Book Five
Chapter 1: Minas Tirith
Gandalf and Pippin ride the steed, Shadowfax, and they are moving very quickly towards Minas Tirith. Gandalf sees numerous lit beacons and he urges Shadowfax to ride faster because these beacons are signs of war. Gandalf and Pippin meet Ingold, who is in the service of the king, Denethor. Ingold refers to Gandalf by the name Mithrandir. Some of Denethor's men are busy rebuilding the walls of the city. When Gandalf and Pippin approach the White Tower of Denethor, Gandalf warns Pippin not to say more than is necessary. In Denethor's presence, Pippin ends us saying much about Boromir, who is Denethor's slain son. Pippin avoids mentioning the Ring, but there are other details of the quest that are revealed. In the end, Pippin ends up taking an oath of fealty, in allegiance to Denethor.
Gandalf is a little annoyed that Denethor has deliberately wasted so much time talking to Pippin when it is obvious that Denethor should have immediately consulted Gandalf (for Gandalf has more valuable information). From one of the men, Beregond, Pippin learns that there will soon be war and Beregond sees a sign of the city's doom. Pippin encourages him though and he later spends some time with Beregond's son and receives a tour of the city. At the end of the evening, the lights of the city are extinguished and war is imminent. Pippin returns to his room and he waits for Denethor's summons. Gandalf paces, waiting and wondering about Faramir's return.
Analysis:
Gandalf's characterization is as a herald of doom; Ingold tells Gandalf: "you come with tidings of grief and danger, as is your wont, they say." Gandalf explains that this is "because I come seldom but when my help is needed," and this is an understatement, when we consider the condition of Minas Tirith. The suspense of the chapter concerns the return of Faramir and also the precise time of attack‹it is clear that the battle is imminent and inevitable but when will it arrive? The metaphor of the darkness of night and storm are used to describe the oncoming terror. And the nazgul is another symbol of the evil forces, a flying creature that is a certain parallel to Shadowfax. In terms of the theme of knowledge, it is somewhat disconcerting that at the end of the chapter, Gandalf is muttering: "When will Faramir return?" for we expect that if anybody has answers it should be Gandalf. Finally, the archetype of darkness is used in this chapter to stand for fear, depression, destruction and war. Gandalf's closing phrase: "The Darkness has begun. There will be no dawn." Is both literal and figurative.
Chapter 2: The Passing of the Grey Company
Four of the original Fellowship are still together: Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, and Merry. They are eager to continue on their course, hastened by the appearance of the winged nazgul. Overall, the hopes of the group are rather low. On the road, the Riders of Rohan fear an attack from behind as they hear riders approaching. It turns out to be Halbarad Dunadan, Ranger of the North, and he is accompanied by thirty men. This is good news, and Aragorn is reunited with his kin. Through Galadriel, the Rangers received word that: "Aragorn has need of his Kindred. Let the Dunedain ride to him in Rohan!"
A prophecy of old concerns a dreaded region in which the "Paths of the Dead" are located. Aragorn decides that he will have to take the Paths of the Dead in order to get to the site of battle. Eowyn tries to dissuade him but she is unsuccessful. Aragorn looks into the "stone of Orthanc" and it is a struggle of wills‹he only barely has enough will power to master the challenge. This strikes fear in the heart of Sauron. Aragorn keeps to his path and eventually he and his company arrive at the Paths of the Dead. They can see the remains of previous warriors who attempted to take this route, but they are under the guiding hand of destiny. The dead are bound by an ancient oath, and though this is a gloomy passage, Aragorn is successful and the forces of the dead follow him, along with Legolas and Gimli.
Analysis:
The characterization of Aragorn is very important in this chapter because he emerges as a hero of legend. The theme of fate is very important here, as it seems that Aragorn's success is contingent upon the preceding prophecies. For all of his bravery and courage, Aragorn would have been doomed had he not been the King mentioned in prophecy. In terms of narrative structure, this chapter is full of twists and turns: for example, the unexpected arrival of Aragorn's kin, as well as the re-emergence of Galadriel. The flying nazgul remain a symbol of doom and destruction, while the struggle with Sauron is heavily foreshadowed. There are a few archetypal images that are inverted in this chapter, where evil is used for good and death is used for life. The dead forces figure ominously and their black standard seems to be a symbol of evil. But as it turns out, these forces are led by Aragorn and so they are fighting for good. When they arrive at battle, their evil aspect will be a source of mischief for the enemy (who will briefly mistake them for an ally).
