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New Line Cinema Presents
The Two Towers
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Storyboard 'The Two Towers' 2 February commemorates the anniversary of James Joyce's birthday.
The Lord Of The Rings
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The Two Towers
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Chapter 1: The Foundations of Stone
Beneath the Misty Mountains
The voice of Gandalf is heard: “You cannot pass. I am the servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the Flame of Anor. Go back in to the shadow. Flame of Udûn!”
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Gandalf and the Balrog face one another on the bridge of Khazad-dûm.
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The Balrog falls but his whip catches Gandalf’s ankle, and he is pulled down. Gandalf grabs onto the edge of the bridge,
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but he cannot keep his grip, yelling: “Fly you fools”.
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Gandalf falls with the Balrog. A battle rages between the Balrog and Wizard as they fall into the bowels of the Misty Mountain,
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Gandalf hacking at the Balrog and continuing to fall.
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They fall into a deep cavern and into water.
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In Moria
Frodo: “No!”
In Emyn Muil: Frodo awakes with a start.
Sam: “What is it Mister Frodo?”
Frodo: “Nothing, Just a dream.”
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Frodo, followed by Sam, repel down a cliff on the gift of elven rope.
Frodo and Sam are walking on rocky terrain.
They stop to look into the distance.
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Sam: “Mordor. The one place in Middle-Earth we don't wanna see any closer. It's the one place we are trying to get to. It's just where we can't get. Let’s face it Mister Frodo. We're lost.”
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Sam: “I don't think Gandalf meant for us to come this way.”
Frodo: “He didn't mean for a lot of things to happen Sam. But they did.”
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Frodo sees the Eye of Sauron.
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Frodo clutches the Ring; “It's getting heavier.”
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Rain begins. They continue walking, and realise they have walked in circles. They become conscious of a foul smell.
Frodo: “We're not alone.”
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End of Chapter 1: The Foundations of Stone
Chapter 2: The Taming of Sméagol
Night falls and the hobbits are sleeping.
A figure climbs down from above them.
Gollum: “You thieves! You filthy little thieves! Where is it? They stole it from us. My Precious.”
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Gollum creeps closer: “Curse them! We hates them! It's ours it is… and we wants it!”
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Gollum jumps down and stretches as
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he reaches for the Ring on the chain around Frodo’s neck.
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Frodo wrestles with Gollum, and draws Sting: “You've seen it before......haven't you, Gollum?”
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Flashback to The Hobbit ‘An Unexpected Journey’: Riddles in the Dark
And so Gollum had, for Bilbo in the Hobbit had held him at bay in the cave, when he found the Ring and engaged in the riddle and then stayed from killing him on his escape.
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Back in LOTR Two Towers
Frodo holds Sting to Gollum's throat: “Release him, or I'll cut your throat!”
Gollum slowly loosens his grip on Sam and lets out a wail.
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It is morning: Gollum is tethered by Sam’s rope. Gollum screams.
Sam: "It's hopeless! Let's just tie him up and leave him!"
Gollum: "No! That would kill us, kill us!"
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Sam: "It's nothing more than you deserve!"
Frodo replies: “Maybe he does deserve to die. But now that I see him, I do pity him.”
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Frodo: "There's no promise you can make that I can trust."
Gollum: “We swears to serve the Master of the Precious. We will swear on — on the Precious!”
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Frodo: "You know the way to Mordor?" Gollum: "Yes."
Frodo removes the rope: "You will lead us to the Black Gate." Gollum rushes off.
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Gollum tormentedly talks to himself fearful of Mordor, "But we swore to serve the master of the precious!"
He disappears then reappears: "This way Hobbitses! Follow me!"
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End of Chapter 2: The Taming of Sméagol
Chapter 3: The Uruk-hai
In the Land of Rohan
The Uruk-Hai troop is running on
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across the plains of Rohan towards Isengard
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carrying Merry and Pippin to Saruman.
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Other Orcs have been waiting for them.
Grishnakh: "You're late. Our master wants the Shire-rats now."
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Mauhúr: "I don't take orders from Orc-maggots. Saruman will have his prize. We will deliver them."
Uglúk stops – sniffs the air: "Man-flesh”. The troop rushes off.
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Pippin overhears, and realises: "Aragorn!" He tears his elven brooch off his cloak with his teeth, and drops it onto the ground.
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Chasing behind
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli run across the plains in pursuit of the Uruk-Hai.
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They enter the valley where the Uruk-Hai stopped.
Aragorn: "Their pace has quickened. They must have caught our scent. Hurry!"
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Aragorn finds Pippin's brooch: "Less than a day ahead of us, come!"
Aragorn and Legolas come over a hill and pause, gazing across the plains.
Aragorn: "Rohan. Home of the horse-lords."
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Aragorn: "There's something strange at work here. Some evil gives speed to these creatures, sets its will against us."
Legolas scans the landscape before him.
Aragorn: "Legolas! What do your elf eyes see?"
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Legolas: "The Uruks turn Northeast. They are taking the hobbits to Isengard!"
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Aragorn: "Saruman."
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In Orthanc, Isengard
The tower stands in a land of fuming forges.
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Saruman is standing in his chamber, his hand over the Palantír: "Who now has the strength to stand against the might of Sauron and Saruman, and the union of the Two Towers."
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The palantir transmits:
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to the Eye of Sauron atop of the tower of Barad-dûr (Mt Doom glowing ominously across Mordor).
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Saruman (his hand hovering over the Seeing Eye): "Together, My Lord Sauron, we shall rule this Middle-Earth. We have only to remove those who oppose us."
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In the underground forges, Saruman overseeing the preparation of his army, orders: "I want them ready to march within two weeks!
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Furnaces blaze and orcs work furiously in the caverns
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creating Saruman’s creatures and arming them.
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Saruman: “Work the furnaces night and day…The Forest of Fangorn lies on our doorstep. Burn it."
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In Saruman’s chamber
Saruman's holds an audience with a Dunlending commander: “Swear allegiance!”
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Dunlending, cutting his hand in a blood pact: "We will die for Saruman."
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Later, Saruman speaks to a group of Wildmen: "The horsemen took your lands. They drove your people into the hills. Take back the lands they stole from you. Burn every village!"
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In the Westfold
Wildmen and orcs attack a peasant village in the Westfold, Rohan.
A woman puts her daughter and son onto the horse: "Listen to me! You must ride to Edoras and raise the alarm!"
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They look back and see the Wildman army setting fire to the village.
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End of Chapter 3: The Uruk-hai
Chapter 4: Banished from Rohan
In Orthanc
Saruman (to the palantir/Sauron): "Rohan, my lord, is ready to fall."
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Massacre on the banks of the River Isen
Bodies of men lie in the rain. Men on horseback approach.
Éomer: "Théodred. Find the king's son!"
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Éomer kicks over a dead orc, revealing a white handprint of Saruman. He finds Théodred barely alive.
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Éomer is filled with grief and anger.
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He carries Théodred on horseback back to Edoras.
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In a chamber of Meduseld, Edoras
Théodred lays mortally injured. Éowyn rushes to his side.
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Éomer gives his sister a meaningful look,
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and Éowyn draws back the covers and sees that Théodred's wound is fatal.
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Later, In the Golden Hall
Éomer and Éowyn rush to King Théoden to tell him the news.
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Éowyn: "Your son is badly wounded my Lord."
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Éomer: "Théodred was ambushed by orcs. If we don't defend our country, Saruman will take it by force."
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Gríma appears from the shadows and walks to the king: "That is a lie! Saruman the White has ever been our friend and ally."
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Gríma: "Why do you lay these troubles on an already troubled mind? Can you not see? Your uncle is wearied by your malcontent, your warmongering."
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Éomer: "Warmongering?!"
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Éomer grabs Gríma and pushes him against a pillar: "How long is it since Saruman bought you? What was the promised price, Gríma?
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Gríma's eyes flick to right, watching Éowyn as she walks by and looks back at them.
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Grima’s eyes follow her.
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Éomer: "Too long have you watched my sister. Too long have you haunted her steps."
Gríma: "You see much, Éomer son of Éomund. Too much."
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Éomer is seized by Grima’s guards.
Gríma: "You are banished forthwith from the kingdom of Rohan, and all its domains, under pain of death."
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Éomer: "You have no authority here. Your orders mean nothing."
Gríma: "This order does not come from me. It comes from the king. He signed it this morning."
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End of Chapter 4: Banished from Rohan
Chapter 5: Night camp at Fangorn
On the plains of Rohan
Uruk-hai/orcs continue to run onward. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli chase after them through the dying day.
Legolas: "They run as if the very whips of their masters were behind them."
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The edge of Fangorn at nightfall: the Uruk-hai and orcs stop to camp.
Uruk: "We ain't goin' no further 'till we've had a breather!"
Uglúk: "Get a fire going!
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Pippin crawls towards Merry: "Merry! Merry!"
Merry: "I think we might have made a mistake, leaving the Shire, Pippin."
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As the orcs chop at the trees, low groans and rumbles come from the forest.
Pippin: "What's making that noise?"
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Merry: "It's the trees….Trees that could whisper, talk to each other. Even move."
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Meanwhile
Uruk: "I'm starving. We ain't had nothing but maggoty bread for three stinking days!"
Snaga: "Why can't we have some meat?" Looking at the hobbits: "What about them? They're fresh!"
