The White Lady of Lorien invites Frodo and Samwise to look into her
mirror in the glade. Sam looks eagerly, desiring to see more of 'elven
magic'. He sees images of Frodo lying with a pale face asleep against a
grey cliff, himself climbing an endless stair looking urgently for
something. He also sees images of home, the Shire, where trees are
being cut down and a new mill is being built, larger than the old one
and belching smoke into the air. He also sees that his home, Bagshot
Row, has been dug up and his father the Gaffer turned out of the hole
he had lived in for years. Sam is ready to run home, but Galadriel
cautions him that the mirror does not always show what has happened,
but things that may come to be if certain events do not happen.
Frodo is more hesitant to look into the mirror. His visions include a
long road with a wizard dressed in white walking along it. He sees
Bilbo pacing in his room. He then sees the Sea which surges in the
turmoil of a great storm with the silhouette of a great ship coming
from the West. It comes into the light and he sees a banner with a
white tree shining in the sun. There is battle evident with smoke and
fire before the ship fades away. Finally, Frodo sees the great yellow
Eye of Sauron, seeking him.
Frodo offers the One Ring to Galadriel, but she refuses after being
sorely tempted to take it. She shows him Nenya, the Ring of Adamant
which she has kept for many years, hidden from Sauron.
The Fellowship will remain in Lothlorien just a couple of days longer before setting out on their journey once again.
February 16, 3019 T.A.,1419 S.R.
The Fellowship leaves Lothlorien after receiving parting gifts from
Galadriel and Celeborn. Celeborn provides them with boats and advice
about the coming journey. The are also given ropes of hithlain.
Galadriel gives Legolas a bow and arrows of the Lothlorien style.
Aragorn receives a magnificent sheath for Anduril and the brooch in the
shape of an eagle with outspread wings set with the green stone which
she had once given to her daughter Celebrian. It had passed on to Arwen
and Arwen sent it now to Aragorn. "This stone I gave to Celebrian my
daughter, and she to hers; now it comes to you as a token of hope. In
this hour take the name that was foretold for you, Elessar, the
Elfstone of the house of Elendil!"
Merry and Pippin receive silver belts with a clasp resembling a golden
flower. Boromir receives a belt of gold. Samwise is given a small box
of plain grey wood with a single silver rune upon it. Inside there is
earth from the Lady's orchard and a single mallorn nut.
For Gimli, Galadriel asks what he would receive from the elves, and in
eloquent fashion he tells her that he would have nothing save for a
single strand of her hair. The Elves are aghast at his statement, but
Galadriel is nearly overwhelmed by his comment and unbraids her hair
and give him not one, but three strands of her hair. He pledges to set
them in crystal should he survive what is to come and make them an
heirloom of his house with a promise of goodwill between the Dwarves of
the Lonely Mountain and the Elves of Lothlorien for all time.
Frodo receives the last gift, a phial filled with water from her mirror
and within it the light from the star Earendil. Each of the Fellowship
also receives a cloak made by Galadriel and her ladies of a greyish
cloth fastened with a brooch shaped like a green leaf with veins of
silver.
The Company still does not know which direction it will take, the road
to Minas Tirith or to Mordor. Aragorn remains torn. He knows that he
must go to Minas Tirith at some time, but feels that he must take Frodo
on into Mordor. The answer will not be made known for some 10 days yet.
February 23, 3019 T.A., 1419 S.R.
It has been a week since the Fellowship left Lorien in the boats given
to them by Celeborn. They have travelled some 330 miles mostly by night
trying to remain hidden from whatever eyes might be keeping watch for
them. Gollum has been seen to be following them by both Aragorn and Sam
and Frodo.
Aragorn is unclear of how far they have come and this night they reach
the rapids of Sarn Gebir unawares. Only by brute strength are they able
to wrestle the boats back into safer waters. In addition they have been
under attack from the Eastern bank of the River. Frodo is struck by an
arrow but his mithril shirt protects him once again.
Legolas leaps from the boat as they reach the Western Shore and fires
his bow into the sky at a shadow that gives them all great dread. The
beast, if such it is, gives a hoarse scream and falls from the sky,
vanishing on the eastern shore.
February 25, 3019 T.A., 1419 S.R.
Having portaged the rapids at Sarn Gebir safely after the attack, the
Fellowship has continued on down the Anduin and on this day passes the
Pillars of the Kings, the Argonath, at the northeastern borders of
Gondor. The huge statues inspire both awe and fear amongst most of the
nine minus one. Aragorn alone is unintimidated by these giant relics of
the Numenorean stonesmiths that wrought them.
The group camps this night at Parth Galen, a small landing place with a
green lawn that runs from the water to the feet of Amon Hen, the Seat
of Seeing. They will spend their last night together here. Aragorn is
concerned for he senses that Orcs are near and tells Frodo, when asked
why he does not sleep, that 'I do not know, but a shadow and a threat
has been growing in my sleep.'
In Rohan, the First Battle of the Fords of Isen occurs and Theodred, only son of the King of Rohan, Theoden, is killed.
February 26, 3019 T.A.,1419 S.R.
The Fellowship has camped overnight at Parth Galen and upon breaking their fast, Aragorn speaks to them.
The day has come at last, the day of choice which we have long delayed.
What shall now become of our Company that has travelled so far in
fellowship?
It is a choice that fate has already made for them. Frodo asks for a
bit more time to think as the choice will rest on his shoulders. While
he is away from the others, Boromir finds him and appeals to him to
take the Ring to Minas Tirith, certain that it can be used for the
benefit of the people of Gondor and all of the peoples of Middle-earth.
The discussion becomes heated and Boromir becomes highly agitated and
tries to take the Ring from Frodo, who manages, just, to scramble away
from the big man, having put on the Ring and become invisible.
Boromir soon realizes what he has done and regrets his words and
actions deeply, weeping and begging for Frodo to return. Frodo, however
has continued to run and has reached the Seat of Seeing, Amon Hen. He
is able to 'see' great distances and to see war over the lands:
Mirkwood, Lorien. Moria, the land of the Beornings. Everywhere there
are Orcs crawling over the lands which smoke and fume. Finally his
sight is drawn to Barad-dur and the Great Eye which seeks him out,
nearly finding him before he takes the Ring off.