Chapter 3: The Muster of Rohan
Merry thinks back to the joys of hobbit life. His service in the company of Theoden is lonely because the other members of the Fellowship have all left, but Merry has had to stay behind. More troops arrive at Dunharrow not long after Aragorn, and there is a fortress in the White Mountains where the Riders of Rohan are going to await the attack. The fort is a winding and coiling passage and it is impossible to attack except from above. Merry continues to the fort, following the King.
A messenger named Hirgon, the errand-rider of the king, Denethor, comes with word from Gondor. Help is needed at Minas Tirith. Theoden sends words that he will send help and that he will probably go himself. Though he will probably arrive too late. Aragorn had requested armor for Merry and so the hobbit is outfitted. Theoden release Merry from his duties, but Merry wishes to follow him. A young rider, named Dernhelm, sees that Merry is despondent about being left behind‹yet again‹while others go to fight. Dernhelm hides Merry in his cloak, and so the hobbit is not left behind, after all.
Analysis:
The ideas of destiny and heroism both entwine as themes of this chapter, particularly in regards to Merry and Dernhelm. Should Merry have followed? It is clear that neither of the two knows what is ahead. The tone of the chapter is depressing because of the herald of war, Hirgon, who delivers depressing news. In archetypal terms, the perpetual night is definite a gloomy indication of death looming in the near future. Finally, the character Dernhelm stands as a representation of the group, for he has "the face of one without hope who goes in search of death." The themes of solitude, companionship and nostalgia are brought to a fore in Merry's contemplation. At this point, the Fellowship of the Ring could hardly be any more splintered than it is.
Chapter 4: The Siege of Gondor
Gandalf and Pippin are in Denethor's company. Pippin serves as esquire and he goes to the armory to be dressed. After this, he strolls with Beregond. At the battlement, they see the arrival of Black Riders chasing Faramir and a few of his men. Gandalf comes to their defense. Faramir greets Pippin and Gandalf and they retire to Denethor's chamber. Faramir mentions seeing other "halflings" and tells of his encounter with Frodo and his servant. Gandalf is troubled and Denethor puts pieces of the puzzle together and is angered that Faramir did not bring the Ring to him. Denethor argues that Boromir would have done better and remembered his allegiances, but this really isn't true.
Gandalf disagrees with Denethor, arguing that nothing that he might have done with the Ring would have come to any good.
Gandalf is glad to hear that Frodo was free‹still, he wonders why Sauron now hastens, and he correctly guesses that Aragorn used the stone of Orthanc. Gandalf speaks of Gollum and says that even if Gollum betrays Frodo and Sam, he may do some inadvertent good. Faramir is again sent to battle by is ungrateful father, Denethor. Faramir's men are pushed back by the Lord of Barad-Dur, the Captain of Despair. The enemy advances until Denethor sends reinforcements, but these also fail and the city is besieged. Orcs surround Gondor and Faramir is wounded and bedridden. Denethor stays with Faramir and Gandalf commands the remnant of the troops. Denethor begins preparation for a funeral pyre for himself and his son, though the city has not yet fallen.
The Lord of the Nazgul enters the city but Gandalf waits for him and commands him to depart. The Black Rider defies Gandalf, just as the riders of Rohan arrive.
Analysis:
There is definitely a contrast between the characters Gandalf and Denethor. The king (Denethor) displays cowardice, hopelessness and panic while the wizard (Gandalf) displays a king-like ability to martial and lead troops, and also hold off the enemy far longer than they expected. There is a double suspense that remains unresolved at the end of the chapter. First, is Denethor going to be successful in his attempt to set himself and his son on fire? Second, what will Gandalf do, in the face of the Lord of the Nazgul? Order has descended into chaos, and it is interesting how certain customs and patterns are maintained nonetheless. For example, Merry and Pippin, though separated, emerge into parallel positions of service to the king (though Theoden is far nobler than Denethor).
Chapter 5: The Ride of the Rohirrim
Merry is unable to sleep, though he is very tired while he is riding with the Rohirrim. Merry wonders whether Theoden will be upset when he finds out that he has continued along‹though he was forbidden to do so. The men in Dernhelm's company pretend not to notice Merry. Approaching Minas Tirith, the riders clearly see signs of the enemy. Merry sees Theoden and Eomer talking with a Wild Man who gives them information about the enemy. The Wild Man agrees to lead them down an unknown route if the will, in turn, kill the "gorgun" creatures, orcs and "drive away bad dark with bright iron." Ghan-buri-Ghan, the wild man, leads the riders himself, and then he disappears.