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Grishnák: "What about their legs? They don't need those. Ooh! They look tasty!"
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Uglúk: "Get back, scum! The prisoners go to Saruman. Alive and unspoiled. They have something. An Elvish weapon. The master wants it for the war."
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Pippin: "They think we have the Ring."
Merry: "Shhh! As soon as they find out we don't, we're dead."
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Snaga: "Just a mouthful. A bit off the flank…"
Uglúk cuts off Snaga's head: "Looks like meat's back on the menu!" The Uruk-hai pile on the dead orc.
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In the feeding frenzy, the hobbits try to crawl away, but Pippin is caught by Grishnák.
Grishnák: "Go on, call for help. Squeal! No one's gonna save you now!" then yells as a spear pierces his back:
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The uruk/orc camp is attacked, they fight in blood-splattered panic
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screaming and stabbing at their attackers.
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Riders on horseback trample and slash at the uruks and orcs.
The hobbits rush towards the forest.
Suddenly Pippin turns and looks up at a pair of thrashing hooves bearing down on him.
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End of Chapter 5: Night camp at Fangorn
Chapter 6: The Riders of Rohan
It is dawn on the plains
Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli have run through the night.
Legolas: "A red sun rises. Blood has been spilt this night."
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The sound of horses is heard.
The three hide, and as the riders pass,
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Aragorn calls after them: "Riders of Rohan! What news from the Mark?"
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The riders quickly turn, encircling the three with their spears.
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Éomer: "What business does an elf, a man and a dwarf have in the Riddermark? Speak quickly.”
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Gimli dogmatically: "Give me your name, horsemaster, and I shall give you mine."
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Éomer: "I would cut off your head — dwarf — if it stood but a little higher from the ground."
Legolas quickly aims an arrow at Éomer: "You would die before your stroke fell!"
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Aragorn restrains Gimli and Legolas: “I’m Aragorn, son of Arathorn. This is Gimli, son of Glóin, and Legolas, from the Woodland realm. We are friends of Rohan and of Théoden, your king.”
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Éomer: "Théoden no longer recognizes friend from foe. Not even his own kin. Saruman has poisoned the mind of the king and claimed lordship over this land. My company are those loyal to Rohan. And for that, we are banished."
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Éomer: "The White Wizard is cunning. He walks here and there they say, as an old man, hooded and cloaked. And everywhere his spies slip past our nets."
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Aragorn: "We are no spies. We track a band of Uruk-hai westward across the plains. They have taken two of our friends captive."
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Éomer: "The Uruks are destroyed. We slaughtered them during the night… We left none alive. We piled the carcasses and burned them…”
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Gimli: "Dead?"
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Éomer: “I am sorry."
He whistles and two horses appear: "May these horses bear you to better fortune than the former masters. Farewell."
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Éomer: "Look for your friends, but do not trust the hope. It has forsaken these lands. We ride north!"
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End of Chapter 6: The Riders of Rohan
Chapter 7: Rohan Plain and Treebeard
Rohan Plain
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli look on as the Rohirrim depart.
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli ride towards the burning carcasses, marked by a staked uruk head.
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Gimli finds a charred hobbit belt from the pyre: "It's one of their wee belts."
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Legolas prays: "Hiro hyn hîdh ab 'wanath." (“May they find peace after death.”)
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Aragorn realises what this means, and in despair
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then anger, kicks a helmet (in reality screaming in pain as Viggo broke a toe).
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Aragorn then notices where the hobbits lay and crawled, first bound then freed: "The tracks lead away from the battle! They were followed”.
He rushes to the edge of Fangorn Forest, Legolas and Gimli behind.
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Aragorn: ‘Into… Fangorn Forest."
Gimli despairingly: "Fangorn! What madness drove them in there?"
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Flashback: During the night – the attack of the Rohirrim
Pippin avoids the thrashing hooves and runs with Merry away from the fury of the battle. As they flee, Grishnák grabs Pippin by his belt. Pippin undoes it and the hobbits run into the forest.
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Grishnák pursues them. The hobbits climb into a tree.
Suddenly, Merry is pulled by his legs and falls to the ground; Grishnák snarling over him.
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Merry kicks him off.
Pippin looks down then the tree comes alive.
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Merry and Pippin are horrified.
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Pippin loses grip; the tree catches him.
Grishnák threatens to stab Merry. The tree stomps on the orc, and scoops up Merry and carries them off.
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Tree: "Little orcs!” and starts to walk.
Pippin: "It's talking Merry. The tree is talking."
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Tree: "Tree! I am no tree! I am an Ent." "Treebeard some call me."
Pippin: "And whose side are you on?"
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Treebeard: "Side? I am on nobody's side. Because nobody is on my side, little orc." ”Orcs come with fire, they come with axes. Biting, breaking, hacking, burning. Destroyers and usurpers. Curse them!"
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Merry: "We are not orcs. We are Hobbits!"
Treebeard: "Hobbits? Never heard of a Hobbit before. Sounds like orc mischief to me. Maybe you are, and maybe you aren't. The White Wizard will know."
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Treebeard carries them into the forest, then drops them on the ground and the Hobbits look up in shock at a White Wizard.
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End of Chapter 7: Rohan Plain and Treebeard
Chapter 8: The Passage of the Marshes
The Dead Marshes: Frodo and Sam follow Gollum.
Gollum: "I found it. The way through the marshes. Orcs don't use it. Orcs don't know it. Come quickly Master. Soft and quick as shadows we must be."
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Frodo, Sam and Gollum stop to rest.
Sam takes out Lembas/Elven bread, offering some to Gollum.
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Gollum spits it out: “We can't eats hobbit food" and he catches and eats a worm.
Sam continuing to eat: "Well starve then, and good riddance!"
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Gollum: "Oh! Cruel Hobbit! It does not care if we should die. Not like Master. Master cares. Master knows. Yes, precious. Once it takes hold of us it never lets go."
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Gollum reaches towards Frodo.
Frodo: "Don't touch me."
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The three set out again. Little fires burn in the swamp. Sam sees faces under the water.
Gollum: "All dead. Elves and men and orcses. A great battle long ago. This way. Don't follow the lights."
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Frodo is in half-trance and follows the lights, drawn to one of the faces. Suddenly its eyes open and Frodo falls into the water.
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Under the surface, Frodo sees greenish, ghostly faces, screaming and reaching for him.
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Gollum pulls Frodo ashore. Frodo looks at Gollum in disbelief.
Gollum: "Don't follow the lights!"
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Dagorlad, northwest of Mordor, night has fallen
Sam is asleep, but Frodo is awake. He holds the Ring in the palm of his hand, staring at it and stroking it.
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Gollum sees it and goes away whispering : "So bright, so beautiful.”
Frodo hides the Ring and sees Gollum stroking the centre of his palm "Our Precious."
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Frodo: "What did you say? Gandalf told me you were one of the River Folk… not so different from a Hobbit -Sméagol.”
Gollum: "What did you call me?” “My - My name… Smé — Sméagol."
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Gollum suddenly notices something overhead and screams: "Black Riders! Hide! Hide!"
Frodo sees flashes of images of the WitchKing.
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He feels the sharp pain in his shoulder from the stab of the WitchKing.
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The Nazgûl appears riding a flying beast letting out a shrill piercing scream.
Sam: "I thought they were dead?!"
Gollum: "Dead? No, you cannot kill them. Wraiths on wings!"
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Gollum: "They are calling for It. They are calling for the Precious!"
Frodo is taken by ‘the call’ and tries to put the Ring on. Sam grabs hold of Frodo's hand to prevent him.
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The Nazgûl continues to circle, then flies away.
Gollum: "Hurry Hobbits. The Black Gate is very close."
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End of Chapter 8: The Passage of the Marshes
Chapter 9: The White Rider
Fangorn Forest
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli are tracking the hobbits, and finding ‘orc blood and strange tracks’.
Legolas: "This forest is very old. Full of memory and anger. The trees are speaking to each other."
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Gimli raises his axe.
Aragorn: "Gimli, lower your axe."
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Legolas: "Aragorn, nad no ennas!" (“Something is out there!”)
Aragorn: "Man cenich?" (“What do you see?”)
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Legolas: "The White Wizard approaches."
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Aragorn: "Do not let him speak. He will put a spell on us! We must be quick."
The three turn to attack, but are blinded by a bright light emanating from the White Wizard.
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Their axe, arrow and sword are defenceless against the light. From this, a voice: "You are tracking the footsteps of two young Hobbits."
The light dims, revealing Gandalf.
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Aragorn: "It cannot be! You fell!"
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Gandalf: "Through fire. And water."
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Flashback: Gandalf is fighting the Balrog
Gandalf: "From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, I fought him, the Balrog of Morgoth.
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Until at last, I threw down my enemy
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and smote his ruin upon the mountainside."
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Gandalf: "Darkness took me. And I strayed out of thought and time….But it was not the end. I felt light in me again…I've been sent back until my task is done.”
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Fangorn Forest: Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli
Gandalf: “I come back to you now as Gandalf the White, at the turn of the tide. One stage of your journey is over, another begins. War has come to Rohan. We must ride to Edoras with all speed.”
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Gandalf: "It was more than mere chance that brought Merry and Pippin to Fangorn. A great power has been sleeping here for many long years.”
