.Asoundlikeasigh

wentupfromallthelandsaboutthem;andtheirheartsbeatsuddenlyagain.

‘ItremindsmeofNúmenor,’saidFaramir,andwonderedtohearhimselfspeak.

‘OfNúmenor?’saidÉowyn.

‘Yes,’saidFaramir,‘ofthelandofWesternessethatfoundered,andofthegreatdarkwaveclimbingoverthe

greenlandsandabovethehills,andcomingon,darknessunescapable.Ioftendreamofit.’

‘ThenyouthinkthattheDarknessiscoming?’saidÉowyn.‘DarknessUnescapable?’Andsuddenlyshedrewclosetohim.

‘No,’saidFaramir,lookingintoherface.‘Itwasbutapictureinthemind.Idonotknowwhatishappening.

Thereasonofmywakingmindtellsmethatgreatevilhasbefallenandwestandattheendofdays.Butmyheartsaysnay;andallmylimbsarelight,andahopeandjoyarecometomethatnoreasoncandeny.Éowyn,Éowyn,WhiteLadyofRohan,inthishourIdonotbelievethatanydarknesswillendure!’Andhestoopedandkissedherbrow.

AndsotheystoodonthewallsoftheCityofGondor,andagreatwindroseandblew,andtheirhair,ravenandgolden,streamedoutminglingintheair.AndtheShadowdeparted,andtheSunwasunveiled,andlightleapedforth;andthewatersofAnduinshonelikesilver,andinallthehousesoftheCitymensangforthejoythatwelledupintheirheartsfrom

whatsourcetheycouldnottell.

AndbeforetheSunhadfallenfarfromthenoonoutoftheEasttherecameagreatEagleflying,andheboretidingsbeyondhopefromtheLordsoftheWest,crying:

Singnow,yepeopleoftheTowerofAnor,fortheRealmofSauronisendedforever,

andtheDarkToweristhrowndown.

Singandrejoice,yepeopleoftheTowerofGuard,foryourwatchhathnotbeeninvain,andtheBlackGateisbroken,andyourKinghathpassedthrough,andheisvictorious.

Singandbeglad,allyechildrenoftheWest,foryourKingshallcomeagain,andheshalldwellamongyouallthedaysofyourlife.

AndtheTreethatwaswitheredshallberenewed,andheshallplantitinthehighplaces,

andtheCityshallbeblessed.

Singallyepeople!

AndthepeoplesanginallthewaysoftheCity.

Thedaysthatfollowedweregolden,andSpringandSummerjoinedandmadereveltogetherinthefieldsof

Gondor.AndtidingsnowcamebyswiftridersfromCairAndrosofallthatwasdone,andtheCitymadereadyforthecomingoftheKing.MerrywassummonedandrodeawaywiththewainsthattookstoreofgoodstoOsgiliathandthencebyshiptoCairAndros;butFaramirdidnotgo,fornowbeinghealedhetookuponhimhisauthorityandthe

Stewardship,althoughitwasonlyforalittlewhile,andhisdutywastoprepareforonewhoshouldreplacehim.

AndÉowyndidnotgo,thoughherbrothersentwordbegginghertocometothefieldofCormallen.AndFaramirwonderedatthis,buthesawherseldom,beingbusywithmanymatters;andshedweltstillintheHousesofHealingandwalkedalone

inthegarden,andherfacegrewpaleagain,anditseemedthatinalltheCitysheonlywasailingandsorrowful.AndtheWardenoftheHouseswastroubled,andhespoketoFaramir.

ThenFaramircameandsoughther,andoncemoretheystoodonthewallstogether;andhesaidtoher:‘Éowyn,whydoyoutarryhere,anddonotgotothe

rejoicinginCormallenbeyondCairAndros,whereyourbrotherawaitsyou?’

Andshesaid:‘Doyounotknow?’

Butheanswered:‘Tworeasonstheremaybe,butwhichistrue,Idonotknow.’

Andshesaid:‘Idonotwishtoplayatriddles.Speakplainer!’

‘Thenifyouwillhaveitso,lady,’hesaid:‘youdonot

go,becauseonlyyourbrothercalledforyou,andtolookontheLordAragorn,Elendil’sheir,inhistriumphwouldnowbringyounojoy.OrbecauseIdonotgo,andyoudesirestilltobenearme.Andmaybeforboththesereasons,andyouyourselfcannotchoosebetweenthem.Éowyn,doyounotloveme,orwillyounot?’

‘Iwishedtobelovedby

another,’sheanswered.‘ButIdesirenoman’spity.’

‘ThatIknow,’hesaid.‘YoudesiredtohavetheloveoftheLordAragorn.Becausehewashighandpuissant,andyouwishedtohaverenownandgloryandtobeliftedfarabovethemeanthingsthatcrawlontheearth.Andasagreatcaptainmaytoayoungsoldierheseemedtoyouadmirable.Forsoheis,alord

amongmen,thegreatestthatnowis.Butwhenhegaveyouonlyunderstandingandpity,thenyoudesiredtohavenothing,unlessabravedeathinbattle.Lookatme,Éowyn!’

AndÉowynlookedatFaramirlongandsteadily;andFaramirsaid:‘Donotscornpitythatisthegiftofagentleheart,Éowyn!ButIdonotofferyoumypity.For

youarealadyhighandvaliantandhaveyourselfwonrenownthatshallnotbeforgotten;andyouarealadybeautiful,Ideem,beyondeventhewordsoftheelven-tonguetotell.AndIloveyou.OnceIpitiedyoursorrow.Butnow,wereyousorrowless,withoutfearoranylack,wereyoutheblissfulQueenofGondor,stillIwouldloveyou.

Éowyn,doyounotloveme?’ThentheheartofÉowyn

changed,orelseatlastsheunderstoodit.Andsuddenlyherwinterpassed,andthesunshoneonher.

‘IstandinMinasAnor,theToweroftheSun,’shesaid;‘andbehold!theShadowhasdeparted!Iwillbeashieldmaidennolonger,norviewiththegreatRiders,nortakejoyonlyinthesongs

ofslaying.Iwillbeahealer,andloveallthingsthatgrowandarenotbarren.’AndagainshelookedatFaramir.‘NolongerdoIdesiretobeaqueen,’shesaid.

ThenFaramirlaughedmerrily.‘Thatiswell,’hesaid;‘forIamnotaking.YetIwillwedwiththeWhiteLadyofRohan,ifitbeherwill.Andifshewill,thenletuscrosstheRiverandin

happierdaysletusdwellinfairIthilienandtheremakeagarden.Allthingswillgrowwithjoythere,iftheWhiteLadycomes.’

‘ThenmustIleavemyownpeople,manofGondor?’shesaid.‘Andwouldyouhaveyourproudfolksayofyou:“TheregoesalordwhotamedawildshieldmaidenoftheNorth!Wastherenowomanoftheraceof

Númenortochoose?”’‘Iwould,’saidFaramir.

Andhetookherinhisarmsandkissedherunderthesunlitsky,andhecarednotthattheystoodhighuponthewallsinthesightofmany.AndmanyindeedsawthemandthelightthatshoneaboutthemastheycamedownfromthewallsandwenthandinhandtotheHousesofHealing.

AndtotheWardenoftheHousesFaramirsaid:‘HereistheLadyÉowynofRohan,andnowsheishealed.’

AndtheWardensaid:‘ThenIreleaseherfrommychargeandbidherfarewell,andmayshesufferneverhurtnorsicknessagain.IcommendhertothecareoftheStewardoftheCity,untilherbrotherreturns.’

ButÉowynsaid:‘Yetnow

thatIhaveleavetodepart,Iwouldremain.ForthisHousehasbecometomeofalldwellingsthemostblessed.’AndsheremainedthereuntilKingÉomercame.

AllthingswerenowmadereadyintheCity;andtherewasgreatconcourseofpeople,forthetidingshadgoneoutintoallpartsof

Gondor,fromMin-RimmoneventoPinnathGelinandthefarcoastsofthesea;andallthatcouldcometotheCitymadehastetocome.AndtheCitywasfilledagainwithwomenandfairchildrenthatreturnedtotheirhomesladenwithflowers;andfromDolAmrothcametheharpersthatharpedmostskilfullyinalltheland;andtherewereplayersuponviolsandupon

flutesanduponhornsofsilver,andclear-voicedsingersfromthevalesofLebennin.

Atlastaneveningcamewhenfromthewallsthepavilionscouldbeseenuponthefield,andallnightlightswereburningasmenwatchedforthedawn.AndwhenthesunroseintheclearmorningabovethemountainsintheEast,uponwhichshadowslay

nomore,thenallthebellsrang,andallthebannersbrokeandflowedinthewind;andupontheWhiteTowerofthecitadelthestandardoftheStewards,brightargentlikesnowinthesun,bearingnochargenordevice,wasraisedoverGondorforthelasttime.

NowtheCaptainsoftheWestledtheirhosttowardstheCity,andfolksawthemadvanceinlineuponline,

flashingandglintinginthesunriseandripplinglikesilver.AndsotheycamebeforetheGatewayandhaltedafurlongfromthewalls.Asyetnogateshadbeensetupagain,butabarrierwaslaidacrosstheentrancetotheCity,andtherestoodmenatarmsinsilverandblackwithlongswordsdrawn.BeforethebarrierstoodFaramirtheSteward,

andHúrinWardenoftheKeys,andothercaptainsofGondor,andtheLadyÉowynofRohanwithElfhelmtheMarshalandmanyknightsoftheMark;anduponeithersideoftheGatewasagreatpressoffairpeopleinraimentofmanycoloursandgarlandsofflowers.

SonowtherewasawidespacebeforethewallsofMinasTirith,anditwas

hemmedinuponallsidesbytheknightsandthesoldiersofGondorandofRohan,andbythepeopleoftheCityandofallpartsoftheland.AhushfelluponallasoutfromthehoststeppedtheDúnedaininsilverandgrey;andbeforethemcamewalkingslowtheLordAragorn.Hewascladinblackmailgirtwithsilver,andheworealongmantleofpurewhiteclaspedatthe

throatwithagreatjewelofgreenthatshonefromafar;buthisheadwasbaresaveforastaruponhisforeheadboundbyaslenderfilletofsilver.WithhimwereÉomerofRohan,andthePrinceImrahil,andGandalfrobedallinwhite,andfoursmallfiguresthatmanymenmarvelledtosee.

‘Nay,cousin!theyarenotboys,’saidIorethtoher

kinswomanfromImlothMelui,whostoodbesideher.‘ThosearePeriain,outofthefarcountryoftheHalflings,wheretheyareprincesofgreatfame,itissaid.Ishouldknow,forIhadonetotendintheHouses.Theyaresmall,buttheyarevaliant.Why,cousin,oneofthemwentwithonlyhisesquireintotheBlackCountryandfoughtwiththeDarkLordallby

himself,andsetfiretohisTower,ifyoucanbelieveit.AtleastthatisthetaleintheCity.ThatwillbetheonethatwalkswithourElfstone.Theyaredearfriends,Ihear.Nowheisamarvel,theLordElfstone:nottoosoftinhisspeech,mindyou,buthehasagoldenheart,asthesayingis;andhehasthehealinghands.“Thehandsofthekingarethehandsofahealer”,I

said;andthatwashowitwasalldiscovered.AndMithrandir,hesaidtome:“Ioreth,menwilllongrememberyourwords”,and——’

ButIorethwasnotpermittedtocontinuetheinstructionofherkinswomanfromthecountry,forasingletrumpetrang,andadeadsilencefollowed.ThenforthfromtheGatewentFaramir

withHúrinoftheKeys,andnoothers,savethatbehindthemwalkedfourmeninthehighhelmsandarmouroftheCitadel,andtheyboreagreatcasketofblacklebethronboundwithsilver.

FaramirmetAragorninthemidstofthosethereassembled,andheknelt,andsaid:‘ThelastStewardofGondorbegsleavetosurrenderhisoffice.’Andhe

heldoutawhiterod;butAragorntooktherodandgaveitback,saying:‘Thatofficeisnotended,anditshallbethineandthyheirs’aslongasmylineshalllast.Donowthyoffice!’

ThenFaramirstoodupandspokeinaclearvoice:‘MenofGondor,hearnowtheStewardofthisRealm!Behold!onehascometoclaimthekingshipagainat

last.HereisAragornsonofArathorn,chieftainoftheDúnedainofArnor,CaptainoftheHostoftheWest,beareroftheStaroftheNorth,wielderoftheSwordReforged,victoriousinbattle,whosehandsbringhealing,theElfstone,ElessarofthelineofValandil,Isildur’sson,Elendil’ssonofNúmenor.ShallhebekingandenterintotheCityanddwell

there?’Andallthehostandall

thepeoplecriedyeawithonevoice.

AndIorethsaidtoherkinswoman:‘ThisisjustaceremonysuchaswehaveintheCity,cousin;forhehasalreadyentered,asIwastellingyou;andhesaidtome——’Andthenagainshewasobligedtosilence,forFaramirspokeagain.

‘MenofGondor,theloremasterstellthatitwasthecustomofoldthatthekingshouldreceivethecrownfromhisfathererehedied;orifthatmightnotbe,thatheshouldgoaloneandtakeitfromthehandsofhisfatherinthetombwherehewaslaid.Butsincethingsmustnowbedoneotherwise,usingtheauthorityoftheSteward,Ihavetodaybroughthither

fromRathDínenthecrownofEärnurthelastking,whosedayspassedinthetimeofourlongfathersofold.’

Thentheguardssteppedforward,andFaramiropenedthecasket,andheheldupanancientcrown.ItwasshapedlikethehelmsoftheGuardsoftheCitadel,savethatitwasloftier,anditwasallwhite,andthewingsateithersidewerewroughtofpearland

silverinthelikenessofthewingsofasea-bird,foritwastheemblemofkingswhocameovertheSea;andsevengemsofadamantweresetinthecirclet,anduponitssummitwassetasinglejewelthelightofwhichwentuplikeaflame.

ThenAragorntookthecrownandhelditupandsaid:

EtEärelloEndorennautúlien.Sinomemaruvanar

Hildinyartenn’Ambar-metta!Andthosewerethewords

thatElendilspokewhenhecameupoutoftheSeaonthewingsofthewind:‘OutoftheGreatSeatoMiddle-earthIamcome.InthisplacewillIabide,andmyheirs,untotheendingoftheworld.’

ThentothewonderofmanyAragorndidnotputthecrownuponhishead,butgaveitbacktoFaramir,and

said:‘BythelabourandvalourofmanyIhavecomeintomyinheritance.IntokenofthisIwouldhavetheRing-bearerbringthecrowntome,andletMithrandirsetituponmyhead,ifhewill;forhehasbeenthemoverofallthathasbeenaccomplished,andthisishisvictory.’

ThenFrodocameforwardandtookthecrownfromFaramirandboreitto

Gandalf;andAragornknelt,andGandalfsettheWhiteCrownuponhishead,andsaid:

‘NowcomethedaysoftheKing,andmaytheybeblessedwhilethethronesoftheValarendure!’

ButwhenAragornaroseallthatbeheldhimgazedinsilence,foritseemedtothemthathewasrevealedtothemnowforthefirsttime.Tallas

thesea-kingsofold,hestoodaboveallthatwerenear;ancientofdaysheseemedandyetintheflowerofmanhood;andwisdomsatuponhisbrow,andstrengthandhealingwereinhishands,andalightwasabouthim.AndthenFaramircried:

‘BeholdtheKing!’Andinthatmomentallthe

trumpetswereblown,andtheKingElessarwentforthand

cametothebarrier,andHúrinoftheKeysthrustitback;andamidthemusicofharpandofviolandoffluteandthesingingofclearvoicestheKingpassedthroughtheflower-ladenstreets,andcametotheCitadel,andenteredin;andthebanneroftheTreeandtheStarswasunfurleduponthetopmosttower,andthereignofKingElessarbegan,ofwhichmany

songshavetold.InhistimetheCitywas

mademorefairthanithadeverbeen,eveninthedaysofitsfirstglory;anditwasfilledwithtreesandwithfountains,anditsgateswerewroughtofmithrilandsteel,anditsstreetswerepavedwithwhitemarble;andtheFolkoftheMountainlabouredinit,andtheFolkoftheWoodrejoicedtocome

there;andallwashealedandmadegood,andthehouseswerefilledwithmenandwomenandthelaughterofchildren,andnowindowwasblindnoranycourtyardempty;andaftertheendingoftheThirdAgeoftheworldintothenewageitpreservedthememoryandthegloryoftheyearsthatweregone.

InthedaysthatfollowedhiscrowningtheKingsatonhisthroneintheHalloftheKingsandpronouncedhisjudgements.Andembassiescamefrommanylandsandpeoples,fromtheEastandtheSouth,andfromthebordersofMirkwood,andfromDunlandinthewest.AndtheKingpardonedtheEasterlingsthathadgiventhemselvesup,andsentthem

awayfree,andhemadepeacewiththepeoplesofHarad;andtheslavesofMordorhereleasedandgavetothemallthelandsaboutLakeNúrnentobetheirown.Andtherewerebroughtbeforehimmanytoreceivehispraiseandrewardfortheirvalour;andlastthecaptainoftheGuardbroughttohimBeregondtobejudged.

AndtheKingsaidto

Beregond:‘Beregond,byyourswordbloodwasspilledintheHallows,wherethatisforbidden.AlsoyouleftyourpostwithoutleaveofLordorofCaptain.Forthesethings,ofold,deathwasthepenalty.NowthereforeImustpronounceyourdoom.

‘Allpenaltyisremittedforyourvalourinbattle,andstillmorebecauseallthatyoudidwasfortheloveoftheLord

Faramir.NonethelessyoumustleavetheGuardoftheCitadel,andyoumustgoforthfromtheCityofMinasTirith.’

ThenthebloodleftBeregond’sface,andhewasstrickentotheheartandbowedhishead.ButtheKingsaid:

‘Soitmustbe,foryouareappointedtotheWhiteCompany,theGuardof

Faramir,PrinceofIthilien,andyoushallbeitscaptainanddwellinEmynArneninhonourandpeace,andintheserviceofhimforwhomyouriskedall,tosavehimfromdeath.’

AndthenBeregond,perceivingthemercyandjusticeoftheKing,wasglad,andkneelingkissedhishand,anddepartedinjoyandcontent.AndAragorngaveto

FaramirIthilientobehisprincedom,andbadehimdwellinthehillsofEmynArnenwithinsightoftheCity.

‘For,’saidhe,‘MinasIthilinMorgulValeshallbeutterlydestroyed,andthoughitmayintimetocomebemadeclean,nomanmaydwellthereformanylongyears.’

AndlastofallAragorn

greetedÉomerofRohan,andtheyembraced,andAragornsaid:‘Betweenustherecanbenowordofgivingortaking,norofreward;forwearebrethren.InhappyhourdidEorlridefromtheNorth,andneverhasanyleagueofpeoplesbeenmoreblessed,sothatneitherhaseverfailedtheother,norshallfail.Now,asyouknow,wehavelaidThéodentheRenownedina

tombintheHallows,andthereheshalllieforeveramongtheKingsofGondor,ifyouwill.Orifyoudesireit,wewillcometoRohanandbringhimbacktorestwithhisownpeople.’

AndÉomeranswered:‘SincethedaywhenyourosebeforemeoutofthegreengrassofthedownsIhavelovedyou,andthatloveshallnotfail.ButnowImust

departforawhiletomyownrealm,wherethereismuchtohealandsetinorder.ButasfortheFallen,whenallismadereadywewillreturnforhim;butherelethimsleepawhile.’

AndÉowynsaidtoFaramir:‘NowImustgobacktomyownlandandlookonitonceagain,andhelpmybrotherinhislabour;butwhenonewhomIlong

lovedasfatherislaidatlasttorest,Iwillreturn.’

Sothegladdayspassed;andontheeighthdayofMaytheRidersofRohanmadeready,androdeoffbytheNorth-way,andwiththemwentthesonsofElrond.Alltheroadwaslinedwithpeopletodothemhonourandpraisethem,fromtheGateof

theCitytothewallsofthePelennor.Thenallothersthatdweltafarwentbacktotheirhomesrejoicing;butintheCitytherewaslabourofmanywillinghandstorebuildandrenewandtoremoveallthescarsofwarandthememoryofthedarkness.

ThehobbitsstillremainedinMinasTirith,withLegolasandGimli;forAragornwaslothforthefellowshiptobe

dissolved.‘Atlastallsuchthingsmustend,’hesaid,‘butIwouldhaveyouwaitalittlewhilelonger:fortheendofthedeedsthatyouhavesharedinhasnotyetcome.AdaydrawsnearthatIhavelookedforinalltheyearsofmymanhood,andwhenitcomesIwouldhavemyfriendsbesideme.’Butofthatdayhewouldsaynomore.

InthosedaystheCompanionsoftheRingdwelttogetherinafairhousewithGandalf,andtheywenttoandfroastheywished.AndFrodosaidtoGandalf:‘DoyouknowwhatthisdayisthatAragornspeaksof?Forwearehappyhere,andIdon’twishtogo;butthedaysarerunningaway,andBilboiswaiting;andtheShireismyhome.’

‘AsforBilbo,’saidGandalf,‘heiswaitingforthesameday,andheknowswhatkeepsyou.Andasforthepassingofthedays,itisnowonlyMayandhighsummerisnotyetin;andthoughallthingsmayseemchanged,asifanageoftheworldhadgoneby,yettothetreesandthegrassitislessthanayearsinceyousetout.’

‘Pippin,’saidFrodo,

‘didn’tyousaythatGandalfwaslessclosethanofold?Hewaswearyofhislaboursthen,Ithink.Nowheisrecovering.’

AndGandalfsaid:‘Manyfolkliketoknowbeforehandwhatistobesetonthetable;butthosewhohavelabouredtopreparethefeastliketokeeptheirsecret;forwondermakesthewordsofpraiselouder.AndAragornhimself

waitsforasign.’

TherecameadaywhenGandalfcouldnotbefound,andtheCompanionswonderedwhatwasgoingforward.ButGandalftookAragornoutfromtheCitybynight,andhebroughthimtothesouthernfeetofMountMindolluin;andtheretheyfoundapathmadeinages

pastthatfewnowdaredtotread.Foritledupontothemountaintoahighhallowwhereonlythekingshadbeenwonttogo.Andtheywentupbysteepways,untiltheycametoahighfieldbelowthesnowsthatcladtheloftypeaks,anditlookeddownovertheprecipicethatstoodbehindtheCity.Andstandingtheretheysurveyedthelands,forthemorning

wascome;andtheysawthetowersoftheCityfarbelowthemlikewhitepencilstouchedbythesunlight,andalltheValeofAnduinwaslikeagarden,andtheMountainsofShadowwereveiledinagoldenmist.UpontheonesidetheirsightreachedtothegreyEmynMuil,andtheglintofRauroswaslikeastartwinklingfaroff;andupontheotherside

theysawtheRiverlikearibbonlaiddowntoPelargir,andbeyondthatwasalightonthehemoftheskythatspokeoftheSea.

AndGandalfsaid:‘Thisisyourrealm,andtheheartofthegreaterrealmthatshallbe.TheThirdAgeoftheworldisended,andthenewageisbegun;anditisyourtasktoorderitsbeginningandtopreservewhatmaybe

preserved.Forthoughmuchhasbeensaved,muchmustnowpassaway;andthepoweroftheThreeRingsalsoisended.Andallthelandsthatyousee,andthosethatlieroundaboutthem,shallbedwellingsofMen.ForthetimecomesoftheDominionofMen,andtheElderKindredshallfadeordepart.’

‘Iknowitwell,dearfriend,’saidAragorn;‘butI

wouldstillhaveyourcounsel.’

‘Notforlongnow,’saidGandalf.‘TheThirdAgewasmyage.IwastheEnemyofSauron;andmyworkisfinished.Ishallgosoon.Theburdenmustlienowuponyouandyourkindred.’

‘ButIshalldie,’saidAragorn.‘ForIamamortalman,andthoughbeingwhatIamandoftheraceofthe

Westunmingled,Ishallhavelifefarlongerthanothermen,yetthatisbutalittlewhile;andwhenthosewhoarenowinthewombsofwomenarebornandhavegrownold,Itooshallgrowold.AndwhothenshallgovernGondorandthosewholooktothisCityastotheirqueen,ifmydesirebenotgranted?TheTreeintheCourtoftheFountainisstillwitheredandbarren.When

shallIseeasignthatitwilleverbeotherwise?’

‘Turnyourfacefromthegreenworld,andlookwhereallseemsbarrenandcold!’saidGandalf.

ThenAragornturned,andtherewasastonyslopebehindhimrunningdownfromtheskirtsofthesnow;andashelookedhewasawarethatalonethereinthewasteagrowingthingstood.

Andheclimbedtoit,andsawthatoutoftheveryedgeofthesnowtheresprangasaplingtreenomorethanthreefoothigh.Alreadyithadputforthyoungleaveslongandshapely,darkaboveandsilverbeneath,anduponitsslendercrownitboreonesmallclusterofflowerswhosewhitepetalsshonelikethesunlitsnow.

ThenAragorncried:‘Yé!

utúvienyes!Ihavefoundit!Lo!hereisascionoftheEldestofTrees!Buthowcomesithere?Foritisnotitselfyetsevenyearsold.’

AndGandalfcominglookedatit,andsaid:‘VerilythisisasaplingofthelineofNimloththefair;andthatwasaseedlingofGalathilion,andthatafruitofTelperionofmanynames,EldestofTrees.Whoshallsayhowitcomes

hereintheappointedhour?Butthisisanancienthallow,anderethekingsfailedortheTreewitheredinthecourt,afruitmusthavebeensethere.Foritissaidthat,thoughthefruitoftheTreecomesseldomtoripeness,yetthelifewithinmaythenliesleepingthroughmanylongyears,andnonecanforetellthetimeinwhichitwillawake.Rememberthis.Forif

everafruitripens,itshouldbeplanted,lestthelinedieoutoftheworld.Hereithaslainhiddenonthemountain,evenastheraceofElendillayhiddeninthewastesoftheNorth.YetthelineofNimlothisolderfarthanyourline,KingElessar.’

ThenAragornlaidhishandgentlytothesapling,andlo!itseemedtoholdonlylightlytotheearth,anditwas

removedwithouthurt;andAragornboreitbacktotheCitadel.Thenthewitheredtreewasuprooted,butwithreverence;andtheydidnotburnit,butlaidittorestinthesilenceofRathDínen.AndAragornplantedthenewtreeinthecourtbythefountain,andswiftlyandgladlyitbegantogrow;andwhenthemonthofJuneenteredinitwasladenwith

blossom.‘Thesignhasbeengiven,’

saidAragorn,‘andthedayisnotfaroff.’Andhesetwatchmenuponthewalls.

ItwasthedaybeforeMidsummerwhenmessengerscamefromAmonDîntotheCity,andtheysaidthattherewasaridingoffairfolkoutoftheNorth,and

theydrewnearnowtothewallsofthePelennor.AndtheKingsaid:‘Atlasttheyhavecome.LetalltheCitybemadeready!’

UpontheveryEveofMidsummer,whentheskywasblueassapphireandwhitestarsopenedintheEast,buttheWestwasstillgolden,andtheairwascoolandfragrant,theriderscamedowntheNorth-waytothe

gatesofMinasTirith.FirstrodeElrohirandElladanwithabannerofsilver,andthencameGlorfindelandErestorandallthehouseholdofRivendell,andafterthemcametheLadyGaladrielandCeleborn,LordofLothlórien,ridinguponwhitesteedsandwiththemmanyfairfolkoftheirland,grey-cloakedwithwhitegemsintheirhair;andlastcameMasterElrond,

mightyamongElvesandMen,bearingthesceptreofAnnúminas,andbesidehimuponagreypalfreyrodeArwenhisdaughter,Evenstarofherpeople.

AndFrodowhenhesawhercomeglimmeringintheevening,withstarsonherbrowandasweetfragranceabouther,wasmovedwithgreatwonder,andhesaidtoGandalf:‘AtlastIunderstand

whywehavewaited!Thisistheending.Nownotdayonlyshallbebeloved,butnighttooshallbebeautifulandblessedandallitsfearpassaway!’

ThentheKingwelcomedhisguests,andtheyalighted;andElrondsurrenderedthesceptre,andlaidthehandofhisdaughterinthehandoftheKing,andtogethertheywentupintotheHighCity,

andallthestarsfloweredinthesky.AndAragorntheKingElessarweddedArwenUndómielintheCityoftheKingsuponthedayofMidsummer,andthetaleoftheirlongwaitingandlabourswascometofulfilment.

Chapter6

MANYPARTINGS

WhenthedaysofrejoicingwereoveratlasttheCompanionsthoughtofreturningtotheirownhomes.

AndFrodowenttotheKingashewassittingwiththeQueenArwenbythefountain,andshesangasongofValinor,whiletheTreegrewandblossomed.TheywelcomedFrodoandrosetogreethim;andAragornsaid:

‘Iknowwhatyouhavecometosay,Frodo:youwishtoreturntoyourownhome.Well,dearestfriend,thetreegrowsbestinthelandofits

sires;butforyouinallthelandsoftheWesttherewilleverbeawelcome.Andthoughyourpeoplehavehadlittlefameinthelegendsofthegreat,theywillnowhavemorerenownthanmanywiderealmsthatarenomore.’

‘ItistruethatIwishtogobacktotheShire,’saidFrodo.‘ButfirstImustgotoRivendell.Foriftherecouldbeanythingwantinginatime

soblessed,ImissedBilbo;andIwasgrievedwhenamongallthehouseholdofElrondIsawthathewasnotcome.’

‘Doyouwonderatthat,Ring-bearer?’saidArwen.‘Foryouknowthepowerofthatthingwhichisnowdestroyed;andallthatwasdonebythatpowerisnowpassingaway.Butyourkinsmanpossessedthisthing

longerthanyou.Heisancientinyearsnow,accordingtohiskind;andheawaitsyou,forhewillnotagainmakeanylongjourneysaveone.’

‘ThenIbegleavetodepartsoon,’saidFrodo.

‘Insevendayswewillgo,’saidAragorn.‘Forweshallridewithyoufarontheroad,evenasfarasthecountryofRohan.InthreedaysnowÉomerwillreturn

hithertobearThéodenbacktorestintheMark,andweshallridewithhimtohonourthefallen.ButnowbeforeyougoIwillconfirmthewordsthatFaramirspoketoyou,andyouaremadefreeforeveroftherealmofGondor;andallyourcompanionslikewise.AndiftherewereanygiftsthatIcouldgivetomatchwithyourdeedsyoushouldhavethem;

butwhateveryoudesireyoushalltakewithyou,andyoushallrideinhonourandarrayedasprincesoftheland.’

ButtheQueenArwensaid:‘AgiftIwillgiveyou.ForIamthedaughterofElrond.IshallnotgowithhimnowwhenhedepartstotheHavens;formineisthechoiceofLúthien,andasshesohaveIchosen,boththe

sweetandthebitter.Butinmysteadyoushallgo,Ring-bearer,whenthetimecomes,andifyouthendesireit.Ifyourhurtsgrieveyoustillandthememoryofyourburdenisheavy,thenyoumaypassintotheWest,untilallyourwoundsandwearinessarehealed.ButwearthisnowinmemoryofElfstoneandEvenstarwithwhomyourlifehasbeenwoven!’

Andshetookawhitegemlikeastarthatlayuponherbreasthanginguponasilverchain,andshesetthechainaboutFrodo’sneck.‘Whenthememoryofthefearandthedarknesstroublesyou,’shesaid,‘thiswillbringyouaid.’

Inthreedays,astheKinghadsaid,ÉomerofRohan

cameridingtotheCity,andwithhimcameanéoredofthefairestknightsoftheMark.Hewaswelcomed;andwhentheysatallattableinMerethrond,theGreatHallofFeasts,hebeheldthebeautyoftheladiesthathesawandwasfilledwithgreatwonder.AndbeforehewenttohisresthesentforGimlitheDwarf,andhesaidtohim:‘GimliGlóin’sson,haveyouyour

axeready?’‘Nay,lord,’saidGimli,

‘butIcanspeedilyfetchit,iftherebeneed.’

‘Youshalljudge,’saidÉomer.‘FortherearecertainrashwordsconcerningtheLadyintheGoldenWoodthatliestillbetweenus.AndnowIhaveseenherwithmyeyes.’

‘Well,lord,’saidGimli,‘andwhatsayyounow?’

‘Alas!’saidÉomer.‘Iwillnotsaythatsheisthefairestladythatlives.’

‘ThenImustgoformyaxe,’saidGimli.

‘ButfirstIwillpleadthisexcuse,’saidÉomer.‘HadIseenherinothercompany,Iwouldhavesaidallthatyoucouldwish.ButnowIwillputQueenArwenEvenstarfirst,andIamreadytodobattleonmyownpartwith

anywhodenyme.ShallIcallformysword?’

ThenGimlibowedlow.‘Nay,youareexcusedformypart,lord,’hesaid.‘YouhavechosentheEvening;butmyloveisgiventotheMorning.Andmyheartforebodesthatsoonitwillpassawayforever.’

Atlastthedayof

departurecame,andagreatandfaircompanymadereadytoridenorthfromtheCity.ThenthekingsofGondorandRohanwenttotheHallowsandtheycametothetombsinRathDínen,andtheyboreawayKingThéodenuponagoldenbier,andpassedthroughtheCityinsilence.ThentheylaidthebieruponagreatwainwithRidersofRohanallaboutitandhis

bannerbornebefore;andMerrybeingThéoden’sesquirerodeuponthewainandkeptthearmsoftheking.

FortheotherCompanionssteedswerefurnishedaccordingtotheirstature;andFrodoandSamwiserodeatAragorn’sside,andGandalfrodeuponShadowfax,andPippinrodewiththeknightsofGondor;andLegolasandGimliaseverrodetogether

uponArod.Inthatridingwentalso

QueenArwen,andCelebornandGaladrielwiththeirfolk,andElrondandhissons;andtheprincesofDolAmrothandofIthilien,andmanycaptainsandknights.NeverhadanykingoftheMarksuchcompanyupontheroadaswentwithThéodenThengel’ssontothelandofhishome.

WithouthasteandatpeacetheypassedintoAnórien,andtheycametotheGreyWoodunderAmonDîn;andtheretheyheardasoundasofdrumsbeatinginthehills,thoughnolivingthingcouldbeseen.ThenAragornletthetrumpetsbeblown;andheraldscried:

‘Behold,theKingElessariscome!TheForestofDrúadanhegivestoGhân-

buri-Ghânandtohisfolk,tobetheirownforever;andhereafterletnomanenteritwithouttheirleave!’

Thenthedrumsrolledloudly,andweresilent.

AtlengthafterfifteendaysofjourneythewainofKingThéodenpassedthroughthegreenfieldsofRohanandcametoEdoras;andthere

theyallrested.TheGoldenHallwasarrayedwithfairhangingsanditwasfilledwithlight,andtherewasheldthehighestfeastthatithadknownsincethedaysofitsbuilding.ForafterthreedaystheMenoftheMarkpreparedthefuneralofThéoden;andhewaslaidinahouseofstonewithhisarmsandmanyotherfairthingsthathehadpossessed,andoverhimwas

raisedagreatmound,coveredwithgreenturvesofgrassandofwhiteevermind.Andnowtherewereeightmoundsontheeast-sideoftheBarrowfield.

ThentheRidersoftheKing’sHouseuponwhitehorsesroderoundaboutthebarrowandsangtogetherasongofThéodenThengel’ssonthatGléowinehisminstrelmade,andhemade

noothersongafter.TheslowvoicesoftheRidersstirredtheheartsevenofthosewhodidnotknowthespeechofthatpeople;butthewordsofthesongbroughtalighttotheeyesofthefolkoftheMarkastheyheardagainafarthethunderofthehoovesoftheNorthandthevoiceofEorlcryingabovethebattleupontheFieldofCelebrant;andthetaleofthekingsrolledon,

andthehornofHelmwasloudinthemountains,untiltheDarknesscameandKingThéodenaroseandrodethroughtheShadowtothefire,anddiedinsplendour,evenastheSun,returningbeyondhope,gleameduponMindolluininthemorning.

Outofdoubt,outofdark,totheday’srisingherodesinginginthe

sun,swordunsheathing.Hopeherekindled,andinhopeended;overdeath,overdread,overdoomliftedoutofloss,outoflife,untolongglory.

ButMerrystoodatthefootofthegreenmound,andhewept,andwhenthesongwasendedhearoseandcried:

‘ThéodenKing,Théoden

King!Farewell!Asafatheryouweretome,foralittlewhile.Farewell!’

Whentheburialwasoverandtheweepingofwomenwasstilled,andThéodenwasleftatlastaloneinhisbarrow,thenfolkgatheredtotheGoldenHallforthegreatfeastandputawaysorrow;forThéodenhadlivedtofull

yearsandendedinhonournolessthanthegreatestofhissires.AndwhenthetimecamethatinthecustomoftheMarktheyshoulddrinktothememoryofthekings,ÉowynLadyofRohancameforth,goldenasthesunandwhiteassnow,andsheboreafilledcuptoÉomer.

Thenaminstrelandloremasterstoodupandnamedallthenamesofthe

LordsoftheMarkintheirorder:EorltheYoung;andBregobuilderoftheHall;andAldorbrotherofBaldorthehapless;andFréa,andFréawine,andGoldwine,andDéor,andGram;andHelmwholayhidinHelm’sDeepwhentheMarkwasoverrun;andsoendedtheninemoundsofthewest-side,forinthattimethelinewasbroken,andaftercamethemoundsofthe

east-side:Fréaláf,Helm’ssister-son,andLéofa,andWalda,andFolca,andFolcwine,andFengel,andThengel,andThéodenthelatest.AndwhenThéodenwasnamedÉomerdrainedthecup.ThenÉowynbadethosethatservedtofillthecups,andallthereassembledroseanddranktothenewking,crying:‘Hail,Éomer,KingoftheMark!’

AtthelastwhenthefeastdrewtoanendÉomeraroseandsaid:‘NowthisisthefuneralfeastofThéodentheKing;butIwillspeakerewegooftidingsofjoy,forhewouldnotgrudgethatIshoulddoso,sincehewaseverafathertoÉowynmysister.Hearthenallmyguests,fairfolkofmanyrealms,suchashaveneverbeforebeengatheredinthis

hall!Faramir,StewardofGondor,andPrinceofIthilien,asksthatÉowynLadyofRohanshouldbehiswife,andshegrantsitfullwilling.Thereforetheyshallbetrothplightedbeforeyouall.’

AndFaramirandÉowynstoodforthandsethandinhand;andalltheredranktothemandwereglad.‘Thus,’saidÉomer,‘isthefriendship

oftheMarkandofGondorboundwithanewbond,andthemoredoIrejoice.’

‘Noniggardareyou,Éomer,’saidAragorn,‘togivethustoGondorthefairestthinginyourrealm!’

ThenÉowynlookedintheeyesofAragorn,andshesaid:‘Wishmejoy,myliege-lordandhealer!’

Andheanswered:‘Ihavewishedtheejoyeversince

firstIsawthee.Ithealsmyhearttoseetheenowinbliss.’

Whenthefeastwasover,thosewhoweretogotookleaveofKingÉomer.Aragornandhisknights,andthepeopleofLórienandofRivendell,madereadytoride;butFaramirandImrahilremainedatEdoras;and

ArwenEvenstarremainedalso,andshesaidfarewelltoherbrethren.NonesawherlastmeetingwithElrondherfather,fortheywentupintothehillsandtherespokelongtogether,andbitterwastheirpartingthatshouldendurebeyondtheendsoftheworld.

AtthelastbeforetheguestssetoutÉomerandÉowyncametoMerry,andtheysaid:‘Farewellnow,

MeriadocoftheShireandHoldwineoftheMark!Ridetogoodfortune,andridebacksoontoourwelcome!’

AndÉomersaid:‘KingsofoldwouldhaveladenyouwithgiftsthatawaincouldnotbearforyourdeedsuponthefieldsofMundburg;andyetyouwilltakenaught,yousay,butthearmsthatweregiventoyou.ThisIsuffer,forindeedIhavenogiftthat

isworthy;butmysisterbegsyoutoreceivethissmallthing,asamemorialofDernhelmandofthehornsoftheMarkatthecomingofthemorning.’

ThenÉowyngavetoMerryanancienthorn,smallbutcunninglywroughtalloffairsilverwithabaldricofgreen;andwrightshadengravenuponitswifthorsemenridinginalinethat

woundaboutitfromthetiptothemouth;andthereweresetrunesofgreatvirtue.

‘Thisisanheirloomofourhouse,’saidÉowyn.‘ItwasmadebytheDwarves,andcamefromthehoardofScathatheWorm.EorltheYoungbroughtitfromtheNorth.Hethatblowsitatneedshallsetfearintheheartsofhisenemiesandjoyintheheartsofhisfriends,

andtheyshallhearhimandcometohim.’

ThenMerrytookthehorn,foritcouldnotberefused,andhekissedÉowyn’shand;andtheyembracedhim,andsotheypartedforthattime.

Nowtheguestswereready,andtheydrankthestirrup-cup,andwithgreatpraiseandfriendshipthey

departed,andcameatlengthtoHelm’sDeep,andtheretheyrestedtwodays.ThenLegolasrepaidhispromisetoGimliandwentwithhimtotheGlitteringCaves;andwhentheyreturnedhewassilent,andwouldsayonlythatGimlialonecouldfindfitwordstospeakofthem.‘AndneverbeforehasaDwarfclaimedavictoryoveranElfinacontestofwords,’said

he.‘NowthereforeletusgotoFangornandsetthescoreright!’

FromDeeping-coombtheyrodetoIsengard,andsawhowtheEntshadbusiedthemselves.Allthestone-circlehadbeenthrowndownandremoved,andthelandwithinwasmadeintoagardenfilledwithorchardsandtrees,andastreamranthroughit;butinthemidstof

alltherewasalakeofclearwater,andoutofittheTowerofOrthancrosestill,tallandimpregnable,anditsblackrockwasmirroredinthepool.

ForawhilethetravellerssatwhereoncetheoldgatesofIsengardhadstood,andtherewerenowtwotalltreeslikesentinelsatthebeginningofagreen-borderedpaththatrantowardsOrthanc;and

theylookedinwonderattheworkthathadbeendone,butnolivingthingcouldtheyseefarornear.Butpresentlytheyheardavoicecallinghoom-hom,hoom-hom;andtherecameTreebeardstridingdownthepathtogreetthemwithQuickbeamathisside.

‘WelcometotheTreegarthofOrthanc!’hesaid.‘Iknewthatyouwerecoming,butIwasatworkup

thevalley;thereismuchstilltobedone.Butyouhavenotbeenidleeitherawayinthesouthandtheeast,Ihear;andallthatIhearisgood,verygood.’ThenTreebeardpraisedalltheirdeeds,ofwhichheseemedtohavefullknowledge;andatlasthestoppedandlookedlongatGandalf.

‘Well,comenow!’hesaid.‘Youhaveproved

mightiest,andallyourlabourshavegonewell.Wherenowwouldyoubegoing?Andwhydoyoucomehere?’

‘Toseehowyourworkgoes,myfriend,’saidGandalf,‘andtothankyouforyouraidinallthathasbeenachieved.’

‘Hoom,well,thatisfairenough,’saidTreebeard;‘fortobesureEntshaveplayed

theirpart.Andnotonlyindealingwiththat,hoom,thataccursedtree-slayerthatdwelthere.Fortherewasagreatinrushofthose,burárum,thoseevileyed-black-handed-bowlegged-flinthearted-clawfingered-foulbellied-blood-thirsty,morimaite-sincahonda,hoom,well,sinceyouarehastyfolkandtheirfullnameisaslongasyearsoftorment,those

verminoforcs;andtheycameovertheRiveranddownfromtheNorthandallroundthewoodofLaurelindórenan,whichtheycouldnotgetinto,thankstotheGreatoneswhoarehere.’HebowedtotheLordandLadyofLórien.

‘AndthesesamefoulcreaturesweremorethansurprisedtomeetusoutontheWold,fortheyhadnot

heardofusbefore;thoughthatmightbesaidalsoofbetterfolk.Andnotmanywillrememberus,fornotmanyescapedusalive,andtheRiverhadmostofthose.Butitwaswellforyou,foriftheyhadnotmetus,thenthekingofthegrasslandwouldnothaveriddenfar,andifhehadtherewouldhavebeennohometoreturnto.’

‘Weknowitwell,’said

Aragorn,‘andnevershallitbeforgotteninMinasTirithorinEdoras.’

‘Neveristoolongawordevenforme,’saidTreebeard.‘Notwhileyourkingdomslast,youmean;buttheywillhavetolastlongindeedtoseemlongtoEnts.’

‘TheNewAgebegins,’saidGandalf,‘andinthisageitmaywellprovethatthekingdomsofMenshall

outlastyou,Fangornmyfriend.Butnowcometellme:whatofthetaskthatIsetyou?HowisSaruman?IshenotwearyofOrthancyet?ForIdonotsupposethathewillthinkyouhaveimprovedtheviewfromhiswindows.’

TreebeardgaveGandalfalonglook,almostacunninglook,Merrythought.‘Ah!’hesaid.‘Ithoughtyouwouldcometothat.Wearyof

Orthanc?Verywearyatlast;butnotsowearyofhistowerashewaswearyofmyvoice.Hoom!Igavehimsomelongtales,oratleastwhatmightbethoughtlonginyourspeech.’

‘Thenwhydidhestaytolisten?DidyougointoOrthanc?’askedGandalf.

‘Hoom,no,notintoOrthanc!’saidTreebeard.‘Buthecametohiswindow

andlistened,becausehecouldnotgetnewsinanyotherway,andthoughhehatedthenews,hewasgreedytohaveit;andIsawthathehearditall.ButIaddedagreatmanythingstothenewsthatitwasgoodforhimtothinkof.Hegrewveryweary.Healwayswashasty.Thatwashisruin.’

‘Iobserve,mygoodFangorn,’saidGandalf,‘that

withgreatcareyousaydwelt,was,grew.Whataboutis?Ishedead?’

‘No,notdead,sofarasIknow,’saidTreebeard.‘Butheisgone.Yes,heisgonesevendays.Ilethimgo.Therewaslittleleftofhimwhenhecrawledout,andasforthatworm-creatureofhis,hewaslikeapaleshadow.Nowdonottellme,Gandalf,thatIpromisedtokeephim

safe;forIknowit.Butthingshavechangedsincethen.AndIkepthimuntilhewassafe,safefromdoinganymoreharm.YoushouldknowthataboveallIhatethecagingoflivethings,andIwillnotkeepevensuchcreaturesasthesecagedbeyondgreatneed.Asnakewithoutfangsmaycrawlwherehewill.’

‘Youmayberight,’saidGandalf;‘butthissnakehad

stillonetoothleft,Ithink.Hehadthepoisonofhisvoice,andIguessthathepersuadedyou,evenyouTreebeard,knowingthesoftspotinyourheart.Well,heisgone,andthereisnomoretobesaid.ButtheTowerofOrthancnowgoesbacktotheKing,towhomitbelongs.Thoughmaybehewillnotneedit.’

‘Thatwillbeseenlater,’saidAragorn.‘ButIwillgive

toEntsallthisvalleytodowithastheywill,solongastheykeepawatchuponOrthancandseethatnoneenteritwithoutmyleave.’

‘Itislocked,’saidTreebeard.‘ImadeSarumanlockitandgivemethekeys.Quickbeamhasthem.’

QuickbeambowedlikeatreebendinginthewindandhandedtoAragorntwogreatblackkeysofintricateshape,

joinedbyaringofsteel.‘NowIthankyouoncemore,’saidAragorn,‘andIbidyoufarewell.Mayyourforestgrowagaininpeace.Whenthisvalleyisfilledthereisroomandtosparewestofthemountains,whereonceyouwalkedlongago.’

Treebeard’sfacebecamesad.‘Forestsmaygrow,’hesaid.‘Woodsmayspread.ButnotEnts.Thereareno

Entings.’‘Yetmaybethereisnow

morehopeinyoursearch,’saidAragorn.‘Landswilllieopentoyoueastwardthathavelongbeenclosed.’

ButTreebeardshookhisheadandsaid:‘Itisfartogo.AndtherearetoomanyMenthereinthesedays.ButIamforgettingmymanners!Willyoustayhereandrestawhile?Andmaybethereare

somethatwouldbepleasedtopassthroughFangornForestandsoshortentheirroadhome?’HelookedatCelebornandGaladriel.

ButallsaveLegolassaidthattheymustnowtaketheirleaveanddeparteithersouthorwest.‘Come,Gimli!’saidLegolas.‘NowbyFangorn’sleaveIwillvisitthedeepplacesoftheEntwoodandseesuchtreesasarenowhere

elsetobefoundinMiddle-earth.Youshallcomewithmeandkeepyourword;andthuswewilljourneyontogethertoourownlandsinMirkwoodandbeyond.’TothisGimliagreed,thoughwithnogreatdelight,itseemed.

‘HerethenatlastcomestheendingoftheFellowshipoftheRing,’saidAragorn.‘YetIhopethaterelongyou

willreturntomylandwiththehelpthatyoupromised.’

‘Wewillcome,ifourownlordsallowit,’saidGimli.‘Well,farewell,myhobbits!Youshouldcomesafetoyourownhomesnow,andIshallnotbekeptawakeforfearofyourperil.Wewillsendwordwhenwemay,andsomeofusmayyetmeetattimes;butIfearthatweshallnotallbegatheredtogethereveragain.’

ThenTreebeardsaidfarewelltoeachoftheminturn,andhebowedthreetimesslowlyandwithgreatreverencetoCelebornandGaladriel.‘Itislong,longsincewemetbystockorbystone,Avanimar,vanimálionnostari!’hesaid.‘Itissadthatweshouldmeetonlythusattheending.Fortheworldischanging:Ifeelitinthewater,Ifeelitintheearth,

andIsmellitintheair.Idonotthinkweshallmeetagain.’

AndCelebornsaid:‘Idonotknow,Eldest.’ButGaladrielsaid:‘NotinMiddle-earth,noruntilthelandsthatlieunderthewaveareliftedupagain.Theninthewillow-meadsofTasarinanwemaymeetintheSpring.Farewell!’

LastofallMerryand

Pippinsaidgood-byetotheoldEnt,andhegrewgayerashelookedatthem.‘Well,mymerryfolk,’hesaid,‘willyoudrinkanotherdraughtwithmebeforeyougo?’

‘Indeedwewill,’theysaid,andhetookthemasideintotheshadeofoneofthetrees,andtheretheysawthatagreatstonejarhadbeenset.AndTreebeardfilledthreebowls,andtheydrank;and

theysawhisstrangeeyeslookingatthemovertherimofhisbowl.‘Takecare,takecare!’hesaid.‘ForyouhavealreadygrownsinceIsawyoulast.’Andtheylaughedanddrainedtheirbowls.

‘Well,good-bye!’hesaid.‘Anddon’tforgetthatifyouhearanynewsoftheEntwivesinyourland,youwillsendwordtome.’Thenhewavedhisgreathandsto

allthecompanyandwentoffintothetrees.

Thetravellersnowrodewithmorespeed,andtheymadetheirwaytowardstheGapofRohan;andAragorntookleaveofthematlastclosetothatveryplacewherePippinhadlookedintotheStoneofOrthanc.TheHobbitsweregrievedatthis

parting;forAragornhadneverfailedthemandhehadbeentheirguidethroughmanyperils.

‘IwishwecouldhaveaStonethatwecouldseeallourfriendsin,’saidPippin,‘andthatwecouldspeaktothemfromfaraway!’

‘Onlyonenowremainsthatyoucoulduse,’answeredAragorn;‘foryouwouldnotwishtoseewhattheStoneof

MinasTirithwouldshowyou.ButthePalantírofOrthanctheKingwillkeep,toseewhatispassinginhisrealm,andwhathisservantsaredoing.Fordonotforget,PeregrinTook,thatyouareaknightofGondor,andIdonotreleaseyoufromyourservice.Youaregoingnowonleave,butImayrecallyou.Andremember,dearfriendsoftheShire,thatmy

realmliesalsointheNorth,andIshallcomethereoneday.’

ThenAragorntookleaveofCelebornandGaladriel;andtheLadysaidtohim:‘Elfstone,throughdarknessyouhavecometoyourhope,andhavenowallyourdesire.Usewellthedays!’

ButCelebornsaid:‘Kinsman,farewell!Mayyourdoombeotherthan

mine,andyourtreasureremainwithyoutotheend!’

Withthattheyparted,anditwasthenthetimeofsunset;andwhenafterawhiletheyturnedandlookedback,theysawtheKingoftheWestsittinguponhishorsewithhisknightsabouthim;andthefallingSunshoneuponthemandmadealltheirharnesstogleamlikeredgold,andthewhitemantleofAragornwas

turnedtoaflame.ThenAragorntookthegreenstoneandhelditup,andtherecameagreenfirefromhishand.

Soonthedwindlingcompany,followingtheIsen,turnedwestandrodethroughtheGapintothewastelandsbeyond,andthentheyturnednorthwards,andpassedoverthebordersofDunland.The

Dunlendingsfledandhidthemselves,fortheywereafraidofElvishfolk,thoughfewindeedevercametotheircountry;butthetravellersdidnotheedthem,fortheywerestillagreatcompanyandwerewellprovidedwithallthattheyneeded;andtheywentontheirwayattheirleisure,settinguptheirtentswhentheywould.

Onthesixthdaysince

theirpartingfromtheKingtheyjourneyedthroughawoodclimbingdownfromthehillsatthefeetoftheMistyMountainsthatnowmarchedontheirrighthand.Astheycameoutagainintotheopencountryatsundowntheyovertookanoldmanleaningonastaff,andhewasclothedinragsofgreyordirtywhite,andathisheelswentanotherbeggar,

slouchingandwhining.‘WellSaruman!’said

Gandalf.‘Whereareyougoing?’

‘Whatisthattoyou?’heanswered.‘Willyoustillordermygoings,andareyounotcontentwithmyruin?’

‘Youknowtheanswers,’saidGandalf:‘noandno.Butinanycasethetimeofmylaboursnowdrawstoanend.TheKinghastakenonthe

burden.IfyouhadwaitedatOrthanc,youwouldhaveseenhim,andhewouldhaveshownyouwisdomandmercy.’

‘Thenallthemorereasontohaveleftsooner,’saidSaruman;‘forIdesireneitherofhim.Indeedifyouwishforananswertoyourfirstquestion,Iamseekingawayoutofhisrealm.’

‘Thenoncemoreyouare

goingthewrongway,’saidGandalf,‘andIseenohopeinyourjourney.Butwillyouscornourhelp?Forweofferittoyou.’

‘Tome?’saidSaruman.‘Nay,praydonotsmileatme!Ipreferyourfrowns.AndasfortheLadyhere,Idonottrusther:shealwayshatedme,andschemedforyourpart.Idonotdoubtthatshehasbroughtyouthisway

tohavethepleasureofgloatingovermypoverty.HadIbeenwarnedofyourpursuit,Iwouldhavedeniedyouthepleasure.’

‘Saruman,’saidGaladriel,‘wehaveothererrandsandothercaresthatseemtousmoreurgentthanhuntingforyou.Sayratherthatyouareovertakenbygoodfortune;fornowyouhavealastchance.’

‘Ifitbetrulythelast,Iamglad,’saidSaruman;‘forIshallbesparedthetroubleofrefusingitagain.Allmyhopesareruined,butIwouldnotshareyours.Ifyouhaveany.’

Foramomenthiseyeskindled.‘Go!’hesaid.‘Ididnotspendlongstudyonthesemattersfornaught.Youhavedoomedyourselves,andyouknowit.Anditwillaffordme

somecomfortasIwandertothinkthatyoupulleddownyourownhousewhenyoudestroyedmine.Andnow,whatshipwillbearyoubackacrosssowideasea?’hemocked.‘Itwillbeagreyship,andfullofghosts.’Helaughed,buthisvoicewascrackedandhideous.

‘Getup,youidiot!’heshoutedtotheotherbeggar,whohadsatdownonthe

ground;andhestruckhimwithhisstaff.‘Turnabout!Ifthesefinefolkaregoingourway,thenwewilltakeanother.Geton,orI’llgiveyounocrustforyoursupper!’

Thebeggarturnedandslouchedpastwhimpering:‘PooroldGríma!PooroldGríma!Alwaysbeatenandcursed.HowIhatehim!IwishIcouldleavehim!’

‘Thenleavehim!’said

Gandalf.ButWormtongueonly

shotaglanceofhisblearedeyesfullofterroratGandalf,andthenshuffledquicklypastbehindSaruman.Asthewretchedpairpassedbythecompanytheycametothehobbits,andSarumanstoppedandstaredatthem;buttheylookedathimwithpity.

‘Soyouhavecometogloattoo,haveyou,my

urchins?’hesaid.‘Youdon’tcarewhatabeggarlacks,doyou?Foryouhaveallyouwant,foodandfineclothes,andthebestweedforyourpipes.Ohyes,Iknow!Iknowwhereitcomesfrom.Youwouldnotgiveapipefultoabeggar,wouldyou?’

‘Iwould,ifIhadany,’saidFrodo.

‘YoucanhavewhatIhavegotleft,’saidMerry,‘ifyou

willwaitamoment.’Hegotdownandsearchedinthebagathissaddle.ThenhehandedtoSarumanaleatherpouch.‘Takewhatthereis,’hesaid.‘Youarewelcometoit;itcamefromtheflotsamofIsengard.’

‘Mine,mine,yesanddearlybought!’criedSaruman,clutchingatthepouch.‘Thisisonlyarepaymentintoken;foryou

tookmore,I’llbebound.Still,abeggarmustbegrateful,ifathiefreturnshimevenamorselofhisown.Well,itwillserveyourightwhenyoucomehome,ifyoufindthingslessgoodintheSouthfarthingthanyouwouldlike.Longmayyourlandbeshortofleaf!’

‘Thankyou!’saidMerry.‘InthatcaseIwillhavemypouchback,whichisnot

yoursandhasjourneyedfarwithme.Wraptheweedinaragofyourown.’

‘Onethiefdeservesanother,’saidSaruman,andturnedhisbackonMerry,andkickedWormtongue,andwentawaytowardsthewood.

‘Well,Ilikethat!’saidPippin.‘Thiefindeed!Whatofourclaimforwaylaying,wounding,andorc-draggingusthroughRohan?’

‘Ah!’saidSam.‘Andboughthesaid.How,Iwonder?AndIdidn’tlikethesoundofwhathesaidabouttheSouthfarthing.It’stimewegotback.’

‘I’msureitis,’saidFrodo.‘Butwecan’tgoanyquicker,ifwearetoseeBilbo.IamgoingtoRivendellfirst,whateverhappens.’

‘Yes,Ithinkyouhadbetterdothat,’saidGandalf.

‘ButalasforSaruman!Ifearnothingmorecanbemadeofhim.Hehaswitheredaltogether.Allthesame,IamnotsurethatTreebeardisright:Ifancyhecoulddosomemischiefstillinasmallmeanway.’

NextdaytheywentonintonorthernDunland,wherenomennowdwelt,thoughitwasagreenandpleasantcountry.Septembercamein

withgoldendaysandsilvernights,andtheyrodeateaseuntiltheyreachedtheSwanfleetriver,andfoundtheoldford,eastofthefallswhereitwentdownsuddenlyintothelowlands.FartothewestinahazelaythemeresandeyotsthroughwhichitwounditswaytotheGreyflood:therecountlessswanshousedinalandofreeds.

SotheypassedintoEregion,andatlastafairmorningdawned,shimmeringabovegleamingmists;andlookingfromtheircamponalowhillthetravellerssawawayintheeasttheSuncatchingthreepeaksthatthrustupintotheskythroughfloatingclouds:Caradhras,Celebdil,andFanuidhol.TheywereneartotheGatesofMoria.

Herenowforsevendaystheytarried,forthetimewasathandforanotherpartingwhichtheywerelothtomake.SoonCelebornandGaladrielandtheirfolkwouldturneastward,andsopassbytheRedhornGateanddowntheDimrillStairtotheSilverlodeandtotheirowncountry.Theyhadjourneyedthusfarbythewest-ways,fortheyhadmuchtospeakof

withElrondandwithGandalf,andheretheylingeredstillinconversewiththeirfriends.Oftenlongafterthehobbitswerewrappedinsleeptheywouldsittogetherunderthestars,recallingtheagesthatweregoneandalltheirjoysandlaboursintheworld,orholdingcouncil,concerningthedaystocome.Ifanywandererhadchancedtopass,littlewouldhehave

seenorheard,anditwouldhaveseemedtohimonlythathesawgreyfigures,carvedinstone,memorialsofforgottenthingsnowlostinunpeopledlands.Fortheydidnotmoveorspeakwithmouth,lookingfrommindtomind;andonlytheirshiningeyesstirredandkindledastheirthoughtswenttoandfro.

Butatlengthallwassaid,andtheypartedagainfora

while,untilitwastimefortheThreeRingstopassaway.Quicklyfadingintothestonesandtheshadowsthegrey-cloakedpeopleofLórienrodetowardsthemountains;andthosewhoweregoingtoRivendellsatonthehillandwatched,untiltherecameoutofthegatheringmistaflash;andthentheysawnomore.FrodoknewthatGaladrielhadheldaloftherringin

tokenoffarewell.Samturnedawayand

sighed:‘IwishIwasgoingbacktoLórien!’

Atlastoneeveningtheycameoverthehighmoors,suddenlyastotravellersitalwaysseemed,tothebrinkofthedeepvalleyofRivendellandsawfarbelowthelampsshininginElrond’shouse.Andtheywentdownandcrossedthebridgeand

cametothedoors,andallthehousewasfilledwithlightandsongforjoyatElrond’shomecoming.

Firstofall,beforetheyhadeatenorwashedorevenshedtheircloaks,thehobbitswentinsearchofBilbo.Theyfoundhimallaloneinhislittleroom.Itwaslitteredwithpapersandpensandpencils;butBilbowassittinginachairbeforeasmall

brightfire.Helookedveryold,butpeaceful,andsleepy.

Heopenedhiseyesandlookedupastheycamein.‘Hullo,hullo!’hesaid.‘Soyou’vecomeback?Andtomorrow’smybirthday,too.Howcleverofyou!Doyouknow,Ishallbeonehundredandtwenty-nine?Andinoneyearmore,ifIamspared,IshallequaltheOldTook.Ishouldliketobeathim;but

weshallsee.’

AfterthecelebrationofBilbo’sbirthdaythefourhobbitsstayedinRivendellforsomedays,andtheysatmuchwiththeiroldfriend,whospentmostofhistimenowinhisroom,exceptatmeals.Forthesehewasstillverypunctualasarule,andheseldomfailedtowakeup

intimeforthem.Sittingroundthefiretheytoldhiminturnallthattheycouldrememberoftheirjourneysandadventures.Atfirsthepretendedtotakesomenotes;butheoftenfellasleep;andwhenhewokehewouldsay:‘Howsplendid!Howwonderful!Butwherewerewe?’Thentheywentonwiththestoryfromthepointwherehehadbeguntonod.

TheonlypartthatseemedreallytorousehimandholdhisattentionwastheaccountofthecrowningandmarriageofAragorn.‘Iwasinvitedtothewedding,ofcourse,’hesaid.‘AndIhavewaitedforitlongenough.Butsomehow,whenitcametoit,IfoundIhadsomuchtodohere;andpackingissuchabother.’

WhennearlyafortnighthadpassedFrodolookedoutofhiswindowandsawthattherehadbeenafrostinthenight,andthecobwebswerelikewhitenets.Thensuddenlyheknewthathemustgo,andsaygood-byetoBilbo.Theweatherwasstillcalmandfair,afteroneofthemostlovelysummersthatpeoplecouldremember;butOctoberhadcome,andit

mustbreaksoonandbegintorainandblowagain.Andtherewasstillaverylongwaytogo.Yetitwasnotreallythethoughtoftheweatherthatstirredhim.HehadafeelingthatitwastimehewentbacktotheShire.Samsharedit.Onlythenightbeforehehadsaid:

‘Well,Mr.Frodo,we’vebeenfarandseenadeal,andyetIdon’tthinkwe’vefound

abetterplacethanthis.There’ssomethingofeverythinghere,ifyouunderstandme:theShireandtheGoldenWoodandGondorandkings’housesandinnsandmeadowsandmountainsallmixed.Andyet,somehow,Ifeelweoughttobegoingsoon.I’mworriedaboutmygaffer,totellyouthetruth.’

‘Yes,somethingof

everything,Sam,excepttheSea,’Frodohadanswered;andherepeateditnowtohimself:‘ExcepttheSea.’

ThatdayFrodospoketoElrond,anditwasagreedthattheyshouldleavethenextmorning.TotheirdelightGandalfsaid:‘IthinkIshallcometoo.AtleastasfarasBree.IwanttoseeButterbur.’

Intheeveningtheywent

tosaygood-byetoBilbo.‘Well,ifyoumustgo,youmust,’hesaid.‘Iamsorry.Ishallmissyou.Itisnicejusttoknowthatyouareabouttheplace.ButIamgettingverysleepy.’ThenhegaveFrodohismithril-coatandSting,forgettingthathehadalreadydoneso;andhegavehimalsothreebooksoflorethathehadmadeatvarioustimes,writteninhisspidery

hand,andlabelledontheirredbacks:TranslationsfromtheElvish,byB.B.

ToSamhegavealittlebagofgold.‘AlmostthelastdropoftheSmaugvintage,’hesaid.‘Maycomeinuseful,ifyouthinkofgettingmarried,Sam.’Samblushed.

‘Ihavenothingmuchtogivetoyouyoungfellows,’hesaidtoMerryandPippin,‘exceptgoodadvice.’And

whenhehadgiventhemafairsampleofthis,headdedalastiteminShire-fashion:‘Don’tletyourheadsgettoobigforyourhats!Butifyoudon’tfinishgrowingupsoon,youaregoingtofindhatsandclothesexpensive.’

‘ButifyouwanttobeattheOldTook,’saidPippin,‘Idon’tseewhyweshouldn’ttryandbeattheBullroarer.’

Bilbolaughed,andhe

producedoutofapockettwobeautifulpipeswithpearlmouth-piecesandboundwithfine-wroughtsilver.‘Thinkofmewhenyousmokethem!’hesaid.‘TheElvesmadethemforme,butIdon’tsmokenow.’Andthensuddenlyhenoddedandwenttosleepforalittle;andwhenhewokeupagainhesaid:‘Nowwherewerewe?Yes,ofcourse,givingpresents.

Whichremindsme:what’sbecomeofmyring,Frodo,thatyoutookaway?’

‘Ihavelostit,Bilbodear,’saidFrodo.‘Igotridofit,youknow.’

‘Whatapity!’saidBilbo.‘Ishouldhavelikedtoseeitagain.Butno,howsillyofme!That’swhatyouwentfor,wasn’tit:togetridofit?Butitisallsoconfusing,forsuchalotofotherthings

seemtohavegotmixedupwithit:Aragorn’saffairs,andtheWhiteCouncil,andGondor,andtheHorsemen,andSouthrons,andoliphaunts–didyoureallyseeone,Sam?–andcavesandtowersandgoldentrees,andgoodnessknowswhatbesides.

‘Ievidentlycamebackbymuchtoostraightaroadfrommytrip.IthinkGandalf

mighthaveshownmeroundabit.ButthentheauctionwouldhavebeenoverbeforeIgotback,andIshouldhavehadevenmoretroublethanIdid.Anywayit’stoolatenow;andreallyIthinkit’smuchmorecomfortabletosithereandhearaboutitall.Thefire’sverycosyhere,andthefood’sverygood,andthereareElveswhenyouwantthem.Whatmorecouldone

want?

TheRoadgoeseveronandonOutfromthedoorwhereitbegan.NowfaraheadtheRoadhasgone,Letothersfollowitwhocan!Letthemajourneynewbegin,ButIatlastwithweary

feetWillturntowardsthelightedinn,Myevening-restandsleeptomeet.’

AndasBilbomurmuredthelastwordshisheaddroppedonhischestandhesleptsoundly.

Theeveningdeepenedintheroom,andthefirelightburnedbrighter;andthey

lookedatBilboashesleptandsawthathisfacewassmiling.Forsometimetheysatinsilence;andthenSamlookingroundattheroomandtheshadowsflickeringonthewalls,saidsoftly:

‘Idon’tthink,Mr.Frodo,thathe’sdonemuchwritingwhilewe’vebeenaway.Hewon’teverwriteourstorynow.’

AtthatBilboopenedan

eye,almostasifhehadheard.Thenherousedhimself.‘Yousee,Iamgettingsosleepy,’hesaid.‘AndwhenIhavetimetowrite,Ionlyreallylikewritingpoetry.Iwonder,Frodomydearfellow,ifyouwouldverymuchmindtidyingthingsupabitbeforeyougo?Collectallmynotesandpapers,andmydiarytoo,andtakethemwithyou,if

youwill.Yousee,Ihaven’tmuchtimefortheselectionandthearrangementandallthat.GetSamtohelp,andwhenyou’veknockedthingsintoshape,comeback,andI’llrunoverit.Iwon’tbetoocritical.’

‘OfcourseI’lldoit!’saidFrodo.‘AndofcourseI’llcomebacksoon:itwon’tbedangerousanymore.Thereisarealkingnow,andhewill

soonputtheroadsinorder.’‘Thankyou,mydear

fellow!’saidBilbo.‘Thatreallyisaverygreatrelieftomymind.’Andwiththathefellasleepagain.

ThenextdayGandalfandthehobbitstookleaveofBilboinhisroom,foritwascoldoutofdoors;andthentheysaidfarewelltoElrond

andallhishousehold.AsFrodostooduponthe

threshold,Elrondwishedhimafairjourney,andblessedhim,andhesaid:

‘Ithink,Frodo,thatmaybeyouwillnotneedtocomeback,unlessyoucomeverysoon.Foraboutthistimeoftheyear,whentheleavesaregoldbeforetheyfall,lookforBilbointhewoodsoftheShire.Ishallbewithhim.’

Thesewordsnooneelseheard,andFrodokeptthemtohimself.

Chapter7

HOMEWARDBOUND

Atlastthehobbitshadtheirfacesturnedtowardshome.

TheywereeagernowtoseetheShireagain;butatfirsttheyrodeonlyslowly,forFrodohadbeenillatease.WhentheycametotheFordofBruinen,hehadhalted,andseemedlothtorideintothestream;andtheynotedthatforawhilehiseyesappearednottoseethemorthingsabouthim.Allthatdayhewassilent.ItwasthesixthofOctober.

‘Areyouinpain,Frodo?’saidGandalfquietlyasherodebyFrodo’sside.

‘Well,yesIam,’saidFrodo.‘Itismyshoulder.Thewoundaches,andthememoryofdarknessisheavyonme.Itwasayearagotoday.’

‘Alas!therearesomewoundsthatcannotbewhollycured,’saidGandalf.

‘Ifearitmaybesowith

mine,’saidFrodo.‘Thereisnorealgoingback.ThoughImaycometotheShire,itwillnotseemthesame;forIshallnotbethesame.Iamwoundedwithknife,sting,andtooth,andalongburden.WhereshallIfindrest?’

Gandalfdidnotanswer.

Bytheendofthenextdaythepainanduneasehad

passed,andFrodowasmerryagain,asmerryasifhedidnotremembertheblacknessofthedaybefore.Afterthatthejourneywentwell,andthedayswentquicklyby;fortheyrodeatleisure,andoftentheylingeredinthefairwoodlandswheretheleaveswereredandyellowintheautumnsun.AtlengththeycametoWeathertop;anditwasthendrawingtowards

eveningandtheshadowofthehilllaydarkontheroad.ThenFrodobeggedthemtohasten,andhewouldnotlooktowardsthehill,butrodethroughitsshadowwithheadbowedandcloakdrawncloseabouthim.Thatnighttheweatherchanged,andawindcamefromtheWestladenwithrain,anditblewloudandchill,andtheyellowleaveswhirledlikebirdsin

theair.WhentheycametotheChetwoodalreadytheboughswerealmostbare,andagreatcurtainofrainveiledBree-hillfromtheirsight.

SoitwasthatneartheendofawildandweteveninginthelastdaysofOctoberthefivetravellersrodeuptheclimbingroadandcametotheSouth-gateofBree.Itwaslockedfast;andtherainblewintheirfaces,andinthe

darkeningskylowcloudswenthurryingby,andtheirheartssankalittle,fortheyhadexpectedmorewelcome.

Whentheyhadcalledmanytimes,atlasttheGate-keepercameout,andtheysawthathecarriedagreatcudgel.Helookedatthemwithfearandsuspicion;butwhenhesawthatGandalfwasthere,andthathiscompanionswerehobbits,in

spiteoftheirstrangegear,thenhebrightenedandwishedthemwelcome.

‘Comein!’hesaid,unlockingthegate.‘Wewon’tstayfornewsouthereinthecoldandthewet,aruffianlyevening.ButoldBarleywillnodoubtgiveyouawelcomeatThePony,andthereyou’llhearallthereistohear.’

‘Andthereyou’llhear

laterallthatwesay,andmore,’laughedGandalf.‘HowisHarry?’

TheGate-keeperscowled.‘Gone,’hesaid.‘Butyou’dbestaskBarliman.Goodevening!’

‘Goodeveningtoyou!’theysaid,andpassedthrough;andthentheynoticedthatbehindthehedgeattheroadsidealonglowhuthadbeenbuilt,andanumberof

menhadcomeoutandwerestaringatthemoverthefence.WhentheycametoBillFerny’shousetheysawthatthehedgetherewastatteredandunkempt,andthewindowswereallboardedup.

‘Doyouthinkyoukilledhimwiththatapple,Sam?’saidPippin.

‘I’mnotsohopeful,Mr.Pippin,’saidSam.‘ButI’dliketoknowwhatbecameof

thatpoorpony.He’sbeenonmymindmanyatime,andthewolveshowlingandall.’

AtlasttheycametoThePrancingPony,andthatatleastlookedoutwardlyunchanged;andtherewerelightsbehindtheredcurtainsinthelowerwindows.Theyrangthebell,andNobcametothedoor,andopenedita

crackandpeepedthrough;andwhenhesawthemstandingunderthelamphegaveacryofsurprise.

‘Mr.Butterbur!Master!’heshouted.‘They’vecomeback!’

‘Ohhavethey?I’lllearnthem,’cameButterbur’svoice,andouthecamewitharush,andhehadaclubinhishand.Butwhenhesawwhotheywerehestoppedshort,

andtheblackscowlonhisfacechangedtowonderanddelight.

‘Nob,youwoolly-patedninny!’hecried.‘Can’tyougiveoldfriendstheirnames?Youshouldn’tgoscaringmelikethat,withtimesastheyare.Well,well!Andwherehaveyoucomefrom?Ineverexpectedtoseeanyofyoufolkagain,andthat’safact:goingoffintotheWildwith

thatStrider,andallthoseBlackMenabout.ButI’mrightgladtoseeyou,andnonemorethanGandalf.Comein!Comein!Thesameroomsasbefore?They’refree.Indeedmostroomsareemptythesedays,asI’llnothidefromyou,foryou’llfinditoutsoonenough.AndI’llseewhatcanbedoneaboutsupper,assoonasmaybe;butI’mshort-handedat

present.Hey,Nobyouslowcoach!TellBob!Ah,butthereI’mforgetting,Bob’sgone:goeshometohisfolkatnightfallnow.Well,taketheguests’poniestothestables,Nob!Andyou’llbetakingyourhorsetohisstableyourself,Gandalf,Idon’tdoubt.Afinebeast,asIsaidwhenIfirstseteyesonhim.Well,comein!Makeyourselvesathome!’

Mr.Butterburhadatanyratenotchangedhismanneroftalking,andstillseemedtoliveinhisoldbreathlessbustle.Andyettherewashardlyanybodyabout,andallwasquiet;fromtheCommonRoomtherecamealowmurmurofnomorethantwoorthreevoices.Andseencloserinthelightoftwocandlesthathelitandcarriedbeforethemthelandlord’s

facelookedratherwrinkledandcareworn.

Heledthemdownthepassagetotheparlourthattheyhadusedonthatstrangenightmorethanayearago;andtheyfollowedhim,alittledisquieted,foritseemedplaintothemthatoldBarlimanwasputtingabravefaceonsometrouble.Thingswerenotwhattheyhadbeen.Buttheysaidnothing,andwaited.

AstheyexpectedMr.Butterburcametotheparlouraftersuppertoseeifallhadbeentotheirliking.Asindeedithad:nochangefortheworsehadyetcomeuponthebeerorthevictualsatThePony,atanyrate.‘NowIwon’tmakesoboldastosuggestyoushouldcometotheCommonRoomtonight,’saidButterbur.‘You’llbetired;andthereisn’tmany

folktherethisevening,anyway.Butifyoucouldsparemehalfanhourbeforeyougotoyourbeds,Iwoulddearlyliketohavesometalkwithyou,quiet-likebyourselves.’

‘Thatisjustwhatweshouldlike,too,’saidGandalf.‘Wearenottired.Wehavebeentakingthingseasy.Wewerewet,coldandhungry,butallthatyouhave

cured.Come,sitdown!Andifyouhaveanypipe-weed,we’llblessyou.’

‘Well,ifyou’dcalledforanythingelse,I’dhavebeenhappier,’saidButterbur.‘That’sjustathingthatwe’reshortof,seeinghowwe’veonlygotwhatwegrowourselves,andthat’snotenough.There’snonetobehadfromtheShirethesedays.ButI’lldowhatIcan.’

Whenhecamebackhebroughtthemenoughtolastthemforadayortwo,awadofuncutleaf.‘Southlinch,’hesaid,‘andthebestwehave;butnotthematchofSouthfarthing,asI’vealwayssaid,thoughI’mallforBreeinmostmatters,beggingyourpardon.’

Theyputhiminalargechairbythewood-fire,andGandalfsatontheotherside

ofthehearth,andthehobbitsinlowchairsbetweenthem;andthentheytalkedformanytimeshalfanhour,andexchangedallsuchnewsasMr.Butterburwishedtohearorgive.Mostofthethingswhichtheyhadtotellwereamerewonderandbewildermenttotheirhost,andfarbeyondhisvision;andtheybroughtforthfewcommentsotherthan:‘You

don’tsay,’oftenrepeatedindefianceoftheevidenceofMr.Butterbur’sownears.‘Youdon’tsay,Mr.Baggins,orisitMr.Underhill?I’mgettingsomixedup.Youdon’tsay,MasterGandalf!WellInever!Who’dhavethoughtitinourtimes!’

Buthedidsaymuchonhisownaccount.Thingswerefarfromwell,hewouldsay.Businesswasnotevenfair,it

wasdownrightbad.‘NoonecomesnighBreenowfromOutside,’hesaid.‘Andtheinsidefolks,theystayathomemostlyandkeeptheirdoorsbarred.ItallcomesofthosenewcomersandgangrelsthatbegancominguptheGreenwaylastyear,asyoumayremember;butmorecamelater.Somewerejustpoorbodiesrunningawayfromtrouble;butmostwere

badmen,fullo’thieveryandmischief.AndtherewastroublerighthereinBree,badtrouble.Why,wehadarealset-to,andthereweresomefolkkilled,killeddead!Ifyou’llbelieveme.’

‘Iwillindeed,’saidGandalf.‘Howmany?’

‘Threeandtwo,’saidButterbur,referringtothebigfolkandthelittle.‘TherewaspoorMatHeathertoes,and

RowlieAppledore,andlittleTomPickthornfromovertheHill;andWillieBanksfromup-away,andoneoftheUnderhillsfromStaddle:allgoodfellows,andthey’remissed.AndHarryGoatleafthatusedtobeontheWest-gate,andthatBillFerny,theycameinonthestrangers’side,andthey’vegoneoffwiththem;andit’smybelieftheyletthemin.Onthenight

ofthefight,Imean.Andthatwasafterweshowedthemthegatesandpushedthemout:beforetheyear’send,thatwas;andthefightwasearlyintheNewYear,aftertheheavysnowwehad.