The find the bodies of two dead men. One clasps the Red Arrow and is presumed to be Hirgon, the messenger. Hence: Denethor does not know that Rohan's reinforcements are on the way (because Hirgon was killed before he was able to return with the message). The Riders make their way to Gondor and they are unchallenged. They see a white light in the distance and Theoden takes courage from the new daylight. He leads the Riders and they decimate the hosts of Mordor.
Analysis:
The motifs of light and wind represent good fortune for the Riders. The shift in the wind and the receding darkness are both symbols of good's imminent victory over evil. The wild men's name for the orcs, "gorgun," is an allusion to the Gorgons (Medusa and her sisters) of Greek mythology. As the gorgons were hideous to look at (you would turn to stone if you did) and they were, of course, quite evil, they make a good parallel to the orcs. Finally, when Theoden rides the horse Snowmane, he parallels Gandalf on Shadowfax, yet another warrior summoned out of his old age to do one more noble heroic deed.
Chapter 6: The Battle of the Pelennor Fields
The plans of the Lord of the Nazgul are temporarily interrupted. The new light is unexpected. Theoden battles the Southrons and his forces do very well. The Black Rider returns on his winged steed and slays Theoden and his horse, Snowmane. But when the Black rider's winged steed tries to devour Theoden and Snowmane, Dernhelm reveals herself to be Eowyn and she attacks the Lord of the Nazgul, killing his winged horse. Merry stabs the Rider from behind and the Rider dies, though not before seriously wounding Eowyn. She is perceived to be dead though she is only wounded. Theoden is mourned and Eomer is crowned king. When more enemy troops surround Eomer, Aragorn emerges out of the Paths of the Dead, borne upon the sea-wind. The symbol of a white tree with seven stars can be seen in the distance. The forces of Mordor see a great wizardry in the fact that their own ships were filled with their enemies. Aragorn and Eomer meet and then destroy the enemy, though many of their own men die.
Analysis:
Victory comes at a high price as many soldiers‹most notably, Theoden, die. The disguise of Eowyn is one of the unexpected twists in the plot. We can also see a parallel between Eowyn and Merry, who were both intent upon endangering themselves to assist in the cause. The image of the white tree with seven stars is also a hastening of the prophecy. Of course, there is still much more to be done even though the battle as been conclusive. The forces of good must be reunited and the next chapters will show the warriors' efforts to immediately regroup.
Chapter 7: The Pyre of Denethor
Gandalf must leave his present position to find the Lord Denethor and put an end to his attempts to burn himself on the pyre. He sees Denethor has gone mad and this madness has caused a division among Denethor's servants. Gandalf removes Faramir from the pyre and argues with Denethor about the injustice and cowardice of his actions. Denethor reveals a palantir that he has had in his possession for quite some time. He also says that he only sees doom and despair ahead. Denethor believes that Gandalf intends to take his throne or perhaps give it to Aragorn and the line of Isildur. Denethor is under the sway of the Enemy and eventually, he burns himself on the pyre alone. Gandalf then reprimands those servants who were willing to follow Denethor to is death and he urges them to be less blind in obedience. Faramir is taken to the Houses of Healing and Gandalf hurries on to assist the warriors who remain outside the city gates.
Analysis:
The palantir reappears in this chapter as a symbol of deception and Denethor's broken will power. The future that Denethor has seen is a potential future but in allowing himself to fall under Sauron's sway, Denethor becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. This chapter foreshadows the Houses of Healing, where Faramir is going to be taken, along with some of the other wounded characters. There is a great contrast between Faramir and Denethor and we find that they have opposite fates: Denethor burns himself alive; Faramir is rescued and healed. Both the wounded Faramir and the despondent Denethor display signs of weakness however, that allow for the juxtaposition of their royal line and that of Aragorn. Denethor's concerns about the future of his royal house are not wholly unfounded.
Chapter 8: The Houses of Healing
Merry arrives at the city, Minas Tirith and he is wounded and weak. Eowyn is also wounded but she has struggled to stay alive. Merry is reunited with Pippin and a message is sent through Bergil, to alert Gandalf. Faramir, Eowyn and Merry are set to rest in beds in the Houses of Healing and at this point, an old phrase becomes very important: "The hands of a king are the hands of a healer." A small crowd awaits the arrival of Aragorn, Eomer and Imrahil; they come flying the banners of kings and it is not long before they arrive at the Houses of Healing. Ioreth is a wise woman of Gondor who has been tending to the injured warriors and she assists Aragorn, who has become both a king and a healer. He receives the names Elessar, the Elfstone and Envinyatar, the Renewer. Aragorn needs "athelas" which is also called kingsfoil and this plant is found in the forest. With the athelas, Aragorn is able to heal the three injured warriors, though Eowyn's injury is stubborn. At this point, the people say "The King is come again indeed." After the healing, Aragorn leaves the city and it seems as if his appearance has been a long-awaited dream.
