DÉAGOL
Sméagol! I've got one! I've got a fish, Sméagol!

SMÉAGOL
Go on! Go on, pull it up!

The fish pulls DÉAGOL out of the boat and into the river

SMÉAGOL
Déagol?

DÉAGOL finds the One Ring and returns safely to shore to look at it

SMÉAGOL
Déagol! Déagol! Give us that, Déagol, my love.

DÉAGOL
Why?

SMÉAGOL
Because it's my birthday and I wants it.

RING
Ash Nazg Durbatuluk! Ash Nazg Gimbatul! Ash Nazg Gimbatul! Ash Nazg Gimbatul!

SMÉAGOL murders DÉAGOL and takes the Ring

SMÉAGOL
My Precious

GOLLUM
They cursed us. Murderer, murderer they called us. They cursed us and drove us away!

SMÉAGOL
Gollum! Gollum! Gollum!

GOLLUM
And we wept, Precious. We wept to be so alone. Fish, and we only wish, so juicy sweet. And we forgot the taste of bread, the sound of trees, the softness of the wind. We even forgot our own name. My Prrrreciousss.

GOLLUM approaches a sleeping SAM and a thoughtful FRODO

GOLLUM
Wake up! Wake up! Wake up, sleepies!

GOLLUM
We must go, yess. We must go at once.

SAM
Havent you had any sleep, Mr. Frodo? I've gone an' had too much. Must be getting late.

FRODO
No. It isn't. It isn't mid-day yet. The days are growing darker.

GOLLUM
Come on! Must go, no time!

SAM
Not before Mr. Frodo's had something to eat.

GOLLUM
No time to lose, silly!

SAM
(handing FRODO some lembas)
Here

FRODO
What about you?

SAM
Oh no, I'm not hungry. Leastwise not for lembas bread.

FRODO
Sam.

SAM
All right, we don't have that much left. We have to be careful, or we're goin' to run out. You go ahead and eat that, Mr. Frodo. I've rationed it. There should be enough.

FRODO
For what?

SAM
The journey home.

GOLLUM
Come, hobbitses! Very close now. Very close to Mordor. No safe places here. Hurry!

MERRY and PIPPIN enjoy the fruits of victory at Isengard

PIPPIN
I feel like I'm back at the Green Dragon after a hard day's work.

MERRY
Only, you've never done a hard day's work.

Suddenly, some old friends approach

MERRY
Welcome, my Lords, to Isengard!

GIMLI
You young rascals! A merry chase you've led us on, and now we find you feasting and, and smoking!

PIPPIN
We are sitting on the field of victory, enjoying a few well-earned comforts. The salted pork is particularly good.

GIMLI
Salted pork?

GANDALF
Hobbits

MERRY
We're under orders from Treebeard, who's taken over management of Isengard.

TREEBEARD
Young master Gandalf, I'm glad you've come. Wood and water, stock and stone I can master, but there's a wizard to manage here; locked in his tower.

GANDALF
And there Saruman must remain. Under your guard, Treebeard.

GIMLI
Well, let's just have his head and be done with it.

GANDALF
No, he has no power anymore.

TREEBEARD
The filth of Saruman is washing away. Trees will come back to live here. Young trees, wild trees.

ARAGORN
Pippin!

PIPPIN has found SARUMAN's Palantir

TREEBEARD
Bless my bark!

GANDALF
Peregrin Took, I'll take that, my lad. Quickly now!

Later, back at the Golden Hall, THÉODEN addresses his people

THÉODEN
Tonight we remember those who gave their blood to defend this country. Hail the victorious dead!

PEOPLE OF ROHAN
Hail!

ÉOWYN
Westu, Aragorn, hál.
(Be-thou Aragorn well)

ARAGORN takes the cup and drinks as ÉOWYN watches him with a radiant smile on her face. He gives it back and walks away. THÉODEN joins ÉOWYN and watches ARAGORN leave.

THÉODEN
I am happy for you. He is an honorable man.

ÉOWYN
You are both honorable men.

THÉODEN
It was not Théoden of Rohan who led our people to victory. Don't listen to me. You are young and tonight is for you.

MERRY and PIPPIN
(singing for the people of Rohan)
Oh, you can search far and wide
You can drink the whole town dry
You'll never find a beer so brown
But you'll never find a beer so brown
As the one we drink in our home town.
As the one we drink in our home town.
You can keep your fancy ales.
You can drink em by the flagon.
But the only brew for the brave and true
Comes from the Green Dragon!

PIPPIN
I win!

ARAGORN
(To Gandalf)
No news of Frodo?

GANDALF
No word. Nothing.

ARAGORN
We have time. Every day Frodo moves closer to Mordor.

GANDALF
Do we know that?

ARAGORN
What does your heart tell you?

GANDALF
That Frodo is alive. Yes. Yes, he is alive.

Meanwhile, as FRODO, SAM, and GOLLUM sleep...

GOLLUM
Too risky, Too risky. Thieves! They stole It from us kill them, kill them, kill them both!

GOLLUM wakes up with a scream

GOLLUM
Shhh! Quiet! Musn't wake them! Musn't ruin it now!

SMÉAGOL
But they knows! They knows! They suspects us!

GOLLUM
What's it saying, my precious, my love? Is Sméagol losing his nerve?

SMÉAGOL
No! Not! Never! Sméagol hates nasty hobbitses! Sméagol wants to see them dead!

GOLLUM
And we will. Sméagol did it once; he can do it again.

SMÉAGOL
It's ours! Ours! We must get the Precious! We must get It back!

GOLLUM
Patience! Patience, my love. First we must lead them to her.

SMÉAGOL
We lead them to the winding stairs.

GOLLUM
Yes, the stairs. And then?

SMÉAGOL
Up, up, up, up the stairs we go and then we come to the tunnel.

GOLLUM
And when they go in, there's no coming out. She's always hungry. She always needs to feed. She must eat. All she gets is filthy orcses.

And they doesn't taste very nice, does they, precious?

GOLLUM
No, not very nice at all, my love. She hungers for sweeter meats. Hobbit meat. And when she throws away the bones and empty clothes, then we will find It!

SMÉAGOL
And take it for meeeee!

GOLLUM
For us.

SMÉAGOL
Yes, we meant, we meant for us.

GOLLUM
Gollum! Gollum! The Precious will be ours once the hobbitses are dead.

SAM
You treacherous little thief!

GOLLUM
Argh! No! Master!

FRODO
No, Sam! Leave him alone!

SAM
I heard it from his own mouth; he means to murder us!

GOLLUM
Never! Sméagol wouldn't hurt a fly! He's a hobbit, fat hobbit who hates Sméagol and who makes up nasty lies!

SAM
You miserable little maggot! I'll stave your head in!

FRODO
Sam!

SAM
Called me a liar! (To Gollum) You're a liar!

GOLLUM
Ahhh!!

FRODO
We scare him off, we're lost!

SAM
I don't care! I can't do it, Mr. Frodo! I won't wait around for him to kill us!

FRODO
I'm not sending him away!

