The Return of the King -...
Transcript of The Return of the King -...
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THERETURNOFTHEKING
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BEINGTHETHIRDPARTOF
THELORDOFTHERINGS
BYJ.R.R.
TOLKIEN
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ThreeRingsfortheElven-kingsunderthesky,SevenfortheDwarf-lordsintheirhallsofstone,
NineforMortalMendoomedtodie,OnefortheDarkLordonhisdarkthrone
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IntheLandofMordorwheretheShadowslie.OneRingtorulethemall,OneRingtofindthem,OneRingtobringthemallandinthedarknessbindthem
IntheLandofMordorwheretheShadowslie.
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CONTENTS
COVERPAGE
TITLEPAGE
SYNOPSIS
BOOKFIVE
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Chapter1:MINASTIRITH
Chapter2:THEPASSINGOFTHEGREYCOMPANY
Chapter3:THEMUSTEROFROHAN
Chapter4:THESIEGEOFGONDOR
Chapter5:THERIDEOFTHEROHIRRIM
Chapter6:THEBATTLEOFTHEPELENNORFIELDS
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Chapter7:THEPYREOFDENETHOR
Chapter8:THEHOUSESOFHEALING
Chapter9:THELASTDEBATE
Chapter10:THEBLACKGATEOPENS
BOOKSIX
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Chapter1:THETOWEROFCIRITHUNGOL
Chapter2:THELANDOFSHADOW
Chapter3:MOUNTDOOM
Chapter4:THEFIELDOFCORMALLEN
Chapter5:THESTEWARDANDTHEKING
Chapter6:MANYPARTINGS
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Chapter7:HOMEWARDBOUND
Chapter8:THESCOURINGOFTHESHIRE
Chapter9:THEGREYHAVENS
APPENDIXA:ANNALSOFTHEKINGSANDRULERS
APPENDIXB:THETALEOFYEARS
APPENDIXC:FAMILY
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TREES
APPENDIXD:SHIRECALENDARFORUSEINALLYEARS
APPENDIXE:WritingandSpelling
APPENDIXF
INDEX
MAPS
WORKSBYJ.R.R.
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TOLKIEN
COPYRIGHT
ABOUTTHEPUBLISHER
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SYNOPSIS
ThisisthethirdpartofTheLordoftheRings.
Thefirstpart,TheFellowshipoftheRing,toldhowGandalftheGreydiscoveredthattheringpossessedbyFrodothe
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HobbitwasinfacttheOneRing,rulerofalltheRingsofPower.ItrecountedtheflightofFrodoandhiscompanionsfromthequietShireoftheirhome,pursuedbytheterroroftheBlackRidersofMordor,untilatlast,withtheaidofAragorntheRangerofEriador,theycamethroughdesperateperilstothehouseofElrondinRivendell.
Therewasheldthegreat
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CouncilofElrond,atwhichitwasdecidedtoattemptthedestructionoftheRing,andFrodowasappointedtheRing-bearer.TheCompanionsoftheRingwerethenchosen,whoweretoaidhiminhisquest:tocomeifhecouldtotheMountainofFireinMordor,thelandoftheEnemyhimself,wherealonetheRingcouldbeunmade.Inthisfellowship
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wereAragorn,andBoromirsonoftheLordofGondor,representingMen;LegolassonoftheElven-kingofMirkwood,fortheElves;GimlisonofGlóinoftheLonelyMountain,fortheDwarves;FrodowithhisservantSamwise,andhistwoyoungkinsmenMeriadocandPeregrin,fortheHobbits;andGandalftheGrey.
TheCompanions
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journeyedinsecretfarfromRivendellintheNorth,untilbaffledintheirattempttocrossthehighpassofCaradhrasinwinter,theywereledbyGandalfthroughthehiddengateandenteredthevastMinesofMoria,seekingawaybeneaththemountains.ThereGandalf,inbattlewithadreadfulspiritoftheunderworld,fellintoadarkabyss.ButAragorn,now
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revealedasthehiddenheiroftheancientKingsoftheWest,ledtheCompanyonfromtheEastGateofMoria,throughtheElvishlandofLórien,anddownthegreatRiverAnduin,untiltheycametotheFallsofRauros.Alreadytheyhadbecomeawarethattheirjourneywaswatchedbyspies,andthatthecreatureGollum,whooncehadpossessedtheRingand
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stilllustedforit,wasfollowingtheirtrail.
ItnowbecamenecessaryforthemtodecidewhethertheyshouldturneasttoMordor;orgoonwithBoromirtotheaidofMinasTirith,chiefcityofGondor,inthecomingwar;orshoulddivide.WhenitbecameclearthattheRing-bearerwasresolvedtocontinuehishopelessjourneytotheland
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oftheEnemy,BoromirattemptedtoseizetheRingbyforce.ThefirstpartendedwiththefallofBoromirtothelureoftheRing;withtheescapeanddisappearanceofFrodoandhisservantSamwise;andthescatteringoftheremainderoftheFellowshipbyasuddenattackoforc-soldiers,someintheserviceoftheDarkLordofMordor,someofthetraitor
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SarumanofIsengard.TheQuestoftheRing-bearerseemedalreadyovertakenbydisaster.
Thesecondpart,(BooksThreeandFour),TheTwoTowers,recountedthedeedsofalltheCompanyafterthebreakingoftheFellowshipoftheRing.BookThreetoldoftherepentanceanddeathofBoromir,andofhisfuneralinaboatcommittedtotheFalls
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ofRauros;ofthecaptureofMeriadocandPeregrinbyorc-solders,whoborethemtowardsIsengardovertheeasternplainsofRohan;andoftheirpursuitbyAragorn,LegolasandGimli.
TheRidersofRohanthenappeared.Atroopofhorsemen,ledbyÉomertheMarshal,surroundedtheorcsonthebordersoftheForestofFangorn,anddestroyed
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them;butthehobbitsescapedintothewoodandtheremetTreebeardtheEnt,secretmasterofFangorn.InhiscompanytheywitnessedtherousingofthewrathoftheTree-folkandtheirmarchonIsengard.
InthemeanwhileAragornandhiscompanionsmetÉomerreturningfromthebattle.Heprovidedthemwithhorses,andtheyrodeonto
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theforest.Therewhilesearchinginvainforthehobbits,theymetGandalfagain,returnedfromdeath,nowtheWhiteRider,yetveiledstillingrey.WithhimtheyrodeoverRohantothehallsofKingThéodenoftheMark,whereGandalfhealedtheagedkingandrescuedhimfromthespellsofWormtongue,hisevilcounsellor,secretallyof
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Saruman.TheyrodethenwiththekingandhishostagainsttheforcesofIsengard,andtookpartinthedesperatevictoryoftheHornburg.GandalfthenledthemtoIsengard,andtheyfoundthegreatfortresslaidinruinsbytheTree-folk,andSarumanandWormtonguebesiegedintheindomitabletowerofOrthanc.
Intheparleybeforethe
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doorSarumanrefusedtorepent,andGandalfdeposedhimandbrokehisstaff,leavinghimtothevigilanceoftheEnts.FromahighwindowWormtonguehurledastoneatGandalf;butitmissedhim,andwaspickedupbyPeregrin.Thisprovedtobeoneofthefoursurvivingpalantíri,theSeeingStonesofNúmenor.LateratnightPeregrin
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succumbedtothelureoftheStone;hestoleitandlookedinit,andsowasrevealedtoSauron.ThebookendedwiththecomingofaNazgûlovertheplainsofRohan,aRingwraithmountedonaflyingsteed,presageofimminentwar.GandalfdeliveredthepalantírtoAragorn,andtakingPeregrinrodeawaytoMinasTirith.
BookFourturnedto
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FrodoandSamwise,nowlostinthebleakhillsofEmynMuil.Ittoldhowtheyescapedfromthehills,andwereovertakenbySméagol-Gollum;andhowFrodotamedGollumandalmostovercamehismalice,sothatGollumledthemthroughtheDeadMarshesandruinedlandstotheMorannon,theBlackGateoftheLandofMordorintheNorth.
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ThereitwasimpossibletoenterandFrodoacceptedGollum’sadvice:toseeka‘secretentrance’thatheknewof,awaysouthintheMountainsofShadow,thewesternwallsofMordor.Astheyjourneyedthithertheyweretakenbyascouting-forceoftheMenofGondorledbyFaramirbrotherofBoromir.Faramirdiscoveredthenatureoftheirquest,but
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resistedthetemptationtowhichBoromirhadsuccumbed,andsentthemforwardonthelaststageoftheirjourneytoCirithUngol,theSpider’sPass;thoughhewarnedthemthatitwasaplaceofmortalperil,ofwhichGollumhadtoldthemlessthanheknew.EvenastheyreachedtheCross-roadsandtookthepathtotheghastlycityofMinasMorgul,
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agreatdarknessissuedfromMordor,coveringallthelands.ThenSauronsentforthhisfirstarmy,ledbytheblackKingoftheRingwraiths:theWaroftheRinghadbegun.
GollumguidedthehobbitstoasecretwaythatavoidedMinasMorgul,andinthedarknesstheycameatlasttoCirithUngol.ThereGollumfellbackintoevil,and
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attemptedtobetraythemtothemonstrousguardianofthepass,Shelob.HewasfrustratedbytheheroismofSamwise,whobeatoffhisattack,andwoundedShelob.
ThesecondpartendswiththechoicesofSamwise.Frodo,stungbyShelob,liesdead,asitseems:thequestmustendindisaster,orSamwisemustabandonhismaster.Atlengthhetakesthe
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Ringandattemptstocarryonthehopelessquestalone.ButjustasheisabouttocrossintothelandofMordor,orcscomeupfromMinasMorgulanddownfromthetowerofCirithUngolthatguardsthecrownofthepass.HiddenbytheRingSamwiselearnsfromthebickeringoftheorcsthatFrodoisnotdeadbutdrugged.Toolatehepursuesthem;buttheorcscarryoff
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thebodyofFrododownatunnelleadingtothereargateoftheirtower.Samwisefallsinaswoonbeforeitasitcloseswithaclang.
This,thethirdandlastpart,willtelloftheopposingstrategiesofGandalfandSauron,untilthefinalcatastropheandtheendofthegreatdarkness.WereturnfirsttothefortunesofbattleintheWest.
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BOOKFIVE
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Chapter1
MINASTIRITH
PippinlookedoutfromtheshelterofGandalf’scloak.Hewonderedifhewasawakeorstillsleeping,stillinthe
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swift-movingdreaminwhichhehadbeenwrappedsolongsincethegreatridebegan.Thedarkworldwasrushingbyandthewindsangloudlyinhisears.Hecouldseenothingbutthewheelingstars,andawaytohisrightvastshadowsagainsttheskywherethemountainsoftheSouthmarchedpast.Sleepilyhetriedtoreckonthetimesandstagesoftheirjourney,
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buthismemorywasdrowsyanduncertain.
Therehadbeenthefirstrideatterriblespeedwithoutahalt,andtheninthedawnhehadseenapalegleamofgold,andtheyhadcometothesilenttownandthegreatemptyhouseonthehill.Andhardlyhadtheyreacheditsshelterwhenthewingedshadowhadpassedoveronceagain,andmenwiltedwith
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fear.ButGandalfhadspokensoftwordstohim,andhehadsleptinacorner,tiredbutuneasy,dimlyawareofcomingsandgoingsandofmentalkingandGandalfgivingorders.Andthenagainriding,ridinginthenight.Thiswasthesecond,no,thethirdnightsincehehadlookedintheStone.Andwiththathideousmemoryhewokefully,andshivered,andthe
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noiseofthewindbecamefilledwithmenacingvoices.
Alightkindledinthesky,ablazeofyellowfirebehinddarkbarriers.Pippincoweredback,afraidforamoment,wonderingintowhatdreadfulcountryGandalfwasbearinghim.Herubbedhiseyes,andthenhesawthatitwasthemoonrisingabovetheeasternshadows,nowalmostatthefull.Sothenightwasnotyet
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oldandforhoursthedarkjourneywouldgoon.Hestirredandspoke.
‘Wherearewe,Gandalf?’heasked.
‘IntherealmofGondor,’thewizardanswered.‘ThelandofAnórienisstillpassingby.’
Therewasasilenceagainforawhile.Then,‘Whatisthat?’criedPippinsuddenly,clutchingatGandalf’scloak.
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‘Look!Fire,redfire!Aretheredragonsinthisland?Look,thereisanother!’
ForanswerGandalfcriedaloudtohishorse.‘On,Shadowfax!Wemusthasten.Timeisshort.See!ThebeaconsofGondorarealight,callingforaid.Wariskindled.See,thereisthefireonAmonDîn,andflameonEilenach;andtheretheygospeedingwest:Nardol,
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Erelas,Min-Rimmon,Calenhad,andtheHalifirienonthebordersofRohan.’
ButShadowfaxpausedinhisstride,slowingtoawalk,andthenhelifteduphisheadandneighed.Andoutofthedarknesstheansweringneighofotherhorsescame;andpresentlythethuddingofhoofswasheard,andthreeriderssweptupandpassedlikeflyingghostsinthemoon
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andvanishedintotheWest.ThenShadowfaxgatheredhimselftogetherandsprangaway,andthenightflowedoverhimlikearoaringwind.
PippinbecamedrowsyagainandpaidlittleattentiontoGandalftellinghimofthecustomsofGondor,andhowtheLordoftheCityhadbeaconsbuiltonthetopsofoutlyinghillsalongbothbordersofthegreatrange,
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andmaintainedpostsatthesepointswherefreshhorseswerealwaysinreadinesstobearhiserrand-riderstoRohanintheNorth,ortoBelfalasintheSouth.‘ItislongsincethebeaconsoftheNorthwerelit,’hesaid;‘andintheancientdaysofGondortheywerenotneeded,fortheyhadtheSevenStones.’Pippinstirreduneasily.
‘Sleepagain,anddonot
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beafraid!’saidGandalf.‘ForyouarenotgoinglikeFrodotoMordor,buttoMinasTirith,andthereyouwillbeassafeasyoucanbeanywhereinthesedays.IfGondorfalls,ortheRingistaken,thentheShirewillbenorefuge.’
‘Youdonotcomfortme,’saidPippin,butnonethelesssleepcreptoverhim.Thelastthingthatheremembered
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beforehefellintodeepdreamwasaglimpseofhighwhitepeaks,glimmeringlikefloatingislesabovethecloudsastheycaughtthelightofthewesteringmoon.HewonderedwhereFrodowas,andifhewasalreadyinMordor,orifhewasdead;andhedidnotknowthatFrodofromfarawaylookedonthatsamemoonasitsetbeyondGondorerethe
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comingoftheday.
Pippinwoketothesoundofvoices.Anotherdayofhidingandanightofjourneyhadfleetedby.Itwastwilight:thecolddawnwasathandagain,andchillgreymistswereaboutthem.Shadowfaxstoodsteamingwithsweat,butheheldhisneckproudlyandshowedno
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signofweariness.Manytallmenheavilycloakedstoodbesidehim,andbehindtheminthemistloomedawallofstone.Partlyruinousitseemed,butalreadybeforethenightwaspassedthesoundofhurriedlabourcouldbeheard:beatofhammers,clinkoftrowels,andthecreakofwheels.Torchesandflaresgloweddullyhereandthereinthefog.Gandalfwas
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speakingtothementhatbarredhisway,andashelistenedPippinbecameawarethathehimselfwasbeingdiscussed.
‘Yeatruly,weknowyou,Mithrandir,’saidtheleaderofthemen,‘andyouknowthepass-wordsoftheSevenGatesandarefreetogoforward.Butwedonotknowyourcompanion.Whatishe?Adwarfoutofthemountains
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intheNorth?Wewishfornostrangersinthelandatthistime,unlesstheybemightymenofarmsinwhosefaithandhelpwecantrust.’
‘IwillvouchforhimbeforetheseatofDenethor,’saidGandalf.‘Andasforvalour,thatcannotbecomputedbystature.Hehaspassedthroughmorebattlesandperilsthanyouhave,Ingold,thoughyoubetwice
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hisheight;andhecomesnowfromthestormingofIsengard,ofwhichwebeartidings,andgreatwearinessisonhim,orIwouldwakehim.HisnameisPeregrin,averyvaliantman.’
‘Man?’saidIngolddubiously,andtheotherslaughed.
‘Man!’criedPippin,nowthoroughlyroused.‘Man!Indeednot!Iamahobbitand
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nomorevaliantthanIamaman,saveperhapsnowandagainbynecessity.DonotletGandalfdeceiveyou!’
‘Manyadoerofgreatdeedsmightsaynomore,’saidIngold.‘Butwhatisahobbit?’
‘AHalfling,’answeredGandalf.‘Nay,nottheonethatwasspokenof,’headdedseeingthewonderinthemen’sfaces.‘Nothe,yetone
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ofhiskindred.’‘Yes,andonewho
journeyedwithhim,’saidPippin.‘AndBoromirofyourCitywaswithus,andhesavedmeinthesnowsoftheNorth,andatthelasthewasslaindefendingmefrommanyfoes.’
‘Peace!’saidGandalf.‘Thenewsofthatgriefshouldhavebeentoldfirsttothefather.’
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‘Ithasbeenguessedalready,’saidIngold;‘fortherehavebeenstrangeportentshereoflate.Butpassonnowquickly!FortheLordofMinasTirithwillbeeagertoseeanythatbearthelatesttidingsofhisson,behemanor——’
‘Hobbit,’saidPippin.‘LittleservicecanIoffertoyourlord,butwhatIcando,Iwoulddo,remembering
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Boromirthebrave.’‘Fareyouwell!’said
Ingold;andthemenmadewayforShadowfax,andhepassedthroughanarrowgateinthewall.‘MayyoubringgoodcounseltoDenethorinhisneed,andtousall,Mithrandir!’Ingoldcried.‘Butyoucomewithtidingsofgriefanddanger,asisyourwont,theysay.’
‘BecauseIcomeseldom
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butwhenmyhelpisneeded,’answeredGandalf.‘Andasforcounsel,toyouIwouldsaythatyouareover-lateinrepairingthewallofthePelennor.Couragewillnowbeyourbestdefenceagainstthestormthatisathand–thatandsuchhopeasIbring.FornotallthetidingsthatIbringareevil.Butleaveyourtrowelsandsharpenyourswords!’
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‘Theworkwillbefinishedereevening,’saidIngold.‘Thisisthelastportionofthewalltobeputindefence:theleastopentoattack,foritlookstowardsourfriendsofRohan.Doyouknowaughtofthem?Willtheyanswerthesummons,thinkyou?’
‘Yes,theywillcome.Buttheyhavefoughtmanybattlesatyourback.Thisroadandnoroadlookstowardssafety
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anylonger.Bevigilant!ButforGandalfStormcrowyouwouldhaveseenahostoffoescomingoutofAnórienandnoRidersofRohan.Andyoumayyet.Fareyouwell,andsleepnot!’
GandalfpassednowintothewidelandbeyondtheRammasEchor.SothemenofGondorcalledtheout-wall
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thattheyhadbuiltwithgreatlabour,afterIthilienfellundertheshadowoftheirEnemy.Fortenleaguesormoreitranfromthemountains’feetandsobackagain,enclosinginitsfencethefieldsofthePelennor:fairandfertiletownlandsonthelongslopesandterracesfallingtothedeeplevelsoftheAnduin.AtitsfurthestpointfromtheGreatGateof
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theCity,north-eastward,thewallwasfourleaguesdistant,andtherefromafrowningbankitoverlookedthelongflatsbesidetheriver,andmenhadmadeithighandstrong;foratthatpoint,uponawalledcauseway,theroadcameinfromthefordsandbridgesofOsgiliathandpassedthroughaguardedgatebetweenembattledtowers.Atitsnearestpoint
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thewallwaslittlemorethanoneleaguefromtheCity,andthatwassouth-eastward.ThereAnduin,goinginawidekneeaboutthehillsofEmynArneninSouthIthilien,bentsharplywest,andtheout-wallroseuponitsverybrink;andbeneathitlaythequaysandlandingsoftheHarlondforcraftthatcameupstreamfromthesouthernfiefs.
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Thetownlandswererich,withwidetilthandmanyorchards,andhomesteadstherewerewithoastandgarner,foldandbyre,andmanyrillsripplingthroughthegreenfromthehighlandsdowntoAnduin.Yettheherdsmenandhusbandmenthatdwelttherewerenotmany,andthemostpartofthepeopleofGondorlivedinthesevencirclesoftheCity,
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orinthehighvalesofthemountain-borders,inLossarnach,orfurthersouthinfairLebenninwithitsfiveswiftstreams.Theredweltahardyfolkbetweenthemountainsandthesea.TheywerereckonedmenofGondor,yettheirbloodwasmingled,andtherewereshortandswarthyfolkamongthemwhosesirescamemorefromtheforgottenmenwho
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housedintheshadowofthehillsintheDarkYearserethecomingofthekings.Butbeyond,inthegreatfiefofBelfalas,dweltPrinceImrahilinhiscastleofDolAmrothbythesea,andhewasofhighblood,andhisfolkalso,tallmenandproudwithsea-greyeyes.
NowafterGandalfhadriddenforsometimethelightofdaygrewinthesky,and
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Pippinrousedhimselfandlookedup.Tohisleftlayaseaofmist,risingtoableakshadowintheEast;buttohisrightgreatmountainsrearedtheirheads,rangingfromtheWesttoasteepandsuddenend,asifinthemakingofthelandtheRiverhadburstthroughagreatbarrier,carvingoutamightyvalleytobealandofbattleanddebateintimestocome.Andthere
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wheretheWhiteMountainsofEredNimraiscametotheirendhesaw,asGandalfhadpromised,thedarkmassofMountMindolluin,thedeeppurpleshadowsofitshighglens,anditstallfacewhiteningintherisingday.Anduponitsout-thrustkneewastheGuardedCity,withitssevenwallsofstonesostrongandoldthatitseemedtohavebeennotbuildedbut
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carvenbygiantsoutofthebonesoftheearth.
EvenasPippingazedinwonderthewallspassedfromloominggreytowhite,blushingfaintlyinthedawn;andsuddenlythesunclimbedovertheeasternshadowandsentforthashaftthatsmotethefaceoftheCity.ThenPippincriedaloud,fortheTowerofEcthelion,standinghighwithinthetopmostwall,
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shoneoutagainstthesky,glimmeringlikeaspikeofpearlandsilver,tallandfairandshapely,anditspinnacleglitteredasifitwerewroughtofcrystals;andwhitebannersbrokeandflutteredfromthebattlementsinthemorningbreeze,andhighandfarheheardaclearringingasofsilvertrumpets.
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SoGandalfandPeregrinrodetotheGreatGateoftheMenofGondorattherisingofthesun,anditsirondoorsrolledbackbeforethem.
‘Mithrandir!Mithrandir!’mencried.‘Nowweknowthatthestormisindeednigh!’
‘Itisuponyou,’saidGandalf.‘Ihaveriddenonitswings.Letmepass!ImustcometoyourLordDenethor,whilehisstewardshiplasts.
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Whateverbetide,youhavecometotheendoftheGondorthatyouhaveknown.Letmepass!’
Thenmenfellbackbeforethecommandofhisvoiceandquestionedhimnofurther,thoughtheygazedinwonderatthehobbitthatsatbeforehimandatthehorsethatborehim.ForthepeopleoftheCityusedhorsesverylittleandtheywereseldomseenin
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theirstreets,saveonlythoseriddenbytheerrand-ridersoftheirlord.Andtheysaid:‘SurelythatisoneofthegreatsteedsoftheKingofRohan?MaybetheRohirrimwillcomesoontostrengthenus.’ButShadowfaxwalkedproudlyupthelongwindingroad.
ForthefashionofMinas
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Tirithwassuchthatitwasbuiltonsevenlevels,eachdelvedintothehill,andabouteachwassetawall,andineachwallwasagate.Butthegateswerenotsetinaline:theGreatGateintheCityWallwasattheeastpointofthecircuit,butthenextfacedhalfsouth,andthethirdhalfnorth,andsotoandfroupwards;sothatthepavedwaythatclimbedtowardsthe
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Citadelturnedfirstthiswayandthenthatacrossthefaceofthehill.AndeachtimethatitpassedthelineoftheGreatGateitwentthroughanarchedtunnel,piercingavastpierofrockwhosehugeout-thrustbulkdividedintwoallthecirclesoftheCitysavethefirst.Forpartlyintheprimevalshapingofthehill,partlybythemightycraftandlabourofold,therestoodup
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fromtherearofthewidecourtbehindtheGateatoweringbastionofstone,itsedgesharpasaship-keelfacingeast.Upitrose,eventothelevelofthetopmostcircle,andtherewascrownedbyabattlement;sothatthoseintheCitadelmight,likemarinersinamountainousship,lookfromitspeaksheerdownupontheGatesevenhundredfeetbelow.The
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entrancetotheCitadelalsolookedeastward,butwasdelvedintheheartoftherock;thencealonglamp-litsloperanuptotheseventhgate.ThusmenreachedatlasttheHighCourt,andthePlaceoftheFountainbeforethefeetoftheWhiteTower:tallandshapely,fiftyfathomsfromitsbasetothepinnacle,wherethebanneroftheStewardsfloatedathousand
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feetabovetheplain.Astrongcitadelitwas
indeed,andnottobetakenbyahostofenemies,iftherewereanywithinthatcouldholdweapons;unlesssomefoecouldcomebehindandscalethelowerskirtsofMindolluin,andsocomeuponthenarrowshoulderthatjoinedtheHillofGuardtothemountainmass.Butthatshoulder,whichrosetothe
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heightofthefifthwall,washedgedwithgreatrampartsrightuptotheprecipicethatoverhungitswesternend;andinthatspacestoodthehousesanddomedtombsofbygonekingsandlords,foreversilentbetweenthemountainandthetower.
Pippingazedingrowingwonderatthegreatstonecity,
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vasterandmoresplendidthananythingthathehaddreamedof;greaterandstrongerthanIsengard,andfarmorebeautiful.Yetitwasintruthfallingyearbyyearintodecay;andalreadyitlackedhalfthementhatcouldhavedweltateasethere.Ineverystreettheypassedsomegreathouseorcourtoverwhosedoorsandarchedgateswerecarvedmanyfairlettersof
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strangeandancientshapes:namesPippinguessedofgreatmenandkindredsthathadoncedweltthere;andyetnowtheyweresilent,andnofootstepsrangontheirwidepavements,norvoicewasheardintheirhalls,noranyfacelookedoutfromdoororemptywindow.
Atlasttheycameoutofshadowtotheseventhgate,andthewarmsunthatshone
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downbeyondtheriver,asFrodowalkedinthegladesofIthilien,glowedhereonthesmoothwallsandrootedpillars,andthegreatarchwithkeystonecarveninthelikenessofacrownedandkinglyhead.Gandalfdismounted,fornohorsewasallowedintheCitadel,andShadowfaxsufferedhimselftobeledawayatthesoftwordofhismaster.
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TheGuardsofthegatewererobedinblack,andtheirhelmswereofstrangeshape,high-crowned,withlongcheek-guardsclose-fittingtotheface,andabovethecheek-guardsweresetthewhitewingsofsea-birds;butthehelmsgleamedwithaflameofsilver,fortheywereindeedwroughtofmithril,heirloomsfromthegloryofolddays.Upontheblack
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surcoatswereembroideredinwhiteatreeblossominglikesnowbeneathasilvercrownandmany-pointedstars.ThiswastheliveryoftheheirsofElendil,andnoneworeitnowinallGondor,savetheGuardsoftheCitadelbeforetheCourtoftheFountainwheretheWhiteTreeoncehadgrown.
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Alreadyitseemedthatwordoftheircominghadgonebeforethem;andatoncetheywereadmitted,silently,andwithoutquestion.QuicklyGandalfstrodeacrossthewhite-pavedcourt.Asweetfountainplayedthereinthemorningsun,andaswardofbrightgreenlayaboutit;butinthemidst,droopingoverthepool,stoodadeadtree,andthefalling
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dropsdrippedsadlyfromitsbarrenandbrokenbranchesbackintotheclearwater.
PippinglancedatitashehurriedafterGandalf.Itlookedmournful,hethought,andhewonderedwhythedeadtreewasleftinthisplacewhereeverythingelsewaswelltended.
Sevenstarsandsevenstonesandonewhitetree.
ThewordsthatGandalf
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hadmurmuredcamebackintohismind.Andthenhefoundhimselfatthedoorsofthegreathallbeneaththegleamingtower;andbehindthewizardhepassedthetallsilentdoor-wardensandenteredthecoolechoingshadowsofthehouseofstone.
Theywalkeddownapavedpassage,longandempty,andastheywent
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GandalfspokesoftlytoPippin.‘Becarefulofyourwords,MasterPeregrin!Thisisnotimeforhobbitpertness.Théodenisakindlyoldman.Denethorisofanothersort,proudandsubtle,amanoffargreaterlineageandpower,thoughheisnotcalledaking.Buthewillspeakmosttoyou,andquestionyoumuch,sinceyoucantellhimofhissonBoromir.Helovedhim
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greatly:toomuchperhaps;andthemoresobecausetheywereunlike.Butundercoverofthislovehewillthinkiteasiertolearnwhathewishesfromyouratherthanfromme.Donottellhimmorethanyouneed,andleavequietthematterofFrodo’serrand.Iwilldealwiththatinduetime.AndsaynothingaboutAragorneither,unlessyoumust.’
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‘Whynot?WhatiswrongwithStrider?’Pippinwhispered.‘Hemeanttocomehere,didn’the?Andhe’llbearrivingsoonhimself,anyway.’
‘Maybe,maybe,’saidGandalf.‘Thoughifhecomes,itislikelytobeinsomewaythatnooneexpects,notevenDenethor.Itwillbebetterso.Atleastheshouldcomeunheraldedby
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us.’Gandalfhaltedbeforea
talldoorofpolishedmetal.‘See,MasterPippin,thereisnotimetoinstructyounowinthehistoryofGondor;thoughitmighthavebeenbetter,ifyouhadlearnedsomethingofit,whenyouwerestillbirds-nestingandplayingtruantinthewoodsoftheShire.DoasIbid!Itisscarcelywisewhenbringingthenewsofthe
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deathofhisheirtoamightylordtospeakovermuchofthecomingofonewhowill,ifhecomes,claimthekingship.Isthatenough?’
‘Kingship?’saidPippinamazed.
‘Yes,’saidGandalf.‘Ifyouhavewalkedallthesedayswithclosedearsandmindasleep,wakeupnow!’Heknockedonthedoor.
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Thedooropened,butnoonecouldbeseentoopenit.Pippinlookedintoagreathall.Itwaslitbydeepwindowsinthewideaislesateitherside,beyondtherowsoftallpillarsthatupheldtheroof.Monolithsofblackmarble,theyrosetogreatcapitalscarvedinmanystrangefiguresofbeastsandleaves;andfaraboveinshadowthewidevaulting
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gleamedwithdullgold.Thefloorwasofpolishedstone,white-gleaming,insetwithflowingtraceriesofmanycolours.Nohangingsnorstoriedwebs,noranythingsofwovenstufforofwood,weretobeseeninthatlongsolemnhall;butbetweenthepillarstherestoodasilentcompanyoftallimagesgravenincoldstone.
SuddenlyPippinwas
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remindedofthehewnrocksofArgonath,andawefellonhim,ashelookeddownthatavenueofkingslongdead.Atthefarenduponadaisofmanystepswassetahighthroneunderacanopyofmarbleshapedlikeacrownedhelm;behinditwascarveduponthewallandsetwithgemsanimageofatreeinflower.Butthethronewasempty.Atthefootofthedais,
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upontheloweststepwhichwasbroadanddeep,therewasastonechair,blackandunadorned,andonitsatanoldmangazingathislap.Inhishandwasawhiterodwithagoldenknob.Hedidnotlookup.Solemnlytheypacedthelongfloortowardshim,untiltheystoodthreepacesfromhisfootstool.ThenGandalfspoke.
‘Hail,LordandSteward
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ofMinasTirith,DenethorsonofEcthelion!Iamcomewithcounselandtidingsinthisdarkhour.’
Thentheoldmanlookedup.Pippinsawhiscarvenfacewithitsproudbonesandskinlikeivory,andthelongcurvednosebetweenthedarkdeepeyes;andhewasremindednotsomuchofBoromirasofAragorn.‘Darkindeedisthehour,’saidthe
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oldman,‘andatsuchtimesyouarewonttocome,Mithrandir.ButthoughallthesignsforebodethatthedoomofGondorisdrawingnigh,lessnowtomeisthatdarknessthanmyowndarkness.Ithasbeentoldtomethatyoubringwithyouonewhosawmysondie.Isthishe?’
‘Itis,’saidGandalf.‘Oneofthetwain.Theotheriswith
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ThéodenofRohanandmaycomehereafter.Halflingstheyare,asyousee,yetthisisnotheofwhomtheomensspoke.’
‘YetaHalflingstill,’saidDenethorgrimly,‘andlittlelovedoIbearthename,sincethoseaccursedwordscametotroubleourcounselsanddrewawaymysononthewilderrandtohisdeath.MyBoromir!Nowwehaveneed
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ofyou.Faramirshouldhavegoneinhisstead.’
‘Hewouldhavegone,’saidGandalf.‘Benotunjustinyourgrief!Boromirclaimedtheerrandandwouldnotsufferanyothertohaveit.Hewasamasterfulman,andonetotakewhathedesired.Ijourneyedfarwithhimandlearnedmuchofhismood.Butyouspeakofhisdeath.Youhavehadnewsofthat
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erewecame?’‘Ihavereceivedthis,’said
Denethor,andlayingdownhisrodheliftedfromhislapthethingthathehadbeengazingat.Ineachhandhehelduponehalfofagreathorncloventhroughthemiddle:awild-oxhornboundwithsilver.
‘ThatisthehornthatBoromiralwayswore!’criedPippin.
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‘Verily,’saidDenethor.‘AndinmyturnIboreit,andsodideacheldestsonofourhouse,farbackintothevanishedyearsbeforethefailingofthekings,sinceVorondilfatherofMardilhuntedthewildkineofArawinthefarfieldsofRhûn.Ihearditblowingdimuponthenorthernmarchesthirteendaysago,andtheRiverbroughtittome,broken:it
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willwindnomore.’Hepausedandtherewasaheavysilence.SuddenlyheturnedhisblackglanceuponPippin.‘Whatsayyoutothat,Halfling?’
‘Thirteen,thirteendays,’falteredPippin.‘Yes,Ithinkthatwouldbeso.Yes,Istoodbesidehim,asheblewthehorn.Butnohelpcame.Onlymoreorcs.’
‘So,’saidDenethor,
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lookingkeenlyatPippin’sface.‘Youwerethere?Tellmemore!Whydidnohelpcome?Andhowdidyouescape,andyethedidnot,somightyamanashewas,andonlyorcstowithstandhim?’
Pippinflushedandforgothisfear.‘Themightiestmanmaybeslainbyonearrow,’hesaid;‘andBoromirwaspiercedbymany.WhenlastIsawhimhesankbesideatree
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andpluckedablack-featheredshaftfromhisside.ThenIswoonedandwasmadecaptive.Isawhimnomore,andknownomore.ButIhonourhismemory,forhewasveryvaliant.Hediedtosaveus,mykinsmanMeriadocandmyself,waylaidinthewoodsbythesoldieryoftheDarkLord;andthoughhefellandfailed,mygratitudeisnonetheless.’
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ThenPippinlookedtheoldmanintheeye,forpridestirredstrangelywithinhim,stillstungbythescornandsuspicioninthatcoldvoice.‘Littleservice,nodoubt,willsogreatalordofMenthinktofindinahobbit,ahalflingfromthenorthernShire;yetsuchasitis,Iwillofferit,inpaymentofmydebt.’Twitchingasidehisgreycloak,Pippindrewforthhis
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smallswordandlaiditatDenethor’sfeet.
Apalesmile,likeagleamofcoldsunonawinter’sevening,passedovertheoldman’sface;buthebenthisheadandheldouthishand,layingtheshardsofthehornaside.‘Givemetheweapon!’hesaid.
Pippinlifteditandpresentedthehilttohim.‘Whencecamethis?’said
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Denethor.‘Many,manyyearslieonit.SurelythisisabladewroughtbyourownkindredintheNorthinthedeeppast?’
‘Itcameoutofthemoundsthatlieonthebordersofmycountry,’saidPippin.‘Butonlyevilwightsdwelltherenow,andIwillnotwillinglytellmoreofthem.’
‘Iseethatstrangetalesare
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wovenaboutyou,’saidDenethor,‘andonceagainitisshownthatlooksmaybelietheman–orthehalfling.Iacceptyourservice.Foryouarenotdauntedbywords;andyouhavecourteousspeech,strangethoughthesoundofitmaybetousintheSouth.Andweshallhaveneedofallfolkofcourtesy,betheygreatorsmall,inthedaystocome.Sweartomenow!’
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‘Takethehilt,’saidGandalf,‘andspeakaftertheLord,ifyouareresolvedonthis.’
‘Iam,’saidPippin.Theoldmanlaidthe
swordalonghislap,andPippinputhishandtothehilt,andsaidslowlyafterDenethor:
‘HeredoIswearfealtyandservicetoGondor,andtotheLordandStewardofthe
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realm,tospeakandtobesilent,todoandtoletbe,tocomeandtogo,inneedorplenty,inpeaceorwar,inlivingordying,fromthishourhenceforth,untilmylordreleaseme,ordeathtakeme,ortheworldend.SosayI,PeregrinsonofPaladinoftheShireoftheHalflings.’
‘AndthisdoIhear,DenethorsonofEcthelion,LordofGondor,Stewardof
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theHighKing,andIwillnotforgetit,norfailtorewardthatwhichisgiven:fealtywithlove,valourwithhonour,oath-breakingwithvengeance.’ThenPippinreceivedbackhisswordandputitinitssheath.
‘Andnow,’saidDenethor,‘myfirstcommandtoyou:speakandbenotsilent!Tellmeyourfulltale,andseethatyourecallallthatyoucanof
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Boromir,myson.Sitnowandbegin!’Ashespokehestruckasmallsilvergongthatstoodnearhisfootstool,andatonceservantscameforward.Pippinsawthenthattheyhadbeenstandinginalcovesoneithersideofthedoor,unseenasheandGandalfentered.
‘Bringwineandfoodandseatsfortheguests,’saidDenethor,‘andseethatnonetroubleusforonehour.’
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‘ItisallthatIhavetospare,forthereismuchelsetoheed,’hesaidtoGandalf.‘Muchofmoreimport,itmayseem,andyettomelesspressing.Butmaybewecanspeakagainattheendoftheday.’
‘Andearlier,itistobehoped,’saidGandalf.‘ForIhavenotriddenhitherfromIsengard,onehundredandfiftyleagues,withthespeed
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ofwind,onlytobringyouonesmallwarrior,howevercourteous.IsitnaughttoyouthatThéodenhasfoughtagreatbattle,andthatIsengardisoverthrown,andthatIhavebrokenthestaffofSaruman?’
‘Itismuchtome.ButIknowalreadysufficientofthesedeedsformyowncounselagainstthemenaceoftheEast.’HeturnedhisdarkeyesonGandalf,andnow
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Pippinsawalikenessbetweenthetwo,andhefeltthestrainbetweenthem,almostasifhesawalineofsmoulderingfire,drawnfromeyetoeye,thatmightsuddenlyburstintoflame.
DenethorlookedindeedmuchmorelikeagreatwizardthanGandalfdid,morekingly,beautiful,andpowerful;andolder.YetbyasenseotherthansightPippin
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perceivedthatGandalfhadthegreaterpowerandthedeeperwisdom,andamajestythatwasveiled.Andhewasolder,farolder.‘Howmucholder?’hewondered,andthenhethoughthowodditwasthathehadneverthoughtaboutitbefore.Treebeardhadsaidsomethingaboutwizards,buteventhenhehadnotthoughtofGandalfasoneofthem.WhatwasGandalf?
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Inwhatfartimeandplacedidhecomeintotheworld,andwhenwouldheleaveit?Andthenhismusingsbrokeoff,andhesawthatDenethorandGandalfstilllookedeachotherintheeye,asifreadingtheother’smind.ButitwasDenethorwhofirstwithdrewhisgaze.
‘Yea,’hesaid;‘forthoughtheStonesbelost,theysay,stillthelordsofGondorhave
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keenersightthanlessermen,andmanymessagescometothem.Butsitnow!’
Thenmencamebearingachairandalowstool,andonebroughtasalverwithasilverflagonandcups,andwhitecakes.Pippinsatdown,buthecouldnottakehiseyesfromtheoldlord.Wasitso,orhadheonlyimaginedit,
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thatashespokeoftheStonesasuddengleamofhiseyehadglanceduponPippin’sface?
‘Nowtellmeyourtale,myliege,’saidDenethor,halfkindly,halfmockingly.‘Forthewordsofonewhommysonsobefriendedwillbewelcomeindeed.’
PippinneverforgotthathourinthegreathallunderthepiercingeyeoftheLordofGondor,stabbedeverand
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anonbyhisshrewdquestions,andallthewhileconsciousofGandalfathisside,watchingandlistening,and(soPippinfelt)holdingincheckarisingwrathandimpatience.WhenthehourwasoverandDenethoragainrangthegong,Pippinfeltwornout.‘Itcannotbemorethannineo’clock,’hethought.‘Icouldnoweatthreebreakfastsonend.’
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‘LeadtheLordMithrandirtothehousingpreparedforhim,’saidDenethor,‘andhiscompanionmaylodgewithhimforthepresent,ifhewill.ButbeitknownthatIhavenowswornhimtomyservice,andheshallbeknownasPeregrinsonofPaladinandtaughtthelesserpass-words.SendwordtotheCaptainsthattheyshallwaitonmehere,assoonasmay
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beafterthethirdhourhasrung.
‘Andyou,myLordMithrandir,shallcometoo,asandwhenyouwill.Noneshallhinderyourcomingtomeatanytime,saveonlyinmybriefhoursofsleep.Letyourwrathatanoldman’sfollyrunoff,andthenreturntomycomfort!’
‘Folly?’saidGandalf.‘Nay,mylord,whenyouare
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adotardyouwilldie.Youcanuseevenyourgriefasacloak.DoyouthinkthatIdonotunderstandyourpurposeinquestioningforanhouronewhoknowstheleast,whileIsitby?’
‘Ifyouunderstandit,thenbecontent,’returnedDenethor.‘Pridewouldbefollythatdisdainedhelpandcounselatneed;butyoudealoutsuchgiftsaccordingto
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yourowndesigns.YettheLordofGondorisnottobemadethetoolofothermen’spurposes,howeverworthy.AndtohimthereisnopurposehigherintheworldasitnowstandsthanthegoodofGondor;andtheruleofGondor,mylord,ismineandnootherman’s,unlessthekingshouldcomeagain.’
‘Unlessthekingshouldcomeagain?’saidGandalf.
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‘Well,mylordSteward,itisyourtasktokeepsomekingdomstillagainstthatevent,whichfewnowlooktosee.Inthattaskyoushallhavealltheaidthatyouarepleasedtoaskfor.ButIwillsaythis:theruleofnorealmismine,neitherofGondornoranyother,greatorsmall.Butallworthythingsthatareinperilastheworldnowstands,thosearemycare.
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Andformypart,Ishallnotwhollyfailofmytask,thoughGondorshouldperish,ifanythingpassesthroughthisnightthatcanstillgrowfairorbearfruitandfloweragainindaystocome.ForIalsoamasteward.Didyounotknow?’AndwiththatheturnedandstrodefromthehallwithPippinrunningathisside.
Gandalfdidnotlookat
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Pippinorspeakawordtohimastheywent.Theirguidebroughtthemfromthedoorsofthehall,andthenledthemacrosstheCourtoftheFountainintoalanebetweentallbuildingsofstone.Afterseveralturnstheycametoahouseclosetothewallofthecitadeluponthenorthside,notfarfromtheshoulderthatlinkedthehillwiththemountain.Within,uponthe
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firstfloorabovethestreet,upawidecarvenstair,heshowedthemtoafairroom,lightandairy,withgoodlyhangingsofdullgoldsheenunfigured.Itwassparelyfurnished,havingbutasmalltable,twochairsandabench;butateithersidetherewerecurtainedalcovesandwell-cladbedswithinwithvesselsandbasinsforwashing.Therewerethreehighnarrow
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windowsthatlookednorthwardoverthegreatcurveofAnduin,stillshroudedinmists,towardstheEmynMuilandRaurosfaraway.Pippinhadtoclimbonthebenchtolookoutoverthedeepstonesill.
‘Areyouangrywithme,Gandalf?’hesaid,astheirguidewentoutandclosedthedoor.‘IdidthebestIcould.’
‘Youdidindeed!’said
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Gandalf,laughingsuddenly;andhecameandstoodbesidePippin,puttinghisarmaboutthehobbit’sshoulders,andgazingoutofthewindow.Pippinglancedinsomewonderatthefacenowclosebesidehisown,forthesoundofthatlaughhadbeengayandmerry.Yetinthewizard’sfacehesawatfirstonlylinesofcareandsorrow;thoughashelookedmore
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intentlyheperceivedthatunderalltherewasagreatjoy:afountainofmirthenoughtosetakingdomlaughing,wereittogushforth.
‘Indeedyoudidyourbest,’saidthewizard;‘andIhopethatitmaybelongbeforeyoufindyourselfinsuchatightcorneragainbetweentwosuchterribleoldmen.StilltheLordofGondor
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learnedmorefromyouthanyoumayhaveguessed,Pippin.YoucouldnothidethefactthatBoromirdidnotleadtheCompanyfromMoria,andthattherewasoneamongyouofhighhonourwhowascomingtoMinasTirith;andthathehadafamoussword.MenthinkmuchaboutthestoriesofolddaysinGondor;andDenethorhasgivenlong
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thoughttotherhymeandtothewordsIsildur’sBane,sinceBoromirwentaway.
‘Heisnotasothermenofthistime,Pippin,andwhateverbehisdescentfromfathertoson,bysomechancethebloodofWesternesserunsnearlytrueinhim;asitdoesinhisotherson,Faramir,andyetdidnotinBoromirwhomhelovedbest.Hehaslongsight.Hecanperceive,ifhe
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bendshiswillthither,muchofwhatispassinginthemindsofmen,evenofthosethatdwellfaroff.Itisdifficulttodeceivehim,anddangeroustotry.
‘Rememberthat!Foryouarenowsworntohisservice.Idonotknowwhatputitintoyourhead,oryourheart,todothat.Butitwaswelldone.Ididnothinderit,forgenerousdeedshouldnotbe
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checkedbycoldcounsel.Ittouchedhisheart,aswell(mayIsayit)aspleasinghishumour.AndatleastyouarefreenowtomoveaboutasyouwillinMinasTirith–whenyouarenotonduty.Forthereisanothersidetoit.Youareathiscommand;andhewillnotforget.Bewarystill!’
Hefellsilentandsighed.‘Well,noneedtobroodonwhattomorrowmaybring.
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Foronething,tomorrowwillbecertaintobringworsethantoday,formanydaystocome.AndthereisnothingmorethatIcandotohelpit.Theboardisset,andthepiecesaremoving.OnepiecethatIgreatlydesiretofindisFaramir,nowtheheirofDenethor.IdonotthinkthatheisintheCity;butIhavehadnotimetogathernews.Imustgo,Pippin.Imustgoto
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thislords’councilandlearnwhatIcan.ButtheEnemyhasthemove,andheisabouttoopenhisfullgame.Andpawnsarelikelytoseeasmuchofitasany,PeregrinsonofPaladin,soldierofGondor.Sharpenyourblade!’
Gandalfwenttothedoor,andthereheturned.‘Iaminhaste,Pippin,’hesaid.‘Domeafavourwhenyougoout.Evenbeforeyourest,ifyou
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arenottooweary.GoandfindShadowfaxandseehowheishoused.Thesepeoplearekindlytobeasts,fortheyareagoodandwisefolk,buttheyhavelessskillwithhorsesthansome.’
WiththatGandalfwentout;andashedidso,therecamethenoteofaclearsweetbellringinginatowerofthe
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citadel.Threestrokesitrang,likesilverintheair,andceased:thethirdhourfromtherisingofthesun.
AfteraminutePippinwenttothedooranddownthestairandlookedaboutthestreet.Thesunwasnowshiningwarmandbright,andthetowersandtallhousescastlongclear-cutshadowswestward.HighintheblueairMountMindolluinlifted
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itswhitehelmandsnowycloak.ArmedmenwenttoandfrointhewaysoftheCity,asifgoingatthestrikingofthehourtochangesofpostandduty.
‘Nineo’clockwe’dcallitintheShire,’saidPippinaloudtohimself.‘Justthetimeforanicebreakfastbytheopenwindowinspringsunshine.AndhowIshouldlikebreakfast!Dothese
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peopleeverhaveit,orisitover?Andwhendotheyhavedinner,andwhere?’
Presentlyhenoticedaman,cladinblackandwhite,comingalongthenarrowstreetfromthecentreofthecitadeltowardshim.Pippinfeltlonelyandmadeuphismindtospeakasthemanpassed;buthehadnoneed.Themancamestraightuptohim.
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‘YouarePeregrintheHalfling?’hesaid.‘IamtoldthatyouhavebeensworntotheserviceoftheLordandoftheCity.Welcome!’HeheldouthishandandPippintookit.
‘IamnamedBeregondsonofBaranor.Ihavenodutythismorning,andIhavebeensenttoyoutoteachyouthepass-words,andtotellyousomeofthemanythings
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thatnodoubtyouwillwishtoknow.Andformypart,Iwouldlearnofyoualso.Forneverbeforehaveweseenahalflinginthislandandthoughwehaveheardrumourofthem,littleissaidoftheminanytalethatweknow.MoreoveryouareafriendofMithrandir.Doyouknowhimwell?’
‘Well,’saidPippin.‘Ihaveknownofhimallmy
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shortlife,asyoumightsay;andlatelyIhavetravelledfarwithhim.Butthereismuchtoreadinthatbook,andIcannotclaimtohaveseenmorethanapageortwo.YetperhapsIknowhimaswellasanybutafew.AragornwastheonlyoneofourCompany,Ithink,whoreallyknewhim.’
‘Aragorn?’saidBeregond.‘Whoishe?’
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‘Oh,’stammeredPippin,‘hewasamanwhowentaboutwithus.IthinkheisinRohannow.’
‘YouhavebeeninRohan,Ihear.ThereismuchthatIwouldaskyouofthatlandalso;forweputmuchofwhatlittlehopewehaveinitspeople.ButIamforgettingmyerrand,whichwasfirsttoanswerwhatyouwouldask.Whatwouldyouknow,
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MasterPeregrin?’‘Erwell,’saidPippin,‘ifI
mayventuretosayso,ratheraburningquestioninmymindatpresentis,well,whataboutbreakfastandallthat?Imean,whatarethemeal-times,ifyouunderstandme,andwhereisthedining-room,ifthereisone?Andtheinns?Ilooked,butneveraonecouldIseeaswerodeup,thoughIhadbeenborneup
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bythehopeofadraughtofaleassoonaswecametothehomesofwiseandcourtlymen.’
Beregondlookedathimgravely.‘Anoldcampaigner,Isee,’hesaid.‘Theysaythatmenwhogowarringafieldlookevertothenexthopeoffoodandofdrink;thoughIamnotatravelledmanmyself.Thenyouhavenotyeteatentoday?’
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‘Well,yes,tospeakincourtesy,yes,’saidPippin.‘Butnomorethanacupofwineandawhitecakeortwobythekindnessofyourlord;butherackedmeforitwithanhourofquestions,andthatishungrywork.’
Beregondlaughed.‘Atthetablesmallmenmaydothegreaterdeeds,wesay.Butyouhavebrokenyourfastaswellasanymaninthe
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Citadel,andwithgreaterhonour.Thisisafortressandatowerofguardandisnowinpostureofwar.WeriseeretheSun,andtakeamorselinthegreylight,andgotoourdutiesattheopeninghour.Butdonotdespair!’Helaughedagain,seeingthedismayinPippin’sface.‘Thosewhohavehadheavydutytakesomewhattorefreshtheirstrengthinthemid-
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morning.Thenthereisthenuncheon,atnoonorafterasdutiesallow;andmengatherforthedaymeal,andsuchmirthastherestillmaybe,aboutthehourofsunset.
‘Come!Wewillwalkalittleandthengofindussomerefreshment,andeatanddrinkonthebattlement,andsurveythefairmorning.’
‘Onemoment!’saidPippinblushing.‘Greed,or
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hungerbyyourcourtesy,putitoutofmymind.ButGandalf,Mithrandirasyoucallhim,askedmetoseetohishorse–Shadowfax,agreatsteedofRohan,andtheappleoftheking’seye,Iamtold,thoughhehasgivenhimtoMithrandirforhisservices.Ithinkhisnewmasterlovesthebeastbetterthanhelovesmanymen,andifhisgoodwillisofanyvaluetothis
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city,youwilltreatShadowfaxwithallhonour:withgreaterkindnessthanyouhavetreatedthishobbit,ifitispossible.’
‘Hobbit?’saidBeregond.‘Thatiswhatwecall
ourselves,’saidPippin.‘Iamgladtolearnit,’said
Beregond,‘fornowImaysaythatstrangeaccentsdonotmarfairspeech,andhobbitsareafair-spokenfolk.But
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come!Youshallmakemeacquaintedwiththisgoodhorse.Ilovebeasts,andweseethemseldominthisstonycity;formypeoplecamefromthemountain-vales,andbeforethatfromIthilien.Butfearnot!Thevisitshallbeshort,amerecallofcourtesy,andwewillgothencetothebutteries.’
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PippinfoundthatShadowfaxhadbeenwellhousedandtended.Forinthesixthcircle,outsidethewallsofthecitadel,thereweresomefairstableswhereafewswifthorseswerekept,hardbythelodgingsoftheerrand-ridersoftheLord:messengersalwaysreadytogoattheurgentcommandofDenethororhischiefcaptains.Butnowallthe
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horsesandtheriderswereoutandaway.
ShadowfaxwhinniedasPippinenteredthestableandturnedhishead.‘Goodmorning!’saidPippin.‘Gandalfwillcomeassoonashemay.Heisbusy,buthesendsgreetings,andIamtoseethatalliswellwithyou;andyouresting,Ihope,afteryourlonglabours.’
Shadowfaxtossedhis
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headandstamped.ButheallowedBeregondtohandlehisheadgentlyandstrokehisgreatflanks.
‘Helooksasifhewerespoilingforarace,andnotnewlycomefromagreatjourney,’saidBeregond.‘Howstrongandproudheis!Whereishisharness?Itshouldberichandfair.’
‘Noneisrichandfairenoughforhim,’saidPippin.
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‘Hewillhavenone.Ifhewillconsenttobearyou,bearyouhedoes;andifnot,well,nobit,bridle,whip,orthongwilltamehim.Farewell,Shadowfax!Havepatience.Battleiscoming.’
Shadowfaxlifteduphisheadandneighed,sothatthestableshook,andtheycoveredtheirears.Thentheytooktheirleave,seeingthatthemangerwaswellfilled.
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‘Andnowforourmanger,’saidBeregond,andheledPippinbacktothecitadel,andsotoadoorinthenorthsideofthegreattower.Theretheywentdownalongcoolstairintoawidealleylitwithlamps.Therewerehatchesinthewallsattheside,andoneofthesewasopen.
‘Thisisthestorehouseandbutteryofmycompanyofthe
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Guard,’saidBeregond.‘Greetings,Targon!’hecalledthroughthehatch.‘Itisearlyyet,buthereisanewcomerthattheLordhastakenintohisservice.Hehasriddenlongandfarwithatightbelt,andhashadsorelabourthismorning,andheishungry.Giveuswhatyouhave!’
Theygottherebread,andbutter,andcheeseandapples:
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thelastofthewinterstore,wrinkledbutsoundandsweet;andaleatherflagonofnew-drawnale,andwoodenplattersandcups.Theyputallintoawickerbasketandclimbedbackintothesun;andBeregondbroughtPippintoaplaceattheeastendofthegreatout-thrustbattlementwheretherewasanembrasureinthewallswithastoneseatbeneaththesill.
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Fromtheretheycouldlookoutonthemorningovertheworld.
Theyateanddrank;andtheytalkednowofGondoranditswaysandcustoms,nowoftheShireandthestrangecountriesthatPippinhadseen.AndeverastheytalkedBeregondwasmoreamazed,andlookedwithgreaterwonderatthehobbit,swinginghisshortlegsashe
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satontheseat,orstandingtiptoeuponittopeeroverthesillatthelandsbelow.
‘Iwillnothidefromyou,MasterPeregrin,’saidBeregond,‘thattousyoulookalmostasoneofourchildren,aladofninesummersorso;andyetyouhaveenduredperilsandseenmarvelsthatfewofourgreybeardscouldboastof.Ithoughtitwasthewhimof
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ourLordtotakehimanoblepage,afterthemannerofthekingsofold,theysay.ButIseethatitisnotso,andyoumustpardonmyfoolishness.’
‘Ido,’saidPippin.‘Thoughyouarenotfarwrong.Iamstilllittlemorethanaboyinthereckoningofmyownpeople,anditwillbefouryearsyetbeforeI“comeofage”,aswesayintheShire.Butdonotbother
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aboutme.ComeandlookandtellmewhatIcansee.’
Thesunwasnowclimbing,andthemistsinthevalebelowhadbeendrawnup.Thelastofthemwerefloatingaway,justoverhead,aswispsofwhitecloudborneonthestiffeningbreezefromtheEast,thatwasnowflappingandtuggingtheflags
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andwhitestandardsofthecitadel.Awaydowninthevalley-bottom,fiveleaguesorsoastheeyeleaps,theGreatRivercouldnowbeseengreyandglittering,comingoutofthenorth-west,andbendinginamightysweepsouthandwestagain,tillitwaslosttoviewinahazeandshimmer,farbeyondwhichlaytheSeafiftyleaguesaway.
Pippincouldseeallthe
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Pelennorlaidoutbeforehim,dottedintothedistancewithfarmsteadsandlittlewalls,barnsandbyres,butnowherecouldheseeanykineorotherbeasts.Manyroadsandtrackscrossedthegreenfields,andtherewasmuchcomingandgoing:wainsmovinginlinestowardstheGreatGate,andotherspassingout.Nowandagainahorsemanwouldrideup,andleapfromthesaddle
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andhastenintotheCity.Butmostofthetrafficwentoutalongthechiefhighway,andthatturnedsouth,andthenbendingswifterthantheRiverskirtedthehillsandpassedsoonfromsight.Itwaswideandwell-paved,andalongitseasternedgeranabroadgreenriding-track,andbeyondthatawall.Ontheridehorsemengallopedtoandfro,butallthestreet
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seemedtobechokedwithgreatcoveredwainsgoingsouth.ButsoonPippinsawthatallwasinfactwell-ordered:thewainsweremovinginthreelines,oneswifterdrawnbyhorses;anotherslower,greatwaggonswithfairhousingsofmanycolours,drawnbyoxen;andalongthewestrimoftheroadmanysmallercartshauledbytrudgingmen.
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‘ThatistheroadtothevalesofTumladenandLossarnach,andthemountain-villages,andthenontoLebennin,’saidBeregond.‘Theregothelastofthewainsthatbearawaytorefugetheaged,thechildren,andthewomenthatmustgowiththem.TheymustallbegonefromtheGateandtheroadclearforaleaguebeforenoon:thatwastheorder.Itis
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asadnecessity.’Hesighed.‘Few,maybe,ofthosenowsunderedwillmeetagain.Andtherewerealwaystoofewchildreninthiscity;butnowtherearenone–savesomeyoungladsthatwillnotdepart,andmayfindsometasktodo:myownsonisoneofthem.’
Theyfellsilentforawhile.Pippingazedanxiouslyeastward,asifatanymoment
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hemightseethousandsoforcspouringoverthefields.‘WhatcanIseethere?’heasked,pointingdowntothemiddleofthegreatcurveoftheAnduin.‘Isthatanothercity,orwhatisit?’
‘Itwasacity,’saidBeregond,‘thechiefcityofGondor,ofwhichthiswasonlyafortress.ForthatistheruinofOsgiliathoneithersideofAnduin,whichour
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enemiestookandburnedlongago.YetwewonitbackinthedaysoftheyouthofDenethor:nottodwellin,buttoholdasanoutpost,andtorebuildthebridgeforthepassageofourarms.AndthencametheFellRidersoutofMinasMorgul.’
‘TheBlackRiders?’saidPippin,openinghiseyes,andtheywerewideanddarkwithanoldfearre-awakened.
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‘Yes,theywereblack,’saidBeregond,‘andIseethatyouknowsomethingofthem,thoughyouhavenotspokenoftheminanyofyourtales.’
‘Iknowofthem,’saidPippinsoftly,‘butIwillnotspeakofthemnow,sonear,sonear.’HebrokeoffandliftedhiseyesabovetheRiver,anditseemedtohimthatallhecouldseewasavastandthreateningshadow.
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Perhapsitwasmountainsloomingonthevergeofsight,theirjaggededgessoftenedbywellnightwentyleaguesofmistyair;perhapsitwasbutacloud-wall,andbeyondthatagainayetdeepergloom.Butevenashelookeditseemedtohiseyesthatthegloomwasgrowingandgathering,veryslowly,slowlyrisingtosmothertheregionsofthesun.
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‘SoneartoMordor?’saidBeregondquietly.‘Yes,thereitlies.Weseldomnameit;butwehavedwelteverinsightofthatshadow:sometimesitseemsfainterandmoredistant;sometimesneareranddarker.Itisgrowinganddarkeningnow;andthereforeourfearanddisquietgrowtoo.AndtheFellRiders,lessthanayearagotheywonbackthe
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crossings,andmanyofourbestmenwereslain.Boromiritwasthatdrovetheenemyatlastbackfromthiswesternshore,andweholdstillthenearhalfofOsgiliath.Foralittlewhile.Butweawaitnowanewonslaughtthere.Maybethechiefonslaughtofthewarthatcomes.’
‘When?’saidPippin.‘Haveyouaguess?ForIsawthebeaconstwonightsago
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andtheerrand-riders;andGandalfsaidthatitwasasignthatwarhadbegun.Heseemedinadesperatehurry.Butnoweverythingseemstohaveslowedupagain.’
‘Onlybecauseeverythingisnowready,’saidBeregond.‘Itisbutthedeepbreathbeforetheplunge.’
‘Butwhywerethebeaconslittwonightsago?’
‘Itisover-latetosendfor
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aidwhenyouarealreadybesieged,’answeredBeregond.‘ButIdonotknowthecounseloftheLordandhiscaptains.Theyhavemanywaysofgatheringnews.AndtheLordDenethorisunlikeothermen:heseesfar.SomesaythatashesitsaloneinhishighchamberintheToweratnight,andbendshisthoughtthiswayandthat,hecanreadsomewhatofthefuture;and
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thathewillattimessearcheventhemindoftheEnemy,wrestlingwithhim.Andsoitisthatheisold,wornbeforehistime.Buthoweverthatmaybe,mylordFaramirisabroad,beyondtheRiveronsomeperilouserrand,andhemayhavesenttidings.
‘ButifyouwouldknowwhatIthinksetthebeaconsablaze,itwasthenewsthatcamethateveoutof
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Lebennin.ThereisagreatfleetdrawingneartothemouthsofAnduin,mannedbythecorsairsofUmbarintheSouth.TheyhavelongceasedtofearthemightofGondor,andtheyhavealliedthemwiththeEnemy,andnowmakeaheavystrokeinhiscause.ForthisattackwilldrawoffmuchofthehelpthatwelookedtohavefromLebenninandBelfalas,where
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folkarehardyandnumerous.AllthemoredoourthoughtsgonorthtoRohan;andthemoregladareweforthesetidingsofvictorythatyoubring.
‘Andyet’–hepausedandstoodup,andlookedround,north,east,andsouth–‘thedoingsatIsengardshouldwarnusthatwearecaughtnowinagreatnetandstrategy.Thisisnolongera
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bickeringatthefords,raidingfromIthilienandfromAnórien,ambushingandpillaging.Thisisagreatwarlong-planned,andwearebutonepieceinit,whateverpridemaysay.ThingsmoveinthefarEastbeyondtheInlandSea,itisreported;andnorthinMirkwoodandbeyond;andsouthinHarad.Andnowallrealmsshallbeputtothetest,tostand,orfall
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–undertheShadow.‘Yet,MasterPeregrin,we
havethishonour:everwebearthebruntofthechiefhatredoftheDarkLord,forthathatredcomesdownoutofthedepthsoftimeandoverthedeepsoftheSea.Herewillthehammer-strokefallhardest.AndforthatreasonMithrandircamehitherinsuchhaste.Forifwefall,whoshallstand?And,Master
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Peregrin,doyouseeanyhopethatweshallstand?’
Pippindidnotanswer.Helookedatthegreatwalls,andthetowersandbravebanners,andthesuninthehighsky,andthenatthegatheringgloomintheEast;andhethoughtofthelongfingersofthatShadow:oftheorcsinthewoodsandthemountains,thetreasonofIsengard,thebirdsofevileye,andthe
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BlackRiderseveninthelanesoftheShire–andofthewingedterror,theNazgûl.Heshuddered,andhopeseemedtowither.Andevenatthatmomentthesunforasecondfalteredandwasobscured,asthoughadarkwinghadpassedacrossit.Almostbeyondhearinghethoughthecaught,highandfarupintheheavens,acry:faint,butheart-quelling,cruelandcold.
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Heblanchedandcoweredagainstthewall.
‘Whatwasthat?’askedBeregond.‘Youalsofeltsomething?’
‘Yes,’mutteredPippin.‘Itisthesignofourfall,andtheshadowofdoom,aFellRideroftheair.’
‘Yes,theshadowofdoom,’saidBeregond.‘IfearthatMinasTirithshallfall.Nightcomes.Thevery
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warmthofmybloodseemsstolenaway.’
Foratimetheysattogetherwithbowedheadsanddidnotspeak.ThensuddenlyPippinlookedupandsawthatthesunwasstillshiningandthebannersstillstreaminginthebreeze.Heshookhimself.‘Itispassed,’hesaid.‘No,myheartwill
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notyetdespair.Gandalffellandhasreturnedandiswithus.Wemaystand,ifonlyononeleg,oratleastbeleftstilluponourknees.’
‘Rightlysaid!’criedBeregond,risingandstridingtoandfro.‘Nay,thoughallthingsmustcomeutterlytoanendintime,Gondorshallnotperishyet.Notthoughthewallsbetakenbyarecklessfoethatwillbuildahillof
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carrionbeforethem.Therearestillotherfastnesses,andsecretwaysofescapeintothemountains.Hopeandmemoryshalllivestillinsomehiddenvalleywherethegrassisgreen.’
‘Allthesame,Iwishitwasoverforgoodorill,’saidPippin.‘Iamnowarrioratallanddislikeanythoughtofbattle;butwaitingontheedgeofonethatIcan’t
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escapeisworstofall.Whatalongdayitseemsalready!Ishouldbehappier,ifwewerenotobligedtostandandwatch,makingnomove,strikingnowherefirst.NostrokewouldhavebeenstruckinRohan,Ithink,butforGandalf.’