Analysis:
The major efforts in characterization focus upon Aragorn, who comes into his own as both a king and a healer. He receives new names: Elessar and Envinyatar, which establish his link to the earlier forces of good. The Houses of Healing are a parallel to the Houses of Elrond which appeared in the first part of the trilogy; what we find again is that the ability to heal and give comfort is one of the traits of true nobility. The song motif is developed in this chapter along unsurprising lines: Aragorn has been heavily foreshadowed and the lyrics of the song prophecy about the healing that he brings to the city. The simile that describes Aragorn's appearance as dream-like makes Minas Tirith seem like a dream city. Though there is no question that the events have actually occurred, there is a lack of resolution and a possibility of further developments. The athelas, or kingfoil, becomes a symbol of Aragorn's destiny, which was unknown to others. Finally, the tone of the chapter is largely triumphant and hopeful. Aragorn is very tired at the end of Chapter 8, but it seems that fate is on his side.
Chapter 9: The Last Debate
Legolas and Gimli want to see Merry and Pippin and so they enter Minas Tirith; they are the marvel of the crowd and they are treated as heroes. Imrahil leads them to the Houses of Healing and after this, Imrahil and Eomer leave to meet Aragorn and Gandalf. The four friends are finally reunited and they share the stories of all that has happened in the time that has passed. In particular, they discuss the Paths of the Dead and the Darkness of Mordor.
Meanwhile, the captains debate the next course of action. Gandalf, Aragorn, Eomer, and Imrahil ponder the words of the steward of Gondor: "You may triumph on the fields of the Pelennor for a day, but against the Power that has now arisen there is no victory." Gandalf says that they cannot win by arms, but if the Ring is destroyed then Sauron will lose his power. They decide to lead a charge against Sauron, presenting themselves as a decoy, in the hopes that he will remain distracted from his true threat long enough for Frodo and Sam to finish their mission.
Analysis:
In the scenes that discuss the battle strategy, the themes of knowledge and fear both come to the fore. Sauron has expressed fear, interpreting his enemies' actions as evidence that they are using the Ring. It is ironic that Sauron will eventually be destroyed by an act of deception, but this is intended to add to the suspense of the dramatic events. The fear of Sauron and his forces can again be contrasted with the bravery of the captains, buoyed by the recent victories. The plot of this chapter is more encompassing than the previous ones: We have been reminded of the Ring, and of the fates of Frodo and Sam. The narrative structure will soon focus upon that expedition. Finally, one of the important arguments of this chapter is that Sauron must be destroyed so that the New Age will not have to deal with this same old problem; this is an idea that can certainly be applied to modern politics and Tolkien's social context.
Chapter 10: The Black Gate Opens
Two days later, the armies are at Pelennor and Merry must remain while Legolas, Gimli and Pippin depart for war. The once defaced statue of the King has been restored and this is a sign of good things to come. The troops avoid Minas Morgul because Frodo went in that direction and they do not want to draw attention to his trail. There is only desolate land ahead and it is troubling. A group of orcs and easterlings mount an attack, but their ambush fails. Aragorn feels sorry for his men and so he allows some of them to leave and go to Cair Andros to defend the position. There are less than 6000 troops with Aragorn when he arrives at the Black Gate. There is no sign of the enemy.
A messenger is sent from the Dark Tower: the Lieutenant of the Tower of Barad-Dur. He reveals Frodo's clothes and Sam's sword and Pippin cries in grief. This is foolish because now the messenger knows that these belonged to an one of Gandalf's allies. Gandalf commands Pippin to be silent. The messenger offers to return the prisoners in exchange for the retreat of the armies. Gandalf declines the offer but he takes the clothes and the sword. An army suddenly pours out of the Black Gate and the men of the west appear trapped. Pippin is knocked down by a troll and his mind turns to thoughts of eagles and Bilbo, before he loses consciousness altogether.
Analysis:
The tone of this chapter is far more grim and foreboding than the previous chapter. There is a great deal of deception in this exchange, as Sauron's forces do have Sam and Frodo's belongings but only because Sam and Frodo discarded them while traveling. The foreshadowed conclusion of Sam and Frodo's journey comes in Book 6. The restoration of the royal statue, earlier in the chapter, is a symbol of hope and future progress‹though this image is undone by the more negative second half of the chapter. In the end, it should be clear that Sauron does not have the Ring because he has not used it; the scene now shifts to the Ring and the bearers who must destroy the Ring in the cracks of Mount Doom.