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Gandalf: "The coming of Merry and Pippin will be like the falling of small stones that starts an avalanche in the mountains. They are safe.”
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Gandalf leads the others to the edge of the forest, he whistles piercingly.
An answering neigh is heard and a white horse appears from the plain.
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The horse stops in front of Gandalf.
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Gandalf: "Shadowfax. He's the lord of all horses, and has been my friend through many dangers.”
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Legolas: "That is one of the mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell."
Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli ride off to Edoras across the plains of Rohan.
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End of Chapter 9: The White Rider
Chapter 10: Fangorn, Rohan Plains and Black Gate
Within the depths of Fangorn Forest
Treebeard carries Merry and Pippin, singing a verse: “My home lies deep in the forest near the roots of the mountain. I told Gandalf I would keep you safe and safe is where I'll keep you.”
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Treebeard arrives at his home, and gently places the sleeping hobbits on the forest floor: "I have business in the forest. There are many to call. Many that must come. The shadow lies on Fangorn.”
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In a camp on Rohan plains
Gandalf and Aragorn discuss the events
Gandalf: "The veiling shadow that glowers in the East takes shape. Sauron will suffer no rival. From the summit of Barad-Dûr his Eye watches ceaselessly. But he is not so mighty yet that he is above fear.”
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Gandalf: “Doubt ever gnaws at him. The rumour has reached him: the heir of Númenor still lives. Sauron fears you, Aragorn. He fears what you may become. He'll strike hard and fast at the world of men."
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Gandalf: "He will use his puppet Saruman to destroy Rohan. War is coming. Rohan must defend itself and therein lies our first challenge, for Rohan is weak and ready to fall. The King's mind is enslaved. It's an old device of Saruman's. Sauron and Saruman are tightening the noose."
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Gandalf: "But for all their cunning, we have one advantage. The Ring remains hidden, and that we should seek to destroy it has not yet entered their darkest dreams. And so the weapon of the enemy is moving towards Mordor in the hands of a hobbit. Each day brings it closer to the fires of Mount Doom.”
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Gandalf: ‘We must trust now in Frodo. Everything depends upon speed and the secrecy of his quest… Do not regret your decision to leave him. Frodo must finish this task alone."
Aragorn: "He is not alone. Sam went with him."
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Gandalf looking towards Mordor: "Did he? Did he indeed? Good. Yes, very good."
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North-western Mordor: on the hill before the Black Gates
Frodo, Sam and Gollum look out upon the closed Gates, where orcs are patrolling them.
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Gollum: "Master says show him the way into Mordor, so good Sméagol does, master says so."
Frodo: "I did."
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They see an army of Easterling soldiers march to the Black Gate. A horn is sounded, and trolls the pull the gate open.
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Sam: "Look, the gate! It's opening!"
He moves to a rock edge to look for a way down: "I can see a way down."
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Suddenly Sam’s rock gives way, and he falls down the hill. Frodo jumps down after him.
Two Easterling soldiers see a dust cloud, and leave the formation to investigate.
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Frodo reaches Sam, who is stuck in the scree, and cannot escape.
The Easterlings are approaching.
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Frodo throws his elvish cloak over himself and Sam, disguising them as a rock.
The Easterlings stand directly in front of the ‘concealed’ hobbits, but do not notice them and leave.
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Frodo releases Sam, and they prepare to make a run for the closing Gates, when Gollum pulls them back: "No! No! No Master! They'd catch you! Don't take it to Him. He wants the Precious. And the Precious is wanting to go back to him."
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Gollum: "There is another way. More secret, and dark way.”
Frodo: "Are you saying that there is another way to Mordor?"
Gollum: “Yes, There's a path, and some stairs and then a tunnel."
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Sam objects: ‘"He's up to something. Mister Frodo, (do not trust him), no!
Frodo: "Sam, he's been true to his word….Lead the way Sméagol."
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End of Chapter 10: Fangorn, Rohan Plains and Black Gate
Chapter 11: Entdraught and Edoras
In Fangorn Forrest, the home of Treebeard: Treebeard is absent.
Merry awakes in a forest glade. Pippin is drinking from a stone dish. Merry senses something strange,
Pippin appears to be taller, and he is saying ‘Something…treeish.”
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Pippin denies it, but Merry grabs the stone bowl and drinks.
Pippin tries to stop and chases him.
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The hobbits pass-by and were swallowed by a tree. Treebeard arrives and commands the tree to release the Hobbits.
Treebeard explains to Merry and Pippin how trees have grown wild and dangerous in the forest and that the Entwives were ‘lost’.
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On the Rohan plains
Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, ride towards Edoras. They approach the city gates.
Gandalf: "There dwells Théoden, king of Rohan..."
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Within the Golden Hall
Éowyn kneels before Théoden: "My lord, you son, he is dead. My lord? Uncle? Will you not go to him? Will you do nothing."
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She receives no response from the king.
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In Théodred's chamber
Éowyn is crying by Théodred's bed, where her dead cousin lies.
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Gríma enters the room: "He must have died sometime in the night.”
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Grima: “What a tragedy for the king to lose his only son and heir. I understand his passing is hard to accept, especially now that your brother has deserted you."
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Éowyn: "Leave me alone snake!"
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Gríma: "Oh but you are alone!"
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Gríma: "Who knows what you have spoken to the darkness. In bitter watches of the night when all your life seems to shrink. The walls of your bower closing in about you. A hatch to trammel some wild thing."
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Gríma reaches to touch Éowyn: "So fair, so cold…”
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…like a morning pale spring still clinging to winter's chill."
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Éowyn (regaining herself): "Your words are poison."
Éowyn escapes Gríma’s touch, rushes from the chamber and Gríma.
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Outside Meduseld
Éowyn runs outside the Hall.
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Her grief is over-whelming as she looks inward to her loss.
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She stops near the entrance
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then walks over the porch, towards the flag-pole.
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The flag of Rohan flies wildly on its mast.
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Éowyn sees three riders in the distance…
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Suddenly the wind rips the Rohan flag off its mast. Éowyn watches desperately after it as it flies away.
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She walks to the edge of the porch and sees the flag falling…
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The flag falls to where four riders are entering the gates of Edoras.
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Edoras
The capital of Rohan, city built on a mountain ridge, adorned by the great Golden Hall of Meduseld.
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At the gates of Edoras
The company (Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli), arrive at the gates.
Aragorn sees the fallen flag.
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The ride through the streets, watched by villagers, who look at them suspiciously; all is not well here.
Gimli: "You'd find more cheer in a graveyard."
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Aragorn looks up in the distance at the Great Hall, and sees a maiden standing there.
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As they ride up the hill, he sees her – shimmering white robe, golden locks flowing in the wind. As they approach closer, she retreats into the Hall.
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End of Chapter 11: Entdraught and Edoras
Chapter 12: The King of the Golden Hall
At the Golden Hall
The company reach and alight at the Golden Hall. Guards stand guard.
Háma: "I cannot allow you before Théoden king so armed, Gandalf Grayhame. By order of Gríma."
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Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas & Gimli relinquish their weapons.
When asked for his staff, Gandalf: “You would not part an old man from his walking stick?”, and is allowed to enter the Hall with it.
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As they enter, Gandalf says: "The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden ‘King."
Gríma at the King's side. "My lord. Gandalf the Grey is coming. He is a herald of woe.”
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Gríma continues to prompt the possessed king: "He is not welcome."
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Théoden repeats: "Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?"
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Gríma stands up: "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell I name him. Ill news is in ill guest."
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Gandalf, raising his staff: "Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind you teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm!"
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Gríma: "His staff!
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Grima: I told you to take the wizard's staff!"
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Grima’s guards attack Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli fight them off, allowing Gandalf to get through to Théoden.
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![Gandalf: "Théoden, Son of Théngel. Too long have you sat in the shadows. I release you from the spell." <br><br> Théoden (laughs) [voice of Saruman]: "You have no power here Gandalf the Grey."](https://www.lotrarts.com/../images/gallery/storyboards/tt/280a-P1-570x377.png)
Gandalf: "Théoden, Son of Théngel. Too long have you sat in the shadows. I release you from the spell."
Théoden (laughs) [voice of Saruman]: "You have no power here Gandalf the Grey."
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Gandalf throws aside his grey cloak, revealing his white robe.
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Gimli knocks down Gríma and puts a foot on his chest: "I would stay still if I were you."
Gandalf continues: "I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound."
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![Théoden [Saruman's voice]: "If I go — Théoden dies” “Rohan is mine!" <br><br> Gandalf pointing his staff: "You did not kill me. You will not kill him." "Be gone!"](https://www.lotrarts.com/../images/gallery/storyboards/tt/283a-P1-570x377.png)
Théoden [Saruman's voice]: "If I go — Théoden dies” “Rohan is mine!"
Gandalf pointing his staff: "You did not kill me. You will not kill him." "Be gone!"
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Théoden groans.
Éowyn rushes into the Hall and tries to go to Théoden, but is stopped by Aragorn.
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Théoden jumps up at Gandalf, yelling, but flies back.
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Saruman, in his chamber at Orthanc, flies backwards, bloodied and beaten.
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Éowyn rushes to aid Théoden.
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Théoden’s face begins to change, and soon he looks normal again.
Théoden: "I know your face. Éowyn — Éowyn."
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Éowyn (beaming): “My Lord you are well again.”
