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New Line Cinema Presents
The Fellowship Of The Ring
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Storyboard 'The Fellowship of the Ring' 3 January commemorates the anniversary of J.R.R. Tolkien's birthday.
Chapter 1: Prologue
The Lord Of The Rings
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The Fellowship Of The Ring
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As told by Galadriel
"Much that once was is lost. For none now live who remember it. It began with the forging of the great Rings.”
Sauron, in his fair form, Annatar, deceived the Elven ring-makers into making the Rings of Power.
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“Three were given to the Elves, immortal, wisest and fairest of all beings.”
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Three Rings of Power: Narya, Ring of Fire, to Cirdain;
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Vilya, Ring of Air, to Gil-galad,
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and Nenya, Ring of Water, to Galadriel.
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“Seven to the Dwarf Lords,
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great miners and craftsmen of the mountain halls”
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who greedily accepted them”
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“And nine, nine rings were gifted to the race of Men,
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who above all else, desire power.”
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"Kings of Men, who would be seduced
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by the ring."
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“For within these rings was bound the strength and will to govern each race.”
“But they were all of them deceived, for another Ring was made.”
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“In the land of Mordor,
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in the fires of Mount Doom,
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the Dark Lord forged in secret a master ring
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to control all others.”
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“And into this Ring, he poured his cruelty, his malice, and his will to dominate all life. One Ring to rule them all.”
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“One by one, the free lands of Middle-earth fell to the power of the Ring.
But there were some who resisted."
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"A last alliance of Men and Elves:
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marched against the armies of Mordor,
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and on the slopes of Doom they fought for the freedom of Middle-Earth.”
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"Gil-galad, last High King of the Noldor in Middle-earth."
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"Elrond, Half-elven, Lord of Rivendell."
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Two Elven lords stood together with their Elven armies.
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And with men, Elendil, first High King of Gondor and Arnor, and his son, Isildur.
“Victory was near. But the power of the Ring could not be undone.”
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“Sauron strode onto the battlefield, towering over Lords of Elves and Kings of Men.”
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Sauron vanquished all before him, the warriors of men and elf fell.
Elendil raised his sword to strike-down Sauron, but his sword was shattered and he was slain.
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Isildur stepped forward to challenge the Dark Lord,
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but he was flung aside, next to the body of his father.
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Sauron reached down towards Isildur.
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“It was in this moment, when all hope had faded, that Isildur took up the shards of his father's sword.”
Isildur struck the hand of Sauron, severing the finger that bore the One Ring.
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It fell, smoldering, beside Isildur.
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Sauron imploded: “the enemy of the free-peoples of Middle-earth was defeated.”
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“The Ring passed to Isildur, who had this one chance to destroy evil forever.”
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“But the hearts of Men are easily corrupted. And the Ring of Power has a will of its own.”
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Isildur, proudly donned the Ring of Power on a chain round his neck.
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At Gladden Fields, Isildur’s party was ambushed by roaming Orcs of the Misty Mountains.
Isildur fled to the Great River, Anduin.
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Desperate and possessed by the Ring, Isildur resorted to putting it on. It made him invisible. He decided to swim to the other side of the Anduin.
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However, the Ring (‘by volition’) slipped from Isildur's finger, and he became visible again.
Orcs sighting his position, struck him with their poisoned arrows.
The Ring “betrayed Isildur, to his death.”
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“And some things that should not have been forgotten were lost.”
“History became legend, legend became myth, and for two and a half thousand years, the ring passed all knowledge.”
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“Until, when chance came, it ensnared a new bearer.”
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“The Ring came to a Stoor hobbit called Sméagol, who corrupted by it, became the creature Gollum: ‘My precious’.”
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“Who took it deep into the tunnels of the Misty Mountains."
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"And there it consumed him.”
Gollum: ‘It came to me, my own, my love, my own, my Precious.’"
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“The Ring brought to Gollum unnatural long life. For five hundred years it poisoned his mind.”
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“And in the gloom of Gollum’s cave it waited".
"Darkness crept into the forest of the world. Rumour grew of a shadow in the east, whispers of a nameless fear, and the Ring of Power perceived its time had now come."
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"It abandoned Gollum."
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At the time of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
The Ring bounced down a chasm in the rocks of Gollum's cave, reaching its floor.
“But something happened then the Ring did not intend."
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"It was picked up by the most unlikely creature imaginable. A hobbit: Bilbo Baggins of the Shire.”
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Gollum shrieked realising he could no longer find the Ring: “Lost! My precious is lost!”
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Bilbo heard the shrieks and placed the Ring in his pocket.
He is soon confronted by Gollum. They engage in a game of three riddles, the last of which was: “What have I got in my pocket”.
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Gollum failed to answer this riddle. He became enraged, and suspecting Bilbo has “his precious”, tries to stop him as he runs off.
Bilbo tripped over and the Ring fell on his finger (as it would an age later for Frodo).
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It made Bilbo invisible. He followed Gollum as Gollum rushed to ambush him at the exit.
As Gollum waited for Bilbo, Bilbo behind him raised his sword to kill him, but then stayed his hand.
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“The time will soon come when Hobbits will shape the fortunes of all.”
End of Chapter 1: Prologue
Chapter 2: The Shire
In Bag End
Bilbo (voiceover): "The twenty-second day of September in the year fourteen-hundred, by Shire-reckoning. Bag End, Bagshot Row, Hobbiton, Westfarthing, the Shire, Middle-Earth. The Third Age of this world."
“There and Back Again: A Hobbit’s Tale, by Bilbo Baggins”
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“Things will endure in the Shire…Hobbits have been living and farming in the four Farthings of the Shire for many hundreds of years. Quite content to ignore or be ignored by the world of Big Folk...”
In Hobbiton in a Hobbit-hole called Bag End, in the year TA 3001,
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Bilbo Baggins
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was writing at his desk.
“Hobbits must seem of little importance, being neither renowned as great warriors, nor counted among the very wise... It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.”
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In the woods
Frodo is enjoying reading, waiting.
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And into the peacefulness of the Shire came a Wizard.
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Frodo: “You’re late.”
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Gandalf: “A Wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.”
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Both laugh. Frodo hugs Gandalf: “It’s wonderful to see you Gandalf.”
Gandalf: “I have come to celebrate Bilbo’s 111th birthday, a party of special magnificence.”
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Gandalf: “Life in the wide world goes on much as it has this past age, full of its own comings and goings…”
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“…scarcely aware of the existence of hobbits…”
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“For which I am very thankful.”
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Frodo: “To tell you the truth, Bilbo’s been a bit odd lately. He’s up to something. Before you came along we Bagginses were very well thought of.”
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Frodo: “Whatever you did, you’ve been officially labelled a disturber of the peace by those like Odo Proudfoot.”
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End of Chapter 2: The Shire
Chapter 3: Very Old Friends
Gandalf stops his cart outside Bag End. He knows it well.
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At the time of the Hobbit: Unexpected Journey
Gandalf came to Bag End all those years ago to seek Bilbo’s participation in the dwarves journey to reclaim Erebor.
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Gandalf and the dwarves came unexpectantly to dinner.
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They came with the offer of a noble and dangerous quest, and Bilbo decided to join them.
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At this time of LOTR
Gandalf comes once again to the door of Bag End
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and knocks at Bilbo’s door with his staff.
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Bilbo inside: “No thank you! We don’t want any more visitors, well-wishers or distant relations!”
Gandalf: “And what about very old friends?”
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Bilbo rushes out to embrace Gandalf: “My dear Gandalf.”
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Gandalf looks at Bilbo: “You haven’t aged a day.”
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Bilbo racing off inside: “Come on, come in! Welcome, welcome! Tea? Or maybe something a little stronger?”
Gandalf follows, and hits his head on a beam.
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Gandalf enters Bilbo’s study and sees the map of the Lonely Mountain.
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In the kitchen, Bilbo: “I want to see mountains again, Gandalf. Find somewhere quiet where I can finish my book.”
Gandalf: “Frodo suspects something. You will tell him, won’t you?”
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Bilbo: “Yes, Yes. I feel thin - sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread…I don’t expect to return. In fact I mean not to!”
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Evening falls on the party field
Bilbo and Gandalf sit peacefully smoking their pipes watching the field below.
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Bilbo: “Gandalf, my old friend, this will be a night to remember.”
End of Chapter 3: Very Old Friends
Chapter 4: A long-expected party
Bilbo’s party festivities begin.
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Bilbo welcomes guests, while Gandalf is busy setting up the fireworks.
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Bilbo then tells stories to the hobbit children gathered at his feet.
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Unbeknown to Gandalf, Merry and Pippin are lighting a rocket in the tent.
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The rocket explodes, a dragon-shape swoops low over the party…
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Merry and Pippin covered in soot, gaze proudly at their accomplishment.
Gandalf comes up behind and grabs them.
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End of Chapter 4: A long-expected party
Chapter 5: Bilbo’s farewell
A huge birthday cake is carried into the party.
Bilbo’s begins his speech: “I don’t know half of you as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you, half as well as you deserve… I regret to announce, this is the end.”