Book Six
Chapter 1: The Tower of Cirith Ungol
At this point, Sam and Frodo are separated because Frodo has been taken by the orcs, but Sam is still free and undetected. Most important, Sam still has the ring. Entering the tower, Sam accidentally finds Frodo, who is in very poor shape. The realm of Mordor is as terrible as ever and the harsh shrieks of the orcs pierce the air. When Sam was searching for Frodo he felt the continual pressure to put the Ring on, but at a certain point, he realized that the ring would surely betray him. Part of the hobbits' success in escaping the tower is due to the fact that the orcs are in a state of mutiny, rebelling and warring with each other. Leaving the tower, the hobbits use the disguise of orcs and the language of elves to cut a path through the desolate wilderness. Just as they exit the region, they hear a horrible crash behind them. The arches and walls are crashing to the ground and the two hobbits have only barely escaped.
Analysis:
Sam's success in finding Frodo resolves most of the suspense that has remained since the end of Book 4. Much of the imagery of the chapter is incredibly somber and depressing. The standard archetypes of shadows, black images and thunder and lightning are all employed to illustrate the landscape of Mordor. In terms of characterization, Sam proves to be as reliable and dependable as he has been in the past. There is still a contrast between the self-sacrifice that is displayed by the hobbits and the mutiny and cowardice that is displayed by the orcs. The wailing of the orcs foreshadows their inevitable defeat.
Chapter 2: The Land of Shadow
The hobbits continue on their course, trying to make their way to Mount Doom. They are closer to this goal, but they must now pass through the Land of Shadow. This is more complicated than they had hoped because it seems that Gollum is nearby. Sam has spotted Gollum‹or at least, some creature that is very similar to Gollum. It is a good thing that the hobbits are disguised as orcs, because they are overtaken by a division of the orc army. They are not identified as hobbits; rather, they are assumed to be mutinous soldiers who were trying to escape from the war effort. They are brought into the group and forced to continue the march with the soldiers. The orcs are so disorderly that it is not long before Frodo and Sam have an opportunity to escape. They seek a place where they can be well-hidden, but Frodo is so weak that he passes out.
Analysis:
The theme of nostalgia emerges in the reunion of the hobbits, for they begin to think of home and wonder if they will see Hobbiton again. The water motif is one of the basic archetypes, representing life and growth. In this chapter however, there is a deep suspicion as to whether or not the water is safe or poisonous. This same suspense governs the alleged presence of Gollum; this foreshadows the creature's return to the drama in the following chapter.
Chapter 3: Mount Doom
Frodo and Sam continue on their path but they are growing weary and yet, they are unable to sleep. The land surrounding them is dreary and flat. Sam is a good companion and he seems to get stronger in those very moments when Frodo does not have enough strength to continue on his own. The land is desolate and the hobbits do not see any signs of orcs or men, as they pursue the "hard cruel road" that leads to the Dark Tower. Sauron is going to be caught unaware: for as the Ring moves closer and closer to Mount Doom, Sauron's Eye perceives the threat to be elsewhere.
As the hobbits grow wearier, they make the fateful decision to unload their packs and continue on with only what is necessary. Frodo empties his pack and shrugs off the orc-mail and weaponry. Sam continues with their meager provisions, the elven-rope, the phial of Galadriel, his sword Sting, and the little box that Galadriel gave him. Sam and Frodo approach Mount Doom and they find new strength to keep their mission alive despite their misgivings. At one point, Frodo is unable to continue and Sam carries Frodo upon his back; a little later, both of the tired hobbits crawl towards the mountain. Frodo is still prone to the temptations of the Ring and Sam has to hold Frodo's hands to keep Frodo from wearing the Ring and jeopardizing the mission.
Gollum arrives, out of the shadows, and he attacks Frodo, trying to claim the Ring. Frodo fights back with fury and Gollum retreats. Sam urges Frodo on and stays behind to kill Gollum, but he has a change of heart and at the very last minute he decides not to kill the pathetic creature. Sam rushes on to find his master, and he approaches the Cracks of Doom. He sees Frodo, but Frodo has changed somehow. Frodo looks at Sam and says: "I have comeŠBut I do not choose now to do what I came to do. I will not do this deed. The Ring is mine!" Frodo then puts the Ring on his finger and becomes invisible.