‘Ah,thereyoulayyourfingeronthesorethatmanyfeel!’saidBeregond.‘Butthingsmaychangewhen
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Faramirreturns.Heisbold,moreboldthanmanydeem;forinthesedaysmenareslowtobelievethatacaptaincanbewiseandlearnedinthescrollsofloreandsong,asheis,andyetamanofhardihoodandswiftjudgementinthefield.ButsuchisFaramir.LessrecklessandeagerthanBoromir,butnotlessresolute.Yetwhatindeedcanhedo?Wecannot
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assaultthemountainsof–ofyonderrealm.Ourreachisshortened,andwecannotstriketillsomefoecomeswithinit.Thenourhandmustbeheavy!’Hesmotethehiltofhissword.
Pippinlookedathim:tallandproudandnoble,asallthementhathehadyetseeninthatland;andwithaglitterinhiseyeashethoughtofthebattle.‘Alas!myownhand
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feelsaslightasafeather,’hethought,buthesaidnothing.‘ApawndidGandalfsay?Perhaps;butonthewrongchessboard.’
Sotheytalkeduntilthesunreacheditsheight,andsuddenlythenoon-bellswererung,andtherewasastirinthecitadel;forallsavethewatchmenweregoingtotheir
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meal.‘Willyoucomewithme?’
saidBeregond.‘Youmayjoinmymessforthisday.Idonotknowtowhatcompanyyouwillbeassigned;ortheLordmayholdyouathisowncommand.Butyouwillbewelcome.Anditwillbewelltomeetasmanymenasyoumay,whilethereisyettime.’
‘Ishallbegladtocome,’saidPippin.‘Iamlonely,to
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tellyouthetruth.IleftmybestfriendbehindinRohan,andIhavehadnoonetotalktoorjestwith.PerhapsIcouldreallyjoinyourcompany?Areyouthecaptain?Ifso,youcouldtakemeon,orspeakforme?’
‘Nay,nay,’Beregondlaughed,‘Iamnocaptain.NeitherofficenorranknorlordshiphaveI,beingbutaplainmanofarmsofthe
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ThirdCompanyoftheCitadel.Yet,MasterPeregrin,tobeonlyamanofarmsoftheGuardoftheTowerofGondorisheldworthyintheCity,andsuchmenhavehonourintheland.’
‘Thenitisfarbeyondme,’saidPippin.‘Takemebacktoourroom,andifGandalfisnotthere,Iwillgowhereyoulike–asyourguest.’
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Gandalfwasnotinthelodgingandhadsentnomessage;soPippinwentwithBeregondandwasmadeknowntothemenoftheThirdCompany.AnditseemedthatBeregondgotasmuchhonourfromitashisguest,forPippinwasverywelcome.TherehadalreadybeenmuchtalkinthecitadelaboutMithrandir’scompanionandhislong
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closetingwiththeLord;andrumourdeclaredthataPrinceoftheHalflingshadcomeoutoftheNorthtoofferallegiancetoGondorandfivethousandswords.AndsomesaidthatwhentheRiderscamefromRohaneachwouldbringbehindhimahalflingwarrior,smallmaybe,butdoughty.
ThoughPippinhadregretfullytodestroythis
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hopefultale,hecouldnotberidofhisnewrank,onlyfitting,menthought,toonebefriendedbyBoromirandhonouredbytheLordDenethor;andtheythankedhimforcomingamongthem,andhungonhiswordsandstoriesoftheoutlands,andgavehimasmuchfoodandaleashecouldwish.Indeedhisonlytroublewastobe‘wary’accordingtothe
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counselofGandalf,andnottolethistonguewagfreelyafterthemannerofahobbitamongfriends.
AtlengthBeregondrose.‘Farewellforthistime!’hesaid.‘Ihavedutynowtillsundown,ashavealltheothershere,Ithink.Butifyouarelonely,asyousay,maybeyouwouldlikea
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merryguideabouttheCity.Mysonwouldgowithyougladly.Agoodlad,Imaysay.Ifthatpleasesyou,godowntothelowestcircleandaskfortheOldGuesthouseintheRathCelerdain,theLampwrights’Street.YouwillfindhimtherewithotherladsthatareremainingintheCity.TheremaybethingsworthseeingdownattheGreatGateeretheclosing.’
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Hewentout,andsoonafteralltheothersfollowed.Thedaywasstillfine,thoughitwasgrowinghazy,anditwashotforMarch,evensofarsouthwards.Pippinfeltsleepy,butthelodgingseemedcheerless,andhedecidedtogodownandexploretheCity.HetookafewmorselsthathehadsavedtoShadowfax,andtheyweregraciouslyaccepted,though
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thehorseseemedtohavenolack.Thenhewalkedondownmanywindingways.
Peoplestaredmuchashepassed.Tohisfacemenweregravelycourteous,salutinghimafterthemannerofGondorwithbowedheadandhandsuponthebreast;butbehindhimheheardmanycalls,asthoseoutofdoorscriedtootherswithintocomeandseethePrinceofthe
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Halflings,thecompanionofMithrandir.ManyusedsomeothertonguethantheCommonSpeech,butitwasnotlongbeforehelearnedatleastwhatwasmeantbyErniliPheriannathandknewthathistitlehadgonedownbeforehimintotheCity.
Hecameatlastbyarchedstreetsandmanyfairalleysandpavementstothelowestandwidestcircle,andthere
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hewasdirectedtotheLampwrights’Street,abroadwayrunningtowardstheGreatGate.InithefoundtheOldGuesthouse,alargebuildingofgreyweatheredstonewithtwowingsrunningbackfromthestreet,andbetweenthemanarrowgreensward,behindwhichwasthemany-windowedhouse,frontedalongitswholewidthbyapillaredporchand
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aflightofstepsdownontothegrass.Boyswereplayingamongthepillars,theonlychildrenthatPippinhadseeninMinasTirith,andhestoppedtolookatthem.Presentlyoneofthemcaughtsightofhim,andwithashouthesprangacrossthegrassandcameintothestreet,followedbyseveralothers.TherehestoodinfrontofPippin,lookinghimupanddown.
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‘Greetings!’saidthelad.‘Wheredoyoucomefrom?YouareastrangerintheCity.’
‘Iwas,’saidPippin;‘buttheysayIhavebecomeamanofGondor.’
‘Ohcome!’saidthelad.‘Thenweareallmenhere.Buthowoldareyou,andwhatisyourname?Iamtenyearsalready,andshallsoonbefivefeet.Iamtallerthan
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you.ButthenmyfatherisaGuard,oneofthetallest.Whatisyourfather?’
‘WhichquestionshallIanswerfirst?’saidPippin.‘MyfatherfarmsthelandsroundWhitwellnearTuckboroughintheShire.Iamnearlytwenty-nine,soIpassyouthere;thoughIambutfourfeet,andnotlikelytogrowanymore,savesideways.’
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‘Twenty-nine!’saidtheladandwhistled.‘Why,youarequiteold!AsoldasmyuncleIorlas.Still,’headdedhopefully,‘IwagerIcouldstandyouonyourheadorlayyouonyourback.’
‘Maybeyoucould,ifIletyou,’saidPippinwithalaugh.‘AndmaybeIcoulddothesametoyou:weknowsomewrestlingtricksinmylittlecountry.Where,letme
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tellyou,Iamconsidereduncommonlylargeandstrong;andIhaveneverallowedanyonetostandmeonmyhead.Soifitcametoatrialandnothingelsewouldserve,Imighthavetokillyou.Forwhenyouareolder,youwilllearnthatfolkarenotalwayswhattheyseem;andthoughyoumayhavetakenmeforasoftstranger-ladandeasyprey,letme
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warnyou:Iamnot,Iamahalfling,hard,bold,andwicked!’Pippinpulledsuchagrimfacethattheboysteppedbackapace,butatoncehereturnedwithclenchedfistsandthelightofbattleinhiseye.
‘No!’Pippinlaughed.‘Don’tbelievewhatstrangerssayofthemselveseither!Iamnotafighter.Butitwouldbepoliterinanycaseforthe
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challengertosaywhoheis.’Theboydrewhimselfup
proudly.‘IamBergilsonofBeregondoftheGuards,’hesaid.
‘SoIthought,’saidPippin,‘foryoulooklikeyourfather.Iknowhimandhesentmetofindyou.’
‘Thenwhydidyounotsaysoatonce?’saidBergil,andsuddenlyalookofdismaycameoverhisface.‘Donot
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tellmethathehaschangedhismind,andwillsendmeawaywiththemaidens!Butno,thelastwainshavegone.’
‘Hismessageislessbadthanthat,ifnotgood,’saidPippin.‘Hesaysthatifyouwouldpreferittostandingmeonmyhead,youmightshowmeroundtheCityforawhileandcheermyloneliness.Icantellyousometalesoffarcountriesinreturn.’
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Bergilclappedhishands,andlaughedwithrelief.‘Alliswell,’hecried.‘Comethen!WeweresoongoingtotheGatetolookon.Wewillgonow.’
‘Whatishappeningthere?’
‘TheCaptainsoftheOutlandsareexpecteduptheSouthRoaderesundown.Comewithusandyouwillsee.’
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Bergilprovedagoodcomrade,thebestcompanyPippinhadhadsincehepartedfromMerry,andsoontheywerelaughingandtalkinggailyastheywentaboutthestreets,heedlessofthemanyglancesthatmengavethem.BeforelongtheyfoundthemselvesinathronggoingtowardstheGreatGate.TherePippinwentupmuchintheesteemofBergil,for
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whenhespokehisnameandthepass-wordtheguardsalutedhimandlethimpassthrough;andwhatwasmore,heallowedhimtotakehiscompanionwithhim.
‘Thatisgood!’saidBergil.‘WeboysarenolongerallowedtopasstheGatewithoutanelder.Nowweshallseebetter.’
BeyondtheGatetherewasacrowdofmenalongthe
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vergeoftheroadandofthegreatpavedspaceintowhichallthewaystoMinasTirithran.Alleyeswereturnedsouthwards,andsoonamurmurrose:‘Thereisdustawaythere!Theyarecoming!’
PippinandBergiledgedtheirwayforwardtothefrontofthecrowd,andwaited.Hornssoundedatsomedistance,andthenoiseof
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cheeringrolledtowardsthemlikeagatheringwind.Thentherewasaloudtrumpet-blast,andallaboutthempeoplewereshouting.
‘Forlong!Forlong!’Pippinheardmencalling.‘Whatdotheysay?’heasked.
‘Forlonghascome,’Bergilanswered;‘oldForlongtheFat,theLordofLossarnach.Thatiswheremygrandsirelives.Hurrah!Here
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heis.GoodoldForlong!’Leadingthelinethere
camewalkingabigthick-limbedhorse,andonitsatamanofwideshouldersandhugegirth,butoldandgrey-bearded,yetmail-cladandblack-helmedandbearingalongheavyspear.Behindhimmarchedproudlyadustylineofmen,well-armedandbearinggreatbattle-axes;grim-facedtheywere,and
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shorterandsomewhatswarthierthananymenthatPippinhadyetseeninGondor.
‘Forlong!’menshouted.‘Trueheart,truefriend!Forlong!’ButwhenthemenofLossarnachhadpassedtheymuttered:‘Sofew!Twohundreds,whatarethey?Wehopedfortentimesthenumber.Thatwillbethenewtidingsoftheblackfleet.
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Theyaresparingonlyatitheoftheirstrength.Stilleverylittleisagain.’
AndsothecompaniescameandwerehailedandcheeredandpassedthroughtheGate,menoftheOutlandsmarchingtodefendtheCityofGondorinadarkhour;butalwaystoofew,alwayslessthanhopelookedfororneed
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asked.ThemenofRinglóValebehindthesonoftheirlord,Dervorinstridingonfoot:threehundreds.FromtheuplandsofMorthond,thegreatBlackrootVale,tallDuinhirwithhissons,DuilinandDerufin,andfivehundredbowmen.FromtheAnfalas,theLangstrandfaraway,alonglineofmenofmanysorts,huntersandherdsmenandmenoflittlevillages,
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scantilyequippedsaveforthehouseholdofGolasgiltheirlord.FromLamedon,afewgrimhillmenwithoutacaptain.Fisher-folkoftheEthir,somehundredormoresparedfromtheships.HirluintheFairoftheGreenHillsfromPinnathGelinwiththreehundredsofgallantgreen-cladmen.Andlastandproudest,Imrahil,PrinceofDolAmroth,kinsmanofthe
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Lord,withgildedbannersbearinghistokenoftheShipandtheSilverSwan,andacompanyofknightsinfullharnessridinggreyhorses;andbehindthemsevenhundredsofmenatarms,tallaslords,grey-eyed,dark-haired,singingastheycame.
Andthatwasall,lessthanthreethousandsfulltold.Nomorewouldcome.Theircriesandthetrampoftheirfeet
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passedintotheCityanddiedaway.Theonlookersstoodsilentforawhile.Dusthungintheair,forthewindhaddiedandtheeveningwasheavy.Alreadytheclosinghourwasdrawingnigh,andtheredsunhadgonebehindMindolluin.ShadowcamedownontheCity.
Pippinlookedup,anditseemedtohimthattheskyhadgrownashen-grey,asifa
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vastdustandsmokehungabovethem,andlightcamedullythroughit.ButintheWestthedyingsunhadsetallthefumeonfire,andnowMindolluinstoodblackagainstaburningsmoulderfleckedwithembers.‘Soendsafairdayinwrath!’hesaid,forgetfuloftheladathisside.
‘Soitwill,ifIhavenotreturnedbeforethesundown-bells,’saidBergil.‘Come!
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TheregoesthetrumpetfortheclosingoftheGate.’
HandinhandtheywentbackintotheCity,thelasttopasstheGatebeforeitwasshut;andastheyreachedtheLampwrights’Streetallthebellsinthetowerstolledsolemnly.Lightsspranginmanywindows,andfromthehousesandwardsofthemen
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atarmsalongthewallstherecamethesoundofsong.
‘Farewellforthistime,’saidBergil.‘Takemygreetingstomyfather,andthankhimforthecompanythathesent.Comeagainsoon,Ibeg.AlmostIwishnowthattherewasnowar,forwemighthavehadsomemerrytimes.WemighthavejourneyedtoLossarnach,tomygrandsire’shouse;itis
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goodtobethereinspring,thewoodsandfieldsarefullofflowers.Butmaybewewillgothithertogetheryet.TheywillneverovercomeourLord,andmyfatherisveryvaliant.Farewellandreturn!’
TheypartedandPippinhurriedbacktowardsthecitadel.Itseemedalongway,andhegrewhotandveryhungry;andnightcloseddownswiftanddark.Nota
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starprickedthesky.Hewaslateforthedaymealinthemess,andBeregondgreetedhimgladly,andsathimathissidetohearnewsofhisson.AfterthemealPippinstayedawhile,andthentookhisleave,forastrangegloomwasonhim,andnowhedesiredverymuchtoseeGandalfagain.
‘Canyoufindyourway?’saidBeregondatthedoorof
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thesmallhall,onthenorthsideofthecitadel,wheretheyhadsat.‘Itisablacknight,andalltheblackersinceorderscamethatlightsaretobedimmedwithintheCity,andnonearetoshineoutfromthewalls.AndIcangiveyounewsofanotherorder:youwillbesummonedtotheLordDenethorearlytomorrow.IfearyouwillnotbefortheThirdCompany.
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Stillwemayhopetomeetagain.Farewellandsleepinpeace!’
Thelodgingwasdark,saveforalittlelanternsetonthetable.Gandalfwasnotthere.GloomsettledstillmoreheavilyonPippin.Heclimbedonthebenchandtriedtopeeroutofawindow,butitwaslikelookingintoapoolofink.Hegotdownandclosedtheshutterandwentto
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bed.ForawhilehelayandlistenedforsoundsofGandalf’sreturn,andthenhefellintoanuneasysleep.
Inthenighthewaswakenedbyalight,andhesawthatGandalfhadcomeandwaspacingtoandfrointheroombeyondthecurtainofthealcove.Therewerecandlesonthetableandrollsofparchment.Heheardthewizardsigh,andmutter:
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‘WhenwillFaramirreturn?’‘Hullo!’saidPippin,
pokinghisheadroundthecurtain.‘Ithoughtyouhadforgottenallaboutme.Iamgladtoseeyouback.Ithasbeenalongday.’
‘Butthenightwillbetooshort,’saidGandalf.‘Ihavecomebackhere,forImusthavealittlepeace,alone.Youshouldsleep,inabedwhileyoustillmay.AtthesunriseI
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shalltakeyoutotheLordDenethoragain.No,whenthesummonscomes,notatsunrise.TheDarknesshasbegun.Therewillbenodawn.’
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Chapter2
THEPASSINGOFTHEGREYCOMPANY
Gandalfwasgone,andthe
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thuddinghoofsofShadowfaxwerelostinthenight,whenMerrycamebacktoAragorn.Hehadonlyalightbundle,forhehadlosthispackatParthGalen,andallhehadwasafewusefulthingshehadpickedupamongthewreckageofIsengard.Hasufelwasalreadysaddled.LegolasandGimliwiththeirhorsestoodcloseby.
‘SofouroftheCompany
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stillremain,’saidAragorn.‘Wewillrideontogether.Butweshallnotgoalone,asIthought.Thekingisnowdeterminedtosetoutatonce.Sincethecomingofthewingedshadow,hedesirestoreturntothehillsundercoverofnight.’
‘Andthenwhither?’saidLegolas.
‘Icannotsayyet,’Aragornanswered.‘Asfor
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theking,hewillgotothemusterthathecommandedatEdoras,fournightsfromnow.Andthere,Ithink,hewillheartidingsofwar,andtheRidersofRohanwillgodowntoMinasTirith.Butformyself,andanythatwillgowithme…’
‘Iforone!’criedLegolas.‘AndGimliwithhim!’saidtheDwarf.
‘Well,formyself,’said
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Aragorn,‘itisdarkbeforeme.ImustgodownalsotoMinasTirith,butIdonotyetseetheroad.Anhourlongpreparedapproaches.’
‘Don’tleavemebehind!’saidMerry.‘Ihavenotbeenofmuchuseyet;butIdon’twanttobelaidaside,likebaggagetobecalledforwhenallisover.Idon’tthinktheRiderswillwanttobebotheredwithmenow.
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Though,ofcourse,thekingdidsaythatIwastositbyhimwhenhecametohishouseandtellhimallabouttheShire.’
‘Yes,’saidAragorn,‘andyourroadlieswithhim,Ithink,Merry.Butdonotlookformirthattheending.Itwillbelong,Ifear,ereThéodensitsateaseagaininMeduseld.ManyhopeswillwitherinthisbitterSpring.’
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Soonallwerereadytodepart:twenty-fourhorses,withGimlibehindLegolas,andMerryinfrontofAragorn.Presentlytheywereridingswiftlythroughthenight.TheyhadnotlongpassedthemoundsattheFordsofIsen,whenaRidergallopedupfromtherearoftheirline.
‘Mylord,’hesaidtotheking,‘therearehorsemen
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behindus.AswecrossedthefordsIthoughtthatIheardthem.Nowwearesure.Theyareovertakingus,ridinghard.’
Théodenatoncecalledahalt.TheRidersturnedaboutandseizedtheirspears.AragorndismountedandsetMerryontheground,anddrawinghisswordhestoodbytheking’sstirrup.Éomerandhisesquirerodebackto
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therear.Merryfeltmorelikeunneededbaggagethanever,andhewondered,iftherewasafight,whatheshoulddo.Supposingtheking’ssmallescortwastrappedandovercome,butheescapedintothedarkness–aloneinthewildfieldsofRohanwithnoideaofwherehewasinalltheendlessmiles?‘Nogood!’hethought.Hedrewhisswordandtightenedhisbelt.
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Thesinkingmoonwasobscuredbyagreatsailingcloud,butsuddenlyitrodeoutclearagain.Thentheyallheardthesoundofhoofs,andatthesamemomenttheysawdarkshapescomingswiftlyonthepathfromthefords.Themoonlightglintedhereandthereonthepointsofspears.Thenumberofthepursuerscouldnotbetold,buttheyseemednofewer
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thantheking’sescort,attheleast.
Whentheyweresomefiftypacesoff,Éomercriedinaloudvoice:‘Halt!Halt!WhoridesinRohan?’
Thepursuersbroughttheirsteedstoasuddenstand.Asilencefollowed;andtheninthemoonlight,ahorsemancouldbeseendismountingandwalkingslowlyforward.Hishandshowedwhiteashe
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helditup,palmoutward,intokenofpeace;buttheking’smengrippedtheirweapons.Attenpacesthemanstopped.Hewastall,adarkstandingshadow.Thenhisclearvoicerangout.
‘Rohan?Rohandidyousay?Thatisagladword.Weseekthatlandinhastefromlongafar.’
‘Youhavefoundit,’saidÉomer.‘Whenyoucrossed
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thefordsyonderyouenteredit.ButitistherealmofThéodentheKing.Nonerideheresavebyhisleave.Whoareyou?Andwhatisyourhaste?’
‘HalbaradDúnadan,RangeroftheNorthIam,’criedtheman.‘WeseekoneAragornsonofArathorn,andweheardthathewasinRohan.’
‘Andyouhavefoundhim
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also!’criedAragorn.GivinghisreinstoMerry,heranforwardandembracedthenewcomer.‘Halbarad!’hesaid.‘Ofalljoysthisistheleastexpected!’
Merrybreathedasighofrelief.HehadthoughtthatthiswassomelasttrickofSaruman’s,towaylaythekingwhilehehadonlyafewmenabouthim;butitseemedthattherewouldbenoneed
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todieinThéoden’sdefence,notyetatanyrate.Hesheathedhissword.
‘Alliswell,’saidAragorn,turningback.‘HerearesomeofmyownkinfromthefarlandwhereIdwelt.Butwhytheycome,andhowmanytheybe,Halbaradshalltellus.’
‘Ihavethirtywithme,’saidHalbarad.‘Thatisallofourkindredthatcouldbe
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gatheredinhaste;butthebrethrenElladanandElrohirhaveriddenwithus,desiringtogotothewar.Werodeasswiftlyaswemightwhenyoursummonscame.’
‘ButIdidnotsummonyou,’saidAragorn,‘saveonlyinwish.Mythoughtshaveoftenturnedtoyou,andseldommorethantonight;yetIhavesentnoword.Butcome!Allsuchmattersmust
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wait.Youfindusridinginhasteanddanger.Ridewithusnow,ifthekingwillgivehisleave.’
Théodenwasindeedgladofthenews.‘Itiswell!’hesaid.‘Ifthesekinsmenbeinanywayliketoyourself,mylordAragorn,thirtysuchknightswillbeastrengththatcannotbecountedbyheads.’
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ThentheRiderssetoutagain,andAragornforawhilerodewiththeDúnedain;andwhentheyhadspokenoftidingsintheNorthandintheSouth,Elrohirsaidtohim:
‘Ibringwordtoyoufrommyfather:Thedaysareshort.Ifthouartinhaste,rememberthePathsoftheDead.’
‘Alwaysmydayshave
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seemedtometooshorttoachievemydesire,’answeredAragorn.‘ButgreatindeedwillbemyhasteereItakethatroad.’
‘Thatwillsoonbeseen,’saidElrohir.‘Butletusspeaknomoreofthesethingsupontheopenroad!’
AndAragornsaidtoHalbarad:‘Whatisthatthatyoubear,kinsman?’Forhesawthatinsteadofaspearhe
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boreatallstaff,asitwereastandard,butitwasclose-furledinablackclothboundaboutwithmanythongs.
‘ItisagiftthatIbringyoufromtheLadyofRivendell,’answeredHalbarad.‘Shewroughtitinsecret,andlongwasthemaking.Butshealsosendswordtoyou:Thedaysnowareshort.Eitherourhopecometh,orallhope’send.ThereforeIsendthee
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whatIhavemadeforthee.Farewell,Elfstone!’
AndAragornsaid:‘NowIknowwhatyoubear.Bearitstillformeawhile!’AndheturnedandlookedawaytotheNorthunderthegreatstars,andthenhefellsilentandspokenomorewhilethenight’sjourneylasted.
Thenightwasoldandthe
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EastgreywhentheyrodeupatlastfromDeeping-coombandcamebacktotheHornburg.Theretheyweretolieandrestforabriefwhileandtakecounsel.
MerrysleptuntilhewasrousedbyLegolasandGimli.‘TheSunishigh,’saidLegolas.‘Allothersareupanddoing.Come,MasterSluggard,andlookatthisplacewhileyoumay!’
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‘Therewasabattleherethreenightsago,’saidGimli,‘andhereLegolasandIplayedagamethatIwononlybyasingleorc.Comeandseehowitwas!Andtherearecaves,Merry,cavesofwonder!Shallwevisitthem,Legolas,doyouthink?’
‘Nay!Thereisnotime,’saidtheElf.‘Donotspoilthewonderwithhaste!Ihavegivenyoumywordtoreturn
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hitherwithyou,ifadayofpeaceandfreedomcomesagain.Butitisnowneartonoon,andatthathourweeat,andthensetoutagain,Ihear.’
Merrygotupandyawned.Hisfewhours’sleephadnotbeennearlyenough;hewastiredandratherdismal.HemissedPippin,andfeltthathewasonlyaburden,whileeverybodywasmakingplans
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forspeedinabusinessthathedidnotfullyunderstand.‘WhereisAragorn?’heasked.
‘InahighchamberoftheBurg,’saidLegolas.‘Hehasneitherrestednorslept,Ithink.Hewentthithersomehoursago,sayingthathemusttakethought,andonlyhiskinsman,Halbarad,wentwithhim;butsomedarkdoubtorcaresitsonhim.’
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‘Theyareastrangecompany,thesenewcomers,’saidGimli.‘Stoutmenandlordlytheyare,andtheRidersofRohanlookalmostasboysbesidethem;fortheyaregrimmenofface,wornlikeweatheredrocksforthemostpart,evenasAragornhimself;andtheyaresilent.’
‘ButevenasAragorntheyarecourteous,iftheybreaktheirsilence,’saidLegolas.
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‘AndhaveyoumarkedthebrethrenElladanandElrohir?Lesssombreistheirgearthantheothers’,andtheyarefairandgallantasElven-lords;andthatisnottobewonderedatinthesonsofElrondofRivendell.’
‘Whyhavetheycome?Haveyouheard?’askedMerry.Hehadnowdressed,andheflunghisgreycloakabouthisshoulders;andthe
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threepassedouttogethertowardstheruinedgateoftheBurg.
‘Theyansweredasummons,asyouheard,’saidGimli.‘WordcametoRivendell,theysay:Aragornhasneedofhiskindred.LettheDúnedainridetohiminRohan!Butwhencethismessagecametheyarenowindoubt.Gandalfsentit,Iwouldguess.’
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‘Nay,Galadriel,’saidLegolas.‘DidshenotspeakthroughGandalfoftherideoftheGreyCompanyfromtheNorth?’
‘Yes,youhaveit,’saidGimli.‘TheLadyoftheWood!Shereadmanyheartsanddesires.Nowwhydidnotwewishforsomeofourownkinsfolk,Legolas?’
Legolasstoodbeforethegateandturnedhisbright
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eyesawaynorthandeast,andhisfairfacewastroubled.‘Idonotthinkthatanywouldcome,’heanswered.‘Theyhavenoneedtoridetowar;waralreadymarchesontheirownlands.’
Forawhilethethreecompanionswalkedtogether,speakingofthisandthatturnofthebattle,andtheywent
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downfromthebrokengate,andpassedthemoundsofthefallenonthegreenswardbesidetheroad,untiltheystoodonHelm’sDikeandlookedintotheCoomb.TheDeathDownalreadystoodthere,blackandtallandstony,andthegreattramplingandscoringofthegrassbytheHuornscouldbeplainlyseen.TheDunlendingsandmanymenofthegarrisonof
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theBurgwereatworkontheDikeorinthefieldsandaboutthebatteredwallsbehind;yetallseemedstrangelyquiet:awearyvalleyrestingafteragreatstorm.SoontheyturnedbackandwenttothemiddaymealinthehalloftheBurg.
Thekingwasalreadythere,andassoonastheyenteredhecalledforMerryandhadaseatsetforhimat
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hisside.‘ItisnotasIwouldhaveit,’saidThéoden;‘forthisislittlelikemyfairhouseinEdoras.Andyourfriendisgone,whoshouldalsobehere.Butitmaybelongerewesit,youandI,atthehightableinMeduseld;therewillbenotimeforfeastingwhenIreturnthither.Butcomenow!Eatanddrink,andletusspeaktogetherwhilewemay.Andthenyoushallridewith
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me.’‘MayI?’saidMerry,
surprisedanddelighted.‘Thatwouldbesplendid!’Hehadneverfeltmoregratefulforanykindnessinwords.‘IamafraidIamonlyineverybody’sway,’hestammered;‘butIshouldliketodoanythingIcould,youknow.’
‘Idoubtitnot,’saidtheking.‘Ihavehadagoodhill-
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ponymadereadyforyou.Hewillbearyouasswiftasanyhorsebytheroadsthatweshalltake.ForIwillridefromtheBurgbymountainpaths,notbytheplain,andsocometoEdorasbywayofDunharrowwheretheLadyÉowynawaitsme.Youshallbemyesquire,ifyouwill.Istheregearofwarinthisplace,Éomer,thatmysword-thaincoulduse?’
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‘Therearenogreatweapon-hoardshere,lord,’answeredÉomer.‘Maybealighthelmmightbefoundtofithim;butwehavenomailorswordforoneofhisstature.’
‘Ihaveasword,’saidMerry,climbingfromhisseat,anddrawingfromitsblacksheathhissmallbrightblade.Filledsuddenlywithloveforthisoldman,heknelt
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ononeknee,andtookhishandandkissedit.‘MayIlaytheswordofMeriadocoftheShireonyourlap,ThéodenKing?’hecried.‘Receivemyservice,ifyouwill!’
‘GladlywillItakeit,’saidtheking;andlayinghislongoldhandsuponthebrownhairofthehobbit,heblessedhim.‘Risenow,Meriadoc,esquireofRohanofthehouseholdofMeduseld!’he
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said.‘Takeyourswordandbearituntogoodfortune!’
‘Asafatheryoushallbetome,’saidMerry.
‘Foralittlewhile,’saidThéoden.
Theytalkedthentogetherastheyate,untilpresentlyÉomerspoke.‘Itisnearthehourthatwesetforourgoing,lord,’hesaid.‘ShallI
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bidmensoundthehorns?ButwhereisAragorn?Hisplaceisemptyandhehasnoteaten.’
‘Wewillmakereadytoride,’saidThéoden;‘butletwordbesenttotheLordAragornthatthehourisnigh.’
ThekingwithhisguardandMerryathissidepasseddownfromthegateoftheBurgtowheretheRiders
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wereassemblingonthegreen.Manywerealreadymounted.Itwouldbeagreatcompany;forthekingwasleavingonlyasmallgarrisonintheBurg,andallwhocouldbesparedwereridingtotheweapontakeatEdoras.Athousandspearshadindeedalreadyriddenawayatnight;butstilltherewouldbesomefivehundredmoretogowiththeking,forthemostpart
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menfromthefieldsanddalesofWestfold.
AlittleaparttheRangerssat,silent,inanorderedcompany,armedwithspearandbowandsword.Theywerecladincloaksofdarkgrey,andtheirhoodswerecastnowoverhelmandhead.Theirhorseswerestrongandofproudbearing,butrough-haired;andonestoodtherewithoutarider,
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Aragorn’sownhorsethattheyhadbroughtfromtheNorth;Roherynwashisname.Therewasnogleamofstoneorgold,noranyfairthinginalltheirgearandharness;nordidtheirridersbearanybadgeortoken,saveonlythateachcloakwaspinnedupontheleftshoulderbyabroochofsilvershapedlikearayedstar.
Thekingmountedhis
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horse,Snowmane,andMerrysatbesidehimonhispony:Stybbawashisname.PresentlyÉomercameoutfromthegate,andwithhimwasAragorn,andHalbaradbearingthegreatstaffclose-furledinblack,andtwotallmen,neitheryoungnorold.Somuchalikewerethey,thesonsofElrond,thatfewcouldtellthemapart:dark-haired,grey-eyed,andtheirfaces
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elven-fair,cladalikeinbrightmailbeneathcloaksofsilver-grey.BehindthemwalkedLegolasandGimli.ButMerryhadeyesonlyforAragorn,sostartlingwasthechangethathesawinhim,asifinonenightmanyyearshadfallenonhishead.Grimwashisface,grey-huedandweary.
‘Iamtroubledinmind,lord,’hesaid,standingbythe
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king’shorse.‘Ihaveheardstrangewords,andIseenewperilsfaroff.Ihavelabouredlonginthought,andnowIfearthatImustchangemypurpose.Tellme,Théoden,youridenowtoDunharrow,howlongwillitbeereyoucomethere?’
‘Itisnowafullhourpastnoon,’saidÉomer.‘Beforethenightofthethirddayfromnowweshouldcometo
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theHold.TheMoonwillthenbetwonightspasthisfull,andthemusterthatthekingcommandedwillbeheldthedayafter.Morespeedwecannotmake,ifthestrengthofRohanistobegathered.’
Aragornwassilentforamoment.‘Threedays,’hemurmured,‘andthemusterofRohanwillonlybebegun.ButIseethatitcannotnowbehastened.’Helookedup,
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anditseemedthathehadmadesomedecision;hisfacewaslesstroubled.‘Then,byyourleave,lord,Imusttakenewcounselformyselfandmykindred.Wemustrideourownroad,andnolongerinsecret.Formethetimeofstealthhaspassed.Iwillrideeastbytheswiftestway,andIwilltakethePathsoftheDead.’
‘ThePathsoftheDead!’
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saidThéoden,andtrembled.‘Whydoyouspeakofthem?’ÉomerturnedandgazedatAragorn,anditseemedtoMerrythatthefacesoftheRidersthatsatwithinhearingturnedpaleatthewords.‘Iftherebeintruthsuchpaths,’saidThéoden,‘theirgateisinDunharrow;butnolivingmanmaypassit.’
‘Alas!Aragornmyfriend!’saidÉomer.‘Ihad
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hopedthatweshouldridetowartogether;butifyouseekthePathsoftheDead,thenourpartingiscome,anditislittlelikelythatweshallevermeetagainundertheSun.’
‘ThatroadIwilltake,nonetheless,’saidAragorn.‘ButIsaytoyou,Éomer,thatinbattlewemayyetmeetagain,thoughallthehostsofMordorshouldstandbetween.’
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‘Youwilldoasyouwill,mylordAragorn,’saidThéoden.‘Itisyourdoom,maybe,totreadstrangepathsthatothersdarenot.Thispartinggrievesme,andmystrengthislessenedbyit;butnowImusttakethemountain-roadsanddelaynolonger.Farewell!’
‘Farewell,lord!’saidAragorn.‘Rideuntogreatrenown!Farewell,Merry!I
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leaveyouingoodhands,betterthanwehopedwhenwehuntedtheorcstoFangorn.LegolasandGimliwillstillhuntwithme,Ihope;butweshallnotforgetyou.’
‘Good-bye!’saidMerry.Hecouldfindnomoretosay.Hefeltverysmall,andhewaspuzzledanddepressedbyallthesegloomywords.Morethaneverhemissedthe
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unquenchablecheerfulnessofPippin.TheRiderswereready,andtheirhorseswerefidgeting;hewishedtheywouldstartandgetitover.
NowThéodenspoketoÉomer,andhelifteduphishandandcriedaloud,andwiththatwordtheRiderssetforth.TheyrodeovertheDikeanddowntheCoomb,andthen,turningswiftlyeastwards,theytookapath
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thatskirtedthefoothillsforamileorso,untilbendingsouthitpassedbackamongthehillsanddisappearedfromview.AragornrodetotheDikeandwatchedtilltheking’smenwerefardowntheCoomb.ThenheturnedtoHalbarad.
‘TheregothreethatIlove,andthesmallestnottheleast,’hesaid.‘Heknowsnottowhatendherides;yetifhe
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knew,hestillwouldgoon.’‘Alittlepeople,butof
greatwortharetheShire-folk,’saidHalbarad.‘Littledotheyknowofourlonglabourforthesafekeepingoftheirborders,andyetIgrudgeitnot.’
‘Andnowourfatesarewoventogether,’saidAragorn.‘Andyet,alas!herewemustpart.Well,Imusteatalittle,andthenwealsomust
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hastenaway.Come,LegolasandGimli!ImustspeakwithyouasIeat.’
TogethertheywentbackintotheBurg;yetforsometimeAragornsatsilentatthetableinthehall,andtheotherswaitedforhimtospeak.‘Come!’saidLegolasatlast.‘Speakandbecomforted,andshakeofftheshadow!Whathashappenedsincewecamebacktothis
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grimplaceinthegreymorning?’
‘AstrugglesomewhatgrimmerformypartthanthebattleoftheHornburg,’answeredAragorn.‘IhavelookedintheStoneofOrthanc,myfriends.’
‘Youhavelookedinthataccursedstoneofwizardry!’exclaimedGimliwithfearandastonishmentinhisface.‘Didyousayaughtto–him?
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EvenGandalffearedthatencounter.’
‘Youforgettowhomyouspeak,’saidAragornsternly,andhiseyesglinted.‘WhatdoyoufearthatIshouldsaytohim?DidInotopenlyproclaimmytitlebeforethedoorsofEdoras?Nay,Gimli,’hesaidinasoftervoice,andthegrimnesslefthisface,andhelookedlikeonewhohaslabouredin
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sleeplesspainformanynights.‘Nay,myfriends,IamthelawfulmasteroftheStone,andIhadboththerightandthestrengthtouseit,orsoIjudged.Therightcannotbedoubted.Thestrengthwasenough–barely.’
Hedrewadeepbreath.‘Itwasabitterstruggle,andthewearinessisslowtopass.Ispokenowordtohim,andin
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theendIwrenchedtheStonetomyownwill.Thatalonehewillfindhardtoendure.Andhebeheldme.Yes,MasterGimli,hesawme,butinotherguisethanyouseemehere.Ifthatwillaidhim,thenIhavedoneill.ButIdonotthinkso.ToknowthatIlivedandwalkedtheearthwasablowtohisheart,Ideem;forheknewitnottillnow.TheeyesinOrthancdidnotsee
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throughthearmourofThéoden;butSauronhasnotforgottenIsildurandtheswordofElendil.NowintheveryhourofhisgreatdesignstheheirofIsildurandtheSwordarerevealed;forIshowedthebladere-forgedtohim.Heisnotsomightyyetthatheisabovefear;nay,doubtevergnawshim.’
‘Buthewieldsgreatdominion,nonetheless,’said
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Gimli;‘andnowhewillstrikemoreswiftly.’
‘Thehastystrokegoesoftastray,’saidAragorn.‘WemustpressourEnemy,andnolongerwaituponhimforthemove.Seemyfriends,whenIhadmasteredtheStone,Ilearnedmanythings.AgraveperilIsawcomingunlooked-foruponGondorfromtheSouththatwilldrawoffgreatstrengthfromthe
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defenceofMinasTirith.Ifitisnotcounteredswiftly,IdeemthattheCitywillbelosteretendaysbegone.’
‘Thenlostitmustbe,’saidGimli.‘Forwhathelpistheretosendthither,andhowcoulditcomethereintime?’
‘Ihavenohelptosend,thereforeImustgomyself,’saidAragorn.‘Butthereisonlyonewaythroughthemountainsthatwillbringme
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tothecoastlandsbeforeallislost.ThatisthePathsoftheDead.’
‘ThePathsoftheDead!’saidGimli.‘Itisafellname;andlittletothelikingtotheMenofRohan,asIsaw.Canthelivingusesucharoadandnotperish?Andevenifyoupassthatway,whatwillsofewavailtocounterthestrokesofMordor?’
‘Thelivinghavenever
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usedthatroadsincethecomingoftheRohirrim,’saidAragorn,‘foritisclosedtothem.ButinthisdarkhourtheheirofIsildurmayuseit,ifhedare.Listen!ThisisthewordthatthesonsofElrondbringtomefromtheirfatherinRivendell,wisestinlore:BidAragornrememberthewordsoftheseer,andthePathsoftheDead.’
‘Andwhatmaybethe
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wordsoftheseer?’saidLegolas.
‘ThusspokeMalbeththeSeer,inthedaysofArvedui,lastkingatFornost,’saidAragorn:
Overthelandthereliesalongshadow,westwardreachingwingsofdarkness.TheTowertrembles;tothetombsofkings
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doomapproaches.TheDeadawaken;forthehouriscomefortheoathbreakers:attheStoneofErechtheyshallstandagainandhearthereahorninthehillsringing.Whoseshallthehornbe?Whoshallcallthemfromthegreytwilight,theforgottenpeople?Theheirofhimtowhom
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theoaththeyswore.FromtheNorthshallhecome,needshalldrivehim:heshallpasstheDoortothePathsoftheDead.
‘Darkways,doubtless,’saidGimli,‘butnodarkerthanthesestavesaretome.’
‘Ifyouwouldunderstandthembetter,thenIbidyoucomewithme,’saidAragorn;
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‘forthatwayInowshalltake.ButIdonotgogladly;onlyneeddrivesme.Therefore,onlyofyourfreewillwouldIhaveyoucome,foryouwillfindbothtoilandgreatfear,andmaybeworse.’
‘IwillgowithyouevenonthePathsoftheDead,andtowhateverendtheymaylead,’saidGimli.
‘Ialsowillcome,’saidLegolas,‘forIdonotfearthe
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Dead.’‘Ihopethattheforgotten
peoplewillnothaveforgottenhowtofight,’saidGimli;‘forotherwiseIseenotwhyweshouldtroublethem.’
‘ThatweshallknowifeverwecometoErech,’saidAragorn.‘ButtheoaththattheybrokewastofightagainstSauron,andtheymustfighttherefore,iftheyaretofulfilit.ForatErechthere
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standsyetablackstonethatwasbrought,itwassaid,fromNúmenorbyIsildur;anditwassetuponahill,anduponittheKingoftheMountainssworeallegiancetohiminthebeginningoftherealmofGondor.ButwhenSauronreturnedandgrewinmightagain,IsildursummonedtheMenoftheMountainstofulfiltheiroath,andtheywouldnot:fortheyhad
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worshippedSauronintheDarkYears.
‘ThenIsildursaidtotheirking:“Thoushaltbethelastking.AndiftheWestprovemightierthanthyBlackMaster,thiscurseIlayupontheeandthyfolk:torestneveruntilyouroathisfulfilled.Forthiswarwilllastthroughyearsuncounted,andyoushallbesummonedonceagaineretheend.”Andthey
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fledbeforethewrathofIsildur,anddidnotdaretogoforthtowaronSauron’spart;andtheyhidthemselvesinsecretplacesinthemountainsandhadnodealingswithothermen,butslowlydwindledinthebarrenhills.AndtheterroroftheSleeplessDeadliesabouttheHillofErechandallplaceswherethatpeoplelingered.ButthatwayImustgo,since
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therearenonelivingtohelpme.’
Hestoodup.‘Come!’hecried,anddrewhissword,anditflashedinthetwilithalloftheBurg.‘TotheStoneofErech!IseekthePathsoftheDead.Comewithmewhowill!’
LegolasandGimlimadenoanswer,buttheyroseandfollowedAragornfromthehall.Onthegreenthere
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waited,stillandsilent,thehoodedRangers.LegolasandGimlimounted.AragornspranguponRoheryn.ThenHalbaradliftedagreathorn,andtheblastofitechoedinHelm’sDeep:andwiththattheyleaptaway,ridingdowntheCoomblikethunder,whileallthementhatwereleftonDikeorBurgstaredinamaze.
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AndwhileThéodenwentbyslowpathsinthehills,theGreyCompanypassedswiftlyovertheplain,andonthenextdayintheafternoontheycametoEdoras;andtheretheyhaltedonlybriefly,eretheypassedupthevalley,andsocametoDunharrowasdarknessfell.
TheLadyÉowyngreetedthemandwasgladoftheircoming;fornomightiermen
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hadsheseenthantheDúnedainandthefairsonsofElrond;butonAragornmostofallhereyesrested.Andwhentheysatatsupperwithher,theytalkedtogether,andsheheardofallthathadpassedsinceThéodenrodeaway,concerningwhichonlyhastytidingshadyetreachedher;andwhensheheardofthebattleinHelm’sDeepandthegreatslaughteroftheir
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foes,andofthechargeofThéodenandhisknights,thenhereyesshone.
Butatlastshesaid:‘Lords,youarewearyandshallnowgotoyourbedswithsucheaseascanbecontrivedinhaste.Buttomorrowfairerhousingshallbefoundforyou.’
ButAragornsaid:‘Nay,lady,benottroubledforus!Ifwemaylieheretonightand
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breakourfasttomorrow,itwillbeenough.ForIrideonanerrandmosturgent,andwiththefirstlightofmorningwemustgo.’
Shesmiledonhimandsaid:‘Thenitwaskindlydone,lord,toridesomanymilesoutofyourwaytobringtidingstoÉowyn,andtospeakwithherinherexile.’
‘Indeednomanwould
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countsuchajourneywasted,’saidAragorn;‘andyet,lady,Icouldnothavecomehither,ifitwerenotthattheroadwhichImusttakeleadsmetoDunharrow.’
Andsheansweredasonethatlikesnotwhatissaid:‘Then,lord,youareastray;foroutofHarrowdalenoroadrunseastorsouth;andyouhadbestreturnasyoucame.’
‘Nay,lady,’saidhe,‘Iam
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notastray;forIwalkedinthislandereyouwereborntograceit.Thereisaroadoutofthisvalley,andthatroadIshalltake.TomorrowIshallridebythePathsoftheDead.’
Thenshestaredathimasonethatisstricken,andherfaceblanched,andforlongshespokenomore,whileallsatsilent.‘But,Aragorn,’shesaidatlast,‘isitthenyour
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errandtoseekdeath?Forthatisallthatyouwillfindonthatroad.Theydonotsufferthelivingtopass.’
‘Theymaysuffermetopass,’saidAragorn;‘butattheleastIwilladventureit.Nootherroadwillserve.’
‘Butthisismadness,’shesaid.‘Forherearemenofrenownandprowess,whomyoushouldnottakeintotheshadows,butshouldleadto
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war,wheremenareneeded.Ibegyoutoremainandridewithmybrother;forthenallourheartswillbegladdened,andourhopebethebrighter.’
‘Itisnotmadness,lady,’heanswered;‘forIgoonapathappointed.Butthosewhofollowmedosooftheirfreewill;andiftheywishnowtoremainandridewiththeRohirrim,theymaydoso.ButIshalltakethePathsof
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theDead,alone,ifneedsbe.’Thentheysaidnomore,
andtheyateinsilence;buthereyeswereeveruponAragorn,andtheotherssawthatshewasingreattormentofmind.Atlengththeyarose,andtooktheirleaveoftheLady,andthankedherforhercare,andwenttotheirrest.
ButasAragorncametotheboothwherehewastolodgewithLegolasand
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Gimli,andhiscompanionshadgonein,therecametheLadyÉowynafterhimandcalledtohim.Heturnedandsawherasaglimmerinthenight,forshewascladinwhite;buthereyeswereonfire.
‘Aragorn,’shesaid,‘whywillyougoonthisdeadlyroad?’
‘BecauseImust,’hesaid.‘OnlysocanIseeanyhope
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ofdoingmypartinthewaragainstSauron.Idonotchoosepathsofperil,Éowyn.WereItogowheremyheartdwells,farintheNorthIwouldnowbewanderinginthefairvalleyofRivendell.’
Forawhileshewassilent,asifponderingwhatthismightmean.Thensuddenlyshelaidherhandonhisarm.‘Youareasternlordandresolute,’shesaid;‘andthus
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domenwinrenown.’Shepaused.‘Lord,’shesaid,‘ifyoumustgo,thenletmerideinyourfollowing.ForIamwearyofskulkinginthehills,andwishtofaceperilandbattle.’
‘Yourdutyiswithyourpeople,’heanswered.
‘ToooftenhaveIheardofduty,’shecried.‘ButamInotoftheHouseofEorl,ashieldmaidenandnotadry-
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nurse?Ihavewaitedonfalteringfeetlongenough.Sincetheyfalternolonger,itseems,mayInotnowspendmylifeasIwill?’
‘Fewmaydothatwithhonour,’heanswered.‘Butasforyou,lady:didyounotacceptthechargetogovernthepeopleuntiltheirlord’sreturn?Ifyouhadnotbeenchosen,thensomemarshalorcaptainwouldhavebeenset
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inthesameplace,andhecouldnotrideawayfromhischarge,werehewearyofitorno.’
‘ShallIalwaysbechosen?’shesaidbitterly.‘ShallIalwaysbeleftbehindwhentheRidersdepart,tomindthehousewhiletheywinrenown,andfindfoodandbedswhentheyreturn?’
‘Atimemaycomesoon,’saidhe,‘whennonewill
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return.Thentherewillbeneedofvalourwithoutrenown,fornoneshallrememberthedeedsthataredoneinthelastdefenceofyourhomes.Yetthedeedswillnotbelessvaliantbecausetheyareunpraised.’
Andsheanswered:‘Allyourwordsarebuttosay:youareawoman,andyourpartisinthehouse.Butwhenthemenhavediedinbattle
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andhonour,youhaveleavetobeburnedinthehouse,forthemenwillneeditnomore.ButIamoftheHouseofEorlandnotaserving-woman.Icanrideandwieldblade,andIdonotfeareitherpainordeath.’
‘Whatdoyoufear,lady?’heasked.
‘Acage,’shesaid.‘Tostaybehindbars,untiluseandoldageacceptthem,and
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allchanceofdoinggreatdeedsisgonebeyondrecallordesire.’
‘AndyetyoucounselledmenottoadventureontheroadthatIhadchosen,becauseitisperilous?’
‘Somayonecounselanother,’shesaid.‘YetIdonotbidyoufleefromperil,buttoridetobattlewhereyourswordmaywinrenownandvictory.Iwouldnotseea
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thingthatishighandexcellentcastawayneedlessly.’
‘NorwouldI,’hesaid.‘ThereforeIsaytoyou,lady:Stay!ForyouhavenoerrandtotheSouth.’
‘Neitherhavethoseotherswhogowiththee.Theygoonlybecausetheywouldnotbepartedfromthee–becausetheylovethee.’Thensheturnedandvanishedintothe
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night.
WhenthelightofdaywascomeintotheskybutthesunwasnotyetrisenabovethehighridgesintheEast,Aragornmadereadytodepart.Hiscompanywasallmounted,andhewasabouttoleapintothesaddle,whentheLadyÉowyncametobidthemfarewell.Shewasclad
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asaRiderandgirtwithasword.Inherhandsheboreacup,andshesetittoherlipsanddrankalittle,wishingthemgoodspeed;andthenshegavethecuptoAragorn,andhedrank,andhesaid:‘Farewell,LadyofRohan!IdrinktothefortunesofyourHouse,andofyou,andofallyourpeople.Saytoyourbrother:beyondtheshadowswemaymeetagain!’
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ThenitseemedtoGimliandLegolaswhowerenearbythatshewept,andinonesosternandproudthatseemedthemoregrievous.Butshesaid:‘Aragorn,wiltthougo?’
‘Iwill,’hesaid.‘Thenwiltthounotletme
ridewiththiscompany,asIhaveasked?’
‘Iwillnot,lady,’hesaid.‘ForthatIcouldnotgrantwithoutleaveofthekingand
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ofyourbrother;andtheywillnotreturnuntiltomorrow.ButIcountnoweveryhour,indeedeveryminute.Farewell!’
Thenshefellonherknees,saying:‘Ibegthee!’
‘Nay,lady,’hesaid,andtakingherbythehandheraisedher.Thenhekissedherhand,andsprangintothesaddle,androdeaway,anddidnotlookback;andonly
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thosewhoknewhimwellandwereneartohimsawthepainthathebore.
ButÉowynstoodstillasafigurecarveninstone,herhandsclenchedathersides,andshewatchedthemuntiltheypassedintotheshadowsundertheblackDwimorberg,theHauntedMountain,inwhichwastheDooroftheDead.Whentheywerelosttoview,sheturned,stumbling
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asonethatisblind,andwentbacktoherlodging.Butnoneofherfolksawthisparting,fortheyhidthemselvesinfearandwouldnotcomeforthuntilthedaywasup,andtherecklessstrangersweregone.
Andsomesaid:‘TheyareElvishwights.Letthemgowheretheybelong,intothedarkplaces,andneverreturn.Thetimesareevilenough.’
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Thelightwasstillgreyastheyrode,forthesunhadnotyetclimbedovertheblackridgesoftheHauntedMountainbeforethem.Adreadfellonthem,evenastheypassedbetweenthelinesofancientstonesandsocametotheDimholt.ThereunderthegloomofblacktreesthatnotevenLegolascouldlongenduretheyfoundahollowplaceopeningatthe
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mountain’sroot,andrightintheirpathstoodasinglemightystonelikeafingerofdoom.
‘Mybloodrunschill,’saidGimli,buttheothersweresilent,andhisvoicefelldeadonthedankfir-needlesathisfeet.Thehorseswouldnotpassthethreateningstone,untiltheridersdismountedandledthemabout.Andsotheycameatlastdeepinto
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theglen;andtherestoodasheerwallofrock,andinthewalltheDarkDoorgapedbeforethemlikethemouthofnight.Signsandfigureswerecarvedaboveitswidearchtoodimtoread,andfearflowedfromitlikeagreyvapour.
TheCompanyhalted,andtherewasnotaheartamongthemthatdidnotquail,unlessitweretheheartofLegolasof
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theElves,forwhomtheghostsofMenhavenoterror.
‘Thisisanevildoor,’saidHalbarad,‘andmydeathliesbeyondit.Iwilldaretopassitnonetheless;butnohorsewillenter.’
‘Butwemustgoin,andthereforethehorsesmustgotoo,’saidAragorn.‘Forifeverwecomethroughthisdarkness,manyleaguesliebeyond,andeveryhourthat
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islosttherewillbringthetriumphofSauronnearer.Followme!’
ThenAragornledtheway,andsuchwasthestrengthofhiswillinthathourthatalltheDúnedainandtheirhorsesfollowedhim.AndindeedthelovethatthehorsesoftheRangersborefortheirriderswassogreatthattheywerewillingtofaceeventheterroroftheDoor,iftheirmasters’
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heartsweresteadyastheywalkedbesidethem.ButArod,thehorseofRohan,refusedtheway,andhestoodsweatingandtremblinginafearthatwasgrievoustosee.ThenLegolaslaidhishandsonhiseyesandsangsomewordsthatwentsoftinthegloom,untilhesufferedhimselftobeled,andLegolaspassedin.AndtherestoodGimlitheDwarfleftallalone.
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Hiskneesshook,andhewaswrothwithhimself.‘Hereisathingunheardof!’hesaid.‘AnElfwillgoundergroundandaDwarfdarenot!’Withthatheplungedin.Butitseemedtohimthathedraggedhisfeetlikeleadoverthethreshold;andatonceablindnesscameuponhim,evenuponGimliGlóin’ssonwhohadwalkedunafraidinmanydeepplaces
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oftheworld.
AragornhadbroughttorchesfromDunharrow,andnowhewentaheadbearingonealoft;andElladanwithanotherwentattherear,andGimli,stumblingbehind,strovetoovertakehim.Hecouldseenothingbutthedimflameofthetorches;butiftheCompanyhalted,there
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seemedanendlesswhisperofvoicesallabouthim,amurmurofwordsinnotonguethathehadeverheardbefore.
NothingassailedtheCompanynorwithstoodtheirpassage,andyetsteadilyfeargrewontheDwarfashewenton:mostofallbecauseheknewnowthattherecouldbenoturningback;allthepathsbehindwerethrongedbyan
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unseenhostthatfollowedinthedark.
Sotimeunreckonedpassed,untilGimlisawasightthathewaseverafterwardslothtorecall.Theroadwaswide,asfarashecouldjudge,butnowtheCompanycamesuddenlyintoagreatemptyspace,andtherewerenolongeranywallsuponeitherside.Thedreadwassoheavyonhim
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thathecouldhardlywalk.AwaytotheleftsomethingglitteredinthegloomasAragorn’storchdrewnear.ThenAragornhaltedandwenttolookwhatitmightbe.
‘Doeshefeelnofear?’mutteredtheDwarf.‘InanyothercaveGimliGlóin’ssonwouldhavebeenthefirsttoruntothegleamofgold.Butnothere!Letitlie!’
Nonethelesshedrewnear,
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andsawAragornkneeling,whileElladanheldaloftbothtorches.Beforehimwerethebonesofamightyman.Hehadbeencladinmail,andstillhisharnesslaytherewhole;forthecavern’sairwasasdryasdust,andhishauberkwasgilded.Hisbeltwasofgoldandgarnets,andrichwithgoldwasthehelmuponhisbonyheadfacedownwardonthefloor.He
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hadfallennearthefarwallofthecave,asnowcouldbeseen,andbeforehimstoodastonydoorclosedfast:hisfinger-boneswerestillclawingatthecracks.Anotchedandbrokenswordlaybyhim,asifhehadhewnattherockinhislastdespair.
Aragorndidnottouchhim,butaftergazingsilentlyforawhileheroseandsighed.‘Hithershallthe
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flowersofsimbelmynëcomeneveruntoworld’send,’hemurmured.‘Ninemoundsandseventherearenowgreenwithgrass,andthroughallthelongyearshehaslainatthedoorthathecouldnotunlock.Whitherdoesitlead?Whywouldhepass?Noneshalleverknow!
‘Forthatisnotmyerrand!’hecried,turningbackandspeakingtothe
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whisperingdarknessbehind.‘KeepyourhoardsandyoursecretshiddenintheAccursedYears!Speedonlyweask.Letuspass,andthencome!IsummonyoutotheStoneofErech!’
Therewasnoanswer,unlessitwereanuttersilencemoredreadfulthanthewhispersbefore;andthena
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chillblastcameinwhichthetorchesflickeredandwentout,andcouldnotberekindled.Ofthetimethatfollowed,onehourormany,Gimlirememberedlittle.Theotherspressedon,buthewaseverhindmost,pursuedbyagropinghorrorthatseemedalwaysjustabouttoseizehim;andarumourcameafterhimliketheshadow-soundofmanyfeet.Hestumbledon
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untilhewascrawlinglikeabeastonthegroundandfeltthathecouldendurenomore:hemusteitherfindanendingandescapeorrunbackinmadnesstomeetthefollowingfear.
Suddenlyheheardthetinkleofwater,asoundhardandclearasastonefallingintoadreamofdarkshadow.Lightgrew,andlo!theCompanypassedthrough
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anothergateway,high-archedandbroad,andarillranoutbesidethem;andbeyond,goingsteeplydown,wasaroadbetweensheercliffs,knife-edgedagainsttheskyfarabove.Sodeepandnarrowwasthatchasmthattheskywasdark,andinitsmallstarsglinted.YetasGimliafterlearneditwasstilltwohourseresunsetofthedayonwhichtheyhadsetout
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fromDunharrow;thoughforallthathecouldthentellitmighthavebeentwilightinsomelateryear,orinsomeotherworld.
TheCompanynowmountedagain,andGimlireturnedtoLegolas.Theyrodeinfile,andeveningcameonandadeepbluedusk;andstillfearpursued
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them.LegolasturningtospeaktoGimlilookedbackandtheDwarfsawbeforehisfacetheglitterintheElf’sbrighteyes.BehindthemrodeElladan,lastoftheCompany,butnotthelastofthosethattookthedownwardroad.
‘TheDeadarefollowing,’saidLegolas.‘IseeshapesofMenandofhorses,andpalebannerslikeshredsofcloud,andspearslikewinter-
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thicketsonamistynight.TheDeadarefollowing.’
‘Yes,theDeadridebehind.Theyhavebeensummoned,’saidElladan.
TheCompanycameatlastoutoftheravine,assuddenlyasiftheyhadissuedfromacrackinawall;andtherelaytheuplandsofagreatvalebeforethem,and
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thestreambesidethemwentdownwithacoldvoiceovermanyfalls.
‘WhereinMiddle-eartharewe?’saidGimli;andElladananswered:‘WehavedescendedfromtheuprisingoftheMorthond,thelongchillriverthatflowsatlasttotheseathatwashesthewallsofDolAmroth.Youwillnotneedtoaskhereafterhowcomesitsname:Blackroot
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mencallit.’TheMorthondValemade
agreatbaythatbeatupagainstthesheersouthernfacesofthemountains.Itssteepslopesweregrass-grown;butallwasgreyinthathour,forthesunhadgone,andfarbelowlightstwinkledinthehomesofMen.Thevalewasrichandmanyfolkdweltthere.
Thenwithoutturning
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Aragorncriedaloudsothatallcouldhear:‘Friends,forgetyourweariness!Ridenow,ride!WemustcometotheStoneofErecherethisdaypasses,andlongstillistheway.’Sowithoutlookingbacktheyrodethemountain-fields,untiltheycametoabridgeoverthegrowingtorrentandfoundaroadthatwentdownintotheland.
Lightswentoutinhouse
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andhamletastheycame,anddoorswereshut,andfolkthatwereafieldcriedinterrorandranwildlikehunteddeer.Everthererosethesamecryinthegatheringnight:‘TheKingoftheDead!TheKingoftheDeadiscomeuponus!’
Bellswereringingfarbelow,andallmenfledbeforethefaceofAragorn;buttheGreyCompanyintheirhasterodelikehunters,
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untiltheirhorseswerestumblingwithweariness.Andthus,justeremidnight,andinadarknessasblackasthecavernsinthemountains,theycameatlasttotheHillofErech.
LonghadtheterroroftheDeadlainuponthathillandupontheemptyfieldsaboutit.Foruponthetopstooda
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blackstone,roundasagreatglobe,theheightofaman,thoughitshalfwasburiedintheground.Unearthlyitlooked,asthoughithadfallenfromthesky,assomebelieved;butthosewhorememberedstilltheloreofWesternessetoldthatithadbeenbroughtoutoftheruinofNúmenorandtheresetbyIsildurathislanding.Noneofthepeopleofthevalleydared
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toapproachit,norwouldtheydwellnear;fortheysaidthatitwasatrysting-placeoftheShadow-menandtheretheywouldgatherintimesoffear,throngingroundtheStoneandwhispering.
TothatStonetheCompanycameandhaltedinthedeadofnight.ThenElrohirgavetoAragornasilverhorn,andheblewuponit;anditseemedtothosethat
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stoodnearthattheyheardasoundofansweringhorns,asifitwasanechoindeepcavesfaraway.Noothersoundtheyheard,andyettheywereawareofagreathostgatheredallaboutthehillonwhichtheystood;andachillwindlikethebreathofghostscamedownfromthemountains.ButAragorndismounted,andstandingbytheStonehecriedinagreat
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voice:‘Oathbreakers,whyhave
yecome?’Andavoicewasheardout
ofthenightthatansweredhim,asiffromfaraway:
‘Tofulfilouroathandhavepeace.’
ThenAragornsaid:‘Thehouriscomeatlast.NowIgotoPelargiruponAnduin,andyeshallcomeafterme.Andwhenallthislandiscleanof
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theservantsofSauron,Iwillholdtheoathfulfilled,andyeshallhavepeaceanddepartforever.ForIamElessar,Isildur’sheirofGondor.’
AndwiththathebadeHalbaradunfurlthegreatstandardwhichhehadbrought;andbehold!itwasblack,andiftherewasanydeviceuponit,itwashiddeninthedarkness.Thentherewassilence,andnota
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whispernorasighwasheardagainallthelongnight.TheCompanycampedbesidetheStone,buttheysleptlittle,becauseofthedreadoftheShadowsthathedgedthemround.
Butwhenthedawncame,coldandpale,Aragornroseatonce,andheledtheCompanyforthuponthejourneyofgreatesthasteandwearinessthatanyamong
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themhadknown,savehealone,andonlyhiswillheldthemtogoon.NoothermortalMencouldhaveenduredit,nonebuttheDúnedainoftheNorth,andwiththemGimlitheDwarfandLegolasoftheElves.
TheypassedTarlang’sNeckandcameintoLamedon;andtheShadowHostpressedbehindandfearwentonbeforethem,until
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theycametoCalembeluponCiril,andthesunwentdownlikebloodbehindPinnathGelinawayintheWestbehindthem.ThetownshipandthefordsofCiriltheyfounddeserted,formanymenhadgoneawaytowar,andallthatwereleftfledtothehillsattherumourofthecomingoftheKingoftheDead.Butthenextdaytherecamenodawn,andtheGreyCompany
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passedonintothedarknessoftheStormofMordorandwerelosttomortalsight;buttheDeadfollowedthem.
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Chapter3
THEMUSTEROFROHAN
NowallroadswererunningtogethertotheEasttomeet
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thecomingofwarandtheonsetoftheShadow.AndevenasPippinstoodattheGreatGateoftheCityandsawthePrinceofDolAmrothrideinwithhisbanners,theKingofRohancamedownoutofthehills.
Daywaswaning.InthelastraysofthesuntheRiderscastlongpointedshadowsthatwentonbeforethem.Darknesshadalreadycrept
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beneaththemurmuringfir-woodsthatclothedthesteepmountain-sides.Thekingrodenowslowlyattheendoftheday.Presentlythepathturnedroundahugebareshoulderofrockandplungedintothegloomofsoft-sighingtrees.Down,downtheywentinalongwindingfile.Whenatlasttheycametothebottomofthegorgetheyfoundthateveninghadfallen
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inthedeepplaces.Thesunwasgone.Twilightlayuponthewaterfalls.
Alldayfarbelowthemaleapingstreamhadrundownfromthehighpassbehind,cleavingitsnarrowwaybetweenpine-cladwalls;andnowthroughastonygateitflowedoutandpassedintoawidervale.TheRidersfollowedit,andsuddenlyHarrowdalelaybeforethem,
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loudwiththenoiseofwatersintheevening.TherethewhiteSnowbourn,joinedbythelesserstream,wentrushing,fumingonthestones,downtoEdorasandthegreenhillsandtheplains.AwaytotherightattheheadofthegreatdalethemightyStarkhornloomedupaboveitsvastbuttressesswathedincloud;butitsjaggedpeak,clothedineverlastingsnow,
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gleamedfarabovetheworld,blue-shadowedupontheEast,red-stainedbythesunsetintheWest.
Merrylookedoutinwonderuponthisstrangecountry,ofwhichhehadheardmanytalesupontheirlongroad.Itwasaskylessworld,inwhichhiseye,throughdimgulfsofshadowyair,sawonlyever-mountingslopes,greatwallsofstone
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behindgreatwalls,andfrowningprecipiceswreathedwithmist.Hesatforamomenthalfdreaming,listeningtothenoiseofwater,thewhisperofdarktrees,thecrackofstone,andthevastwaitingsilencethatbroodedbehindallsound.Helovedmountains,orhehadlovedthethoughtofthemmarchingontheedgeofstoriesbroughtfromfar
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away;butnowhewasbornedownbytheinsupportableweightofMiddle-earth.Helongedtoshutouttheimmensityinaquietroombyafire.