Frodo's choice is suddenly clear to him, he must go alone to Mordor and
leave the others to do what they will. He cannot risk that the others
will fall victim to the Ring's power as has Boromir.
When Frodo does not return in the hour he was given for thought, the
others go to look for him. Eventually Sam finds him and insists upon
accompanying Frodo. They take one of the boats and row across the River
to the Eastern Shore and set off for Mordor alone.
While the others are still searching, the party is attacked by Orcs
while still separated. Aragorn is alone when he hears the sounds of
battle coming from nearer to the shore. He finds Boromir sitting
against a tree pierced with many arrows, his broken sword still in his
hand. He has tried to protect Merry and Pippin but they have been taken
by the Orcs. In despair, he tells Aragorn what has transpired.
I tried to take the Ring from Frodo. I am sorry, I have paid. They have
gone: the Halflings: the Orcs have taken them. I think they are not
dead. Orcs bound them.
Farewell, Aragorn! Go to Minas Tirith and save my people! I have failed.
Aragorn is able to reassure his friend. No! you have conquered. Few
have gained such a victory. Be at Peace! Minas Tirith shall not fall!
Before Aragorn can ask whether Frodo was with the other Hobbits,
Boromir dies.
Aragorn is devastated by the turn of events. Alas! Thus passes the heir
of Denethor, Lord of the Tower of Guard! This is a bitter end. Now the
Company is all in ruin. It is I that have failed. Vain was Gandalf's
trust in me. What shall I do now? Boromir has laid it on me to go to
Minas Tirith and my heart desires it; but where are the Ring and its
Bearer? How shall I find them and save the Quest from disaster?
His despair will last only a few moments. He quickly finds clues that
tell him that Frodo and Sam have left for Mordor on their own, and that
Merry and Pippin are being carried to the West. It is for he, Legolas,
and Gimli to try to rescue them and leave Frodo and Sam to their own
fate.
With the Hobbits gone and Boromir dead, the Fellowship is broken.
Though they do not know it, this tragic day has happened for a purpose,
for without the sundering, the Quest would not have been achieved. It
will be several weeks before all of the surviving members will be
reunited, and those will be weeks of sore toil and grief.
Frodo, Sam, and Gollum began the passage through the Dead Marshes. The
hobbits are astonished to see the faces of dead people in the waters of
the Marshes.
'Yes, yes,' said Gollum. 'All dead, all rotten. Elves and Men and Orcs.
The Dead Marshes. There was a great battle long ago, yes, so they told
him when Smeagol was young, when I was young before the Precious came.
It was a great battle. Tall Men with long swords, and terrible Elves,
and Orcses shrieking. They fougnt on the plain for days and months at
the Black Gates. But the Marshes have gown since then, swallowed up the
graves; always creeping, creeping.'
Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli meet Gandalf the White in Fangorn Forest.
After spending some time catching up with one another, the four of them
begin the journey to Edoras.
Merry and Pippin spend the day in the company of Quickbeam during the
Entmoot. Quickbeam is a hasty Ent, having already made up his mind
about taking on the Wizard, Saruman.
Faramir leaves Minas Tirith on an errand to Ithilien. It has been two
days since he has seen the funeral boat of Boromir (Feb 29).
Aragorn, son of Arathorn passes his 88th birthday. There is little if
any recognition of the day by either himself or his companions.
March 3-5, 3019 T.A., 1419 S.R.
March 3
The Ents, having completed their moot the day before, have been laying
seige to Isengard throughout the night. They complete its destruction
on this day.
Theoden, King of Rohan, newly restored to his right mind and health,
retreats to Helm's Deep with Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. Gandalf
leaves them on a secretive errand and the Rohirrim forces are pressed
rapidly to the stronghold at Helm's Deep.
March 4
The seige of the fortress begins in earnest some hours later and
lasts throughout the night. For the first time in history, the walls
are breeched and the stronghold nearly falls. Even Theoden begins to
doubt that the Hornburg will hold, being that the outer walls have been
broken by Saruman's Blasting Fire. Finally Theoden decides to make a
last desperate assault, riding from the keep of the Hornburg, down the
causeway hewing at the Orcs and Dunlendings in the way. As they set
forth, the Horn of Helm Hammerhand is sounded and in reply, all of the
Rohirrim who have been sheltering in the caves and whatever other
places of safety they have found, join in the charge. When they have
joined forces at the great dike, they discover that the land before
them is now what it was. A large forest covers the valley before them
and as they stare at it in wonder, another horn sounds and Gandalf and
Erkenbrand along with a thousand troops on foot arrive. Whatever enemy
forces remain are driven into the forest and are never seen or heard
from again.
After a short period of rest, Gandalf, Theoden, and a select group
including Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Eomer begin riding to Isengard.
Gandalf wishes to speak with Saruman and feels that it would be well
for Theoden to confront the Istari as well.
To the East, Frodo and Sam, led by Gollum, come to the slag mounds at the edge of the Desolation of the Morannon.
March 5
The Company reaches Isengard at noon. The Three Hunters are reunited
with Merry and Pippin who have witnessed the Ents' attack on Orthanc.
The five break bread together and share some tales of their adventures
in an all too brief respite from the trials they have been through and
those that are yet to come.
Gandalf and Saruman have a heated conversation and Gandalf breaks the
other wizard's staff, rendering him powerless except for his voice, a
formidable enough weapon. The Palantir of Orthanc is thrown from the
tower by Grima Wormtongue who is holed up with the disgraced Saruman.
It is retrieved from the waters that surround the tower by Pippin who
surrenders the crystal orb to Gandalf upon the wizard's bidding.
While camped later that night, Pippin is obsessed with a desire to look
into the Palantir. He exchanges the seeing stone with a large rock and
gazes into the Palantir. The Stone takes him and will not release him
until he has received a message from Sauron telling him to tell Saruman
that 'This dainty is not for him.' Fortunately Pippin has not given any
vital information away, but it is clear that he is no longer safe with
the rest of them as the party is concerned that Sauron thinks that
Pippin might be the Hafling that is carrying The One Ring.
After some quick planning, Gandalf decides to take Pippin to Minas
Tirith. Aragorn will go, for now, to Helm's Deep and Edoras with
Theoden, taking possession of the Palantir. As Isildur's Heir, it
belongs to him, part of the treasury of Elendil.