Sam is struck from behind‹Gollum has come back for the kill. When Sam regains consciousness, a few moments later, he sees Gollum on the edges of the Cracks of Doom, struggling with Frodo‹who is invisible. The Dark Lord has been awakened and is now aware of the Ring's presence. The Nazgul are screeching in the distance and rushing towards Mount Doom. Frodo and Gollum struggle for the Ring and Gollum wrenches the Ring from Frodo‹but he loses his balance. Gollum and his precious Ring fall into the Cracks of Doom. Frodo's hand is maimed, but at least the Quest is achieved and the two hobbits are alive.
Analysis:
The theme of fate is demonstrated in several ways in this chapter; in the final lines, Frodo recalls Gandalf's earlier prophecy: "Even Gollum may have something yet to do?" The characterization of the heroes suggests that in the end, their good intentions were not enough to secure the Quest‹but a little bit of luck was necessary as well. There are several symbols of strength and determination that appear in the chapter though, and one could reasonably argue that the success of the Quest was foreshadowed. During the first grapple between Frodo and Gollum, Sam receives a vision in which Frodo is clothed in white with a wheel of fire in breast. One question that does remain, however, is whether or not the hobbits will make it back to the Shire alive‹and if they do, what will they find awaiting them?
Chapter 4: The Field of Cormallen
The landscape of Mordor is raging; towers are crumbling and rivers of fire and lava flow everywhere. The forces of Mordor have lost their power and they begin to crumble away. Gandalf cries that the Eagles are coming, and the Eagles are led by Gwaihir. Gandalf leaves Aragorn to finish the battle and he flies on Gwaihir's back, headed for Mount Doom. It is clear that the realm of Sauron is ended and that the Ring-bearer has fulfilled his Quest. Still, Gandalf realizes that Frodo and Sam must be rescued.
Frodo and Sam try to escape from the mountain but fire hems them in on all sides. Just as the hobbits are about to give up all hope, Gwaihir spots them. By the time Gandalf and Gwaihir rescue the hobbits, they are unconscious.
When Sam wakes up, he finds that he is in a soft bed and Frodo is nearby. Gandalf is also present and this is a comfort to Sam. They are in the land of Ithilien and the King is waiting to see the two hobbits. There is a procession of valiant knights who praise the hobbits with song and music and after this, Sam and Frodo are greeted by the king‹none other than Aragorn. The King then sings the song of "Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom. There is a great feast and the hobbits are reunited with Gimli, Legolas, Merry and Pippin. The Spring is a time of recuperation, but as May approaches, the group heads for Minas Tirith, where Aragorn will enter the gates and establish his kingdom.
Analysis:
The tone of this chapter is more victorious and celebratory than some of the previous chapters. The themes of nostalgia and hospitality re-emerge after a long pause (it's been a long time since Sam woke up in a soft bed). The archetype of Spring is presented as a symbol of regeneration and life. Sam, when asked how e feels, replies: "I feel like spring after winterŠ" The motif of the song serves the purpose of resolving much of the suspense in regards to the fate of the characters. Evil has been defeated‹but more important, the song of Frodo has already been composed and sung. In a sense, the story is pretty much over and we can expect that the hobbits will recover from their injuries. In contrast to the spring imagery, the images of Sauron's fall were a combination of smoke and ash. His essence seemed to dissipate like a cloud of smoke‹and yet the structures of his realm, crashed and burned in a very material way, endangering Frodo and Sam.
Chapter 5: The Steward and the King
Lady Eowyn is feeling ill and she remains in the care of the Steward at the Houses of Healing. She longs to go to the battle and as she has received no news from the East, she fears the worst: that Sauron has been victorious and her allies have been lost. She visits Faramir, who is also recovering from his battle wounds. Faramir feels sorry for Eowyn and he can clearly see that she hoped for a heroic death in a valiant battle. He also feels that Eowyn is very beautiful and he expresses his love for her‹though at present, she is not interested in his advances.
On the day of victory, the great Shadow departs and the sun emerges. The people of the City sing with joy and an eagle comes bearing the news that "the Realm of Sauron is ended for ever." The King will soon be returning to the city. The only person who does not express merriment is Eowyn, but when Faramir visits her again, he is able to move her heart and she falls in love with him.