Hewasverytired,forthoughtheyhadriddenslowly,theyhadriddenwithverylittlerest.Hourafterhourfornearlythreewearydayshehadjoggedupanddown,overpasses,and
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throughlongdales,andacrossmanystreams.Sometimeswherethewaywasbroaderhehadriddenattheking’sside,notnoticingthatmanyoftheRiderssmiledtoseethetwotogether:thehobbitonhislittleshaggygreypony,andtheLordofRohanonhisgreatwhitehorse.ThenhehadtalkedtoThéoden,tellinghimabouthishomeandthe
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doingsoftheShire-folk,orlisteninginturntotalesoftheMarkanditsmightymenofold.Butmostofthetime,especiallyonthislastday,Merryhadriddenbyhimselfjustbehindtheking,sayingnothing,andtryingtounderstandtheslowsonorousspeechofRohanthatheheardthemenbehindhimusing.Itwasalanguageinwhichthereseemedtobemanywords
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thatheknew,thoughspokenmorerichlyandstronglythanintheShire,yethecouldnotpiecethewordstogether.AttimessomeRiderwouldliftuphisclearvoiceinstirringsong,andMerryfelthisheartleap,thoughhedidnotknowwhatitwasabout.
Allthesamehehadbeenlonely,andnevermoresothannowattheday’send.Hewonderedwhereinallthis
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strangeworldPippinhadgotto;andwhatwouldbecomeofAragornandLegolasandGimli.ThensuddenlylikeacoldtouchonhishearthethoughtofFrodoandSam.‘Iamforgettingthem!’hesaidtohimselfreproachfully.‘Andyettheyaremoreimportantthanalltherestofus.AndIcametohelpthem;butnowtheymustbehundredsofmilesaway,if
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theyarestillalive.’Heshivered.
‘Harrowdaleatlast!’saidÉomer.‘Ourjourneyisalmostatanend.’Theyhalted.Thepathsoutofthenarrowgorgefellsteeply.Onlyaglimpse,asthroughatallwindow,couldbeseenofthegreatvalleyinthegloamingbelow.Asingle
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smalllightcouldbeseentwinklingbytheriver.
‘Thisjourneyisover,maybe,’saidThéoden,‘butIhavefaryettogo.Twonightsagothemoonwasfull,andinthemorningIshallridetoEdorastothegatheringoftheMark.’
‘Butifyouwouldtakemycounsel,’saidÉomerinalowvoice,‘youwouldthenreturnhither,untilthewarisover,
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lostorwon.’Théodensmiled.‘Nay,my
son,forsoIwillcallyou,speaknotthesoftwordsofWormtongueinmyoldears!’Hedrewhimselfupandlookedbackatthelonglineofhismenfadingintotheduskbehind.‘LongyearsinthespaceofdaysitseemssinceIrodewest;butneverwillIleanonastaffagain.Ifthewarislost,whatgoodwill
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bemyhidinginthehills?Andifitiswon,whatgriefwillitbe,evenifIfall,spendingmylaststrength?Butwewillleavethisnow.TonightIwilllieintheHoldofDunharrow.Oneeveningofpeaceatleastisleftus.Letusrideon!’
Inthedeepeningdusktheycamedownintothe
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valley.HeretheSnowbournflowedneartothewesternwallsofthedale,andsoonthepathledthemtoafordwheretheshallowwatersmurmuredloudlyonthestones.Thefordwasguarded.Asthekingapproachedmanymensprangupoutoftheshadowoftherocks;andwhentheysawthekingtheycriedwithgladvoices:‘ThéodenKing!Théoden
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King!TheKingoftheMarkreturns!’
Thenoneblewalongcallonahorn.Itechoedinthevalley.Otherhornsansweredit,andlightsshoneoutacrosstheriver.
Andsuddenlythereroseagreatchorusoftrumpetsfromhighabove,soundingfromsomehollowplace,asitseemed,thatgatheredtheirnotesintoonevoiceandsent
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itrollingandbeatingonthewallsofstone.
SotheKingoftheMarkcamebackvictoriousoutoftheWesttoDunharrowbeneaththefeetoftheWhiteMountains.Therehefoundtheremainingstrengthofhispeoplealreadyassembled;forassoonashiscomingwasknowncaptainsrodetomeethimattheford,bearingmessagesfromGandalf.
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Dúnhere,chieftainofthefolkofHarrowdale,wasattheirhead.
‘Atdawnthreedaysago,lord,’hesaid,‘ShadowfaxcamelikeawindoutoftheWesttoEdoras,andGandalfbroughttidingsofyourvictorytogladdenourhearts.ButhebroughtalsowordfromyoutohastenthegatheringoftheRiders.Andthencamethewinged
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Shadow.’‘ThewingedShadow?’
saidThéoden.‘Wesawitalso,butthatwasinthedeadofnightbeforeGandalfleftus.’
‘Maybe,lord,’saidDúnhere.‘Yetthesame,oranotherliketoit,aflyingdarknessintheshapeofamonstrousbird,passedoverEdorasthatmorning,andallmenwereshakenwithfear.
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ForitstoopeduponMeduseld,andasitcamelow,almosttothegable,therecameacrythatstoppedourhearts.ThenitwasthatGandalfcounselledusnottoassembleinthefields,buttomeetyouhereinthevalleyunderthemountains.Andhebadeustokindlenomorelightsorfiresthanbarestneedasked.Soithasbeendone.Gandalfspokewithgreat
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authority.Wetrustthatitisasyouwouldwish.NaughthasbeenseeninHarrowdaleoftheseevilthings.’
‘Itiswell,’saidThéoden.‘IwillridenowtotheHold,andtherebeforeIgotorestIwillmeetthemarshalsandcaptains.Letthemcometomeassoonasmaybe!’
Theroadnowled
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eastwardstraightacrossthevalley,whichwasatthatpointlittlemorethanhalfamileinwidth.Flatsandmeadsofroughgrass,greynowinthefallingnight,layallabout,butinfrontonthefarsideofthedaleMerrysawafrowningwall,alastoutlierofthegreatrootsoftheStarkhorn,clovenbytheriverinagespast.
Onallthelevelspaces
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therewasgreatconcourseofmen.Somethrongedtotheroadside,hailingthekingandtheridersfromtheWestwithgladcries;butstretchingawayintothedistancebehindtherewereorderedrowsoftentsandbooths,andlinesofpicketedhorses,andgreatstoreofarms,andpiledspearsbristlinglikethicketsofnew-plantedtrees.Nowallthegreatassemblywas
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fallingintoshadow,andyet,thoughthenight-chillblewcoldfromtheheights,nolanternsglowed,nofireswerelit.Watchmenheavilycloakedpacedtoandfro.
MerrywonderedhowmanyRiderstherewere.Hecouldnotguesstheirnumberinthegatheringgloom,butitlookedtohimlikeagreatarmy,manythousandsstrong.Whilehewaspeeringfrom
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sidetosidetheking’spartycameupundertheloomingcliffontheeasternsideofthevalley;andtheresuddenlythepathbegantoclimb,andMerrylookedupinamazement.Hewasonaroadthelikeofwhichhehadneverseenbefore,agreatworkofmen’shandsinyearsbeyondthereachofsong.Upwardsitwound,coilinglikeasnake,boringitsway
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acrossthesheerslopeofrock.Steepasastair,itloopedbackwardsandforwardsasitclimbed.Upithorsescouldwalk,andwainscouldbeslowlyhauled;butnoenemycouldcomethatway,exceptoutoftheair,ifitwasdefendedfromabove.Ateachturnoftheroadthereweregreatstandingstonesthathadbeencarvedinthelikenessofmen,hugeandclumsy-
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limbed,squattingcross-leggedwiththeirstumpyarmsfoldedonfatbellies.Someinthewearingoftheyearshadlostallfeaturessavethedarkholesoftheireyesthatstillstaredsadlyatthepassers-by.TheRidershardlyglancedatthem.ThePúkel-mentheycalledthem,andheededthemlittle:nopowerorterrorwasleftinthem;butMerrygazedat
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themwithwonderandafeelingalmostofpity,astheyloomedupmournfullyinthedusk.
Afterawhilehelookedbackandfoundthathehadalreadyclimbedsomehundredsoffeetabovethevalley,butstillfarbelowhecoulddimlyseeawindinglineofRiderscrossingthefordandfilingalongtheroadtowardsthecampprepared
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forthem.OnlythekingandhisguardweregoingupintotheHold.
Atlasttheking’scompanycametoasharpbrink,andtheclimbingroadpassedintoacuttingbetweenwallsofrock,andsowentupashortslopeandoutontoawideupland.TheFirienfeldmencalledit,agreenmountain-fieldofgrassandheath,highabovethedeep-
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delvedcoursesoftheSnowbourn,laiduponthelapofthegreatmountainsbehind:theStarkhornsouthwards,andnorthwardsthesaw-toothedmassofÍrensaga,betweenwhichtherefacedtheriders,thegrimblackwalloftheDwimorberg,theHauntedMountainrisingoutofsteepslopesofsombrepines.Dividingtheuplandintotwo
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theremarchedadoublelineofunshapedstandingstonesthatdwindledintotheduskandvanishedinthetrees.ThosewhodaredtofollowthatroadcamesoontotheblackDimholtunderDwimorberg,andthemenaceofthepillarofstone,andtheyawningshadowoftheforbiddendoor.
SuchwasthedarkDunharrow,theworkoflong-
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forgottenmen.Theirnamewaslostandnosongorlegendrememberedit.Forwhatpurposetheyhadmadethisplace,asatownorsecrettempleoratombofkings,noneinRohancouldsay.HeretheylabouredintheDarkYears,beforeeverashipcametothewesternshores,orGondoroftheDúnedainwasbuilt;andnowtheyhadvanished,andonly
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theoldPúkel-menwereleft,stillsittingattheturningsoftheroad.
Merrystaredatthelinesofmarchingstones:theywerewornandblack;somewereleaning,somewerefallen,somecrackedorbroken;theylookedlikerowsofoldandhungryteeth.Hewonderedwhattheycouldbe,andhehopedthatthekingwasnotgoingtofollowthemintothe
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darknessbeyond.Thenhesawthattherewereclustersoftentsandboothsoneithersideofthestonyway;butthesewerenotsetnearthetrees,andseemedrathertohuddleawayfromthemtowardsthebrinkofthecliff.Thegreaternumberwereontheright,wheretheFirienfeldwaswider;andonthelefttherewasasmallercamp,inthemidstofwhichstooda
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tallpavilion.Fromthissidearidernow
cameouttomeetthem,andtheyturnedfromtheroad.
AstheydrewnearMerrysawthattheriderwasawomanwithlongbraidedhairgleaminginthetwilight,yetsheworeahelmandwascladtothewaistlikeawarriorandgirdedwithasword.
‘Hail,LordoftheMark!’shecried.‘Myheartisgladat
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yourreturning.’‘Andyou,Éowyn,’said
Théoden,‘isallwellwithyou?’
‘Alliswell,’sheanswered;yetitseemedtoMerrythathervoicebeliedher,andhewouldhavethoughtthatshehadbeenweeping,ifthatcouldbebelievedofonesosternofface.‘Alliswell.Itwasawearyroadforthepeopleto
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take,tornsuddenlyfromtheirhomes.Therewerehardwords,foritislongsincewarhasdrivenusfromthegreenfields;buttherehavebeennoevildeeds.Allisnowordered,asyousee.Andyourlodgingispreparedforyou;forIhavehadfulltidingsofyouandknewthehourofyourcoming.’
‘SoAragornhascomethen,’saidÉomer.‘Ishestill
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here?’‘No,heisgone,’said
ÉowynturningawayandlookingatthemountainsdarkagainsttheEastandSouth.
‘Whitherdidhego?’askedÉomer.
‘Idonotknow,’sheanswered.‘Hecameatnight,androdeawayyestermorn,eretheSunhadclimbedoverthemountain-tops.Heisgone.’
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‘Youaregrieved,daughter,’saidThéoden.‘Whathashappened?Tellme,didhespeakofthatroad?’HepointedawayalongthedarkeninglinesofstonestowardstheDwimorberg.‘OfthePathsoftheDead?’
‘Yes,lord,’saidÉowyn.‘Andhehaspassedintotheshadowfromwhichnonehavereturned.Icouldnotdissuadehim.Heisgone.’
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‘Thenourpathsaresundered,’saidÉomer.‘Heislost.Wemustridewithouthim,andourhopedwindles.’
Slowlytheypassedthroughtheshortheathanduplandgrass,speakingnomore,untiltheycametotheking’spavilion.ThereMerryfoundthateverythingwasmadeready,andthathe
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himselfwasnotforgotten.Alittletenthadbeenpitchedforhimbesidetheking’slodging;andtherehesatalone,whilemenpassedtoandfro,goingintothekingandtakingcounselwithhim.Nightcameonandthehalf-seenheadsofthemountainswestwardwerecrownedwithstars,buttheEastwasdarkandblank.Themarchingstonesfadedslowlyfrom
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sight,butstillbeyondthem,blackerthanthegloom,broodedthevastcrouchingshadowoftheDwimorberg.
‘ThePathsoftheDead,’hemutteredtohimself.‘ThePathsoftheDead?Whatdoesallthismean?Theyhaveallleftmenow.Theyhaveallgonetosomedoom:GandalfandPippintowarintheEast;andSamandFrodotoMordor;andStriderand
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LegolasandGimlitothePathsoftheDead.Butmyturnwillcomesoonenough,Isuppose.Iwonderwhattheyarealltalkingabout,andwhatthekingmeanstodo.ForImustgowherehegoesnow.’
Inthemidstofthesegloomythoughtshesuddenlyrememberedthathewasveryhungry,andhegotuptogoandseeifanyoneelseinthis
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strangecampfeltthesame.Butatthatverymomentatrumpetsounded,andamancamesummoninghim,theking’sesquire,towaitattheking’sboard.
Intheinnerpartofthepavilionwasasmallspace,curtainedoffwithbroideredhangings,andstrewnwithskins;andthereatasmall
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tablesatThéodenwithÉomerandÉowyn,andDúnhere,lordofHarrowdale.Merrystoodbesidetheking’sstoolandwaitedonhim,tillpresentlytheoldman,comingoutofdeepthought,turnedtohimandsmiled.
‘Come,MasterMeriadoc!’hesaid.‘Youshallnotstand.Youshallsitbesideme,aslongasIremaininmyownlands,andlightenmyheart
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withtales.’Roomwasmadeforthe
hobbitattheking’slefthand,butnoonecalledforanytale.Therewasindeedlittlespeech,andtheyateanddrankforthemostpartinsilence,untilatlast,pluckingupcourage,Merryaskedthequestionthatwastormentinghim.
‘Twicenow,lord,IhaveheardofthePathsofthe
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Dead,’hesaid.‘Whatarethey?AndwherehasStrider,ImeantheLordAragorn,wherehashegone?’
Thekingsighed,butnooneanswered,untilatlastÉomerspoke.‘Wedonotknow,andourheartsareheavy,’hesaid.‘ButasforthePathsoftheDead,youhaveyourselfwalkedontheirfirststeps.Nay,Ispeaknowordsofillomen!Theroad
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thatwehaveclimbedistheapproachtotheDoor,yonderintheDimholt.Butwhatliesbeyondnomanknows.’
‘Nomanknows,’saidThéoden:‘yetancientlegend,nowseldomspoken,hassomewhattoreport.IftheseoldtalesspeaktruethathavecomedownfromfathertosonintheHouseofEorl,thentheDoorunderDwimorbergleadstoasecretwaythat
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goesbeneaththemountaintosomeforgottenend.Butnonehaveeverventuredintosearchitssecrets,sinceBaldor,sonofBrego,passedtheDoorandwasneverseenamongmenagain.Arashvowhespoke,ashedrainedthehornatthatfeastwhichBregomadetohallownew-builtMeduseld,andhecamenevertothehighseatofwhichhewastheheir.
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‘FolksaythatDeadMenoutoftheDarkYearsguardthewayandwillsuffernolivingmantocometotheirhiddenhalls;butatwhilestheymaythemselvesbeseenpassingoutofthedoorlikeshadowsanddownthestonyroad.ThenthepeopleofHarrowdaleshutfasttheirdoorsandshroudtheirwindowsandareafraid.ButtheDeadcomeseldomforth
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andonlyattimesofgreatunquietandcomingdeath.’
‘YetitissaidinHarrowdale,’saidÉowyninalowvoice,‘thatinthemoonlessnightsbutlittlewhileagoagreathostinstrangearraypassedby.Whencetheycamenoneknew,buttheywentupthestonyroadandvanishedintothehill,asiftheywenttokeepatryst.’
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‘ThenwhyhasAragorngonethatway?’askedMerry.‘Don’tyouknowanythingthatwouldexplainit?’
‘Unlesshehasspokenwordstoyouashisfriendthatwehavenotheard,’saidÉomer,‘nonenowinthelandofthelivingcantellhispurpose.’
‘GreatlychangedheseemedtomesinceIsawhimfirstintheking’shouse,’said
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Éowyn:‘grimmer,older.FeyIthoughthim,andlikeonewhomtheDeadcall.’
‘Maybehewascalled,’saidThéoden;‘andmyhearttellsmethatIshallnotseehimagain.Yetheisakinglymanofhighdestiny.Andtakecomfortinthis,daughter,sincecomfortyouseemtoneedinyourgriefforthisguest.ItissaidthatwhentheEorlingascameoutofthe
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NorthandpassedatlengthuptheSnowbourn,seekingstrongplacesofrefugeintimeofneed,BregoandhissonBaldorclimbedtheStairoftheHoldandsocamebeforetheDoor.Onthethresholdsatanoldman,agedbeyondguessofyears;tallandkinglyhehadbeen,butnowhewaswitheredasanoldstone.Indeedforstonetheytookhim,forhemoved
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not,andhesaidnoword,untiltheysoughttopasshimbyandenter.Andthenavoicecameoutofhim,asitwereoutoftheground,andtotheiramazeitspokeinthewesterntongue:Thewayisshut.
‘Thentheyhaltedandlookedathimandsawthathelivedstill;buthedidnotlookatthem.Thewayisshut,hisvoicesaidagain.Itwasmade
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bythosewhoareDead,andtheDeadkeepit,untilthetimecomes.Thewayisshut.
‘Andwhenwillthattimebe?saidBaldor.Butnoanswerdidheeverget.Fortheoldmandiedinthathourandfelluponhisface;andnoothertidingsoftheancientdwellersinthemountainshaveourfolkeverlearned.Yetmaybeatlastthetimeforetoldhascome,and
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Aragornmaypass.’‘Buthowshallaman
discoverwhetherthattimebecomeorno,savebydaringtheDoor?’saidÉomer.‘AndthatwayIwouldnotgothoughallthehostsofMordorstoodbeforeme,andIwerealoneandhadnootherrefuge.Alasthatafeymoodshouldfallonamansogreatheartedinthishourofneed!Aretherenotevil
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thingsenoughabroadwithoutseekingthemundertheearth?Warisathand.’
Hepaused,foratthatmomenttherewasanoiseoutside,aman’svoicecryingthenameofThéoden,andthechallengeoftheguard.
PresentlythecaptainoftheGuardthrustasidethecurtain.‘Amanishere,lord,’
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hesaid,‘anerrand-riderofGondor.Hewishestocomebeforeyouatonce.’
‘Lethimcome!’saidThéoden.
Atallmanentered,andMerrychokedbackacry;foramomentitseemedtohimthatBoromirwasaliveagainandhadreturned.Thenhesawthatitwasnotso;themanwasastranger,thoughasliketoBoromirasifhewere
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oneofhiskin,tallandgrey-eyedandproud.Hewascladasariderwithacloakofdarkgreenoveracoatoffinemail;onthefrontofhishelmwaswroughtasmallsilverstar.Inhishandheboreasinglearrow,black-featheredandbarbedwithsteel,butthepointwaspaintedred.
HesankononekneeandpresentedthearrowtoThéoden.‘Hail,Lordofthe
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Rohirrim,friendofGondor!’hesaid.‘HirgonIam,errand-riderofDenethor,whobringyouthistokenofwar.Gondorisingreatneed.OftentheRohirrimhaveaidedus,butnowtheLordDenethorasksforallyourstrengthandallyourspeed,lestGondorfallatlast.’
‘TheRedArrow!’saidThéoden,holdingit,asonewhoreceivesasummonslong
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expectedandyetdreadfulwhenitcomes.Hishandtrembled.‘TheRedArrowhasnotbeenseenintheMarkinallmyyears!Hasitindeedcometothat?AndwhatdoestheLordDenethorreckonthatallmystrengthandallmyspeedmaybe?’
‘Thatisbestknowntoyourself,lord,’saidHirgon.‘ButerelongitmaywellcometopassthatMinas
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Tirithissurrounded,andunlessyouhavethestrengthtobreakasiegeofmanypowers,theLordDenethorbidsmesaythathejudgesthatthestrongarmsoftheRohirrimwouldbebetterwithinhiswallsthanwithout.’
‘Butheknowsthatweareapeoplewhofightratheruponhorsebackandintheopen,andthatwearealsoa
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scatteredpeopleandtimeisneededforthegatheringofourRiders.Isitnottrue,Hirgon,thattheLordofMinasTirithknowsmorethanhesetsinhismessage?Forwearealreadyatwar,asyoumayhaveseen,andyoudonotfindusallunprepared.GandalftheGreyhasbeenamongus,andevennowwearemusteringforbattleintheEast.’
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‘WhattheLordDenethormayknoworguessofallthesethingsIcannotsay,’answeredHirgon.‘Butindeedourcaseisdesperate.Mylorddoesnotissueanycommandtoyou,hebegsyouonlytorememberoldfriendshipandoathslongspoken,andforyourowngoodtodoallthatyoumay.ItisreportedtousthatmanykingshaveriddeninfromtheEasttotheservice
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ofMordor.FromtheNorthtothefieldofDagorladthereisskirmishandrumourofwar.IntheSouththeHaradrimaremoving,andfearhasfallenonallourcoastlands,sothatlittlehelpwillcometousthence.Makehaste!ForitisbeforethewallsofMinasTiriththatthedoomofourtimewillbedecided,andifthetidebenotstemmedthere,thenitwillflowoverallthe
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fairfieldsofRohan,andeveninthisHoldamongthehillsthereshallbenorefuge.’
‘Darktidings,’saidThéoden,‘yetnotallunguessed.ButsaytoDenethorthatevenifRohanitselffeltnoperil,stillwewouldcometohisaid.ButwehavesufferedmuchlossinourbattleswithSarumanthetraitor,andwemuststillthinkofourfrontiertothe
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northandeast,ashisowntidingsmakeclear.SogreatapowerastheDarkLordseemsnowtowieldmightwellcontainusinbattlebeforetheCityandyetstrikewithgreatforceacrosstheRiverawaybeyondtheGateofKings.
‘Butwewillspeaknolongercounselsofprudence.Wewillcome.Theweapontakewassetforthe
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morrow.Whenallisorderedwewillsetout.TenthousandspearsImighthavesentridingovertheplaintothedismayofyourfoes.Itwillbelessnow,Ifear;forIwillnotleavemystrongholdsallunguarded.Yetsixthousandsattheleastshallridebehindme.ForsaytoDenethorthatinthishourtheKingoftheMarkhimselfwillcomedowntothelandofGondor,
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thoughmaybehewillnotrideback.Butitisalongroad,andmanandbeastmustreachtheendwithstrengthtofight.Aweekitmaybefromtomorrow’smornereyouhearthecryoftheSonsofEorlcomingfromtheNorth.’
‘Aweek!’saidHirgon.‘Ifitmustbeso,itmust.Butyouareliketofindonlyruinedwallsinsevendaysfromnow,unlessotherhelp
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unlooked-forcomes.Still,youmayattheleastdisturbtheOrcsandSwarthyMenfromtheirfeastingintheWhiteTower.’
‘Attheleastwewilldothat,’saidThéoden.‘ButImyselfamnew-comefrombattleandlongjourney,andIwillnowgotorest.Tarryherethisnight.ThenyoushalllookonthemusterofRohanandrideawaythe
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gladderforthesight,andtheswifterfortherest.Inthemorningcounselsarebest,andnightchangesmanythoughts.’
Withthatthekingstoodup,andtheyallrose.‘Gonoweachtoyourrest,’hesaid,‘andsleepwell.Andyou,MasterMeriadoc,Ineednomoretonight.Butbeready
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tomycallassoonastheSunisrisen.’
‘Iwillbeready,’saidMerry,‘evenifyoubidmeridewithyouonthePathsoftheDead.’
‘Speaknotwordsofomen!’saidtheking.‘Fortheremaybemoreroadsthanonethatcouldbearthatname.ButIdidnotsaythatIwouldbidyouridewithmeonanyroad.Goodnight!’
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‘Iwon’tbeleftbehind,tobecalledforonreturn!’saidMerry.‘Iwon’tbeleft,Iwon’t.’Andrepeatingthisoverandoveragaintohimselfhefellasleepatlastinhistent.
Hewaswakenedbyamanshakinghim.‘Wakeup,wakeup,MasterHolbytla!’hecried;andatlengthMerrycameoutofdeepdreamsandsatupwithastart.Itstill
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seemedverydark,hethought.‘Whatisthematter?’he
asked.‘Thekingcallsforyou.’‘ButtheSunhasnotrisen,
yet,’saidMerry.‘No,andwillnotrise
today,MasterHolbytla.Noreveragain,onewouldthinkunderthiscloud.Buttimedoesnotstandstill,thoughtheSunbelost.Makehaste!’
Flingingonsomeclothes,
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Merrylookedoutside.Theworldwasdarkling.Theveryairseemedbrown,andallthingsaboutwereblackandgreyandshadowless;therewasagreatstillness.Noshapeofcloudcouldbeseen,unlessitwerefarawaywestward,wherethefurthestgropingfingersofthegreatgloomstillcrawledonwardsandalittlelightleakedthroughthem.Overheadthere
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hungaheavyroof,sombreandfeatureless,andlightseemedrathertobefailingthangrowing.
Merrysawmanyfolkstanding,lookingupandmuttering;alltheirfacesweregreyandsad,andsomewereafraid.Withasinkinghearthemadehiswaytotheking.HirgontheriderofGondorwastherebeforehim,andbesidehimstoodnowanother
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man,likehimanddressedalike,butshorterandbroader.AsMerryenteredhewasspeakingtotheking.
‘ItcomesfromMordor,lord,’hesaid.‘Itbeganlastnightatsunset.FromthehillsintheEastfoldofyourrealmIsawitriseandcreepacrossthesky,andallnightasIrodeitcamebehindeatingupthestars.Nowthegreatcloudhangsoveralltheland
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betweenhereandtheMountainsofShadow;anditisdeepening.Warhasalreadybegun.’
Forawhilethekingsatsilent.Atlasthespoke.‘Sowecometoitintheend,’hesaid:‘thegreatbattleofourtime,inwhichmanythingsshallpassaway.Butatleastthereisnolongerneedfor
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hiding.Wewillridethestraightwayandtheopenroadandwithallourspeed.Themustershallbeginatonce,andwaitfornonethattarry.HaveyougoodstoreinMinasTirith?Forifwemustridenowinallhaste,thenwemustridelight,withbutmealandwaterenoughtolastusintobattle.’
‘Wehaveverygreatstorelongprepared,’answered
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Hirgon.‘Ridenowaslightandasswiftasyoumay!’
‘Thencalltheheralds,Éomer,’saidThéoden.‘LettheRidersbemarshalled!’
Éomerwentout,andpresentlythetrumpetsrangintheHoldandwereansweredbymanyothersfrombelow;buttheirvoicesnolongersoundedclearandbraveastheyhadseemedtoMerrythenightbefore.Dullthey
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seemedandharshintheheavyair,brayingominously.
ThekingturnedtoMerry.‘Iamgoingtowar,MasterMeriadoc,’hesaid.‘InalittlewhileIshalltaketheroad.Ireleaseyoufrommyservice,butnotfrommyfriendship.Youshallabidehere,andifyouwill,youshallservetheLadyÉowyn,whowill
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governthefolkinmystead.’‘But,but,lord,’Merry
stammered,‘Iofferedyoumysword.Idonotwanttobepartedfromyoulikethis,ThéodenKing.Andasallmyfriendshavegonetothebattle,Ishouldbeashamedtostaybehind.’
‘Butwerideonhorsestallandswift,’saidThéoden;‘andgreatthoughyourheartbe,youcannotrideonsuch
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beasts.’‘Thentiemeontothe
backofone,orletmehangonastirrup,orsomething,’saidMerry.‘Itisalongwaytorun;butrunIshall,ifIcannotride,evenifIwearmyfeetoffandarriveweekstoolate.’
Théodensmiled.‘RatherthanthatIwouldbearyouwithmeonSnowmane,’hesaid.‘Butattheleastyou
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shallridewithmetoEdorasandlookonMeduseld;forthatwayIshallgo.SofarStybbacanbearyou:thegreatracewillnotbegintillwereachtheplains.’
ThenÉowynroseup.‘Comenow,Meriadoc!’shesaid.‘IwillshowyouthegearthatIhavepreparedforyou.’Theywentouttogether.‘ThisrequestonlydidAragornmaketome,’said
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Éowyn,astheypassedamongthetents,‘thatyoushouldbearmedforbattle.Ihavegrantedit,asIcould.Formyhearttellsmethatyouwillneedsuchgeareretheend.’
NowsheledMerrytoaboothamongthelodgesoftheking’sguard;andthereanarmourerbroughtouttoherasmallhelm,andaroundshield,andothergear.
‘Nomailhavewetofit
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you,’saidÉowyn,‘noranytimefortheforgingofsuchahauberk;buthereisalsoastoutjerkinofleather,abelt,andaknife.Aswordyouhave.’
Merrybowed,andtheladyshowedhimtheshield,whichwasliketheshieldthathadbeengiventoGimli,anditboreonitthedeviceofthewhitehorse.‘Takeallthesethings,’shesaid,‘andbear
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themtogoodfortune!Farewellnow,MasterMeriadoc!Yetmaybeweshallmeetagain,youandI.’
SoitwasthatamidagatheringgloomtheKingoftheMarkmadereadytoleadallhisRidersontheeastwardroad.Heartswereheavyandmanyquailedintheshadow.Buttheywereasternpeople,
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loyaltotheirlord,andlittleweepingormurmuringwasheard,eveninthecampintheHoldwheretheexilesfromEdoraswerehoused,womenandchildrenandoldmen.Doomhungoverthem,buttheyfaceditsilently.
Twoswifthourspassed,andnowthekingsatuponhiswhitehorse,glimmeringinthehalf-light.Proudandtallheseemed,thoughthehair
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thatflowedbeneathhishighhelmwaslikesnow;andmanymarvelledathimandtookhearttoseehimunbentandunafraid.
ThereonthewideflatsbesidethenoisyriverweremarshalledinmanycompanieswellnighfiveandfiftyhundredsofRidersfullyarmed,andmanyhundredsofothermenwithsparehorseslightlyburdened.Asingle
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trumpetsounded.Thekingraisedhishand,andthensilentlythehostoftheMarkbegantomove.Foremostwenttwelveoftheking’shousehold-men,Ridersofrenown.ThenthekingfollowedwithÉomeronhisright.HehadsaidfarewelltoÉowynaboveintheHold,andthememorywasgrievous;butnowheturnedhismindtotheroadthatlay
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ahead.BehindhimMerryrodeonStybbawiththeerrandridersofGondor,andbehindthemagaintwelvemoreoftheking’shousehold.Theypasseddownthelongranksofwaitingmenwithsternandunmovedfaces.Butwhentheyhadcomealmosttotheendofthelineonelookedupglancingkeenlyatthehobbit.Ayoungman,Merrythoughtashereturned
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theglance,lessinheightandgirththanmost.Hecaughttheglintofcleargreyeyes;andthenheshivered,foritcamesuddenlytohimthatitwasthefaceofonewithouthopewhogoesinsearchofdeath.
OndownthegreyroadtheywentbesidetheSnowbournrushingonitsstones;throughthehamletsofUnderharrowandUpbourn,
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wheremanysadfacesofwomenlookedoutfromdarkdoors;andsowithouthornorharpormusicofmen’svoicesthegreatrideintotheEastbeganwithwhichthesongsofRohanwerebusyformanylonglivesofmenthereafter.
FromdarkDunharrowinthedimmorningwiththaneandcaptainrodeThengel’sson:
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toEdorashecame,theancienthallsoftheMark-wardensmist-enshrouded;goldentimberswereingloommantled.Farewellhebadetohisfreepeople,hearthandhigh-seat,andthehallowedplaces,wherelonghehadfeastederethelightfaded.
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Forthrodetheking,fearbehindhim,fatebeforehim.Fealtykepthe;oathshehadtaken,allfulfilledthem.ForthrodeThéoden.FivenightsanddayseastandonwardrodetheEorlingasthroughFoldeandFenmarchandtheFirienwood,
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sixthousandspearstoSunlending,MundburgthemightyunderMindolluin,Sea-kings’cityintheSouth-kingdomfoe-beleaguered,fire-encircled.Doomdrovethemon.Darknesstookthem,horseandhorseman;hoofbeatsafarsankintosilence:sothe
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songstellus.
ItwasindeedindeepeninggloomthatthekingcametoEdoras,althoughitwasthenbutnoonbythehour.TherehehaltedonlyashortwhileandstrengthenedhishostbysomethreescoreofRidersthatcamelatetotheweapontake.Nowhavingeatenhemadereadytosetoutagain,andhewishedhis
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esquireakindlyfarewell.ButMerrybeggedforthelasttimenottobepartedfromhim.
‘ThisisnojourneyforsuchsteedsasStybba,asIhavetoldyou,’saidThéoden.‘AndinsuchabattleaswethinktomakeonthefieldsofGondorwhatwouldyoudo,MasterMeriadoc,swordthainthoughyoube,andgreaterofheartthanofstature?’
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‘Asforthat,whocantell?’answeredMerry.‘Butwhy,lord,didyoureceivemeasswordthain,ifnottostaybyyourside?AndIwouldnothaveitsaidofmeinsongonlythatIwasalwaysleftbehind!’
‘Ireceivedyouforyoursafe-keeping,’answeredThéoden;‘andalsotodoasImightbid.NoneofmyRiderscanbearyouasburden.Ifthe
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battlewerebeforemygates,maybeyourdeedswouldberememberedbytheminstrels;butitisahundredleaguesandtwotoMundburgwhereDenethorislord.Iwillsaynomore.’
Merrybowedandwentawayunhappily,andstaredatthelinesofhorsemen.Alreadythecompanieswerepreparingtostart:menweretighteninggirths,lookingto
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saddles,caressingtheirhorses;somegazeduneasilyattheloweringsky.UnnoticedaRidercameupandspokesoftlyinthehobbit’sear.
‘Wherewillwantsnot,awayopens,sowesay,’hewhispered;‘andsoIhavefoundmyself.’MerrylookedupandsawthatitwastheyoungRiderwhomhehadnoticedinthemorning.‘You
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wishtogowhithertheLordoftheMarkgoes:Iseeitinyourface.’
‘Ido,’saidMerry.‘Thenyoushallgowith
me,’saidtheRider.‘Iwillbearyoubeforeme,undermycloakuntilwearefarafield,andthisdarknessisyetdarker.Suchgoodwillshouldnotbedenied.Saynomoretoanyman,butcome!’
‘Thankyouindeed!’said
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Merry.‘Thankyou,sir,thoughIdonotknowyourname.’
‘Doyounot?’saidtheRidersoftly.‘ThencallmeDernhelm.’
Thusitcametopassthatwhenthekingsetout,beforeDernhelmsatMeriadocthehobbit,andthegreatgreysteedWindfolamadelittleof
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theburden;forDernhelmwaslessinweightthanmanymen,thoughlitheandwell-knitinframe.
Onintotheshadowtheyrode.Inthewillow-thicketswhereSnowbournflowedintoEntwash,twelveleagueseastofEdoras,theycampedthatnight.AndthenonagainthroughtheFolde;andthroughtheFenmarch,wheretotheirrightgreatoakwoods
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climbedontheskirtsofthehillsundertheshadesofdarkHalifirienbythebordersofGondor;butawaytotheirleftthemistslayonthemarshesfedbythemouthsofEntwash.AndastheyroderumourcameofwarintheNorth.Lonemen,ridingwild,broughtwordoffoesassailingtheireast-borders,oforc-hostsmarchingintheWoldofRohan.
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‘Rideon!Rideon!’criedÉomer.‘Toolatenowtoturnaside.ThefensofEntwashmustguardourflank.Hastenowweneed.Rideon!’
AndsoKingThéodendepartedfromhisownrealm,andmilebymilethelongroadwoundaway,andthebeaconhillsmarchedpast:Calenhad,Min-Rimmon,Erelas,Nardol.Buttheirfireswerequenched.Allthelands
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weregreyandstill;andevertheshadowdeepenedbeforethem,andhopewanedineveryheart.
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Chapter4
THESIEGEOFGONDOR
PippinwasrousedbyGandalf.Candleswerelitin
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theirchamber,foronlyadimtwilightcamethroughthewindows;theairwasheavyaswithapproachingthunder.
‘Whatisthetime?’saidPippinyawning.
‘Pastthesecondhour,’saidGandalf.‘Timetogetupandmakeyourselfpresentable.YouaresummonedtotheLordoftheCitytolearnyournewduties.’
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‘Andwillheprovidebreakfast?’
‘No!Ihaveprovidedit:allthatyouwillgettillnoon.Foodisnowdoledoutbyorder.’
Pippinlookedruefullyatthesmallloafand(hethought)veryinadequatepatofbutterwhichwassetoutforhim,besideacupofthinmilk.‘Whydidyoubringmehere?’hesaid.
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‘Youknowquitewell,’saidGandalf.‘Tokeepyououtofmischief;andifyoudonotlikebeinghere,youcanrememberthatyoubroughtitonyourself.’Pippinsaidnomore.
BeforelonghewaswalkingwithGandalfoncemoredownthecoldcorridortothedooroftheTowerHall.
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ThereDenethorsatinagreygloom,likeanoldpatientspider,Pippinthought;hedidnotseemtohavemovedsincethedaybefore.HebeckonedGandalftoaseat,butPippinwasleftforawhilestandingunheeded.Presentlytheoldmanturnedtohim:
‘Well,MasterPeregrin,Ihopethatyouusedyesterdaytoyourprofit,andtoyourliking?ThoughIfearthatthe
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boardisbarerinthiscitythanyoucouldwish.’
PippinhadanuncomfortablefeelingthatmostofwhathehadsaidordonewassomehowknowntotheLordoftheCity,andmuchwasguessedofwhathethoughtaswell.Hedidnotanswer.
‘Whatwouldyoudoinmyservice?’
‘Ithought,sir,thatyou
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wouldtellmemyduties.’‘Iwill,whenIlearnwhat
youarefitfor,’saidDenethor.‘ButthatIshalllearnsoonest,maybe,ifIkeepyoubesideme.Theesquireofmychamberhasbeggedleavetogototheout-garrison,soyoushalltakehisplaceforawhile.Youshallwaitonme,bearerrands,andtalktome,ifwarandcouncilleavemeanyleisure.Canyou
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sing?’‘Yes,’saidPippin.‘Well,
yes,wellenoughformyownpeople.Butwehavenosongsfitforgreathallsandeviltimes,lord.Weseldomsingofanythingmoreterriblethanwindorrain.Andmostofmysongsareaboutthingsthatmakeuslaugh;oraboutfoodanddrink,ofcourse.’
‘Andwhyshouldsuchsongsbeunfitformyhalls,or
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forsuchhoursasthese?WewhohavelivedlongundertheShadowmaysurelylistentoechoesfromalanduntroubledbyit?Thenwemayfeelthatourvigilwasnotfruitless,thoughitmayhavebeenthankless.’
Pippin’sheartsank.HedidnotrelishtheideaofsinginganysongoftheShiretotheLordofMinasTirith,certainlynotthecomicones
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thatheknewbest;theyweretoo,well,rusticforsuchanoccasion.Hewashoweversparedtheordealforthepresent.Hewasnotcommandedtosing.DenethorturnedtoGandalf,askingquestionsabouttheRohirrimandtheirpolicies,andthepositionofÉomer,theking’snephew.PippinmarvelledattheamountthattheLordseemedtoknowabouta
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peoplethatlivedfaraway,thoughitmust,hethought,bemanyyearssinceDenethorhimselfhadriddenabroad.
PresentlyDenethorwavedtoPippinanddismissedhimagainforawhile.‘GotothearmouriesoftheCitadel,’hesaid,‘andgetyoutheretheliveryandgearoftheTower.Itwillbeready.Itwascommandedyesterday.Returnwhenyouareclad!’
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Itwasashesaid;andPippinsoonfoundhimselfarrayedinstrangegarments,allofblackandsilver.Hehadasmallhauberk,itsringsforgedofsteel,maybe,yetblackasjet;andahigh-crownedhelmwithsmallraven-wingsoneitherside,setwithasilverstarinthecentreofthecirclet.Abovethemailwasashortsurcoatofblack,butbroideredonthe
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breastinsilverwiththetokenoftheTree.Hisoldclotheswerefoldedandputaway,buthewaspermittedtokeepthegreycloakofLórien,thoughnottowearitwhenonduty.Helookednow,hadheknownit,verilyErniliPheriannath,thePrinceoftheHalflings,thatfolkhadcalledhim;buthefeltuncomfortable.Andthegloombegantoweighonhis
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spirits.Itwasdarkanddimall
day.Fromthesunlessdawnuntileveningtheheavyshadowhaddeepened,andallheartsintheCitywereoppressed.FaraboveagreatcloudstreamedslowlywestwardfromtheBlackLand,devouringlight,borneuponawindofwar;butbelowtheairwasstillandbreathless,asifalltheVale
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ofAnduinwaitedfortheonsetofaruinousstorm.
Abouttheeleventhhour,releasedatlastforawhilefromservice,Pippincameoutandwentinsearchoffoodanddrinktocheerhisheavyheartandmakehistaskofwaitingmoresupportable.InthemesseshemetBeregondagain,whohadjustcome
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fromanerrandoverthePelennorouttotheGuard-towersupontheCauseway.Togethertheystrolledouttothewalls;forPippinfeltimprisonedindoors,andstifledevenintheloftycitadel.Nowtheysatsidebysideagainintheembrasurelookingeastward,wheretheyhadeatenandtalkedthedaybefore.
Itwasthesunset-hour,but
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thegreatpallhadnowstretchedfarintotheWest,andonlyasitsankatlastintotheSeadidtheSunescapetosendoutabrieffarewellgleambeforethenight,evenasFrodosawitattheCross-roadstouchingtheheadofthefallenking.ButtothefieldsofthePelennor,undertheshadowofMindolluin,therecamenogleam:theywerebrownanddrear.
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AlreadyitseemedyearstoPippinsincehehadsattherebefore,insomehalf-forgottentimewhenhehadstillbeenahobbit,alight-heartedwanderertouchedlittlebytheperilshehadpassedthrough.Nowhewasonesmallsoldierinacitypreparingforagreatassault,cladintheproudbutsombremanneroftheTowerofGuard.
Insomeothertimeand
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placePippinmighthavebeenpleasedwithhisnewarray,butheknewnowthathewastakingpartinnoplay;hewasindeadlyearnesttheservantofagrimmasterinthegreatestperil.Thehauberkwasburdensome,andthehelmweigheduponhishead.Hiscloakhehadcastasideupontheseat.Heturnedhistiredgazeawayfromthedarklingfieldsbelowand
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yawned,andthenhesighed.‘Youarewearyofthis
day?’saidBeregond.‘Yes,’saidPippin,‘very:
tiredoutwithidlenessandwaiting.Ihavekickedmyheelsatthedoorofmymaster’schamberformanyslowhours,whilehehasdebatedwithGandalfandthePrinceandothergreatpersons.AndI’mnotused,MasterBeregond,towaiting
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hungryonotherswhiletheyeat.Itisasoretrialforahobbit,that.NodoubtyouwillthinkIshouldfeelthehonourmoredeeply.Butwhatisthegoodofsuchhonour?Indeedwhatisthegoodevenoffoodanddrinkunderthiscreepingshadow?Whatdoesitmean?Theveryairseemsthickandbrown!Doyouoftenhavesuchgloomswhenthewindisin
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theEast?’‘Nay,’saidBeregond,
‘thisisnoweatheroftheworld.Thisissomedeviceofhismalice;somebroiloffumefromtheMountainofFirethathesendstodarkenheartsandcounsel.Andsoitdothindeed.IwishtheLordFaramirwouldreturn.Hewouldnotbedismayed.Butnow,whoknowsifhewillevercomebackacrossthe
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RiveroutoftheDarkness?’‘Yes,’saidPippin,
‘Gandalf,too,isanxious.Hewasdisappointed,Ithink,nottofindFaramirhere.Andwherehashegottohimself?HelefttheLord’scouncilbeforethenoon-meal,andinnogoodmoodeither,Ithought.Perhapshehassomeforebodingofbadnews.’
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Suddenlyastheytalkedtheywerestrickendumb,frozenasitweretolisteningstones.Pippincowereddownwithhishandspressedtohisears;butBeregond,whohadbeenlookingoutfromthebattlementashespokeofFaramir,remainedthere,stiffened,staringoutwithstartingeyes.Pippinknewtheshudderingcrythathehadheard:itwasthesamethathe
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hadheardlongagointheMarishoftheShire,butnowitwasgrowninpowerandhatred,piercingtheheartwithapoisonousdespair.
AtlastBeregondspokewithaneffort.‘Theyhavecome!’hesaid.‘Takecourageandlook!Therearefellthingsbelow.’
ReluctantlyPippinclimbedontotheseatandlookedoutoverthewall.The
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Pelennorlaydimbeneathhim,fadingawaytothescarceguessedlineoftheGreatRiver.Butnowwheelingswiftlyacrossit,likeshadowsofuntimelynight,hesawinthemiddleairsbelowhimfivebirdlikeforms,horribleascarrion-fowlyetgreaterthaneagles,cruelasdeath.Nowtheyswoopednear,venturingalmostwithinbowshotofthe
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walls,nowtheycircledaway.‘BlackRiders!’muttered
Pippin.‘BlackRidersoftheair!Butsee,Beregond!’hecried.‘Theyarelookingforsomething,surely?Seehowtheywheelandswoop,alwaysdowntothatpointoverthere!Andcanyouseesomethingmovingontheground?Darklittlethings.Yes,menonhorses:fourorfive.Ah!Icannotstandit!
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Gandalf!Gandalfsaveus!’Anotherlongscreechrose
andfell,andhethrewhimselfbackagainfromthewall,pantinglikeahuntedanimal.Faintandseeminglyremotethroughthatshudderingcryheheardwindingupfrombelowthesoundofatrumpetendingonalonghighnote.
‘Faramir!TheLordFaramir!Itishiscall!’criedBeregond.‘Braveheart!But
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howcanhewintotheGate,ifthesefoulhell-hawkshaveotherweaponsthanfear?Butlook!Theyholdon.TheywillmaketheGate.No!thehorsesarerunningmad.Look!themenarethrown;theyarerunningonfoot.No,oneisstillup,butheridesbacktotheothers.ThatwillbetheCaptain:hecanmasterbothbeastsandmen.Ah!thereoneofthefoulthingsis
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stoopingonhim.Help!help!Willnoonegoouttohim?Faramir!’
WiththatBeregondsprangawayandranoffintothegloom.Ashamedofhisterror,whileBeregondoftheGuardthoughtfirstofthecaptainwhomheloved,Pippingotupandpeeredout.AtthatmomenthecaughtaflashofwhiteandsilvercomingfromtheNorth,likea
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smallstardownontheduskyfields.Itmovedwiththespeedofanarrowandgrewasitcame,convergingswiftlywiththeflightofthefourmentowardstheGate.ItseemedtoPippinthatapalelightwasspreadaboutitandtheheavyshadowsgavewaybeforeit;andthenasitdrewnearhethoughtthatheheard,likeanechointhewalls,agreatvoicecalling.
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‘Gandalf!’hecried.‘Gandalf!Healwaysturnsupwhenthingsaredarkest.Goon!Goon,WhiteRider!Gandalf,Gandalf!’heshoutedwildly,likeanonlookeratagreatraceurgingonarunnerwhoisfarbeyondencouragement.
Butnowthedarkswoopingshadowswereawareofthenewcomer.Onewheeledtowardshim;butit
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seemedtoPippinthatheraisedhishand,andfromitashaftofwhitelightstabbedupwards.TheNazgûlgavealongwailingcryandswervedaway;andwiththatthefourotherswavered,andthenrisinginswiftspiralstheypassedawayeastwardvanishingintotheloweringcloudabove;anddownonthePelennoritseemedforawhilelessdark.
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Pippinwatched,andhesawthehorsemanandtheWhiteRidermeetandhalt,waitingforthoseonfoot.MennowhurriedouttothemfromtheCity;andsoontheyallpassedfromsightundertheouterwalls,andheknewthattheywereenteringtheGate.GuessingthattheywouldcomeatoncetotheTowerandtheSteward,hehurriedtotheentranceofthe
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citadel.Therehewasjoinedbymanyotherswhohadwatchedtheraceandtherescuefromthehighwalls.
Itwasnotlongbeforeaclamourwasheardinthestreetsleadingupfromtheoutercircles,andtherewasmuchcheeringandcryingofthenamesofFaramirandMithrandir.PresentlyPippinsawtorches,andfollowedbyapressofpeopletwo
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horsemenridingslowly:onewasinwhitebutshiningnolonger,paleinthetwilightasifhisfirewasspentorveiled;theotherwasdarkandhisheadwasbowed.Theydismounted,andasgroomstookShadowfaxandtheotherhorse,theywalkedforwardtothesentinelatthegate:Gandalfsteadily,hisgreycloakflungback,andafirestillsmoulderinginhiseyes;
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theother,cladallingreen,slowly,swayingalittleasawearyorawoundedman.
Pippinpressedforwardastheypassedunderthelampbeneaththegate-arch,andwhenhesawthepalefaceofFaramirhecaughthisbreath.Itwasthefaceofonewhohasbeenassailedbyagreatfearoranguish,buthasmastereditandnowisquiet.Proudandgravehestoodfor
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amomentashespoketotheguard,andPippingazingathimsawhowcloselyheresembledhisbrotherBoromir–whomPippinhadlikedfromthefirst,admiringthegreatman’slordlybutkindlymanner.YetsuddenlyforFaramirhisheartwasstrangelymovedwithafeelingthathehadnotknownbefore.Herewasonewithanairofhighnobilitysuchas
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Aragornattimesrevealed,lesshighperhaps,yetalsolessincalculableandremote:oneoftheKingsofMenbornintoalatertime,buttouchedwiththewisdomandsadnessoftheElderRace.HeknewnowwhyBeregondspokehisnamewithlove.Hewasacaptainthatmenwouldfollow,thathewouldfollow,evenundertheshadowoftheblackwings.
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‘Faramir!’hecriedaloudwiththeothers.‘Faramir!’AndFaramir,catchinghisstrangevoiceamongtheclamourofthemenoftheCity,turnedandlookeddownathimandwasamazed.
‘Whencecomeyou?’hesaid.‘Ahalfling,andintheliveryoftheTower!Whence…?’
ButwiththatGandalfsteppedtohissideandspoke.
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‘HecamewithmefromthelandoftheHalflings,’hesaid.‘Hecamewithme.Butletusnottarryhere.Thereismuchtosayandtodo,andyouareweary.Heshallcomewithus.Indeedhemust,forifhedoesnotforgethisnewdutiesmoreeasilythanIdo,hemustattendonhislordagainwithinthishour.Come,Pippin,followus!’
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SoatlengththeycametotheprivatechamberoftheLordoftheCity.Theredeepseatsweresetaboutabrazierofcharcoal;andwinewasbrought;andtherePippin,hardlynoticed,stoodbehindthechairofDenethorandfelthiswearinesslittle,soeagerlydidhelistentoallthatwassaid.
WhenFaramirhadtakenwhitebreadanddrunka
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draughtofwine,hesatuponalowchairathisfather’slefthand.RemovedalittleupontheothersidesatGandalfinachairofcarvenwood;andheseemedatfirsttobeasleep.ForatthebeginningFaramirspokeonlyoftheerranduponwhichhehadbeensentouttendaysbefore,andhebroughttidingsofIthilienandofmovementsoftheEnemyandhisallies;andhetoldof
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thefightontheroadwhenthemenofHaradandtheirgreatbeastwereoverthrown:acaptainreportingtohismastersuchmattersashadoftenbeenheardbefore,smallthingsofborder-warthatnowseemeduselessandpetty,shornoftheirrenown.
ThensuddenlyFaramirlookedatPippin.‘Butnowwecometostrangematters,’hesaid.‘Forthisisnotthe
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firsthalflingthatIhaveseenwalkingoutofnorthernlegendsintotheSouthlands.’
AtthatGandalfsatupandgrippedthearmsofhischair;buthesaidnothing,andwithalookstoppedtheexclamationonPippin’slips.Denethorlookedattheirfacesandnoddedhishead,asthoughinsignthathehadreadmuchtherebeforeitwasspoken.Slowly,whilethe
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otherssatsilentandstill,Faramirtoldhistale,withhiseyesforthemostpartonGandalf,thoughnowandagainhisglancestrayedtoPippin,asiftorefreshhismemoryofothersthathehadseen.
AshisstorywasunfoldedofhismeetingwithFrodoandhisservantandoftheeventsatHennethAnnûn,PippinbecameawarethatGandalf’s
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handsweretremblingastheyclutchedthecarvenwood.Whitetheyseemednowandveryold,andashelookedatthem,suddenlywithathrilloffearPippinknewthatGandalf,Gandalfhimself,wastroubled,evenafraid.Theairoftheroomwascloseandstill.AtlastwhenFaramirspokeofhispartingwiththetravellers,andoftheirresolvetogotoCirith
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Ungol,hisvoicefell,andheshookhisheadandsighed.ThenGandalfsprangup.
‘CirithUngol?MorgulVale?’hesaid.‘Thetime,Faramir,thetime?Whendidyoupartwiththem?Whenwouldtheyreachthataccursedvalley?’
‘Ipartedwiththeminthemorningtwodaysago,’saidFaramir.‘Itisfifteenleaguesthencetothevaleofthe
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Morgulduin,iftheywentstraightsouth;andthentheywouldbestillfiveleagueswestwardoftheaccursedTower.Atswiftesttheycouldnotcometherebeforetoday,andmaybetheyhavenotcomethereyet.IndeedIseewhatyoufear.Butthedarknessisnotduetotheirventure.Itbeganyestereve,andallIthilienwasundershadowlastnight.Itisclear
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tomethattheEnemyhaslongplannedanassaultonus,anditshourhadalreadybeendeterminedbeforeeverthetravellersleftmykeeping.’
Gandalfpacedthefloor.‘Themorningoftwodaysago,nighonthreedaysofjourney!Howfaristheplacewhereyouparted?’
‘Sometwenty-fiveleaguesasabirdflies,’answeredFaramir.‘ButIcouldnot
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comemoreswiftly.YestereveIlayatCairAndros,thelongisleintheRivernorthwardwhichweholdindefence;andhorsesarekeptonthehitherbank.AsthedarkdrewonIknewthathastewasneeded,soIrodethencewiththreeothersthatcouldalsobehorsed.TherestofmycompanyIsentsouthtostrengthenthegarrisonatthefordsofOsgiliath.Ihopethat
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Ihavenotdoneill?’Helookedathisfather.
‘Ill?’criedDenethor,andhiseyesflashedsuddenly.‘Whydoyouask?Themenwereunderyourcommand.Ordoyouaskformyjudgementonallyourdeeds?Yourbearingislowlyinmypresence,yetitislongnowsinceyouturnedfromyourownwayatmycounsel.See,youhavespokenskilfully,as
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ever;butI,haveInotseenyoureyefixedonMithrandir,seekingwhetheryousaidwellortoomuch?Hehaslonghadyourheartinhiskeeping.
‘Myson,yourfatherisoldbutnotyetdotard.Icanseeandhear,aswasmywont;andlittleofwhatyouhavehalfsaidorleftunsaidisnowhiddenfromme.Iknowtheanswertomanyriddles.Alas,
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alasforBoromir!’‘IfwhatIhavedone
displeasesyou,myfather,’saidFaramirquietly,‘IwishIhadknownyourcounselbeforetheburdenofsoweightyajudgementwasthrustonme.’
‘Wouldthathaveavailedtochangeyourjudgement?’saidDenethor.‘Youwouldstillhavedonejustso,Ideem.Iknowyouwell.Ever
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yourdesireistoappearlordlyandgenerousasakingofold,gracious,gentle.Thatmaywellbefitoneofhighrace,ifhesitsinpowerandpeace.Butindesperatehoursgentlenessmayberepaidwithdeath.’
‘Sobeit,’saidFaramir.‘Sobeit!’criedDenethor.
‘Butnotwithyourdeathonly,LordFaramir:withthedeathalsoofyourfather,and
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ofallyourpeople,whomitisyourparttoprotectnowthatBoromirisgone.’
‘Doyouwishthen,’saidFaramir,‘thatourplaceshadbeenexchanged?’
‘Yes,Iwishthatindeed,’saidDenethor.‘ForBoromirwasloyaltomeandnowizard’spupil.Hewouldhaverememberedhisfather’sneed,andwouldnothavesquanderedwhatfortune
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gave.Hewouldhavebroughtmeamightygift.’
ForamomentFaramir’srestraintgaveway.‘Iwouldaskyou,myfather,torememberwhyitwasthatI,nothe,wasinIthilien.Ononeoccasionatleastyourcounselhasprevailed,notlongago.ItwastheLordoftheCitythatgavetheerrandtohim.’
‘Stirnotthebitternessin
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thecupthatImixedformyself,’saidDenethor.‘HaveInottasteditnowmanynightsuponmytongue,forebodingthatworseyetlayinthedregs?AsnowindeedIfind.Woulditwerenotso!Wouldthatthisthinghadcometome!’
‘Comfortyourself!’saidGandalf.‘InnocasewouldBoromirhavebroughtittoyou.Heisdead,anddied
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well;mayhesleepinpeace!Yetyoudeceiveyourself.Hewouldhavestretchedouthishandtothisthing,andtakingithewouldhavefallen.Hewouldhavekeptitforhisown,andwhenhereturnedyouwouldnothaveknownyourson.’
ThefaceofDenethorsethardandcold.‘YoufoundBoromirlessapttoyourhand,didyounot?’hesaid
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softly.‘ButIwhowashisfathersaythathewouldhavebroughtittome.Youarewise,maybe,Mithrandir,yetwithallyoursubtletiesyouhavenotallwisdom.Counselsmaybefoundthatareneitherthewebsofwizardsnorthehasteoffools.Ihaveinthismattermoreloreandwisdomthanyoudeem.’
‘Whatthenisyour
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wisdom?’saidGandalf.‘Enoughtoperceivethat
therearetwofolliestoavoid.Tousethisthingisperilous.Atthishour,tosenditinthehandsofawitlesshalflingintothelandoftheEnemyhimself,asyouhavedone,andthissonofmine,thatismadness.’
‘AndtheLordDenethorwhatwouldhehavedone?’
‘Neither.Butmostsurely
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notforanyargumentwouldhehavesetthisthingatahazardbeyondallbutafool’shope,riskingourutterruin,iftheEnemyshouldrecoverwhathelost.Nay,itshouldhavebeenkept,hidden,hiddendarkanddeep.Notused,Isay,unlessattheuttermostendofneed,butsetbeyondhisgrasp,savebyavictorysofinalthatwhatthenbefellwouldnottroubleus,
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beingdead.’‘Youthink,asisyour
wont,mylord,ofGondoronly,’saidGandalf.‘Yetthereareothermenandotherlives,andtimestilltobe.Andforme,Ipityevenhisslaves.’
‘Andwherewillothermenlookforhelp,ifGondorfalls?’answeredDenethor.‘IfIhadthisthingnowinthedeepvaultsofthiscitadel,we
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shouldnotthenshakewithdreadunderthisgloom,fearingtheworst,andourcounselswouldbeundisturbed.Ifyoudonottrustmetoendurethetest,youdonotknowmeyet.’
‘NonethelessIdonottrustyou,’saidGandalf.‘HadIdoneso,Icouldhavesentthisthinghithertoyourkeepingandsparedmyselfandothersmuchanguish.Andnow
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hearingyouspeakItrustyouless,nomorethanBoromir.Nay,stayyourwrath!Idonottrustmyselfinthis,andIrefusedthisthing,evenasafreelygivengift.Youarestrongandcanstillinsomemattersgovernyourself,Denethor;yetifyouhadreceivedthisthing,itwouldhaveoverthrownyou.WereitburiedbeneaththerootsofMindolluin,stillitwould
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burnyourmindaway,asthedarknessgrows,andtheyetworsethingsfollowthatsoonshallcomeuponus.’
ForamomenttheeyesofDenethorglowedagainashefacedGandalf,andPippinfeltoncemorethestrainbetweentheirwills;butnowalmostitseemedasiftheirglanceswerelikebladesfromeyetoeye,flickeringastheyfenced.Pippintrembledfearingsome
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dreadfulstroke.ButsuddenlyDenethorrelaxedandgrewcoldagain.Heshruggedhisshoulders.
‘IfIhad!Ifyouhad!’hesaid.‘Suchwordsandifsarevain.IthasgoneintotheShadow,andonlytimewillshowwhatdoomawaitsit,andus.Thetimewillnotbelong.Inwhatisleft,letallwhofighttheEnemyintheirfashionbeatone,andkeep
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hopewhiletheymay,andafterhopestillthehardihoodtodiefree.’HeturnedtoFaramir.‘WhatthinkyouofthegarrisonatOsgiliath?’
‘Itisnotstrong,’saidFaramir.‘IhavesentthecompanyofIthilientostrengthenit,asIhavesaid.’
‘Notenough,Ideem,’saidDenethor.‘Itistherethatthefirstblowwillfall.Theywillhaveneedofsomestout
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captainthere.’‘Thereandelsewherein
manyplaces,’saidFaramir,andsighed.‘Alasformybrother,whomItooloved!’Herose.‘MayIhaveyourleave,father?’Andthenheswayedandleaneduponhisfather’schair.
‘Youareweary,Isee,’saidDenethor.‘Youhaveriddenfastandfar,andundershadowsofevilintheair,I
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amtold.’‘Letusnotspeakofthat!’
saidFaramir.‘Thenwewillnot,’said
Denethor.‘Gonowandrestasyoumay.Tomorrow’sneedwillbesterner.’
AllnowtookleaveoftheLordoftheCityandwenttorestwhiletheystillcould.Outsidetherewasastarless
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blacknessasGandalf,withPippinbesidehimbearingasmalltorch,madehiswaytotheirlodging.Theydidnotspeakuntiltheywerebehindcloseddoors.ThenatlastPippintookGandalf’shand.
‘Tellme,’hesaid,‘isthereanyhope?ForFrodo,Imean;oratleastmostlyforFrodo.’
GandalfputhishandonPippin’shead.‘Therenever
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wasmuchhope,’heanswered.‘Justafool’shope,asIhavebeentold.AndwhenIheardofCirithUngol——’Hebrokeoffandstrodetothewindow,asifhiseyescouldpiercethenightintheEast.‘CirithUngol!’hemuttered.‘Whythatway,Iwonder?’Heturned.‘Justnow,Pippin,myheartalmostfailedme,hearingthatname.AndyetintruthIbelievethat
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thenewsthatFaramirbringshassomehopeinit.ForitseemsclearthatourEnemyhasopenedhiswaratlastandmadethefirstmovewhileFrodowasstillfree.Sonowformanydayshewillhavehiseyeturnedthiswayandthat,awayfromhisownland.Andyet,Pippin,Ifeelfromafarhishasteandfear.Hehasbegunsoonerthanhewould.Somethinghashappenedto
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stirhim.’Gandalfstoodfora
momentinthought.‘Maybe,’hemuttered.‘Maybeevenyourfoolishnesshelped,mylad.Letmesee:somefivedaysagonowhewoulddiscoverthatwehadthrowndownSaruman,andhadtakentheStone.Stillwhatofthat?Wecouldnotuseittomuchpurpose,orwithouthisknowing.Ah!Iwonder.
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Aragorn?Histimedrawsnear.Andheisstrongandsternunderneath,Pippin;bold,determined,abletotakehisowncounselanddaregreatrisksatneed.Thatmaybeit.HemayhaveusedtheStoneandshownhimselftotheEnemy,challenginghim,forthisverypurpose.Iwonder.Well,weshallnotknowtheanswertilltheRidersofRohancome,ifthey
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donotcometoolate.Thereareevildaysahead.Tosleepwhilewemay!’
‘But,’saidPippin.‘Butwhat?’saidGandalf.
‘OnlyonebutwillIallowtonight.’
‘Gollum,’saidPippin.‘Howonearthcouldtheybegoingaboutwithhim,evenfollowinghim?AndIcouldseethatFaramirdidnotliketheplacehewastakingthem
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toanymorethanyoudo.Whatiswrong?’
‘Icannotanswerthatnow,’saidGandalf.‘YetmyheartguessedthatFrodoandGollumwouldmeetbeforetheend.Forgood,orforevil.ButofCirithUngolIwillnotspeaktonight.Treachery,treacheryIfear;treacheryofthatmiserablecreature.Butsoitmustbe.Letusrememberthatatraitormay
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betrayhimselfanddogoodthathedoesnotintend.Itcanbeso,sometimes.Goodnight!’
Thenextdaycamewithamorninglikeabrowndusk,andtheheartsofmen,liftedforawhilebythereturnofFaramir,sanklowagain.ThewingedShadowswerenotseenagainthatday,yetever
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andanon,highabovethecity,afaintcrywouldcome,andmanywhohearditwouldstandstrickenwithapassingdread,whilethelessstout-heartedquailedandwept.
AndnowFaramirwasgoneagain.‘Theygivehimnorest,’somemurmured.‘TheLorddriveshissontoohard,andnowhemustdothedutyoftwo,forhimselfandfortheonethatwillnot
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return.’Andevermenlookednorthward,asking:‘WherearetheRidersofRohan?’
IntruthFaramirdidnotgobyhisownchoosing.ButtheLordoftheCitywasmasterofhisCouncil,andhewasinnomoodthatdaytobowtoothers.EarlyinthemorningtheCouncilhadbeensummoned.ThereallthecaptainsjudgedthatbecauseofthethreatintheSouththeir
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forcewastooweaktomakeanystrokeofwarontheirownpart,unlessperchancetheRidersofRohanyetshouldcome.Meanwhiletheymustmanthewallsandwait.