‘Andnowthey’regoneforrobbersandliveoutside,hidinginthewoodsbeyondArchet,andoutinthewildsnorth-away.It’slikeabitofthebadoldtimestalestellof,

Isay.Itisn’tsafeontheroadandnobodygoesfar,andfolklockupearly.Wehavetokeepwatchersallroundthefenceandputalotofmenonthegatesatnights.’

‘Well,noonetroubledus,’saidPippin,‘andwecamealongslowly,andkeptnowatch.Wethoughtwe’dleftalltroublebehindus.’

‘Ah,thatyouhaven’t,Master,more’sthepity,’said

Butterbur.‘Butit’snowondertheyleftyoualone.Theywouldn’tgoforarmedfolk,withswordsandhelmetsandshieldsandall.Makethemthinktwice,thatwould.AndImustsayitputmeabackabitwhenIsawyou.’

Thenthehobbitssuddenlyrealizedthatpeoplehadlookedatthemwithamazementnotoutofsurpriseattheirreturnso

muchasinwonderattheirgear.Theythemselveshadbecomesousedtowarfareandtoridinginwell-arrayedcompaniesthattheyhadquiteforgottenthatthebrightmailpeepingfromundertheircloaks,andthehelmsofGondorandtheMark,andthefairdevicesontheirshields,wouldseemoutlandishintheirowncountry.AndGandalf,too,wasnowriding

onhistallgreyhorse,allcladinwhitewithagreatmantleofblueandsilveroverall,andthelongswordGlamdringathisside.

Gandalflaughed.‘Well,well,’hesaid,‘iftheyareafraidofjustfiveofus,thenwehavemetworseenemiesonourtravels.Butatanyratetheywillgiveyoupeaceatnightwhilewestay.’

‘Howlongwillthatbe?’

saidButterbur.‘I’llnotdenyweshouldbegladtohaveyouaboutforabit.Yousee,we’renotusedtosuchtroubles;andtheRangershaveallgoneaway,folktellme.Idon’tthinkwe’verightlyunderstoodtillnowwhattheydidforus.Forthere’sbeenworsethanrobbersabout.Wolveswerehowlingroundthefenceslastwinter.Andthere’sdark

shapesinthewoods,dreadfulthingsthatitmakesthebloodruncoldtothinkof.It’sbeenverydisturbing,ifyouunderstandme.’

‘Iexpectithas,’saidGandalf.‘Nearlyalllandshavebeendisturbedthesedays,verydisturbed.Butcheerup,Barliman!Youhavebeenontheedgeofverygreattroubles,andIamonlygladtohearthatyouhavenot

beendeeperin.Butbettertimesarecoming.Maybe,betterthananyyouremember.TheRangershavereturned.Wecamebackwiththem.Andthereisakingagain,Barliman.Hewillsoonbeturninghismindthisway.

‘ThentheGreenwaywillbeopenedagain,andhismessengerswillcomenorth,andtherewillbecomingsandgoings,andtheevilthings

willbedrivenoutofthewaste-lands.Indeedthewasteintimewillbewastenolonger,andtherewillbepeopleandfieldswhereoncetherewaswilderness.’

Mr.Butterburshookhishead.‘Ifthere’safewdecentrespectablefolkontheroads,thatwon’tdonoharm,’hesaid.‘Butwedon’twantnomorerabbleandruffians.Andwedon’twantnooutsidersat

Bree,nornearBreeatall.Wewanttobeletalone.Idon’twantawholecrowdo’strangerscampinghereandsettlingthereandtearingupthewildcountry.’

‘Youwillbeletalone,Barliman,’saidGandalf.‘ThereisroomenoughforrealmsbetweenIsenandGreyflood,oralongtheshore-landssouthoftheBrandywine,withoutanyone

livingwithinmanydays’rideofBree.Andmanyfolkusedtodwellawaynorth,ahundredmilesormorefromhere,atthefarendoftheGreenway:ontheNorthDownsorbyLakeEvendim.’

‘UpawaybyDeadmen’sDike?’saidButterbur,lookingevenmoredubious.‘That’shauntedland,theysay.Nonebutarobberwouldgothere.’

‘TheRangersgothere,’saidGandalf.‘Deadmen’sDike,yousay.Soithasbeencalledforlongyears;butitsrightname,Barliman,isFornostErain,NorburyoftheKings.AndtheKingwillcomethereagainoneday;andthenyou’llhavesomefairfolkridingthrough.’

‘Well,thatsoundsmorehopeful,I’llallow,’saidButterbur.‘Anditwillbe

goodforbusiness,nodoubt.SolongasheletsBreealone.’

‘Hewill,’saidGandalf.‘Heknowsitandlovesit.’

‘Doeshenow?’saidButterburlookingpuzzled.‘ThoughI’msureIdon’tknowwhyheshould,sittinginhisbigchairupinhisgreatcastle,hundredsofmilesaway.Anddrinkingwineoutofagoldencup,Ishouldn’t

wonder.What’sThePonytohim,ormugso’beer?Notbutwhatmybeer’sgood,Gandalf.It’sbeenuncommongood,sinceyoucameintheautumnoflastyearandputagoodwordonit.Andthat’sbeenacomfortintrouble,Iwillsay.’

‘Ah!’saidSam.‘Buthesaysyourbeerisalwaysgood.’

‘Hesays?’

‘Ofcoursehedoes.He’sStrider.ThechiefoftheRangers.Haven’tyougotthatintoyourheadyet?’

Itwentinatlast,andButterbur’sfacewasastudyinwonder.Theeyesinhisbroadfacegrewround,andhismouthopenedwide,andhegasped.‘Strider!’heexclaimedwhenhegotbackhisbreath.‘Himwithacrownandallandagoldencup!

Well,whatarewecomingto?’

‘Bettertimes,forBreeatanyrate,’saidGandalf.

‘Ihopeso,I’msure,’saidButterbur.‘Well,thishasbeenthenicestchatI’vehadinamonthofMondays.AndI’llnotdenythatI’llsleepeasiertonightandwithalighterheart.You’vegivenmeapowerfullottothinkover,butI’llputthatoffuntil

tomorrow.I’mforbed,andI’venodoubtyou’llbegladofyourbedstoo.Hey,Nob!’hecalled,goingtothedoor.‘Nob,youslowcoach!’

‘Nob!’hesaidtohimself,slappinghisforehead.‘Nowwhatdoesthatremindmeof?’

‘Notanotherletteryou’veforgotten,Ihope,Mr.Butterbur?’saidMerry.

‘Now,now,Mr.

Brandybuck,don’tgoremindingmeofthat!Butthere,you’vebrokenmythought.NowwherewasI?Nob,stables,ah!thatwasit.I’vesomethingthatbelongstoyou.IfyourecollectBillFernyandthehorsethieving:hisponyasyoubought,well,it’shere.Comebackallofitself,itdid.Butwhereithadbeentoyouknowbetterthanme.Itwasasshaggyasan

olddogandasleanasaclothes-rail,butitwasalive.Nob’slookedafterit.’

‘What!MyBill?’criedSam.‘Well,Iwasbornlucky,whatevermygaffermaysay.There’sanotherwishcometrue!Whereishe?’SamwouldnotgotobeduntilhehadvisitedBillinhisstable.

Thetravellersstayedin

Breeallthenextday,andMr.Butterburcouldnotcomplainofhisbusinessnexteveningatanyrate.Curiosityovercameallfears,andhishousewascrowded.ForawhileoutofpolitenessthehobbitsvisitedtheCommonRoomintheeveningandansweredagoodmanyquestions.Breememoriesbeingretentive,Frodowasaskedmanytimesifhehad

writtenhisbook.‘Notyet,’heanswered.‘I

amgoinghomenowtoputmynotesinorder.’HepromisedtodealwiththeamazingeventsatBree,andsogiveabitofinteresttoabookthatappearedlikelytotreatmostlyoftheremoteandlessimportantaffairs‘awaysouth’.

Thenoneoftheyoungerfolkcalledforasong.Butat

thatahushfell,andhewasfrowneddown,andthecallwasnotrepeated.EvidentlytherewasnowishforanyuncannyeventsintheCommonRoomagain.

Notroublebyday,noranysoundbynight,disturbedthepeaceofBreewhilethetravellersremainedthere;butthenextmorningtheygotupearly,forastheweatherwasstillrainytheywishedto

reachtheShirebeforenight,anditwasalongride.TheBreefolkwereallouttoseethemoff,andwereinmerriermoodthantheyhadbeenforayear;andthosewhohadnotseenthestrangersinalltheirgearbeforegapedwithwonderatthem:atGandalfwithhiswhitebeard,andthelightthatseemedtogleamfromhim,asifhisbluemantlewasonlyacloudover

sunshine;andatthefourhobbitslikeridersuponerrantryoutofalmostforgottentales.EventhosewhohadlaughedatallthetalkabouttheKingbegantothinktheremightbesometruthinit.

‘Well,goodluckonyourroad,andgoodlucktoyourhomecoming!’saidMr.Butterbur.‘Ishouldhavewarnedyoubeforethatall’s

notwellintheShireneither,ifwhatwehearistrue.Funnygoingson,theysay.Butonethingdrivesoutanother,andIwasfullofmyowntroubles.ButifImaybesobold,you’vecomebackchangedfromyourtravels,andyoulooknowlikefolkascandealwithtroublesoutofhand.Idon’tdoubtyou’llsoonsetalltorights.Goodlucktoyou!Andtheofteneryoucome

backthebetterI’llbepleased.’

Theywishedhimfarewellandrodeaway,andpassedthroughtheWest-gateandontowardstheShire.Billtheponywaswiththem,andasbeforehehadagooddealofbaggage,buthetrottedalongbesideSamandseemedwellcontent.

‘IwonderwhatoldBarlimanwashintingat,’saidFrodo.

‘Icanguesssomeofit,’saidSamgloomily.‘WhatIsawintheMirror:treescutdownandall,andmyoldgafferturnedoutoftheRow.Ioughttohavehurriedbackquicker.’

‘Andsomething’swrongwiththeSouthfarthingevidently,’saidMerry.

‘There’sageneralshortageofpipe-weed.’

‘Whateveritis,’saidPippin,‘Lothowillbeatthebottomofit:youcanbesureofthat.’

‘Deepin,butnotatthebottom,’saidGandalf.‘YouhaveforgottenSaruman.HebegantotakeaninterestintheShirebeforeMordordid.’

‘Well,we’vegotyouwithus,’saidMerry,‘sothings

willsoonbeclearedup.’‘Iamwithyouatpresent,’

saidGandalf,‘butsoonIshallnotbe.IamnotcomingtotheShire.Youmustsettleitsaffairsyourselves;thatiswhatyouhavebeentrainedfor.Doyounotyetunderstand?Mytimeisover:itisnolongermytasktosetthingstorights,nortohelpfolktodoso.Andasforyou,mydearfriends,youwill

neednohelp.Youaregrownupnow.Grownindeedveryhigh;amongthegreatyouare,andIhavenolongeranyfearatallforanyofyou.

‘Butifyouwouldknow,Iamturningasidesoon.IamgoingtohavealongtalkwithBombadil:suchatalkasIhavenothadinallmytime.Heisamoss-gatherer,andIhavebeenastonedoomedtorolling.Butmyrollingdays

areending,andnowweshallhavemuchtosaytooneanother.’

InalittlewhiletheycametothepointontheEastRoadwheretheyhadtakenleaveofBombadil;andtheyhopedandhalfexpectedtoseehimstandingtheretogreetthemastheywentby.Buttherewasnosignofhim;andthere

wasagreymistontheBarrow-downssouthwards,andadeepveilovertheOldForestfaraway.

TheyhaltedandFrodolookedsouthwistfully.‘Ishoulddearlyliketoseetheoldfellowagain,’hesaid.‘Iwonderhowheisgettingon?’

‘Aswellasever,youmaybesure,’saidGandalf.‘Quiteuntroubled;andIshould

guess,notmuchinterestedinanythingthatwehavedoneorseen,unlessperhapsinourvisitstotheEnts.Theremaybeatimelaterforyoutogoandseehim.ButifIwereyou,Ishouldpressonnowforhome,oryouwillnotcometotheBrandywineBridgebeforethegatesarelocked.’

‘Buttherearen’tanygates,’saidMerry,‘notonthe

Road;youknowthatquitewell.There’stheBucklandGate,ofcourse;butthey’llletmethroughthatatanytime.’

‘Thereweren’tanygates,youmean,’saidGandalf.‘Ithinkyouwillfindsomenow.AndyoumighthavemoretroubleevenattheBucklandGatethanyouthink.Butyou’llmanageallright.Good-bye,dearfriends!Notforthelasttime,notyet.

Good-bye!’HeturnedShadowfaxoff

theRoad,andthegreathorseleapedthegreendikethathereranbesideit;andthenatacryfromGandalfhewasgone,racingtowardstheBarrow-downslikeawindfromtheNorth.

‘Wellhereweare,justthefourofusthatstartedout

together,’saidMerry.‘Wehaveleftalltherestbehind,oneafteranother.Itseemsalmostlikeadreamthathasslowlyfaded.’

‘Nottome,’saidFrodo.‘Tomeitfeelsmorelikefallingasleepagain.’

Chapter8

THESCOURINGOFTHESHIRE

Itwasafternightfallwhen,wetandtired,thetravellers

cameatlasttotheBrandywine,andtheyfoundthewaybarred.AteitherendoftheBridgetherewasagreatspikedgate;andonthefurthersideoftherivertheycouldseethatsomenewhouseshadbeenbuilt:two-storeyedwithnarrowstraight-sidedwindows,bareanddimlylit,allverygloomyandun-Shirelike.

Theyhammeredonthe

outergateandcalled,buttherewasatfirstnoanswer;andthentotheirsurprisesomeoneblewahorn,andthelightsinthewindowswentout.Avoiceshoutedinthedark:

‘Who’sthat?Beoff!Youcan’tcomein.Can’tyoureadthenotice:Noadmittancebetweensundownandsunrise?’

‘Ofcoursewecan’tread

thenoticeinthedark,’Samshoutedback.‘AndifhobbitsoftheShirearetobekeptoutinthewetonanightlikethis,I’llteardownyournoticewhenIfindit.’

Atthatawindowslammed,andacrowdofhobbitswithlanternspouredoutofthehouseontheleft.Theyopenedthefurthergate,andsomecameoverthebridge.Whentheysawthe

travellerstheyseemedfrightened.

‘Comealong!’saidMerry,recognizingoneofthehobbits.‘Ifyoudon’tknowme,HobHayward,yououghtto.IamMerryBrandybuck,andIshouldliketoknowwhatallthisisabout,andwhataBucklanderlikeyouisdoinghere.YouusedtobeontheHayGate.’

‘Blessme!It’sMaster

Merry,tobesure,andalldressedupforfighting!’saidoldHob.‘Why,theysaidyouwasdead!LostintheOldForestbyallaccounts.I’mpleasedtoseeyoualiveafterall!’

‘Thenstopgapingatmethroughthebars,andopenthegate!’saidMerry.

‘I’msorry,MasterMerry,butwehaveorders.’

‘Whoseorders?’

‘TheChief’supatBagEnd.’

‘Chief?Chief?DoyoumeanMr.Lotho?’saidFrodo.

‘Isupposeso,Mr.Baggins;butwehavetosayjust“theChief”nowadays.’

‘Doyouindeed!’saidFrodo.‘Well,IamgladhehasdroppedtheBagginsatanyrate.Butitisevidentlyhightimethatthefamilydealtwithhimandputhiminhis

place.’Ahushfellonthehobbits

beyondthegate.‘Itwon’tdonogoodtalkingthatway,’saidone.‘He’llgettohearofit.Andifyoumakesomuchnoise,you’llwaketheChief’sBigMan.’

‘Weshallwakehimupinawaythatwillsurprisehim,’saidMerry.‘IfyoumeanthatyourpreciousChiefhasbeenhiringruffiansoutofthe

wild,thenwe’venotcomebacktoosoon.’Hesprangfromhispony,andseeingthenoticeinthelightofthelanterns,hetoreitdownandthrewitoverthegate.Thehobbitsbackedawayandmadenomovetoopenit.‘Comeon,Pippin!’saidMerry.‘Twoisenough.’

MerryandPippinclimbedthegate,andthehobbitsfled.Anotherhornsounded.Outof

thebiggerhouseontherightalargeheavyfigureappearedagainstalightinthedoorway.

‘What’sallthis,’hesnarledashecameforward.‘Gatebreaking?Youclearout,orI’llbreakyourfilthylittlenecks!’Thenhestopped,forhehadcaughtthegleamofswords.

‘BillFerny,’saidMerry,‘ifyoudon’topenthatgatein

tenseconds,you’llregretit.Ishallsetsteeltoyou,ifyoudon’tobey.Andwhenyouhaveopenedthegatesyouwillgothroughthemandneverreturn.Youarearuffianandahighway-robber.’

BillFernyflinchedandshuffledtothegateandunlockedit.‘Givemethekey!’saidMerry.Buttheruffianflungitathishead

andthendartedoutintothedarkness.Ashepassedtheponiesoneofthemletflywithhisheelsandjustcaughthimasheran.Hewentoffwithayelpintothenightandwasneverheardofagain.

‘Neatwork,Bill,’saidSam,meaningthepony.

‘SomuchforyourBigMan,’saidMerry.‘We’llseetheChieflater.Inthemeantimewewantalodging

forthenight,andasyouseemtohavepulleddowntheBridgeInnandbuiltthisdismalplaceinstead,you’llhavetoputusup.’

‘Iamsorry,Mr.Merry,’saidHob,‘butitisn’tallowed.’

‘Whatisn’tallowed?’‘Takinginfolkoff-hand

like,andeatingextrafood,andallthat,’saidHob.

‘What’sthematterwith

theplace?’saidMerry.‘Hasitbeenabadyear,orwhat?Ithoughtithadbeenafinesummerandharvest.’

‘Wellno,theyear’sbeengoodenough,’saidHob.‘Wegrowsalotoffood,butwedon’trightlyknowwhatbecomesofit.It’sallthese“gatherers”and“sharers”,Ireckon,goingroundcountingandmeasuringandtakingofftostorage.Theydomore

gatheringthansharing,andweneverseemostofthestuffagain.’

‘Ohcome!’saidPippinyawning.‘Thisisalltootiresomeformetonight.We’vegotfoodinourbags.Justgiveusaroomtoliedownin.It’llbebetterthanmanyplacesIhaveseen.’

Thehobbitsatthegate

stillseemedillatease,evidentlysomeruleorotherwasbeingbroken;buttherewasnogain-sayingfoursuchmasterfultravellers,allarmed,andtwoofthemuncommonlylargeandstrong-looking.Frodoorderedthegatestobelockedagain.Therewassomesenseatanyrateinkeepingaguard,whileruffianswerestillabout.Thenthefourcompanionswent

intothehobbitguard-houseandmadethemselvesascomfortableastheycould.Itwasabareanduglyplace,withameanlittlegratethatwouldnotallowagoodfire.Intheupperroomswerelittlerowsofhardbeds,andoneverywalltherewasanoticeandalistofRules.Pippintorethemdown.Therewasnobeerandverylittlefood,butwithwhatthetravellers

broughtandsharedouttheyallmadeafairmeal;andPippinbrokeRule4byputtingmostofnextday’sallowanceofwoodonthefire.

‘Wellnow,whataboutasmoke,whileyoutelluswhathasbeenhappeningintheShire?’hesaid.

‘Thereisn’tnopipe-weednow,’saidHob;‘atleastonlyfortheChief’smen.Allthe

stocksseemtohavegone.Wedohearthatwaggon-loadsofitwentawaydowntheoldroadoutoftheSouthfarthing,overSarnFordway.Thatwouldbetheendo’lastyear,afteryouleft.Butithadbeengoingawayquietlybeforethat,inasmallway.ThatLotho——’

‘Nowyoushutup,HobHayward!’criedseveraloftheothers.‘Youknowtalko’

thatsortisn’tallowed.TheChiefwillhearofit,andwe’llallbeintrouble.’

‘Hewouldn’thearnaught,ifsomeofyouhereweren’tsneaks,’rejoinedHobhotly.

‘Allright,allright!’saidSam.‘That’squiteenough.Idon’twanttohearnomore.Nowelcome,nobeer,nosmoke,andalotofrulesandorc-talkinstead.Ihopedtohavearest,butIcansee

there’sworkandtroubleahead.Let’ssleepandforgetittillmorning!’

Thenew‘Chief’evidentlyhadmeansofgettingnews.ItwasagoodfortymilesfromtheBridgetoBagEnd,butsomeonemadethejourneyinahurry.SoFrodoandhisfriendssoondiscovered.

Theyhadnotmadeany

definiteplans,buthadvaguelythoughtofgoingdowntoCrickhollowtogetherfirst,andrestingthereabit.Butnow,seeingwhatthingswerelike,theydecidedtogostraighttoHobbiton.SothenextdaytheysetoutalongtheRoadandjoggedalongsteadily.Thewindhaddroppedbuttheskywasgrey.Thelandlookedrathersadandforlorn;butitwasafter

allthefirstofNovemberandthefag-endofautumn.Stillthereseemedanunusualamountofburninggoingon,andsmokerosefrommanypointsroundabout.AgreatcloudofitwasgoingupfarawayinthedirectionoftheWoodyEnd.

AseveningfelltheyweredrawingneartoFrogmorton,avillagerightontheRoad,abouttwenty-twomilesfrom

theBridge.Theretheymeanttostaythenight;TheFloatingLogatFrogmortonwasagoodinn.ButastheycametotheeastendofthevillagetheymetabarrierwithalargeboardsayingNOROAD;andbehinditstoodalargebandofShirriffswithstavesintheirhandsandfeathersintheircaps,lookingbothimportantandratherscared.

‘What’sallthis?’said

Frodo,feelinginclinedtolaugh.

‘Thisiswhatitis,Mr.Baggins,’saidtheleaderoftheShirriffs,atwo-featherhobbit:‘You’rearrestedforGatebreaking,andTearingupofRules,andAssaultingGate-keepers,andTrespassing,andSleepinginShire-buildingswithoutLeave,andBribingGuardswithFood.’

‘Andwhatelse?’saidFrodo.

‘That’lldotogoonwith,’saidtheShirriff-leader.

‘Icanaddsomemore,ifyou’dlikeit,’saidSam.‘CallingyourChiefNames,WishingtopunchhisPimplyFace,andThinkingyouShirriffslookalotofTom-fools.’

‘Therenow,Mister,that’lldo.It’stheChief’sordersthat

you’retocomealongquiet.We’regoingtotakeyoutoBywaterandhandyouovertotheChief’sMen;andwhenhedealswithyourcaseyoucanhaveyoursay.Butifyoudon’twanttostayintheLockholesanylongerthanyouneed,Ishouldcutthesayshort,ifIwasyou.’

TothediscomfitureoftheShirriffsFrodoandhiscompanionsallroaredwith

laughter.‘Don’tbeabsurd!’saidFrodo.‘IamgoingwhereIplease,andinmyowntime.IhappentobegoingtoBagEndonbusiness,butifyouinsistongoingtoo,wellthatisyouraffair.’

‘Verywell,Mr.Baggins,’saidtheleader,pushingthebarrieraside.‘Butdon’tforgetI’vearrestedyou.’

‘Iwon’t,’saidFrodo.

‘Never.ButImayforgiveyou.NowIamnotgoinganyfurthertoday,soifyou’llkindlyescortmetoTheFloatingLog,I’llbeobliged.’

‘Ican’tdothat,Mr.Baggins.Theinn’sclosed.There’saShirriff-houseatthefarendofthevillage.I’lltakeyouthere.’

‘Allright,’saidFrodo.‘Goonandwe’llfollow.’

SamhadbeenlookingtheShirriffsupanddownandhadspottedonethatheknew.‘Hey,comehereRobinSmallburrow!’hecalled.‘Iwantawordwithyou.’

Withasheepishglanceathisleader,wholookedwrathfulbutdidnotdaretointerfere,ShirriffSmallburrowfellbackandwalkedbesideSam,whogotdownoffhispony.

‘Lookhere,Cock-robin!’saidSam.‘You’reHobbiton-bredandoughttohavemoresense,cominga-waylayingMr.Frodoandall.Andwhat’sallthisabouttheinnbeingclosed?’

‘They’reallclosed,’saidRobin.‘TheChiefdoesn’tholdwithbeer.Leastwaysthatishowitstarted.ButnowIreckonit’shisMenthathasitall.Andhedoesn’thold

withfolkmovingabout;soiftheywillortheymust,thentheyhastogototheShirriff-houseandexplaintheirbusiness.’

‘Yououghttobeashamedofyourselfhavinganythingtodowithsuchnonsense,’saidSam.‘Youusedtoliketheinsideofaninnbetterthantheoutsideyourself.Youwerealwayspoppingin,ondutyoroff.’

‘AndsoIwouldbestill,Sam,ifIcould.Butdon’tbehardonme.WhatcanIdo?YouknowhowIwentforaShirriffsevenyearsago,beforeanyofthisbegan.Gavemeachanceofwalkingroundthecountryandseeingfolk,andhearingthenews,andknowingwherethegoodbeerwas.Butnowit’sdifferent.’

‘Butyoucangiveitup,

stopShirriffing,ifithasstoppedbeingarespectablejob,’saidSam.

‘We’renotallowedto,’saidRobin.

‘IfIhearnotallowedmuchoftener,’saidSam,‘I’mgoingtogetangry.’

‘Can’tsayasI’dbesorrytoseeit,’saidRobinloweringhisvoice.‘Ifweallgotangrytogethersomethingmightbedone.Butit’stheseMen,

Sam,theChief’sMen.Hesendsthemroundeverywhere,andifanyofussmallfolkstandupforourrights,theydraghimofftotheLockholes.TheytookoldFlourdumpling,oldWillWhitfoottheMayor,first,andthey’vetakenalotmore.Latelyit’sbeengettingworse.Oftentheybeat’emnow.’

‘Thenwhydoyoudotheir

workforthem?’saidSamangrily.‘WhosentyoutoFrogmorton?’

‘Noonedid.WestayhereinthebigShirriff-house.We’retheFirstEastfarthingTroopnow.There’shundredsofShirriffsalltold,andtheywantmore,withallthesenewrules.Mostofthemareinitagainsttheirwill,butnotall.EvenintheShiretherearesomeaslikemindingother

folk’sbusinessandtalkingbig.Andthere’sworsethanthat:there’safewasdospy-workfortheChiefandhisMen.’

‘Ah!Sothat’showyouhadnewsofus,isit?’

‘That’sright.Wearen’tallowedtosendbyitnow,buttheyusetheoldQuickPostservice,andkeepspecialrunnersatdifferentpoints.Onecameinfrom

Whitfurrowslastnightwitha“secretmessage”,andanothertookitonfromhere.AndamessagecamebackthisafternoonsayingyouwastobearrestedandtakentoBywater,notdirecttotheLockholes.TheChiefwantstoseeyouatonce,evidently.’

‘Hewon’tbesoeagerwhenMr.Frodohasfinishedwithhim,’saidSam.

TheShirriff-houseatFrogmortonwasasbadastheBridge-house.Ithadonlyonestorey,butithadthesamenarrowwindows,anditwasbuiltofuglypalebricks,badlylaid.Insideitwasdampandcheerless,andsupperwasservedonalongbaretablethathadnotbeenscrubbedforweeks.Thefooddeservednobettersetting.Thetravellersweregladtoleave

theplace.ItwasabouteighteenmilestoBywater,andtheysetoffatteno’clockinthemorning.Theywouldhavestartedearlier,onlythedelaysoplainlyannoyedtheShirriff-leader.Thewestwindhadshiftednorthwardanditwasturningcolder,buttherainwasgone.

Itwasratheracomiccavalcadethatleftthevillage,thoughthefewfolkthatcame

outtostareatthe‘get-up’ofthetravellersdidnotseemquitesurewhetherlaughingwasallowed.AdozenShirriffshadbeentoldoffasescorttothe‘prisoners’;butMerrymadethemmarchinfront,whileFrodoandhisfriendsrodebehind.Merry,Pippin,andSamsatattheireaselaughingandtalkingandsinging,whiletheShirriffsstumpedalongtryingtolook

sternandimportant.Frodo,however,wassilentandlookedrathersadandthoughtful.

Thelastpersontheypassedwasasturdyoldgafferclippingahedge.‘Hullo,hullo!’hejeered.‘Nowwho’sarrestedwho?’

TwooftheShirriffsimmediatelyleftthepartyandwenttowardshim.‘Leader!’saidMerry.‘Orderyour

fellowsbacktotheirplacesatonce,ifyoudon’twantmetodealwiththem!’

Thetwohobbitsatasharpwordfromtheleadercamebacksulkily.‘Nowgeton!’saidMerry,andafterthatthetravellerssawtoitthattheirponies’pacewasquickenoughtopushtheShirriffsalongasfastastheycouldgo.Thesuncameout,andinspiteofthechillywindthey

weresoonpuffingandsweating.

AttheThree-FarthingStonetheygaveitup.Theyhaddonenearlyfourteenmileswithonlyonerestatnoon.Itwasnowthreeo’clock.Theywerehungryandveryfootsoreandtheycouldnotstandthepace.

‘Well,comealonginyourowntime!’saidMerry.‘Wearegoingon.’

‘Good-bye,Cock-robin!’saidSam.‘I’llwaitforyououtsideTheGreenDragon,ifyouhaven’tforgottenwherethatis.Don’tdawdleontheway!’

‘You’rebreakingarrest,that’swhatyou’redoing,’saidtheleaderruefully,‘andIcan’tbeanswerable.’

‘Weshallbreakagoodmanythingsyet,andnotaskyoutoanswer,’saidPippin.

‘Goodlucktoyou!’

Thetravellerstrottedon,andasthesunbegantosinktowardstheWhiteDownsfarawayonthewesternhorizontheycametoBywaterbyitswidepool;andtheretheyhadtheirfirstreallypainfulshock.ThiswasFrodoandSam’sowncountry,andtheyfoundoutnowthattheycared

aboutitmorethananyotherplaceintheworld.Manyofthehousesthattheyhadknownweremissing.Someseemedtohavebeenburneddown.Thepleasantrowofoldhobbit-holesinthebankonthenorthsideofthePoolweredeserted,andtheirlittlegardensthatusedtorundownbrighttothewater’sedgewererankwithweeds.Worse,therewasawholeline

oftheuglynewhousesallalongPoolSide,wheretheHobbitonRoadranclosetothebank.Anavenueoftreeshadstoodthere.Theywereallgone.AndlookingwithdismayuptheroadtowardsBagEndtheysawatallchimneyofbrickinthedistance.Itwaspouringoutblacksmokeintotheeveningair.

Samwasbesidehimself.

‘I’mgoingrighton,Mr.Frodo!’hecried.‘I’mgoingtoseewhat’sup.Iwanttofindmygaffer.’

‘Weoughttofindoutfirstwhatwe’reinfor,Sam,’saidMerry.‘Iguessthatthe“Chief”willhaveagangofruffianshandy.Wehadbetterfindsomeonewhowilltellushowthingsareroundhere.’

ButinthevillageofBywaterallthehousesand

holeswereshut,andnoonegreetedthem.Theywonderedatthis,buttheysoondiscoveredthereasonofit.WhentheyreachedTheGreenDragon,thelasthouseontheHobbitonside,nowlifelessandwithbrokenwindows,theyweredisturbedtoseehalfadozenlargeill-favouredMenloungingagainsttheinn-wall;theyweresquint-eyedandsallow-

faced.‘LikethatfriendofBill

Ferny’satBree,’saidSam.‘LikemanythatIsawat

Isengard,’mutteredMerry.

Theruffianshadclubsintheirhandsandhornsbytheirbelts,buttheyhadnootherweapons,asfarascouldbeseen.Asthetravellersrodeuptheyleftthewalland

walkedintotheroad,blockingtheway.

‘Whered’youthinkyou’regoing?’saidone,thelargestandmostevil-lookingofthecrew.‘There’snoroadforyouanyfurther.AndwherearethosepreciousShirriffs?’

‘Comingalongnicely,’saidMerry.‘Alittlefootsore,perhaps.Wepromisedtowaitforthemhere.’

‘Garn,whatdidIsay?’

saidtheruffiantohismates.‘ItoldSharkeyitwasnogoodtrustingthoselittlefools.Someofourchapsoughttohavebeensent.’

‘Andwhatdifferencewouldthathavemade,pray?’saidMerry.‘Wearenotusedtofootpadsinthiscountry,butweknowhowtodealwiththem.’

‘Footpads,eh?’saidtheman.‘Sothat’syourtone,is

it?Changeit,orwe’llchangeitforyou.Youlittlefolkaregettingtoouppish.Don’tyoutrusttoomuchintheBoss’skindheart.Sharkey’scomenow,andhe’lldowhatSharkeysays.’

‘Andwhatmaythatbe?’saidFrodoquietly.

‘Thiscountrywantswakingupandsettingtorights,’saidtheruffian,‘andSharkey’sgoingtodoit;and

makeithard,ifyoudrivehimtoit.YouneedabiggerBoss.Andyou’llgetonebeforetheyearisout,ifthere’sanymoretrouble.Thenyou’lllearnathingortwo,youlittlerat-folk.’

‘Indeed.Iamgladtohearofyourplans,’saidFrodo.‘IamonmywaytocallonMr.Lotho,andhemaybeinterestedtohearofthemtoo.’

Theruffianlaughed.‘Lotho!Heknowsallright.Don’tyouworry.He’lldowhatSharkeysays.BecauseifaBossgivestrouble,wecanchangehim.See?Andiflittlefolkstrytopushinwherethey’renotwanted,wecanputthemoutofmischief.See?’

‘Yes,Isee,’saidFrodo.‘Foronething,Iseethatyou’rebehindthetimesand

thenewshere.MuchhashappenedsinceyoulefttheSouth.Yourdayisover,andallotherruffians’.TheDarkTowerhasfallen,andthereisaKinginGondor.AndIsengardhasbeendestroyed,andyourpreciousmasterisabeggarinthewilderness.Ipassedhimontheroad.TheKing’smessengerswillrideuptheGreenwaynow,notbulliesfromIsengard.’

Themanstaredathimandsmiled.‘Abeggarinthewilderness!’hemocked.‘Oh,isheindeed?Swaggerit,swaggerit,mylittlecock-a-whoop.Butthatwon’tstopuslivinginthisfatlittlecountrywhereyouhavelazedlongenough.And’–hesnappedhisfingersinFrodo’sface–‘King’smessengers!Thatforthem!WhenIseeone,I’lltakenotice,perhaps.’

ThiswastoomuchforPippin.HisthoughtswentbacktotheFieldofCormallen,andherewasasquint-eyedrascalcallingtheRing-bearer‘littlecock-a-whoop’.Hecastbackhiscloak,flashedouthissword,andthesilverandsableofGondorgleamedonhimasherodeforward.

‘IamamessengeroftheKing,’hesaid.‘Youare

speakingtotheKing’sfriend,andoneofthemostrenownedinallthelandsoftheWest.Youarearuffianandafool.Downonyourkneesintheroadandaskpardon,orIwillsetthistroll’sbaneinyou!’

Theswordglintedinthewesteringsun.MerryandSamdrewtheirswordsalsoandrodeuptosupportPippin;butFrododidnotmove.Theruffiansgave

back.ScaringBree-landpeasants,andbullyingbewilderedhobbits,hadbeentheirwork.Fearlesshobbitswithbrightswordsandgrimfaceswereagreatsurprise.Andtherewasanoteinthevoicesofthesenewcomersthattheyhadnotheardbefore.Itchilledthemwithfear.

‘Go!’saidMerry.‘Ifyoutroublethisvillageagain,you

willregretit.’Thethreehobbitscameon,andthentheruffiansturnedandfled,runningawayuptheHobbitonRoad;buttheyblewtheirhornsastheyran.

‘Well,we’vecomebacknonetoosoon,’saidMerry.

‘Notadaytoosoon.Perhapstoolate,atanyratetosaveLotho,’saidFrodo.‘Miserablefool,butIamsorryforhim.’

‘SaveLotho?Whateverdoyoumean?’saidPippin.‘Destroyhim,Ishouldsay.’

‘Idon’tthinkyouquiteunderstandthings,Pippin,’saidFrodo.‘Lothonevermeantthingstocometothispass.Hehasbeenawickedfool,buthe’scaughtnow.Theruffiansareontop,gathering,robbingandbullying,andrunningorruiningthingsastheylike,in

hisname.Andnotinhisnameevenformuchlonger.He’saprisonerinBagEndnow,Iexpect,andveryfrightened.Weoughttotryandrescuehim.’

‘WellIamstaggered!’saidPippin.‘OfalltheendstoourjourneythatistheverylastIshouldhavethoughtof:tohavetofighthalf-orcsandruffiansintheShireitself–torescueLothoPimple!’

‘Fight?’saidFrodo.‘Well,Isupposeitmaycometothat.Butremember:thereistobenoslayingofhobbits,noteveniftheyhavegoneovertotheotherside.Reallygoneover,Imean;notjustobeyingruffians’ordersbecausetheyarefrightened.NohobbithaseverkilledanotheronpurposeintheShire,anditisnottobeginnow.Andnobodyistobekilledatall,if

itcanbehelped.Keepyourtempersandholdyourhandstothelastpossiblemoment!’

‘Butiftherearemanyoftheseruffians,’saidMerry,‘itwillcertainlymeanfighting.Youwon’trescueLotho,ortheShire,justbybeingshockedandsad,mydearFrodo.’

‘No,’saidPippin.‘Itwon’tbesoeasyscaringthemasecondtime.Theywere

takenbysurprise.Youheardthathorn-blowing?Evidentlythereareotherruffiansnearathand.They’llbemuchbolderwhenthere’smoreofthemtogether.Weoughttothinkoftakingcoversomewhereforthenight.Afterallwe’reonlyfour,evenifwearearmed.’

‘I’veanidea,’saidSam.‘Let’sgotooldTomCotton’sdownSouthLane!Healways

wasastoutfellow.Andhehasalotofladsthatwereallfriendsofmine.’

‘No!’saidMerry.‘It’snogood“gettingundercover”.Thatisjustwhatpeoplehavebeendoing,andjustwhattheseruffianslike.Theywillsimplycomedownonusinforce,cornerus,andthendriveusout,orburnusin.No,wehavegottodosomethingatonce.’

‘Dowhat?’saidPippin.‘RaisetheShire!’said

Merry.‘Now!Wakeallourpeople!Theyhateallthis,youcansee:allofthemexceptperhapsoneortworascals,andafewfoolsthatwanttobeimportant,butdon’tatallunderstandwhatisreallygoingon.ButShire-folkhavebeensocomfortablesolongtheydon’tknowwhattodo.They

justwantamatch,though,andthey’llgoupinfire.TheChief’sMenmustknowthat.They’lltrytostamponusandputusoutquick.We’veonlygotaveryshorttime.

‘Sam,youcanmakeadashforCotton’sfarm,ifyoulike.He’sthechiefpersonroundhere,andthesturdiest.Comeon!IamgoingtoblowthehornofRohan,andgivethemallsomemusicthey

haveneverheardbefore.’

Theyrodebacktothemiddleofthevillage.ThereSamturnedasideandgallopedoffdownthelanethatledsouthtoCotton’s.Hehadnotgonefarwhenheheardasuddenclearhorn-callgoupringingintothesky.Faroverhillandfielditechoed;andsocompelling

wasthatcallthatSamhimselfalmostturnedanddashedback.Hisponyrearedandneighed.

‘On,lad!On!’hecried.‘We’llbegoingbacksoon.’

ThenheheardMerrychangethenote,andupwenttheHorn-cryofBuckland,shakingtheair.

Awake!Awake!Fear,Fire,Foes!Awake!

Fire,Foes!Awake!

BehindhimSamheardahubbubofvoicesandagreatdinandslammingofdoors.Infrontofhimlightssprangoutinthegloaming;dogsbarked;feetcamerunning.Beforehegottothelane’sendtherewasFarmerCottonwiththreeofhislads,YoungTom,Jolly,andNick,hurryingtowardshim.Theyhadaxes

intheirhands,andbarredtheway.

‘Nay!It’snotoneofthemruffians,’Samheardthefarmersay.‘It’sahobbitbythesizeofit,butalldressedupqueer.Hey!’hecried.‘Whoareyou,andwhat’sallthisto-do?’

‘It’sSam,SamGamgee.I’vecomeback.’

FarmerCottoncameupcloseandstaredathiminthe

twilight.‘Well!’heexclaimed.‘Thevoiceisright,andyourfaceisnoworsethanitwas,Sam.ButIshoulda’passedyouinthestreetinthatgear.You’vebeeninforeignparts,seemingly.Wefearedyouweredead.’

‘ThatIain’t!’saidSam.‘NorMr.Frodo.He’shereandhisfriends.Andthat’stheto-do.They’reraisingthe

Shire.We’regoingtoclearout

theseruffians,andtheirChieftoo.We’restartingnow.’

‘Good,good!’criedFarmerCotton.‘Soit’sbegunatlast!I’vebeenitchingfortroubleallthisyear,butfolkswouldn’thelp.AndI’vehadthewifeandRosietothinkof.Theseruffiansdon’tstickatnothing.Butcomeonnow,lads!Bywaterisup!Wemust

beinit!’‘WhataboutMrs.Cotton

andRosie?’saidSam.‘Itisn’tsafeyetforthemtobeleftallalone.’

‘MyNibsiswiththem.Butyoucangoandhelphim,ifyouhaveamind,’saidFarmerCottonwithagrin.Thenheandhissonsranofftowardsthevillage.

Samhurriedtothehouse.Bythelargerounddooratthe

topofthestepsfromthewideyardstoodMrs.CottonandRosie,andNibsinfrontofthemgraspingahay-fork.

‘It’sme!’shoutedSamashetrottedup.‘SamGamgee!Sodon’ttryproddingme,Nibs.Anyway,I’veamail-shirtonme.’

Hejumpeddownfromhisponyandwentupthesteps.Theystaredathiminsilence.‘Goodevening,Mrs.Cotton!’

hesaid.‘Hullo,Rosie!’‘Hullo,Sam!’saidRosie.

‘Where’veyoubeen?Theysaidyouweredead;butI’vebeenexpectingyousincethespring.Youhaven’thurried,haveyou?’

‘Perhapsnot,’saidSamabashed.‘ButI’mhurryingnow.We’resettingabouttheruffians,andI’vegottogetbacktoMr.Frodo.ButIthoughtI’dhavealookand

seehowMrs.Cottonwaskeeping,andyou,Rosie.’

‘We’rekeepingnicely,thankyou,’saidMrs.Cotton.‘Orshouldbe,ifitweren’tforthesethievingruffians.’

‘Well,beoffwithyou!’saidRosie.‘Ifyou’vebeenlookingafterMr.Frodoallthiswhile,whatd’youwanttoleavehimfor,assoonasthingslookdangerous?’

Thiswastoomuchfor

Sam.Itneededaweek’sanswer,ornone.Heturnedawayandmountedhispony.Butashestartedoff,Rosierandownthesteps.

‘Ithinkyoulookfine,Sam,’shesaid.‘Goonnow!Buttakecareofyourself,andcomestraightbackassoonasyouhavesettledtheruffians!’

WhenSamgotbackhe

foundthewholevillageroused.Already,apartfrommanyyoungerlads,morethanahundredsturdyhobbitswereassembledwithaxes,andheavyhammers,andlongknives,andstoutstaves;andafewhadhunting-bows.Morewerestillcominginfromoutlyingfarms.

Someofthevillage-folkhadlitalargefire,justtoenliventhings,andalso

becauseitwasoneofthethingsforbiddenbytheChief.Itburnedbrightasnightcameon.OthersatMerry’sordersweresettingupbarriersacrosstheroadateachendofthevillage.WhentheShirriffscameuptotheloweronetheyweredumbfounded;butassoonastheysawhowthingswere,mostofthemtookofftheirfeathersandjoinedintherevolt.The

othersslunkaway.SamfoundFrodoandhis

friendsbythefiretalkingtooldTomCotton,whileanadmiringcrowdofBywaterfolkstoodroundandstared.

‘Well,what’sthenextmove?’saidFarmerCotton.

‘Ican’tsay,’saidFrodo,‘untilIknowmore.Howmanyoftheseruffiansarethere?’

‘That’shardtotell,’said

Cotton.‘Theymovesaboutandcomesandgoes.There’ssometimesfiftyofthemintheirshedsupHobbitonway;buttheygooutfromthererovinground,thievingor“gathering”astheycallit.Stillthere’sseldomlessthanascoreroundtheBoss,astheynameshim.He’satBagEnd,orwas;buthedon’tgooutsidethegroundsnow.Noone’sseenhimatall,infact,

foraweekortwo;buttheMendon’tletnoonegonear.’

‘Hobbiton’snottheironlyplace,isit?’saidPippin.

‘No,more’sthepity,’saidCotton.‘There’sagoodfewdownsouthinLongbottomandbySarnFord,Ihear;andsomemorelurkingintheWoodyEnd;andthey’veshedsatWaymeet.Andthenthere’stheLockholes,asthey

call’em:theoldstorage-tunnelsatMichelDelvingthatthey’vemadeintoprisonsforthoseasstanduptothem.StillIreckonthere’snotabovethreehundredofthemintheShirealltold,andmaybeless.Wecanmasterthem,ifwesticktogether.’

‘Havetheygotanyweapons?’askedMerry.

‘Whips,knives,andclubs,enoughfortheirdirtywork:

that’sallthey’veshowedsofar,’saidCotton.‘ButIdaresaythey’vegotothergear,ifitcomestofighting.Somehavebows,anyway.They’veshotoneortwoofourfolk.’

‘Thereyouare,Frodo!’saidMerry.‘Iknewweshouldhavetofight.Well,theystartedthekilling.’

‘Notexactly,’saidCotton.‘Leastwaysnottheshooting.Tooksstartedthat.Yousee,

yourdad,Mr.Peregrin,he’sneverhadnotruckwiththisLotho,notfromthebeginning:saidthatifanyonewasgoingtoplaythechiefatthistimeofday,itwouldbetherightThainoftheShireandnoupstart.AndwhenLothosenthisMentheygotnochangeoutofhim.Tooksarelucky,they’vegotthosedeepholesintheGreenHills,theGreatSmialsandall,and

theruffianscan’tcomeat’em;andtheywon’tlettheruffianscomeontheirland.Iftheydo,Tookshunt’em.Tooksshotthreeforprowlingandrobbing.Afterthattheruffiansturnednastier.AndtheykeepaprettyclosewatchonTookland.Noonegetsinnoroutofitnow.’

‘GoodfortheTooks!’criedPippin.‘Butsomeoneisgoingtogetinagain,now.I

amofftotheSmials.AnyonecomingwithmetoTuckborough?’

Pippinrodeoffwithhalfadozenladsonponies.‘Seeyousoon!’hecried.‘It’sonlyfourteenmilesorsooverthefields.I’llbringyoubackanarmyofTooksinthemorning.’Merryblewahorn-callafterthemastheyrodeoffintothegatheringnight.Thepeoplecheered.

‘Allthesame,’saidFrodotoallthosewhostoodnear,‘Iwishfornokilling;notevenoftheruffians,unlessitmustbedone,topreventthemfromhurtinghobbits.’

‘Allright!’saidMerry.‘ButweshallbehavingavisitfromtheHobbitonganganytimenow,Ithink.Theywon’tcomejusttotalkthingsover.We’lltrytodealwiththemneatly,butwemustbe

preparedfortheworst.NowI’vegotaplan.’

‘Verygood,’saidFrodo.‘Youmakethearrangements.’

Justthensomehobbits,whohadbeensentouttowardsHobbiton,camerunningin.‘They’recoming!’theysaid.‘Ascoreormore.Buttwohavegoneoffwestacrosscountry.’

‘ToWaymeet,that’llbe,’

saidCotton,‘tofetchmoreofthegang.Well,it’sfifteenmileeachway.Weneedn’ttroubleaboutthemjustyet.’

Merryhurriedofftogiveorders.FarmerCottonclearedthestreet,sendingeveryoneindoors,excepttheolderhobbitswhohadweaponsofsomesort.Theyhadnotlongtowait.Soontheycouldhearloudvoices,andthenthetrampingofheavyfeet.

Presentlyawholesquadoftheruffianscamedowntheroad.Theysawthebarrierandlaughed.Theydidnotimaginethattherewasanythinginthislittlelandthatwouldstanduptotwentyoftheirkindtogether.

Thehobbitsopenedthebarrierandstoodaside.‘Thankyou!’theMenjeered.‘Nowrunhometobedbeforeyou’rewhipped.’Thenthey

marchedalongthestreetshouting:‘Putthoselightsout!Getindoorsandstaythere!Orwe’lltakefiftyofyoutotheLockholesforayear.Getin!TheBossislosinghistemper.’

Noonepaidanyheedtotheirorders;butastheruffianspassed,theyclosedinquietlybehindandfollowedthem.WhentheMenreachedthefiretherewasFarmer

Cottonstandingallalonewarminghishands.

‘Whoareyou,andwhatd’youthinkyou’redoing?’saidtheruffian-leader.

FarmerCottonlookedathimslowly.‘Iwasjustgoingtoaskyouthat,’hesaid.‘Thisisn’tyourcountry,andyou’renotwanted.’

‘Well,you’rewantedanyhow,’saidtheleader.‘Wewantyou.Takehimlads!

Lockholesforhim,andgivehimsomethingtokeephimquiet!’

TheMentookonestepforwardandstoppedshort.Thererosearoarofvoicesallroundthem,andsuddenlytheywereawarethatFarmerCottonwasnotallalone.Theyweresurrounded.Inthedarkontheedgeofthefirelightstoodaringofhobbitsthathadcreptupout

oftheshadows.Therewasnearlytwohundredofthem,allholdingsomeweapon.

Merrysteppedforward.‘Wehavemetbefore,’hesaidtotheleader,‘andIwarnedyounottocomebackhere.Iwarnyouagain:youarestandinginthelightandyouarecoveredbyarchers.Ifyoulayafingeronthisfarmer,oronanyoneelse,youwillbeshotatonce.Laydownany

weaponsthatyouhave!’Theleaderlookedround.

Hewastrapped.Buthewasnotscared,notnowwithascoreofhisfellowstobackhim.Heknewtoolittleofhobbitstounderstandhisperil.Foolishlyhedecidedtofight.Itwouldbeeasytobreakout.

‘At’em,lads!’hecried.‘Let’emhaveit!’

Withalongknifeinhis

lefthandandaclubintheotherhemadearushatthering,tryingtoburstoutbacktowardsHobbiton.HeaimedasavageblowatMerrywhostoodinhisway.Hefelldeadwithfourarrowsinhim.

Thatwasenoughfortheothers.Theygavein.Theirweaponsweretakenfromthem,andtheywereropedtogether,andmarchedofftoanemptyhutthattheyhad

builtthemselves,andtheretheyweretiedhandandfoot,andlockedupunderguard.Thedeadleaderwasdraggedoffandburied.

‘Seemsalmosttooeasyafterall,don’tit?’saidCotton.‘Isaidwecouldmasterthem.Butweneededacall.Youcamebackinthenicko’time,Mr.Merry.’

‘There’smoretobedonestill,’saidMerry.‘Ifyou’re

rightinyourreckoning,wehaven’tdealtwithatitheofthemyet.Butit’sdarknow.Ithinkthenextstrokemustwaituntilmorning.ThenwemustcallontheChief.’

‘Whynotnow?’saidSam.‘It’snotmuchmorethansixo’clock.AndIwanttoseemygaffer.D’youknowwhat’scomeofhim,Mr.Cotton?’

‘He’snottoowell,andnottoobad,Sam,’saidthe

farmer.‘TheydugupBagshotRow,andthatwasasadblowtohim.He’sinoneofthemnewhousesthattheChief’sMenusedtobuildwhiletheystilldidanyworkotherthanburningandthieving:notaboveamilefromtheendofBywater.Buthecomesaroundtome,whenhegetsachance,andIseehe’sbetterfedthansomeofthepoorbodies.AllagainstTheRules,

ofcourse.I’dhavehadhimwithme,butthatwasn’tallowed.’

‘Thank’eeindeed,Mr.Cotton,andI’llneverforgetit,’saidSam.‘ButIwanttoseehim.ThatBossandthatSharkey,astheyspokeof,theymightdoamischiefuptherebeforethemorning.’

‘Allright,Sam,’saidCotton.‘Choosealadortwo,andgoandfetchhimtomy

house.You’llnothaveneedtogoneartheoldHobbitonvillageoverWater.MyJollyherewillshowyou.’

Samwentoff.Merryarrangedforlook-outsroundthevillageandguardsatthebarriersduringthenight.ThenheandFrodowentoffwithFarmerCotton.Theysatwiththefamilyinthewarm

kitchen,andtheCottonsaskedafewpolitequestionsabouttheirtravels,buthardlylistenedtotheanswers:theywerefarmoreconcernedwitheventsintheShire.

‘ItallbeganwithPimple,aswecallhim,’saidFarmerCotton;‘anditbeganassoonasyou’dgoneoff,Mr.Frodo.He’dfunnyideas,hadPimple.Seemshewantedtoowneverythinghimself,and

thenorderotherfolkabout.Itsooncameoutthathealreadydidownasightmorethanwasgoodforhim;andhewasalwaysgrabbingmore,thoughwherehegotthemoneywasamystery:millsandmalt-housesandinns,andfarms,andleaf-plantations.He’dalreadyboughtSandyman’smillbeforehecametoBagEnd,seemingly.

‘Ofcoursehestartedwith

alotofpropertyintheSouthfarthingwhichhehadfromhisdad;anditseemshe’dbeensellingaloto’thebestleaf,andsendingitawayquietlyforayearortwo.Butattheendo’lastyearhebegansendingawayloadsofstuff,notonlyleaf.Thingsbegantogetshort,andwintercomingon,too.Folkgotangry,buthehadhisanswer.AlotofMen,ruffiansmostly,

camewithgreatwaggons,sometocarryoffthegoodssouth-away,andotherstostay.Andmorecame.AndbeforeweknewwhereweweretheywereplantedhereandthereallovertheShire,andwerefellingtreesanddiggingandbuildingthemselvesshedsandhousesjustastheyliked.AtfirstgoodsanddamagewaspaidforbyPimple;butsoonthey

beganlordingitaroundandtakingwhattheywanted.

‘Thentherewasabitoftrouble,butnotenough.OldWilltheMayorsetoffforBagEndtoprotest,buthenevergotthere.RuffianslaidhandsonhimandtookandlockedhimupinaholeinMichelDelving,andthereheisnow.Andafterthat,itwouldbesoonafterNewYear,therewasn’tnomore

Mayor,andPimplecalledhimselfChiefShirriff,orjustChief,anddidasheliked;andifanyonegot“uppish”astheycalledit,theyfollowedWill.Sothingswentfrombadtoworse.Therewasn’tnosmokeleft,savefortheMen;andtheChiefdidn’tholdwithbeer,saveforhisMen,andclosedalltheinns;andeverythingexceptRulesgotshorterandshorter,unless

onecouldhideabitofone’sownwhentheruffianswentroundgatheringstuffup“forfairdistribution”:whichmeanttheygotitandwedidn’t,exceptfortheleavingswhichyoucouldhaveattheShirriff-houses,ifyoucouldstomachthem.Allverybad.ButsinceSharkeycameit’sbeenplainruination.’

‘WhoisthisSharkey?’saidMerry.‘Iheardoneof

theruffiansspeakofhim.’‘Thebiggestruffiano’the

lot,seemingly,’answeredCotton.‘Itwasaboutlastharvest,endo’Septembermaybe,thatwefirstheardofhim.We’veneverseenhim,buthe’supatBagEnd;andhe’stherealChiefnow,Iguess.Alltheruffiansdowhathesays;andwhathesaysismostly:hack,burn,andruin;andnowit’scome

tokilling.There’snolongerevenanybadsenseinit.Theycutdowntreesandlet’emlie,theyburnhousesandbuildnomore.

‘TakeSandyman’smillnow.PimpleknockeditdownalmostassoonashecametoBagEnd.Thenhebroughtinaloto’dirty-lookingMentobuildabiggeroneandfillitfullo’wheelsandoutlandishcontraptions.Onlythatfool

Tedwaspleasedbythat,andheworkstherecleaningwheelsfortheMen,wherehisdadwastheMillerandhisownmaster.Pimple’sideawastogrindmoreandfaster,orsohesaid.He’sgotothermillslikeit.Butyou’vegottohavegristbeforeyoucangrind;andtherewasnomoreforthenewmilltodothanfortheold.ButsinceSharkeycametheydon’tgrindno

morecornatall.They’realwaysa-hammeringanda-lettingoutasmokeandastench,andthereisn’tnopeaceevenatnightinHobbiton.Andtheypouroutfilthapurpose;they’vefouledallthelowerWater,andit’sgettingdownintoBrandywine.IftheywanttomaketheShireintoadesert,they’regoingtherightwayaboutit.Idon’tbelievethat

foolofaPimple’sbehindallthis.It’sSharkey,Isay.’

‘That’sright!’putinYoungTom.‘Why,theyeventookPimple’soldma,thatLobelia,andhewasfondofher,ifnooneelsewas.SomeoftheHobbitonfolk,theysawit.Shecomesdownthelanewithheroldumberella.Someoftheruffiansweregoingupwithabigcart.

‘“Wherebeyoua-

going?”saysshe.‘“ToBagEnd,”saysthey.‘“Whatfor?”saysshe.‘“Toputupsomesheds

forSharkey,”saysthey.‘“Whosaidyoucould?”

saysshe.‘“Sharkey,”saysthey.

“Sogetouto’theroad,oldhagling!”

‘“I’llgiveyouSharkey,youdirtythievingruffians!”saysshe,andupswithher

umberellaandgoesfortheleader,neartwicehersize.Sotheytookher.DraggedherofftotheLockholes,atheragetoo.They’vetookotherswemissmore,butthere’snodenyingsheshowedmorespiritthanmost.’

IntothemiddleofthistalkcameSam,burstinginwithhisgaffer.OldGamgee

didnotlookmucholder,buthewasalittledeafer.

‘Goodevening,Mr.Baggins!’hesaid.‘GladindeedIamtoseeyousafeback.ButI’veabonetopickwithyou,inamannero’speaking,ifImaymakesobold.Youdidn’tneveroughttohavea’soldBagEnd,asIalwayssaid.That’swhatstartedallthemischief.Andwhileyou’vebeentrapessing

inforeignparts,chasingBlackMenupmountainsfromwhatmySamsays,thoughwhatforhedon’tmakeclear,they’vebeenanddugupBagshotRowandruinedmytaters!’

‘Iamverysorry,Mr.Gamgee,’saidFrodo.‘ButnowI’vecomeback,I’lldomybesttomakeamends.’

‘Well,youcan’tsayfairerthanthat,’saidtheGaffer.

‘Mr.FrodoBagginsisarealgentlehobbit,Ialwayshavesaid,whateveryoumaythinkofsomeothersofthename,beggingyourpardon.AndIhopemySam’sbehavedhisselfandgivensatisfaction?’

‘Perfectsatisfaction,Mr.Gamgee,’saidFrodo.‘Indeed,ifyouwillbelieveit,he’snowoneofthemostfamouspeopleinallthe

lands,andtheyaremakingsongsabouthisdeedsfromheretotheSeaandbeyondtheGreatRiver.’Samblushed,buthelookedgratefullyatFrodo,forRosie’seyeswereshiningandshewassmilingathim.

‘Ittakesaloto’believing,’saidtheGaffer,‘thoughIcanseehe’sbeenmixinginstrangecompany.What’scomeofhisweskit?I

don’tholdwithwearingironmongery,whetheritwearswellorno.’

FarmerCotton’shouseholdandallhisguestswereupearlynextmorning.Nothinghadbeenheardinthenight,butmoretroublewouldcertainlycomebeforethedaywasold.‘Seemsasifnoneo’theruffianswereleftupat

BagEnd,’saidCotton;‘butthegangfromWaymeetwillbealonganytimenow.’

AfterbreakfastamessengerfromtheTooklandrodein.Hewasinhighspirits.‘TheThainhasraisedallourcountry,’hesaid,‘andthenewsisgoinglikefireallways.Theruffiansthatwerewatchingourlandhavefledoffsouth,thosethatescapedalive.TheThainhasgone

afterthem,toholdoffthebiggangdownthatway;buthe’ssentMr.Peregrinbackwithalltheotherfolkhecanspare.’

Thenextnewswaslessgood.Merry,whohadbeenoutallnight,cameridinginaboutteno’clock.‘There’sabigbandaboutfourmilesaway,’hesaid.‘They’recomingalongtheroadfromWaymeet,butagoodmany

strayruffianshavejoinedupwiththem.Theremustbecloseonahundredofthem;andthey’refire-raisingastheycome.Cursethem!’

‘Ah!Thislotwon’tstaytotalk,they’llkill,iftheycan,’saidFarmerCotton.‘IfTooksdon’tcomesooner,we’dbestgetbehindcoverandshootwithoutarguing.There’sgottobesomefightingbeforethisissettled,Mr.Frodo.’

TheTooksdidcomesooner.Beforelongtheymarchedin,ahundredstrong,fromTuckboroughandtheGreenHillswithPippinattheirhead.Merrynowhadenoughsturdyhobbitrytodealwiththeruffians.Scoutsreportedthattheywerekeepingclosetogether.Theyknewthatthecountrysidehadrisenagainstthem,andplainlymeanttodealwiththe

rebellionruthlessly,atitscentreinBywater.Buthowevergrimtheymightbe,theyseemedtohavenoleaderamongthemwhounderstoodwarfare.Theycameonwithoutanyprecautions.Merrylaidhisplansquickly.

TheruffianscametrampingalongtheEastRoad,andwithouthalting

turneduptheBywaterRoad,whichranforsomewayslopingupbetweenhighbankswithlowhedgesontop.Roundabend,aboutafurlongfromthemainroad,theymetastoutbarrierofoldfarm-cartsupturned.Thathaltedthem.Atthesamemomenttheybecameawarethatthehedgesonbothsides,justabovetheirheads,werealllinedwithhobbits.Behind

themotherhobbitsnowpushedoutsomemorewaggonsthathadbeenhiddeninafield,andsoblockedthewayback.Avoicespoketothemfromabove.

‘Well,youhavewalkedintoatrap,’saidMerry.‘YourfellowsfromHobbitondidthesame,andoneisdeadandtherestareprisoners.Laydownyourweapons!Thengo

backtwentypacesandsitdown.Anywhotrytobreakoutwillbeshot.’

Buttheruffianscouldnotnowbecowedsoeasily.Afewofthemobeyed,butwereimmediatelysetonbytheirfellows.Ascoreormorebrokebackandchargedthewaggons.Sixwereshot,buttheremainderburstout,killingtwohobbits,andthenscatteringacrosscountryin

thedirectionoftheWoodyEnd.Twomorefellastheyran.Merryblewaloudhorn-call,andtherewereansweringcallsfromadistance.

‘Theywon’tgetfar,’saidPippin.‘Allthatcountryisalivewithourhuntersnow.’

Behind,thetrappedMeninthelane,stillaboutfourscore,triedtoclimbthebarrierandthebanks,andthe

hobbitswereobligedtoshootmanyofthemorhewthemwithaxes.Butmanyofthestrongestandmostdesperategotoutonthewestside,andattackedtheirenemiesfiercely,beingnowmorebentonkillingthanescaping.Severalhobbitsfell,andtherestwerewavering,whenMerryandPippin,whowereontheeastside,cameacrossandchargedtheruffians.

Merryhimselfslewtheleader,agreatsquint-eyedbrutelikeahugeorc.Thenhedrewhisforcesoff,encirclingthelastremnantoftheMeninawideringofarchers.

Atlastallwasover.Nearlyseventyoftheruffianslaydeadonthefield,andadozenwereprisoners.Nineteenhobbitswerekilled,andsomethirtywerewounded.Thedeadruffians

wereladenonwaggonsandhauledofftoanoldsand-pitnearbyandthereburied:intheBattlePit,asitwasafterwardscalled.Thefallenhobbitswerelaidtogetherinagraveonthehill-side,wherelateragreatstonewassetupwithagardenaboutit.SoendedtheBattleofBywater,1419,thelastbattlefoughtintheShire,andtheonlybattlesincethe

Greenfields,1147,awayupintheNorthfarthing.Inconsequence,thoughithappilycostveryfewlives,ithasachaptertoitselfintheRedBook,andthenamesofallthosewhotookpartweremadeintoaRoll,andlearnedbyheartbyShire-historians.TheveryconsiderableriseinthefameandfortuneoftheCottonsdatesfromthistime;butatthetopoftheRollinall

accountsstandthenamesofCaptainsMeriadocandPeregrin.

Frodohadbeeninthebattle,buthehadnotdrawnsword,andhischiefparthadbeentopreventthehobbitsintheirwrathattheirlosses,fromslayingthoseoftheirenemieswhothrewdowntheirweapons.Whenthe

fightingwasover,andthelaterlabourswereordered,Merry,Pippin,andSamjoinedhim,andtheyrodebackwiththeCottons.Theyatealatemiddaymeal,andthenFrodosaidwithasigh:‘Well,Isupposeitistimenowthatwedealtwiththe“Chief”.’

‘Yesindeed;thesoonerthebetter,’saidMerry.‘Anddon’tbetoogentle!He’s

responsibleforbringingintheseruffians,andforalltheeviltheyhavedone.’

FarmerCottoncollectedanescortofsometwodozensturdyhobbits.‘Forit’sonlyaguessthatthereisnoruffiansleftatBagEnd,’hesaid.‘Wedon’tknow.’Thentheysetoutonfoot.Frodo,Sam,Merry,andPippinledtheway.

Itwasoneofthesaddest

hoursintheirlives.Thegreatchimneyroseupbeforethem;andastheydrewneartheoldvillageacrosstheWater,throughrowsofnewmeanhousesalongeachsideoftheroad,theysawthenewmillinallitsfrowninganddirtyugliness:agreatbrickbuildingstraddlingthestream,whichitfouledwithasteamingandstinkingoutflow.Allalongthe

BywaterRoadeverytreehadbeenfelled.

AstheycrossedthebridgeandlookeduptheHilltheygasped.EvenSam’svisionintheMirrorhadnotpreparedhimforwhattheysaw.TheOldGrangeonthewestsidehadbeenknockeddown,anditsplacetakenbyrowsoftarredsheds.Allthechestnutsweregone.Thebanksandhedgerowswerebroken.

Greatwaggonswerestandingindisorderinafieldbeatenbareofgrass.BagshotRowwasayawningsandandgravelquarry.BagEndupbeyondcouldnotbeseenforaclutteroflargehuts.

‘They’vecutitdown!’criedSam.‘They’vecutdownthePartyTree!’HepointedtowherethetreehadstoodunderwhichBilbohadmadehisFarewellSpeech.It

waslyingloppedanddeadinthefield.AsifthiswasthelaststrawSamburstintotears.

Alaughputanendtothem.Therewasasurlyhobbitloungingoverthelowwallofthemill-yard.Hewasgrimy-facedandblack-handed.‘Don’t’eelikeit,Sam?’hesneered.‘Butyoualwayswassoft.Ithoughtyou’dgoneoffinoneo’them

shipsyouusedtoprattleabout,sailing,sailing.Whatd’youwanttocomebackfor?We’veworktodointheShirenow.’

‘SoIsee,’saidSam.‘Notimeforwashing,buttimeforwall-propping.Butseehere,MasterSandyman,I’veascoretopayinthisvillage,anddon’tyoumakeitanylongerwithyourjeering,oryou’llfootabilltoobigfor

yourpurse.’TedSandymanspatover

thewall.‘Garn!’hesaid.‘Youcan’ttouchme.I’mafriendo’theBoss’s.Buthe’lltouchyouallright,ifIhaveanymoreofyourmouth.’

‘Don’twasteanymorewordsonthefool,Sam!’saidFrodo.‘Ihopetherearenotmanymorehobbitsthathavebecomelikethis.Itwouldbeaworsetroublethanallthe

damagetheMenhavedone.’‘Youaredirtyand

insolent,Sandyman,’saidMerry.‘Andalsoverymuchoutofyourreckoning.WearejustgoinguptheHilltoremoveyourpreciousBoss.WehavedealtwithhisMen.’

Tedgaped,foratthatmomenthefirstcaughtsightoftheescortthatatasignfromMerrynowmarchedoverthebridge.Dashingback

intothemillheranoutwithahornandblewitloudly.

‘Saveyourbreath!’laughedMerry.‘I’veabetter.’Thenliftinguphissilverhornhewindedit,anditsclearcallrangovertheHill;andoutoftheholesandshedsandshabbyhousesofHobbitonthehobbitsanswered,andcamepouringout,andwithcheersandloudcriestheyfollowedthe

companyuptheroadtoBagEnd.

Atthetopofthelanethepartyhalted,andFrodoandhisfriendswenton;andtheycameatlasttotheoncebelovedplace.Thegardenwasfullofhutsandsheds,somesoneartheoldwestwardwindowsthattheycutoffalltheirlight.Therewerepilesofrefuseeverywhere.Thedoorwas

scarred;thebell-chainwasdanglingloose,andthebellwouldnotring.Knockingbroughtnoanswer.Atlengththeypushedandthedooryielded.Theywentin.Theplacestankandwasfulloffilthanddisorder:itdidnotappeartohavebeenusedforsometime.

‘Whereisthatmiserable

Lothohiding?’saidMerry.Theyhadsearchedeveryroomandfoundnolivingthingsaveratsandmice.‘Shallweturnontheotherstosearchthesheds?’

‘ThisisworsethanMordor!’saidSam.‘Muchworseinaway.Itcomeshometoyou,astheysay;becauseitishome,andyourememberitbeforeitwasallruined.’

‘Yes,thisisMordor,’saidFrodo.‘Justoneofitsworks.Sarumanwasdoingitsworkallthetime,evenwhenhethoughthewasworkingforhimself.AndthesamewiththosethatSarumantricked,likeLotho.’

Merrylookedroundindismayanddisgust.‘Let’sgetout!’hesaid.‘IfIhadknownallthemischiefhehadcaused,Ishouldhavestuffed

mypouchdownSaruman’sthroat.’

‘Nodoubt,nodoubt!Butyoudidnot,andsoIamabletowelcomeyouhome.’TherestandingatthedoorwasSarumanhimself,lookingwell-fedandwell-pleased;hiseyesgleamedwithmaliceandamusement.

AsuddenlightbrokeonFrodo.‘Sharkey!’hecried.

Sarumanlaughed.‘Soyou

haveheardthename,haveyou?AllmypeopleusedtocallmethatinIsengard,Ibelieve.Asignofaffection,possibly.*Butevidentlyyoudidnotexpecttoseemehere.’

‘Ididnot,’saidFrodo.‘ButImighthaveguessed.Alittlemischiefinameanway:Gandalfwarnedmethatyouwerestillcapableofit.’

‘Quitecapable,’said

Saruman,‘andmorethanalittle.Youmademelaugh,youhobbit-lordlings,ridingalongwithallthosegreatpeople,sosecureandsopleasedwithyourlittleselves.Youthoughtyouhaddoneverywelloutofitall,andcouldnowjustamblebackandhaveanicequiettimeinthecountry.Saruman’shomecouldbeallwrecked,andhecouldbe

turnedout,butnoonecouldtouchyours.Ohno!Gandalfwouldlookafteryouraffairs.’

Sarumanlaughedagain.‘Nothe!Whenhistoolshavedonetheirtaskhedropsthem.Butyoumustgodanglingafterhim,dawdlingandtalking,andridingroundtwiceasfarasyouneeded.“Well,”thoughtI,“ifthey’resuchfools,Iwillgetaheadofthemandteachthemalesson.

Oneillturndeservesanother.”Itwouldhavebeenasharperlesson,ifonlyyouhadgivenmealittlemoretimeandmoreMen.StillIhavealreadydonemuchthatyouwillfindithardtomendorundoinyourlives.Anditwillbepleasanttothinkofthatandsetitagainstmyinjuries.’

‘Well,ifthatiswhatyoufindpleasurein,’saidFrodo,

‘Ipityyou.Itwillbeapleasureofmemoryonly,Ifear.Goatonceandneverreturn!’

ThehobbitsofthevillageshadseenSarumancomeoutofoneofthehuts,andatoncetheycamecrowdinguptothedoorofBagEnd.WhentheyheardFrodo’scommand,theymurmuredangrily:

‘Don’tlethimgo!Killhim!He’savillainanda

murderer.Killhim!’Sarumanlookedroundat

theirhostilefacesandsmiled.‘Killhim!’hemocked.‘Killhim,ifyouthinkthereareenoughofyou,mybravehobbits!’Hedrewhimselfupandstaredatthemdarklywithhisblackeyes.‘ButdonotthinkthatwhenIlostallmygoodsIlostallmypower!Whoeverstrikesmeshallbeaccursed.Andifmyblood

stainstheShire,itshallwitherandneveragainbehealed.’

Thehobbitsrecoiled.ButFrodosaid:‘Donotbelievehim!Hehaslostallpower,savehisvoicethatcanstilldauntyouanddeceiveyou,ifyouletit.ButIwillnothavehimslain.Itisuselesstomeetrevengewithrevenge:itwillhealnothing.Go,Saruman,bythespeediestway!’

‘Worm!Worm!’Sarumancalled;andoutofanearbyhutcameWormtongue,crawling,almostlikeadog.‘Totheroadagain,Worm!’saidSaruman.‘Thesefinefellowsandlordlingsareturningusadriftagain.Comealong!’

Sarumanturnedtogo,andWormtongueshuffledafterhim.ButevenasSarumanpassedclosetoFrodoaknife

flashedinhishand,andhestabbedswiftly.Thebladeturnedonthehiddenmail-coatandsnapped.Adozenhobbits,ledbySam,leapedforwardwithacryandflungthevillaintotheground.Samdrewhissword.

‘No,Sam!’saidFrodo.‘Donotkillhimevennow.Forhehasnothurtme.AndinanycaseIdonotwishhimtobeslaininthisevilmood.

Hewasgreatonce,ofanoblekindthatweshouldnotdaretoraiseourhandsagainst.Heisfallen,andhiscureisbeyondus;butIwouldstillsparehim,inthehopethathemayfindit.’

Sarumanrosetohisfeet,andstaredatFrodo.Therewasastrangelookinhiseyesofmingledwonderandrespectandhatred.‘Youhavegrown,Halfling,’hesaid.

‘Yes,youhavegrownverymuch.Youarewise,andcruel.Youhaverobbedmyrevengeofsweetness,andnowImustgohenceinbitterness,indebttoyourmercy.Ihateitandyou!Well,IgoandIwilltroubleyounomore.Butdonotexpectmetowishyouhealthandlonglife.Youwillhaveneither.Butthatisnotmydoing.Imerelyforetell.’

Hewalkedaway,andthehobbitsmadealaneforhimtopass;buttheirknuckleswhitenedastheygrippedontheirweapons.Wormtonguehesitated,andthenfollowedhismaster.

‘Wormtongue!’calledFrodo.‘Youneednotfollowhim.Iknowofnoevilyouhavedonetome.Youcanhaverestandfoodhereforawhile,untilyouarestronger

andcangoyourownways.’Wormtonguehaltedand

lookedbackathim,halfpreparedtostay.Sarumanturned.‘Noevil?’hecackled.‘Ohno!Evenwhenhesneaksoutatnightitisonlytolookatthestars.ButdidIhearsomeoneaskwherepoorLothoishiding?Youknow,don’tyou,Worm?Willyoutellthem?’

Wormtonguecowered

downandwhimpered:‘No,no!’

‘ThenIwill,’saidSaruman.‘WormkilledyourChief,poorlittlefellow,yournicelittleBoss.Didn’tyou,Worm?Stabbedhiminhissleep,Ibelieve.Buriedhim,Ihope;thoughWormhasbeenveryhungrylately.No,Wormisnotreallynice.Youhadbetterleavehimtome.’

Alookofwildhatred

cameintoWormtongue’sredeyes.‘Youtoldmeto;youmademedoit,’hehissed.

Sarumanlaughed.‘YoudowhatSharkeysays,always,don’tyou,Worm?Well,nowhesays:follow!’HekickedWormtongueinthefaceashegrovelled,andturnedandmadeoff.Butatthatsomethingsnapped:suddenlyWormtongueroseup,drawingahiddenknife,

andthenwithasnarllikeadoghesprangonSaruman’sback,jerkedhisheadback,cuthisthroat,andwithayellranoffdownthelane.BeforeFrodocouldrecoverorspeakaword,threehobbit-bowstwangedandWormtonguefelldead.

Tothedismayofthosethatstoodby,aboutthebody

ofSarumanagreymistgathered,andrisingslowlytoagreatheightlikesmokefromafire,asapaleshroudedfigureitloomedovertheHill.Foramomentitwavered,lookingtotheWest;butoutoftheWestcameacoldwind,anditbentaway,andwithasighdissolvedintonothing.

Frodolookeddownatthebodywithpityandhorror,for

ashelookeditseemedthatlongyearsofdeathweresuddenlyrevealedinit,anditshrank,andtheshrivelledfacebecameragsofskinuponahideousskull.Liftinguptheskirtofthedirtycloakthatsprawledbesideit,hecovereditover,andturnedaway.

‘Andthat’stheendof

that,’saidSam.‘Anastyend,andIwishIneedn’thaveseenit;butit’sagoodriddance.’

‘AndtheverylastendoftheWar,Ihope,’saidMerry.

‘Ihopeso,’saidFrodoandsighed.‘Theverylaststroke.Buttothinkthatitshouldfallhere,attheverydoorofBagEnd!AmongallmyhopesandfearsatleastIneverexpectedthat.’

‘Ishan’tcallittheend,tillwe’veclearedupthemess,’saidSamgloomily.‘Andthat’lltakealotoftimeandwork.’

Chapter9

THEGREYHAVENS

Theclearingupcertainlyneededalotofwork,butittooklesstimethanSamhadfeared.Thedayafterthe

battleFrodorodetoMichelDelvingandreleasedtheprisonersfromtheLockholes.OneofthefirstthattheyfoundwaspoorFredegarBolger,Fattynolonger.HehadbeentakenwhentheruffianssmokedoutabandofrebelsthatheledfromtheirhidingsupintheBrockenboresbythehillsofScary.

‘Youwouldhavedone

bettertocomewithusafterall,pooroldFredegar!’saidPippin,astheycarriedhimouttooweaktowalk.

Heopenedaneyeandtriedgallantlytosmile.‘Who’sthisyounggiantwiththeloudvoice?’hewhispered.‘NotlittlePippin!What’syoursizeinhatsnow?’

ThentherewasLobelia.Poorthing,shelookedvery

oldandthinwhentheyrescuedherfromadarkandnarrowcell.Sheinsistedonhobblingoutonherownfeet;andshehadsuchawelcome,andtherewassuchclappingandcheeringwhensheappeared,leaningonFrodo’sarmbutstillclutchingherumbrella,thatshewasquitetouched,anddroveawayintears.Shehadneverinherlifebeenpopularbefore.But

shewascrushedbythenewsofLotho’smurder,andshewouldnotreturntoBagEnd.ShegaveitbacktoFrodo,andwenttoherownpeople,theBracegirdlesofHardbottle.

Whenthepoorcreaturediednextspring–shewasafterallmorethanahundredyearsold–Frodowassurprisedandmuchmoved:shehadleftallthatremained

ofhermoneyandofLotho’sforhimtouseinhelpinghobbitsmadehomelessbythetroubles.Sothatfeudwasended.

OldWillWhitfoothadbeenintheLockholeslongerthanany,andthoughhehadperhapsbeentreatedlessharshlythansome,heneededalotoffeedingupbeforehecouldlookthepartofMayor;soFrodoagreedtoactashis

Deputy,untilMr.Whitfootwasinshapeagain.TheonlythingthathedidasDeputyMayorwastoreducetheShirriffstotheirproperfunctionsandnumbers.ThetaskofhuntingoutthelastremnantoftheruffianswaslefttoMerryandPippin,anditwassoondone.Thesoutherngangs,afterhearingthenewsoftheBattleofBywater,fledoutoftheland

andofferedlittleresistancetotheThain.BeforetheYear’sEndthefewsurvivorswereroundedupinthewoods,andthosethatsurrenderedwereshowntotheborders.