When the company arrives from the battle, Aragorn kneels to be crowned by Gandalf. Aragorn wears the White Crown and he announces: "Now come the days of the King." One morning, soon before Midsummer, Gandalf and Aragorn take a walk together and they find a sapling tree that had survived, though it was on the very edge of the snow. This is the new tree that will represent Aragorn's royal house. When Midsummer arrives, the City receives a number of guests from Rivendell and Lothlorien, including Lady Galadriel and Celeborn, the Lord of Lothlorien. Master Elrond also joins them. Arwen (the Evenstar) comes as well and after her father, Elrond, surrenders his scepter to Aragorn, Arwen and Aragorn are married.
Analysis:
The tree is a symbol of life and of new beginnings and the contrast between the young green sapling and the edge of the snow, is important in archetypal terms, suggesting that life has only barely survived the threat of eternal winter (under Sauron). The transfer of power from the old powers to the young is repeated in the surrender of Elrond's scepter to Aragorn. The motif of midsummer, coupled with the wedding, suggests life and sunlight and nature functioning at their maximum levels. This midsummer is also important in terms of narrative structure, for this is not the first midsummer that has passed in the course of the novel. The theme of nostalgia is evoked in the mention of Bilbo and the Shire but there is the foreshadowing of trouble ahead. Finally, the tone of the chapter is somber at points, particularly when Gandalf says to Aragorn: "The Third Age was my age. I was the Enemy of Sauron; and my work is finished. I shall go soon. The burden must lie now upon you and your kindred." The previous prophecies and songs are sure to come to pass, as the motif of the song and the theme of fate have both been sustained throughout the novel.
Chapter 6: Many Partings
Frodo addresses the King and informs him that he wishes to go to Rivendell and then return to the Shire. Arwen gives Frodo a white gem to wear around his neck; the stone will help him when the "memory of the fear and the darkness" troubles him. A large company congregates for the departure, seven days later. Eowyn gives Merry the gift of a horn that will "set fear in the hearts of enemies and joy in the hearts of friends." Legolas joins Gimli to see the Glittering Caves and after this, Treebeard arrives and those characters that had not met him are now acquainted. Saruman was permitted to leave‹owing to Treebeard's kindheartedness, but Gandalf worries that Saruman will still do something malicious. While traveling, the group sees an old man slouching alongside another beggar. These two are Saruman and Grima. Gandalf offers Saruman forgiveness and help but Saruman rejects this help. In fact, he even curses the hobbits' land.
In Rivendell, they find Bilbo, who is sitting in a little room littered with papers and pens and pencils. He has been busy writing his story. The following day is Bilbo's 129th birthday. Bilbo is an old and sleepy man and he gives Frodo the task of completing his writings.
Analysis:
Despite the successes of the heroes, there is a sad tone in this chapter, which foreshadows both the departure of the older characters and the destruction of the Shire. Arwen's white gem is compared, in a simile, to a star. It will be an amulet for Frodo, who is increasingly tormented by nightmares and visions of the past. Bilbo and his books are often read as a characterization of the author. Certainly, the motif of the written story and passed-down tale has been part of the trilogy from the very beginning. The passing down of the task of recording is also Bilbo's way of bequeathing his possessions and preparing for death. The sea and boats imagery is also connected to ideas of travel, which implies death and permanent departure in this case. Saruman's derisive comments about Gandalf boarding a "ship full of ghosts" proves not so far from the truth.
Chapter 7: Homeward Bound
Frodo feels the old pains in his shoulder and Gandalf admits that there are some wounds that cannot be wholly cured. When Gandalf and the hobbits arrive at Bree, they are dismayed by the apparent damage that has transpired in their absence. There is a need for security and strong gates; there is an excessive of forcible legislation that has been handed down by the mayor. Robbers terrorize the roads. Mr. Butterbur and the others at The Prancing Pony are astonished that the company has returned. They are also pleased to hear that Strider (Aragorn) is the new King. Still, the good news from afar has yet to take hold in these far off regions. The evil that has been done has come from Saruman, of course. The hobbits are eager to get to the Shire to investigate the damage.
Analysis:
Bree is an incredible contrast to the scenes of joviality, drunkenness, and goodwill that marked The Prancing Pony as described in the first book of the Fellowship. This cycle is important for the narrative structure though, as it marks the near conclusion of the hobbits' story. It is ironic that after battling in foreign lands, the hobbits will return to Hobbiton and face one final struggle, but they are well prepared. In terms of characters, Saruman and Grima will make an appearance in the next chapter. The Gaffer and the other residents of the Shire are also foreshadowed.