As preparations for Gandalf's departure are being made, a shadow
crosses the camp, the Nazgul have crossed the Anduin, a sure sign that
the Assault of Mordor on the Free Peoples is about to begin in earnest.
"Nazgul!" he cried. "The messenger of Mordor. The storm is coming. The
Nazgul have crossed the River! Ride, Ride! Wait not for the dawn! Let
not the swift wait for the slow! Ride!"
Before the Black Gates, Frodo, Sam, and Gollum spend the day in hiding,
having determined that they cannot make entry into Mordor there. At
dusk, they begin the trek to Ithilien.
March 6-9, 3019 T.A.,1419 S.R.
March 6
The Dunedain of the North, led by Halbarad and the Sons of Elrond catch
up to Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Merry, and the Rohirrim that are
hastening from Dol Baran to Helm's Deep. They bring strange messages
from Rivendell and believe themselves sent as the result of a request
for aid from Aragorn, their chieftain. Elrond of Rivendell tells
Aragorn through his sons that "The days are short. If thou are in
haste, remember the Paths of the Dead"
Halbarad presents Aragorn with a large black banner, still furled, made
by Arwen and with the following message: "The days now are short.
Either our hope cometh, or all hopes end. Therefore I send thee what I
have made for thee. Fare well, Elfstone!"
After resting for a few hours in the Hornburg, Theoden sets out for
Dunharrow through the mountains. Aragorn takes the road that leads from
Helm's Deep along the valley floor to Edoras and Dunharrow. His will be
the faster route, but more visible, as well. Before Aragorn leaves the
Hornburg, he looks into the Palantir showing himself and the Reforged
Blade to the Dark Lord, hoping that Sauron's hand will be forced.
March 7
Frodo and Sam make the mistake of having a little picnic of boiled
rabbit which Gollum has provided for them. The smoke of their little
fire attracts the attention of the Rangers of Ithilien who capture the
two hobbits while Gollum is off hunting for himself. The largest
portion of Captain Faramir's force engages with a large party of
Southrons including a giant Mumak which Sam is thrilled to see. After
their successful ambush, Faramir and the Rangers take Sam and Frodo to
their hidden base at Henneth Annun where they are questioned rigorously
about their travels. It is here that Frodo finds out about the death of
Boromir just a short time after their altercation at Parth Galen.
Later, after talking a bit more, fatigue and nerves lead Sam to tell
Faramir about the Ring of Power. Faramir shows himself to be a man of
quality and does not try to take the Ring from Frodo. The Hobbits are
fed and given rest until late in the night when one of Faramir's men
sees Gollum fishing in the forbidden pool beneath the hidden
cave-fortress. Frodo helps Faramir to capture the creature in order to
save it's life. Faramir is loath to trust Gollum and begs Frodo to let
he and his men kill him. Frodo insists that they require Gollum's
services as a guide and is given assurance that the three of them will
not be harmed and will be permitted to go on their way, fully
provisioned.
Aragorn comes to Dunharrow at nightfall and there tells Eowyn that
Theoden will arrive the next day and that he himself will be leaving
early in the morning to take the Paths of the Dead. Eowyn is very
distressed at this and begs him not to do so and then begs that he take
her with him, which Aragorn refuses.
March 8
Aragorn takes the Paths of the Dead from Dunharrow to Erech. Within the
Haunted Mountain, he calls for the Dead to meet with him at the Stone
of Erech and fulfill the oath which they made to Isildur long years
before to fight against Sauron. When they did not do so for Isildur,
Isildur cursed them and they would not rest until such time that they
did fulfill the oath. Before the great Stone at midnight, a silver horn
is heard and then
...Aragorn dismounted, and standing by the Stone, he cried out in a great voice: Oathbreakers, why have ye come?"
And a voice was heard out of the night that answered him as if from far away: "To fulfill our oath and have peace."
Then Aragorn said: "The hour is come at last. Now I go to Pelargir upon
Anduin, and ye shall come after me. And when all this land is clean of
the servants of Sauron, I will hold the oath fulfilled, and ye shall
have peace and depart for ever. for I am Elessar, Isildur's heir of
Gondor."
March 9
Gandalf reaches Minas Tirith with Pippin and has an audience with
Denethor,the Steward. They find that Denethor is already aware of the
death of his son, Boromir, and that he is deeply grieved of this.
Pippin rashly offers his services to Denethor as payment, in kind, of
the debt that he and Merry owe for Boromir's saving of their lives. the
Hobbit is then sent on a tour of the city with Beregond, one of the
guards of the Citadel.
The last of the wains bearing women and children away from the city
leave this morning and the forces expected to assist defending against
Sauron's seige arrive, in much smaller numbers than have been
anticipated.
Faramir leaves Henneth Annun to return to Minas Tirith with the report
of his troop's dealings with the enemy forces and also of the encounter
with the Hobbits.
Aragorn and the Grey company and the Army of the Dead leave Erech and
travel as far as Calembel, racing across the plains of Gondor.
Frodo and Sam reach the Morgul-road.
Theoden arrives in Dunharrow and is told that Aragorn has truly taken
the Paths of the Dead. The Red Arrow, carried by Hirgon comes to him
and he pledges assistance to Gondor as soon as the Rohirrim can be
mustered.
Darkness begins to flow out of Mordor.
The Board is set. All of the players are now in motion......
March 10, 3019 T.A.,1419 S.R.
The Muster of the Rohirrim takes place at Harrowdale. Meriadoc
Brandybuck begs King Theoden to be allowed to go with him to war in
Gondor but Theoden tells him that his men cannot be burdened with
carrying the extra weight and Stybba, the pony which Merry has been
riding, is incapable of handling the rigourous journey and battle.
Merry is sorely grieved until an unknown soldier known as Dernhelm
offers to let him ride with him, promising to keep him hidden.
Gandalf rescues Faramir as the Captain rides from Osgiliath with his
report for Denethor on the current happenings in Ithilien. Denethor
hears his younger son's report and is angry that Faramir would release
Frodo and the Ring, believing that Boromir would have brought the Ring
to him.