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Théoden (turning to see Gandalf): "Gandalf? Dark have been my dreams of late."
Gandalf: "Breathe the free air again, my friend."
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Gandalf: "Your fingers would remember their old strength better if they grasped your sword."
Háma brings the King his sword and Théoden draws it.
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Théoden holds up his sword.
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Théoden then turns towards a cowering Grima. He is thrown out of the hall and falls down the stairs.
Grima: "I've only ever served you my lord."
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Théoden: "Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!"
Théoden raises his sword to kill Gríma, but is stopped by Aragorn.
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Aragorn: "Enough blood has been spilt on his account." Aragorn holds his hand out to Grima.
Gríma spits on it and runs off through the crowd, and rides out of Edoras (and to Saruman).
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Aragorn: "Hail, Théoden, King!" The citizens of Edoras kneel before their King.
Théoden: "Where is Théodred? Where is my son?"
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End of Chapter 12: The King of the Golden Hall
Chapter 13: Théodred's funeral
All the Rohirrim are gathered.
Théodred's body is carried toward the tomb on a bier made of shields and spears. Théoden, heart-stricken, following the bier.
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Éowyn sings while the men pass the body to the women, who place it into the tomb.
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Éowyn: An evil death has set forth the noble warrior
A song shall sing sorrowing minstrels
in Meduseld that he is no more
That he is nowhere anymore, for his necessary rest
And that he is the dearest kinsman
Killing took him…
♫ Lament For Théodred
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Théoden stands, with Gandalf, at his son's shut tomb: "Simbelmynë, ever has it grown on the tombs of my forebears. Now it shall cover the grave of my son."
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Théoden: "Alas that these evil days should be mine. The young perish and the old linger. That I should live to see the last days of my house."
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Gandalf: "Théodred's death was not of your making."
Théoden falls to his knees at the burial mound, crying: "No parent should have to bury their child."
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Gandalf: "He was strong in life. His spirit will find its way to the halls of your fathers."
Gandalf turns and sees a horse carrying the children from the Wildman attack of the Westfold village.
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Later: In the Golden Hall: Théoden, Gandalf, Legolas, Gimli, Éowyn are present.
Éowyn sits with the children: "They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the Wildmen are moving through Westfold, burning as they go, every rick, cot and tree."
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Gandalf: "Théoden, ride out and meet Saruman head on. Draw him away from your women and children. You must fight."
Théoden is confronted by the news.
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Aragorn: "You have two thousand good men riding north as we speak. Éomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king."
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Théoden: "They will be three hundred leagues from here by now! Éomer cannot help us. I know what is that you want of me. But I would not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."
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Aragorn: "Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not."
Éowyn glances over at Aragorn.
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Théoden walks to Aragorn: "When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan."
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Gandalf: "Then what is the king's decision?
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End of Chapter 13: Théodred's funeral
Chapter 14: Departure from Edoras
Outside the Golden Hall: villagers have been called together.
Háma proclaims: "By order of the King, the city must empty. We make for the refuge of Helm's Deep. Do not burden yourself with treasures. Take only what provisions you need."
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Edoras stables: Gandalf and Aragorn are talking
Aragorn: " Théoden is doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them before.”
Gandalf: "There is no way out. He thinks he is leading them to safety, but what he'll get is a massacre."
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Gandalf: "He will need you before the end. The people of Rohan need you. The defences have to hold."
Aragorn: "They will hold."
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Gandalf: " Three hundred lives of men I've walked this earth and now, I have no time. Look to my coming, at first light, on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the East."
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Gandalf mounts Shadowfax, which sprints out of the stable.
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In the stables, a horse rears wildly.
Aragorn speaks to the horse in Rohirric and Elvish. He takes one of the ropes and it stops rearing.
Éowyn enters the stable: “His name is Brego. He was my cousin's horse.”
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Éowyn: "I've heard of the magic of Elves, but I did not look for it in a Ranger. You speak as one of them.”
Aragorn: "I was raised in Rivendell, for a time… Turn this fellow free. He has seen enough of war."
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Orthanc, Isengard
Gríma rides to Orthanc, and enters Saruman’s chamber. Saruman confronts and questions him.
Saruman: "Gandalf the White. Gandalf the fool! Does he seek to humble me with his newfound piety?"
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Gríma: "There were three who followed the wizard. An Elf, a Dwarf and a Dúnedain Ranger of the north."
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Grima: He bore a strange ring. Two serpents with emerald eyes. One devouring, the other crowned with golden flowers."
Saruman flips through a book to an illustration of this ring: "The Ring of Barahir”.
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Saruman: “So Gandalf thinks he's found Isildur's heir, the lost King of Gondor. He is a fool. The line was broken years ago. It matters not. The world of Men shall fall. It will begin at Edoras."
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In Edoras: In the King’s chamber
Théoden calls for Gamling: "I am ready. Bring my horse… This is not a defeat. We will return."
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Edoras: inside the Golden Hall
Éowyn opens a chest and takes out a sword.
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Filled with emotion,
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she hears its call…
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Intently Éowyn examines the trueness of its blade.
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She practices with it and swings around.
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Aragorn has entered the Hall. He parries her sword and blocks her swing: ”You have some skill with a blade.”
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Éowyn frees her sword from Aragorn's.
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Aragorn lowers his blade in respect.
Éowyn: "Women of this country learned long ago that those without swords may still die upon them."
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Éowyn: "I fear neither death nor pain."
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Aragorn: "What do you fear my lady?"
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Éowyn: "A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them. And all chance of valour has gone beyond recall or desire."
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Aragorn: "You are a daughter of kings. A shieldmaiden of Rohan. I do not think that will be your fate."
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Aragorn bows, turns and walks away.
Éowyn looks after him.
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Outside Edoras
The people of Rohan stream out of Edoras. Théoden leads them away/to HelmsDeep.
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Gríma: "Théoden will not stay at Edoras. It is vulnerable, he knows this. He will expect an attack on the city. They will flee to Helm's Deep, the great fortress of Rohan. It is a dangerous road, take through the mountains. It will be slow. They will have women and children with them."
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Saruman walks through the depths of Isengard to the warg pit: "Send out your Warg riders."
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An Orc captain grimaces menacingly, shadows from wild beasts behind him.
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End of Chapter 14: Departure from Edoras
Chapter 15: Sméagol and Gollum
In the forests of Ithilien, the easternmost province of Gondor
Frodo, Sam and Gollum walk along a stream. Gollum is trying to catch a fish.
Sam yells after him: "Hey stinker! Don't go getting too far ahead!"
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Frodo chastises Sam: "Why do you call him names? You have no idea what it did to him. What is still doing to him. I want to help him Sam. I believe he can come back.”
Sam: "You cannot save him, Mister Frodo."
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Frodo (angrily): "What do you know about it? Nothing!"
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Sam walks away from Frodo.
Frodo: "I'm sorry Sam. I don't know why I said that."
Sam: "I do. It's the Ring. It's taking a hold of you Mister Frodo. You have to fight it."
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Frodo: "I know what I must do Sam. The Ring was entrusted to me. It's my task! Mine! My own!"
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Sam: "Can't you hear yourself? Don't you know who you sound like?"
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It is night. Frodo and Sam are sleeping.
Gollum is awake and tormented: "We wants it, we needs it. Must have the Precious. They stole it from us. Wicked, tricksy, false!"
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Sméagol: "No! No! Master. Master's my friend."
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Gollum: "You don't have any friends. Nobody likes you."
Sméagol covers his ears: "Not listening. Not listening."
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Gollum: "Lier, thief, Murderer!
Sméagol weeping: "No! Go away."
Gollum: "Go away?!" (laughs)
Sméagol: "I hate you, I hate you!"
Gollum: "Where would you be without me? We survived because of me!"
Sméagol: "Master looks after us now."
Gollum: "No!"
Sméagol: "Leave now and never come back!"
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Sméagol is panting and looking around and realizes Gollum is gone.
Sméagol: "We told him to go away! And away he goes Precious. Gone, gone, gone, Sméagol is free!"
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End of Chapter 15: Sméagol and Gollum
Chapter 16: Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit
The next day
Sméagol comes back with two dead rabbits: "Look! Look! See what Sméagol finds!" (Laughs).
He picks up one of the rabbits and breaks its spine.
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and In front of Frodo bites into it.
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Sam grabs the rabbits: "Make him sick you will. There's only one way to eat a brace of coneys."
Sam cooks the rabbits in a pot.
Sméagol complains vehemently: “Stupid fat hobbit. You ruins it!"
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Forest: Frodo hears a sound and goes to investigate.
Sam and Sméagol go after him. The three see an army of the Easterlings marching, followed by large beasts.
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Sam: "Mister Frodo! Look! It's an Oliphant! No one at home will believe this."
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Smégol: "Wicked men; servants of Sauron.”
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Smeagol: “They are called to Mordor. The Dark One is gathering all armies to him. To make His war. The last war that will cover all the world in shadow."
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The calling sound is heard again and Sméagol backs away. The Easterlings are attacked.
A man shoots at an Oliphant,
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which rises up, an Easterling falls off and the body falls near the hobbits.
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Frodo: "We've lingered here for too long. C'mon Sam!"
The hobbits rush to depart, but they are caught by rangers.
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Sam: "Ah! Wait! We're innocent travellers!"