Chapter 8: The Scouring of the Shire
It is nightfall when the hobbits arrive at Brandywine and the scene is "all very gloomy and un-Shirelike." They are blocked at the gate and there is a sign that reads: "No admittance between sundown and sunrise." The guards at the gate are surprised when they learn that Frodo and Merry and Pippin have arrived. Mr. Lotho has become Chief of the town and he has tyrannized and oppressed the people with the help of a few wild men. Of course, the hobbits who have just returned from battle are not dismayed by the challenge before them and they intend to galvanize the hobbits of the region and remove Mr. Lotho and his henchmen from their positions. They find that a sizeable portion of the population has been jailed as they were unwilling to obey Mr. Lotho and his henchman, Sharkey. The village successfully chases out the henchmen and they learn that Mr. Lotho is a puppet leader. Sharkey is the real Chief. Sharkey reveals himself to be Saruman and Saruman laughs with revenge because he has destroyed so many of the homes and gardens of Hobbiton. The hobbits move to strike at him but Frodo withholds them. Saruman passes by Frodo and flashes a knife, attempting to stab him, but Frodo is wearing a coat of mail beneath his garment and the knife does no damage. Frodo remains patient and forgiving and he refuses to strike at Saruman, but this only angers Saruman. Asking about Mr. Lotho, the hobbits learn from Saruman that Wormtongue has killed him‹but Wormtongue is enraged because Saruman forced him to do this. Wormtongue then draws his own knife and cuts Saruman's throat. Wormtongue is shot dead with arrows before Frodo even has a chance to speak. Saruman's body emits a grey mist and then it dissolves into nothing.
Analysis:
The long foreshadowed destruction of the shire is presented here, and the scene is more dreary than the hobbits had feared. The two remaining evil characters, Saruman and Wormtongue, die in this chapter and this spiritual cleansing precedes the cleansing of the territory, which will take place in the next chapter. Frodo's death and departure is also foreshadowed in Saruman's curse.
Chapter 9: The Grey Havens
The cleansing of the Shire does not take as long as Sam had feared. One of the initial tasks at hand is the release of the prisoners who have been locked up by Sharkey and Mr. Lotho‹among these is Fatty Bolger, who has lost a lot of weight during his season in jail. Sam mourns for the destroyed flowers and trees of the Shire and he calculates that it will only be when his great-grandchildren are alive that the Shire will resemble what it was. But then he remembers the gift of Galadriel: a box that was filled with a grey dust and a small seed. Sam spreads this dust and in a year's time, it does the work of twenty years. The trees and flowers return, the children grow beautiful and strong, and pretty much everybody is happy. Sam gets married to Rose Cotton and they move in with Frodo, who still suffers his ailment. Frodo finishes nearly all of the writing before he passes the project on to Sam to finish the final pages. Sam becomes the mayor in Frodo's place and Frodo prepares for his departure with Gandalf to the shores of the Sea. Sam, Merry and Pippin ride along with them, and there are also the Elves, Bilbo, Elrond and Galadriel. All of the ring bearers must depart from Middle Earth and so they board the great ship and sail away. The three hobbits return to their lives in Hobbiton and enjoy the rest of their lives.
Analysis:
In terms of narrative structure, this is a very definite conclusion‹there are very few loose ends after the end of this novel. One thing that we find is the final evolution of Frodo's character. He becomes more distant from his hobbit friends (Sam, Merry and Pippin) and eventually takes his place with Bilbo and the others who depart with the passing of their age. The pain that Frodo continually suffers from foreshadows his inevitable departure ("I am too deeply hurt," he says), though the tone is not as depressing and mournful as it could be. Clearly, the sailing away is a symbolic death because the characters who sail away do not return to their former environs. At the same time, no scene of physical death is presented here. We are permitted to remember these figures as the heroes and heroines that they are. There are several images of vegetation that go further than the usual archetypal representations of life, regeneration and renewal: the young baby named Elanor, the enormous growth of the Shire's vegetation and the mallorn tree all suggest that a living memory of the old age will continue into the new age‹even if it is only in name (Elanor, the child), imitation (the growth from the grey dust) or a more specific duplication of older object (the mallorn). The inclusion of characters like Bilbo and Elrond should remind us that "The Grey Havens" is not simply the conclusion of The Return of the King but it is the end of a trilogy. And Bilbo's reference to the "treasure of Smaug" recalls the dramatic scenes of The Hobbit. Perhaps one of the most developed themes in this chapter is the very idea of literary representation. The lineage of writers continues from Bilbo to Frodo to Pippin; we also see Bilbo's books as an alternative to the songs that have been memorized and rehearsed throughout the trilogy. The idea of an author‹whether Tolkien or a character within the story‹is complicated here, though it seems clear that the story is destined to be popular and converted into the form of the songs of heroes.
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