To the South, Aragorn and his 'army' have crossed the Ringlo in his
race across Gondor. The Dawnless Day has come. There will be no more
sunrises for five more days. Instead only a reddish glow reflects from
the clouds that pour forth from Mordor.
In the North, an army from the Morannon takes the island fortress of
Cair Andros and controls the Anduin now from Rauros to the sea. The
army crosses the river at Cair Andros and travels into Anorien, ready
to march southward along the West bank of the river to Minas Tirith.
Frodo and Sam pass the Crossroads in Ithilien. As they begin the trip
up the Eastern road, the hobbits spy a massive statue in the style of
the Kings of the Argonath. The stone head has been removed by the Orcs
and has been replaced by a mockery, a grinning face with a single red
eye. On the ground, Frodo spots the statue's original head. A brief
flash of sunlight illuminates it showing a coronet of silver and gold,
trailing plants with golden flowers. 'Look, Sam! Look! The king has got
a crown again!' Frodo says. 'They cannot conquer for ever!'
The trio must hide quickly when, as they approach Minas Morgul, the
gates open and a great host marches forth. Frodo is nearly overcome by
the Ring until he manages to move his hand toward Galadriel's gift, the
phial, instead of to the Ring. They begin the ascent of the stairs that
lead to Cirith Ungol.
March 11, 3019 T.A. 1419 S.R.
Gollum leaves the two hobbits to sleep and pays a visit to Shelob. Upon
his return, he is stricken by the pangs of his conscience and nearly
repents what he plans to do.
Denethor sends Faramir forth from Minas Tirith to return to Osgiliath.
'Much must be risked in war,' said Denethor. 'Cair Andros is manned,
and no more can be sent so far. But I will not yield the River and the
Pelennor unfought--not if there is a captain here who still has the
courage to do his lord's will.'
Then all were silent. But at length Faramir said: 'I do not oppose your
will, sire. Since you are robbed of Boromir, I will go and do what I
can in his stead--if you command it.'
'I do so,' said Denethor.
'Then farewell!' said Faramir. 'But if I should return, think better of me!'
'That depends on the manner of your return,' said Denethor.
Those words chill the hearts of all who hear them, the other captains
of guard who sat in counsel with Denethor that morning. Denethor will
rue his words within 48 hours.
Aragorn continues his flight across the plains of lower Gondor. He
crosses the Gilraen at Linhir where the men of Lamedon have been
engaged with folk of Harad and Umbar. The fell folk flee from the
Dunedain and the Army of the Dead. Aragorn asks Angbor, Lord of Lamedon
to assemble his folk and come behind to Pelargir and join him there.
To the North, the forces of Mordor that yesterday crossed the Anduin at
Cair Andros, cross into the Eastern portion of Rohan. Even farther to
the north, troops from southern Mirkwood and Dol Guldur attack Lorien
for the first time.
March 12, 3019 T.A., 1419 S.R.
The treacherous Gollum leads Frodo and Sam into Shelob's lair, then
abandons them after struggling with Sam. Frodo is stung by the great
spider and believed dead by Sam who has blinded and severely wounded
the spider.
Faramir is forced to retreat from Osgiliath to the causeway forts as the enemy onslaught continues to cross the Anduin.
Aragorn, the Dunedain, Gimli, Legolas, the Sons of Elrond,(and Lind
Wink ) and the Army of the Dead drive what is left of the invaders from
the East and South across the lower portions of Lebennin towrds
Pelargir. They meet little resistance and advance rapidly.
To the north, the Ents achieve victory against the invaders of Rohan
thus protecting Theoden's advance toward Minas Tirith. Theoden's army
this night camps at the foot of the beacon of Minrimmon deep within
Anorien.
March 13, 3019 T.A.,1419 S.R.
As Samwise mourns the apparent death of his beloved Frodo, he hears a
troop of Orcs approaching and makes the decision to take Sting, the
Phial of Galadriel, and the One Ring in order to continue his master's
quest. Frodo is captured by Orcs who, knowing how Shelob likes to feed,
realize that Frodo is not dead, but is in a paralytic state from the
spider's poison. She has immobilized him and had planned to feed on him
at a later time. The Orcs take Frodo to the Towr of Cirith Ungol where
they will take his posessions and clothing. Sam, realizing that his
master is alive, follows the Orcs and tries to figure out how to rescue
him.
Faramir is wounded in the retreat from the Causeway Forts back to Minas
Tirith. He is rescued by his uncle Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth while
Gandalf, on Shadowfax, kept the Nazgul at bay. Denethor, upon realizing
that his son is gravely wounded, begins to lose what is left of his
grip on reality. It is left to Gandalf to see to the defenses of Minas
Tirith, as the Pelennor is overrun by the enemy.
Aragorn reaches Pelargir and captures the fleet of Corsairs. The Army
of the Dead here, fullfills their oath as Gimli tells in The Last
Debate:
...But the Haradrim, being now driven to the brink, turned at bay, and
they were fierce in despair; and they laughed when they looked on us,
for they were a great army still.
'But Aragorn halted and cried with a great voice: "Now come! By the
Black Stone I call you!" And suddenly the Shadow Host that had hung
back at the last came up like a grey tide, sweeping all away before it.
Faint cries I heard, and dim horns blowing, and a murmur as of
countless far voices: it was like the echo of some forgotten battle in
the Dark Years long ago. Pale swords were drawn; but I know not whether
their blades would still bite, for the Dead needed no longer any weapon
but fear. none would withstand them.
'To every ship they came that was drawn up, and then they passed over
the water to those that were anchored; and all the mariners were filled
with a madness of terror and leaped overboard, save the slaves chained
to the oars. Reckless we rode among our fleeing foes, driving them like
leaves until we came to the shore. And then to each of the great ships
that remained Aragorn sent one of the Dunedain, and they comforted the
captives that were aboard, and bade them put aside their fear and be
free.
'..."Hear now the words of the Heir of Isildur! Your oath is fulfilled.
Go back and trouble not the valleys ever again! Depart and be at rest!"
'And thereupon the King of the Dead stood out before the host and broke
his spear and cast it down. Then he bowed low and turned away; and
swiftly the whole grey host drew on and vanished like a mist that is
driven back by a sudden wind; and it seemed to me that I awoke from a
dream.'