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Bilbo smiling (knowing the effect) puts on the Ring, and to the shock of the party, vanishes.
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In Bag End...
Bilbo, taking off the Ring, rematerializes.
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He smiles down at the Ring.
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Gandalf is waiting: “There are many magic rings in this world, Bilbo Baggins, and none of them should be used lightly.”
Bilbo: “Just a bit of fun. You will look after Frodo, I’m leaving everything to him.”
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Gandalf: “What about this ring of yours, is that staying too?”
Bilbo: “Yes…Yet, after all why not? Why shouldn’t I keep it?”
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Gandalf: “I think you should leave the ring behind, Bilbo. Is that so hard?”
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Bilbo: “Well no… and yes!. Now it comes to it, I don’t feel like parting with it, its mine, I found it, it came to me! You want it for yourself”; It’s mine! My own, my precious.”
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Gandalf: “Precious? Its been called that before, but not by you. I think you’ve had that Ring quite long enough.”
Bilbo: “You’re right Gandalf, the Ring must go to Frodo. It’s late, the road is long.” Bilbo goes to leave.
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Gandalf: “The Ring is still in your pocket.”
Bilbo: “Oh, yes…”
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Bilbo drops the Ring on the floor.
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He leaves saying: “And he lived happily ever after, to the end of his days… Goodbye Gandalf.”
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Gandalf follows Bilbo as he walks outside: "Good-bye, dear Bilbo. Until our next meeting."
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Inside Bag End
Gandalf hand hovers over the Ring, about to pick it up,
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He stops short when the Eye of Sauron flashes in his mind.
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Frodo enters Bag End, sees the Ring on the floor and picks it up.
Gandalf: “Bilbo is gone. Along with all his possessions. The Ring is yours now.”
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Gandalf holds an envelope open, Frodo slips in the Ring, and Gandalf seals the envelope.
Gandalf: “Put it somewhere out of sight.”
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Gandalf: “I need to go: Questions. Questions that need answering. Keep it secret. Keep it safe… Never put it on.”
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End of Chapter 5: Bilbo’s farewell
Chapter 6: Isildur's Bane
In the dungeons of Barad-dûr
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Tortured screams are heard: “Shire! Baggins!”
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Nine-cloaked figures ride out on horseback for the Shire.
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A new day has come...
Gandalf rides to Gondor, watching in the distance
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the fire of Mt Doom lighting up the sky.
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Gandalf rides towards Minas Tirith.
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He ascends the tiers of the white-towered city.
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Gandalf hurriedly makes his way to the Archives in the Library of Gondor. He finds and reads the scroll of Isildur.
Gandalf: "The Year thirty-four of the Second Age. Here follows the account of Isildur, High King of Gondor and the finding of the Ring of Power."
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Isildur: "It has come to me, the One Ring. It shall be an heirloom of my kingdom… It is precious to me, though I buy it with great pain.”
Gandalf reads on.
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Isildur: “The markings upon the band begin to fade. The writing, which at first was as clear as red flame, has all but disappeared. A secret now that only fire can tell.”
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Gandalf realises the connection of Bag End and The Ring.
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In the Shire...
A horse neighs and stamps the ground: its hoofs are nailed, its hair matted and bloody, its eyes are blood-red.
The black rider turns to a Hobbit, no eyes are visible inside its cowl: "Shire. Baggins."
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The Hobbit answers: “Baggins. There’s no Bagginses ‘round here! They’re up in Hobbiton, that way!”
The Black Rider gallops off.
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At the Green Dragon Inn
Hobbits are drinking and singing, but Shire folk were talking of strange happenings.
Gaffer: “War is brewing. The mountains are fair teeming with goblins.”
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Sam, opposite, takes a pull of his pipe and looks at Rosie behind the bar.
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A hobbit talking to others: “Well, it’s none of our concern what goes on beyond our borders. Keep your nose out of trouble, and no trouble’ll come to you.”
Frodo merely smiles and raises his tankard.
Sam and Frodo leave the Inn and make their way home.
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In Bag End...
Frodo enters Bag End cautiously. There seems to be no sign of life. A hand grabs his shoulder from behind.
Frodo jumps, gasps and turns.
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It is Gandalf. He looks wild and dishevelled: “Is it secret? Is it safe?”
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Gandalf waits as Frodo searches.
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Frodo opens a chest in the hallway and rummages through it, tossing out scrolls and other items in the process. He finds the sealed envelope he left there and hands it to Gandalf.
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Gandalf throws it on the fire, then retrieves the Ring with tongs.
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He inspects it as it cools.
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Gandalf: “Hold out your hand Frodo, it’s quite cool. What can you see? Can you see anything?”
Frodo: “Nothing. There’s nothing…Wait…"
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Frodo: "There are markings. It’s some form of Elvish… I can’t read it.”
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Gandalf: “There are few who can. The language is that of Mordor, which I will not utter here.”
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Gandalf: “One Ring to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them.”
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End of Chapter 6: Isildur's Bane
Chapter 7: The Shadow of the Past
Frodo and Gandalf sit down in the kitchen with tea. The Ring lies on the table between them.
Gandalf: “This is the One Ring forged by the Dark Lord Sauron in the fires of Mt Doom. Taken by Isildur from the hand of Sauron himself…Bilbo found it in Gollum’s cave.”
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Gandalf: “For sixty years the Ring lay quiet in Bilbo’s keeping, prolonging his life, delaying old age.”
The Ring whispers softly in Black Speech.
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Gandalf: “The spirit of Sauron endured. His life force is bound to the Ring, and the Ring survived."
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Gandalf: "Sauron only needs this ring to cover all the lands with a second darkness. He is seeking it. It yearns to return to its Master.”
Gandalf: “The enemy found Gollum, and deep in Mordor in torturing him he shrieked: “Shire. Baggins.”“
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Frodo: “But that would lead them here!”
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The Shire...
Black Riders thunder towards a hobbit.
A Nazgûl enquires: “Shire... Baggins...”
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Hobbit: “There’s no Bagginses around here…. Hobbiton…”
The Black Riders ride off.
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As they reach Hobbiton they are challenged by a Bounder: “Who goes there?”
They do not answer; one just slashes off his head.
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In Bag End...
Gandalf warns Frodo: “Sauron’s Black Riders are coming. Frodo, Sauron must never find it.”
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Frodo: “Take it Gandalf…you just take it.”
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Gandalf: “I dare not take it…Understand Frodo, I would use this Ring from a desire to do good. But through me, it would wield a power too great and terrible to imagine."
Gandalf: "Frodo you must leave the Shire and the name of Baggins behind you, for that name is not safe. I will be waiting for you at the Inn of the Prancing Pony, Bree.”
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Suddenly there is a rustling of leaves, and Gandalf goes to the window, wacks the bushes with his staff, pulling a body through the window:
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Gandalf: “Samwise Gamgee, what did you hear?”
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Sam: “N-n-n-nothing important. That is I heard a good deal about a Ring and a Dark Lord and something about the end of the world but… Please, Mister Gandalf sir, don’t turn me into anythin’— unnatural.”
Gandalf: “Perhaps not. I have thought of a better use for you…”
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End of Chapter 7: The Shadow of the Past
Chapter 8: The Passing of the Elves
Early dawn on the following morning, Gandalf, Frodo and Sam make their way along the road.
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Gandalf: “Be careful both of you. The enemy has many spies in his service: birds, beasts. Keep it safe. Never put it on, for the agents of the Dark Lord will be drawn to its power.”
Gandalf departs.
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Frodo and Sam trek across streams, over hills and meadows on their journey to Bree.
Coming to a cornfield, Sam stops abruptly: “If I take one more step, it’ll be the furthest away from home I’ve ever been.”
Frodo reassures Sam: "Come on Sam."
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Encouraged by their friendship and mission, they continue their journey.
Night falls and they set up camp. They hear singing in the forest, so they scramble up to a ridge where they can lie and watch unseen.
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Elves pass through the forest, leaving Middle-earth, never to return.
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Mist descends.
On a ridge above the hobbits, a Black Rider ominously scans the landscape of the Shire.
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End of Chapter 8: The Passing of the Elves
Chapter 9: Saruman the White
Gandalf rides to Orthanc, Isengard
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Saruman descends the steps to meet Gandalf: “Smoke rises from the mountain of Doom. The hour grows late and Gandalf the Grey rides to Isengard seeking my counsel. For that is why you have come, is it not… my old friend? So the Ring of Power has been found.”
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In the gardens of Isengard
The two Wizards walk together.
Gandalf tells Saruman of the Ring, remembering his warning to Frodo: “Never put it on.”
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Gandalf: “All these long years the Ring of Power was in the Shire, under my very nose. But we still have time.”
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Saruman: “Yet you did not have the wit to see it. Your love of the halfling’s leaf has clearly slowed your mind….There is no time.”
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In Saruman’s chamber
Saruman: “Sauron has regained much of his former strength. He cannot yet take physical form, but his spirit has lost none of its potency.”
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Saruman: “A great Eye..lidless…wreathed in flame. I have seen it.”
Saruman reaches for a covered object, and unveils it.
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Revealed is a perfectly spherical glass-like ball with sinister swirls in its depths.