Faramir: "There are no travellers in this land, only servants of the Dark Tower."
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Frodo: "We are bound to an errand of secrecy. Those that claim to oppose the enemy would do well not to hinder us."
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Faramir turns over the dead Southron: "The enemy? His sense of duty was no less than yours. You wonder if he was really evil at heart. What lies or threats led him on this long march from home. War will make corpses of us all. Bind their hands."
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End of Chapter 16: Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit
Chapter 17: Journey to Helm's Deep
The peoples of Edoras head towards Helm's Deep.
Gimli is speaking of dwarf women: "And this in turn has given rise to the belief that there are no dwarf women. And the dwarves just spring out of holes in the ground! Which is of course ridiculous.”
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Gimli’s horse bucks and he falls off, quickly jumping up: "It's all right! That was deliberate…”
Éowyn seeing he is okay, smiles.
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She glances at Théoden and Aragorn, smiling
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and walks on with her people, looking back at them.
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Théoden rides with Aragorn: "I have not seen my niece smile in a long time. She was a girl when they brought her father back dead. She watched her mother succumb to grief. And she was left alone; doomed to wait upon an old man who should have loved her as a father."
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Aragorn hears Éowyn’s tragic story and looks at her.
Éowyn looks back at him
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and smiles again.
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The refugees have camped.
Éowyn carries a pot of stew to Aragorn: "I made some stew. It isn't much, but it's hot."
He graciously accepted it: “Thank you”, and started eating it, trying not to grimace.
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Éowyn walks away.
Aragorn starts to pour out the stew, but Éowyn turns around, saying: "My Uncle told me a strange thing. He said that you rode to war with Thengel, my grandfather. But he must be mistaken."
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Aragorn: "King Théoden has a good memory. He was only a small child at the time."
Éowyn: "Then you must be at least sixty. Seventy? But you cannot be eighty!"
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Aragorn: "Eighty-seven."
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Éowyn: "You are a Dúnedain, blessed with long life. It was said that your race passed into legend."
Aragorn: "There are few of us left. The Northern Kingdom was destroyed long ago."
Éowyn: "I'm sorry. Please, eat."
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Rohan camp that night
Aragorn is dreaming of his time with Arwen in Rivendell: "I am asleep. This is a dream."
Arwen: "Then it is a good dream. Sleep.”
She leans to kiss him.
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Aragorn: "You told me once, this day would come.
Arwen stands to look across the valley: "This is not the end. It is the beginning. You must go with Frodo. That is your path.”
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Aragorn: “My path is hidden from me.”
Arwen: “It is already laid before your feet, you cannot falter now…If you trust nothing else, trust us.”
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It is morning and those from Edoras have recommenced their journey to Helms Deep.
Aragorn is caught in his thoughts as he is walking
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together with Éowyn.
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Éowyn is asking: "Where is she? The woman who gave you that jewel?"
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Flashback: Elrond conversing with Aragorn in Rivendell.
Elrond: "Our time here is ending. Arwen's time is ending. Let her take the ship into the West. Let her bear away her love for you to the undying lands, there to be ever green. I will not leave my daughter here to die."
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Aragorn: "She stays because she still has hope."
Elrond: "She stays for you! She belongs with her people."
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Aragorn meets Arwen before the Fellowship’s departure.
Aragorn: "You have a chance for another life, away from war, grief, despair. I am mortal. You are elfkind. It was a dream Arwen, nothing more."
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Aragorn holds open his hand, revealing Arwen's Evenstar: "This belongs to you."
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Arwen closes Aragorn's hand around the jewel: "It was a gift. Keep it."
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Aragorn leaves. Arwen lingers on the bridge.
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Back on the Rohan plain
Éowyn asks: "My lord?"
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Aragorn recalling sadly: "She is sailing to the undying lands, with all that is left of her kin."
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End of Chapter 17: Journey to Helm's Deep
Chapter 18: The Wolves of Isengard
On the plain, in front of those making their way to Helms Deep
Háma and Gamling’s horses are restless.
A warg scout appears above them and charges towards them, Hama falls to ground and is killed.
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Legolas scanning the surroundings, sees the ambush, shoots the warg scout and spots the warg pack running towards them, and cries a warning to the column.
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Théoden: "All riders to the head of the column!"
To Éowyn: "You must lead the people to Helm's Deep.”
Éowyn: "I can fight!"
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Théoden: "No! You must do this — for me."
Éowyn leads her people away: "Make for the lower ground. Stick together!" She looks after Aragorn.
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Aragorn rides off, but turns to looks back at Éowyn before meeting the wargs in battle.
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Aragorn, Théoden, Gimli charge up behind Legolas. As Gimli's horse is near, Legolas swings himself up on the horse's back, continuing to shoot.
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The warg riders and the Rohirrim charge at each other. The battle rages of spear, arrow and axe.
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Many wargs, riders and Rohirrim are killed.
Gimli falls of the horse and a riderless warg heads towards him. He raises his axe.
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Legolas shoots the warg as it attacks, before Gimli has the chance to kill it himself.
In the battle a warg is stabbed and killed
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and falls on Gimli, pinning him down, when another warg attacks him.
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Aragorn spears the warg, but another attacks him, crashing him off his horse.
Aragorn jumps on to a warg and fights with its rider.
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Aragorn is hit by the orc and falls to the side. His hand is caught in the harness of the warg, and he gets dragged along. He fights with the rider, choking him.
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Aragorn throws him off, but the warg runs off a cliff, Aragorn falling with it.
As the fighting ends, Legolas and Gimli look for Aragorn. Legolas spots a dying orc laughing.
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Gimli bends down over the orc and points his axe at it: "Tell me what happened and I will ease your passing.”
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Orc: "He's… (cough)… dead. (Laughs). He took a little tumble off the cliff."
Legolas: "You lie!"
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The orc laughs, blood bubbling in his mouth, dies.
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In the orc’s hand he has the Evenstar; Legolas takes it.
Legolas and Gimli look down the raven; knowing that no-one could survive that fall.
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Théoden: "Get the wounded on horses. The wolves of Isengard will return. Leave the dead.” He puts his hand on Legolas’s shoulder: "Come.”
Legolas glares at him in grief.
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End of Chapter 18: The Wolves of Isengard
Chapter 19: Isengard Unleashed
Helms Deep: ancient fortress city of Rohan
Éowyn relieved, has led the old men, women and children safely to Helms Deep.
The Rohirrim hurry within its walls, thanking her: “We're safe, my lady! Thank you!”
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King Théoden arrives with others;
Eowyn meets them: "So few. So few of you have returned."
Théoden: "Our people are safe. We have paid for it with many lives."
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Éowyn: "Lord Aragorn, where is he?"
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Gimli: "He fell…"
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Éowyn is shocked and looks at Théoden in disbelief.
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Théoden feels her pain, but must ready Helms Deep for Saruman’s onslaught: "Draw all our forces behind the wall. Get the women and children into the caves. Saruman's arm would have grown long if he thinks he can reach us here."
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Orthanc: Saruman is preparing explosives.
Grima: Helm's Deep has but one weakness. It's outer wall is solid rock for except for a small culvert. But even if the wall is breached, it would take thousands to storm the keep. There is no such force.”
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Saruman: "Tens of thousands."
He walks to the balcony to oversee his army of Uruk-Hais.
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A horn sounds and the army cheers.
Gríma looks in awe.
Saruman: "A new power is rising. Its victory is at hand."
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The warriors cheer.
Saruman: "This night, the land will be stained with the blood of Rohan! March to Helm's Deep! Leave none alive! To war!”
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The Uruks start their trek to Helms Deep.
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Saruman: "There will be no dawn for Men."
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In Fangorn Forest
Treebeard is carrying Merry and Pippin through the forest, and they move past Isengard.
Pippin: "Look! There's smoke to the south!"
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Treebeard: "There is always smoke rising up from Isengard these days."
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The hobbits climb to get a view of Isengard, and see the Uruk army stretching over the plains.
Merry: "Saruman's army! The war has started."
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End of Chapter 19: Isengard Unleashed
Chapter 20: The Ring Grows Strong
Rohan river
Aragorn is floating in the river and washes ashore.
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In Rivendell
At this time, Arwen is lying on her bed in Rivendell.
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Dreaming, Arwen kisses Aragorn on his lips: "May the grace of the Valar protect you."
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At the river’s edge
Brego arrives, kneels down and nudges Aragorn until he awakes.
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Barely alive, Aragorn pulls himself up onto Brego, and Brego carries him towards Helms Deep.
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In Rivendell
Elrond: "Arwen. It is time. The ships are leaving for Valinor. Go now, before it is too late.”
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Arwen: "I've made my choice."
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Elrond: "He is not coming back. Why do you linger when there is no hope?"
Arwen: "There is still hope."
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Elrond: "If Sauron is defeated, and Aragorn made king and all that you hoped for comes true, you will still have to taste the bitterness of mortality."
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Arwen hears with dismay Elrond’s prophesy: "Arwen, there is nothing for you here, only death."
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Vision of the future through Elrond’s prophesy
Aragorn is lying dead, and Arwen standing next to him, is crying.
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Elrond: "He will come to death. An image of the splendour of the kings of men in glory, undimmed before the breaking of the world.
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Elrond: "Here you will dwell, bound to you grief, under the fading trees, until all the world has changed and the long years of your life are utterly spent."