‘Yet,’saidDenethor,‘weshouldnotlightlyabandontheouterdefences,theRammasmadewithsogreatalabour.AndtheEnemymustpaydearlyforthecrossingoftheRiver.Thathecannotdo,
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inforcetoassailtheCity,eithernorthofCairAndrosbecauseofthemarshes,orsouthwardstowardsLebenninbecauseofthebreadthoftheRiver,thatneedsmanyboats.ItisatOsgiliaththathewillputhisweight,asbeforewhenBoromirdeniedhimthepassage.’
‘Thatwasbutatrial,’saidFaramir.‘TodaywemaymaketheEnemypayten
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timesourlossatthepassageandyetruetheexchange.Forhecanaffordtoloseahostbetterthanwetoloseacompany.Andtheretreatofthosethatweputoutfarafieldwillbeperilous,ifhewinsacrossinforce.’
‘AndwhatofCairAndros?’saidthePrince.‘That,too,mustbeheld,ifOsgiliathisdefended.Letusnotforgetthedangeronour
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left.TheRohirrimmaycome,andtheymaynot.ButFaramirhastoldusofgreatstrengthdrawingevertotheBlackGate.Morethanonehostmayissuefromit,andstrikeformorethanonepassage.’
‘Muchmustberiskedinwar,’saidDenethor.‘CairAndrosismanned,andnomorecanbesentsofar.ButIwillnotyieldtheRiverand
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thePelennorunfought–notifthereisacaptainherewhohasstillthecouragetodohislord’swill.’
Thenallweresilent.ButatlengthFaramirsaid:‘Idonotopposeyourwill,sire.SinceyouarerobbedofBoromir,IwillgoanddowhatIcaninhisstead–ifyoucommandit.’
‘Idoso,’saidDenethor.‘Thenfarewell!’said
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Faramir.‘ButifIshouldreturn,thinkbetterofme!’
‘Thatdependsonthemannerofyourreturn,’saidDenethor.
GandalfitwasthatlastspoketoFaramirereherodeeast.‘Donotthrowyourlifeawayrashlyorinbitterness,’hesaid.‘Youwillbeneededhere,forotherthingsthanwar.Yourfatherlovesyou,Faramir,andwillrememberit
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eretheend.Farewell!’
SonowtheLordFaramirhadgoneforthagain,andhadtakenwithhimsuchstrengthofmenaswerewillingtogoorcouldbespared.Onthewallssomegazedthroughthegloomtowardstheruinedcity,andtheywonderedwhatchancedthere,fornothingcouldbeseen.Andothers,as
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ever,lookednorthandcountedtheleaguestoThéodeninRohan.‘Willhecome?Willherememberouroldalliance?’theysaid.
‘Yes,hewillcome,’saidGandalf,‘evenifhecomestoolate.Butthink!AtbesttheRedArrowcannothavereachedhimmorethantwodaysago,andthemilesarelongfromEdoras.’
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Itwasnightagainerenewscame.Amanrodeinhastefromthefords,sayingthatahosthadissuedfromMinasMorgulandwasalreadydrawingnightoOsgiliath;andithadbeenjoinedbyregimentsfromtheSouth,Haradrim,cruelandtall.‘Andwehavelearned,’saidthemessenger,‘thattheBlackCaptainleadsthemonceagain,andthefearof
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himhaspassedbeforehimovertheRiver.’
Withthoseill-bodingwordsthethirddayclosedsincePippincametoMinasTirith.Fewwenttorest,forsmallhopehadanynowthatevenFaramircouldholdthefordsforlong.
Thenextday,thoughthedarknesshadreacheditsfull
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andgrewnodeeper,itweighedheavieronmen’shearts,andagreatdreadwasonthem.Illnewscamesoonagain.ThepassageofAnduinwaswonbytheEnemy.FaramirwasretreatingtothewallofthePelennor,rallyinghismentotheCausewayForts;buthewastentimesoutnumbered.
‘IfhewinsbackatallacrossthePelennor,his
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enemieswillbeonhisheels,’saidthemessenger.‘Theyhavepaiddearforthecrossing,butlessdearlythanwehoped.Theplanhasbeenwelllaid.ItisnowseenthatinsecrettheyhavelongbeenbuildingfloatsandbargesingreatnumberinEastOsgiliath.Theyswarmedacrosslikebeetles.ButitistheBlackCaptainthatdefeatsus.Fewwillstandandabide
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eventherumourofhiscoming.Hisownfolkquailathim,andtheywouldslaythemselvesathisbidding.’
‘ThenIamneededtheremorethanhere,’saidGandalf,androdeoffatonce,andtheglimmerofhimfadedsoonfromsight.AndallthatnightPippinaloneandsleeplessstooduponthewallandgazedeastward.
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Thebellsofdayhadscarcelyrungoutagain,amockeryintheunlighteneddark,whenfarawayhesawfiresspringup,acrossinthedimspaceswherethewallsofthePelennorstood.Thewatchmencriedaloud,andallmenintheCitystoodtoarms.Noweverandanontherewasaredflash,andslowlythroughtheheavyairdullrumblescouldbeheard.
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‘Theyhavetakenthewall!’mencried.‘Theyareblastingbreachesinit.Theyarecoming!’
‘WhereisFaramir?’criedBeregondindismay.‘Saynotthathehasfallen!’
ItwasGandalfthatbroughtthefirsttidings.Withahandfulofhorsemenhecameinthemiddlemorning,ridingasescorttoalineofwains.Theywerefilledwith
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woundedmen,allthatcouldbesavedfromthewreckoftheCausewayForts.AtoncehewenttoDenethor.TheLordoftheCitysatnowinahighchamberabovetheHalloftheWhiteTowerwithPippinathisside;andthroughthedimwindows,northandsouthandeast,hebenthisdarkeyes,asiftopiercetheshadowsofdoomthatringedhimround.Most
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totheNorthhelooked,andwouldpauseatwhilestolistenasifbysomeancientarthisearsmighthearthethunderofhoofsontheplainsfaraway.
‘IsFaramircome?’heasked.
‘No,’saidGandalf.‘ButhestilllivedwhenIlefthim.Yetheisresolvedtostaywiththerearguard,lesttheretreatoverthePelennor
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becomearout.Hemay,perhaps,holdhismentogetherlongenough,butIdoubtit.Heispittedagainstafoetoogreat.ForonehascomethatIfeared.’
‘Not–theDarkLord?’criedPippin,forgettinghisplaceinhisterror.
Denethorlaughedbitterly.‘Nay,notyet,MasterPeregrin!Hewillnotcomesaveonlytotriumphoverme
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whenalliswon.Heusesothersashisweapons.Sodoallgreatlords,iftheyarewise,MasterHalfling.OrwhyshouldIsithereinmytowerandthink,andwatch,andwait,spendingevenmysons?ForIcanstillwieldabrand.’
Hestoodupandcastopenhislongblackcloak,andbehold!hewascladinmailbeneath,andgirtwithalong
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sword,great-hiltedinasheathofblackandsilver.‘ThushaveIwalked,andthusnowformanyyearshaveIslept,’hesaid,‘lestwithagethebodyshouldgrowsoftandtimid.’
‘YetnowundertheLordofBarad-dûrthemostfellofallhiscaptainsisalreadymasterofyourouterwalls,’saidGandalf.‘KingofAngmarlongago,Sorcerer,
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Ringwraith,LordoftheNazgûl,aspearofterrorinthehandofSauron,shadowofdespair.’
‘Then,Mithrandir,youhadafoetomatchyou,’saidDenethor.‘Formyself,IhavelongknownwhoisthechiefcaptainofthehostsoftheDarkTower.Isthisallthatyouhavereturnedtosay?Orcanitbethatyouhavewithdrawnbecauseyouare
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overmatched?’Pippintrembled,fearing
thatGandalfwouldbestungtosuddenwrath,buthisfearwasneedless.‘Itmightbeso,’Gandalfansweredsoftly.‘Butourtrialofstrengthisnotyetcome.Andifwordsspokenofoldbetrue,notbythehandofmanshallhefall,andhiddenfromtheWiseisthedoomthatawaitshim.Howeverthatmaybe,the
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CaptainofDespairdoesnotpressforward,yet.Herulesratheraccordingtothewisdomthatyouhavejustspoken,fromtherear,drivinghisslavesinmadnessonbefore.
‘Nay,Icamerathertoguardthehurtmenthatcanyetbehealed;fortheRammasisbreachedfarandwide,andsoonthehostofMorgulwillenterinatmany
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points.AndIcamechieflytosaythis.Soontherewillbebattleonthefields.Asortiemustbemadeready.Letitbeofmountedmen.Inthemliesourbriefhope,forinonethingonlyistheenemystillpoorlyprovided:hehasfewhorsemen.’
‘Andwealsohavefew.NowwouldthecomingofRohanbeinthenickoftime,’saidDenethor.
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‘Wearelikelytoseeothernewcomersfirst,’saidGandalf.‘FugitivesfromCairAndroshavealreadyreachedus.Theislehasfallen.AnotherarmyiscomefromtheBlackGate,crossingfromthenorth-east.’
‘Somehaveaccusedyou,Mithrandir,ofdelightingtobearillnews,’saidDenethor,‘buttomethisisnolongernews:itwasknowntomeere
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nightfallyesterday.Asforthesortie,Ihadalreadygiventhoughttoit.Letusgodown.’
Timepassed.Atlengthwatchersonthewallscouldseetheretreatoftheout-companies.Smallbandsofwearyandoftenwoundedmencamefirstwithlittleorder;somewererunning
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wildlyasifpursued.Awaytotheeastwardthedistantfiresflickered,andnowitseemedthathereandtheretheycreptacrosstheplain.Housesandbarnswereburning.Thenfrommanypointslittleriversofredflamecamehurryingon,windingthroughthegloom,convergingtowardsthelineofthebroadroadthatledfromtheCity-gatetoOsgiliath.
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‘Theenemy,’menmurmured.‘Thedikeisdown.Heretheycomepouringthroughthebreaches!Andtheycarrytorches,itseems.Whereareourownfolk?’
Itdrewnowtoeveningbythehour,andthelightwassodimthatevenfar-sightedmenupontheCitadelcoulddiscernlittleclearlyoutuponthefields,saveonlythe
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burningsthatevermultiplied,andthelinesoffirethatgrewinlengthandspeed.Atlast,lessthanamilefromtheCity,amoreorderedmassofmencameintoview,marchingnotrunning,stillholdingtogether.
Thewatchersheldtheirbreath.‘Faramirmustbethere,’theysaid.‘Hecangovernmanandbeast.Hewillmakeityet.’
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Nowthemainretreatwasscarcelytwofurlongsdistant.Outofthegloombehindasmallcompanyofhorsemengalloped,allthatwasleftoftherearguard.Onceagaintheyturnedatbay,facingtheoncominglinesoffire.Thensuddenlytherewasatumultoffiercecries.Horsemenoftheenemysweptup.Thelinesoffirebecameflowingtorrents,fileuponfileofOrcs
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bearingflames,andwildSouthronmenwithredbanners,shoutingwithharshtongues,surgingup,overtakingtheretreat.Andwithapiercingcryoutofthedimskyfellthewingedshadows,theNazgûlstoopingtothekill.
Theretreatbecamearout.Alreadymenwerebreakingaway,flyingwildandwitlesshereandthere,flingingaway
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theirweapons,cryingoutinfear,fallingtotheground.
AndthenatrumpetrangfromtheCitadel,andDenethoratlastreleasedthesortie.DrawnupwithintheshadowoftheGateandundertheloomingwallsoutsidetheyhadwaitedforhissignal:allthemountedmenthatwereleftintheCity.Nowtheysprangforward,formed,quickenedtoagallop,and
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chargedwithagreatshout.Andfromthewallsanansweringshoutwentup;forforemostonthefieldrodetheswan-knightsofDolAmrothwiththeirPrinceandhisbluebannerattheirhead.
‘AmrothforGondor!’theycried.‘AmrothtoFaramir!’
Likethundertheybrokeupontheenemyoneitherflankoftheretreat;butone
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rideroutranthemall,swiftasthewindinthegrass:Shadowfaxborehim,shining,unveiledoncemore,alightstartingfromhisupraisedhand.
TheNazgûlscreechedandsweptaway,fortheirCaptainwasnotyetcometochallengethewhitefireofhisfoe.ThehostsofMorgulintentontheirprey,takenatunawaresinwildcareer,broke,
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scatteringlikesparksinagale.Theout-companieswithagreatcheerturnedandsmotetheirpursuers.Huntersbecamethehunted.Theretreatbecameanonslaught.Thefieldwasstrewnwithstrickenorcsandmen,andareekaroseoftorchescastaway,sputteringoutinswirlingsmoke.Thecavalryrodeon.
ButDenethordidnot
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permitthemtogofar.Thoughtheenemywaschecked,andforthemomentdrivenback,greatforceswereflowinginfromtheEast.Againthetrumpetrang,soundingtheretreat.ThecavalryofGondorhalted.Behindtheirscreentheout-companiesre-formed.Nowsteadilytheycamemarchingback.TheyreachedtheGateoftheCityandentered,
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steppingproudly;andproudlythepeopleoftheCitylookedonthemandcriedtheirpraise,andyettheyweretroubledinheart.Forthecompaniesweregrievouslyreduced.Faramirhadlostathirdofhismen.Andwherewashe?
Lastofallhecame.Hismenpassedin.Themountedknightsreturned,andattheirrearthebannerofDol
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Amroth,andthePrince.Andinhisarmsbeforehimonhishorseheborethebodyofhiskinsman,FaramirsonofDenethor,founduponthestrickenfield.
‘Faramir!Faramir!’mencried,weepinginthestreets.Buthedidnotanswer,andtheyborehimawayupthewindingroadtotheCitadelandhisfather.EvenastheNazgûlhadswervedaside
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fromtheonsetoftheWhiteRider,therecameflyingadeadlydart,andFaramir,asheheldatbayamountedchampionofHarad,hadfallentotheearth.OnlythechargeofDolAmrothhadsavedhimfromtheredsouthlandswordsthatwouldhavehewedhimashelay.
ThePrinceImrahilbroughtFaramirtotheWhiteTower,andhesaid:‘Your
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sonhasreturned,lord,aftergreatdeeds,’andhetoldallthathehadseen.ButDenethorroseandlookedonthefaceofhissonandwassilent.ThenhebadethemmakeabedinthechamberandlayFaramiruponitanddepart.ButhehimselfwentupaloneintothesecretroomunderthesummitoftheTower;andmanywholookedupthitheratthattimesawa
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palelightthatgleamedandflickeredfromthenarrowwindowsforawhile,andthenflashedandwentout.AndwhenDenethordescendedagainhewenttoFaramirandsatbesidehimwithoutspeaking,butthefaceoftheLordwasgrey,moredeathlikethanhisson’s.
SonowatlasttheCity
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wasbesieged,enclosedinaringoffoes.TheRammaswasbroken,andallthePelennorabandonedtotheEnemy.ThelastwordtocomefromoutsidethewallswasbroughtbymenflyingdownthenorthwardroaderetheGatewasshut.TheyweretheremnantoftheguardthatwaskeptatthatpointwherethewayfromAnórienandRohanranintothetownlands.
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Ingoldledthem,thesamewhohadadmittedGandalfandPippinlessthanfivedaysbefore,whilethesunstillroseandtherewashopeinthemorning.
‘ThereisnonewsoftheRohirrim,’hesaid.‘Rohanwillnotcomenow.Oriftheycome,itwillnotavailus.Thenewhostthatwehadtidingsofhascomefirst,fromovertheRiverbywayofAndros,
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itissaid.Theyarestrong:battalionsofOrcsoftheEye,andcountlesscompaniesofMenofanewsortthatwehavenotmetbefore.Nottall,butbroadandgrim,beardedlikedwarves,wieldinggreataxes.OutofsomesavagelandinthewideEasttheycome,wedeem.Theyholdthenorthwardroad;andmanyhavepassedonintoAnórien.TheRohirrimcannotcome.’
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TheGatewasshut.Allnightwatchmenonthewallsheardtherumouroftheenemythatroamedoutside,burningfieldandtree,andhewinganymanthattheyfoundabroad,livingordead.ThenumbersthathadalreadypassedovertheRivercouldnotbeguessedinthedarkness,butwhenmorning,oritsdimshadow,stoleovertheplain,itwasseenthat
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evenfearbynighthadscarcelyover-countedthem.Theplainwasdarkwiththeirmarchingcompanies,andasfaraseyescouldstraininthemirktheresprouted,likeafoulfungus-growth,allaboutthebeleagueredcitygreatcampsoftents,blackorsombrered.
Busyasantshurryingorcsweredigging,digginglinesofdeeptrenchesinahugering,
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justoutofbowshotfromthewalls;andasthetrenchesweremadeeachwasfilledwithfire,thoughhowitwaskindledorfed,byartordevilry,nonecouldsee.Alldaythelabourwentforward,whilethemenofMinasTirithlookedon,unabletohinderit.Andaseachlengthoftrenchwascompleted,theycouldseegreatwainsapproaching;andsoonyetmorecompanies
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oftheenemywereswiftlysettingup,eachbehindthecoverofatrench,greatenginesforthecastingofmissiles.TherewerenoneupontheCitywallslargeenoughtoreachsofarortostaythework.
Atfirstmenlaughedanddidnotgreatlyfearsuchdevices.ForthemainwalloftheCitywasofgreatheightandmarvellousthickness,
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builterethepowerandcraftofNúmenorwanedinexile;anditsoutwardfacewasliketotheTowerofOrthanc,hardanddarkandsmooth,unconquerablebysteelorfire,unbreakableexceptbysomeconvulsionthatwouldrendtheveryearthonwhichitstood.
‘Nay,’theysaid,‘notiftheNamelessOnehimselfshouldcome,notevenhe
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couldenterherewhileweyetlive.’Butsomeanswered:‘Whileweyetlive?Howlong?Hehasaweaponthathasbroughtlowmanystrongplacessincetheworldbegan.Hunger.Theroadsarecut.Rohanwillnotcome.’
Buttheenginesdidnotwasteshotupontheindomitablewall.Itwasnobrigandororc-chieftainthatorderedtheassaultuponthe
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LordofMordor’sgreatestfoe.Apowerandmindofmaliceguidedit.Assoonasthegreatcatapultswereset,withmanyyellsandthecreakingofropeandwinch,theybegantothrowmissilesmarvellouslyhigh,sothattheypassedrightabovethebattlementandfellthuddingwithinthefirstcircleoftheCity;andmanyofthembysomesecretartburstinto
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flameastheycametopplingdown.
Soontherewasgreatperiloffirebehindthewall,andallwhocouldbesparedwerebusyquellingtheflamesthatsprangupinmanyplaces.Thenamongthegreatercaststherefellanotherhail,lessruinousbutmorehorrible.AllaboutthestreetsandlanesbehindtheGateittumbleddown,smallroundshotthat
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didnotburn.Butwhenmenrantolearnwhatitmightbe,theycriedaloudorwept.FortheenemywasflingingintotheCityalltheheadsofthosewhohadfallenfightingatOsgiliath,orontheRammas,orinthefields.Theyweregrimtolookon;forthoughsomewerecrushedandshapeless,andsomehadbeencruellyhewn,yetmanyhadfeaturesthatcouldbetold,
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anditseemedthattheyhaddiedinpain;andallwerebrandedwiththefoultokenoftheLidlessEye.Butmarredanddishonouredastheywere,itoftenchancedthatthusamanwouldseeagainthefaceofsomeonethathehadknown,whohadwalkedproudlyonceinarms,ortilledthefields,orriddeninuponaholidayfromthegreenvalesinthehills.
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InvainmenshooktheirfistsatthepitilessfoesthatswarmedbeforetheGate.Cursestheyheedednot,norunderstoodthetonguesofwesternmen,cryingwithharshvoiceslikebeastsandcarrion-birds.ButsoontherewerefewleftinMinasTirithwhohadthehearttostandupanddefythehostsofMordor.Foryetanotherweapon,swifterthanhunger,theLord
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oftheDarkTowerhad:dreadanddespair.
TheNazgûlcameagain,andastheirDarkLordnowgrewandputforthhisstrength,sotheirvoices,whichutteredonlyhiswillandhismalice,werefilledwithevilandhorror.EvertheycircledabovetheCity,likevulturesthatexpecttheirfillofdoomedmen’sflesh.Outofsightandshotthey
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flew,andyetwereeverpresent,andtheirdeadlyvoicesrenttheair.Moreunbearabletheybecame,notless,ateachnewcry.Atlengtheventhestout-heartedwouldflingthemselvestothegroundasthehiddenmenacepassedoverthem,ortheywouldstand,lettingtheirweaponsfallfromnervelesshandswhileintotheirmindsablacknesscame,andthey
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thoughtnomoreofwar;butonlyofhidingandofcrawling,andofdeath.
DuringallthisblackdayFaramirlayuponhisbedinthechamberoftheWhiteTower,wanderinginadesperatefever;dyingsomeonesaid,andsoon‘dying’allmenweresayinguponthewallsandinthe
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streets.Andbyhimhisfathersat,andsaidnothing,butwatched,andgavenolongeranyheedtothedefence.
NohourssodarkhadPippinknown,notevenintheclutchesoftheUruk-hai.ItwashisdutytowaitupontheLord,andwaithedid,forgottenitseemed,standingbythedooroftheunlitchamber,masteringhisownfearsasbesthecould.Andas
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hewatched,itseemedtohimthatDenethorgrewoldbeforehiseyes,asifsomethinghadsnappedinhisproudwill,andhissternmindwasoverthrown.Griefmaybehadwroughtit,andremorse.Hesawtearsonthatoncetearlessface,moreunbearablethanwrath.
‘Donotweep,lord,’hestammered.‘Perhapshewillgetwell.Haveyouasked
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Gandalf?’‘Comfortmenotwith
wizards!’saidDenethor.‘Thefool’shopehasfailed.TheEnemyhasfoundit,andnowhispowerwaxes;heseesourverythoughts,andallwedoisruinous.
‘Isentmysonforth,unthanked,unblessed,outintoneedlessperil,andherehelieswithpoisoninhisveins.Nay,nay,whatever
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maynowbetideinwar,mylinetooisending,eventheHouseoftheStewardshasfailed.MeanfolkshallrulethelastremnantoftheKingsofMen,lurkinginthehillsuntilallarehoundedout.’
MencametothedoorcryingfortheLordoftheCity.‘Nay,Iwillnotcomedown,’hesaid.‘Imuststaybesidemyson.Hemightstillspeakbeforetheend.Butthat
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isnear.Followwhomyouwill,eventheGreyFool,thoughhishopehasfailed.HereIstay.’
SoitwasthatGandalftookcommandofthelastdefenceoftheCityofGondor.Whereverhecamemen’sheartswouldliftagain,andthewingedshadowspassfrommemory.Tirelesslyhe
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strodefromCitadeltoGate,fromnorthtosouthaboutthewall;andwithhimwentthePrinceofDolAmrothinhisshiningmail.ForheandhisknightsstillheldthemselveslikelordsinwhomtheraceofNúmenorrantrue.Menthatsawthemwhisperedsaying:‘Beliketheoldtalesspeakwell;thereisElvishbloodintheveinsofthatfolk,forthepeopleofNimrodeldweltin
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thatlandoncelongago.’AndthenonewouldsingamidthegloomsomestavesoftheLayofNimrodel,orothersongsoftheValeofAnduinoutofvanishedyears.
Andyet–whentheyhadgone,theshadowsclosedonmenagain,andtheirheartswentcold,andthevalourofGondorwitheredintoash.Andsoslowlytheypassedoutofadimdayoffearsinto
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thedarknessofadesperatenight.FiresnowrageduncheckedinthefirstcircleoftheCity,andthegarrisonupontheouterwallwasalreadyinmanyplacescutofffromretreat.Butthefaithfulwhoremainedthereattheirpostswerefew;mosthadfledbeyondthesecondgate.
Farbehindthebattlethe
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Riverhadbeenswiftlybridged,andalldaymoreforceandgearofwarhadpouredacross.Nowatlastinthemiddlenighttheassaultwasloosed.Thevanguardpassedthroughthetrenchesoffirebymanydeviouspathsthathadbeenleftbetweenthem.Ontheycame,recklessoftheirlossastheyapproached,stillbunchedandherded,withintherangeof
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bowmenonthewall.Butindeedthereweretoofewnowlefttheretodothemgreatdamage,thoughthelightofthefiresshowedupmanyamarkforarchersofsuchskillasGondoroncehadboasted.ThenperceivingthatthevalouroftheCitywasalreadybeatendown,thehiddenCaptainputforthhisstrength.Slowlythegreatsiege-towersbuiltinOsgiliath
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rolledforwardthroughthedark.
MessengerscameagaintothechamberintheWhiteTower,andPippinletthementer,fortheywereurgent.DenethorturnedhisheadslowlyfromFaramir’sface,andlookedatthemsilently.
‘ThefirstcircleoftheCityisburning,lord,’theysaid.
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‘Whatareyourcommands?YouarestilltheLordandSteward.NotallwillfollowMithrandir.Menareflyingfromthewallsandleavingthemunmanned.’
‘Why?Whydothefoolsfly?’saidDenethor.‘Bettertoburnsoonerthanlate,forburnwemust.Gobacktoyourbonfire!AndI?Iwillgonowtomypyre.Tomypyre!NotombforDenethorand
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Faramir.Notomb!Nolongslowsleepofdeathembalmed.WewillburnlikeheathenkingsbeforeeverashipsailedhitherfromtheWest.TheWesthasfailed.Gobackandburn!’
Themessengerswithoutboworanswerturnedandfled.
NowDenethorstoodupandreleasedthefeveredhandofFaramirthathehadheld.
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‘Heisburning,alreadyburning,’hesaidsadly.‘Thehouseofhisspiritcrumbles.’ThensteppingsoftlytowardsPippinhelookeddownathim.
‘Farewell!’hesaid.‘Farewell,PeregrinsonofPaladin!Yourservicehasbeenshort,andnowitisdrawingtoanend.Ireleaseyoufromthelittlethatremains.Gonow,anddiein
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whatwayseemsbesttoyou.Andwithwhomyouwill,eventhatfriendwhosefollybroughtyoutothisdeath.Sendformyservantsandthengo.Farewell!’
‘Iwillnotsayfarewell,mylord,’saidPippinkneeling.Andthensuddenlyhobbit-likeoncemore,hestoodupandlookedtheoldmanintheeyes.‘Iwilltakeyourleave,sir,’hesaid;‘forI
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wanttoseeGandalfverymuchindeed.Butheisnofool;andIwillnotthinkofdyinguntilhedespairsoflife.ButfrommywordandyourserviceIdonotwishtobereleasedwhileyoulive.AndiftheycomeatlasttotheCitadel,Ihopetobehereandstandbesideyouandearnperhapsthearmsthatyouhavegivenme.’
‘Doasyouwill,Master
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Halfling,’saidDenethor.‘Butmylifeisbroken.Sendformyservants!’HeturnedbacktoFaramir.
Pippinlefthimandcalledfortheservants,andtheycame:sixmenofthehousehold,strongandfair;yettheytrembledatthesummons.ButinaquietvoiceDenethorbadethemlay
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warmcoverletsonFaramir’sbedandtakeitup.Andtheydidso,andliftingupthebedtheyboreitfromthechamber.Slowlytheypacedtotroublethefeveredmanaslittleasmightbe,andDenethor,nowbendingonastaff,followedthem;andlastcamePippin.
OutfromtheWhiteTowertheywalked,asiftoafuneral,outintothedarkness,
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wheretheoverhangingcloudwaslitbeneathwithflickersofdullred.Softlytheypacedthegreatcourtyard,andatawordfromDenethorhaltedbesidetheWitheredTree.
Allwassilent,savefortherumourofwarintheCitydownbelow,andtheyheardthewaterdrippingsadlyfromthedeadbranchesintothedarkpool.ThentheywentonthroughtheCitadelgate,
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wherethesentinelstaredattheminwonderanddismayastheypassedby.Turningwestwardtheycameatlengthtoadoorintherearwardwallofthesixthcircle.FenHollenitwascalled,foritwaskeptevershutsaveattimesoffuneral,andonlytheLordoftheCitymightusethatway,orthosewhoborethetokenofthetombsandtendedthehousesofthedead.Beyondit
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wentawindingroadthatdescendedinmanycurvesdowntothenarrowlandundertheshadowofMindolluin’sprecipicewherestoodthemansionsofthedeadKingsandoftheirStewards.
Aportersatinalittlehousebesidetheway,andwithfearinhiseyeshecameforthbearingalanterninhishand.AttheLord’scommand
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heunlockedthedoor,andsilentlyitswungback;andtheypassedthrough,takingthelanternfromhishand.Itwasdarkontheclimbingroadbetweenancientwallsandmany-pillaredbalustersloomingintheswayinglantern-beam.Theirslowfeetechoedastheywalkeddown,down,untilatlasttheycametotheSilentStreet,RathDínen,betweenpaledomes
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andemptyhallsandimagesofmenlongdead;andtheyenteredintotheHouseoftheStewardsandsetdowntheirburden.
TherePippin,staringuneasilyabouthim,sawthathewasinawidevaultedchamber,drapedasitwerewiththegreatshadowsthatthelittlelanternthrewuponitsshroudedwalls.Anddimlytobeseenweremanyrowsof
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tables,carvedofmarble;anduponeachtablelayasleepingform,handsfolded,headpilloweduponstone.Butonetablenearathandstoodbroadandbare.UponitatasignfromDenethortheylaidFaramirandhisfathersidebyside,andcoveredthemwithonecovering,andstoodthenwithbowedheadsasmournersbesideabedofdeath.ThenDenethorspoke
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inalowvoice.‘Herewewillwait,’he
said.‘Butsendnotfortheembalmers.Bringuswoodquicktoburn,andlayitallaboutus,andbeneath;andpouroiluponit.AndwhenIbidyouthrustinatorch.Dothisandspeaknomoretome.Farewell!’
‘Byyourleave,lord!’saidPippinandturnedandfledinterrorfromthedeathlyhouse.
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‘PoorFaramir!’hethought.‘ImustfindGandalf.PoorFaramir!Quitelikelyheneedsmedicinemorethantears.Oh,wherecanIfindGandalf?Inthethickofthings,Isuppose;andhewillhavenotimetosparefordyingmenormadmen.’
Atthedoorheturnedtooneoftheservantswhohadremainedonguardthere.‘Yourmasterisnothimself,’
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hesaid.‘Goslow!BringnofiretothisplacewhileFaramirlives!DonothinguntilGandalfcomes!’
‘WhoisthemasterofMinasTirith?’themananswered.‘TheLordDenethorortheGreyWanderer?’
‘TheGreyWandererornoone,itwouldseem,’saidPippin,andhespedbackandupthewindingwayasswiftly
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ashisfeetwouldcarryhim,pasttheastonishedporter,outthroughthedoor,andon,tillhecamenearthegateoftheCitadel.Thesentinelhailedhimashewentby,andherecognizedthevoiceofBeregond.
‘Whitherdoyourun,MasterPeregrin?’hecried.
‘TofindMithrandir,’Pippinanswered.
‘TheLord’serrandsare
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urgentandshouldnotbehinderedbyme,’saidBeregond;‘buttellmequickly,ifyoumay:whatgoesforward?WhitherhasmyLordgone?Ihavejustcomeonduty,butIheardthathepassedtowardstheClosedDoor,andmenwerebearingFaramirbeforehim.’
‘Yes,’saidPippin,‘totheSilentStreet.’
Beregondbowedhishead
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tohidehistears.‘Theysaidthathewasdying,’hesighed,‘andnowheisdead.’
‘No,’saidPippin,‘notyet.Andevennowhisdeathmightbeprevented,Ithink.ButtheLordoftheCity,Beregond,hasfallenbeforehiscityistaken.Heisfeyanddangerous.’QuicklyhetoldofDenethor’sstrangewordsanddeeds.‘ImustfindGandalfatonce.’
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‘Thenyoumustgodowntothebattle.’
‘Iknow.TheLordhasgivenmeleave.But,Beregond,ifyoucan,dosomethingtostopanydreadfulthinghappening.’
‘TheLorddoesnotpermitthosewhoweartheblackandsilvertoleavetheirpostforanycause,saveathisowncommand.’
‘Well,youmustchoose
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betweenordersandthelifeofFaramir,’saidPippin.‘Andasfororders,Ithinkyouhaveamadmantodealwith,notalord.Imustrun.IwillreturnifIcan.’
Heranon,down,downtowardstheoutercity.Menflyingbackfromtheburningpassedhim,andsomeseeinghisliveryturnedandshouted,buthepaidnoheed.AtlasthewasthroughtheSecond
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Gate,beyondwhichgreatfiresleapedupbetweenthewalls.Yetitseemedstrangelysilent.Nonoiseorshoutsofbattleordinofarmscouldbeheard.Thensuddenlytherewasadreadfulcryandagreatshock,andadeepechoingboom.Forcinghimselfonagainstagustoffearandhorrorthatshookhimalmosttohisknees,Pippinturnedacorneropeningonthewide
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placebehindtheCityGate.Hestoppeddead.HehadfoundGandalf;butheshrankback,coweringintoashadow.
Eversincethemiddlenightthegreatassaulthadgoneon.Thedrumsrolled.Tothenorthandtothesouthcompanyuponcompanyoftheenemypressedtothe
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walls.Therecamegreatbeasts,likemovinghousesintheredandfitfullight,themûmakiloftheHaraddraggingthroughthelanesamidthefireshugetowersandengines.YettheirCaptaincarednotgreatlywhattheydidorhowmanymightbeslain:theirpurposewasonlytotestthestrengthofthedefenceandtokeepthemenofGondorbusyinmany
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places.ItwasagainsttheGatethathewouldthrowhisheaviestweight.Verystrongitmightbe,wroughtofsteelandiron,andguardedwithtowersandbastionsofindomitablestone,yetitwasthekey,theweakestpointinallthathighandimpenetrablewall.
Thedrumsrolledlouder.Firesleapedup.Greatenginescrawledacrossthe
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field;andinthemidstwasahugeram,greatasaforest-treeahundredfeetinlength,swingingonmightychains.LonghaditbeenforginginthedarksmithiesofMordor,anditshideoushead,foundedofblacksteel,wasshapedinthelikenessofaraveningwolf;onitspellsofruinlay.Grondtheynamedit,inmemoryoftheHammeroftheUnderworldofold.Great
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beastsdrewit,orcssurroundedit,andbehindwalkedmountain-trollstowieldit.
ButabouttheGateresistancestillwasstout,andtheretheknightsofDolAmrothandthehardiestofthegarrisonstoodatbay.Shotanddartfellthick;siege-towerscrashedorblazedsuddenlyliketorches.Allbeforethewallsoneitherside
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oftheGatethegroundwaschokedwithwreckandwithbodiesoftheslain;yetstilldrivenasbyamadnessmoreandmorecameup.
Grondcrawledon.Uponitshousingnofirewouldcatch;andthoughnowandagainsomegreatbeastthathauleditwouldgomadandspreadstampingruinamongtheorcsinnumerablethatguardedit,theirbodieswere
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castasidefromitspathandotherstooktheirplace.
Grondcrawledon.Thedrumsrolledwildly.Overthehillsofslainahideousshapeappeared:ahorseman,tall,hooded,cloakedinblack.Slowly,tramplingthefallen,herodeforth,heedingnolongeranydart.Hehaltedandheldupalongpalesword.Andashedidsoagreatfearfellonall,defender
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andfoealike;andthehandsofmendroopedtotheirsides,andnobowsang.Foramomentallwasstill.
Thedrumsrolledandrattled.WithavastrushGrondwashurledforwardbyhugehands.ItreachedtheGate.Itswung.AdeepboomrumbledthroughtheCitylikethunderrunningintheclouds.Butthedoorsofironandpostsofsteelwithstoodthe
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stroke.ThentheBlackCaptain
roseinhisstirrupsandcriedaloudinadreadfulvoice,speakinginsomeforgottentonguewordsofpowerandterrortorendbothheartandstone.
Thricehecried.Thricethegreatramboomed.AndsuddenlyuponthelaststroketheGateofGondorbroke.Asifstrickenbysomeblasting
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spellitburstasunder:therewasaflashofsearinglightning,andthedoorstumbledinrivenfragmentstotheground.
InrodetheLordoftheNazgûl.Agreatblackshapeagainstthefiresbeyondheloomedup,growntoavastmenaceofdespair.InrodetheLordoftheNazgûl,under
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thearchwaythatnoenemyeveryethadpassed,andallfledbeforehisface.
Allsaveone.Therewaiting,silentandstillinthespacebeforetheGate,satGandalfuponShadowfax:Shadowfaxwhoaloneamongthefreehorsesoftheearthenduredtheterror,unmoving,steadfastasagravenimageinRathDínen.
‘Youcannotenterhere,’
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saidGandalf,andthehugeshadowhalted.‘Gobacktotheabysspreparedforyou!Goback!FallintothenothingnessthatawaitsyouandyourMaster.Go!’
TheBlackRiderflungbackhishood,andbehold!hehadakinglycrown;andyetuponnoheadvisiblewasitset.Theredfiresshonebetweenitandthemantledshouldersvastanddark.From
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amouthunseentherecameadeadlylaughter.
‘Oldfool!’hesaid.‘Oldfool!Thisismyhour.DoyounotknowDeathwhenyouseeit?Dienowandcurseinvain!’Andwiththatheliftedhighhisswordandflamesrandowntheblade.
Gandalfdidnotmove.Andinthatverymoment,
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awaybehindinsomecourtyardoftheCity,acockcrowed.Shrillandclearhecrowed,reckingnothingofwizardryorwar,welcomingonlythemorningthatintheskyfarabovetheshadowsofdeathwascomingwiththedawn.
Andasifinanswertherecamefromfarawayanothernote.Horns,horns,horns.IndarkMindolluin’ssidesthey
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dimlyechoed.GreathornsoftheNorthwildlyblowing.Rohanhadcomeatlast.
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Chapter5
THERIDEOFTHEROHIRRIM
ItwasdarkandMerrycouldseenothingashelayonthe
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groundrolledinablanket;yetthoughthenightwasairlessandwindless,allabouthimhiddentreesweresighingsoftly.Heliftedhishead.Thenhehearditagain:asoundlikefaintdrumsinthewoodedhillsandmountain-steps.Thethrobwouldceasesuddenlyandthenbetakenupagainatsomeotherpoint,nownearer,nowfurtheroff.Hewonderedifthewatchmen
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hadheardit.Hecouldnotseethem,but
heknewthatallroundhimwerethecompaniesoftheRohirrim.Hecouldsmellthehorsesinthedark,andcouldheartheirshiftingsandtheirsoftstampingontheneedle-coveredground.Thehostwasbivouackedinthepine-woodsthatclusteredaboutEilenachBeacon,atallhillstandingupfromthelongridgesofthe
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DrúadanForestthatlaybesidethegreatroadinEastAnórien.
TiredashewasMerrycouldnotsleep.Hehadriddennowforfourdaysonend,andtheever-deepeninggloomhadslowlyweigheddownhisheart.Hebegantowonderwhyhehadbeensoeagertocome,whenhehadbeengiveneveryexcuse,evenhislord’scommand,to
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staybehind.Hewondered,too,iftheoldKingknewthathehadbeendisobeyedandwasangry.Perhapsnot.ThereseemedtobesomeunderstandingbetweenDernhelmandElfhelm,theMarshalwhocommandedtheéoredinwhichtheywereriding.HeandallhismenignoredMerryandpretendednottohearifhespoke.Hemighthavebeenjustanother
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bagthatDernhelmwascarrying.Dernhelmwasnocomfort:heneverspoketoanyone.Merryfeltsmall,unwanted,andlonely.Nowthetimewasanxious,andthehostwasinperil.Theywerelessthanaday’sridefromtheout-wallsofMinasTiriththatencircledthetownlands.Scoutshadbeensentahead.Somehadnotreturned.Othershasteningbackhad
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reportedthattheroadwasheldinforceagainstthem.Ahostoftheenemywasencampeduponit,threemileswestofAmonDîn,andsomestrengthofmenwasalreadythrustingalongtheroadandwasnomorethanthreeleaguesaway.Orcswererovinginthehillsandwoodsalongtheroadside.ThekingandÉomerheldcouncilinthewatchesofthenight.
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Merrywantedsomebodytotalkto,andhethoughtofPippin.Butthatonlyincreasedhisrestlessness.PoorPippin,shutupinthegreatcityofstone,lonelyandafraid.MerrywishedhewasatallRiderlikeÉomerandcouldblowahornorsomethingandgogallopingtohisrescue.Hesatup,listeningtothedrumsthatwerebeatingagain,now
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nearerathand.Presentlyheheardvoicesspeakinglow,andhesawdimhalf-shroudedlanternspassingthroughthetrees.Mennearbybegantomoveuncertainlyinthedark.
Atallfigureloomedupandstumbledoverhim,cursingthetree-roots.HerecognizedthevoiceofElfhelmtheMarshal.
‘Iamnotatree-root,Sir,’hesaid,‘norabag,buta
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bruisedhobbit.Theleastyoucandoinamendsistotellmewhatisafoot.’
‘Anythingthatcankeepsointhisdevil’smirk,’answeredElfhelm.‘Butmylordsendswordthatwemustsetourselvesinreadiness:ordersmaycomeforasuddenmove.’
‘Istheenemycomingthen?’askedMerryanxiously.‘Arethosetheir
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drums?IbegantothinkIwasimaginingthem,asnooneelseseemedtotakeanynoticeofthem.’
‘Nay,nay,’saidElfhelm,‘theenemyisontheroadnotinthehills.YouheartheWoses,theWildMenoftheWoods:thustheytalktogetherfromafar.TheystillhauntDrúadanForest,itissaid.Remnantsofanoldertimetheybe,livingfewand
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secretly,wildandwaryasthebeasts.TheygonottowarwithGondorortheMark;butnowtheyaretroubledbythedarknessandthecomingoftheorcs:theyfearlesttheDarkYearsbereturning,asseemslikelyenough.Letusbethankfulthattheyarenothuntingus:fortheyusepoisonedarrows,itissaid,andtheyarewoodcraftybeyondcompare.Butthey
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haveofferedtheirservicestoThéoden.Evennowoneoftheirheadmenisbeingtakentotheking.Yondergothelights.SomuchIhaveheardbutnomore.AndnowImustbusymyselfwithmylord’scommands.Packyourselfup,MasterBag!’Hevanishedintotheshadows.
Merrydidnotlikethistalkofwildmenandpoisoneddarts,butquiteapartfrom
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thatagreatweightofdreadwasonhim.Waitingwasunbearable.Helongedtoknowwhatwasgoingtohappen.Hegotupandsoonwaswalkingwarilyinpursuitofthelastlanternbeforeitdisappearedamongthetrees.
Presentlyhecametoanopenspacewhereasmalltenthadbeensetupfortheking
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underagreattree.Alargelantern,coveredabove,washangingfromaboughandcastapalecircleoflightbelow.TheresatThéodenandÉomer,andbeforethemonthegroundsatastrangesquatshapeofaman,gnarledasanoldstone,andthehairsofhisscantybeardstraggledonhislumpychinlikedrymoss.Hewasshort-leggedandfat-armed,thickandstumpy,and
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cladonlywithgrassabouthiswaist.Merryfeltthathehadseenhimbeforesomewhere,andsuddenlyherememberedthePúkel-menofDunharrow.Herewasoneofthoseoldimagesbroughttolife,ormaybeacreaturedescendedintruelinethroughendlessyearsfromthemodelsusedbytheforgottencraftsmenlongago.
Therewasasilenceas
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Merrycreptnearer,andthentheWildManbegantospeak,inanswertosomequestion,itseemed.Hisvoicewasdeepandguttural,yettoMerry’ssurprisehespoketheCommonSpeech,thoughinahaltingfashion,anduncouthwordsweremingledwithit.
‘No,fatherofHorse-men,’hesaid,‘wefightnot.Huntonly.Killgorgûninwoods,hateorc-folk.Youhate
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gorgûntoo.Wehelpaswecan.WildMenhavelongearsandlongeyes;knowallpaths.WildMenliveherebeforeStone-houses;beforeTallMencomeupoutofWater.’
‘Butourneedisforaidinbattle,’saidÉomer.‘Howwillyouandyourfolkhelpus?’
‘Bringnews,’saidtheWildMan.‘Welookoutfrom
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hills.Weclimbbigmountainandlookdown.Stone-cityisshut.Fireburnsthereoutside;nowinsidetoo.Youwishtocomethere?Thenyoumustbequick.Butgorgûnandmenoutoffar-away,’hewavedashortgnarledarmeastward,‘sitonhorse-road.Verymany,morethanHorse-men.’
‘Howdoyouknowthat?’saidÉomer.
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Theoldman’sflatfaceanddarkeyesshowednothing,buthisvoicewassullenwithdispleasure.‘WildMenarewild,free,butnotchildren,’heanswered.‘Iamgreatheadman,Ghân-buri-Ghân.Icountmanythings:starsinsky,leavesontrees,meninthedark.Youhaveascoreofscorescountedtentimesandfive.Theyhavemore.Bigfight,andwhowill
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win?AndmanymorewalkroundwallsofStone-houses.’
‘Alas!hespeaksalltooshrewdly,’saidThéoden.‘Andourscoutssaythattheyhavecasttrenchesandstakesacrosstheroad.Wecannotsweepthemawayinsuddenonset.’
‘Andyetweneedgreathaste,’saidÉomer.‘Mundburgisonfire!’
‘LetGhân-buri-Ghân
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finish!’saidtheWildMan.‘Morethanoneroadheknows.Hewillleadyoubyroadwherenopitsare,nogorgûnwalk,onlyWildMenandbeasts.ManypathsweremadewhenStonehouse-folkwerestronger.Theycarvedhillsashunterscarvebeast-flesh.WildMenthinktheyatestoneforfood.TheywentthroughDrúadantoRimmonwithgreatwains.Theygono
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longer.Roadisforgotten,butnotbyWildMen.Overhillandbehindhillitliesstillundergrassandtree,therebehindRimmonanddowntoDîn,andbackattheendtoHorse-men’sroad.WildMenwillshowyouthatroad.Thenyouwillkillgorgûnanddriveawaybaddarkwithbrightiron,andWildMencangobacktosleepinthewildwoods.’
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Éomerandthekingspoketogetherintheirowntongue.AtlengthThéodenturnedtotheWildMan.‘Wewillreceiveyouroffer,’hesaid.‘Forthoughweleaveahostoffoesbehind,whatmatter?IftheStone-cityfalls,thenweshallhavenoreturning.Ifitissaved,thentheorc-hostitselfwillbecutoff.Ifyouarefaithful,Ghân-buri-Ghân,thenwewillgiveyourich
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reward,andyoushallhavethefriendshipoftheMarkforever.’
‘Deadmenarenotfriendstolivingmen,andgivethemnogifts,’saidtheWildMan.‘ButifyouliveaftertheDarkness,thenleaveWildMenaloneinthewoodsanddonothuntthemlikebeastsanymore.Ghân-buri-Ghânwillnotleadyouintotrap.Hewillgohimselfwithfatherof
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Horse-men,andifheleadsyouwrong,youwillkillhim.’
‘Sobeit!’saidThéoden.‘Howlongwillittaketo
passbytheenemyandcomebacktotheroad?’askedÉomer.‘Wemustgoatfoot-pace,ifyouguideus;andIdoubtnotthewayisnarrow.’
‘WildMengoquickonfeet,’saidGhân.‘WayiswideforfourhorsesinStonewainValleyyonder,’he
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wavedhishandsouthwards;‘butnarrowatbeginningandatend.WildMancouldwalkfromheretoDînbetweensunriseandnoon.’
‘Thenwemustallowatleastsevenhoursfortheleaders,’saidÉomer;‘butwemustreckonratheronsometenhoursforall.Thingsunforeseenmayhinderus,andifourhostisallstrungout,itwillbelongereitcan
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besetinorderwhenweissuefromthehills.Whatisthehournow?’
‘Whoknows?’saidThéoden.‘Allisnightnow.’
‘Itisalldark,butitisnotallnight,’saidGhân.‘WhenSuncomeswefeelher,evenwhensheishidden.AlreadysheclimbsoverEast-mountains.Itistheopeningofdayinthesky-fields.’
‘Thenwemustsetoutas
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soonasmaybe,’saidÉomer.‘EvensowecannothopetocometoGondor’saidtoday.’
Merrywaitedtohearnomore,butslippedawaytogetreadyforthesummonstothemarch.Thiswasthelaststagebeforethebattle.Itdidnotseemlikelytohimthatmanyofthemwouldsurviveit.ButhethoughtofPippinandthe
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flamesinMinasTirithandthrustdownhisowndread.
Allwentwellthatday,andnosightorsoundhadtheyoftheenemywaitingtowaylaythem.TheWildMenhadputoutascreenofwaryhunters,sothatnoorcorrovingspyshouldlearnofthemovementsinthehills.Thelightwasmoredimthaneverastheydrewnearertothebeleagueredcity,andthe
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Riderspassedinlongfileslikedarkshadowsofmenandhorses.Eachcompanywasguidedbyawildwoodman;butoldGhânwalkedbesidetheking.Thestarthadbeenslowerthanwashoped,forithadtakentimefortheRiders,walkingandleadingtheirhorses,tofindpathsoverthethicklywoodedridgesbehindtheircampanddownintothehiddenStonewainValley.It
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waslateintheafternoonwhentheleaderscametowidegreythicketsstretchingbeyondtheeastwardsideofAmonDîn,andmaskingagreatgapinthelineofhillsthatfromNardoltoDînraneastandwest.Throughthegaptheforgottenwain-roadlongagohadrundown,backintothemainhorse-wayfromtheCitythroughAnórien;butnowformanylivesofmen
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treeshadhadtheirwaywithit,andithadvanished,brokenandburiedundertheleavesofuncountedyears.ButthethicketsofferedtotheRiderstheirlasthopeofcoverbeforetheywentintoopenbattle;forbeyondthemlaytheroadandtheplainsofAnduin,whileeastandsouthwardstheslopeswerebareandrocky,asthewrithenhillsgatheredthemselvestogetherand
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climbedup,bastionuponbastion,intothegreatmassandshouldersofMindolluin.
Theleadingcompanywashalted,andasthosebehindfiledupoutofthetroughoftheStonewainValleytheyspreadoutandpassedtocamping-placesunderthegreytrees.Thekingsummonedthecaptainstocouncil.Éomersentoutscoutstospyupontheroad;
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butoldGhânshookhishead.‘NogoodtosendHorse-
men,’hesaid.‘WildMenhavealreadyseenallthatcanbeseeninthebadair.Theywillcomesoonandspeaktomehere.’
Thecaptainscame;andthenoutofthetreescreptwarilyotherpúkel-shapessolikeoldGhânthatMerrycouldhardlytellthemapart.TheyspoketoGhânina
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strangethroatylanguage.PresentlyGhânturnedto
theking.‘WildMensaymanythings,’hesaid.‘First,bewary!StillmanymenincampbeyondDîn,anhour’swalkyonder,’hewavedhisarmwesttowardstheblackbeacon.‘ButnonetoseebetweenhereandStone-folk’snewwalls.Manybusythere.Wallsstandupnolonger:gorgûnknockthem
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downwithearth-thunderandwithclubsofblackiron.Theyareunwaryanddonotlookaboutthem.Theythinktheirfriendswatchallroads!’AtthatoldGhânmadeacuriousgurglingnoise,anditseemedthathewaslaughing.
‘Goodtidings!’criedÉomer.‘Eveninthisgloomhopegleamsagain.OurEnemy’sdevicesoftserveusinhisdespite.Theaccursed
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darknessitselfhasbeenacloaktous.Andnow,lustingtodestroyGondorandthrowitdownstonefromstone,hisorcshavetakenawaymygreatestfear.Theout-wallcouldhavebeenheldlongagainstus.Nowwecansweepthrough–ifoncewewinsofar.’
‘OnceagainIthankyou,Ghân-buri-Ghânofthewoods,’saidThéoden.‘Good
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fortunegowithyoufortidingsandforguidance!’
‘Killgorgûn!Killorc-folk!NootherwordspleaseWildMen,’answeredGhân.‘Driveawaybadairanddarknesswithbrightiron!’
‘Todothesethingswehaveriddenfar,’saidtheking,‘andweshallattemptthem.Butwhatweshallachieveonlytomorrowwillshow.’
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Ghân-buri-Ghânsquatteddownandtouchedtheearthwithhishornybrowintokenoffarewell.Thenhegotupasiftodepart.Butsuddenlyhestoodlookinguplikesomestartledwoodlandanimalsnufflingastrangeair.Alightcameinhiseyes.
‘Windischanging!’hecried,andwiththat,inatwinklingasitseemed,heandhisfellowshadvanished
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intotheglooms,nevertobeseenbyanyRiderofRohanagain.Notlongafterfarawayeastwardthefaintdrumsthrobbedagain.YettonoheartinallthehostcameanyfearthattheWildMenwereunfaithful,strangeandunlovelythoughtheymightappear.
‘Weneednofurtherguidance,’saidElfhelm;‘forthereareridersinthehost
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whohaveriddendowntoMundburgindaysofpeace.Iforone.Whenwecometotheroaditwillveersouth,andtherewillliebeforeusstillsevenleagueserewereachthewallofthetownlands.Alongmostofthatwaythereismuchgrassoneithersideoftheroad.Onthatstretchtheerrand-ridersofGondorreckonedtomaketheirgreatestspeed.Wemayride
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itswiftlyandwithoutgreatrumour.’
‘Thensincewemustlookforfelldeedsandtheneedofallourstrength,’saidÉomer,‘Icounselthatwerestnow,andsetouthencebynight,andsotimeourgoingthatwecomeuponthefieldswhentomorrowisaslightasitwillbe,orwhenourlordgivesthesignal.’
Tothisthekingassented,
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andthecaptainsdeparted.ButsoonElfhelmreturned.‘ThescoutshavefoundnaughttoreportbeyondtheGreyWood,lord,’hesaid,‘savetwomenonly:twodeadmenandtwodeadhorses.’
‘Well?’saidÉomer.‘Whatofit?’
‘This,lord:theywereerrand-ridersofGondor;Hirgonwasonemaybe.Atleasthishandstillclaspedthe
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RedArrow,buthisheadwashewnoff.Andthisalso:itwouldseembythesignsthattheywerefleeingwestwardwhentheyfell.AsIreadit,theyfoundtheenemyalreadyontheout-wall,orassailingit,whentheyreturned–andthatwouldbetwonightsago,iftheyusedfreshhorsesfromtheposts,asistheirwont.TheycouldnotreachtheCityandturnedback.’
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‘Alas!’saidThéoden.‘ThenDenethorhasheardnonewsofourridingandwilldespairofourcoming.’
‘Needbrooksnodelay,yetlateisbetterthannever,’saidÉomer.‘Andmayhapinthistimeshalltheoldsawbeprovedtruerthaneverbeforesincemenspokewithmouth.’
Itwasnight.Oneither
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sideoftheroadthehostofRohanwasmovingsilently.NowtheroadpassingabouttheskirtsofMindolluinturnedsouthward.Farawayandalmoststraightaheadtherewasaredglowundertheblackskyandthesidesofthegreatmountainloomeddarkagainstit.TheyweredrawingneartheRammasofthePelennor;butthedaywasnotyetcome.
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Thekingrodeinthemidstoftheleadingcompany,hishousehold-menabouthim.Elfhelm’séoredcamenext;andnowMerrynoticedthatDernhelmhadlefthisplaceandinthedarknesswasmovingsteadilyforward,untilatlasthewasridingjustinrearoftheking’sguard.Therecameacheck.Merryheardvoicesinfrontspeakingsoftly.Out-ridershadcome
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backwhohadventuredforwardalmosttothewall.Theycametotheking.
‘Therearegreatfires,lord,’saidone.‘TheCityisallsetaboutwithflame,andthefieldisfulloffoes.Butallseemdrawnofftotheassault.Aswellaswecouldguess,therearefewleftupontheout-wall,andtheyareheedless,busyindestruction.’
‘Doyourememberthe
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WildMan’swords,lord?’saidanother.‘IliveupontheopenWoldindaysofpeace;Wídfaraismyname,andtomealsotheairbringsmessages.Alreadythewindisturning.TherecomesabreathoutoftheSouth;thereisasea-tanginit,faintthoughitbe.Themorningwillbringnewthings.Abovethereekitwillbedawnwhenyoupassthewall.’
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‘Ifyouspeaktruly,Wídfara,thenmayyoulivebeyondthisdayinyearsofblessedness!’saidThéoden.Heturnedtothemenofhishouseholdwhowerenear,andhespokenowinaclearvoicesothatmanyalsooftheridersofthefirstéoredheardhim:
‘Nowisthehourcome,RidersoftheMark,sonsofEorl!Foesandfirearebefore
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you,andyourhomesfarbehind.Yet,thoughyoufightuponanalienfield,theglorythatyoureapthereshallbeyourownforever.Oathsyehavetaken:nowfulfilthemall,tolordandlandandleagueoffriendship!’
Menclashedspearuponshield.
‘Éomer,myson!Youleadthefirstéored,’saidThéoden;‘anditshallgobehindthe
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king’sbannerinthecentre.Elfhelm,leadyourcompanytotherightwhenwepassthewall.AndGrimboldshallleadhistowardstheleft.Lettheothercompaniesbehindfollowthesethreethatlead,astheyhavechance.Strikewherevertheenemygathers.Otherplanswecannotmake,forweknownotyethowthingsstanduponthefield.Forthnow,andfearno
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darkness!’
Theleadingcompanyrodeoffasswiftlyastheycould,foritwasstilldeepdark,whateverchangeWídfaramightforebode.MerrywasridingbehindDernhelm,clutchingwiththelefthandwhilewiththeotherhetriedtoloosenhisswordinitssheath.Hefeltnow
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bitterlythetruthoftheoldking’swords:insuchabattlewhatwouldyoudo,Meriadoc?Justthis,’hethought:‘encumberarider,andhopeatbesttostayinmyseatandnotbepoundedtodeathbygallopinghoofs!’
Itwasnomorethanaleaguetowheretheout-wallshadstood.Theysoonreached
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them;toosoonforMerry.Wildcriesbrokeout,andtherewassomeclashofarms,butitwasbrief.Theorcsbusyaboutthewallswerefewandamazed,andtheywerequicklyslainordrivenoff.Beforetheruinofthenorth-gateintheRammasthekinghaltedagain.Thefirstéoreddrewupbehindhimandabouthimoneitherside.Dernhelmkeptclosetothe
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king,thoughElfhelm’scompanywasawayontheright.Grimbold’smenturnedasideandpassedroundtoagreatgapinthewallfurthereastward.
MerrypeeredfrombehindDernhelm’sback.Faraway,maybetenmilesormore,therewasagreatburning,butbetweenitandtheRiderslinesoffireblazedinavastcrescent,atthenearestpoint
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lessthanaleaguedistant.Hecouldmakeoutlittlemoreonthedarkplain,andasyetheneithersawanyhopeofmorning,norfeltanywind,changedorunchanged.
NowsilentlythehostofRohanmovedforwardintothefieldofGondor,pouringinslowlybutsteadily,liketherisingtidethroughbreachesinadikethatmenhavethoughtsecure.Butthemind
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andwilloftheBlackCaptainwerebentwhollyonthefallingcity,andasyetnotidingscametohimwarningthathisdesignsheldanyflaw.
Afterawhilethekingledhismenawaysomewhateastward,tocomebetweenthefiresofthesiegeandtheouterfields.Stilltheywereunchallenged,andstillThéodengavenosignal.At
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lasthehaltedonceagain.TheCitywasnownearer.Asmellofburningwasintheairandaveryshadowofdeath.Thehorseswereuneasy.ButthekingsatuponSnowmane,motionless,gazingupontheagonyofMinasTirith,asifstrickensuddenlybyanguish,orbydread.Heseemedtoshrinkdown,cowedbyage.Merryhimselffeltasifagreatweightofhorrorand
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doubthadsettledonhim.Hisheartbeatslowly.Timeseemedpoisedinuncertainty.Theyweretoolate!Toolatewasworsethannever!PerhapsThéodenwouldquail,bowhisoldhead,turn,slinkawaytohideinthehills.
ThensuddenlyMerryfeltitatlast,beyonddoubt:achange.Windwasinhisface!
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Lightwasglimmering.Far,faraway,intheSouththecloudscouldbedimlyseenasremotegreyshapes,rollingup,drifting:morninglaybeyondthem.
Butatthatsamemomenttherewasaflash,asiflightninghadsprungfromtheearthbeneaththeCity.Forasearingseconditstooddazzlingfaroffinblackandwhite,itstopmosttowerlike
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aglitteringneedle;andthenasthedarknessclosedagaintherecamerollingoverthefieldsagreatboom.
Atthatsoundthebentshapeofthekingsprangsuddenlyerect.Tallandproudheseemedagain;andrisinginhisstirrupshecriedinaloudvoice,moreclearthananytherehadeverheardamortalmanachievebefore:
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Arise,arise,RidersofThéoden!Felldeedsawake:fireandslaughter!spearshallbeshaken,shieldbesplintered,asword-day,aredday,erethesunrises!Ridenow,ridenow!RidetoGondor!
WiththatheseizedagreathornfromGuthláfhisbanner-
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bearer,andheblewsuchablastuponitthatitburstasunder.Andstraightwayallthehornsinthehostwereliftedupinmusic,andtheblowingofthehornsofRohaninthathourwaslikeastormupontheplainandathunderinthemountains.
Ridenow,ridenow!RidetoGondor!
Suddenlythekingcriedto
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Snowmaneandthehorsesprangaway.Behindhimhisbannerblewinthewind,whitehorseuponafieldofgreen,butheoutpacedit.Afterhimthunderedtheknightsofhishouse,buthewaseverbeforethem.Éomerrodethere,thewhitehorsetailonhishelmfloatinginhisspeed,andthefrontofthefirstéoredroaredlikeabreakerfoamingtotheshore,
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butThéodencouldnotbeovertaken.Feyheseemed,orthebattle-furyofhisfathersranlikenewfireinhisveins,andhewasborneuponSnowmanelikeagodofold,evenasOromëtheGreatinthebattleoftheValarwhentheworldwasyoung.Hisgoldenshieldwasuncovered,andlo!itshonelikeanimageoftheSun,andthegrassflamedintogreenaboutthe
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whitefeetofhissteed.Formorningcame,morningandawindfromthesea;anddarknesswasremoved,andthehostsofMordorwailed,andterrortookthem,andtheyfled,anddied,andthehoofsofwrathrodeoverthem.AndthenallthehostofRohanburstintosong,andtheysangastheyslew,forthejoyofbattlewasonthem,andthesoundoftheirsingingthat
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wasfairandterriblecameeventotheCity.
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Chapter6
THEBATTLEOFTHEPELENNORFIELDS
Butitwasnoorc-chieftainor
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brigandthatledtheassaultuponGondor.Thedarknesswasbreakingtoosoon,beforethedatethathisMasterhadsetforit:fortunehadbetrayedhimforthemoment,andtheworldhadturnedagainsthim;victorywasslippingfromhisgraspevenashestretchedouthishandtoseizeit.Buthisarmwaslong.Hewasstillincommand,wieldinggreatpowers.King,
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Ringwraith,LordoftheNazgûl,hehadmanyweapons.HelefttheGateandvanished.
ThéodenKingoftheMarkhadreachedtheroadfromtheGatetotheRiver,andheturnedtowardstheCitythatwasnowlessthanamiledistant.Heslackenedhisspeedalittle,seekingnew
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foes,andhisknightscameabouthim,andDernhelmwaswiththem.AheadnearerthewallsElfhelm’smenwereamongthesiege-engines,hewing,slaying,drivingtheirfoesintothefire-pits.WellnighallthenorthernhalfofthePelennorwasoverrun,andtherecampswereblazing,orcswereflyingtowardstheRiverlikeherdsbeforethehunters;andthe
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Rohirrimwenthitherandthitherattheirwill.Buttheyhadnotyetoverthrownthesiege,norwontheGate.Manyfoesstoodbeforeit,andonthefurtherhalfoftheplainwereotherhostsstillunfought.SouthwardbeyondtheroadlaythemainforceoftheHaradrim,andtheretheirhorsemenweregatheredaboutthestandardoftheirchieftain.Andhelookedout,
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andinthegrowinglighthesawthebanneroftheking,andthatitwasfaraheadofthebattlewithfewmenaboutit.Thenhewasfilledwitharedwrathandshoutedaloud,anddisplayinghisstandard,blackserpentuponscarlet,hecameagainstthewhitehorseandthegreenwithgreatpressofmen;andthedrawingofthescimitarsoftheSouthronswaslikeaglitterofstars.
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ThenThéodenwasawareofhim,andwouldnotwaitforhisonset,butcryingtoSnowmanehechargedheadlongtogreethim.Greatwastheclashoftheirmeeting.ButthewhitefuryoftheNorthmenburnedthehotter,andmoreskilledwastheirknighthoodwithlongspearsandbitter.FewerweretheybuttheyclovethroughtheSouthronslikeafire-bolt
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inaforest.RightthroughthepressdroveThéodenThengel’sson,andhisspearwasshiveredashethrewdowntheirchieftain.Outswepthissword,andhespurredtothestandard,hewedstaffandbearer;andtheblackserpentfoundered.Thenallthatwasleftunslainoftheircavalryturnedandfledfaraway.
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Butlo!suddenlyinthemidstofthegloryofthekinghisgoldenshieldwasdimmed.Thenewmorningwasblottedfromthesky.Darkfellabouthim.Horsesrearedandscreamed.Mencastfromthesaddlelaygrovellingontheground.
‘Tome!Tome!’criedThéoden.‘UpEorlingas!Fearnodarkness!’ButSnowmanewildwithterrorstoodupon
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high,fightingwiththeair,andthenwithagreatscreamhecrasheduponhisside:ablackdarthadpiercedhim.Thekingfellbeneathhim.
Thegreatshadowdescendedlikeafallingcloud.Andbehold!itwasawingedcreature:ifbird,thengreaterthanallotherbirds,anditwasnaked,andneitherquillnorfeatherdiditbear,anditsvastpinionswereas
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websofhidebetweenhornedfingers;anditstank.Acreatureofanolderworldmaybeitwas,whosekind,lingeringinforgottenmountainscoldbeneaththeMoon,outstayedtheirday,andinhideouseyriebredthislastuntimelybrood,apttoevil.AndtheDarkLordtookit,andnurseditwithfellmeats,untilitgrewbeyondthemeasureofallother
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thingsthatfly;andhegaveittohisservanttobehissteed.Down,downitcame,andthen,foldingitsfingeredwebs,itgaveacroakingcry,andsettleduponthebodyofSnowmane,digginginitsclaws,stoopingitslongnakedneck.
Uponitsatashape,black-mantled,hugeandthreatening.Acrownofsteelhebore,butbetweenrimand
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robenaughtwastheretosee,saveonlyadeadlygleamofeyes:theLordoftheNazgûl.Totheairhehadreturned,summoninghissteederethedarknessfailed,andnowhewascomeagain,bringingruin,turninghopetodespair,andvictorytodeath.Agreatblackmacehewielded.