SAM
You don't see it, do you? He's a villain.

FRODO
We can't do this by ourselves, Sam. Not without a guide. I need you on my side.

SAM
I am on your side, Mr. Frodo.

FRODO
I know, Sam. I know. Trust me. Come, Sméagol.

ARAGORN and LEGOLAS look toward Mordor just outside the Golden Hall

LEGOLAS
The stars are veiled. Something stirs in the East. A sleepless malice. The Eye of the enemy is moving. Inside, Pippin wakes up and moves towards a sleeping Gandalf

MERRY
What are you doing? Pippin! Pippin?

PIPPIN takes the Palantír from GANDALF

MERRY
Pippin! Are you mad?

PIPPIN
I just want to look at it! Just one more time.

MERRY
Put it back!

PIPPIN looks into the stone

MERRY
Pippin. No! Pippin! Suddenly the stone ensares PIPPIN, and LEGOLAS (outside) turns to ARAGORN

LEGOLAS
He is here!

SAURON
(to PIPPIN)
I see you

MERRY
Pippin! Help! Gandalf Help him! Someone help him!

ARAGORN enters and snatches the Palantír from PIPPIN'S hands but falls on his knees, taken over by its power. LEGOLAS tries to help his friend and holds him still. Finally the Stone drops from ARAGORN'S hands and rolls down the floor. GANDALF covers the stone with a cloth

MERRY
Pippin!

GANDALF
Fool of a Took! Look at me.

PIPPIN
Gandalf! Forgive me!

GANDALF
Look at me. What did you see?

PIPPIN
A tree. There was a white tree in a courtyard of stone. It was dead. The city was burning.

GANDALF
Minas Tirith? Is that what you saw?

PIPPIN
I saw, I saw Him! I could hear His voice in my head!

GANDALF
And what did you tell Him? Speak!

PIPPIN
He asked me my name; I didn't answer.

PIPPIN
He hurt me!

GANDALF
What did you tell Him about Frodo and the Ring?

The next day GANDALF is having a conversation with THÉODEN about the night's events. ARAGORN, LEGOLAS, GIMLI, MERRY, and PIPPIN are also present

GANDALF
There was no lie in Pippin's eyes. A fool, but an honest fool he remains. He told Sauron nothing of Frodo and the Ring. We've been strangely fortunate. Pippin saw in the Palantír a glimpse of the enemy's plan. Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Tirith. His defeat at Helm's Deep showed our enemy one thing: He knows the heir of Elendil has come forth. Men are not as weak as He supposed; there is courage still. Strength enough perhaps to challenge Him. Sauron fears this. He will not risk the peoples of Middle-Earth uniting under one banner. He will raze Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a King return to the throne of men. If the Beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war.

THÉODEN
Tell me, why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor?

ARAGORN
I will go.

GANDALF
No!

ARAGORN
They must be warned!

GANDALF
They will be. You must come to Minas Tirith by another road. Follow the river and look to the Black ships. Understand this: things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride for Minas Tirith. And I won't be going alone.

Outside, GANDALF, followed by the two hobbits, is making his way to the stables of Edoras

GANDALF
Of all the inquisitive hobbits, Peregrin Took, you are the worst! Hurry! Hurry!

PIPPIN
Where are we going?

MERRY
Why did you look? Why do you always have to look!

PIPPIN
Don't know. I can't help it!

MERRY
You never can.

PIPPIN
I'm sorry, all right! I won't do it again.

MERRY
Don't you understand? The enemy thinks you have the Ring! He's going to be looking for you, Pip. They have to get you out of here.

PIPPIN
And you're coming with me? Merry?

MERRY
Come on!

Inside the stables, GANDALF lifts PIPPIN up to sit on Shadowfax's back

PIPPIN
How far is Minas Tirith?

GANDALF
Three day's ride as the Nazgûl flies. And we better hope we don't have one of those on our tail.

MERRY
(handing PIPPIN a pouch)
Here. Something for the road.

PIPPIN
Last of the Longbottom Leaf.

MERRY
I know you've run out. You smoke too much, Pip.

PIPPIN
But we'll see each other soon, won't we?

MERRY
I don't know. I don't know what's going to happen.

PIPPIN
Merry!

GANDALF
Run, Shadowfax. Show us the meaning of haste.

PIPPIN
Merry!

SHADOWFAX gallops out of the stables and MERRY runs after them. He climbs up to a watchtower, ARAGORN running after him.

ARAGORN
Merry!

ARWEN is being led down a wooded path

ELROND
Take her by the safest road. A ship lays anchored in the Grey Havens; it waits to carry her across the Sea. The last journey of Arwen Undómiel.

As the party of the elves moves on, ARWEN has a vision of a boy in a white shirt. Suddenly a vision of a gray-haired ARAGORN appears running to the little boy, ELDARION, their son. ARAGORN takes ELDARION in his arms and spins him around, laughing. ELDARION continues to stare at his mother and finally a single tear rolls down ARWEN'S cheek and she closes her eyes and thinks back to the lie her father told her

ELROND
There is nothing for you here, only death.

ARWEN, who has stopped, is approached by one of her kindred

ELF
Lady Arwen, we cannot delay.

Without saying a word, ARWEN turns ASFALOTH around rides to Rivendell.

ELF
My lady!

At Rivendell, she approaches her father

ARWEN
Tell me what you have seen!

ELROND
Arwen!

ARWEN
You have the gift of foresight, what did you see?

ELROND
I looked into your future and I saw death.

ARWEN
There is also life. You saw there was a child. You saw my son.

ELROND
That future is almost gone.

ARWEN
But it is not lost!

ELROND
Nothing is certain.

ARWEN
Some things are certain. If I leave him now, I will regret it forever. It is time. From the ashes of fire shall be woken, a light from the shadow shall spring, renewed shall be Blade that was broken. The crownless again shall be King. Re-forge the Sword...Adar. (father)

ELROND
Your hands are cold. The life of the Eldar is leaving you.

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

GANDALF and PIPPIN ride

GANDALF
We have just passed into the realm of Gondor

SHADOWFAX crests a hill and seven walls appear

GANDALF
Minas Tirith, City of Kings.

GANDALF rides right to the top level

GANDALF
Make way!

At the top tier. PIPPIN sees an interesting sight

PIPPIN
It's the tree, Gandalf. Gandalf!

GANDALF
Yes, the White Tree of Gondor, the tree of the King. Lord Denethor however is not the king. He is a steward only. A caretaker of the throne. Listen carefully; Lord Denethor is Boromir's father. To give him news of his beloved son's death would be most unwise. And do not mention about Frodo or the Ring. And say nothing of Aragorn either.

GANDALF turns to enter, but stops, and glances down at PIPPIN.

GANDALF
In fact, its better if you don't speak at all, Peregrin Took.

GANDALF approaches DENETHOR who sits on the Stewards' throne, his face lowered, the broken Horn of Gondor in his hands

GANDALF
Hail, Denethor, son of Ecthelion, Lord and Steward of Gondor. I come with tidings in this dark hour and with counsel.