Gandalf: “The palantir is a dangerous tool. We do not know who else may be watching!”
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Saruman: “The hour is later than you think. Sauron’s forces are already moving. The Nine have left Minas Morgul.”
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Saruman: "They crossed the River Isen on Midsummer’s Eve. They will find the Ring… and kill the one who carries it. Against the power of Mordor there can be no victory. We must join with him, Gandalf. We must join with Sauron. It would be wise, my friend.”
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Gandalf: “Tell me, ‘friend’, when did Saruman the wise abandon reason for madness?!”
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Gandalf tries to leave.
Saruman wills the doors to close.
Saruman attacks Gandalf with his staff.
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The Wizards battle
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fiercely and furiously.
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Saruman pulls Gandalf's staff from his hands, and he advances on Gandalf with both staffs. Gandalf spins helplessly just above the floor.
Gandalf is battered and defeated.
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Saruman viciously: “I gave you the chance of aiding me willingly. But you… have elected… the way of… pain!”
Saruman sends Gandalf rising to the pinnacle of Orthanc.
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End of Chapter 9: Saruman the White
Chapter 10: A Short Cut to Mushrooms
As Frodo and Sam leave the cornfield, they bump into Pippin and Merry, fleeing from Farmer Maggot and his dog. They push their ill-gotten booty on to Sam.
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The four hobbits all run off together, reaching the edge of a gorge. They tumble down, reaching a road at the bottom in a tangled heap.
Frodo hears something: “Get off the road! Quick!”
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The hobbits crawl beneath a large overhanging tree root. Frodo looks up through a small gap.
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He sees a black horse, and a rider, clothed and hooded in black.
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The Black rider leaps from his horse, leans over the tree root hissing.
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Frodo takes out the Ring, it calls to him and the Nazgûl.
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Frodo enters a trance, tempted by the Ring to put it on, as his finger strains towards it.
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Sam realises this and he reaches over and hits Frodo in the arm, startling him out of his trance.
Merry throws a bag full of vegetables into the forest to distract the Rider, who whirls away and follows the sound.
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The Black rider rides off…searching, as the sun sets.
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As night falls, he meets up with others. They patrol the area.
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The hobbits hide behind the trees. Merry and Pippin quiz Frodo.
Frodo: “I have to leave the Shire. Sam and I must get to Bree.”
Merry: “Right. Buckleberry Ferry. Follow me.”
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Another Black Rider appears along their path. Frodo is delayed as the others run on.
The Rider is hot on Frodo’s heels.
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Sam, Merry and Pippin jump over a fence and release the ferry, screaming at Frodo to jump.
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Frodo leaps onto the raft.
The Rider stops short of the water, squeals in frustration, then gallops off.
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End of Chapter 10: A Short Cut to Mushrooms
Chapter 11: The Prancing Pony, Bree
The Hobbits arrive at the gates of Bree, soaking wet due to the pouring rain. The gatekeeper questions them.
Frodo: “We wish to stay at the inn. Our business is our own.”
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The gatekeeper grants them access and they walk in the rain through the streets of Bree.
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Frodo spots the sign of the Prancing Pony.
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The four Hobbits enter the Inn. It is crowded, noisy and poorly-lit.
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Frodo asks the innkeeper (Butterbur): “Tell Gandalf Mr Underwood has arrived.”“
Butterbur: “Gandalf? Gandalf? Oh yes! I remember: elderly chap, big gray beard, pointy hat… Not seen him for six months.”
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The hobbits take a seat at a table to wait for Gandalf.
Merry goes to the bar and returns with a huge stein of beer.
Pippin rushes to the bar to get 'a pint'.
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Others in the background notice the hobbits, especially Bill Ferny.
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Sam notices a dark cloaked figure sitting alone in the corner staring at Frodo.
Frodo asks the innkeeper who he was.
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Butterbur: “He’s one of them rangers. Dangerous folk they are - wandering the wilds. Around here, he’s known as Strider.”
Strider lights up his pipe, continuing to observe Frodo.
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Frodo starts to play nervously with the Ring. It starts to call to him: “Baggins, Baggins…”
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At the bar
Suddenly Frodo hears Pippin: “Sure I know a Baggins. He’s over there, Frodo Baggins.”
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Frodo rushes towards the bar to stop Pippin from babbling further. He slips, the ring flies into air
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and drops onto his finger
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As it does, he disappears.
Folks gasp in shock. Strider is alarmed.
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Outside the village
The Black Riders turn around.
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Frodo, in the shadow world
Frodo sees the lidless eye, and hears Sauron: “You cannot hide… I see you!”
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Terrified Frodo wrenches the Ring off…and reappears.
Strider grabs Frodo: “You draw too much attention to yourself, Mr Underhill…”
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Strider drags him up the stairs into his room, slaming the door.
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Strider: “A little more caution from you. That is no trinket you carry. Are you frightened?”
Frodo: “Yes.”
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Strider “Not nearly frightened enough. I know what hunts you.”
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The door bursts open.
Strider draws his sword.
Sam, Merry, Pippin rush in.
Sam: “Let him go…”
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Strider: “You have a stout heart little hobbit, but that will not save you… They are coming.”
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Downstairs in the Prancing Pony
The Riders ominously enter and make their way to the hobbit rooms.
Butterbur hides as they pass.
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Sinisterly they raise their swords
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and plunge these into the 'hobbit' beds.
They shriek as they realise they have been duped. The hobbits hear their screams…
The Riders furiously remount their horses and gallop off.
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In Strider’s room
Strider watches (where actually the hobbits have been sleeping).
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Frodo wakes up: “What are they?”
Strider: “They were once Great Kings of men. Then Sauron gave them nine Rings of Power.”
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Strider: “Blinded by their greed they took them without question. They are the Nazgûl, neither alive nor dead.”
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Strider: “Drawn to the power of the One Ring. They will never stop hunting you.”
The Nazgûl lie in wait.
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End of Chapter 11: The Prancing Pony
Chapter 12: A knife in the dark
That night the Nazgûl regroup and ride off in desperate search of “Baggins”:
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The following morning...
Strider leads the four hobbits and a newly acquired pony, Bill, away from the village of Bree, into the wild.
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As they journey, Merry asks Frodo: “How do we know this Strider is a friend of Gandalf?”
Frodo: “I think a servant of the Enemy would look fairer and feel fouler. We have no choice but to trust him.”
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Sam: “But where is he leading us?”
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Strider: “To Rivendell, Master Gamgee. To the House of Elrond.”
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The Hobbits pause.
Pippin: “What about second breakfast?”
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Strider walks away saying: “Gentlemen, we do not stop ‘til nightfall.”
It becomes darker and the forest gives way to flat marshland. The hobbits go up to their knees in the sludgy mire of midge infested Midgewater marshes.
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They camp for the night.
Strider keeps watch, and sings a soulful tune of an elf-maiden who gave her love to a mortal, and their union, brought her death.
348c
In the land of Isengard
Meanwhile, Saruman is in the Chamber of the Palantír, communicating with Sauron.
Saruman: “The power of Isengard is at your command, Sauron, Lord of the Earth.”
349c
Sauron: “Build me an army worthy of Mordor!"
350c
Saruman turns to his minion: “Rip down all the forest to fuel the furnaces for an army worthy of Mordor.”
351c
On the pinnacle of Isengard
Gandalf, imprisoned, is horrified to see the destruction of the forest.
352c
Reaching Weathertop
Aragorn and the hobbits make it through the marshland and reach Weathertop.
Strider: “This was the great watchtower of Amon Sûl. We shall rest here tonight.”
353c
Strider scans the surroundings.
354c
Strider opens a bundle and gives the hobbits their “barrow-blades.”
Strider: “These are for you. Keep them close. I’m going to have a look around. Stay here.”
355c
In Aragorn’s absence, with Frodo asleep, Sam, Merry and Pippin build a fire to cook dinner.
Frodo wakes and screams at them to put it out.
The fire has acted as a beacon to the Nazgûl.
356c
Frodo horrified sees the Nazgûl approaching.
357c
The Nazgûl close-in on Weathertop.
358c
The Hobbits rush up the stairs to the broken pillars of the ruins.
The Nazgûl surround them, raising their swords.
359c
Sam, Merry and Pippin, prepare to defend Frodo.
360c
Sam challenges the Nazgûl but is thrown aside. They attack Merry, Pippin and Frodo.
361c
The Nazgûl throw aside Merry and Pippin. Frodo runs.
362c
He stumbles and falls backwards, dropping his sword. He takes out the Ring.
363c
Immediately, the Ringwraith leader (the Witch-king) senses the Ring and is drawn to it. He attacks Frodo.
Frodo scrambles back, and puts on the Ring.
364c
The world changes. The Witch-king's true form is revealed to Frodo.
365c
The Witch-king reaches for the Ring, dagger in hand.
366c
The Ring responds, lifting Frodo’s hand towards the Wraith.
367c
Frodo pulls his hand back, and the Witch-king stabs him through the shoulder.
368c
Strider appears and attacks the Nazgûl with sword and flaming brand.