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That evening
A group of Elves, including Arwen, sets off from Rivendell.
Elrond stands and watches, as Arwen looks at him one last time before leaving.
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Elves passing over the bridge carrying lanterns to light their way.
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Galadriel speaks to the mind of Elrond
Galadriel: "The world is changed. I can feel it in the water, I can feel it in the earth, I can smell it in the air. The power of the enemy is growing. Sauron will use his puppet Saruman to destroy the people of Rohan."
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Galadriel: "The Eye of Sauron now turns to Gondor. The last free kingdom of men."
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Galadriel: "The Eye of Sauron watches. His war on this country will come swiftly. He senses the Ring is close."
“The strength of the Ringbearer is failing. In his heart, Frodo begins to understand. The quest will claim his life.”
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Galadriel: “You know this. You have foreseen it. It is the risk we all took."
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Galadriel: "In the gathering dark, the will of the Ring grows strong. It works hard now to find its way back into the hands of men. Men, who are so easily seduced by its power."
The One Ring flies through the air.
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Galadriel: "The young captain of Gondor has but to extend his hand to take the Ring for his own and the world will fall.”
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Galadriel: “He is close now, so close to achieving his goal."
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Galadriel: "For Sauron will have dominion over all life on this Earth, even until the ending of the world. The time of the elves is over. “
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Galadriel to Elrond: “Do we leave Middle-Earth to this fate? Do we let them stand alone?"
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End of Chapter 20: The Ring Grows Strong
Chapter 21: The Window on the West
At Henneth Annûn: Faramir and Madril look over a map; Frodo & Sam are captives.
Madril: "Our scouts report Saruman has attacked Rohan. Théoden's people have fled to Helm's Deep. Sauron is marshalling an army.
Faramir: "The fight will come to men on both fronts. Gondor is weak. Sauron will strike us soon.”
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Faramir questions the hobbits
Faramir: "My men tell me that you are orc spies. Where is your skulking friend? That gangrel creature. He had an ill-favored look."
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Frodo: "There was no other. We set out from Rivendell with seven companions. One we lost in Moria. Two were my kin. A dwarf there was also. And an elf. And two men. Aragorn and Boromir of Gondor."
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Faramir: "It would grieve you then, to learn that Boromir is dead. His cloven horn washed up upon the riverbank, about six days past, and I have seen his body.”
Faramir recalled how on a riverbank he saw a boat approaching and waded into the river.
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It is filled with water and Boromir is lying dead inside.
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The boat continues past Faramir.
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Back in the caves of Henneth Annûn
Faramir sits alone holding Boromir's horn, remembering Boromir and his victory at Osigilath.
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Flashback: Osgiliath
Boromir is standing on a high wall, waving the flag of the Stewards: "This city was once the jewel of our kingdom. A place of light, and beauty, and music. And so it shall be once more!"
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Boromir: "Let the armies of Mordor know this: Never again will the land of my people fall into enemy hands. The city of Osgiliath has been reclaimed. For Gondor!”
The crowd cheers: “For Gondor! For Gondor!”
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Back on the streets, Faramir and Boromir meet and embrace, and stand together.
Boromir: "Remember today, little brother. Today, life is good."
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Faramir looks past Boromir and stops smiling: "He is here."
Boromir: "One moment of peace. Can he not give us that?"
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Denethor: "Where is he? Where is Gondor's finest? Where is my first-born?"
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Boromir and Denethor embrace.
Denethor: "They say you vanquished the enemy almost single-handedly."
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Boromir: "They exaggerate. The victory belongs to Faramir also."
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Denethor: "But for Faramir, this city would still be standing.”
Denethor to Faramir: “Were you not entrusted to protect it?"
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Faramir: "I would have done, but our numbers were too few."
Denethor: "You let the enemy walk in and take it on a whim. Always you cast a poor reflection on me."
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Boromir hears these vicious words from his father, and seethes with the injustice of them.
Boromir: "You give him no credit and yet he tries to do your will."
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An alcove
Boromir withdraws to an alcove. Denethor follows.
Boromir: "He loves you, Father."
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Denethor: "Do not trouble me with Faramir. I know his uses, and they are few."
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Denethor: “We have more urgent things to speak of. Elrond has called a meeting. It is rumoured that the weapon of the enemy has been found."
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Boromir: "The One Ring. Isildur's Bane."
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Denethor: "It has fallen into the hands of Elves. Everyone will try to claim it. It must come to Gondor. Ever The Ring will seek to corrupt the hearts of lesser men. But you are strong and our need is great.”
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Denethor: "It is our blood which is being spilled, Sauron is biding his time. He's massing fresh armies. He will return. And when he does, we will be powerless to stop him. You must go. Bring me back this mighty gift."
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Boromir walks from the alcove, and his father: "No. My place is here with my people. Not in Rivendell."
He rejoins his beloved brother, to defend and stand by him.
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Denethor pursues Boromir: "Would you deny your own father?"
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Faramir: "If there is need to go to Rivendell, send me in his stead."
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Denethor: "You? Oh, I see. A chance for Faramir, captain of Gondor, to show his quality. I think not. I trust this mission only to your brother. The one who will not fail me."
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Boromir concedes to his father’s command.
He mounts his horse and looks up at the White Tree symbol on the flag of the Stewards.
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Boromir and Faramir look at each other.
Boromir: "Remember today, little brother”, and he rides off.
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End of Chapter 21: The Window on the West
Chapter 22: The Forbidden Pool
Henneth Annûn caves: Faramir leads Frodo outside, to see the pool – and the creature.
Faramir: "To enter the Forbidden Pool bears the penalty of death. The archers wait my command. Shall they shoot?"
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Gollum squats on a rock with a fish, singing.
Faramir raises his arm to signal for the rangers' to fire.
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Frodo: "Wait. This creature is bound to me. And I to him. He is our guide. Please, let me go down to him.
Faramir does so.
Gollum is oblivious, eating a fish.
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Frodo reaches Gollum, and starts to coax him from the pool: "Sméagol, you must trust master. Follow me, come on. Sméagol. Nice Sméagol. That's it. Come on."
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Gollum follows Frodo into the trap,
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when he sees the rangers he realises he has been betrayed by his ‘Master”.
The rangers capture and take him to Faramir.
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Within the caves of Henneth Annûn
The rangers interrogate Gollum, beating him, with Faramir looking on.
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Faramir stops the beating and interrogates Gollum: "Where are you leading them?"
Gollum (to himself): “I told you he was false. Master betrayed us!” Screaming: “He stole ‘My Precious!’"
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In another part of the cave, captive, Frodo and Sam hear Gollum’s scream.
Sam: "Go now. You can do it. Use the Ring, Mister Frodo. Just this once. Put it on. Disappear."
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Frodo: "I can't. You were right, Sam. You tried to tell me. I'm sorry. The Ring's taking me, Sam. If I put it on, he'll find me. He'll see."
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Faramir enters, and draws a sword: "So this is the answer to all the riddles, the Ring of Power within my grasp."
Faramir reveals the Ring with the tip of his sword.
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"A chance for Faramir, captain of Gondor, to show his quality."
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Frodo suddenly pushes the blade away, angrily, and runs into a corner: "No!" overcome by the force of The Ring,
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then snarling…
Sam pleading to Faramir: “Leave him alone! He's got to destroy it. That's where we're going. To Mordor. To the Mountain of Fire. It's such a burden. Will you not help him?"
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A ranger enters: "Osgiliath is under attack. They call for reinforcements."
Faramir (acting as he thinks Boromir would): "Prepare to leave. The Ring will go to Gondor."
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End of Chapter 22: The Forbidden Pool
Chapter 23: Siege preparations
Rohan
Brego is carrying Aragorn towards Helms Deep.
On the way, across a ridge, Aragorn sees Saruman’s vast army on its way to Helms Deep.
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Aragorn gallops to the fortress to warn them.
As he enters, he is greeted by Gimli: “You are the luckiest, the cunningest, and most reckless man I ever knew!"
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Aragorn: "Gimli, where is the king?" and rushes to the Hall,
Legolas met Aragorn: “You look terrible”. He gives Aragorn Arwen's Evenstar he took from the orc.
Aragorn: “Thank you.”
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Éowyn sees them, elated, then sadden by the sight of the exchange of the jewel and its obvious sentiment to Aragorn.
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Aragorn does not see her, rushing to the Hall. He pushes open the doors and enters, giving Théoden the news of Saruman’s advancing army of ten thousand.
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Aragorn: "It is an army bred for a single purpose: to destroy the world of Men. They will be here by nightfall."
Théoden, shocked then defiant: "Ten thousand! Let them come. “
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Deeping Wall: Théoden inspects preparations; Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli following him.
Théoden to Gamling: "I want every man and strong lad able to bear arms, to be ready for battle by nightfall. No army has ever breached the Deeping Wall, or set foot inside the Hornburg."
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Gimli: "This is no rabble of mindless orcs. These are Uruk-hai. Their armour is thick and their shields broad."
Théoden: "I have fought many wars, Master Dwarf. I know how to defend my own keep." Gimli stares at him.
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They continue walking, Aragorn: They come to destroy its people. Down to the last child!"
Théoden: "What would you have me do? Look at my men. Their courage hangs by a thread. If this is to be our end, then I would have them make such an end as to be worthy of remembrance!"