King Theoden and the Rohirrim camp in Druadan Forest, where they meet
with Ghan-buri-ghan who will help them to avoid the enemy scouts and
gain the Rammas Echor undetected.
Samwise Gamgee, with courage he never knew he had, makes his way into
the Tower of Cirith Ungol. He has put the Ring on twice,the first time
to hide himself from the Orcs in the passage from the stairs to the
tower. The second time, without any clear purpose, he put it on and was
aware of the hold it was already putting on him. Within a short span of
time, barely hours, he has put the Ring on twice and has found his
thoughts turning to it many more times.
His thought turned to the Ring, but there was no comfort there, only
dread and danger. no sooner had he come in sight of Mount Doom, burning
far away, than he was aware of a change in his burden. As it drew near
the great furnaces where, in the deeps of time, it had been shaped and
forged, the Ring's power grew, and it became more fell, untamable save
by some might will. As Sam stood there, even though the Ring was not on
him, but hanging by its chain about his neck, he felt himself enlarged,
as if he were robed in a huge distorted shadow of himself, a vast and
ominous threat halted upon the walls of Mordor. He felt that he had
form now on only two choices: to forbear the Ring, though it would
torment him; or to claim it, and challenge the Power that sat in the
dark beyond the valley of shadows. Already the Ring tempted him,
gnawing at his will and reason. Wild fantasies arose in his mind; and
he saw Samwise the Strong, Hero of the Age, striding with a flaming
sword across the darkened land, and armies flocking to his call as he
marched to the overthrow of Barad-dur. And then all the clouds rolled
away and the winte sun shone, and at his command the vale of Gorgoroth
became a garden of flowers and trees and brought forth fruit. He had
only to put on the Ring and claim it for his own and all this could be.
Sam finds that the orcs of the Tower have been fighting amongst
themselves and have nearly killed themselves off. After much seeking,
he finally finds Frodo in the top of the tower, naked and in a daze,
but very much alive.
Minas Tirith is beseiged. Gandalf is forced to take command of the
forces defending the city when Denethor's mind is finally overthrown.
He refuses to leave the side of his son, whom he had sent on a hopelss
errand.
"I sent my son forth, unthanked, unblessed, out into needless peril,
and here he lies with poison in his veins.....I must stay beside my
son. He might still speak before the end. But that is near. Follow whom
you will, even the Grey Fool, though his hope has failed. Here I stay."
The Rohirrim, meanwhile, grow ever closer to the beseiged city. They
cross the Grey Wood via the long forgotten Stonewain Valley Road, led
by the Wild Men, the Woses, of Ghan-buri-ghan.
To the South, Aragorn and his fleet begin their journey up the Anduin,
far too slowly for Aragorn's peace of mind. The wind does not come and
they make slow progress against the current of the Great River. As
night falls, a red glow can be seen to the north...Minas Tirith is
burning.
March 17, 3019 T.A., 1419 S.R.
The Host of the West rests for a second day outside the walls of Minas
Tirith. They will march tomorrow on their way to the Black Gate of the
Morannon.
The Battle continues in the North. King Brand, the Third King of Dale
(a man) and King Dain Ironfoot of the Dwarves both are killed as Erebor
is beseiged.
Shagrat brings Frodo's cloak, mithril shirt, and sword to Barad-dur.
The War in the North has been intense and costly. At this point, Lorien
has been assaulted twice and will face one more battle, and Thranduil,
Legolas' father, has repelled the forces of Dol Guldur from Mirkwood.
The woods on the borders of both elven enclaves are badly damaged. Bard
II and Thorin III Stonehelm will take the respective thrones of their
fathers, Brand and Dain Ironfoot.
March 18,3019.T.A. 1419 S.R.
The Host of the west Marches from Minas Tirith on its way to the
Black Gate. The main body of the Army will travel as far as five miles
beyond Osgiliath while the Horsemen go to the Crossroads. The carven
stone image of the old king is restored to its original position and
cleaned of it's graffiti. Merry and Bergil watch the Host leave the
City. Merry is frustrated that he cannot travel with them.
Samwise and Frodo, having fled Cirith Ungol on the 15th, are overtaken
by a company of orcs marching toward Udun. They are mistaken for orcs
in the darkness and are forced to march with them.
The clean up in Minas Tirith continues. The Great Gate will not be
repaired or replaced for several months when craftsmen (or
craftsdwarves) come from Erebor per Aragorn's request of Gimli. In
Osgiliath the boat bridges (floating bridges) that the Enemy built to
cross have been strengthened so that the Host can cross. Debris has
been cleared from the Anduin so that the ferries can cross without
danger of striking obstacles.
March 19, 3019 T.A, 1419 S.R.
Sam and Frodo escape from the troop of orcs
when they meet another band of orcs travelling in another direction.
The orcs begin fighting among themselves for position on the road. The
hobbits use the fracas as a diversion and slip off the road and hide.
They resume their trek on the road towards Barad-dur.
Aragorn and the vanguard of the Host of the
West go into the Morgul-vale and look on the city of Minas Morgul, once
Minas Ithil, the tower of the Moon. They cross the white bridge which
spans the steaming, foul smelling Morgulduin river.
The city is essentially empty. The orcs and
other creatures that had lived there have mostly died in the great
battle and the eight remaining Nazgul are abroad, most likely in Mordor
looking for the hobbits or keeping orcs in line.
There has been a lot of debate over what
should happen to Minas Morgul. Some want an assault upon it and then
total destruction, others propose that they use the roads that pass
from the city to go into Mordor, itself. Gandalf quickly speaks against
this because it will draw 'the Eye' to the area where it is suspected
that Frodo and Sam may be. Instead, the Host destroy the bridge and set
fire to the fields. They posting a strong guard at the crossroads and
move on towards the Morannon, leaving the decision of what to do with
the city until after the war is over. After his crowning, Aragorn
declares that "Minas Ithil in the Morgul Vale will be utterly
destroyed, and though it may in time to come be made clean, no man may
dwell there for many long years." (ROTK: The Steward and the King)
March 20, 3019 T..A., 1419 S.R.