DENETHOR
Perhaps you've come to explain this. Perhaps you've come to tell me why my son is dead.

PIPPIN
Boromir died to save us, my kinsmen and me. He fell defending us from many foes.

GANDALF
Pippin!

PIPPIN
I offer you my service such as it is. In payment of this debt.

PIPPIN kneels before DENETHOR

GANDALF
Get up! My lord, there will be a time to grieve for Boromir, but it is not now. War is coming. The enemy is on your doorstep. As Steward, youre charged with the defense of this city. Where are Gondor's armies? You still have friends. You're not alone in this fight. Send word to Théoden of Rohan. Light the beacons.

DENETHOR
You think you are wise, Mithrandir, yet for all your subtleties you have not wisdom. Do you think the eyes of the White Towers are blind? I have seen more than you know. With your left hand you would use me as a shield against Mordor. And, with your right, you seek to supplant me! I know who rides with Théoden of Rohan. Oh, yes. Words have reached my ears of this Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and I tell you now; I will not bow to this ranger from the north. Last of a ragged house long bereft of Lordship!

GANDALF
Authority is not given to you to deny the return of the King. Steward.

DENETHOR
The whole rule of Gondor is mine and no others!

GANDALF
(to PIPPIN)
Come!

GANDALF takes PIPPIN to a guesthouse where they look out towards Mordor at night. PIPPIN has been issued a uniform and sword

PIPPIN
So I imagine this is just a ceremonial position. I mean, they don't actually expect me to do any fighting, do they?

GANDALF
You're in the service of the Steward now, you're going to have to do as you're told, Peregrin Took, Guard of the Citadel.

PIPPIN
It's so quiet.

GANDALF
It's the deep breath before the plunge.

PIPPIN
I don't want to be in a battle, but waiting on the edge of one I can't escape is even worse! Is there any hope, Gandalf? For Frodo and Sam?

GANDALF
There never was much hope. Just a fool's hope. Our enemy is ready, his full strength gathers. Not only orcs, but men as well, legions of Haradrim from the South, mercenaries from the coast... all will answer Mordor's call. This will be the end of Gondor as we know it. Here the hammer stroke will fall the hardest. If the river is taken, if the garrison at Osgiliath falls, the last defense of this city will be gone.

PIPPIN
But we have the White Wizard, that's got to count for something. Gandalf?

GANDALF
Sauron has yet to reveal his deadliest servant. The one who would lead Mordor's armies in war, the one they say no living man can kill, the Witch-King of Angmar. You've met him before. He stabbed Frodo on Weathertop. He is the lord of the Nazgûl, the greatest of the nine. Minas Morgul is his lair. SAM, FRODO, and GOLLUM approach it

GOLLUM
The Dead City. Very nasty place. Full of enemies. Quick! Quick! They will see! They will see! Come away! Come away! Look! We have found it, the way into Mordor. The Secret Stairs! FRODO does not wish to go towards the stairs. The dead city calls him

SAM
No! Mr. Frodo!

GOLLUM
Not that way! What's it doing?

SAM
No!

FRODO
They're calling me.

SAM and GOLLUM pull FRODO to the stairs, but suddenly from the middle of the city erupts a signal visible to many watchful eyes. The WITCHKING emerges from the city to lead an army into battle

FRODO
I can feel his blade.

GANDALF
We come to it at last, the great battle of our time. GOLLUM
Hurry, hobbits! We climb! We must climb!

GANDALF
The board is set. The pieces are moving. Peregrin Took, my lad. There is a task now to be done. Another opportunity for one of the Shire-folk to prove their great worth. You must not fail me.

The Orcs from Minas Morgul approach Osgiliath like the D-Day invasion

ORC LEADER
Quiet.

At Osgiliath, FARAMIR prepares his men for the attack

FARAMIR
To the river! Quick, quick! Come on!

ORC LEADER
Faster! Draw swords! As the Orcs arrive on shore, FARAMIR's men attack.

SOLDIERS
Fight, Fight!

Meanwhile, PIPPIN secretly lights the beacon of Minas Tirith

GANDALF
Amon Dîn

GUARD
The beacon! The beacon of Amon Dîn is lit!

GANDALF
Hope is rekindled.

The signal beacons light in quick succession across the snowy, mountain peaks to Edoras

ARAGORN
The Beacons of Minas Tirith! The Beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!

THÉODEN
And Rohan will answer. Muster the Rohirrim! Assemble the army at Dunharrow; as many men as can be found. You have two days. On the third, we ride for Gondor. And war. Gamling, make haste across the Riddermark. Summon every able-bodied man to Dunharrow.

ARAGORN and EOWYN prepare to ride

ARAGORN
You ride with us?

ÉOWYN
Just to the encampment. It's tradition for the women of the court to farewell the men. The men have found their captain, they will follow you into battle, even to death. You have given us hope.

THÉODEN
So it is before the walls of Minas Tirith, the doom of our time will be decided.

ÉOMER
Now is the hour, Riders of Rohan, oaths you have taken! Now, fulfill them all! To Lord and Land!

At Osgiliath:

MADRIL
Faramir! We can't hold them! The city is lost.

FARAMIR
Tell the men to bring cover. We ride to Minas Tirith.

GONDORIAN SOLDIER
Nazgûl! Take cover! FARAMIR
Pull back! Pull back to Minas Tirith! Retreat! Retreat!

ORC LEADER
The age of men is over. The time of the Orc has come.

FARAMIR and his men try to return to Minas Tirith, but the Nazgul prevent them until a new force arrives

GONDORIAN SOLDIER
It's the White Rider!

GANDALF saves FARAMIR and his men

FARAMIR
Mithrandir! They broke our defenses; they've taken the bridge in the West bank. Battalions of orcs are crossing the river.

GONDORIAN SOLDIER
It is as Lord Denethor predicted! Long has he foreseen this doom!

GANDALF
Foreseen and done nothing!

FARAMIR spies PIPPIN

GANDALF
Faramir? This is not the first halfling to have crossed your paths?

FARAMIR
No

PIPPIN
You've seen Frodo and Sam!

GANDALF
Where? When?

FARAMIR
In Ithilien, not two days ago. Gandalf, they're taking the road to the Morgul Vale.

GANDALF
And then the Pass of Cirith Ungol.

PIPPIN
What does that mean? What's wrong?

GANDALF
Faramir, tell me everything.

FRODO, SAM, and GOLLUM are climbing up the mountains bordering Mordor with Minas Morgul below

GOLLUM
Careful, master! Very far to fall! Very dangerous on the stairs. Come, master! Come to Sméagol!

GOLLUM reaches for FRODO... or perhaps the Ring

SAM
Mister Frodo!

SAM worries GOLLUM is going to get the Ring

SAM
Get back, you! Don't touch him!

GOLLUM
Why does he hates poor Sméagol? What has Sméagol ever done to him? (to FRODO) Master, Master carries a heavy burden. Sméagol knows. Heavy, heavy burden. Fat one cannot know. Let Sméagol look after Master. (whispering to FRODO) He wants It. He needs It, Sméagol sees it in his eyes! Very soon he will ask you for It! You will see! The fat one will take It from you!