Meanwhilethelabourofrepairwentonapace,andSamwaskeptverybusy.Hobbitscanworklikebeeswhenthemoodandtheneedcomesonthem.Nowtherewerethousandsofwilling

handsofallages,fromthesmallbutnimbleonesofthehobbitladsandlassestothewell-wornandhornyonesofthegaffersandgammers.BeforeYulenotabrickwasleftstandingofthenewShirriff-housesorofanythingthathadbeenbuiltby‘Sharkey’sMen’;butthebrickswereusedtorepairmanyanoldhole,tomakeitsnuggeranddrier.Great

storesofgoodsandfood,andbeer,werefoundthathadbeenhiddenawaybytheruffiansinshedsandbarnsanddesertedholes,andespeciallyinthetunnelsatMichelDelvingandintheoldquarriesatScary;sothattherewasagreatdealbettercheerthatYulethananyonehadhopedfor.

OneofthefirstthingsdoneinHobbiton,before

eventheremovalofthenewmill,wastheclearingoftheHillandBagEnd,andtherestorationofBagshotRow.Thefrontofthenewsand-pitwasalllevelledandmadeintoalargeshelteredgarden,andnewholeswereduginthesouthwardface,backintotheHill,andtheywerelinedwithbrick.TheGafferwasrestoredtoNumberThree;andhesaidoftenanddidnot

carewhoheardit:‘It’sanillwindasblows

nobodynogood,asIalwayssay.AndAll’swellasendsBetter!’

Therewassomediscussionofthenamethatthenewrowshouldbegiven.BattleGardenswasthoughtof,orBetterSmials.Butafterawhileinsensiblehobbit-fashionitwasjustcalledNewRow.ItwasapurelyBywater

joketorefertoitasSharkey’sEnd.

Thetreesweretheworstlossanddamage,foratSharkey’sbiddingtheyhadbeencutdownrecklesslyfarandwideovertheShire;andSamgrievedoverthismorethananythingelse.Foronething,thishurtwouldtakelongtoheal,andonlyhis

great-grandchildren,hethought,wouldseetheShireasitoughttobe.

Thensuddenlyoneday,forhehadbeentoobusyforweekstogiveathoughttohisadventures,herememberedthegiftofGaladriel.HebroughttheboxoutandshowedittotheotherTravellers(forsotheywerenowcalledbyeveryone),andaskedtheiradvice.

‘Iwonderedwhenyouwouldthinkofit,’saidFrodo.‘Openit!’

Insideitwasfilledwithagreydust,softandfine,inthemiddleofwhichwasaseed,likeasmallnutwithasilvershale.‘WhatcanIdowiththis?’saidSam.

‘Throwitintheaironabreezydayandletitdoitswork!’saidPippin.

‘Onwhat?’saidSam.

‘Chooseonespotasanursery,andseewhathappenstotheplantsthere,’saidMerry.

‘ButI’msuretheLadywouldnotlikemetokeepitallformyowngarden,nowsomanyfolkhavesuffered,’saidSam.

‘Useallthewitsandknowledgeyouhaveofyourown,Sam,’saidFrodo,‘andthenusethegifttohelpyour

workandbetterit.Anduseitsparingly.Thereisnotmuchhere,andIexpecteverygrainhasavalue.’

SoSamplantedsaplingsinalltheplaceswherespeciallybeautifulorbelovedtreeshadbeendestroyed,andheputagrainofthepreciousdustinthesoilattherootofeach.HewentupanddowntheShireinthislabour;butifhepaidspecialattentionto

HobbitonandBywaternooneblamedhim.Andattheendhefoundthathestillhadalittleofthedustleft;sohewenttotheThree-FarthingStone,whichisasnearthecentreoftheShireasnomatter,andcastitintheairwithhisblessing.ThelittlesilvernutheplantedinthePartyFieldwherethetreehadoncebeen;andhewonderedwhatwouldcomeofit.All

throughthewinterheremainedaspatientashecould,andtriedtorestrainhimselffromgoingroundconstantlytoseeifanythingwashappening.

Springsurpassedhiswildesthopes.Histreesbegantosproutandgrow,asiftimewasinahurryandwishedtomakeoneyeardo

fortwenty.InthePartyFieldabeautifulyoungsaplingleapedup:ithadsilverbarkandlongleavesandburstintogoldenflowersinApril.Itwasindeedamallorn,anditwasthewonderoftheneighbourhood.Inafteryears,asitgrewingraceandbeauty,itwasknownfarandwideandpeoplewouldcomelongjourneystoseeit:theonlymallornwestofthe

MountainsandeastoftheSea,andoneofthefinestintheworld.

Altogether1420intheShirewasamarvellousyear.Notonlywastherewonderfulsunshineanddeliciousrain,induetimesandperfectmeasure,butthereseemedsomethingmore:anairofrichnessandgrowth,andagleamofabeautybeyondthatofmortalsummersthat

flickerandpassuponthisMiddle-earth.Allthechildrenbornorbegotteninthatyear,andthereweremany,werefairtoseeandstrong,andmostofthemhadarichgoldenhairthathadbeforebeenrareamonghobbits.Thefruitwassoplentifulthatyounghobbitsverynearlybathedinstrawberriesandcream;andlatertheysatonthelawnsundertheplum-

treesandate,untiltheyhadmadepilesofstoneslikesmallpyramidsortheheapedskullsofaconqueror,andthentheymovedon.Andnoonewasill,andeveryonewaspleased,exceptthosewhohadtomowthegrass.

IntheSouthfarthingthevineswereladen,andtheyieldof‘leaf’wasastonishing;andeverywheretherewassomuchcornthat

atHarvesteverybarnwasstuffed.TheNorthfarthingbarleywassofinethatthebeerof1420maltwaslongrememberedandbecameabyword.Indeedagenerationlateronemighthearanoldgafferinaninn,afteragoodpintofwell-earnedale,putdownhismugwithasigh:‘Ah!thatwasproperfourteen-twenty,thatwas!’

SamstayedatfirstattheCottons’withFrodo;butwhentheNewRowwasreadyhewentwiththeGaffer.InadditiontoallhisotherlabourshewasbusydirectingthecleaningupandrestoringofBagEnd;buthewasoftenawayintheShireonhisforestrywork.SohewasnotathomeinearlyMarchanddidnotknowthatFrodohadbeenill.Onthe

thirteenthofthatmonthFarmerCottonfoundFrodolyingonhisbed;hewasclutchingawhitegemthathungonachainabouthisneckandheseemedhalfinadream.

‘Itisgoneforever,’hesaid,‘andnowallisdarkandempty.’

Butthefitpassed,andwhenSamgotbackonthetwenty-fifth,Frodohad

recovered,andhesaidnothingabouthimself.InthemeanwhileBagEndhadbeensetinorder,andMerryandPippincameoverfromCrickhollowbringingbackalltheoldfurnitureandgear,sothattheoldholesoonlookedverymuchasitalwayshaddone.

WhenallwasatlastreadyFrodosaid:‘Whenareyougoingtomoveinandjoinme,

Sam?’Samlookedabit

awkward.‘Thereisnoneedtocome

yet,ifyoudon’twantto,’saidFrodo.‘ButyouknowtheGafferiscloseathand,andhewillbeverywelllookedafterbyWidowRumble.’

‘It’snotthat,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam,andhewentveryred.

‘Well,whatisit?’‘It’sRosie,RoseCotton,’

saidSam.‘Itseemsshedidn’tlikemygoingabroadatall,poorlass;butasIhadn’tspoken,shecouldn’tsayso.AndIdidn’tspeak,becauseIhadajobtodofirst.ButnowIhavespoken,andshesays:“Well,you’vewastedayear,sowhywaitlonger?”“Wasted?”Isays.“Iwouldn’tcallitthat.”StillIseewhat

shemeans.Ifeeltornintwo,asyoumightsay.’

‘Isee,’saidFrodo:‘youwanttogetmarried,andyetyouwanttolivewithmeinBagEndtoo?ButmydearSam,howeasy!Getmarriedassoonasyoucan,andthenmoveinwithRosie.There’sroomenoughinBagEndforasbigafamilyasyoucouldwishfor.’

Andsoitwassettled.SamGamgeemarriedRoseCottoninthespringof1420(whichwasalsofamousforitsweddings),andtheycameandlivedatBagEnd.AndifSamthoughthimselflucky,Frodoknewthathewasmoreluckyhimself;fortherewasnotahobbitintheShirethatwaslookedafterwithsuchcare.Whenthelaboursofrepairhadallbeenplanned

andsetgoinghetooktoaquietlife,writingagreatdealandgoingthroughallhisnotes.HeresignedtheofficeofDeputyMayorattheFreeFairthatMidsummer,anddearoldWillWhitfoothadanothersevenyearsofpresidingatBanquets.

MerryandPippinlivedtogetherforsometimeatCrickhollow,andtherewasmuchcomingandgoing

betweenBucklandandBagEnd.ThetwoyoungTravellerscutagreatdashintheShirewiththeirsongsandtheirtalesandtheirfinery,andtheirwonderfulparties.‘Lordly’folkcalledthem,meaningnothingbutgood;foritwarmedallheartstoseethemgoridingbywiththeirmail-shirtssobrightandtheirshieldssosplendid,laughingandsingingsongsoffar

away;andiftheywerenowlargeandmagnificent,theywereunchangedotherwise,unlesstheywereindeedmorefairspokenandmorejovialandfullofmerrimentthaneverbefore.

FrodoandSam,however,wentbacktoordinaryattire,exceptthatwhentherewasneedtheybothworelonggreycloaks,finelywovenandclaspedatthethroatwith

beautifulbrooches;andMr.Frodoworealwaysawhitejewelonachainthatheoftenwouldfinger.

Allthingsnowwentwell,withhopealwaysofbecomingstillbetter;andSamwasasbusyandasfullofdelightasevenahobbitcouldwish.Nothingforhimmarredthatwholeyear,exceptforsomevagueanxietyabouthismaster.

FrododroppedquietlyoutofallthedoingsoftheShire,andSamwaspainedtonoticehowlittlehonourhehadinhisowncountry.Fewpeoplekneworwantedtoknowabouthisdeedsandadventures;theiradmirationandrespectweregivenmostlytoMr.MeriadocandMr.Peregrinand(ifSamhadknownit)tohimself.Alsointheautumnthereappeareda

shadowofoldtroubles.OneeveningSamcame

intothestudyandfoundhismasterlookingverystrange.Hewasverypaleandhiseyesseemedtoseethingsfaraway.

‘What’sthematter,Mr.Frodo?’saidSam.

‘Iamwounded,’heanswered,‘wounded;itwillneverreallyheal.’

Butthenhegotup,and

theturnseemedtopass,andhewasquitehimselfthenextday.ItwasnotuntilafterwardsthatSamrecalledthatthedatewasOctoberthesixth.TwoyearsbeforeonthatdayitwasdarkinthedellunderWeathertop.

Timewenton,and1421camein.FrodowasillagaininMarch,butwithagreat

effortheconcealedit,forSamhadotherthingstothinkabout.ThefirstofSamandRosie’schildrenwasbornonthetwenty-fifthofMarch,adatethatSamnoted.

‘Well,Mr.Frodo,’hesaid.‘I’minabitofafix.RoseandmehadsettledtocallhimFrodo,withyourleave;butit’snothim,it’sher.Thoughasprettyamaidchildasanyonecould

hopefor,takingafterRosemorethanme,luckily.Sowedon’tknowwhattodo.’

‘Well,Sam,’saidFrodo,‘what’swrongwiththeoldcustoms?ChooseaflowernamelikeRose.HalfthemaidchildrenintheShirearecalledbysuchnames,andwhatcouldbebetter?’

‘Isupposeyou’reright,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam.‘I’veheardsomebeautifulnames

onmytravels,butIsupposethey’reabittoograndfordailywearandtear,asyoumightsay.TheGaffer,hesays:“Makeitshort,andthenyouwon’thavetocutitshortbeforeyoucanuseit.”Butifit’stobeaflower-name,thenIdon’ttroubleaboutthelength:itmustbeabeautifulflower,because,yousee,Ithinksheisverybeautiful,andisgoingtobebeautifuller

still.’Frodothoughtfora

moment.‘Well,Sam,whataboutelanor,thesun-star,yourememberthelittlegoldenflowerinthegrassofLothlórien?’

‘You’rerightagain,Mr.Frodo!’saidSamdelighted.‘That’swhatIwanted.’

LittleElanorwasnearly

sixmonthsold,and1421hadpassedtoitsautumn,whenFrodocalledSamintothestudy.

‘ItwillbeBilbo’sBirthdayonThursday,Sam,’hesaid.‘AndhewillpasstheOldTook.Hewillbeahundredandthirty-one!’

‘Sohewill!’saidSam.‘He’samarvel!’

‘Well,Sam,’saidFrodo,‘IwantyoutoseeRoseand

findoutifshecanspareyou,sothatyouandIcangoofftogether.Youcan’tgofarorforalongtimenow,ofcourse,’hesaidalittlewistfully.

‘Well,notverywell,Mr.Frodo.’

‘Ofcoursenot.Butnevermind.Youcanseemeonmyway.TellRosethatyouwon’tbeawayverylong,notmorethanafortnight;and

you’llcomebackquitesafe.’‘IwishIcouldgoallthe

waywithyoutoRivendell,Mr.Frodo,andseeMr.Bilbo,’saidSam.‘AndyettheonlyplaceIreallywanttobeinishere.Iamthattornintwo.’

‘PoorSam!Itwillfeellikethat,Iamafraid,’saidFrodo.‘Butyouwillbehealed.Youweremeanttobesolidandwhole,andyouwillbe.’

InthenextdayortwoFrodowentthroughhispapersandhiswritingswithSam,andhehandedoverhiskeys.Therewasabigbookwithplainredleathercovers;itstallpageswerenowalmostfilled.AtthebeginningthereweremanyleavescoveredwithBilbo’sthinwanderinghand;butmostofitwaswritteninFrodo’sfirmflowingscript.Itwasdivided

intochaptersbutChapter80wasunfinished,andafterthatweresomeblankleaves.Thetitlepagehadmanytitlesonit,crossedoutoneafteranother,so:

MyDiary.MyUnexpectedJourney.ThereandBackAgain.AndWhatHappenedAfter.

AdventuresofFiveHobbits.TheTaleoftheGreatRing,compiledby

BilboBagginsfromhisownobservationsandtheaccountsofhisfriends.WhatwedidintheWaroftheRing.

HereBilbo’shandendedandFrodohadwritten:

THEDOWNFALLOFTHE

LORDOFTHERINGSANDTHE

RETURNOFTHEKING

(asseenbytheLittlePeople;

beingthememoirsofBilboandFrodooftheShire,

supplementedbytheaccountsoftheirfriendsandthelearningoftheWise.)

TogetherwithextractsfromBooksofLoretranslatedby

BilboinRivendell.

‘Why,youhavenearlyfinishedit,Mr.Frodo!’Sam

exclaimed.‘Well,youhavekeptatit,Imustsay.’

‘Ihavequitefinished,Sam,’saidFrodo.‘Thelastpagesareforyou.’

OnSeptemberthetwenty-firsttheysetouttogether,FrodoontheponythathadbornehimallthewayfromMinasTirith,andwasnowcalledStrider;andSamonhis

belovedBill.Itwasafairgoldenmorning,andSamdidnotaskwheretheyweregoing:hethoughthecouldguess.

TheytooktheStockRoadoverthehillsandwenttowardstheWoodyEnd,andtheylettheirponieswalkattheirleisure.

TheycampedintheGreenHills,andonSeptemberthetwenty-secondtheyrode

gentlydownintothebeginningofthetreesasafternoonwaswearingaway.

‘Ifthatisn’ttheverytreeyouhidbehindwhentheBlackRiderfirstshowedup,Mr.Frodo!’saidSampointingtotheleft.‘Itseemslikeadreamnow.’

Itwasevening,andthestarswereglimmeringinthe

easternskyastheypassedtheruinedoakandturnedandwentondownthehillbetweenthehazel-thickets.Samwassilent,deepinhismemories.PresentlyhebecameawarethatFrodowassingingsoftlytohimself,singingtheoldwalking-song,butthewordswerenotquitethesame.

Stillroundthecorner

theremaywaitAnewroadorasecretgate;AndthoughIofthavepassedthemby,AdaywillcomeatlastwhenIShalltakethehiddenpathsthatrunWestoftheMoon,EastoftheSun.

Andasifinanswer,from

downbelow,cominguptheroadoutofthevalley,voicessang:

A!ElberethGilthoniel!silivrenpennamírielomenelaglarelenath,Gilthoniel,A!Elbereth!Westillremember,wewhodwellInthisfarlandbeneaththetreesThestarlightonthe

WesternSeas.

FrodoandSamhaltedandsatsilentinthesoftshadows,untiltheysawashimmerasthetravellerscametowardsthem.

TherewasGildorandmanyfairElvenfolk;andtheretoSam’swonderrodeElrondandGaladriel.Elrondworeamantleofgreyandhadastaruponhisforehead,

andasilverharpwasinhishand,anduponhisfingerwasaringofgoldwithagreatbluestone,Vilya,mightiestoftheThree.ButGaladrielsatuponawhitepalfreyandwasrobedallinglimmeringwhite,likecloudsabouttheMoon;forsheherselfseemedtoshinewithasoftlight.OnherfingerwasNenya,theringwroughtofmithril,thatboreasinglewhitestone

flickeringlikeafrostystar.Ridingslowlybehindonasmallgreypony,andseemingtonodinhissleep,wasBilbohimself.

Elrondgreetedthemgravelyandgraciously,andGaladrielsmileduponthem.‘Well,MasterSamwise,’shesaid.‘Ihearandseethatyouhaveusedmygiftwell.TheShireshallnowbemorethaneverblessedandbeloved.’

Sambowed,butfoundnothingtosay.HehadforgottenhowbeautifultheLadywas.

ThenBilbowokeupandopenedhiseyes.‘Hullo,Frodo!’hesaid.‘Well,IhavepassedtheOldTooktoday!Sothat’ssettled.AndnowIthinkIamquitereadytogoonanotherjourney.Areyoucoming?’

‘Yes,Iamcoming,’said

Frodo.‘TheRing-bearersshouldgotogether.’

‘Whereareyougoing,Master?’criedSam,thoughatlastheunderstoodwhatwashappening.

‘TotheHavens,Sam,’saidFrodo.

‘AndIcan’tcome.’‘No,Sam.Notyet

anyway,notfurtherthantheHavens.ThoughyoutoowereaRing-bearer,ifonlyfora

littlewhile.Yourtimemaycome.Donotbetoosad,Sam.Youcannotbealwaystornintwo.Youwillhavetobeoneandwhole,formanyyears.Youhavesomuchtoenjoyandtobe,andtodo.’

‘But,’saidSam,andtearsstartedinhiseyes,‘IthoughtyouweregoingtoenjoytheShire,too,foryearsandyears,afterallyouhavedone.’

‘SoIthoughttoo,once.ButIhavebeentoodeeplyhurt,Sam.ItriedtosavetheShire,andithasbeensaved,butnotforme.Itmustoftenbeso,Sam,whenthingsareindanger:someonehastogivethemup,losethem,sothatothersmaykeepthem.Butyouaremyheir:allthatIhadandmighthavehadIleavetoyou.AndalsoyouhaveRose,andElanor;and

Frodo-ladwillcome,andRosie-lass,andMerry,andGoldilocks,andPippin;andperhapsmorethatIcannotsee.Yourhandsandyourwitswillbeneededeverywhere.YouwillbetheMayor,ofcourse,aslongasyouwanttobe,andthemostfamousgardenerinhistory;andyouwillreadthingsoutoftheRedBook,andkeepalivethememoryoftheage

thatisgone,sothatpeoplewillremembertheGreatDangerandsolovetheirbelovedlandallthemore.Andthatwillkeepyouasbusyandashappyasanyonecanbe,aslongasyourpartoftheStorygoeson.

‘Comenow,ridewithme!’

ThenElrondand

Galadrielrodeon;fortheThirdAgewasover,andtheDaysoftheRingswerepassed,andanendwascomeofthestoryandsongofthosetimes.WiththemwentmanyElvesoftheHighKindredwhowouldnolongerstayinMiddle-earth;andamongthem,filledwithasadnessthatwasyetblessedandwithoutbitterness,rodeSam,andFrodo,andBilbo,andthe

Elvesdelightedtohonourthem.

ThoughtheyrodethroughthemidstoftheShirealltheeveningandallthenight,nonesawthempass,savethewildcreatures;orhereandtheresomewandererinthedarkwhosawaswiftshimmerunderthetrees,oralightandshadowflowingthroughthegrassastheMoonwentwestward.Andwhen

theyhadpassedfromtheShire,goingaboutthesouthskirtsoftheWhiteDowns,theycametotheFarDowns,andtotheTowers,andlookedonthedistantSea;andsotheyrodedownatlasttoMithlond,totheGreyHavensinthelongfirthofLune.

AstheycametothegatesCírdantheShipwrightcameforthtogreetthem.Verytallhewas,andhisbeardwas

long,andhewasgreyandold,savethathiseyeswerekeenasstars;andhelookedatthemandbowed,andsaid:‘Allisnowready.’

ThenCírdanledthemtotheHavens,andtherewasawhiteshiplying,anduponthequaybesideagreatgreyhorsestoodafigurerobedallinwhiteawaitingthem.AsheturnedandcametowardsthemFrodosawthatGandalf

nowworeopenlyonhishandtheThirdRing,NaryatheGreat,andthestoneuponitwasredasfire.Thenthosewhoweretogowereglad,fortheyknewthatGandalfalsowouldtakeshipwiththem.

ButSamwasnowsorrowfulatheart,anditseemedtohimthatifthepartingwouldbebitter,moregrievousstillwouldbethelongroadhomealone.But

evenastheystoodthere,andtheElvesweregoingaboard,andallwasbeingmadereadytodepart,uprodeMerryandPippiningreathaste.AndamidhistearsPippinlaughed.

‘Youtriedtogiveusthesliponcebeforeandfailed,Frodo,’hesaid.‘Thistimeyouhavenearlysucceeded,butyouhavefailedagain.ItwasnotSam,though,thatgaveyouawaythistime,but

Gandalfhimself!’‘Yes,’saidGandalf;‘forit

willbebettertoridebackthreetogetherthanonealone.Well,hereatlast,dearfriends,ontheshoresoftheSeacomestheendofourfellowshipinMiddle-earth.Goinpeace!Iwillnotsay:donotweep;fornotalltearsareanevil.’

ThenFrodokissedMerryandPippin,andlastofall

Sam,andwentaboard;andthesailsweredrawnup,andthewindblew,andslowlytheshipslippedawaydownthelonggreyfirth;andthelightoftheglassofGaladrielthatFrodoboreglimmeredandwaslost.AndtheshipwentoutintotheHighSeaandpassedonintotheWest,untilatlastonanightofrainFrodosmelledasweetfragranceontheairandheard

thesoundofsingingthatcameoverthewater.AndthenitseemedtohimthatasinhisdreaminthehouseofBombadil,thegreyrain-curtainturnedalltosilverglassandwasrolledback,andhebeheldwhiteshoresandbeyondthemafargreencountryunderaswiftsunrise.

ButtoSamtheeveningdeepenedtodarknessashestoodattheHaven;andashe

lookedatthegreyseahesawonlyashadowonthewatersthatwassoonlostintheWest.Therestillhestoodfarintothenight,hearingonlythesighandmurmurofthewavesontheshoresofMiddle-earth,andthesoundofthemsankdeepintohisheart.BesidehimstoodMerryandPippin,andtheyweresilent.

Atlastthethreecompanionsturnedaway,andneveragainlookingbacktheyrodeslowlyhomewards;andtheyspokenowordtooneanotheruntiltheycamebacktotheShire,buteachhadgreatcomfortinhisfriendsonthelonggreyroad.

AtlasttheyrodeoverthedownsandtooktheEastRoad,andthenMerryandPippinrodeontoBuckland;

andalreadytheyweresingingagainastheywent.ButSamturnedtoBywater,andsocamebackuptheHill,asdaywasendingoncemore.Andhewenton,andtherewasyellowlight,andfirewithin;andtheeveningmealwasready,andhewasexpected.AndRosedrewhimin,andsethiminhischair,andputlittleElanoruponhislap.

Hedrewadeepbreath.

‘Well,I’mback,’hesaid.

APPENDIXAANNALSOFTHEKINGSANDRULERS

ConcerningthesourcesformostofthemattercontainedinthefollowingAppendices,especiallyAtoD,seethe

noteattheendofthePrologue.ThesectionAIII,Durin’sFolk,wasprobablyderivedfromGimlitheDwarf,whomaintainedhisfriendshipwithPeregrinandMeriadocandmetthemagainmanytimesinGondorandRohan.

Thelegends,histories,andloretobefoundinthesourcesareveryextensive.Onlyselectionsfromthem,in

mostplacesmuchabridged,areherepresented.TheirprincipalpurposeistoillustratetheWaroftheRinganditsorigins,andtofillupsomeofthegapsinthemainstory.TheancientlegendsoftheFirstAge,inwhichBilbo’schiefinterestlay,areverybrieflyreferredto,sincetheyconcerntheancestryofElrondandtheNúmenóreankingsandchieftains.Actual

extractsfromlongerannalsandtalesareplacedwithinquotationmarks.Insertionsoflaterdateareenclosedinbrackets.Noteswithinquotationmarksarefoundinthesources.Othersareeditorial.1

ThedatesgivenarethoseoftheThirdAge,unlesstheyaremarkedS.A.(SecondAge)orF.A.(FourthAge).TheThirdAgewasheldto

haveendedwhentheThreeRingspassedawayinSeptember3021,butforthepurposesofrecordsinGondorF.A.1beganonMarch25,3021.OntheequationofthedatingofGondorandShireReckoningseeVol.Ip.6andIIIpp.1463–4.Inliststhedatesfollowingthenamesofkingsandrulersarethedatesoftheirdeaths,ifonlyonedate

isgiven.Thesign†indicatesaprematuredeath,inbattleorotherwise,thoughanannaloftheeventisnotalwaysincluded.

ITHENÚMENÓREAN

KINGS

(i)NÚMENOR

FëanorwasthegreatestoftheEldarinartsandlore,butalsotheproudestandmostselfwilled.HewroughttheThreeJewels,theSilmarilli,andfilledthemwiththeradianceoftheTwoTrees,TelperionandLaurelin,1thatgavelighttothelandofthe

Valar.TheJewelswerecovetedbyMorgoththeEnemy,whostolethemand,afterdestroyingtheTrees,tookthemtoMiddle-earth,andguardedtheminhisgreatfortressofThangorodrim.2AgainstthewilloftheValarFëanorforsooktheBlessedRealmandwentinexiletoMiddle-earth,leadingwithhimagreatpartofhispeople;forinhispridehepurposedto

recovertheJewelsfromMorgothbyforce.ThereafterfollowedthehopelesswaroftheEldarandtheEdainagainstThangorodrim,inwhichtheywereatlastutterlydefeated.TheEdain(Atani)werethreepeoplesofMenwho,comingfirsttotheWestofMiddle-earthandtheshoresoftheGreatSea,becamealliesoftheEldaragainsttheEnemy.

TherewerethreeunionsoftheEldarandtheEdain:LúthienandBeren;IdrilandTuor;ArwenandAragorn.Bythelastthelong-sunderedbranchesoftheHalf-elvenwerereunitedandtheirlinewasrestored.

LúthienTinúvielwasthedaughterofKingThingolGrey-cloakofDoriathintheFirstAge,buthermotherwasMelianofthepeopleofthe

Valar.BerenwasthesonofBarahiroftheFirstHouseoftheEdain.TogethertheywrestedasilmarilfromtheIronCrownofMorgoth.3LúthienbecamemortalandwaslosttoElven-kind.Diorwasherson.Elwingwashisdaughterandhadinherkeepingthesilmaril.

IdrilCelebrindalwasthedaughterofTurgon,kingofthehiddencityofGondolin.1

TuorwasthesonofHuoroftheHouseofHador,theThirdHouseoftheEdainandthemostrenownedinthewarswithMorgoth.EärendiltheMarinerwastheirson.

EärendilweddedElwing,andwiththepowerofthesilmarilpassedtheShadows2andcametotheUttermostWest,andspeakingasambassadorofbothElvesandMenobtainedthehelpby

whichMorgothwasoverthrown.Eärendilwasnotpermittedtoreturntomortallands,andhisshipbearingthesilmarilwassettosailintheheavensasastar,andasignofhopetothedwellersinMiddle-earthoppressedbytheGreatEnemyorhisservants.3ThesilmarillialonepreservedtheancientlightoftheTwoTreesofValinorbeforeMorgoth

poisonedthem;buttheothertwowerelostattheendoftheFirstAge.Ofthesethingsthefulltale,andmuchelseconcerningElvesandMen,istoldinTheSilmarillion.

ThesonsofEärendilwereElrosandElrond,thePeredhilorHalf-elven.InthemalonethelineoftheheroicchieftainsoftheEdain

intheFirstAgewaspreserved;andafterthefallofGil-galad4thelineageoftheHigh-elvenKingswasalsoinMiddle-earthonlyrepresentedbytheirdescendants.

AttheendoftheFirstAgetheValargavetotheHalf-elvenanirrevocablechoicetowhichkindredtheywouldbelong.ElrondchosetobeofElven-kind,andbecamea

masterofwisdom.TohimthereforewasgrantedthesamegraceastothoseoftheHighElvesthatstilllingeredinMiddle-earth:thatwhenwearyatlastofthemortallandstheycouldtakeshipfromtheGreyHavensandpassintotheUttermostWest;andthisgracecontinuedafterthechangeoftheworld.ButtothechildrenofElrondachoicewasalsoappointed:to

passwithhimfromthecirclesoftheworld;oriftheyremainedtobecomemortalanddieinMiddle-earth.ForElrond,therefore,allchancesoftheWaroftheRingwerefraughtwithsorrow.5

ElroschosetobeofMan-kindandremainwiththeEdain;butagreatlife-spanwasgrantedtohimmanytimesthatoflessermen.

AsarewardfortheirsufferingsinthecauseagainstMorgoth,theValar,theGuardiansoftheWorld,grantedtotheEdainalandtodwellin,removedfromthedangersofMiddle-earth.Mostofthem,therefore,setsailoverSea,andguidedbytheStarofEärendilcametothegreatIsleofElenna,westernmostofallMortallands.Theretheyfoundedthe

realmofNúmenor.Therewasatallmountain

inthemidstoftheland,theMeneltarma,andfromitssummitthefarsightedcoulddescrythewhitetoweroftheHavenoftheEldarinEressëa.ThencetheEldarcametotheEdainandenrichedthemwithknowledgeandmanygifts;butonecommandhadbeenlaidupontheNúmenóreans,

the‘BanoftheValar’:theywereforbiddentosailwestoutofsightoftheirownshoresortoattempttosetfootontheUndyingLands.Forthoughalongspanoflifehadbeengrantedtothem,inthebeginningthricethatoflesserMen,theymustremainmortal,sincetheValarwerenotpermittedtotakefromthemtheGiftofMen(ortheDoomofMen,asitwas

afterwardscalled).ElroswasthefirstKingof

Númenor,andwasafterwardsknownbytheHigh-elvennameTar-Minyatur.Hisdescendantswerelong-livedbutmortal.Laterwhentheybecamepowerfultheybegrudgedthechoiceoftheirforefather,desiringtheimmortalitywithinthelifeoftheworldthatwasthefateoftheEldar,andmurmuring

againsttheBan.Inthiswaybegantheirrebellionwhich,undertheevilteachingofSauron,broughtabouttheDownfallofNúmenorandtheruinoftheancientworld,asistoldintheAkallabêth.

ThesearethenamesoftheKingsandQueensofNúmenor:ElrosTar-Minyatur,Vardamir,Tar-

Amandil,Tar-Elendil,Tar-Meneldur,Tar-Aldarion,Tar-Ancalimë(thefirstRulingQueen),Tar-Anárion,Tar-Súrion,Tar-Telperiën(thesecondQueen),Tar-Minastir,Tar-Ciryatan,Tar-AtanamirtheGreat,Tar-Ancalimon,Tar-Telemmaitë,Tar-Vanimeldë(thethirdQueen),Tar-Alcarin,Tar-Calmacil,Tar-Ardamin.

AfterArdamintheKings

tookthesceptreinnamesoftheNúmenórean(orAdûnaic)tongue:Ar-Adûnakhôr,Ar-Zimrathôn,Ar-Sakalthôr,Ar-Gimilzôr,Ar-Inziladûn.InziladûnrepentedofthewaysoftheKingsandchangedhisnametoTar-Palantir‘TheFarsighted’.HisdaughtershouldhavebeenthefourthQueen,Tar-Míriel,buttheKing’snephewusurpedthesceptreand

becameAr-PharazôntheGolden,lastKingoftheNúmenóreans.

InthedaysofTar-ElendilthefirstshipsoftheNúmenóreanscamebacktoMiddle-earth.Hiselderchildwasadaughter,Silmariën.HersonwasValandil,firstoftheLordsofAndúniëinthewestoftheland,renownedfortheirfriendshipwiththeEldar.Fromhimwere

descendedAmandil,thelastlord,andhissonElendiltheTall.

ThesixthKingleftonlyonechild,adaughter.ShebecamethefirstQueen;foritwasthenmadealawoftheroyalhousethattheeldestchildoftheKing,whethermanorwoman,shouldreceivethesceptre.

TherealmofNúmenorenduredtotheendoftheSecondAgeandincreasedeverinpowerandsplendour;anduntilhalftheAgehadpassedtheNúmenóreansgrewalsoinwisdomandjoy.ThefirstsignoftheshadowthatwastofalluponthemappearedinthedaysofTar-Minastir,eleventhKing.HeitwasthatsentagreatforcetotheaidofGil-galad.Heloved

theEldarbutenviedthem.TheNúmenóreanshadnowbecomegreatmariners,exploringalltheseaseastward,andtheybegantoyearnfortheWestandtheforbiddenwaters;andthemorejoyfulwastheirlife,themoretheybegantolongfortheimmortalityoftheEldar.

Moreover,afterMinastirtheKingsbecamegreedyofwealthandpower.Atfirstthe

NúmenóreanshadcometoMiddle-earthasteachersandfriendsoflesserMenafflictedbySauron;butnowtheirhavensbecamefortresses,holdingwidecoastlandsinsubjection.Atanamirandhissuccessorsleviedheavytribute,andtheshipsoftheNúmenóreansreturnedladenwithspoil.

ItwasTar-Atanamirwhofirstspokeopenlyagainstthe

BananddeclaredthatthelifeoftheEldarwashisbyright.Thustheshadowdeepened,andthethoughtofdeathdarkenedtheheartsofthepeople.ThentheNúmenóreansbecamedivided:ontheonehandweretheKingsandthosewhofollowedthem,andwereestrangedfromtheEldarandtheValar;ontheotherwerethefewwhocalled

themselvestheFaithful.Theylivedmostlyinthewestoftheland.

TheKingsandtheirfollowerslittlebylittleabandonedtheuseoftheEldarintongues;andatlastthetwentiethKingtookhisroyalname,inNúmenóreanform,callinghimselfAr-Adûnakhôr,‘LordoftheWest’.Thisseemedill-omenedtotheFaithful,for

hithertotheyhadgiventhattitleonlytooneoftheValar,ortotheElderKinghimself.1AndindeedAr-AdûnakhôrbegantopersecutetheFaithfulandpunishedthosewhousedtheElven-tonguesopenly;andtheEldarcamenomoretoNúmenor.

ThepowerandwealthoftheNúmenóreansnonethelesscontinuedtoincrease;buttheiryearslessenedastheir

fearofdeathgrew,andtheirjoydeparted.Tar-Palantirattemptedtoamendtheevil;butitwastoolate,andtherewasrebellionandstrifeinNúmenor.Whenhedied,hisnephew,leaderoftherebellion,seizedthesceptre,andbecameKingAr-Pharazôn.Ar-PharazôntheGoldenwastheproudestandmostpowerfulofalltheKings,andnolessthanthe

kingshipoftheworldwashisdesire.

HeresolvedtochallengeSaurontheGreatforthesupremacyinMiddle-earth,andatlengthhehimselfsetsailwithagreatnavy,andhelandedatUmbar.SogreatwasthemightandsplendouroftheNúmenóreansthatSauron’sownservantsdesertedhim;andSauronhumbledhimself,doing

homage,andcravingpardon.ThenAr-PharazôninthefollyofhispridecarriedhimbackasaprisonertoNúmenor.ItwasnotlongbeforehehadbewitchedtheKingandwasmasterofhiscounsel;andsoonhehadturnedtheheartsofalltheNúmenóreans,excepttheremnantoftheFaithful,backtowardsthedarkness.

AndSauronliedtothe

King,declaringthateverlastinglifewouldbehiswhopossessedtheUndyingLands,andthattheBanwasimposedonlytopreventtheKingsofMenfromsurpassingtheValar.‘ButgreatKingstakewhatistheirright,’hesaid.

AtlengthAr-Pharazônlistenedtothiscounsel,forhefeltthewaningofhisdaysandwasbesottedbythefear

ofDeath.Hepreparedthenthegreatestarmamentthattheworldhadseen,andwhenallwasreadyhesoundedhistrumpetsandsetsail;andhebroketheBanoftheValar,goingupwithwartowresteverlastinglifefromtheLordsoftheWest.ButwhenAr-PharazônsetfootupontheshoresofAmantheBlessed,theValarlaiddowntheirGuardianshipandcalledupon

theOne,andtheworldwaschanged.NúmenorwasthrowndownandswallowedintheSea,andtheUndyingLandswereremovedforeverfromthecirclesoftheworld.SoendedthegloryofNúmenor.

ThelastleadersoftheFaithful,Elendilandhissons,escapedfromtheDownfallwithnineships,bearingaseedlingofNimloth,andthe

SevenSeeing-stones(giftsoftheEldartotheirHouse);1andtheywereborneonthewindofagreatstormandcastupontheshoresofMiddle-earth.TheretheyestablishedintheNorth-westtheNúmenóreanrealmsinexile,ArnorandGondor.2ElendilwastheHighKinganddweltintheNorthatAnnúminas;andtheruleintheSouthwascommittedtohissons,Isildur

andAnárion.TheyfoundedthereOsgiliath,betweenMinasIthilandMinasAnor,3notfarfromtheconfinesofMordor.Forthisgoodatleasttheybelievedhadcomeoutofruin,thatSauronalsohadperished.

Butitwasnotso.SauronwasindeedcaughtinthewreckofNúmenor,sothatthebodilyforminwhichhelonghadwalkedperished;but

hefledbacktoMiddle-earth,aspiritofhatredborneuponadarkwind.Hewasunableeveragaintoassumeaformthatseemedfairtomen,butbecameblackandhideous,andhispowerthereafterwasthroughterroralone.Here-enteredMordor,andhidthereforatimeinsilence.ButhisangerwasgreatwhenhelearnedthatElendil,whomhemosthated,hadescapedhim,

andwasnoworderingarealmuponhisborders.

Therefore,afteratimehemadewarupontheExiles,beforetheyshouldtakeroot.Orodruinburstoncemoreintoflame,andwasnamedanewinGondorAmonAmarth,MountDoom.ButSauronstrucktoosoon,beforehisownpowerwasrebuilt,whereasthepowerofGil-galadhadincreasedinhis

absence;andintheLastAlliancethatwasmadeagainsthimSauronwasoverthrownandtheOneRingwastakenfromhim.1SoendedtheSecondAge.

(ii)THEREALMSINEXILE

TheNorthernLine

HeirsofIsildurArnor.Elendil†S.A.3441,Isildur†2,Valandil249,2Eldacar339,Arantar435,Tarcil515,Tarondor602,Valandur†652,Elendur777,Eärendur861.

Arthedain.AmlaithofFornost3(eldestsonofEärendur)946,Beleg1029,

Mallor1110,Celepharn1191,Celebrindor1272,Malvegil1349,4ArgelebI†1356,ArvelegI1409,Araphor1589,ArgelebII1670,Arvegil1743,ArvelegII1813,Araval1891,Araphant1964,ArveduiLast-king†1975.EndoftheNorth-kingdom.

Chieftains.Aranarth(elder

sonofArvedui)2106,Arahael2177,Aranuir2247,Aravir2319,AragornI†2327,Araglas2455,ArahadI2523,Aragost2588,Aravorn2654,ArahadII2719,Arassuil2784,ArathornI†2848,Argonui2912,Arador†2930,ArathornII†2933,AragornIIF.A.120.

TheSouthernLineHeirsofAnárion

KingsofGondor.Elendil,(Isildurand)Anárion†S.A.3440,MeneldilsonofAnárion158,Cemendur238,Eärendil324,Anardil411,Ostoher492,RómendacilI(Tarostar)†541,Turambar667,AtanatarI748,Siriondil830.Herefollowedthefour‘Ship-kings’:

TarannonFalastur913.Hewasthefirstchildlessking,andwassucceededbythesonofhisbrotherTarciryan.EärnilI†936,Ciryandil†1015,HyarmendacilI(Ciryaher)1149.Gondornowreachedtheheightofitspower.

AtanatarIIAlcarin‘theGlorious’1226,NarmacilI1294.Hewas

thesecondchildlesskingandwassucceededbyhisyoungerbrother.Calmacil1304,Minalcar(regent1240–1304),crownedasRómendacilII1304,died1366,Valacar1432.InhistimethefirstdisasterofGondorbegan,theKin-strife.

EldacarsonofValacar(atfirstcalledVinitharya)deposed1437.Castamir

theUsurper†1447.Eldacarrestored,died1490.

Aldamir(secondsonofEldacar)†1540,HyarmendacilII(Vinyarion)1621,Minardil†1634,Telemnar†1636.Telemnarandallhischildrenperishedintheplague;hewassucceededbyhisnephew,thesonofMinastan,

secondsonofMinardil.Tarondor1798,TelumehtarUmbardacil1850,NarmacilII†1856,Calimehtar1936,Ondoher†1944.Ondoherandhistwosonswereslaininbattle.Afterayearin1945thecrownwasgiventothevictoriousgeneralEärnil,adescendantofTelumehtarUmbardacil.

EärnilII2043,Eärnur†2050.HerethelineoftheKingscametoanend,untilitwasrestoredbyElessarTelcontarin3019.TherealmwasthenruledbytheStewards.

StewardsofGondor.TheHouseofHúrin:Pelendur1998.HeruledforayearafterthefallofOndoher,andadvisedGondortorejectArvedui’sclaimto

thecrown.VorondiltheHunter2029.1MardilVoronwë‘theSteadfast’,thefirstoftheRulingStewards.HissuccessorsceasedtouseHigh-elvennames.

RulingStewards.Mardil2080,Eradan2116,Herion2148,Belegorn2204,HúrinI2244,TúrinI2278,Hador2395,Barahir2412,Dior2435,

DenethorI2477,Boromir2489,Cirion2567.InhistimetheRohirrimcametoCalenardhon.

Hallas2605,HúrinII2628,BelecthorI2655,Orodreth2685,EcthelionI2698,Egalmoth2743,Beren2763,Beregond2811,BelecthorII2872,Thorondir2882,TúrinII2914,Turgon2953,EcthelionII2984,

DenethorII.HewasthelastoftheRulingStewards,andwasfollowedbyhissecondsonFaramir,LordofEmynArnen,StewardtoKingElessar,F.A.82.

(iii)ERIADOR,ARNOR,ANDTHEHEIRSOFISILDUR

‘EriadorwasofoldthenameofallthelandsbetweentheMistyMountainsandtheBlue;intheSouthitwasboundedbytheGreyfloodandtheGlanduinthatflowsintoitaboveTharbad.

‘AtitsgreatestArnorincludedallEriador,excepttheregionsbeyondtheLune,andthelandseastofGreyfloodandLoud-water,inwhichlayRivendelland

Hollin.BeyondtheLunewasElvishcountry,greenandquiet,wherenoMenwent;butDwarvesdwelt,andstilldwell,intheeastsideoftheBlueMountains,especiallyinthosepartssouthoftheGulfofLune,wheretheyhaveminesthatarestillinuse.ForthisreasontheywereaccustomedtopasseastalongtheGreatRoad,astheyhaddoneforlongyearsbeforewe

cametotheShire.AttheGreyHavensdweltCírdantheShipwright,andsomesayhedwellstherestill,untiltheLastShipsetssailintotheWest.InthedaysoftheKingsmostoftheHighElvesthatstilllingeredinMiddle-earthdweltwithCírdanorintheseawardlandsofLindon.Ifanynowremaintheyarefew.’

TheNorth-kingdomandtheDúnedain

AfterElendilandIsildurtherewereeightHighKingsofArnor.AfterEärendur,owingtodissensionsamonghissonstheirrealmwasdividedintothree:Arthedain,Rhudaur,andCardolan.ArthedainwasintheNorth-westandincludedthelandbetween

BrandywineandLune,andalsothelandnorthoftheGreatRoadasfarastheWeatherHills.RhudaurwasintheNorth-eastandlaybetweentheEttenmoors,theWeatherHills,andtheMistyMountains,butincludedalsotheAnglebetweentheHoarwellandtheLoudwater.CardolanwasintheSouth,itsboundsbeingtheBrandywine,theGreyflood,

andtheGreatRoad.InArthedainthelineof

Isildurwasmaintainedandendured,butthelinesoonperishedinCardolanandRhudaur.Therewasoftenstrifebetweenthekingdoms,whichhastenedthewaningoftheDúnedain.ThechiefmatterofdebatewasthepossessionoftheWeatherHillsandthelandwestwardtowardsBree.BothRhudaur

andCardolandesiredtopossessAmonSûl(Weathertop),whichstoodonthebordersoftheirrealms;fortheTowerofAmonSûlheldthechiefPalantíroftheNorth,andtheothertwowerebothinthekeepingofArthedain.

‘ItwasinthebeginningofthereignofMalvegilof

ArthedainthatevilcametoArnor.ForatthattimetherealmofAngmararoseintheNorthbeyondtheEttenmoors.ItslandslayonbothsidesoftheMountains,andthereweregatheredmanyevilmen,andOrcs,andotherfellcreatures.[ThelordofthatlandwasknownastheWitch-king,butitwasnotknownuntillaterthathewasindeedthechiefofthe

Ringwraiths,whocamenorthwiththepurposeofdestroyingtheDúnedaininArnor,seeinghopeintheirdisunion,whileGondorwasstrong.]’

InthedaysofArgelebsonofMalvegil,sincenodescendantsofIsildurremainedintheotherkingdoms,thekingsofArthedainagainclaimedthelordshipofallArnor.The

claimwasresistedbyRhudaur.TheretheDúnedainwerefew,andpowerhadbeenseizedbyanevillordoftheHillmen,whowasinsecretleaguewithAngmar.ArgelebthereforefortifiedtheWeatherHills;1buthewasslaininbattlewithRhudaurandAngmar.

ArvelegsonofArgeleb,withthehelpofCardolanandLindon,drovebackhis

enemiesfromtheHills;andformanyyearsArthedainandCardolanheldinforceafrontieralongtheWeatherHills,theGreatRoad,andthelowerHoarwell.ItissaidthatatthistimeRivendellwasbesieged.

AgreathostcameoutofAngmarin1409,andcrossingtheriverenteredCardolanandsurroundedWeathertop.TheDúnedainweredefeated

andArvelegwasslain.TheTowerofAmonSûlwasburnedandrazed;butthepalantírwassavedandcarriedbackinretreattoFornost.RhudaurwasoccupiedbyevilMensubjecttoAngmar,1andtheDúnedainthatremainedtherewereslainorfledwest.Cardolanwasravaged.AraphorsonofArvelegwasnotyetfull-grown,buthewas

valiant,andwithaidfromCírdanherepelledtheenemyfromFornostandtheNorthDowns.AremnantofthefaithfulamongtheDúnedainofCardolanalsoheldoutinTyrnGorthad(theBarrow-downs),ortookrefugeintheForestbehind.

ItissaidthatAngmarwasforatimesubduedbytheElvenfolkcomingfromLindon;andfromRivendell,

forElrondbroughthelpovertheMountainsoutofLórien.ItwasatthistimethattheStoorsthathaddweltintheAngle(betweenHoarwellandLoudwater)fledwestandsouth,becauseofthewars,andthedreadofAngmar,andbecausethelandandclimeofEriador,especiallyintheeast,worsenedandbecameunfriendly.SomereturnedtoWilderland,anddweltbeside

theGladden,becomingariversidepeopleoffishers.

InthedaysofArgelebIItheplaguecameintoEriadorfromtheSouth-east,andmostofthepeopleofCardolanperished,especiallyinMinhiriath.TheHobbitsandallotherpeoplessufferedgreatly,buttheplaguelessenedasitpassed

northwards,andthenorthernpartsofArthedainwerelittleaffected.ItwasatthistimethatanendcameoftheDúnedainofCardolan,andevilspiritsoutofAngmarandRhudaurenteredintothedesertedmoundsanddweltthere.

‘ItissaidthatthemoundsofTyrnGorthad,astheBarrow-downswerecalledofold,areveryancient,andthat

manywerebuiltinthedaysoftheoldworldoftheFirstAgebytheforefathersoftheEdain,beforetheycrossedtheBlueMountainsintoBeleriand,ofwhichLindonisallthatnowremains.ThosehillswerethereforereveredbytheDúnedainaftertheirreturn;andtheremanyoftheirlordsandkingswereburied.[SomesaythatthemoundinwhichtheRing-

bearerwasimprisonedhadbeenthegraveofthelastprinceofCardolan,whofellinthewarof1409.]’

‘In1974thepowerofAngmararoseagain,andtheWitch-kingcamedownuponArthedainbeforewinterwasended.HecapturedFornost,anddrovemostoftheremainingDúnedainoverthe

Lune;amongthemwerethesonsoftheking.ButKingArveduiheldoutupontheNorthDownsuntilthelast,andthenflednorthwithsomeofhisguard;andtheyescapedbytheswiftnessoftheirhorses.

‘ForawhileArveduihidinthetunnelsoftheolddwarf-minesnearthefarendoftheMountains,buthewasdrivenatlastbyhungerto

seekthehelpoftheLossoth,theSnowmenofForochel.1Someofthesehefoundincampbytheseashore;buttheydidnothelpthekingwillingly,forhehadnothingtoofferthem,saveafewjewelswhichtheydidnotvalue;andtheywereafraidoftheWitch-king,who(theysaid)couldmakefrostorthawathiswill.Butpartlyoutofpityforthegauntking

andhismen,andpartlyoutoffearoftheirweapons,theygavethemalittlefoodandbuiltforthemsnow-huts.ThereArveduiwasforcedtowait,hopingforhelpfromthesouth;forhishorseshadperished.

‘WhenCírdanheardfromAranarthsonofArveduioftheking’sflighttothenorth,heatoncesentashiptoForocheltoseekforhim.The

shipcamethereatlastaftermanydays,becauseofcontrarywinds,andthemarinerssawfromafarthelittlefireofdrift-woodwhichthelostmencontrivedtokeepalight.Butthewinterwaslonginloosingitsgripthatyear;andthoughitwasthenMarch,theicewasonlybeginningtobreak,andlayfaroutfromtheshore.

‘WhentheSnowmensaw

theshiptheywereamazedandafraid,fortheyhadseennosuchshipontheseawithintheirmemories;buttheyhadbecomenowmorefriendly,andtheydrewthekingandthosethatsurvivedofhiscompanyoutovertheiceintheirslidingcarts,asfarastheydared.Inthiswayaboatfromtheshipwasabletoreachthem.

‘ButtheSnowmenwere

uneasy:fortheysaidthattheysmelleddangerinthewind.AndthechiefoftheLossothsaidtoArvedui:“Donotmountonthissea-monster!Iftheyhavethem,lettheseamenbringusfoodandotherthingsthatweneed,andyoumaystayheretilltheWitch-kinggoeshome.Forinsummerhispowerwanes;butnowhisbreathisdeadly,andhiscoldarmislong.”

‘ButArveduididnottakehiscounsel.Hethankedhim,andatpartinggavehimhisring,saying:“Thisisathingofworthbeyondyourreckoning.Foritsancientryalone.Ithasnopower,savetheesteeminwhichthoseholditwholovemyhouse.Itwillnothelpyou,butifeveryouareinneed,mykinwillransomitwithgreatstoreofallthatyoudesire.”1

‘YetthecounseloftheLossothwasgood,bychanceorbyforesight;fortheshiphadnotreachedtheopenseawhenagreatstormofwindarose,andcamewithblindingsnowoutoftheNorth;anditdrovetheshipbackupontheiceandpilediceupagainstit.EventhemarinersofCírdanwerehelpless,andinthenighttheicecrushedthehull,andtheshipfoundered.So

perishedArveduiLast-king,andwithhimthepalantíriwereburiedinthesea.2ItwaslongafterwardsthatnewsoftheshipwreckofForochelwaslearnedfromtheSnowmen.’

TheShire-folksurvived,thoughwarsweptoverthemandmostofthemfledintohiding.Tothehelpofthekingtheysentsomearcherswhoneverreturned;and

otherswentalsotothebattleinwhichAngmarwasoverthrown(ofwhichmoreissaidintheannalsoftheSouth).AfterwardsinthepeacethatfollowedtheShire-folkruledthemselvesandprospered.TheychoseaThaintotaketheplaceoftheKing,andwerecontent;thoughforalongtimemanystilllookedforthereturnoftheKing.Butatlastthathope

wasforgotten,andremainedonlyinthesayingWhentheKingcomesback,usedofsomegoodthatcouldnotbeachieved,orofsomeevilthatcouldnotbeamended.ThefirstShire-thainwasoneBuccaoftheMarish,fromwhomtheOldbucksclaimeddescent.HebecameThainin379ofourreckoning(1979).

AfterArveduitheNorth-kingdomended,fortheDúnedainwerenowfewandallthepeoplesofEriadordiminished.YetthelineofthekingswascontinuedbytheChieftainsoftheDúnedain,ofwhomAranarthsonofArveduiwasthefirst.ArahaelhissonwasfosteredinRivendell,andsowereallthesonsofthechieftainsafterhim;andtherealsowerekept

theheirloomsoftheirhouse:theringofBarahir,theshardsofNarsil,thestarofElendil,andthesceptreofAnnúminas.1

‘WhenthekingdomendedtheDúnedainpassedintotheshadowsandbecameasecretandwanderingpeople,andtheirdeedsandlabourswereseldomsungorrecorded.LittlenowisrememberedofthemsinceElronddeparted.

AlthoughevenbeforetheWatchfulPeaceendedevilthingsagainbegantoattackEriadorortoinvadeitsecretly,theChieftainsforthemostpartlivedouttheirlonglives.AragornI,itissaid,wasslainbywolves,whicheverafterremainedaperilinEriador,andarenotyetended.InthedaysofArahadItheOrcs,whohad,aslaterappeared,longbeensecretly

occupyingstrongholdsintheMistyMountains,soastobarallthepassesintoEriador,suddenlyrevealedthemselves.In2509CelebríanwifeofElrondwasjourneyingtoLórienwhenshewaswaylaidintheRedhornPass,andherescortbeingscatteredbythesuddenassaultoftheOrcs,shewasseizedandcarriedoff.Shewaspursuedandrescuedby

ElladanandElrohir,butnotbeforeshehadsufferedtormentandhadreceivedapoisonedwound.1ShewasbroughtbacktoImladris,andthoughhealedinbodybyElrond,lostalldelightinMiddle-earth,andthenextyearwenttotheHavensandpassedoverSea.AndlaterinthedaysofArassuil,Orcs,multiplyingagainintheMistyMountains,beganto

ravagethelands,andtheDúnedainandthesonsofElrondfoughtwiththem.ItwasatthistimethatalargebandcamesofarwestastoentertheShire,andweredrivenoffbyBandobrasTook.’2

TherewerefifteenChieftains,beforethesixteenthandlastwasborn,AragornII,whobecameagainKingofbothGondor

andArnor.‘OurKing,wecallhim;andwhenhecomesnorthtohishouseinAnnúminasrestoredandstaysforawhilebyLakeEvendim,theneveryoneintheShireisglad.Buthedoesnotenterthislandandbindshimselfbythelawthathehasmade,thatnoneoftheBigPeopleshallpassitsborders.ButheridesoftenwithmanyfairpeopletotheGreatBridge,andthere

hewelcomeshisfriends,andanyotherswhowishtoseehim;andsomerideawaywithhimandstayinhishouseaslongastheyhaveamind.ThainPeregrinhasbeentheremanytimes;andsohasMasterSamwisetheMayor.HisdaughterElanortheFairisoneofthemaidsofQueenEvenstar.’

ItwastheprideandwonderoftheNorthernLine

that,thoughtheirpowerdepartedandtheirpeopledwindled,throughallthemanygenerationsthesuccessionwasunbrokenfromfathertoson.Also,thoughthelengthoflivesoftheDúnedaingreweverlessinMiddle-earth,aftertheendingoftheirkingsthewaningwasswifterinGondor;andmanyoftheChieftainsoftheNorthstill

livedtotwicetheageofMen,andfarbeyondthedaysofeventheoldestamongstus.Aragornindeedlivedtobetwohundredandtenyearsold,longerthananyofhislinesinceKingArvegil;butinAragornElessarthedignityofthekingsofoldwasrenewed.

(iv)

GONDORANDTHEHEIRSOFANÁRION

Therewerethirty-onekingsinGondorafterAnárionwhowasslainbeforetheBarad-dûr.Thoughwarneverceasedontheirborders,formorethanathousandyearstheDúnedainoftheSouthgrewinwealthandpowerbylandandsea,untilthereignof

AtanatarII,whowascalledAlcarin,theGlorious.Yetthesignsofdecayhadthenalreadyappeared;forthehighmenoftheSouthmarriedlate,andtheirchildrenwerefew.ThefirstchildlesskingwasFalastur,andthesecondNarmacilI,thesonofAtanatarAlcarin.

ItwasOstohertheseventh

kingwhorebuiltMinasAnor,whereafterwardsthekingsdweltinsummerratherthaninOsgiliath.InhistimeGondorwasfirstattackedbywildmenoutoftheEast.ButTarostar,hisson,defeatedthemanddrovethemout,andtookthenameofRómendacil‘East-victor’.Hewas,however,laterslaininbattlewithfreshhordesofEasterlings.Turambarhisson

avengedhim,andwonmuchterritoryeastwards.

WithTarannon,thetwelfthking,beganthelineoftheShip-kings,whobuiltnaviesandextendedtheswayofGondoralongthecoastswestandsouthoftheMouthsofAnduin.TocommemoratehisvictoriesasCaptainoftheHosts,TarannontookthecrowninthenameofFalastur‘LordoftheCoasts’.

EärnilI,hisnephew,whosucceededhim,repairedtheancienthavenofPelargir,andbuiltagreatnavy.HelaidsiegebyseaandlandtoUmbar,andtookit,anditbecameagreatharbourandfortressofthepowerofGondor.1ButEärnildidnotlongsurvivehistriumph.HewaslostwithmanyshipsandmeninagreatstormoffUmbar.Ciryandilhisson

continuedthebuildingofships;buttheMenoftheHarad,ledbythelordsthathadbeendrivenfromUmbar,cameupwithgreatpoweragainstthatstronghold,andCiryandilfellinbattleinHaradwaith.

FormanyyearsUmbarwasinvested,butcouldnotbetakenbecauseofthesea-powerofGondor.CiryahersonofCiryandilbidedhis

time,andatlastwhenhehadgatheredstrengthhecamedownfromthenorthbyseaandbyland,andcrossingtheRiverHarnenhisarmiesutterlydefeatedtheMenoftheHarad,andtheirkingswerecompelledtoacknowledgetheoverlordshipofGondor(1050).CiryaherthentookthenameofHyarmendacil‘South-victor’.

Themightof

Hyarmendacilnoenemydaredtocontestduringtheremainderofhislongreign.Hewaskingforonehundredandthirty-fouryears,thelongestreignbutoneofalltheLineofAnárion.InhisdayGondorreachedthesummitofitspower.TherealmthenextendednorthtothefieldofCelebrantandthesoutherneavesofMirkwood;westtotheGreyflood;eastto

theinlandSeaofRhûn;southtotheRiverHarnen,andthencealongthecoasttothepeninsulaandhavenofUmbar.TheMenoftheValesofAnduinacknowledgeditsauthority;andthekingsoftheHaraddidhomagetoGondor,andtheirsonslivedashostagesinthecourtofitsKing.Mordorwasdesolate,butwaswatchedoverbygreatfortressesthatguarded

thepasses.Soendedthelineofthe

Ship-kings.AtanatarAlcarinsonofHyarmendacillivedingreatsplendour,sothatmensaidpreciousstonesarepebblesinGondorforchildrentoplaywith.ButAtanatarlovedeaseanddidnothingtomaintainthepowerthathehadinherited,andhistwosonswereofliketemper.ThewaningofGondorhad

alreadybegunbeforehedied,andwasdoubtlessobservedbyitsenemies.ThewatchuponMordorwasneglected.NonethelessitwasnotuntilthedaysofValacarthatthefirstgreatevilcameuponGondor:thecivilwaroftheKin-strife,inwhichgreatlossandruinwascausedandneverfullyrepaired.

Minalcar,sonofCalmacil,wasamanofgreatvigour,andin1240Narmacil,toridhimselfofallcares,madehimRegentoftherealm.FromthattimeonwardshegovernedGondorinthenameofthekingsuntilhesucceededhisfather.HischiefconcernwaswiththeNorthmen.

Thesehadincreasedgreatlyinthepeacebrought

bythepowerofGondor.Thekingsshowedthemfavour,sincetheywerethenearestinkinoflesserMentotheDúnedain(beingforthemostpartdescendantsofthosepeoplesfromwhomtheEdainofoldhadcome);andtheygavethemwidelandsbeyondAnduinsouthofGreenwoodtheGreat,tobeadefenceagainstmenoftheEast.Forinthepasttheattacksofthe

EasterlingshadcomemostlyovertheplainbetweentheInlandSeaandtheAshMountains.

InthedaysofNarmacilItheirattacksbeganagain,thoughatfirstwithlittleforce;butitwaslearnedbytheregentthattheNorthmendidnotalwaysremaintruetoGondor,andsomewouldjoinforceswiththeEasterlings,eitheroutofgreedforspoil,

orinthefurtheranceoffeudsamongtheirprinces.Minalcarthereforein1248ledoutagreatforce,andbetweenRhovanionandtheInlandSeahedefeatedalargearmyoftheEasterlingsanddestroyedalltheircampsandsettlementseastoftheSea.HethentookthenameofRómendacil.

OnhisreturnRómendacilfortifiedthewestshoreof

AnduinasfarastheinflowoftheLimlight,andforbadeanystrangertopassdowntheRiverbeyondtheEmynMuil.HeitwasthatbuiltthepillarsoftheArgonathattheentrancetoNenHithoel.Butsinceheneededmen,anddesiredtostrengthenthebondbetweenGondorandtheNorthmen,hetookmanyofthemintohisserviceandgavetosomehighrankinhis

armies.Rómendacilshowed

especialfavourtoVidugavia,whohadaidedhiminthewar.HecalledhimselfKingofRhovanion,andwasindeedthemostpowerfuloftheNorthernprinces,thoughhisownrealmlaybetweenGreenwoodandtheRiverCelduin.1In1250RómendacilsenthissonValacarasanambassadorto

dwellforawhilewithVidugaviaandmakehimselfacquaintedwiththelanguage,manners,andpoliciesoftheNorthmen.ButValacarfarexceededhisfather’sdesigns.HegrewtolovetheNorthernlandsandpeople,andhemarriedVidumavi,daughterofVidugavia.Itwassomeyearsbeforehereturned.FromthismarriagecamelaterthewaroftheKin-strife.

‘ForthehighmenofGondoralreadylookedaskanceattheNorthmenamongthem;anditwasathingunheardofbeforethattheheirofthecrown,oranysonoftheKing,shouldwedoneoflesserandalienrace.TherewasalreadyrebellioninthesouthernprovinceswhenKingValacargrewold.Hisqueenhadbeenafairandnoblelady,butshort-lived

accordingtothefateoflesserMen,andtheDúnedainfearedthatherdescendantswouldprovethesameandfallfromthemajestyoftheKingsofMen.Alsotheywereunwillingtoacceptaslordherson,whothoughhewasnowcalledEldacar,hadbeenborninanaliencountryandwasnamedinhisyouthVinitharya,anameofhismother’speople.

‘ThereforewhenEldacarsucceededhisfathertherewaswarinGondor.ButEldacardidnotproveeasytothrustfromhisheritage.TothelineageofGondorheaddedthefearlessspiritoftheNorthmen.Hewashandsomeandvaliant,andshowednosignofageingmoreswiftlythanhisfather.Whentheconfederatesledbydescendantsofthekingsrose

againsthim,heopposedthemtotheendofhisstrength.AtlasthewasbesiegedinOsgiliath,andhelditlong,untilhungerandthegreaterforcesoftherebelsdrovehimout,leavingthecityinflames.InthatsiegeandburningtheToweroftheDomeofOsgiliathwasdestroyed,andthepalantírwaslostinthewaters.

‘ButEldacareludedhis

enemies,andcametotheNorth,tohiskinsfolkinRhovanion.Manygatheredtohimthere,bothoftheNorthmenintheserviceofGondor,andoftheDúnedainofthenorthernpartsoftherealm.Formanyofthelatterhadlearnedtoesteemhim,andmanymorecametohatehisusurper.ThiswasCastamir,grandsonofCalimehtar,youngerbrother

ofRómendacilII.Hewasnotonlyoneofthosenearestbybloodtothecrown,buthehadthegreatestfollowingofalltherebels;forhewastheCaptainofShips,andwassupportedbythepeopleofthecoastsandofthegreathavensofPelargirandUmbar.

‘Castamirhadnotlongsatuponthethronebeforeheprovedhimselfhaughtyand

ungenerous.Hewasacruelman,ashehadfirstshowninthetakingofOsgiliath.HecausedOrnendilsonofEldacar,whowascaptured,tobeputtodeath;andtheslaughteranddestructiondoneinthecityathisbiddingfarexceededtheneedsofwar.ThiswasrememberedinMinasAnorandinIthilien;andthereloveforCastamirwasfurtherlessenedwhenit

becameseenthathecaredlittlefortheland,andthoughtonlyofthefleets,andpurposedtoremovetheking’sseattoPelargir.

‘Thushehadbeenkingonlytenyears,whenEldacar,seeinghistime,camewithagreatarmyoutofthenorth,andfolkflockedtohimfromCalenardhonandAnórienandIthilien.TherewasagreatbattleinLebenninatthe

CrossingsofErui,inwhichmuchofthebestbloodinGondorwasshed.EldacarhimselfslewCastamirincombat,andsowasavengedforOrnendil;butCastamir’ssonsescaped,andwithothersoftheirkinandmanypeopleofthefleetstheyheldoutlongatPelargir.

‘Whentheyhadgatheredtherealltheforcethattheycould(forEldacarhadno

shipstobesetthembysea)theysailedaway,andestablishedthemselvesatUmbar.Theretheymadearefugeforalltheenemiesoftheking,andalordshipindependentofhiscrown.UmbarremainedatwarwithGondorformanylivesofmen,athreattoitscoastlandsandtoalltrafficonthesea.Itwasneveragaincompletelysubdueduntilthedaysof

Elessar;andtheregionofSouthGondorbecameadebatablelandbetweentheCorsairsandtheKings.’

‘ThelossofUmbarwasgrievoustoGondor,notonlybecausetherealmwasdiminishedinthesouthanditsholdupontheMenoftheHaradwasloosened,butbecauseitwastherethatAr-

PharazôntheGolden,lastKingofNúmenor,hadlandedandhumbledthemightofSauron.Thoughgreatevilhadcomeafter,eventhefollowersofElendilrememberedwithpridethecomingofthegreathostofAr-PharazônoutofthedeepsoftheSea;andonthehighesthilloftheheadlandabovetheHaventheyhadsetagreatwhitepillarasamonument.It

wascrownedwithaglobeofcrystalthattooktheraysoftheSunandoftheMoonandshonelikeabrightstarthatcouldbeseeninclearweatherevenonthecoastsofGondororfaroutuponthewesternsea.Soitstood,untilafterthesecondarisingofSauron,whichnowapproached,Umbarfellunderthedominationofhisservants,andthememorialofhis

humiliationwasthrowndown.’

AfterthereturnofEldacarthebloodofthekinglyhouseandotherhousesoftheDúnedainbecamemoremingledwiththatoflesserMen.FormanyofthegreathadbeenslainintheKin-strife;whileEldacarshowedfavourtotheNorthmen,bywhosehelphe

hadregainedthecrown,andthepeopleofGondorwerereplenishedbygreatnumbersthatcamefromRhovanion.

ThisminglingdidnotatfirsthastenthewaningoftheDúnedain,ashadbeenfeared;butthewaningstillproceeded,littlebylittle,asithadbefore.FornodoubtitwasdueabovealltoMiddle-earthitself,andtotheslowwithdrawingofthegiftsof

theNúmenóreansafterthedownfalloftheLandoftheStar.Eldacarlivedtohistwohundredandthirty-fifthyear,andwaskingforfifty-eightyears,ofwhichtenwerespentinexile.

ThesecondandgreatestevilcameuponGondorinthereignofTelemnar,thetwenty-sixthking,whose

fatherMinardil,sonofEldacar,wasslainatPelargirbytheCorsairsofUmbar.(TheywereledbyAngamaitëandSangahyando,thegreat-grandsonsofCastamir.)SoonafteradeadlyplaguecamewithdarkwindsoutoftheEast.TheKingandallhischildrendied,andgreatnumbersofthepeopleofGondor,especiallythosethatlivedinOsgiliath.Thenfor

wearinessandfewnessofmenthewatchonthebordersofMordorceasedandthefortressesthatguardedthepasseswereunmanned.

LateritwasnotedthatthesethingshappenedevenastheShadowgrewdeepinGreenwood,andmanyevilthingsreappeared,signsofthearisingofSauron.ItistruethattheenemiesofGondoralsosuffered,orthey

mighthaveoverwhelmeditinitsweakness;butSauroncouldwait,anditmaywellbethattheopeningofMordorwaswhathechieflydesired.

WhenKingTelemnardiedtheWhiteTreeofMinasAnoralsowitheredanddied.ButTarondor,hisnephew,whosucceededhim,replantedaseedlinginthecitadel.HeitwaswhoremovedtheKing’shouse

permanentlytoMinasAnor,forOsgiliathwasnowpartlydeserted,andbegantofallintoruin.FewofthosewhohadfledfromtheplagueintoIthilienortothewesterndaleswerewillingtoreturn.

Tarondor,comingyoungtothethrone,hadthelongestreignofalltheKingsofGondor;buthecouldachievelittlemorethanthereorderingofhisrealmwithin,andthe

slownursingofitsstrength.ButTelumehtarhisson,rememberingthedeathofMinardil,andbeingtroubledbytheinsolenceoftheCorsairs,whoraidedhiscoastsevenasfarastheAnfalas,gatheredhisforcesandin1810tookUmbarbystorm.InthatwarthelastdescendantsofCastamirperished,andUmbarwasagainheldforawhilebythe

kings.TelumehtaraddedtohisnamethetitleUmbardacil.ButinthenewevilsthatsoonbefellGondorUmbarwasagainlost,andfellintothehandsoftheMenoftheHarad.

ThethirdevilwastheinvasionoftheWainriders,whichsappedthewaningstrengthofGondorinwars

thatlastedforalmostahundredyears.TheWainriderswereapeople,oraconfederacyofmanypeoples,thatcamefromtheEast;buttheywerestrongerandbetterarmedthananythathadappearedbefore.Theyjourneyedingreatwains,andtheirchieftainsfoughtinchariots.Stirredup,aswasafterwardsseen,bytheemissariesofSauron,they

madeasuddenassaultuponGondor,andKingNarmacilIIwasslaininbattlewiththembeyondAnduinin1856.ThepeopleofeasternandsouthernRhovanionwereenslaved;andthefrontiersofGondorwereforthattimewithdrawntotheAnduinandtheEmynMuil.[AtthistimeitisthoughtthattheRingwraithsre-enteredMordor.]

Calimehtar,sonofNarmacilII,helpedbyarevoltinRhovanion,avengedhisfatherwithagreatvictoryovertheEasterlingsuponDagorladin1899,andforawhiletheperilwasaverted.ItwasinthereignofAraphantintheNorthandofOndohersonofCalimehtarintheSouththatthetwokingdomsagaintookcounseltogetherafterlongsilenceand

estrangement.ForatlasttheyperceivedthatsomesinglepowerandwillwasdirectingtheassaultfrommanyquartersuponthesurvivorsofNúmenor.ItwasatthattimethatArveduiheirofAraphantweddedFírieldaughterofOndoher(1940).Butneitherkingdomwasabletosendhelptotheother;forAngmarreneweditsattackuponArthedainatthesametimeas

theWainridersreappearedingreatforce.

ManyoftheWainridersnowpassedsouthofMordorandmadealliancewithmenofKhandandofNearHarad;andinthisgreatassaultfromnorthandsouth,Gondorcameneartodestruction.In1944KingOndoherandbothhissons,ArtamirandFaramir,fellinbattlenorthoftheMorannon,andtheenemy

pouredintoIthilien.ButEärnil,CaptainoftheSouthernArmy,wonagreatvictoryinSouthIthilienanddestroyedthearmyofHaradthathadcrossedtheRiverPoros.Hasteningnorth,hegatheredtohimallthathecouldoftheretreatingNorthernArmyandcameupagainstthemaincampoftheWainriders,whiletheywerefeastingandrevelling,

believingthatGondorwasoverthrownandthatnothingremainedbuttotakethespoil.Eärnilstormedthecampandsetfiretothewains,anddrovetheenemyinagreatroutoutofIthilien.AgreatpartofthosewhofledbeforehimperishedintheDeadMarshes.

‘OnthedeathofOndoherand

hissons,ArveduioftheNorth-kingdomclaimedthecrownofGondor,asthedirectdescendantofIsildur,andasthehusbandofFíriel,onlysurvivingchildofOndoher.Theclaimwasrejected.InthisPelendur,theStewardofKingOndoher,playedthechiefpart.

‘TheCouncilofGondoranswered:“ThecrownandroyaltyofGondorbelongs

solelytotheheirsofMeneldil,sonofAnárion,towhomIsildurrelinquishedthisrealm.InGondorthisheritageisreckonedthroughthesonsonly;andwehavenotheardthatthelawisotherwiseinArnor.”

‘TothisArveduireplied:“Elendilhadtwosons,ofwhomIsildurwastheelderandtheheirofhisfather.Wehaveheardthatthenameof

ElendilstandstothisdayattheheadofthelineoftheKingsofGondor,sincehewasaccountedthehighkingofalllandsoftheDúnedain.WhileElendilstilllived,theconjointruleintheSouthwascommittedtohissons;butwhenElendilfell,Isildurdepartedtotakeupthehighkingshipofhisfather,andcommittedtheruleintheSouthinlikemannertothe

sonofhisbrother.HedidnotrelinquishhisroyaltyinGondor,norintendthattherealmofElendilshouldbedividedforever.

‘“Moreover,inNúmenorofoldthesceptredescendedtotheeldestchildoftheking,whethermanorwoman.Itistruethatthelawhasnotbeenobservedinthelandsofexileevertroubledbywar;butsuchwasthelawofour

people,towhichwenowrefer,seeingthatthesonsofOndoherdiedchildless.”1

‘TothisGondormadenoanswer.ThecrownwasclaimedbyEärnil,thevictoriouscaptain;anditwasgrantedtohimwiththeapprovalofalltheDúnedaininGondor,sincehewasoftheroyalhouse.HewasthesonofSiriondil,sonofCalimmacil,sonofArciryas

brotherofNarmacilII.Arveduididnotpresshisclaim;forhehadneitherthepowernorthewilltoopposethechoiceoftheDúnedainofGondor;yettheclaimwasneverforgottenbyhisdescendantsevenwhentheirkingshiphadpassedaway.ForthetimewasnowdrawingnearwhentheNorth-kingdomwouldcometoanend.

‘Arveduiwasindeedthelastking,ashisnamesignifies.ItissaidthatthisnamewasgiventohimathisbirthbyMalbeththeSeer,whosaidtohisfather:“Arveduiyoushallcallhim,forhewillbethelastinArthedain.ThoughachoicewillcometotheDúnedain,andiftheytaketheonethatseemslesshopeful,thenyoursonwillchangehisnameand

becomekingofagreatrealm.Ifnot,thenmuchsorrowandmanylivesofmenshallpass,untiltheDúnedainariseandareunitedagain.”

‘InGondoralsoonekingonlyfollowedEärnil.Itmaybethatifthecrownandthesceptrehadbeenunited,thenthekingshipwouldhavebeenmaintainedandmuchevilaverted.ButEärnilwasawiseman,andnotarrogant,

evenif,astomostmeninGondor,therealminArthedainseemedasmallthing,forallthelineageofitslords.

‘HesentmessagestoArveduiannouncingthathereceivedthecrownofGondor,accordingtothelawsandtheneedsoftheSouth-kingdom,“butIdonotforgettheroyaltyofArnor,nordenyourkinship,norwishthatthe

realmsofElendilshouldbeestranged.Iwillsendtoyouraidwhenyouhaveneed,sofarasIamable.”

‘Itwas,however,longbeforeEärnilfelthimselfsufficientlysecuretodoashepromised.KingAraphantcontinuedwithdwindlingstrengthtoholdofftheassaultsofAngmar,andArveduiwhenhesucceededdidlikewise;butatlastinthe

autumnof1973messagescametoGondorthatArthedainwasingreatstraits,andthattheWitch-kingwaspreparingalaststrokeagainstit.ThenEärnilsenthissonEärnurnorthwithafleet,asswiftlyashecould,andwithasgreatstrengthashecouldspare.Toolate.BeforeEärnurreachedthehavensofLindon,theWitch-kinghadconqueredArthedainand

Arveduihadperished.‘ButwhenEärnurcameto

theGreyHavenstherewasjoyandgreatwonderamongbothElvesandMen.Sogreatindraughtandsomanywerehisshipsthattheycouldscarcelyfindharbourage,thoughboththeHarlondandtheForlondalsowerefilled;andfromthemdescendedanarmyofpower,withmunitionandprovisionforawarof

greatkings.OrsoitseemedtothepeopleoftheNorth,thoughthiswasbutasmallsending-forceofthewholemightofGondor.Mostofall,thehorseswerepraised,formanyofthemcamefromtheValesofAnduinandwiththemwereriderstallandfair,andproudprincesofRhovanion.

‘ThenCírdansummonedallwhowouldcometohim,

fromLindonorArnor,andwhenallwasreadythehostcrossedtheLuneandmarchednorthtochallengetheWitch-kingofAngmar.Hewasnowdwelling,itissaid,inFornost,whichhehadfilledwithevilfolk,usurpingthehouseandruleofthekings.Inhispridehedidnotawaittheonsetofhisenemiesinhisstronghold,butwentouttomeetthem,thinkingto

sweepthem,asothersbefore,intotheLune.

‘ButtheHostoftheWestcamedownonhimoutoftheHillsofEvendim,andtherewasagreatbattleontheplainbetweenNenuialandtheNorthDowns.TheforcesofAngmarwerealreadygivingwayandretreatingtowardsFornostwhenthemainbodyofthehorsementhathadpassedroundthehillscame

downfromthenorthandscatteredtheminagreatrout.ThentheWitch-king,withallthathecouldgatherfromthewreck,flednorthwards,seekinghisownlandofAngmar.BeforehecouldgaintheshelterofCarnDûmthecavalryofGondorovertookhimwithEärnurridingattheirhead.AtthesametimeaforceunderGlorfindeltheElf-lordcame

upoutofRivendell.ThensoutterlywasAngmardefeatedthatnotamannoranorcofthatrealmremainedwestoftheMountains.