369c
The Witch-king withdraws the dagger, drops it and attacks Aragorn, who fights him off with the others.
370c
Frodo pulls the Ring from his finger. He reappears, writhing in pain:
Aragorn recovers the blade: “Frodo has been stabbed by a morgul-blade.”
371c
Strider: “This is beyond my skill to heal. He needs Elvish medicine. Hurry.”
Frodo calls out Gandalf's name.
372c
End of Chapter 12: A knife in the dark
Chapter 13: Flight to the Ford
In the land of Isengard...
A giant cavern has been cut deep into the earth, and a forge, feed by the trees of Fangorn, belches fire and smoke.
In the pinnacle of the tower, Gandalf is imprisoned. Gandalf captures a moth and whispers, “Go, Gwaihir”. It flies away.
381c
Down in the cavern, Saruman observes with pride his creations, weapons, armour
382c
and the 'birth' of his Uruk-Hai.
383c
In the forest: Strider and the hobbits
Strider: “Frodo is passing into the shadow world. He will soon become a wraith like them.”
384c
The Nazgûl cry is heard in the distance.
Frodo cries out as if answer to them.
385c
Strider: “Sam, do you know Athelas plant, Kingsfoil…it may slow the poison. Hurry!”
Strider and Sam search the undergrowth.
386c
Suddenly a sword appears at Strider's throat: “What this, a ranger caught off his guard?”
387c
Frodo, lying on the ground, sees a white light, and appearing out of this, sees a beautiful Elf-lady approach.
388c
“I am Arwen. I have come to help you. Hear my voice. Come back to the light.”
389c
Arwen: “He’s fading! He’s not going to last. If I can get across the river, the power of my people will protect him. I do not fear them.”
Arwen mounts Asfaloth, with Frodo propped in front of her.
390c
Arwen: “Ride fast, Asfaloth, ride fast.”
391c
Arwen rides on as the Nazgûl appear and give chase.
Night gives way to day as they pursue her, from forest to open plain. She rides furiously evading their attack
392c
holding on to the ever fading Frodo.
394c
A wraith comes up to Arwen and reaches out to snatch the Ring from Frodo.
Arwen spurs on Asfaloth and they reach the river.
395c
The Nazgûl stop at the edge of the water (their mounts rear up, terrified of entering the river),
They screech: “Give up the halfling, she-Elf.”
396c
Arwen: “If you want him, come and claim him!”
397c
Arwen chants to the river: "Nin o Chithaeglir, lasto beth daer, Rimmo nin Bruinen, dan in Ulair! Nin o Chithaeglir, lasto beth daer, Rimmo nin Bruinen, dan in Ulair!"
(Waters of the Misty Mountains, listen to the great word, flow waters of Loudwater, against the Ringwraiths!)
398c
A great flood comes around the bend, with crests shaped like white horses.
399c
as Arwen watches the Nazgûl are cast from their steeds and are washed away down the river.
400c
Arwen lays Frodo on the ground. She pleads: “What grace is given me, let it pass to him, let him be spared — save him.”
401c
End of Chapter 13: Flight to the Ford
Chapter 14: Rivendell
In the House of Elrond
Lord Elrond with elven skills has brought life back to the wounded Ring bearer.
Gandalf watches over the recovering Frodo.
411c
Frodo wakes to see Gandalf sitting at his side: “What happened, Gandalf? Why didn’t you meet us?”
Gandalf: “Oh I’m sorry Frodo… I was delayed.”
412c
Flashback: Gandalf tortured by Saruman on the pinnacle of Isengard
A tiny white moth flutters to Gandalf, then an eagle screeches.
Gandalf leaps off the Tower and lands on Gwaihir’s back, bearing him to safety.
413c
Saruman: “So you have chosen… death.”
414c
In the house of Elrond
Sam rushes into the room and to Frodo’s side, followed by Lord Elrond.
Elrond: “Welcome to Rivendell, Frodo Baggins.”
Rivendell sits high above a gorge – a land of mountain streams and waterfalls, forest and gardens, and buildings of flowing elvish design.
415c
Frodo has recuperated and stands on the balcony of Elrond’s house and looks across the magnificence of this Elven land.
416c
Soon after, Frodo is reunited with Sam, Merry and Pippin, and then spots a familiar figure.
417c
He rushes and embraces Bilbo, who looks aged and frail.
Bilbo shares with him his book.
418c
Frodo: “There and Back Again: A Hobbit’s Tale by Bilbo Baggins. This is wonderful Bilbo!”
419c
Frodo to Bilbo: “I miss the Shire. I spent all my childhood pretending I was off somewhere else… off with you on one of your adventures! My own adventure turned out to be quite different. I’m not like you, Bilbo.
420c
Bilbo: “My dear boy.”
421c
Later, on a garden balcony
Sam and Frodo meet. Sam has packed in readiness to return to the Shire.
Frodo: “You’re right Sam. We did what we set out to do. The Ring will be safe in Rivendell. I am ready to go home.”
422c
End of Chapter 14: Rivendell
Chapter 15: The strength of men
On a balcony overlooking Frodo and Sam
Gandalf: “That wound will never fully heal. He will carry it the rest of his life.”
Elrond: “And yet to have come so far, still bearing the Ring, the hobbit has shown extraordinary resilience to its evil.”
431c
Gandalf: “It is a burden he should never have had to bear. We can ask no more of Frodo.”
432c
Elrond: “This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves. We do not have the strength to fight both Mordor and Isengard! Gandalf, the Ring cannot stay here.”
433c
Gandalf stands at Elrond’s window, looks out and sees a group of new arrivals in the garden.
434c
A man,
435c
an elf and companions, and
436c
a party of dwarves.
The visitors dismount and look around in wonder.
437c
Elrond: “This peril belongs to all Middle-Earth. They must decide now how to end it. The time of the Elves is over. Who will you look to when we’ve gone?”
Gandalf: “It is in Men that we must place our hope.”
438c
Elrond: “Men are weak…The race of Men is failing. The blood of Númenor is all but spent, its pride and dignity forgotten. It is because of Men the Ring survives.”
439c
Flashback to when Isildur took the Ring
Elrond: “I was there Gandalf. I was there three thousand years ago… when Isildur took the Ring. I was there the day the strength of Men failed.”
440c
Elrond: “I led Isildur into the heart of Mount Doom, where the Ring was forged, the one place it could be destroyed. Cast it into the fire! Destroy it!”
441c
Isildur, 'possessed' by the Ring, yells: “No!” and walks away.
442c
Elrond: “Isildur kept the Ring. The line of kings is broken. There is no strength left in the world of Men. They’re scattered, divided, leaderless.”
Gandalf: “There is one who could unite them, one who could reclaim the throne of Gondor.”
443c
Elrond: “He turned from that path long time ago. He has chosen exile.”
444c
That evening
Boromir finds Aragorn on the terrace and asks who he is.
Aragorn declares: “I am a friend to Gandalf the Grey.”
Boromir: “Then we are here on a common purpose… (smiles)…friend.”
445c
He turns to the Lady’s shrine, displaying the shards of Narsil.
446c
Boromir: “The blade that cut the ring from Sauron’s hand!”
He picks up the shaft,
447c
running his finger up the blade: “It’s still sharp!”
448c
and cuts himself.
449c
Boromir: “But no more than a broken heirloom!”
450c
He returns the sword carelessly and it clatters to the ground. He hesitates, then walks away.
Aragorn walks to the shrine, soulfully picks up the dropped shaft and carefully sets it in place with the other shards.
451c
Arwen walks in behind him: “Why do you fear the past? You are Isildur’s heir, not Isildur himself. You are not bound to his fate.”
452c
Aragorn: “The same blood flows in my veins. Same weakness.”
453c
Arwen: “Your time will come. You will face the same evil, and you will defeat it. The Shadow does not hold sway yet, Aragorn. Not over you and not over me.”
454c
In the gardens
A love song plays softly: From darkness I understand the night; dreams flow, a star shines. Ah! I desire Evenstar. Look! A star rises out of the darkness. The song of the star enchants my heart. Ah! I desire…
455c
Arwen and Aragorn stand atop a bridge
Arwen: “Do you remember what I told you?”
Aragorn: “You said you’d bind yourself to me. Forsaking the immortal life of your people.”
456c
Arwen: “And to that I hold. I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.”
Arwen gives Aragorn the pendant: “I choose a mortal life.”
457c
Aragorn: “You cannot give me this!”
458c
Arwen: “It is mine to give to whom I will… like my heart.”
459c
They kiss.
460c
A rainbow of light witnessing their betrothal.
461c
End of Chapter 15: The strength of men
Chapter 16: The Council of Elrond
Gandalf, Frodo, assembly of Men, Elves and Dwarves sit around a pedestal.
471c
Elrond: “Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate — this one doom.
472c
Elrond: "Bring forth the Ring, Frodo.”
473c
The members of the Council stare at the Ring, mesmerised by it. It appears to start whispering to each of them in turn. Each person hears it differently.
Gimli glares at it.
474c
Legolas feels its sway.