The WITCH-KING OF ANGMAR commands the Orcs at Osgiliath

WITCH-KING
Send forth all legions, do not stop the attack until the city is taken. Slay them all.

GOTHMOG
What of the wizard?

WITCH-KING OF ANGMAR
I will break him.

SOLDIER #1
Where are Théoden's riders?

SOLDIER #2
Will Rohan's army come? Mithrandir?

GANDALF
Courage is the best defence that you have now.

PIPPIN kneels before DENETHOR

PIPPIN
Here do I swear fealty and service to Gondor. In peace or war. In living or dying. Fr... from... from... from this hour henceforth, until my lord release me, or death... take me.

DENETHOR
And I shall not forget it. Nor fail to reward that which is given. Fealty with love. Valor with honor. (to FARAMIR) Disloyalty with vengeance. I do not think we should so lightly abandon the outer defenses. Defenses that your brother long held intact.

FARAMIR
What would you have me do?

DENETHOR
I will not yield the river and Pelennor unfought. Osgiliath must be retaken.

FARAMIR
My lord, Osgiliath is overrun.

DENETHOR
Much must be risked in war. Is there a Captain here who still has the courage to do his lord's will?

FARAMIR
You wish now that our places had been exchanged. That I had died and Boromir had lived.

DENETHOR
Yes. I wish that.

FARAMIR
Since you are robbed of Boromir, I will do what I can in his stead. If I should return, think better of me, father.

DENETHOR
That will depend on the manner of your return.

While Sam and Frodo sleep, GOLLUM looks at their lembas

GOLLUM
Ugh!

GOLLUM scatters crumbs on SAM'S elven cloak and throws the remainder of the food down the ledge. As he turns away...

SAM
Where are you off to? Sneaking off are we?

GOLLUM
Sneaking? Sneaking? Fat hobbit is always so polite. Sméagol shows them secret ways that nobody else could find and they say sneak. Sneak? Very nice friend. Oh yes, my preciousss, very nice, very...

SAM
All right! All right! You just startled me, thats all. What are you doing?

GOLLUM
Sneaking

SAM
Fine. Have it you own way.

SAM
I'm sorry to wake you, Mr. Frodo. We have to be moving on.

FRODO
It's dark still.

SAM
Its always dark here.

SAM looks for some food to give to FRODO

SAM
Its gone! The elven bread!

FRODO
What? That's all we have left!

SAM
(pointing to GOLLUM) He took it! He must have!

GOLLUM
Sméagol? No, no, no poor Sméagol. Sméagol hates nasty elf's bread.

SAM
You lying rat! What did you do with it!

FRODO
He doesn't eat it. He cant have taken it.

GOLLUM
Look, what's this? (wiping crumbs off SAM and looking at FRODO) Crumbs on his jacketsses. He took it. He took it!! I've seen him. He is always stuffing his face when Master is not looking.

SAM
That's a filthy lie! You stinking filth face!

SAM goes after GOLLUM

FRODO
Sam! Stop it! No, Sam!

SAM
I'll kill him!

FRODO
Sam! No!

SAM
Oh my! I'm sorry! I didnt mean it to go so far. I was just so, so angry. Here. You just... just rest a bit.

FRODO
Im all right.

SAM
No, no youre not all right. Youre exhausted. Its that Gollum. Its this place. Its that thing around your neck. I could help a bit. I could carry it for a while... (SAM's voice echos in FRODO's head) carry it for a while... I could carry it... carry it... share the load... the load.

FRODO
Get away!

SAM
I dont want to keep it! I just want to help.

GOLLUM
See? See? He wants it for himself.

SAM
Shut up you! Go away! Get out of here!

FRODO
No Sam. Its you. Im sorry, Sam.

SAM
But, he's a liar! He's poisoned you against me!

FRODO
You can't help me anymore.

SAM
You don't mean that.

FRODO
Go home.

At Minas Tirith, FARAMIR and his men prepare to depart

GANDALF
Faramir, Faramir! Your father's will is turned to madness. Do not throw away your life so rashly.

FARAMIR
Where does my allegiance lie if not here?

GANDALF
Your father loves you, Faramir. He will remember it before the end.

DENETHOR eats while his servant PIPPIN stands by

DENETHOR
Can you sing Master Hobbit?

PIPPIN
Well, yes. At least, well enough for my own people. But, we have no songs for great halls and evil times.

DENETHOR
And why should your songs be unfit for my halls? Come, sing me a song.

PIPPIN
(singing softly)
Home is behind, the world ahead
and there are many paths to tread
through shadow
to the edge of night
until the stars are all alight
mist and shadow
cloud and shade
all shall fade
all shall fade

THÉODEN and ARAGORN ride to DUNHARROW where the army of Rohan is gathering

THÉODEN
Grimbold, how many?

GRIMBOLD
I bring five hundred men from the Westfold, my Lord.

GAMLING
We have three hundred more from Fenmarch.

THÉODEN
Where are the riders from Snowbourn?

GAMLING
None have come, my Lord.

THÉODEN
Six thousand spears. Less than half of what I'd hoped for.

ARAGORN
Six thousand will not be enough to break the lines of Mordor.

THÉODEN
More will come.

ARAGORN
Every hour lost hastens Gondor's defeat. We have till dawn. Then we must ride.

LEGOLAS
The horses are restless, and the men are quiet.

ÉOMER
They grow nervous in the shadow of the mountain.

GIMLI
That road there; where does that lead?

LEGOLAS
It is the road to the Dimholt; the door under the the mountain.

ÉOMER
None who venture there ever return. That mountain is evil.

GIMLI
Aragorn, let's find some food.

At night, ÉOWYN helps MERRY suit up for battle

ÉOWYN
There. A true esquire of Rohan.

MERRY
I'm ready!

MERRY unsheathes his sword and ÉOWYN leans back, startled but laughing.

MERRY
Sorry. It isn't all that dangerous. It's not even sharp. ÉOWYN
Well that's no good. You won't kill many orcs with a blunt blade. Come on! To the smithy, go!

ÉOMER
You should not encourage him.

ÉOWYN
You should not doubt him.

ÉOMER
I do not doubt his heart, just the reach of his arm.

ÉOWYN
Why should Merry be left behind; he has as much cause go to war as you! Why can he not fight for those he loves? Meanwhile, ARAGORN dreams of ARWEN

ARWEN
I choose a mortal life. I wish I could have seen him one last time.

He awakes to see someone is approaching

SOLDIER
Sir? King Théoden awaits you, my Lord.

But when ARAGORN enters Théoden's tent, Théoden does not remain

THÉODEN
I take my leave

He leaves, and ARAGORN sees someone else

ARAGORN
My Lord, Elrond.

ELROND
I come on behalf of one whom I love.

ELROND
Arwen is dying. She will not long survive the evil that now spreads from Mordor. The light of the Evenstar is failing. As Sauron's power grows, her strength wanes. Arwen's life is now tied to the fate of the Ring. The shadow is upon us, Aragorn. The end has come.