ButThéodenwasnotutterlyforsaken.Theknightsofhishouselayslainabout
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him,orelsemasteredbythemadnessoftheirsteedswerebornefaraway.Yetonestoodtherestill:Dernhelmtheyoung,faithfulbeyondfear;andhewept,forhehadlovedhislordasafather.RightthroughthechargeMerryhadbeenborneunharmedbehindhim,untiltheShadowcame;andthenWindfolahadthrowntheminhisterror,andnowranwildupontheplain.
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Merrycrawledonallfourslikeadazedbeast,andsuchahorrorwasonhimthathewasblindandsick.
‘King’sman!King’sman!’hisheartcriedwithinhim.‘Youmuststaybyhim.Asafatheryoushallbetome,yousaid.’Buthiswillmadenoanswer,andhisbodyshook.Hedarednotopenhiseyesorlookup.
Thenoutoftheblackness
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inhismindhethoughtthatheheardDernhelmspeaking;yetnowthevoiceseemedstrange,recallingsomeothervoicethathehadknown.
‘Begone,fouldwimmerlaik,lordofcarrion!Leavethedeadinpeace!’
Acoldvoiceanswered:‘ComenotbetweentheNazgûlandhisprey!Orhewillnotslaytheeinthyturn.Hewillbeartheeawaytothe
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housesoflamentation,beyondalldarkness,wherethyfleshshallbedevoured,andthyshrivelledmindbeleftnakedtotheLidlessEye.’
Aswordrangasitwasdrawn.‘Dowhatyouwill;butIwillhinderit,ifImay.’
‘Hinderme?Thoufool.Nolivingmanmayhinderme!’
ThenMerryheardofallsoundsinthathourthe
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strangest.ItseemedthatDernhelmlaughed,andtheclearvoicewasliketheringofsteel.‘ButnolivingmanamI!Youlookuponawoman.ÉowynIam,Éomund’sdaughter.Youstandbetweenmeandmylordandkin.Begone,ifyoubenotdeathless!Forlivingordarkundead,Iwillsmiteyou,ifyoutouchhim.’
Thewingedcreature
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screamedather,buttheRingwraithmadenoanswer,andwassilent,asifinsuddendoubt.VeryamazementforamomentconqueredMerry’sfear.Heopenedhiseyesandtheblacknesswasliftedfromthem.Theresomepacesfromhimsatthegreatbeast,andallseemeddarkaboutit,andaboveitloomedtheNazgûlLordlikeashadowofdespair.Alittletotheleft
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facingthemstoodshewhomhehadcalledDernhelm.Butthehelmofhersecrecyhadfallenfromher,andherbrighthair,releasedfromitsbonds,gleamedwithpalegolduponhershoulders.Hereyesgreyastheseawerehardandfell,andyettearswereonhercheek.Aswordwasinherhand,andsheraisedhershieldagainstthehorrorofherenemy’seyes.
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Éowynitwas,andDernhelmalso.ForintoMerry’smindflashedthememoryofthefacethathesawattheridingfromDunharrow:thefaceofonethatgoesseekingdeath,havingnohope.Pityfilledhisheartandgreatwonder,andsuddenlytheslow-kindledcourageofhisraceawoke.Heclenchedhishand.Sheshouldnotdie,sofair,so
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desperate!Atleastsheshouldnotdiealone,unaided.
Thefaceoftheirenemywasnotturnedtowardshim,butstillhehardlydaredtomove,dreadinglestthedeadlyeyesshouldfallonhim.Slowly,slowlyhebegantocrawlaside;buttheBlackCaptain,indoubtandmaliceintentuponthewomanbeforehim,heededhimnomorethanaworminthemud.
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Suddenlythegreatbeastbeatitshideouswings,andthewindofthemwasfoul.Againitleapedintotheair,andthenswiftlyfelldownuponÉowyn,shrieking,strikingwithbeakandclaw.
Stillshedidnotblench:maidenoftheRohirrim,childofkings,slenderbutasasteel-blade,fairyetterrible.Aswiftstrokeshedealt,skilledanddeadly.Theoutstretched
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neckshecloveasunder,andthehewnheadfelllikeastone.Backwardshesprangasthehugeshapecrashedtoruin,vastwingsoutspread,crumpledontheearth;andwithitsfalltheshadowpassedaway.Alightfellabouther,andherhairshoneinthesunrise.
OutofthewreckrosetheBlackRider,tallandthreatening,toweringabove
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her.Withacryofhatredthatstungtheveryearslikevenomheletfallhismace.Hershieldwasshiveredinmanypieces,andherarmwasbroken;shestumbledtoherknees.Hebentoverherlikeacloud,andhiseyesglittered;heraisedhismacetokill.
Butsuddenlyhetoostumbledforwardwithacryofbitterpain,andhisstrokewentwide,drivingintothe
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ground.Merry’sswordhadstabbedhimfrombehind,shearingthroughtheblackmantle,andpassingupbeneaththehauberkhadpiercedthesinewbehindhismightyknee.
‘Éowyn!Éowyn!’criedMerry.Thentottering,strugglingup,withherlaststrengthshedroveherswordbetweencrownandmantle,asthegreatshouldersbowed
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beforeher.Theswordbrokesparklingintomanyshards.Thecrownrolledawaywithaclang.Éowynfellforwarduponherfallenfoe.Butlo!themantleandhauberkwereempty.Shapelesstheylaynowontheground,tornandtumbled;andacrywentupintotheshudderingair,andfadedtoashrillwailing,passingwiththewind,avoicebodilessandthinthat
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died,andwasswallowedup,andwasneverheardagaininthatageofthisworld.
AndtherestoodMeriadocthehobbitinthemidstoftheslain,blinkinglikeanowlinthedaylight,fortearsblindedhim;andthroughamisthelookedonÉowyn’sfairhead,asshelayanddidnotmove;andhelookedonthefaceof
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theking,falleninthemidstofhisglory.ForSnowmaneinhisagonyhadrolledawayfromhimagain;yethewasthebaneofhismaster.
ThenMerrystoopedandliftedhishandtokissit,andlo!Théodenopenedhiseyes,andtheywereclear,andhespokeinaquietvoicethoughlaboured.
‘Farewell,MasterHolbytla!’hesaid.‘Mybody
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isbroken.Igotomyfathers.AndevenintheirmightycompanyIshallnotnowbeashamed.Ifelledtheblackserpent.Agrimmorn,andagladday,andagoldensunset!’
Merrycouldnotspeak,butweptanew.‘Forgiveme,lord,’hesaidatlast,‘ifIbrokeyourcommand,andyethavedonenomoreinyourservicethantoweepatour
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parting.’Theoldkingsmiled.
‘Grievenot!Itisforgiven.Greatheartwillnotbedenied.Livenowinblessedness;andwhenyousitinpeacewithyourpipe,thinkofme!FornevernowshallIsitwithyouinMeduseld,asIpromised,orlistentoyourherb-lore.’Heclosedhiseyes,andMerrybowedbesidehim.Presentlyhe
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spokeagain.‘WhereisÉomer?Formyeyesdarken,andIwouldseehimereIgo.Hemustbekingafterme.AndIwouldsendwordtoÉowyn.She,shewouldnothavemeleaveher,andnowIshallnotseeheragain,dearerthandaughter.’
‘Lord,lord,’beganMerrybrokenly,‘sheis——’;butatthatmomenttherewasagreatclamour,andallaboutthem
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hornsandtrumpetswereblowing.Merrylookedround:hehadforgottenthewar,andalltheworldbeside,andmanyhoursitseemedsincethekingrodetohisfall,thoughintruthitwasonlyalittlewhile.Butnowhesawthattheywereindangerofbeingcaughtintheverymidstofthegreatbattlethatwouldsoonbejoined.
Newforcesoftheenemy
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werehasteninguptheroadfromtheRiver;andfromunderthewallscamethelegionsofMorgul;andfromthesouthwardfieldscamefootmenofHaradwithhorsemenbeforethem,andbehindthemrosethehugebacksofthemûmakilwithwar-towersuponthem.ButnorthwardthewhitecrestofÉomerledthegreatfrontoftheRohirrimwhichhehad
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againgatheredandmarshalled;andoutoftheCitycameallthestrengthofmenthatwasinit,andthesilverswanofDolAmrothwasborneinthevan,drivingtheenemyfromtheGate.
ForamomentthethoughtflittedthroughMerry’smind:‘WhereisGandalf?Ishenothere?CouldhenothavesavedthekingandÉowyn?’ButthereuponÉomerrodeup
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inhaste,andwithhimcametheknightsofthehouseholdthatstilllivedandhadnowmasteredtheirhorses.Theylookedinwonderatthecarcaseofthefellbeastthatlaythere;andtheirsteedswouldnotgonear.ButÉomerleapedfromthesaddle,andgriefanddismayfelluponhimashecametotheking’ssideandstoodthereinsilence.
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Thenoneoftheknightstooktheking’sbannerfromthehandofGuthláfthebanner-bearerwholaydead,andhelifteditup.SlowlyThéodenopenedhiseyes.SeeingthebannerhemadeasignthatitshouldbegiventoÉomer.
‘Hail,KingoftheMark!’hesaid.‘Ridenowtovictory!BidÉowynfarewell!’Andsohedied,andknewnotthat
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Éowynlaynearhim.Andthosewhostoodbywept,crying:‘ThéodenKing!ThéodenKing!’
ButÉomersaidtothem:
Mournnotovermuch!Mightywasthefallen,meetwashisending.Whenhismoundisraised,womenthenshallweep.Warnowcallsus!
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Yethehimselfweptashespoke.‘Lethisknightsremainhere,’hesaid,‘andbearhisbodyinhonourfromthefield,lestthebattlerideoverit!Yea,andalltheseotheroftheking’smenthatliehere.’Andhelookedattheslain,recallingtheirnames.ThensuddenlyhebeheldhissisterÉowynasshelay,andheknewher.Hestoodamomentasaman
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whoispiercedinthemidstofacrybyanarrowthroughtheheart;andthenhisfacewentdeathlywhite,andacoldfuryroseinhim,sothatallspeechfailedhimforawhile.Afeymoodtookhim.
‘Éowyn,Éowyn!’hecriedatlast.‘Éowyn,howcomeyouhere?Whatmadnessordevilryisthis?Death,death,death!Deathtakeusall!’
Thenwithouttaking
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counselorwaitingfortheapproachofthemenoftheCity,hespurredheadlongbacktothefrontofthegreathost,andblewahorn,andcriedaloudfortheonset.Overthefieldranghisclearvoicecalling:‘Death!Ride,ridetoruinandtheworld’sending!’
Andwiththatthehostbegantomove.ButtheRohirrimsangnomore.
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Deaththeycriedwithonevoiceloudandterrible,andgatheringspeedlikeagreattidetheirbattlesweptabouttheirfallenkingandpassed,roaringawaysouthwards.
AndstillMeriadocthehobbitstoodthereblinkingthroughhistears,andnoonespoketohim,indeednoneseemedtoheedhim.He
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brushedawaythetears,andstoopedtopickupthegreenshieldthatÉowynhadgivenhim,andheslungitathisback.Thenhelookedforhisswordthathehadletfall;forevenashestruckhisblowhisarmwasnumbed,andnowhecouldonlyusehislefthand.Andbehold!therelayhisweapon,butthebladewassmokinglikeadrybranchthathasbeenthrustinafire;
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andashewatchedit,itwrithedandwitheredandwasconsumed.
SopassedtheswordoftheBarrow-downs,workofWesternesse.ButgladwouldhehavebeentoknowitsfatewhowroughtitslowlylongagointheNorth-kingdomwhentheDúnedainwereyoung,andchiefamongtheirfoeswasthedreadrealmofAngmaranditssorcererking.
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Nootherblade,notthoughmightierhandshadwieldedit,wouldhavedealtthatfoeawoundsobitter,cleavingtheundeadflesh,breakingthespellthatknithisunseensinewstohiswill.
Mennowraisedtheking,andlayingcloaksuponspear-truncheonstheymadeshifttobearhimawaytowardsthe
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City;andothersliftedÉowyngentlyupandboreherafterhim.Butthemenoftheking’shouseholdtheycouldnotyetbringfromthefield;forsevenoftheking’sknightshadfallenthere,andDéorwinetheirchiefwasamongthem.Sotheylaidthemapartfromtheirfoesandthefellbeastandsetspearsaboutthem.Andafterwardswhenallwasover
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menreturnedandmadeafirethereandburnedthecarcaseofthebeast;butforSnowmanetheydugagraveandsetupastoneuponwhichwascarvedinthetonguesofGondorandtheMark:
Faithfulservantyetmaster’sbane,Lightfoot’sfoal,swiftSnowmane.
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GreenandlonggrewthegrassonSnowmane’sHowe,buteverblackandbarewasthegroundwherethebeastwasburned.
NowslowlyandsadlyMerrywalkedbesidethebearers,andhegavenomoreheedtothebattle.Hewaswearyandfullofpain,andhislimbstrembledaswitha
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chill.AgreatraincameoutoftheSea,anditseemedthatallthingsweptforThéodenandÉowyn,quenchingthefiresintheCitywithgreytears.ItwasthroughamistthatpresentlyhesawthevanofthemenofGondorapproaching.Imrahil,PrinceofDolAmroth,rodeupanddrewreinbeforethem.
‘Whatburdendoyoubear,MenofRohan?’hecried.
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‘ThéodenKing,’theyanswered.‘Heisdead.ButÉomerKingnowridesinthebattle:hewiththewhitecrestinthewind.’
Thentheprincewentfromhishorse,andkneltbythebierinhonourofthekingandhisgreatonset;andhewept.AndrisinghelookedthenonÉowynandwasamazed.‘Surely,hereisawoman?’hesaid.‘Haveeventhewomen
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oftheRohirrimcometowarinourneed?’
‘Nay!Oneonly,’theyanswered.‘TheLadyÉowynisshe,sisterofÉomer;andweknewnaughtofherridinguntilthishour,andgreatlywerueit.’
Thentheprinceseeingherbeauty,thoughherfacewaspaleandcold,touchedherhandashebenttolookmorecloselyonher.‘Menof
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Rohan!’hecried.‘Aretherenoleechesamongyou?Sheishurt,tothedeathmaybe,butIdeemthatsheyetlives.’Andheheldthebright-burnishedvambracethatwasuponhisarmbeforehercoldlips,andbehold!alittlemistwaslaidonithardlytobeseen.
‘Hastenowisneeded,’hesaid,andhesentoneridingbackswiftlytotheCitytobringaid.Buthebowinglow
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tothefallen,badethemfarewell,andmountingrodeawayintobattle.
AndnowthefightingwaxedfuriousonthefieldsofthePelennor;andthedinofarmsroseuponhigh,withthecryingofmenandtheneighingofhorses.Hornswereblownandtrumpetswerebraying,andthe
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mûmakilwerebellowingastheyweregoadedtowar.UnderthesouthwallsoftheCitythefootmenofGondornowdroveagainstthelegionsofMorgulthatwerestillgatheredthereinstrength.ButthehorsemenrodeeastwardtothesuccourofÉomer:HúrintheTall,WardenoftheKeys,andtheLordofLossarnach,andHirluinoftheGreenHills,
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andPrinceImrahilthefairwithhisknightsallabouthim.
NottoosooncametheiraidtotheRohirrim;forfortunehadturnedagainstÉomer,andhisfuryhadbetrayedhim.Thegreatwrathofhisonsethadutterlyoverthrownthefrontofhisenemies,andgreatwedgesofhisRidershadpassedclearthroughtheranksofthe
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Southrons,discomfitingtheirhorsemenandridingtheirfootmentoruin.Butwhereverthemûmakilcametherethehorseswouldnotgo,butblenchedandswervedaway;andthegreatmonsterswereunfought,andstoodliketowersofdefence,andtheHaradrimralliedaboutthem.AndiftheRohirrimattheironsetwerethriceoutnumberedbytheHaradrim
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alone,soontheircasebecameworse;fornewstrengthcamenowstreamingtothefieldoutofOsgiliath.TheretheyhadbeenmusteredforthesackoftheCityandtherapeofGondor,waitingonthecalloftheirCaptain.Henowwasdestroyed;butGothmogthelieutenantofMorgulhadflungthemintothefray;Easterlingswithaxes,andVariagsofKhand,Southrons
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inscarlet,andoutofFarHaradblackmenlikehalf-trollswithwhiteeyesandredtongues.SomenowhastenedupbehindtheRohirrim,othersheldwestwardtoholdofftheforcesofGondorandpreventtheirjoiningwithRohan.
ItwasevenasthedaythusbegantoturnagainstGondorandtheirhopewaveredthatanewcrywentupintheCity,
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itbeingthenmid-morning,andagreatwindblowing,andtherainflyingnorth,andthesunshining.Inthatclearairwatchmenonthewallssawafaranewsightoffear,andtheirlasthopeleftthem.
ForAnduin,fromthebendattheHarlond,soflowedthatfromtheCitymencouldlookdownitlengthwiseforsomeleagues,andthefar-sightedcouldseeanyshipsthat
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approached.Andlookingthithertheycriedindismay;forblackagainsttheglitteringstreamtheybeheldafleetborneuponthewind:dromunds,andshipsofgreatdraughtwithmanyoars,andwithblacksailsbellyinginthebreeze.
‘TheCorsairsofUmbar!’menshouted.‘TheCorsairsofUmbar!Look!TheCorsairsofUmbarare
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coming!SoBelfalasistaken,andtheEthir,andLebenninisgone.TheCorsairsareuponus!Itisthelaststrokeofdoom!’
Andsomewithoutorder,fornonecouldbefoundtocommandthemintheCity,rantothebellsandtolledthealarm;andsomeblewthetrumpetssoundingtheretreat.‘Backtothewalls!’theycried.‘Backtothewalls!
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ComebacktotheCitybeforeallareoverwhelmed!’Butthewindthatspedtheshipsblewalltheirclamouraway.
TheRohirrimindeedhadnoneedofnewsoralarm.Alltoowelltheycouldseeforthemselvestheblacksails.ForÉomerwasnowscarcelyamilefromtheHarlond,andagreatpressofhisfirstfoeswasbetweenhimandthehaventhere,whilenewfoes
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cameswirlingbehind,cuttinghimofffromthePrince.NowhelookedtotheRiver,andhopediedinhisheart,andthewindthathehadblessedhenowcalledaccursed.ButthehostsofMordorwereenheartened,andfilledwithanewlustandfurytheycameyellingtotheonset.
SternnowwasÉomer’smood,andhismindclearagain.Heletblowthehorns
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torallyallmentohisbannerthatcouldcomethither;forhethoughttomakeagreatshield-wallatthelast,andstand,andfightthereonfoottillallfell,anddodeedsofsongonthefieldsofPelennor,thoughnomanshouldbeleftintheWesttorememberthelastKingoftheMark.Soherodetoagreenhillockandtheresethisbanner,andtheWhiteHorse
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ranripplinginthewind.
Outofdoubt,outofdarktotheday’srisingIcamesinginginthesun,swordunsheathing.Tohope’sendIrodeandtoheart’sbreaking:Nowforwrath,nowforruinandarednightfall!
Thesestaveshespoke,yet
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helaughedashesaidthem.Foroncemorelustofbattlewasonhim;andhewasstillunscathed,andhewasyoung,andhewasking:thelordofafellpeople.Andlo!evenashelaughedatdespairhelookedoutagainontheblackships,andhelifteduphisswordtodefythem.
Andthenwondertookhim,andagreatjoy;andhecasthisswordupinthe
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sunlightandsangashecaughtit.Andalleyesfollowedhisgaze,andbehold!upontheforemostshipagreatstandardbroke,andthewinddisplayeditassheturnedtowardstheHarlond.TherefloweredaWhiteTree,andthatwasforGondor;butSevenStarswereaboutit,andahighcrownaboveit,thesignsofElendilthatnolordhadbornefor
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yearsbeyondcount.Andthestarsflamedinthesunlight,fortheywerewroughtofgemsbyArwendaughterofElrond;andthecrownwasbrightinthemorning,foritwaswroughtofmithrilandgold.
ThuscameAragornsonofArathorn,Elessar,Isildur’sheir,outofthePathsoftheDead,borneuponawindfromtheSeatothekingdom
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ofGondor;andthemirthoftheRohirrimwasatorrentoflaughterandaflashingofswords,andthejoyandwonderoftheCitywasamusicoftrumpetsandaringingofbells.ButthehostsofMordorwereseizedwithbewilderment,andagreatwizardryitseemedtothemthattheirownshipsshouldbefilledwiththeirfoes;andablackdreadfellonthem,
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knowingthatthetidesoffatehadturnedagainstthemandtheirdoomwasathand.
EastrodetheknightsofDolAmrothdrivingtheenemybeforethem:troll-menandVariagsandorcsthathatedthesunlight.SouthstrodeÉomerandmenfledbeforehisface,andtheywerecaughtbetweenthehammerandtheanvil.Fornowmenleapedfromtheshipstothe
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quaysoftheHarlondandsweptnorthlikeastorm.TherecameLegolas,andGimliwieldinghisaxe,andHalbaradwiththestandard,andElladanandElrohirwithstarsontheirbrow,andthedour-handedDúnedain,RangersoftheNorth,leadingagreatvalourofthefolkofLebenninandLamedonandthefiefsoftheSouth.ButbeforeallwentAragornwith
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theFlameoftheWest,Andúrillikeanewfirekindled,Narsilre-forgedasdeadlyasofold;anduponhisbrowwastheStarofElendil.
AndsoatlengthÉomerandAragornmetinthemidstofthebattle,andtheyleanedontheirswordsandlookedononeanotherandwereglad.
‘Thuswemeetagain,thoughallthehostsofMordorlaybetweenus,’said
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Aragorn.‘DidInotsaysoattheHornburg?’
‘Soyouspoke,’saidÉomer,‘buthopeoftdeceives,andIknewnotthenthatyouwereamanforesighted.Yettwiceblessedishelpunlookedfor,andneverwasameetingoffriendsmorejoyful.’Andtheyclaspedhandinhand.‘Norindeedmoretimely,’saidÉomer.‘Youcomenone
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toosoon,myfriend.Muchlossandsorrowhasbefallenus.’
‘Thenletusavengeit,erewespeakofit!’saidAragorn,andtheyrodebacktobattletogether.
Hardfightingandlonglabourtheyhadstill;fortheSouthronswereboldmenandgrim,andfierceindespair;
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andtheEasterlingswerestrongandwar-hardenedandaskedfornoquarter.Andsointhisplaceandthat,byburnedhomesteadorbarn,uponhillockormound,underwalloronfield,stilltheygatheredandralliedandfoughtuntilthedayworeaway.
ThentheSunwentatlastbehindMindolluinandfilledalltheskywithagreat
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burning,sothatthehillsandthemountainsweredyedaswithblood;fireglowedintheRiver,andthegrassofthePelennorlayredinthenightfall.AndinthathourthegreatBattleofthefieldofGondorwasover;andnotonelivingfoewasleftwithinthecircuitoftheRammas.Allwereslainsavethosewhofledtodie,ortodrownintheredfoamoftheRiver.Few
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evercameeastwardtoMorgulorMordor;andtothelandoftheHaradrimcameonlyatalefromfaroff:arumourofthewrathandterrorofGondor.
AragornandÉomerandImrahilrodebacktowardstheGateoftheCity,andtheywerenowwearybeyondjoyorsorrow.Thesethreewere
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unscathed,forsuchwastheirfortuneandtheskillandmightoftheirarms,andfewindeedhaddaredtoabidethemorlookontheirfacesinthehouroftheirwrath.Butmanyotherswerehurtormaimedordeaduponthefield.TheaxeshewedForlongashefoughtaloneandunhorsed;andbothDuilinofMorthondandhisbrotherweretrampledto
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deathwhentheyassailedthemûmakil,leadingtheirbowmenclosetoshootattheeyesofthemonsters.NeitherHirluinthefairwouldreturntoPinnathGelin,norGrimboldtoGrimslade,norHalbaradtotheNorthlands,dour-handedRanger.Nofewhadfallen,renownedornameless,captainorsoldier;foritwasagreatbattleandthefullcountofitnotalehas
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told.SolongafterwardamakerinRohansaidinhissongoftheMoundsofMundburg:
Weheardofthehornsinthehillsringing,theswordsshiningintheSouth-kingdom.SteedswentstridingtotheStoninglandaswindinthemorning.Warwaskindled.
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ThereThéodenfell,Thenglingmighty,tohisgoldenhallsandgreenpasturesintheNorthernfieldsneverreturning,highlordofthehost.HardingandGuthláf,DúnhereandDéorwine,doughtyGrimbold,HerefaraandHerubrand,HornandFastred,
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foughtandfellthereinafarcountry:intheMoundsofMundburgundermouldtheyliewiththeirleague-fellows,lordsofGondor.NeitherHirluintheFairtothehillsbythesea,norForlongtheoldtothefloweringvalesever,toArnach,tohisowncountry
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returnedintriumph;northetallbowmen,DerufinandDuilin,totheirdarkwaters,meresofMorthondundermountain-shadows.Deathinthemorningandatday’sendinglordstookandlowly.LongnowtheysleepundergrassinGondorbytheGreatRiver.Greynowastears,
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gleamingsilver,redthenitrolled,roaringwater:foamdyedwithbloodflamedatsunset;asbeaconsmountainsburnedatevening;redfellthedewinRammasEchor.
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Chapter7
THEPYREOFDENETHOR
WhenthedarkshadowattheGatewithdrewGandalfstill
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satmotionless.ButPippinrosetohisfeet,asifagreatweighthadbeenliftedfromhim;andhestoodlisteningtothehorns,anditseemedtohimthattheywouldbreakhisheartwithjoy.Andneverinafteryearscouldhehearahornblowninthedistancewithouttearsstartinginhiseyes.Butnowsuddenlyhiserrandreturnedtohismemory,andheranforward.
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AtthatmomentGandalfstirredandspoketoShadowfax,andwasabouttoridethroughtheGate.
‘Gandalf,Gandalf!’criedPippin,andShadowfaxhalted.
‘Whatareyoudoinghere?’saidGandalf.‘IsitnotalawintheCitythatthosewhoweartheblackandsilvermuststayintheCitadel,unlesstheirlordgivesthem
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leave?’‘Hehas,’saidPippin.‘He
sentmeaway.ButIamfrightened.Somethingterriblemayhappenupthere.TheLordisoutofhismind,Ithink.Iamafraidhewillkillhimself,andkillFaramirtoo.Can’tyoudosomething?’
GandalflookedthroughthegapingGate,andalreadyonthefieldsheheardthegatheringsoundofbattle.He
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clenchedhishand.‘Imustgo,’hesaid.‘TheBlackRiderisabroad,andhewillyetbringruinonus.Ihavenotime.’
‘ButFaramir!’criedPippin.‘Heisnotdead,andtheywillburnhimalive,ifsomeonedoesnotstopthem.’
‘Burnhimalive?’saidGandalf.‘Whatisthistale?Bequick!’
‘Denethorhasgonetothe
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Tombs,’saidPippin,‘andhehastakenFaramir,andhesayswearealltoburn,andhewillnotwait,andtheyaretomakeapyreandburnhimonit,andFaramiraswell.Andhehassentmentofetchwoodandoil.AndIhavetoldBeregond,butI’mafraidhewon’tdaretoleavehispost:heisonguard.Andwhatcanhedoanyway?’SoPippinpouredouthistale,reaching
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upandtouchingGandalf’skneewithtremblinghands.‘Can’tyousaveFaramir?’
‘MaybeIcan,’saidGandalf;‘butifIdo,thenotherswilldie,Ifear.Well,Imustcome,sincenootherhelpcanreachhim.Butevilandsorrowwillcomeofthis.EvenintheheartofourstrongholdtheEnemyhaspowertostrikeus:forhiswillitisthatisatwork.’
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Thenhavingmadeuphismindheactedswiftly;andcatchingupPippinandsettinghimbeforehim,heturnedShadowfaxwithaword.UptheclimbingstreetsofMinasTiriththeyclattered,whilethenoiseofwarrosebehindthem.Everywheremenwererisingfromtheirdespairanddread,seizingtheirweapons,cryingonetoanother:‘Rohanhascome!’
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Captainswereshouting,companiesweremustering;manyalreadyweremarchingdowntotheGate.
TheymetthePrinceImrahil,andhecalledtothem:‘Whithernow,Mithrandir?TheRohirrimarefightingonthefieldsofGondor!Wemustgatherallthestrengththatwecanfind.’
‘Youwillneedeverymanandmore,’saidGandalf.
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‘Makeallhaste.IwillcomewhenIcan.ButIhaveanerrandtotheLordDenethorthatwillnotwait.TakecommandintheLord’sabsence!’
Theypassedon;andastheyclimbedanddrewneartotheCitadeltheyfeltthewindblowingintheirfaces,andtheycaughttheglimmer
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ofmorningfaraway,alightgrowinginthesouthernsky.Butitbroughtlittlehopetothem,notknowingwhatevillaybeforethem,fearingtocometoolate.
‘Darknessispassing,’saidGandalf,‘butitstillliesheavyonthisCity.’
AtthegateoftheCitadeltheyfoundnoguard.‘ThenBeregondhasgone,’saidPippinmorehopefully.They
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turnedawayandhastenedalongtheroadtotheClosedDoor.Itstoodwideopen,andtheporterlaybeforeit.Hewasslainandhiskeyhadbeentaken.
‘WorkoftheEnemy!’saidGandalf.‘Suchdeedsheloves:friendatwarwithfriend;loyaltydividedinconfusionofhearts.’NowhedismountedandbadeShadowfaxreturntohis
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stable.‘For,myfriend,’hesaid,‘youandIshouldhaveriddentothefieldslongago,butothermattersdelayme.YetcomeswiftlyifIcall!’
TheypassedtheDoorandwalkedondownthesteepwindingroad.Lightwasgrowing,andthetallcolumnsandcarvenfiguresbesidethewaywentslowlybylikegreyghosts.
Suddenlythesilencewas
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broken,andtheyheardbelowthemcriesandtheringingofswords:suchsoundsashadnotbeenheardinthehallowedplacessincethebuildingoftheCity.AtlasttheycametoRathDínenandhastenedtowardstheHouseoftheStewards,loominginthetwilightunderitsgreatdome.
‘Stay!Stay!’criedGandalf,springingforwardto
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thestonestairbeforethedoor.‘Staythismadness!’
ForthereweretheservantsofDenethorwithswordsandtorchesintheirhands;butaloneintheporchuponthetopmoststepstoodBeregond,cladintheblackandsilveroftheGuard;andheheldthedooragainstthem.Twoofthemhadalreadyfallentohissword,stainingthehallowswiththeirblood;
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andtheotherscursedhim,callinghimoutlawandtraitortohismaster.
EvenasGandalfandPippinranforward,theyheardfromwithinthehouseofthedeadthevoiceofDenethorcrying:‘Haste,haste!DoasIhavebidden!Slaymethisrenegade!OrmustIdosomyself?’ThereuponthedoorwhichBeregondheldshutwithhis
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lefthandwaswrenchedopen,andtherebehindhimstoodtheLordoftheCity,tallandfell;alightlikeflamewasinhiseyes,andheheldadrawnsword.
ButGandalfsprangupthesteps,andthemenfellbackfromhimandcoveredtheireyes;forhiscomingwasliketheincomingofawhitelightintoadarkplace,andhecamewithgreatanger.He
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lifteduphishand,andintheverystroke,theswordofDenethorflewupandlefthisgraspandfellbehindhimintheshadowsofthehouse;andDenethorsteppedbackwardbeforeGandalfasoneamazed.
‘Whatisthis,mylord?’saidthewizard.‘Thehousesofthedeadarenoplacesfortheliving.AndwhydomenfighthereintheHallows
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whenthereiswarenoughbeforetheGate?OrhasourEnemycomeeventoRathDínen?’
‘SincewhenhastheLordofGondorbeenanswerabletothee?’saidDenethor.‘OrmayInotcommandmyownservants?’
‘Youmay,’saidGandalf.‘Butothersmaycontestyourwill,whenitisturnedtomadnessandevil.Whereis
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yourson,Faramir?’‘Helieswithin,’said
Denethor,‘burning,alreadyburning.Theyhavesetafireinhisflesh.Butsoonallshallbeburned.TheWesthasfailed.Itshallallgoupinagreatfire,andallshallbeended.Ash!Ashandsmokeblownawayonthewind!’
ThenGandalfseeingthemadnessthatwasonhimfearedthathehadalready
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donesomeevildeed,andhethrustforward,withBeregondandPippinbehindhim,whileDenethorgavebackuntilhestoodbesidethetablewithin.ButtheretheyfoundFaramir,stilldreaminginhisfever,lyinguponthetable.Woodwaspiledunderit,andhighallaboutit,andallwasdrenchedwithoil,eventhegarmentsofFaramirandthecoverlets;butasyet
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nofirehadbeensettothefuel.ThenGandalfrevealedthestrengththatlayhidinhim,evenasthelightofhispowerwashiddenunderhisgreymantle.Heleapedupontothefaggots,andraisingthesickmanlightlyhesprangdownagain,andborehimtowardsthedoor.ButashedidsoFaramirmoanedandcalledonhisfatherinhisdream.
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Denethorstartedasonewakingfromatrance,andtheflamediedinhiseyes,andhewept;andhesaid:‘Donottakemysonfromme!Hecallsforme.’
‘Hecalls,’saidGandalf,‘butyoucannotcometohimyet.Forhemustseekhealingonthethresholdofdeath,andmaybefinditnot.WhereasyourpartistogoouttothebattleofyourCity,where
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maybedeathawaitsyou.Thisyouknowinyourheart.’
‘Hewillnotwakeagain,’saidDenethor.‘Battleisvain.Whyshouldwewishtolivelonger?Whyshouldwenotgotodeathsidebyside?’
‘Authorityisnotgiventoyou,StewardofGondor,toorderthehourofyourdeath,’answeredGandalf.‘Andonlytheheathenkings,underthedominationoftheDark
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Power,didthus,slayingthemselvesinprideanddespair,murderingtheirkintoeasetheirowndeath.’ThenpassingthroughthedoorhetookFaramirfromthedeadlyhouseandlaidhimonthebieronwhichhehadbeenbrought,andwhichhadnowbeensetintheporch.Denethorfollowedhim,andstoodtrembling,lookingwithlongingonthefaceofhisson.
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Andforamoment,whileallweresilentandstill,watchingtheLordinhisthroes,hewavered.
‘Come!’saidGandalf.‘Weareneeded.Thereismuchthatyoucanyetdo.’
ThensuddenlyDenethorlaughed.Hestooduptallandproudagain,andsteppingswiftlybacktothetableheliftedfromitthepillowonwhichhisheadhadlain.Then
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comingtothedoorwayhedrewasidethecovering,andlo!hehadbetweenhishandsapalantír.Andashehelditup,itseemedtothosethatlookedonthattheglobebegantoglowwithaninnerflame,sothattheleanfaceoftheLordwaslitaswitharedfire,anditseemedcutoutofhardstone,sharpwithblackshadows,noble,proud,andterrible.Hiseyesglittered.
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‘Prideanddespair!’hecried.‘DidstthouthinkthattheeyesoftheWhiteTowerwereblind?Nay,Ihaveseenmorethanthouknowest,GreyFool.Forthyhopeisbutignorance.Gothenandlabourinhealing!Goforthandfight!Vanity.Foralittlespaceyoumaytriumphonthefield,foraday.ButagainstthePowerthatnowarisesthereisnovictory.Tothis
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Cityonlythefirstfingerofitshandhasyetbeenstretched.AlltheEastismoving.AndevennowthewindofthyhopecheatstheeandwaftsupAnduinafleetwithblacksails.TheWesthasfailed.Itistimeforalltodepartwhowouldnotbeslaves.’
‘SuchcounselswillmaketheEnemy’svictorycertainindeed,’saidGandalf.
‘Hopeonthen!’laughed
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Denethor.‘DoInotknowthee,Mithrandir?Thyhopeistoruleinmystead,tostandbehindeverythrone,north,south,orwest.Ihavereadthymindanditspolicies.DoInotknowthatthishalflingwascommandedbytheetokeepsilence?Thathewasbroughthithertobeaspywithinmyverychamber?AndyetinourspeechtogetherIhavelearnedthe
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namesandpurposeofallthycompanions.So!WiththelefthandthouwouldstusemeforalittlewhileasashieldagainstMordor,andwiththerightbringupthisRangeroftheNorthtosupplantme.
‘ButIsaytothee,GandalfMithrandir,Iwillnotbethytool!IamStewardoftheHouseofAnárion.Iwillnotstepdowntobethedotardchamberlainofanupstart.
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Evenwerehisclaimprovedtome,stillhecomesbutofthelineofIsildur.Iwillnotbowtosuchaone,lastofaraggedhouselongbereftoflordshipanddignity.’
‘Whatthenwouldyouhave,’saidGandalf,‘ifyourwillcouldhaveitsway?’
‘Iwouldhavethingsastheywereinallthedaysofmylife,’answeredDenethor,‘andinthedaysofmy
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longfathersbeforeme:tobetheLordofthisCityinpeace,andleavemychairtoasonafterme,whowouldbehisownmasterandnowizard’spupil.Butifdoomdeniesthistome,thenIwillhavenaught:neitherlifediminished,norlovehalved,norhonourabated.’
‘TomeitwouldnotseemthataStewardwhofaithfullysurrendershischargeis
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diminishedinloveorinhonour,’saidGandalf.‘Andattheleastyoushallnotrobyoursonofhischoicewhilehisdeathisstillindoubt.’
AtthosewordsDenethor’seyesflamedagain,andtakingtheStoneunderhisarmhedrewaknifeandstrodetowardsthebier.ButBeregondsprangforwardandsethimselfbeforeFaramir.
‘So!’criedDenethor.
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‘Thouhadstalreadystolenhalfmyson’slove.Nowthoustealesttheheartsofmyknightsalso,sothattheyrobmewhollyofmysonatthelast.Butinthisatleastthoushaltnotdefymywill:torulemyownend.’
‘Comehither!’hecriedtohisservants.‘Come,ifyouarenotallrecreant!’Thentwoofthemranupthestepstohim.Swiftlyhesnatcheda
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torchfromthehandofoneandsprangbackintothehouse.BeforeGandalfcouldhinderhimhethrustthebrandamidthefuel,andatonceitcrackledandroaredintoflame.
ThenDenethorleapeduponthetable,andstandingtherewreathedinfireandsmokehetookupthestaffofhissteward-shipthatlayathisfeetandbrokeitonhis
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knee.Castingthepiecesintotheblazehebowedandlaidhimselfonthetable,claspingthepalantírwithbothhandsuponhisbreast.Anditwassaidthateverafter,ifanymanlookedinthatStone,unlesshehadagreatstrengthofwilltoturnittootherpurpose,hesawonlytwoagedhandswitheringinflame.
Gandalfingriefand
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horrorturnedhisfaceawayandclosedthedoor.Forawhilehestoodinthought,silentuponthethreshold,whilethoseoutsideheardthegreedyroaringofthefirewithin.AndthenDenethorgaveagreatcry,andafterwardsspokenomore,norwaseveragainseenbymortalmen.
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‘SopassesDenethor,sonofEcthelion,’saidGandalf.ThenheturnedtoBeregondandtheLord’sservantsthatstoodthereaghast.‘AndsopassalsothedaysofGondorthatyouhaveknown;forgoodoreviltheyareended.Illdeedshavebeendonehere;butletnowallenmitythatliesbetweenyoubeputaway,foritwascontrivedbytheEnemyandworkshis
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will.Youhavebeencaughtinanetofwarringdutiesthatyoudidnotweave.Butthink,youservantsoftheLord,blindinyourobedience,thatbutforthetreasonofBeregondFaramir,CaptainoftheWhiteTower,wouldnowalsobeburned.
‘Bearawayfromthisunhappyplaceyourcomradeswhohavefallen.AndwewillbearFaramir,Stewardof
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Gondor,toaplacewherehecansleepinpeace,ordieifthatbehisdoom.’
ThenGandalfandBeregondtakingupthebierboreitawaytowardstheHousesofHealing,whilebehindthemwalkedPippinwithdowncasthead.ButtheservantsoftheLordstoodgazingasstrickenmenatthehouseofthedead;andevenasGandalfcametotheendof
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RathDínentherewasagreatnoise.Lookingbacktheysawthedomeofthehousecrackandsmokesissueforth;andthenwitharushandrumbleofstoneitfellinaflurryoffire;butstillunabatedtheflamesdancedandflickeredamongtheruins.TheninterrortheservantsfledandfollowedGandalf.
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AtlengththeycamebacktotheSteward’sDoor,andBeregondlookedwithgriefattheporter.‘ThisdeedIshalleverrue,’hesaid;‘butamadnessofhastewasonme,andhewouldnotlisten,butdrewswordagainstme.’Thentakingthekeythathehadwrestedfromtheslainmanheclosedthedoorandlockedit.‘ThisshouldnowbegiventotheLord
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Faramir,’hesaid.‘ThePrinceofDol
AmrothisincommandintheabsenceoftheLord,’saidGandalf;‘butsinceheisnothere,Imusttakethisonmyself.Ibidyoukeepthekeyandguardit,untiltheCityissetinorderagain.’
NowatlasttheypassedintothehighcirclesoftheCity,andinthelightofmorningtheywenttheirway
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towardstheHousesofHealing;andthesewerefairhousessetapartforthecareofthosewhoweregrievouslysick,butnowtheywerepreparedforthetendingofmenhurtinbattleordying.TheystoodnotfarfromtheCitadel-gate,inthesixthcircle,nightoitssouthwardwall,andaboutthemwasagardenandagreenswardwithtrees,theonlysuchplacein
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theCity.TheredweltthefewwomenthathadbeenpermittedtoremaininMinasTirith,sincetheywereskilledinhealingorintheserviceofthehealers.
ButevenasGandalfandhiscompanionscamecarryingthebiertothemaindooroftheHouses,theyheardagreatcrythatwentupfromthefieldbeforetheGateandrisingshrillandpiercing
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intotheskypassed,anddiedawayonthewind.Soterriblewasthecrythatforamomentallstoodstill,andyetwhenithadpassed,suddenlytheirheartswereliftedupinsuchahopeastheyhadnotknownsincethedarknesscameoutoftheEast;anditseemedtothemthatthelightgrewclearandthesunbrokethroughtheclouds.
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ButGandalf’sfacewasgraveandsad,andbiddingBeregondandPippintotakeFaramirintotheHousesofHealing,hewentupontothewallsnearby;andtherelikeafigurecarveninwhitehestoodinthenewsunandlookedout.Andhebeheldwiththesightthatwasgiventohimallthathadbefallen;andwhenÉomerrodeoutfromtheforefrontofhis
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battleandstoodbesidethosewholayuponthefield,hesighed,andhecasthiscloakabouthimagain,andwentfromthewalls.AndBeregondandPippinfoundhimstandinginthoughtbeforethedooroftheHouseswhentheycameout.
Theylookedathim,andforawhilehewassilent.Atlasthespoke.‘Myfriends,’hesaid,‘andallyoupeopleof
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thiscityandoftheWesternlands!Thingsofgreatsorrowandrenownhavecometopass.Shallweweeporbeglad?BeyondhopetheCaptainofourfoeshasbeendestroyed,andyouhaveheardtheechoofhislastdespair.Buthehasnotgonewithoutwoeandbitterloss.AndthatImighthaveavertedbutforthemadnessofDenethor.Solonghasthe
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reachofourEnemybecome!Alas!butnowIperceivehowhiswillwasabletoenterintotheveryheartoftheCity.
‘ThoughtheStewardsdeemedthatitwasasecretkeptonlybythemselves,longagoIguessedthathereintheWhiteTower,oneatleastoftheSevenSeeingStoneswaspreserved.InthedaysofhiswisdomDenethorwouldnotpresumetouseittochallenge
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Sauron,knowingthelimitsofhisownstrength.Buthiswisdomfailed;andIfearthatastheperilofhisrealmgrewhelookedintheStoneandwasdeceived:fartoooften,Iguess,sinceBoromirdeparted.HewastoogreattobesubduedtothewilloftheDarkPower,hesawnonethelessonlythosethingswhichthatPowerpermittedhimtosee.Theknowledge
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whichheobtainedwas,doubtless,oftenofservicetohim;yetthevisionofthegreatmightofMordorthatwasshowntohimfedthedespairofhisheartuntilitoverthrewhismind.’
‘NowIunderstandwhatseemedsostrangetome!’saidPippin,shudderingathismemoriesashespoke.‘TheLordwentawayfromtheroomwhereFaramirlay;and
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itwasonlywhenhereturnedthatIfirstthoughthewaschanged,oldandbroken.’
‘ItwasintheveryhourthatFaramirwasbroughttotheTowerthatmanyofussawastrangelightinthetopmostchamber,’saidBeregond.‘Butwehaveseenthatlightbefore,andithaslongbeenrumouredintheCitythattheLordwouldattimeswrestleinthoughtwith
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hisEnemy.’‘Alas!thenIhaveguessed
rightly,’saidGandalf.‘ThusthewillofSauronenteredintoMinasTirith;andthusIhavebeendelayedhere.AndhereIshallstillbeforcedtoremain,forIshallsoonhaveothercharges,notFaramironly.
‘NowImustgodowntomeetthosewhocome.Ihaveseenasightuponthefield
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thatisverygrievoustomyheart,andgreatersorrowmayyetcometopass.Comewithme,Pippin!Butyou,Beregond,shouldreturntotheCitadelandtellthechiefoftheGuardtherewhathasbefallen.Itwillbehisduty,Ifear,towithdrawyoufromtheGuard;butsaytohimthat,ifImaygivehimcounsel,youshouldbesenttotheHousesofHealing,tobe
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theguardandservantofyourcaptain,andtobeathissidewhenheawakes–ifthatshalleverbeagain.Forbyyouhewassavedfromthefire.Gonow!Ishallreturnsoon.’
WiththatheturnedawayandwentwithPippindowntowardsthelowercity.Andevenastheyhastenedontheirwaythewindbroughtagreyrain,andallthefiressank,andtherearoseagreatsmoke
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beforethem.
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Chapter8
THEHOUSESOFHEALING
AmistwasinMerry’seyesoftearsandwearinesswhen
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theydrewneartheruinedGateofMinasTirith.Hegavelittleheedtothewreckandslaughterthatlayaboutall.Fireandsmokeandstenchwasintheair;formanyengineshadbeenburnedorcastintothefire-pits,andmanyoftheslainalso,whilehereandtherelaymanycarcasesofthegreatSouthronmonsters,half-burned,orbrokenbystone-cast,orshot
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throughtheeyesbythevaliantarchersofMorthond.Theflyingrainhadceasedforatime,andthesungleamedupabove;butallthelowercitywasstillwrappedinasmoulderingreek.
Alreadymenwerelabouringtoclearawaythroughthejetsamofbattle;andnowoutfromtheGatecamesomebearinglitters.GentlytheylaidÉowynupon
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softpillows;buttheking’sbodytheycoveredwithagreatclothofgold,andtheyboretorchesabouthim,andtheirflames,paleinthesunlight,wereflutteredbythewind.
SoThéodenandÉowyncametotheCityofGondor,andallwhosawthembaredtheirheadsandbowed;andtheypassedthroughtheashandfumeoftheburnedcircle,
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andwentonandupalongthestreetsofstone.ToMerrytheascentseemedagelong,ameaninglessjourneyinahatefuldream,goingonandontosomedimendingthatmemorycannotseize.
Slowlythelightsofthetorchesinfrontofhimflickeredandwentout,andhewaswalkinginadarkness;andhethought:‘Thisisatunnelleadingtoatomb;
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thereweshallstayforever.’Butsuddenlyintohisdreamtherefellalivingvoice.
‘Well,Merry!ThankgoodnessIhavefoundyou!’
Helookedupandthemistbeforehiseyesclearedalittle.TherewasPippin!Theywerefacetofaceinanarrowlane,andbutforthemselvesitwasempty.Herubbedhiseyes.
‘Whereistheking?’he
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said.‘AndÉowyn?’Thenhestumbledandsatdownonadoorstepandbegantoweepagain.
‘TheyhavegoneupintotheCitadel,’saidPippin.‘Ithinkyoumusthavefallenasleeponyourfeetandtakenthewrongturning.Whenwefoundthatyouwerenotwiththem,Gandalfsentmetolookforyou.PooroldMerry!HowgladIamtoseeyou
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again!Butyouarewornout,andIwon’tbotheryouwithanytalk.Buttellme,areyouhurt,orwounded?’
‘No,’saidMerry.‘Well,no,Idon’tthinkso.ButIcan’tusemyrightarm,Pippin,notsinceIstabbedhim.Andmyswordburnedallawaylikeapieceofwood.’
Pippin’sfacewasanxious.‘Well,youhadbettercome
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withmeasquickasyoucan,’hesaid.‘IwishIcouldcarryyou.Youaren’tfittowalkanyfurther.Theyshouldn’thaveletyouwalkatall;butyoumustforgivethem.SomanydreadfulthingshavehappenedintheCity,Merry,thatonepoorhobbitcominginfromthebattleiseasilyoverlooked.’
‘It’snotalwaysamisfortunebeing
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overlooked,’saidMerry.‘Iwasoverlookedjustnowby–no,no,Ican’tspeakofit.Helpme,Pippin!It’sallgoingdarkagain,andmyarmissocold.’
‘Leanonme,Merrylad!’saidPippin.‘Comenow!Footbyfoot.It’snotfar.’
‘Areyougoingtoburyme?’saidMerry.
‘No,indeed!’saidPippin,tryingtosoundcheerful,
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thoughhisheartwaswrungwithfearandpity.‘No,wearegoingtotheHousesofHealing.’
Theyturnedoutofthelanethatranbetweentallhousesandtheouterwallofthefourthcircle,andtheyregainedthemainstreetclimbinguptotheCitadel.Stepbysteptheywent,while
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Merryswayedandmurmuredasoneinsleep.
‘I’llnevergethimthere,’thoughtPippin.‘Istherenoonetohelpme?Ican’tleavehimhere.’Justthentohissurpriseaboycamerunningupbehind,andashepassedherecognizedBergilBeregond’sson.
‘Hullo,Bergil!’hecalled.‘Whereareyougoing?Gladtoseeyouagain,andstill
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alive!’‘Iamrunningerrandsfor
theHealers,’saidBergil.‘Icannotstay.’
‘Don’t!’saidPippin.‘ButtellthemuptherethatIhaveasickhobbit,aperianmindyou,comefromthebattle-field.Idon’tthinkhecanwalksofar.IfMithrandiristhere,hewillbegladofthemessage.’Bergilranon.
‘I’dbetterwaithere,’
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thoughtPippin.SoheletMerrysinkgentlydownontothepavementinapatchofsunlight,andthenhesatdownbesidehim,layingMerry’sheadinhislap.Hefelthisbodyandlimbsgently,andtookhisfriend’shandsinhisown.Therighthandfelticytothetouch.
ItwasnotlongbeforeGandalfhimselfcameinsearchofthem.Hestooped
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overMerryandcaressedhisbrow;thenheliftedhimcarefully.‘Heshouldhavebeenborneinhonourintothiscity,’hesaid.‘Hehaswellrepaidmytrust;forifElrondhadnotyieldedtome,neitherofyouwouldhavesetout;andthenfarmoregrievouswouldtheevilsofthisdayhavebeen.’Hesighed.‘Andyethereisanotherchargeonmyhands,whileallthetime
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thebattlehangsinthebalance.’
SoatlastFaramirandÉowynandMeriadocwerelaidinbedsintheHousesofHealing;andtheretheyweretendedwell.Forthoughalllorewasintheselatterdaysfallenfromitsfullnessofold,theleechcraftofGondorwasstillwise,andskilledinthe
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healingofwoundandhurt,andallsuchsicknessaseastoftheSeamortalmenweresubjectto.Saveoldageonly.Forthattheyhadfoundnocure;andindeedthespanoftheirliveshadnowwanedtolittlemorethanthatofothermen,andthoseamongthemwhopassedthetaleoffivescoreyearswithvigourweregrownfew,saveinsomehousesofpurerblood.But
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nowtheirartandknowledgewerebaffled;forthereweremanysickofamaladythatwouldnotbehealed;andtheycalledittheBlackShadow,foritcamefromtheNazgûl.Andthosewhowerestrickenwithitfellslowlyintoaneverdeeperdream,andthenpassedtosilenceandadeadlycold,andsodied.AnditseemedtothetendersofthesickthatontheHalflingand
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ontheLadyofRohanthismaladylayheavily.Stillatwhilesasthemorningworeawaytheywouldspeak,murmuringintheirdreams;andthewatcherslistenedtoallthattheysaid,hopingperhapstolearnsomethingthatwouldhelpthemtounderstandtheirhurts.Butsoontheybegantofalldownintothedarkness,andasthesunturnedwestagrey
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shadowcreptovertheirfaces.ButFaramirburnedwithafeverthatwouldnotabate.
Gandalfwentfromonetotheotherfullofcare,andhewastoldallthatthewatcherscouldhear.Andsothedaypassed,whilethegreatbattleoutsidewentonwithshiftinghopesandstrangetidings;andstillGandalfwaitedandwatchedanddidnotgoforth;tillatlasttheredsunsetfilled
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allthesky,andthelightthroughthewindowsfellonthegreyfacesofthesick.Thenitseemedtothosewhostoodbythatintheglowthefacesflushedsoftlyaswithhealthreturning,butitwasonlyamockeryofhope.
Thenanoldwife,Ioreth,theeldestofthewomenwhoservedinthathouse,lookingonthefairfaceofFaramir,wept,forallthepeopleloved
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him.Andshesaid:‘Alas!ifheshoulddie.WouldthattherewerekingsinGondor,astherewereonceuponatime,theysay!Foritissaidinoldlore:Thehandsofthekingarethehandsofahealer.Andsotherightfulkingcouldeverbeknown.’
AndGandalf,whostoodby,said:‘Menmaylongrememberyourwords,Ioreth!Forthereishopeinthem.
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MaybeakinghasindeedreturnedtoGondor;orhaveyounotheardthestrangetidingsthathavecometotheCity?’
‘Ihavebeentoobusywiththisandthattoheedallthecryingandshouting,’sheanswered.‘AllIhopeisthatthosemurderingdevilsdonotcometothisHouseandtroublethesick.’
ThenGandalfwentoutin
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haste,andalreadythefireintheskywasburningout,andthesmoulderinghillswerefading,whileash-greyeveningcreptoverthefields.
NowasthesunwentdownAragornandÉomerandImrahildrewneartheCitywiththeircaptainsandknights;andwhentheycamebeforetheGateAragornsaid:
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‘BeholdtheSunsettinginagreatfire!Itisasignoftheendandfallofmanythings,andachangeinthetidesoftheworld.ButthisCityandrealmhasrestedinthechargeoftheStewardsformanylongyears,andIfearthatifIenteritunbidden,thendoubtanddebatemayarise,whichshouldnotbewhilethiswarisfought.Iwillnotenterin,normakeanyclaim,untilit
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beseenwhetherweorMordorshallprevail.Menshallpitchmytentsuponthefield,andhereIwillawaitthewelcomeoftheLordoftheCity.’
ButÉomersaid:‘AlreadyyouhaveraisedthebanneroftheKingsanddisplayedthetokensofElendil’sHouse.Willyousufferthesetobechallenged?’
‘No,’saidAragorn.‘ButI
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deemthetimeunripe;andIhavenomindforstrifeexceptwithourEnemyandhisservants.’
AndthePrinceImrahilsaid:‘Yourwords,lord,arewise,ifonewhoisakinsmanoftheLordDenethormaycounselyouinthismatter.Heisstrong-willedandproud,butold;andhismoodhasbeenstrangesincehissonwasstrickendown.YetI
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wouldnothaveyouremainlikeabeggaratthedoor.’
‘Notabeggar,’saidAragorn.‘SayacaptainoftheRangers,whoareunusedtocitiesandhousesofstone.’Andhecommandedthathisbannershouldbefurled;andhedidofftheStaroftheNorthKingdomandgaveittothekeepingofthesonsofElrond.
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ThenthePrinceImrahilandÉomerofRohanlefthimandpassedthroughtheCityandthetumultofthepeople,andmountedtotheCitadel;andtheycametotheHalloftheTower,seekingtheSteward.Buttheyfoundhischairempty,andbeforethedaislayThéodenKingoftheMarkuponabedofstate;andtwelvetorchesstoodaboutit,andtwelveguards,knights
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bothofRohanandGondor.Andthehangingsofthebedwereofgreenandwhite,butuponthekingwaslaidthegreatclothofgolduptohisbreast,anduponthathisunsheathedsword,andathisfeethisshield.Thelightofthetorchesshimmeredinhiswhitehairlikesuninthesprayofafountain,buthisfacewasfairandyoung,savethatapeacelayonitbeyond
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thereachofyouth;anditseemedthatheslept.
Whentheyhadstoodsilentforatimebesidetheking,Imrahilsaid:‘WhereistheSteward?AndwherealsoisMithrandir?’
Andoneoftheguardsanswered:‘TheStewardofGondorisintheHousesofHealing.’
ButÉomersaid:‘WhereistheLadyÉowyn,mysister;
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forsurelysheshouldbelyingbesidetheking,andinnolesshonour?Wherehavetheybestowedher?’
AndImrahilsaid:‘ButtheLadyÉowynwasyetlivingwhentheyboreherhither.Didyounotknow?’
Thenhopeunlooked-forcamesosuddenlytoÉomer’sheart,andwithitthebiteofcareandfearrenewed,thathesaidnomore,butturnedand
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wentswiftlyfromthehall;andthePrincefollowedhim.Andwhentheycamefortheveninghadfallenandmanystarswereinthesky.AndtherecameGandalfonfootandwithhimonecloakedingrey;andtheymetbeforethedoorsoftheHousesofHealing.AndtheygreetedGandalfandsaid:‘WeseektheSteward,andmensaythatheisinthisHouse.Hasany
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hurtbefallenhim?AndtheLadyÉowyn,whereisshe?’
AndGandalfanswered:‘Shelieswithinandisnotdead,butisneardeath.ButtheLordFaramirwaswoundedbyanevildart,asyouhaveheard,andheisnowtheSteward;forDenethorhasdeparted,andhishouseisinashes.’Andtheywerefilledwithgriefandwonderatthetalethathe
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told.ButImrahilsaid:‘So
victoryisshornofgladness,anditisbitterbought,ifbothGondorandRohanareinonedaybereftoftheirlords.ÉomerrulestheRohirrim.WhoshallruletheCitymeanwhile?ShallwenotsendnowfortheLordAragorn?’
Andthecloakedmanspokeandsaid:‘Heiscome.’
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AndtheysawashesteppedintothelightofthelanternbythedoorthatitwasAragorn,wrappedinthegreycloakofLórienabovehismail,andbearingnoothertokenthanthegreenstoneofGaladriel.‘IhavecomebecauseGandalfbegsmetodoso,’hesaid.‘ButforthepresentIambuttheCaptainoftheDúnedainofArnor;andtheLordofDolAmrothshallrule
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theCityuntilFaramirawakes.ButitismycounselthatGandalfshouldruleusallinthedaysthatfollowandinourdealingswiththeEnemy.’Andtheyagreeduponthat.
ThenGandalfsaid:‘Letusnotstayatthedoor,forthetimeisurgent.Letusenter!ForitisonlyinthecomingofAragornthatanyhoperemainsforthesickthatlieintheHouse.ThusspakeIoreth,
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wise-womanofGondor:Thehandsofthekingarethehandsofahealer,andsoshalltherightfulkingbeknown.’
ThenAragornenteredfirstandtheothersfollowed.AndthereatthedoorweretwoguardsintheliveryoftheCitadel:onetall,buttheotherscarcetheheightofaboy;
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andwhenhesawthemhecriedaloudinsurpriseandjoy.
‘Strider!Howsplendid!Doyouknow,Iguesseditwasyouintheblackships.Buttheywereallshoutingcorsairsandwouldn’tlistentome.Howdidyoudoit?’
Aragornlaughed,andtookthehobbitbythehand.‘Wellmetindeed!’hesaid.‘Butthereisnottimeyetfor
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travellers’tales.’ButImrahilsaidtoÉomer:
‘Isitthusthatwespeaktoourkings?Yetmaybehewillwearhiscrowninsomeothername!’
AndAragornhearinghim,turnedandsaid:‘Verily,forinthehightongueofoldIamElessar,theElfstone,andEnvinyatar,theRenewer’:andheliftedfromhisbreastthegreenstonethatlaythere.
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‘ButStridershallbethenameofmyhouse,ifthatbeeverestablished.Inthehightongueitwillnotsoundsoill,andTelcontarIwillbeandalltheheirsofmybody.’
AndwiththattheypassedintotheHouse;andastheywenttowardstheroomswherethesickweretendedGandalftoldofthedeedsofÉowynandMeriadoc.‘For,’hesaid,‘longhaveIstoodby
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them,andatfirsttheyspokemuchintheirdreaming,beforetheysankintothedeadlydarkness.Alsoitisgiventometoseemanythingsfaroff.’
AragornwentfirsttoFaramir,andthentotheLadyÉowyn,andlasttoMerry.Whenhehadlookedonthefacesofthesickandseentheirhurtshesighed.‘HereImustputforthallsuchpower
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andskillasisgiventome,’hesaid.‘WouldthatElrondwerehere,forheistheeldestofallourrace,andhasthegreaterpower.’
AndÉomerseeingthathewasbothsorrowfulandwearysaid:‘Firstyoumustrest,surely,andattheleasteatalittle?’
ButAragornanswered:‘Nay,forthesethree,andmostsoonforFaramir,time
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isrunningout.Allspeedisneeded.’
ThenhecalledtoIorethandhesaid:‘YouhavestoreinthisHouseoftheherbsofhealing?’
‘Yes,lord,’sheanswered;‘butnotenough,Ireckon,forallthatwillneedthem.ButIamsureIdonotknowwhereweshallfindmore;forallthingsareamissinthesedreadfuldays,whatwithfires
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andburnings,andtheladsthatrunerrandssofew,andalltheroadsblocked.Why,itisdaysoutofcountsinceeveracarriercameinfromLossarnachtothemarket!ButwedoourbestinthisHousewithwhatwehave,asIamsureyourlordshipwillknow.’
‘IwilljudgethatwhenIsee,’saidAragorn.‘Onethingalsoisshort,timefor
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speech.Haveyouathelas?’‘Idonotknow,Iamsure,
lord,’sheanswered,‘atleastnotbythatname.Iwillgoandaskoftheherb-master;heknowsalltheoldnames.’
‘Itisalsocalledkingsfoil,’saidAragorn;‘andmaybeyouknowitbythatname,forsothecountry-folkcallitintheselatterdays.’
‘Ohthat!’saidIoreth.‘Well,ifyourlordshiphad
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nameditatfirstIcouldhavetoldyou.No,wehavenoneofit,Iamsure.Why,Ihaveneverheardthatithadanygreatvirtue;andindeedIhaveoftensaidtomysisterswhenwecameuponitgrowinginthewoods:“kingsfoil”,Isaid,“’tisastrangename,andIwonderwhy’tiscalledso;forifIwereaking,Iwouldhaveplantsmorebrightinmy
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garden”.Stillitsmellssweetwhenbruised,doesitnot?Ifsweetistherightword:wholesome,maybe,isnearer.’
‘Wholesomeverily,’saidAragorn.‘Andnow,dame,ifyoulovetheLordFaramir,runasquickasyourtongueandgetmekingsfoil,ifthereisaleafintheCity.’
‘Andifnot,’saidGandalf,‘IwillridetoLossarnach
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withIorethbehindme,andsheshalltakemetothewoods,butnottohersisters.AndShadowfaxshallshowherthemeaningofhaste.’
WhenIorethwasgone,Aragornbadetheotherwomentomakewaterhot.ThenhetookFaramir’shandinhis,andlaidtheotherhanduponthesickman’sbrow.It
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wasdrenchedwithsweat;butFaramirdidnotmoveormakeanysign,andseemedhardlytobreathe.
‘Heisnearlyspent,’saidAragornturningtoGandalf.‘Butthiscomesnotfromthewound.See!thatishealing.HadhebeensmittenbysomedartoftheNazgûl,asyouthought,hewouldhavediedthatnight.ThishurtwasgivenbysomeSouthron
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arrow,Iwouldguess.Whodrewitforth?Wasitkept?’
‘Idrewitforth,’saidImrahil,‘andstaunchedthewound.ButIdidnotkeepthearrow,forwehadmuchtodo.Itwas,asIremember,justsuchadartastheSouthronsuse.YetIbelievedthatitcamefromtheShadowsabove,forelsehisfeverandsicknesswerenottobeunderstood;sincethewound
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wasnotdeeporvital.Howthendoyoureadthematter?’
‘Weariness,griefforhisfather’smood,awound,andoveralltheBlackBreath,’saidAragorn.‘Heisamanofstaunchwill,foralreadyhehadcomecloseundertheShadowbeforeeverherodetobattleontheout-walls.Slowlythedarkmusthavecreptonhim,evenashefoughtandstrovetoholdhis
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outpost.WouldthatIcouldhavebeenheresooner!’
Thereupontheherb-masterentered.‘Yourlordshipaskedforkingsfoil,astherusticsnameit,’hesaid;‘orathelasinthenobletongue,ortothosewhoknowsomewhatoftheValinorean…’
‘Idoso,’saidAragorn,
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‘andIcarenotwhetheryousaynowasëaaranionorkingsfoil,solongasyouhavesome.’
‘Yourpardonlord!’saidtheman.‘Iseeyouarealore-master,notmerelyacaptainofwar.Butalas!sir,wedonotkeepthisthingintheHousesofHealing,whereonlythegravelyhurtorsickaretended.Forithasnovirtuethatweknowof,save
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perhapstosweetenafouledair,ortodriveawaysomepassingheaviness.Unless,ofcourse,yougiveheedtorhymesofolddayswhichwomensuchasourgoodIorethstillrepeatwithoutunderstanding.
Whentheblackbreathblowsanddeath’sshadowgrows
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andalllightspass,comeathelas!comeathelas!LifetothedyingIntheking’shandlying!
Itisbutadoggrel,Ifear,garbledinthememoryofoldwives.ItsmeaningIleavetoyourjudgement,ifindeedithasany.Butoldfolkstilluseaninfusionoftheherbforheadaches.’
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‘Theninthenameoftheking,goandfindsomeoldmanoflessloreandmorewisdomwhokeepssomeinhishouse!’criedGandalf.
NowAragornkneltbesideFaramir,andheldahanduponhisbrow.Andthosethatwatchedfeltthatsomegreatstrugglewasgoingon.ForAragorn’sfacegrewgrey
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withweariness;andeverandanonhecalledthenameofFaramir,buteachtimemorefaintlytotheirhearing,asifAragornhimselfwasremovedfromthem,andwalkedafarinsomedarkvale,callingforonethatwaslost.