475c
Boromir: “So it is true…”
476c
Boromir rises to address the Council: “In a dream, I saw the eastern sky grow dark. But in the West a pale light lingered. A voice was crying: 'Your doom is near at hand. Isildur’s Bane is found.'"
477c
Gandalf watches Boromir and then begins to chant in Black Speech.
478cc
Gimli (and others) looks aghast.
479c
Legolas closes his eyes in dismay.
480c
The Ring echoes the harsh words.
The Council stare around them in fear and confusion.
The voice of the Ring dies away.
People resume their seats, horrified, Boromir amongst them.
Gandalf: “The Ring is altogether evil!”
481c
Boromir: “It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe! Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him!”
482c
Aragorn: “You cannot wield it! None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master.”
483c
Boromir: “And what would a ranger know of this matter?”
484c
Legolas: “This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance. He is heir to the throne of Gondor.”
485c
Boromir: “Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king.”
486c
Gandalf: “Aragorn is right. We cannot use it.”
Elrond: “You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed.”
487c
Gimli: “Then what are we waiting for?”
488c
Gimli takes his axe and strikes the Ring with full force but is repelled back, throwing him to the ground.
489c
Meanwhile, Frodo sees the Eye of Sauron in his mind
490c
and winces in pain.
491c
Elrond: “The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Glóin, by any craft that we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came… One of you must do this.”
492c
Boromir: “One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. And the great Eye is ever watchful.”
493c
“The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly!”
494c
A commotion starts as arguments erupt amongst the Council members increasing in intensity.
Frodo remains seated, watching the Ring, with the figures of the Council reflected on its surface.
495c
Gandalf: “Do you not understand that while we bicker amongst ourselves, Sauron’s power grows?! None can escape it! You”ll all be destroyed!”
496c
Frodo: “I will take it. I will take the Ring to Mordor! Though, I do not know the way.”
497c
Gandalf: “I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear.”
498c
Aragorn: “If by my life or death, I can protect you, I will. You have my sword.”
499c
Legolas: “And you have my bow.”
500c
Gimli: “And my axe!”
501c
Boromir: “You carry the fate of us all little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done.”
502c
Sam jumps from behind the bushes and joins them: “Mister Frodo is not goin’ anywhere without me!”
503c
Elrond startled turns to Sam: “No, indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not.”
504c
Then Pippin and Merry, emerging from behind the pillars to join them: “Wait! We are coming too!”
505c
Elrond: “Nine companions… So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!”
506c
End of Chapter 16: The Council of Elrond
Chapter 17: The Departure of the Fellowship
In the evening, nestled in the deep forest of Rivendell, Aragorn removes forest litter off a grave stone, and gazes at a statue of Gilraen.
511c
Elrond appears: “She wanted to protect her child. She thought that in Rivendell you would be safe. In her heart, your mother knew you’d be hunted all your life. That you’d never escape your fate. The skill of the Elves can reforge the sword of Kings, but only you have the power to wield it.”
512c
Aragorn replies: “I do not want that power. I have never wanted it.”
513c
Elrond: “You are the last of that bloodline. There is no other.”
514c
In Bilbo’s Rivendell chamber
Uncle and nephew meet.
Bilbo has some precious gifts he wishes to give Frodo, including the sword, 'Sting', which Gandalf had given him in the Hobbit: Unexpected Journey.
515c
Bilbo explains as he unfolds Sting: “It is made by the Elves, you know. The blade glows blue when Orcs are close. And it’s times like that, my lad, when you have to be extra careful!”
516c
Frodo picks up and is drawn to Sting, as once his uncle was.
517c
Bilbo brings out a mail shirt. It shines, simple, yet beautifully adorned with intricate patterns.
Bilbo: “Here’s a pretty thing - Mithril! As light as a feather and as hard as dragon scales! Let me see you put it on. Come on.”
518c
Frodo begins to unbutton his shirt. As he does, the Ring is revealed. Bilbo sees it.
519c
Suddenly, Bilbo is transformed by the power of the Ring, his eyes are ringed in purple shadows, his teeth are like fangs in his mouth, stretched open wide as he utters a strangled cry.
Frodo, startled, backs away.
520c
Bilbo: cowers back, his voice strained: “I’m sorry I brought this upon you, my boy. I’m sorry that you must carry this burden. I’m sorry for everything!”
Bilbo is distraught, filled with sorrow.
521c
The next morning, in a glade beneath an old stone arch
A wizard, two men, an elf, dwarf and four hobbits come together to bid farewell to Rivendell.
522cc
Lord Elrond addresses them: “The Ring-bearer is setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom. On you who travel with him no oath nor bond is laid, to go further than you will.”
A group of Elves, with Arwen, come to farewell the Fellowship.
523c
Elrond: “Farewell. Hold to your purpose. May the blessings of Elves and Men and all free folk go with you.”
Gandalf: “The Fellowship awaits the Ring-bearer.”
524c
The Fellowship departs
Frodo (whispering softly to Gandalf): “Mordor, Gandalf, is it left or right?
Gandalf: “Left.”
The Fellowship departs beneath an old arch of lichen-encrusted stone.
525c
Aragorn remains where he stands, and turns to Arwen, whose face is sorrowful.
Aragorn smiles faintly, and nods a farewell. He walks away, following the others.
526c
End of Chapter 17: The Departure of the Fellowship
Chapter 18: The Ring Goes South
The Fellowship departs, crossing the bridge, as the sun’s rays pierce the valley.
531c
They wind slowly up the long steep paths that led out of the cloven vale of Rivendell.
532c
They then travel through high moor and ruins
533c
and they walk far into night.
534c
Gandalf leads the Fellowship ever south.
535c
They pause on a hill in the wild, then proceed through a gap in the rocks.
Gandalf: “We must hold this course west of the Misty Mountains for forty days. If our luck holds, the Gap of Rohan will still be open to us. From there our road turns east to Mordor.”
536c
Legolas follows,
537c
then Gimli and Frodo,
538c
Pippin, Merry, Sam and Bill
539c
then Boromir,
540c
with Aragorn bringing up the rear.
541c
The Fellowship is resting on an outstretched arm of the mountains. Boromir spars with Merry and Pippin, tutoring them on sword fighting.
Gimli approaches Gandalf: “I’d say we were taking the long way round. Gandalf, we could pass through the Mines of Moria. My cousin, Balin, would give us a royal welcome.”
542c
Gandalf: “No Gimli, I would not take the road through Moria unless I had no other choice.”
543c
Legolas notices something amiss and looks intently towards the sky in the South “Crebain from Dunland!”
Aragorn: “Hide!”
544c
The Fellowship scrambles to hide behind rock outcroppings and under bushes. They wait.
A flock of black birds rushes overhead, cawing loudly. The birds circle the hill, then turn and fly back southward.
545c
The Fellowship come out from their hiding places.
Gandalf: “Spies of Saruman! The passage South is being watched. We must take the Pass of Caradhras.”
546c
End of Chapter 18: The Ring Goes South
Chapter 19: The Pass of Caradhras
The Fellowship climbs the snowy slopes of Mt Caradhras
As they climb through the glistening, fresh snow beneath the great blue sky, Frodo loses his footing and falls, rolling down the slope towards Aragorn.
551c
Aragorn helps Frodo to his feet. Frodo checks for the Ring, and finds it missing.
552c
The Ring lies in the snow, glistening. Boromir sees the Ring and picks it up by its chain.
Aragorn calls: “Boromir.”
Boromir appears oblivious to Aragorn's call.
553c
Boromir entranced by the Ring, speaking softly: “It is a strange fate we should suffer so much fear and doubt… over so small a thing. Such a little thing.”
554c
Aragorn yells out, his hand is on the hilt of his sword: “Boromir! Give the Ring to Frodo!”
Boromir walks down the slope and holds out the Ring to Frodo: “As you wish…I care not”, turning to resume climbing.
Aragorn releases his grip from his sword.
555c
Over Isengard there is a veiling shadow
The crows have informed their master.
Saruman: “So, Gandalf, you try to lead them over Caradhras.”
556c
Saruman: “And if that fails, where then will you go?”
557c
Saruman calls forth a blizzard to destroy the path over the mountain.
558c
Saruman: “Gandalf, if the mountain defeats you, will you risk a more dangerous road?”
559c
Saruman: “Moria… You fear to go into those mines. The Dwarves delved too greedily and too deep. You know what they awoke in the darkness of Khazad-dûm: Shadow and Flame!”
560c
On the slopes of Caradhras
As the Fellowship labours onwards through the high snow banks, Legolas runs out ahead. His step is light and he moves with ease across the top of the snow, but the storm has turned into a blinding blizzard. Lightning strikes, sending a second avalanche of white ice onto the Fellowship and burying them.
561c
Legolas: “There is a foul voice on the air!”
562c
Gandalf: “It’s Saruman!”
Boromir: “We cannot stay here! This will be the death of the Hobbits!”
563c
Gimli: “If we cannot pass over the mountain, let us go under it. Let us go through the mines of Moria.”
Gandalf (grimly): “Let the Ring bearer decide.”
564c
Frodo: “We will go through the mines.”