ARAGORN
It will not be our end but His.

ELROND
You ride to war but not to victory. Sauron's armies march on Minas Tirith as you know, but in secret He sends another force, which will attack, from the river. A fleet of Corsair ships sails from the South. They'll be in the city in two days. You're outnumbered, Aragorn. You need more men.

ARAGORN
There are none.

ELROND
There are those who dwell in the mountain.

ARAGORN
Murderers. Traitors. You would call upon them to fight? They believe in nothing! They answer to no one.

ELROND
They will answer to the King of Gondor!

With this said, ELROND reveals a sword

ELROND
Andúril . . . Flame of the West. Forged from the shards of Narsil.

ARAGORN
Sauron will not have forgotten the Sword of Elendil.

ARAGORN
The Blade that was broken shall return to Minas Tirith.

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

ELROND
Ónen i-Estel Edain.
(I gave Hope to the Dúnedain.)

ARAGORN
Ú-chebin Estel anim.
(I have kept no hope for myself.)

Later, ARAGORN prepares to take the Paths of the Dead

ÉOWYN
Why are you doing this? The war lies to the East; you cannot leave on the eve of battle! You cannot abandon the men.

ARAGORN
Éowyn...

ÉOWYN
We need you here.

ARAGORN
Why have you come?

ÉOWYN
Do you not know?

ARAGORN
It is but a shadow and a thought that you love. I cannot give you what you seek.

ARAGORN takes his leave and prepares to depart

GIMLI
Just where do you think you're off to?

ARAGORN
Not this time. This time you must stay, Gimli.

LEGOLAS
Have you learned nothing of the stubbornness of dwarves?

GIMLI
Might as well accept it. We're going with you, Laddie.

SOLDIER 1
What's happening?

SOLDIER 2
Where's he going?

SOLDIER 3
I don't understand.

SOLDIER 4
Lord Aragorn!

SOLDIER 5
Why does he leave on the eve of battle?

GAMLING
He leaves because there is no hope.

THÉODEN
He leaves because he must.

GAMLING
Too few have come. We cannot defeat the armies of Mordor.

THÉODEN
No, we cannot. But we will meet them in battle nonetheless.

At dawn, ÉOWYN is approached by her Uncle

THÉODEN
I have left instructions. The people are to follow your rule in my stead. Take up my seat in the Golden Hall. Long may you defend Edoras if the battle goes ill.

ÉOWYN
What other duty would you have me do, my lord?

THÉODEN
Duty? No. I would have you smile again. Not grief for those whose time has come. You shall live to see these days renewed. No more despair.

ARAGORN, GIMLI, and LEGOLAS approach a mountain door with their horses

GIMLI
What kind of army would linger in such a place?

LEGOLAS
One that is cursed.

LEGOLAS
Long ago the Men of the Mountain swore an oath to the last king of Gondor To come to his aid, to fight. But when the time came, when Gondor's need was dire, they fled, vanishing into the darkness of the mountain. And so Isildur cursed them never to rest, until they had fulfilled their pledge.

GIMLI
The very warmth of my blood seems stole away.

LEGOLAS
The way is shut. It was made by those who were dead, and the dead keep it. The way is shut.

The horses suddenly flee, leaving the three hunters alone

ARAGORN
Brego! (turning back towards the entance) I do not fear death!

ARAGORN enters the mountain, and LEGOLAS follows

GIMLI
Well this is something unheard of! An elf will go underground where a dwarf dare not! Ahh, Id never hear the end of it!

GIMLI follows. Meanwhile, the Rohirrim prepare to ride

THÉODEN
We must ride light and swift. It's a long road ahead. The men and beast must reach the end with a strength to fight.

He spies MERRY

THÉODEN
Little hobbits do not belong in war, Master Meriadoc.

MERRY
All my friends have gone to battle! I will be ashamed to be left behind!

THÉODEN
It is a three day gallop to Minas Tirith and none of my riders can bear you as a burden. MERRY
I want to fight!

THÉODEN
I will say no more.

THÉODEN rides away, leaving the disappointed MERRY to stand and watch as the men ride past him. As MERRY stands there, one of the riders, DERNHELM, snatches MERRY up onto his horse.

DERNHELM
Ride with me.

MERRY
My lady!

ÉOMER
Form up! Move out!

THÉODEN
Ride! Ride now for Gondor!

Meanwhile, at the Paths of the Dead, ARAGORN is challenged

The KING OF THE DEAD
Who enters my domain?

ARAGORN
One who will have your allegiance.

The KING OF THE DEAD
The dead do not suffer the living to pass.

ARAGORN
You will suffer me!

The KING OF THE DEAD
The way is shut. it was made by those who are dead and the dead keep it.

The KING OF THE DEAD
The way is shut. Now you must die.

ARAGORN
I summon you to fullfil your oath.

The KING OF THE DEAD
None, but the King of Gondor may command me! (He attacks ARAGORN, but the King of Gondor uses his sword to defend himself) That bind was broken!

ARAGORN
It has been re-made. Fight for us and regain your honor. What say you? What say you?

GIMLI
You waste your time, Aragorn! They had no honor in life, they have none now in death.

ARAGORN
I am Isildur's heir. Fight for me and I will hold your oaths fulfilled! What say you!

A horse drags a wounded FARAMIR to Minas Tirith

SOLDIER
Open the gates! Quick!

DENETHOR
Faramir? Say not that he has fallen.

GONDORIAN
They were outnumbered. None survived.

The orcs approach the city

GOTHMOG
Fear. The city is rank with it.

GOTHMOG
Let us ease their pain. Release the prisoners!

ORC
Catapults! Ha!

SOLDIER
Shields up!

DENETHOR
My sons are spent. My line has ended.

PIPPIN
(looking at FARAMIR)
He's alive!

DENETHOR
The house of Stewards has failed.

PIPPIN<BR< lord!

DENETHOR
My line has ended!

PIPPIN
My lord!

DENETHOR
Rohan has deserted us. Theoden has betrayed me. Abandon your posts! Flee! Flee for you lives! GANDALF knocks out DENETHOR and takes command

GANDALF
Prepare for battle. Pull them in! To the wall! Defend the wall! Return to your posts! Send these foul beasts into the abyss! Gondor fights back

GOTHMOG
(to the Orcs)
Stay where you are.

GONDOR SOLDIER 1
Watch out!

GONDOR SOLDIER 2
Down to the lower level. Quick!

GANDALF
Hold them back. Do not give in to fear! Return to your posts! Don't aim for the towers. Aim for the trolls. Kill the trolls. Fight them back! Peregrin Took! Go back to the citadel! Now!

PIPPIN
You called us out to fight.

GANDALF
This is no place for a hobbit. Suddenly an Orc bursts in and attempts to kill GANDALF. PIPPIN slays the creature

GANDALF
Guard of the Citadel indeed. Now back up the hill! Quick! Quick!

ORCS
Grond! Grond! Grond! Grond! Grond! Grond!