AndatlastBergilcamerunningin,andheboresixleavesinacloth.‘Itiskingsfoil,Sir,’hesaid;‘but
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notfresh,Ifear.Itmusthavebeenculledtwoweeksagoattheleast.Ihopeitwillserve,Sir?’ThenlookingatFaramirheburstintotears.
ButAragornsmiled.‘Itwillserve,’hesaid.‘Theworstisnowover.Stayandbecomforted!’Thentakingtwoleaves,helaidthemonhishandsandbreathedonthem,andthenhecrushedthem,andstraightwaya
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livingfreshnessfilledtheroom,asiftheairitselfawokeandtingled,sparklingwithjoy.Andthenhecasttheleavesintothebowlsofsteamingwaterthatwerebroughttohim,andatonceallheartswerelightened.Forthefragrancethatcametoeachwaslikeamemoryofdewymorningsofunshadowedsuninsomelandofwhichthefairworldin
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springisitselfbutafleetingmemory.ButAragornstoodupasonerefreshed,andhiseyessmiledasheheldabowlbeforeFaramir’sdreamingface.
‘Wellnow!Whowouldhavebelievedit?’saidIorethtoawomanthatstoodbesideher.‘TheweedisbetterthanIthought.ItremindsmeoftherosesofImlothMeluiwhenIwasalass,andnokingcould
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askforbetter.’SuddenlyFaramirstirred,
andheopenedhiseyes,andhelookedonAragornwhobentoverhim;andalightofknowledgeandlovewaskindledinhiseyes,andhespokesoftly.‘Mylord,youcalledme.Icome.Whatdoesthekingcommand?’
‘Walknomoreintheshadows,butawake!’saidAragorn.‘Youareweary.
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Restawhile,andtakefood,andbereadywhenIreturn.’
‘Iwill,lord,’saidFaramir.‘Forwhowouldlieidlewhenthekinghasreturned?’
‘Farewellthenforawhile!’saidAragorn.‘Imustgotootherswhoneedme.’AndheleftthechamberwithGandalfandImrahil;butBeregondandhissonremainedbehind,unabletocontaintheirjoy.Ashe
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followedGandalfandshutthedoorPippinheardIorethexclaim:
‘King!Didyouhearthat?WhatdidIsay?Thehandsofahealer,Isaid.’AndsoonthewordhadgoneoutfromtheHousethatthekingwasindeedcomeamongthem,andafterwarhebroughthealing;andthenewsranthroughtheCity.
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ButAragorncametoÉowyn,andhesaid:‘Herethereisagrievoushurtandaheavyblow.Thearmthatwasbrokenhasbeentendedwithdueskill,anditwillmendintime,ifshehasthestrengthtolive.Itistheshield-armthatismaimed;butthechiefevilcomesthroughthesword-arm.Inthattherenowseemsnolife,althoughitisunbroken.
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‘Alas!Forshewaspittedagainstafoebeyondthestrengthofhermindorbody.Andthosewhowilltakeaweapontosuchanenemymustbesternerthansteel,iftheveryshockshallnotdestroythem.Itwasanevildoomthatsetherinhispath.Forsheisafairmaiden,fairestladyofahouseofqueens.AndyetIknownothowIshouldspeakofher.
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WhenIfirstlookedonherandperceivedherunhappiness,itseemedtomethatIsawawhiteflowerstandingstraightandproud,shapelyasalily,andyetknewthatitwashard,asifwroughtbyelf-wrightsoutofsteel.Orwasit,maybe,afrostthathadturneditssaptoice,andsoitstood,bitter-sweet,stillfairtosee,butstricken,soontofallanddie?
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Hermaladybeginsfarbackbeforethisday,doesitnot,Éomer?’
‘Imarvelthatyoushouldaskme,lord,’heanswered.‘ForIholdyoublamelessinthismatter,asinallelse;yetIknewnotthatÉowyn,mysister,wastouchedbyanyfrost,untilshefirstlookedonyou.Careanddreadshehad,andsharedwithme,inthedaysofWormtongueandthe
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king’sbewitchment;andshetendedthekingingrowingfear.Butthatdidnotbringhertothispass!’
‘Myfriend,’saidGandalf,‘youhadhorses,anddeedsofarms,andthefreefields;butshe,borninthebodyofamaid,hadaspiritandcourageatleastthematchofyours.Yetshewasdoomedtowaituponanoldman,whomshelovedasafather,andwatch
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himfallingintoameandishonoureddotage;andherpartseemedtohermoreignoblethanthatofthestaffheleanedon.
‘ThinkyouthatWormtonguehadpoisononlyforThéoden’sears?Dotard!WhatisthehouseofEorlbutathatchedbarnwherebrigandsdrinkinthereek,andtheirbratsrollontheflooramongtheirdogs?Have
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younotheardthosewordsbefore?Sarumanspokethem,theteacherofWormtongue.ThoughIdonotdoubtthatWormtongueathomewrappedtheirmeaningintermsmorecunning.Mylord,ifyoursister’sloveforyou,andherwillstillbenttoherduty,hadnotrestrainedherlips,youmighthaveheardevensuchthingsastheseescapethem.Butwhoknows
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whatshespoketothedarkness,alone,inthebitterwatchesofthenight,whenallherlifeseemedshrinking,andthewallsofherbowerclosinginabouther,ahutchtotrammelsomewildthingin?’
ThenÉomerwassilent,andlookedonhissister,asifponderinganewallthedaysoftheirpastlifetogether.ButAragornsaid:‘Isawalsowhatyousaw,Éomer.Few
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othergriefsamidtheillchancesofthisworldhavemorebitternessandshameforaman’sheartthantobeholdtheloveofaladysofairandbravethatcannotbereturned.SorrowandpityhavefollowedmeeversinceIleftherdesperateinDunharrowandrodetothePathsoftheDead;andnofearuponthatwaywassopresentasthefearforwhatmightbefallher.
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Andyet,Éomer,Isaytoyouthatshelovesyoumoretrulythanme;foryoushelovesandknows;butinmeshelovesonlyashadowandathought:ahopeofgloryandgreatdeeds,andlandsfarfromthefieldsofRohan.
‘Ihave,maybe,thepowertohealherbody,andtorecallherfromthedarkvalley.Buttowhatshewillawake:hope,orforgetfulness,ordespair,I
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donotknow.Andiftodespair,thenshewilldie,unlessotherhealingcomeswhichIcannotbring.Alas!forherdeedshavesetheramongthequeensofgreatrenown.’
ThenAragornstoopedandlookedinherface,anditwasindeedwhiteasalily,coldasfrost,andhardasgravenstone.Buthebentandkissedheronthebrow,andcalled
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hersoftly,saying:‘ÉowynÉomund’s
daughter,awake!Foryourenemyhaspassedaway!’
Shedidnotstir,butnowshebeganagaintobreathedeeply,sothatherbreastroseandfellbeneaththewhitelinenofthesheet.OncemoreAragornbruisedtwoleavesofathelasandcastthemintosteamingwater;andhelavedherbrowwithit,andherright
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armlyingcoldandnervelessonthecoverlet.
Then,whetherAragornhadindeedsomeforgottenpowerofWesternesse,orwhetheritwasbuthiswordsoftheLadyÉowynthatwroughtonthem,asthesweetinfluenceoftheherbstoleaboutthechamberitseemedtothosewhostoodbythatakeenwindblewthroughthewindow,andit
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borenoscent,butwasanairwhollyfreshandcleanandyoung,asifithadnotbeforebeenbreathedbyanylivingthingandcamenew-madefromsnowymountainshighbeneathadomeofstars,orfromshoresofsilverfarawaywashedbyseasoffoam.
‘Awake,Éowyn,LadyofRohan!’saidAragornagain,andhetookherrighthandinhisandfeltitwarmwithlife
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returning.‘Awake!Theshadowisgoneandalldarknessiswashedclean!’ThenhelaidherhandinÉomer’sandsteppedaway.‘Callher!’hesaid,andhepassedsilentlyfromthechamber.
‘Éowyn,Éowyn!’criedÉomeramidhistears.Butsheopenedhereyesandsaid:‘Éomer!Whatjoyisthis?Fortheysaidthatyouwereslain.
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Nay,butthatwasonlythedarkvoicesinmydream.HowlonghaveIbeendreaming?’
‘Notlong,mysister,’saidÉomer.‘Butthinknomoreonit!’
‘Iamstrangelyweary,’shesaid.‘Imustrestalittle.Buttellme,whatoftheLordoftheMark?Alas!Donottellmethatthatwasadream;forIknowthatitwasnot.He
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isdeadasheforesaw.’‘Heisdead,’saidÉomer,
‘buthebademesayfarewelltoÉowyn,dearerthandaughter.HeliesnowingreathonourintheCitadelofGondor.’
‘Thatisgrievous,’shesaid.‘AndyetitisgoodbeyondallthatIdaredhopeinthedarkdays,whenitseemedthattheHouseofEorlwassunkinhonourlessthan
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anyshepherd’scot.Andwhatoftheking’sesquire,theHalfling?Éomer,youshallmakehimaknightoftheRiddermark,forheisvaliant!’
‘HeliesnearbyinthisHouse,andIwillgotohim,’saidGandalf.‘Éomershallstayhereforawhile.Butdonotspeakyetofwarorwoe,untilyouaremadewholeagain.Greatgladnessitisto
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seeyouwakeagaintohealthandhope,sovaliantalady!’
‘Tohealth?’saidÉowyn.‘Itmaybeso.AtleastwhilethereisanemptysaddleofsomefallenRiderthatIcanfill,andtherearedeedstodo.Buttohope?Idonotknow.’
GandalfandPippincametoMerry’sroom,andtheretheyfoundAragornstanding
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bythebed.‘PooroldMerry!’criedPippin,andherantothebedside,foritseemedtohimthathisfriendlookedworseandagreynesswasinhisface,asifaweightofyearsofsorrowlayonhim;andsuddenlyafearseizedPippinthatMerrywoulddie.
‘Donotbeafraid,’saidAragorn.‘Icameintime,andIhavecalledhimback.Heiswearynow,andgrieved,and
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hehastakenahurtliketheLadyÉowyn,daringtosmitethatdeadlything.Buttheseevilscanbeamended,sostrongandgayaspiritisinhim.Hisgriefhewillnotforget;butitwillnotdarkenhisheart,itwillteachhimwisdom.’
ThenAragornlaidhishandonMerry’shead,andpassinghishandgentlythroughthebrowncurls,he
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touchedtheeyelids,andcalledhimbyname.Andwhenthefragranceofathelasstolethroughtheroom,likethescentoforchards,andofheatherinthesunshinefullofbees,suddenlyMerryawoke,andhesaid:
‘Iamhungry.Whatisthetime?’
‘Pastsupper-timenow,’saidPippin;‘thoughIdaresayIcouldbringyousomething,
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iftheywillletme.’‘Theywillindeed,’said
Gandalf.‘AndanythingelsethatthisRiderofRohanmaydesire,ifitcanbefoundinMinasTirith,wherehisnameisinhonour.’
‘Good!’saidMerry.‘ThenIwouldlikesupperfirst,andafterthatapipe.’Atthathisfaceclouded.‘No,notapipe.Idon’tthinkI’llsmokeagain.’
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‘Whynot?’saidPippin.‘Well,’answeredMerry
slowly.‘Heisdead.Ithasbroughtitallbacktome.Hesaidhewassorryhehadneverhadachanceoftalkingherb-lorewithme.Almostthelastthingheeversaid.Ishan’teverbeabletosmokeagainwithoutthinkingofhim,andthatday,Pippin,whenherodeuptoIsengardandwassopolite.’
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‘Smokethen,andthinkofhim!’saidAragorn.‘Forhewasagentleheartandagreatkingandkepthisoaths;andheroseoutoftheshadowstoalastfairmorning.Thoughyourservicetohimwasbrief,itshouldbeamemorygladandhonourabletotheendofyourdays.’
Merrysmiled.‘Wellthen,’hesaid,‘ifStriderwillprovidewhatisneeded,Iwill
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smokeandthink.IhadsomeofSaruman’sbestinmypack,butwhatbecameofitinthebattle,IamsureIdon’tknow.’
‘MasterMeriadoc,’saidAragorn,‘ifyouthinkthatIhavepassedthroughthemountainsandtherealmofGondorwithfireandswordtobringherbstoacarelesssoldierwhothrowsawayhisgear,youaremistaken.If
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yourpackhasnotbeenfound,thenyoumustsendfortheherb-masterofthisHouse.Andhewilltellyouthathedidnotknowthattheherbyoudesirehadanyvirtues,butthatitiscalledwest-mansweedbythevulgar,andgalenasbythenoble,andothernamesinothertonguesmorelearned,andafteraddingafewhalf-forgottenrhymesthathedoesnot
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understand,hewillregretfullyinformyouthatthereisnoneintheHouse,andhewillleaveyoutoreflectonthehistoryoftongues.AndsonowmustI.ForIhavenotsleptinsuchabedasthis,sinceIrodefromDunharrow,noreatensincethedarkbeforedawn.’
Merryseizedhishandandkissedit.‘Iamfrightfullysorry,’hesaid.‘Goatonce!
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EversincethatnightatBreewehavebeenanuisancetoyou.Butitisthewayofmypeopletouselightwordsatsuchtimesandsaylessthantheymean.Wefeartosaytoomuch.Itrobsusoftherightwordswhenajestisoutofplace.’
‘Iknowthatwell,orIwouldnotdealwithyouinthesameway,’saidAragorn.‘MaytheShireliveforever
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unwithered!’AndkissingMerryhewentout,andGandalfwentwithhim.
Pippinremainedbehind.‘Wasthereeveranyonelikehim?’hesaid.‘ExceptGandalf,ofcourse.Ithinktheymustberelated.Mydearass,yourpackislyingbyyourbed,andyouhaditonyourbackwhenImetyou.
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Hesawitallthetime,ofcourse.AndanywayIhavesomestuffofmyown.Comeonnow!LongbottomLeafitis.FillupwhileIrunandseeaboutsomefood.Andthenlet’sbeeasyforabit.Dearme!WeTooksandBrandybucks,wecan’tlivelongontheheights.’
‘No,’saidMerry.‘Ican’t.Notyet,atanyrate.Butatleast,Pippin,wecannowsee
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them,andhonourthem.Itisbesttolovefirstwhatyouarefittedtolove,Isuppose:youmuststartsomewhereandhavesomeroots,andthesoiloftheShireisdeep.Stilltherearethingsdeeperandhigher;andnotagaffercouldtendhisgardeninwhathecallspeacebutforthem,whetherheknowsaboutthemornot.IamgladthatIknowaboutthem,alittle.ButI
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don’tknowwhyIamtalkinglikethis.Whereisthatleaf?Andgetmypipeoutofmypack,ifitisn’tbroken.’
AragornandGandalfwentnowtotheWardenoftheHousesofHealing,andtheycounselledhimthatFaramirandÉowynshouldremainthereandstillbetendedwithcareformany
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days.‘TheLadyÉowyn,’said
Aragorn,‘willwishsoontoriseanddepart;butsheshouldnotbepermittedtodoso,ifyoucaninanywayrestrainher,untilatleasttendaysbepassed.’
‘AsforFaramir,’saidGandalf,‘hemustsoonlearnthathisfatherisdead.ButthefulltaleofthemadnessofDenethorshouldnotbetold
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tohim,untilheisquitehealedandhasdutiestodo.SeethatBeregondandtheperianwhowerepresentdonotspeaktohimofthesethingsyet!’
‘Andtheotherperian,Meriadoc,whoisundermycare,whatofhim?’saidtheWarden.
‘Itislikelythathewillbefittoarisetomorrow,forashortwhile,’saidAragorn.
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‘Lethimdoso,ifhewishes.Hemaywalkalittleinthecareofhisfriends.’
‘Theyarearemarkablerace,’saidtheWarden,noddinghishead.‘Verytoughinthefibre,Ideem.’
AtthedoorsoftheHousesmanywerealreadygatheredtoseeAragorn,andtheyfollowedafterhim;and
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whenatlasthehadsupped,mencameandprayedthathewouldhealtheirkinsmenortheirfriendswhoseliveswereinperilthroughhurtorwound,orwholayundertheBlackShadow.AndAragornaroseandwentout,andhesentforthesonsofElrond,andtogethertheylabouredfarintothenight.AndwordwentthroughtheCity:‘TheKingiscomeagainindeed.’And
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theynamedhimElfstone,becauseofthegreenstonethathewore,andsothenamewhichitwasforetoldathisbirththatheshouldbearwaschosenforhimbyhisownpeople.
Andwhenhecouldlabournomore,hecasthiscloakabouthim,andslippedoutoftheCity,andwenttohistentjusteredawnandsleptforalittle.Andinthemorningthe
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bannerofDolAmroth,awhiteshiplikeaswanuponbluewater,floatedfromtheTower,andmenlookedupandwonderedifthecomingoftheKinghadbeenbutadream.
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Chapter9
THELASTDEBATE
Themorningcameafterthedayofbattle,anditwasfairwithlightcloudsandthewindturningwestward.
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LegolasandGimliwereearlyabroad,andtheybeggedleavetogoupintotheCity;fortheywereeagertoseeMerryandPippin.
‘Itisgoodtolearnthattheyarestillalive,’saidGimli;‘fortheycostusgreatpainsinourmarchoverRohan,andIwouldnothavesuchpainsallwasted.’
TogethertheElfandtheDwarfenteredMinasTirith,
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andfolkthatsawthempassmarvelledtoseesuchcompanions;forLegolaswasfairoffacebeyondthemeasureofMen,andhesanganelven-songinaclearvoiceashewalkedinthemorning;butGimlistalkedbesidehim,strokinghisbeardandstaringabouthim.
‘Thereissomegoodstone-workhere,’hesaidashelookedatthewalls;‘but
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alsosomethatislessgood,andthestreetscouldbebettercontrived.WhenAragorncomesintohisown,IshallofferhimtheserviceofstonewrightsoftheMountain,andwewillmakethisatowntobeproudof.’
‘Theyneedmoregardens,’saidLegolas.‘Thehousesaredead,andthereistoolittleherethatgrowsandisglad.IfAragorncomesinto
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hisown,thepeopleoftheWoodshallbringhimbirdsthatsingandtreesthatdonotdie.’
AtlengththeycametothePrinceImrahil,andLegolaslookedathimandbowedlow;forhesawthathereindeedwasonewhohadelven-bloodinhisveins.‘Hail,lord!’hesaid.‘Itis
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longsincethepeopleofNimrodelleftthewoodlandsofLórien,andyetstillonemayseethatnotallsailedfromAmroth’shavenwestoverwater.’
‘Soitissaidintheloreofmyland,’saidthePrince;‘yetneverhasoneofthefairfolkbeenseenthereforyearsbeyondcount.AndImarveltoseeoneherenowinthemidstofsorrowandwar.
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Whatdoyouseek?’‘IamoneoftheNine
CompanionswhosetoutwithMithrandirfromImladris,’saidLegolas;‘andwiththisDwarf,myfriend,IcamewiththeLordAragorn.Butnowwewishtoseeourfriends,MeriadocandPeregrin,whoareinyourkeeping,wearetold.’
‘YouwillfindthemintheHousesofHealing,andIwill
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leadyouthither,’saidImrahil.
‘Itwillbeenoughifyousendonetoguideus,lord,’saidLegolas.‘ForAragornsendsthismessagetoyou.HedoesnotwishtoentertheCityagainatthistime.Yetthereisneedforthecaptainstoholdcouncilatonce,andhepraysthatyouandÉomerofRohanwillcomedowntohistents,assoonasmaybe.
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Mithrandirisalreadythere.’‘Wewillcome,’said
Imrahil;andtheypartedwithcourteouswords.
‘Thatisafairlordandagreatcaptainofmen,’saidLegolas.‘IfGondorhassuchmenstillinthesedaysoffading,greatmusthavebeenitsgloryinthedaysofitsrising.’
‘Anddoubtlessthegoodstone-workistheolderand
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waswroughtinthefirstbuilding,’saidGimli.‘ItiseversowiththethingsthatMenbegin:thereisafrostinSpring,orablightinSummer,andtheyfailoftheirpromise.’
‘Yetseldomdotheyfailoftheirseed,’saidLegolas.‘Andthatwilllieinthedustandrottospringupagainintimesandplacesunlooked-for.ThedeedsofMenwill
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outlastus,Gimli.’‘Andyetcometonaught
intheendbutmight-have-beens,Iguess,’saidtheDwarf.
‘TothattheElvesknownottheanswer,’saidLegolas.
WiththattheservantofthePrincecameandledthemtotheHousesofHealing;andtheretheyfoundtheirfriends
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inthegarden,andtheirmeetingwasamerryone.Forawhiletheywalkedandtalked,rejoicingforabriefspaceinpeaceandrestunderthemorninghighupinthewindycirclesoftheCity.ThenwhenMerrybecameweary,theywentandsatuponthewallwiththegreenswardoftheHousesofHealingbehindthem;andawaysouthwardbeforethem
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wastheAnduinglitteringinthesun,asitflowedaway,outofthesightevenofLegolas,intothewideflatsandgreenhazeofLebenninandSouthIthilien.
AndnowLegolasfellsilent,whiletheotherstalked,andhelookedoutagainstthesun,andashegazedhesawwhitesea-birdsbeatinguptheRiver.
‘Look!’hecried.‘Gulls!
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Theyareflyingfarinland.Awondertheyaretomeandatroubletomyheart.NeverinallmylifehadImetthem,untilwecametoPelargir,andthereIheardthemcryingintheairaswerodetothebattleoftheships.ThenIstoodstill,forgettingwarinMiddle-earth;fortheirwailingvoicesspoketomeoftheSea.TheSea!Alas!Ihavenotyetbeheldit.But
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deepintheheartsofallmykindredliesthesea-longing,whichitisperiloustostir.Alas!forthegulls.NopeaceshallIhaveagainunderbeechorunderelm.’
‘Saynotso!’saidGimli.‘TherearecountlessthingsstilltoseeinMiddle-earth,andgreatworkstodo.ButifallthefairfolktaketotheHavens,itwillbeadullerworldforthosewhoare
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doomedtostay.’‘Dullanddrearyindeed!’
saidMerry.‘YoumustnotgototheHavens,Legolas.Therewillalwaysbesomefolk,bigorlittle,andevenafewwisedwarveslikeGimli,whoneedyou.AtleastIhopeso.ThoughIfeelsomehowthattheworstofthiswarisstilltocome.HowIwishitwasallover,andwellover!’
‘Don’tbesogloomy!’
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criedPippin.‘TheSunisshining,andherewearetogetherforadayortwoatleast.Iwanttohearmoreaboutyouall.Come,Gimli!YouandLegolashavementionedyourstrangejourneywithStrideraboutadozentimesalreadythismorning.Butyouhaven’ttoldmeanythingaboutit.’
‘TheSunmayshinehere,’saidGimli,‘butthereare
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memoriesofthatroadthatIdonotwishtorecalloutofthedarkness.HadIknownwhatwasbeforeme,IthinkthatnotforanyfriendshipwouldIhavetakenthePathsoftheDead.’
‘ThePathsoftheDead?’saidPippin.‘IheardAragornsaythat,andIwonderedwhathecouldmean.Won’tyoutellussomemore?’
‘Notwillingly,’said
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Gimli.‘ForuponthatroadIwasputtoshame:GimliGlóin’sson,whohaddeemedhimselfmoretoughthanMen,andhardierunderearththananyElf.ButneitherdidIprove;andIwasheldtotheroadonlybythewillofAragorn.’
‘Andbytheloveofhimalso,’saidLegolas.‘Forallthosewhocometoknowhimcometolovehimaftertheir
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ownfashion,eventhecoldmaidenoftheRohirrim.Itwasatearlymornofthedayereyoucamethere,Merry,thatweleftDunharrow,andsuchafearwasonallthefolkthatnonewouldlookonourgoing,savetheLadyÉowyn,wholiesnowhurtintheHousebelow.Therewasgriefatthatparting,andIwasgrievedtobeholdit.’
‘Alas!Ihadheartonlyfor
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myself,’saidGimli.‘Nay!Iwillnotspeakofthatjourney.’
Hefellsilent;butPippinandMerryweresoeagerfornewsthatatlastLegolassaid:‘Iwilltellyouenoughforyourpeace;forIfeltnotthehorror,andIfearednottheshadowsofMen,powerlessandfrailasIdeemedthem.’
Swiftlythenhetoldofthehauntedroadunderthe
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mountains,andthedarktrystatErech,andthegreatridethence,ninetyleaguesandthree,toPelargironAnduin.‘Fourdaysandnights,andonintoafifth,werodefromtheBlackStone,’hesaid.‘Andlo!inthedarknessofMordormyhoperose;forinthatgloomtheShadowHostseemedtogrowstrongerandmoreterribletolookupon.SomeIsawriding,some
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striding,yetallmovingwiththesamegreatspeed.Silenttheywere,buttherewasagleamintheireyes.IntheuplandsofLamedontheyovertookourhorses,andsweptroundus,andwouldhavepassedusby,ifAragornhadnotforbiddenthem.
‘Athiscommandtheyfellback.“EventheshadesofMenareobedienttohiswill,”Ithought.“Theymayserve
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hisneedsyet!”‘Onedayoflightwerode,
andthencamethedaywithoutdawn,andstillwerodeon,andCirilandRinglówecrossed;andonthethirddaywecametoLinhirabovethemouthofGilrain.AndtheremenofLamedoncontestedthefordswithfellfolkofUmbarandHaradwhohadsaileduptheriver.Butdefendersandfoesalikegave
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upthebattleandfledwhenwecame,cryingoutthattheKingoftheDeadwasuponthem.OnlyAngbor,LordofLamedon,hadthehearttoabideus;andAragornbadehimgatherhisfolkandcomebehind,iftheydared,whentheGreyHosthadpassed.
‘“AtPelargirtheHeirofIsildurwillhaveneedofyou,”hesaid.
‘Thuswecrossedover
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Gilrain,drivingthealliesofMordorinroutbeforeus;andthenwerestedawhile.ButsoonAragornarose,saying:“Lo!alreadyMinasTirithisassailed.Ifearthatitwillfallerewecometoitsaid.”SowemountedagainbeforenighthadpassedandwentonwithallthespeedthatourhorsescouldendureovertheplainsofLebennin.’
Legolaspausedand
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sighed,andturninghiseyessouthwardsoftlyhesang:
SilverflowthestreamsfromCelostoEruiInthegreenfieldsofLebennin!Tallgrowsthegrassthere.InthewindfromtheSeaThewhiteliliessway,Andthegoldenbellsareshakenofmallosand
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alfirinInthegreenfieldsofLebennin,InthewindfromtheSea!
‘Greenarethosefieldsinthesongsofmypeople;buttheyweredarkthen,greywastesintheblacknessbeforeus.Andoverthewideland,tramplingunheededthegrassandtheflowers,wehuntedourfoesthroughaday
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andanight,untilwecameatthebitterendtotheGreatRiveratlast.
‘ThenIthoughtinmyheartthatwedrewneartotheSea;forwidewasthewaterinthedarkness,andsea-birdsinnumerablecriedonitsshores.Alasforthewailingofthegulls!DidnottheLadytellmetobewareofthem?AndnowIcannotforgetthem.’
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‘FormypartIheededthemnot,’saidGimli;‘forwecamethenatlastuponbattleinearnest.ThereatPelargirlaythemainfleetofUmbar,fiftygreatshipsandsmallervesselsbeyondcount.Manyofthosethatwepursuedhadreachedthehavensbeforeus,andbroughttheirfearwiththem;andsomeoftheshipshadputoff,seekingtoescapedowntheRiverortoreach
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thefarshore;andmanyofthesmallercraftwereablaze.ButtheHaradrim,beingnowdriventothebrink,turnedatbay,andtheywerefierceindespair;andtheylaughedwhentheylookedonus,fortheywereagreatarmystill.
‘ButAragornhaltedandcriedwithagreatvoice:“Nowcome!BytheBlackStoneIcallyou!”AndsuddenlytheShadowHost
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thathadhungbackatthelastcameuplikeagreytide,sweepingallawaybeforeit.FaintcriesIheard,anddimhornsblowing,andamurmurasofcountlessfarvoices:itwasliketheechoofsomeforgottenbattleintheDarkYearslongago.Paleswordsweredrawn;butIknownotwhethertheirbladeswouldstillbite,fortheDeadneedednolongeranyweaponbut
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fear.Nonewouldwithstandthem.
‘Toeveryshiptheycamethatwasdrawnup,andthentheypassedoverthewatertothosethatwereanchored;andallthemarinerswerefilledwithamadnessofterrorandleapedoverboard,savetheslaveschainedtotheoars.Recklesswerodeamongourfleeingfoes,drivingthemlikeleaves,untilwecametothe
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shore.AndthentoeachofthegreatshipsthatremainedAragornsentoneoftheDúnedain,andtheycomfortedthecaptivesthatwereaboard,andbadethemputasidefearandbefree.
‘Erethatdarkdayendednoneoftheenemywerelefttoresistus;allweredrowned,orwereflyingsouthinthehopetofindtheirownlandsuponfoot.Strangeand
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wonderfulIthoughtitthatthedesignsofMordorshouldbeoverthrownbysuchwraithsoffearanddarkness.Withitsownweaponswasitworsted!’
‘Strangeindeed,’saidLegolas.‘InthathourIlookedonAragornandthoughthowgreatandterribleaLordhemighthavebecomeinthestrengthofhiswill,hadhetakentheRingto
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himself.NotfornaughtdoesMordorfearhim.ButnoblerishisspiritthantheunderstandingofSauron;forishenotofthechildrenofLúthien?Nevershallthatlinefail,thoughtheyearsmaylengthenbeyondcount.’
‘BeyondtheeyesoftheDwarvesaresuchforetellings,’saidGimli.‘ButmightyindeedwasAragornthatday.Lo!alltheblack
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fleetwasinhishands;andhechosethegreatestshiptobehisown,andhewentupintoit.Thenheletsoundagreatconcourseoftrumpetstakenfromtheenemy;andtheShadowHostwithdrewtotheshore.Theretheystoodsilent,hardlytobeseen,saveforaredgleamintheireyesthatcaughttheglareoftheshipsthatwereburning.AndAragornspokeinaloudvoice
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totheDeadMen,crying:‘“Hearnowthewordsof
theHeirofIsildur!Youroathisfulfilled.Gobackandtroublenotthevalleyseveragain!Departandbeatrest!”
‘AndthereupontheKingoftheDeadstoodoutbeforethehostandbrokehisspearandcastitdown.Thenhebowedlowandturnedaway;andswiftlythewholegreyhostdrewoffandvanished
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likeamistthatisdrivenbackbyasuddenwind;anditseemedtomethatIawokefromadream.
‘Thatnightwerestedwhileotherslaboured.Forthereweremanycaptivessetfree,andmanyslavesreleasedwhohadbeenfolkofGondortakeninraids;andsoonalsotherewasagreatgatheringofmenoutofLebenninandtheEthir,and
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AngborofLamedoncameupwithallthehorsementhathecouldmuster.NowthatthefearoftheDeadwasremovedtheycametoaidusandtolookontheHeirofIsildur;fortherumourofthatnamehadrunlikefireinthedark.
‘Andthatisneartheendofourtale.Forduringthateveningandnightmanyshipsweremadereadyandmanned;andinthemorning
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thefleetsetforth.Longpastitnowseems,yetitwasbutthemornofthedayereyesterday,thesixthsincewerodefromDunharrow.ButstillAragornwasdrivenbyfearthattimewastooshort.
‘“ItisfortyleaguesandtwofromPelargirtothelandingsattheHarlond,”hesaid.“YettotheHarlondwemustcometomorroworfailutterly.”
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‘Theoarswerenowwieldedbyfreemen,andmanfullytheylaboured;yetslowlywepasseduptheGreatRiver,forwestroveagainstitsstream,andthoughthatisnotswiftdownintheSouth,wehadnohelpofwind.Heavywouldmyhearthavebeen,forallourvictoryatthehavens,ifLegolashadnotlaughedsuddenly.
‘“Upwithyourbeard,
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Durin’sson!”hesaid.“Forthusisitspoken:Ofthopeisborn,whenallisforlorn.”Butwhathopehesawfromafarhewouldnottell.Whennightcameitdidbutdeepenthedarkness,andourheartswerehot,forawayintheNorthwesawaredglowunderthecloud,andAragornsaid:“MinasTirithisburning.”
‘Butatmidnighthopewas
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indeedbornanew.Sea-craftymenoftheEthirgazingsouthwardspokeofachangecomingwithafreshwindfromtheSea.Longeredaythemastedshipshoistedsail,andourspeedgrew,untildawnwhitenedthefoamatourprows.Andsoitwas,asyouknow,thatwecameinthethirdhourofthemorningwithafairwindandtheSununveiled,andweunfurledthe
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greatstandardinbattle.Itwasagreatdayandagreathour,whatevermaycomeafter.’
‘Followwhatmay,greatdeedsarenotlessenedinworth,’saidLegolas.‘GreatdeedwastheridingofthePathsoftheDead,andgreatitshallremain,thoughnonebeleftinGondortosingofitinthedaysthataretocome.’
‘Andthatmaywellbefall,’saidGimli.‘Forthe
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facesofAragornandGandalfaregrave.MuchIwonderwhatcounselstheyaretakinginthetentstherebelow.Formypart,likeMerry,Iwishthatwithourvictorythewarwasnowover.Yetwhateverisstilltodo,Ihopetohaveapartinit,forthehonourofthefolkoftheLonelyMountain.’
‘AndIforthefolkoftheGreatWood,’saidLegolas,
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‘andfortheloveoftheLordoftheWhiteTree.’
Thenthecompanionsfellsilent,butawhiletheysatthereinthehighplace,eachbusywithhisownthoughts,whiletheCaptainsdebated.
WhenthePrinceImrahilhadpartedfromLegolasandGimli,atoncehesentforÉomer;andhewentdown
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withhimfromtheCity,andtheycametothetentsofAragornthatweresetuponthefieldnotfarfromtheplacewhereKingThéodenhadfallen.AndtheretheytookcounseltogetherwithGandalfandAragornandthesonsofElrond.
‘Mylords,’saidGandalf,‘listentothewordsoftheStewardofGondorbeforehedied:Youmaytriumphonthe
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fieldsofthePelennorforaday,butagainstthePowerthathasnowarisenthereisnovictory.Idonotbidyoudespair,ashedid,buttoponderthetruthinthesewords.
‘TheStonesofSeeingdonotlie,andnoteventheLordofBarad-dûrcanmakethemdoso.Hecan,maybe,byhiswillchoosewhatthingsshallbeseenbyweakerminds,or
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causethemtomistakethemeaningofwhattheysee.NonethelessitcannotbedoubtedthatwhenDenethorsawgreatforcesarrayedagainsthiminMordor,andmorestillbeinggathered,hesawthatwhichtrulyis.
‘Hardlyhasourstrengthsufficedtobeatoffthefirstgreatassault.Thenextwillbegreater.Thiswartheniswithoutfinalhope,as
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Denethorperceived.Victorycannotbeachievedbyarms,whetheryousitheretoenduresiegeaftersiege,ormarchouttobeoverwhelmedbeyondtheRiver.Youhaveonlyachoiceofevils;andprudencewouldcounselyoutostrengthensuchstrongplacesasyouhave,andthereawaittheonset;forsoshallthetimebeforeyourendbemadealittlelonger.’
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‘ThenyouwouldhaveusretreattoMinasTirith,orDolAmroth,ortoDunharrow,andtheresitlikechildrenonsand-castleswhenthetideisflowing?’saidImrahil.
‘Thatwouldbenonewcounsel,’saidGandalf.‘HaveyounotdonethisandlittlemoreinallthedaysofDenethor?Butno!Isaidthiswouldbeprudent.Idonotcounselprudence.Isaid
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victorycouldnotbeachievedbyarms.Istillhopeforvictory,butnotbyarms.ForintothemidstofallthesepoliciescomestheRingofPower,thefoundationofBarad-dûr,andthehopeofSauron.
‘Concerningthisthing,mylords,younowallknowenoughfortheunderstandingofourplight,andofSauron’s.Ifheregainsit,yourvalouris
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vain,andhisvictorywillbeswiftandcomplete:socompletethatnonecanforeseetheendofitwhilethisworldlasts.Ifitisdestroyed,thenhewillfall;andhisfallwillbesolowthatnonecanforeseehisarisingeveragain.Forhewilllosethebestpartofthestrengththatwasnativetohiminhisbeginning,andallthatwasmadeorbegunwiththat
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powerwillcrumble,andhewillbemaimedforever,becomingamerespiritofmalicethatgnawsitselfintheshadows,butcannotagaingrowortakeshape.Andsoagreatevilofthisworldwillberemoved.
‘Otherevilstherearethatmaycome;forSauronishimselfbutaservantoremissary.Yetitisnotourparttomasterallthetidesof
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theworld,buttodowhatisinusforthesuccourofthoseyearswhereinweareset,uprootingtheevilinthefieldsthatweknow,sothatthosewholiveaftermayhavecleanearthtotill.Whatweathertheyshallhaveisnotourstorule.
‘NowSauronknowsallthis,andheknowsthatthispreciousthingwhichhelosthasbeenfoundagain;buthe
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doesnotyetknowwhereitis,orsowehope.Andthereforeheisnowingreatdoubt.Forifwehavefoundthisthing,therearesomeamonguswithstrengthenoughtowieldit.Thattooheknows.FordoInotguessrightly,Aragorn,thatyouhaveshownyourselftohimintheStoneofOrthanc?’
‘IdidsoereIrodefromtheHornburg,’answered
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Aragorn.‘Ideemedthatthetimewasripe,andthattheStonehadcometomeforjustsuchapurpose.ItwasthentendayssincetheRing-bearerwenteastfromRauros,andtheEyeofSauron,Ithought,shouldbedrawnoutfromhisownland.TooseldomhashebeenchallengedsincehereturnedtohisTower.ThoughifIhadforeseenhowswiftwouldbe
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hisonsetinanswer,maybeIshouldnothavedaredtoshowmyself.Baretimewasgivenmetocometoyouraid.’
‘Buthowisthis?’askedÉomer.‘Allisvain,yousay,ifhehastheRing.Whyshouldhethinkitnotvaintoassailus,ifwehaveit?’
‘Heisnotyetsure,’saidGandalf,‘andhehasnotbuiltuphispowerbywaitinguntil
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hisenemiesaresecure,aswehavedone.Alsowecouldnotlearnhowtowieldthefullpowerallinaday.Indeeditcanbeusedonlybyonemasteralone,notbymany;andhewilllookforatimeofstrife,ereoneofthegreatamongusmakeshimselfmasterandputsdowntheothers.InthattimetheRingmightaidhim,ifheweresudden.
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‘Heiswatching.Heseesmuchandhearsmuch.HisNazgûlarestillabroad.Theypassedoverthisfielderethesunrise,thoughfewofthewearyandsleepingwereawareofthem.Hestudiesthesigns:theSwordthatrobbedhimofhistreasurere-made;thewindsoffortuneturninginourfavour,andthedefeatunlooked-forofhisfirstassault;thefallofhisgreat
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Captain.‘Hisdoubtwillbe
growing,evenaswespeakhere.HisEyeisnowstrainingtowardsus,blindalmosttoallelsethatismoving.Sowemustkeepit.Thereinliesallourhope.This,then,ismycounsel.WehavenottheRing.Inwisdomorgreatfollyithasbeensentawaytobedestroyed,lestitdestroyus.Withoutitwecannotby
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forcedefeathisforce.ButwemustatallcostskeephisEyefromhistrueperil.Wecannotachievevictorybyarms,butbyarmswecangivetheRing-bearerhisonlychance,frailthoughitbe.
‘AsAragornhasbegun,sowemustgoon.WemustpushSaurontohislastthrow.Wemustcallouthishiddenstrength,sothatheshallemptyhisland.Wemust
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marchouttomeethimatonce.Wemustmakeourselvesthebait,thoughhisjawsshouldcloseonus.Hewilltakethatbait,inhopeandingreed,forhewillthinkthatinsuchrashnessheseestheprideofthenewRinglord:andhewillsay:“So!hepushesouthisnecktoosoonandtoofar.Lethimcomeon,andbeholdIwillhavehiminatrapfromwhichhecannot
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escape.ThereIwillcrushhim,andwhathehastakeninhisinsolenceshallbemineagainforever.”
‘Wemustwalkopen-eyedintothattrap,withcourage,butsmallhopeforourselves.For,mylords,itmaywellprovethatweourselvesshallperishutterlyinablackbattlefarfromthelivinglands;sothatevenifBarad-dûrbethrowndown,weshallnot
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livetoseeanewage.Butthis,Ideem,isourduty.Andbettersothantoperishnonetheless–aswesurelyshall,ifwesithere–andknowaswediethatnonewageshallbe.’
Theyweresilentforawhile.AtlengthAragornspoke.‘AsIhavebegun,soIwillgoon.Wecomenowto
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theverybrink,wherehopeanddespairareakin.Towaveristofall.LetnonenowrejectthecounselsofGandalf,whoselonglaboursagainstSauroncomeatlasttotheirtest.Butforhimallwouldlongagohavebeenlost.NonethelessIdonotyetclaimtocommandanyman.Letotherschooseastheywill.’
ThensaidElrohir:‘From
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theNorthwecamewiththispurpose,andfromElrondourfatherwebroughtthisverycounsel.Wewillnotturnback.’
‘Asformyself,’saidÉomer,‘Ihavelittleknowledgeofthesedeepmatters;butIneeditnot.ThisIknow,anditisenough,thatasmyfriendAragornsuccouredmeandmypeople,soIwillaidhimwhenhe
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calls.Iwillgo.’‘Asforme,’saidImrahil,
‘theLordAragornIholdtobemyliege-lord,whetherheclaimitorno.Hiswishistomeacommand.Iwillgoalso.YetforawhileIstandintheplaceoftheStewardofGondor,anditisminetothinkfirstofitspeople.Toprudencesomeheedmuststillbegiven.Forwemustprepareagainstallchances,
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goodaswellasevil.Now,itmaybethatweshalltriumph,andwhilethereisanyhopeofthis,Gondormustbeprotected.IwouldnothaveusreturnwithvictorytoaCityinruinsandalandravagedbehindus.AndyetwelearnfromtheRohirrimthatthereisanarmystillunfoughtuponournorthernflank.’
‘Thatistrue,’said
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Gandalf.‘IdonotcounselyoutoleavetheCityallunmanned.IndeedtheforcethatweleadeastneednotbegreatenoughforanyassaultinearnestuponMordor,solongasitbegreatenoughtochallengebattle.Anditmustmovesoon.ThereforeIasktheCaptains:whatforcecouldwemusterandleadoutintwodays’timeatthelatest?Andtheymustbe
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hardymenthatgowillingly,knowingtheirperil.’
‘Allareweary,andverymanyhavewoundslightorgrievous,’saidÉomer,‘andwehavesufferedmuchlossofourhorses,andthatisilltobear.Ifwemustridesoon,thenIcannothopetoleadeventwothousands,andyetleaveasmanyforthedefenceoftheCity.’
‘Wehavenotonlyto
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reckonwiththosewhofoughtonthisfield,’saidAragorn.‘Newstrengthisonthewayfromthesouthernfiefs,nowthatthecoastshavebeenrid.FourthousandsIsentmarchingfromPelargirthroughLossarnachtwodaysago;andAngborthefearlessridesbeforethem.Ifwesetoutintwodaysmore,theywilldrawnigherewedepart.Moreovermanywerebidden
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tofollowmeuptheRiverinanycrafttheycouldgather;andwiththiswindtheywillsoonbeathand,indeedseveralshipshavealreadycometotheHarlond.Ijudgethatwecouldleadoutseventhousandsofhorseandfoot,andyetleavetheCityinbetterdefencethanitwaswhentheassaultbegan.’
‘TheGateisdestroyed,’saidImrahil,‘andwherenow
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istheskilltorebuilditandsetitupanew?’
‘InEreborintheKingdomofDáinthereissuchskill,’saidAragorn;‘andifallourhopesdonotperish,thenintimeIwillsendGimliGlóin’ssontoaskforwrightsoftheMountain.Butmenarebetterthangates,andnogatewillendureagainstourEnemyifmendesertit.’
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Thisthenwastheendofthedebateofthelords:thattheyshouldsetforthonthesecondmorningfromthatdaywithseventhousands,ifthesemightbefound;andthegreatpartofthisforceshouldbeonfoot,becauseoftheevillandsintowhichtheywouldgo.AragornshouldfindsometwothousandsofthosethathehadgatheredtohimintheSouth;butImrahilshould
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findthreeandahalfthousands;andÉomerfivehundredsoftheRohirrimwhowereunhorsedbutthemselveswarworthy,andhehimselfshouldleadfivehundredsofhisbestRidersonhorse;andanothercompanyoffivehundredhorsethereshouldbe,amongwhichshouldridethesonsofElrondwiththeDúnedainandtheknightsofDolAmroth:
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alltoldsixthousandfootandathousandhorse.ButthemainstrengthoftheRohirrimthatremainedhorsedandabletofight,somethreethousandunderthecommandofElfhelm,shouldwaylaytheWestRoadagainsttheenemythatwasinAnórien.Andatonceswiftridersweresentouttogatherwhatnewstheycouldnorthwards;andeastwardsfromOsgiliathand
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theroadtoMinasMorgul.Andwhentheyhad
reckonedupalltheirstrengthandtakenthoughtforthejourneystheyshouldmakeandtheroadstheyshouldchoose,Imrahilsuddenlylaughedaloud.
‘Surely,’hecried,‘thisisthegreatestjestinallthehistoryofGondor:thatweshouldridewithseventhousands,scarceasmanyas
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thevanguardofitsarmyinthedaysofitspower,toassailthemountainsandtheimpenetrablegateoftheBlackLand!Somightachildthreatenamail-cladknightwithabowofstringandgreenwillow!IftheDarkLordknowssomuchasyousay,Mithrandir,willhenotrathersmilethanfear,andwithhislittlefingercrushuslikeaflythattriestosting
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him?’‘No,hewilltrytotrapthe
flyandtakethesting,’saidGandalf.‘Andtherearenamesamongusthatareworthmorethanathousandmail-cladknightsapiece.No,hewillnotsmile.’
‘Neithershallwe,’saidAragorn.‘Ifthisbejest,thenitistoobitterforlaughter.Nay,itisthelastmoveinagreatjeopardy,andforone
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sideortheotheritwillbringtheendofthegame.’ThenhedrewAndúrilandhelditupglitteringinthesun.‘Youshallnotbesheathedagainuntilthelastbattleisfought,’hesaid.
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Chapter10
THEBLACKGATEOPENS
TwodayslaterthearmyoftheWestwasallassembled
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onthePelennor.ThehostofOrcsandEasterlingshadturnedbackoutofAnórien,butharriedandscatteredbytheRohirrimtheyhadbrokenandfledwithlittlefightingtowardsCairAndros;andwiththatthreatdestroyedandnewstrengtharrivingoutoftheSouththeCitywasaswellmannedasmightbe.Scoutsreportedthatnoenemiesremaineduponthe
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roadseastasfarastheCross-roadsoftheFallenKing.Allnowwasreadyforthelastthrow.
LegolasandGimliweretorideagaintogetherinthecompanyofAragornandGandalf,whowentinthevanwiththeDúnedainandthesonsofElrond.ButMerrytohisshamewasnottogowiththem.
‘Youarenotfitforsucha
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journey,’saidAragorn.‘Butdonotbeashamed.Ifyoudonomoreinthiswar,youhavealreadyearnedgreathonour.PeregrinshallgoandrepresenttheShire-folk;anddonotgrudgehimhischanceofperil,forthoughhehasdoneaswellashisfortuneallowedhim,hehasyettomatchyourdeed.Butintruthallnowareinlikedanger.Thoughitmaybeourpartto
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findabitterendbeforetheGateofMordor,ifwedoso,thenyouwillcomealsotoalaststand,eitherhereorwherevertheblacktideovertakesyou.Farewell!’
AndsodespondentlyMerrynowstoodandwatchedthemusteringofthearmy.Bergilwaswithhim,andhealsowasdowncast;forhisfatherwastomarchleadingacompanyofthe
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MenoftheCity:hecouldnotrejointheGuarduntilhiscasewasjudged.InthatsamecompanyPippinwasalsotogo,asasoldierofGondor.Merrycouldseehimnotfaroff,asmallbutuprightfigureamongthetallmenofMinasTirith.
Atlastthetrumpetsrangandthearmybegantomove.
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Troopbytroop,andcompanybycompany,theywheeledandwentoffeastward.AndlongaftertheyhadpassedawayoutofsightdownthegreatroadtotheCauseway,Merrystoodthere.Thelastglintofthemorningsunonspearandhelmtwinkledandwaslost,andstillheremainedwithbowedheadandheavyheart,feelingfriendlessandalone.
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Everyonethathecaredforhadgoneawayintothegloomthathungoverthedistanteasternsky;andlittlehopeatallwasleftinhisheartthathewouldeverseeanyofthemagain.
Asifrecalledbyhismoodofdespair,thepaininhisarmreturned,andhefeltweakandold,andthesunlightseemedthin.HewasrousedbythetouchofBergil’shand.
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‘Come,MasterPerian!’saidthelad.‘Youarestillinpain,Isee.IwillhelpyoubacktotheHealers.Butdonotfear!Theywillcomeback.TheMenofMinasTirithwillneverbeovercome.AndnowtheyhavetheLordElfstone,andBeregondoftheGuardtoo.’
Erenoonthearmycame
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toOsgiliath.Therealltheworkersandcraftsmenthatcouldbesparedwerebusy.Somewerestrengtheningtheferriesandboat-bridgesthattheenemyhadmadeandinpartdestroyedwhentheyfled;somegatheredstoresandbooty;andothersontheeasternsideacrosstheRiverwerethrowinguphastyworksofdefence.
Thevanguardpassedon
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throughtheruinsofOldGondor,andoverthewideRiver,andonupthelongstraightroadthatinthehighdayshadbeenmadetorunfromthefairToweroftheSuntothetallToweroftheMoon,whichnowwasMinasMorgulinitsaccursedvale.FivemilesbeyondOsgiliaththeyhalted,endingtheirfirstday’smarch.
Butthehorsemenpressed
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onandereeveningtheycametotheCross-roadsandthegreatringoftrees,andallwassilent.Nosignofanyenemyhadtheyseen,nocryorcallhadbeenheard,noshafthadspedfromrockorthicketbytheway,yeteverastheywentforwardtheyfeltthewatchfulnessofthelandincrease.Treeandstone,bladeandleafwerelistening.Thedarknesshadbeen
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dispelled,andfarawaywestwardsunsetwasontheValeofAnduin,andthewhitepeaksofthemountainsblushedintheblueair;butashadowandagloombroodedupontheEphelDúath.
ThenAragornsettrumpetersateachofthefourroadsthatranintotheringoftrees,andtheyblewagreatfanfare,andtheheraldscriedaloud:‘TheLordsofGondor
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havereturnedandallthislandthatistheirstheytakeback.’Thehideousorc-headthatwassetuponthecarvenfigurewascastdownandbrokeninpieces,andtheoldking’sheadwasraisedandsetinitsplaceoncemore,stillcrownedwithwhiteandgoldenflowers;andmenlabouredtowashandpareawayallthefoulscrawlsthatorcshadputuponthestone.
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NowintheirdebatesomehadcounselledthatMinasMorgulshouldfirstbeassailed,andiftheymighttakeit,itshouldbeutterlydestroyed.‘And,maybe,’saidImrahil,‘theroadthatleadsthencetothepassabovewillproveaneasierwayofassaultupontheDarkLordthanhisnortherngate.’
ButagainstthisGandalfhadspokenurgently,because
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oftheevilthatdweltinthevalley,wherethemindsoflivingmenwouldturntomadnessandhorror,andbecausealsoofthenewsthatFaramirhadbrought.ForiftheRing-bearerhadindeedattemptedthatway,thenabovealltheyshouldnotdrawtheEyeofMordorthither.Sothenextdaywhenthemainhostcameup,theysetastrongguarduponthe
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Cross-roadstomakesomedefence,ifMordorshouldsendaforceovertheMorgulPass,orshouldbringmoremenupfromtheSouth.ForthatguardtheychosemostlyarcherswhoknewthewaysofIthilienandwouldliehidinthewoodsandslopesaboutthemeetingoftheways.ButGandalfandAragornrodewiththevanguardtotheentranceofMorgulValeand
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lookedontheevilcity.Itwasdarkandlifeless;
fortheOrcsandlessercreaturesofMordorthathaddwelttherehadbeendestroyedinbattle,andtheNazgûlwereabroad.Yettheairofthevalleywasheavywithfearandenmity.Thentheybroketheevilbridgeandsetredflamesinthenoisomefieldsanddeparted.
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Thedayafter,beingthethirddaysincetheysetoutfromMinasTirith,thearmybeganitsnorthwardmarchalongtheroad.ItwassomehundredmilesbythatwayfromtheCross-roadstotheMorannon,andwhatmightbefallthembeforetheycamesofarnoneknew.Theywentopenlybutheedfully,withmountedscoutsbeforethemontheroad,andotherson
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footuponeitherside,especiallyontheeastwardflank;fortherelaydarkthickets,andatumbledlandofrockyghyllsandcrags,behindwhichthelonggrimslopesoftheEphelDúathclamberedup.Theweatheroftheworldremainedfair,andthewindheldinthewest,butnothingcouldwaftawaythegloomsandthesadmiststhatclungabouttheMountainsof
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Shadow;andbehindthematwhilesgreatsmokeswouldariseandhoverintheupperwinds.
EverandanonGandalfletblowthetrumpets,andtheheraldswouldcry:‘TheLordsofGondorarecome!Letallleavethislandoryieldthemup!’ButImrahilsaid:‘SaynotTheLordsofGondor.SayTheKingElessar.Forthatistrue,even
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thoughhehasnotyetsatuponthethrone;anditwillgivetheEnemymorethought,iftheheraldsusethatname.’AndthereafterthriceadaytheheraldsproclaimedthecomingoftheKingElessar.Butnoneansweredthechallenge.
Nonetheless,thoughtheymarchedinseemingpeace,theheartsofallthearmy,fromthehighesttothe
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lowest,weredowncast,andwitheverymilethattheywentnorthforebodingofevilgrewheavieronthem.ItwasneartheendoftheseconddayoftheirmarchfromtheCross-roadsthattheyfirstmetanyofferofbattle.ForastrongforceofOrcsandEasterlingsattemptedtotaketheirleadingcompaniesinanambush;andthatwasintheveryplacewhereFaramirhad
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waylaidthemenofHarad,andtheroadwentinadeepcuttingthroughanout-thrustoftheeastwardhills.ButtheCaptainsoftheWestwerewellwarnedbytheirscouts,skilledmenfromHennethAnnûnledbyMablung;andsotheambushwasitselftrapped.Forhorsemenwentwideaboutwestwardandcameupontheflankoftheenemyandfrombehind,and
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theyweredestroyedordriveneastintothehills.
Butthevictorydidlittletoenheartenthecaptains.‘Itisbutafeint,’saidAragorn;‘anditschiefpurpose,Ideem,wasrathertodrawusonbyafalseguessofourEnemy’sweaknessthantodousmuchhurt,yet.’AndfromthateveningonwardtheNazgûlcameandfollowedeverymoveofthearmy.
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TheystillflewhighandoutofsightofallsaveLegolas,andyettheirpresencecouldbefelt,asadeepeningofshadowandadimmingofthesun;andthoughtheRingwraithsdidnotyetstooplowupontheirfoesandweresilent,utteringnocry,thedreadofthemcouldnotbeshakenoff.
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Sotimeandthehopelessjourneyworeaway.UponthefourthdayfromtheCross-roadsandthesixthfromMinasTiriththeycameatlasttotheendofthelivinglands,andbegantopassintothedesolationthatlaybeforethegatesofthePassofCirithGorgor;andtheycoulddescrythemarshesandthedesertthatstretchednorthandwesttotheEmynMuil.So
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desolatewerethoseplacesandsodeepthehorrorthatlayonthemthatsomeofthehostwereunmanned,andtheycouldneitherwalknorridefurthernorth.
Aragornlookedatthem,andtherewaspityinhiseyesratherthanwrath;forthesewereyoungmenfromRohan,fromWestfoldfaraway,orhusbandmenfromLossarnach,andtothem
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Mordorhadbeenfromchildhoodanameofevil,andyetunreal,alegendthathadnopartintheirsimplelife;andnowtheywalkedlikemeninahideousdreammadetrue,andtheyunderstoodnotthiswarnorwhyfateshouldleadthemtosuchapass.
‘Go!’saidAragorn.‘Butkeepwhathonouryoumay,anddonotrun!Andthereisataskwhichyoumayattempt
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andsobenotwhollyshamed.Takeyourwaysouth-westtillyoucometoCairAndros,andifthatisstillheldbyenemies,asIthink,thenre-takeit,ifyoucan;andholdittothelastindefenceofGondorandRohan!’
Thensomebeingshamedbyhismercyovercametheirfearandwenton,andtheotherstooknewhope,hearingofamanfuldeedwithintheir
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measurethattheycouldturnto,andtheydeparted.Andso,sincemanymenhadalreadybeenleftattheCross-roads,itwaswithlessthansixthousandsthattheCaptainsoftheWestcameatlasttochallengetheBlackGateandthemightofMordor.
Theyadvancednowslowly,expectingatevery
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hoursomeanswertotheirchallenge,andtheydrewtogether,sinceitwasbutwasteofmentosendoutscoutsorsmallpartiesfromthemainhost.AtnightfallofthefifthdayofthemarchfromMorgulValetheymadetheirlastcamp,andsetfiresaboutitofsuchdeadwoodandheathastheycouldfind.Theypassedthehoursofnightinwakefulnessandthey
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wereawareofmanythingshalf-seenthatwalkedandprowledallaboutthem,andtheyheardthehowlingofwolves.Thewindhaddiedandalltheairseemedstill.Theycouldseelittle,forthoughitwascloudlessandthewaxingmoonwasfournightsold,thereweresmokesandfumesthatroseoutoftheearthandthewhitecrescentwasshroudedinthemistsof
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Mordor.Itgrewcold.Asmorning
camethewindbegantostiragain,butnowitcamefromtheNorth,andsoonitfreshenedtoarisingbreeze.Allthenight-walkersweregone,andthelandseemedempty.Northamidtheirnoisomepitslaythefirstofthegreatheapsandhillsofslagandbrokenrockandblastedearth,thevomitofthe
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maggot-folkofMordor;butsouthandnownearloomedthegreatrampartofCirithGorgor,andtheBlackGateamidmost,andthetwoTowersoftheTeethtallanddarkuponeitherside.ForintheirlastmarchtheCaptainshadturnedawayfromtheoldroadasitbenteast,andavoidedtheperilofthelurkinghills,andsonowtheywereapproachingthe
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Morannonfromthenorthwest,evenasFrodohaddone.
ThetwovastirondoorsoftheBlackGateunderitsfrowningarchwerefastclosed.Uponthebattlementnothingcouldbeseen.Allwassilentbutwatchful.Theywerecometothelastendoftheirfolly,andstoodforlorn
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andchillinthegreylightofearlydaybeforetowersandwallswhichtheirarmycouldnotassaultwithhope,notevenifithadbroughtthitherenginesofgreatpower,andtheEnemyhadnomoreforcethanwouldsufficeforthemanningofthegateandwallalone.YettheyknewthatallthehillsandrocksabouttheMorannonwerefilledwithhiddenfoes,andtheshadowy
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defilebeyondwasboredandtunnelledbyteemingbroodsofevilthings.AndastheystoodtheysawalltheNazgûlgatheredtogether,hoveringabovetheTowersoftheTeethlikevultures;andtheyknewthattheywerewatched.ButstilltheEnemymadenosign.
Nochoicewasleftthembuttoplaytheirparttoitsend.ThereforeAragornnow
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setthehostinsucharrayascouldbestbecontrived;andtheyweredrawnupontwogreathillsofblastedstoneandearththatorcshadpiledinyearsoflabour.BeforethemtowardsMordorlaylikeamoatagreatmireofreekingmudandfoul-smellingpools.Whenallwasordered,theCaptainsrodeforthtowardstheBlackGatewithagreatguardofhorsemenandthe
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bannerandheraldsandtrumpeters.TherewasGandalfaschiefherald,andAragornwiththesonsofElrond,andÉomerofRohan,andImrahil;andLegolasandGimliandPeregrinwerebiddentogoalso,sothatalltheenemiesofMordorshouldhaveawitness.
TheycamewithincryoftheMorannon,andunfurledthebanner,andblewupon
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theirtrumpets;andtheheraldsstoodoutandsenttheirvoicesupoverthebattlementofMordor.
‘Comeforth!’theycried.‘LettheLordoftheBlackLandcomeforth!Justiceshallbedoneuponhim.ForwrongfullyhehasmadewaruponGondorandwresteditslands.ThereforetheKingofGondordemandsthatheshouldatoneforhisevils,and
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departthenforever.Comeforth!’
Therewasalongsilence,andfromwallandgatenocryorsoundwasheardinanswer.ButSauronhadalreadylaidhisplans,andhehadamindfirsttoplaythesemicecruellybeforehestrucktokill.Soitwasthat,evenastheCaptainswereabouttoturnaway,thesilencewasbrokensuddenly.Therecame
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alongrollingofgreatdrumslikethunderinthemountains,andthenabrayingofhornsthatshooktheverystonesandstunnedmen’sears.AndthereuponthedooroftheBlackGatewasthrownopenwithagreatclang,andoutofittherecameanembassyfromtheDarkTower.
Atitsheadthererodeatallandevilshape,mounteduponablackhorse,ifhorseit
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was;foritwashugeandhideous,anditsfacewasafrightfulmask,morelikeaskullthanalivinghead,andinthesocketsofitseyesandinitsnostrilsthereburnedaflame.Theriderwasrobedallinblack,andblackwashisloftyhelm;yetthiswasnoRingwraithbutalivingman.TheLieutenantoftheTowerofBarad-dûrhewas,andhisnameisrememberedinno
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tale;forhehimselfhadforgottenit,andhesaid:‘IamtheMouthofSauron.’Butitistoldthathewasarenegade,whocameoftheraceofthosethatarenamedtheBlackNúmenóreans;fortheyestablishedtheirdwellingsinMiddle-earthduringtheyearsofSauron’sdomination,andtheyworshippedhim,beingenamouredofevil
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knowledge.AndheenteredtheserviceoftheDarkTowerwhenitfirstroseagain,andbecauseofhiscunninghegreweverhigherintheLord’sfavour;andhelearnedgreatsorcery,andknewmuchofthemindofSauron;andhewasmorecruelthananyorc.
Heitwasthatnowrodeout,andwithhimcameonlyasmallcompanyofblack-harnessedsoldiery,anda
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singlebanner,blackbutbearingonitinredtheEvilEye.NowhaltingafewpacesbeforetheCaptainsoftheWesthelookedthemupanddownandlaughed.
‘Isthereanyoneinthisroutwithauthoritytotreatwithme?’heasked.‘Orindeedwithwittounderstandme?Notthouatleast!’hemocked,turningtoAragornwithscorn.‘Itneedsmoreto
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makeakingthanapieceofElvishglass,orarabblesuchasthis.Why,anybrigandofthehillscanshowasgoodafollowing!’
Aragornsaidnaughtinanswer,buthetooktheother’seyeandheldit,andforamomenttheystrovethus;butsoon,thoughAragorndidnotstirnormovehandtoweapon,theotherquailedandgavebackasif
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menacedwithablow.‘Iamaheraldandambassador,andmaynotbeassailed!’hecried.
‘Wheresuchlawshold,’saidGandalf,‘itisalsothecustomforambassadorstouselessinsolence.Butnoonehasthreatenedyou.Youhavenaughttofearfromus,untilyourerrandisdone.Butunlessyourmasterhascometonewwisdom,thenwithall
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hisservantsyouwillbeingreatperil.’
‘So!’saidtheMessenger.‘Thenthouartthespokesman,oldgreybeard?Havewenotheardoftheeatwhiles,andofthywanderings,everhatchingplotsandmischiefatasafedistance?Butthistimethouhaststuckoutthynosetoofar,MasterGandalf;andthoushaltseewhatcomestohim
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whosetshisfoolishwebsbeforethefeetofSaurontheGreat.IhavetokensthatIwasbiddentoshowtothee–totheeinespecial,ifthoushouldstdaretocome.’Hesignedtooneofhisguards,andhecameforwardbearingabundleswathedinblackcloths.
TheMessengerputtheseaside,andtheretothewonderanddismayofallthe
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CaptainsheheldupfirsttheshortswordthatSamhadcarried,andnextagreycloakwithanelven-brooch,andlastthecoatofmithril-mailthatFrodohadwornwrappedinhistatteredgarments.Ablacknesscamebeforetheireyes,anditseemedtotheminamomentofsilencethattheworldstoodstill,buttheirheartsweredeadandtheirlasthopegone.Pippinwho
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stoodbehindPrinceImrahilsprangforwardwithacryofgrief.
‘Silence!’saidGandalfsternly,thrustinghimback;buttheMessengerlaughedaloud.
‘Soyouhaveyetanotheroftheseimpswithyou!’hecried.‘WhatuseyoufindinthemIcannotguess;buttosendthemasspiesintoMordorisbeyondevenyour
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accustomedfolly.Still,Ithankhim,foritisplainthatthisbratatleasthasseenthesetokensbefore,anditwouldbevainforyoutodenythemnow.’
‘Idonotwishtodenythem,’saidGandalf.‘Indeed,Iknowthemallandalltheirhistory,anddespiteyourscorn,foulMouthofSauron,youcannotsayasmuch.Butwhydoyoubringthemhere?’
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‘Dwarf-coat,elf-cloak,bladeofthedownfallenWest,andspyfromthelittlerat-landoftheShire–nay,donotstart!Weknowitwell–herearethemarksofaconspiracy.Now,maybehethatborethesethingswasacreaturethatyouwouldnotgrievetolose,andmaybeotherwise:onedeartoyou,perhaps?Ifso,takeswiftcounselwithwhatlittlewitis
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lefttoyou.ForSaurondoesnotlovespies,andwhathisfateshallbedependsnowonyourchoice.’
Nooneansweredhim;buthesawtheirfacesgreywithfearandthehorrorintheireyes,andhelaughedagain,foritseemedtohimthathissportwentwell.‘Good,good!’hesaid.‘Hewasdeartoyou,Isee.Orelsehiserrandwasonethatyoudid
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notwishtofail?Ithas.Andnowheshallenduretheslowtormentofyears,aslongandslowasourartsintheGreatTowercancontrive,andneverbereleased,unlessmaybewhenheischangedandbroken,sothathemaycometoyou,andyoushallseewhatyouhavedone.ThisshallsurelybeunlessyouacceptmyLord’sterms.’
‘Nametheterms,’said
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Gandalfsteadily,butthosenearbysawtheanguishinhisface,andnowheseemedanoldandwizenedman,crushed,defeatedatlast.Theydidnotdoubtthathewouldaccept.