565c
End of Chapter 19: The Pass of Caradhras
Chapter 20: The Watcher in the Water, Moria
The Fellowship passes south, along the misty shadow of an aqueduct to the walls of Moria.
Gandalf calls to Frodo: “You feel its power growing, don’t you? I’ve felt it too. Evil will be drawn to you from outside the Fellowship. And, I fear, from within. You must trust your own strength.”
571c
They come to the place of the hidden doors of Moria, a great pool sits beside the rock face.
As the moon and stars appear, silver lines grow bright, outlining a door formed of two columns beneath an arch, with a star in the centre.
572c
Gandalf: “It reads ‘The Doors of Durin - Lord of Moria. Speak, friend, and enter.’"
Gandalf tries all sorts of elfish words. The doors do not open. The Fellowship gather around the door.
573c
Aragorn: [unhitching the pony’s bridle] “The Mines are no place for a pony, even one so brave as Bill.”
574c
The Fellowship wait, restless.
Pippin throws a rock into the pool. It stirs ominously.
Aragorn stares at the pool.
575c
Frodo at the door, yells out: “It’s a riddle. Speak ‘friend’ and enter. What’s the Elvish word for friend?”
Gandalf: “Mellon” - the stone doors slowly swing open, rumbling deeply.
576c
The Fellowship enters Moria.
Gandalf brings his hand around his staff, blowing upon the crystal. It glows.
577c
Light reveals rotted, broken and battered forms strewn about, casting long shadows across the room.
Boromir: “This is no mine, it’s a tomb!”
Legolas: “Goblins!”
Boromir: “Now get out of here, get out!”
578c
The Fellowship starts for the door.
Suddenly, Frodo is grabbed and pulled off his feet by long snaking tentacles of the Watcher, pulling him into the air.
579c
Sam calls out: “Strider!”
Aragorn slashes the tentacle holding Frodo, who falls into Boromir’s arms.
They all rush into Moria as the Watcher strikes, making the roof cave in, trapping them.
580c
Gandalf's staff lights up: “We now have but one choice. We must face the long dark of Moria. Be on your guard. It’s a four-day journey to the other side.”
581c
Gandalf leads them pass shafts that lead to the bowels of the mines.
Gandalf: “The wealth of Moria was in Mithril. Bilbo had a shirt of Mithril rings that Thorin gave him…A kingly priceless gift.”
582c
Gandalf leads them up a flight of stairs, three doorways loom before them.
583c
Gandalf slumps down: “I have no memory of this place.”
584c
Frodo looks down into the cavern and sees a small figure leaping from stone to stone: “Gandalf: There’s something down there!”
585c
Gandalf: “It’s Gollum. He’s been following us for three days. Escaped or was set loose from Barad-Dûr. And now the Ring had drawn him here. He will never be rid of his need for it. He hates and loves the Ring, as he hates and loves himself.”
586c
Frodo: “It’s a pity Bilbo didn’t kill him when he had the chance!”
587c
Gandalf: “Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo’s hand.”
588c
Flashback to the time of The Hobbit
Bilbo with the Ring on, is invisible to Gollum, and comes up behind him, sword in hand.
Gollum sensing Bilbo's presence, turns around. Bilbo, pitying Gollum, stays his hand.
589c
End of Chapter 20: The Watcher in the Water, Moria
Chapter 21: A Journey in the Dark
Gandalf continues to explain to Frodo: “Many that live deserve death, and some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill…”
601c
Frodo: “I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.”
602c
Gandalf: “So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, in which case you also were meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought.”
603c
Gandalf looks towards one of the doorways, he suddenly remembers: “Oh! It’s that way.”
604c
The Fellowship starts down a dark stairway and comes to the great realm and Dwarf city of Dwarrowdelf.
Gimli sees a shaft of sunlight.
605c
He runs into the chamber.
606c
Bodies and weapons scattered about it. Gimli stops and kneels by a crypt in the centre of the room.
Gimli sobs: “No! No!”
607c
End of Chapter 21: A Journey in the Dark
Chapter 22: Balin's Tomb
Gandalf [translating the runes on the tomb]: “Here lies Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria. He is dead then. It’s as I feared.”
He takes a large and battered book from a corpse’s hands.
631c
Gandalf turns to read the last page: “We cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark...They are coming!”
632c
Pippin stumbles back and accidentally tips a corpse down the well. It crashes down nosily.
Gandalf yells at him: “Fool of a Took.”
633c
Drums start booming, growing loader and closer.
Pippin winches and stares worriedly.
634c
‘Sting’ glows blue as it once did for Bilbo in The Hobbit.
635c
Boromir rushes to blockade the door of the chamber.
Arrows hiss into the door near his face.
636c
A bellow can be heard just outside. The Fellowship draw their weapons.
Creatures begin breaking the doors down.
637c
Gimli screams: “Let them come! There is one dwarf yet in Moria who still draws breath!”
638c
Weapons crash through splintering spaces. Suddenly, the beasts break through and the battle begins.
A wave of orcs charge towards the Fellowship.
639c
A cave troll smashes through the doorway.
640c
A furious frays ensues, with the Wizard,
641c
Elf
642c
Dundedain
643c
Dwarf
644c
Gondorian and hobbits, against orcs
645c
and troll.
646c
Frodo is separated from the others.
The troll chases after Frodo, who tries to evade it by hiding behind a pillar.
647c
The troll blasts around the pillar, bellowing in Frodo’s face.
Frodo stumbles and falls in a corner. The troll grabs him.
648c
Aragorn desperately fights his way over to Frodo.
649c
He beats the troll off at first, then the troll swings his arm down and hits Aragorn, sending him flying across the room.
Aragorn collapses onto the floor. Frodo races after him and tries to rouse him, but Aragorn is too stunned to be revived.
650c
The troll turns to attack, Frodo begins to run but the troll blocks Frodo’s path, throwing him back.
651c
The troll takes aim with a spear and stabs Frodo in the chest.
Frodo gasps and slumps to the floor, the spear sticking into his chest.
652c
The rest of the Fellowship fight to get to his side. Merry & Pippin leap upon the troll, Gandalf and Gimli take turns stabbing him.
653c
Legolas takes aim, his arrow strikes through the mouth of the troll into his brain.
654c
With a long, pained moan, the troll collapses to the ground, dead.
Gandalf and Aragorn rush to Frodo. Aragorn rolls him over. Frodo groans, gasping for breath. He is alive.
655c
Frodo: “I’m all right, I’m not hurt.”
Aragorn: “You should be dead! That spear would have skewered a wild boar.”
656c
Gandalf: “I think there’s more to this Hobbit than meets the eye.”
Frodo reveals his Mithril shirt. It glimmers.
657c
Gimli: “You are full of surprises, Master Baggins.”
658c
End of Chapter 22: Balin's Tomb
Chapter 23: The Bridge of Khazad-dûm
Goblins are heard in the distance.
Gandalf: “To the Bridge of Khazad-dûm!”
The Fellowship rushes from the Chamber into colonnade, pursued by goblins.
671c
They spring out from the floor or crawl down pillars, surround the Fellowship, leering.
672c
A fiery light appears at the end of the hall followed by a thunderous rumble.
673c
The goblins suddenly flee in panic.
674c
Gandalf closes his eyes, concentrating: “A Balrog - a demon of the ancient world. This foe is beyond any of you… Run!”
675c
The Fellowship runs down a passageway and a flight of steps, ending in a missing segment; Boromir nearly falls but Legolas pulls him back.
Gandalf: “Lead them on, Aragorn! The bridge is near! Do as I say. Swords are no more use here!”
676c
The Balrog roars again.
The Fellowship descend a flight of massive stairs and encounters a gap in the stairs.
677c
Legolas leaps and lands on the other side.
Boromir grabs Merry and Pippin and leaps across the gap.
678c
Aragorn pitches Sam to the other side where he is caught by Boromir. Aragorn reaches to pick up Gimli.
Gimli holds up his hand: “Nobody tosses a dwarf.”
679c
He leaps forward but nearly falls back into the chasm. Legolas grabs his beard and pulls him up.
The Balrog can be heard approaching from the other hall, roaring.
680c
A rock smashes through the steps behind Aragorn and Frodo, creating another gap behind them. The stairs begin to wobble and break up.
Aragorn: “Hang on! Lean forward!” They shift their weight forward, tipping the stairs across the divide and carrying them safely to rest of the Fellowship.
681c
The Fellowship flees down the stairs as the stone structures collapse behind them. Goblins firing arrows as they flee.
682c
A beast leaps from the flames, eyes of white fire, black horns curling around a bull-like head.
683c
The Fellowship runs for the bridge. They reach it.
Gandalf: "Over the bridge! Fly!"
The Fellowship flees. Gandalf does not follow, but turns, looking into the wall of fire.
684c
Gandalf: “You cannot pass! I am the servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the Flame of Anor..."
685c
The Balrog strikes down on Gandalf, who parries the blow with his blade, shattering the Balrog’s sword. The monster bellows at the wizard.
686c
Gandalf: “Go back to the Shadow!”
687c
Gandalf raising up his staff: "The dark fire will not avail you! Flame of Udûn!”