GOLLUM leads FRODO to a tunnel

GOLLUM
There.

FRODO
What is this place?

GOLLUM
Master must go inside the tunnel.

FRODO
Now that I'm here, I don't think I want to.

GOLLUM
It's the only way! Go in or go back.

FRODO
I cannot go back. What's that smell?

GOLLUM
Orcses filth. Orcses come in here sometimes. Hurry!

FRODO and GOLLUM enter, but FRODO can not keep up with his guide

FRODO
Sméagol?

GOLLUM
Over here!

The tunnel is full of dead creatures and gigantic spiderwebs

FRODO
Ahh! It's sticky! What is it?

GOLLUM
You will see. Oh yesss, you will see.

FRODO
Sméagol? Sméagol? Sméagol! (to himself) Sam.

GALADRIEL
And you, Frodo Baggins, I give you the Light of Eärendil, our most beloved star. May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out. FRODO pulls out the phial of Galadriel

FRODO
Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!
(Hail Eärendil brightest of the Stars!)

Suddenly FRODO sees something big. He runs, but he gets tangled in a spiderweb

GOLLUM
Naughty little fly, why does it cry? Caught in a web! Soon you'll be eaten.

FRODO uses his sword to cut the web and escapes

GOLLUM
Got away, did it, precious!! Not this time! Not this time!

GOLLUM tries to take the Ring from FRODO

FRODO
No!

This enrages FRODO who tries to choke GOLLUM

GOLLUM
It wasn't us! It wasn't us! Sméagol wouldn't hurt Master! We promised! You must believe usss. It was the Precious! The Precious made us do it!

FRODO
I have to destroy It, Sméagol. I have to destroy It for both our sakes.

GOLLUM
No!

GOLLUM attacks FRODO again, but he tumbles over a cliff

FRODO
I'm so sorry, Sam. So sorry.

GALADRIEL
This task was appointed to you, Frodo of the Shire. If you do not find a way, no one will.

The battle continues at Minas Tirith

GANDALF
Back to the gate! Hurry!

Inside the City, DENETHOR prepares his son and himself for death

DENETHOR
The house of his spirit crumbles. He is burning. Already burning.

PIPPIN
He's not dead!

DENETHOR
No tomb for Denethor and Faramir. No long, slow sleep of death embalmed. We shall burn like the heathen kings of old! Bring wood and oil!

PIPPIN
He's not dead! No! No! He's not dead!

DENETHOR
Hear now, Peregrin, son of Paladin: I release you from my service. Go now and die in what way seems best for you. (to his men) Pour oil on the wood!

PIPPIN
Gandalf! Gandalf! Gandalf! The hobbit rushes off to find the wizard. He is at the Gate of the city

GANDALF
Steady! Steady! You are soldiers of Gondor! No matter what comes through that gate, you will stand your ground! Volley! Fire!

The gate is broken and enemies pour through

GANDALF
Retreat! The city is breached. Pull back! To the second level! Get the women and children out. Get them out! Retreat!

Outside the gate

GOTHMOG
Move into the city. Kill all in your path.

Inside the gate

GANDALF
Fight! Fight to the last man! Fight for your lives!

PIPPIN
Gandalf! Gandalf! Denethor has lost his mind!

PIPPIN
He's burning Faramir alive!

GANDALF
Come!

DENETHOR pours oil over himself and FARAMIR

DENETHOR
Set a fire in our flesh!

GANDALF
Stay this madness!

DENETHOR
No! You will not take my son from me!

PIPPIN saves FARAMIR, but DENETHOR bursts into flames. FARAMIR opens his eyes and looks into his father's eyes

DENETHOR
Faramir... my son. Ahh!

DENETHOR dies

GANDALF
So passes Denethor, son of Ecthelion.

As FRODO makes his way down the Cirith Ungol (the pass of the spider), he is attacked from behind by Shelob, a giant arachnid. Her poison knocks him out and she wraps him in a cocoon. But suddenly another hobbit appears with a sword and the Phial of Galadriel

SAM
Let him go, you filth! Let him go! You will not touch him again! Come on and finish it!

SHELOB attacks SAM, but the hobbit wounds her.

SAM
Back!

SHELOB retreats

SAM
Mister Frodo! Oh, no! Frodo! Mister Frodo! Wake up! Don't leave me here alone! Don't go where I can't follow. Wake up! You're not asleep... dead! GORBAG
You get lost, scum!

Hearing Orc voices, Sam takes the Ring and hides. The Orcs see Frodo's body

SHAGRAT: What's this? Looks like ol' Shelob's been having a bit of fun.

GORBAG
Killed another one, has She?

SHAGRAT
No. This fellow ain't dead!

SAM
(whispers)
Not dead?

SHAGRAT
She jabs them with her stinger, and he goes as limp as a fish! Then she has her way with them. That's how she likes to feed! Fresh blood! Get him to the tower!

SAM
Samwise, you fool!

GORBAG
This scum will be awake in a couple of hours.

SHAGRAT
Then he'll wish he'd never been born!

Meanwhile, at Minas Tirith, the Orcs prepare to take the City. Suddenly, however, horns sound in the distance

DERNHELM
Courage, Merry. Courage for our friends.

GOTHMOG
(to the Orcs)
Form ranks, you maggots! Form ranks! Full right. Full right, you scum! Forward I say!

THÉODEN
Eomer! Take your eored down the left side.

ÉOMER
Yes, my lord.

THÉODEN
Gamling, follow the King's banner down the center. Grimbold, take your company right, after you pass the wall. Forth, and fear no darkness! Arise! Arise! Riders of Theoden! Spears shall be shaken, shields shall be splintered! A sword-day! A red day, ere the sun rises!

DERNHELM
(to MERRY)
Whatever happens, stay with me. I will look after you.

THÉODEN
Ride now, ride now, ride! Ride for ruin and the world's ending! Death! ROHIRRIM
Death!

THÉODEN
Death!

ROHIRRIM
Death!

THÉODEN
Death!

DERNHELM
Death!

MERRY
Death!

THÉODEN
Forth, Eorlingas!

ROHIRRIM
Death!!!

ORC LEADER
Fire!

THÉODEN
Death!

GOTHMOG
Fire at my will.

THÉODEN
RIDE!

ÉOMER
Drive them back to the river!

THÉODEN
Make safe this city!

The Rohirrim drive away the Orcs, but just then the cruel Haradrim arrive on their Oliphaunts

THÉODEN
Reform the line! Reform the line! Sound the charge! Rohirrim! Charge!

DERMHELM
(to MERRY)
Take the reins. Pull it left! Left! DERNHELM uses her sword to take out the legs of an oliphaunt

EOMER
Aim for the head!

GAMLING
Make for the oliphaunts!

THÉODEN
Bring it down! Bring it down! Bring it down!

DERNHELM and MERRY fall off their horse

DERNHELM
Merry!

Inside Minas Tirith, the city is in chaos

PIPPIN
I didn't think it would end this way.

GANDALF
End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path. One that we all must take. The gray rain curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass. And then you see it.