‘Thesearetheterms,’saidtheMessenger,andsmiledasheeyedthemonebyone.‘TherabbleofGondoranditsdeludedalliesshallwithdrawatoncebeyondtheAnduin,
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firsttakingoathsneveragaintoassailSaurontheGreatinarms,openorsecret.AlllandseastoftheAnduinshallbeSauron’sforever,solely.WestoftheAnduinasfarastheMistyMountainsandtheGapofRohanshallbetributarytoMordor,andmenthereshallbearnoweapons,butshallhaveleavetogoverntheirownaffairs.ButtheyshallhelptorebuildIsengard
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whichtheyhavewantonlydestroyed,andthatshallbeSauron’s,andtherehislieutenantshalldwell:notSaruman,butonemoreworthyoftrust.’
LookingintheMessenger’seyestheyreadhisthought.Hewastobethatlieutenant,andgatherallthatremainedoftheWestunderhissway;hewouldbetheirtyrantandtheyhisslaves.
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ButGandalfsaid:‘Thisismuchtodemandforthedeliveryofoneservant:thatyourMastershouldreceiveinexchangewhathemustelsefightmanyawartogain!OrhasthefieldofGondordestroyedhishopeinwar,sothathefallstohaggling?Andifindeedweratedthisprisonersohigh,whatsuretyhavewethatSauron,theBaseMasterofTreachery,will
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keephispart?Whereisthisprisoner?Lethimbebroughtforthandyieldedtous,andthenwewillconsiderthesedemands.’
ItseemedthentoGandalf,intent,watchinghimasamanengagedinfencingwithadeadlyfoe,thatforthetakingofabreaththeMessengerwasataloss;yetswiftlyhelaughedagain.
‘Donotbandywordsin
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yourinsolencewiththeMouthofSauron!’hecried.‘Suretyyoucrave!Saurongivesnone.Ifyousueforhisclemencyyoumustfirstdohisbidding.Thesearehisterms.Takethemorleavethem!’
‘Thesewewilltake!’saidGandalfsuddenly.Hecastasidehiscloakandawhitelightshoneforthlikeaswordinthatblackplace.Beforehis
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upraisedhandthefoulMessengerrecoiled,andGandalfcomingseizedandtookfromhimthetokens:coat,cloak,andsword.‘Thesewewilltakeinmemoryofourfriend,’hecried.‘Butasforyourterms,werejectthemutterly.Getyougone,foryourembassyisoveranddeathisneartoyou.Wedidnotcomeheretowastewordsintreatingwith
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Sauron,faithlessandaccursed;stilllesswithoneofhisslaves.Begone!’
ThentheMessengerofMordorlaughednomore.Hisfacewastwistedwithamazementandangertothelikenessofsomewildbeastthat,asitcrouchesonitsprey,issmittenonthemuzzlewithastingingrod.Ragefilledhimandhismouthslavered,andshapeless
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soundsoffurycamestranglingfromhisthroat.ButhelookedatthefellfacesoftheCaptainsandtheirdeadlyeyes,andfearovercamehiswrath.Hegaveagreatcry,andturned,leapeduponhissteed,andwithhiscompanygallopedmadlybacktoCirithGorgor.Butastheywenthissoldiersblewtheirhornsinsignallongarranged;andevenbefore
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theycametothegateSauronspranghistrap.
Drumsrolledandfiresleapedup.ThegreatdoorsoftheBlackGateswungbackwide.Outofitstreamedagreathostasswiftlyasswirlingwaterswhenasluiceislifted.
TheCaptainsmountedagainandrodeback,and
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fromthehostofMordortherewentupajeeringyell.Dustrosesmotheringtheair,asfromnearbytheremarchedupanarmyofEasterlingsthathadwaitedforthesignalintheshadowsofEredLithuibeyondthefurtherTower.DownfromthehillsoneithersideoftheMorannonpouredOrcsinnumerable.ThemenoftheWestweretrapped,andsoon,allaboutthegrey
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moundswheretheystood,forcestentimesandmorethantentimestheirmatchwouldringtheminaseaofenemies.Sauronhadtakentheprofferedbaitinjawsofsteel.
LittletimewaslefttoAragornfortheorderingofhisbattle.UpontheonehillhestoodwithGandalf,andtherefairanddesperatewasraisedthebanneroftheTree
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andStars.UpontheotherhillhardbystoodthebannersofRohanandDolAmroth,WhiteHorseandSilverSwan.Andabouteachhillaringwasmadefacingallways,bristlingwithspearandsword.ButinthefronttowardsMordorwherethefirstbitterassaultwouldcometherestoodthesonsofElrondontheleftwiththeDúnedainaboutthem,andon
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therightthePrinceImrahilwiththemenofDolAmrothtallandfair,andpickedmenoftheTowerofGuard.
Thewindblew,andthetrumpetssang,andarrowswhined;butthesunnowclimbingtowardstheSouthwasveiledinthereeksofMordor,andthroughathreateninghazeitgleamed,remote,asullenred,asifitweretheendingoftheday,or
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theendmaybeofalltheworldoflight.AndoutofthegatheringmirktheNazgûlcamewiththeircoldvoicescryingwordsofdeath;andthenallhopewasquenched.
PippinhadbowedcrushedwithhorrorwhenheheardGandalfrejectthetermsanddoomFrodotothetormentoftheTower;buthehad
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masteredhimself,andnowhestoodbesideBeregondinthefrontrankofGondorwithImrahil’smen.Foritseemedbesttohimtodiesoonandleavethebitterstoryofhislife,sinceallwasinruin.
‘IwishMerrywashere,’heheardhimselfsaying,andquickthoughtsracedthroughhismind,evenashewatchedtheenemycomechargingtotheassault.‘Well,well,now
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atanyrateIunderstandpoorDenethoralittlebetter.Wemightdietogether,MerryandI,andsincediewemust,whynot?Well,asheisnothere,Ihopehe’llfindaneasierend.ButnowImustdomybest.’
Hedrewhisswordandlookedatit,andtheintertwiningshapesofredandgold;andtheflowingcharactersofNúmenorglintedlikefireuponthe
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blade.‘Thiswasmadeforjustsuchanhour,’hethought.‘IfonlyIcouldsmitethatfoulMessengerwithit,thenalmostIshoulddrawlevelwitholdMerry.Well,I’llsmitesomeofthisbeastlybroodbeforetheend.IwishIcouldseecoolsunlightandgreengrassagain!’
Thenevenashethoughtthesethingsthefirstassaultcrashedintothem.Theorcs
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hinderedbythemiresthatlaybeforethehillshaltedandpouredtheirarrowsintothedefendingranks.Butthroughthemtherecamestridingup,roaringlikebeasts,agreatcompanyofhill-trollsoutofGorgoroth.TallerandbroaderthanMentheywere,andtheywerecladonlyinclose-fittingmeshofhornyscales,ormaybethatwastheirhideoushide;buttheyboreround
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bucklershugeandblackandwieldedheavyhammersintheirknottedhands.Recklesstheysprangintothepoolsandwadedacross,bellowingastheycame.LikeastormtheybrokeuponthelineofthemenofGondor,andbeatuponhelmandhead,andarmandshield,assmithshewingthehotbendingiron.AtPippin’ssideBeregondwasstunnedandoverborne,and
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hefell;andthegreattroll-chiefthatsmotehimdownbentoverhim,reachingoutaclutchingclaw;forthesefellcreatureswouldbitethethroatsofthosethattheythrewdown.
ThenPippinstabbedupwards,andthewrittenbladeofWesternessepiercedthroughthehideandwentdeepintothevitalsofthetroll,andhisblackblood
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camegushingout.Hetoppledforwardandcamecrashingdownlikeafallingrock,buryingthosebeneathhim.BlacknessandstenchandcrushingpaincameuponPippin,andhismindfellawayintoagreatdarkness.
‘SoitendsasIguesseditwould,’histhoughtsaid,evenasitflutteredaway;anditlaughedalittlewithinhimereitfled,almostgayitseemed
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tobecastingoffatlastalldoubtandcareandfear.Andthenevenasitwingedawayintoforgetfulnessitheardvoices,andtheyseemedtobecryinginsomeforgottenworldfarabove:
‘TheEaglesarecoming!TheEaglesarecoming!’
ForonemomentmorePippin’sthoughthovered.‘Bilbo!’itsaid.‘Butno!Thatcameinhistale,longlong
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ago.Thisismytale,anditisendednow.Good-bye!’Andhisthoughtfledfarawayandhiseyessawnomore.
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BOOKSIX
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Chapter1
THETOWEROFCIRITHUNGOL
Samrousedhimselfpainfullyfromtheground.Fora
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momenthewonderedwherehewas,andthenallthemiseryanddespairreturnedtohim.Hewasinthedeepdarkoutsidetheunder-gateoftheorcs’stronghold;itsbrazendoorswereshut.Hemusthavefallenstunnedwhenhehurledhimselfagainstthem;buthowlonghehadlaintherehedidnotknow.Thenhehadbeenonfire,desperateandfurious;
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nowhewasshiveringandcold.Hecrepttothedoorsandpressedhisearsagainstthem.
Farwithinhecouldhearfaintlythevoicesoforcsclamouring,butsoontheystoppedorpassedoutofhearing,andallwasstill.Hisheadachedandhiseyessawphantomlightsinthedarkness,buthestruggledtosteadyhimselfandthink.It
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wasclearatanyratethathehadnohopeofgettingintotheorc-holdbythatgate;hemightwaittherefordaysbeforeitwasopened,andhecouldnotwait:timewasdesperatelyprecious.Henolongerhadanydoubtabouthisduty:hemustrescuehismasterorperishintheattempt.
‘Theperishingismorelikely,andwillbealoteasier
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anyway,’hesaidgrimlytohimself,ashesheathedStingandturnedfromthebrazendoors.Slowlyhegropedhiswaybackinthedarkalongthetunnel,notdaringtousetheelven-light;andashewenthetriedtofittogethertheeventssinceFrodoandhehadlefttheCross-roads.Hewonderedwhatthetimewas.Somewherebetweenonedayandthenext,hesupposed;
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butevenofthedayshehadquitelostcount.Hewasinalandofdarknesswherethedaysoftheworldseemedforgotten,andwhereallwhoenteredwereforgottentoo.
‘Iwonderiftheythinkofusatall,’hesaid,‘andwhatishappeningtothemallawaythere.’Hewavedhishandvaguelyintheairbeforehim;buthewasinfactnowfacingsouthwards,ashecameback
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toShelob’stunnel,notwest.OutwestwardintheworlditwasdrawingtonoonuponthefourteenthdayofMarchintheShire-reckoning,andevennowAragornwasleadingtheblackfleetfromPelargir,andMerrywasridingwiththeRohirrimdowntheStonewainValley,whileinMinasTirithflameswererisingandPippinwatchedthemadnessgrowingintheeyesofDenethor.Yet
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amidalltheircaresandfearthethoughtsoftheirfriendsturnedconstantlytoFrodoandSam.Theywerenotforgotten.Buttheywerefarbeyondaid,andnothoughtcouldyetbringanyhelptoSamwiseHamfast’sson;hewasutterlyalone.
Hecamebackatlasttothestonedooroftheorc-
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passage,andstillunabletodiscoverthecatchorboltthatheldit,hescrambledoverasbeforeanddroppedsoftlytotheground.ThenhemadehiswaystealthilytotheoutletofShelob’stunnel,wheretheragsofhergreatwebwerestillblowingandswayinginthecoldairs.ForcoldtheyseemedtoSamafterthenoisomedarknessbehind;butthebreathofthemrevived
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him.Hecreptcautiouslyout.Allwasominouslyquiet.
Thelightwasnomorethanthatofduskatadarkday’send.ThevastvapoursthataroseinMordorandwentstreamingwestwardpassedlowoverhead,agreatwelterofcloudandsmokenowlitagainbeneathwithasullenglowofred.
Samlookeduptowardstheorc-tower,andsuddenly
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fromitsnarrowwindowslightsstaredoutlikesmallredeyes.Hewonderediftheyweresomesignal.Hisfearoftheorcs,forgottenforawhileinhiswrathanddesperation,nowreturned.Asfarashecouldsee,therewasonlyonepossiblecourseforhimtotake:hemustgoonandtrytofindthemainentrancetothedreadfultower;buthiskneesfeltweak,andhefoundthat
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hewastrembling.DrawinghiseyesdownfromthetowerandthehornsoftheCleftbeforehim,heforcedhisunwillingfeettoobeyhim,andslowly,listeningwithallhisears,peeringintothedenseshadowsoftherocksbesidetheway,heretracedhissteps,pasttheplacewhereFrodofell,andstillthestenchofSheloblingered,andthenonandup,untilhestood
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againintheverycleftwherehehadputontheRingandseenShagrat’scompanygoby.
Therehehaltedandsatdown.Forthemomenthecoulddrivehimselfnofurther.HefeltthatifoncehewentbeyondthecrownofthepassandtookonestepveritablydownintothelandofMordor,thatstepwouldbeirrevocable.Hecouldnever
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comeback.WithoutanyclearpurposehedrewouttheRingandputitonagain.Immediatelyhefeltthegreatburdenofitsweight,andfeltafresh,butnowmorestrongandurgentthanever,themaliceoftheEyeofMordor,searching,tryingtopiercetheshadowsthatithadmadeforitsowndefence,butwhichnowhindereditinitsunquietanddoubt.
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Asbefore,Samfoundthathishearingwassharpened,butthattohissightthethingsofthisworldseemedthinandvague.Therockywallsofthepathwerepale,asifseenthroughamist,butstillatadistanceheheardthebubblingofShelobinhermisery;andharshandclear,andverycloseitseemed,heheardcriesandtheclashofmetal.Hesprangtohisfeet,
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andpressedhimselfagainstthewallbesidetheroad.HewasgladoftheRing,forherewasyetanothercompanyoforcsonthemarch.Orsoatfirsthethought.Thensuddenlyherealizedthatitwasnotso,hishearinghaddeceivedhim:theorc-criescamefromthetower,whosetopmosthornwasnowrightabovehim,onthelefthandoftheCleft.
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Samshudderedandtriedtoforcehimselftomove.Therewasplainlysomedevilrygoingon.Perhapsinspiteofallordersthecrueltyoftheorcshadmasteredthem,andtheyweretormentingFrodo,orevensavagelyhackinghimtopieces.Helistened;andashedidsoagleamofhopecametohim.Therecouldnotbemuchdoubt:therewas
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fightinginthetower,theorcsmustbeatwaramongthemselves,ShagratandGorbaghadcometoblows.Faintaswasthehopethathisguessbroughthim,itwasenoughtorousehim.Theremightbejustachance.HisloveforFrodoroseaboveallotherthoughts,andforgettinghisperilhecriedaloud:‘I’mcoming,Mr.Frodo!’
Heranforwardtothe
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climbingpath,andoverit.Atoncetheroadturnedleftandplungedsteeplydown.SamhadcrossedintoMordor.
HetookofftheRing,moveditmaybebysomedeeppremonitionofdanger,thoughtohimselfhethoughtonlythathewishedtoseemoreclearly.‘Betterhavealookattheworst,’he
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muttered.‘Nogoodblunderingaboutinafog!’
Hardandcruelandbitterwasthelandthatmethisgaze.BeforehisfeetthehighestridgeoftheEphelDúathfellsteeplyingreatcliffsdownintoadarktrough,onthefurthersideofwhichthereroseanotherridge,muchlower,itsedgenotchedandjaggedwithcragslikefangsthatstoodout
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blackagainsttheredlightbehindthem:itwasthegrimMorgai,theinnerringofthefencesoftheland.Farbeyondit,butalmoststraightahead,acrossawidelakeofdarknessdottedwithtinyfires,therewasagreatburningglow;andfromitroseinhugecolumnsaswirlingsmoke,dustyredattheroots,blackabovewhereitmergedintothebillowing
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canopythatroofedinalltheaccursedland.
SamwaslookingatOrodruin,theMountainofFire.Everandanonthefurnacesfarbelowitsashenconewouldgrowhotandwithagreatsurgingandthrobbingpourforthriversofmoltenrockfromchasmsinitssides.SomewouldflowblazingtowardsBarad-dûrdowngreatchannels;some
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wouldwindtheirwayintothestonyplain,untiltheycooledandlayliketwisteddragon-shapesvomitedfromthetormentedearth.InsuchanhouroflabourSambeheldMountDoom,andthelightofit,cutoffbythehighscreenoftheEphelDúathfromthosewhoclimbedupthepathfromtheWest,nowglaredagainstthestarkrockfaces,sothattheyseemedto
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bedrenchedwithblood.InthatdreadfullightSam
stoodaghast,fornow,lookingtohisleft,hecouldseetheTowerofCirithUngolinallitsstrength.Thehornthathehadseenfromtheothersidewasonlyitstopmostturret.Itseasternfacestoodupinthreegreattiersfromashelfinthemountain-wallfarbelow;itsbackwastoagreatcliff
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behind,fromwhichitjuttedoutinpointedbastions,oneabovetheother,diminishingastheyrose,withsheersidesofcunningmasonrythatlookednorth-eastandsouth-east.Aboutthelowesttier,twohundredfeetbelowwhereSamnowstood,therewasabattlementedwallenclosinganarrowcourt.Itsgate,uponthenearsouth-easternside,openedona
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broadroad,theouterparapetofwhichranuponthebrinkofaprecipice,untilitturnedsouthwardandwentwindingdownintothedarknesstojointheroadthatcameovertheMorgulPass.ThenonitwentthroughajaggedriftintheMorgaioutintothevalleyofGorgorothandawaytoBarad-dûr.ThenarrowupperwayonwhichSamstoodleaptswiftlydownbystair
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andsteeppathtomeetthemainroadunderthefrowningwallsclosetotheTower-gate.
AshegazedatitsuddenlySamunderstood,almostwithashock,thatthisstrongholdhadbeenbuiltnottokeepenemiesoutofMordor,buttokeepthemin.ItwasindeedoneoftheworksofGondorlongago,aneasternoutpostofthedefencesofIthilien,madewhen,aftertheLast
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Alliance,MenofWesternessekeptwatchontheevillandofSauronwherehiscreaturesstilllurked.ButaswithNarchostandCarchost,theTowersoftheTeeth,soheretoothevigilancehadfailed,andtreacheryhadyieldeduptheTowertotheLordoftheRingwraiths,andnowforlongyearsithadbeenheldbyevilthings.SincehisreturntoMordor,Sauronhadfoundit
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useful;forhehadfewservantsbutmanyslavesoffear,andstillitschiefpurposeasofoldwastopreventescapefromMordor.Thoughifanenemyweresorashastotrytoenterthatlandsecretly,thenitwasalsoalastunsleepingguardagainstanythatmightpassthevigilanceofMorgulandofShelob.
OnlytooclearlySamsaw
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howhopelessitwouldbeforhimtocreepdownunderthosemany-eyedwallsandpassthewatchfulgate.Andevenifhedidso,hecouldnotgofarontheguardedroadbeyond:noteventheblackshadows,lyingdeepwheretheredglowcouldnotreach,wouldshieldhimlongfromthenight-eyedorcs.Butdesperateasthatroadmightbe,histaskwasnowfar
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worse:nottoavoidthegateandescape,buttoenterit,alone.
HisthoughtturnedtotheRing,buttherewasnocomfortthere,onlydreadanddanger.NosoonerhadhecomeinsightofMountDoom,burningfaraway,thanhewasawareofachangeinhisburden.Asitdrewnear
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thegreatfurnaceswhere,inthedeepsoftime,ithadbeenshapedandforged,theRing’spowergrew,anditbecamemorefell,untameablesavebysomemightywill.AsSamstoodthere,eventhoughtheRingwasnotonhimbuthangingbyitschainabouthisneck,hefelthimselfenlarged,asifhewererobedinahugedistortedshadowofhimself,avastandominous
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threathalteduponthewallsofMordor.Hefeltthathehadfromnowononlytwochoices:toforbeartheRing,thoughitwouldtormenthim;ortoclaimit,andchallengethePowerthatsatinitsdarkholdbeyondthevalleyofshadows.AlreadytheRingtemptedhim,gnawingathiswillandreason.Wildfantasiesaroseinhismind;andhesawSamwisethe
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Strong,HerooftheAge,stridingwithaflamingswordacrossthedarkenedland,andarmiesflockingtohiscallashemarchedtotheoverthrowofBarad-dûr.Andthenallthecloudsrolledaway,andthewhitesunshone,andathiscommandthevaleofGorgorothbecameagardenofflowersandtreesandbroughtforthfruit.HehadonlytoputontheRingand
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claimitforhisown,andallthiscouldbe.
Inthathouroftrialitwastheloveofhismasterthathelpedmosttoholdhimfirm;butalsodeepdowninhimlivedstillunconqueredhisplainhobbit-sense:heknewinthecoreofhisheartthathewasnotlargeenoughtobearsuchaburden,evenifsuchvisionswerenotamerecheattobetrayhim.Theonesmall
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gardenofafreegardenerwasallhisneedanddue,notagardenswollentoarealm;hisownhandstouse,notthehandsofotherstocommand.
‘Andanywayallthesenotionsareonlyatrick,’hesaidtohimself.‘He’dspotmeandcowme,beforeIcouldsomuchasshoutout.He’dspotme,prettyquick,ifIputtheRingonnow,inMordor.Well,allIcansayis:
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thingslookashopelessasafrostinSpring.Justwhenbeinginvisiblewouldbereallyuseful,Ican’tusetheRing!AndifeverIgetanyfurther,it’sgoingtobenothingbutadragandaburdeneverystep.Sowhat’stobedone?’
Hewasnotreallyinanydoubt.Heknewthathemustgodowntothegateandnotlingeranymore.Withashrug
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ofhisshoulders,asiftoshakeofftheshadowanddismissthephantoms,hebeganslowlytodescend.Witheachstepheseemedtodiminish.Hehadnotgonefarbeforehehadshrunkagaintoaverysmallandfrightenedhobbit.HewasnowpassingundertheverywallsoftheTower,andthecriesandsoundsoffightingcouldbeheardwithhisunaidedears.Atthe
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momentthenoiseseemedtobecomingfromthecourtbehindtheouterwall.
Samwasabouthalfwaydownthepathwhenoutofthedarkgatewayintotheredglowtherecametwoorcsrunning.Theydidnotturntowardshim.Theyweremakingforthemainroad;butevenastheyranthey
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stumbledandfelltothegroundandlaystill.Samhadseennoarrows,butheguessedthattheorcshadbeenshotdownbyothersonthebattlementsorhiddenintheshadowofthegate.Hewenton,huggingthewallonhisleft.Onelookupwardhadshownhimthattherewasnohopeofclimbingit.Thestone-workrosethirtyfeet,withoutacrackorledge,to
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overhangingcourseslikeinvertedsteps.Thegatewastheonlyway.
Hecrepton;andashewenthewonderedhowmanyorcslivedintheTowerwithShagrat,andhowmanyGorbaghad,andwhattheywerequarrellingabout,ifthatwaswhatwashappening.Shagrat’scompanyhadseemedtobeaboutforty,andGorbag’smorethantwiceas
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large;butofcourseShagrat’spatrolhadonlybeenapartofhisgarrison.AlmostcertainlytheywerequarrellingaboutFrodo,andthespoil.ForasecondSamhalted,forsuddenlythingsseemedcleartohim,almostasifhehadseenthemwithhiseyes.Themithrilcoat!Ofcourse,Frodowaswearingit,andtheywouldfindit.AndfromwhatSamhadheardGorbagwould
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covetit.ButtheordersoftheDarkTowerwereatpresentFrodo’sonlyprotection,andiftheyweresetaside,Frodomightbekilledoutofhandatanymoment.
‘Comeon,youmiserablesluggard!’Samcriedtohimself.‘Nowforit!’HedrewStingandrantowardstheopengate.Butjustashewasabouttopassunderitsgreatarchhefeltashock:as
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ifhehadrunintosomeweblikeShelob’s,onlyinvisible.Hecouldseenoobstacle,butsomethingtoostrongforhiswilltoovercomebarredtheway.Helookedabout,andthenwithintheshadowofthegatehesawtheTwoWatchers.
Theywerelikegreatfiguresseateduponthrones.Eachhadthreejoinedbodies,andthreeheadsfacing
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outward,andinward,andacrossthegateway.Theheadshadvulture-faces,andontheirgreatkneeswerelaidclawlikehands.Theyseemedtobecarvedoutofhugeblocksofstone,immovable,andyettheywereaware:somedreadfulspiritofevilvigilanceabodeinthem.Theyknewanenemy.Visibleorinvisiblenonecouldpassunheeded.Theywouldforbid
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hisentry,orhisescape.HardeninghiswillSam
thrustforwardonceagain,andhaltedwithajerk,staggeringasiffromablowuponhisbreastandhead.Thengreatlydaring,becausehecouldthinkofnothingelsetodo,answeringasuddenthoughtthatcametohim,hedrewslowlyoutthephialofGaladrielandhelditup.Itswhitelightquickenedswiftly,
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andtheshadowsunderthedarkarchfled.ThemonstrousWatcherssattherecoldandstill,revealedinalltheirhideousshape.ForamomentSamcaughtaglitterintheblackstonesoftheireyes,theverymaliceofwhichmadehimquail;butslowlyhefelttheirwillwaverandcrumbleintofear.
Hesprangpastthem;butevenashedidso,thrusting
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thephialbackintohisbosom,hewasaware,asplainlyasifabarofsteelhadsnappedtobehindhim,thattheirvigilancewasrenewed.Andfromthoseevilheadstherecameahighshrillcrythatechoedinthetoweringwallsbeforehim.Farupabove,likeanansweringsignal,aharshbellclangedasinglestroke.
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‘That’sdoneit!’saidSam.‘NowI’verungthefront-doorbell!Well,comeonsomebody!’hecried.‘TellCaptainShagratthatthegreatElf-warriorhascalled,withhiself-swordtoo!’
Therewasnoanswer.Samstrodeforward.Stingglitteredblueinhishand.Thecourtyardlayindeepshadow,buthecouldseethatthepavementwasstrewnwith
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bodies.Rightathisfeetweretwoorc-archerswithknivesstickingintheirbacks.Beyondlaymanymoreshapes;somesinglyastheyhadbeenhewndownorshot;othersinpairs,stillgrapplingoneanother,deadintheverythroesofstabbing,throttling,biting.Thestoneswereslipperywithdarkblood.
TwoliveriesSamnoticed,onemarkedbytheRedEye,
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theotherbyaMoondisfiguredwithaghastlyfaceofdeath;buthedidnotstoptolookmoreclosely.AcrossthecourtagreatdooratthefootoftheTowerstoodhalfopen,andaredlightcamethrough;alargeorclaydeaduponthethreshold.Samsprangoverthebodyandwentin;andthenhepeeredaboutataloss.
Awideandechoing
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passageledbackfromthedoortowardsthemountain-side.Itwasdimlylitwithtorchesflaringinbracketsonthewalls,butitsdistantendwaslostingloom.Manydoorsandopeningscouldbeseenonthissideandthat;butitwasemptysavefortwoorthreemorebodiessprawlingonthefloor.Fromwhathehadheardofthecaptains’talkSamknewthat,deadoralive,
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Frodowouldmostlikelybefoundinachamberhighupintheturretfarabove;buthemightsearchforadaybeforehefoundtheway.
‘It’llbeneartheback,Iguess,’Sammuttered.‘ThewholeTowerclimbsbackwards-like.AndanywayI’dbetterfollowtheselights.’
Headvanceddownthepassage,butslowlynow,eachstepmorereluctant.
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Terrorwasbeginningtogriphimagain.Therewasnosoundsavetherapofhisfeet,whichseemedtogrowtoanechoingnoise,liketheslappingofgreathandsuponthestones.Thedeadbodies;theemptiness;thedankblackwallsthatinthetorchlightseemedtodripwithblood;thefearofsuddendeathlurkingindoorwayorshadow;andbehindallhis
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mindthewaitingwatchfulmaliceatthegate:itwasalmostmorethanhecouldscrewhimselftoface.Hewouldhavewelcomedafight–withnottoomanyenemiesatatime–ratherthanthishideousbroodinguncertainty.HeforcedhimselftothinkofFrodo,lyingboundorinpainordeadsomewhereinthisdreadfulplace.Hewenton.
Hehadpassedbeyondthe
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torchlight,almosttoagreatarcheddoorattheendofthepassage,theinnersideoftheunder-gate,asherightlyguessed,whentherecamefromhighaboveadreadfulchokingshriek.Hestoppedshort.Thenheheardfeetcoming.Someonewasrunningingreathastedownanechoingstairwayoverhead.
Hiswillwastooweakand
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slowtorestrainhishand.ItdraggedatthechainandclutchedtheRing.ButSamdidnotputiton;forevenasheclaspedittohisbreast,anorccameclatteringdown.Leapingoutofadarkopeningattheright,itrantowardshim.Itwasnomorethansixpacesfromhimwhen,liftingitshead,itsawhim;andSamcouldhearitsgaspingbreathandseetheglareinits
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bloodshoteyes.Itstoppedshortaghast.Forwhatitsawwasnotasmallfrightenedhobbittryingtoholdasteadysword:itsawagreatsilentshape,cloakedinagreyshadow,loomingagainstthewaveringlightbehind;inonehanditheldasword,theverylightofwhichwasabitterpain,theotherwasclutchedatitsbreast,butheldconcealedsomenameless
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menaceofpoweranddoom.Foramomenttheorc
crouched,andthenwithahideousyelpoffearitturnedandfledbackasithadcome.NeverwasanydogmoreheartenedwhenitsenemyturnedtailthanSamatthisunexpectedflight.Withashouthegavechase.
‘Yes!TheElf-warriorisloose!’hecried.‘I’mcoming.Justyoushowmethewayup,
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orI’llskinyou!’Buttheorcwasinitsown
haunts,nimbleandwell-fed.Samwasastranger,hungryandweary.Thestairswerehighandsteepandwinding.Sam’sbreathbegantocomeingasps.Theorchadsoonpassedoutofsight,andnowonlyfaintlycouldbeheardtheslappingofitsfeetasitwentonandup.Everynowandagainitgaveayell,and
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theechoranalongthewalls.Butslowlyallsoundofitdiedaway.
Samploddedon.Hefeltthathewasontherightroad,andhisspiritshadrisenagooddeal.HethrusttheRingawayandtightenedhisbelt.‘Well,well!’hesaid.‘IfonlytheyalltakesuchadisliketomeandmySting,thismayturnoutbetterthanIhoped.Andanywayitlooksasif
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Shagrat,Gorbag,andcompanyhavedonenearlyallmyjobforme.Exceptforthatlittlefrightenedrat,Idobelievethere’snobodyleftaliveintheplace!’
Andwiththathestopped,broughtuphard,asifhehadhithisheadagainstthestonewall.Thefullmeaningofwhathehadsaidstruckhimlikeablow.Nobodyleftalive!Whosehadbeenthat
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horribledyingshriek?‘Frodo,Frodo!Master!’hecriedhalfsobbing.‘Ifthey’vekilledyou,whatshallIdo?Well,I’mcomingatlast,righttothetop,toseewhatImust.’
Up,uphewent.Itwasdarksaveforanoccasionaltorchflaringataturn,orbesidesomeopeningthatledintothehigherlevelsofthe
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Tower.Samtriedtocountthesteps,butaftertwohundredhelosthisreckoning.Hewasmovingquietlynow;forhethoughtthathecouldhearthesoundofvoicestalking,stillsomewayabove.Morethanoneratremainedaliveitseemed.
Allatonce,whenhefeltthathecouldpumpoutnomorebreath,norforcehiskneestobendagain,thestair
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ended.Hestoodstill.Thevoiceswerenowloudandnear.Sampeeredabout.HehadclimbedrighttotheflatroofofthethirdandhighesttieroftheTower:anopenspace,abouttwentyyardsacross,withalowparapet.Therethestairwascoveredbyasmalldomedchamberinthemidstoftheroof,withlowdoorsfacingeastandwest.EastwardSamcouldsee
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theplainofMordorvastanddarkbelow,andtheburningmountainfaraway.Afreshturmoilwassurginginitsdeepwells,andtheriversoffireblazedsofiercelythatevenatthisdistanceofmanymilesthelightofthemlitthetower-topwitharedglare.Westwardtheviewwasblockedbythebaseofthegreatturretthatstoodatthebackofthisuppercourtand
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reareditshornhighabovethecrestoftheencirclinghills.Lightgleamedinawindow-slit.ItsdoorwasnottenyardsfromwhereSamstood.Itwasopenbutdark,andfromjustwithinitsshadowthevoicescame.
AtfirstSamdidnotlisten;hetookapaceoutoftheeastwarddoorandlookedabout.Atoncehesawthatupherethefightinghadbeen
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fiercest.Allthecourtwaschokedwithdeadorcs,ortheirseveredandscatteredheadsandlimbs.Theplacestankofdeath.Asnarlfollowedbyablowandacrysenthimdartingbackintohiding.Anorc-voiceroseinanger,andheknewitagainatonce,harsh,brutal,cold.ItwasShagratspeaking,CaptainoftheTower.
‘Youwon’tgoagain,you
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say?Curseyou,Snaga,youlittlemaggot!IfyouthinkI’msodamagedthatit’ssafetofloutme,you’remistaken.Comehere,andI’llsqueezeyoureyesout,likeIdidtoRadbugjustnow.Andwhensomenewladscome,I’lldealwithyou:I’llsendyoutoShelob.’
‘Theywon’tcome,notbeforeyou’redeadanyway,’answeredSnagasurlily.‘I’ve
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toldyoutwicethatGorbag’sswinegottothegatefirst,andnoneofoursgotout.LagdufandMuzgashranthrough,buttheywereshot.Isawitfromawindow,Itellyou.Andtheywerethelast.’
‘Thenyoumustgo.Imuststayhereanyway.ButI’mhurt.TheBlackPitstakethatfilthyrebelGorbag!’Shagrat’svoicetrailedoffintoastringoffoulnames
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andcurses.‘IgavehimbetterthanIgot,butheknifedme,thedung,beforeIthrottledhim.Youmustgo,orI’lleatyou.NewsmustgetthroughtoLugbúrz,orwe’llbothbefortheBlackPits.Yes,youtoo.Youwon’tescapebyskulkinghere.’
‘I’mnotgoingdownthosestairsagain,’growledSnaga,‘beyoucaptainorno.Nar!Keepyourhandsoffyour
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knife,orI’llputanarrowinyourguts.Youwon’tbeacaptainlongwhenTheyhearaboutallthesegoings-on.I’vefoughtfortheToweragainstthosestinkingMorgul-rats,butanicemessyoutwopreciouscaptainshavemadeofthings,fightingovertheswag.’
‘That’senoughfromyou,’snarledShagrat.‘Ihadmyorders.ItwasGorbagstarted
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it,tryingtopinchthatprettyshirt.’
‘Well,youputhisbackup,beingsohighandmighty.Andhehadmoresensethanyouanyway.Hetoldyoumorethanoncethatthemostdangerousofthesespieswasstillloose,andyouwouldn’tlisten.Andyouwon’tlistennow.Gorbagwasright,Itellyou.There’sagreatfighterabout,oneofthosebloody-
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handedElves,oroneofthefilthytarks.*He’scominghere,Itellyou.Youheardthebell.He’sgotpasttheWatchers,andthat’stark’swork.He’sonthestairs.Anduntilhe’soffthem,I’mnotgoingdown.NotifyouwereaNazgûl,Iwouldn’t.’
‘Sothat’sit,isit?’yelledShagrat.‘You’lldothis,andyou’llnotdothat?Andwhenhedoescome,you’llboltand
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leaveme?No,youwon’t!I’llputredmaggot-holesinyourbellyfirst.’
Outoftheturret-doorthesmallerorccameflying.BehindhimcameShagrat,alargeorcwithlongarmsthat,asherancrouching,reachedtotheground.Butonearmhunglimpandseemedtobebleeding;theotherhuggedalargeblackbundle.IntheredglareSam,coweringbehind
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thestair-door,caughtaglimpseofhisevilfaceasitpassed:itwasscoredasifbyrendingclawsandsmearedwithblood;slaverdrippedfromitsprotrudingfangs;themouthsnarledlikeananimal.
AsfarasSamcouldsee,ShagrathuntedSnagaroundtheroof,untilduckingandeludinghimthesmallerorcwithayelpdartedbackintotheturretanddisappeared.
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ThenShagrathalted.OutoftheeastwarddoorSamcouldseehimnowbytheparapet,panting,hisleftclawclenchingandunclenchingfeebly.Heputthebundleonthefloorandwithhisrightclawdrewoutalongredknifeandspatonit.Goingtotheparapetheleanedover,lookingdownintotheoutercourtfarbelow.Twiceheshoutedbutnoanswercame.
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Suddenly,asShagratwasstoopedoverthebattlement,hisbacktotheroof-top,Samtohisamazementsawthatoneofthesprawlingbodieswasmoving.Itwascrawling.Itputoutaclawandclutchedthebundle.Itstaggeredup.Initsotherhanditheldabroad-headedspearwithashortbrokenhaft.Itwaspoisedforastabbingthrust.Butatthatverymomentahissescaped
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itsteeth,agaspofpainorhate.QuickasasnakeShagratslippedaside,twistedround,anddrovehisknifeintohisenemy’sthroat.
‘Gotyou,Gorbag!’hecried.‘Notquitedead,eh?Well,I’llfinishmyjobnow.’Hesprangontothefallenbody,andstampedandtrampleditinhisfury,stoopingnowandagaintostabandslashitwithhis
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knife.Satisfiedatlast,hethrewbackhisheadandletoutahorriblegurglingyelloftriumph.Thenhelickedhisknife,andputitbetweenhisteeth,andcatchingupthebundlehecamelopingtowardstheneardoorofthestairs.
Samhadnotimetothink.Hemighthaveslippedoutoftheotherdoor,buthardlywithoutbeingseen;andhe
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couldnothaveplayedhide-and-seekwiththishideousorcforlong.Hedidwhatwasprobablythebestthinghecouldhavedone.HesprangouttomeetShagratwithashout.HewasnolongerholdingtheRing,butitwasthere,ahiddenpower,acowingmenacetotheslavesofMordor;andinhishandwasSting,anditslightsmotetheeyesoftheorclikethe
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glitterofcruelstarsintheterribleelf-countries,thedreamofwhichwasacoldfeartoallhiskind.AndShagratcouldnotbothfightandkeepholdofhistreasure.Hestopped,growling,baringhisfangs.Thenoncemore,orc-fashion,heleaptaside,andasSamsprangathim,usingtheheavybundleasbothshieldandweapon,hethrustithardintohisenemy’s
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face.Samstaggered,andbeforehecouldrecover,Shagratdartedpastanddownthestairs.
Samranafterhim,cursing,buthedidnotgofar.SoonthethoughtofFrodoreturnedtohim,andherememberedthattheotherorchadgonebackintotheturret.Herewasanotherdreadfulchoice,andhehadnotimetoponderit.IfShagratgot
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away,hewouldsoongethelpandcomeback.ButifSampursuedhim,theotherorcmightdosomehorribledeedupthere.AndanywaySammightmissShagratorbekilledbyhim.Heturnedquicklyandranbackupthestairs.‘Wrongagain,Iexpect,’hesighed.‘Butit’smyjobtogorightuptothetopfirst,whateverhappensafterwards.’
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AwaybelowShagratwentleapingdownthestairsandoutoverthecourtandthroughthegate,bearinghispreciousburden.IfSamcouldhaveseenhimandknownthegriefthathisescapewouldbring,hemighthavequailed.Butnowhismindwassetonthelaststageofhissearch.Hecamecautiouslytotheturret-doorandsteppedinside.Itopenedinto
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darkness.Butsoonhisstaringeyeswereawareofadimlightathisrighthand.Itcamefromanopeningthatledtoanotherstairway,darkandnarrow:itappearedtogowindinguptheturretalongtheinsideofitsroundouterwall.Atorchwasglimmeringfromsomewhereupabove.
SoftlySambegantoclimb.Hecametothegutteringtorch,fixedabovea
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dooronhisleftthatfacedawindow-slitlookingoutwestward:oneoftheredeyesthatheandFrodohadseenfromdownbelowbythetunnel’smouth.QuicklySampassedthedoorandhurriedontothesecondstorey,dreadingatanymomenttobeattackedandtofeelthrottlingfingersseizehisthroatfrombehind.Hecamenexttoawindowlookingeastand
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anothertorchabovethedoortoapassagethroughthemiddleoftheturret.Thedoorwasopen,thepassagedarksavefortheglimmerofthetorchandtheredglarefromoutsidefilteringthroughthewindow-slit.Butherethestairstoppedandclimbednofurther.Samcreptintothepassage.Oneithersidetherewasalowdoor;bothwereclosedandlocked.Therewas
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nosoundatall.‘Adeadend,’muttered
Sam;‘andafterallmyclimb!Thiscan’tbethetopofthetower.ButwhatcanIdonow?’
Heranbacktothelowerstoreyandtriedthedoor.Itwouldnotmove.Heranupagain,andsweatbegantotrickledownhisface.Hefeltthatevenminuteswereprecious,butonebyonethey
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escaped;andhecoulddonothing.HecarednolongerforShagratorSnagaoranyotherorcthatwaseverspawned.Helongedonlyforhismaster,foronesightofhisfaceoronetouchofhishand.
Atlast,wearyandfeelingfinallydefeated,hesatonastepbelowthelevelofthepassage-floorandbowedhisheadintohishands.Itwas
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quiet,horriblyquiet.Thetorch,thatwasalreadyburninglowwhenhearrived,sputteredandwentout;andhefeltthedarknesscoverhimlikeatide.Andthensoftly,tohisownsurprise,thereatthevainendofhislongjourneyandhisgrief,movedbywhatthoughtinhishearthecouldnottell,Sambegantosing.
Hisvoicesoundedthinandquaveringinthecold
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darktower:thevoiceofaforlornandwearyhobbitthatnolisteningorccouldpossiblymistakefortheclearsongofanElven-lord.HemurmuredoldchildishtunesoutoftheShire,andsnatchesofMr.Bilbo’srhymesthatcameintohismindlikefleetingglimpsesofthecountryofhishome.Andthensuddenlynewstrengthroseinhim,andhisvoice
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rangout,whilewordsofhisowncameunbiddentofitthesimpletune.
InwesternlandsbeneaththeSuntheflowersmayriseinSpring,thetreesmaybud,thewatersrun,themerryfinchessing.Ortheremaybe’tiscloudlessnight
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andswayingbeechesbeartheElven-starsasjewelswhiteamidtheirbranchinghair.
Thoughhereatjourney’sendIlieindarknessburieddeep,beyondalltowersstrongandhigh,beyondallmountains
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steep,aboveallshadowsridestheSunandStarsforeverdwell:IwillnotsaytheDayisdone,norbidtheStarsfarewell.
‘Beyondalltowersstrongandhigh,’hebeganagain,andthenhestoppedshort.Hethoughtthathehadhearda
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faintvoiceansweringhim.Butnowhecouldhearnothing.Yes,hecouldhearsomething,butnotavoice.Footstepswereapproaching.Nowadoorwasbeingopenedquietlyinthepassageabove;thehingescreaked.Samcroucheddownlistening.Thedoorclosedwithadullthud;andthenasnarlingorc-voicerangout.
‘Hola!Youupthere,you
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dunghillrat!Stopyoursqueaking,orI’llcomeanddealwithyou.D’youhear?’
Therewasnoanswer.‘Allright,’growled
Snaga.‘ButI’llcomeandhavealookatyouallthesame,andseewhatyou’reupto.’
Thehingescreakedagain,andSam,nowpeeringoverthecornerofthepassage-threshold,sawaflickerof
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lightinanopendoorway,andthedimshapeofanorccomingout.Heseemedtobecarryingaladder.SuddenlytheanswerdawnedonSam:thetopmostchamberwasreachedbyatrap-doorintheroofofthepassage.Snagathrusttheladderupwards,steadiedit,andthenclamberedoutofsight.Samheardaboltdrawnback.Thenheheardthehideous
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voicespeakingagain.‘Youliequiet,oryou’ll
payforit!You’venotgotlongtoliveinpeace,Iguess;butifyoudon’twantthefuntobeginrightnow,keepyourtrapshut,see?There’sareminderforyou!’Therewasasoundlikethecrackofawhip.
AtthatrageblazedinSam’shearttoasuddenfury.Hesprangup,ran,andwent
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uptheladderlikeacat.Hisheadcameoutinthemiddleofthefloorofalargeroundchamber.Aredlamphungfromitsroof;thewestwardwindow-slitwashighanddark.Somethingwaslyingonthefloorbythewallunderthewindow,butoveritablackorc-shapewasstraddled.Itraisedawhipasecondtime,buttheblowneverfell.
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WithacrySamleaptacrossthefloor,Stinginhand.Theorcwheeledround,butbeforeitcouldmakeamoveSamslasheditswhip-handfromitsarm.Howlingwithpainandfearbutdesperatetheorcchargedhead-downathim.Sam’snextblowwentwide,andthrownoffhisbalancehefellbackwards,clutchingattheorcasitstumbledoverhim.
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Beforehecouldscrambleupheheardacryandathud.Theorcinitswildhastehadtrippedontheladder-headandfallenthroughtheopentrap-door.Samgavenomorethoughttoit.Herantothefigurehuddledonthefloor.ItwasFrodo.
Hewasnaked,lyingasifinaswoononaheapoffilthy
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rags:hisarmwasflungup,shieldinghishead,andacrosshissidethererananuglywhip-weal.
‘Frodo!Mr.Frodo,mydear!’criedSam,tearsalmostblindinghim.‘It’sSam,I’vecome!’Hehalfliftedhismasterandhuggedhimtohisbreast.Frodoopenedhiseyes.
‘AmIstilldreaming?’hemuttered.‘Buttheother
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dreamswerehorrible.’‘You’renotdreamingat
all,Master,’saidSam.‘It’sreal.It’sme.I’vecome.’
‘Icanhardlybelieveit,’saidFrodo,clutchinghim.‘Therewasanorcwithawhip,andthenitturnsintoSam!ThenIwasn’tdreamingafterallwhenIheardthatsingingdownbelow,andItriedtoanswer?Wasityou?’
‘Itwasindeed,Mr.Frodo.
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I’dgivenuphope,almost.Icouldn’tfindyou.’
‘Well,youhavenow,Sam,dearSam,’saidFrodo,andhelaybackinSam’sgentlearms,closinghiseyes,likeachildatrestwhennight-fearsaredrivenawaybysomelovedvoiceorhand.
Samfeltthathecouldsitlikethatinendlesshappiness;butitwasnotallowed.Itwasnotenoughforhimtofindhis
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master,hehadstilltotryandsavehim.HekissedFrodo’sforehead.‘Come!Wakeup,Mr.Frodo!’hesaid,tryingtosoundascheerfulashehadwhenhedrewbackthecurtainsatBagEndonasummer’smorning.
Frodosighedandsatup.‘Wherearewe?HowdidIgethere?’heasked.
‘There’snotimefortalestillwegetsomewhereelse,
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Mr.Frodo,’saidSam.‘Butyou’reinthetopofthattoweryouandmesawfromawaydownbythetunnelbeforetheorcsgotyou.HowlongagothatwasIdon’tknow.Morethanaday,Iguess.’
‘Onlythat?’saidFrodo.‘Itseemsweeks.Youmusttellmeallaboutit,ifwegetachance.Somethinghitme,didn’tit?AndIfellintodarknessandfouldreams,
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andwokeandfoundthatwakingwasworse.Orcswereallroundme.Ithinktheyhadjustbeenpouringsomehorribleburningdrinkdownmythroat.Myheadgrewclear,butIwasachingandweary.Theystrippedmeofeverything;andthentwogreatbrutescameandquestionedme,questionedmeuntilIthoughtIshouldgomad,standingoverme,
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gloating,fingeringtheirknives.I’llneverforgettheirclawsandeyes.’
‘Youwon’t,ifyoutalkaboutthem,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam.‘Andifwedon’twanttoseethemagain,thesoonerwegetgoingthebetter.Canyouwalk?’
‘Yes,Icanwalk,’saidFrodo,gettingupslowly.‘Iamnothurt,Sam.OnlyIfeelverytired,andI’veapain
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here.’Heputhishandtothebackofhisneckabovehisleftshoulder.Hestoodup,anditlookedtoSamasifhewasclothedinflame:hisnakedskinwasscarletinthelightofthelampabove.Twicehepacedacrossthefloor.
‘That’sbetter!’hesaid,hisspiritsrisingalittle.‘Ididn’tdaretomovewhenIwasleftalone,oroneofthe
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guardscame.Untiltheyellingandfightingbegan.Thetwobigbrutes:theyquarrelled,Ithink.Overmeandmythings.Ilayhereterrified.Andthenallwentdeadlyquiet,andthatwasworse.’
‘Yes,theyquarrelled,seemingly,’saidSam.‘Theremusthavebeenacoupleofhundredofthedirtycreaturesinthisplace.AbitofatallorderforSamGamgee,as
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youmightsay.Butthey’vedoneallthekillingofthemselves.That’slucky,butit’stoolongtomakeasongabout,tillwe’reoutofhere.Nowwhat’stobedone?Youcan’tgowalkingintheBlackLandinnaughtbutyourskin,Mr.Frodo.’
‘They’vetakeneverything,Sam,’saidFrodo.‘EverythingIhad.Doyouunderstand?Everything!’He
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coweredontheflooragainwithbowedhead,ashisownwordsbroughthometohimthefullnessofthedisaster,anddespairoverwhelmedhim.‘Thequesthasfailed,Sam.Evenifwegetoutofhere,wecan’tescape.OnlyElvescanescape.Away,awayoutofMiddle-earth,farawayovertheSea.IfeventhatiswideenoughtokeeptheShadowout.’
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‘No,noteverything,Mr.Frodo.Andithasn’tfailed,notyet.Itookit,Mr.Frodo,beggingyourpardon.AndI’vekeptitsafe.It’sroundmynecknow,andaterribleburdenitis,too.’SamfumbledfortheRinganditschain.‘ButIsupposeyoumusttakeitback.’Nowithadcometoit,SamfeltreluctanttogiveuptheRingandburdenhismasterwithit
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again.‘You’vegotit?’gasped
Frodo.‘You’vegotithere?Sam,you’reamarvel!’Thenquicklyandstrangelyhistonechanged.‘Giveittome!’hecried,standingup,holdingoutatremblinghand.‘Giveitmeatonce!Youcan’thaveit!’
‘Allright,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam,ratherstartled.‘Hereitis!’Slowlyhedrew
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theRingoutandpassedthechainoverhishead.‘Butyou’reinthelandofMordornow,sir;andwhenyougetout,you’llseetheFieryMountainandall.You’llfindtheRingverydangerousnow,andveryhardtobear.Ifit’stoohardajob,Icouldshareitwithyou,maybe?’
‘No,no!’criedFrodo,snatchingtheRingandchainfromSam’shands.‘Noyou
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won’t,youthief!’Hepanted,staringatSamwitheyeswidewithfearandenmity.Thensuddenly,claspingtheRinginoneclenchedfist,hestoodaghast.Amistseemedtoclearfromhiseyes,andhepassedahandoverhisachingbrow.Thehideousvisionhadseemedsorealtohim,halfbemusedashewasstillwithwoundandfear.Samhadchangedbeforehisveryeyes
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intoanorcagain,leeringandpawingathistreasure,afoullittlecreaturewithgreedyeyesandslobberingmouth.Butnowthevisionhadpassed.TherewasSamkneelingbeforehim,hisfacewrungwithpain,asifhehadbeenstabbedintheheart;tearswelledfromhiseyes.
‘OSam!’criedFrodo.‘WhathaveIsaid?WhathaveIdone?Forgiveme!Afterall
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youhavedone.ItisthehorriblepoweroftheRing.Iwishithadnever,never,beenfound.Butdon’tmindme,Sam.Imustcarrytheburdentotheend.Itcan’tbealtered.Youcan’tcomebetweenmeandthisdoom.’
‘That’sallright,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam,rubbinghissleeveacrosshiseyes.‘Iunderstand.ButIcanstillhelp,can’tI?I’vegottoget
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yououtofhere.Atonce,see!Butfirstyouwantsomeclothesandgear,andthensomefood.Theclotheswillbetheeasiestpart.Aswe’reinMordor,we’dbestdressupMordor-fashion;andanywaythereisn’tnochoice.It’llhavetobeorc-stuffforyou,Mr.Frodo,I’mafraid.Andformetoo.Ifwegotogether,we’dbestmatch.Nowputthisroundyou!’
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SamunclaspedhisgreycloakandcastitaboutFrodo’sshoulders.Thenunslinginghispackhelaiditonthefloor.HedrewStingfromitssheath.Hardlyaflickerwastobeseenuponitsblade.‘Iwasforgettingthis,Mr.Frodo,’hesaid.‘No,theydidn’tgeteverything!YoulentmeSting,ifyouremember,andtheLady’sglass.I’vegotthembothstill.
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Butlendthemtomealittlelonger,Mr.Frodo.ImustgoandseewhatIcanfind.Youstayhere.Walkaboutabitandeaseyourlegs.Ishan’tbelong.Ishan’thavetogofar.’
‘Takecare,Sam!’saidFrodo.‘Andbequick!Theremaybeorcsstillalive,lurkinginwait.’
‘I’vegottochanceit,’saidSam.Hesteppedtothetrap-doorandslippeddown
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theladder.Inaminutehisheadreappeared.Hethrewalongknifeonthefloor.
‘There’ssomethingthatmightbeuseful,’hesaid.‘He’sdead:theonethatwhippedyou.Brokehisneck,itseems,inhishurry.Nowyoudrawuptheladder,ifyoucan,Mr.Frodo;anddon’tyouletitdowntillyouhearmecallthepass-word.ElberethI’llcall.WhattheElvessay.
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Noorcwouldsaythat.’
Frodosatforawhileandshivered,dreadfulfearschasingoneanotherthroughhismind.Thenhegotup,drewthegreyelven-cloakabouthim,andtokeephismindoccupied,begantowalktoandfro,pryingandpeeringintoeverycornerofhisprison.
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Itwasnotverylong,thoughfearmadeitseemanhouratleast,beforeheheardSam’svoicecallingsoftlyfrombelow:Elbereth,Elbereth.Frodoletdownthelightladder.UpcameSam,puffing,heavingagreatbundleonhishead.Heletitfallwithathud.
‘Quicknow,Mr.Frodo!’hesaid.‘I’vehadabitofasearchtofindanythingsmall
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enoughforthelikesofus.We’llhavetomakedo.Butwemusthurry.I’vemetnothingalive,andI’veseennothing,butI’mnoteasy.Ithinkthisplaceisbeingwatched.Ican’texplainit,butwell:itfeelstomeasifoneofthosefoulflyingRiderswasabout,upintheblacknesswherehecan’tbeseen.’
Heopenedthebundle.
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Frodolookedindisgustatthecontents,buttherewasnothingforit:hehadtoputthethingson,orgonaked.Therewerelonghairybreechesofsomeuncleanbeast-fell,andatunicofdirtyleather.Hedrewthemon.Overthetunicwentacoatofstoutring-mail,shortforafull-sizedorc,toolongforFrodoandheavy.Aboutitheclaspedabelt,atwhichthere
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hungashortsheathholdingabroad-bladedstabbing-sword.Samhadbroughtseveralorc-helmets.OneofthemfittedFrodowellenough,ablackcapwithironrim,andironhoopscoveredwithleatheruponwhichtheEvilEyewaspaintedinredabovethebeaklikenose-guard.
‘TheMorgul-stuff,Gorbag’sgear,wasabetterfitandbettermade,’said
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Sam;‘butitwouldn’tdo,Iguess,togocarryinghistokensintoMordor,notafterthisbusinesshere.Well,thereyouare,Mr.Frodo.Aperfectlittleorc,ifImaymakesobold–atleastyouwouldbe,ifwecouldcoveryourfacewithamask,giveyoulongerarms,andmakeyoubow-legged.Thiswillhidesomeofthetell-tales.’Heputalargeblackcloakround
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Frodo’sshoulders.‘Nowyou’reready!Youcanpickupashieldaswego.’
‘Whataboutyou,Sam?’saidFrodo.‘Aren’twegoingtomatch?’
‘Well,Mr.Frodo,I’vebeenthinking,’saidSam.‘I’dbestnotleaveanyofmystuffbehind,andwecan’tdestroyit.AndIcan’twearorc-mailoverallmyclothes,canI?I’lljusthavetocoverup.’
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Hekneltdownandcarefullyfoldedhiselven-cloak.Itwentintoasurprisinglysmallroll.Thisheputintohispackthatlayonthefloor.Standingup,heslungitbehindhisback,putanorc-helmonhishead,andcastanotherblackcloakabouthisshoulders.‘There!’hesaid.‘Nowwematch,nearenough.Andnowwemustbeoff!’
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‘Ican’tgoallthewayatarun,Sam,’saidFrodowithawrysmile.‘Ihopeyou’vemadeinquiriesaboutinnsalongtheroad?Orhaveyouforgottenaboutfoodanddrink?’
‘Saveme,butsoIhad!’saidSam.Hewhistledindismay.‘Blessme,Mr.Frodo,butyou’vegoneandmademethathungryandthirsty!Idon’tknowwhen
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dropormorsellastpassedmylips.I’dforgottenit,tryingtofindyou.Butletmethink!LasttimeIlookedI’dgotaboutenoughofthatway-bread,andofwhatCaptainFaramirgaveus,tokeepmeonmylegsforacoupleofweeksatapinch.Butifthere’sadropleftinmybottle,there’snomore.That’snotgoingtobeenoughfortwo,nohow.Don’torcs
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eat,anddon’ttheydrink?Ordotheyjustliveonfoulairandpoison?’
‘No,theyeatanddrink,Sam.TheShadowthatbredthemcanonlymock,itcannotmake:notrealnewthingsofitsown.Idon’tthinkitgavelifetotheorcs,itonlyruinedthemandtwistedthem;andiftheyaretoliveatall,theyhavetolivelikeotherlivingcreatures.Foul
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watersandfoulmeatsthey’lltake,iftheycangetnobetter,butnotpoison.They’vefedme,andsoI’mbetteroffthanyou.Theremustbefoodandwatersomewhereinthisplace.’
‘Butthere’snotimetolookforthem,’saidSam.
‘Well,thingsareabitbetterthanyouthink,’saidFrodo.‘Ihavehadabitofluckwhileyouwereaway.
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Indeedtheydidnottakeeverything.I’vefoundmyfood-bagamongsomeragsonthefloor.They’verummagedit,ofcourse.ButIguesstheydislikedtheverylookandsmellofthelembas,worsethanGollumdid.It’sscatteredaboutandsomeofitistrampledandbroken,butI’vegatheredittogether.It’snotfarshortofwhatyou’vegot.Butthey’vetaken
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Faramir’sfood,andthey’veslashedupmywater-bottle.’
‘Well,there’snomoretobesaid,’saidSam.‘We’vegotenoughtostarton.Butthewater’sgoingtobeabadbusiness.Butcome,Mr.Frodo!Offwego,orawholelakeofitwon’tdousanygood!’
‘Nottillyou’vehadamouthful,Sam,’saidFrodo.‘Iwon’tbudge.Here,take
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thiselven-cake,anddrinkthatlastdropinyourbottle!Thewholethingisquitehopeless,soit’snogoodworryingabouttomorrow.Itprobablywon’tcome.’
Atlasttheystarted.Downtheladdertheyclimbed,andthenSamtookitandlaiditinthepassagebesidethehuddledbodyofthefallen
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orc.Thestairwasdark,butontheroof-toptheglareoftheMountaincouldstillbeseen,thoughitwasdyingdownnowtoasullenred.Theypickeduptwoshieldstocompletetheirdisguiseandthenwenton.
Downthegreatstairwaytheyplodded.Thehighchamberoftheturretbehind,wheretheyhadmetagain,seemedalmosthomely:they
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wereoutintheopenagainnow,andterrorranalongthewalls.AllmightbedeadintheTowerofCirithUngol,butitwassteepedinfearandevilstill.
Atlengththeycametothedoorupontheoutercourt,andtheyhalted.EvenfromwheretheystoodtheyfeltthemaliceoftheWatchersbeatingonthem,blacksilentshapesoneithersideofthe
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gatethroughwhichtheglareofMordordimlyshowed.Astheythreadedtheirwayamongthehideousbodiesoftheorcseachstepbecamemoredifficult.Beforetheyevenreachedthearchwaytheywerebroughttoastand.Tomoveaninchfurtherwasapainandwearinesstowillandlimb.
Frodohadnostrengthforsuchabattle.Hesanktothe
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ground.‘Ican’tgoon,Sam,’hemurmured.‘I’mgoingtofaint.Idon’tknowwhat’scomeoverme.’
‘Ido,Mr.Frodo.Holdupnow!It’sthegate.There’ssomedevilrythere.ButIgotthrough,andI’mgoingtogetout.Itcan’tbemoredangerousthanbefore.Nowforit!’
Samdrewouttheelven-glassofGaladrielagain.Asif
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todohonourtohishardihood,andtogracewithsplendourhisfaithfulbrownhobbit-handthathaddonesuchdeeds,thephialblazedforthsuddenly,sothatalltheshadowycourtwaslitwithadazzlingradiancelikelightning;butitremainedsteadyanddidnotpass.
‘Gilthoniel,AElbereth!’Samcried.For,whyhedidnotknow,histhoughtsprang
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backsuddenlytotheElvesintheShire,andthesongthatdroveawaytheBlackRiderinthetrees.
‘Aiyaelenionancalima!’criedFrodoonceagainbehindhim.
ThewilloftheWatcherswasbrokenwithasuddennesslikethesnappingofacord,andFrodoandSamstumbledforward.Thentheyran.Throughthegateand
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pastthegreatseatedfigureswiththeirglitteringeyes.Therewasacrack.Thekeystoneofthearchcrashedalmostontheirheels,andthewallabovecrumbled,andfellinruin.Onlybyahairdidtheyescape.Abellclanged;andfromtheWatcherstherewentupahighanddreadfulwail.Farupaboveinthedarknessitwasanswered.Outoftheblackskythere
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camedroppinglikeaboltawingedshape,rendingthecloudswithaghastlyshriek.
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Chapter2
THELANDOFSHADOW
Samhadjustwitsenoughlefttothrustthephialbackinto
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hisbreast.‘Run,Mr.Frodo!’hecried.‘No,notthatway!There’sasheerdropoverthewall.Followme!’
Downtheroadfromthegatetheyfled.Infiftypaces,withaswiftbendroundajuttingbastionofthecliff,ittookthemoutofsightfromtheTower.Theyhadescapedforthemoment.Coweringbackagainsttherocktheydrewbreath,andthenthey
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clutchedattheirhearts.PerchingnowonthewallbesidetheruinedgatetheNazgûlsentoutitsdeadlycries.Allthecliffsechoed.
Interrortheystumbledon.SoontheroadbentsharplyeastwardagainandexposedthemforadreadfulmomenttoviewfromtheTower.Astheyflittedacrosstheyglancedbackandsawthegreatblackshapeuponthe
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battlement;thentheyplungeddownbetweenhighrock-wallsinacuttingthatfellsteeplytojointheMorgul-road.Theycametotheway-meeting.Therewasstillnosignoforcs,norofananswertothecryoftheNazgûl;buttheyknewthatthesilencewouldnotlastlong.Atanymomentnowthehuntwouldbegin.
‘Thiswon’tdo,Sam,’said
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Frodo.‘Ifwewererealorcs,weoughttobedashingbacktotheTower,notrunningaway.Thefirstenemywemeetwillknowus.Wemustgetoffthisroadsomehow.’
‘Butwecan’t,’saidSam,‘notwithoutwings.’
TheeasternfacesoftheEphelDúathweresheer,fallingincliffandprecipice
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totheblacktroughthatlaybetweenthemandtheinnerridge.Ashortwaybeyondtheway-meeting,afteranothersteepincline,aflyingbridgeofstoneleaptoverthechasmandboretheroadacrossintothetumbledslopesandglensoftheMorgai.WithadesperatespurtFrodoandSamdashedalongthebridge;buttheyhadhardlyreacheditsfurtherendwhenthey
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heardthehueandcrybegin.Awaybehindthem,nowhighaboveonthemountain-side,loomedtheTowerofCirithUngol,itsstonesglowingdully.Suddenlyitsharshbellclangedagain,andthenbrokeintoashatteringpeal.Hornssounded.Andnowfrombeyondthebridge-endcameansweringcries.Downinthedarktrough,cutofffromthedyingglareofOrodruin,
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FrodoandSamcouldnotseeahead,butalreadytheyheardthetrampofiron-shodfeet,andupontheroadthererangtheswiftclatterofhoofs.
‘Quick,Sam!Overwego!’criedFrodo.Theyscrambledontothelowparapetofthebridge.Fortunatelytherewasnolongeranydreadfuldropintothegulf,fortheslopesoftheMorgaihadalreadyrisen
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almosttotheleveloftheroad;butitwastoodarkforthemtoguessthedepthofthefall.
‘Well,heregoes,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam.‘Good-bye!’
Heletgo.Frodofollowed.Andevenastheyfelltheyheardtherushofhorsemensweepingoverthebridgeandtherattleoforc-feetrunningupbehind.ButSamwould
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havelaughed,ifhehaddared.Halffearingabreakingplungedownontounseenrocksthehobbitslanded,inadropofnomorethanadozenfeet,withathudandacrunchintothelastthingthattheyhadexpected:atangleofthornybushes.ThereSamlaystill,softlysuckingascratchedhand.
Whenthesoundofhoofandfoothadpassedhe
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venturedawhisper.‘Blessme,Mr.Frodo,butIdidn’tknowasanythinggrewinMordor!ButifIhada’known,thisisjustwhatI’dhavelookedfor.Thesethornsmustbeafootlongbythefeelofthem;they’vestuckthrougheverythingI’vegoton.WishI’da’putthatmailshirton!’
‘Orc-maildoesn’tkeepthesethornsout,’saidFrodo.
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‘Notevenaleatherjerkinisanygood.’
Theyhadastruggletogetoutofthethicket.Thethornsandbriarswereastoughaswireandasclingingasclaws.Theircloakswererentandtatteredbeforetheybrokefreeatlast.
‘Nowdownwego,Sam,’Frodowhispered.‘Downinto
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thevalleyquick,andthenturnnorthward,assoonaseverwecan.’
Daywascomingagainintheworldoutside,andfarbeyondthegloomsofMordortheSunwasclimbingovertheeasternrimofMiddle-earth;buthereallwasstilldarkasnight.TheMountainsmoulderedanditsfireswentout.Theglarefadedfromthecliffs.Theeasterlywindthat
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hadbeenblowingeversincetheyleftIthiliennowseemeddead.Slowlyandpainfullytheyclambereddown,groping,stumbling,scramblingamongrockandbriaranddeadwoodintheblindshadows,downanddownuntiltheycouldgonofurther.