688c
The Balrog steps onto the bridge. It brandishes a flaming whip.
689c
Gandalf raises his sword and staff together into the air: “YOU — SHALL NOT— PASS!”
690c
Gandalf drives his staff into the bridge, causing a bright flash of blue light to appear.
691c
Flaring its nostrils, the Balrog steps forward onto the bridge. The bridge collapses from under the Balrog as it moves towards Gandalf.
692c
The demon plunges backward into the chasm, still wielding its glowing whip.
Gandalf, exhausted, turns to follow the others.
693c
The flaming whip lashes up from the depths of the abyss and winds about Gandalf”s ankle, dragging him over the edge.
Gandalf clings onto the bridge but strains to keep his grip.
694c
Gandalf slips over the edge, yelling: “Fly, you fools.”
695c
Gandalf lets go of the stone and falls into the chasm, spreading his arms, he falls with the Balrog – glowing in its descent.
696c
Boromir grabs hold of a distraught Frodo and starts to leave up a flight of stairs, and calls for Aragorn to follow.
For a moment Aragorn does not move, but then orc arrows start whistling by once again, dodging them, he turns and follows the others up the stairs.
697c
End of Chapter 23: The Bridge of Khazad-dûm
Chapter 24: Lothlórien
The Fellowship exits Moria. They are overcome with sorrow.
Legolas wears a look of shock and despair; the immortal elf's eyes show disbelief.
701c
Sam is sobbing, head in hands.
702c
Aragorn: “Legolas, get them up.”
Boromir: “Give them a moment, for pity’s sake!”
Aragorn: “By nightfall these hills will be swarming with Orcs! We must reach the woods of Lothlórien. Frodo? Frodo!”
703c
Frodo has moved away and stands alone upon the hillside. Weeping silently, Frodo turns towards Aragorn, tears running down his face.
704c
Aragorn leads the Fellowship to the edge of green-gold woods
Gimli: “Stay close, young Hobbits! They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods, an Elf-witch, of terrible power. All who look upon her, fall under her spell…”
705c
Frodo hears words (of Galadriel): “Frodo! Your coming to us is... as the footsteps of doom. You bring great evil here, Ring-bearer!”
706c
Gimli continues: “Well, here is one Dwarf she won’t ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!”
707c
An arrow, notched, appears before his face.
708c
A tall, golden-haired Elf appears, Haldir: “The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark.”
709c
Haldir glances at Frodo. “You bring great evil with you”.
Looking at Aragorn: “We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days. You can go no further.”
710c
Aragorn argues passionately with Haldir.
711c
Finally Haldir agrees to let them all proceed: “You will follow me.”
712c
Haldir leads them to a high ridge from which rises a golden glade of trees.
Haldir: "Caras Galadhon. The heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light."
713c
End of Chapter 24: Lothlórien
Chapter 25: Caras Galadhon
The Fellowship climb a winding way among the great trees. They ascend the path until night falls.
721c
Passing numerous platforms, they come to a great palace in the trees, lit with silvery lights. A curving walkway lies before them, leading up a low stair to an archway: Galadriel’s hall.
722ccc
A glowing couple, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, descend to meet the Fellowship.
723c
Celeborn: “The Enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone."
724c
Celeborn: Eight there are here, yet nine there were, set out from Rivendell. Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. I can no longer see him from afar. He has fallen into shadow.”
725c
Legolas: “He was taken by both Shadow and Flame: a Balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria.”
726c
And Galadriel spoke to each of them: “The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the company is true. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil.”
727c
As the Fellowship retire, a haunting lament is heard
They ask Legolas of its words: “I have not the heart to tell you. For me, the grief is still too near.”
728c
Aragorn walks over to Boromir, “Take some rest. These borders are well protected.”
Boromir: “I will find no rest. I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor, saying: ‘Even now, there is hope left.’ But I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope.”
729c
Boromir: “My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing. And now our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right and I would see the glory of Gondor restored. Have you ever seen it Aragorn? The White Tower of Ecthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver, and been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?”
730c
Aragorn: “I have seen the White City, long ago.”
Boromir: “One day, our paths will lead us there. And the tower guard shall take up the call: The Lords of Gondor have returned!”
731c
End of Chapter 25: Caras Galadhon
Chapter 26: The Mirror of Galadriel
The Fellowship is asleep.
A glowing figure walks by them. Frodo wakes up and follows.
Galadriel descends to a glade and fills a silver pitcher with water from a stream. She pours this into a shallow silver basin upon an ornate stand.
741c
The Lady turns towards Frodo: “Will you look into the mirror. It shows things that were, things that are, and some things that have not yet come to pass.”
Frodo steps up onto a low platform below the mirror to take a look.
742c
He sees beneath grey skies and dark hills shouldered with machinery and industry, a line of chained Hobbits, including Samwise. They are driven into a mill to work by slave-masterly Orcs.
743c
Galadriel: “I know what it is you saw, for it is also in my mind. It is what will come to pass if you should fail. The Fellowship is breaking: it is already begun. He will try to take the Ring. You know of whom I speak. One by one, it will destroy them all.”
744c
Frodo (whispering): “If you ask it of me, I will give you the One Ring.”
745c
Galadriel: “You offer it to me freely. I do not deny that my heart has greatly desired this.”
Her appearance begins to change in a murky light: “In place of a Dark Lord, you would have a queen! Not dark, but beautiful and terrible as the dawn.”
746c
The light fades and Galadriel lets her arms slowly fall, her transformed image disappearing: “I pass the test! I will diminish, and go into the West, and remain Galadriel.”
747c
Frodo calls to Galadriel: “I cannot do this alone. .. I know what I must do. It’s just… I’m afraid to do it.”
748c
Galadriel: “To bear a Ring of power is to be alone. This is Nenya, the Ring of Adamant, and I am its Keeper. This task was appointed to you, and if you do not find a way, no one will. Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”
749c
End of Chapter 26: The Mirror of Galadriel
Chapter 27: The uruk-hai
Orthanc rises through plumes of black smoke.
761c
Saruman speaks to Lurtz: (one of his 'creations'): “Do you know how the Orcs first came into being? They were Elves once, taken by the dark powers. Tortured and mutilated…Whom do you serve?”
Orc: “Saruman!”
762c
Saruman: “Hunt them down! You do not know pain, you do not know fear. You will taste man flesh. One of the Halflings carries something of great value. Bring them to me alive, and unspoiled. Kill the others!”
763c
Lurtz shrieks and leads a troop of uruk-hai to hunt down the Fellowship.
End of Chapter 27: The uruk-hai
Chapter 28: Farewell to Lothlórien
In lake of Lothlórien, an elegant ship, carved in the likeness of a swan, flows through a river. Galadriel stands in it.
771c
Celeborn greets the Fellowship: “Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people. May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes.”
772c
The Galadhrim also provide other provisions, including their treasured Elven waybread “lembas”. Legolas explains this to the others.
773c
As well, Galadriel gives each a special gift: Legolas a Galadhrim bow; Merry and Pippin: Noldorin daggers; Sam: Elven hithlain rope.
Galadriel farewells Frodo: “Namarië.”
774c
Galadriel: “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.”
775c
To Aragorn, Galadriel: “I have nothing greater to give, than the gift you already bear. For her love, I fear the grace of Arwen Evenstar will diminish.”
776c
Aragorn: “I would have her leave these shores, and be with her people. I would have her take the ship to Valinor.”
777c
Galadriel: “That choice is yet before her. You have your own choice to make, Aragorn. To rise above the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil, or to fall into darkness with all that is left of your kin.”
778c
Aragorn and Celeborn speak separately.
Celeborn: “Mordor Orcs now hold the eastern shore of the Anduin. Strange creatures bearing the mark of the White Hand have been seen on our borders. Seldom do Orcs journey in the open, under the sun, yet these have done so! By river you have the chance of outrunning the enemy to the Falls of Rauros.”
779c
Celeborn: “May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes.”
780c
Good-byes said, the Fellowship take to the boats provided by the Elves and depart Lothlórien.
Galadriel stands on shore and farewells them.
781c
End of Chapter 28: Farewell to Lothlórien
Chapter 29: The Great River, Anduin
Three small boats make their way down the river. Aragorn, Sam & Frodo in one, Legolas and Gimli in another, Boromir, Merry and Pippin in the third.
Each caught in their thoughts. For Sam, words of Galadriel: “And for you, Samwise Gamgee...”
801c
When asked, Gimli said of his 'gift': “Nothing, except to look upon the Lady of the Galadhrim one last time… and a golden strand of hair.”
She gave him three.
802c
For Merry and Pippin: memory of Galadriel's words: “You will find your courage.”
803c
End of Chapter 29: The Great River
Chapter 30: The Breaking of the Fellowship
Along the Anduin banks, Lurtz leads the uruk-hai in pursuit of the Fellowship.
851c
Darkness falls. The Fellowship rests on a small island
Boromir sees a log floating in the river; small hands clutch it, and the top of a head is barely visible over the log’s edge, eyes staring wildly.
Aragorn: “It is Gollum. He has tracked us since Moria.”