PIPPIN
What, Gandalf? See what?

GANDALF
White shores. And beyond, the far green country, under a swift sunrise.

PIPPIN
Well, that isn't so bad.

GANDALF
No. No, it isn't.

On the battlefield, it goes ill with Rohan

THÉODEN
Rally to me! To me!

THÉODEN slowly turns his head and sees the WITCH KING of ANGMAR flying towards him. The fell beast grabs THÉODENS horse in his teeth and shakes THÉODEN away.

WITCH KING
(to the fellbeast)
Feast off his human flesh.

DERNHELM
I will kill you if you touch him.

WITCH KING
Do not come between the Nazgûl and his prey.

The fell beast attacks DERNHELM, but it only succeeds in getting its head cut off. The WITCH KING dismounts and strikes DERNHELM's shield with his mace. Just then, a black fleet of ships arrive on the Anduin River.

ORC LEADER
Late as usual! Pirate scum! There's work that needs doing. Come on, you sea rats! Get out off your ships!

But lo! The ships bear ARAGORN, LEGOLAS, and GIMLI

GIMLI
There are plenty for both of us! May the best man win!

They attack, and the oathbreakers follow behind turning the battle into a rout. Meanwhile, the WITCH KING prepares to kill DERNHELM

WITCH KING
Fool! No man can slay the Lord of The Nazgûl! Die now!

Suddenly MERRY attacks from behind, stabbing the wraith's knee. DERNHELM stands before the WITCH KING and removes his helm. But lo! DERNHELM is no man, but the lady EOWYN<BR
ÉOWYN
I am no man!

ÉOWYN strikes down the WITCH KING

Meanwhile, ARAGORN, LEGOLAS, and GIMLI confront the enemy.

LEGOLAS
15, 16

GIMLI
17

GIMLI
29

ARAGORN
Legolas!

LEGOLAS
33, 34

LEGOLAS kills an Oliphaunt, gracefully stepping down its trunk as it falls dead.

GIMLI
It still only counts as one!

The dead destroy the orcs

On the battlefield, THEODEN lies dying. EOWYN approaches

THEODEN
I know your face. Éowyn. My eyes darken.

ÉOWYN
No. No, I am going to save you.

THEODEN
You already did. Éowyn, my body is broken. You have to let me go. I go to my fathers in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed. Éowyn.

As THEODEN dies, the KING of the DEAD stands before Aragorn

KING of the DEAD
Release us.

GIMLI
Bad idea. Very handy in a tight spot, these lads, despite the fact they're dead.

KING of the DEAD
You gave us your word.

ARAGORN
I hold your oath fulfilled. Go, be at peace.

PIPPIN
Merry! Merry, it's me. It's Pippin.

MERRY
I knew you'd find me.

PIPPIN
Yes.

MERRY
Are you going to leave me?

PIPPIN
No, Merry. I'm going to look after you.

At the Tower of Cirith Ungol, FRODO wakes up as GORBAG and SHAGRAT are paw through his belongings. GORBAG discovers his Mithril shirt

SHAGRAT
Hands off that shiny shirt! That's mine!

GORBAG
It's going to the Great Eye! Along with everything else.

SHAGRAT
I don't take orders from stinking Morgul rats!

GORBAG
You touch it and I'll stick this blade in your gut!

The two fight until GORBAG rolls down the stairs where other orcs look up surprised

SHAGRAT
The scum tried to knife me! Kill him! SHAGRAT's orcs begin to battle GORBAG's orcs

SAM enters the Tower of Cirith Ungol. As the Orcs attack him, he fights back with a vengence

SAM
Thats for Frodo! That ones for the Shire! And thats for my old Gaffer! At the top of the tower, SNAGA threatens FRODO

SNAGA
Stop your squirming, you rat! I'm gonna bleed you like a stuck pig! SAM
Not if I stick you first.

SAM kills SNAGA

FRODO
Sam! Oh Sam, I'm so sorry! Sorry for everything. SAM
Let's get you out of here.

FRODO
It's too late. It's over. They've taken It! Sam! They took the Ring!

SAM
Begging your pardon, but they haven't. I thought I'd lost you so I took It. Only for safe-keeping.

FRODO
Give It to me. Give me the Ring, Sam.

SAM does not wish to

FRODO
Sam! Give me the Ring.

He does so

FRODO
You must understand, the Ring is my burden. It will destroy you, Sam.

SAM
Come on, Mr. Frodo. We best find you some clothes. You can't go walking to Mordor in naught but your skin.

Outside the tower two figures in orc armor look out over Mordor where all the orcs are encamped.

SAM
We did it, Mr. Frodo. We made it to Mordor.

FRODO
There are so many of them. We'll never get through unseen!

Barad-dur looms in the distance

FRODO
It's Him! The Eye!

SAM
(looking at the valley)
We have to go in there, Mr. Frodo. There's nothing for it. Well, lets make it down the hill for starters, shall we?

Meanwhile, there is a Council at Minas Tirith

GANDALF
Frodo has passed beyond my sight. The darkness is deepening.

ARAGORN
If Sauron had the Ring we would know it.

GANDALF
It's only a matter of time. He has suffered a defeat, yes, but behind the walls of Mordor our enemy is regrouping.

GIMLI
Let him stay there. Let him rot! Why should we care?

GANDALF
Because ten thousand Orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom. I've sent him to his death.

ARAGORN
No. There's still hope for Frodo. He needs time, and safe passage across the Plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that.

GIMLI
How?

ARAGORN
Draw out Sauron's armies. Empty his lands. Then we gather our full strength and march on the Black Gate.

EOMER
We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms.

ARAGORN
Not for ourselves, but we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's Eye fixed upon us. Keep him blind to all else that moves.

LEGOLAS
A diversion.

GANDALF
Sauron will suspect a trap. He will not take the bait.

GIMLI
Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for?

The Host of the West marches from Minas Tirith for Mordor. Sauron takes notice and dispatches his orders

ORC
To the gate, you slugs! Move out! To the gate!

SAM
Look, the Orcs! They're moving off. You see, Mister Frodo, some luck at last.

FRODO tries to drink some water, but there is none left in his bottle

SAM
Take mine, there's a few drops left.

FRODO
There'll be none left for the return journey.

SAM
I don't think there will be a return journey, Mister Frodo. Frodo! Get down! Hide! Frodo!

The EYE of SAURON searches their location. ARAGORN and his men approach unchallenged

Pippin
Where are they?

ARAGORN
Let the Lord of the Black Land come forth. Let justice be done upon him.

The Black Gate begins to open, and an army of orcs march through the gate.

ARAGORN
Fall back! Fall back!

SAURON looks towards the Black Gate

SAM
It's gone, Mister Frodo. The light's passed on, away towards the North. Something's drawn its gaze.

ARAGORN
Hold your ground! Hold your ground. Sons of Gondor! Of Rohan! My brothers. I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of Men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. An hour of wolves and shattered shields when the Age of Men comes crashing down, but it is not this day! This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good earth, I bid you stand, Men of the West!