‘ButitissaidthatwhenallwaslostsuddenlytheWitch-kinghimselfappeared,black-robedandblack-maskeduponablackhorse.Fearfelluponallwhobeheldhim;buthesingledouttheCaptainofGondorforthe

fullnessofhishatred,andwithaterriblecryherodestraightuponhim.Eärnurwouldhavewithstoodhim;buthishorsecouldnotendurethatonset,anditswervedandborehimfarawaybeforehecouldmasterit.

‘ThentheWitch-kinglaughed,andnonethathearditeverforgotthehorrorofthatcry.ButGlorfindelrodeupthenonhiswhitehorse,

andinthemidstofhislaughtertheWitch-kingturnedtoflightandpassedintotheshadows.Fornightcamedownonthebattlefield,andhewaslost,andnonesawwhitherhewent.

‘Eärnurnowrodeback,butGlorfindel,lookingintothegatheringdark,said:“Donotpursuehim!Hewillnotreturntothisland.Faroffyetishisdoom,andnotbythe

handofmanwillhefall.”Thesewordsmanyremembered;butEärnurwasangry,desiringonlytobeavengedforhisdisgrace.

‘SoendedtheevilrealmofAngmar;andsodidEärnur,CaptainofGondor,earnthechiefhatredoftheWitch-king;butmanyyearswerestilltopassbeforethatwasrevealed.’

ItwasthusinthereignofKingEärnil,aslaterbecameclear,thattheWitch-kingescapingfromtheNorthcametoMordor,andtheregatheredtheotherRingwraiths,ofwhomhewasthechief.Butitwasnotuntil2000thattheyissuedfromMordorbythePassofCirithUngolandlaidsiegetoMinasIthil.Thistheytookin2002,andcapturedthepalantírof

thetower.TheywerenotexpelledwhiletheThirdAgelasted;andMinasIthilbecameaplaceoffear,andwasrenamedMinasMorgul.ManyofthepeoplethatstillremainedinIthiliendesertedit.

‘Eärnurwasamanlikehisfatherinvalour,butnotinwisdom.Hewasamanof

strongbodyandhotmood;buthewouldtakenowife,forhisonlypleasurewasinfighting,orintheexerciseofarms.HisprowesswassuchthatnoneinGondorcouldstandagainsthiminthoseweapon-sportsinwhichhedelighted,seemingratherachampionthanacaptainorking,andretaininghisvigourandskilltoalateragethanwasthenusual.’

WhenEärnurreceivedthecrownin2043theKingofMinasMorgulchallengedhimtosinglecombat,tauntinghimthathehadnotdaredtostandbeforehiminbattleintheNorth.ForthattimeMardiltheStewardrestrainedthewrathoftheking.MinasAnor,whichhadbecomethechiefcityoftherealmsincethedaysofKingTelemnar,andtheresidence

ofthekings,wasnowrenamedMinasTirith,asthecityeveronguardagainsttheevilofMorgul.

EärnurhadheldthecrownonlysevenyearswhentheLordofMorgulrepeatedhischallenge,tauntingthekingthattothefaintheartofhisyouthhehadnowaddedtheweaknessofage.ThenMardilcouldnolongerrestrainhim,andherodewithasmall

escortofknightstothegateofMinasMorgul.Noneofthatridingwereeverheardofagain.ItwasbelievedinGondorthatthefaithlessenemyhadtrappedtheking,andthathehaddiedintormentinMinasMorgul;butsincetherewerenowitnessesofhisdeath,MardiltheGoodStewardruledGondorinhisnameformanyyears.

Nowthedescendantsof

thekingshadbecomefew.TheirnumbershadbeengreatlydiminishedintheKin-strife;whereassincethattimethekingshadbecomejealousandwatchfulofthosenearakin.OftenthoseonwhomsuspicionfellhadfledtoUmbarandtherejoinedtherebels;whileothershadrenouncedtheirlineageandtakenwivesnotofNúmenóreanblood.

Soitwasthatnoclaimanttothecrowncouldbefoundwhowasofpureblood,orwhoseclaimallwouldallow;andallfearedthememoryoftheKin-strife,knowingthatifanysuchdissensionaroseagain,thenGondorwouldperish.Therefore,thoughtheyearslengthened,theStewardcontinuedtoruleGondor,andthecrownofElendillayinthelapofKingEärnilinthe

HousesoftheDead,whereEärnurhadleftit.

TheStewards

TheHouseoftheStewardswascalledtheHouseofHúrin,fortheyweredescendantsoftheStewardofKingMinardil(1621–34),HúrinofEmynArnen,aman

ofhighNúmenóreanrace.Afterhisdaythekingshadalwayschosentheirstewardsfromamonghisdescendants;andafterthedaysofPelendurtheStewardshipbecamehereditaryasakingship,fromfathertosonornearestkin.

EachnewStewardindeedtookofficewiththeoath‘toholdrodandruleinthenameoftheking,untilheshallreturn’.Butthesesoon

becamewordsofrituallittleheeded,fortheStewardsexercisedallthepowerofthekings.YetmanyinGondorstillbelievedthatakingwouldindeedreturninsometimetocome;andsomerememberedtheancientlineoftheNorth,whichitwasrumouredstilllivedonintheshadows.ButagainstsuchthoughtstheRulingStewardshardenedtheirhearts.

NonethelesstheStewardsneversatontheancientthrone;andtheyworenocrown,andheldnosceptre.Theyboreawhiterodonlyasthetokenoftheiroffice;andtheirbannerwaswhitewithoutcharge;buttheroyalbannerhadbeensable,uponwhichwasdisplayedawhitetreeinblossombeneathsevenstars.

AfterMardilVoronwë,whowasreckonedthefirstoftheline,therefollowedtwenty-fourRulingStewardsofGondor,untilthetimeofDenethorII,thetwenty-sixthandlast.Atfirsttheyhadquiet,forthosewerethedaysoftheWatchfulPeace,duringwhichSauronwithdrewbeforethepoweroftheWhiteCouncilandtheRingwraithsremainedhiddeninMorgul

Vale.ButfromthetimeofDenethorI,therewasneverfullpeaceagain,andevenwhenGondorhadnogreatoropenwaritsborderswereunderconstantthreat.

InthelastyearsofDenethorItheraceofuruks,blackorcsofgreatstrength,firstappearedoutofMordor,andin2475theysweptacrossIthilienandtookOsgiliath.BoromirsonofDenethor

(afterwhomBoromiroftheNineWalkerswaslaternamed)defeatedthemandregainedIthilien;butOsgiliathwasfinallyruined,anditsgreatstone-bridgewasbroken.Nopeopledweltthereafterwards.Boromirwasagreatcaptain,andeventheWitch-kingfearedhim.Hewasnobleandfairofface,amanstronginbodyandinwill,buthereceiveda

Morgul-woundinthatwarwhichshortenedhisdays,andhebecameshrunkenwithpainanddiedtwelveyearsafterhisfather.

AfterhimbeganthelongruleofCirion.Hewaswatchfulandwary,butthereachofGondorhadgrownshort,andhecoulddolittlemorethandefendhisborders,whilehisenemies(orthepowerthatmovedthem)

preparedstrokesagainsthimthathecouldnothinder.TheCorsairsharriedhiscoasts,butitwasinthenorththathischiefperillay.InthewidelandsofRhovanion,betweenMirkwoodandtheRiverRunning,afiercepeoplenowdwelt,whollyundertheshadowofDolGuldur.Oftentheymaderaidsthroughtheforest,untilthevaleofAnduinsouthoftheGladden

waslargelydeserted.TheseBalchothwereconstantlyincreasedbyothersoflikekindthatcameinfromtheeast,whereasthepeopleofCalenardhonhaddwindled.CirionwashardputtoittoholdthelineoftheAnduin.

‘Foreseeingthestorm,Cirionsentnorthforaid,butover-late;forinthatyear(2510)theBalchoth,havingbuiltmanygreatboatsand

raftsontheeastshoresofAnduin,swarmedovertheRiverandsweptawaythedefenders.AnarmymarchingupfromthesouthwascutoffanddrivennorthovertheLimlight,andthereitwassuddenlyattackedbyahordeofOrcsfromtheMountainsandpressedtowardstheAnduin.ThenoutoftheNorththerecamehelpbeyondhope,andthehorns

oftheRohirrimwerefirstheardinGondor.EorltheYoungcamewithhisridersandsweptawaytheenemy,andpursuedtheBalchothtothedeathoverthefieldsofCalenardhon.CiriongrantedtoEorlthatlandtodwellin,andhesworetoCiriontheOathofEorl,offriendshipatneedoratcalltotheLordsofGondor.’

InthedaysofBeren,thenineteenthSteward,anevengreaterperilcameuponGondor.Threegreatfleets,longprepared,cameupfromUmbarandtheHarad,andassailedthecoastsofGondoringreatforce;andtheenemymademanylandings,evenasfarnorthasthemouthoftheIsen.AtthesametimetheRohirrimwereassailedfromthewestandtheeast,and

theirlandwasoverrun,andtheyweredrivenintothedalesoftheWhiteMountains.Inthatyear(2758)theLongWinterbeganwithcoldandgreatsnowsoutoftheNorthandtheEastwhichlastedforalmostfivemonths.HelmofRohanandbothhissonsperishedinthatwar;andtherewasmiseryanddeathinEriadorandinRohan.ButinGondorsouthofthe

mountainsthingswerelessevil,andbeforespringcameBeregondsonofBerenhadovercometheinvaders.AtoncehesentaidtoRohan.HewasthegreatestcaptainthathadariseninGondorsinceBoromir;andwhenhesucceededhisfather(2763)Gondorbegantorecoveritsstrength.ButRohanwasslowertobehealedofthehurtsthatithadreceived.It

wasforthisreasonthatBerenwelcomedSaruman,andgavetohimthekeysofOrthanc;andfromthatyearon(2759)SarumandweltinIsengard.

ItwasinthedaysofBeregondthattheWaroftheDwarvesandOrcswasfoughtintheMistyMountains(2793–9),ofwhichonlyrumourcamesouth,untilthe

OrcsfleeingfromNanduhirionattemptedtocrossRohanandestablishthemselvesintheWhiteMountains.Therewasfightingformanyyearsinthedalesbeforethatdangerwasended.

WhenBelecthorII,thetwenty-firstSteward,died,theWhiteTreediedalsoinMinasTirith;butitwasleftstanding‘untiltheKing

returns’,fornoseedlingcouldbefound.

InthedaysofTúrinIItheenemiesofGondorbegantomoveagain;forSauronwasgrownagaintopowerandthedayofhisarisingwasdrawingnear.AllbutthehardiestofitspeopledesertedIthilienandremovedwestoverAnduin,forthelandwasinfestedbyMordor-orcs.ItwasTúrinthatbuiltsecret

refugesforhissoldiersinIthilien,ofwhichHennethAnnûnwasthelongestguardedandmanned.HealsofortifiedagaintheisleofCairAndros1todefendAnórien.Buthischiefperillayinthesouth,wheretheHaradrimhadoccupiedSouthGondor,andtherewasmuchfightingalongthePoros.WhenIthilienwasinvadedingreatstrength,KingFolcwineof

RohanfulfilledtheOathofEorlandrepaidhisdebtfortheaidbroughtbyBeregond,sendingmanymentoGondor.WiththeiraidTúrinwonavictoryatthecrossingofthePoros;butthesonsofFolcwinebothfellinthebattle.TheRidersburiedthemafterthefashionoftheirpeople,andtheywerelaidinonemound,fortheyweretwinbrothers.Longitstood,

HaudhinGwanûr,highupontheshoreoftheriver,andtheenemiesofGondorfearedtopassit.

TurgonfollowedTúrin,butofhistimeitischieflyrememberedthattwoyearserehisdeath,Sauronaroseagain,anddeclaredhimselfopenly;andhere-enteredMordorlongpreparedforhim.ThentheBarad-dûrwasraisedoncemore,andMount

Doomburstintoflame,andthelastofthefolkofIthilienfledfaraway.WhenTurgondiedSarumantookIsengardforhisown,andfortifiedit.

‘EcthelionII,sonofTurgon,wasamanofwisdom.WithwhatpowerwaslefttohimhebegantostrengthenhisrealmagainsttheassaultofMordor.Heencouragedall

menofworthfromnearorfartoenterhisservice,andtothosewhoprovedtrustworthyhegaverankandreward.Inmuchthathedidhehadtheaidandadviceofagreatcaptainwhomhelovedaboveall.ThorongilmencalledhiminGondor,theEagleoftheStar,forhewasswiftandkeen-eyed,andworeasilverstaruponhiscloak;butnooneknewhistruenamenor

inwhatlandhewasborn.HecametoEcthelionfromRohan,wherehehadservedtheKingThengel,buthewasnotoneoftheRohirrim.Hewasagreatleaderofmen,bylandorbysea,buthedepartedintotheshadowswhencehecame,beforethedaysofEcthelionwereended.

‘ThorongiloftencounselledEcthelionthatthestrengthoftherebelsin

UmbarwasagreatperiltoGondor,andathreattothefiefsofthesouththatwouldprovedeadly,ifSauronmovedtoopenwar.AtlasthegotleaveoftheStewardandgatheredasmallfleet,andhecametoUmbarunlookedforbynight,andthereburnedagreatpartoftheshipsoftheCorsairs.HehimselfoverthrewtheCaptainoftheHaveninbattleuponthe

quays,andthenhewithdrewhisfleetwithsmallloss.ButwhentheycamebacktoPelargir,tomen’sgriefandwonder,hewouldnotreturntoMinasTirith,wheregreathonourawaitedhim.

‘HesentamessageoffarewelltoEcthelion,saying:“Othertasksnowcallme,lord,andmuchtimeandmanyperilsmustpass,ereIcomeagaintoGondor,ifthat

bemyfate.”Thoughnonecouldguesswhatthosetasksmightbe,norwhatsummonshehadreceived,itwasknownwhitherhewent.ForhetookboatandcrossedoverAnduin,andtherehesaidfarewelltohiscompanionsandwentonalone;andwhenhewaslastseenhisfacewastowardstheMountainsofShadow.

‘Therewasdismayinthe

CityatthedepartureofThorongil,andtoallmenitseemedagreatloss,unlessitweretoDenethor,thesonofEcthelion,amannowripefortheStewardship,towhichafterfouryearshesucceededonthedeathofhisfather.

‘DenethorIIwasaproudman,tall,valiant,andmorekinglythananymanthathadappearedinGondorformanylivesofmen;andhewaswise

also,andfar-sighted,andlearnedinlore.IndeedhewasasliketoThorongilastooneofnearestkin,andyetwaseverplacedsecondtothestrangerintheheartsofmenandtheesteemofhisfather.AtthetimemanythoughtthatThorongilhaddepartedbeforehisrivalbecamehismaster;thoughindeedThorongilhadneverhimselfviedwithDenethor,norheld

himselfhigherthantheservantofhisfather.AndinonematteronlyweretheircounselstotheStewardatvariance:ThorongiloftenwarnedEcthelionnottoputtrustinSarumantheWhiteinIsengard,buttowelcomeratherGandalftheGrey.ButtherewaslittlelovebetweenDenethorandGandalf;andafterthedaysofEctheliontherewaslesswelcomefor

theGreyPilgriminMinasTirith.Thereforelater,whenallwasmadeclear,manybelievedthatDenethor,whowassubtleinmindandlookedfurtheranddeeperthanothermenofhisday,haddiscoveredwhothisstrangerThorongilintruthwas,andsuspectedthatheandMithrandirdesignedtosupplanthim.

‘WhenDenethorbecameSteward(2984)heprovedamasterfullord,holdingtheruleofallthingsinhisownhand.Hesaidlittle.Helistenedtocounsel,andthenfollowedhisownmind.Hehadmarriedlate(2976),takingaswifeFinduilas,daughterofAdrahilofDolAmroth.Shewasaladyofgreatbeautyandgentleheart,butbeforetwelveyearshad

passedshedied.Denethorlovedher,inhisfashion,moredearlythananyother,unlessitweretheelderofthesonsthatsheborehim.Butitseemedtomenthatshewitheredintheguardedcity,asafloweroftheseawardvalessetuponabarrenrock.Theshadowintheeastfilledherwithhorror,andsheturnedhereyeseversouthtotheseathatshemissed.

‘AfterherdeathDenethorbecamemoregrimandsilentthanbefore,andwouldsitlongaloneinhistowerdeepinthought,foreseeingthattheassaultofMordorwouldcomeinhistime.Itwasafterwardsbelievedthatneedingknowledge,butbeingproud,andtrustinginhisownstrengthofwill,hedaredtolookinthepalantíroftheWhiteTower.Noneofthe

Stewardshaddaredtodothis,noreventhekingsEärnilandEärnur,afterthefallofMinasIthilwhenthepalantírofIsildurcameintothehandsoftheEnemy;fortheStoneofMinasTirithwasthepalantírofAnárion,mostcloseinaccordwiththeonethatSauronpossessed.

‘InthiswayDenethorgainedhisgreatknowledgeofthingsthatpassedinhis

realm,andfarbeyondhisborders,atwhichmenmarvelled;butheboughttheknowledgedearly,beingagedbeforehistimebyhiscontestwiththewillofSauron.ThusprideincreasedinDenethortogetherwithdespair,untilhesawinallthedeedsofthattimeonlyasinglecombatbetweentheLordoftheWhiteTowerandtheLordoftheBarad-dûr,andmistrusted

allotherswhoresistedSauron,unlesstheyservedhimselfalone.

‘SotimedrewontotheWaroftheRing,andthesonsofDenethorgrewtomanhood.Boromir,fiveyearstheelder,belovedbyhisfather,waslikehiminfaceandpride,butinlittleelse.RatherhewasamanafterthesortofKingEärnurofold,takingnowifeanddelighting

chieflyinarms;fearlessandstrong,butcaringlittleforlore,savethetalesofoldbattles.Faramirtheyoungerwaslikehiminlooksbutotherwiseinmind.Hereadtheheartsofmenasshrewdlyashisfather,butwhathereadmovedhimsoonertopitythantoscorn.Hewasgentleinbearing,andaloverofloreandofmusic,andthereforebymanyinthosedayshis

couragewasjudgedlessthanhisbrother’s.Butitwasnotso,exceptthathedidnotseekgloryindangerwithoutapurpose.HewelcomedGandalfatsuchtimesashecametotheCity,andhelearnedwhathecouldfromhiswisdom;andinthisasinmanyothermattershedispleasedhisfather.

‘Yetbetweenthebrotherstherewasgreatlove,andhad

beensincechildhood,whenBoromirwasthehelperandprotectorofFaramir.Nojealousyorrivalryhadarisenbetweenthemsince,fortheirfather’sfavourorforthepraiseofmen.ItdidnotseempossibletoFaramirthatanyoneinGondorcouldrivalBoromir,heirofDenethor,CaptainoftheWhiteTower;andoflikemindwasBoromir.Yetitproved

otherwiseatthetest.ButofallthatbefellthesethreeintheWaroftheRingmuchissaidelsewhere.AndaftertheWarthedaysoftheRulingStewardscametoanend;fortheheirofIsildurandAnárionreturnedandthekingshipwasrenewed,andthestandardoftheWhiteTreeflewoncemorefromtheTowerofEcthelion.’

(v)HEREFOLLOWSAPART

OFTHETALEOFARAGORNANDARWEN

‘AradorwasthegrandfatheroftheKing.HissonArathornsoughtinmarriageGilraentheFair,daughterofDírhael,whowashimselfa

descendantofAranarth.TothismarriageDírhaelwasopposed;forGilraenwasyoungandhadnotreachedtheageatwhichthewomenoftheDúnedainwereaccustomedtomarry.

‘“Moreover,”hesaid,“Arathornisasternmanoffullage,andwillbechieftainsoonerthanmenlookedfor;yetmyheartforebodesthathewillbeshort-lived.”

‘ButIvorwen,hiswife,whowasalsoforesighted,answered:

“Themoreneedofhaste!Thedaysaredarkeningbeforethestorm,andgreatthingsaretocome.Ifthesetwowednow,hopemaybebornforourpeople;butiftheydelay,itwillnotcomewhilethisagelasts.”

‘AndithappenedthatwhenArathornandGilraen

hadbeenmarriedonlyoneyear,Aradorwastakenbyhill-trollsintheColdfellsnorthofRivendellandwasslain;andArathornbecameChieftainoftheDúnedain.ThenextyearGilraenborehimason,andhewascalledAragorn.ButAragornwasonlytwoyearsoldwhenArathornwentridingagainsttheOrcswiththesonsofElrond,andhewasslainby

anorc-arrowthatpiercedhiseye;andsoheprovedindeedshort-livedforoneofhisrace,beingbutsixtyyearsoldwhenhefell.

‘ThenAragorn,beingnowtheHeirofIsildur,wastakenwithhismothertodwellinthehouseofElrond;andElrondtooktheplaceofhisfatherandcametolovehimasasonofhisown.ButhewascalledEstel,thatis

“Hope”,andhistruenameandlineagewerekeptsecretatthebiddingofElrond;fortheWisethenknewthattheEnemywasseekingtodiscovertheHeirofIsildur,ifanyremaineduponearth.

‘ButwhenEstelwasonlytwentyyearsofage,itchancedthathereturnedtoRivendellaftergreatdeedsinthecompanyofthesonsofElrond;andElrondlookedat

himandwaspleased,forhesawthathewasfairandnobleandwasearlycometomanhood,thoughhewouldyetbecomegreaterinbodyandinmind.ThatdaythereforeElrondcalledhimbyhistruename,andtoldhimwhohewasandwhoseson;andhedeliveredtohimtheheirloomsofhishouse.

‘“HereistheringofBarahir,”hesaid,“thetoken

ofourkinshipfromafar;andherealsoaretheshardsofNarsil.Withtheseyoumayyetdogreatdeeds;forIforetellthatthespanofyourlifeshallbegreaterthanthemeasureofMen,unlessevilbefallsyouoryoufailatthetest.Butthetestwillbehardandlong.TheSceptreofAnnúminasIwithhold,foryouhaveyettoearnit.”

‘Thenextdayatthehour

ofsunsetAragornwalkedaloneinthewoods,andhisheartwashighwithinhim;andhesang,forhewasfullofhopeandtheworldwasfair.Andsuddenlyevenashesanghesawamaidenwalkingonagreenswardamongthewhitestemsofthebirches;andhehaltedamazed,thinkingthathehadstrayedintoadream,orelsethathehadreceivedthegift

oftheElf-minstrels,whocanmakethethingsofwhichtheysingappearbeforetheeyesofthosethatlisten.

‘ForAragornhadbeensingingapartoftheLayofLúthienwhichtellsofthemeetingofLúthienandBerenintheforestofNeldoreth.Andbehold!thereLúthienwalkedbeforehiseyesinRivendell,cladinamantleofsilverandblue,fairasthe

twilightinElven-home;herdarkhairstrayedinasuddenwind,andherbrowswereboundwithgemslikestars.

‘ForamomentAragorngazedinsilence,butfearingthatshewouldpassawayandneverbeseenagain,hecalledtohercrying,Tinúviel,Tinúviel!evenasBerenhaddoneintheElderDayslongago.

‘Thenthemaidenturned

tohimandsmiled,andshesaid:“Whoareyou?Andwhydoyoucallmebythatname?”

‘Andheanswered:“BecauseIbelievedyoutobeindeedLúthienTinúviel,ofwhomIwassinging.Butifyouarenotshe,thenyouwalkinherlikeness.”

‘“Somanyhavesaid,”sheansweredgravely.“Yethernameisnotmine.Though

maybemydoomwillbenotunlikehers.Butwhoareyou?”

‘“EstelIwascalled,”hesaid;“butIamAragorn,Arathorn’sson,Isildur’sHeir,LordoftheDúnedain”;yeteveninthesayinghefeltthatthishighlineage,inwhichhishearthadrejoiced,wasnowoflittleworth,andasnothingcomparedtoherdignityandloveliness.

‘Butshelaughedmerrilyandsaid:“Thenweareakinfromafar.ForIamArwenElrond’sdaughter,andamnamedalsoUndómiel.”

‘“Oftenisitseen,”saidAragorn,“thatindangerousdaysmenhidetheirchieftreasure.YetImarvelatElrondandyourbrothers;forthoughIhavedweltinthishousefromchildhood,Ihaveheardnowordofyou.How

comesitthatwehavenevermetbefore?Surelyyourfatherhasnotkeptyoulockedinhishoard?”

‘“No,”shesaid,andlookedupattheMountainsthatroseintheeast.“Ihavedweltforatimeinthelandofmymother’skin,infarLothlórien.Ihavebutlatelyreturnedtovisitmyfatheragain.ItismanyyearssinceIwalkedinImladris.”

‘ThenAragornwondered,forshehadseemedofnogreateragethanhe,whohadlivedyetnomorethanascoreofyearsinMiddle-earth.ButArwenlookedinhiseyesandsaid:“Donotwonder!ForthechildrenofElrondhavethelifeoftheEldar.”

‘ThenAragornwasabashed,forhesawtheelven-lightinhereyesandthewisdomofmanydays;yet

fromthathourhelovedArwenUndómieldaughterofElrond.

‘InthedaysthatfollowedAragornfellsilent,andhismotherperceivedthatsomestrangethinghadbefallenhim;andatlastheyieldedtoherquestionsandtoldherofthemeetinginthetwilightofthetrees.

‘“Myson,”saidGilraen,“youraimishigh,evenforthedescendantofmanykings.Forthisladyisthenoblestandfairestthatnowwalkstheearth.AnditisnotfitthatmortalshouldwedwiththeElf-kin.”

‘“Yetwehavesomepartinthatkinship,”saidAragorn,“ifthetaleofmyforefathersistruethatIhavelearned.”

‘“Itistrue,”saidGilraen,“butthatwaslongagoandinanotherageofthisworld,beforeourracewasdiminished.ThereforeIamafraid;forwithoutthegoodwillofMasterElrondtheHeirsofIsildurwillsooncometoanend.ButIdonotthinkthatyouwillhavethegoodwillofElrondinthismatter.”

‘“Thenbitterwillmy

daysbe,andIwillwalkinthewildalone,”saidAragorn.

‘“Thatwillindeedbeyourfate,”saidGilraen;butthoughshehadinameasuretheforesightofherpeople,shesaidnomoretohimofherforeboding,nordidshespeaktoanyoneofwhathersonhadtoldher.

‘ButElrondsawmanythingsandreadmanyhearts.Oneday,therefore,beforethe

falloftheyearhecalledAragorntohischamber,andhesaid:“Aragorn,Arathorn’sson,LordoftheDúnedain,listentome!Agreatdoomawaitsyou,eithertoriseabovetheheightofallyourfatherssincethedaysofElendil,ortofallintodarknesswithallthatisleftofyourkin.Manyyearsoftrialliebeforeyou.Youshallneitherhavewife,norbind

anywomantoyouintroth,untilyourtimecomesandyouarefoundworthyofit.”

‘ThenAragornwastroubled,andhesaid:“Canitbethatmymotherhasspokenofthis?”

‘“Noindeed,”saidElrond.“Yourowneyeshavebetrayedyou.ButIdonotspeakofmydaughteralone.Youshallbebetrothedtonoman’schildasyet.Butasfor

ArwentheFair,LadyofImladrisandofLórien,Evenstarofherpeople,sheisoflineagegreaterthanyours,andshehaslivedintheworldalreadysolongthattoheryouarebutasayearlingshootbesideayoungbirchofmanysummers.Sheistoofaraboveyou.Andso,Ithink,itmaywellseemtoher.Butevenifitwerenotso,andherheartturnedtowardsyou,I

shouldstillbegrievedbecauseofthedoomthatislaidonus.”

‘“Whatisthatdoom?”saidAragorn.

‘“ThatsolongasIabidehere,sheshalllivewiththeyouthoftheEldar,”answeredElrond,“andwhenIdepart,sheshallgowithme,ifshesochooses.”

‘“Isee,”saidAragorn,“thatIhaveturnedmyeyesto

atreasurenolessdearthanthetreasureofThingolthatBerenoncedesired.Suchismyfate.”Thensuddenlytheforesightofhiskindredcametohim,andhesaid:“Butlo!MasterElrond,theyearsofyourabidingrunshortatlast,andthechoicemustsoonbelaidonyourchildren,toparteitherwithyouorwithMiddle-earth.”

‘“Truly,”saidElrond.

“Soon,asweaccountit,thoughmanyyearsofMenmuststillpass.ButtherewillbenochoicebeforeArwen,mybeloved,unlessyou,Aragorn,Arathorn’sson,comebetweenusandbringoneofus,youorme,toabitterpartingbeyondtheendoftheworld.Youdonotknowyetwhatyoudesireofme.”Hesighed,andafterawhile,lookinggravelyupon

theyoungman,hesaidagain:“Theyearswillbringwhattheywill.Wewillspeaknomoreofthisuntilmanyhavepassed.Thedaysdarken,andmuchevilistocome.”

‘ThenAragorntookleavelovinglyofElrond;andthenextdayhesaidfarewelltohismother,andtothehouseofElrond,andtoArwen,and

hewentoutintothewild.FornearlythirtyyearshelabouredinthecauseagainstSauron;andhebecameafriendofGandalftheWise,fromwhomhegainedmuchwisdom.Withhimhemademanyperilousjourneys,butastheyearsworeonhewentmoreoftenalone.Hiswayswerehardandlong,andhebecamesomewhatgrimtolookupon,unlesshechanced

tosmile;andyetheseemedtoMenworthyofhonour,asakingthatisinexile,whenhedidnothidehistrueshape.Forhewentinmanyguises,andwonrenownundermanynames.HerodeinthehostoftheRohirrim,andfoughtfortheLordofGondorbylandandbysea;andtheninthehourofvictoryhepassedoutoftheknowledgeofMenoftheWest,andwentalonefar

intotheEastanddeepintotheSouth,exploringtheheartsofMen,bothevilandgood,anduncoveringtheplotsanddevicesoftheservantsofSauron.

‘ThushebecameatlastthemosthardyoflivingMen,skilledintheircraftsandlore,andwasyetmorethanthey;forhewaselven-wise,andtherewasalightinhiseyesthatwhentheywerekindled

fewcouldendure.Hisfacewassadandsternbecauseofthedoomthatwaslaidonhim,andyethopedwelteverinthedepthsofhisheart,fromwhichmirthwouldariseattimeslikeaspringfromtherock.

‘ItcametopassthatwhenAragornwasnineandfortyyearsofagehereturnedfrom

perilsonthedarkconfinesofMordor,whereSauronnowdweltagainandwasbusywithevil.HewaswearyandhewishedtogobacktoRivendellandrestthereforawhileerehejourneyedintothefarcountries;andonhiswayhecametothebordersofLórienandwasadmittedtothehiddenlandbytheLadyGaladriel.

‘Hedidnotknowit,but

ArwenUndómielwasalsothere,dwellingagainforatimewiththekinofhermother.Shewaslittlechanged,forthemortalyearshadpassedherby;yetherfacewasmoregrave,andherlaughternowseldomwasheard.ButAragornwasgrowntofullstatureofbodyandmind,andGaladrielbadehimcastasidehiswaywornraiment,andsheclothedhim

insilverandwhite,withacloakofelven-greyandabrightgemonhisbrow.ThenmorethananykingofMenheappeared,andseemedratheranElf-lordfromtheIslesoftheWest.AndthusitwasthatArwenfirstbeheldhimagainaftertheirlongparting;andashecamewalkingtowardsherunderthetreesofCarasGaladhonladenwithflowersofgold,

herchoicewasmadeandherdoomappointed.

‘ThenforaseasontheywanderedtogetherinthegladesofLothlórien,untilitwastimeforhimtodepart.AndontheeveningofMidsummerAragorn,Arathorn’sson,andArwendaughterofElrondwenttothefairhill,CerinAmroth,inthemidstoftheland,andtheywalkedunshodonthe

undyinggrasswithelanorandniphredilabouttheirfeet.AndthereuponthathilltheylookedeasttotheShadowandwesttotheTwilight,andtheyplightedtheirtrothandwereglad.

‘AndArwensaid:“DarkistheShadow,andyetmyheartrejoices;foryou,Estel,shallbeamongthegreatwhosevalourwilldestroyit.”

‘ButAragornanswered:

“Alas!Icannotforeseeit,andhowitmaycometopassishiddenfromme.YetwithyourhopeIwillhope.AndtheShadowIutterlyreject.Butneither,lady,istheTwilightforme;forIammortal,andifyouwillcleavetome,Evenstar,thentheTwilightyoumustalsorenounce.”

‘Andshestoodthenasstillasawhitetree,looking

intotheWest,andatlastshesaid:“Iwillcleavetoyou,Dúnadan,andturnfromtheTwilight.Yetthereliesthelandofmypeopleandthelonghomeofallmykin.”Shelovedherfatherdearly.

‘WhenElrondlearnedthechoiceofhisdaughter,hewassilent,thoughhisheartwasgrievedandfoundthe

doomlongfearednonetheeasiertoendure.ButwhenAragorncameagaintoRivendellhecalledhimtohim,andhesaid:

‘“Myson,yearscomewhenhopewillfade,andbeyondthemlittleiscleartome.Andnowashadowliesbetweenus.Maybe,ithasbeenappointedso,thatbymylossthekingshipofMenmayberestored.Therefore,

thoughIloveyou,Isaytoyou:ArwenUndómielshallnotdiminishherlife’sgraceforlesscause.SheshallnotbethebrideofanyManlessthantheKingofbothGondorandArnor.Tomethenevenourvictorycanbringonlysorrowandparting–buttoyouhopeofjoyforawhile.Alas,myson!IfearthattoArwentheDoomofMenmayseemhardattheending.”

‘SoitstoodafterwardsbetweenElrondandAragorn,andtheyspokenomoreofthismatter;butAragornwentforthagaintodangerandtoil.AndwhiletheworlddarkenedandfearfellonMiddle-earth,asthepowerofSaurongrewandtheBarad-dûrroseevertallerandstronger,ArwenremainedinRivendell,andwhenAragornwasabroad,fromafarshe

watchedoverhiminthought;andinhopeshemadeforhimagreatandkinglystandard,suchasonlyonemightdisplaywhoclaimedthelordshipoftheNúmenóreansandtheinheritanceofElendil.

‘AfterafewyearsGilraentookleaveofElrondandreturnedtoherownpeopleinEriador,andlivedalone;andsheseldomsawhersonagain,forhespentmany

yearsinfarcountries.Butonatime,whenAragornhadreturnedtotheNorth,hecametoher,andshesaidtohimbeforehewent:

‘“Thisisourlastparting,Estel,myson.Iamagedbycare,evenasoneoflesserMen;andnowthatitdrawsnearIcannotfacethedarknessofourtimethatgathersuponMiddle-earth.Ishallleaveitsoon.”

‘Aragorntriedtocomforther,saying:“Yettheremaybealightbeyondthedarkness;andifso,Iwouldhaveyouseeitandbeglad.”

‘Butsheansweredonlywiththislinnod:

Óneni-EstelEdain,ú-chebinestelanim,1

andAragornwentaway

heavyofheart.Gilraendiedbeforethenextspring.

‘ThustheyearsdrewontotheWaroftheRing;ofwhichmoreistoldelsewhere:howthemeansunforeseenwasrevealedwherebySauronmightbeoverthrown,andhowhopebeyondhopewasfulfilled.AnditcametopassthatinthehourofdefeatAragorncameupfromtheseaandunfurledthestandard

ofArweninthebattleoftheFieldsofPelennor,andinthatdayhewasfirsthailedasking.AndatlastwhenallwasdoneheenteredintotheinheritanceofhisfathersandreceivedthecrownofGondorandsceptreofArnor;andatMidsummerintheyearoftheFallofSauronhetookthehandofArwenUndómiel,andtheywereweddedinthecityoftheKings.

‘TheThirdAgeendedthusinvictoryandhope;andyetgrievousamongthesorrowsofthatAgewasthepartingofElrondandArwen,fortheyweresunderedbytheSeaandbyadoombeyondtheendoftheworld.WhentheGreatRingwasunmadeandtheThreewereshornoftheirpower,thenElrondgrewwearyatlastandforsookMiddle-earth,nevertoreturn.

ButArwenbecameasamortalwoman,andyetitwasnotherlottodieuntilallthatshehadgainedwaslost.

‘AsQueenofElvesandMenshedweltwithAragornforsix-scoreyearsingreatgloryandbliss;yetatlasthefelttheapproachofoldageandknewthatthespanofhislife-dayswasdrawingtoanend,longthoughithadbeen.ThenAragornsaidtoArwen:

‘“Atlast,LadyEvenstar,fairestinthisworld,andmostbeloved,myworldisfading.Lo!wehavegathered,andwehavespent,andnowthetimeofpaymentdrawsnear.”

‘Arwenknewwellwhatheintended,andlonghadforeseenit;nonethelessshewasoverbornebyhergrief.“Wouldyouthen,lord,beforeyourtimeleaveyourpeoplethatlivebyyourword?”she

said.‘“Notbeforemytime,”

heanswered.“ForifIwillnotgonow,thenImustsoongoperforce.AndEldarionoursonisamanfull-ripeforkingship.”

‘ThengoingtotheHouseoftheKingsintheSilentStreet,Aragornlaidhimdownonthelongbedthathadbeenpreparedforhim.Therehesaidfarewellto

Eldarion,andgaveintohishandsthewingedcrownofGondorandthesceptreofArnor;andthenalllefthimsaveArwen,andshestoodalonebyhisbed.Andforallherwisdomandlineageshecouldnotforbeartopleadwithhimtostayyetforawhile.Shewasnotyetwearyofherdays,andthusshetastedthebitternessofthemortalitythatshehadtaken

uponher.‘“LadyUndómiel,”said

Aragorn,“thehourisindeedhard,yetitwasmadeeveninthatdaywhenwemetunderthewhitebirchesinthegardenofElrondwherenonenowwalk.AndonthehillofCerinAmrothwhenweforsookboththeShadowandtheTwilightthisdoomweaccepted.Takecounselwithyourself,beloved,andask

whetheryouwouldindeedhavemewaituntilIwitherandfallfrommyhighseatunmannedandwitless.Nay,lady,IamthelastoftheNúmenóreansandthelatestKingoftheElderDays;andtomehasbeengivennotonlyaspanthricethatofMenofMiddle-earth,butalsothegracetogoatmywill,andgivebackthegift.Now,therefore,Iwillsleep.

‘“Ispeaknocomforttoyou,forthereisnocomfortforsuchpainwithinthecirclesoftheworld.Theuttermostchoiceisbeforeyou:torepentandgototheHavensandbearawayintotheWestthememoryofourdaystogetherthatshalltherebeevergreenbutnevermorethanmemory;orelsetoabidetheDoomofMen.”

‘“Nay,dearlord,”she

said,“thatchoiceislongover.Thereisnownoshipthatwouldbearmehence,andImustindeedabidetheDoomofMen,whetherIwillorInill:thelossandthesilence.ButIsaytoyou,KingoftheNúmenóreans,nottillnowhaveIunderstoodthetaleofyourpeopleandtheirfall.AswickedfoolsIscornedthem,butIpitythematlast.Forifthisisindeed,as

theEldarsay,thegiftoftheOnetoMen,itisbittertoreceive.”

‘“Soitseems,”hesaid.“Butletusnotbeoverthrownatthefinaltest,whoofoldrenouncedtheShadowandtheRing.Insorrowwemustgo,butnotindespair.Behold!wearenotboundforevertothecirclesoftheworld,andbeyondthemismorethanmemory.

Farewell!”‘“Estel,Estel!”shecried,

andwiththatevenashetookherhandandkissedit,hefellintosleep.Thenagreatbeautywasrevealedinhim,sothatallwhoaftercametherelookedonhiminwonder;fortheysawthatthegraceofhisyouth,andthevalourofhismanhood,andthewisdomandmajestyofhisagewereblended

together.Andlongtherehelay,animageofthesplendouroftheKingsofMeningloryundimmedbeforethebreakingoftheworld.

‘ButArwenwentforthfromtheHouse,andthelightofhereyeswasquenched,anditseemedtoherpeoplethatshehadbecomecoldandgreyasnightfallinwinterthatcomeswithoutastar.Then

shesaidfarewelltoEldarion,andtoherdaughters,andtoallwhomshehadloved;andshewentoutfromthecityofMinasTirithandpassedawaytothelandofLórien,anddwelttherealoneunderthefadingtreesuntilwintercame.GaladrielhadpassedawayandCelebornalsowasgone,andthelandwassilent.

‘Thereatlastwhenthemallorn-leaveswerefalling,

butspringhadnotyetcome,1shelaidherselftorestuponCerinAmroth;andthereishergreengrave,untiltheworldischanged,andallthedaysofherlifeareutterlyforgottenbymenthatcomeafter,andelanorandniphredilbloomnomoreeastoftheSea.

‘Hereendsthistale,asithascometousfromtheSouth;andwiththepassing

ofEvenstarnomoreissaidinthisbookofthedaysofold.’

IITHEHOUSEOF

EORL

‘EorltheYoungwaslordoftheMenofÉothéod.ThatlandlaynearthesourcesofAnduin,betweenthefurthest

rangesoftheMistyMountainsandthenorthernmostpartsofMirkwood.TheÉothéodhadmovedtothoseregionsinthedaysofKingEärnilIIfromlandsinthevalesofAnduinbetweentheCarrockandtheGladden,andtheywereinorigincloseakintotheBeorningsandthemenofthewest-eavesoftheforest.TheforefathersofEorlclaimed

descentfromkingsofRhovanion,whoserealmlaybeyondMirkwoodbeforetheinvasionsoftheWainriders,andthustheyaccountedthemselveskinsmenofthekingsofGondordescendedfromEldacar.Theylovedbesttheplains,anddelightedinhorsesandinallfeatsofhorsemanship,butthereweremanymeninthemiddlevalesofAnduininthosedays,and

moreovertheshadowofDolGuldurwaslengthening;whenthereforetheyheardoftheoverthrowoftheWitch-king,theysoughtmoreroomintheNorth,anddroveawaytheremnantsofthepeopleofAngmarontheeastsideoftheMountains.ButinthedaysofLéod,fatherofEorl,theyhadgrowntobeanumerouspeopleandwereagainsomewhatstraitenedin

thelandoftheirhome.‘Inthetwothousandfive

hundredandtenthyearoftheThirdAgeanewperilthreatenedGondor.AgreathostofwildmenfromtheNorth-eastsweptoverRhovanionandcomingdownoutoftheBrownLandscrossedtheAnduinonrafts.AtthesametimebychanceordesigntheOrcs(whoatthattimebeforetheirwar

withtheDwarveswereingreatstrength)madeadescentfromtheMountains.TheinvadersoverranCalenardhon,andCirion,StewardofGondor,sentnorthforhelp;fortherehadbeenlongfriendshipbetweentheMenofAnduin’sValeandthepeopleofGondor.ButinthevalleyoftheRivermenwerenowfewandscattered,andslowtorender

suchaidastheycould.AtlasttidingscametoEorloftheneedofGondor,andlatethoughitseemed,hesetoutwithagreathostofriders.

‘ThushecametothebattleoftheFieldofCelebrant,forthatwasthenameofthegreenlandthatlaybetweenSilverlodeandLimlight.TherethenorthernarmyofGondorwasinperil.DefeatedintheWoldandcut

offfromthesouth,ithadbeendrivenacrosstheLimlight,andwasthensuddenlyassailedbytheOrc-hostthatpressedittowardstheAnduin.Allhopewaslostwhen,unlookedfor,theRiderscameoutoftheNorthandbrokeupontherearoftheenemy.Thenthefortunesofbattlewerereversed,andtheenemywasdrivenwithslaughteroverLimlight.Eorl

ledhismeninpursuit,andsogreatwasthefearthatwentbeforethehorsemenoftheNorththattheinvadersoftheWoldwerealsothrownintopanic,andtheRidershuntedthemovertheplainsofCalenardhon.’

ThepeopleofthatregionhadbecomefewsincethePlague,andmostofthosethatremainedhadbeenslaughteredbythesavage

Easterlings.Cirion,therefore,inrewardforhisaid,gaveCalenardhonbetweenAnduinandIsentoEorlandhispeople;andtheysentnorthfortheirwivesandchildrenandtheirgoodsandsettledinthatland.TheynameditanewtheMarkoftheRiders,andtheycalledthemselvestheEorlingas;butinGondortheirlandwascalledRohan,anditspeopletheRohirrim

(thatis,theHorse-lords).ThusEorlbecamethefirstKingoftheMark,andhechoseforhisdwellingagreenhillbeforethefeetoftheWhiteMountainsthatwerethesouth-wallofhisland.TheretheRohirrimlivedafterwardsasfreemenundertheirownkingsandlaws,butinperpetualalliancewithGondor.

‘Manylordsandwarriors,andmanyfairandvaliantwomen,arenamedinthesongsofRohanthatstillremembertheNorth.Frumgar,theysay,wasthenameofthechieftainwholedhispeopletoÉothéod.Ofhisson,Fram,theytellthatheslewScatha,thegreatdragonofEredMithrin,andthelandhadpeacefromthelong-wormsafterwards.ThusFram

wongreatwealth,butwasatfeudwiththeDwarves,whoclaimedthehoardofScatha.Framwouldnotyieldthemapenny,andsenttotheminsteadtheteethofScathamadeintoanecklace,saying:“Jewelssuchastheseyouwillnotmatchinyourtreasuries,fortheyarehardtocomeby.”SomesaythattheDwarvesslewFramforthisinsult.Therewasnogreat

lovebetweenÉothéodandtheDwarves.

‘LéodwasthenameofEorl’sfather.Hewasatamerofwildhorses;forthereweremanyatthattimeintheland.Hecapturedawhitefoalanditgrewquicklytoahorsestrong,andfair,andproud.Nomancouldtameit.WhenLéoddaredtomountit,itborehimaway,andatlastthrewhim,andLéod’shead

struckarock,andsohedied.Hewasthenonlytwoandfortyyearsold,andhissonayouthofsixteen.

‘Eorlvowedthathewouldavengehisfather.Hehuntedlongforthehorse,andatlasthecaughtsightofhim;andhiscompanionsexpectedthathewouldtrytocomewithinbowshotandkillhim.Butwhentheydrewnear,Eorlstoodupandcalledinaloud

voice:“Comehither,Mansbane,andgetanewname!”TotheirwonderthehorselookedtowardsEorl,andcameandstoodbeforehim,andEorlsaid:“FelarófInameyou.Youlovedyourfreedom,andIdonotblameyouforthat.Butnowyouowemeagreatweregild,andyoushallsurrenderyourfreedomtomeuntilyourlife’send.”

‘ThenEorlmountedhim,andFelarófsubmitted;andEorlrodehimhomewithoutbitorbridle;andherodehiminlikefashioneverafter.Thehorseunderstoodallthatmensaid,thoughhewouldallownomanbutEorltomounthim.ItwasuponFelarófthatEorlrodetotheFieldofCelebrant;forthathorseprovedaslong-livedasMen,andsowerehisdescendants.

Thesewerethemearas,whowouldbearnoonebuttheKingoftheMarkorhissons,untilthetimeofShadowfax.MensaidofthemthatBéma(whomtheEldarcallOromë)musthavebroughttheirsirefromWestoverSea.

‘OftheKingsoftheMarkbetweenEorlandThéodenmostissaidofHelm

Hammerhand.Hewasagrimmanofgreatstrength.TherewasatthattimeamannamedFreca,whoclaimeddescentfromKingFréawine,thoughhehad,mensaid,muchDunlendishblood,andwasdark-haired.Hegrewrichandpowerful,havingwidelandsoneithersideoftheAdorn.1Nearitssourcehemadehimselfastrongholdandpaidlittleheedtotheking.Helm

mistrustedhim,butcalledhimtohiscouncils;andhecamewhenitpleasedhim.

‘TooneofthesecouncilsFrecarodewithmanymen,andheaskedthehandofHelm’sdaughterforhissonWulf.ButHelmsaid:“Youhavegrownbigsinceyouwerelasthere;butitismostlyfat,Iguess”;andmenlaughedatthat,forFrecawaswideinthebelt.

‘ThenFrecafellinarageandreviledtheking,andsaidthisatthelast:“Oldkingsthatrefuseaprofferedstaffmayfallontheirknees.”Helmanswered:“Come!Themarriageofyoursonisatrifle.LetHelmandFrecadealwithitlater.Meanwhilethekingandhiscouncilhavemattersofmomenttoconsider.”

‘Whenthecouncilwas

over,HelmstoodupandlaidhisgreathandonFreca’sshoulder,saying:“Thekingdoesnotpermitbrawlsinhishouse,butmenarefreeroutside”;andheforcedFrecatowalkbeforehimoutfromEdorasintothefield.ToFreca’smenthatcameuphesaid:“Beoff!Weneednohearers.Wearegoingtospeakofaprivatematteralone.Goandtalktomy

men!”Andtheylookedandsawthattheking’smenandhisfriendsfaroutnumberedthem,andtheydrewback.

‘“Now,Dunlending,”saidtheking,“youhaveonlyHelmtodealwith,aloneandunarmed.Butyouhavesaidmuchalready,anditismyturntospeak.Freca,yourfollyhasgrownwithyourbelly.Youtalkofastaff!IfHelmdislikesacrookedstaff

thatisthrustonhim,hebreaksit.So!”WiththathesmoteFrecasuchablowwithhisfistthathefellbackstunned,anddiedsoonafter.

‘HelmthenproclaimedFreca’ssonandnearkintheking’senemies;andtheyfled,foratonceHelmsentmanymenridingtothewestmarches.’

Fouryearslater(2758)greattroublescametoRohan,andnohelpcouldbesentfromGondor,forthreefleetsoftheCorsairsattackeditandtherewaswaronallitscoasts.AtthesametimeRohanwasagaininvadedfromtheEast,andtheDunlendingsseeingtheirchancecameovertheIsenanddownfromIsengard.ItwassoonknownthatWulfwastheirleader.Theywere

ingreatforce,fortheywerejoinedbyenemiesofGondorthatlandedinthemouthsofLefnuiandIsen.

TheRohirrimweredefeatedandtheirlandwasoverrun;andthosewhowerenotslainorenslavedfledtothedalesofthemountains.HelmwasdrivenbackwithgreatlossfromtheCrossingsofIsenandtookrefugeintheHornburgandtheravine

behind(whichwasafterknownasHelm’sDeep).Therehewasbesieged.WulftookEdorasandsatinMeduseldandcalledhimselfking.ThereHalethHelm’ssonfell,lastofall,defendingthedoors.

‘SoonafterwardstheLongWinterbegan,andRohanlayundersnowfornearlyfivemonths(NovembertoMarch,2758–9).BoththeRohirrim

andtheirfoessufferedgrievouslyinthecold,andinthedearththatlastedlonger.InHelm’sDeeptherewasagreathungerafterYule;andbeingindespair,againsttheking’scounsel,Hámahisyoungersonledmenoutonasortieandforay,buttheywerelostinthesnow.Helmgrewfierceandgauntforfamineandgrief;andthedreadofhimalonewasworth

manymeninthedefenceoftheBurg.Hewouldgooutbyhimself,cladinwhite,andstalklikeasnow-trollintothecampsofhisenemies,andslaymanymenwithhishands.Itwasbelievedthatifheborenoweaponnoweaponwouldbiteonhim.TheDunlendingssaidthatifhecouldfindnofoodheatemen.ThattalelastedlonginDunland.Helmhadagreat

horn,andsoonitwasmarkedthatbeforehesalliedforthhewouldblowablastuponitthatechoedintheDeep;andthensogreatafearfellonhisenemiesthatinsteadofgatheringtotakehimorkillhimtheyfledawaydowntheCoomb.

‘Onenightmenheardthehornblowing,butHelmdidnotreturn.Inthemorningtherecameasun-gleam,the

firstforlongdays,andtheysawawhitefigurestandingstillontheDike,alone,fornoneoftheDunlendingsdaredcomenear.TherestoodHelm,deadasastone,buthiskneeswereunbent.YetmensaidthatthehornwasstillheardattimesintheDeepandthewraithofHelmwouldwalkamongthefoesofRohanandkillmenwithfear.

‘Soonafterthewinter

broke.ThenFréaláf,sonofHild,Helm’ssister,camedownoutofDunharrow,towhichmanyhadfled;andwithasmallcompanyofdesperatemenhesurprisedWulfinMeduseldandslewhim,andregainedEdoras.Thereweregreatfloodsafterthesnows,andthevaleofEntwashbecameavastfen.TheEasterninvadersperishedorwithdrew;andtherecame

helpatlastfromGondor,bytheroadsbotheastandwestofthemountains.Beforetheyear(2759)wasendedtheDunlendingsweredrivenout,evenfromIsengard;andthenFréaláfbecameking.

‘HelmwasbroughtfromtheHornburgandlaidintheninthmound.Everafterthewhitesimbelmynëgrewtheremostthickly,sothatthemoundseemedtobesnow-

clad.WhenFréaláfdiedanewlineofmoundswasbegun.’

TheRohirrimweregrievouslyreducedbywaranddearthandlossofcattleandhorses;anditwaswellthatnogreatdangerthreatenedthemagainformanyyears,foritwasnotuntilthetimeofKing

Folcwinethattheyrecoveredtheirformerstrength.

ItwasatthecrowningofFréaláfthatSarumanappeared,bringinggifts,andspeakinggreatpraiseofthevalouroftheRohirrim.Allthoughthimawelcomeguest.SoonafterhetookuphisabodeinIsengard.Forthis,Beren,StewardofGondor,gavehimleave,forGondorstillclaimedIsengardasa

fortressofitsrealm,andnotpartofRohan.BerenalsogaveintoSaruman’skeepingthekeysofOrthanc.Thattowernoenemyhadbeenabletoharmortoenter.

InthiswaySarumanbegantobehaveasalordofMen;foratfirstheheldIsengardasalieutenantoftheStewardandwardenofthetower.ButFréaláfwasasgladasBerentohavethisso,

andtoknowthatIsengardwasinthehandsofastrongfriend.Afriendhelongseemed,andmaybeinthebeginninghewasoneintruth.Thoughafterwardstherewaslittledoubtinmen’smindsthatSarumanwenttoIsengardinhopetofindtheStonestillthere,andwiththepurposeofbuildingupapowerofhisown.CertainlyafterthelastWhite

Council(2953)hisdesignstowardsRohan,thoughhehidthem,wereevil.HethentookIsengardforhisownandbegantomakeitaplaceofguardedstrengthandfear,asthoughtorivaltheBarad-dûr.HisfriendsandservantshedrewthenfromallwhohatedGondorandRohan,whetherMenorothercreaturesmoreevil.

THEKINGSOFTHEMARK

FirstLine

Year1

2485–2545

1.EorltheYoung.Hewassonamedbecausehesucceededhisfatherinyouthandremainedyellow-hairedandruddytotheendofhisdays.Thesewereshortenedbyarenewedattackofthe

Easterlings.EorlfellinbattleintheWold,andthefirstmoundwasraised.Felarófwaslaidtherealso.

2512–70

2.Brego.HedrovetheenemyoutoftheWold,andRohanwasnotattackedagainformanyyears.In2569hecompletedthegreathallofMeduseld.AtthefeasthissonBaldorvowedthathewouldtread‘thePathsoftheDead’anddidnotreturn.2Bregodiedofgriefthenextyear.3.AldortheOld.HewasBrego’ssecondson.HebecameknownastheOld,sincehelivedtoagreatage,

2544–2645

andwaskingfor75years.InhistimetheRohirrimincreased,anddroveoutorsubduedthelastoftheDunlendishpeoplethatlingeredeastofIsen.Harrowdaleandothermountain-valleysweresettled.Ofthenextthreekingslittleissaid,forRohanhadpeaceandprosperedintheirtime.

2570–2659

4.Fréa.Eldestson,butfourthchildofAldor;hewasalreadyoldwhenhebecameking.

2594–2680

5.Fréawine.

2619–99 6.Goldwine.

2644–2718

7.Déor.InhistimetheDunlendingsraidedoftenovertheIsen.In2710theyoccupiedthedesertedringofIsengard,andcouldnotbedislodged.

2668–2741 8.Gram.

2691–2759

9.HelmHammerhand.AttheendofhisreignRohansufferedgreatloss,byinvasionandtheLongWinter.HelmandhissonsHalethandHámaperished.Fréaláf,Helm’ssister’sson,becameking.

SecondLine

2726–2798

10.FréaláfHildeson.InhistimeSarumancametoIsengard,fromwhichtheDunlendingshadbeendriven.TheRohirrimatfirstprofitedbyhisfriendshipinthedaysofdearthandweaknessthatfollowed.

2752–2842

11.Brytta.HewascalledbyhispeopleLéofa,forhewaslovedbyall;hewasopenhandedandahelptoalltheneedy.InhistimetherewaswarwithOrcsthat,drivenfromtheNorth,soughtrefugesintheWhite

Mountains.1Whenhedieditwasthoughtthattheyhadallbeenhuntedout;butitwasnotso.

2780–2851

12.Walda.Hewaskingonlynineyears.HewasslainwithallhiscompanionswhentheyweretrappedbyOrcs,astheyrodebymountain-pathsfromDunharrow.

2804–64

13.Folca.Hewasagreathunter,buthevowedtochasenowildbeastwhiletherewasanOrcleftinRohan.Whenthelastorc-holdwasfoundanddestroyed,hewenttohuntthegreatboarofEverholtintheFirienWood.

Heslewtheboarbutdiedofthetusk-woundsthatitgavehim.

2830–2903

14.Folcwine.WhenhebecamekingtheRohirrimhadrecoveredtheirstrength.Hereconqueredthewest-march(betweenAdornandIsen)thatDunlendingshadoccupied.RohanhadreceivedgreathelpfromGondorintheevildays.When,therefore,heheardthattheHaradrimwereassailingGondorwithgreatstrength,hesentmanymentothehelpoftheSteward.Hewishedtoleadthemhimself,butwasdissuaded,andhistwinsons

FolcredandFastred(born2858)wentinhisstead.TheyfellsidebysideinbattleinIthilien(2885).TúrinIIofGondorsenttoFolcwinearichweregildofgold.

2870–2953

15.Fengel.HewasthethirdsonandfourthchildofFolcwine.Heisnotrememberedwithpraise.Hewasgreedyoffoodandofgold,andatstrifewithhismarshals,andwithhischildren.Thengel,histhirdchildandonlyson,leftRohanwhenhecametomanhoodandlivedlonginGondor,andwonhonourintheserviceof

Turgon.

2905–80

16.Thengel.Hetooknowifeuntillate,butin2943heweddedMorwenofLossarnachinGondor,thoughshewasseventeenyearstheyounger.SheborehimthreechildreninGondor,ofwhomThéoden,thesecond,washisonlyson.WhenFengeldiedtheRohirrimrecalledhim,andhereturnedunwillingly.Butheprovedagoodandwiseking;thoughthespeechofGondorwasusedinhishouse,andnotallmenthoughtthatgood.Morwenborehimtwomoredaughters

inRohan;andthelast,Théodwyn,wasthefairest,thoughshecamelate(2963),thechildofhisage.Herbrotherlovedherdearly.ItwassoonafterThengel’sreturnthatSarumandeclaredhimselfLordofIsengardandbegantogivetroubletoRohan,encroachingonitsbordersandsupportingitsenemies.17.Théoden.HeiscalledThéodenEdnewintheloreofRohan,forhefellintoadeclineunderthespellsofSaruman,butwashealedbyGandalf,andinthelastyear

2948–3019

ofhislifearoseandledhismentovictoryattheHornburg,andsoonaftertotheFieldsofPelennor,thegreatestbattleoftheAge.HefellbeforethegatesofMundburg.Forawhileherestedinthelandofhisbirth,amongthedeadKingsofGondor,butwasbroughtbackandlaidintheeighthmoundofhislineatEdoras.Thenanewlinewasbegun.

ThirdLine

In2989ThéodwynmarriedÉomundofEastfold,thechiefMarshaloftheMark.HersonÉomerwasbornin2991,andherdaughterÉowynin2995.AtthattimeSauronhadarisenagain,andtheshadowofMordorreachedouttoRohan.Orcsbegantoraidintheeasternregionsandslayorstealhorses.OthersalsocamedownfromtheMistyMountains,manybeinggreat

uruksintheserviceofSaruman,thoughitwaslongbeforethatwassuspected.Éomund’schiefchargelayintheeastmarches;andhewasagreatloverofhorsesandhaterofOrcs.Ifnewscameofaraidhewouldoftenrideagainsttheminhotanger,unwarilyandwithfewmen.Thusitcameaboutthathewasslainin3002;forhepursuedasmallbandtothe

bordersoftheEmynMuil,andwastheresurprisedbyastrongforcethatlayinwaitintherocks.

NotlongafterThéodwyntooksickanddiedtothegreatgriefoftheking.Herchildrenhetookintohishouse,callingthemsonanddaughter.Hehadonlyonechildofhisown,Théodredhisson,thentwenty-fouryearsold;forthequeenElfhildhaddiedin

childbirth,andThéodendidnotwedagain.ÉomerandÉowyngrewupatEdorasandsawthedarkshadowfallonthehallsofThéoden.Éomerwaslikehisfathersbeforehim;butÉowynwasslenderandtall,withagraceandpridethatcametoheroutoftheSouthfromMorwenofLossarnach,whomtheRohirrimhadcalledSteelsheen.

2991–

63(3084)ÉomerÉadig.WhenstillyounghebecameaMarshaloftheMark(3017)andwasgivenhisfather’schargeintheeastmarches.IntheWaroftheRingThéodredfellinbattlewithSarumanattheCrossingsofIsen.ThereforebeforehediedontheFieldsofthePelennorThéodennamedÉomerhisheirandcalledhimking.InthatdayÉowynalsowonrenown,forshefoughtinthatbattle,ridingindisguise;andwasknownafterintheMarkastheLadyoftheShield-

F.A. arm.1Éomerbecameagreatking,andbeingyoungwhenhesucceededThéodenhereignedforsixty-fiveyears,longerthanalltheirkingsbeforehimsaveAldortheOld.IntheWaroftheRinghemadethefriendshipofKingElessar,andofImrahilofDolAmroth;andherodeoftentoGondor.InthelastyearoftheThirdAgeheweddedLothíriel,daughterofImrahil.TheirsonElfwinetheFairruledafterhim.

InÉomer’sdayintheMarkmenhadpeacewhowishedforit,andthepeopleincreasedbothinthedalesandtheplains,andtheirhorsesmultiplied.InGondortheKingElessarnowruled,andinArnoralso.Inallthelandsofthoserealmsofoldhewasking,saveinRohanonly;forherenewedtoÉomerthegiftofCirion,andÉomertookagaintheOathof

Eorl.Oftenhefulfilledit.ForthoughSauronhadpassed,thehatredsandevilsthathebredhadnotdied,andtheKingoftheWesthadmanyenemiestosubduebeforetheWhiteTreecouldgrowinpeace.AndwhereverKingElessarwentwithwarKingÉomerwentwithhim;andbeyondtheSeaofRhûnandonthefarfieldsoftheSouththethunderofthecavalryof

theMarkwasheard,andtheWhiteHorseuponGreenflewinmanywindsuntilÉomergrewold.

IIIDURIN’SFOLK

ConcerningthebeginningoftheDwarvesstrangetalesaretoldbothbytheEldarandby

theDwarvesthemselves;butsincethesethingsliefarbackbeyondourdayslittleissaidofthemhere.DurinisthenamethattheDwarvesusedfortheeldestoftheSevenFathersoftheirrace,andtheancestorofallthekingsoftheLongbeards.1Hesleptalone,untilinthedeepsoftimeandtheawakeningofthatpeoplehecametoAzanulbizar,andinthecaves

aboveKheled-zâramintheeastoftheMistyMountainshemadehisdwelling,whereafterwardsweretheMinesofMoriarenownedinsong.

TherehelivedsolongthathewasknownfarandwideasDurintheDeathless.YetintheendhediedbeforetheElderDayshadpassed,andhistombwasinKhazad-dûm;buthislineneverfailed,andfivetimesanheirwasbornin

hisHousesoliketohisForefatherthathereceivedthenameofDurin.HewasindeedheldbytheDwarvestobetheDeathlessthatreturned;fortheyhavemanystrangetalesandbeliefsconcerningthemselvesandtheirfateintheworld.

AftertheendoftheFirstAgethepowerandwealthofKhazad-dûmwasmuchincreased;foritwasenriched

bymanypeopleandmuchloreandcraftwhentheancientcitiesofNogrodandBelegostintheBlueMountainswereruinedatthebreakingofThangorodrim.ThepowerofMoriaenduredthroughouttheDarkYearsandthedominionofSauron,forthoughEregionwasdestroyedandthegatesofMoriawereshut,thehallsofKhazad-dûmweretoodeep

andstrongandfilledwithapeopletoonumerousandvaliantforSaurontoconquerfromwithout.Thusitswealthremainedlongunravished,thoughitspeoplebegantodwindle.

ItcametopassthatinthemiddleoftheThirdAgeDurinwasagainitsking,beingthesixthofthatname.ThepowerofSauron,servantofMorgoth,wasthenagain

growingintheworld,thoughtheShadowintheForestthatlookedtowardsMoriawasnotyetknownforwhatitwas.Allevilthingswerestirring.TheDwarvesdelveddeepatthattime,seekingbeneathBarazinbarformithril,themetalbeyondpricethatwasbecomingyearlyeverhardertowin.1

Thustheyrousedfromsleep2athingofterrorthat,flying

fromThangorodrim,hadlainhiddenatthefoundationsoftheearthsincethecomingoftheHostoftheWest:aBalrogofMorgoth.Durinwasslainbyit,andtheyearafterNáinI,hisson;andthenthegloryofMoriapassed,anditspeopleweredestroyedorfledfaraway.

Mostofthosethatescaped

madetheirwayintotheNorth,andThráinI,Náin’sson,cametoErebor,theLonelyMountain,neartheeasterneavesofMirkwood,andtherehebegannewworks,andbecameKingundertheMountain.InEreborhefoundthegreatjewel,theArkenstone,HeartoftheMountain.3ButThorinIhissonremovedandwentintothefarNorthtotheGrey

Mountains,wheremostofDurin’sfolkwerenowgathering;forthosemountainswererichandlittleexplored.Butthereweredragonsinthewastesbeyond;andaftermanyyearstheybecamestrongagainandmultiplied,andtheymadewarontheDwarves,andplunderedtheirworks.AtlastDáinI,togetherwithFrórhissecondson,wasslainatthe

doorsofhishallbyagreatcold-drake.

NotlongaftermostofDurin’sFolkabandonedtheGreyMountains.Grór,Dáin’sson,wentawaywithmanyfollowerstotheIronHills;butThrór,Dáin’sheir,withBorinhisfather’sbrotherandtheremainderofthepeoplereturnedtoErebor.TotheGreatHallofThráin,ThrórbroughtbacktheArkenstone,

andheandhisfolkprosperedandbecamerich,andtheyhadthefriendshipofallMenthatdweltnear.Fortheymadenotonlythingsofwonderandbeautybutweaponsandarmourofgreatworth;andtherewasgreattrafficoforebetweenthemandtheirkinintheIronHills.ThustheNorthmenwholivedbetweenCelduin(RiverRunning)andCarnen

(Redwater)becamestronganddrovebackallenemiesfromtheEast;andtheDwarveslivedinplenty,andtherewasfeastingandsongintheHallsofErebor.1

SotherumourofthewealthofEreborspreadabroadandreachedtheearsofthedragons,andatlastSmaugtheGolden,greatestofthedragonsofhisday,aroseandwithoutwarning

cameagainstKingThróranddescendedontheMountaininflames.Itwasnotlongbeforeallthatrealmwasdestroyed,andthetownofDalenearbywasruinedanddeserted;butSmaugenteredintotheGreatHallandlaythereuponabedofgold.

FromthesackandtheburningmanyofThrór’skinescaped;andlastofallfromthehallsbyasecretdoor

cameThrórhimselfandhissonThráinII.Theywentawaysouthwiththeirfamily2intolongandhomelesswandering.Withthemwentalsoasmallcompanyoftheirkinsmenandfaithfulfollowers.

YearsafterwardsThrór,nowold,poor,anddesperate,gavetohissonThráintheone

greattreasurehestillpossessed,thelastoftheSevenRings,andthenhewentawaywithoneoldcompaniononly,calledNár.OftheRinghesaidtoThráinattheirparting:

‘Thismayprovethefoundationofnewfortuneforyouyet,thoughthatseemsunlikely.Butitneedsgoldtobreedgold.’

‘Surelyyoudonotthink

ofreturningtoErebor?’saidThráin.

‘Notatmyage,’saidThrór.‘OurvengeanceonSmaugIbequeathtoyouandyoursons.ButIamtiredofpovertyandthescornofMen.IgotoseewhatIcanfind.’Hedidnotsaywhere.

HewasalittlecrazedperhapswithageandmisfortuneandlongbroodingonthesplendourofMoriain

hisforefathers’days;ortheRing,itmaybe,wasturningtoevilnowthatitsmasterwasawake,drivinghimtofollyanddestruction.FromDunland,wherehewasthendwelling,hewentnorthwithNár,andtheycrossedtheRedhornPassandcamedownintoAzanulbizar.

WhenThrórcametoMoriatheGatewasopen.Nárbeggedhimtobeware,buthe

tooknoheedofhim,andwalkedproudlyinasanheirthatreturns.Buthedidnotcomeback.Nárstayednearbyformanydaysinhiding.Onedayheheardaloudshoutandtheblareofahorn,andabodywasflungoutonthesteps.FearingthatitwasThrór,hebegantocreepnear,buttherecameavoicefromwithinthegate:

‘Comeon,beardling!We

canseeyou.Butthereisnoneedtobeafraidtoday.Weneedyouasamessenger.’

ThenNárcameup,andfoundthatitwasindeedthebodyofThrór,buttheheadwasseveredandlayfacedownwards.Ashekneltthere,heheardorc-laughterintheshadows,andthevoicesaid:

‘Ifbeggarswillnotwaitatthedoor,butsneakintotry

thieving,thatiswhatwedotothem.Ifanyofyourpeoplepoketheirfoulbeardsinhereagain,theywillfarethesame.Goandtellthemso!Butifhisfamilywishtoknowwhoisnowkinghere,thenameiswrittenonhisface.Iwroteit!Ikilledhim!Iamthemaster!’

ThenNárturnedtheheadandsawbrandedonthebrowindwarf-runessothathe

couldreaditthenameAZOG.ThatnamewasbrandedinhisheartandintheheartsofalltheDwarvesafterwards.Nárstoopedtotakethehead,butthevoiceofAzog1said:

‘Dropit!Beoff!Here’syourfee,beggar-beard.’Asmallbagstruckhim.Itheldafewcoinsoflittleworth.

Weeping,NárfleddowntheSilverlode;buthelookedbackonceandsawthatOrcs

hadcomefromthegateandwerehackingupthebodyandflingingthepiecestotheblackcrows.

SuchwasthetalethatNárbroughtbacktoThráin;andwhenhehadweptandtornhisbeardhefellsilent.Sevendayshesatandsaidnoword.Thenhestoodupandsaid:‘Thiscannotbeborne!’That

wasthebeginningoftheWaroftheDwarvesandtheOrcs,whichwaslonganddeadly,andfoughtforthemostpartindeepplacesbeneaththeearth.

Thráinatoncesentmessengersbearingthetale,north,east,andwest;butitwasthreeyearsbeforetheDwarveshadmusteredtheirstrength.Durin’sFolkgatheredalltheirhost,and

theywerejoinedbygreatforcessentfromtheHousesofotherFathers;forthisdishonourtotheheiroftheEldestoftheirracefilledthemwithwrath.WhenallwasreadytheyassailedandsackedonebyoneallthestrongholdsoftheOrcsthattheycouldfindfromGundabadtotheGladden.Bothsideswerepitiless,andtherewasdeathandcruel

deedsbydarkandbylight.ButtheDwarveshadthevictorythroughtheirstrength,andtheirmatchlessweapons,andthefireoftheiranger,astheyhuntedforAzogineverydenundermountain.

AtlastalltheOrcsthatfledbeforethemweregatheredinMoria,andtheDwarf-hostinpursuitcametoAzanulbizar.Thatwasagreatvalethatlaybetweenthe

armsofthemountainsaboutthelakeofKheled-zâramandhadbeenofoldpartofthekingdomofKhazad-dûm.WhentheDwarvessawthegateoftheirancientmansionsuponthehill-sidetheysentupagreatshoutlikethunderinthevalley.Butagreathostoffoeswasarrayedontheslopesabovethem,andoutofthegatespouredamultitudeofOrcsthathadbeenheld

backbyAzogforthelastneed.

AtfirstfortunewasagainsttheDwarves;foritwasadarkdayofwinterwithoutsun,andtheOrcsdidnotwaver,andtheyoutnumberedtheirenemies,andhadthehigherground.SobegantheBattleofAzanulbizar(orNanduhirionintheElvishtongue),atthememoryofwhichtheOrcs

stillshudderandtheDwarvesweep.ThefirstassaultofthevanguardledbyThráinwasthrownbackwithloss,andThráinwasdrivenintoawoodofgreattreesthatthenstillgrewnotfarfromKheled-zâram.ThereFrerinhissonfell,andFundinhiskinsman,andmanyothers,andbothThráinandThorinwerewounded.1Elsewherethebattleswayedtoandfro

withgreatslaughter,untilatlastthepeopleoftheIronHillsturnedtheday.CominglateandfreshtothefieldthemailedwarriorsofNáin,Grór’sson,drovethroughtheOrcstotheverythresholdofMoria,crying‘Azog!Azog!’astheyheweddownwiththeirmattocksallwhostoodintheirway.

ThenNáinstoodbeforetheGateandcriedwitha

greatvoice:‘Azog!Ifyouareincomeout!Oristheplayinthevalleytoorough?’

ThereuponAzogcameforth,andhewasagreatOrcwithahugeiron-cladhead,andyetagileandstrong.Withhimcamemanylikehim,thefightersofhisguard,andastheyengagedNáin’scompanyheturnedtoNáin,andsaid:

‘What?Yetanother

beggaratmydoors?MustIbrandyoutoo?’WiththatherushedatNáinandtheyfought.ButNáinwashalfblindwithrage,andalsoverywearywithbattle,whereasAzogwasfreshandfellandfullofguile.SoonNáinmadeagreatstrokewithallhisstrengththatremained,butAzogdartedasideandkickedNáin’sleg,sothatthemattocksplinteredonthe

stonewherehehadstood,butNáinstumbledforward.ThenAzogwithaswiftswinghewedhisneck.Hismail-collarwithstoodtheedge,butsoheavywastheblowthatNáin’sneckwasbrokenandhefell.

ThenAzoglaughed,andhelifteduphisheadtoletforthagreatyelloftriumph;butthecrydiedinhisthroat.Forhesawthatallhishostin

thevalleywasinarout,andtheDwarveswentthiswayandthatslayingastheywould,andthosethatcouldescapefromthemwereflyingsouth,shriekingastheyran.Andhardbyallthesoldiersofhisguardlaydead.HeturnedandfledbacktowardstheGate.

UpthestepsafterhimleapedaDwarfwitharedaxe.ItwasDáinIronfoot,

Náin’sson.RightbeforethedoorshecaughtAzog,andthereheslewhim,andhewedoffhishead.Thatwasheldagreatfeat,forDáinwasthenonlyastriplinginthereckoningoftheDwarves.Butlonglifeandmanybattleslaybeforehim,untiloldbutunbowedhefellatlastintheWaroftheRing.Yethardyandfullofwrathashewas,itissaidthatwhenhecame

downfromtheGatehelookedgreyintheface,asonewhohasfeltgreatfear.

WhenatlastthebattlewaswontheDwarvesthatwereleftgatheredinAzanulbizar.TheytooktheheadofAzogandthrustintoitsmouththepurseofsmallmoney,andthentheysetitonastake.Butnofeastnorsongwasthere

thatnight;fortheirdeadwerebeyondthecountofgrief.Barelyhalfoftheirnumber,itissaid,couldstillstandorhadhopeofhealing.

NonethelessinthemorningThráinstoodbeforethem.Hehadoneeyeblindedbeyondcure,andhewashaltwithaleg-wound;buthesaid:‘Good!Wehavethevictory.Khazad-dûmisours!’

Buttheyanswered:

‘Durin’sHeiryoumaybe,butevenwithoneeyeyoushouldseeclearer.Wefoughtthiswarforvengeance,andvengeancewehavetaken.Butitisnotsweet.Ifthisisvictory,thenourhandsaretoosmalltoholdit.’

AndthosewhowerenotofDurin’sFolksaidalso:‘Khazad-dûmwasnotourFathers’house.Whatisittous,unlessahopeoftreasure?

Butnow,ifwemustgowithouttherewardsandtheweregildsthatareowedtous,thesoonerwereturntoourownlandsthebetterpleasedweshallbe.’

ThenThráinturnedtoDáin,andsaid:‘Butsurelymyownkinwillnotdesertme?’‘No,’saidDáin.‘YouarethefatherofourFolk,andwehavebledforyou,andwillagain.Butwewillnot

enterKhazad-dûm.YouwillnotenterKhazad-dûm.OnlyIhavelookedthroughtheshadowoftheGate.Beyondtheshadowitwaitsforyoustill:Durin’sBane.TheworldmustchangeandsomeotherpowerthanoursmustcomebeforeDurin’sFolkwalkagaininMoria.’

Soitwasthatafter

AzanulbizartheDwarvesdispersedagain.Butfirstwithgreatlabourtheystrippedalltheirdead,sothatOrcsshouldnotcomeandwinthereastoreofweaponsandmail.ItissaidthateveryDwarfthatwentfromthatbattlefieldwasbowedunderaheavyburden.Thentheybuiltmanypyresandburnedallthebodiesoftheirkin.Therewasagreatfellingoftreesinthe

valley,whichremainedbareeverafter,andthereekoftheburningwasseeninLórien.1

Whenthedreadfulfireswereinashestheallieswentawaytotheirowncountries,andDáinIronfootledhisfather’speoplebacktotheIronHills.Thenstandingbythegreatstake,ThráinsaidtoThorinOakenshield:‘Somewouldthinkthisheaddearlybought!Atleastwehave

givenourkingdomforit.Willyoucomewithmebacktotheanvil?Orwillyoubegyourbreadatprouddoors?’

‘Totheanvil,’answeredThorin.‘Thehammerwillatleastkeepthearmsstrong,untiltheycanwieldsharpertoolsagain.’

SoThráinandThorinwithwhatremainedoftheirfollowing(amongwhomwereBalinandGlóin)

returnedtoDunland,andsoonafterwardstheyremovedandwanderedinEriador,untilatlasttheymadeahomeinexileintheeastoftheEredLuinbeyondtheLune.Ofironweremostofthethingsthattheyforgedinthosedays,buttheyprosperedafterafashion,andtheirnumbersslowlyincreased.1But,asThrórhadsaid,theRingneededgoldtobreedgold,

andofthatoranyotherpreciousmetaltheyhadlittleornone.

OfthisRingsomethingmaybesaidhere.ItwasbelievedbytheDwarvesofDurin’sFolktobethefirstoftheSeventhatwasforged;andtheysaythatitwasgiventotheKingofKhazad-dûm,DurinIII,bytheElven-smiths

themselvesandnotbySauron,thoughdoubtlesshisevilpowerwasonit,sincehehadaidedintheforgingofalltheSeven.ButthepossessorsoftheRingdidnotdisplayitorspeakofit,andtheyseldomsurrenderedituntilneardeath,sothatothersdidnotknowforcertainwhereitwasbestowed.SomethoughtthatithadremainedinKhazad-dûm,inthesecret

tombsofthekings,iftheyhadnotbeendiscoveredandplundered;butamongthekindredofDurin’sHeiritwasbelieved(wrongly)thatThrórhadwornitwhenherashlyreturnedthere.Whatthenhadbecomeofittheydidnotknow.ItwasnotfoundonthebodyofAzog.2

Nonethelessitmaywellbe,astheDwarvesnowbelieve,thatSauronbyhis

artshaddiscoveredwhohadthisRing,thelasttoremainfree,andthatthesingularmisfortunesoftheheirsofDurinwerelargelyduetohismalice.FortheDwarveshadproveduntameablebythismeans.TheonlypoweroverthemthattheRingswieldedwastoinflametheirheartswithagreedofgoldandpreciousthings,sothatiftheylackedthemallothergood

thingsseemedprofitless,andtheywerefilledwithwrathanddesireforvengeanceonallwhodeprivedthem.Buttheyweremadefromtheirbeginningofakindtoresistmoststeadfastlyanydomination.Thoughtheycouldbeslainorbroken,theycouldnotbereducedtoshadowsenslavedtoanotherwill;andforthesamereasontheirliveswerenotaffected

byanyRing,toliveeitherlongerorshorterbecauseofit.AllthemoredidSauronhatethepossessorsanddesiretodispossessthem.