852c
Boromir: “And if he alerts the enemy to our whereabouts it will make the crossing even more dangerous. Minas Tirith is the safer road. You know it. From there we can regroup… strike out for Mordor from a place of strength.”
853c
Aragorn: “There is no strength in Gondor that can avail us.”
854c
Boromir: “You were quick enough to trust the Elves. Have you so little faith in your own people? Yes, there is weakness. There is frailty. But there is courage also, and honour to be found in Men. But you will not see that.”
Aragorn turns away, but Boromir grabs his arm and turns him: “You are afraid! All your life, you have hidden in the shadows!”
855c
Aragorn turns back suddenly: “I will not lead the Ring within a hundred leagues of your city!”
856c
Sam and Frodo sit together and overhear the heated argument.
Sam: “I’m here to help you. I promised Gandalf that I would.”
Frodo: “You can’t help me, Sam. Not this time.”
857c
The Fellowship return to the boats and the river
The boats pass through a canyon, and ahead are the Argonaths.
Aragorn: “Frodo, the Argonath!
858c
Aragorn: “Long have I desired to look upon the kings of old. My kin.”
859c
Two majestic statues proudly stand on each side of the Anduin.
860c
Their left arms are held aloft, their palms facing outwards in gesture of warning. Voices sing out in the light.
861c
Voices: “Out of the Great Sea to Middle-Earth I am come. In this place I will abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world!”
862c
The Fellowship boats pass through.
They sail towards a roaring waterfall, the Falls of Ramos
They disembark on a gravel beach and make camp.
863c
Aragorn: “We cross the lake at nightfall. Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the north.”
Legolas: “We should leave now. A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind. Something draws near… I can feel it.”
864c
The others settle-in. All of a sudden, Merry exclaims: “Where’s Frodo?”
Aragorn notices that Boromir's shield lies near a tree, he is gone also. He rushes off to find them.
Merry looks after him in trepidation.
865c
Parth Galen forest
Frodo wandered off. Boromir, gathering wood, sees him.
866c
Boromir approaches Frodo: “I know why you seek solitude. You suffer. There are other ways, Frodo, other paths that we might take. I ask only for the strength to defend my people! If you would but lend me the Ring…”
Frodo: “There is no other way! Boromir, you are not yourself!”
867c
Boromir: “They will take the Ring and you will beg for death before the end!" Overtaken by the power of the Ring, Boromir screams: "It should be mine! Give it to me!”
Frodo runs away, Boromir chases him. The two struggle.
Frodo slips the Ring on and disappears.
867f
The madness of the Ring leaves Boromir and he cries: “Frodo what have I done? Please; Frodo! – I am sorry!”
868c
Frodo climbs onto the platform, where the image of the burning Eye of Sauron rushes at him.
869c
Frodo, removing the Ring, falls off the platform. Aragorn runs to him.
Frodo: “It has taken Boromir.”
Aragorn: “Where is the Ring?”
870c
Frodo recoils, but Aragorn pleads: “I swore to protect you!”
Frodo holds out the Ring upon his palm: “Aragorn…”
871c
It calls to Aragorn,
872c
but he closes Frodo’s hand over the Ring, refusing it.
873c
Aragorn: “I would have gone with you to the end, into the very fires of Mordor.”
Frodo: “I know. Look after the others, especially Sam. He will not understand.”
874c
Aragorn notices that Frodo’s Sting is glowing: orcs are near!
875c
Aragorn: “Go, Frodo. Run. Run!”
876c
End of Chapter 30: The Breaking of the Fellowship
Chapter 31: The Battle of Amon Hen
Lurtz and a troop of uruk-Hai rush towards Aragorn.
901c
Aragorn walks towards them, touching his sword to his forehead.
902c
A fierce battle ensues, uruks flying into combat; Aragorn slaying them
903c
Lurtz screams: “Find the Halflings!”
904c
Legolas and Gimli run forward from behind the ruin to aid Aragorn. Legolas shooting and knifing uruks.
905c
Gimli furiously enters the fray, slaying them with blows from his axe.
906cc
Lurtz continues to scream: “Find the Haflings!”
A troop of uruks breakaway, rampaging through the forest.
907c
Frodo terrified takes refuge in the forest.
908c
Merry and Pippin see Frodo. To divert the uruks from Frodo they jump from their hiding place.
909c
As Merry yells to the uruks: “Over here", leading them away from Frodo's position, he screams: “Run, Frodo. Go!”
910c
The Uruks see Merry and Pippin and they chase after them (away from Frodo), attacking them from all sides.
911c
Boromir hears their cries and fearlessly charges in to protect the hobbits. He slays one uruk hai after another. Merry and Pippin join in the fray.
912c
Being overrun, Boromir blows the Horn of Gondor.
913c
Legolas, hearing it and realising it is a call for help, exclaims: “The Horn of Gondor.”
914c
Aragorn fights desperately to make it through the uruks to get to Boromir.
915c
Legolas and Gimli cutting them down in sways.
916c
As Boromir continues to slay uruks, Lurtz walks into view, he aims a black-fletched bow.
917c
An arrow strikes Boromir, he recoils
918c
but fights on.
919c
The Lurtz growls and walks down the slope. He lifts his bow, and shoots again as Boromir turns in defiance to look at him.
920c
Another black arrow flies into Boromir, he drops to his knees again, gasping, but stands again to fight on, only to be pierced by a third arrow.
921c
Horrified Merry and Pippin look on, as Boromir finally falls.
922c
The uruks capture the two ‘halflings’ (Merry and Pippin) and carry them off.
923c
Boromir awaits Lurtz's final blow.
Lurtz approaches Boromir snarls and pulls his bow back, ready to deliver the final shaft.
925c
Aragorn crashes into Lurtz, and the arrow flies off harmlessly. They fight furiously, Lurtz pins Aragorn against a tree, Aragorn stabs Lurtz in the leg.
Lurtz roars and pulls out the knife, licks the blood from it, and throws it at Aragorn. Aragorn bats the knife away with his sword.
926c
Aragorn stabs Lurtz, with a sword. Lurtz pulls himself up on the sword closer to Aragorn, Aragorn pulls the sword out, swings it, and hacks off Lurtz’s head.
927c
Aragorn races over to Boromir
Boromir: “They took the little ones. Frodo! Where is Frodo? I tried to take the Ring from him. Forgive me. I did not see it. I have failed you all.”
Aragorn: “No, Boromir, you fought bravely! You have kept your honour.”
927cc
Boromir: “It is over. The world of men will fall, all will come to darkness and my city to ruin.”
Aragorn: “I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you I will not let the White City fall nor our people fail!”
Boromir: “I would have followed you my Brother, my Captain, my King!”
Aragorn: “Be at peace, son of Gondor.”
928cc
Legolas arrives, and watches Aragorn with Boromir (bow now not drawn)
929c
Gimli arrives, and looks sadly on.
930c
Aragorn: “They will look for his coming from the White Tower. But he will not return.”
931c
End of Chapter 31: The Battle of Amon Hen
Chapter 32: The Road Goes Ever On
Frodo has made it safely to the shore.
Frodo pauses to think of the Ring: “I wish the Ring had never come to me.”
And then Gandalf (and Galadriel’s) words: the task was assigned to him.
951c
Frodo pushes a boat into the river and jumps in. Sam emerges from the woods, and runs after him.
Frodo: “Go back, Sam! I’m going to Mordor alone.”
Sam: “Of course you are, and I’m coming with you!”
952c
Frodo: “You can’t swim! Sam!”
Sam struggles to swim then sinks into the water.
Frodo’s hand reaches down and grabs Sam’s wrist and pulls him from the water.
953c
Sam: “I made a promise, Mister Frodo. A promise! Don’t you leave him Samwise Gamgee. And I don’t mean to! I don’t mean to.”
954c
Frodo embraces his friend, and then Frodo and Sam paddle towards the eastern shore.
955c
On the western shore
Aragorn lays Boromir to rest in one of the boats.
956cc
Boromir’s sword rests with him, his shield is above his head and his split horn at his side.
957c
The boat slips over the falls of Rauros.
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli watch the boat disappear.
958c
Legolas to Aragorn: “Hurry! Frodo and Sam have reached the eastern shore.’, then stops understanding Aragorn: “You mean not to follow them?”
959c
Aragorn: “Frodo’s fate is no longer in our hands.”
960c
Gimli: “Then it has all been in vain! The Fellowship has failed.”
961c
Aragorn: “Not if we hold true to each other. We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death. Not while we have strength left. Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light. Let us hunt some Orc!”
962c
Gimli “Yes!”
963c
Legolas agrees…and the three run into the forest.
964c
Frodo and Sam stand upon a hill on the western bank
Frodo: “Mordor. I hope the others find a safer route. I don’t suppose we’ll ever see them again.”
965c
Sam: “Strider will look after them. We may yet, Mister Frodo. We may.”
Frodo: “Sam, I’m glad you’re with me.”
966c
Frodo walks onwards.
Sam stands for a moment, and then follows down a rocky slope.
967c
The two hobbits begin their trek towards a flaming Mount Doom.
968c
End of Chapter 32: The Road Goes Ever On
End of Introduction