GIMLI
Never thought I'd die fighting side by side with an elf.

LEGOLAS
What about side by side with a friend?

GIMLI
Aye, I could do that.

SAM and FRODO climb up the Mountain of Fire

SAM
Do you remember the Shire, Mister Frodo? It'll be spring soon, and the Orchards will be in blossom. And the birds will be nesting in the hazel thicket and they'll be sowing the summer barley in the lower fields. (Frodo opens his eyes, and stares blindly at Sam.) And eating the first of the strawberries with cream. Do you remember the taste of strawberries?

FRODO
No, Sam, I can't recall the taste of food. Nor the sound of water. Or the touch of grass. I'm naked in the dark. There's nothingno veil between me and the wheel of fire. I can see him with my waking eyes!

SAM
Then let us be rid of it, once and for all! Come on, Mister Frodo. I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you! Come on!

At the Black Gate, ARAGORN prepares to attack

SAURON
Aragorn... Elessar...

ARAGORN
For Frodo

ARAGORN and his men attack the forces of evil. SAM and FRODO approach the upper cone.

SAM
Look, Mister Frodo. A doorway! We're almost there.

GOLLUM
Clever Hobbits, to climb so high!

GOLLUM attacks FRODO and SAM. Meanwhile, the Nazgul appear at the Black Gate. SAM subdues GOLLUM

SAM
Frodo!

FRODO continues on his quest

The Nazgul are countered by a new force

PIPPIN
Eagles! The Eagles are coming!

SAM enters the door

SAM
Frodo!

FRODO is standing at the edge of the pit of molten lava

FRODO
I'm here, Sam.

SAM
Destroy it! Go on. Now! Throw it in the fire. What are you waiting for? Just let it go!

FRODO
The Ring is mine!

SAM
No. No!

FRODO puts the Ring on

SAM
Nooo!

The Great Eye suddenly becomes aware of the presence of the Ring, and turns its gaze to Mount Doom, while the Nazgûl abruptly leave the battle and head in the same direction. Back in the Crack of Doom, SAM stares in shock and despair at Frodo's footprints on the rock before him. GOLLUM appears over his shoulder, and he hits SAM with a rock. SAM drops unconscious to the floor. GOLLUM then tracks the footprints of FRODO, and jumps on him. FRODO cries out as he struggles with GOLLUM. The creature grabs FRODO's finger, and bites it off, taking the Ring with it. GOLLUM holds it before him in delight

GOLLUM
Precious, precious, precious, precious!

GOLLUM
FRODO lunges at GOLLUM and the two fight, tumbling over the edge. GOLLUM falls into molten lava, but FRODO hangs on to the side of the cliff

SAM
Give me your hand! Take my hand! No! Don't you let go! Don't let go. Reach!

SAM rescues FRODO and The Ring is destroyed. ARAGORN and his people stare in shock as the tower of Barad-dûr falls, and the EYE of SAURON explodes. The Black Gate and the lands between collapse and crumble, taking most of SAURON's forces with them.

MERRY
Frodo!

MOUNT DOOM erupts, and FRODO and SAM run to an outcropping of rock

FRODO
It's gone. It's done.

SAM
Yes, Mister Frodo. It's over now.

FRODO
I can see the Shirethe Brandywine RiverBag EndGandalf's fireworksthe lights in the Party Tree.

SAM
Rosie Cotton dancing. She had ribbons in her hair. If ever I was to marry someone, it would've been her. It would've been her.

FRODO
I'm glad to be with you, Samwise Gamgee, here at the end of all things.

As FRODO and SAM lie down to die, three Eagles appear in the sky (one carrying GANDALF). They rescue the hobbits

FRODO wakes up and sees a familiar face

FRODO
Gandalf?

GANDALF laughs

MERRY
Frodo!

MERRY and PIPPIN enter, followed by another

FRODO
Gimli!

LEGOLAS follows, and then the King

FRODO
Aragorn.

The Fellowship joins the people of Minas Tirith for ARAGORN's coronation

GAMDALF
Now come the days of the king. May they be blessed.

ARAGORN
This day does not belong to one man but to all. Let us together rebuild this world that we may share in the days of peace. Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta.

(These were the words Elendil sang when his feet first touched the lands of Middle-earth: Out of the Great Sea to Middle-earth I am come. In this place will I abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world.)

ARAGORN
Hannon le.
(Thank you.)

ARAGORN, to his delight, sees ARWEN, and they embrace. The King and Queen come before the four Hobbits, who bow.

ARAGORN
My friends. You bow to no one. Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta.

Everyone bows before the hobbits

FRODO
And thus it was, the Fourth Age of Middle-earth began, and the Fellowship of the Ring, though eternally bound by friendship and love, was ended. Thirteen months to the day, since Gandalf sent us on our long journey, we found ourselves looking upon a familiar site. We were home. How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on, when in your heart, you begin to understand, there is no going back? There are some things that time cannot mend. Some hurts that go too deepthat have taken hold.

SAM enters Bag End, where FRODO is working on his book. FRODO is in pain.

SAM
Mr. Frodo? What is it?

FRODO
It's been four years to the day since Weathertop, Sam. It's never really healed.

SAM sees the book

SAM
'There and Back again, a Hobbit's Tale by Bilbo Baggins'and 'The Lord of the Rings by Frodo Baggins.' You finished it.

FRODO
Not quite. There's room for a little more. Bilbo once told me, his part in this tale would end. That each of must come and go in the telling. Bilbo's story was now over. There would be no more journeys for himsave one.

FRODO and BILBO journey together in a carriage

BILBO
Tell me again, lad, where are we going?

FRODO
To the harbor, Uncle. The elves have accorded you a special honor. A place on the last ship to leave Middle-earth.

BILBO
Frodo, any chance of seeing that old Ring of mine again? Hmm? The one I gave you?

FRODO
I'm sorry, Uncle. I'm afraid I lost it.

BILBO
Oh. Did ye? I should like to have held it, one last time.

At the Grey Havens, all the hobbits gather and look at the sea

BILBO
Oh! Here is a sight that I have never seen before.

Upon the quay stand Elrond, Celeborn and Galadriel

GALADRIEL
The power of the three rings is ended. The time has come for the Dominion of Men.

ELROND
I Aear can vên na mar.
(The sea calls us home.)

BILBO
I think I'm quite ready for another adventure.

GANDALF
Farewell, my brave Hobbits. My work is now finished. Here at last, on the shores of the sea, comes the end of our Fellowship. I will not say, do not weep, for not all tears are an evil. It is time, Frodo.

SAM
What does he mean?

FRODO
We set out to save the Shire, Sam. And it has been saved. But not for me.

SAM
You don't mean that. You can't leave!

FRODO
(Giving SAM the book.) The last pages are for you, Sam. My dear Sam, you cannot always be torn in two. You will have to be one and whole for many years. You have so much to enjoy and to be, and to do. Your part in this story will go on.

After FRODO embraces each hobbit in turn, he departs, happy at last. SAM returns to his wife and children in Hobbiton.

SAM
Well, I'm back.

THE END