ItwasthereforeperhapspartlybythemaliceoftheRingthatThráinaftersomeyearsbecamerestlessanddiscontented.Thelustforgoldwaseverinhismind.At

last,whenhecouldendureitnolonger,heturnedhisthoughtstoErebor,andresolvedtogobackthere.HesaidnothingtoThorinofwhatwasinhisheart;butwithBalinandDwalinandafewothers,hearoseandsaidfarewellanddeparted.

Littleisknownofwhathappenedtohimafterwards.Itwouldnowseemthatassoonashewasabroadwith

fewcompanionshewashuntedbytheemissariesofSauron.Wolvespursuedhim,Orcswaylaidhim,evilbirdsshadowedhispath,andthemorehestrovetogonorththemoremisfortunesopposedhim.TherecameadarknightwhenheandhiscompanionswerewanderinginthelandbeyondAnduin,andtheyweredrivenbyablackraintotakeshelterundertheeaves

ofMirkwood.Inthemorninghewasgonefromthecamp,andhiscompanionscalledhiminvain.Theysearchedforhimmanydays,untilatlastgivinguphopetheydepartedandcameatlengthbacktoThorin.OnlylongafterwasitlearnedthatThráinhadbeentakenaliveandbroughttothepitsofDolGuldur.TherehewastormentedandtheRingtaken

fromhim,andthereatlasthedied.

SoThorinOakenshieldbecametheHeirofDurin,butanheirwithouthope.WhenThráinwaslosthewasninety-five,agreatdwarfofproudbearing;butheseemedcontenttoremaininEriador.Therehelabouredlong,andtrafficked,andgainedsuchwealthashecould;andhispeoplewereincreasedby

manyofthewanderingFolkofDurinwhoheardofhisdwellinginthewestandcametohim.Nowtheyhadfairhallsinthemountains,andstoreofgoods,andtheirdaysdidnotseemsohard,thoughintheirsongstheyspokeeveroftheLonelyMountainfaraway.

Theyearslengthened.TheembersintheheartofThoringrewhotagain,ashebrooded

onthewrongsofhisHouseandthevengeanceupontheDragonthathehadinherited.Hethoughtofweaponsandarmiesandalliances,ashisgreathammerranginhisforge;butthearmiesweredispersedandthealliancesbrokenandtheaxesofhispeoplewerefew;andagreatangerwithouthopeburnedhimashesmotetheredironontheanvil.

ButatlasttherecameaboutbychanceameetingbetweenGandalfandThorinthatchangedallthefortunesoftheHouseofDurin,andledtootherandgreaterendsbeside.Onatime1Thorin,returningwestfromajourney,stayedatBreeforthenight.ThereGandalfwasalso.HewasonhiswaytotheShire,whichhehadnotvisitedforsometwentyyears.

Hewasweary,andthoughttorestthereforawhile.

AmongmanycareshewastroubledinmindbytheperilousstateoftheNorth;becauseheknewthenalreadythatSauronwasplottingwar,andintended,assoonashefeltstrongenough,toattackRivendell.ButtoresistanyattemptfromtheEasttoregainthelandsofAngmarandthenorthernpassesinthe

mountainstherewerenowonlytheDwarvesoftheIronHills.AndbeyondthemlaythedesolationoftheDragon.TheDragonSauronmightusewithterribleeffect.HowthencouldtheendofSmaugbeachieved?

ItwasevenasGandalfsatandponderedthisthatThorinstoodbeforehim,andsaid:‘MasterGandalf,Iknowyouonlybysight,butnowI

shouldbegladtospeakwithyou.Foryouhaveoftencomeintomythoughtsoflate,asifIwerebiddentoseekyou.IndeedIshouldhavedoneso,ifIhadknownwheretofindyou.’

Gandalflookedathimwithwonder.‘Thatisstrange,ThorinOakenshield,’hesaid.‘ForIhavethoughtofyoualso;andthoughIamonmywaytotheShire,itwasinmy

mindthatisthewayalsotoyourhalls.’

‘Callthemso,ifyouwill,’saidThorin.‘Theyareonlypoorlodgingsinexile.Butyouwouldbewelcomethere,ifyouwouldcome.Fortheysaythatyouarewiseandknowmorethananyotherofwhatgoesonintheworld;andIhavemuchonmymindandwouldbegladofyourcounsel.’

‘Iwillcome,’saidGandalf;‘forIguessthatweshareonetroubleatleast.TheDragonofEreborisonmymind,andIdonotthinkthathewillbeforgottenbythegrandsonofThrór.’

Thestoryistoldelsewhereofwhatcameofthatmeeting:ofthestrangeplanthatGandalfmadeforthehelpofThorin,

andhowThorinandhiscompanionssetoutfromtheShireonthequestoftheLonelyMountainthatcametogreatendsunforeseen.HereonlythosethingsarerecalledthatdirectlyconcernDurin’sFolk.

TheDragonwasslainbyBardofEsgaroth,buttherewasbattleinDale.FortheOrcscamedownuponEreborassoonastheyheardofthe

returnoftheDwarves;andtheywereledbyBolg,sonofthatAzogwhomDáinslewinhisyouth.InthatfirstBattleofDale,ThorinOakenshieldwasmortallywounded;andhediedandwaslaidinatombundertheMountainwiththeArkenstoneuponhisbreast.TherefellalsoFíliandKíli,hissister-sons.ButDáinIronfoot,hiscousin,whocamefromtheIronHillsto

hisaidandwasalsohisrightfulheir,becamethenKingDáinII,andtheKingdomundertheMountainwasrestored,evenasGandalfhaddesired.Dáinprovedagreatandwiseking,andtheDwarvesprosperedandgrewstrongagaininhisday.

Inthelatesummerofthatsameyear(2941)GandalfhadatlastprevaileduponSarumanandtheWhite

CounciltoattackDolGuldur,andSauronretreatedandwenttoMordor,theretobesecure,ashethought,fromallhisenemies.SoitwasthatwhentheWarcameatlastthemainassaultwasturnedsouthwards;yetevensowithhisfar-stretchedrighthandSauronmighthavedonegreatevilintheNorth,ifKingDáinandKingBrandhadnotstoodinhispath.Evenas

GandalfsaidafterwardstoFrodoandGimli,whentheydwelttogetherforatimeinMinasTirith.NotlongbeforenewshadcometoGondorofeventsfaraway.

‘IgrievedatthefallofThorin,’saidGandalf;‘andnowwehearthatDáinhasfallen,fightinginDaleagain,evenwhilewefoughthere.Ishouldcallthataheavyloss,ifitwasnotawonderrather

thatinhisgreatagehecouldstillwieldhisaxeasmightilyastheysaythathedid,standingoverthebodyofKingBrandbeforetheGateofEreboruntilthedarknessfell.

‘Yetthingsmighthavegonefarotherwiseandfarworse.WhenyouthinkofthegreatBattleofthePelennor,donotforgetthebattlesinDaleandthevalourof

Durin’sFolk.Thinkofwhatmighthavebeen.Dragon-fireandsavageswordsinEriador,nightinRivendell.TheremightbenoQueeninGondor.Wemightnowhopetoreturnfromthevictoryhereonlytoruinandash.Butthathasbeenaverted–becauseImetThorinOakenshieldoneeveningontheedgeofspringinBree.Achance-meeting,aswesayin

Middle-earth.’

DíswasthedaughterofThráinII.Sheistheonlydwarf-womannamedinthesehistories.ItwassaidbyGimlithattherearefewdwarf-women,probablynomorethanathirdofthewholepeople.Theyseldomwalkabroadexceptatgreatneed.Theyareinvoiceand

appearance,andingarbiftheymustgoonajourney,soliketothedwarf-menthattheeyesandearsofotherpeoplescannottellthemapart.ThishasgivenrisetothefoolishopinionamongMenthattherearenodwarf-women,andthattheDwarves‘growoutofstone’.

Itisbecauseofthefewnessofwomenamongthemthatthekindofthe

Dwarvesincreasesslowly,andisinperilwhentheyhavenosecuredwellings.ForDwarvestakeonlyonewifeorhusbandeachintheirlives,andarejealous,asinallmattersoftheirrights.Thenumberofdwarf-menthatmarryisactuallylessthanone-third.Fornotallthewomentakehusbands:somedesirenone;somedesireonethattheycannotget,andso

willhavenoother.Asforthemen,verymanyalsodonotdesiremarriage,beingengrossedintheircrafts.

TheLineoftheDwarvesofEreborasitwassetoutbyGimliGlóin’ssonforKing

Elessar.

FoundationofErebor,1999.DainIslainbyadragon,2589.ReturntoErebor,2590.SackofErebor,2770.MurderofThrór,2790.MusteringoftheDwarves,2790–3.WaroftheDwarvesandOrcs,2793–9.

BattleofNanduhirion,2799..Thráingoeswandering,2841.DeathofThráinandlossofhisRing,2850.BattleofFiveArmiesanddeathofThorinII,2941.BalingoestoMoria,2989.

*Thenamesofthose

whowereheldtobekingsofDurin’sFolk,whetherinexileornot,aremarkedso.OftheothercompanionsofThorinOakenshieldinthejourneytoEroborOri,Nori,andDoriwerealsooftheHouseofDurin,andmoreremotekinsmanofThorin.Bifur,Bofur,andBomburwere

descendedfromDwarvesofMoriabutwerenotofDurin’sline.For†seep.1351.

GimliGlóin’ssonisrenowned,forhewasoneoftheNineWalkersthatsetoutwiththeRing;andheremainedinthecompanyofKingElessarthroughouttheWar.HewasnamedElf-

friendbecauseofthegreatlovethatgrewbetweenhimandLegolas,sonofKingThranduil,andbecauseofhisreverencefortheLadyGaladriel.

AfterthefallofSauron,GimlibroughtsouthapartoftheDwarf-folkofErebor,andhebecameLordoftheGlitteringCaves.HeandhispeopledidgreatworksinGondorandRohan.For

MinasTiriththeyforgedgatesofmithrilandsteeltoreplacethosebrokenbytheWitch-king.LegolashisfriendalsobroughtsouthElvesoutofGreenwood,andtheydweltinIthilien,anditbecameonceagainthefairestcountryinallthewestlands.

ButwhenKingElessargaveuphislifeLegolasfollowedatlastthedesireofhisheart

andsailedoverSea.

HerefollowsoneofthelastnotesintheRedBook

WehaveheardtellthatLegolastookGimliGlóin’ssonwithhimbecauseoftheirgreatfriendship,greaterthananythathasbeenbetweenElfandDwarf.Ifthisistrue,thenitisstrangeindeed:thata

DwarfshouldbewillingtoleaveMiddle-earthforanylove,orthattheEldarshouldreceivehim,orthattheLordsoftheWestshouldpermitit.ButitissaidthatGimliwentalsooutofdesiretoseeagainthebeautyofGaladriel;anditmaybethatshe,beingmightyamongtheEldar,obtainedthisgraceforhim.Morecannotbesaidofthismatter.

APPENDIXBTHETALEOFYEARS

(CHRONOLOGYOFTHEWESTLANDS)

TheFirstAgeendedwiththeGreatBattle,inwhichtheHostofValinorbrokeThangorodrim1andoverthrewMorgoth.Then

mostoftheNoldorreturnedintotheFarWest2anddweltinEressëawithinsightofValinor;andmanyoftheSindarwentoverSeaalso.

TheSecondAgeendedwiththefirstoverthrowofSauron,servantofMorgoth,andthetakingoftheOneRing.

TheThirdAgecametoitsendintheWaroftheRing;buttheFourthAgewasnot

heldtohavebegununtilMasterElronddeparted,andthetimewascomeforthedominionofMenandthedeclineofallother‘speaking-peoples’inMiddle-earth.3

IntheFourthAgetheearlierageswereoftencalledtheElderDays;butthatnamewasproperlygivenonlytothedaysbeforethecastingoutofMorgoth.Thehistoriesofthattimearenotrecorded

here.

TheSecondAge

ThesewerethedarkyearsforMenofMiddle-earth,buttheyearsofthegloryofNúmenor.OfeventsinMiddle-earththerecordsarefewandbrief,andtheirdatesareoftenuncertain.

InthebeginningofthisagemanyoftheHighElvesstillremained.MostofthesedweltinLindonwestoftheEredLuin;butbeforethebuildingoftheBarad-dûrmanyoftheSindarpassedeastward,andsomeestablishedrealmsintheforestsfaraway,wheretheirpeopleweremostlySilvanElves.Thranduil,kinginthenorthofGreenwoodthe

Great,wasoneofthese.InLindonnorthoftheLunedweltGil-galad,lastheirofthekingsoftheNoldorinexile.HewasacknowledgedasHighKingoftheElvesoftheWest.InLindonsouthoftheLunedweltforatimeCeleborn,kinsmanofThingol;hiswifewasGaladriel,greatestofElvenwomen.ShewassisterofFinrodFelagund,Friend-of-

Men,oncekingofNargothrond,whogavehislifetosaveBerensonofBarahir.

LatersomeoftheNoldorwenttoEregion,uponthewestoftheMistyMountains,andneartotheWest-gateofMoria.ThistheydidbecausetheylearnedthatmithrilhadbeendiscoveredinMoria.1TheNoldorweregreatcraftsmenandlessunfriendly

totheDwarvesthantheSindar;butthefriendshipthatgrewupbetweenthepeopleofDurinandtheElven-smithsofEregionwastheclosestthattherehaseverbeenbetweenthetworaces.CelebrimborwasLordofEregionandthegreatestoftheircraftsmen;hewasdescendedfromFëanor.

Year

1 FoundationoftheGreyHavens,andofLindon.

32 TheEdainreachNúmenor.

c.40

ManyDwarvesleavingtheiroldcitiesinEredLuingotoMoriaandswellitsnumbers.

442 DeathofElrosTar-Minyatur.

c.500 SauronbeginstostiragaininMiddle-earth.

521 BirthinNúmenorofSilmariën.

600ThefirstshipsoftheNúmenóreansappearoffthecoasts.

750 EregionfoundedbytheNoldor.

c.1000

Sauron,alarmedbythegrowingpoweroftheNúmenóreans,choosesMordorasalandtomakeintoastronghold.HebeginsthebuildingofBarad-dûr.

1075Tar-AncalimëbecomesthefirstRulingQueenofNúmenor.

1200

SauronendeavourstoseducetheEldar.Gil-galadrefusestotreatwithhim;butthesmithsofEregionarewonover.TheNúmenóreansbegintomakepermanenthavens.

c.1500

TheElven-smithsinstructedbySauronreachtheheightoftheirskill.TheybegintheforgingoftheRingsofPower.

c.1590 TheThreeRingsarecompletedinEregion.

c.1600

SauronforgestheOneRinginOrodruin.HecompletestheBarad-dûr.CelebrimborperceivesthedesignsofSauron.

1693WaroftheElvesandSauronbegins.TheThreeRingsarehidden.Sauron’sforcesinvade

1695 Eriador.Gil-galadsendsElrondtoEregion.

1697

Eregionlaidwaste.DeathofCelebrimbor.ThegatesofMoriaareshut.ElrondretreatswithremnantoftheNoldorandfoundstherefugeofImladris.

1699 SauronoverrunsEriador.

1700

Tar-MinastirsendsagreatnavyfromNúmenortoLindon.Sauronisdefeated.

1701

SauronisdrivenoutofEriador.TheWestlandshavepeaceforalongwhile.

c.1800

FromaboutthistimeonwardtheNúmenóreansbegintoestablishdominionsonthecoasts.Sauronextendshispowereastwards.TheshadowfallsonNúmenor.

2251

DeathofTar-Atanamir.Tar-Ancalimontakesthesceptre.RebellionanddivisionoftheNúmenóreansbegins.AboutthistimetheNazgûlorRingwraiths,slavesoftheNineRings,firstappear.

2280UmbarismadeintoagreatfortressofNúmenor.

2350

Pelargirisbuilt.ItbecomesthechiefhavenoftheFaithfulNúmenóreans.

2899 Ar-Adûnakhôrtakesthesceptre.

3175RepentanceofTar-Palantir.CivilwarinNúmenor.

3255 Ar-PharazôntheGoldenseizesthesceptre.

3261 Ar-PharazônsetssailandlandsatUmbar.

3262

SauronistakenasprisonertoNúmenor;3262–3310SauronseducestheKingand

corruptstheNúmenóreans.

3310Ar-PharazônbeginsthebuildingoftheGreatArmament.

3319

Ar-PharazônassailsValinor.DownfallofNúmenor.Elendilandhissonsescape.

3320

FoundationsoftheRealmsinExile:ArnorandGondor.TheStonesaredivided(p.780).SauronreturnstoMordor.SauronattacksGondor,takesMinasIthilandburnstheWhiteTree.

3429 IsildurescapesdownAnduinandgoestoElendilintheNorth.AnáriondefendsMinasAnorandOsgiliath.

3430 TheLastAllianceofElvesandMenisformed.

3431 Gil-galadandElendilmarcheasttoImladris.

3434

ThehostoftheAlliancecrossestheMistyMountains.BattleofDagorladanddefeatofSauron.SiegeofBarad-dûrbegins.

3440 Anárionslain.

Sauronoverthrownby

3441

ElendilandGil-galad,whoperish.IsildurtakestheOneRing.SauronpassesawayandtheRingwraithsgointotheshadows.TheSecondAgeends.

TheThirdAge

ThesewerethefadingyearsoftheEldar.Forlongtheywereatpeace,wieldingthe

ThreeRingswhileSauronsleptandtheOneRingwaslost;buttheyattemptednothingnew,livinginmemoryofthepast.TheDwarveshidthemselvesindeepplaces,guardingtheirhoards;butwhenevilbegantostiragainanddragonsreappeared,onebyonetheirancienttreasureswereplundered,andtheybecameawanderingpeople.Moriafor

longremainedsecure,butitsnumbersdwindleduntilmanyofitsvastmansionsbecamedarkandempty.Thewisdomandthelife-spanoftheNúmenóreansalsowanedastheybecamemingledwithlesserMen.

Whenmaybeathousandyearshadpassed,andthefirstshadowhadfallenonGreenwoodtheGreat,theIstariorWizardsappearedin

Middle-earth.ItwasafterwardssaidthattheycameoutoftheFarWestandweremessengerssenttocontestthepowerofSauron,andtouniteallthosewhohadthewilltoresisthim;buttheywereforbiddentomatchhispowerwithpower,ortoseektodominateElvesorMenbyforceandfear.

TheycamethereforeintheshapeofMen,though

theywereneveryoungandagedonlyslowly,andtheyhadmanypowersofmindandhand.Theyrevealedtheirtruenamestofew,1butusedsuchnamesasweregiventothem.Thetwohighestofthisorder(ofwhomitissaidtherewerefive)werecalledbytheEldarCurunír,‘theManofSkill’,andMithrandir,‘theGreyPilgrim’,butbyMeninthe

NorthSarumanandGandalf.CurunírjourneyedoftenintotheEast,butdweltatlastinIsengard.MithrandirwasclosestinfriendshipwiththeEldar,andwanderedmostlyintheWest,andnevermadeforhimselfanylastingabode.

ThroughouttheThirdAgetheguardianshipoftheThreeRingswasknownonlytothosewhopossessedthem.Butattheenditbecame

knownthattheyhadbeenheldatfirstbythethreegreatestoftheEldar:Gil-galad,GaladrielandCírdan.Gil-galadbeforehediedgavehisringtoElrond;CírdanlatersurrenderedhistoMithrandir.ForCírdansawfurtheranddeeperthananyotherinMiddle-earth,andhewelcomedMithrandirattheGreyHavens,knowingwhencehecameandwhither

hewouldreturn.‘Takethisring,Master,’

hesaid,‘foryourlabourswillbeheavy;butitwillsupportyouinthewearinessthatyouhavetakenuponyourself.ForthisistheRingofFire,andwithityoumayrekindleheartsinaworldthatgrowschill.Butasforme,myheartiswiththeSea,andIwilldwellbythegreyshoresuntilthelastshipsails.Iwillawait

you.’Year

2

IsildurplantsaseedlingoftheWhiteTreeinMinasAnor.HedeliverstheSouth-kingdomtoMeneldil.DisasteroftheGladdenFields;Isildurandhisthreeeldersonsareslain.

3 OhtarbringstheshardsofNarsiltoImladris.

10 ValandilbecomesKingofArnor.

109 ElrondwedsCelebrían,daughterofCeleborn.

130 BirthofElladanand

Elrohir,sonsofElrond.

241 BirthofArwenUndómiel.

420 KingOstoherrebuildsMinasAnor.

490 FirstinvasionofEasterlings.

500 RómendacilIdefeatstheEasterlings.

541 Rómendacilslaininbattle.

830 FalasturbeginsthelineoftheShip-kingsofGondor.

861 DeathofEärendur,anddivisionofArnor.

933KingEärnilItakesUmbar,whichbecomesa

fortressofGondor.

936 Eärnillostatsea.

1015 KingCiryandilslaininthesiegeofUmbar.

1050

HyarmendacilconquerstheHarad.Gondorreachestheheightofitspower.AboutthistimeashadowfallsonGreenwood,andmenbegintocallitMirkwood.ThePeriannatharefirstmentionedinrecords,withthecomingoftheHarfootstoEriador.TheWise(theIstariandthechiefEldar)discover

c.1100 thatanevilpowerhasmadeastrongholdatDolGuldur.ItisthoughttobeoneoftheNazgûl.

1149 ReignofAtanatarAlcarinbegins.

c.1150

TheFallohidesenterEriador.TheStoorscomeovertheRedhornPassandmovetotheAngle,ortoDunland.

c.1300

Evilthingsbegintomultiplyagain.OrcsincreaseintheMistyMountainsandattacktheDwarves.TheNazgûlreappear.Thechiefofthesecomesnorthto

Angmar.ThePeriannathmigratewestward;manysettleatBree.

1356

KingArgelebIslaininbattlewithRhudaur.AboutthistimetheStoorsleavetheAngle,andsomereturntoWilderland.

1409

TheWitch-kingofAngmarinvadesArnor.KingArvelegIslain.FornostandTyrnGorthadaredefended.TheTowerofAmonSûldestroyed.

1432KingValacarofGondordies,andthecivilwaroftheKin-strifebegins.

1437

BurningofOsgiliathandlossofthepalantír.EldacarfleestoRhovanion;hissonOrnendilismurdered.

1447

EldacarreturnsanddrivesouttheusurperCastamir.BattleoftheCrossingsofErui.SiegeofPelargir.

1448 RebelsescapeandseizeUmbar.

1540KingAldamirslaininwarwiththeHaradandCorsairsofUmbar.

1551HyarmendacilIIdefeatstheMenofHarad.

1601 ManyPeriannathmigratefromBree,andaregrantedlandbeyondBaranduinbyArgelebII.

c.1630 TheyarejoinedbyStoorscomingupfromDunland.

1634TheCorsairsravagePelargirandslayKingMinardil.

1636

TheGreatPlaguedevastatesGondor.DeathofKingTelemnarandhischildren.TheWhiteTreediesinMinasAnor.Theplaguespreadsnorthandwest,andmanypartsofEriadorbecomedesolate.BeyondtheBaranduinthe

Periannathsurvive,butsuffergreatloss.

1640

KingTarondorremovestheKing’sHousetoMinasAnor,andplantsaseedlingoftheWhiteTree.Osgiliathbeginstofallintoruin.Mordorisleftunguarded.

1810

KingTelumehtarUmbardacilretakesUmbaranddrivesouttheCorsairs.

1851TheattacksoftheWainridersuponGondorbegin.

Gondorlosesitseastern

1856 territories,andNarmacilIIfallsinbattle.

1899KingCalimehtardefeatstheWainridersonDagorlad.

1900CalimehtarbuildstheWhiteTowerinMinasAnor.

1940

GondorandArnorrenewcommunicationsandformanalliance.ArveduiwedsFírieldaughterofOndoherofGondor.

1944

Ondoherfallsinbattle.EärnildefeatstheenemyinSouthIthilien.HethenwinstheBattleoftheCamp,anddrives

WainridersintotheDeadMarshes.ArveduiclaimsthecrownofGondor.

1945 EärnilIIreceivesthecrown.

1974

EndoftheNorth-kingdom.TheWitch-kingoverrunsArthedainandtakesFornost.

1975

ArveduidrownedintheBayofForochel.ThepalantíriofAnnúminasandAmonSûlarelost.EärnurbringsafleettoLindon.TheWitch-kingdefeatedattheBattleofFornost,andpursuedtotheEttenmoors.He

vanishesfromtheNorth.

1976

AranarthtakesthetitleofChieftainoftheDúnedain.TheheirloomsofArnoraregivenintothekeepingofElrond.

1977 FrumgarleadstheÉothéodintotheNorth.

1979BuccaoftheMarishbecomesfirstThainoftheShire.

1980

TheWitch-kingcomestoMordorandtheregatherstheNazgûl.ABalrogappearsinMoria,andslaysDurinVI.NáinIslain.TheDwarves

1981fleefromMoria.ManyoftheSilvanElvesofLórienfleesouth.AmrothandNimrodelarelost.

1999

ThráinIcomestoEreborandfoundsadwarf-kingdom‘undertheMountain’.

2000TheNazgûlissuefromMordorandbesiegeMinasIthil.

2002

FallofMinasIthil,afterwardsknownasMinasMorgul.Thepalantíriscaptured.

2043EärnurbecomesKingofGondor.Heischallenged

bytheWitch-king.

2050

Thechallengeisrenewed.EärnurridestoMinasMorgulandislost.MardilbecomesthefirstRulingSteward.

2060

ThepowerofDolGuldurgrows.TheWisefearthatitmaybeSaurontakingshapeagain.

2063

GandalfgoestoDolGuldur.SauronretreatsandhidesintheEast.TheWatchfulPeacebegins.TheNazgûlremainquietinMinasMorgul.ThorinIleavesErebor,

2210andgoesnorthtotheGreyMountains,wheremostoftheremnantsofDurin’sFolkarenowgathering.

2340

IsumbrasIbecomesthirteenthThain,andfirstoftheTookline.TheOldbucksoccupytheBuckland.

2460

TheWatchfulPeaceends.SauronreturnswithincreasedstrengthtoDolGuldur.

2463

TheWhiteCouncilisformed.AboutthistimeDéagoltheStoorfindstheOneRing,andis

murderedbySméagol.

2470AboutthistimeSméagol-GollumhidesintheMistyMountains.

2475

AttackonGondorrenewed.Osgiliathfinallyruined,anditsstone-bridgebroken.

c.2480

OrcsbegintomakesecretstrongholdsintheMistyMountainssoastobarallthepassesintoEriador.SauronbeginstopeopleMoriawithhiscreatures.

2509

Celebrían,journeyingtoLórien,iswaylaidintheRedhornPass,and

receivesapoisonedwound.

2510

CelebríandepartsoverSea.OrcsandEasterlingsoverrunCalenardhon.EorltheYoungwinsthevictoryoftheFieldofCelebrant.TheRohirrimsettleinCalenardhon.

2545 EorlfallsinbattleintheWold.

2569BregosonofEorlcompletestheGoldenHall.

2570

BaldorsonofBregoenterstheForbiddenDoorandislost.AboutthistimeDragonsreappearin

thefarNorthandbegintoafflicttheDwarves.

2589 DáinIslainbyaDragon.

2590ThrórreturnstoErebor.GrórhisbrothergoestotheIronHills.

c.2670Toboldplants‘pipe-weed’intheSouthfarthing.

2683

IsengrimIIbecomestenthThainandbeginstheexcavationofGreatSmials.

2698EcthelionIrebuildstheWhiteTowerinMinasTirith.

2740 Orcsrenewtheir

invasionsofEriador.

2747BandobrasTookdefeatsanOrc-bandintheNorth-farthing.

2758

Rohanattackedfromwestandeastandoverrun.GondorattackedbyfleetsoftheCorsairs.HelmofRohantakesrefugeinHelm’sDeep.WulfseizesEdoras.2758–9:TheLongWinterfollows.GreatsufferingandlossoflifeinEriadorandRohan.GandalfcomestotheaidoftheShire-folk.

DeathofHelm.Fréaláf

2759drivesoutWulf,andbeginssecondlineofKingsoftheMark.SarumantakesuphisabodeinIsengard.

2770

SmaugtheDragondescendsonErebor.Daledestroyed.ThrórescapeswithThráinIIandThorinII.

2790

ThrórslainbyanOrcinMoria.TheDwarvesgatherforawarofvengeance.BirthofGerontius,laterknownastheOldTook.

2793 TheWaroftheDwarves

andOrcsbegins.

2799

BattleofNanduhirionbeforetheEast-gateofMoria.DáinIronfootreturnstotheIronHills.ThráinIIandhissonThorinwanderwestwards.TheysettleintheSouthofEredLuinbeyondtheShire(2802).

2800–64

OrcsfromtheNorthtroubleRohan.KingWaldaslainbythem(2861).

2841

ThráinIIsetsouttorevisitErebor,butispursuedbytheservantsof

Sauron.

2845

ThráintheDwarfisimprisonedinDolGuldur;thelastoftheSevenRingsistakenfromhim.

2850

GandalfagainentersDolGuldur,anddiscoversthatitsmasterisindeedSauron,whoisgatheringalltheRingsandseekingfornewsoftheOne,andofIsildur’sHeir.HefindsThráinandreceivesthekeyofErebor.ThráindiesinDolGuldur.

TheWhiteCouncilmeets.

2851GandalfurgesanattackonDolGuldur.Sarumanoverruleshim.1SarumanbeginstosearchneartheGladdenFields.

2872

BelecthorIIofGondordies.TheWhiteTreedies,andnoseedlingcanbefound.TheDeadTreeisleftstanding.

2885

StirredupbyemissariesofSaurontheHaradrimcrossthePorosandattackGondor.ThesonsofFolcwineofRohanareslainintheserviceofGondor.

2890 BilbobornintheShire.

2901

MostoftheremaininginhabitantsofIthiliendesertitowingtotheattacksofUruksofMordor.ThesecretrefugeofHennethAnnûnisbuilt.

2907 BirthofGilraenmotherofAragornII.

2911

TheFellWinter.TheBaranduinandotherriversarefrozen.WhiteWolvesinvadeEriadorfromtheNorth.

2912

GreatfloodsdevastateEnedwaithandMinhiriath.Tharbadisruinedanddeserted.

2920 DeathoftheOldTook.

2929ArathornsonofAradoroftheDúnedainwedsGilraen.

2930

AradorslainbyTrolls.BirthofDenethorIIsonofEcthelionIIinMinasTirith.

2931 AragornsonofArathornIIbornonMarch1st.

2933

ArathornIIslain.GilraentakesAragorntoImladris.Elrondreceiveshimasfoster-sonandgiveshimthenameEstel(Hope);hisancestryisconcealed.

2939

SarumandiscoversthatSauron’sservantsaresearchingtheAnduinnearGladdenFields,andthatSauronthereforehaslearnedofIsildur’send.Heisalarmed,butsaysnothingtotheCouncil.

2941

ThorinOakenshieldandGandalfvisitBilbointheShire.BilbomeetsSméagol-GollumandfindstheRing.TheWhiteCouncilmeets;SarumanagreestoanattackonDolGuldur,sincehenowwishestopreventSauronfromsearchingtheRiver.

SauronhavingmadehisplansabandonsDolGuldur.TheBattleoftheFiveArmiesinDale.DeathofThorinII.BardofEsgarothslaysSmaug.DáinoftheIronHillsbecomesKingundertheMountain(DáinII).

2942

BilboreturnstotheShirewiththeRing.SauronreturnsinsecrettoMordor.

2944

BardrebuildsDaleandbecomesKing.GollumleavestheMountainsandbeginshissearchforthe‘thief’oftheRing.

2948 ThéodensonofThengel,KingofRohan,born.

2949 GandalfandBalinvisitBilbointheShire.

2950Finduilas,daughterofAdrahilofDolAmroth,born.

2951

SaurondeclareshimselfopenlyandgatherspowerinMordor.HebeginstherebuildingofBarad-dûr.GollumturnstowardsMordor.SauronsendsthreeoftheNazgûltoreoccupyDolGuldur.Elrondrevealsto‘Estel’histruenameandancestry,anddeliversto

himtheshardsofNarsil.Arwen,newlyreturnedfromLórien,meetsAragorninthewoodsofImladris.AragorngoesoutintotheWild.

2953

LastmeetingoftheWhiteCouncil.TheydebatetheRings.SarumanfeignsthathehasdiscoveredthattheOneRinghaspasseddownAnduintotheSea.SarumanwithdrawstoIsengard,whichhetakesashisown,andfortifiesit.BeingjealousandafraidofGandalfhesetsspiesto

watchallhismovements;andnoteshisinterestintheShire.HesoonbeginstokeepagentsinBreeandtheSouthfarthing.

2954

MountDoomburstsintoflameagain.ThelastinhabitantsofIthilienfleeoverAnduin.

2956AragornmeetsGandalfandtheirfriendshipbegins.

2957–80

Aragornundertakeshisgreatjourneysanderrantries.AsThorongilheservesindisguisebothThengelofRohanandEcthelionIIofGondor.

2968 BirthofFrodo.

2976DenethorwedsFinduilasofDolAmroth.

2977 BainsonofBardbecomesKingofDale.

2978 BirthofBoromirsonofDenethorII.

2980

AragornentersLórien,andtheremeetsagainArwenUndómiel.AragorngiveshertheringofBarahir,andtheyplighttheirtrothuponthehillofCerinAmroth.AboutthistimeGollumreachestheconfinesofMordorandbecomesacquaintedwith

Shelob.ThéodenbecomesKingofRohan.BirthofSamwise.

2983 FaramirsonofDenethorborn.

2984DeathofEcthelionII.DenethorIIbecomesStewardofGondor.

2988 Finduilasdiesyoung.

2989 BalinleavesEreborandentersMoria.

2991 ÉomerÉomund’ssonborninRohan.

2994Balinperishes,andthedwarf-colonyisdestroyed.ÉowynsisterofÉomer

2995 born.

c.3000

TheshadowofMordorlengthens.SarumandarestousethepalantírofOrthanc,butbecomesensnaredbySauron,whohastheIthil-stone.HebecomesatraitortotheCouncil.HisspiesreportthattheShireisbeingcloselyguardedbytheRangers.

3001

Bilbo’sfarewellfeast.GandalfsuspectshisringtobetheOneRing.TheguardontheShireisdoubled.Gandalfseeks

fornewsofGollumandcallsonthehelpofAragorn.

3002BilbobecomesaguestofElrond,andsettlesinRivendell.

3004

GandalfvisitsFrodointheShire,anddoessoatintervalsduringthenextfouryears.

3007BrandsonofBainbecomesKinginDale.DeathofGilraen.

3008IntheautumnGandalfpayshislastvisittoFrodo.GandalfandAragorn

3009

renewtheirhuntforGollumatintervalsduringthenexteightyears,searchinginthevalesofAnduin,Mirkwood,andRhovaniontotheconfinesofMordor.AtsometimeduringtheseyearsGollumhimselfventuredintoMordor,andwascapturedbySauron.ElrondsendsforArwen,andshereturnstoImladris;theMountainsandalllandseastwardarebecomingdangerous.GollumisreleasedfromMordor.Heistakenby

3017AragornintheDeadMarshes,andbroughttoThranduilinMirkwood.GandalfvisitsMinasTirithandreadsthescrollofIsildur.

THEGREATYEARS3018

April12 GandalfreachesHobbiton.

June

20SauronattacksOsgiliath.AboutthesametimeThranduilisattacked,andGollumescapes.

Mid-year’sDayGandalfmeetsRadagast.

July4 BoromirsetsoutfromMinas

Tirith.

10 GandalfimprisonedinOrthanc.

AugustAlltraceofGollumislost.Itisthoughtthatataboutthistime,beinghuntedbothbytheElvesandSauron’sservants,hetookrefugeinMoria;butwhenhehadatlastdiscoveredthewaytotheWest-gatehecouldnotgetout.

September

18GandalfescapesfromOrthancintheearlyhours.TheBlackRiderscrosstheFordsofIsen.

19 GandalfcomestoEdorasasabeggar,andisrefusedadmittance.

20

GandalfgainsentrancetoEdoras.Théodencommandshimtogo:‘Takeanyhorse,onlybegoneeretomorrowisold!’

21

GandalfmeetsShadowfax,butthehorsewillnotallowhimtocomenear.HefollowsShadowfaxfaroverthefields.

22

TheBlackRidersreachSarnFordatevening;theydriveofftheguardofRangers.GandalfovertakesShadowfax.

23

FourRidersentertheShirebeforedawn.TheotherspursuetheRangerseastward,andthenreturntowatchtheGreenway.ABlackRidercomestoHobbitonatnightfall.FrodoleavesBagEnd.GandalfhavingtamedShadowfaxridesfromRohan.

24 GandalfcrossestheIsen.

26 TheOldForest.FrodocomestoBombadil.

27 GandalfcrossesGreyflood.SecondnightwithBombadil.

28TheHobbitscapturedbyaBarrow-wight.GandalfreachesSarnFord.

29FrodoreachesBreeatnight.

GandalfvisitstheGaffer.

30

CrickhollowandtheInnatBreeareraidedintheearlyhours.FrodoleavesBree.GandalfcomestoCrickhollow,andreachesBreeatnight.

October1 GandalfleavesBree.

3 HeisattackedatnightonWeathertop.

6 ThecampunderWeathertopattackedatnight.Frodowounded.

9 GlorfindelleavesRivendell.

11 HedrivestheRidersofftheBridgeofMitheithel.

13 FrodocrossestheBridge.

18 GlorfindelfindsFrodoatdusk.GandalfreachesRivendell.

20 EscapeacrosstheFordofBruinen.

24Frodorecoversandwakes.BoromirarrivesinRivendellatnight.

25 CouncilofElrond.

DecemberTheCompanyoftheRingleaves

25 Rivendellatdusk.

3019

January8 TheCompanyreachHollin.11,12 SnowonCaradhras.

13

AttackbyWolvesintheearlyhours.TheCompanyreachesWest-gateofMoriaatnightfall.GollumbeginstotrailtheRing-

bearer.14 NightinHallTwenty-one.

15TheBridgeofKhazad-dûm,andfallofGandalf.TheCompanyreachesNimrodellateatnight.

17 TheCompanycomestoCarasGaladhonatevening.

23 GandalfpursuestheBalrogtothepeakofZirakzigil.

25HecastsdowntheBalrog,andpassesaway.Hisbodyliesonthepeak.

February

15 TheMirrorofGaladriel.Gandalfreturnstolife,andliesinatrance.

16FarewelltoLórien.Golluminhidingonthewestbankobservesthedeparture.

17 GwaihirbearsGandalftoLórien.

23 TheboatsareattackedatnightnearSarnGebir.

25

TheCompanypasstheArgonathandcampatParthGalen.FirstBattleoftheFordsofIsen;ThéodredsonofThéodenslain.

26

BreakingoftheFellowship.DeathofBoromir;hishornisheardinMinasTirith.MeriadocandPeregrincaptured.FrodoandSamwiseentertheeasternEmyn

Muil.AragornsetsoutinpursuitoftheOrcsatevening.ÉomerhearsofthedescentoftheOrc-bandfromEmynMuil.

27

Aragornreachesthewest-cliffatsunrise.ÉomeragainstThéoden’sorderssetsoutfromEastfoldaboutmidnighttopursuetheOrcs.

28 ÉomerovertakestheOrcsjustoutsideFangornForest.

29

MeriadocandPippinescapeandmeetTreebeard.TheRohirrimattackatsunriseanddestroytheOrcs.FrododescendsfromtheEmynMuilandmeetsGollum.FaramirseesthefuneralboatofBoromir.

30 Entmootbegins.ÉomerreturningtoEdorasmeetsAragorn.

March

1

FrodobeginsthepassageoftheDeadMarshesatdawn.Entmootcontinues.AragornmeetsGandalftheWhite.TheysetoutforEdoras.FaramirleavesMinasTirithonanerrandtoIthilien.FrodocomestotheendoftheMarshes.GandalfcomestoEdorasandhealsThéoden.TheRohirrimridewestagainst

2 Saruman.SecondBattleofFordsofIsen.Erkenbranddefeated.Entmootendsinafternoon.TheEntsmarchonIsengardandreachitatnight.

3

ThéodenretreatstoHelm’sDeep.BattleoftheHornburgbegins.EntscompletethedestructionofIsengard.

4

ThéodenandGandalfsetoutfromHelm’sDeepforIsengard.Frodoreachestheslag-moundsontheedgeoftheDesolationoftheMorannon.ThéodenreachesIsengardatnoon.ParleywithSarumaninOrthanc.WingedNazgûlpasses

5 overthecampatDolBaran.GandalfsetsoutwithPeregrinforMinasTirith.FrodohidesinsightoftheMorannon,andleavesatdusk.

6

AragornovertakenbytheDúnedainintheearlyhours.ThéodensetsoutfromtheHornburgforHarrowdale.Aragornsetsoutlater.

7FrodotakenbyFaramirtoHennethAnnûn.AragorncomestoDunharrowatnightfall.

8

Aragorntakesthe‘PathsoftheDead’atdaybreak;hereachesErechatmidnight.FrodoleavesHennethAnnûn.GandalfreachesMinasTirith.

9

FaramirleavesHennethAnnûn.AragornsetsoutfromErechandcomestoCalembel.AtduskFrodoreachestheMorgul-road.ThéodencomestoDunharrow.DarknessbeginstoflowoutofMordor.

10

TheDawnlessDay.TheMusterofRohan:theRohirrimridefromHarrowdale.FaramirrescuedbyGandalfoutsidethegatesoftheCity.AragorncrossesRingló.AnarmyfromtheMorannontakesCairAndrosandpassesintoAnórien.FrodopassestheCross-roads,andseestheMorgul-hostsetforth.GollumvisitsShelob,butseeing

11

Frodoasleepnearlyrepents.DenethorsendsFaramirtoOsgiliath.AragornreachesLinhirandcrossesintoLebennin.EasternRohanisinvadedfromthenorth.FirstassaultonLórien.

12

GollumleadsFrodointoShelob’slair.FaramirretreatstotheCausewayForts.ThéodencampsunderMin-Rimmon.AragorndrivestheenemytowardsPelargir.TheEntsdefeattheinvadersofRohan.

13

FrodocapturedbytheOrcsofCirithUngol.ThePelennorisoverrun.Faramiriswounded.AragornreachesPelargirandcapturesthefleet.Théodenin

DrúadanForest.

14

SamwisefindsFrodointheTower.MinasTirithisbesieged.TheRohirrimledbytheWildMencometotheGreyWood.

15

IntheearlyhourstheWitch-kingbreakstheGatesoftheCity.Denethorburnshimselfonapyre.ThehornsoftheRohirrimareheardatcockcrow.BattleofthePelennor.Théodenisslain.AragornraisesthestandardofArwen.FrodoandSamwiseescapeandbegintheirjourneynorthalongtheMorgai.BattleunderthetreesinMirkwood;ThranduilrepelstheforcesofDolGuldur.SecondassaultonLórien.

16Debateofthecommanders.FrodofromtheMorgailooksoutoverthecamptoMountDoom.

17

BattleofDale.KingBrandandKingDáinIronfootfall.ManyDwarvesandMentakerefugeinEreborandarebesieged.ShagratbringsFrodo’scloak,mail-shirt,andswordtoBarad-dûr.

18

TheHostoftheWestmarchesfromMinasTirith.FrodocomesinsightoftheIsenmouthe;heisovertakenbyOrcsontheroadfromDurthangtoUdûn.

19

TheHostcomestoMorgulVale.FrodoandSamwiseescapeandbegintheirjourneyalongtheroad

totheBarad-dûr.

22

Thedreadfulnightfall.FrodoandSamwiseleavetheroadandturnsouthtoMountDoom.ThirdassaultonLórien.

23

TheHostpassesoutofIthilien.Aragorndismissesthefaint-hearted.FrodoandSamwisecastawaytheirarmsandgear.

24

FrodoandSamwisemaketheirlastjourneytothefeetofMountDoom.TheHostcampsintheDesolationoftheMorannon.

25

TheHostissurroundedontheSlag-hills.FrodoandSamwisereachtheSammathNaur.GollumseizestheRingandfallsinthe

CracksofDoom.DownfallofBarad-dûrandpassingofSauron.

AfterthefalloftheDarkTowerandthepassingofSaurontheShadowwasliftedfromtheheartsofallwhoopposedhim,butfearanddespairfelluponhisservantsandallies.ThreetimesLórienhadbeenassailedfromDolGuldur,butbesidesthevalouroftheelvenpeopleofthat

land,thepowerthatdwelttherewastoogreatforanytoovercome,unlessSauronhadcometherehimself.Thoughgrievousharmwasdonetothefairwoodsontheborders,theassaultsweredrivenback;andwhentheShadowpassed,CeleborncameforthandledthehostofLórienoverAnduininmanyboats.TheytookDolGuldur,andGaladrielthrewdownits

wallsandlaidbareitspits,andtheforestwascleansed.

IntheNorthalsotherehadbeenwarandevil.TherealmofThranduilwasinvaded,andtherewaslongbattleunderthetreesandgreatruinoffire;butintheendThranduilhadthevictory.AndonthedayoftheNewYearoftheElves,CelebornandThranduilmetinthemidstoftheforest;andthey

renamedMirkwoodErynLasgalen,TheWoodofGreenleaves.Thranduiltookallthenorthernregionasfarasthemountainsthatriseintheforestforhisrealm;andCeleborntookallthesouthernwoodbelowtheNarrows,andnameditEastLórien;allthewideforestbetweenwasgiventotheBeorningsandtheWoodmen.Butafterthepassingof

GaladrielinafewyearsCeleborngrewwearyofhisrealmandwenttoImladristodwellwiththesonsofElrond.IntheGreenwoodtheSilvanElvesremaineduntroubled,butinLórientherelingeredsadlyonlyafewofitsformerpeople,andtherewasnolongerlightorsonginCarasGaladhon.

AtthesametimeasthegreatarmiesbesiegedMinasTirithahostofthealliesofSauronthathadlongthreatenedthebordersofKingBrandcrossedtheRiverCarnen,andBrandwasdrivenbacktoDale.TherehehadtheaidoftheDwarvesofErebor;andtherewasagreatbattleattheMountain’sfeet.Itlastedthreedays,butintheendbothKingBrandandKingDáin

Ironfootwereslain,andtheEasterlingshadthevictory.ButtheycouldnottaketheGate,andmany,bothDwarvesandMen,tookrefugeinErebor,andtherewithstoodasiege.

WhennewscameofthegreatvictoriesintheSouth,thenSauron’snorthernarmywasfilledwithdismay;andthebesiegedcameforthandroutedthem,andtheremnant

fledintotheEastandtroubledDalenomore.ThenBardII,Brand’sson,becameKinginDale,andThorinIIIStonehelm,Dáin’sson,becameKingundertheMountain.TheysenttheirambassadorstothecrowningofKingElessar;andtheirrealmsremainedeverafter,aslongastheylasted,infriendshipwithGondor;andtheywereunderthecrown

andprotectionoftheKingoftheWest.

THECHIEFDAYSFROMTHEFALLOFBARAD-DÛRTOTHEENDOFTHETHIRDAGE1

3019S.R.1419

March27.BardIIandThorinIIIStonehelmdrivetheenemyfromDale.28.CeleborncrossesAnduin;destructionofDolGuldurbegun.

April6.MeetingofCelebornandThranduil.8.TheRing-bearersare

honouredontheFieldofCormallen.

May1.CrowningofKingElessar;ElrondandArwensetoutfromRivendell.8.ÉomerandÉowyndepartforRohanwiththesonsofElrond.20.ElrondandArwencometo

Lórien.27.TheescortofArwenleavesLórien.

June14.ThesonsofElrondmeettheescortandbringArwentoEdoras.16.TheysetoutforGondor.25.KingElessarfindsthesaplingoftheWhiteTree.

1Lithe.ArwencomestotheCity.

Mid-year’sDay.WeddingofElessarandArwen.

July18.ÉomerreturnstoMinasTirith.22.ThefuneralescortofKingThéodensetsout.

August7.TheescortcomestoEdoras.10.Funeralof

KingThéoden.14.ThegueststakeleaveofKingÉomer.15.TreebeardreleasesSaruman.18.TheycometoHelm’sDeep.22.TheycometoIsengard;theytakeleaveoftheKingoftheWestatsunset.

28.TheyovertakeSaruman;SarumanturnstowardstheShire.

September6.TheyhaltinsightoftheMountainsofMoria.13.CelebornandGaladrieldepart,theotherssetoutforRivendell.21.TheyreturntoRivendell.

22.Thehundredandtwenty-ninthbirthdayofBilbo.SarumancomestotheShire.

October5.GandalfandtheHobbitsleaveRivendell.6.TheycrosstheFordofBruinen;Frodofeelsthefirstreturnofpain.28.Theyreach

Breeatnightfall.30.TheyleaveBree.The‘Travellers’cometotheBrandywineBridgeatdark.

November1.TheyarearrestedatFrogmorton.2.TheycometoBywaterandrousetheShire-folk.3.Battleof

Bywater,andPassingofSaruman.EndoftheWaroftheRing.

3020S.R.1420:TheGreatYearofPlenty

March13.Frodoistakenill(ontheanniversaryofhis

poisoningbyShelob).April6.Themallornflowers

inthePartyField.May1.Samwisemarries

Rose.Mid-year’sDay.Frodo

resignsofficeofmayor,andWillWhit-footisrestored.

September22.Bilbo’shundredandthirtiethbirthday.

October6.Frodoisagainill.

3021S.R.1421:TheLastoftheThirdAgeMarch13.Frodois

againill.25.BirthofElanortheFair,1daughterofSamwise.OnthisdaytheFourthAgebeganinthereckoningofGondor.September21.

FrodoandSamwisesetoutfromHobbiton.22.TheymeettheLastRidingoftheKeepersoftheRingsinWoodyEnd.29.TheycometotheGreyHavens.FrodoandBilbodepartoverSeawiththeThree

Keepers.TheendoftheThirdAge.

October6.SamwisereturnstoBagEnd.

LATEREVENTSCONCERNINGTHEMEMBERSOFTHEFELLOWSHIPOF

THERING

S.R.

1422

WiththebeginningofthisyeartheFourthAgebeganinthecountofyearsintheShire;butthenumbersoftheyearsofShireReckoningwerecontinued.

1427

WillWhitfootresigns.SamwiseiselectedMayoroftheShire.PeregrinTookmarriesDiamondofLongCleeve.KingElessarissuesanedictthatMenarenottoentertheShire,andhemakesitaFreeLandundertheprotectionoftheNorthernSceptre.

1430 Faramir,sonofPeregrin,born.

1431 Goldilocks,daughterofSamwise,born.

1432

Meriadoc,calledtheMagnificent,becomesMasterofBuckland.GreatgiftsaresenttohimbyKingÉomerandtheLadyÉowynofIthilien.

1434

PeregrinbecomestheTookandThain.KingElessarmakestheThain,theMaster,andtheMayorCounsellorsoftheNorth-kingdom.MasterSamwiseiselectedMayorforthesecondtime.KingElessarridesnorth,anddwellsforawhilebyLakeEvendim.HecomestotheBrandywineBridge,andthere

1436 greetshisfriends.HegivestheStaroftheDúnedaintoMasterSamwise,andElanorismadeamaidofhonourtoQueenArwen.

1441 MasterSamwisebecomesMayorforthethirdtime.

1442

MasterSamwiseandhiswifeandElanorridetoGondorandstaythereforayear.MasterTolmanCottonactsasdeputyMayor.

1448 MasterSamwisebecomesMayorforthefourthtime.

1451ElanortheFairmarriesFastredofGreenholmontheFarDowns.

1452

TheWestmarch,fromtheFarDownstotheTowerHills(EmynBeraid),1isaddedtotheShirebythegiftoftheKing.Manyhobbitsremovetoit.

1454 ElfstanFairbairn,sonofFastredandElanor,isborn.

1455 MasterSamwisebecomesMayorforthefifthtime.

1462

MasterSamwisebecomesMayorforthesixthtime.AthisrequesttheThainmakesFastredWardenofWestmarch.FastredandElanormaketheirdwellingatUndertowersontheTowerHills,wheretheirdescendants,theFairbairnsof

theTowers,dweltformanygenerations.

1463FaramirTookmarriesGoldilocks,daughterofSamwise.

1469

MasterSamwisebecomesMayorfortheseventhandlasttime,beingin1476,attheendofhisoffice,ninety-sixyearsold.

1482

DeathofMistressRose,wifeofMasterSamwise,onMid-year’sDay.OnSeptember22MasterSamwiseridesoutfromBagEnd.HecomestotheTowerHills,andislastseenbyElanor,towhomhegivestheRedBookafterwardskeptby

theFairbairns.AmongthemthetraditionishandeddownfromElanorthatSamwisepassedtheTowers,andwenttotheGreyHavens,andpassedoverSea,lastoftheRing-bearers.

1484

InthespringoftheyearamessagecamefromRohantoBucklandthatKingÉomerwishedtoseeMasterHoldwineonceagain.Meriadocwasthenold(102)butstillhale.HetookcounselwithhisfriendtheThain,andsoonaftertheyhandedovertheirgoodsandofficestotheirsonsandrodeawayovertheSarnFord,andtheywerenotseenagaininthe

Shire.ItwasheardafterthatMasterMeriadoccametoEdorasandwaswithKingÉomerbeforehediedinthatautumn.ThenheandThainPeregrinwenttoGondorandpassedwhatshortyearswerelefttotheminthatrealm,untiltheydiedandwerelaidinRathDínenamongthegreatofGondor.

1541

Inthisyear1onMarch1stcameatlastthePassingofKingElessar.ItissaidthatthebedsofMeriadocandPeregrinweresetbesidethebedofthegreatking.ThenLegolasbuiltagreyshipinIthilien,andsailed

downAnduinandsooverSea;andwithhim,itissaid,wentGimlitheDwarf.AndwhenthatshippassedanendwascomeinMiddle-earthoftheFellowshipoftheRing.

APPENDIXCFAMILYTREES

ThenamesgivenintheseTreesareonlyaselectionfrommany.MostofthemareeitherguestsatBilbo’sFarewellParty,ortheirdirectancestors.TheguestsatthePartyareunderlined.Afew

othernamesofpersonsconcernedintheeventsrecountedarealsogiven.InadditionsomegenealogicalinformationisprovidedconcerningSamwisethefounderofthefamilyofGardner,laterfamousandinfluential.

Thefiguresafterthenamesarethoseofbirth(anddeathwherethatisrecorded).Alldatesaregivenaccording

totheShire-reckoning,calculatedfromthecrossingoftheBrandywinebythebrothersMarchoandBlancointheYear1oftheShire(ThirdAge1601).

APPENDIXDSHIRECALENDARFORUSEINALLYEARS

Everyyearbeganonthefirst

dayoftheweek,Saturday,andendedonthelastdayoftheweek,Friday.TheMid-year’sDay,andinLeap-yearstheOverlithe,hadnoweekdayname.TheLithebeforeMid-year’sDaywascalled1Lithe,andtheoneafterwascalled2Lithe.TheYuleattheendoftheyearwas1Yule,andthatatthebeginningwas2Yule.TheOverlithewasadayofspecial

holiday,butitdidnotoccurinanyoftheyearsimportanttothehistoryoftheGreatRing.Itoccurredin1420,theyearofthefamousharvestandwonderfulsummer,andthemerrymakinginthatyearissaidtohavebeenthegreatestinmemoryorrecord.

THECALENDARS

TheCalendarintheShiredifferedinseveralfeaturesfromours.Theyearnodoubtwasofthesamelength,1forlongagoasthosetimesarenowreckonedinyearsandlivesofmen,theywerenotveryremoteaccordingtothememoryoftheEarth.ItisrecordedbytheHobbitsthattheyhadno‘week’whentheywerestillawanderingpeople,andthoughtheyhad

‘months’,governedmoreorlessbytheMoon,theirkeepingofdatesandcalculationsoftimewerevagueandinaccurate.Inthewest-landsofEriador,whentheyhadbeguntosettledown,theyadoptedtheKings’ReckoningoftheDúnedain,whichwasultimatelyofEldarinorigin;buttheHobbitsoftheShireintroducedseveralminor

alterations.Thiscalendar,or‘ShireReckoning’asitwascalled,waseventuallyadoptedalsoinBree,exceptfortheShireusageofcountingasYear1theyearofthecolonizationoftheShire.

Itisoftendifficulttodiscoverfromoldtalesandtraditionspreciseinformationaboutthingswhichpeopleknewwellandtookforgrantedintheirownday

(suchasthenamesofletters,orofthedaysoftheweek,orthenamesandlengthsofmonths).Butowingtotheirgeneralinterestingenealogy,andtotheinterestinancienthistorywhichthelearnedamongstthemdevelopedaftertheWaroftheRing,theShire-hobbitsseemtohaveconcernedthemselvesagooddealwithdates;andtheyevendrewupcomplicatedtables

showingtherelationsoftheirownsystemwithothers.Iamnotskilledinthesematters,andmayhavemademanyerrors;butatanyratethechronologyofthecrucialyearsS.R.1418,1419issocarefullysetoutintheRedBookthattherecannotbemuchdoubtaboutdaysandtimesatthatpoint.

ItseemsclearthattheEldarinMiddle-earth,whohad,asSamwiseremarked,moretimeattheirdisposal,reckonedinlongperiods,andtheQuenyawordyén,oftentranslated‘year’(p.492),reallymeans144ofouryears.TheEldarpreferredtoreckoninsixesandtwelvesasfaraspossible.A‘day’ofthesuntheycalledréandreckonedfromsunsetto

sunset.Theyéncontained52,596days.ForritualratherthanpracticalpurposestheEldarobservedaweekorenquiëofsixdays;andtheyéncontained8,766oftheseenquier,reckonedcontinuouslythroughouttheperiod.

InMiddle-earththeEldaralsoobservedashortperiodorsolaryear,calledacoranaror‘sun-round’when

consideredmoreorlessastronomically,butusuallycalledloa‘growth’(especiallyinthenorth-westernlands)whentheseasonalchangesinvegetationwereprimarilyconsidered,aswasusualwiththeElvesgenerally.Theloawasbrokenupintoperiodsthatmightberegardedeitheraslongmonthsorshortseasons.Thesenodoubt

variedindifferentregions;buttheHobbitsonlyprovideinformationconcerningtheCalendarofImladris.Inthatcalendarthereweresixofthese‘seasons’,ofwhichtheQuenyanamesweretuilë,lairë,yávië,quellë,hrívë,coirë,whichmaybetranslated‘spring,summer,autumn,fading,winter,stirring’.TheSindarinnameswereethuil,laer,iavas,firith,

rhîw,echuir.‘Fading’wasalsocalledlasse-lanta‘leaf-fall’,orinSindarinnarbeleth‘sun-waning’.

Lairëandhrívëeachcontained72days,andtheremainder54each.Theloabeganwithyestarë,thedayimmediatelybeforetuilë,andendedwithmettarë,thedayimmediatelyaftercoirë.Betweenyáviëandquellëwereinsertedthreeenderior

‘middle-days’.Thisprovidedayearof365dayswhichwassupplementedbydoublingtheenderi(adding3days)ineverytwelfthyear.

Howanyresultinginaccuracywasdealtwithisuncertain.Iftheyearwasthenofthesamelengthasnow,theyénwouldhavebeenmorethanadaytoolong.Thattherewasaninaccuracyisshownbyanote

intheCalendarsoftheRedBooktotheeffectthatinthe‘ReckoningofRivendell’thelastyearofeverythirdyénwasshortenedbythreedays:thedoublingofthethreeenderidueinthatyearwasomitted;‘butthathasnothappenedinourtime’.Oftheadjustmentofanyremaininginaccuracythereisnorecord.

TheNúmenóreansalteredthesearrangements.Theydividedtheloaintoshorterperiodsofmoreregularlength;andtheyadheredtothecustomofbeginningtheyearinmid-winter,whichhadbeenusedbyMenoftheNorth-westfromwhomtheywerederivedintheFirstAge.Latertheyalsomadetheirweekoneof7days,andtheyreckonedthedayfrom

sunrise(outoftheeasternsea)tosunrise.

TheNúmenóreansystem,asusedinNúmenor,andinArnorandGondoruntiltheendofthekings,wascalledKings’Reckoning.Thenormalyearhad365days.Itwasdividedintotwelveastarormonths,ofwhichtenhad30daysandtwohad31.ThelongastarwerethoseoneithersideoftheMid-year,

approximatelyourJuneandJuly.Thefirstdayoftheyearwascalledyestarë,themiddleday(183rd)wascalledloëndë,andthelastdaymettarë;these3daysbelongedtonomonth.Ineveryfourthyear,exceptthelastofacentury(haranyë),twoenderior‘middle-days’weresubstitutedfortheloëndë.

InNúmenorcalculation

startedwithS.A.1.TheDeficitcausedbydeducting1dayfromthelastyearofacenturywasnotadjusteduntilthelastyearofamillennium,leavingamillennialdeficitof4hours,46minutes,40seconds.ThisadditionwasmadeinNúmenorinS.A.1000,2000,3000.AftertheDownfallinS.A.3319thesystemwasmaintainedbytheexiles,butitwasmuch

dislocatedbythebeginningoftheThirdAgewithanewnumeration:S.A.3442becameT.A.1.BymakingT.A.4aleapyearinsteadofT.A.3(S.A.3444)1moreshortyearofonly365dayswasintrudedcausingadeficitof5hours,48minutes,46seconds.Themillennialadditionsweremade441yearslate:inT.A.1000(S.A.4441)and2000(S.A.5441).

Toreducetheerrorssocaused,andtheaccumulationofthemillennialdeficits,MardiltheStewardissuedarevisedcalendartotakeeffectinT.A.2060,afteraspecialadditionof2daysto2059(S.A.5500),whichconcluded5½millenniasincethebeginningoftheNúmenóreansystem.Butthisstillleftabout8hoursdeficit.

Hadorto2360added1

daythoughthisdeficiencyhadnotquitereachedthatamount.Afterthatnomoreadjustmentsweremade.(InT.A.3000withthethreatofimminentwarsuchmatterswereneglected.)BytheendoftheThirdAge,after660moreyears,theDeficithadnotyetamountedto1day.

TheRevisedCalendarintroducedbyMardilwascalledStewards’Reckoning

andwasadoptedeventuallybymostoftheusersoftheWestronlanguage,excepttheHobbits.Themonthswereallof30days,and2daysoutsidethemonthswereintroduced:1betweenthethirdandfourthmonths(March,April),and1betweentheninthandtenth(September,October).These5daysoutsidethemonths,yestarë,tuilérë,loëndë,yáviérë,andmettarë,were

holidays.

TheHobbitswereconservativeandcontinuedtouseaformofKings’Reckoningadaptedtofittheirowncustoms.Theirmonthswereallequalandhad30dayseach;buttheyhad3Summerdays,calledintheShiretheLitheortheLithedays,betweenJuneand

July.ThelastdayoftheyearandthefirstofthenextyearwerecalledtheYuledays.TheYuledaysandtheLithedaysremainedoutsidethemonths,sothatJanuary1wasthesecondandnotthefirstdayoftheyear.Everyfourthyear,exceptinthelastyearofthecentury,1therewerefourLithedays.TheLithedaysandtheYuledayswerethechiefholidaysand

timesoffeasting.TheadditionalLithedaywasaddedafterMid-year’sDay,andsothe184thdayoftheLeap-yearswascalledOverlitheandwasadayofspecialmerrymaking.InfullYuletidewassixdayslong,includingthelastthreeandfirstthreedaysofeachyear.

TheShire-folkintroducedonesmallinnovationoftheirown(eventuallyalsoadopted

inBree),whichtheycalledShire-reform.Theyfoundtheshiftingoftheweekdaynamesinrelationtodatesfromyeartoyearuntidyandinconvenient.SointhetimeofIsengrimIItheyarrangedthattheodddaywhichputthesuccessionout,shouldhavenoweekdayname.AfterthatMid-year’sDay(andtheOverlithe)wasknownonlybyitsnameandbelongedto

noweek(p.222).InconsequenceofthisreformtheyearalwaysbeganontheFirstDayoftheweekandendedontheLastDay;andthesamedateinanyoneyearhadthesameweekdaynameinallotheryears,sothatShire-folknolongerbotheredtoputtheweekdayintheirlettersordiaries.1Theyfoundthisquiteconvenientathome,butnotsoconvenient

iftheyevertravelledfurtherthanBree.

Intheabovenotes,asinthenarrative,Ihaveusedourmodernnamesforbothmonthsandweekdays,thoughofcourseneithertheEldarnortheDúnedainnortheHobbitsactuallydidso.TranslationoftheWestronnamesseemedtobeessential

toavoidconfusion,whiletheseasonalimplicationsofournamesaremoreorlessthesame,atanyrateintheShire.Itappears,however,thatMid-year’sDaywasintendedtocorrespondasnearlyaspossibletothesummersolstice.InthatcasetheShiredateswereactuallyinadvanceofoursbysometendays,andourNewYear’sDaycorrespondedmoreor

lesstotheShireJanuary9.IntheWestronthe

QuenyanamesofthemonthswereusuallyretainedastheLatinnamesarenowwidelyusedinalienlanguages.Theywere:Narvinyë,Nénimë,Súlimë,Víressë,Lótessë,Nárië,Cermië,Úrimë,Yavannië,Narquelië,Hísimë,Ringarë.TheSindarinnames(usedonlybytheDúnedain)were:Narwain,Nínui,

Gwaeron,Gwirith,Lothron,Nórui,Cerveth,Úrui,Ivanneth,Narbeleth,Hithui,Girithron.

InthisnomenclaturetheHobbits,however,bothoftheShireandofBree,divergedfromtheWestronusage,andadheredtoold-fashionedlocalnamesoftheirown,whichtheyseemtohavepickedupinantiquityfromtheMenofthevalesof

Anduin;atanyratesimilarnameswerefoundinDaleandRohan(cf.thenotesonthelanguages,pp.1488–9,1493–1500).Themeaningsofthesenames,devisedbyMen,hadasarulelongbeenforgottenbytheHobbits,evenincaseswheretheyhadoriginallyknownwhattheirsignificancewas;andtheformsofthenamesweremuchobscuredin

consequence:math,forinstance,attheendofsomeofthemisareductionofmonth.

TheShirenamesaresetoutintheCalendar.ItmaybenotedthatSolmathwasusuallypronounced,andsometimeswritten,Somath;ThrimidgewasoftenwrittenThrimich(archaicallyThrimilch);andBlotmathwaspronouncedBlodmathor

Blommath.InBreethenamesdiffered,beingFrery,Solmath,Rethe,Chithing,Thrimidge,Lithe,TheSummerdays,Mede,Wedmath,Harvestmath,Wintring,Blooting,andYulemath.Frery,ChithingandYulemathwerealsousedintheEastfarthing.1

TheHobbitweekwastaken

fromtheDúnedain,andthenamesweretranslationsofthosegiventothedaysintheoldNorth-kingdom,whichintheirturnwerederivedfromtheEldar.Thesix-dayweekoftheEldarhaddaysdedicatedto,ornamedafter,theStars,theSun,theMoon,theTwoTrees,theHeavens,andtheValarorPowers,inthatorder,thelastdaybeingthechiefdayoftheweek.

TheirnamesinQuenyawereElenya,Anarya,Isilya,Aldúya,Menelya,Valanya(orTárion);theSindarinnameswereOrgilion,Oranor,Orithil,Orgaladhad,Ormenel,Orbelain(orRodyn).

TheNúmenóreansretainedthededicationsandorder,butalteredthefourthdaytoAldëa(Orgaladh)withreferencetotheWhiteTree

only,ofwhichNimloththatgrewintheKing’sCourtinNúmenorwasbelievedtobeadescendant.Alsodesiringaseventhday,andbeinggreatmariners,theyinserteda‘Sea-day’,Eärenya(Oraearon),aftertheHeavens’Day.

TheHobbitstookoverthisarrangement,butthemeaningsoftheirtranslatednamesweresoonforgotten,

ornolongerattendedto,andtheformsweremuchreduced,especiallyineverydaypronunciation.ThefirsttranslationoftheNúmenóreannameswasprobablymadetwothousandyearsormorebeforetheendoftheThirdAge,whentheweekoftheDúnedain(thefeatureoftheirreckoningearliestadoptedbyalienpeoples)wastakenupby

MenintheNorth.Aswiththeirnamesofmonths,theHobbitsadheredtothesetranslations,althoughelsewhereintheWestronareatheQuenyanameswereused.

NotmanyancientdocumentswerepreservedintheShire.AttheendoftheThirdAgefarthemostnotablesurvivalwasYellowskin,ortheYearbookofTuckborough.1Itsearliest

entriesseemtohavebegunatleastninehundredyearsbeforeFrodo’stime;andmanyarecitedintheRedBookannalsandgenealogies.Inthesetheweekdaynamesappearinarchaicforms,ofwhichthefollowingaretheoldest:(1)Sterrendei,(2)Sunnendei,(3)Monendei,(4)Trewesdei,(5)Hevenesdei,(6)Meresdei,(7)Hihdei.Inthelanguageofthetimeof

theWaroftheRingthesehadbecomeSterday,Sunday,Monday,Trewsday,Hevensday(orHensday),Mersday,Highday.

Ihavetranslatedthesenamesalsointoourownnames,naturallybeginningwithSundayandMonday,whichoccurintheShireweekwiththesamenamesasours,andre-namingtheothersinorder.Itmustbe

noted,however,thattheassociationsofthenameswerequitedifferentintheShire.Thelastdayoftheweek,Friday(Highday),wasthechiefday,andoneofholiday(afternoon)andeveningfeasts.SaturdaythuscorrespondsmorenearlytoourMonday,andThursdaytoourSaturday.2

Afewothernamesmaybementionedthathaveareferencetotime,thoughnotusedinprecisereckonings.Theseasonsusuallynamedweretuilëspring,lairësummer,yáviëautumn(orharvest),hrívëwinter;butthesehadnoexactdefinitions,andquellë(orlasselanta)wasalsousedforthelatterpartofautumnandthebeginningofwinter.

TheEldarpaidspecialattentiontothe‘twilight’(inthenortherlyregions),chieflyasthetimesofstar-fadingandstar-opening.Theyhadmanynamesfortheseperiods,ofwhichthemostusualweretindómëandundómë;theformermostoftenreferredtothetimeneardawn,andundómëtotheevening.TheSindarinnamewasuial,whichcouldbedefinedas

minuialandaduial.ThesewereoftencalledintheShiremorrowdimandevendim.Cf.LakeEvendimasatranslationofNenuial.

TheShireReckoninganddatesaretheonlyonesofimportanceforthenarrativeoftheWaroftheRing.Allthedays,months,anddatesareintheRedBook

translatedintoShireterms,orequatedwiththeminnotes.Themonthsanddays,therefore,throughoutTheLordoftheRingsrefertotheShireCalendar.Theonlypointsinwhichthedifferencesbetweenthisandourcalendarareimportanttothestoryatthecrucialperiod,theendof3018andthebeginningof3019(S.R.1418,1419),arethese:

October1418hasonly30days,January1istheseconddayof1419,andFebruaryhas30days;sothatMarch25,thedateofthedownfalloftheBarad-dûr,wouldcorrespondtoourMarch27,ifouryearsbeganatthesameseasonalpoint.Thedatewas,however,March25inbothKings’andStewards’Reckoning.

TheNewReckoningwas

begunintherestoredKingdominT.A.3019.ItrepresentedareturntoKings’Reckoningadaptedtofitaspring-beginningasintheEldarinloa.1

IntheNewReckoningtheyearbeganonMarch25oldstyle,incommemorationofthefallofSauronandthedeedsoftheRing-bearers.Themonthsretainedtheirformernames,beginningnow

withVíressë(April),butreferredtoperiodsbeginninggenerallyfivedaysearlierthanpreviously.Allthemonthshad30days.Therewere3EnderiorMiddle-days(ofwhichthesecondwascalledLoëndë),betweenYavannië(September)andNarquelië(October),thatcorrespondedwithSeptember23,24,25oldstyle.ButinhonourofFrodoYavannië30,

whichcorrespondedwithformerSeptember22,hisbirthday,wasmadeafestival,andtheleap-yearwasprovidedforbydoublingthisfeast,calledCormarëorRingday.

TheFourthAgewasheldtohavebegunwiththedepartureofMasterElrond,whichtookplaceinSeptember3021;butforpurposesofrecordinthe

KingdomFourthAge1wastheyearthatbeganaccordingtotheNewReckoninginMarch25,3021,oldstyle.

ThisreckoningwasinthecourseofthereignofKingElessaradoptedinallhislandsexcepttheShire,wheretheoldcalendarwasretainedandShireReckoningwascontinued.FourthAge1wasthuscalled1422;andinsofarastheHobbitstookany

accountofthechangeofAge,theymaintainedthatitbeganwith2Yule1422,andnotinthepreviousMarch.

ThereisnorecordoftheShire-folkcommemoratingeitherMarch25orSeptember22;butintheWestfarthing,especiallyinthecountryroundHobbitonHill,theregrewupacustomofmakingholidayanddancinginthePartyField,whenweather

permitted,onApril6.SomesaidthatitwasoldSamGardner’sbirthday,somethatitwasthedayonwhichtheGoldenTreefirstfloweredin1420,andsomethatitwastheElves’NewYear.IntheBucklandtheHornoftheMarkwasblownatsundowneveryNovember2andbonfiresandfeastingsfollowed.1

APPENDIXEWritingandSpelling

IPRONUNCIATIONOFWORDSAND

NAMES

TheWestronorCommonSpeechhasbeenentirelytranslatedintoEnglishequivalents.AllHobbitnamesandspecialwordsareintendedtobepronouncedaccordingly:forexample,Bolgerhasgasinbulge,andmathomrhymeswithfathom.

IntranscribingtheancientscriptsIhavetriedtorepresenttheoriginalsounds(sofarastheycanbe

determined)withfairaccuracy,andatthesametimetoproducewordsandnamesthatdonotlookuncouthinmodernletters.TheHigh-elvenQuenyahasbeenspeltasmuchlikeLatinasitssoundsallowed.ForthisreasonchasbeenpreferredtokinbothEldarinlanguages.

Thefollowingpointsmaybeobservedbythosewhoareinterestedinsuchdetails.

CONSONANTS

Chasalwaysthevalueofkevenbeforeeandi:celeb‘silver’shouldbepronouncedaskeleb.

CH

isonlyusedtorepresentthesoundheardinbach(inGermanorWelsh),notthatinEnglishchurch.ExceptattheendofwordsandbeforetthissoundwasweakenedtohinthespeechofGondor,andthatchangehasbeenrecognizedinafewnames,suchasRohan,Rohirrim.(ImrahilisaNúmenóreanname.)representsthevoiced(soft)thofEnglishtheseclothes.Itis

DHusuallyrelatedtod,asinS.galadh‘tree’comparedwithQ.alda;butissometimesderivedfromn+r,asinCaradhras‘Redhorn’fromcaran-rass.

F

representsf,exceptattheendofwords,whereitisusedtorepresentthesoundofv(asinEnglishof):Nindalf,Fladrif.

G

hasonlythesoundofgingive,get:gil‘star’,inGildor,Gilraen,Osgiliath,beginsasinEnglishgild.standingalonewithnootherconsonanthasthesoundofhinhouse,behold.TheQuenyacombinationhthasthesoundofcht,asinGermanecht,acht:e.g.

HinthenameTelumehtar‘Orion’.1SeealsoCH,DH,L,R,TH,W,Y.Iinitiallybeforeanothervowelhastheconsonantalsoundofyinyou,yoreinSindarinonly:asinIoreth,Iarwain.SeeY.

K

isusedinnamesdrawnfromotherthanElvishlanguages,withthesamevalueasc;khthusrepresentsthesamesoundaschinOrkishGrishnákh,orAdûnaic(Númenórean)Adûnakhôr.OnDwarvish(Khuzdul)seenotebelow.representsmoreorlessthesoundofEnglishinitiall,asinlet.Itwas,however,tosomedegree

L

‘palatalized’betweene,iandaconsonant,orfinallyaftere,i.(TheEldarwouldprobablyhavetranscribedEnglishbell,fillasbeol,fiol.)LHrepresentsthissoundwhenvoiceless(usuallyderivedfrominitialsl-).In(archaic)Quenyathisiswrittenhl,butwasintheThirdAgeusuallypronouncedasl.NGrepresentsnginfinger,exceptfinallywhereitwassoundedasinEnglishsing.ThelattersoundalsooccurredinitiallyinQuenya,buthasbeentranscribedn(asinNoldo),accordingtothepronunciationoftheThirdAge.PHhasthesamesoundasf.Itis

used(a)wherethef-soundoccursattheendofaword,asinalph‘swan’;(b)wherethef-soundisrelatedtoorderivedfromap,asini-Pheriannath‘theHalflings’(perian);(c)inthemiddleofafewwordswhereitrepresentsalongff(frompp)asinEphel‘outerfence’;and(d)inAdûnaicandWestron,asinAr-Pharazôn(pharaz‘gold’).

QU

hasbeenusedforcw,acombinationveryfrequentinQuenya,thoughitdidnotoccurinSindarin.representsatrilledrinallpositions;thesoundwasnotlostbeforeconsonants(asinEnglish

Rpart).TheOrcs,andsomeDwarves,aresaidtohaveusedabackoruvularr,asoundwhichtheEldarfounddistasteful.RHrepresentsavoicelessr(usuallyderivedfromolderinitialsr-).ItwaswrittenhrinQuenya.Cf.L.

S

isalwaysvoiceless,asinEnglishso,geese;thez-sounddidnotoccurincontemporaryQuenyaorSindarin.SH,occurringinWestron,DwarvishandOrkish,representssoundssimilartoshinEnglish.

TH

representsthevoicelessthofEnglishinthincloth.ThishadbecomesinspokenQuenya,thoughstillwrittenwitha

differentletter;asinQ.Isil,S.Ithil,‘Moon’.

TY

representsasoundprobablysimilartothetinEnglishtune.Itwasderivedmainlyfromcort+y.ThesoundofEnglishch,whichwasfrequentinWestron,wasusuallysubstitutedforitbyspeakersofthatlanguage.Cf.HYunderY.

V hasthesoundofEnglishv,butisnotusedfinally.SeeF.hasthesoundofEnglishw.HWisavoicelessw,asinEnglishwhite(innorthernpronunciation).ItwasnotanuncommoninitialsoundinQuenya,thoughexamplesseem

W nottooccurinthisbook.BothvandwareusedinthetranscriptionofQuenya,inspiteoftheassimilationofitsspellingtoLatin,sincethetwosounds,distinctinorigin,bothoccurredinthelanguage.

Y

isusedinQuenyafortheconsonanty,asinEnglishyou.InSindarinyisavowel(seebelow).HYhasthesamerelationtoyasHWtow,andrepresentsasoundlikethatoftenheardinEnglishhew,huge;hinQuenyaeht,ihthadthesamesound.ThesoundofEnglishsh,whichwascommoninWestron,wasoftensubstitutedby

speakersofthatlanguage.Cf.TYabove.HYwasusuallyderivedfromsy-andkhy-;inbothcasesrelatedSindarinwordsshowinitialh,asinQ.Hyarmen‘south’,S.Harad.