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Aragorn: "Send out riders, my lord. You must call for aid."
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Théoden: "And who will come. We are not so lucky in our friends as you. The old alliances are dead."
Aragorn: "Gondor will answer."
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Théoden: "Gondor? Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in around us!? No, my Lord Aragorn, we are alone."
Théoden walks away, ordering Gamling: "Get the women and children into the caves. War is upon us to defend Helms Deep."
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In Fangorn Forest: Treebeard carries Merry and Pippin to the Ent Moot.
Treebeard: "The Ents have not troubled about the wars of men and wizards for a very long time. But now something is about to happen that has not happened for an age: Entmoot: Beech, Oak, Chestnut, Ash.”
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Treebeard carries Merry and Pippin, and Ents come out of the forest and surround them.
Treebeard: "Good, many have come.”
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Treebeard: “Beech, Oak, Chestnut, Ash. Now we must decide if the Ents will go to war."
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Helm’s Deep: preparations are being made for war. Women & children are moved to the caves.
Éowyn calls out to Aragorn: "I'm to be sent with the women to the caves. Let me stand at your side.”
Aragorn: "It is not in my power to command it", and he starts to walk away.
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Éowyn: "You do not command the others to stay! They fight beside you because they would not be parted from you. Because they love you."
"I'm sorry."
She walks away to her fate in the caves.
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In the armoury: weapons are handed out to the feeble villagers, farmers, frightened boys…
Gimli: "Most have seen too many winters!"
Legolas: "Or too few. Look at them. They're frightened. And they should be. Three hundred against ten thousand! They cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!”
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Aragorn, incensed at Legolas’s remark: "Then I shall die as one them!"
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Aragorn walks away from Legolas, who tries to run after him, but is stopped by Gimli: "Let him be."
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Théoden in the Great Hall is given his armour by Gamling.
Théoden: "Who am I, Gamling?"
Gamling: "You are our king, sire. Your men, my lord, will follow you to whatever end."
Théoden: "Where is the horse and the rider. Where is the horn that was blowing. They have passed like rain on the mountains. Behind the hills, into shadow. How did it come to this?"
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Rohan plains
Relentlessly Saruman’s Uruks march towards Helms Deep: black flags of Isengard flying.
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Fangorn Forest at the Entmoot, night time.
Merry and Pippin ask: "They must have decided something by now. We're running out of time!"
Treebeard: "Decided? No… Don't be hasty."
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Helms Deep steps: Aragorn sitting alone
He sees a child with a sword: "Give me your sword. What is your name?"
Háleth: "Háleth, son of Háma, my lord.
Aragorn stands up and swings the sword: “This is a good sword.”
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Háleth: "The men are saying that we will not live out the night. They say that it is hopeless."
Aragorn: “There is always hope."
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Armoury, Aragorn puts on his armour
Legolas enters the room and hands Aragorn his sword: "We have trusted you this far and you have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair."
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Aragorn smiles: “There is nothing to forgive, Legolas.”
Gimli enters the room, wearing armour that is too long for him: "It's a little tight across the chest."
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A horn is heard
Legolas: "That is no orc-horn."
They rush out to see an army of elves march in, led by Haldir.
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Théoden greets Haldir
Théoden: "How is this possible?"
Haldir: "I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between elves and men. Long ago we fought and died together. We come to honour that allegiance.”
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Aragorn and Legolas run up to and embrace Haldir: "You are most welcome."
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Haldir and the elven archers take their position: "We are proud to fight alongside men, once more."
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End of Chapter 23: Siege preparations
Chapter 24: Helm's Deep
Men and elves stand to defend Helms Deep
Legolas stands in the pouring rain in readiness for the battle with his elf brothers, together with his dwarf friend, who cannot see over the parapet: "Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box?"
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Gimli smiles back in camaraderie.
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Men and elves stand on the parapets. Saruman’s army advances. It starts to rain heavily.
The troops of Saruman carrying torches and long spears line up in formation, ten thousand strong; thumping their spears into the ground.
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Uruks standing and snarling in ranks.
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Aragorn walks back and forth on the wall. He commands the elven warriors: “Show them no mercy! For you shall receive none!”
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An old man accidentally shoots an arrow, hitting an Uruk who falls from the line, dead. Silence. Aragorn: “Hold.”
The Uruks roar, and their leader commands the attack.
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Théoden: "So it begins."
As the Uruks run forward, the elves shower them with arrows. Many Uruks fall dead, but others shoot arrows back. The Uruks put up ladders to scale and lunge over the walls. Fighting hand-to-hand begins.
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End of Chapter 24: Helm's Deep
Chapter 25: The Breaching Wall
In Fangorn Forest: Entmoot
Treebeard approaches the hobbits: "We have just agreed” he seems to fall asleep “you are not orcs." Merry: "And what about Saruman? Have you come to a decision about him." Treebeard: "Now don't be hasty, Master Meriadoc."
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Merry: "Hasty?! Our friends are out there. They need our help! They cannot fight this war on their own."
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At Helms Deep: Deeping Wall
Gimli hacks at the uruks with his axes. Legolas and Elves furiously fight the Uruk onslaught.
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Théoden on the parapet: "Is this it? Is this all you can conjure, Saruman?"
Below, the uruks carry explosives to the drain, then uruk carrying a bright torch runs towards the hole.
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Aragorn realises the danger: “Legolas, stop him! Kill him!”
Legolas hits the uruk with two arrows, but the uruk runs on, throwing the torch, lighting the explosives.
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A large part of the wall explodes and is breached. Huge boulders fly through the air and ramparts are blown apart including that where Aragorn stood, he falling into the Deep, unconscious.
The uruks rage through the wall.
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Legolas fights rampaging uruks, Gimli slashing them with his axe, and Haldir, his sword.
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Above the gates
Théoden yells: "Brace the gates! Hold them! Stand fast!"
Men try to hold the gate, others throw rocks and spears down on the uruks below as they ram the gates.
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In the Deep
Aragorn regains consciousness as the uruks run towards him.
Gimli sees this and jumps down from the wall to protect Aragorn, hacking at the attacking uruks.
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The elf warriors rush to form a backup for Aragorn.
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Waiting for his order, they charge, Aragorn leading them: elves and uruks clashing behind the wall.
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Legolas takes a shield from the ground and rides down the stairs on it, shooting arrows at the uruks.
Despite the fierce fighting of elf, man and dwarf, the Uruks continue flowing through the breech in the wall.
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In Fangorn Forest, the Ents have decided.
Treebeard: "The Ents cannot hold back this war. We must weather such things. This is not our war."
Merry: "But you’re part of this world! You must help. Please. You must do something."
Treebeard: "You are young and brave, master Merry. But your part in this tale is over. Go back to your home."
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Pippin: "Maybe Treebeard's right. We don't belong here, Merry. It's too big for us. We've got the Shire.”
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Merry: "The fires of Isengard will spread. And all that was once green and good in this world will be gone. There won't be a Shire, Pippin.”
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End of Chapter 25: The Breaching Wall
Chapter 26: The Road to Isengard
In Helms Deep: Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn are fighting in the lowest level, Haldir on the wall.
Théoden: "Aragorn, pull back to the gate!"
Aragorn: "To the Keep! Pull back! Haldir! Pull back!” Haldir nods at him and calls for the others.
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Haldir does not see an uruk behind him and is mortally struck down.
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Haldir collapses and looks around in disbelief at all the dead elves around him.
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Aragorn shouts: "Haldir!", and fights his way up the stairs.
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The elf dies in Aragorn's arms. He lays him down and then charges back into battle.
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At the Deeping Wall gate
Théoden and his men and trying to defend the gate.
Aragorn rushes there: "How long do you need?"
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Théoden: "As long as you can give me!"
Aragorn and Gimli make their way to postern gate. Aragorn surveys the causeway and the distance to it.
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Gimli realises: "I cannot jump the distance so you have to toss me…Don't tell the elf.”
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Aragorn throws Gimli, and jumps after him.
The two battle furiously to get uruks away from the gate.
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The gate is shored up, Théoden gets stabbed but continues on: "Gimli! Aragorn! Get out of there!"
Legolas throws down a rope. Aragorn, holding Gimli with him, jumps on to it. Legolas pulls them both up.
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Théoden: “Pull everybody back. Pull them back! They have broken through. The castle is breached! Retreat!"
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In Fangorn Forest: Merry and Pippin carried by Treebeard
Treebeard: "I will leave you at the western borders of the forest. You can make your way home from there."
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Pippin: Wait! Stop! Take us south! If we go south we can slip past Saruman unnoticed. The closer we are to danger, the farther we are from harm. It's the last thing he'll expect."
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End of Chapter 26: The Road to Isengard
Chapter 27: Flotsam and Jetsam
Approaching Osgiliath as it burns
Frodo, Sam, and Gollum are on a forced march to Osgiliath.
Frodo pleads to Faramir: "The Ring will not save Gondor. It has only the power to destroy. Please, let me go."
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Faramir looks at Frodo, but motions his men to move: "Hurry."
Frodo: "Faramir, you must let me go!"
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Fangorn Forest bordering Isengard
Treebeard carries the Hobbits and sees cut and burned trees: "Many of these trees were my friends. Creatures I had known from nut and acorn." He lets out a cry that echoes through Fangorn.