The Host of the West continues northward through Ithilien. Three
times a day Gandalf has them stop and trumpets are blown and the
heralds cry out: “The Lords of Gondor are come! Let all leave this land
or yield them up!” Prince Imrahil suggests that the wording be changed
to: ‘The King Elessar is come....’ and so the cry is changed and
Aragorn is first called by the name under which he will rule.
Samwise assesses the distance he and Frodo still have to travel to be
some fifty miles. It is now when he realizes that there will be no
return trip on the provisions that they have left. The sensible minded
hobbit somehow gains new strength from this realization and is more
determined than ever that he will get Frodo to Mount Doom and do what
they had set out to do.
In Gondor, Eowyn leaves her bed and implores Faramir to allow her to be
released from the Houses of Healing. He is unable to grant her wish,
but he does arrange for her to be moved to a room where the window
faces the East. The Steward asks that she keep him company and walk
with him in the gardens sometimes. When she has returned to her
quarters, he sends for Merry to tell him all he can about the White
Lady of Rohan.
March 21, 3019 T.A. 1419 S.R.
The Host of the West continues northward through Ithilien. Late
in the day they are 'ambushed' by a large number of Orcs and
Easterlings at the same road cut where Faramir and his Rangers battled
when they encoutered Frodo and Sam resting after eating stewed conies.
The Host had already been warned of the trap and is prepared, sending
horsemen west around the flanks of the enemy, creating an ambush for
the ambush. The Host is victorious but Aragorn and the Captains are not
made to feel any more secure about their position. "It is but a feint,"
said Aragorn; "and its chief purpose, I deem, was rather to draw us on
by a false guess of our Enemy's weakness than to do us much hurt, yet."
The Nazgul begin flying over the Host, watching their progress.
In Mordor, Samwise offers to carry the Ring for Frodo and gets a
frightening response from his Master. Frodo discards his Orc gear and
refuses to carry a weapon any more. Sam also rids himself of the Orc
gear and decides to lighten both of their loads as much as possible.
With great sorrow, he throws his cooking gear and all the rest of the
gear down a fissure so that Gollum cannot take any of it.
In Minas Tirith, Faramir is gladdened to find Eowyn already in the
garden when he arrives in the morning. They sit and spend time
together, sometimes speaking, sometimes just sharing the silence
together.
March 22, 3019 T.A., 1419 S.R.
Lorien is assaulted for the third and final time. The Golden Wood has suffered substantial damage in the attacks.
Frodo and Sam turn South toward Mount Doom. Frodo does not speak at all
this day and Sam notes that his master stumbles and seems not to see
the path before them. Frodo walks hunched over and often holds his left
hand up as if to block a blow or to sheild his eyes. He clutches often
at his chest as the weight of his burden grows nearly unbearable.
As Frodo sleeps, Sam finds it difficult to think of anything but food
and water. Their lembas supply is going fast and the Elf waybread may
feed them, but it does nothing to stop cravings or desire for other
foods. They have less than a half bottle of water left, though Sam
reckons their journey will take several more days.
When Sam is finally able to sleep, he does so fitfully. His dreams and
waking run together and he sees eyes glowing in the darkness and hears
noises like the cries of wild beasts or tortured creatures. Shapes seem
to appear in the darkness.
The Host of the West continues to move forward. This is their last full day in the green lands of Ithilien.
Faramir and Eowyn continue to spend time together in the gardens of the
Houses of Healing. Slowly, Faramir's pity for the young woman is
turning to something more, but Eowyn remains chill and distant, still
longing to be with the Host to find death and glory among great deeds.
March 23, 3019 T.A., 1419 S.R.
Today is the sixth day since the Host of the West left Minas Tirith.
Today they leave Ithilien and pass into the brown desolate country near
the Pass of Cirith Gorgor. Soon the road will turn eastward where the
mountains of the Ephel Duath and the Ered Lithui join at the Northwest
corner of Mordor. With the knowledge that the Nazgul have been watching
them, the hearts of the Captains and the men they lead have been
chilled. Cold fear begins to grow and gnaw at them. Many of the men
find themselves unable to go any further. Aragorn takes pity on them
and releases them. He gives them a chance to regain their honor by
re-taking the island of Cair Andros, which lies in the Anduin between
Minas Tirith and the falls of Rauros. With their leaving, the Host now
numbers less than six thousand as they continue toward the Morannon.
Frodo and Sam continue their trek south to Oroduin. While Frodo sleeps
that night, Samwise is tormented by thoughts of water in many forms.
The books and streams that run under banks lined with willows, the cool
mud at the bottom of Bywater Pool where he spent time with the Cotton
boys and their sister Rosie. Frodo has drunk their next to last swallow
of water and Sam has gone without.
Back in Minas Tirith, Merry waits for news whether good or ill. There
is little hope, but fear has not yet taken hold. The people of the City
know that whatever they will face will be decided soon. If the Host is
defeated, they will face Sauron’s armies in greater numbers than they
have seen thus far. Soon they will know. It was expected that the march
of the Host should take about 7 days. They do not know that it is not
the success or failure of the Host that matters so much as the success
or failure of the two hobbits.
March 24, 3019 T.A. 1419 S.R.
Sam and Frodo continue their trek south toward Oroduin. They have drunk
the last of their water. Frodo has become so weak that Sam is forced to
carry him much of the time. The air close to the mountain is thick with
sulfurous fumes that choke them and burn their eyes. They become
lightheaded at times. At the end of this day's travel, they are close
to the foot of Mount Doom. Frodo falls into a fitful sleep when they
stop and Sam finds that Frodo's hands are cold. He regrets casting off
his blanket along with their extra gear and lies close to Frodo trying
to warm him with his own body.
The Host of the West has left the road and traveled over the desolate
lands to the north and then turned East and South. They approach the
Black Gates from the North just as Frodo and Sam had. The last
encampment is set up a short march from the Gates. The men scrounge for
wood to build small fires that barely provide light and almost no heat.
The air is cool and noxious. Acrid fumes rise from the ground and along
with the shreds of cloud that race across the sky, obscure the thin
crescent moon. Wolves are heard howling in the darkness and half-seen
beasts prowl about them in the darkness.
The camp is nearly silent. Most of the men are deep in thoughts of home
and whether they will see it again. Few sleep more than a few hours.