Notethatconsonantswrittentwice,astt,ll,ss,nn,representlong,‘double’consonants.Attheendofwordsofmorethanonesyllablethesewereusuallyshortened:asinRohanfrom

Rochann(archaicRochand).InSindarinthe

combinationsng,nd,mb,whichwerespeciallyfavouredintheEldarinlanguagesatanearlierstage,sufferedvariouschanges.mbbecameminallcases,butstillcountedasalongconsonantforpurposesofstress(seebelow),andisthuswrittenmmincaseswhereotherwisethestressmightbe

indoubt.1ngremainedunchangedexceptinitiallyandfinallywhereitbecamethesimplenasal(asinEnglishsing).ndbecamennusually,asEnnor‘Middle-earth’,Q.Endóre;butremainedndattheendoffullyaccentedmonosyllablessuchasthond‘root’(cf.Morthond‘Blackroot’),andalsobeforer,asAndros‘long-foam’.Thisndisalso

seeninsomeancientnamesderivedfromanolderperiod,suchasNargothrond,Gondolin,Beleriand.IntheThirdAgefinalndinlongwordshadbecomenfromnn,asinIthilien,Rohan,Anórien.

VOWELS

Forvowelsthelettersi,e,a,o,uareused,and(inSindarin

only)y.Asfarascanbedeterminedthesoundsrepresentedbytheseletters(otherthany)wereofnormalkind,thoughdoubtlessmanylocalvarietiesescapedetection.2Thatis,thesoundswereapproximatelythoserepresentedbyi,e,a,o,uinEnglishmachine,were,father,for,brute,irrespectiveofquantity.

InSindarinlonge,a,o

hadthesamequalityastheshortvowels,beingderivedincomparativelyrecenttimesfromthem(olderé,á,óhadbeenchanged).InQuenyalongéandówere,whencorrectly2pronounced,asbytheEldar,tenserand‘closer’thantheshortvowels.

Sindarinaloneamongcontemporarylanguagespossessedthe‘modified’orfrontedu,moreorlessasuin

Frenchlune.Itwaspartlyamodificationofoandu,partlyderivedfromolderdiphthongseu,iu.Forthissoundyhasbeenused(asinancientEnglish):asinl±g‘snake’,Q.leuca,oremynpl.ofamon‘hill’.InGondorthisywasusuallypronouncedlikei.

Longvowelsareusually

markedwiththe‘acuteaccent’,asinsomevarietiesofFëanorianscript.InSindarinlongvowelsinstressedmonosyllablesaremarkedwiththecircumflex,sincetheytendedinsuchcasestobespeciallyprolonged;1soindûncomparedwithDúnadan.TheuseofthecircumflexinotherlanguagessuchasAdûnaicorDwarvishhasnospecial

significance,andisusedmerelytomarktheseoutasalientongues(aswiththeuseofk).

FinaleisnevermuteorameresignoflengthasinEnglish.Tomarkthisfinaleitisoften(butnotconsistently)writtenë.

Thegroupser,ir,ur(finally

orbeforeaconsonant)arenotintendedtobepronouncedasinEnglishfern,fir,fur,butratherasEnglishair,eer,oor.

InQuenyaui,oi,aiandiu,eu,auarediphthongs(thatis,pronouncedinonesyllable).Allotherpairsofvowelsaredissyllabic.Thisisoftendictatedbywritingëa(Eä),ëo,oë.

InSindarinthediphthongsarewrittenae,ai,ei,oe,ui,andau.Othercombinationsarenotdiphthongal.ThewritingoffinalauasawisinaccordancewithEnglishcustom,butisactuallynotuncommoninFëanorianspellings.

Allthesediphthongs2were‘falling’diphthongs,thatisstressedonthefirstelement,andcomposedofthe

simplevowelsruntogether.Thusai,ei,oi,uiareintendedtobepronouncedrespectivelyasthevowelsinEnglishrye(notray),grey,boy,ruin;andau(aw)asinloud,howandnotasinlaud,haw.

ThereisnothinginEnglishcloselycorrespondingtoae,oe,eu;aeandoemaybepronouncedasai,oi.

STRESS

Thepositionofthe‘accent’orstressisnotmarked,sinceintheEldarinlanguagesconcerneditsplaceisdeterminedbytheformoftheword.Inwordsoftwosyllablesitfallsinpracticallyallcasesonthefirstsyllable.Inlongerwordsitfallsonthelastsyllablebutone,where

thatcontainsalongvowel,adiphthong,oravowelfollowedbytwo(ormore)consonants.Wherethelastsyllablebutonecontains(asoften)ashortvowelfollowedbyonlyone(orno)consonant,thestressfallsonthesyllablebeforeit,thethirdfromtheend.WordsofthelastformarefavouredintheEldarinlanguages,especiallyQuenya.

Inthefollowingexamplesthestressedvowelismarkedbyacapitalletter:isIldur,Orome,erEssëa,fËanor,ancAlima,elentÁri,dEnethor,periAnnath,ecthElion,pelArgir,silIvren.WordsofthetypeelentÁri‘star-queen’seldomoccurinQuenyawherethevowelisé,á,ó,unless(asinthiscase)theyarecompounds;theyarecommonerwiththevowelsí,

ú,asandÚne‘sunset,west’.TheydonotoccurinSindarinexceptincompounds.NotethatSindarindh,th,charesingleconsonantsandrepresentsinglelettersintheoriginalscripts.

NOTE

InnamesdrawnfromotherlanguagesthanEldarinthe

samevaluesforthelettersareintended,wherenotspeciallydescribedabove,exceptinthecaseofDwarvish.InDwarvish,whichdidnotpossessthesoundsrepresentedabovebythandch(kh),thandkhareaspirates,thatistorkfollowedbyanh,moreorlessasinbackhand,outhouse.

Wherezoccursthesound

intendedisthatofEnglishz.ghintheBlackSpeechandOrkishrepresentsa‘backspirant’(relatedtogasdhtod):asinghâshandagh.

The‘outer’orMannishnamesoftheDwarveshavebeengivenNorthernforms,buttheletter-valuesarethosedescribed.

Soalsointhecaseofthepersonalandplace-namesofRohan(wheretheyhavenot

beenmodernized),exceptthathereéaandéoarediphthongs,whichmayberepresentedbytheeaofEnglishbear,andtheeoofTheobald;yisthemodifiedu.ThemodernizedformsareeasilyrecognizedandareintendedtobepronouncedasinEnglish.Theyaremostlyplace-names:asDunharrow(forDúnharg),exceptShadowfaxandWormtongue.

IIWRITING

ThescriptsandlettersusedintheThirdAgewereallultimatelyofEldarinorigin,andalreadyatthattimeofgreatantiquity.Theyhadreachedthestageoffullalphabeticdevelopment,butoldermodesinwhichonlytheconsonantsweredenoted

byfullletterswerestillinuse.

Thealphabetswereoftwomain,andinoriginindependent,kinds:theTengwarorTîw,heretranslatedas‘letters’;andtheCertarorCirth,translatedas‘runes’.TheTengwarweredevisedforwritingwithbrushorpen,andthesquaredformsofinscriptionswereintheircasederivativefromthe

writtenforms.TheCertarweredevisedandmostlyusedonlyforscratchedorincisedinscriptions.

TheTengwarwerethemoreancient;fortheyhadbeendevelopedbytheNoldor,thekindredoftheEldarmostskilledinsuchmatters,longbeforetheirexile.TheoldestEldarinletters,theTengwarofRúmil,werenotusedinMiddle-

earth.Thelaterletters,theTengwarofFëanor,werelargelyanewinvention,thoughtheyowedsomethingtothelettersofRúmil.TheywerebroughttoMiddle-earthbytheexiledNoldor,andsobecameknowntotheEdainandNúmenóreans.IntheThirdAgetheirusehadspreadovermuchthesameareaasthatinwhichtheCommonSpeechwasknown.

TheCirthweredevisedfirstinBeleriandbytheSindar,andwerelongusedonlyforinscribingnamesandbriefmemorialsuponwoodorstone.Tothatorigintheyowetheirangularshapes,verysimilartotherunesofourtimes,thoughtheydifferedfromtheseindetailsandwerewhollydifferentinarrangement.TheCirthintheirolderandsimplerform

spreadeastwardintheSecondAge,andbecameknowntomanypeoples,toMenandDwarves,andeventoOrcs,allofwhomalteredthemtosuittheirpurposesandaccordingtotheirskillorlackofit.OnesuchsimpleformwasstillusedbytheMenofDale,andasimilaronebytheRohirrim.

ButinBeleriand,beforetheendoftheFirstAge,the

Cirth,partlyundertheinfluenceoftheTengwaroftheNoldor,wererearrangedandfurtherdeveloped.TheirrichestandmostorderedformwasknownastheAlphabetofDaeron,sinceinElvishtraditionitwassaidtohavebeendevisedbyDaeron,theminstrelandloremasterofKingThingolofDoriath.AmongtheEldartheAlphabetofDaerondidnot

developtruecursiveforms,sinceforwritingtheElvesadoptedtheFëanorianletters.TheElvesoftheWestindeedforthemostpartgaveuptheuseofrunesaltogether.InthecountryofEregion,however,theAlphabetofDaeronwasmaintainedinuseandpassedthencetoMoria,whereitbecamethealphabetmostfavouredbytheDwarves.Itremainedeverafterinuse

amongthemandpassedwiththemtotheNorth.HenceinlatertimesitwasoftencalledAngerthasMoriaortheLongRune-rowsofMoria.AswiththeirspeechtheDwarvesmadeuseofsuchscriptsaswerecurrentandmanywrotetheFëanorianlettersskilfully;butfortheirowntonguetheyadheredtotheCirth,anddevelopedwrittenpen-formsfromthem.

(i)THEFëANORIAN

LETTERS

Thetableshows,informalbook-handshape,allthelettersthatwerecommonlyusedintheWest-landsintheThirdAge.Thearrangementistheonemostusualatthetime,andtheoneinwhichtheletterswerethenusuallyrecitedbyname.

Thisscriptwasnotinoriginan‘alphabet’:thatis,ahaphazardseriesofletters,eachwithanindependentvalueofitsown,recitedinatraditionalorderthathasnoreferenceeithertotheirshapesortotheirfunctions.1Itwas,rather,asystemofconsonantalsigns,ofsimilarshapesandstyle,whichcouldbeadaptedatchoiceorconveniencetorepresentthe

consonantsoflanguagesobserved(ordevised)bytheEldar.Noneofthelettershadinitselfafixedvalue;butcertainrelationsbetweenthemweregraduallyrecognized.

THETENGWAR

Thesystemcontainedtwenty-fourprimaryletters,

1–24,arrangedinfourtémar(series),eachofwhichhadsixtyeller(grades).Therewerealso‘additionalletters’,ofwhich25–36areexamples.Ofthese27and29aretheonlystrictlyindependentletters;theremainderaremodificationsofotherletters.Therewasalsoanumberoftehtar(signs)ofvarieduses.Thesedonotappearinthetable.1

Theprimaryletterswereeachformedofatelco(stem)andalúva(bow).Theformsseenin1–4wereregardedasnormal.Thestemcouldberaised,asin9–16;orreduced,asin17–24.Thebowcouldbeopen,asinSeriesIandIII;orclosed,asinIIandIV;andineithercaseitcouldbedoubled,ase.g.in5–8.

ThetheoreticfreedomofapplicationhadintheThird

AgebeenmodifiedbycustomtothisextentthatSeriesIwasgenerallyappliedtothedentalort-series(tincotéma),andIItothelabialsorp-series(parmatéma).TheapplicationofSeriesIIIandIVvariedaccordingtotherequirementsofdifferentlanguages.

InlanguagesliketheWestron,whichmademuchuseofconsonants2suchas

ourch,j,sh,SeriesIIIwasusuallyappliedtothese;inwhichcaseSeriesIVwasappliedtothenormalk-series(calmatéma).InQuenya,whichpossessedbesidesthecalmatémabothapalatalseries(tyelpetéma)andalabializedseries(quessetéma),thepalatalswererepresentedbyaFëanoriandiacriticdenoting‘followingy’(usuallytwo

underposeddots),whileSeriesIVwasakw-series.

Withinthesegeneralapplicationsthefollowingrelationswerealsocommonlyobserved.Thenormalletters,Grade1,wereappliedtothe‘voicelessstops’:t,p,k,etc.Thedoublingofthebowindicatedtheadditionof‘voice’:thusif1,2,3,4=t,p,ch,k(ort,p,k,kw)then5,6,7,8=d,b,j,g(ord,b,g,gw).

Theraisingofthestemindicatedtheopeningoftheconsonanttoa‘spirant’:thusassumingtheabovevaluesforGrade1,Grade3(9–12)=th,f,sh,ch(orth,f,kh,khw/hw),andGrade4(13–16)=dh,v,zh,gh(ordh,v,gh,ghw/w).

TheoriginalFëanoriansystemalsopossessedagradewithextendedstems,bothaboveandbelowtheline.

Theseusuallyrepresentedaspiratedconsonants(e.g.t+h,p+h,k+h),butmightrepresentotherconsonantalvariationsrequired.TheywerenotneededinthelanguagesoftheThirdAgethatusedthisscript;buttheextendedformsweremuchusedasvariants(moreclearlydistinguishedfromGrade1)ofGrades3and4.

Grade5(17–20)was

usuallyappliedtothenasalconsonants:thus17and18werethemostcommonsignsfornandm.Accordingtotheprincipleobservedabove,Grade6shouldthenhaverepresentedthevoicelessnasals;butsincesuchsounds(exemplifiedbyWelshnhorancientEnglishhn)wereofveryrareoccurrenceinthelanguagesconcerned,Grade6(21–24)wasmostoftenused

fortheweakestor‘semi-vocalic’consonantsofeachseries.Itconsistedofthesmallestandsimplestshapesamongtheprimaryletters.Thus21wasoftenusedforaweak(untrilled)r,originallyoccurringinQuenyaandregardedinthesystemofthatlanguageastheweakestconsonantofthetincotéma;22waswidelyusedforw;whereSeriesIIIwasusedasa

palatalseries23wascommonlyusedasconsonantaly.1

SincesomeoftheconsonantsofGrade4tendedtobecomeweakerinpronunciation,andtoapproachortomergewiththoseofGrade6(asdescribedabove),manyofthelatterceasedtohaveaclearfunctionintheEldarinlanguages;anditwasfrom

theselettersthatthelettersexpressingvowelswerelargelyderived.

NOTE

ThestandardspellingofQuenyadivergedfromtheapplicationsofthelettersabovedescribed.Grade2wasusedfornd,mb,ng,ngw,allofwhichwerefrequent,since

b,g,gwonlyappearedinthesecombinations,whileforrd,ldthespecialletters26,28wereused.(Forlv,notforlw,manyspeakers,especiallyElves,usedlb:thiswaswrittenwith27+6,sincelmbcouldnotoccur.)Similarly,Grade4wasusedfortheextremelyfrequentcombinationsnt,mp,nk,nqu,sinceQuenyadidnotpossessdh,gh,ghw,andforvused

letter22.SeetheQuenyaletter-namespp.1474–5.

Theadditionalletters.No.27wasuniversallyusedforl.No.25(inoriginamodificationof21)wasusedfor‘full’trilledr.Nos.26,28weremodificationsofthese.Theywerefrequentlyusedforvoicelessr(rh)andl(lh)respectively.ButinQuenya

theywereusedforrdandld.29representeds,and31(withdoubledcurl)zinthoselanguagesthatrequiredit.Theinvertedforms,30and32,thoughavailableforuseasseparatesigns,weremostlyusedasmerevariantsof29and31,accordingtotheconvenienceofwriting,e.g.theyweremuchusedwhenaccompaniedbysuperimposedtehtar.

No.33wasinoriginavariationrepresentingsome(weaker)varietyof11;itsmostfrequentuseintheThirdAgewash.34wasmostlyused(ifatall)forvoicelessw(hw).35and36were,whenusedasconsonants,mostlyappliedtoyandwrespectively.

Thevowelswereinmany

modesrepresentedbytehtar,usuallysetaboveaconsonantalletter.InlanguagessuchasQuenya,inwhichmostwordsendedinavowel,thetehtawasplacedabovetheprecedingconsonant;inthosesuchasSindarin,inwhichmostwordsendedinaconsonant,itwasplacedabovethefollowingconsonant.Whentherewasnoconsonant

presentintherequiredposition,thetehtawasplacedabovethe‘shortcarrier’,ofwhichacommonformwaslikeanundottedi.Theactualtehtarusedindifferentlanguagesforvowel-signswerenumerous.Thecommonest,usuallyappliedto(varietiesof)e,i,a,o,u,areexhibitedintheexamplesgiven.Thethreedots,mostusualinformalwritingfora,

werevariouslywritteninquickerstyles,aformlikeacircumflexbeingoftenemployed.1Thesingledotandthe‘acuteaccent’werefrequentlyusedforiande(butinsomemodesforeandi).Thecurlswereusedforoandu.IntheRing-inscriptionthecurlopentotherightisusedforu;butonthetitle-pagethisstandsforo,andthecurlopentotheleftforu.The

curltotherightwasfavoured,andtheapplicationdependedonthelanguageconcerned:intheBlackSpeechowasrare.

Longvowelswereusuallyrepresentedbyplacingthetehtaonthe‘longcarrier’,ofwhichacommonformwaslikeanundottedj.Butforthesamepurposethetehtarcouldbedoubled.Thiswas,however,onlyfrequentlydonewiththecurls,and

sometimeswiththe‘accent’.Twodotswasmoreoftenusedasasignforfollowingy.

TheWest-gateinscriptionillustratesamodeof‘fullwriting’withthevowelsrepresentedbyseparateletters.AllthevocaliclettersusedinSindarinareshown.TheuseofNo.30asasignforvocalicymaybenoted;alsotheexpressionofdiphthongsbyplacingthe

tehtaforfollowingyabovethevowel-letter.Thesignforfollowingw(requiredfortheexpressionofau,aw)wasinthismodetheu-curloramodificationofit~.Butthediphthongswereoftenwrittenoutinfull,asinthetranscription.Inthismodelengthofvowelwasusuallyindicatedbythe‘acuteaccent’,calledinthatcaseandaith‘longmark’.

Therewerebesidethetehtaralreadymentionedanumberofothers,chieflyusedtoabbreviatethewriting,especiallybyexpressingfrequentconsonantcombinationswithoutwritingthemoutinfull.Amongthese,abar(orasignlikeaSpanishtilde)placedaboveaconsonantwasoftenusedtoindicatethatitwasprecededbythenasalof

thesameseries(asinnt,mp,ornk);asimilarsignplacedbelowwas,however,mainlyusedtoshowthattheconsonantwaslongordoubled.Adownwardhookattachedtothebow(asinhobbits,thelastwordonthetitle-page)wasusedtoindicateafollowings,especiallyinthecombinationsts,ps,ks(x),thatwerefavouredin

Quenya.

Therewasofcourseno‘mode’fortherepresentationofEnglish.OneadequatephoneticallycouldbedevisedfromtheFëanoriansystem.Thebriefexampleonthetitle-pagedoesnotattempttoexhibitthis.ItisratheranexampleofwhatamanofGondormighthaveproduced,

hesitatingbetweenthevaluesofthelettersfamiliarinhis‘mode’andthetraditionalspellingofEnglish.Itmaybenotedthatadotbelow(oneoftheusesofwhichwastorepresentweakobscuredvowels)ishereemployedintherepresentationofunstressedand,butisalsousedinhereforsilentfinale;the,of,andoftheareexpressedbyabbreviations

(extendeddh,extendedv,andthelatterwithanunder-stroke).

Thenamesoftheletters.Inallmodeseachletterandsignhadaname;butthesenamesweredevisedtofitordescribethephoneticusesineachparticularmode.Itwas,however,oftenfeltdesirable,especiallyindescribingthe

usesofthelettersinothermodes,tohaveanameforeachletterinitselfasashape.ForthispurposetheQuenya‘fullnames’werecommonlyemployed,evenwheretheyreferredtousespeculiartoQuenya.Each‘fullname’wasanactualwordinQuenyathatcontainedtheletterinquestion.Wherepossibleitwasthefirstsoundoftheword;butwherethesoundor

thecombinationexpresseddidnotoccurinitiallyitfollowedimmediatelyafteraninitialvowel.Thenamesofthelettersinthetablewere(1)tincometal,parmabook,calmalamp,quessefeather;(2)andogate,umbarfate,angairon,ungwespider’sweb;(3)thúle(súle)spirit,formennorth,harmatreasure(oraharage),hwestabreeze;(4)antomouth,ampahook,

ancajaws,unqueahollow;(5)númenwest,maltagold,noldo(olderngoldo)oneofthekindredoftheNoldor,nwalme(olderngwalme)torment;(6)óreheart(innermind),valaangelicpower,annagift,vilyaair,sky(olderwilya);rómeneast,ardaregion,lambetongue,aldatree;silmestarlight,silmenuquerna(sreversed),áresunlight(oressename),áre

nuquerna;hyarmensouth,hwestasindarinwa,yantabridge,úreheat.WheretherearevariantsthisisduetothenamesbeinggivenbeforecertainchangesaffectedQuenyaasspokenbytheExiles.ThusNo.11wascalledharmawhenitrepresentedthespirantchinallpositions,butwhenthissoundbecamebreathhinitially1(thoughremaining

medially)thenameahawasdevised.árewasoriginallyáze,butwhenthiszbecamemergedwith21,thesignwasinQuenyausedfortheveryfrequentssofthatlanguage,andthenameessewasgiventoit.hwestasindarinwaor‘Grey-elvenhw’wassocalledbecauseinQuenya12hadthesoundofhw,anddistinctsignsforchwandhwwerenotrequired.Thenames

ofthelettersmostwidelyknownandusedwere17n,33hy,25r,10f:númen,hyarmen,rómen,formen=west,south,east,north(cf.Sindarindûnorannûn,harad,rhûnoramrûn,forod).TheseletterscommonlyindicatedthepointsW,S,E,Neveninlanguagesthatusedquitedifferentterms.Theywere,intheWest-lands,namedinthis

order,beginningwithandfacingwest;hyarmenandformenindeedmeantleft-handregionandright-handregion(theoppositetothearrangementinmanyMannishlanguages).

(ii)THECIRTH

TheCerthasDaeronwasoriginallydevisedto

representthesoundsofSindarinonly.TheoldestcirthwereNos.1,2,5,6;8,9,12;18,19,22;29,31;35,36;39,42,46,50;andacerthvaryingbetween13and15.Theassignmentofvalueswasunsystematic.Nos.39,42,46,50werevowelsandremainedsoinalllaterdevelopments.Nos.13,15wereusedforhors,accordingas35wasusedforsorh.Thistendency

tohesitateintheassignmentofvaluesforsandhcontinuedinlaterarrangements.Inthosecharactersthatconsistedofa‘stem’anda‘branch’,1–31,theattachmentofthebranchwas,ifononesideonly,usuallymadeontherightside.Thereversewasnotinfrequent,buthadnophoneticsignificance.

TheextensionandelaborationofthiscerthaswascalledinitsolderformtheAngerthasDaeron,sincetheadditionstotheoldcirthandtheirreorganizationwasattributedtoDaeron.Theprincipaladditions,however,theintroductionsoftwonewseries,13–17,and23–28,wereactuallymostprobablyinventionsoftheNoldorofEregion,sincetheywereused

fortherepresentationofsoundsnotfoundinSindarin.

IntherearrangementoftheAngerthasthefollowingprinciplesareobservable(evidentlyinspiredbytheFëanoriansystem):(1)addingastroketoabranchadded‘voice’;(2)reversingthecerthindicatedopeningtoa‘spirant’;(3)placingthebranchonbothsidesofthestemaddedvoiceand

nasality.Theseprincipleswereregularlycarriedout,exceptinonepoint.For(archaic)Sindarinasignforaspirantm(ornasalv)wasrequired,andsincethiscouldbestbeprovidedbyareversalofthesignform,thereversibleNo.6wasgiventhevaluem,butNo.5wasgiventhevaluehw.

No.36,thetheoreticvalueofwhichwasz,wasused,in

spellingSindarinorQuenya,forss:cf.Fëanorian31.No.39wasusedforeitheriory(consonant);34,35wereusedindifferentlyfors;and38wasusedforthefrequentsequencend,thoughitwasnotclearlyrelatedinshapetothedentals.

IntheTableofValuesthoseontheleftare,when

separatedby——,thevaluesoftheolderAngerthas.ThoseontherightarethevaluesoftheDwarvishAngerthasMoria.1TheDwarvesofMoria,ascanbeseen,introducedanumberofunsystematicchangesinvalue,aswellascertainnewcirth:*37,40,41,53,55,56.Thedislocationinvalueswasduemainlytotwocauses:(1)thealterationinthevaluesof

34,35,54respectivelytoh,’(theclearorglottalbeginningofawordwithaninitialvowelthatappearedinKhuzdul),ands;(2)theabandonmentoftheNos.14,16forwhichtheDwarvessubstituted29,30.Theconsequentuseof12forr,theinventionof53forn(anditsconfusionwith22);theuseof17asz,togowith54initsvalues,andtheconsequent

useof36asηandthenewcerth37forngmayalsobeobserved.Thenew55,56wereinoriginahalvedformof46,andwereusedforvowelslikethoseheardinEnglishbutter,whichwerefrequentinDwarvishandintheWestron.Whenweakorevanescenttheywereoftenreducedtoamerestrokewithoutastem.ThisAngerthasMoriais

representedinthetomb-inscription.

TheDwarvesofEreborusedafurthermodificationofthissystem,knownasthemodeofErebor,andexemplifiedintheBookofMazarbul.Itschiefcharacteristicswere:theuseof43asz;of17asks(x);andtheinventionoftwonewcirth,57,58forpsandts.

Theyalsoreintroduced14,16forthevaluesj,zh;butused29,30forg,gh,orasmerevariantsof19,21.Thesepeculiaritiesarenotincludedinthetable,exceptforthespecialEreboriancirth,57,58.

THEANGERTHAS

THEANGERTHAS

Values

APPENDIXF

ITHELANGUAGESANDPEOPLESOFTHETHIRDAGE

ThelanguagerepresentedinthishistorybyEnglishwas

theWestronor‘CommonSpeech’oftheWest-landsofMiddle-earthintheThirdAge.Inthecourseofthatageithadbecomethenativelanguageofnearlyallthespeaking-peoples(savetheElves)whodweltwithintheboundsoftheoldkingdomsofArnorandGondor;thatisalongallthecoastsfromUmbarnorthwardtotheBayofForochel,andinlandasfar

astheMistyMountainsandtheEphelDúath.IthadalsospreadnorthuptheAnduin,occupyingthelandswestoftheRiverandeastofthemountainsasfarastheGladdenFields.

AtthetimeoftheWaroftheRingattheendoftheagethesewerestillitsboundsasanativetongue,thoughlargepartsofEriadorwerenowdeserted,andfewMendwelt

ontheshoresoftheAnduinbetweentheGladdenandRauros.

AfewoftheancientWildMenstilllurkedintheDrúadanForestinAnórien;andinthehillsofDunlandaremnantlingeredofanoldpeople,theformerinhabitantsofmuchofGondor.Theseclungtotheirownlanguages;whileintheplainsofRohantheredweltnowaNorthern

people,theRohirrim,whohadcomeintothatlandsomefivehundredyearsearlier.ButtheWestronwasusedasasecondlanguageofintercoursebyallthosewhostillretainedaspeechoftheirown,evenbytheElves,notonlyinArnorandGondorbutthroughoutthevalesofAnduin,andeastwardtothefurthereavesofMirkwood.EvenamongtheWildMen

andtheDunlendingswhoshunnedotherfolkthereweresomethatcouldspeakit,thoughbrokenly.

OFTHEELVES

TheElvesfarbackintheElderDaysbecamedividedintotwomainbranches:theWest-elves(theEldar)andtheEast-elves.OfthelatterkindweremostoftheElven-

folkofMirkwoodandLórien;buttheirlanguagesdonotappearinthishistory,inwhichalltheElvishnamesandwordsareofEldarinform.1

OftheEldarintonguestwoarefoundinthisbook:theHigh-elvenorQuenya,andtheGrey-elvenorSindarin.TheHigh-elvenwasanancienttongueofEldamarbeyondtheSea,thefirsttobe

recordedinwriting.Itwasnolongerabirth-tongue,buthadbecome,asitwere,an‘Elven-latin’,stillusedforceremony,andforhighmattersofloreandsong,bytheHighElves,whohadreturnedinexiletoMiddle-earthattheendoftheFirstAge.

TheGrey-elvenwasinoriginakintoQuenya;foritwasthelanguageofthose

Eldarwho,comingtotheshoresofMiddle-earth,hadnotpassedovertheSeabuthadlingeredonthecoastsinthecountryofBeleriand.ThereThingolGreycloakofDoriathwastheirking,andinthelongtwilighttheirtonguehadchangedwiththechangefulnessofmortallandsandhadbecomefarestrangedfromthespeechoftheEldarfrombeyondtheSea.

TheExiles,dwellingamongthemorenumerousGrey-elves,hadadoptedtheSindarinfordailyuse;andhenceitwasthetongueofallthoseElvesandElf-lordsthatappearinthishistory.ForthesewereallofEldarinrace,evenwherethefolkthattheyruledwereofthelesserkindreds.NoblestofallwastheLadyGaladrieloftheroyalhouseofFinarfinand

sisterofFinrodFelagund,KingofNargothrond.IntheheartsoftheExilestheyearningfortheSeawasanunquietnevertobestilled;intheheartsoftheGrey-elvesitslumbered,butonceawakeneditcouldnotbeappeased.

OFMEN

TheWestronwasaMannish

speech,thoughenrichedandsoftenedunderElvishinfluence.ItwasinoriginthelanguageofthosewhomtheEldarcalledtheAtaniorEdain,‘FathersofMen’,beingespeciallythepeopleoftheThreeHousesoftheElf-friendswhocamewestintoBeleriandintheFirstAge,andaidedtheEldarintheWaroftheGreatJewelsagainsttheDarkPowerofthe

North.Aftertheoverthrowofthe

DarkPower,inwhichBeleriandwasforthemostpartdrownedorbroken,itwasgrantedasarewardtotheElf-friendsthattheyalso,astheEldar,mightpasswestoverSea.ButsincetheUndyingRealmwasforbiddentothem,agreatislewassetapartforthem,mostwesterlyofallmortallands.

ThenameofthatislewasNúmenor(Westernesse).MostoftheElf-friends,therefore,departedanddweltinNúmenor,andtheretheybecamegreatandpowerful,marinersofrenownandlordsofmanyships.Theywerefairoffaceandtall,andthespanoftheirliveswasthricethatoftheMenofMiddle-earth.TheseweretheNúmenóreans,theKingsof

Men,whomtheElvescalledtheDúnedain.

TheDúnedainaloneofallracesofMenknewandspokeanElvishtongue;fortheirforefathershadlearnedtheSindarintongue,andthistheyhandedontotheirchildrenasamatteroflore,changinglittlewiththepassingoftheyears.AndtheirmenofwisdomlearnedalsotheHigh-elvenQuenyaand

esteemeditaboveallothertongues,andinittheymadenamesformanyplacesoffameandreverence,andformanymenofroyaltyandgreatrenown.1

ButthenativespeechoftheNúmenóreansremainedforthemostparttheirancestralMannishtongue,theAdûnaic,andtothisinthelatterdaysoftheirpridetheirkingsandlordsreturned,

abandoningtheElven-speech,saveonlythosefewthatheldstilltotheirancientfriendshipwiththeEldar.IntheyearsoftheirpowertheNúmenóreanshadmaintainedmanyfortsandhavensuponthewesterncoastsofMiddle-earthforthehelpoftheirships;andoneofthechiefofthesewasatPelargirneartheMouthsofAnduin.ThereAdûnaicwasspoken,andmingledwith

manywordsofthelanguagesoflessermenitbecameaCommonSpeechthatspreadthencealongthecoastsamongallthathaddealingswithWesternesse.

AftertheDownfallofNúmenor,ElendilledthesurvivorsoftheElf-friendsbacktotheNorth-westernshoresofMiddle-earth.Theremanyalreadydweltwhowereinwholeorpartof

Númenóreanblood;butfewofthemrememberedtheElvishspeech.AlltoldtheDúnedainwerethusfromthebeginningfarfewerinnumberthanthelessermenamongwhomtheydweltandwhomtheyruled,beinglordsoflonglifeandgreatpowerandwisdom.TheyusedthereforetheCommonSpeechintheirdealingwithotherfolkandinthe

governmentoftheirwiderealms;buttheyenlargedthelanguageandenricheditwithmanywordsdrawnfromelven-tongues.

InthedaysoftheNúmenóreankingsthisennobledWestronspeechspreadfarandwide,evenamongtheirenemies;anditbecameusedmoreandmorebytheDúnedainthemselves,sothatatthetimeoftheWar

oftheRingtheelven-tonguewasknowntoonlyasmallpartofthepeoplesofGondor,andspokendailybyfewer.ThesedweltmostlyinMinasTirithandthetownlandsadjacent,andinthelandofthetributaryprincesofDolAmroth.YetthenamesofnearlyallplacesandpersonsintherealmofGondorwereofElvishformandmeaning.Afewwereofforgotten

origin,anddescendeddoubtlessfromthedaysbeforetheshipsoftheNúmenóreanssailedtheSea;amongthesewereUmbar,ArnachandErech;andthemountain-namesEilenachandRimmon.Forlongwasalsoanameofthesamesort.

MostoftheMenofthenorthernregionsoftheWest-landsweredescendedfromtheEdainoftheFirstAge,or

fromtheirclosekin.Theirlanguageswere,therefore,relatedtotheAdûnaic,andsomestillpreservedalikenesstotheCommonSpeech.OfthiskindwerethepeoplesoftheuppervalesofAnduin:theBeornings,andtheWoodmenofWesternMirkwood;andfurthernorthandeasttheMenoftheLongLakeandofDale.FromthelandsbetweentheGladden

andtheCarrockcamethefolkthatwereknowninGondorastheRohirrim,MastersofHorses.Theystillspoketheirancestraltongue,andgavenewnamesinittonearlyalltheplacesintheirnewcountry;andtheycalledthemselvestheEorlings,ortheMenoftheRiddermark.ButthelordsofthatpeopleusedtheCommonSpeechfreely,andspokeitnobly

afterthemanneroftheiralliesinGondor;forinGondorwhenceitcametheWestronkeptstillamoregraciousandantiquestyle.

WhollyalienwasthespeechoftheWildMenofDrúadanForest.Alien,too,oronlyremotelyakin,wasthelanguageoftheDunlendings.ThesewerearemnantofthepeoplesthathaddweltinthevalesoftheWhiteMountains

inagespast.TheDeadMenofDunharrowwereoftheirkin.ButintheDarkYearsothershadremovedtothesoutherndalesoftheMistyMountains;andthencesomehadpassedintotheemptylandsasfarnorthastheBarrow-downs.FromthemcametheMenofBree;butlongbeforethesehadbecomesubjectsoftheNorthKingdomofArnorandhad

takenuptheWestrontongue.OnlyinDunlanddidMenofthisraceholdtotheiroldspeechandmanners:asecretfolk,unfriendlytotheDúnedain,hatingtheRohirrim.

Oftheirlanguagenothingappearsinthisbook,savethenameForgoilwhichtheygavetotheRohirrim(meaningStrawheads,itissaid).Dunlandand

DunlendingarethenamesthattheRohirrimgavetothem,becausetheywereswarthyanddark-haired;thereisthusnoconnexionbetweentheworddunninthesenamesandtheGrey-elvenwordDûn‘west’.

OFHOBBITS

TheHobbitsoftheShireandofBreehadatthistime,

forprobablyathousandyears,adoptedtheCommonSpeech.Theyuseditintheirownmannerfreelyandcarelessly;thoughthemorelearnedamongthemhadstillattheircommandamoreformallanguagewhenoccasionrequired.

ThereisnorecordofanylanguagepeculiartoHobbits.Inancientdaystheyseemalwaystohaveusedthe

languagesofMennearwhom,oramongwhom,theylived.ThustheyquicklyadoptedtheCommonSpeechaftertheyenteredEriador,andbythetimeoftheirsettlementatBreetheyhadalreadybeguntoforgettheirformertongue.ThiswasevidentlyaMannishlanguageoftheupperAnduin,akintothatoftheRohirrim;thoughthesouthernStoorsappearto

haveadoptedalanguagerelatedtoDunlendishbeforetheycamenorthtotheShire.1

OfthesethingsinthetimeofFrodotherewerestillsometracesleftinlocalwordsandnames,manyofwhichcloselyresembledthosefoundinDaleorinRohan.Mostnotablewerethenamesofdays,months,andseasons;severalotherwordsofthe

samesort(suchasmathomandsmial)werealsostillincommonuse,whilemorewerepreservedintheplace-namesofBreeandtheShire.ThepersonalnamesoftheHobbitswerealsopeculiarandmanyhadcomedownfromancientdays.

HobbitwasthenameusuallyappliedbytheShire-folktoalltheirkind.MencalledthemHalflingsandthe

ElvesPeriannath.Theoriginofthewordhobbitwasbymostforgotten.Itseems,however,tohavebeenatfirstanamegiventotheHarfootsbytheFallohidesandStoors,andtobeaworn-downformofawordpreservedmorefullyinRohan:holbytla‘hole-builder’.

OFOTHERRACES

Ents.ThemostancientpeoplesurvivingintheThirdAgeweretheOnodrimorEnyd.EntwastheformoftheirnameinthelanguageofRohan.TheywereknowntotheEldarinancientdays,andtotheEldarindeedtheEntsascribednottheirownlanguagebutthedesireforspeech.Thelanguagethattheyhadmadewasunlikeallothers:slow,sonorous,

agglomerated,repetitive,indeedlong-winded;formedofamultiplicityofvowel-shadesanddistinctionsoftoneandqualitywhicheventhelore-mastersoftheEldarhadnotattemptedtorepresentinwriting.Theyuseditonlyamongthemselves;buttheyhadnoneedtokeepitsecret,fornootherscouldlearnit.

Entswere,however,

themselvesskilledintongues,learningthemswiftlyandneverforgettingthem.ButtheypreferredthelanguagesoftheEldar,andlovedbesttheancientHigh-elventongue.ThestrangewordsandnamesthattheHobbitsrecordasusedbyTreebeardandotherEntsarethusElvish,orfragmentsofElf-speechstrungtogetherinEnt-fashion.1SomeareQuenya:

asTaurelilómëa-tumbalemornaTumbaletaurëaLómëanor,whichmayberendered‘Forestmanyshadowed-deepvalleyblackDeepvalleyforestedGloomyland’,andbywhichTreebeardmeant,moreorless:‘thereisablackshadowinthedeepdalesoftheforest’.SomeareSindarin:asFangorn‘beard-(of)-tree’,or

Fimbrethil‘slender-beech’.

OrcsandtheBlackSpeech.OrcistheformofthenamethatotherraceshadforthisfoulpeopleasitwasinthelanguageofRohan.InSindarinitwasorch.Related,nodoubt,wasthewordurukoftheBlackSpeech,thoughthiswasappliedasaruleonlytothegreatsoldier-orcsthat

atthistimeissuedfromMordorandIsengard.Thelesserkindswerecalled,especiallybytheUrukhai,snaga‘slave’.

TheOrcswerefirstbredbytheDarkPoweroftheNorthintheElderDays.Itissaidthattheyhadnolanguageoftheirown,buttookwhattheycouldofothertonguesandpervertedittotheirownliking;yetthey

madeonlybrutaljargons,scarcelysufficientevenfortheirownneeds,unlessitwereforcursesandabuse.Andthesecreatures,beingfilledwithmalice,hatingeventheirownkind,quicklydevelopedasmanybarbarousdialectsasthereweregroupsorsettlementsoftheirrace,sothattheirOrkishspeechwasoflittleusetotheminintercoursebetweendifferent

tribes.SoitwasthatintheThird

AgeOrcsusedforcommunicationbetweenbreedandbreedtheWestrontongue;andmanyindeedoftheoldertribes,suchasthosethatstilllingeredintheNorthandintheMistyMountains,hadlongusedtheWestronastheirnativelanguage,thoughinsuchafashionastomakeithardlylessunlovelythan

Orkish.Inthisjargontark,‘manofGondor’,wasadebasedformoftarkil,aQuenyawordusedinWestronforoneofNúmenóreandescent;seep.1185.

ItissaidthattheBlackSpeechwasdevisedbySauronintheDarkYears,andthathehaddesiredtomakeitthelanguageofallthosethatservedhim,buthe

failedinthatpurpose.FromtheBlackSpeech,however,werederivedmanyofthewordsthatwereintheThirdAgewide-spreadamongtheOrcs,suchasghâsh‘fire’,butafterthefirstoverthrowofSauronthislanguageinitsancientformwasforgottenbyallbuttheNazgûl.WhenSauronaroseagain,itbecameoncemorethelanguageofBarad-dûrandofthecaptains

ofMordor.TheinscriptionontheRingwasintheancientBlackSpeech,whilethecurseoftheMordororconp.579wasinthemoredebasedformusedbythesoldiersoftheDarkTower,ofwhomGrishnákhwasthecaptain.Sharkûinthattonguemeansoldman.

Trolls.Trollhasbeenusedto

translatetheSindarinTorog.IntheirbeginningfarbackinthetwilightoftheElderDays,thesewerecreaturesofdullandlumpishnatureandhadnomorelanguagethanbeasts.ButSauronhadmadeuseofthem,teachingthemwhatlittletheycouldlearnandincreasingtheirwitswithwickedness.TrollsthereforetooksuchlanguageastheycouldmasterfromtheOrcs;

andintheWestlandstheStone-trollsspokeadebasedformoftheCommonSpeech.

ButattheendoftheThirdAgeatroll-racenotbeforeseenappearedinsouthernMirkwoodandinthemountainbordersofMordor.Olog-haitheywerecalledintheBlackSpeech.ThatSauronbredthemnonedoubted,thoughfromwhatstockwasnotknown.Some

heldthattheywerenotTrollsbutgiantOrcs;buttheOlog-haiwereinfashionofbodyandmindquiteunlikeeventhelargestofOrc-kind,whomtheyfarsurpassedinsizeandpower.Trollstheywere,butfilledwiththeevilwilloftheirmaster:afellrace,strong,agile,fierceandcunning,butharderthanstone.UnliketheolderraceoftheTwilighttheycould

enduretheSun,solongasthewillofSauronheldswayoverthem.Theyspokelittle,andtheonlytonguethattheyknewwastheBlackSpeechofBarad-dûr.

Dwarves.TheDwarvesarearaceapart.Oftheirstrangebeginning,andwhytheyarebothlikeandunlikeElvesandMen,theSilmarillion

tells;butofthistalethelesserElvesofMiddle-earthhadnoknowledge,whilethetalesoflaterMenareconfusedwithmemoriesofotherraces.

Theyareatough,thrawnraceforthemostpart,secretive,laborious,retentiveofthememoryofinjuries(andofbenefits),loversofstone,ofgems,ofthingsthattakeshapeunderthehandsofthecraftsmanratherthan

thingsthatlivebytheirownlife.Buttheyarenotevilbynature,andfeweverservedtheEnemyoffreewill,whateverthetalesofMenmayhavealleged.ForMenofoldlustedaftertheirwealthandtheworkoftheirhands,andtherehasbeenenmitybetweentheraces.

ButintheThirdAgeclosefriendshipstillwasfoundinmanyplacesbetweenMen

andDwarves;anditwasaccordingtothenatureoftheDwarvesthat,travellingandlabouringandtradingaboutthelands,astheydidafterthedestructionoftheirancientmansions,theyshouldusethelanguagesofMenamongwhomtheydwelt.Yetinsecret(asecretwhichunliketheElves,theydidnotwillinglyunlock,eventotheirfriends)theyusedtheirown

strangetongue,changedlittlebytheyears;forithadbecomeatongueofloreratherthanacradle-speech,andtheytendeditandguardeditasatreasureofthepast.Fewofotherracehavesucceededinlearningit.Inthishistoryitappearsonlyinsuchplace-namesasGimlirevealedtohiscompanions;andinthebattle-crywhichheutteredinthesiegeofthe

Hornburg.Thatatleastwasnotsecret,andhadbeenheardonmanyafieldsincetheworldwasyoung.BarukKhazâd!Khazâdai-mênu!‘AxesoftheDwarves!TheDwarvesareuponyou!’

Gimli’sownname,however,andthenamesofallhiskin,areofNorthern(Mannish)origin.Theirownsecretand‘inner’names,theirtruenames,theDwarves

haveneverrevealedtoanyoneofalienrace.Notevenontheirtombsdotheyinscribethem.

IIONTRANSLATION

InpresentingthematteroftheRedBook,asahistoryforpeopleoftodaytoread,the

wholeofthelinguisticsettinghasbeentranslatedasfaraspossibleintotermsofourowntimes.OnlythelanguagesalientotheCommonSpeechhavebeenleftintheiroriginalform;buttheseappearmainlyinthenamesofpersonsandplaces.

TheCommonSpeech,asthelanguageoftheHobbitsandtheirnarratives,hasinevitablybeenturnedinto

modernEnglish.IntheprocessthedifferencebetweenthevarietiesobservableintheuseoftheWestronhasbeenlessened.SomeattempthasbeenmadetorepresentvarietiesbyvariationsinthekindofEnglishused;butthedivergencebetweenthepronunciationandidiomoftheShireandtheWestrontongueinthemouthsofthe

ElvesorofthehighmenofGondorwasgreaterthanhasbeenshowninthisbook.Hobbitsindeedspokeforthemostpartarusticdialect,whereasinGondorandRohanamoreantiquelanguagewasused,moreformalandmoreterse.

Onepointinthedivergencemayherebenoted,since,thoughimportant,ithasproved

impossibletorepresent.TheWestrontonguemadeinthepronounsofthesecondperson(andoftenalsointhoseofthethird)adistinction,independentofnumber,between‘familiar’and‘deferential’forms.Itwas,however,oneofthepeculiaritiesofShire-usagethatthedeferentialformshadgoneoutofcolloquialuse.Theylingeredonlyamongthe

villagers,especiallyoftheWestfarthing,whousedthemasendearments.ThiswasoneofthethingsreferredtowhenpeopleofGondorspokeofthestrangenessofHobbit-speech.PeregrinTook,forinstance,inhisfirstfewdaysinMinasTirithusedthefamiliarforpeopleofallranks,includingtheLordDenethorhimself.Thismayhaveamusedtheaged

Steward,butitmusthaveastonishedhisservants.NodoubtthisfreeuseofthefamiliarformshelpedtospreadthepopularrumourthatPeregrinwasapersonofveryhighrankinhisowncountry.1

ItwillbenoticedthatHobbitssuchasFrodo,andotherpersonssuchasGandalfandAragorn,donotalwaysusethesamestyle.Thisis

intentional.ThemorelearnedandableamongtheHobbitshadsomeknowledgeof‘book-language’,asitwastermedintheShire;andtheywerequicktonoteandadoptthestyleofthosewhomtheymet.Itwasinanycasenaturalformuch-travelledfolktospeakmoreorlessafterthemannerofthoseamongwhomtheyfoundthemselves,especiallyinthe

caseofmenwho,likeAragorn,wereoftenatpainstoconcealtheiroriginandtheirbusiness.YetinthosedaysalltheenemiesoftheEnemyreveredwhatwasancient,inlanguagenolessthaninothermatters,andtheytookpleasureinitaccordingtotheirknowledge.TheEldar,beingaboveallskilledinwords,hadthecommandofmanystyles,

thoughtheyspokemostnaturallyinamannernearesttotheirownspeech,oneevenmoreantiquethanthatofGondor.TheDwarves,too,spokewithskill,readilyadaptingthemselvestotheircompany,thoughtheirutteranceseemedtosomeratherharshandguttural.ButOrcsandTrollsspokeastheywould,withoutloveofwordsorthings;andtheirlanguage

wasactuallymoredegradedandfilthythanIhaveshownit.Idonotsupposethatanywillwishforacloserrendering,thoughmodelsareeasytofind.Muchthesamesortoftalkcanstillbeheardamongtheorc-minded;drearyandrepetitivewithhatredandcontempt,toolongremovedfromgoodtoretainevenverbalvigour,saveintheearsofthosetowhom

onlythesqualidsoundsstrong.

Translationofthiskindis,ofcourse,usualbecauseinevitableinanynarrativedealingwiththepast.Itseldomproceedsanyfurther.ButIhavegonebeyondit.IhavealsotranslatedallWestronnamesaccordingtotheirsenses.WhenEnglishnamesortitlesappearinthisbookitisanindicationthat

namesintheCommonSpeechwerecurrentatthetime,beside,orinsteadof,thoseinalien(usuallyElvish)languages.

TheWestronnameswereasaruletranslationsofoldernames:asRivendell,Hoarwell,Silverlode,Langstrand,TheEnemy,theDarkTower.Somedifferedinmeaning:asMountDoomforOrodruin‘burningmountain’,

orMirkwoodforTaure-Ndaedelos‘forestofthegreatfear’.AfewwerealterationsofElvishnames:asLuneandBrandywinederivedfromLhûnandBaranduin.

Thisprocedureperhapsneedssomedefence.ItseemedtomethattopresentallthenamesintheiroriginalformswouldobscureanessentialfeatureofthetimesasperceivedbytheHobbits

(whosepointofviewIwasmainlyconcernedtopreserve):thecontrastbetweenawide-spreadlanguage,tothemasordinaryandhabitualasEnglishistous,andthelivingremainsoffarolderandmorereverendtongues.Allnamesifmerelytranscribedwouldseemtomodernreadersequallyremote:forinstance,iftheElvishnameImladrisandthe

WestrontranslationKarningulhadbothbeenleftunchanged.ButtorefertoRivendellasImladriswasasifonenowwastospeakofWinchesterasCamelot,exceptthattheidentitywascertain,whileinRivendelltherestilldweltalordofrenownfarolderthanArthurwouldbe,werehestillkingatWinchestertoday.

ThenameoftheShire

(Sûza)andallotherplacesoftheHobbitshavethusbeenEnglished.Thiswasseldomdifficult,sincesuchnameswerecommonlymadeupofelementssimilartothoseusedinoursimplerEnglishplace-names;eitherwordsstillcurrentlikehillorfield;oralittleworndownliketonbesidetown.Butsomewerederived,asalreadynoted,fromoldhobbit-wordsno

longerinuse,andthesehavebeenrepresentedbysimilarEnglishthings,suchaswich,orbottle‘dwelling’,ormichel‘great’.

Inthecaseofpersons,however,Hobbit-namesintheShireandinBreewereforthosedayspeculiar,notablyinthehabitthathadgrownup,somecenturiesbeforethistime,ofhavinginheritednamesforfamilies.Mostof

thesesurnameshadobviousmeanings(inthecurrentlanguagebeingderivedfromjestingnicknames,orfromplace-names,or–especiallyinBree–fromthenamesofplantsandtrees).Translationofthesepresentedlittledifficulty;butthereremainedoneortwooldernamesofforgottenmeaning,andtheseIhavebeencontenttoanglicizeinspelling:asTook

forTûk,orBoffinforBophîn.IhavetreatedHobbitfirst-

names,asfaraspossible,inthesameway.Totheirmaid-childrenHobbitscommonlygavethenamesofflowersorjewels.Totheirman-childrentheyusuallygavenamesthathadnomeaningatallintheirdailylanguage;andsomeoftheirwomen’snamesweresimilar.OfthiskindareBilbo,Bungo,Polo,Lotho,

Tanta,Nina,andsoon.Therearemanyinevitablebutaccidentalresemblancestonameswenowhaveorknow:forinstanceOtho,Odo,Drogo,Dora,Cora,andthelike.ThesenamesIhaveretained,thoughIhaveusuallyanglicizedthembyalteringtheirendings,sinceinHobbit-namesawasamasculineending,andoandewerefeminine.

Insomeoldfamilies,especiallythoseofFallohideoriginsuchastheTooksandtheBolgers,itwas,however,thecustomtogivehigh-soundingfirst-names.Sincemostoftheseseemtohavebeendrawnfromlegendsofthepast,ofMenaswellasofHobbits,andmanywhilenowmeaninglesstoHobbitscloselyresembledthenamesofMenintheValeof

Anduin,orinDale,orintheMark,Ihaveturnedthemintothoseoldnames,largelyofFrankishandGothicorigin,thatarestillusedbyusoraremetinourhistories.Ihavethusatanyratepreservedtheoftencomiccontrastbetweenthefirst-namesandsurnames,ofwhichtheHobbitsthemselveswerewellaware.Namesofclassicaloriginhaverarelybeenused;forthe

nearestequivalentstoLatinandGreekinShire-loreweretheElvishtongues,andthesetheHobbitsseldomusedinnomenclature.Fewofthematanytimeknewthe‘languagesofthekings’,astheycalledthem.

ThenamesoftheBucklandersweredifferentfromthoseoftherestoftheShire.ThefolkoftheMarishandtheiroffshootacrossthe

Brandywinewereinmanywayspeculiar,ashasbeentold.ItwasfromtheformerlanguageofthesouthernStoors,nodoubt,thattheyinheritedmanyoftheirveryoddnames.TheseIhaveusuallyleftunaltered,forifqueernow,theywerequeerintheirownday.Theyhadastylethatweshouldperhapsfeelvaguelytobe‘Celtic’.

Sincethesurvivalof

tracesoftheolderlanguageoftheStoorsandtheBree-menresembledthesurvivalofCelticelementsinEngland,Ihavesometimesimitatedthelatterinmytranslation.ThusBree,Combe(Coomb),Archet,andChetwoodaremodelledonrelicsofBritishnomenclature,chosenaccordingtosense:bree‘hill’chet‘wood’.Butonlyone

personalnamehasbeenalteredinthisway.Meriadocwaschosentofitthefactthatthischaracter’sshortenedname,Kali,meantintheWestron‘jolly,gay’,thoughitwasactuallyanabbreviationofthenowunmeaningBucklandnameKalimac.

IhavenotusednamesofHebraicorsimilarorigininmytranspositions.Nothingin

Hobbit-namescorrespondstothiselementinournames.ShortnamessuchasSam,Tom,Tim,MatwerecommonasabbreviationsofactualHobbit-names,suchasTomba,Tolma,Matta,andthelike.ButSamandhisfatherHamwerereallycalledBanandRan.ThesewereshorteningsofBanazîrandRanugad,originallynicknames,meaning

‘halfwise,simple’and‘stay-at-home’;butbeingwordsthathadfallenoutofcolloquialusetheyremainedastraditionalnamesincertainfamilies.IhavethereforetriedtopreservethesefeaturesbyusingSamwiseandHamfast,modernizationsofancientEnglishsamwísandhámfæstwhichcorrespondedcloselyinmeaning.

HavinggonesofarinmyattempttomodernizeandmakefamiliarthelanguageandnamesofHobbits,Ifoundmyselfinvolvedinafurtherprocess.TheMannishlanguagesthatwererelatedtotheWestronshould,itseemedtome,beturnedintoformsrelatedtoEnglish.ThelanguageofRohanIhaveaccordinglymadetoresembleancientEnglish,sinceitwas

relatedboth(moredistantly)totheCommonSpeech,and(veryclosely)totheformertongueofthenorthernHobbits,andwasincomparisonwiththeWestronarchaic.IntheRedBookitisnotedinseveralplacesthatwhenHobbitsheardthespeechofRohantheyrecognizedmanywordsandfeltthelanguagetobeakintotheirown,sothatitseemed

absurdtoleavetherecordednamesandwordsoftheRohirriminawhollyalienstyle.

InseveralcasesIhavemodernizedtheformsandspellingsofplace-namesinRohan:asinDunharroworSnowbourn;butIhavenotbeenconsistent,forIhavefollowedtheHobbits.Theyalteredthenamesthattheyheardinthesameway,ifthey

weremadeofelementsthattheyrecognized,oriftheyresembledplace-namesintheShire;butmanytheyleftalone,asIhavedone,forinstance,inEdoras‘thecourts’.Forthesamereasonsafewpersonalnameshavealsobeenmodernized,asShadowfaxandWormtongue.1

Thisassimilationalsoprovidedaconvenientwayof

representingthepeculiarlocalhobbit-wordsthatwereofnorthernorigin.TheyhavebeengiventheformsthatlostEnglishwordsmightwellhavehad,iftheyhadcomedowntoourday.ThusmathomismeanttorecallancientEnglishmáthm,andsotorepresenttherelationshipoftheactualHobbitkasttoR.kastu.Similarlysmial(orsmile)

‘burrow’isalikelyformforadescendantofsmygel,andrepresentswelltherelationshipofHobbittrântoR.trahan.SméagolandDéagolareequivalentsmadeupinthesamewayforthenamesTrahald‘burrowing,wormingin’,andNahald‘secret’intheNortherntongues.

ThestillmorenortherlylanguageofDaleisinthis

bookseenonlyinthenamesoftheDwarvesthatcamefromthatregionandsousedthelanguageoftheMenthere,takingtheir‘outer’namesinthattongue.ItmaybeobservedthatinthisbookasinTheHobbittheformdwarvesisused,althoughthedictionariestellusthatthepluralofdwarfisdwarfs.Itshouldbedwarrows(ordwerrows),ifsingularand

pluralhadeachgoneitsownwaydowntheyears,ashavemanandmen,orgooseandgeese.Butwenolongerspeakofadwarfasoftenaswedoofaman,orevenofagoose,andmemorieshavenotbeenfreshenoughamongMentokeepholdofaspecialpluralforaracenowabandonedtofolk-tales,whereatleastashadowoftruthispreserved,oratlastto

nonsense-storiesinwhichtheyhavebecomemerefiguresoffun.ButintheThirdAgesomethingoftheiroldcharacterandpowerisstillglimpsed,ifalreadyalittledimmed;thesearethedescendantsoftheNaugrimoftheElderDays,inwhoseheartsstillburnstheancientfireofAulëtheSmith,andtheemberssmoulderoftheirlonggrudgeagainstthe

Elves;andinwhosehandsstilllivestheskillinworkofstonethatnonehavesurpassed.

ItistomarkthisthatIhaveventuredtousetheformdwarves,andremovethemalittle,perhaps,fromthesilliertalesoftheselatterdays.Dwarrowswouldhavebeenbetter;butIhaveusedthatformonlyinthenameDwarrowdelf,torepresentthe

nameofMoriaintheCommonSpeech:Phurunargian.Forthatmeant‘Dwarf-delving’andyetwasalreadyawordofantiqueform.ButMoriaisanElvishname,andgivenwithoutlove;fortheEldar,thoughtheymightatneed,intheirbitterwarswiththeDarkPowerandhisservants,contrivefortressesunderground,werenot

dwellersinsuchplacesofchoice.Theywereloversofthegreenearthandthelightsofheaven;andMoriaintheirtonguemeanstheBlackChasm.ButtheDwarvesthemselves,andthisnameatleastwasneverkeptsecret,calleditKhazad-dûm,theMansionoftheKhazâd;forsuchistheirownnamefortheirownrace,andhasbeenso,sinceAulëgaveittothem

attheirmakinginthedeepsoftime.

ElveshasbeenusedtotranslatebothQuendi,‘thespeakers’,theHigh-elvennameofalltheirkind,andEldar,thenameoftheThreeKindredsthatsoughtfortheUndyingRealmandcamethereatthebeginningofDays(savetheSindaronly).Thisoldwordwasindeedtheonlyoneavailable,andwasonce

fittedtoapplytosuchmemoriesofthispeopleasMenpreserved,ortothemakingsofMen’smindsnotwhollydissimilar.Butithasbeendiminished,andtomanyitmaynowsuggestfancieseitherprettyorsilly,asunliketotheQuendiofoldasarebutterfliestotheswiftfalcon–notthatanyoftheQuendieverpossessedwingsofthebody,asunnaturaltothemas

toMen.Theywerearacehighandbeautiful,theolderChildrenoftheworld,andamongthemtheEldarwereaskings,whonowaregone:thePeopleoftheGreatJourney,thePeopleoftheStars.Theyweretall,fairofskinandgrey-eyed,thoughtheirlocksweredark,saveinthegoldenhouseofFinarfin;1andtheirvoiceshadmoremelodiesthananymortal

voicethatnowisheard.Theywerevaliant,butthehistoryofthosethatreturnedtoMiddle-earthinexilewasgrievous;andthoughitwasinfar-offdayscrossedbythefateoftheFathers,theirfateisnotthatofMen.Theirdominionpassedlongago,andtheydwellnowbeyondthecirclesoftheworld,anddonotreturn.

Noteonthreenames:Hobbit,Gamgee,andBrandywine.

Hobbitisaninvention.IntheWestronthewordused,whenthispeoplewasreferredtoatall,wasbanakil‘halfling’.ButatthisdatethefolkoftheShireandofBreeusedthewordkuduk,whichwasnotfoundelsewhere.Meriadoc,however,actuallyrecordsthat

theKingofRohanusedthewordkûd-dûkan‘hole-dweller’.Since,ashasbeennoted,theHobbitshadoncespokenalanguagecloselyrelatedtothatoftheRohirrim,itseemslikelythatkudukwasaworn-downformofkûd-dûkan.ThelatterIhavetranslated,forreasonsexplained,byholbytla;andhobbitprovidesawordthatmightwellbeaworn-down

formofholbytla,ifthatnamehadoccurredinourownancientlanguage.

Gamgee.Accordingtofamilytradition,setoutintheRedBook,thesurnameGalbasi,orinreducedformGalpsi,camefromthevillageofGalabas,popularlysupposedtobederivedfromgalab-‘game’andanoldelement

bas-,moreorlessequivalenttoourwick,wich.Gamwich(pronouncedGammidge)seemedthereforeaveryfairrendering.However,inreducingGammidgytoGamgee,torepresentGalpsi,noreferencewasintendedtotheconnexionofSamwisewiththefamilyofCotton,thoughajestofthatkindwouldhavebeenhobbit-likeenough,hadtherebeenany

warrantintheirlanguage.Cotton,infact,represents

Hlothran,afairlycommonvillage-nameintheShire,derivedfromhloth,‘atwo-roomeddwellingorhole’,andran(u)asmallgroupofsuchdwellingsonahill-side.Asasurnameitmaybeanalterationofhlothram(a)‘cottager’.Hlothram,whichIhaverenderedCotman,wasthenameofFarmerCotton’s

grandfather.

Brandywine.Thehobbit-namesofthisriverwerealterationsoftheElvishBaranduin(accentedonand),derivedfrombaran‘goldenbrown’andduin‘(large)river’.OfBaranduinBrandywineseemedanaturalcorruptioninmoderntimes.Actuallytheolderhobbit-

namewasBranda-nîn‘border-water’,whichwouldhavebeenmorecloselyrenderedbyMarch-bourn;butbyajestthathadbecomehabitual,referringagaintoitscolour,atthistimetheriverwasusuallycalledBralda-hîm‘headyale’.

Itmustbeobserved,however,thatwhentheOldbucks(Zaragamba)changedtheirnameto

Brandybuck(Brandagamba),thefirstelementmeant‘borderland’,andMarchbuckwouldhavebeennearer.OnlyaveryboldhobbitwouldhaveventuredtocalltheMasterofBucklandBraldagambainhishearing.

INDEX

CompiledbyChristinaScull&WayneG.Hammond

Thepaginationofthiselectroniceditiondoesnotmatchtheeditionfromwhichitwascreated.Tolocateaspecificpassage,pleaseusethesearch

featureofyoure-bookreader.

ThislisthasbeencompiledindependentofthatpreparedbyNancySmithandrevisedbyJ.R.R.Tolkienforthesecondedition(1965)ofTheLordoftheRingsandaugmentedinlaterprintings;butforthefinalresult

referencehasbeenmadetotheearlierindexinordertoresolvequestionsofcontentandtopreserveTolkien’soccasionaladdednotesand‘translations’[hereindicatedwithinsquarebrackets].WehavealsoreferredtotheindexthatTolkienhimselfbegantoprepareduring1954,butwhichheleftunfinishedafterdealingonlywithplace-names.Hehadintended,as

hesaidinhisoriginalforewordtoTheLordoftheRings,toprovide‘anindexofnamesandstrangewordswithsomeexplanations’;butitsoonbecameclearthatsuchaworkwouldbetoolongandcostly,easilyashortvolumeuntoitself.(Tolkien’smanuscriptlistofplace-namesinformedhissonChristopher’sindexesinTheSilmarillionandUnfinished

Tales,andisreferredtoalsointhepresentauthors’TheLordoftheRings:AReader’sCompanion.)

Readershavelongcomplainedthattheoriginalindexistoobriefandfragmentedforserioususe.Inthepresentworkcitationsaregivenmorecomprehensivelyfornamesofpersons,places,andthings,andunusual(invented)words,mentioned

oralludedtointhetext(i.e.excludingthemaps);andthereisasinglemainsequenceofentries,nowprecededbyalistofpoemsandsongsbyfirstlineandalistofpoemsandphrasesinlanguagesotherthanEnglish(CommonSpeech).Nonetheless,althoughthisnewindexisgreatlyenlargedcomparedwithitspredecessor,someconstraints

onitslengthwerenecessarysothatitmightfitcomfortablyaftertheAppendices.Thusithasnotbeenpossibletoindexseparatelyortocross-referenceeveryvariationofeverynameinTheLordoftheRings(ofwhichtherearethousands),andwehavehadtobeparticularlyselectivewhenindexingAppendicesDthroughF,concentratingon

thosenamesortermsthatfeatureinthemaintext,andwhensubdividingentriesbyaspect.

PrimaryentryelementshavebeenchosenusuallyaccordingtopredominanceinTheLordoftheRings,butsometimesbasedonfamiliarityoreaseofreference:thus(forinstance)predominantNazgûlratherthanRingwraithsorevenless

frequentBlackRiders,andpredominantandfamiliarTreebeardratherthanFangorn,withcross-referencesfrom(astheyseemtous)themostimportantalternateterms.Namesofbays,bridges,fords,gates,towers,vales,etc.including‘Bay’,‘Bridge’,etc.areenteredusuallyundertheprincipalelement,e.g.Belfalas,Bayofratherthan

BayofBelfalas.Namesofbattlesandmountainsareentereddirectly,e.g.BattleofBywater,MountDoom.Withoneexception(RoseCotton),marriedfemalehobbitsareindexedunderthehusband’ssurname,withselectivecross-referencesfrommaidennames.

I.PoemsandSongs

AElberethGilthoniel309AElberethGilthoniel

(anotherpoem)954A!ElberethGilthoniel!1345Ai!lauriëlantarlassisúrinen!

492Alivewithoutbreath811Allthatisgolddoesnot

glitter222,322Arise,arise,Ridersof

Théoden!1096Arisenow,arise,Ridersof

Théoden!675

Coldbehandandheartandbone184

Coldhardlands,The810–11Eärendilwasamariner304–8Elven-maidtherewasofold,

An442–3Entstheearthborn,oldas

mountains765Ereironwasfoundorwas

hewn709Faithfulservantyetmaster’s

bane1106Farewellwecalltohearthand

hall!138–9FromdarkDunharrowinthe

dimmorning1051Getout,youoldWight!

Vanishinthesunlight!186

Gil-galadwasanElven-king242

Gondor!Gondor,betweentheMountainsandtheSea!549

Greyasamouse844–5Hey!Comederrydol!Hop

along,myhearties!160Hey!Comemerrydol!derry

dol!Mydarling!156Heydol!merrydol!ringa

dongdillo!156Hey!now!Comehoynow!

Whitherdoyouwander?188

Ho!Ho!Ho!tothebottleIgo118

Ho!TomBombadil,TomBombadillo!175,185

Hopalong,mylittlefriends,

uptheWithywindle!158Ihadanerrandthere:

gatheringwater-lilies165

Isangofleaves,ofleavesofgold,andleavesofgoldtheregrew485

Isitbesidethefireandthink362–3

InDwimordene,inLórien671

Inthewillow-meadsofTasarinanIwalkedin

theSpring610–11Inwesternlandsbeneaththe

Sun1188–9LearnnowtheloreofLiving

Creatures!604–5Leaveswerelong,thegrass

wasgreen,The250–2LegolasGreenleaflongunder

tree656LonglivetheHalflings!

Praisethemwithgreatpraise!1248

Mournnotovermuch!Mighty

wasthefallen1104Nowletthesongbegin!Let

ussingtogether160OOrofarnë,Lassemista,

Carnimírië!630Oslenderasawillow-wand!

Oclearerthanclearwater!162

O!Wanderersintheshadowedland147

OldTomBombadilisamerryfellow162,185

Outofdoubt,outofdarkto

theday’srising1109Outofdoubt,outofdark,to

theday’srising1278Overthelandthereliesalong

shadow1023Roadgoeseveronandon,

The(threepoems)46–7,96,1293

SeekfortheSwordthatwasbroken320

SilverflowthestreamsfromCelostoErui1145

Singhey!forthebathatclose

ofday132Singnow,yepeopleofthe

TowerofAnor1262Snow-white!Snow-white!O

Ladyclear!104Stillroundthecornerthere

maywait1345Tallshipsandtallkings779Thereisaninn,amerryold

inn207–9ThreeRingsfortheElven-

kingsunderthesky66ThroughRohanoverfenand

fieldwherethelonggrassgrows543–4

ToIsengard!ThoughIsengardberingedandbarredwithdoorsofstone632

TotheSea,totheSea!Thewhitegullsarecrying1252–3

Tom’scountryendshere:hewillnotpasstheborders193

Trollsataloneonhisseatof

stone270–1Uponthehearththefireisred

101–2Wakenowmymerrylads!

Wakeandhearmecalling!187

Wecome,wecomewithhornanddrum:ta-runarunarunarom!631

Wecome,wecomewithrollofdrum:ta-rundarundarundarom!631

Weheardofthehornsinthe

hillsringing1111–12WheneveningintheShire

wasgrey467–8Whenspringunfoldsthe

beechenleaf,andsapisinthebough621–2

Whentheblackbreathblows1132

Whenwinterfirstbeginstobite355

WherenowaretheDúnedain,Elessar,Elessar?656

Wherenowthehorseandthe

rider?Whereisthehornthatwasblowing?656

Worldwasyoung,themountainsgreen,The411–13

II.PoemsandPhrasesinLanguagesOtherThanCommonSpeech

AElberethGilthoniel…(variants)309,954

A!ElberethGilthoniel!…1345

Alaitate,laitate!Andavalaituvalmet!1248

A-lalla-lalla-rumba-kamanda-lind-or-burúmë606

Ai!lauriëlantarlassisúrinen…492

AinaveduiDúnadan!Maegovannen!273

AiyaEärendilElenionAncalima!942

Aiyaelenionancalima!1197

Annonedhellen,edrohiammen!…400

Arwenvanimelda,namárië!458

Ashnazgdurbatulûk…331BarukKhazâd!Khazâdai-

mênu!697,1488ConinenAnnûn!Eglerio!

1248Cormacolindor,alaita

tárienna!1248CuioiPheriainanann!

Aglar’niPheriannath!

1248DauraBerhael,Coninen

Annûn!Eglerio!1248Elensílalúmenn’omentielvo

105EnnynDurinAranMoria398ErniliPheriannath1005EtEärelloEndorennautúlien

…1268FerthuThéodenhál!682Galadhremminennorath1464

(cf.309)Gilthoniel,AElbereth!954,

1197Khazâdai-mênu!697Laurelindórenan

lindelorendormalinornélionornemalin608

Nauranedraithammen!378,389

Naurdaningaurhoth!389Norolim,norolim,Asfaloth!