Ents come to his call, marching out of the forest.
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Treebeard: "My business is with Isengard tonight. With a rock and stone. Come my friends. The Ents are going to war. It is likely that we go to our doom. The last march of the Ents."
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Osgiliath is under attack: Faramir and his prisoners enter the city
Madril: "Orcs have taken the eastern shore. Their numbers are too great. By nightfall we'll be overrun."
Frodo stumbles: “It's calling to him, Sam. His eye is almost on me."
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Faramir: "Take them to my father. Tell him, Faramir sends a mighty gift. A weapon that will change our fortunes in this war."
Faramir turns to leave.
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Sam shouts at him: "You wanna know why your brother died? He tried to take the Ring from Frodo. After swearing an oath to protect him. He tried to kill him! The Ring drove your brother mad!"
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Suddenly a cry: “Look out!"
A tower is hit with a boulder and crumbles. The call from the Ring is heard.
Frodo: "They're here. They've come."
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Faramir: "Nazgûl!"
A Nazgûl on a winged beast flies over Osgiliath.
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Frodo stares at it, Gollum is terrified, as the men around him start to run. Faramir grabs the hobbits and leads them to cover.
The Nazgul looms ominously over men and hobbits.
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End of Chapter 27: Flotsam and Jetsam
Chapter 28: The Hornburg
At Fort Eorlingas, uruks try to break through the inner door
Théoden: "The fortress is taken. It is over."
Aragorn: "You said this fortress would never fall while your men defend it. They still defend it. They have died defending it! Is there no other way for the women and children to get out of the caves?”
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Aragorn seeing Théoden is frozen in despair, calls to Gambling: “Is there no other way?"
Gamling: "There is a passage. It leads into the mountains. But they will not get far. The uruks are too many."
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Aragorn: "Send word for the women and children to make for the mountain pass. Barricade the entrance!"
The Uruks are battering down the inner door.
Théoden: "So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?"
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Aragorn: "Ride out with me. Ride out to meet them.”
Théoden turns to face Aragorn: "For death and glory?"
Aragorn: "For Rohan. For your people."
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Gandalf voice-over: "Look to my coming at first light on 5th day. At dawn, look to the East."
Gimli: "The sun is rising."
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Théoden: "Let this be the hour when we draw swords together. Fell deeds awake. Now for wrath. Now for ruin. And the red dawn!"
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Théoden: "The horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the deep, one last time."
Gimli climbs up to sound the horn.
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The King and his army charge out at uruks on the causeway.
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Aragorn stops and looks up. He sees Gandalf on the back of Shadowfax.
Théoden turns to look up.
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Gandalf: "Théoden king stands alone."
Éomer rides up alongside Gandalf: "Not alone. Rohirrim, to the king.”
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Gandalf and the Rohirrim charge down a hill to Uruk army, crushing into them, blinded by the sun.
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A furious battle of swords and spears began, Gandalf strikes down the uruks.
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Rohirrm lunging and spearing
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the ferocious fighting uruks.
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Isengard
Ents enter Isengard, throwing boulders: Treebeard is carrying Merry and Pippin.
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Orcs try to defend the Isengard, but are squashed by the Ents. One of the Ents is pulled down, and orcs climb on to it, chopping it with their axes. Treebeard then throws a stone, saving his fellow Ent.
Saruman runs out to his balcony and watches, and starts to panic.
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Merry and Pippin throw rocks on the orcs below.
One of the Ents is set on fire with lit arrows.
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Treebeard: "Break the dam!" The river floods the land. Saruman watches in horror.
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End of Chapter 28: The Hornburg
Chapter 29: Samwise the Brave
Osgiliath
Frodo slowly starts to walk from where Sam and he were sheltering from the attack of the Nazgûl. He walks out alone on the bridge.
A Nazgûl on the fellbeast flies towards him.
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Frodo raises his hand, holding up the Ring.
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Faramir turns to look at Frodo.
Frodo moves to put on the Ring.
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The fellbeast swoops, attacking Frodo in order to get the Ring.
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Sam runs up to Frodo and desperately tries to prevent him from putting on the Ring.
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The hobbits dodge the attacking beast by rolling down the stairs. Faramir shoots the winged beast and it retreats injured.
Frodo draws Sting and points it at Sam's neck, then devastating realising what he was doing.
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Frodo collapses against the wall
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and drops his sword: "I can't do this, Sam."
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Sam gasping "I know. It's all wrong. By rights we shouldn't even be here. But we are."
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Sam regains his composure, and stands up to look at the Nazgûl fly away.
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Sam: "It's like in the great stories, Mister Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy.”
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![<font color="#F7F6F6"><em>At Helms Deep<br> Sam [VO]: How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened?" </em></font>](https://www.lotrarts.com/../images/gallery/storyboards/tt/730z-CAP-7000-377.png)
At Helms Deep
Sam [VO]: How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened?"
The uruks flee Helm's Deep.
The Rohirrim shout in victory. Théoden, Aragorn and Gandalf look out at the uruks fleeing towards the forest.
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Isengard
Sam: "But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer."
Isengard is flooded and forges drowned.
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Saruman looks across Isengard and retreats, furious, from his balcony.
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Osgiliath
Sam: "Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something. Even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mister Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back only they didn't. Because they were holding on to something."
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Frodo: "What are we holding on to, Sam?"
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Sam walks to Frodo and lifts him up: "That there's some good in this world, Mister Frodo. And it's worth fighting for."
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Faramir has watched Frodo and Sam, and walks over to them: "I think at last we understand one another, Frodo Baggins."
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Madril: "You know the laws of our country. The laws of your father. If you let them go, your life will be forfeit."
Faramir: "Then it is forfeit. Release them."
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Frodo and Sam look up at Faramir in amazement at his sacrifice.
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End of Chapter 29: Samwise the Brave
Chapter 30: End of Uruks , Old Toby, Frodo continues
On the plain before Helms Deep
Théoden, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Éomer, look on as the uruks run towards a line of trees.
Éomer to his company: "Stay out of the forest! Keep away from the trees!"
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The uruks run into the forest, where the Ents, waiting, destroy the uruks.
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In Helms Deep
Returning to the fortress, Aragorn is greeted by Éowyn, they embrace.
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The Rohirrim are clearing uruk bodies
Legolas and Gimli are comparing tallies, 42/43, Legolas shoots Gimli’s twitching uruk.
Gimli: "He was already dead. He was twitching because he's got my axe embedded in his nervous system!"
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Isengard: flooded
Merry and Pippin stand waist-deep in water. They look up at the balcony of Orthanc and see the distraught Saruman and Grima.
They walk through the flood and find Saruman’s storeroom filled with food
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and a barrel of the best: Southfarthing, containing the finest long-bottom leaf.
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They share out the leaf and start smoking.
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Osgiliath sewer: Faramir is leading Frodo, Sam and Gollum.
Faramir: "You'll find cover in the woods beyond. What road will you take..?"
Sam: "You've shown your quality, sir. The very highest."
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Frodo: "Gollum says there's a path near Minas Morgul that climbs up into the mountains."
Faramir interrogates Gollum, he squirms: "It is the only way. Master says we must go to Mordor, so we must try."
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Faramir: "Cirith Ungol? They say a dark terror dwells above Minas Morgul. You cannot go that way.”
Frodo: "I must."
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Faramir: "Go, Frodo. Go with the goodwill of all Men."
Frodo and Sam start off.
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Faramir grabs Gollum: "May death find you quickly if you bring them to harm." He flings Gollum toward the sewer.
Gollum cowers away.
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Sam: "Come on. Keep up! Mister Frodo didn't mean for them Rangers to hurt you. He was tryin' to save you. So there's no hard feelings. Forgive and forget."
Gollum: "To save me…"
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Gollum seething, as he skulks off: “No, no. No hard feelings."
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Sam: "Very decent of you. Very decent indeed, Gollum."
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End of Chapter 30: End of Uruks , Old Toby, Frodo continues
Chapter 31: Journey to the Cross-roads
Rohan
Éomer, Théoden, Gandalf, Legolas, Aragorn look towards Mordor.
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Gandalf: "Sauron's wrath will be terrible, his retribution swift. The battle for Helm's Deep is over. The battle for Middle-Earth is about to begin. All our hopes now lie with two little hobbits somewhere in the wilderness."
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Ithilien: Frodo, Sam, and Gollum walking through woods.
Sam: "I wonder if we'll ever be put into songs or tales. If people will say, 'Let's hear of Frodo and the Ring….”
Frodo: "You left out one of the chief characters, Samwise the Brave. Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam."
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Farther away, Sméagol is crawling, fighting with Gollum, tormented and agonising.
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Sméagol: "Master looks after us. Master wouldn't hurt us."
Gollum: "Master betrayed us! Kill them both. We take the Precious and we be the master.”
Sméagol: "But fat hobbit. He knows. Eyes always watching. It's too risky.”
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Gollum: "We could let her do it."
Gollum: "Yes, Precious she could. And then we takes it once they're dead."
Gollum comes out from behind a tree.
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Sméagol: "Come on, hobbits. Long ways to go yet. Sméagol will show you the way." Gollum: "Follow me."
The hobbits follow Gollum.
It is revealed what lies ahead: erupting Mount Doom and seething Barad-Dûr.
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End of Chapter 31: Journey to the Cross-roads
End of Introduction