Most spend the night readying equipment for whatever the morning will
bring. The sounds of blades being honed ring through the camp.
The Captains spend part of the last night discussing strategy for the
morning. An embassy led by Gandalf will approach the gates and call the
Dark Lord out. Few believe that he would actually show himself to them,
but they will call him, nonetheless. The armies will be arranged on and
around two slag hills that rise in front of the Gates. Here they will
make their last stand, if fight they must.
In Minas Tirith, they continue to watch and wait, anxious to know the fate that they will face. March 25, 3019 T.A., 1419 S.R.
The Host of the West marches forth in the early morning gloom to take
its position on the slag hills. The embassy consisting of Gandalf,
Aragorn, Eomer, Imrahil, Legolas, Gimli, Pippin, Elladan and Elrohir,
along with a 'great band' of horsemen, heralds, trumpeters, and the
great banner goes forward to the Black Gates. As they approach the
Gates closely, the trumpets are blown and the heralds call out, "Come
forth! Let the Lord of the Black Land come forth! Justice shall be done
upon him. For wrongfully he has made war upon Gondor and wrested its
lands. Therefore the King of Gondor demands that he should atone for
his evils and depart them forever. Come forth!"
The Dark Lord does not come forth, but sends his emissary, the Voice of
Sauron to treat with the Captains. He tells them of Sauron's demands
and shows them tokens to convince them that the mission of the
Ringbearer has failed; Frodo's clothing and mithril shirt, a small
sword, and a grey cloak with an elven brooch. Gandalf is not fooled and
snatches the items from the Voice and says that they will not make any
deals with Sauron because he is untrustworthy. Within the Gates,
trumpets sound and the Gates slowly rumble open revealing a huge force
of men, orcs, and trolls coming forth. The Captains and the embassy
ride quickly back to the slag hills and take position to fight, knowing
that they are vastly outnumbered. More orcs pour out of holes in the
mountains on either side of the Gates.
Samwise and Frodo slowly scale the sides of Mount Doom, finding a road
that makes the path somewhat easier. Frodo is forced to crawl for part
of the distance and collapses completely when he gets a glimpse of the
Great Eye as it looks Northward to the Black Gates. Sam picks up Frodo
and carries him again. As he plods onward, Gollum smashes into him and
tries again to take the Ring from Frodo. Sam fights Gollum and urges
Frodo to go forward while he deals with him. Gollum is finally chased
off, but does not go far before turning and following the hobbits again.
Frodo enters the Sammath Naur and finds that he cannot throw the Ring
into the fires. Despite Sam's urgings, he stands on the brink and says,
"I have come, but I do not choose now to do what I came to do. I will
not do this deed. The Ring is mine!" To his horror, Sam watches Frodo
put the Ring on his finger and vanish. At that very moment, Sam is
struck down from behind and Gollum springs over the sprawling hobbit
and leaps forward toward Frodo. The walls and floor of the Mountain are
shaking as Sauron realizes what has happened. The armies of the Dark
Lord hesitate as he turns his attentions to Oroduin and sets his Nazgul
to retrieve the Ring.
Gollum and an invisible Frodo struggle on the precipice until Sam hears
his master scream and sees him appear suddenly as Gollum bites off the
finger upon which Frodo has worn the Ring. Gollum, so engrossed in the
Precious that he has finally recovered, dances and skips with glee,
heedless of where he is and suddenly falls into the Fires below, still
admiring his treasure.
The Host is taking heavy losses as the trolls smash their way through
the armies. Things look very bleak when all at once, the trolls, orcs,
and other beings under Sauron's control hesitate in the midst of
battle. Pippin slays the Troll that has struck down and stunned
Beregond, but in doing so, is trapped beneath the great beast as it
collapses. Pippin hears, distantly, someone cry that "the Eagles are
coming," and falls unconscious.
Sam and Frodo hasten from the Sammath Naur to a small island of rock
which is soon surrounded by lava and fumes. Frodo tells Sam that he can
see the Shire now. Sam's beloved master is back. There is no hope any
longer and the two of them slowly fall victim to the heat and fumes and
become unconscious.
The Eagles have indeed come and turn the battle to the Host's favor.
The ground shakes violently and the Towers of the Teeth collapse. A
great darkness comes fills the sky and is then blown apart by the wind.
A loud rumbling is heard from within the boundries of Mordor and all of
the creatures enslaved by Sauron flee from the battle. The Realm os
Sauron is ended.
Once victory is achieved, Gandalf summons the leader of the Eagles,
Gwaihir, and asks he and his brothers to carry him into Mordor to find
Sam and Frodo. They are found on the rock and carried to the healers of
the Host.
In Minas Tirith, Faramir and Eowyn watch and wait on the garden walls.
They are filled with a great fear, somehow knowing that the moment of
doom has arrived. Faramir admits his love for Eowyn and, as a clean
clear breeze from the north blows upon them, she realizes that she
loves Faramir, too. The Shadow departs and the Sun shines upon the City
again. Eowyn gives up all aspirations to be a sheildmaiden and agrees
to marry Faramir. The Eagles come to tell the people that Sauron has
fallen.
The last week of March, 3019 T.A., 1419 S.R.
While the Host of the West recovers and begins to prepare to move to
Cormallen, there is still strife elsewhere. At the foot of The Lonely
Mountain, Bard II and Thorin III finally succeed in driving the enemy
from the community of Dale. When the news of the loss in the South by
the Dark Lord and his mignons reaches his armies in the north, mostly
Easterlings, they lose their focus and are quickly taken by the
combined forces of Dwarves and Men.
In Lothlorien, Celeborn leads the host of the Galadrim across the
Anduin to Southern Mirkwood. There, joined by Thranduil's forces from
the North, the elves succeed in defeating Sauron's army that has been
based at Dol Guldur. When the tower itself is taken, Galadriel throws
down its walls and lays its pits bare, cleansing the forest of the evil
that has long lain hidden there.
In Gondor, cleanup begins in earnest. Now that the threat from the East
is finally gone, the removal of debris and rebuilding of the city can
begin with the knowledge that the threat of imminent destruction is not
just around the corner. The knowledge that there is indeed a new king
for Gondor has begun to spread and there is new purpose for the
rebuilding. The women, children, and elderly that had been sent from
the city to safety have begun to return and Minas Tirith begins to
resemble a living city once more.