278OOrofarnë,Lassemista,

Carnimírië!630,631

Óneni-EstelEdain,ú-chebinestelanim1392

Taurelilómëa-tumbalemornaTumbaletaurëaLómëanor609,1486

UglúkubagronkshapushdugSaruman-globbúbhoshskai579

WestuThéodenhál!676Yé!utúvienyes!1273

III.Persons,Places,

andThings

AccursedYears1031Adorn1398,1402Adrahil1384,1430Adûnaic1355,1356,1462,

1465,1482Adûnakhôr1462Aeglos[Icicle],Spearof

Gilgalad316AglarondseeGlittering

CavesofAglarondAkallabêth1354

Aldalómë611Aldamir1359,1425AldortheOld1279,1401,

1405Alfirin1145AlphabetsseeWritingand

spellingAman(BlessedRealm,

UndyingLands,UndyingRealm,UttermostWest,theWest,WesternShore,LandbeyondtheSea,

etc.)59,171,288,318,445,475,476,876,886,1253,1276,1348,1352,1354,1357,1360,1394,1397,1420,1423,1482,1495;seealsoEressëa;Valimar;Valinor

Amandil1355Ambaróna611Amlaith1358AmonDîn(Dîn)978,1087,

1089,1090,1091,1274,1277

AmonHen(HillofSight,HilloftheEye)508,513,515–16,517,521–2,524,528,544,836,841;seaton(SeatofSeeing)522,524,528,544

AmonLhaw(HillofHearing)513,515–16,523,524,531;seaton524

AmonSûlseeWeathertopAmroth443,1427;name

1481;Amroth’shaven443,1140;moundofsee

CerinAmroth;seealsoDolAmroth

Anardil1359Anárion316,318,328,512,

780,875,886,1357,1358,1366,1367,1374,1384,1385,1423;heirs,Houseof(SouthernLine)875,1118,1358,1368;name1482

Anborn882,895–900passim,901

AncalagontheBlack80

AncientWorld463Anduin(GreatRiver,the

River,RiverofGondor)4,11,69,76,316,318,319,325–6,330,334,349,357,366,369,435,440,441,444,453,458,478–514passim,537,540–6passim,547,548–9,553,558,567,569,572,581,588,598,620,641,649–50,735,787,788,805,835,837–8,

839,844,847,861,862,865,871,872,894,912,925,981,988,992–3,999,1000,1001,1034,1046,1057,1058,1062,1067,1068,1075,1079,1091,1098,1103,1107–12,1117–18,1143–9passim,1153,1157,1165,1252,1253,1264,1272,1282,1327,1369–74,1381,1380,1382,1395,1414,1423,1431,

1439,1443,1480,1483;mouths,deltaof(Ethir[outflow]Anduin)316,378,517,522,540,861,1009,1108,1148,1369,1483;sourcesof1395

Anduin,Vale(s)of[lowlandswateredbyAnduinfromLórientotheEthir;the‘lowervales’southofRauros;northofLórienwerethe‘uppervales’]4,795–6,1056,1078,

1158,1202,1272,1369,1376,1380,1395,1396,1432,1443,1480,1483,1492;MenofAnduin’sVale1396

Andúnië,Lordsof1355,1365

Andúril(FlameoftheWest,theSword,theSwordReforged)360,363,422,424,488,564,569,644–5,666–7,696,698,700,701,993,1022,1110,

1150,1155,1207,1267;seealsoNarsil

AnfalasseeLangstrandAngamaitë1372Angband253Angbor,LordofLamedon

1145,1147,1153AngerthasDaeron1475–9AngerthasMoria1468,1476–

9Angle,betweenHoarwelland

Loudwater1361,1362,1425

Angle,inLothlórien452Angmar6,190,242,263,

1086,1105,1362,1363,1374,1376,1377,1395,1415;LordofseeWitch-king

AngrenostseeIsengardAnn-thennath252Annúminas318,780,1357,

1364,1365,1426;palantírof779–80,1364;sceptreof(sceptreofArnor)1274,1365,

1386,1392Anor,flameof430Anor-stoneseePalantírAnórien(Sunlending)978,

981,1002,1051,1075,1091,1154,1156,1277,1374,1382,1436,1464,1482;EastAnórien1086

Appledore,surname203Appledore,Rowlie1299Ar-Adûnakhor‘Lordofthe

West’1355,1356,1422Ar-Gimilzôr1355

Ar-InziladûnseeTar-PalantirAr-Pharazôn‘theGolden’

1355,1356–7,1365,1372,1422,1462

Ar-Sakalthôr1355Ar-Zimrathôn1355Arador1358,1386,1429Araglas1358AragornI1358,1366AragornII,sonofArathornII

(Strider,heirofElendilandIsildur,Captain,Chieftain,Lordofthe

DúnedainofArnor,CaptainoftheHostoftheWest,chiefoftheRangers,KingoftheNúmenóreans,KingofGondorandtheWesternLands,LordoftheWhiteTree,etc.)19,20,77,204–5,210–78passim,286–90passim,296,303,308,309,312,321,322,333,327,330,332,341–2,343,355,

356,359–519passim,537–77passim,578,579,585,590,628,636–714passim,720,730–50passim,753,762,763,768,775,776,777,778,782–3,840,841,860,867,875,885,888,926,985,986,987,989,995,1012–34passim,1036–42passim,1049,1060,1066,1109–11,1118,1127–67passim,1174,

1241,1243,1247–54passim,1262–87passim,1291–4passim,1302,1315,1352,1358,1365–6,1375,1385–95passim,1404,1405,1418,1419,1429–43passim,1450,1457,1490;(the)Dúnadan273,301,303,308,323,564,1391;Elessar[namegiventoAragorninLórienandadoptedby

himasKing]20,488,512,564,656,1034,1109,1129,1159,1267,1268,1273,1277,1359,1367,1405,1418,1419,1439,1441,1443,1450,1460,1482seealsoElfstonefollowing;ElessarTelcontar1359;Elfstone1015,1140,1157,1266,1276,1286;Envinyatar,theRenewer1129;Estel1386,1387,

1391,1394,1430;Longshanks236;Strider[usedinBreeandbyhishobbit-companions]frequently,especially205–307;Stick-at-naughtStrider236;Telcontar1130;Thorongil[eagleofstar]1383,1384,1431;Wingfoot567;ashealer259–60,436–7,710,1126,1129–40,1247,

1252,1255–6,1266,1267;names1482;ofthechildrenofLúthien1147;oneoftheThreeHunters546,643;hisstandardwroughtbyArwen1015,1019,1034,1109,1110,1127,1148,1162,1167,1241,1248–9,1268,1392,1385,1436

Aragost1358ArahadI1358,1366

ArahadII1358Arahael1358,1365Aranarth1358,1363,1365,

1385,1426Arantar1358Aranuir1358Araphant1358,1374,1376Araphor1358,1362Arassuil1358ArathornI1358ArathornII1358,1385–6,

1430;seealsoAragornII,sonofArathornII

Araval1358Aravir1358Aravorn1358ArawseeOromëArchet195,219,235,237,

238,1299;name1492Arciryas1375ArgelebI1358,1361,1425ArgelebII5,1358,1362,

1425Argonath(Pillarsofthe

Kings,GateofKings,GatesofGondor,the

Gates,sentinelsofNúmenor)319,349,508,510,511–12,522,524,553,564,919,987,1046,1369,1435

Argonui1358Arkenstone1407,1416ArmyoftheWestseeHostof

theWestArnachseeLossarnachArnor(NorthKingdom,

NorthernKingdom,Northlands,etc.)5,6,

242,263,316,318,329,734,780–1,1105,1111,1129,1267,1286,1357–69passim,1374,1375,1376,1392,1393,1407,1422,1423,1424,1441,1454;RealminExile1358,1422;calendarof1454,1458;HighKingsof1358,1360–1;languageof1358,1360–9,1393,1422,1425,1441,1480,1484;

palantírof1425;sceptreofseeAnnúminas;StaroftheNorthKingdomseeElendilmir

Arod571,576,577,636,658–9,660,664,731,1012,1029,1277

Artamir1374Arthedain1360,1361,1362,

1375,1426Arvedui‘Last-king’5,1023,

1358,1359,1363–5,1374–6,1426

Arvegil1358,1367ArvelegI1358,1361,1425ArvelegII1358Arwen(Lady,theLadyof

Rivendell,etc.)296,299,303,309,458,489,1015,1109,1274,1275–82passim,1286,1352,1387–95passim,1417,1424,1431,1432,1436,1441;Evenstar296,489,1274,1277,1367,1391,1395;QueenArwen

1276,1277;1441;QueenofElvesandMen1393;Undómiel[cf.Undómë]296,1274,1387,1390,1391,1424,1431;recalled,alludedtobyAragorn253,263–4,364,458,488,1028;gifttoFrodo(passageintotheWest)1276;gifttoFrodo(whitegem)1276,1338,1341;standardshewroughtfor

AragornseeAragornIIAsëaaranionseeAthelasAsfaloth273,278–81passim,

289,290Ashen(Ash)Mountainssee

EredLithuiAtanatarI1359AtanatarIIAlcarin‘the

Glorious’1359,1367,1369

AtaniseeEdainAthelas(asëaaranion,

kingsfoil)[ahealing

herb]259–60,437,1130–9passim

AulëtheSmith1494Avernien304AzanulbizarseeDimrillDale;

BattleofNanduhirion(Azanulbizar)

Azog1409–14passim,1416

BagEnd18,27,28–62passim,82–92passim,97,99,129,131,135,137,219,222,240,342,355,414,915,

1191,1307,1309,1310,1314,1316,1320,1324,1325,1326,1327,1330–41passim,1349,1433,1441Bagginsfamily12,37,38,

39,48–9,64,362,1445;name78

Baggins,Angelica49,1445Baggins,Balbo1445,1447

Baggins,BelladonnanéeTook1445,1448

Baggins,BeryllanéeBoffin1445,1447

Baggins,Bilbo1–9passim,14–20passim,27–65passim,71–89passim,96–101passim,105,106,108,123,124,131–8passim,173,183,206,207,221,243,269,272,292–3,297–310passim,311–14passim,322,324–5,330,345,351–5passim,356,360–3,364,366,375,377,414,418,427,437,468–9,473,

499,517,527,601,803,811,827,837,888,952,957,958,1169,1188,1250,1252,1271,1274,1289–94,1330,1343,1344,1346,1347,1351,1429,1430,1431,1440,1445,1447,1464;birthday,birthday-parties,17,28,30–40,46,48–9,55–6,85,88–9,206,355,1291,1343,1346;book,diarysee

RedBookofWestmarchBaggins,Bingo49,1445Baggins,Bungo1445,1448Baggins,Camellianée

Sackville1445Baggins,ChicanéeChubb

1445Baggins,Dora48,1445Baggins,Drogo29–30,48,

1445,1446,1449;seealsoBaggins,Frodo,sonofDrogo

Baggins,Dudo1445

Baggins,Fosco1445,1446Baggins,Frodo,sonofDrogo

(Ring-bearer,Mr.Underhill,theHalfling,etc.)3,17,18,19,20,28–9,30,36,39–530passim,538,537,539,545,554,573,578,586,590,628,638,647–8,674,744,787–971passim,978,979,984,1036,1042,1056,1061,1066,1067,1161,1164,

1168,1173,1174,1175,1176,1180,1182,1183,1187,1190–1253passim,1266,1268,1271,1274,1275,1277,1290–1349passim,1363,1417,1431–41passim,1457–63passim,1459,1490;andstoryoftheRingofDoom(FrodooftheNineFingers)1244–5,1249

Baggins,Gillynée

Brownlock1445Baggins,Largo1445,1447Baggins,LauranéeGrubb

1445,1447Baggins,Longo1445Baggins,MimosanéeBunce

1445Baggins,Mungo1445,1447Baggins,Polo1445Baggins,Ponto,theelder

1445Baggins,Ponto,theyounger

1445

Baggins,Porto1445Baggins,Posco1445Baggins,Primulanée

Brandybuck29,1445,1448,1449

Baggins,RubynéeBolger1445,1446

Baggins,TantanéeHornblower1445

BagshotRow28,34,49,90,91,99,472,852,1304,1323,1327,1330,1337

Bain,sonofBard,Kingof

Dale298,1432Balchoth1380,1395–6Baldor1043,1279,1401,

1428Balin,sonofFundin298–9,

301,313,349,386,415,418,421,423,424,426,463,1413,1414,1418,1430,1431;tombof416–17,418,423

Balrog(Durin’sBane,elf-bane)413,426,427,429–31,463,654,505,

885,1407,1412,1427,1434

Bamfurlong119Banks,surname203Banks,Willie1299Barad-dûr(DarkTower,

FortressofSauron,Lugbúrz,GreatTower,theTower,etc.)57,67,294,317,326,327,329,359,386,463,523,538,581,588,592,646,648,724,735,760,769,775,

780,781,782,788,829,832,841,842,859,862,946,966–71passim,1077,1140,1150,1151,1152,1176,1177,1178,1180,1202,1207,1219,1223,1225,1232,1233,1237,1241–2,1262,1266,1315,1366,1384,1391–2,1400,1420,1421,1422,1423,1437,1459,1487,1488;hostsofseeSauron;name

(DarkTower)1491;sometimesusedasasynonymforSauron

Barahir,fatherofBeren252,1352,1364;seealsoBeren,sonofBarahir;RingofBarahir

Barahir,grandsonofFaramir20

Barahir,steward1360BaranduinseeBrandywineBarazinbar(Baraz)see

Caradhras

BardofEsgaroth(BardtheBowman)298,1416,1430,1431

BardIIofDale1438BardingsseeDale:MenofBarrow-downs(Downlands)

149,150,160,170,171,175,177–91passim,214,234,342,575,1105,1305,1362,1484;TyrnGorthad1362,1425;north-gateof181

Barrowfield662,1031,1278,

1400,1403Barrows(mounds)170–1,

175,182–8,242,989,1362–3;barrowinwhichFrodoisimprisoned183–7,189,255,286,941,957,1363;knivesfromseeSwords;ofthekingsofRohanseeBarrowfield;seealsoMoundoftheRiders

Barrow-wight(s)(Wights)171,175,183–7,189,

242,345,989,1433BattleGardens1337BattleofAzanulbizarsee

BattleofNanduhirionBattleofBywater1328–9,

1337,1440;Rollof1329BattleofDagorlad(Great

Battle)316,817,877,1366,1420,1423

BattleofDale,2941ThirdAgeseeBattleofFiveArmies

BattleofDale,3019Third

Age1438BattleofFiveArmies(of

Dale)14,62,298,386,1418,1430

BattleofFornost1376,1425,1426

BattleofGreenfields7,1329BattleofNanduhirion

(Azanulbizar)1410,1418,1428

BattleoftheCamp1374,1426

BattleoftheCrossingsof

Erui1371,1425BattleoftheFieldofGondor

seeBattleofthePelennorFields

BattleoftheFieldofCelebrant668,886,1278,1396,1397,1428

BattleoftheHornburg692–707,1435

BattleofthePeak,i.e.Celebdil655

BattleofthePelennorFields1068,1069–79,1083–4,

1093–1112,1149,1156,1392,1403–5,1436

BattlePlainseeDagorladBattlesoftheFordsofIsen

687–8,718–20,1435Beaconhills,beacons978,

979,1001,1053Beechbone741BelecthorI1360BelecthorII1360,1381,1429Beleg1358Belegorn1360Belegost1406

Beleriand(NorthernLands,Norland)252,307,398,945,1362,1464,1476–8,1482

Belfalas978,982,1001,1108Belfalas,Bayof444,496BémaseeOromëBeorn297–8Beornings298,481,522,

560,1395,1438;honeycakesof481;landof522;languageof1483

Beregond,sonofBaranor

(BeregondoftheGuard)994–1004,1005,1056,1057,1058,1059,1060,1082,1113–14,1115–22passim,1133–4,1140,1157,1169,1269–70;seealsoBergil,sonofBeregond

Beregond,steward1360,1381

Beren,sonofBarahir(BerenOne-hand)250–3,353,360,932,946,953,

1352,1364,1387,1389,1421;name1482;BerenandLúthien,layof360

Beren,steward1360,1381,1400

Bergil,sonofBeregond1007–10,1125,1133,1156

Berúthiel,Queen,catsof405Beryl,anelf-stone262BetterSmials1337–8Bifur298,1418BigFolk,BigPeopleseeMen

Bill,pony234–5,236,243,260,267,268,365,370,374,377,382,388,393,394,395–6,400,402,407,1297,1302,1304,1308,1344

Birds,asspies240,370–2,382–3,537,715,1002

Birthday,BilboandFrodo’sseeBaggins,Bilbo

BlackBreath(BlackShadow)227,334,1126,1131,1132,1140

BlackCaptainseeWitch-kingBlackCountryseeMordorBlackfleet(blacksails,black

ships)1109,1117–18,1129,1143–7,1174

BlackGate(s)ofMordorseeMorannon

BlackLandseeMordorBlackNúmenóreanssee

NúmenóreansBlackOne(BlackHand)see

SauronBlackRidersseeNazgûl

BlackShadowseeBlackBreath

BlackSpeech(languageofMordor)66,331,1466,1473,1486–7

BlackStoneseeStoneofErech

BlackYears67,331BlackrootseeMorthondBlanco5,1444BlessedRealmseeAmanBlueMountains(EredLuin,

MountainsofLune)5,

57,242,610,1360,1362,1406,1413,1420,1421

Bob200,209,233,234,1297Boffinfamily9,37,38,40,

48,51,64,1447;name1491

Boffin,Basso1447Boffin,Bosco1447Boffin,Briffo1447Boffin,Buffo1447Boffin,DaisynéeBaggins

1445,1447

Boffin,DonnamiranéeTook1447,1448

Boffin,DrudanéeBurrows1447

Boffin,Folco56,88,89,1447

Boffin,Griffo1445,1447Boffin,Gruffo1447Boffin,Hugo1447,1448Boffin,IvynéeGoodenough

1447Boffin,Jago1447Boffin,LavendernéeGrubb

1447Boffin,Mr.58Boffin,Otto‘theFat’1447Boffin,Rollo1447Boffin,Sapphiranée

Brockhouse1447Boffin,Tosto1447Boffin,Uffo1447Boffin,Vigo1447Bofur298,1418Bolg1416,1418Bolgerfamily37,38,40,48,

51,64,1446;name

1460;namesin1492Bolger,Adalbert1446,1447Bolger,Adalgar1446Bolger,Alfrida1446Bolger,Amethystnée

Hornblower1446Bolger,BelbanéeBaggins

1445,1446Bolger,CoranéeGoodbody

1446Bolger,DinanéeDiggle1446Bolger,Fastolph1445,1446Bolger,Filibert1445,1446

Bolger,Fredegar‘Fatty’56,88,89–90,130–42passim,231,1336,1446,1447,1448

Bolger,GerdanéeBoffin1446,1447

Bolger,Gundabald1445,1446

Bolger,Gundahad1446Bolger,Gundahar1446Bolger,Gundolpho1446Bolger,Heribald1446Bolger,Herugar1446,1447

Bolger,JessaminenéeBoffin1446,1447

Bolger,NinanéeLightfoot1446

Bolger,Nora1446Bolger,Odovacar1446,1448Bolger,PansynéeBaggins

1445,1446Bolger,PoppynéeChubb-

Baggins1445,1446Bolger,PriscanéeBaggins

1445,1446Bolger,RosamundanéeTook

1446,1448Bolger,Rudibert1446Bolger,Rudigar1445,1446Bolger,Rudolph1446Bolger,Salvianée

Brandybuck1446,1449Bolger,Theobald1446Bolger,Wilibald1445,1446Bolger,Wilimar1446Bombadil,Tom156–75

passim,176–9,185–93passim,199,214,234,280,345,614,941–2,

1304,1348,1433;Forn345;IarwainBen-adar345,346,347,1462;Orald345;Eldest(oldest)172,345;houseof(underhill)156,159–60,161–4,178,185,1348

Bombur298,1418BonfireGlade145,146–7BookofMazarbul419–22,

463,1477BooksofLore,atRivendell

1344Borgil107Borin1407,1418Boromir,sonofDenethorII

(Captain,HighWardenoftheWhiteTower,oftheNineWalkers,etc.)312,317,321,322,323,324,328,332,336,341–2,348,349,351,363–531passim,537–9passim,542–4,546,552,560,561,564,566,567,

575,578–9,639–40,647,674,735,744,859,860,866–71passim,872,873,875,876,877,878,885,887,889,890,980,985,987,988,990,1000–1,1003,1004–5,1045,1060–8,1121,1381,1384,1434,1435;name1482;hornofseeHornofBoromir

Boromir,steward1360,1380,1381

Bounders13,59Bracegirdlefamily37,38,40,

64,1336Bracegirdle,Blanco1447Bracegirdle,Bruno1447Bracegirdle,Hugo49,1447Bracegirdle,Primrosenée

Boffin1447Brand,sonofBain,Kingof

Dale298,314–15,1417,1432,1437,1438

BrandyHall9,19,20,29,121,128,129,130,131

Brandybuckfamily9,29,30,37,38,40,51,52,87,119,123,128,129,131,140,231,1139,1449;name1496;inquisitivenessof771;MasteroftheHall(MasterofBuckland),i.e.headofthefamily4,10,129,140

Brandybuck,AdaldridanéeBolger1446,1449

Brandybuck,Amaranth1449

Brandybuck,Berilac1449Brandybuck,Celandine1449Brandybuck,Dinodas1449Brandybuck,Doderic1449Brandybuck,Dodinas1449Brandybuck,Esmeraldanée

Took40,1448,1449Brandybuck,Estellanée

Bolger1446,1448,1449Brandybuck,Gorbadoc

‘Broadbelt’29–30,1448,1449

Brandybuck,Gorbulas1449

Brandybuck,Gormadoc‘Deepdelver’1449

Brandybuck,HannanéeGoldworthy1449

Brandybuck,HildanéeBracegirdle1447,1449

Brandybuck,Ilberic1449Brandybuck,Madoc

‘Proudneck’1449Brandybuck,Malvanée

Headstrong1449Brandybuck,Marmadas1449Brandybuck,Marmadoc

‘Masterful’1446,1449Brandybuck,Marroc1449Brandybuck,Melilot38,1449Brandybuck,Menegildanée

Goold1449Brandybuck,Mentha1449Brandybuck,Meriadoc

‘Merry’,sonofSaradoc2,10,20,50,51,56,57,88,94,120–203passim,211,221,226–76passim,285–6,290,291,292,294,295,296,311,

354–531passim,539,569,573.578,582–652,726–52passim,760–73passim,778,861,987,988,1004,1007,1012–53passim,1086–90passim,1094–5,1096passim,1123–6,1130,1137–40passim,1156,1157,1168,1174,1251,1259,1262,1277,1278–9,1280–1,1283,1285–1349passim,1347,

1351,1405,1435,1441,1442–3,1445,1446,1448,1449,1464,1492–3;HoldwineoftheMark1280–1,1405,1441;Meriadoc‘theMagnificent’1405,1449;MasterofBuckland1405,1442;hornofseeHornoftheMark;name1492–3

Brandybuck,Merimac1449Brandybuck,Merimas1449

Brandybuck,MirabellanéeTook1448,1449

Brandybuck,Orgulas1449Brandybuck,Rorimac

‘Goldfather’,‘OldRory’40,49,1449

Brandybuck,Sadoc1449Brandybuck,Saradas1449Brandybuck,Saradoc

‘Scattergold’726,1448,1449

Brandybuck,Seredic1449Brandywine(Baranduin)6,8,

29,30,56,96,109,116,118,121,128–9,130,149,158,196,206,225,231,274,375,479,1201,1301,1306,1326,1361,1426,1429,1440,1496;name1491,1496;valleyof177

BrandywineBridge(BridgeofStonebows,GreatBridge)5,6,32,88,93,115,129,139,140,179,196,1305,1306,1309,

1310,1312,1367,1440,1441;bridge-house1311,1312;BridgeInn1310–11

Bree(Bree-land,Bree-folk,Breelanders)5,11,20,195–216passim,224–36passim,237,238,240,241,287,303,334,335,340,343–4,364,427,733,738,1139,1292,1301–5passim,1314,1361,1415,1417,1425,

1431,1433,1440,1455;calendarof1452,1456;Gate-keeper1296;Hobbitsof(LittleFolk)11,195–206passim,210,1299;Menof(BigFolk)193,195–205passim;language,dialectof203,1484–5;namesin1492–3;place-namesin1485;South-gateof197,227,237,1296,1299;West-gateof197,

198,227,1304;‘strangeasnewsfromBree’845

Bree-hill237,1296,1299BregaladseeQuickbeamBrego,sonofEorl673,

1043–4,1279,1401,1428

Bridgefields141Brockenbores1336Brockhousefamily37,38,

40;name203BrownLands495,497,598,

620,1395

Bruinen(Loudwater)4,245,262,264,265,277,292,310,311

Bruinen,Fordof(FordofRivendell)245,262,264,265,272,277–9,286,288,290,291,325,344,357,366,1295,1360,1361,1362,1434,1440

BryttaseeLéofaBuccaoftheMarish1365,

1426

BuckHill128,130Buckland(Bucklanders)8,

12,29,30,87,88,91,92,100,109,120,122,124,129–31,196,198,225,231–2,343,1306,1341,1349,1427,1442,1460,1496;names1493;Gateof(BucklandGate,HayGate,North-gate)140,231,1305,1306;horn-call,horn-cryof230–1,1318;Master

ofseeBrandybuckfamily

Bucklebury20,89,91,99,112,118,129,130,139,159–60

BuckleburyFerry(theFerry)89,93,115–27passim,93,128–9

Budgeford141,1446BullroarerseeTook,

BandobrasBumpkin188Bundushathûr(Shathûr)

[Cloudy-head]seeFanuidhol

Burrowsfamily37,38,40Burrows,Asphodelnée

Brandybuck1449Burrows,Milo49,1445,

1449Burrows,Minto1445Burrows,Moro1445Burrows,Mosco1445Burrows,Myrtle1445Burrows,PeonynéeBaggins

1445,1449

Burrows,Rufus1449Butterburfamily11Butterbur,Barliman(Barley)

193,199–227passim,232–6passim,287,323,335,340,343,1292,1296–1304passim

Bywater28,29,32,33,35,36,52,58,93,472,1221,1312–14passim,1328–9,1337,1338,1440;Poolat1228,1313–14;seealsoBattle

ofBywaterBywaterRoad22,1328–9

CairAndros(Andros)1062,1067–8,1071–2,1156,1160–1,1253,1262,1263,1382,1436Calacirya[ravineoflight]

306,492Calembel1034,1436Calenardhon(laterRohan)

886,1360,1371,1395–6,1380–1,1428

Calendars20–1,1451–60Calenhad978,1053Calimehtar,brotherof

RómendacilII1371Calimehtar,sonofNarmacil

II1359,1374,1375,1426

Calimmacil1375Calmacil1359,1369CaptainoftheHavenat

Umbar1393CaptainsoftheWest1149,

1153,1159–67passim,

1214,1219,1223,1227,1233,1241,1242,1253–4,1255,1257

CarachAngrenseeIsenmouthe

CaradhrastheCruel(Barazinbar,Baraz,Redhorn)368–9,371–85passim,388,413,433,464,467,885,1289,1407,1434,1461;passofseeRedhornGate

CarasGaladhon(Cityofthe

Galadhrim,CityoftheTrees)464,467,470–2,483,506,615,656,1390,1434,1438;name1481

CarchostseeTowersoftheTeeth

Cardolan1360–3Carl,sonofCottar1450CarnDûm187,190,1377Carnen(Redwater)1407,

1438Carnimírië630,631

Carrock1395,1484;Fordof298

CastamirtheUsurper1359,1371,1372,1425

Causeway981,1056,1157;Fortsof(Guard-towers)981,1056,1069,1070,1436

Cave-troll422CelduinseeRiverRunningCelebdiltheWhite

(Silvertine,Zirakzigil,Zirak)368,433,654–5,

1243,1289,1434CeleborntheWise(Lordof

Lothlórien,LordoftheGaladhrim,etc.)21,455,459–67passim,478,479,485–92passim,575,608,1274,1277,1282,1284,1285,1286,1289–90,1394,1421,1424,1438,1439,1440,1437oneoftheGreatOnes1285

Celebrant,river(Silverlode,

Kibil-nâla)[silver-course]357,369,420,435,441,444,450–2,455,463,485,491,499,506,1396,1409

Celebrant,Fieldof[plainbetweenSilverlodeandLimlight]1368,1396;seealsoBattleoftheFieldofCelebrant

Celebrían296,488,1366,1424,1428

Celebrimbor315,329,398,

1422Celebrindor1358Celepharn1358Celos1145Cemendur1358Ceorl688CerinAmroth456–8,1391,

1393,1394–5,1431CertarseeCirthCerthasDaeronseeDaeron’s

RunesChamberofMazarbul

[Records]419–32

passim,463ChambersofFiresee

SammathNaurChetwood5,195,238,241,

1296;name1492Chief,theseeSackville-

Baggins,LothoChief’sMenseeRuffiansChubbfamily37,38,40Chubb-Baggins,Falco1445CírdantheShipwright312,

317,346,1347,1360–4passim,1424

Ciril1034,1145;fordsof1034

Cirion886,1360,1380–1,1395,1405

CirithGorgor(HauntedPass)486,830,835,1160,1161,1167,1208,1220

CirithUngol[PassoftheSpider](HighPass,NamelessPass)841–3passim,904,905,929,930,946,959–60,1062,1066,1203,1233,1250,

1378,1436;Cleftof946,959–60,1174–5;towerof930,934,948,959,963,970,1174–97passim,1203,1206,1210,1211,1436;seealsoStraightStair;WindingStair

CirthseeRunesCiryandil1359,1368CitadelofGondor(High

City)983,984–5,994,995,996,997–8,1010,

1055–6,1059,1064,1073,1074,1072,1078,1080,1081,1114,1120,1122,1124,1127,1137,1255,1266,1267,1274;Citadel-gate983–4,1058–9,1082,1114–15,1120;Court(Place)oftheFountain984,985,992,1272–3;GuardsofseeGuardsoftheCitadel;HalloftheKings(oftheTower,

TowerHall)323,985,1054,1070,1127–8,1267;HighCourt984;seealsoWhiteTower

CitadeloftheStarsseeOsgiliath

City,theseeusuallyMinasTirith

CityoftheGaladhrim(CityoftheTrees)seeCarasGaladhon

ClosedDoorseeFenHollenCloudyheadseeFanuidhol

Coldfells1386Combe195,235,237;name

1492Command,wordof426CommonSpeech(Common

Language,CommonTongue,Westron,etc.)5,66,252,441–3,446,458,467,561,579,662,666,861,1005,1088,1209–30,1249,1455–60passim,1464,1467,1480–95passim;names

in1490–1CompanyoftheRing(Ring’s

Company)359,360,364–467passim,478–87passim,492–518passim,524,525,528,538,539,545–6,567,646,647,648,681,742,787,788,795,867,868,872,874–5,885,993,995,1012,1251,1434,1435;CompanionsoftheRing(Companions)1271,

1277,1276;Fellowship19,516,873,876,1271,1348,1435;FellowshipoftheRing1284,1441–3;NineCompanions1142NineWalkers359,878,1380,1419

Cormallen,Fieldof1241–54passim,1262,1263,1316,1439

CorsairsofUmbar1001,1108,1371,1372,1373,1380,1381,1383,1398–

9,1426Cotman,sonofCottar1450Cotmanfamily1496Cottar,ancestorofCottons

1450Cottonfamily1340–1;name

1496Cotton,Bowman‘Nick’

1221,1318,1450Cotton,Carl‘Nibs’1221,

1228,1319,1450Cotton,Holman‘LongHom’

1450

Cotton,LilynéeBrown1319,1450

Cotton,MarigoldnéeGamgee1450

Cotton,Rose‘Rosie’(laterRoseGamgee)1221,1228,1319,1327,1340–1,1342,1347,1349,1440,1442,1450

Cotton,Tolman‘Tom’,theelder1221,1228,1317–28passim,1450

Cotton,Tolman‘Tom’,the

younger1318,1326,1442,1450

Cotton,Wilcome‘Jolly’1221,1228,1318,1324,1450

Cotton,Wilcome‘Will’1450Council,ofDenethor1067–8CouncilofElrond(the

Council)17,286,310,311–53,354,365,481,516,519,520,614,867,877,957,962,1434

CounciloftheWisesee

WhiteCouncilCourtoftheFountainsee

CitadelofGondorCrack(s)ofDoom(Fireof

Doom,theFire,gulfofDoom)80,81,86,348,350,523,526,815,852,891,957,1228,1235,1237,1244,1437;seealsoSammathNaur

Cram481Crebain371;seealsoBirds,

asspies

Crickhollow87,89,113,130–3,140,141,154,230,231,343,344,1309,1340,1341,1433

Cross-roads(oftheFallenKing)837,848,915,916–19,1056,1156–61passim,1173,1223,1436

CrownofGondor(SilverCrown,WhiteCrown,wingedcrown,crownofElendil)318,549,878,

1267–8,1365–6,1379,1393

CrowsseeBirds,asspiesCurtain,theseeHenneth

AnnûnCurunírseeSaruman

Daeron1468Daeron’sRunes(Certhas

Daeron)416–17,1468,1475

Dagorlad(BattlePlain)788,817,877,1046,1373,

1423;seealsoBattleofDagorlad

DáinI1407,1416,1428DáinII‘Ironfoot’298,313–

14,447,1153,1411–13,1416,1417,1418,1428,1430,1437,1438

Dale14,35,38,76,298,299,301,314,418,483,560,1408,1416,1417,1431,1432,1437,1438,1468,1484,1492;calendarof1456–7;languageof

1485,1494;Menof(Bardings)298,481,560,1484;seealsoBattleofDale;BattleofFiveArmies

Damrod861,862,863,834,873,874,879,880

DarkDays447DarkDoorseeDoorofthe

DeadDarkLordseeSauronDarkPowerseeSauronDarkPower(oftheNorth)

seeMorgothDarkTowerseeBarad-dûrDarkYears560,946,982,

1024,1040,1043,1087,1146,1406,1484,1487

Darkness(ofMordor,oftheStormofMordor)327,886,916–19,1011,1035,1048,1050,1051,1057,1062,1070,1090,1144,1147,1436;DarknessUnescapable1261;DawnlessDay

1436DaysofDearth6Dead,the(DeadMenof

Dunharrow,forgottenpeople,GreyHost,ShadowHost,SleeplessDead,etc.)656,1020,1022,1023,1025–34,1042,1144–8,1484;Kingof1033,1034,1145,1147;MenoftheMountains1024;Oathbreakers1023,

1033–4;seealsoDooroftheDead;PathsoftheDead

DeadCityseeMinasMorgulDeadMarshes330,486,787,

795,798,808,810,817–23,829,840,871,898,916,1160,1374,1426,1432,1435;MereofDeadFaces820–1,825

Deadmen’sDikeseeFornostDéagol69–70,73,74–5;

name1485,1494

DeathDown721,1017DeepingWall(theWall)

688–702passimDeeping-coomb(theCoomb)

690,691,697,706,712,715,716,718,721,779,783,1015,1017,1020–1,1024,1399

Deeping-stream689,699,701,708,712

DenethorI1360,1380DenethorII,sonofEcthelion

II(LordandStewardof

Gondor,MinasTirith,theCity,theTowerofGuard,theWhiteTower,StewardoftheHighKing,etc.)321,323,328,330,538,542,564,666,783,860,861–2,869,872,873,876,903,979,980,985–1003passim,1010,1011,1045–6,1054–83passim,1093,1113,1114,115–20,1121–2,

1127,1128,1140,1149–50,1168,1174,1257,1360,1379,1383–5,1429,1431,1436;name1482

Déor1279,1401Déorwine1105,1111Derndingle624,631DernhelmseeÉowynDerufin1009,1112Dervorin1008DesolationofSmaug299DesolationoftheMorannon

1437Dimholt1029,1040,1043DimrillDale(Azanulbizar,

Nanduhirion)369,404,415,418–20,432,444,483,1381,1406–13passim;seealsoBattleofNanduhirion

DimrillGateseeMoriaDimrillStair369,433,446,

1290Dior,steward1360Dior,Thingol’sheir253,316,

1352Dírhael1385Dís1408,1413,1418DolAmroth982,1032,1149,

1265,1384,1483;bannerof1009,1073,1074,1103,1140,1167,1248–9;menof1167,1168;swan-knightsof1073,1074,1084,1110,1154;silverswan,emblem1103,1167;whiteshipandsilver

swan,emblems1009;[combinedasshipwithswan-shapedprow]1140,1248–9;seealsoAdrahil;Finduilas;Imrahil,PrinceofDolAmroth;Lothíriel

DolBaran769,1435DolGuldur326,333,335,

349,386,458,842,947,1380,1395,1414,1416,1425,1427,1429,1430,1437,1439

DomeofStarsseeOsgiliathDominionofMen1272,1420Doom,MountseeMount

DoomDoomofMenseeGiftof

MenDooroftheDead(Dark

Door,DoortothePathsoftheDead,Door,ForbiddenDoor)1023,1028,1029,1043,1428;seealsoDead,the;PathsoftheDead

Dori298,1418Doriath(Kingdomof

Thingol)263,316,946,1352,1468,1481;Elvenhome251

Dorthonion(Orod-na-Thôn)611

DownlandsseeBarrow-downs

Downs(inRohan)555–60passim,569,582,1270

Dragons31,58,67,80,82,84,114,119,136,395,

468,978,1396,1407,1423,1428;seealsoAncalagontheBlack;ScathatheWorm;Smaug

DrúadanForest1086,1089,1277–8,1436,1480,1484

Drums,inMoria421–32passim;oftheWildMen(Woses)1086,1087,1092,1277

Duilin1009,1111

Duinhir1009Dúnedain(MenoftheWest)

inSecondAgeandThirdAge1482–5;inThirdAge:ofArnor(oftheNorth,Rangers),excludingthosewhojoinedAragornintheSouth5,6,7,8–9,11,195,197,205,238,245,247,288,296,321,323,327,355,357,696,780,1264,1300–1,1360–9

passim,1386,1429,1433;thoseoftheNorthwhojoinedAragornintheSouth557,1014–34passim,1105,1110,1146,1154,1156,1167,1242,1266,1436;ChieftainsoftheDúnedain1367,1386;DúnedainofCardolan1361,1362;DúnedainofGondor(oftheSouth,ofIthilien,Rangers)858–9,

861,862,863,864,865,874,881–4,887,1040,1369–77passim;calendarofseeKings’Reckoning;seealsoNúmenóreans;StaroftheDúnedain

Dunharrow(Hold)677,683,703,768,1017,1019,1024,1025,1030,1031–2,1037–51passim,1088,1101,1135,1138,1144,1148,1149,1400,

1402,1436,1467,1484;name1493;StairoftheHold1044

Dunharrow,DeadMenofseeDead,the

Dúnhere1038,1042,1111Dunland4,345,371,688,

711,1269,1286,1289,1399,1408–9,1413,1425,1480;languageof700,1484;menofseeDunlendings;name1484;Dunlandfells695

Dunlendings(MenofDunland,Dunlendishpeople,wildhillmenandherdfolk)688,695,696,697,698,700,707,711,1017,1286,1397–1402passim,1484,1485;name1484

DurinI,‘theDeathless’411–13,714,1406,1410,1418;emblemof[sevenstarsaboveacrownandanvil,hadeightrays,

representedthePlough]397,1109;heirs,Houseof1406,1413,1414,1418,1421

DurinIII;DoorsofseeMoria1413

DurinVI1406–7,1418,1427DurinVII&Last1418Durin’sAxe419Durin’sBaneseeBalrogDurin’sBridgeseeMoriaDurin’sCrown411,435Durin’sDay412,455

Durin’sFolk,raceseeDwarves

Durin’sStone434Durin’sTower654Durthang1214,1219,1437Dwalin298,1414,1418DwarrowdelfseeMoriaDwarves2,3,4,9,11,14,34,

35,46,57,72,80,195,197,201,202,203,212,249,296–7,298,301,333,349,359,369,381,386–7,396,397–8,411,

413,417,428,443,444,447,463,468,490,493,546,557,570,604,654,684,697,699,713,804,876,953,1147,1280–1360,1395,1396–7,1406–19passim,1421,1423,1488,1490,1494–5;Durin’sFolk(people,children,race)313,412,461,654,714,1351,1407–15,1427;Khazâd697,698;Longbeards

1406;Naugrim1494;SevenFathersof1406;inTheHobbit14,18,52,269,272,297;dwarf-doors,gates396,397,398,399;Dwarf-kings,lords,sires67,68,314seealsonamesofindividualkings,e.g.Durin;dwarvesvs.dwarfs1494–5;languageof(Dwarvish,Khuzdul)372,400,416–

17,699,1462,1476–7,1488–95;names1465,1488,1494–5;relationshipwithElves352–3,395;writing1467–8,1475–9

DwarvesofErebor(Folkof,orundertheMountain)298,313,1269,1407–8,1419,1438,1476–7;seealsoErebor

DwarvesofMoria313,413,1418,1476;seealso

MoriaDwarvesoftheIronHills

1416DwarvishseeDwarves:

languageofDwimmerlaik[inRohan,

workofnecromancy,spectre;cf.dwimmer-crafty568]1100

Dwimorberg,theHauntedMountain1028,1040–4passim;seealsoDooroftheDead;Pathsofthe

DeadDwimordeneseeLothlórien

Eagles340,357,386,488,502,550,646,1169,1241,1261;seealsoGwaihirtheWindlord;Landroval;MeneldorEärendil,kingofGondor

1360EärendiltheMariner253,

304–8,316,932,942,1353;thestar470,474,

474–5,1353,1354;theFlammiferofWesternesse308

Eärendur1358,1360,1424EärnilI1359,1368,1425EärnilII1359,1374,1375–6,

1378,1379,1384,1426Eärnur875,886,1267,1376–

9,1384,1405,1427East,far(Eastlands)836,999EastDales,ofRohan711East-gate,ofMoriaseeMoriaEastLórien1438

EastMarch,oftheShire12EastWallseeEmynMuilEast-WestRoad(EastRoad,

OldRoad,theRoad,etc.)57,87,88,93,110,140,149,175,180,191–7passim,214,225,226,237,237–79passim,301,344,366,1305,1309,1310,1328,1349;GreatRoad1360,1361

Eastemnet555,659Easterlings(folkoftheEast)

319,522,886,1107,1110,1159,1167,1243,1253,1269,1369,1373,1396,1400,1424,1427,1438

Eastfarthing8,12,93,115,141,196,278,1457

Eastfold1048,1435EcthelionI1360,1428,1466EcthelionII(LordofGondor)

1360,1383,1390,1429;seealsoDenethorII,sonofEcthelionII

Edain(Atani,FathersoftheNúmenóreans)887,888,1352–4,1369,1421,1467,1482,1483;ThreeHousesofMen(ofElf-friends)887;FirstHouseof1352;ThirdHouseof1353;forefathersof1362;unionsofEldarandEdain1352;seealsoNúmenóreans

Edoras341,571,653,663–5passim,666,678,682,

686,703,710,716,719,726,768,783,1012,1017,1018,1024,1037,1038,1050,1051,1053,1069,1280,1282,1396–1405passim,1428,1433–8passim,1442–3;name1493;seealsoMeduseld

Egalmoth1360Eilenach978,1086;name

1483Elanor,flower456,457,458,

483,485,1343,1391,1395

Elbereth(Gilthoniel)104,111,256,258,280,307,309,492,504,954,1194,1197,1345;Varda,theKindler,theQueenofStars492[Elbereth,star-queen;QueenoftheStars(Elentári);Gilthoniel(=Tintallë),star-kindler:titleonlyfound

followinghername;called(inQuenya)Varda,theexalted]

Eldacar,ofAnor1358Eldacar,ofGondor

(Vinitharya)1359,1370,1371,1372,1395,1425Eldamar(Ever-eve,Evereven)306,307,485,779,1481

Eldar(HighElves,oftheHighKindred,West-elves),unless

specificallyorclearlyNoldor9,105,290,397,453,1347,1352–8passim,1388,1389,1394,1397,1406,1419,1420–4passim,1453,1456,1457,1458–9,1464,1466–7,1468,1481–7passim,1461,1494–5;PeopleoftheGreatJourney1495;PeopleoftheStars1495;Noldor(Elvesofthe

West,theElven-wise,LordsoftheEldar,Exiles)[followersofFëanor]105,252,290,369,779,1352,1420,1421,1465,1466,1476,1481,1482,1495;kingsof1420–1,seealsoElvesofEregion;Sindar(Grey-elves)1420,1421,1464,1482,1495;tree,asemblem397,398;unionsofEldarand

Edain1352;Eldarand‘twilight’1111

EldarinlanguagesseeElvishlanguages

Eldarion1393,1394ElderDays3,20,21,195,

249,307,316,337,358,397,404,412,454,456,463,575,652,887,1359,1387,1393,1406,1420,1481,1486,1487,1494

ElderKindred,People,Race

seeElvesElderKing(Manwë)306EldestofTreesseeTelperionElendil[elf-friendorstar-

lover]ofWesternesse(thetall)11,21,68,74,242,263,316–23passim,329,480,488,513,564,567,568,666,667,780,782,838,867,886,985,1263,1268,1355–60passim,1365,1368,1372,1374,1388,

1392,1423,1482;crownofseeCrownofGondor;Elendil’sStoneseePalantír;emblemsof[SevenStarsofElendilandhiscaptains,hadfiverays,originallyrepresentedthesinglestarsonthebannersofeachofsevenships(of9)thatboreapalantír;inGondorthesevenstarsweresetaboutawhite-

floweredtree,overwhichtheKingssetawingedcrown]360,779,985,1109,1127,1249,1268,1379;heirs,House,lineof263,322,488,875,1127,1273,seealsoAragornII;liveryoftheheirsof985;name1482;nameusedasbattle-cry431,538,701;realmsof1375;starofsee

Elendilmir;swordofseeNarsil

Elendilmir(StarofElendil,StaroftheNorthKingdom,StaroftheNorth)[ofdiamond,hadfiverays,representedtheStarofEärendil]191,1110,1127,1266,1267,1365

Elendur1358Elenna,IsleofseeNúmenorElessar(Aragorn)see

AragornIIElessar(Elfstone,jewel)305,

308,488,1129,1163,1266,1286

Elf-countryseeLothlórienElf-friend,epithetappliedto

Aragorn447;Beren353;Elendil250;Frodo106,111,162,353;Hador353,887;Húrin353;Túrin353;Elf-friendsofNúmenor1482;ThreeHousesoftheElf-friends

1482Elf-kin,lords,magic,etc.see

ElvesElf-towersseeWhiteTowersElfhelm719,1086,1087,

1093,1094,1098,1304Elfhild1404ElfstoneseeAragornII;

Elessar(jewel)ElfwinetheFair1405Elladan,sonofElrond21,

296,303,355,357,1014,1016,1019,1022,

1024,1032,1110,1127,1140,1149,1154,1156,1162,1167,1249,1270,1274,1277,1353,1366,1386,1387,1424,1438,1439

Elrohir,sonofElrond21,296,303,355,357,1014,1016,1019,1022,1024,1033,1110,1127,1140,1149,1152,1154,1156,1162,1167,1249,1270,1274,1277,1353,

1366,1386,1387,1424,1439

ElrondtheHalfelven(LordofRivendell)21,86,222,250,253,264,274,285–366passim,378,388,396,446,462,472,475,481,493,518,525,573,575,579,614,740,780,853,867,888,909,926,954,962,1012,1015,1016,1019,1024,1125,1127,1130,1140,1149,

1152,1154,1156,1162,1167,1249,1270,1274,1275,1277,1280,1290,1292,1294,1345,1346,1347,1351,1353,1365,1366,1386–93passim,1420,1422,1424,1426,1430,1431,1438,1439,1441,1460;CouncilofseeCouncilofElrond;houseofseeRivendell;householdof312,360,366,1274,1275,1294;

sonsofseeElladan;Elrohir

ElrosTar-Minyatur1353,1354,1421

ElvenDoorseeMoriaElven-cloaks,folk,etc.see

ElvesElven-king’shalls,Mirkwood

332,713Elven-ringsseeRingsof

PowerElven-riverseeEsgalduinElven-smiths,inFirstAge

404;ofEregion61,315,331,1413,1421;atRivendell360,361

Elven-tongue(s)seeElvishlanguages

Elven-way,fromHollin393,395

Elvendom[Elvishworld,modeofbeing]

Elvenhome306,884,888,1253,1387;seealsoDoriath

Elves(Firstborn,Elder

Kindred,ElderPeople,ElderRace,ElvishorElvenfolk,kin,etc.)2–9passim,31,57,59,68,72,78,84,86,96,103–13passim,117,138,171,172,190,195,225,243,249,252,261,273,288–95passim,304,310,316,317,321,331,337,347–55passim,358,366,369,378,380,386,395,414,439,444,

449–55,459–69passim,475,481–86passim,490,499,522,546,562,570,575,598,604,605,608,615,616,619,620,633,651,667,670,713,743,800,804,806,820,852,859,876,879,885,887,888,897,906,943,944,946,953,954,1142,1185,1192,1194,1197,1220,1224,1272,1286,1293,1345,1352,

1360,1364,1376,1423,1432,1438,1494;ElvesasnameofQuendi1495;FairFolk59,86,105,1143;boatsof483–6,493–515passim,529–31,541–5passim,871,872;broochesmadeby482,551,569,586,597,735,871,1164,1201,1341;cloaks,robesof482,484,503,542,551,555,595,638,643,671,

726,817,842,871,925,948,956,1056,1129,1165,1193,1194,1201,1220,1226,1227,1250,1341,1437;calendarof1452–60passim;Elf-kings66,250;Elf-lords67,253,350;Elf-minstrels300,1387;languagesofseeElvishlanguages;Elven-lore66,888;Elf-magic469,471,472;andmemory

493;andmoonlight,sunlight457;names1481;NewYear1460;relationshipwithDwarves332–3,395;ridingelf-fashion571,778;ropemadeby484,794–8,806–7,1227;sea-longingof1143;seasonsof1453;Elvishsight555,559,687;Elvishsleepanddreams557;abilitytorunover

snow380;Elven-song310,491;experienceoftime506,1453;WanderingCompanies111;writingseeElvishwriting;seealsoEldar(HighElves);ElvesofEregion;ElvesofLothlórien;ElvesofMirkwood;SilvanElves(Wood-elves);LastAllianceofElvesandMen

ElvesofEregion368,369,395,1421,1422,1475;seealsoElven-smiths

ElvesofLothlórien444,491;Galadhrim(Tree-people)444,456,457,459,463,464,467,482,487,488,489;SilvanElvesofLórien1427;CityoftheGaladhrimseeCarasGaladhon

ElvesofMirkwood(NorthernElves,Folkofthe

Wood)330,332,355,441,445,1269

ElvishcountryseeLindon;Lothlórien

Elvishlanguages(Elven,Elvishlanguage,speech,tongue),generalorunspecifiedanduncertain20,108,400,605,620,621,633,1462,1468,1481,1483,1489,1490;Eldarinlanguages(Quenyaand

Sindarin)1356,1461–8passim,1471,1481–2,1486,1495;Silvan(woodland)tongue,accent441,445,1481;seealsoQuenya(High-elven);Sindarin(Grey-elven);Valinorean

Elvishwriting(lettering,script)66,329,400,419,420;Fëanorianletters(script)1465,1468,1471,1473,1475–6;

modeofBeleriand398;seealsoRunes;Tengwar

ElwingtheWhite253,305,316,1352

EmynArnen981,1269EmynBeraidseeTowerHillsEmynMuil486,495,501,

507,508,511,524,531,547,550,555,556,646,649,652,660,735,787–809,850,875,947,993,1160,1234,1272,1369,1373,1404,1435;East

WallofRohan[thewesterncliffsofEmynMuil]561,568

EmynUialseeEvendim,Hillsof

EncirclingMountains948End,the326EndlessStair654Enedwaith1429Enemy,theseeMorgoth;

SauronEnt-draughts613,623,732,

748,1252,1285

Ent-house(s)613,628,629,631

EntishseeEnts:languageofEntmoot(Moot)623,626–32,

736,1453Ents575,603,604,609,614–

35passim,652,717,728,730–49passim,752,763–6passim,1252,1281–5passim,1305,1436,1485–6;Onodrim(Enyd)575,651,1485;shepherdsof

thetrees609,650,717;Entings623,630,1284;Entmaidens619;Entwives614,620,630,634,765,1285;languageof(Entish)604,615,621,623,626,633,1485–6;rememberedinsongortalesforchildren620–2,651,717;ShadowoftheWood756

Entwade565,570

Entwash486,547,555–9passim,567,587,594,597,609–13passim,639,659,661,742,872,1053,1400;valeof507,551

EntwoodseeFangornForestÉomer,sonofÉomund

(ÉomerÉadig,ThirdMarshalofRiddermarkortheMark,laterKingÉomer,KingoftheMark)561–71passim,

576,599,664,669–702passim,708,710,718,719,726,753,756,777,1013,1014,1018–20,1028,1037,1041–45passim,1048,1049,1053,1055,1087–97passim,1104–11passim,1121,1127,1128,1129,1134,1135,1136,1142,1151–5passim,1162,1250,1257,1262,1263,1264,1265,1274–80

passim,1404–5,1431,1435,1439,1442,1443

Éomund570,1404;seealsoÉomer,sonofÉomund;Éowyn,daughterofÉomund

Éored[atroopofRidersofRohan]565,568,1086,1094,1095,1097,1276

EorltheYoung(lordoftheMenoftheÉothéod,KingoftheMark)560,566,568,663,668,673,

700,717,1270,1278,1279,1281,1381,1395–7,1401,1405,1428;Houseof[dynasty]678,682,683,755,757,1027,1028,1043,1135;houseof[hall]783;houseof[both],i.e.hallanddynasty757,1135;lordsoftheHouseofseeThéoden:householdof;Oathof1381,1382,1405;SonsofEorl

(Eorlingas)seeRohirrimÉothain565,571Éothéod1395,1396,1426Éowyn,daughterofÉomund

(LadyofRohan,laterofIthilien,theWhiteLadyofRohan)669,672,679–85passim,1017,1024–7,1041,1042–4,1049,1050,1100–7passim,1123–39passim,1144,1255–65passim,1270,1279,1286,1404,

1431,1439,1441;disguisedasDernhelm1050–1,1052,1086,1095–101passim,1280;LadyoftheShield-arm1405

EphelDúath(MountainsofShadow,ShadowyMountains,HauntedMountains,fences,wallsofMordor)318,327,395,523,824,831,835,837,839,847,848,850,

862,905,912,914,920,929,938,947,955,1000,1048,1158,1159,1176,1178,1198,1201,1202,1206,1213,1231,1272,1383,1480

Eradan1360Erebor(LonelyMountain,

siteofDwarf-kingdom)14,35,97,297,298,313,364,447,490,682,1141,1148,1153,1269,1284,1407,1408,1414–

17passim,1427,1428,1431,1437,1438,1476;FolkofseeDwarvesofErebor;gateof1417,1438;GreatHallof1407;keyof1429;KingdomofDáin1407;KingsundertheMountain14

Erech1023,1144,1436;name1483;Hillof1023,1033;StoneofseeStoneofErech

EredLithui(AshenMountains)817,824,831,835,1167,1207,1213,1221,1369;mountain-wallsofMordor817,824

EredLuinseeBlueMountains

EredMithrin1396EredNimraisseeWhite

MountainsEregion(Hollin)61,315,

329,331,368–72

passim,393,395,397,1289,1360,1406,1421,1434,1468,1475;elven-scriptof329;ElvesofseeElves:ofEregion;roadfrom,toMoria391,392,395;seealsoElven-smiths

Erelas978,1053Eressëa318,1253,1365,

1420,1466;IslesoftheWest1390;LostIsle1253;Havenofthe

Eldarin1354Erestor312,346,348,350,

1274Eriador3,4,20,227,1360,

1362,1366,1381,1392,1413,1415,1417,1422–8passim,1452,1480,1485

Erkenbrand,lordofWestfold690,692,706,708,711,719,1435

Erling,sonofHolman‘thegreenhanded’1450

Errand-ridersofGondor978,983,997,1001,1045,1050,1093

Erui1145;Crossingsof1371,1425;seealsoBattleoftheCrossingsofErui

Esgalduin(Elven-river)250,253

Esgaroth(LongLake)39,76,289,1416,1430,1484;languageof1483–4;Menof1484

EthirAnduinseeAnduin:

mouthsofEttendales265Ettenmoors261,344,357,

1361,1426Evendim,Hillsof(Emyn

Uial)1377Evendim,Lake(Nenuial)

318,1301,1366,1377,1441,1459

EvenstarseeArwenEver-eve(Evereven)see

EldamarEverholt,greatboarof1402

EvermindseeSimbelmynëEvernight306Everwhite,Mountsee

OiolossëExilesseeElves:Noldor;

NúmenóreansExpresstrain,asanalogy36Eye,the(ofBarad-dûr,of

Mordor,ofSauron,GreatEye,LidlessEye,RedEye,etc.)474,475,477,523,581,588,651,735,769,789,817,824,

826,839,966,1150,1151,1158,1175,1224,1232,1237;RedEye(EvilEye,theEye),asemblem541,588,1075,1163,1181,1194,1209;sometimesusedasasynonymforSauron

Faces,socalledbyGollum,seeMoon;SunFairFolkseeElvesFairbairn,Elfstan1442

FairbairnsofWestmarch(oftheTowers)19,1442,1450

Faithful,theseeNúmenóreans

Falastur1367,1424FallofGil-galad,The243Fallohides4,8,1425,1485;

names1492Fang,FarmerMaggot’sdog

120,121Fangorn,theEntsee

Treebeard

FangornForest(Entwood)371,486,496,547,556,557,558,568,569,572–6

FangornForest–cont.passim,586–99passim,600–51,657,713,715,721,730,735,736,764,767,1020,1281,1284,1435;name(Fangorn)1486;EastEnd610

FanuidholtheGrey(Bundushathûr,Shathûr,

Cloudyhead)368,433,1289

FarDowns5,6,1347,1442,1450

Faramir,sonofDenethor(CaptainofGondor,oftheWhiteTower,Lord,laterStewardofGondor,oftheCity,etc.)20,320,321,859–911passim,925,926,931,945,950,987,993,1001,1003,1011,1057–83passim,

1113,1116–22,1125–33passim,1139,1158,1159,1195,1205,1226,1256–70passim,1275–80passim,1385,1431,1435,1436;LordofEmynArnen1360;PrinceofIthilien1269,1277,1279

Faramir,sonofOndoher1374

Farin1418Farthings12,129,303;see

alsoEastfarthing;Northfarthing;Southfarthing;Westfarthing

Fastred,killedinBattleofthePelennorFields1112

Fastred,ofGreenholm1442,1450

Fastred,sonofFolcwine1382,1403,1429

FattyLumpkin188,189,191,234

Fëanor397,779,781,1352,

1421,1465,1467;lettersseeElvishwriting;StaroftheHouseofFëanor[ofsilver,hadeightrays]397;seealsoEldar

FelagundseeFinrodFelagund

Felaróf(Mansbane)663,1397,1401

FellWinter231,375,1429FellowshipoftheRing

(Fellowship)seeCompanyoftheRing

FenHollen(ClosedDoor,theSteward’sDoor)1081,1082,1114,1120

Fengel1279,1403Fenmarch1051,1053Ferny,surname203Ferny,Bill(Chief’sBigMan)

210,215,216,227,234,236–7,238,287,1296,1299,1302,1307,1314

FerryseeBuckleburyFerryFerrylane126,128Fíli1413,1416,1418

Fimbrethil(Wandlimb)[Slim-birch]619,634;name1486

Finarfin1481,1495Findegil,King’swriter20FinduilasofDolAmroth

1260,1384,1430,1431FinglasseeLeaflockFinrodFelagund(Friend-of-

Men)1364,1421,1481;Houseof105

Fire-(Fiery)MountainseeMountDoom

Firefoot684Fireworks32–3,35–6,468,

469Fíriel1374,1426FirienWood(Firienwood)

1051,1402;alludedto1053

Firienfeld1040FirstAge1351,1352,1362,

1406,1420,1454,1468,1482,1483

FirstbornseeElvesFishandchips856

FladrifseeSkinbarkFlet(talan)446,447,448,

449,456,461,499,506FloatingLog,The1310–11Flói419FlourdumplingseeWhitfoot,

WillFolca1279,1402Folcred1403Folcwine1279,1382,1400,

1402,1429Folde1051,1053Folklands12

ForbiddenDoorseeDooroftheDead

ForestRiver479ForlondseeGreyHavensForlongtheFat,Lordof

Lossarnach1008,1107,1111;name1483

Fornost(FornostErain,NorburyoftheKings,Deadmen’sDike,north-city)5,6,12,318,1023,1301,1362,1363,1376,1426;lastbattleatsee

BattleofFornostForochel1363;seealso

LossothForochel,Bayof1462,1480Forochel,Capeof1363Forodwaith1363ForsakenInn,The245FourthAge19,1351,1420,

1441,1460Fox,thinking94Fram1396,1397Frár420Fréa1279,1401

FréaláfHildeson1279,1399,1400,1428

Fréawine1279,1397,1401Freca1397,1398FreeFair13,1341FreePeoples(oftheWorld,

FreeFolk)345,359,366,604,1249

Frerin1408,1410,1418Frogmorton1310,1312,1440Frór1407,1418Frumgar1396Fundin1410;seealsoBalin,

sonofFundin

Gaffer,theseeGamgee,HamfastGaladhrimseeElvesof

LothlórienGaladriel(LadyofLórien,of

Lothlórien,oftheElves,oftheGaladhrim,oftheGoldenWood,oftheWood,theLady,ElvishLady,etc.)21,447,452–93passim,505,506,

554,555,562,569,570,571–2,614,647,656,666,671,684,740,797,871,888–9,926,932,942,954,956,958,1014,1129,1146,1180,1193,1197,1201,1204,1212,1227,1236,1247,1274,1276,1277,1282,1285,1286,1287,1289,1338,1345,1346,1347,1348,1390,1394,1419,1421,1424,1438,1440,

1481;Ladythatdiesnot872;MistressofMagic872;QueenGaladriel714;SorceressoftheGoldenWood670;WhiteLady888;giftofsheathforAndúriltoAragorn488,667;giftofbelttoBoromir489,542,871;giftofhairtoGimli489–90,493,497,657;giftofbowandarrowstoLegolas489,

504,649,666;giftofbeltstoMerryandPippin489;giftofboxtoSam489,1127,1247,1338–9,1346;magicof471;MirrorofseeMirrorofGaladriel;PhialofseePhialofGaladriel

Galathilion[theTreeoftheHighElves,whichwasderivedfromtheelderoftheTwoTreesofthe

Valar,TelperionandLaurelin]1273

Galdor312,325,330,333,346,347

GalenasseePipe-weedGamgeefamily90,1450,

1496;name1496Gamgee,BellnéeGoodchild

1450Gamgee,Bilbo1450Gamgee,Daisy,daughterof

Hamfast1450Gamgee,Daisy,daughterof

Samwise1450Gamgee,Elanor1343,1347,

1349,1367,1440,1441,1450

Gamgee,Frodo1347,1450Gamgee,Halfast58,59,1450Gamgee,Halfred,ofOverhill

1450Gamgee,Halfred,sonof

Hamfast1450Gamgee,Hamfast(the

Gaffer,OldGamgee)28–31,49,83,91,99–

100,342,470,472,477,794,798,814,815,832,860,889,916,1221,1304,1323,1326–7,1337,1340,1342,1433,1450;Ranugad(Ran)1493;name1493;andpotatoes(taters)29,31,855,1327

Gamgee,Hamfast,sonofSamwise1450

Gamgee,Hamson1450Gamgee,Hobson‘Roper’

798,1450Gamgee,Marigold1221,

1450Gamgee,May1450Gamgee,Merry1347,1450Gamgee,Pippin1347,1450Gamgee,Primrose1450Gamgee,Robin1450Gamgee,Rose,daughterof

Samwise1347,1450Gamgee,Rose,wifeof

SamwiseseeCotton,Rose

Gamgee,Ruby1450Gamgee,Samwise(Sam,

Hamfast’sSon,MasterSamwise,SamGardner,etc.)17,20,28,31,58–60passim,65,77,81–280passim,285,286,293–6passim,300,303,309,310,311,353–531passim,537,539,545,571,614,628,639,646,744,770,787–971passim,1036,1042,

1061–2,1067,1164,1172–240passim,1244–53passim,1266,1271,1277,1285–349passim,1369,1431–44passim,1448,1450,1453,1460,1496;Banazîr1493;Berhael1248;name1493

Gamgee,Tolman‘Tom’1450GamlingtheOld692,693,

699,700,702,708Gammidge,Hob‘theRoper’,

‘OldGammidgy’1450Gammidge,Rowan1450Gamwich1450Gamwich,Wiseman1450GandalftheGrey

(Mithrandir,Greyhame,GreyPilgrim,GreyWanderer,GandalftheWhite,theWise,WhiteRider,LeaderoftheCompany,etc.)11,14,17,31–3passim,41–7passim,52–91passim,

97,98,100,109,110,111,135,137–43passim,173–4,183,184,198,217–28passim,240,243–8passim,250,255,258,260,269–74passim,285–302passim,310,311,321–56passim,358–437passim,462–80passim,513,516,517,525,538,541,566,568,573,579,590,606–7,614,641–90

passim,703–30passim,734,739,743,744,746–84passim,803,837,842,846,876–7,885,888,891,896–7,898,906,917,926,957,978–96passim,1001–4passim,1010,1011,1016,1021,1038,1042,1046,1054–85passim,1104,1113–25passim,1128–42passim,1148–59passim,1162–68

passim,1221,1239–47passim,1266,1268,1271–2,1277,1282–3,1287–305passim,1332,1348,1383–4,1389,1403,1415–7,1424–36passim,1440,1490;GreyFool1078,1117;Incánus,Olórin,Tharkûn876;Lathspell669;Stormcrow669,981;voiceof523,645

GapofRohan336,373,385,

487,568,627,659,718,887,1165,1286

Gardnerfamily1444,1450Gardner,Frodo1450Gardner,Holfast1450GateofKingsseeArgonathGateofMordorsee

MorannonGate-streamseeSirannonGatesofGondorsee

ArgonathGhân-buri-Ghân(WildMan)

1087–93,1094,1277

Ghâsh427GiftofMen(DoomofMen)

1354,1391,1394GildorInglorion105–111

passim,138,173,225,770,1345,1462

Gil-galad68,242–3,249–50,316,317,329,1353,1355,1420–4passim

GilthonielseeElberethGilraen1385–92passim,

1429,1430,1432,1462;name1482

Gilrain1145Gimli,sonofGlóin(Durin’s

son)312,359,364–528passim,539–77passim,636–718passim,726–7,730–4passim,746,750–5passim,762,763,764,879,1012,1015–1054passim,1036,1042,1050,1110,1141–9passim,1153,1156,1162,1250,1251,1252,1271,1277,1281,1284,

1351,1413–19passim,1443,1488;Lockbearer657;oneoftheThreeHunters546,640

GladdenFields69,317,330,357,1429,1430;Disasterof69,317,1358,1424

GladdenRiver357,1362,1380,1395,1410,1480,1484,1485;sourcesof357

Glamdring364,404,421,

430,667,1300Glanduin1360Gléowine1278GlitteringCavesofAglarond

713–14,783,1015,1251,1281;LordofseeGimli

Glóin,sonofGróin297–9,312,313,324,325,332,349,350,1413,1418;seealsoGimli,sonofGlóin

Glóin,sonofThorinI1418

Glorfindel(Elf-lord)273–80passim,287–95passim,312,346,347,348,349,359,1274,1377,1405,1434

Goatleaf,surname203Goatleaf,Harry197–8,215,

227,1296,1299GoblinsseeOrcsGolasgil1009Goldberry(River-daughter)

156,158,160–5,168,169,172–3,176–7,189,

193GoldenHall(GoldenHouse)

seeMeduseldGoldenPerch,The115,121GoldenTreeseeLaurelinGoldenWoodseeLothlórienGoldwine1279,1401Gollum(Sméagol,Slinker,

Stinker,etc.)14–17passim,44,45,63,69–79passim,324,327–33passim,340,354,357,406,410,414,439,449,

456,497–501passim,514,525,593,594,789,800–57passim,863,879,882,895–951passim,957,966–7,1067,1196,1201,1210,1211,1225,1226,1228,1234–8passim,1427–47passim;Sméagol-Gollumdebate826–8

Gondolin316,412,464,1353,1464

Gondor(South-kingdom,

South,Southlands,etc.)5,11,20,21,313–24passim,328,334,347,363,385,431,440,478,480,508,516,529,540,542,549,560,561,564,567,575,617,619,660,666,669,674,682,689,734,780,796,831,836,850,859,862,870,872,875,877,886–7,894,903,904,905,909,912,919,931,953,978–94

passim,998–1008passim,1022,1023,1040,1045,1048,1050,1052,1053,1061,1064,1073,1078,1087,1090,1095,1108–12passim,1119,1125,1128,1138,1142,1148,1152,1154,1156,1159,1161,1162,1168,1177,1242,1254,1256,1265,1272,1276,1279,1292,1293,1300,1315,1351,1357–61

passim,1365–85passim,1390,1395–405passim,1417,1422–31passim,1438–43passim,1480,1484,1487;RealminExile1358,1422;Stoningland1111;names1482,1483;calendar,reckoningof1351,1401,1452;CityofGondorseeMinasTirith;Councilof1374;CrownofseeCrownof

Gondor;Errand-ridersseeErrand-ridersofGondor;FieldsofseePelennor;Kings,Ship-kingsof775,1359,1395,1424;languageof1106,1403,1461,1465,1489,1490;LordsofseeStewards;Menof(folk,people,race,etc.)11,348,508,567,571,831,836,874,887–8,890,981,1083,1089,1106,

1107,1148,1165,1242,1249,1256,1264,1265,1266,1277;Minstrelof1249;NorthernArmyof1374,1396;palantírof780;southernfiefs981,1110;tombsofseeHallows;wardensofGondorupontheWest(atOrthanc)724;writingin1473–4;East-borders567;NorthMarch873;SouthGondor1371;see

alsoAnórien;Beaconhills;Ithilien;MinasTirith;etc.

Goodbodyfamily37,38,40,1445

Goodbody,Lily(Baggins)1445

Goodbody,Togo1445Gorbag960–70passim,1175,

1179,1183,1194,1202GoreseeNaithofLórienGorgoroth318,523,831,

839,891,923,929,

1168,1177,1178,1206,1207,1213,1222,1231,1243

Gothmog1107Gram1279,1402Grange,Old1330Great,the3,353GreatArmament1422GreatBattle,atendofFirst

Age1420GreatBridgeseeBrandywine

BridgeGreatDanger1347

GreatDarkness,ofMorgoth609,610,616,633

GreatEnemyseeMorgothGreatGateoftheCitysee

MinasTirithGreatGate(s)seeMoriaGreatJewelseeSilmaril(s)GreatLandsseeMiddle-earthGreatRiverseeAnduinGreatShips,Númenórean

615GreatSiege967GreatSignal923–4,966

GreatSmials(GreatPlaceoftheTooks)9,19,21,600,1321,1428,1448

GreatWars[againstMorgothandSauron]

GreatYears1432–8GreenDragon,The58,86,

193,1313,1314GreenHills(GreenHill

Country),oftheShire93,1321,1328,1345

GreenHills,ofGondorseePinnathGelin

Greenhand,Halfred1450Greenhand,Holman1450Greenway(NorthRoad)11,

197,201,203–4,215,334,342,357,1299,1301,1315,1433;Greenway-crossing197

GreenwoodtheGreatseeMirkwood

GreyCompany656,1016,1024,1028–34passim

Grey-elvenseeSindarinGrey-elvesseeEldar

GreyHostseeDead,theGreyHavens9,21,57,59,

312,325,346,369,453,1143,1276,1346,1347,1353,1360,1366,1376,1394,1421,1424,1441,1442;Forlond1376;Harlond1376;Mithlond780,1347

GreyMountains1407,1427,1436

GreyPilgrimseeGandalfGreyWood1093,1277

Greyflood(Gwathló)262,357,358,371,487,1289,1301,1360,1361,1368,1433

Gríma,sonofGálmódseeWormtongue

GrimbeorntheOld297Grimbold[amarshal

distinguishedinbattlesattheFordsofIsen,commandedtheLeft-wingandfellinthebattleofPelennor]719,

1095,1111Grimslade1111Grip120,121,122Grishnákh581–2,587–96

passim,638,639,735,1462,1487

Gróin1418Grond,battering-ram1083–4Grond,Hammerofthe

Underworld,Morgoth’smace1084

Grór1407,1411,1418,1428Grubbfamily37,38,40

Grubb,Laura37GuardsoftheCitadel(of

MinasTirith)985,998,1004,1006,1010,1045,1122,1156,1248,1266–9passim;liveryof985,1055,1060,1113,1115,1129,1248,1250–1,1316

GuardedCityseeMinasTirith

GuardiansseeValarGundabad1410

Guthláf1096,1104,1111Gúthwine(Éomer’ssword)

696GwaihirtheWindlord340–1,

355,646,655,1241–5passim,

GwathlóseeGreyflood

Hador,steward1360,1455HadortheGoldenhaired,the

Elf-friend353,887;HouseofHador1353

Halbarad1014–21passim,

1024,1029,1034,1110,1111

Haldir446–62passim,467,483–4,499,795

HalethHelm’sson1399,1402

Half-elven(Peredhil)519,1353;seealsoElrondtheHalfelven

HalflingsseeHobbitsHalflings,countryofsee

ShireHalifirien978,1053

HallofFireseeRivendellHalloftheKings(ofthe

Tower)seeCitadelofGondor

Hallas1360Hallow,onMount

Mindolluin1272Hallows,inMinasTirith

1115,1269;seealsoHouseoftheKings;HouseoftheStewards

Háma,captainoftheKing’sGuard666,667,671–7

passim,683,689,712,757

Háma,Helm’sson1399,1402

HamfastofGamwich1450HammeroftheUnderworld

seeGrondHarad(South)323,862,864,

1002,1061,1083,1381,1425,1463;Haradwaith1381;Sunlands845;havensof522;kingdomsof,intheFarSouth862;

kingsof1368;menofseeHaradrim

Haradrim(folk,men,peoplesofHarad)319,862,886,1046,1061,1069,1098,1107,1111,1145,1146,1159,1243,1269,1368,1372,1373,1374,1382,1402,1425,1429;championof1074;chieftain(theblackserpent)1099,1102;menlikehalf-trollsfrom

FarHarad1107;MenofNearHarad1374;Southrons862,863,882,1099,1107,1110,1131,1253,1293;deadSouthron863–4;SwarthyMen1047;Swertings845,865

Hardbottle1336Harding,ofRohan1111HardingoftheHill1450Harfoots4,8,1425,1485HarlondseeGreyHavens

Harlond,harbourofMinasTirith981,1108,1110,1148,1153

Harnen1368Harrowdale1025,1035,

1037,1042,1401,1436Hasufel371,572,576,636,

658,660,664,684,703,730,1012

HaudhinGwanûr1382HauntedMountainsee

DwimorbergHauntedPassseeCirith

GorgorHavensseeGreyHavensHayGateseeBucklandHaysend129,149Hayward,Hob1308,1309HealersseeHousesof

HealingHeathertoes,surname203Heathertoes,Mat1299HedgeseeHighHayHelm‘Hammerhand’629,

705,1279,1381,1397–402passim,1428;horn

of703,705,1278Helm’sDeep(theDeep)686–

710passim,738,756,768,777,783,1024,1025,1279,1281,1399,1428,1435,1439;cavernsofseeGlitteringCavesofAglarond;seealsoDeepingcoomb;DeepingStream;DeepingWallHelm’sDike(theDike)689,691,692,707,708,711,

712,721,1017,1020,1024,1399

Helm’sGate(theGate)688,691,692,707,708,711

HelmingasseeWestfold:menof

Hending,sonofHolman‘thegreenhanded’1450

HennethAnnûn,WindowoftheSunset(Window-curtain,Curtain)881,893–6passim,909,911,1061,1160,1253,1381,

1429,1436HerbloreoftheShire10,20Herefara1112Herion1360Herubrand1112Herugrim(Théoden’ssword)

675,676,677HiddenLandseeLothlórienHighCityseeCitadelof

GondorHighCourtseeCitadelof

GondorHigh-elvenseeQuenya

HighElvesseeEldar:NoldorHighHay(Hedge)129,139,

143,144,145HighPassseeCirithUngolHighPass,inMisty

Mountains228Hild1399Hill,the(HobbitonHill)27,

28,32,33,52,60,90,92,99,123,342,467,472,1330,1331,1335,1337,1460

HillofHearingseeAmon

LhawHilloftheEye,ofSightsee

AmonHenHillRoad90,1331Hill-trollsseeTrollsHillmenseeDunlendings;

RhudaurHirgon1045,1046,1047,

1048,1093HirluintheFair1009,1107,

1112HitherShore(s)seeMiddle-

earth

Hithlain[mist-thread]484Hoarwell(Mitheithel)4,261,

272,344,357,1361,1362,1434;name1491;BridgeofMitheithelseeLastBridge

Hobbit,The1,14–16,1494Hobbiton8,28–37,55,87,

89,93,94,99,100,123,134,219,301,303,325,342–3,467–8,375,614,793,1201,1309,1311,1314,1320–31passim,

1337,1338,1432,1441,1445,1460;folkof1326

HobbitonRoad1314Hobbits(LittleFolk,Little

People)1–42passim,48–58passim,63,64,69–72passim,82,87,90,92,94,120,123,124,140,141,171,345,387,565,605,625,639,727,765,996–7,1308–41passim,1362,1452,1486;Halflings446,

453,520,565,580,591,861,873,890,987,1060,1266,1485;Holbytla(n)727,1013,1485,1496;Periain,Periannath(sing.Perian)20,1005,1056,1125,1140,1157,1266,1425,1426;andarchitecture,craftofbuilding8,9;andboats,water8,29,128,479;calendarofseeShireReckoning;

character,appearance1–4;education,lore1,3,5,8,13,19,20,21,64,779;passionforfamilyhistory28,728;foodanddrink2,34–40,55,133,730–1,etc.;dislikeofheights448;Hobbitry-in-arms12;languageof2,4,5,1464,1484,1489,1490;legends,storiesof727–8,995;andmushrooms133;

namesofrace1462,1496;namesofHobbits1461,1484–5,1491–2,1496;customofpresents2,7,35;smoking10–11,728,733–4,seealsoPipe-weed;toughnessof7,288–9,426–7;writing(letters,script)5;seealsoBree;Fallowhides;Harfoots;Mathom;Shire,the;Stoors;etc.

Holbytla(n)seeHobbits

HoldseeDunharrowHollinseeEregionHollingateseeMoriaHolman‘thegreenhanded’

28,30,1450Horn,RiderofRohan1112Horn-call,cryofBuckland

seeBucklandHornofBoromir363,430,

537,538,542,543,871,872,887,988,1435

HornoftheMark,giventoMeriadoc1280,1318,

1329,1331,1460Hornblowerfamily37,38,

40,64Hornblowerpipe-weed

brandmarks733,749Hornblower,Tobold(Tobold

theOld,OldToby)10–11,728

Hornburg(theBurg)689–704passim,711,712,757,1015–24passim,1110,1150,1399,1400,1436,1488;Hornburg-gates

695;seealsoBattleoftheHornburg

Hornrock(Rock)689,696–705passim

Horse-men’sroad1089HostoftheWest,against

Witch-king1377HostoftheWest,armyfrom

ValinoratendofFirstAge1407

HostoftheWest(armyoftheWest,MenoftheWest),againstSauron1437

HostofValinor1420HoundofSauronseeWolvesHouseofHúrinseeStewardsHouseoftheKings(Houses

oftheDead)1269,1379,1393,1394

HouseoftheStewards,tombs1078,1081,1113

HousesofHealing1120–44passim,1255,1256,1259,1262,1264,1266;Healers1120,1125,1126,1157,1255,1256,

1258;herb-masterof1130,1133,1136;Wardenof1139–40,1255–6,1257,1258,1259,1263,1264

HousesoftheDeadseeHouseoftheKings

Hundred-weightFeast55Hunter’sMoon357Huor1353Huorns635,706–12passim,

716,720,721,736–46passim,752;darknessof

686–7Húrin,oftheFirstAge353;

name1482HúrinI,steward1360HúrinII,steward1360HúrinofEmynArnen,

steward1360,1379;HouseofseeStewards

HúrintheTall,WardenoftheKeys1107,1256,1265,1266

Hyarmendacil‘South-victor’(Ciryaher)1359,1368,

1369,1425HyarmendacilII(Vinyarion)

1359,1425

IarwainBen-adarseeBombadil,TomIdrilCelebrindal1352Ilmarin306,485ImladMorgulseeMorgul

ValeImladrisseeRivendellImlothMelui1133,1266Imrahil,PrinceofDol

Amroth(thePrince,LordofDolAmroth)982,1009,1035,1057,1068,1073,1074,1078,1106–1114passim,1120,1127–1133passim,1141,1142,1149,1152–3,1154,1158,1162,1164,1167,1250,1266,1127,1280,1405,1461;name1461

IncánusseeGandalfIngold980,1074

InlandSeaseeNúrnen;Rhûn,Seaof

Ioreth1126,1129,1130,1133,1134,1266,1462

Iorlas1006Írensaga1040IronCrown932,1352IronHills1407,1408,1410–

11,1413,1428,1430Isen385,687,718,719,720,

742,749,1286,1301,1396,1398,1399,1402,1433

Isen,Fords(Crossings)of686,688,690,711,715–20passim,738,756,778,1013,1399,1404,1433;mouthsof1381;seealsoBattlesoftheFordsofIsen

Isengard166,336,339,385,522,541,547,553,568,569,581,588,592,599,614–18passim,627,628,632,633,634,639,649,652,659,676,681,

687,688,690,694,698,703,705,709,715,720–50,759,767,769,776,777,780,782,841,979,990,1001,1012,1165,1281,1288,1314,1315,1332,1381,1383,1399–403passim,1428,1430,1435,1439,1486;Angrenost616;creaturesof700;emblemof(whitehand)568,581,585,617,695,722;gates

of715,722;LordofseeSaruman;Ring(circle)of340,723–4;IsengardersseeOrcs;seealsoOrthanc;WhiteHand;Wizard’sVale

IsengrimII1428,1455Isenmouthe(CarachAngren)

1203,1213,1216,1220,1437

Isildur,sonofElendil68,73,74,316–24passim,327,329,359,513,564,838,

866,867,877,886,925,1022,1024,1034,1145,1147,1267,1357,1358,1360,1364,1374,1386,1387,1423,1424,1430,1466,1482;heirs,Houseof(NorthernLine)1118,1358,1360,1364,1429,seealsoAragornII,Valandil;name1482;scrollof328–9,1432

Isildur’sBaneseeRing,theIstariseeWizards

Ithil-stoneseePalantírIthildin[starmoon]397,414Ithilien319,849,859,861,

878,881,883,905,910,920,981,984,997,1002,1061,1062,1065,1158,1177,1245,1251,1253,1264,1269,1371,1373,1374,1378–82passim,1403,1419,1429,1431,1435,1437,1441,1443,1464;seealsoSouthIthilien

Ivorwen1385IvyBush,The28,86

Jewels,ThreeseeSilmarils

Khand1107,1374KhazâdseeDwarvesKhazad-dûmseeMoriaKheled-zâramseeMirrormereKhuzdulseeDwarves:

languageofKibil-nâlaseeCelebrantKíli1413,1416,1418

KingofAngmarseeWitch-king

KingoftheDeadseeDead,the

KingoftheMark(Rohan)seeÉomer;Théoden;etc.

KingoftheMountains1023King’sCourt,Númenor1457King’sMen(Black

Númenóreans)seeNúmenóreans

King’smessengers1315King’sWriterseeFindegil

Kingsseeundernamesofplaces,e.g.Gondor,andnamesofindividualkings,e.g.Théoden

KingsofMenseeNúmenóreans

KingsundertheMountain14;seealsoErebor

Kings’Reckoning1452–60passim

KingsfoilseeAthelasKin-strife1361,1369,1370,

1378,1425

LadyofLothlórien(oftheGoldenWood,etc.)seeGaladrielLadyofRivendellseeArwenLagduf1184LakeTownseeEsgarothLamedon1009,1034,1110,

1144,1145;LordofseeAngbor

Lampwright’sStreet(RathCelerdain)1005–6,1009–10

LandofShadowseeMordor

Landroval1243,1245Langstrand(Anfalas)385,

1009,1373,1491;name1491

Languages,ofMiddle-earth399–400,1480–96;seealsolanguage(s)undernamesofpeoples,e.g.Dwarves,andnamesofindividuallanguagesorlanguagegroups,e.g.Adûnaic;Elvishlanguages

Lassemista630LastAllianceofElvesand

Men242,316,317,1177,1358,1423

LastBridge(BridgeofMitheithel)262,263,274,1434

LastHomelyHouseseeRivendell

LastMountainseeMethedrasLastShip1360LastShoreseeAmanLaurelin(GoldenTree)485,

779,842,1352;oneoftheTwoTreesofValinor1352,1353

LaurelindórenanseeLothlórien

LeafseePipe-weedLeaflock(Finglas)618Lebennin385,981,999,

1001,1068,1108,1110,1143,1145,1147,1265,1371,1436

Lebethron909,1266Lefnui1399

LegolasGreenleaf312,332,354,359,364–527passim,539–77passim,636–718passim,726–53passim,763,764,860,1012,1013–34passim,1036,1042,1110,1141–9passim,1156,1160,1162,1250–3passim,1271,1277,1281,1284,1419,1443;oneoftheThreeHunters546,640

Lembas(waybread)[len-bas

‘way-bread’]481,482,555,591,596,597,601,638,732,788,812–13,852,931,1196,1203,1205,1206,1214–15,1224,1227

Léod1395,1397Léofa(Brytta)1279,1402Libraries19–20,328,360,

1458LidlessEyeseeEye,theLightfoot1106Limlight1369,1380,1396

Lindir308Lindon(Elvishcountry)

1360,1362–3,1376,1420,1421,1422,1426

Linhir1145,1436Lithe13,1451,1452,1455–6Lithlad831Littlefolk,peoplesee

HobbitsLockholes1310,1312,1320,

1322,1326,1336LonelyMountainseeEreborLongCleeve1441,1448

LongLakeseeEsgarothLongWinter6,1381,1399,

1402,1428LongbeardsseeDwarvesLongbottom10,11,728,

1320LongbottomLeaf11,733,

1139Longholes,surname203Lóni420LordofBarad-dûrseeSauronLordofMinasTirithsee

DenethorII;Stewards

LordoftheMark(Rohan)seeÉomer;Théoden

LordoftheNazgûlseeWitch-king

LordoftheRingseeSauronLordsoftheCitysee

StewardsLórienseeLothlórienLossarnach(Arnach)981,

999,1008,1107,1130,1131,1153,1160,1403,1404,1483

Lossoth(Snowmenof

Forochel)1363,1364Lothíriel1405Lothlórien(Lórien,Golden

Wood,Elf-country,Elvishcountry,etc.)296,330,346,386,439–94passim,495–9passim,504,505,506–7,510,522,525,541,551–2,562,567,570,608–9,610,614,637,655,666,671,770,794,817,872,873,879,884,885,888,

889,942,958,1056,1129,1141,1201,1220,1274,1280,1282,1290,1292,1343,1360,1362,1389,1394,1412,1427,1430,1431,1434,1437–8passim,1418;Dreamflower608;Dwimordene[ValeofIllusion,nameinRohanforLórien]671;Egladil452,486;Laurelindórenan(Land

oftheValleyofSingingGold)608,872,1282;Elvesof(Galadhrim)seeElves:ofLothlórien;name1481;timein466,506–7,655–6;seealsoEastLórien;NaithofLórien;NorthernFences

LoudwaterseeBruinenLugbúrzseeBarad-dûrLugdush584,591Lune(Lhûn),river5,1360,

1361,1363,1413,1420,

1491;name1491Lune,Firthof1347Lune,Gulfof780,1360,

1364Lune,MountainsofseeBlue

MountainsLúthienTinúviel[Tinúviel=

nightingale]250–3passim,280,296,316,360,946,1147,1276,1352,1387;layofBerenandLúthien(LayofLúthien)360,1387

Mablung861,862,864,874,879,880,1160Maggotfamily120,125,133Maggot,Farmer119–27,130,

133,134,173Maggot,Mrs.121,125,127,

133MalbeththeSeer1023,1375Mallor1358Mallorn(GoldenTree,pl.

mellyrn)435,444–5,454,456,458,483,637–8,1339,1394,1440

Mallos1145Malvegil1358,1361ManintheMoon207–9MannishlanguagesseeMen:

languagesofManwë(ElderKing)306Maps,mentioned360,368,

372,1212Marcho5,1444MardilVoronwë‘the

Steadfast’875,988,1359,1378,1379,1427,1454,1455

Marish8,115,116,120,128,133,793,1058,1426,1449,1492;namesin1492

Mark,theseeRohanMasterofBuckland,ofthe

HallseeBrandybuckfamily

Mathom7,21,49,1461,1485,1494

Mathom-house(museum)7,18,414

Mauhúr595,596

Mazarbul,BookofseeBookofMazarbul

Mazarbul,ChamberofseeChamberofMazarbul

Mearas566,658,664,1397Meduseld(GoldenHall,

houseofEorl)568,570–1,653,658,661–83,688,708,719,757,783,1013,1017,1038,1043,1049,1103,1111,1135,1278,1279,1395,1396,1398

Melian1352Mellon[friend]398,401Men(BigFolk,BigPeople,

MortalMen)1–9passim,66,67–8,99,108,122,133,157,172,190,195,196–7,203,204,249,253,287–8,289,298,307,314,316,336,359,366,368,381,386,417,461,468,509,518,519,522,557,560,570,575,590,603,604,

608,615,616,619,620,662,671,697,711,713,717,719,721,731,738,740,748–9,756,780,804,844,849,864,871,875,883–91passim,896,898,906,910,912,946,1075,1142,1208,1282,1367,1370,1376,1393,1407,1420,1423,1425,1438,1441,1482,1483,1484;alphabetsof1488;calendarof1452–

3,1456;dominionof1272,1420;failbutseedspringsup1142;languagesof399–400,417,633,1482,1483,1484,1488,1489,1492,1494,1495;seealsoAdûnaic,CommonSpeech;namesof1482,1490–1;seealsoDunlendings;GiftofMen;Haradrim;LastAllianceofElvesand

Men;Númenóreans;Rohirrim;andnamesofplacesinhabitedbyMen,e.g.Gondor

MenoftheMountainsseeDead,the

MenoftheTwilightseeRohirrim

Meneldil318,328,1358,1374,1424

Meneldor1243,1245Meneltarma1354Menelvagor(Telumehtar,

Orion)107,1462MereofDeadFacesseeDead

MarshesMerethrond,theGreatHallof

FeastsMethedras(LastMountain)

558,611,612,627MichelDelving7,8,30,204,

206,361,414,1320,1325,1336;mathom-houseof7,18,414;MayorofseeWhitfoot,Will

Middle-earth(middleworld,mortallands,etc.)3,7,9,21,57,104,195,250,259,287,307,316,326,347,350,400,437,446,454,464,489,492,651,713,717,740,758,777,782,887,888,894,933,943,1032,1036,1143,1163,1192,1200,1236,1241,1268,1284,1339,1347,1348,1352–9passim,1368,1372,

1388,1391,1393,1417–24passim,1443,1453,1464,1467,1482,1483;GreatLands885;HitherShore(s)307,443,485;name1464;solaryearin1453;Westof400,1352

MiddlePeoplesseeRohirrimMidgewaterMarshes237,

238–9Midsummer13,1271,1274,

1391Mid-year’sDay1451,1455–

6Mill,inHobbiton472,1324,

1325–6,1330–1,1337MinalcarseeRómendacilIIMinardil1359,1373,1379,

1426MinasAnor,Towerofthe

(Setting)Sun318,319,328,780,878,1157,1262,1264,1357,1367,1373,1378,1423,1424,1426;Anor-stone(palantír)1426;King’s

House1426;seealsolaternameMinasTirith

MinasIthil,Towerofthe(Rising)Moon(Moontower)318,321,780,838–9,885,904,905,912,920–1,1157,1270,1357,1378,1384,1423,1427;Ithil-stone(palantír)seePalantír;seealsolaternameMinasMorgul

MinasMorgul,Towerof

Sorcery(DeadCity,accursedtower)318,326,523,780,904,905,906,920–7passim,965,1000,1062,1069,1154,1157,1177,1378,1427;host(s),legionsof(Morgul-host,etc.)925,926,1073,1107,1111,1184,1436;KingofseeWitch-king;seealsoearliernameMinasIthil

MinasTirith,TowerofGuard

(theCity,Stone-city,etc.)20,319–22passim,328,359,466,478–9passim,482,487,507,508,516,518,519–26passim,538,542,544,548,566,567,647,648,674,717,783,796,860,862,867,873–8passim,885,887,903,906,978,983–4,994,955,1001–11,1022,1046,1048,1055,1056,1057,1059,

1060,1069–97passim,1105–11passim,1113–29passim,1138–48passim,1153,1157,1160,1174,1251–76passim,1282,1381,1383,1384,1394,1417,1428–38passim,1483,1489;GuardedCity983–4;Mundburg[guardian-fortress]664,663,1051,1052,1089–90,1111–12,1280;

SevenGates979;seealsoearliernameMinasAnor;Captainsof991;Gateof(GreatGate,GateofGondor)981,982,983,999,1005–10passim,1035,1058,1059,1072–9passim,1083,1084,1085,1098,1103,1111,1113,1116,1123,1127,1153,1265,1270,1436;Lord(s)ofseeStewards;menofthe

City(oftheTowerofGuard)466,480,482,508,1156,1157,1167;moundsof1111–12;palantírof(Anor-stone)seePalantír;SecondGateof1083;seealsoCitadelofGondor;HouseoftheKings;HouseoftheStewards;HousesofHealing;Lampwright’sStreet(RathCelerdain);Rath

Dínen(SilentStreet)Minastan1359MindolluinseeMount

MindolluinMinesofMoriaseeMoriaMinhiriath1362,1429Min-Rimmon(Rimmon)978,

1053,1083,1265,1436,1483;name1483

Mirkwood(GreatWood,Wood,etc.)4,57,62,67,69,73,75,76,97,298,312,326,330,332,

333,340,355,357,435–6,441,490,522,562,601,615,619,640,662,694,713–14,764,882,895,947,1002,1269,1284,1368,1380,1395,1407,1414,1425,1432,1437,1483,1491;ErynLasgalen1438;GreenwoodtheGreat3,1369,1370,1373,1419,1423,1425,1438;Taure-Ndaedelos1491;

Elven-king’shallsin322,713–14;Narrows1438;NorthernMirkwood312;SouthernMirkwood458,45–6,seealsoEastLórien;seealsoWoodmen

MirrorofGaladriel470–4,475–6,956,1330,1434

Mirrormere(Kheled-zâram)369,411,413,415,419,420,434,435,463,493,

714,1406,1410Miruvor378,384,403–4MistyMountains(Mountains

ofMist)3,14,69,71,177,195,216,242,244,249,261,267,292,298,299,301,313,326–7,336,341,357,359,360,366–74passim,386,387,390–1,393,403,432,433,443,455,464,496,522,540,558,574,585,589,597,619,651,

686,720,1165,1287,1360,1361,1366,1380,1381,1387,1395,1404,1406,1421,1423,1425,1427,1432,1480,1484,1487

MitheithelseeHoarwellMithlondseeGreyHavensMithrandirseeGandalfMithril[truesilver]413–14,

419,985,1407,1419;Moria-silver414;mithrilcoat(mail)361–2,414,

437,957,1164,1180,1200,1250,1292,1437

Moon(Ithil)894;andliveryofMinasMorgul1019,1181;andShirecalendar1452;newafterLothlórien501,502,506–7;WhiteFace,socalledbyGollum805,823,898,899

Morannon[blackgate](theBlackGate(s)ofMordor,Sauron’sgate)

316,330,486,809,817,821,824,825,829–30passim,831–5,839–40,844,846,847,852,903,904,908,918,1068,1072,1156–69passim,1214,1220,1242,1260,1374,1436

Mordor(BlackCountry,BlackLand,DarkCountry,LandofShadow,NamelessLand,etc.)57,66,67,

77,192,220,230,243,253,279–80,294,313–18passim,323,327–32passim,338,342,348,358,360,375,422,480,486,504,508,515,519,520,523,526,530,531,540,545,553,563,567,589,599,615,648,649,651,667,674,687,724,757,759,760,763,769,776,783,788,789,809,817,821–7passim,830–

5passim,840–6passim,851,869,891,903,908,912,919,925,930,955,959,978,1000,1020,1042,1046,1048,1056,1065,1076,1084,1110,1122,1127,1144,1146–7,1149,1153,1154,1158–67passim,1174–9passim,1184,1186,1192,1193,1197,1198–1219passim,1220,1223,1238,1241,1242,

1247,1250,1253,1266,1304,1332,1357,1369,1372,1373,1378,1380,1381,1382,1391,1404,1421–32passim,1486,1487;alliesof1144,seealsonamesofallies,e.g.Haradrim;captainsof1486;gatesofseeMorannon;host(s)of1020,1044,1077,1097,1190–10,1167,1241;languageofseeBlack

Speech;slavesof1064,1269;wallsofseeEphelDúath,EredLithui;seealsoDarkness;Nazgûl;Orcs;Shadow

Morgai1176,1177,1199,1203–7,1209,1437

Morgoth(DarkPoweroftheNorth,DarknessintheNorth,theGreatEnemy,theShadow)[evilVala,primeEnemy]253,463,619–20,633,1195,

1352,1353,1361,1363,1406,1407,1420,1482,1486,1495;servantofseeSauron

Morgul-knife256,259,266,275,289,1294

Morgul-lordseeWitch-kingMorgulPass1158,1177Morgul-road(Morgul-way)

1198,1203,1208,1436Morgul-spells320MorgulVale(ImladMorgul

[Imlad=deepvalley],

ValleyofLivingDeath,ValleyoftheWraiths,etc.)330,908,912,915,920,929,931,938,942,947,960,1062,1157,1158,1161,1255,1270,1380,1437

Morgulduin912,921,922–3Moria(MinesofMoria,

Khazad-dûm,theBlackPit,Dwarf-kingdom,hallsofMoria–cont.Durin,etc.)313,314,

315,349,368,385,386,387,391,393,395,404–17passim,419,433–40passim,447,455,462,463,467,468,480,499,505,522,566,567,581,614,654,697,715,733,743,841,860,867,876,885,993,1221,1406–13passim,1418,1421,1422,1423,1426–32passim,1439,1468,1495;Dwarrowdelf368,

411,1495;bridgeof(BridgeofKhazad-dûm,Durin’sBridge)420,427–32,463,468,654,1434;doorsof(DoorsofDurin,ElvenDoor,Hollingate,West-gate)[westentrancetoMoria,madebydwarvesbutcontrolledbyspellofCelebrimbor]386–417passim,420,1421,1433,1434,1471,1473;First

Deep427;FirstHall427,428;GreatGates(DimrillGate,East-gate)387,410,415,418

Moria–cont.419,420,421,427,433,436,438–9,440,1289,1409,1412,1427;Lordof395;name1495;North-end(Twenty-firsthall)419,421;SecondHall427–8;SeventhLevelof421;Thirddeep,upper

armouries419;Wallsof392–5;seealsoBookofMazarbul;ChamberofMazarbul;DwarvesofMoria

Moria,Mountainsof439,1439;seealsoCaradhras;Celebdil;Fanuidhol

Moria-silverseeMithrilMorthond(Blackroot)1009,

1032,1111,1464;archersof1123;uplands

of1009MorthondVale(Blackroot

Vale)1009,1032;menof1032–3

Morwen‘Steelsheen’1403,1404

MoundoftheRiders719–20,778,1013

MoundsseeBarrowsMountDoom(Orodruin,

AmonAmarth,MountainofFire,etc.)80,81,316,317,319,

365,372,523,525,816,842,891,1057,1176,1178,1184,1192,1196,1199,1201,1207,1208,1213,1220,1225–40,1243,1244,1357–8,1422,1431,1437,1491;name(Orodruin)1491;seealsoCrack(s)ofDoom;SammathNaur

MountEverwhiteseeOiolossë

MountFangseeOrthanc

MountMindolluin(Mindolluin)783,894,982,984,994,1009,1056,1065,1081,1085,1091,1093,1110–11,1254,1271–2,1278

MountainandtheWoodseeEreborandLothlórien[orDwarvesandElvesgenerally]

MountainWall(=Pelóri)307MountainsofGondorsee

WhiteMountains

MountainsofLuneseeBlueMountains

MountainsofMoriaseeMoria,Mountainsof

MountainsofShadowseeEphelDúath

MountainsofTerror(=EredGorgoroth)253,946

MouthofSauron(LieutenantoftheTower,Messenger)1163–7passim

Mugwort,surname203

Mugwort,Mr.211Mûmak(pl.mûmakil)see

OliphauntMundburgseeMinasTirithMuzgash1184

Náin,fatherofDáinII1411,1418NáinI1407,1418,1427NáinII1418NaithofLórien(Tongue,

Gore)451,455,485,486,491

Náli420NamelessEnemy,Onesee

SauronNamelessLandseeMordorNamelessPassseeCirith

UngolNameless,gnawingthings

654NanCurunír(Wizard’sVale,

ValleyofSaruman)635,687,720,722–3,736–7,745,769

Nan-tasarionseeTasarinan

NanduhirionseeDimrillDaleNár1409NarchostseeTowersofthe

TeethNardol978,1053,1091Nargothrond412,464,1364,

1421,1464,1481NarmacilI1359,1367,1369NarmacilII1359,1373–4,

1375,1426NarrowIce(=Helcaraxë)305Narsil(swordthatwas

broken,swordof

Elendil)[redandwhiteflame]224–5,316,317,321,322,323,349,359,360,564,570,667,696,860,867,885,1022,1110,1386,1424,1430;reforged359–60,seealsoAndúril

Narvi398Narya(theThirdRing,the

RingofFire)1348,1424NaugrimseeDwarvesNazgûl(Ringwraiths,Black

Riders,FellRiders,BlackMen,theNine,NineRiders,NineLords,MessengersofMordor,WingedMessenger,Shriekers,etc.)67–8,98–101,103–4,105,109–27passim,134,139,140,166,174,192,199,214–20passim,225,226,230,231,240,247,248,254–264passim,273–81passim,

287–92passim,318,325,334–48passim,355–6,358,359,360,361,363,384,581,588,615,649–50,653,738,777,778,782,796,827–30passim,843,905,920,965,966,977,1000,1002,1058,1059,1061,1071,1073,1074,1077,1126,1131,1151,1159–62passim,1185,1194,1197,1198,1202,

1211,1227,1241–8passim,1297,1327,1345,1373,1377,1378,1380,1422–7passim,1435;cryof792–3,795,823,1002,1058–9,1197,1198,1202,1211;cityofseeMinasMorgul;darknessofseeBlackBreath;LordofseeWitch-king;mountedonwingedcreatures504–5,581,

777,782,823,843,1058,1059,1061,1131,1194,1197,1198–9,1227,1241–2,1243,1433,1435;sensesof99,248,289–90,823

NecromancerseeSauronNeekerbreekers239Neldoreth(Taur-na-neldor)

253,610,1387NenHithoel479,513,1369NenuialseeEvendim,LakeNenya(theRingofAdamant)

475,476,506,1346NewAge1282NewReckoning1459–60NewRow1338NewYear1247;oftheElves

1438,1460NicotianaseePipe-weedNightofNaught305Nimbrethil304NimlothseeWhiteTreeNimrodel,elf441–4passim,

1427,1481;Layof1078;name1481;

peopleof1078,1141Nimrodel,river441,442,

445,448,450,451,500,1434

Nimrodel,Bridgeof441Nimrodel,fallsof442,448Nindalf(Wetwang)486,1462Nine(NineRiders,Nine

Servants)seeNazgûlNineRingsseeRingsof

PowerNineWalkers(Nine

Companions)see

CompanyoftheRingNiphredil456,457,1391,

1395Noakes29,30Nob200,201,217,219,221,

226,227,228,233,235–6,1297,1302

NogrodNoldorseeEldarNoman-lands486,825NorburyseeFornostNori298,1418North,the(Northerland,etc.)

11,197,259,288,317,323,328,347,442,487,564,713,886,978;palantírof1361,1362,1364;seealsonamesoflandsintheNorthofMiddle-earth,e.g.Beleriand

NorthDowns318,1301,1362,1363,1377

North-gateseeBucklandNorthKingdom(Northern

Kingdom)seeArnor

NorthMoors58–9NorthRoadseeGreenwayNorthStairseeStair,the,by

RaurosNorth-tooksofLongCleeve

1448NorthernFences,of

Lothlórien483Northfarthing12,58,375,

848,1329,1339–40;seealsoBattleofGreenfields

Northmen1369,1370,1407–

8North-wayseeWestRoadNúmenor(Westernesse),

islandrealm5,21,68,253,308,316,318,779,884,885–6,888,1023,1033,1078,1136,1261,1354–7,1365,1366,1372,1420,1421,1422,1423,1482;Elenna,Isleof1354;LandoftheStar1372;calendarofseeKings’Reckoning;

Downfallof(Akallabêth)316,1354,1454,1483;KingsandQueensof253,1354–7,1374–5,1393–4;King’sCourt1457;languagesof1482–3,seealsoAdûnaic;menofseeNúmenóreans;name1482;SeeingStonesofseePalantír

Númenóreans,oftheislandrealm(MenoftheSea)

11,620,633,887,1375,1467,1482;theFaithful(Exiles)1356,1357–8,1422;BlackNúmenóreans(King’sMen)1163,1368;NúmenóreanswhobecameNazgûl905;inMiddle-earthaftertheDownfall(KingsofMen,MenofraceorbloodofNúmenor,Westernesse,etc.)5,68,

303,316,318,336,349,447,520,522,647,838,861,875,878,884,885–6,1060,1078,1177,1264,1374,1375,1379,1487,seealsoDúnedain;FathersofseeEdain;Rulers(Kings,Chieftains)oftheRealmsinExile194,287,1267,1356–7,1368,1392;worksofNúmenóreans,of

WesternessespecificallymentionedseeMinasTirith;Orthanc;SeatofSeeing;Swords,frombarrow

Núrnen,Lake(inlandsea)831,1208,1269

OathofEorlseeEorltheYoung:OathofOathbreakersseeDead,theOhtar317,1424Óin,sonofGlóin1418

Óin,sonofGróin298,313,420,1418

Oiolossë(MountEverwhite)492OldForest29,129,134,140,141,144–60passim,168,170,178,192,198,231,285,345,609,614,1305,1306,1433;seealsoBonfireGlade

OldGrange1330OldGuesthouse1005OldmanatDooroftheDead

1044–5OldManWillowseeWillow,

OldManOldRoadseeEast-West

RoadOldToby11OldWinyards49,89OldWordsandNamesinthe

Shire21OldWorld,North-westof3Oldbuckfamily12,128–9,

1365,1427,1449,1496;seealsoBrandybuck

familyOldbuck,Gorhendad128–9,

1449Oliphaunt(mûmak)864,865,

882,1061,1083,1103,1107,1111,1226,1253,1293

Olog-haiseeTrollsOlórinseeGandalfOndoher1359,1374,1375,

1426One,the(=Eru,Ilúvatar)

1357,1394

OneRingseeRing,theOnodrimseeEntsOrcrist364Orcs(gorgûn,yrch)7,72,75,

78,333,386,403,404,413,422,445,447,515,518,537,538,540,541,542,544–56passim,559–77passim,578–99passim,604,606,626,637–8,768,844,859,953,988,1002,1020,1209–12,1251,1282,

1361,1386,1427,1436;goblins236,439,540,578,738;ofCirithUngol,MinasMorgul965,970–1,1173–84passim,1189–97passim,1436;fromDurthang1214–19,1437;ofMoria,MistyMountains14,17,57,69,296,386,419,421–2,429–30,423–4,426,429,430,432,445,447,455,497,

522,582,583,584,585,586,587,882,1366,1381,1395,1409–16passim,1486;ofMordor(Sauron,OrcsoftheEye,Enemy)290,503–4,508–9,568,581,589–95passim,649,788,804,808–10,817,820–1,832,833,839,851,859,869,919,934,939,947,948,970,1047,1075,1077,1076,1087–

92passim,1095,1098,1110,1156,1158–9,1167,1205,1208–11,1214–19passim,1243,1251,1381,1486;UruksofMordor422,423,965,1217,1380,1486;OrcsofSaruman340,341,615–19passim,630,633,649,681,689–713passim,719,721,730–46passim,768;Uruk-hai(Isengarders,

withdeviceofWhiteHand)540–1,549,553,569,578–99passim,704,1289,1486;alphabetsof1468;half-orcs738;languagesof579–80,1462,1466,1486–7,1490;madeinmockeryofElves633;poisonedbladesof437;andsunlight429,434,552;seealsonamesofindividualorcs,e.g.

GrishnákhOri298,313,419,1418OrkishseeOrcs:languagesofOrnendil1371,1425Orod-na-Thônsee

DorthonionOrodreth1360OrodruinseeMountDoomOrofarnë630Oromë(Araw,Béma)[a

Vala]1097,1359,1397,1466;wildkineofAraw988,1359

Orophin446,447,450Orthanc(CunningMind,

MountFang)166,335,336,339,341,566,568,617,627,724,725,728,733,741–57passim,759–66passim,775,776–7,778,780,781,782,841,1021,1076,1281–4,1433,1435;devilryof(blastingfire)701,703;key(s)of760,765,1381,1400;

Treegarthof1281Orthanc-stoneseePalantírOsgiliath(Citadelofthe

Stars)318,319,508,523,542,780,837,848,870,885,918,925–6,1000,1001,1062,1065,1068,1069,1072,1076,1079,1107,1157,1253,1262,1357,1367,1370,1371,1372,1373,1380,1423,1425,1432,1436,1462;bridgesof478,

981;DomeofStars780;fordsof981;palantírofseePalantír;ToweroftheDomeofOsgiliath1370;EastOsgiliath1069

Ossir,SevenRiversof610Ossiriand610Ostoher1367,1424Otherworld305Outlands1008–9;Captainsof

1007Outside,fromwhencethe

DarkLordcame172Outside(Outsiders),relative

toBreeortheShire13,196,202,1299

Over-heaven782Overhill58Overlithe1451,1455

Palantír[far-seer,pl.palantíri](Seeing-stones,SevenStones)779–84,907,978,985,991,1119,1149,1357,1422;SevenStones

978,985,991,1357;ofAmonSûl780,1361,1364,1426;ofAnnúminas780,1364,1426;ofArnor1425;ofGondor780;ofMinasIthil(ofIsildur;Ithil-stone)780,1119,1121,1378,1384,1427,1431;ofMinasTirith(ofAnárion,MinasAnor;Anor-stone)780,1117,1119,1121,1286,1384;oftheNorth1361,1364;ofOrthanc(Orthanc-stone)761–2,763,

770–84passim,841,1150,1286,1400,1431;ofOsgiliath780,1370,1425;oftheTowerHills(Elendil’sStone)780,1364;stonesofNúmenor907,909ParthGalen515,529,538,

542–6passim,860,1012,1251,1435

PartyField34,42,47,1339,1460

PartyTree34,36,1330PathsoftheDead656,1015,

1020,1022,1023,1024,1025,1026,1041,1042,1043,1047,1109,1135,1144,1148,1401,1436;seealsoDead,the;DooroftheDead

Pelargir1034,1144–9passim,1153,1174,1272,1368,1371,1372,1383,1422,1425,1436,1483

Pelendur1359,1374,1379Pelennor[fencedland]

(PelennorFields,FieldsofthePelennor,FieldofGondor)980,981,999,1056,1058,1059,1069,1070,1074,1094,1095,1098,1107,1109,1111,1149,1156,1202,1254,1392,1436;wallofseeRammasEchor;seealsoBattleofthePelennorFields

Pennies33,234PeopleoftheGreatJourney

seeEldarPeopleoftheStarseeEldarPeredhilseeHalf-elvenPeregrin,sonofPaladinsee

Took,PeregrinPeriainseeHobbitsPhialofGaladriel(star-glass,

Lady’sglass)490–1,554,925,932,942–4,948,954,956,959,1173,1180,1193,1197,1212,1227,1236,1247,1434

Pickthorn,Tom1299PinnathGelin[greenridges]

1009,1034,1107,1111,1265

Pipe-weed(leaf)10–11,728,1138;Nicotiana10;(sweet)galenas11,1138;westmansweed1138;seealsovarietiesofpipe-weed,e.g.LongbottomLeaf

Plague6,1362,1373,1396,1426

Plough,theseeSickle,thePoniesseenamesof

individualponies,e.g.Bill

Poros1374,1382,1429;crossingof1382

Postmaster,inShire13PrancingPony,The(theInn

ofBree)11,193,195–212passim,220,221,222,427,1296,1298,1301–2,1433

PreciousseeRing,the

Proudfootfamily37,38,40Proudfoot,Bodo1445Proudfoot,LindanéeBaggins

1445Proudfoot,Odo40,51,1445Proudfoot,Olo1445Proudfoot,Sancho51,1445Puddifootfamily120Púkel-men1039,1040,1088

Quendi(Elves)1495Quenya(High-elven,Ancient

Speech,Ancient

Tongue,nobletongue,etc.)105–6,111,492,1129–30,1358,1359,1453,1456–77passim,1480,1481,1486,1495

Quest80,86,351,438,464,465,478,493,514,530,538,554,878,885,961–2,1192,1230,1239–40,1242;ofBilboandThorin,i.e.ofErebor14,17,1414;ofMountDoom365

Quickbeam(Bregalad)629,728,736,740–1,1281,1284

RadagasttheBrown334,335,337,340,357,1432Radbug1184RammasEchor(Rammas)

981,982,984,1067–8,1076,1086–7,1094,1095,1111,1112,1270,1274

RangersseeDúnedain

RathCelerdainseeLampwrights’Street

RathDínen(SilentStreet)984,1081,1082,1085,1115,1116,1120,1267,1273,1277,1393,1443

Rauros(Falls,cataractsofRauros)479,486,495,507–8,513–14,517,518,522,524,537,540,542,543–4,860,867,872,885,993,1150,1253,1272,1480

ReckoningofRivendellseeRivendell:calendarof

ReckoningofYears20–1RedArrow1045,1069,1093RedBookofthePeriannath

20RedBookofWestmarch

(BilboBaggins’book,diary)1,2,10,17,18,19,41,52,137,301,351,352,356,360,597,1294,1329,1343–4,1347,1419,1442,1450,

1453,1458,1489,1493,1496

RedstarintheSouth357RedhornseeCaradhrasRedhornGate(RedhornPass)

357,369,371,373,374,383,384,1291,1366,1409,1425,1428

Remmirath,theNettedStars107

Reunited(restored)Kingdom19,1459

Rhosgobel334,357

Rhovanion1371–80passim,1064,1425,1432;kingsof1395

Rhudaur263,1360,1361,1362,1425;Hillmenof1361;menof263

Rhûn323,988;menof1243Rhûn,Seaof(InlandSea)

323,988,1002,1359,1368,1369,1405

RhymesofLore779RiddermarkseeRohanRiddle-game15–16,75

RidersofRohanseeRohirrimRimmonseeMin-RimmonRing,the(OneRing,theOne,

GreatRing,RingofPower,RulingRing,Master-ring,RingoftheEnemy,etc.)15–18,41–7,52,61–86passim,98,103,136–7,138,174,184,206,210–11,222,224,231,248,255,256,257,285–94passim,297,301–2,313–33

passim,338,345–52passim,358,359,361,365,384,385,387,406,414,439,474,475,476,477,518–31passim,538,593,639,646–9passim,652,807,815,824,828,834,869,878,885,889,890,905,924–5passim,932,960–3passim,978,1064,1078,1147,1150,1151–2,1175–9passim,1182,

1186,1192,1193,1201,1202,1223–39passim,1275,1293,1340,1344,1357,1392–3,1394,1419,1420,1421,1422,1423,1427–32passim,1439,1452;Isildur’sBane317,320,322,324,860,866,874,875,877,993;RingofIsildur68–9,324,328–9,359;calledPreciousbyGollum(andinreferring

tohimbyFrodoandSam),Bilbo,andIsildur15–16,44,74–5,329,801,802,803,805,807,815,820,821,827–35passim,837,841,898–902passim,934,947,1234,1235,1238;inscription(fire-writing)66,807,1473,1487;WarofseeWaroftheRing

Ring,Company

(Companions)oftheseeCompanyoftheRing

RingofBarahir1364,1386,1431

Ring-versev,66;seealsoRing,the:inscription

RingsofPower(GreatRings,Elven-rings)61,63,73,74,77–8,315,325,329,733,905,1150,1346;lesserrings61;ThreeRings(ofElves)66,67,68,78,315,325,328,

329,350,475–7,1272,1290,1351,1393,1422,1423,1424,1441seealsoNarya,Nenya,Vilya;SevenRings(ofDwarves)66,67,78,325,328,349,477,1408,1473;Thrór’sRing1408,1413,1414,1418;NineRings(ofMortalMen)66,67,78,325,328,477;seealsoElven-smiths:ofEregion

Ringló1145,1436RinglóValeRingwraithsseeNazgûlRivendell(Imladris,houseof

Elrond,LastHomelyHouse)4,19,21,86,105,109,138,217,222,225,232,233,245,251,253,261–2,274,275,277,279,285–310passim,317,320,344,354–69passim,378,384,396,405,406,441,

454,453,466,467,476,526,573,590,597,614,647,646,658,733,770,780,850,853,860,867,884,954,963,1022,1026,1142,1212,1245,1274,1275,1280,1289–94passim,1343,1344,1358,1360,1365,1377,1386,1387,1389,1390,1391,1415,1417,1422,1424,1430–40passim,1491;calendarof

(ReckoningofRivendell)1453–5,1459;name1491;HallofFire301,360,364,954

RiverRunning(Celduin)1370,1380,1407–8

River-daughterseeGoldberryRiver-woman156Road,asidea46–7,96–7,

372Roadsseenamesofroads,

e.g.East-WestRoad

Rohan(Riddermark[Riddenamearc,landoftheknights],theMark,etc.)20–1,320,341,342,453,486,496–7,522,545–51passim,555,561–72passim,590,598,617,627,637,639,648–53passim,658,659,661,662,663,664,670–6passim,680–5passim,696,698,700,703,710,736,738,742,

748,749,753,769,782,796,872,879,887,978,980–1,983,996,1001,1003,1004,1013–14,1016,1029,1036,1040,1046,1047,1051,1053,1069,1074,1075,1085,1090,1111,1114,1128,1136,1142,1255,1270,1276,1277,1278,1279,1289,1300,1318,1351,1381,1382,1396–1406passim,1419,1428–43

passim,1456,1461,1463,1464,1480,1484,1485,1489;barrows,moundsofseeBarrowfield;East-mark567;EastWallof550,568;WestMarches669;emblemof(whitehorse,greathorserunningfreeusuallyupongreen)1050,1097,1099,1109,1167,1405;horsesof,characteristics341,571,

590,1049;horsesof,theftortribute341,560–1,566,1404;kings,lordsof(Mark-wardens)564,1051,1278,1400–05,1428;name1461,1463;namesin1464;Riders,menofseeRohirrim;seealsoEastDales;Eastfold;GapofRohan;Helm’sDeep;Westfold;WoldofRohan;etc.

Roheryn1019,1024Rohirrim(Riders,menof

Rohan,Riders,host,knightsoftheMark,RidersofThéoden,etc.)[Rider:inRohan(ridda),aKnightoftheking’strainedcavalry]21,341,385,497,547,548,549,555,559,560,561,566,570,574,576,589–99passim,614–15,649,661,662,675,676,684,

687–99passim,705–7passim,718,719,724,753,755,756,757,767,777,796,886,887,981,983,1004,1012–28passim,1035–41passim,1045,1049,1050,1051,1052,1055,1066,1067,1068,1069,1075,1086,1091–7passim,1104–9passim,1128,1129,1137,1144,1153,1154,1155,1174,1242,1249,

1255,1257,1265,1266,1270,1276,1277,1278,1360,1381,1380,1382,1390,1396–1405passim,1428,1435,1436,1480,1484,1493;Eorlingas(Eorlings)675,677,683,685,688,705,1044,1051,1099,1396,1484;Forgoil,Strawheads700,1484;horse-boys(horsebreeders)583,

587,592;Horsemen(Horse-men,Horse-lords)341,373,496,555,637,649,663–4,738,1089–90,1091,1293;MiddlePeoples,MenoftheTwilight887;Northmen1099;robbersoftheNorth700;SonsofEorl567,1047,1094;Whiteskins(night-eyes)587–91passim;calendarof

1456;hornsof598,687,705,706,1085,1096–7,1105,1107,1111,1278,1280–1,1380,1399–1400,1436;languageof21,662–3,724,887,1484,1485,1493,1496;name1461;writing1468

RómendacilI‘East-victor’(Tarostar)1359,1367,1369–70,1424

RómendacilII(Minalcar)1359,1371,1373

Roper,Andwise‘Andy’798,1450

Roper,Anson1450Rose,daughterofHolman

‘thegreenhanded’1450Ruffians(Chief’sMen,

Sharkey’sMen)1314–30passim,1336,1337

Rules,the,ancientlaw12Rules,imposedbyLotho

1309,1324,1325Rumble,Widow1340Rúmil

446,450,451,1467

Runes32,222,244–5,272,304,360,412,416–17,418,434,488,489,540,541,668,851,1280,1409,1467–8;Cirth1467,1468,1475–9;seealsoAngerthasDaeron;AngerthasMoria;Daeron’sRunes

RunningRiverseeRiverRunning

Rushey129Rushlight,surname203

Sackville-Bagginsfamily(theS.-B.s)27,30,37,39,40–1,49,87,89–90,135,137–8,342,355Sackville-Baggins,Lobelia

néeBracegirdle37,49–53passim,87,90,1326,1445,1447,1327

Sackville-Baggins,Lotho(theBoss,theChief,Pimple)87,89,90,750,1304,1307–27passim,1330–5passim,1445,1447

Sackville-Baggins,Otho37,50–1,53,87,1445,1447

SammathNaur(ChambersofFire)1232,1236,1237,1238,1244,1437;seealsoCrack(s)ofDoom

Sandheaver,surname203SandymantheMiller30,51,

58,1325–6Sandyman,Ted58–9,84,

423,472,1325–6,1331Sangahyando1372SarnFord225,1309,1320,

1433,1442SarnGebir479,502,503,

507,508,510,1434;portage-way508–10

Saruman(SarumantheWhite,SarumantheWise,etc.)63–4,76,325,326–8,333–42passim,345,347,348–9,385,473,541,556,566,568,569,574–6,581,594,615,616,617,627,633–4,636–52passim,

664,676,679,680,681,686,688,690,691,700,701,709,710,711,712,715,719–29passim,730,731,733,738–66passim,770,773–82passim,841,990,1021,1046,1066,1135,1138,1165,1282,1284,1287,1288,1289,1304,1332–5,1382,1383,1400–05passim,1416,1424,1428,1429,1430,1431,

1435,1439,1440;Curunír1424;SarumanofManyColours337;SarumanRing-maker337;Sharkey1315,1325,1326,1332,1337,1338;tree-killer740;voiceof(powerofpersuasion)740,752,753–62,1282–3,1333;hostofseeOrcs;Men,inserviceofSaruman568;treasonofIsengard

1001–2;seealsoIsengard;Orthanc;WhiteHand

Sauron(DarkLord,Enemy,BlackOne,BlackHand,BlackMaster,BaseMasterofTreachery,DarkPower,darkhandsoftheEast,NamelessOne,etc.)21,57,61–9passim,77–82passim,109,136,172,184,190,223,224,225–6,248,

253,266,274,288–91passim,294,302,313–14passim,323,325,326,329–33passim,334–7passim,346–51passim,358,363,365,375,376,385,386,389,452,453,458,465,471–7passim,495,496,519–24passim,556,560,563,564,566,621,633,646,648,649,651,653,669,717,735,757,763,

773–7passim,779,780,788,795,807817,823–43passim,848,851,861,862,867–73passim,877,885–8passim,889,925,929,933,934,937,946,948,961,965,968,971,981,988,994,1001,1022,1023–4,1026,1046,1061–71passim,1074,1076,1077,1078,1092,1098,1099,1117–22

passim,1127,1129,1147–67passim,1177,1178,1207,1214,1217,1219,1222,1223,1227,1232,1233,1236,1237,1247,1256,1262,1266,1272,1354,1355,1356,1368,1372,1373,1381–5passim,1389,1390,1391–2,1404,1405,1406,1413,1414,1415,1416–17,1421,1422,1423,1427,1429,1430,

1431,1432,1437,1438,1459,1487,1490,1495;Necromancer326;servantofMorgoth1420;name1491;servants,hostsof289,313–14,873–4,1034,1071,1077,seealsoNazgûl,Orcs;LordoftheRing294;shadowof1241–2;slavesof1227;throneof1223;seealsoBarad-dûr;Eye,the;

ShadowSauron’sRoad1232,1233Scary1336,1337ScathatheWorm1279–80,

1396–7;hoardof1396–7

Sea,the3,5,9,11,59,104,105,142,169,171,184,242,262,287,293,305,306,316,319,326,347,384,443,444,453,454,473,475,476,485–6,496,507,508–9,522,

542,543,549,550,610,615,620,633,656,659,663,725,779,825,850,871,886,888,919,982,999,1002,1032,1052–3,1056,1088,1097,1106,1109,1112,1125,1143,1145,1148,1192,1204,1265,1267,1272,1288,1292,1327,1339,1347,1354–7,1364–72passim,1382,1390,1392,1395,1419,1420,

1424,1428,1430,1441,1442,1443,1454,1482,1483;GreatSea104,105,195,454,506,542,725,825,1268,1352;SunderingSeas252,253,485,782;WesternSeas104,412,1345

SeatofHearingseeAmonLhaw

SeatofSeeingseeAmonHenSecondAge21,315,1351,

1355,1358,1420–3,

1468SecretFire430Seeing-stonesseePalantírSeenandtheUnseen290SevenRingsseeRingsof

PowerSevenStarsseeElendil:

emblemsofSevenStonesseePalantírShadow,the,i.e.therecurring

andgrowingpowerofevil,especiallyofSauron67–8,77,220,

314,342,358,445,453,454,516,646,788,909,1002,1035,1055,1065,1092,1206,1224,1246,1258,1261,1278,1373,1391,1393,1394,1406,1422,1437;sometimesusedasasynonymforSauronorMordor;seealsoMorgoth

ShadowHostseeDead,theShadowfax342,344,566,

590,658,659,660,664,

669,681,684,685,688,707,709,719,778,783,978,979,983,984,994,996,997,1005–12,1038,1060,1073,1085,1113,1114,1131,1277,1297,1300,1305,1397,1433,1467,1493;name1493

Shadowmere306Shadows1353ShadowyMountainssee

EphelDúath

Shagrat(CaptainoftheTower)964–71,1175,1179–88passim,1200,1202,1209,1211,1437

SharkeyseeSarumanSharkey’sEnd1338Sharkû1332,1487Sharp-ears188ShathûrseeFanuidholShelob(She,herLadyship,

theWatcher)828,841,905,938–55passim,960,963–71passim,

1174,1175,1177,1180,1184,1212,1431,1436,1440;lairof(TorechUngol)840–1,928,930,938–51,962,963passim,1174–5,1187,1436

Ship,asemblemseeDolAmroth

Ship-kings1268,1424Shire,the(country,landof

theHalflings)2–14passim,18,19,20–1

passim,27–145passim,173,183,190–207passim,216,217,218,219,222,223,225–6,231,241,246,265,276,287,290,293,297,301,302,310,324,331–42passim,344,345,353,360,375,414,418,423,427,453,457,467,469,472,506,517,526,614,728,750,765,793,798,842,845,850,860,944,

954,978,986,989,994,998,1002,1006,1012,1018,1036,1055,1058,1139,1156,1165,1188,1197,1231,1239,1249,1275,1280,1286,1291–1349passim,1360–67passim,1415,1416,1426–33passim,1439–43passim,1452,1489;calendarofseeShireReckoning;clocksin856;holidaysin13,

1341,1459–94;Marchesof12;MessengerService13;name1491;orderingof12–13;personalnamesin1491–3;place-namesin1485,1491,1493–4;Postmaster13;QuickPostService1312;recordsin19–21,1458;settlementof4,5;Shire-fashion,advice1292;Shire-folk,Shire-hobbits

21,196,197,205,226,253,353,469,1021,1036,1156,1317,1365,1428,1440,etc.;Shire-historians1329;Shire-moot12;Shire-muster12;Watch13;‘sureasShiretalk’845;seealsoBuckland;Bywater;Eastfarthing;Farthings;GreenHills;Hobbiton;Hobbits;NorthMoors;Northfarthing;

Southfarthing;Three-FarthingStone;Tookland;Westfarthing;Westmarch;etc.

ShireReckoning(Shire-reckoning)6,10,734,1174,1247,1351,1441,1444,1451–3,1455–60

Shirriff-houses1311,1312,1325,1337

Shirriffs13,1310–15passim,1320,1325,1337;FirstShirriff13

Sickle,the(Plough,GreatBear)228

SiegeofBarad-dûr1423SilentStreetseeRathDínenSilentWatchers840,926,

839Silmariën1355,1375Silmaril(s)(Jewels,Great

Jewel)253,305,307,360,932,942,1245,1352,1353

Silmarillion,The1353,1488SilvanElves(Silvanfolk,

Wood-elves,East-elves)76,78,369,441–9,1420,1427,1438,1481;languageof441,445;seealsonamesofSilvanElves,e.g.Haldir

SilverTreeseeTelperion;WhiteTree

SilverlodeseeCelebrantSilvertineseeCelebdilSimbelmynë(Evermind)662,

1031,1400SindarseeEldar

Sindarin(Grey-elven)368–9,398–9,400,442,446,724,861,1453,1459–66passim1471–5,1481–7

Sirannon(Gate-stream)392,393;seealsoStairFalls

Siriondil1359,1375Skinbark(Fladrif)618,630,

1462Slag-hills1161,1437Smallburrow,Robin1311–

12,1313SmaugtheGolden(the

Dragon)14,18,299,333,1292,1408,1415,1416,1428,1430;firework36

SméagolseeGollumSmial(s)8,9,1338,1485,

1494;seealsonamesofindividualsmials,e.g.BrandyHall

SmithsseeElven-smithsSnaga[slave]587,1184–6,

1188,1189–90,1486Snowbourn661,662,1035,

1037,1040,1044,1051,1053,1493;name1493

Snowmane684,687–8,703,1019,1049,1096,1097,1099–1100,1106

Snowmane’sHowe1106SnowmenofForochelsee

LossothSorcererKingofAngmarsee

Witch-kingSouth,the,relativeto

inhabitantsoftheNorth201,203–4,301,334;

strangersfrom,atBree201,203–4,210,215–16,235,1314,seealsoSoutherner,squint-eyed;seealsoBelfalas;DolAmroth;Gondor;Harad;etc.

SouthIthilien981,1143,1374,1426

SouthLane1317SouthRoad1007SouthernStar11Southerner,squint-eyed204,

210,215–16,227,1314Southfarthing10,12,49,99,

496,1288,1298,1304,1309,1324,1339,1428,1431

Southfarthingleaf750Southlinch1298SouthronsseeHaradrimSouthwardRoad,inIthilien

903–4,918SpearofGil-galadseeAeglosSpringle-ring38Staddle195,196,203,235,

237,1299Staffs,giftofFaramir908–9,

950,956Stair,the,byMoria394–5,

392,393Stair,the,byRauros(North

Stair)508,524StairFalls392Stairs,the,ofCirithUngol

seeStraightStair;WindingStair

StandingSilence884,1250Standingstones179,180

StarofElendilseeElendilmirStaroftheDúnedain1019,

1382,1441Starkhorn661,1035,1039,

1040Stars,asemblemsseeArnor;

Durin;Elendil;FëanorStewardsofGondor(Ruling

Stewards,RulersoftheCity,LordoftheCity,ofGondor,etc.)[StewardoftheHighKing(titleofrulersofGondor)]328,

700,875,886,989,1078,1081,1112,1121,1127–8,1152,1158,1159,1359–60,1379–85;seealsonamesofindividualStewards,e.g.DenethorII;bannerof984,1265,1379;seealsoHouseoftheStewards

Stewards’Reckoning1454–5,1459

Sting(Elvishknife),sword

15,18,41,361,364,404,421,423,439,449,500,515,802,859,945,950,951,953,956,962,963,969–70,971,1173,1180,1183,1186,1190,1193,1212,1227,1250,1292

Stock93,100,117,120,127,129

Stock-brook117StockRoad1344StoneofErech(BlackStone)

[atryst-stone(symbolofIsildur’soverlordship)]1023,1024,1031–4passim,1144,1146;seealsoErech

Stone-trollsseeTrollsStonebows,Bridgeof5–6;

seealsoBrandywineBridge

StonesofSeeingseePalantírStonewainValley1090,

1091,1174Stoors4,8,69,1362,1425,

1426,1485,1492;languageof1485;names1492–3

StraightStair841,927,928,966,967

StriderseeAragornIIStrider,pony1344Stybba1019,1049,1052Summerfilth1456Sun,calledYellowFaceby

Gollum812,838,846,852,863,899

SunderingSeasseeSea,the

SunlendingseeAnórienSunlessYear104Swan,asemblemseeDol

AmrothSwan-ship485,486Swanfleetriver1289Swans,black498Swertings(SwarthyMen)see

HaradrimSwish-tail188Swordthatwasbrokensee

NarsilSwordsseenamesof

individualswords,e.g.Sting;frombarrow191,255–6,257,278,361,422–3,538,591,941,943–4,1017–18,1095,1101,1105,1165,1169,1249,1250,1437;melts1105

TalanseeFletTaleofAragornandArwen,

The20,1385–95TaleofYears,The21,1420–

43Taniquetil(theMountain)

306Tar-Alcarin1354Tar-Aldarion1354,1375Tar-Amandil1354,1355Tar-Anárion1354Tar-Ancalimë1345,1375,

1421Tar-Ancalimon1354,1422Tar-Ardamin1354–5Tar-Atanamir1354,1355–6,

1422

Tar-Calmacil1422Tar-Ciryatam1422Tar-Elendil1355,1354,1375Tar-Meneldur1354,1375Tar-Minastir1354,1355,

1422Tar-MinyaturseeElrosTar-

MinyaturTar-Míriel1355Tar-Palantir‘TheFarsighted’

(Ar-Inziladûn)1355,1356,1422

Tar-Súrion1354

Tar-Telemmaitë1354Tar-Telperiën1354Tar-Vanimeldë1354TarannonFalastur‘Lordof

theCoasts’1359,1367Tarcil1358Tarciryan1359Targon998Tark(s)1185,1487Tarlang’sNeck1034Tarmenel305Tarondor1359,1373,1426TarostarseeRómendacilI

Tasarinan(Nan-tasarion[ValeofWillows])610,1285

Taters(potatoes)29,31,855,856,1327

Taur-na-neldorseeNeldorethTaur-nu-Fuin252–3Tauremornalómë611TeethofMordorseeTowers

oftheTeethTelchar667TelcontarseeAragornIITelemnar1359,1373,1426

Telperion(SilverTree,WhiteTree,EldestofTrees)779,842,1273,1352;oneoftheTwoTreesofValinor1352,1353

TelumehtarUmbardacil1359,1373,1426

Tengwar32,66,1463–9Thain[chieftain]6,12–13,

1426Thain’sBook20,1481Thangorodrim932,1352,

1407,1421

Tharbad4,357,487,1360,1429

TharkûnseeGandalfThengel670,755,1382,

1403;seealsoThéoden,sonofThengel

Théoden,sonofThengel(King,LordoftheMark,LordofRohan,LordoftheRohirrim,Horsemaster,FatherofHorse-men,ThéodenEdnew,etc.)341,563–

71passim,650,653,658,661–93passim,700–12passim,717–21passim,726–9passim,746–9passim,767,776,783,983,987,990,996,1013–20passim,1022,1024–5passim,1035–63passim,1055,1086–1106passim,1111,1121,1128,1134–8passim,1149,1202,1255,1270,1277–80

passim,1397,1403–4,1430,1431,1433,1435–6;householdof(lordsoftheHouseofEorl,oftheGoldenHouse)688,692,705,708,1017,1050,1094,1104,1105

Théodred669,683,687,756,1404,1435

Théodwyn1403,1404ThingolGrey-cloak252,253,

1352,1421,1468,1481ThirdAge1,3,14,19,21,

324,1269,1272,1347,1351,1378,1395,1401,1405,1420,1423–43,1458;beginningof1467

Thistlewool,surname203ThorinI1408,1418,1427ThorinII‘Oakenshield’14,

297,349,364,361,414,1408–18passim,1428,1430

ThorinIII‘Stonehelm’1418,1438,1439

Thorondir1360

Thorondor1241ThorongilseeAragornIIThráinI1407,1418,1427ThráinII,sonofThrór

(Durin’sHeir)349,387,1408–18passim,1428

Thranduil312,332,355,461,1419,1420,1432,1437,1438

Three-FarthingStone1313,1339

ThreeHousesofMen(theElf-friends)seeEdain

ThreeHunters(Aragorn,Gimli,Legolas)546,643

ThreeKindreds546,1495ThreeRingsseeRingsof

PowerThrihyrne687,689,779Throne,ofGondor(throneof

gold)549,987,1268Thrór313,349,387,1407,

1408–9,1413,1418,1428;ringof349

Tighfield798,1450Tim,introllsong270

TindrockseeTolBrandirTinúvielseeLúthienTirion306,485,781TobaccoseePipe-weedTolBrandir(Tindrock)486,

495,508,513,515–17passim,523,531,542,554,567,573,823,872

Tom,introllsong270–1TomBombadilseeBombadil,

TomTombsseeBarrows;Hallows;

HouseoftheKings;

HouseoftheStewardsTongueseeNaithofLórienTook,The13Tookfamily4,12–13,37,

38–9,40,48,196,600–1,771,1139,1321,1327–8,1448,1458,1491;names1491;seealsoGreatSmials;Tookland

Took,Adalgrim1448Took,AdamantanéeChubb

1448

Took,Adelard48,1448Took,Bandobras‘Bullroarer’

2,7,388,1292,1366,1428,1448

Took,Diamond,ofLongCleeve1441,1448

Took,EglantinenéeBanks1448

Took,Everard38,1448Took,Faramir1442,1450,

1448Took,Ferdibrand1448Took,Ferdinand1448

Took,Ferumbras(II)1448Took,Ferumbras(III)1448Took,Flambard1448Took,Fortinbras(I)1448Took,Fortinbras(II)1448Took,Gerontius‘theOld

Took’28,29,56,600–1,1292,1343,1346,1428,1429,1448

Took,GoldilocksnéeGamgee1347,1441,1448,1450

Took,Hildibrand1448

Took,Hildifons1448Took,Hildigard1448Took,Hildigrim1445,1448Took,Isembard1448Took,Isembold1448Took,Isengar1448Took,Isengrim(II)11,13,

1448Took,Isengrim(III)2,1448Took,Isumbras(I)1427Took,Isumbras(III)2,1448Took,Isumbras(IV)1448Took,Paladin989,991,994,

1321;seealsoTook,Peregrin,sonofPaladin

Took,Pearl1448Took,Peregrin(I)‘Pippin’,

sonofPaladin2,20,21,56,89–281passim,285–6,290,291,292,294,296,311,354,357,359,364–528passim,539,540,552,563,564–5,569,572,574,578–635passim,637,638,639,640,644,646,647,648–

9,650,652,726–50passim,752,762,765,767–84,860,977–1011passim,1016,1020,1035,1036,1042,1054–69,1070–2,1075,1077,1079–83,1087,1090,1113–16,1120,1121,1122,1124–5,1134,1137,1139,1141,1142,1143–4,1156,1162,1164,1168–9,1174,1251,1252,1266,1271,

1277,1285–6,1289,1292,1295–1322,1327,1328,1329,1330,1337,1338,1340,1341,1342,1347,1348,1349,1351,1433,1435,1441,1443,1445,1448,1450,1464,1489;PrinceoftheHalflings1056;Thain1443

Took,Pervinca1448Took,Pimpernel1448Took,Reginard1448

Took,RosanéeBaggins1445,1448

Took,Sigismond1448Tookland12,93,1321,1327TorechUngolseeShelob:lair

ofTowerHallseeCitadelof

GondorTowerHills(EmynBeraid)9,

103,780,1364,1442,1450;palantírof780,1364;seealsoWhiteTowers

TowerofEcthelionseeWhiteTower,ofMinasTirith

TowerofSorceryseeMinasMorgul

Towerofthe(Rising)MoonseeMinasIthil

Towerofthe(Setting)SunseeMinasAnor

TowersoftheTeeth(CarchostandNarchost,TeethofMordor)830,847,1161,1177,1242

TownHole204

TranslationsfromtheElvish20,1292

Tree,theseeWhiteTreeTree-men58–9TreeoftheHighElves397,

398Tree-peopleseeElvesof

Lothlórien(Galadhrim)Treebeard601–35passim,

650,651,652,726,728,729,731,732,736,737,738,739,741–2,743–4,747,748,749,751,763,

764–5,766,767,990,1281–4,1285,1289,1435,1439,1486;Fangorn604,618,651,729,1281,1282,1283;name604;Eldest1285;oldestlivingthing651,729

Treebeard’sHill602–7,641–4

Trees,TwoseeLaurelin;Telperion

Trolls(Stone-trolls)12,57,

249,261,263,268–71passim,290,293,429,1243,1487;cave-troll422;Hill-trolls1168–9,1386;Olog-hai1487;languageof1487,1490;Sam’ssongofthetroll270–1

Trolls’wood(Trollshaws)263–9passim

Tuckborough8,20,600,1006,1321,1328,1458

Tumladen999

Tunnelly,surname203Tuor1353Turambar1359,1367Turgon,kingofGondolin

1352–3Turgon,steward1360,1382,

1403Túrin,oftheFirstAge353,

953TúrinI,steward1360TúrinII,steward1360,1381–

2,1403Twilight,oftheWest1391,

1393TwoTreesofValinorsee

Laurelin;TelperionTwoWatchersseeWatchersTwofoot,Daddy29

TyrnGorthadseeBarrow-downsUdûn,flameof[hell],i.e.

dwellingofMorgothbeneathThangorodrim430;[aregionofMordor]1214,1218,

1219,1243,1437Ufthak969Uglúk579–98passim,614,

617,735Umbar862,1001,1145,

1368,1356,1371,1372,1373,1381,1383,1422,1425,1426,1480,1483;fleetof1145,1146;name1483;seealsoCorsairsofUmbar

Undergate(under-gate,Underway)962,964,

1173,1182Underharrow1051Underhill,surname203;see

alsoBaggins,FrodoUnderhill,fromStaddle1299Undertowers19,1442UndómielseeArwenUndyingLands(Realm)see

AmanUngoliant947Upbourn1051Uruk-haiseeOrcsUruksseeOrcs

UttermostWestseeAman

Valacar1359,1369,1370,1425Valandil317,323,513,1267,

1355,1358,1424Valandur1358Valar,the(Authorities,

GuardiansoftheWorld,LordsoftheWest,thosewhodwellbeyondtheSea)15,347,864,1097,1261–2,1352,1353,

1354,1356–7,1419,1359,1457;Banof1354,1356–7;thronesof1268

Valimar492Valinor306,1275,1353,

1420,1422Valinorean,language1132VardaseeElberethVardamir1354VariagsofKhand1107,1110Vidugavia1370Vidumavi1370

Vilya1346,1424VinitharyaseeEldacarVorondil‘theHunter’988,

1359

Wainriders1373,1374,1395,1426Walda1279,1402,1429WanderingCompanies111WanderingDays3WandlimbseeFimbrethilWaroftheDwarvesandOrcs

1381–2,1409–10,1417,

1428WaroftheElvesandSauron

1422WaroftheGreatJewels1482WaroftheRing20,21,287,

580,588,1344,1351,1353,1384,1385,1392,1405,1411,1417,1419,1440,etc.

WardenoftheHousesofHealingseeHousesofHealing

WardensoftheWestmarch

19,1442,1450WargsseeWolvesWatcherintheWater394,

401–2,420Watchers,ofCirithUngol

(TwoWatchers)1180,1185,1196–7

WatchfulPeace1366,1379–80,1427

Watchwood766Water,the36,93,109,1201,

1326,1330Water-valley93,101

WaybreadseeLembasWaymeet1320,1321,1320,

1322,1327WeatherHills239,240,241–

4,248,249,1361Weathertop4,225,237–45

passim,254,260,261,264,269,275,285,344,437,1295,1361,1433;AmonSûl242,344,780,1361,1364,1425;palantírofAmonSûlseePalantír;TowerofAmon

Sûl242,1361,1425Wellinghall612,736Werewolves290West-elvesseeEldarWest-gate,ofMoriasee

MoriaWestMarch,ofShire12WestRoad(North-way),

fromMinasTirithtoRohan1154,1270–1,1274

Westemnet568WesternesseseeNúmenor

Westfarthing9,12,30,204,1460,1475,1489

Westfold688,692,707,757,1018,1160;Dalesof783;menof(Helmingas,Westfolders,etc.)692,693,699,702,707,708,709,711,712seealsoErkenbrand,lordofWestfold,Grimbold;Valeof688,689,690

Westlands(WestoftheWorld,West),i.e.the

WestofMiddle-earth195,316,318,464,685,1420,1421,1468,1473,1481,1483,1487;West,the(freefolkof,menof,childrenof,armyof,etc.),i.e.thosefreeof,andopposingSauron77,318,1024,1118,1156,1165,1249,1261–2

WestmansweedseePipe-weed

Westmarch12,1442,1450;

seealsoRedBookofWestmarch

WetwangseeNindalfWhiteCompany1269–70WhiteCouncil(Councilof

theWise)57,62,63,69,326,327–8,333,345,346,464,616,1293,1379–80,1400,1416,1427–32passim

WhiteDowns8,13,1313–14,1347

WhiteHand,pillarof722,

767;asemblemseeIsengard

Whitehorse,emblemofRohanseeRohan

WhiteMountains(EredNimrais,MountainsofGondor,etc.)318,336,341,374,444,487,496–7,549,555,659,686,687,779,886,894,908,978,981,982,1033,1035,1038,1381,1396,1398,1402,1484

WhiteRiderseeGandalfWhiteship1348WhiteTower,ofMinasTirith

(TowerofEcthelion)542,859,982,984,1001,1047,1070–4,1077,1079,1080,1117,1121,1140,1251,1265,1304,1385,1426,1428

WhiteTowers(Elf-towers)9,59,347,1347;seealsoTowerHills

WhiteTree,ofGondor

(SilverTree,theTree)318,328,549,779,838,877–8,985,1056,1109,1262,1272–3,1275,1373,1381,1385,1405,1423–7passim,1439,1457;Nimloth[whiteflower]1273,1357,1457;seealsoWitheredTree

WhiteTree,ofValinorseeTelperion

White-socks188

Whitfoot,Will(MayorofMichelDelving,Flourdumpling)204,206,1312,1325,1336–7,1341,1440,1441

Whitfurrows1312Whitwell1006Widfara1094WightsseeBarrow-wightsWild,the82,217,223,259,

302,355,1430;Wilderness274

WildMen,ofDunlandsee

DunlendingsWildMen(Woses)1087,

1088–90,1091–2,1094,1436,1480,1484;seealsoGhân-buri-Ghân

Wilderland4,14,69,76,77,297,327,357,366,468,501,506,508,514,615,651,1362,1425,1485

Willow,OldMan(Willow-man,GreatWillow)156–8,165,170

Windfola1053,1100

WindingStair745–6,841,928,966,967

WindowoftheEye1232WingedShadow(s),Terror

seeNazgûlWinterfilth1451,1457Wise,the[theWizardsand

theRulersoftheElves]3,62,63,64,69,72,74,325,326,334,337,349,353,803,1071,1344,1425,1427;seealsoWhiteCouncil

Wise-nose188Witch-king(sorcererkingof

Angmar,Wraith-king,chiefoftheRingwraiths,LordoftheNazgûl,Morgul-lord,BlackCaptain,CaptainofDespair,etc.)6,256,257,258,280,287,324–5,344,924–5,965–6,1069,1071,1073,1077,1079,1083,1084,1085,1095,1098,1099–1102,

1105,1107,1121,1151,1177,1202,1211,1361,1363,1364,1376–9passim,1395,1405,1419,1426,1427,1436;cryof1100,1101,1121;Dwimmerlaik1100;wingedbeastof1099–1102,1107

WitheredTree(DeadTree)[deadrelicoftheTreeofGondor]985,1080,1262,1272–3,1275;see

alsoWhiteTree,ofGondor

Withywindle129,148–9,151,158,165,168,177;valleyof148–50,168

Wizard(s)[oneoftheOrderofIstari]11,14,110,519,615–16,633,667,722,760,768,770–1,774,892,1063,1423;Order63,328,334,335,758,761,1423–4;Istari1423,1424;Five

Wizards760,1424;seealsonamesofindividualWizards,e.g.Gandalf;theword‘wizard’oftenrefersspecificallytoGandalf,andisalsousedcasuallytoreferto[amagician;anyonecreditedwithstrangepowers;contemptuously;‘wizardry’:magicofkindpopularlyascribedtotheWizards]

Wizard’sValeseeNanCurunír

WoldofRohan558,572,1053,1094,1282,1396,1401,1428

Wolf,FarmerMaggot’sdog120,121

WolfofAngband253Wolf-riders568,690,719Wolves7,120,339,341,357,

387–8,400,401,402,447,455,522,688,718,719,723,738,746,747,

885,1300,1414,1434;wargs290,387–90;whitewolves231,375,1429;HoundofSauron389;seealsoWolfofAngband

Wood-elvesseeElvesWoodhall93,100,106,114–

16Woodmen,ofMirkwood76;

languageof1483–4WoodyEnd93,96,97,103,

1201,1310,1320,1329,

1344,1441World’sEnd307Wormtongue(Gríma,sonof

Gálmód)567,664,670–81passim,689,690,710,724,726,746–50passim,754,762,763,782–3,1037,1134,1135,1288,1289,1333–5,1467,1493;name1493

WosesseeWildMenWraithsseeNazgûl

Writingandspelling,inMiddle-earth5,1461–77;seealsoElvishwriting;Runes;Tengwar;writingundernamesofpeoples,e.g.Dwarves

Wulf1398,1399,1400,1428

Yale,the100,1446,1447Yellowskin(Yearbookof

Tuckborough)1458YoungerDays337

Yule1337,1452,1455

Zirakzigil(Zirak)seeCelebdil

MAPS

WORKSBYJ.R.R.TOLKIEN

TheHobbitLeafbyNiggleOnFairy-Stories

FarmerGilesofHamTheHomecomingof

Beorhtnoth

TheLordoftheRingsTheAdventuresofTom

BombadilTheRoadGoesEverOn(withDonaldSwann)

SmithofWoottonMajor

WORKSPUBLISHEDPOSTHUMOUSLY

SirGawainandtheGreenKnight,PearlandSirOrfeoTheFatherChristmasLetters

TheSilmarillion

PicturesbyJ.R.R.TolkienUnfinishedTales

TheLettersofJ.R.R.TolkienFinnandHengest

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&OtherEssaysRoverandom

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Gudrún

THEHISTORYOFMIDDLE-EARTH

–BYCHRISTOPHERTOLKIENITheBookofLostTales,

PartOneIITheBookofLostTales,

PartTwoIIITheLaysofBeleriandIVTheShapingofMiddle-

earthVTheLostRoadandOther

WritingsVITheReturnoftheShadowVIITheTreasonofIsengardVIIITheWaroftheRing

IXSauronDefeatedXMorgoth’sRing

XITheWaroftheJewelsXIIThePeoplesofMiddle-

earth

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Thiseditionisbasedonthereseteditionfirstpublished2004

FirstpublishedinGreatBritainbyGeorgeAllen&Unwin1955SecondEdition1966

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*SeeAppendixF,1487.

*Therewerethirtydaysin

March(orRethe)intheShirecalendar.

*ItwasprobablyOrkish

inorigin:sharkû,‘oldman’.

1Afewreferencesare

givenbypagetothiseditionofTheLordoftheRings,andtothehardback4th(reset4thedition(1995))editionofTheHobbit.

1Cf.pp.318;781;1273:

nolikenessremainedinMiddle-earthofLaurelintheGolden.

2p.316;p.932.

3p.253;p.932.

1TheHobbit,p.49;The

LordoftheRings,p.412.

2pp.304–8.

3pp.470–4;pp.932,942;

pp.1197,1206.

4pp.68,242–3.

5Seepp.1276,1280.

1p.306.

1p.779;p.1273.

2p.316.

3p.318.

1p.317.

2Hewasthefourthsonof

Isildur,borninImladris.HisbrotherswereslainintheGladdenFields.

3AfterEärendurtheKings

nolongertooknamesinHigh-elvenform.

4AfterMalvegil,the

KingsatFornostagainclaimedlordshipoverthewholeofArnor,andtooknameswiththeprefixar(a)intokenofthis.

1Seep.988.Thewild

whitekinethatwerestilltobefoundneartheSeaofRhûnweresaidinlegendtobedescendedfromtheKineofAraw,thehuntsmanoftheValar,whoaloneoftheValarcameoftentoMiddle-earthintheElderDays.OromëistheHigh-elvenformofhisname(p.1097).

1p.242.

1p.263.

1Theseareastrange,

unfriendlypeople,remnantoftheForodwaith,Menoffar-offdays,accustomedtothebittercoldsoftherealmofMorgoth.Indeedthosecoldslingerstillinthatregion,thoughtheyliehardlymorethanahundredleaguesnorthoftheShire.TheLossothhouseinthesnow,anditissaidthattheycanrunonthe

icewithbonesontheirfeet,andhavecartswithoutwheels.Theylivemostly,inaccessibletotheirenemies,onthegreatCapeofForochelthatshutsofftothenorth-westtheimmensebayofthatname;buttheyoftencamponthesouthshoresofthebayatthefeetoftheMountains.

1Inthiswaytheringof

theHouseofIsildurwassaved;foritwasafterwardsransomedbytheDúnedain.ItissaidthatitwasnoneotherthantheringwhichFelagundofNargothrondgavetoBarahir,andBerenrecoveredatgreatperil.

2TheseweretheStonesof

AnnúminasandAmonSûl.TheonlyStoneleftintheNorthwastheoneintheToweronEmynBeraidthatlookstowardstheGulfofLune.ThatwasguardedbytheElves,andthoughweneverknewit,itremainedthere,untilCírdanputitaboardElrond’sshipwhenheleft(pp.59,142).Butweare

toldthatitwasunliketheothersandnotinaccordwiththem;itlookedonlytotheSea.Elendilsetittheresothathecouldlookbackwith‘straightsight’andseeEressëainthevanishedWest;butthebentseasbelowcoveredNúmenorforever.

1Thesceptrewasthe

chiefmarkofroyaltyinNúmenor,theKingtellsus;andthatwasalsosoinArnor,whosekingsworenocrown,butboreasinglewhitegem,theElendilmir,StarofElendil,boundontheirbrowswithasilverfillet(p.191;pp.1110,1127,1267).Inspeakingofacrown(pp.222,322)Bilbonodoubtreferred

toGondor;heseemstohavebecomewellacquaintedwithmattersconcerningAragorn’sline.ThesceptreofNúmenorissaidtohaveperishedwithAr-Pharazôn.ThatofAnnúminaswasthesilverrodoftheLordsofAndúnië,andisnowperhapsthemostancientworkofMen’shandspreservedinMiddle-earth.Itwasalreadymorethanfivethousandyearsoldwhen

ElrondsurrenderedittoAragorn(p.1274).ThecrownofGondorwasderivedfromtheformofaNúmenóreanwar-helm.Inthebeginningitwasindeedaplainhelm;anditissaidtohavebeentheonethatIsildurworeintheBattleofDagorlad(forthehelmofAnárionwascrushedbythestone-castfromBarad-dûrthatslewhim).ButinthedaysofAtanatarAlcarinthis

wasreplacedbythejewelledhelmthatwasusedinthecrowningofAragorn.

1p.295.

2p.7;p.1329.

1Thegreatcapeandland-

lockedfirthofUmbarhadbeenNúmenóreanlandsincedaysofold;butitwasastrongholdoftheKing’sMen,whowereafterwardscalledtheBlackNúmenóreans,corruptedbySauron,andwhohatedaboveallthefollowersofElendil.AfterthefallofSaurontheirraceswiftlydwindledor

becamemergedwiththeMenofMiddle-earth,buttheyinheritedwithoutlesseningtheirhatredofGondor.Umbar,therefore,wasonlytakenatgreatcost.

1TheRiverRunning.

1Thatlawwasmadein

Númenor(aswehavelearnedfromtheKing)whenTar-Aldarion,thesixthking,leftonlyonechild,adaughter.ShebecamethefirstRulingQueen,Tar-Ancalimë.Butthelawwasotherwisebeforehertime.Tar-Elendil,thefourthking,wassucceededbyhissonTar-Meneldur,thoughhisdaughterSilmariën

wastheelder.Itwas,however,fromSilmariënthatElendilwasdescended.

1Thisnamemeans‘Ship

ofLong-foam’;fortheislewasshapedlikeagreatship,withahighprowpointingnorth,againstwhichthewhitefoamofAnduinbrokeonsharprocks.

1‘IgaveHopetothe

Dúnedain,Ihavekeptnohopeformyself.’

1p.435.

1ItflowsintoIsenfrom

thewestofEredNimrais.

1Thedatesaregiven

accordingtothereckoningofGondor(ThirdAge).Thoseinthemarginareofbirthanddeath.

2pp.1030,1043.

1p.1381.

1Forhershield-armwas

brokenbythemaceoftheWitch-king;buthewasbroughttonothing,andthusthewordsofGlorfindellongbeforetoKingEärnurwerefulfilled,thattheWitch-kingwouldnotfallbythehandofman.ForitissaidinthesongsoftheMarkthatinthisdeedÉowynhadtheaidofThéoden’sesquire,andthat

healsowasnotaManbutaHalflingoutofafarcountry,thoughÉomergavehimhonourintheMarkandthenameofHoldwine.

[ThisHoldwinewasnoneotherthanMeriadoctheMagnificentwhowasMasterofBuckland.]

1TheHobbit,p.50.

1p.413.

2Orreleasedfromprison;

itmaywellbethatithadalreadybeenawakenedbythemaliceofSauron.

3TheHobbit,pp.207–8.

1TheHobbit,p.22.

2Amongwhomwerethe

childrenofThráinII:Thorin(Oakenshield),Frerin,andDís.ThorinwasthenayoungsterinthereckoningoftheDwarves.ItwasafterwardslearnedthatmoreoftheFolkundertheMountainhadescapedthanwasatfirsthoped;butmostofthesewenttotheIronHills.

1Azogwasthefatherof

Bolg;seeTheHobbit,p.24.

1ItissaidthatThorin’s

shieldwasclovenandhecastitawayandhehewedoffwithhisaxeabranchofanoakandhelditinhislefthandtowardoffthestrokesofhisfoes,ortowieldasaclub.Inthiswayhegothisname.

1Suchdealingswiththeir

deadseemedgrievoustotheDwarves,foritwasagainsttheiruse;buttomakesuchtombsastheywereaccustomedtobuild(sincetheywilllaytheirdeadonlyinstonenotinearth)wouldhavetakenmanyyears.Tofirethereforetheyturned,ratherthanleavetheirkintobeastorbirdorcarrion-orc.

ButthosewhofellinAzanulbizarwerehonouredinmemory,andtothisdayaDwarfwillsayproudlyofoneofhissires:‘hewasaburnedDwarf’,andthatisenough.

1Theyhadveryfew

women-folk.DísThráin’sdaughterwasthere.ShewasthemotherofFíliandKíli,whowerebornintheEredLuin.Thorinhadnowife.

2p.349.

1March15,2941.

1p.316.

2p.779,TheHobbit,p.

151.

3p.1272.

1p.413.

1p.876.

1Itafterwardsbecame

clearthatSarumanhadthenbeguntodesiretopossesstheOneRinghimself,andhehopedthatitmightrevealitself,seekingitsmaster,ifSauronwereletbeforatime.

1Monthsanddaysare

givenaccordingtotheShireCalendar.

1Shebecameknownas

‘theFair’becauseofherbeauty;manysaidthatshelookedmorelikeanelf-maidthanahobbit.Shehadgoldenhair,whichhadbeenveryrareintheShire;buttwoothersofSamwise’sdaughterswerealsogolden-haired,andsoweremanyofthechildrenbornatthistime.

1p.9;p.1364,note2.

1FourthAge(Gondor)

120.

1365days,5hours,48

minutes,46seconds.

1IntheShire,inwhich

Year1correspondedwithT.A.1601.InBreeinwhichYear1correspondedwithT.A.1300itwasthefirstyearofthecentury.

1Itwillbenotedifone

glancesataShireCalendar,thattheonlyweekdayonwhichnomonthbeganwasFriday.ItthusbecameajestingidiomintheShiretospeakof‘onFridaythefirst’whenreferringtoadaythatdidnotexist,ortoadayonwhichveryunlikelyeventssuchastheflyingofpigsor(intheShire)thewalkingof

treesmightoccur.Infulltheexpressionwas‘onFridaythefirstofSummerfilth’.

1ItwasajestinBreeto

speakof‘Winterfilthinthe(muddy)Shire’,butaccordingtotheShire-folkWintringwasaBreealterationoftheoldername,whichhadoriginallyreferredtothefillingorcompletionoftheyearbeforeWinter,anddescendedfromtimesbeforethefulladoptionofKings’Reckoningwhentheirnew

yearbeganafterharvest.

1Recordingbirths,

marriages,anddeathsintheTookfamilies,aswellasmatters,suchasland-sales,andvariousShireevents.

2Ihavethereforein

Bilbo’ssong(pp.207–9)usedSaturdayandSundayinsteadofThursdayandFriday.

1Thoughactuallythe

yestarëofNewReckoningoccurredearlierthanintheCalendarofImladris,inwhichitcorrespondedmoreorlesswithShireApril6.

1Anniversaryofitsfirst

blowingintheShirein3019.

1Usuallycalledin

SindarinMenelvagor(p.107),Q.Menelmacar.

1Asingaladhremmin

ennorath(p.309)‘tree-wovenlandsofMiddle-earth’.Remmirath(p.107)containsrem‘mesh’,Q.rembe,+mîr‘jewel’.

2Afairlywidespread

pronunciationoflongéandóaseiandou,moreorlessasinEnglishsayno,bothinWestronandintherenderingsofQuenyanamesbyWestronspeakers,isshownbyspellingssuchasei,ou(ortheirequivalentsincontemporaryscripts).Butsuchpronunciationswereregardedasincorrector

rustic.TheywerenaturallyusualintheShire.Thosethereforewhopronounceyéniúnótime‘long-yearsinnumerable’,asisnaturalinEnglish(sc.moreorlessasyainyoonoatimy)willerrlittlemorethanBilbo,Meriadoc,orPeregrin.Frodoissaidtohaveshowngreat‘skillwithforeignsounds’.

1SoalsoinAnnûn

‘sunset’,Amrûn‘sunrise’,undertheinfluenceoftherelateddûn‘west’,andrhûn‘east’.

2Originally.Butiuin

QuenyawasintheThirdAgeusuallypronouncedasarisingdiphthongasyuinEnglishyule.

1Theonlyrelationinour

alphabetthatwouldhaveappearedintelligibletotheEldaristhatbetweenPandB;andtheirseparationfromoneanother,andfromF,M,V,wouldhaveseemedtothemabsurd.

1Manyofthemappearin

theexamplesonthetitle-page,andintheinscriptiononp.66,transcribedonp.331.Theyweremainlyusedtoexpressvowel-sounds,inQuenyausuallyregardedasmodificationsoftheaccompanyingconsonant;ortoexpressmorebrieflysomeofthemostfrequentconsonantcombinations.

2Therepresentationofthe

soundshereisthesameasthatemployedintranscriptionanddescribedabove,exceptthatherechrepresentsthechinEnglishchurch;jrepresentsthesoundofEnglishj,andzhthesoundheardinazureandoccasion.

1Theinscriptiononthe

West-gateofMoriagivesanexampleofamode,usedforthespellingofSindarin,inwhichGrade6representedthesimplenasals,butGrade5representedthedoubleorlongnasalsmuchusedinSindarin:17=nn,but21=n.

1InQuenyainwhicha

wasveryfrequent,itsvowelsignwasoftenomittedaltogether.Thusforcalma‘lamp’clmcouldbewritten.Thiswouldnaturallyreadascalma,sinceclwasnotinQuenyaapossibleinitialcombination,andmneveroccurredfinally.Apossiblereadingwascalama,butnosuchwordexisted.

1ForbreathhQuenya

originallyusedasimpleraisedstemwithoutbow,calledhalla‘tall’.Thiscouldbeplacedbeforeaconsonanttoindicatethatitwasunvoicedandbreathed;voicelessrandlwereusuallysoexpressedandaretranscribedhr,hl.Later33wasusedforindependenth,andthevalueofhy(itsolder

value)wasrepresentedbyaddingthetehtaforfollowingy.

1Thosein()arevalues

onlyfoundinElvishuse;*markscirthonlyusedbyDwarves.

1InLórienatthisperiod

Sindarinwasspoken,thoughwithan‘accent’,sincemostofitsfolkwereofSilvanorigin.This‘accent’andhisownlimitedacquaintancewithSindarinmisledFrodo(asispointedoutinTheThain’sBookbyacommentatorofGondor).AlltheElvishwordscitedinBookTwochs6,7,8arein

factSindarin,andsoaremostofthenamesofplacesandpersons.ButLórien,CarasGaladhon,Amroth,NimrodelareprobablyofSilvanorigin,adaptedtoSindarin.

1Quenya,forexample,are

thenamesNúmenor(orinfullNúmenóre),andElendil,Isildur,andAnárion,andalltheroyalnamesofGondor,includingElessar‘Elfstone’.MostofthenamesoftheothermenandwomenoftheDúnedain,suchasAragorn,Denethor,GilraenareofSindarinform,beingoftenthenamesofElvesorMen

rememberedinthesongsandhistoriesoftheFirstAge(asBeren,Húrin).Somefewareofmixedforms,asBoromir.

1TheStoorsoftheAngle,

whoreturnedtoWilderland,hadalreadyadoptedtheCommonSpeech;butDéagolandSméagolarenamesintheMannishlanguageoftheregionneartheGladden.

1Exceptwherethe

HobbitsseemtohavemadesomeattemptstorepresentshortermurmursandcallsmadebytheEnts;a-lalla-lalla-rumba-kamanda-lindor-burúmealsoisnotElvish,andistheonlyextant(probablyveryinaccurate)attempttorepresentafragmentofactualEntish.

1Inoneortwoplacesan

attempthasbeenmadetohintatthesedistinctionsbyaninconsistentuseofthou.Sincethispronounisnowunusualandarchaicitisemployedmainlytorepresenttheuseofceremoniouslanguage;butachangefromyoutothou,theeissometimesmeanttoshow,therebeingnoothermeansof

doingthis,asignificantchangefromthedeferential,orbetweenmenandwomennormal,formstothefamiliar.

1Thislinguisticprocedure

doesnotimplythattheRohirrimcloselyresembledtheancientEnglishotherwise,incultureorart,inweaponsormodesofwarfare,exceptinageneralwayduetotheircircumstances:asimplerandmoreprimitivepeoplelivingincontactwithahigherandmorevenerableculture,andoccupyinglandsthathad

oncebeenpartofitsdomain.

1[Thesewordsdescribing

charactersoffaceandhairinfactappliedonlytotheNoldor:seeTheBookofLostTales,PartOne,p.44.]