On this day, two weeks to the day from the fall of Sauron, Aragorn and
the Host of the West honor Sam and Frodo on the Field of Cormallen. The
two hobbits have just woken from the healing sleep that they were
placed in upon their rescue. Pippin, also badly hurt in the battle
before the Gates, awoke from his sleep yesterday and seems none the
worse for wear. "Very tough in the fibre, I deem." With the exception
of Frodo's bandaged hand, there is little visible to show the ordeal
that they have been through.
It is at Cormallen that Frodo and Sam find out that Strider, rather
Aragorn, is in fact, the long-awaited King of Gondor and the Lost
Kingdoms of the North. Aragorn bends his knee before them and then
seats them on the thrones of the other royalty of the Host, Imrahil of
Dol Amroth and Eomer of Rohan.
At last, Samwise Gamgee's wish is fullfilled and they hear the bard sing of Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom.
The Host, assembled on the field, sing:
'Long live the Haflings! Praise them with great praise!
Cuio i Pheriain anann! Aglar'ni Pheriannath!
Praise them with great praise, Frodo and Samwise!
Daur a Berhael, Conin en Annun! Eglario!
Praise them!
Eglario!
A laita te, laita te! Andave laituvalmet!
Praise them!
Cormacolindor, a laita tarienna!
Praise them! The Ring-bearers, praise them with great praise!'
Late April, 3019 T.A., 1419 S.R.
The host of the West is making preparations to return to Minas Tirith.
Equipment is being cleaned, repaired,and polished in order to be
suitable for the escort of the King when he comes to his City to be
crowned.
In the Cities of Minas Tirith and Osgiliath the clean up and repairs
continue. The Host will stay one night in Osgiliath so proper
accomodations must be readied, though the King, himself would probably
prefer to camp with his troops.
Faramir, now returned to health and his position as Steward, oversees
the repairs to the city. It is less than two weeks to the Crowning and
the pace is frantic. There are many unsafe buildings that must be
demolished completely and the rubble removed. The women and children
that have returned are busy cleaning and planting flowers and greenery
to beautify the city and sewing banners to hang from windows and across
streets.
In the North the Elves have been repairing the damage to their
homelands, as well. The Golden Wood will never return to its full
beauty, but the Galadrim do what they can to heal the forest. Now that
the One Ring has been destroyed, the power of Nenya no longer provides
the healing and protective qualities that it once did. Already the
Power of the Elves is waning.
In Rivendell, Elrond has accepted the fact that his worst nightmare and
his daughter's greatest joy have come to pass. Word reaches them that
the Crowning of Elessar will take place on the First of May. On that
day, a large contingent of the Rivendell Elves will leave Imladris and
begin the journey South to Minas Tirith. They will be joined by a Host
of the Galadrim led by Celeborn and Galadriel in the western foothills
of the Misty Mountains.
It is just over one year since Gandalf returned to Bag End after long
searching to find the secret of Bilbo's Ring. One year and one week
ago, Frodo found out that he had the One Ring in his posession and
would have to leave the Shire.
April 28, 3019 T.A., 1419 S.R.
The Army of the West departs from Cormallen in Ithilien and makes its
way to Cair Andros where they will take ship to Osgiliath. There they
will remain for a day then march on to camp outside the walls of Minas
Tirith.
Within the City, last minute preparations are being made for the Return
of the King and his Crowning. Despite the destruction from the seige
just over a month before, the City is more alive and vibrant than it
has been for many long years. Minas Tirith's return to grandeur has
already begun.
In the North, preparations for the trip to Gondor occupy the Elvish contingents that will bring Arwen to Aragorn.
Aragorn Elessar Telcontar is crowned before the gates of the city of Minas Tirith.
June 25-July 1, 3019 T.A. 1419 S.R.
Earlier this week, Gandalf takes Aragorn out of the City of Minas
Tirith during the night. At sunrise, the two have climbed Mt.
Mindolluin to just before the snow line. There, after voicing his
doubts about ruling the newly reunited kingdoms, Aragorn finds a
sapling, a seedling that has taken root in the stony soil. This is a
descendent of Nimloth which was a seedling of Galathilion which was
borne of Telperion, the eldest of the Two Trees of Valinor. The sapling
is easily uprooted and is taken with great joy to the Courtyard of the
Fountain, where it is planted with great reverence and Ceremony. The
dead tree which stood in its place is carried to the Silent Street of
Rath Dinen and is laid to rest alongside the Kings that ruled when it
grew and thrived, as did Gondor.
Word is received from the outposts along the Rammas Echor that a large
party of fair folk is coming towards the City. On the day before
Midsummer, Elladan and Elrohir return with their families and friends
from Imladris and Lothlorien. Among them, Elrond, who has brought his
only daughter, Arwen Undomiel, to wed with Aragorn as had been promised
should Aragorn ever ascend to the throne of Gondor. Accompanying them
are Gladadriel and Celeborn, the Lord and Lady of The Golden Wood. On
Midsummer's Day, King Elessar takes Arwen as his Queen, sealing her
fate as a mortal. They will rule together for over 120 years until
Elessar dies, leaving his crown and Kingdom to their son, Eldarion.
September 30, 3018 T.A., 1418 S.R.
Crickhollow and the Prancing Pony Inn in Bree are attacked in the wee
hours of the morning. Fatty Bolger escapes out the back door and the
Black Riders are routed by the Horn-call of Buckland and the answering
calls of other horns in the area.
In Bree, the Hobbits are saved by Strider's moving them to another room
and stuffing their beds with bolsters and a wooly mop head to imitate
Frodo's hair.
Bill the Pony comes to the Hobbits' care when the ponies given to them
by Tom Bombadil are frightened away by Bill Ferny, his friends, and the
Ringwraiths. Samwise smacks Ferny, Bill's former owner, on the nose
with an apple for his mistreatment of Bill, as they leave Bree.
Strider leads them out of town on the main road and then into the wilderness.
**Not all of the information in these entries are from the books or the
appendices, though the dates and actual events are. I am speculating
about what is happening in the Cities and the Forests, but given the
amount of damage and the circumstances, I believe that they are logical
conclusions.