Atlengththeystopped,andsatsidebyside,theirbacksagainstaboulder.Both
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weresweating.‘IfShagrathimselfwastooffermeaglassofwater,I’dshakehishand,’saidSam.
‘Don’tsaysuchthings!’saidFrodo.‘Itonlymakesitworse.’Thenhestretchedhimselfout,dizzyandweary,andhespokenomoreforawhile.Atlastwithastrugglehegotupagain.TohisamazementhefoundthatSamwasasleep.‘Wakeup,
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Sam!’hesaid.‘Comeon!It’stimewemadeanothereffort.’
Samscrambledtohisfeet.‘WellInever!’hesaid.‘Imusthavedroppedoff.It’salongtime,Mr.Frodo,sinceIhadapropersleep,andmyeyesjustcloseddownontheirown.’
Frodonowledtheway,northwardasnearashecould
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guess,amongthestonesandboulderslyingthickatthebottomofthegreatravine.Butpresentlyhestoppedagain.
‘It’snogood,Sam,’hesaid.‘Ican’tmanageit.Thismail-shirt,Imean.Notinmypresentstate.Evenmymithril-coatseemedheavywhenIwastired.Thisisfarheavier.Andwhat’stheuseofit?Weshan’twinthrough
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byfighting.’‘Butwemayhavesometo
do,’saidSam.‘Andthere’sknivesandstrayarrows.ThatGollumisn’tdead,foronething.Idon’tliketothinkofyouwithnaughtbutabitofleatherbetweenyouandastabinthedark.’
‘Lookhere,Samdearlad,’saidFrodo:‘Iamtired,weary,Ihaven’tahopeleft.ButIhavetogoontryingto
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gettotheMountain,aslongasIcanmove.TheRingisenough.Thisextraweightiskillingme.Itmustgo.Butdon’tthinkI’mungrateful.Ihatetothinkofthefoulworkyoumusthavehadamongthebodiestofinditforme.’
‘Don’ttalkaboutit,Mr.Frodo.Blessyou!I’dcarryyouonmyback,ifIcould.Letitgothen!’
Frodolaidasidehiscloak
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andtookofftheorc-mailandflungitaway.Heshiveredalittle.‘WhatIreallyneedissomethingwarm,’hesaid.‘It’sgonecold,orelseI’vecaughtachill.’
‘Youcanhavemycloak,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam.Heunslunghispackandtookouttheelven-cloak.‘How’sthis,Mr.Frodo?’hesaid.‘Youwrapthatorc-ragcloseroundyou,andputthebeltoutside
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it.Thenthiscangooverall.Itdon’tlookquiteorc-fashion,butit’llkeepyouwarmer;andIdaresayit’llkeepyoufromharmbetterthananyothergear.ItwasmadebytheLady.’
Frodotookthecloakandfastenedthebrooch.‘That’sbetter!’hesaid.‘Ifeelmuchlighter.Icangoonnow.Butthisblinddarkseemstobegettingintomyheart.AsIlay
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inprison,Sam,ItriedtoremembertheBrandywine,andWoodyEnd,andTheWaterrunningthroughthemillatHobbiton.ButIcan’tseethemnow.’
‘Therenow,Mr.Frodo,it’syouthat’stalkingofwaterthistime!’saidSam.‘IfonlytheLadycouldseeusorhearus,I’dsaytoher:“YourLadyship,allwewantislightandwater:justcleanwater
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andplaindaylight,betterthananyjewels,beggingyourpardon.”Butit’salongwaytoLórien.’SamsighedandwavedhishandtowardstheheightsoftheEphelDúath,nowonlytobeguessedasadeeperblacknessagainsttheblacksky.
Theystartedoffagain.Theyhadnotgonefarwhen
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Frodopaused.‘There’saBlackRideroverus,’hesaid.‘Icanfeelit.Wehadbetterkeepstillforawhile.’
Crouchedunderagreatbouldertheysatfacingbackwestwardanddidnotspeakforsometime.ThenFrodobreathedasighofrelief.‘It’spassed,’hesaid.Theystoodup,andthentheybothstaredinwonder.Awaytotheirleft,southward,againstaskythat
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wasturninggrey,thepeaksandhighridgesofthegreatrangebegantoappeardarkandblack,visibleshapes.Lightwasgrowingbehindthem.SlowlyitcrepttowardstheNorth.Therewasbattlefaraboveinthehighspacesoftheair.ThebillowingcloudsofMordorwerebeingdrivenback,theiredgestatteringasawindoutofthelivingworldcameupand
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sweptthefumesandsmokestowardsthedarklandoftheirhome.UndertheliftingskirtsofthedrearycanopydimlightleakedintoMordorlikepalemorningthroughthegrimedwindowofaprison.
‘Lookatit,Mr.Frodo!’saidSam.‘Lookatit!Thewind’schanged.Something’shappening.He’snothavingitallhisownway.Hisdarknessisbreakingupoutinthe
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worldthere.IwishIcouldseewhatisgoingon!’
ItwasthemorningofthefifteenthofMarch,andovertheValeofAnduintheSunwasrisingabovetheeasternshadow,andthesouth-westwindwasblowing.ThéodenlaydyingonthePelennorFields.
AsFrodoandSamstoodandgazed,therimoflightspreadallalongthelineof
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theEphelDúath,andthentheysawashape,movingatagreatspeedoutoftheWest,atfirstonlyablackspeckagainsttheglimmeringstripabovethemountain-tops,butgrowing,untilitplungedlikeaboltintothedarkcanopyandpassedhighabovethem.Asitwentitsentoutalongshrillcry,thevoiceofaNazgûl;butthiscrynolongerheldanyterrorforthem:it
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wasacryofwoeanddismay,illtidingsfortheDarkTower.TheLordoftheRingwraithshadmethisdoom.
‘WhatdidItellyou?Something’shappening!’criedSam.‘“Thewar’sgoingwell,”saidShagrat;butGorbaghewasn’tsosure.Andhewasrighttheretoo.Thingsarelookingup,Mr.Frodo.Haven’tyougotsomehopenow?’
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‘Wellno,notmuch,Sam,’Frodosighed.‘That’sawaybeyondthemountains.We’regoingeastnotwest.AndI’msotired.AndtheRingissoheavy,Sam.AndIbegintoseeitinmymindallthetime,likeagreatwheeloffire.’
Sam’squickspiritssankagainatonce.Helookedathismasteranxiously,andhetookhishand.‘Come,Mr.Frodo!’hesaid.‘I’vegotone
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thingIwanted:abitoflight.Enoughtohelpus,andyetIguessit’sdangeroustoo.Tryabitfurther,andthenwe’llliecloseandhavearest.Buttakeamorseltoeatnow,abitoftheElves’food;itmayheartenyou.’
Sharingawaferoflembas,andmunchingitasbesttheycouldwiththeir
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parchedmouths,FrodoandSamploddedon.Thelight,thoughnomorethanagreydusk,wasnowenoughforthemtoseethattheyweredeepinthevalleybetweenthemountains.Itslopedupgentlynorthward,andatitsbottomwentthebedofanowdryandwitheredstream.Beyonditsstonycoursetheysawabeatenpaththatwounditswayunderthefeetofthe
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westwardcliffs.Hadtheyknown,theycouldhavereacheditquicker,foritwasatrackthatleftthemainMorgul-roadatthewesternbridge-endandwentdownbyalongstaircutintherocktothevalley’sbottom.Itwasusedbypatrolsorbymessengersgoingswiftlytolesserpostsandstrongholdsnorth-away,betweenCirithUngolandthenarrowsof
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Isenmouthe,theironjawsofCarachAngren.
Itwasperilousforthehobbitstousesuchapath,buttheyneededspeed,andFrodofeltthathecouldnotfacethetoilofscramblingamongthebouldersorinthetracklessglensoftheMorgai.Andhejudgedthatnorthwardwas,maybe,thewaythattheirhunterswouldleastexpectthemtotake.Theroadeastto
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theplain,orthepassbackwestward,thosetheywouldfirstsearchmostthoroughly.OnlywhenhewaswellnorthoftheTowerdidhemeantoturnandseekforsomewaytotakehimeast,eastonthelastdesperatestageofhisjourney.Sonowtheycrossedthestonybedandtooktotheorc-path,andforsometimetheymarchedalongit.Thecliffsattheirleftwere
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overhung,andtheycouldnotbeseenfromabove;butthepathmademanybends,andateachbendtheygrippedtheirsword-hiltsandwentforwardcautiously.
Thelightgrewnostronger,forOrodruinwasstillbelchingforthagreatfumethat,beatenupwardsbytheopposingairs,mountedhigherandhigher,untilitreachedaregionabovethe
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windandspreadinanimmeasurableroof,whosecentralpillarroseoutoftheshadowsbeyondtheirview.Theyhadtrudgedformorethananhourwhentheyheardasoundthatbroughtthemtoahalt.Unbelievable,butunmistakable.Watertrickling.Outofagullyontheleft,sosharpandnarrowthatitlookedasiftheblackcliffhadbeenclovenbysome
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hugeaxe,watercamedrippingdown:thelastremains,maybe,ofsomesweetraingatheredfromsunlitseas,butill-fatedtofallatlastuponthewallsoftheBlackLandandwanderfruitlessdownintothedust.Hereitcameoutoftherockinalittlefallingstreamlet,andflowedacrossthepath,andturningsouthranawayswiftlytobelostamongthe
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deadstones.Samsprangtowardsit.‘If
everIseetheLadyagain,Iwilltellher!’hecried.‘Lightandnowwater!’Thenhestopped.‘Letmedrinkfirst,Mr.Frodo,’hesaid.
‘Allright,butthere’sroomenoughfortwo.’
‘Ididn’tmeanthat,’saidSam.‘Imean:ifit’spoisonous,orsomethingthatwillshowitsbadnessquick,
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well,bettermethanyou,master,ifyouunderstandme.’
‘Ido.ButIthinkwe’lltrustourlucktogether,Sam;orourblessing.Still,becarefulnow,ifit’sverycold!’
Thewaterwascoolbutnoticy,andithadanunpleasanttaste,atoncebitterandoily,orsotheywouldhavesaidathome.Hereitseemedbeyondallpraise,and
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beyondfearorprudence.Theydranktheirfill,andSamreplenishedhiswater-bottle.AfterthatFrodofelteasier,andtheywentonforseveralmiles,untilthebroadeningoftheroadandthebeginningsofaroughwallalongitsedgewarnedthemthattheyweredrawingneartoanotherorc-hold.
‘Thisiswhereweturnaside,Sam,’saidFrodo.‘And
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wemustturneast.’Hesighedashelookedatthegloomyridgesacrossthevalley.‘Ihavejustaboutenoughstrengthlefttofindsomeholeawayupthere.AndthenImustrestalittle.’
Theriver-bedwasnowsomewaybelowthepath.Theyscrambleddowntoit,andbegantocrossit.Totheir
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surprisetheycameupondarkpoolsfedbythreadsofwatertricklingdownfromsomesourcehigherupthevalley.UponitsoutermargesunderthewestwardmountainsMordorwasadyingland,butitwasnotyetdead.Andherethingsstillgrew,harsh,twisted,bitter,strugglingforlife.IntheglensoftheMorgaiontheothersideofthevalleylowscrubbytrees
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lurkedandclung,coarsegreygrass-tussocksfoughtwiththestones,andwitheredmossescrawledonthem;andeverywheregreatwrithing,tangledbramblessprawled.Somehadlongstabbingthorns,somehookedbarbsthatrentlikeknives.Thesullenshrivelledleavesofapastyearhungonthem,gratingandrattlinginthesadairs,buttheirmaggot-ridden
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budswereonlyjustopening.Flies,dunorgrey,orblack,markedlikeorcswitharedeye-shapedblotch,buzzedandstung;andabovethebriar-thicketscloudsofhungrymidgesdancedandreeled.
‘Orc-gear’snogood,’saidSamwavinghisarms.‘IwishI’dgotanorc’shide!’
AtlastFrodocouldgonofurther.Theyhadclimbedup
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anarrowshelvingravine,buttheystillhadalongwaytogobeforetheycouldevencomeinsightofthelastcraggyridge.‘Imustrestnow,Sam,andsleepifIcan,’saidFrodo.Helookedabout,butthereseemednowhereevenforananimaltocrawlintointhisdismalcountry.Atlength,tiredout,theyslunkunderacurtainofbramblesthathungdownlikeamat
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overalowrock-face.Theretheysatandmade
suchamealastheycould.Keepingbackthepreciouslembasfortheevildaysahead,theyatethehalfofwhatremainedinSam’sbagofFaramir’sprovision:somedriedfruit,andasmallslipofcuredmeat;andtheysippedsomewater.Theyhaddrunkagainfromthepoolsinthevalley,buttheywerevery
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thirstyagain.TherewasabittertangintheairofMordorthatdriedthemouth.WhenSamthoughtofwaterevenhishopefulspiritquailed.BeyondtheMorgaitherewasthedreadfulplainofGorgorothtocross.
‘Nowyougotosleepfirst,Mr.Frodo,’hesaid.‘It’sgettingdarkagain.Ireckonthisdayisnearlyover.’
Frodosighedandwas
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asleepalmostbeforethewordswerespoken.Samstruggledwithhisownweariness,andhetookFrodo’shand;andtherehesatsilenttilldeepnightfell.Thenatlast,tokeephimselfawake,hecrawledfromthehiding-placeandlookedout.Thelandseemedfullofcreakingandcrackingandslynoises,buttherewasnosoundofvoiceoroffoot.Far
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abovetheEphelDúathintheWestthenight-skywasstilldimandpale.There,peepingamongthecloud-wrackaboveadarktorhighupinthemountains,Samsawawhitestartwinkleforawhile.Thebeautyofitsmotehisheart,ashelookedupoutoftheforsakenland,andhopereturnedtohim.Forlikeashaft,clearandcold,thethoughtpiercedhimthatin
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theendtheShadowwasonlyasmallandpassingthing:therewaslightandhighbeautyforeverbeyonditsreach.HissongintheTowerhadbeendefianceratherthanhope;forthenhewasthinkingofhimself.Now,foramoment,hisownfate,andevenhismaster’s,ceasedtotroublehim.HecrawledbackintothebramblesandlaidhimselfbyFrodo’sside,and
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puttingawayallfearhecasthimselfintoadeepuntroubledsleep.
Theywoketogether,handinhand.Samwasalmostfresh,readyforanotherday;butFrodosighed.Hissleephadbeenuneasy,fullofdreamsoffire,andwakingbroughthimnocomfort.Stillhissleephadnotbeen
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withoutallhealingvirtue:hewasstronger,moreabletobearhisburdenonestagefurther.Theydidnotknowthetime,norhowlongtheyhadslept;butafteramorseloffoodandasipofwatertheywentonuptheravine,untilitendedinasharpslopeofscreesandslidingstones.Therethelastlivingthingsgaveuptheirstruggle;thetopsoftheMorgaiwere
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grassless,bare,jagged,barrenasaslate.
Aftermuchwanderingandsearchtheyfoundawaythattheycouldclimb,andwithalasthundredfeetofclawingscrambletheywereup.Theycametoacleftbetweentwodarkcrags,andpassingthroughfoundthemselvesontheveryedgeofthelastfenceofMordor.Belowthem,atthebottomofafallofsome
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fifteenhundredfeet,laytheinnerplainstretchingawayintoaformlessgloombeyondtheirsight.ThewindoftheworldblewnowfromtheWest,andthegreatcloudswereliftedhigh,floatingawayeastward;butstillonlyagreylightcametothedrearyfieldsofGorgoroth.Theresmokestrailedonthegroundandlurkedinhollows,andfumesleakedfrom
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fissuresintheearth.Stillfaraway,fortymiles
atleast,theysawMountDoom,itsfeetfoundedinashenruin,itshugeconerisingtoagreatheight,whereitsreekingheadwasswathedincloud.Itsfireswerenowdimmed,anditstoodinsmoulderingslumber,asthreateninganddangerousasasleepingbeast.Behindittherehungavastshadow,
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ominousasathunder-cloud,theveilsofBarad-dûrthatwasrearedfarawayuponalongspuroftheAshenMountainsthrustdownfromtheNorth.TheDarkPowerwasdeepinthought,andtheEyeturnedinward,ponderingtidingsofdoubtanddanger:abrightsword,andasternandkinglyfaceitsaw,andforawhileitgavelittlethoughttootherthings;andallitsgreat
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stronghold,gateongate,andtowerontower,waswrappedinabroodinggloom.
FrodoandSamgazedoutinmingledloathingandwonderonthishatefulland.Betweenthemandthesmokingmountain,andaboutitnorthandsouth,allseemedruinousanddead,adesertburnedandchoked.TheywonderedhowtheLordofthisrealmmaintainedandfed
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hisslavesandhisarmies.Yetarmieshehad.Asfarastheireyescouldreach,alongtheskirtsoftheMorgaiandawaysouthward,therewerecamps,someoftents,someorderedlikesmalltowns.Oneofthelargestofthesewasrightbelowthem.Barelyamileoutintotheplainitclusteredlikesomehugenestofinsects,withstraightdrearystreetsofhutsandlonglow
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drabbuildings.Aboutitthegroundwasbusywithfolkgoingtoandfro;awideroadranfromitsouth-easttojointheMorgul-way,andalongitmanylinesofsmallblackshapeswerehurrying.
‘Idon’tlikethelookofthingsatall,’saidSam.‘Prettyhopeless,Icallit–savingthatwherethere’ssuchalotoffolktheremustbewellsorwater,notto
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mentionfood.AndtheseareMennotOrcs,ormyeyesareallwrong.’
NeitherhenorFrodoknewanythingofthegreatslave-workedfieldsawaysouthinthiswiderealm,beyondthefumesoftheMountainbythedarksadwatersofLakeNúrnen;norofthegreatroadsthatranawayeastandsouthtotributarylands,fromwhich
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thesoldiersoftheTowerbroughtlongwaggon-trainsofgoodsandbootyandfreshslaves.Hereinthenorthwardregionsweretheminesandforges,andthemusteringsoflong-plannedwar;andheretheDarkPower,movingitsarmieslikepiecesontheboard,wasgatheringthemtogether.Itsfirstmoves,thefirstfeelersofitsstrength,hadbeencheckeduponits
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westernline,southwardandnorthward.Forthemomentitwithdrewthem,andbroughtupnewforces,massingthemaboutCirithGorgorforanavengingstroke.AndifithadalsobeenitspurposetodefendtheMountainagainstallapproach,itcouldscarcelyhavedonemore.
‘Well!’Samwenton.‘Whatevertheyhavetoeatanddrink,wecan’tgetit.
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There’snowaydownthatIcansee.Andwecouldn’tcrossallthatopencountrycrawlingwithenemies,evenifwedidgetdown.’
‘Stillweshallhavetotry,’saidFrodo.‘It’snoworsethanIexpected.Ineverhopedtogetacross.Ican’tseeanyhopeofitnow.ButI’vestillgottodothebestIcan.Atpresentthatistoavoidbeingcapturedaslong
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aspossible.Sowemuststillgonorthwards,Ithink,andseewhatitislikewheretheopenplainisnarrower.’
‘Iguesswhatit’llbelike,’saidSam.‘Whereit’snarrowertheOrcsandMenwilljustbepackedcloser.You’llsee,Mr.Frodo.’
‘IdaresayIshall,ifweevergetsofar,’saidFrodoandturnedaway.
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TheysoonfoundthatitwasimpossibletomaketheirwayalongthecrestoftheMorgai,oranywherealongitshigherlevels,pathlessastheywereandscoredwithdeepghylls.Intheendtheywereforcedtogobackdowntheravinethattheyhadclimbedandseekforawayalongthevalley.Itwasroughgoing,fortheydarednotcrossovertothepathonthewestward
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side.Afteramileormoretheysaw,huddledinahollowatthecliff’sfoot,theorc-holdthattheyhadguessedwasnearathand:awallandaclusterofstonehutssetaboutthedarkmouthofacave.Therewasnomovementtobeseen,butthehobbitscreptbycautiously,keepingasmuchastheycouldtothethorn-brakesthatgrewthicklyatthispointalongbothsidesof
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theoldwater-course.Theywenttwoorthree
milesfurther,andtheorc-holdwashiddenfromsightbehindthem;buttheyhadhardlybeguntobreathemorefreelyagainwhenharshandloudtheyheardorc-voices.Quicklytheyslunkoutofsightbehindabrownandstuntedbush.Thevoicesdrewnearer.Presentlytwoorcscameintoview.Onewas
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cladinraggedbrownandwasarmedwithabowofhorn;itwasofasmallbreed,black-skinned,withwideandsnufflingnostrils:evidentlyatrackerofsomekind.Theotherwasabigfighting-orc,likethoseofShagrat’scompany,bearingthetokenoftheEye.Healsohadabowathisbackandcarriedashortbroad-headedspear.Asusualtheywerequarrelling,and
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beingofdifferentbreedstheyusedtheCommonSpeechaftertheirfashion.
Hardlytwentypacesfromwherethehobbitslurkedthesmallorcstopped.‘Nar!’itsnarled.‘I’mgoinghome.’Itpointedacrossthevalleytotheorc-hold.‘Nogoodwearingmynoseoutonstonesanymore.There’snotatraceleft,Isay.I’velostthescentthroughgivingwayto
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you.Itwentupintothehills,notalongthevalley,Itellyou.’
‘Notmuchuseareyou,youlittlesnufflers?’saidthebigorc.‘Ireckoneyesarebetterthanyoursnottynoses.’
‘Thenwhathaveyouseenwiththem?’snarledtheother.‘Garn!Youdon’tevenknowwhatyou’relookingfor.’
‘Whoseblame’sthat?’saidthesoldier.‘Notmine.
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ThatcomesfromHigherUp.Firsttheysayit’sagreatElfinbrightarmour,thenit’sasortofsmalldwarf-man,thenitmustbeapackofrebelUruk-hai;ormaybeit’sallthelottogether.’
‘Ar!’saidthetracker.‘They’velosttheirheads,that’swhatitis.Andsomeofthebossesaregoingtolosetheirskinstoo,Iguess,ifwhatIhearistrue:Tower
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raidedandall,andhundredsofyourladsdonein,andprisonergotaway.Ifthat’sthewayyoufightersgoon,smallwonderthere’sbadnewsfromthebattles.’
‘Whosaysthere’sbadnews?’shoutedthesoldier.
‘Ar!Whosaysthereisn’t?’
‘That’scursedrebel-talk,andI’llstickyou,ifyoudon’tshutitdown,see?’
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‘Allright,allright!’saidthetracker.‘I’llsaynomoreandgoonthinking.Butwhat’stheblacksneakgottodowithitall?Thatgobblerwiththeflappinghands?’
‘Idon’tknow.Nothing,maybe.Buthe’suptonogood,nosingaround,I’llwager.Cursehim!Nosoonerhadheslippedusandrunoffthanwordcamehe’swantedalive,wantedquick.’
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‘Well,Ihopetheygethimandputhimthroughit,’growledthetracker.‘Hemessedupthescentbackthere,pinchingthatcast-offmail-shirtthathefound,andpaddlingallroundtheplacebeforeIcouldgetthere.’
‘Itsavedhislifeanyhow,’saidthesoldier.‘Why,beforeIknewhewaswantedIshothim,asneatasneat,atfiftypacesrightintheback;buthe
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ranon.’‘Garn!Youmissedhim,’
saidthetracker.‘Firstyoushootwild,thenyouruntooslow,andthenyousendforthepoortrackers.I’vehadenoughofyou.’Helopedoff.
‘Youcomeback,’shoutedthesoldier,‘orI’llreportyou!’
‘Whoto?NottoyourpreciousShagrat.Hewon’tbecaptainanymore.’
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‘I’llgiveyournameandnumbertotheNazgûl,’saidthesoldierloweringhisvoicetoahiss.‘Oneofthem’sinchargeattheTowernow.’
Theotherhalted,andhisvoicewasfulloffearandrage.‘Youcursedpeachingsneakthief!’heyelled.‘Youcan’tdoyourjob,andyoucan’tevenstickbyyourownfolk.GotoyourfilthyShriekers,andmaythey
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freezethefleshoffyou!Iftheenemydoesn’tgetthemfirst.They’vedoneinNumberOne,I’veheard,andIhopeit’strue!’
Thebigorc,spearinhand,leaptafterhim.Butthetracker,springingbehindastone,putanarrowinhiseyeasheranup,andhefellwithacrash.Theotherranoffacrossthevalleyanddisappeared.
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Forawhilethehobbitssatinsilence.AtlengthSamstirred.‘Well,Icallthatneatasneat,’hesaid.‘IfthisnicefriendlinesswouldspreadaboutinMordor,halfourtroublewouldbeover.’
‘Quietly,Sam,’Frodowhispered.‘Theremaybeothersabout.Wehaveevidentlyhadaverynarrowescape,andthehuntwashotteronourtracksthanwe
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guessed.ButthatisthespiritofMordor,Sam;andithasspreadtoeverycornerofit.Orcshavealwaysbehavedlikethat,orsoalltalessay,whentheyareontheirown.Butyoucan’tgetmuchhopeoutofit.Theyhateusfarmore,altogetherandallthetime.Ifthosetwohadseenus,theywouldhavedroppedalltheirquarreluntilweweredead.’
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Therewasanotherlongsilence.Sambrokeitagain,butwithawhisperthistime.‘Didyouhearwhattheysaidaboutthatgobbler,Mr.Frodo?ItoldyouGollumwasn’tdeadyet,didn’tI?’
‘Yes,Iremember.AndIwonderedhowyouknew,’saidFrodo.‘Well,comenow!Ithinkwehadbetternotmoveoutfromhereagain,untilithasgonequitedark.
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Soyoushalltellmehowyouknow,andallaboutwhathappened.Ifyoucandoitquietly.’
‘I’lltry,’saidSam,‘butwhenIthinkofthatStinkerIgetsohotIcouldshout.’
Therethehobbitssatunderthecoverofthethornybush,whilethedrearlightofMordorfadedslowlyintoadeepandstarlessnight;andSamspokeintoFrodo’sear
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allthathecouldfindwordsforofGollum’streacherousattack,thehorrorofShelob,andhisownadventureswiththeorcs.Whenhehadfinished,FrodosaidnothingbuttookSam’shandandpressedit.Atlengthhestirred.
‘Well,Isupposewemustbegoingonagain,’hesaid.‘Iwonderhowlongitwillbebeforewereallyarecaught
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andallthetoilingandtheslinkingwillbeover,andinvain.’Hestoodup.‘It’sdark,andwecannotusetheLady’sglass.Keepitsafeforme,Sam.Ihavenowheretokeepitnow,exceptinmyhand,andIshallneedbothhandsintheblindnight.ButStingIgivetoyou.Ihavegotanorc-blade,butIdonotthinkitwillbemyparttostrikeanyblowagain.’
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Itwasdifficultanddangerousmovinginthenightinthepathlessland;butslowlyandwithmuchstumblingthetwohobbitstoiledonhourbyhournorthwardalongtheeasternedgeofthestonyvalley.Whenagreylightcreptbackoverthewesternheights,longafterdayhadopenedinthelandsbeyond,theywentintohidingagainandsleptalittle,
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turnbyturn.InhistimesofwakingSamwasbusywiththoughtsoffood.AtlastwhenFrodorousedhimselfandspokeofeatingandmakingreadyforyetanothereffort,heaskedthequestionthatwastroublinghimmost.
‘Beggingyourpardon,Mr.Frodo,’hesaid,‘buthaveyouanynotionhowfarthereisstilltogo?’
‘No,notanyclearnotion,
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Sam,’Frodoanswered.‘InRivendellbeforeIsetoutIwasshownamapofMordorthatwasmadebeforetheEnemycamebackhere;butIonlyrememberitvaguely.Irememberclearestthattherewasaplaceinthenorthwherethewesternrangeandthenorthernrangesendoutspursthatnearlymeet.Thatmustbetwentyleaguesatleastfromthebridgebackby
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theTower.Itmightbeagoodpointatwhichtocross.Butofcourse,ifwegetthere,weshallbefurtherthanwewerefromtheMountain,sixtymilesfromit,Ishouldthink.Iguessthatwehavegoneabouttwelveleaguesnorthfromthebridgenow.Evenifallgoeswell,IcouldhardlyreachtheMountaininaweek.Iamafraid,Sam,thattheburdenwillgetvery
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heavy,andIshallgostillsloweraswegetnearer.’
Samsighed.‘That’sjustasIfeared,’hesaid.‘Well,tosaynothingofwater,we’vegottoeatless,Mr.Frodo,orelsemoveabitquicker,atanyratewhilewe’restillinthisvalley.Onemorebiteandallthefood’sended,savetheElves’waybread.’
‘I’lltryandbeabitquicker,Sam,’saidFrodo,
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drawingadeepbreath.‘Comeonthen!Let’sstartanothermarch!’
Itwasnotyetquitedarkagain.Theyploddedalong,onintothenight.Thehourspassedinawearystumblingtrudgewithafewbriefhalts.Atthefirsthintofgreylightundertheskirtsofthecanopyofshadowtheyhid
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themselvesagaininadarkhollowunderanoverhangingstone.
Slowlythelightgrew,untilitwasclearerthanityethadbeen.AstrongwindfromtheWestwasnowdrivingthefumesofMordorfromtheupperairs.Beforelongthehobbitscouldmakeouttheshapeofthelandforsomemilesaboutthem.Thetroughbetweenthemountainsand
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theMorgaihadsteadilydwindledasitclimbedupwards,andtheinnerridgewasnownomorethanashelfinthesteepfacesoftheEphelDúath;buttotheeastitfellassheerlyaseverdownintoGorgoroth.Aheadthewater-coursecametoanendinbrokenstepsofrock;foroutfromthemainrangetheresprangahighbarrenspur,thrustingeastwardlikeawall.
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TomeetittherestretchedoutfromthegreyandmistynorthernrangeofEredLithuialongjuttingarm;andbetweentheendstherewasanarrowgap:CarachAngren,theIsenmouthe,beyondwhichlaythedeepdaleofUdûn.InthatdalebehindtheMorannonwerethetunnelsanddeeparmouriesthattheservantsofMordorhadmadeforthedefenceoftheBlack
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Gateoftheirland;andtherenowtheirLordwasgatheringinhastegreatforcestomeettheonslaughtoftheCaptainsoftheWest.Upontheout-thrustspursfortsandtowerswerebuilt,andwatch-firesburned;andallacrossthegapanearth-wallhadbeenraised,andadeeptrenchdelvedthatcouldbecrossedonlybyasinglebridge.
Afewmilesnorth,high
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upintheanglewherethewesternspurbranchedawayfromthemainrange,stoodtheoldcastleofDurthang,nowoneofthemanyorc-holdsthatclusteredaboutthedaleofUdûn.Aroad,alreadyvisibleinthegrowinglight,camewindingdownfromit,untilonlyamileortwofromwherethehobbitslayitturnedeastandranalongashelfcutinthesideofthe
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spur,andsowentdownintotheplain,andontotheIsenmouthe.
Tothehobbitsastheylookedoutitseemedthatalltheirjourneynorthhadbeenuseless.Theplaintotheirrightwasdimandsmoky,andtheycouldseethereneithercampsnortroopsmoving;butallthatregionwasunderthevigilanceofthefortsofCarachAngren.
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‘Wehavecometoadeadend,Sam,’saidFrodo.‘Ifwegoon,weshallonlycomeuptothatorc-tower,buttheonlyroadtotakeisthatroadthatcomesdownfromit–unlesswegoback.Wecan’tclimbupwestward,orclimbdowneastward.’
‘Thenwemusttaketheroad,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam.‘Wemusttakeitandchanceourluck,ifthereisanyluck
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inMordor.Wemightaswellgiveourselvesupaswanderaboutanymore,ortrytogoback.Ourfoodwon’tlast.We’vegottomakeadashforit!’
‘Allright,Sam,’saidFrodo.‘Leadme!Aslongasyou’vegotanyhopeleft.Mineisgone.ButIcan’tdash,Sam.I’lljustplodalongafteryou.’
‘Beforeyoustartany
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moreplodding,youneedsleepandfood,Mr.Frodo.Comeandtakewhatyoucangetofthem!’
HegaveFrodowaterandanadditionalwaferofthewaybread,andhemadeapillowofhiscloakforhismaster’shead.Frodowastoowearytodebatethematter,andSamdidnottellhimthathehaddrunkthelastdropoftheirwater,andeatenSam’s
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shareofthefoodaswellashisown.WhenFrodowasasleepSambentoverhimandlistenedtohisbreathingandscannedhisface.Itwaslinedandthin,andyetinsleepitlookedcontentandunafraid.‘Well,heregoes,Master!’Sammutteredtohimself.‘I’llhavetoleaveyouforabitandtrusttoluck.Waterwemusthave,orwe’llgetnofurther.’
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Samcreptout,andflittingfromstonetostonewithmorethanhobbit-care,hewentdowntothewater-course,andthenfolloweditforsomewayasitclimbednorth,untilhecametotherock-stepswherelongago,nodoubt,itsspringhadcomegushingdowninalittlewaterfall.Allnowseemeddryandsilent;butrefusingtodespairSamstoopedandlistened,andto
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hisdelighthecaughtthesoundoftrickling.Clamberingafewstepsuphefoundatinystreamofdarkwaterthatcameoutfromthehill-sideandfilledalittlebarepool,fromwhichagainitspilled,andvanishedthenunderthebarrenstones.
Samtastedthewater,anditseemedgoodenough.Thenhedrankdeeply,refilledthebottle,andturnedtogoback.
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AtthatmomenthecaughtaglimpseofablackformorshadowflittingamongtherocksawaynearFrodo’shiding-place.Bitingbackacry,heleaptdownfromthespringandran,jumpingfromstonetostone.Itwasawarycreature,difficulttosee,butSamhadlittledoubtaboutit:helongedtogethishandsonitsneck.Butitheardhimcomingandslippedquickly
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away.Samthoughthesawalastfleetingglimpseofit,peeringbackovertheedgeoftheeastwardprecipice,beforeitduckedanddisappeared.
‘Well,luckdidnotletmedown,’mutteredSam,‘butthatwasanearthing!Isn’titenoughtohaveorcsbythethousandwithoutthatstinkingvillaincomingnosinground?Iwishhehadbeenshot!’Hesatdownby
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Frodoanddidnotrousehim;buthedidnotdaretogotosleephimself.Atlastwhenhefelthiseyesclosingandknewthathisstruggletokeepawakecouldnotgoonmuchlonger,hewakenedFrodogently.
‘ThatGollum’saboutagain,I’mafraid,Mr.Frodo,’hesaid.‘Leastways,ifitwasn’thim,thenthere’stwoofhim.Iwentawaytofind
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somewaterandspiedhimnosingroundjustasIturnedback.Ireckonitisn’tsafeforusbothtosleeptogether,andbeggingyourpardon,butIcan’tholdupmylidsmuchlonger.’
‘Blessyou,Sam!’saidFrodo.‘Liedownandtakeyourproperturn!ButI’dratherhaveGollumthanorcs.Atanyratehewon’tgiveusawaytothem–notunless
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he’scaughthimself.’‘Buthemightdoabitof
robberyandmurderonhisown,’growledSam.‘Keepyoureyesopen,Mr.Frodo!There’sabottlefullofwater.Drinkup.Wecanfillitagainwhenwegoon.’WiththatSamplungedintosleep.
Lightwasfadingagainwhenhewoke.Frodosat
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proppedagainsttherockbehind,buthehadfallenasleep.Thewater-bottlewasempty.TherewasnosignofGollum.
Mordor-darkhadreturned,andthewatch-firesontheheightsburnedfierceandred,whenthehobbitssetoutagainonthemostdangerousstageofalltheirjourney.Theywentfirsttothelittlespring,andthenclimbing
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warilyuptheycametotheroadatthepointwhereitswungeasttowardstheIsenmouthetwentymilesaway.Itwasnotabroadroad,andithadnowallorparapetalongtheedge,andasitranonthesheerdropfromitsbrinkbecamedeeperanddeeper.Thehobbitscouldhearnomovements,andafterlisteningforawhiletheysetoffeastwardatasteadypace.
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Afterdoingsometwelvemiles,theyhalted.Ashortwaybacktheroadhadbentalittlenorthwardandthestretchthattheyhadpassedoverwasnowscreenedfromsight.Thisproveddisastrous.Theyrestedforsomeminutesandthenwenton;buttheyhadnottakenmanystepswhensuddenlyinthestillnessofthenighttheyheardthesoundthatallalongtheyhad
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secretlydreaded:thenoiseofmarchingfeet.Itwasstillsomewaybehindthem,butlookingbacktheycouldseethetwinkleoftorchescomingroundthebendlessthanamileaway,andtheyweremovingfast:toofastforFrodotoescapebyflightalongtheroadahead.
‘Ifearedit,Sam,’saidFrodo.‘We’vetrustedtoluck,andithasfailedus.
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We’retrapped.’Helookedwildlyupatthefrowningwall,wheretheroad-buildersofoldhadcuttherocksheerformanyfathomsabovetheirheads.Herantotheothersideandlookedoverthebrinkintoadarkpitofgloom.‘We’retrappedatlast!’hesaid.Hesanktothegroundbeneaththewallofrockandbowedhishead.
‘Seemsso,’saidSam.
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‘Well,wecanbutwaitandsee.’AndwiththathesatdownbesideFrodoundertheshadowofthecliff.
Theydidnothavetowaitlong.Theorcsweregoingatagreatpace.Thoseintheforemostfilesboretorches.Ontheycame,redflamesinthedark,swiftlygrowing.NowSamtoobowedhishead,hopingthatitwouldhidehisfacewhenthetorches
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reachedthem;andhesettheirshieldsbeforetheirkneestohidetheirfeet.
‘Ifonlytheyareinahurryandwillletacoupleoftiredsoldiersaloneandpasson!’hethought.
Andsoitseemedthattheywould.Theleadingorcscamelopingalong,panting,holdingtheirheadsdown.Theywereagangofthesmallerbreedsbeingdrivenunwillingto
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theirDarkLord’swars;alltheycaredforwastogetthemarchoverandescapethewhip.Besidethem,runningupanddowntheline,wenttwoofthelargefierceuruks,crackinglashesandshouting.Fileafterfilepassed,andthetell-taletorchlightwasalreadysomewayahead.Samheldhisbreath.Nowmorethanhalfthelinehadgoneby.Thensuddenlyoneofthe
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slave-driversspiedthetwofiguresbytheroad-side.Heflickedawhipatthemandyelled:‘Hi,you!Getup!’Theydidnotanswer,andwithashouthehaltedthewholecompany.
‘Comeon,youslugs!’hecried.‘Thisisnotimeforslouching.’Hetookasteptowardsthem,andeveninthegloomherecognizedthedevicesontheirshields.
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‘Deserting,eh?’hesnarled.‘Orthinkingofit?AllyourfolkshouldhavebeeninsideUdûnbeforeyesterdayevening.Youknowthat.Upyougetandfallin,orI’llhaveyournumbersandreportyou.’
Theystruggledtotheirfeet,andkeepingbent,limpinglikefootsoresoldiers,theyshuffledbacktowardstherearoftheline.‘No,not
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attherear!’theslave-drivershouted.‘Threefilesup.Andstaythere,oryou’llknowit,whenIcomedowntheline!’Hesenthislongwhip-lashcrackingovertheirheads;thenwithanothercrackandayellhestartedthecompanyoffagainatabrisktrot.
ItwashardenoughforpoorSam,tiredashewas;butforFrodoitwasatorment,andsoonanightmare.Heset
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histeethandtriedtostophismindfromthinking,andhestruggledon.Thestenchofthesweatingorcsabouthimwasstifling,andhebegantogaspwiththirst.On,ontheywent,andhebentallhiswilltodrawhisbreathandtomakehislegskeepgoing;andyettowhatevilendhetoiledandenduredhedidnotdaretothink.Therewasnohopeoffallingoutunseen.Now
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andagaintheorc-driverfellbackandjeeredatthem.
‘Therenow!’helaughed,flickingattheirlegs.‘Wherethere’sawhipthere’sawill,myslugs.Holdup!I’dgiveyouanicefreshenernow,onlyyou’llgetasmuchlashasyourskinswillcarrywhenyoucomeinlatetoyourcamp.Doyougood.Don’tyouknowwe’reatwar?’
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Theyhadgonesomemiles,andtheroadwasatlastrunningdownalongslopeintotheplain,whenFrodo’sstrengthbegantogiveoutandhiswillwavered.Helurchedandstumbled.DesperatelySamtriedtohelphimandholdhimup,thoughhefeltthathecouldhimselfhardlystaythepacemuchlonger.Atanymomentnowheknewthattheendwouldcome:his
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masterwouldfaintorfall,andallwouldbediscovered,andtheirbittereffortsbeinvain.‘I’llhavethatbigslave-drivingdevilanyway,’hethought.
Thenjustashewasputtinghishandtothehiltofhissword,therecameanunexpectedrelief.TheywereoutontheplainnowanddrawingneartheentrancetoUdûn.Somewayinfrontof
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it,beforethegateatthebridge-end,theroadfromthewestconvergedwithotherscomingfromthesouth,andfromBarad-dûr.Alongalltheroadstroopsweremoving;fortheCaptainsoftheWestwereadvancingandtheDarkLordwasspeedinghisforcesnorth.Soitchancedthatseveralcompaniescametogetherattheroad-meeting,inthedarkbeyondthelight
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ofthewatch-firesonthewall.Atoncetherewasgreatjostlingandcursingaseachtrooptriedtogetfirsttothegateandtheendingoftheirmarch.Thoughthedriversyelledandpliedtheirwhips,scufflesbrokeoutandsomebladesweredrawn.Atroopofheavy-armeduruksfromBarad-dûrchargedintotheDurthanglineandthrewthemintoconfusion.
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Dazedashewaswithpainandweariness,Samwokeup,graspedquicklyathischance,andthrewhimselftotheground,draggingFrododownwithhim.Orcsfelloverthem,snarlingandcursing.Slowlyonhandandkneethehobbitscrawledawayoutoftheturmoil,untilatlastunnoticedtheydroppedoverthefurtheredgeoftheroad.Ithadahighkerbbywhichtroop-leaders
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couldguidethemselvesinblacknightorfog,anditwasbankedupsomefeetabovetheleveloftheopenland.
Theylaystillforawhile.Itwastoodarktoseekforcover,ifindeedtherewasanytofind;butSamfeltthattheyoughtatleasttogetfurtherawayfromthehighwaysandoutoftherangeoftorchlight.
‘Comeon,Mr.Frodo!’hewhispered.‘Onemorecrawl,
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andthenyoucanliestill.’Withalastdespairing
effortFrodoraisedhimselfonhishands,andstruggledonformaybetwentyyards.Thenhepitcheddownintoashallowpitthatopenedunexpectedlybeforethem,andtherehelaylikeadeadthing.
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Chapter3
MOUNTDOOM
Samputhisraggedorc-cloakunderhismaster’shead,andcoveredthembothwiththegreyrobeofLórien;andashe
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didsohisthoughtswentouttothatfairland,andtotheElves,andhehopedthattheclothwovenbytheirhandsmighthavesomevirtuetokeepthemhiddenbeyondallhopeinthiswildernessoffear.HeheardthescufflingandcriesdiedownasthetroopspassedonthroughtheIsenmouthe.Itseemedthatintheconfusionandtheminglingofmanycompanies
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ofvariouskindstheyhadnotbeenmissed,notyetatanyrate.
Samtookasipofwater,butpressedFrodotodrink,andwhenhismasterhadrecoveredalittlehegavehimawholewaferoftheirpreciouswaybreadandmadehimeatit.Then,toowornouteventofeelmuchfear,theystretchedthemselvesout.Theysleptalittleinuneasy
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fits;fortheirsweatgrewchillonthem,andthehardstonesbitthem,andtheyshivered.OutofthenorthfromtheBlackGatethroughCirithGorgorthereflowedwhisperingalongthegroundathincoldair.
Inthemorningagreylightcameagain,forinthehighregionstheWestWindstillblew,butdownonthestonesbehindthefencesofthe
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BlackLandtheairseemedalmostdead,chillandyetstifling.Samlookedupoutofthehollow.Thelandallaboutwasdreary,flatanddrab-hued.Ontheroadsnearbynothingwasmovingnow;butSamfearedthewatchfuleyesonthewalloftheIsenmouthe,nomorethanafurlongawaynorthward.South-eastward,farofflikeadarkstandingshadow,
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loomedtheMountain.Smokeswerepouringfromit,andwhilethosethatroseintotheupperairtrailedawayeastward,greatrollingcloudsfloateddownitssidesandspreadovertheland.Afewmilestothenorth-eastthefoothillsoftheAshenMountainsstoodlikesombregreyghosts,behindwhichthemistynorthernheightsroselikealineofdistantcloud
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hardlydarkerthantheloweringsky.
Samtriedtoguessthedistancesandtodecidewhatwaytheyoughttotake.‘Itlookseverystepoffiftymiles,’hemutteredgloomily,staringatthethreateningmountain,‘andthat’lltakeaweek,ifittakesaday,withMr.Frodoasheis.’Heshookhishead,andasheworkedthingsout,slowlyanewdark
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thoughtgrewinhismind.Neverforlonghadhopediedinhisstaunchheart,andalwaysuntilnowhehadtakensomethoughtfortheirreturn.Butthebittertruthcamehometohimatlast:atbesttheirprovisionwouldtakethemtotheirgoal;andwhenthetaskwasdone,theretheywouldcometoanend,alone,houseless,foodlessinthemidstofaterribledesert.
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Therecouldbenoreturn.‘SothatwasthejobIfeltI
hadtodowhenIstarted,’thoughtSam:‘tohelpMr.Frodotothelaststepandthendiewithhim?Well,ifthatisthejobthenImustdoit.ButIwoulddearlyliketoseeBywateragain,andRosieCottonandherbrothers,andtheGafferandMarigoldandall.Ican’tthinksomehowthatGandalfwouldhavesent
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Mr.Frodoonthiserrand,iftherehadn’ta’beenanyhopeofhisevercomingbackatall.ThingsallwentwrongwhenhewentdowninMoria.Iwishhehadn’t.Hewouldhavedonesomething.’
ButevenashopediedinSam,orseemedtodie,itwasturnedtoanewstrength.Sam’splainhobbit-facegrewstern,almostgrim,asthewillhardenedinhim,andhefelt
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throughallhislimbsathrill,asifhewasturningintosomecreatureofstoneandsteelthatneitherdespairnorwearinessnorendlessbarrenmilescouldsubdue.
Withanewsenseofresponsibilityhebroughthiseyesbacktothegroundnearathand,studyingthenextmove.Asthelightgrewalittlehesawtohissurprisethatwhatfromadistancehad
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seemedwideandfeaturelessflatswereinfactallbrokenandtumbled.IndeedthewholesurfaceoftheplainsofGorgorothwaspockedwithgreatholes,asif,whileitwasstillawasteofsoftmud,ithadbeensmittenwithashowerofboltsandhugeslingstones.Thelargestoftheseholeswererimmedwithridgesofbrokenrock,andbroadfissuresranoutfrom
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theminalldirections.Itwasalandinwhichitwouldbepossibletocreepfromhidingtohiding,unseenbyallbutthemostwatchfuleyes:possibleatleastforonewhowasstrongandhadnoneedforspeed.Forthehungryandworn,whohadfartogobeforelifefailed,ithadanevillook.
ThinkingofallthesethingsSamwentbacktohis
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master.Hehadnoneedtorousehim.Frodowaslyingonhisbackwitheyesopen,staringatthecloudysky.‘Well,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam,‘I’vebeenhavingalookroundandthinkingabit.There’snothingontheroads,andwe’dbestbegettingawaywhilethere’sachance.Canyoumanageit?’
‘Icanmanageit,’saidFrodo.‘Imust.’
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Oncemoretheystarted,crawlingfromhollowtohollow,flittingbehindsuchcoverastheycouldfind,butmovingalwaysinaslanttowardsthefoothillsofthenorthernrange.Butastheywentthemosteasterlyoftheroadsfollowedthem,untilitranoff,huggingtheskirtsofthemountains,awayintoawallofblackshadowfarahead.Neithermannororc
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nowmovedalongitsflatgreystretches;fortheDarkLordhadalmostcompletedthemovementofhisforces,andeveninthefastnessofhisownrealmhesoughtthesecrecyofnight,fearingthewindsoftheworldthathadturnedagainsthim,tearingasidehisveils,andtroubledwithtidingsofboldspiesthathadpassedthroughhisfences.
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Thehobbitshadgoneafewwearymileswhentheyhalted.Frodoseemednearlyspent.Samsawthathecouldnotgomuchfurtherinthisfashion,crawling,stooping,nowpickingadoubtfulwayveryslowly,nowhurryingatastumblingrun.
‘I’mgoingbackontotheroadwhilethelightlasts,Mr.Frodo,’hesaid.‘Trusttoluckagain!Itnearlyfaileduslast
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time,butitdidn’tquite.Asteadypaceforafewmoremiles,andthenarest.’
Hewastakingafargreaterriskthanheknew;butFrodowastoomuchoccupiedwithhisburdenandwiththestruggleinhismindtodebate,andalmosttoohopelesstocare.Theyclimbedontothecausewayandtrudgedalong,downthehardcruelroadthatledtothe
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DarkToweritself.Buttheirluckheld,andfortherestofthatdaytheymetnolivingormovingthing;andwhennightfelltheyvanishedintothedarknessofMordor.Allthelandnowbroodedasatthecomingofagreatstorm:fortheCaptainsoftheWesthadpassedtheCross-roadsandsetflamesinthedeadlyfieldsofImladMorgul.
Sothedesperatejourney
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wenton,astheRingwentsouthandthebannersofthekingsrodenorth.Forthehobbitseachday,eachmile,wasmorebitterthantheonebefore,astheirstrengthlessenedandthelandbecamemoreevil.Theymetnoenemiesbyday.Attimesbynight,astheycoweredordrowseduneasilyinsomehidingbesidetheroad,theyheardcriesandthenoiseof
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manyfeetortheswiftpassingofsomecruellyriddensteed.Butfarworsethanallsuchperilswastheever-approachingthreatthatbeatuponthemastheywent:thedreadfulmenaceofthePowerthatwaited,broodingindeepthoughtandsleeplessmalicebehindthedarkveilaboutitsThrone.Nearerandneareritdrew,loomingblacker,liketheoncomingofawallof
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nightatthelastendoftheworld.
Therecameatlastadreadfulnightfall;andevenastheCaptainsoftheWestdrewneartotheendofthelivinglands,thetwowandererscametoanhourofblankdespair.Fourdayshadpassedsincetheyhadescapedfromtheorcs,butthetimelaybehindthemlikeanever-darkeningdream.Allthislast
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dayFrodohadnotspoken,buthadwalkedhalf-bowed,oftenstumbling,asifhiseyesnolongersawthewaybeforehisfeet.Samguessedthatamongalltheirpainsheboretheworst,thegrowingweightoftheRing,aburdenonthebodyandatormenttohismind.AnxiouslySamhadnotedhowhismaster’slefthandwouldoftenberaisedasiftowardoffablow,orto
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screenhisshrinkingeyesfromadreadfulEyethatsoughttolookinthem.Andsometimeshisrighthandwouldcreeptohisbreast,clutching,andthenslowly,asthewillrecoveredmastery,itwouldbewithdrawn.
NowastheblacknessofnightreturnedFrodosat,hisheadbetweenhisknees,hisarmshangingwearilytothegroundwherehishandslay
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feeblytwitching.Samwatchedhim,tillnightcoveredthembothandhidthemfromoneanother.Hecouldnolongerfindanywordstosay;andheturnedtohisowndarkthoughts.Asforhimself,thoughwearyandunderashadowoffear,hestillhadsomestrengthleft.Thelembashadavirtuewithoutwhichtheywouldlongagohavelaindownto
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die.Itdidnotsatisfydesire,andattimesSam’smindwasfilledwiththememoriesoffood,andthelongingforsimplebreadandmeats.AndyetthiswaybreadoftheElveshadapotencythatincreasedastravellersreliedonitaloneanddidnotmingleitwithotherfoods.Itfedthewill,anditgavestrengthtoendure,andtomastersinewandlimbbeyondthemeasure
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ofmortalkind.Butnowanewdecisionmustbemade.Theycouldnotfollowthisroadanylonger;foritwentoneastwardintothegreatShadow,buttheMountainnowloomedupontheirright,almostduesouth,andtheymustturntowardsit.Yetstillbeforeittherestretchedawideregionoffuming,barren,ash-riddenland.
‘Water,water!’muttered
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Sam.Hehadstintedhimself,andinhisparchedmouthhistongueseemedthickandswollen;butforallhiscaretheynowhadverylittleleft,perhapshalfhisbottle,andmaybetherewerestilldaystogo.Allwouldlongagohavebeenspent,iftheyhadnotdaredtofollowtheorc-road.Foratlongintervalsonthathighwaycisternshadbeenbuiltfortheuseoftroopssent
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inhastethroughthewaterlessregions.InoneSamhadfoundsomewaterleft,stale,muddiedbytheorcs,butstillsufficientfortheirdesperatecase.Yetthatwasnowadayago.Therewasnohopeofanymore.
AtlastweariedwithhiscaresSamdrowsed,leavingthemorrowtillitcame;hecoulddonomore.Dreamandwakingmingleduneasily.He
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sawlightslikegloatingeyes,anddarkcreepingshapes,andheheardnoisesasofwildbeastsorthedreadfulcriesoftorturedthings;andhewouldstartuptofindtheworldalldarkandonlyemptyblacknessallabouthim.Onceonly,ashestoodandstaredwildlyround,diditseemthat,thoughnowawake,hecouldstillseepalelightslikeeyes;butsoontheyflickeredand
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vanished.
Thehatefulnightpassedslowlyandreluctantly.Suchdaylightasfollowedwasdim;forhereastheMountaindrewneartheairwasevermirky,whileoutfromtheDarkTowertherecrepttheveilsofShadowthatSauronwoveabouthimself.Frodowaslyingonhisbacknotmoving.
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Samstoodbesidehim,reluctanttospeak,andyetknowingthatthewordnowlaywithhim:hemustsethismaster’swilltoworkforanothereffort.Atlength,stoopingandcaressingFrodo’sbrow,hespokeinhisear.
‘Wakeup,Master!’hesaid.‘Timeforanotherstart.’
Asifrousedbyasuddenbell,Frodorosequickly,and
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stoodupandlookedawaysouthwards;butwhenhiseyesbeheldtheMountainandthedeserthequailedagain.
‘Ican’tmanageit,Sam,’hesaid.‘Itissuchaweighttocarry,suchaweight.’
Samknewbeforehespoke,thatitwasvain,andthatsuchwordsmightdomoreharmthangood,butinhispityhecouldnotkeepsilent.‘Thenletmecarryita
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bitforyou,Master,’hesaid.‘YouknowIwould,andgladly,aslongasIhaveanystrength.’
AwildlightcameintoFrodo’seyes.‘Standaway!Don’ttouchme!’hecried.‘Itismine,Isay.Beoff!’Hishandstrayedtohissword-hilt.Butthenquicklyhisvoicechanged.‘No,no,Sam,’hesaidsadly.‘Butyoumustunderstand.Itismy
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burden,andnooneelsecanbearit.Itistoolatenow,Samdear.Youcan’thelpmeinthatwayagain.Iamalmostinitspowernow.Icouldnotgiveitup,andifyoutriedtotakeitIshouldgomad.’
Samnodded.‘Iunderstand,’hesaid.‘ButI’vebeenthinking,Mr.Frodo,there’sotherthingswemightdowithout.Whynotlightentheloadabit?We’re
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goingthatwaynow,asstraightaswecanmakeit.’HepointedtotheMountain.‘It’snogoodtakinganythingwe’renotsuretoneed.’
FrodolookedagaintowardstheMountain.‘No,’hesaid,‘weshan’tneedmuchonthatroad.Andatitsendnothing.’Pickinguphisorc-shieldheflungitawayandthrewhishelmetafterit.Thenpullingoffthegrey
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cloakheundidtheheavybeltandletitfalltotheground,andthesheathedswordwithit.Theshredsoftheblackcloakhetoreoffandscattered.
‘There,I’llbeanorcnomore,’hecried,‘andI’llbearnoweapon,fairorfoul.Letthemtakeme,iftheywill!’
Samdidlikewise,andputasidehisorc-gear;andhetookoutallthethingsinhis
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pack.Somehoweachofthemhadbecomedeartohim,ifonlybecausehehadbornethemsofarwithsomuchtoil.Hardestofallitwastopartwithhiscooking-gear.Tearswelledinhiseyesatthethoughtofcastingitaway.
‘Doyourememberthatbitofrabbit,Mr.Frodo?’hesaid.‘AndourplaceunderthewarmbankinCaptainFaramir’scountry,thedayI
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sawanoliphaunt?’‘No,Iamafraidnot,
Sam,’saidFrodo.‘Atleast,Iknowthatsuchthingshappened,butIcannotseethem.Notasteoffood,nofeelofwater,nosoundofwind,nomemoryoftreeorgrassorflower,noimageofmoonorstararelefttome.Iamnakedinthedark,Sam,andthereisnoveilbetweenmeandthewheeloffire.I
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begintoseeitevenwithmywakingeyes,andallelsefades.’
Samwenttohimandkissedhishand.‘Thenthesoonerwe’reridofit,thesoonertorest,’hesaidhaltingly,findingnobetterwordstosay.‘Talkingwon’tmendnothing,’hemutteredtohimself,ashegatheredupallthethingsthattheyhadchosentocastaway.Hewas
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notwillingtoleavethemlyingopeninthewildernessforanyeyestosee.‘Stinkerpickedupthatorc-shirt,seemingly,andheisn’tgoingtoaddaswordtoit.Hishandsarebadenoughwhenempty.Andheisn’tgoingtomesswithmypans!’Withthathecarriedallthegearawaytooneofthemanygapingfissuresthatscoredthelandandthrewthemin.
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Theclatterofhispreciouspansastheyfelldownintothedarkwaslikeadeath-knelltohisheart.
HecamebacktoFrodo,andthenofhiselven-ropehecutashortpiecetoservehismasterasagirdleandbindthegreycloakcloseabouthiswaist.Theresthecarefullycoiledandputbackinhispack.Besidethathekeptonlytheremnantsoftheir
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waybreadandthewater-bottle,andStingstillhangingbyhisbelt;andhiddenawayinapocketofhistunicnexthisbreastthephialofGaladrielandthelittleboxthatshegavehimforhisown.
NowatlasttheyturnedtheirfacestotheMountainandsetout,thinkingnomoreofconcealment,bendingtheir
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wearinessandfailingwillsonlytotheonetaskofgoingon.Inthedimnessofitsdrearydayfewthingseveninthatlandofvigilancecouldhaveespiedthem,savefromcloseathand.OfalltheslavesoftheDarkLord,onlytheNazgûlcouldhavewarnedhimoftheperilthatcrept,smallbutindomitable,intotheveryheartofhisguardedrealm.Butthe
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Nazgûlandtheirblackwingswereabroadonothererrand:theyweregatheredfaraway,shadowingthemarchoftheCaptainsoftheWest,andthitherthethoughtoftheDarkTowerwasturned.
ThatdayitseemedtoSamthathismasterhadfoundsomenewstrength,morethancouldbeexplainedbythesmalllighteningoftheloadthathehadtocarry.Inthe
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firstmarchestheywentfurtherandfasterthanhehadhoped.Thelandwasroughandhostile,andyettheymademuchprogress,andevertheMountaindrewnearer.Butasthedayworeonandalltoosoonthedimlightbegantofail,Frodostoopedagain,andbegantostagger,asiftherenewedefforthadsquanderedhisremainingstrength.
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Attheirlasthalthesankdownandsaid:‘I’mthirsty,Sam,’anddidnotspeakagain.Samgavehimamouthfulofwater;onlyonemoremouthfulremained.Hewentwithouthimself;andnowasoncemorethenightofMordorclosedoverthem,throughallhisthoughtstherecamethememoryofwater;andeverybrookorstreamorfountthathehadeverseen,
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undergreenwillow-shadesortwinklinginthesun,dancedandrippledforhistormentbehindtheblindnessofhiseyes.HefeltthecoolmudabouthistoesashepaddledinthePoolatBywaterwithJollyCottonandTomandNibs,andtheirsisterRosie.‘Butthatwasyearsago,’hesighed,‘andfaraway.Thewayback,ifthereisone,goespasttheMountain.’
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Hecouldnotsleepandheheldadebatewithhimself.‘Well,comenow,we’vedonebetterthanyouhoped,’hesaidsturdily.‘Beganwellanyway.Ireckonwecrossedhalfthedistancebeforewestopped.Onemoredaywilldoit.’Andthenhepaused.
‘Don’tbeafool,SamGamgee,’cameananswerinhisownvoice.‘Hewon’tgoanotherdaylikethat,ifhe
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movesatall.Andyoucan’tgoonmuchlongergivinghimallthewaterandmostofthefood.’
‘Icangoonagoodwaythough,andIwill.’
‘Whereto?’‘TotheMountain,of
course.’‘Butwhatthen,Sam
Gamgee,whatthen?Whenyougetthere,whatareyougoingtodo?Hewon’tbe
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abletodoanythingforhimself.’
TohisdismaySamrealizedthathehadnotgotananswertothis.Hehadnoclearideaatall.Frodohadnotspokenmuchtohimofhiserrand,andSamonlyknewvaguelythattheRinghadsomehowtobeputintothefire.‘TheCracksofDoom,’hemuttered,theoldnamerisingtohismind.
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‘Well,ifMasterknowshowtofindthem,Idon’t.’
‘Thereyouare!’cametheanswer.‘It’sallquiteuseless.Hesaidsohimself.Youarethefool,goingonhopingandtoiling.Youcouldhavelaindownandgonetosleeptogetherdaysago,ifyouhadn’tbeensodogged.Butyou’lldiejustthesame,orworse.Youmightjustaswellliedownnowandgiveitup.
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You’llnevergettothetopanyway.’
‘I’llgetthere,ifIleaveeverythingbutmybonesbehind,’saidSam.‘AndI’llcarryMr.Frodoupmyself,ifitbreaksmybackandheart.Sostoparguing!’
AtthatmomentSamfeltatremorinthegroundbeneathhim,andheheardorsensedadeepremoterumbleasofthunderimprisonedunderthe
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earth.Therewasabriefredflamethatflickeredunderthecloudsanddiedaway.TheMountaintoosleptuneasily.
ThelaststageoftheirjourneytoOrodruincame,anditwasatormentgreaterthanSamhadeverthoughtthathecouldbear.Hewasinpain,andsoparchedthathecouldnolongerswalloweven
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amouthfuloffood.Itremaineddark,notonlybecauseofthesmokesoftheMountain:thereseemedtobeastormcomingup,andawaytothesouth-easttherewasashimmeroflightningsundertheblackskies.Worstofall,theairwasfulloffumes;breathingwaspainfulanddifficult,andadizzinesscameonthem,sothattheystaggeredandoftenfell.And
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yettheirwillsdidnotyield,andtheystruggledon.
TheMountaincreptupevernearer,until,iftheyliftedtheirheavyheads,itfilledalltheirsight,loomingvastbeforethem:ahugemassofashandslagandburnedstone,outofwhichasheer-sidedconewasraisedintotheclouds.Beforethedaylongduskendedandtruenightcameagaintheyhadcrawled
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andstumbledtoitsveryfeet.WithagaspFrodocast
himselfontheground.Samsatbyhim.Tohissurprisehefelttiredbutlighter,andhisheadseemedclearagain.Nomoredebatesdisturbedhismind.Heknewalltheargumentsofdespairandwouldnotlistentothem.Hiswillwasset,andonlydeathwouldbreakit.Hefeltnolongereitherdesireorneedof
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sleep,butratherofwatchfulness.Heknewthatallthehazardsandperilswerenowdrawingtogethertoapoint:thenextdaywouldbeadayofdoom,thedayoffinaleffortordisaster,thelastgasp.
Butwhenwoulditcome?Thenightseemedendlessandtimeless,minuteafterminutefallingdeadandaddinguptonopassinghour,bringingno
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change.Sambegantowonderifaseconddarknesshadbegunandnodaywouldeverreappear.AtlasthegropedforFrodo’shand.Itwascoldandtrembling.Hismasterwasshivering.
‘Ididn’toughttohaveleftmyblanketbehind,’mutteredSam;andlyingdownhetriedtocomfortFrodowithhisarmsandbody.Thensleeptookhim,andthedimlightof
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thelastdayoftheirquestfoundthemsidebyside.ThewindhadfallenthedaybeforeasitshiftedfromtheWest,andnowitcamefromtheNorthandbegantorise;andslowlythelightoftheunseenSunfiltereddownintotheshadowswherethehobbitslay.
‘Nowforit!Nowforthe
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lastgasp!’saidSamashestruggledtohisfeet.HebentoverFrodo,rousinghimgently.Frodogroaned;butwithagreateffortofwillhestaggeredup;andthenhefelluponhiskneesagain.HeraisedhiseyeswithdifficultytothedarkslopesofMountDoomtoweringabovehim,andthenpitifullyhebegantocrawlforwardonhishands.
Samlookedathimand
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weptinhisheart,butnotearscametohisdryandstingingeyes.‘IsaidI’dcarryhim,ifitbrokemyback,’hemuttered,‘andIwill!’
‘Come,Mr.Frodo!’hecried.‘Ican’tcarryitforyou,butIcancarryyouanditaswell.Soupyouget!Comeon,Mr.Frododear!Samwillgiveyouaride.Justtellhimwheretogo,andhe’llgo.’
AsFrodoclunguponhis
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back,armslooselyabouthisneck,legsclaspedfirmlyunderhisarms,Samstaggeredtohisfeet;andthentohisamazementhefelttheburdenlight.Hehadfearedthathewouldhavebarelystrengthtolifthismasteralone,andbeyondthathehadexpectedtoshareinthedreadfuldraggingweightoftheaccursedRing.Butitwasnotso.Whetherbecause
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Frodowassowornbyhislongpains,woundofknife,andvenomoussting,andsorrow,fear,andhomelesswandering,orbecausesomegiftoffinalstrengthwasgiventohim,SamliftedFrodowithnomoredifficultythanifhewerecarryingahobbit-childpig-a-backinsomeromponthelawnsorhayfieldsoftheShire.Hetookadeepbreathandstarted
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off.Theyhadreachedthe
Mountain’sfootonitsnorthernside,andalittletothewestward;thereitslonggreyslopes,thoughbroken,werenotsheer.Frododidnotspeak,andsoSamstruggledonasbesthecould,havingnoguidancebutthewilltoclimbashighasmightbebeforehisstrengthgaveoutandhiswillbroke.Onhetoiled,upand
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up,turningthiswayandthattolessentheslope,oftenstumblingforward,andatthelastcrawlinglikeasnailwithaheavyburdenonitsback.Whenhiswillcoulddrivehimnofurther,andhislimbsgaveway,hestoppedandlaidhismastergentlydown.
Frodoopenedhiseyesanddrewabreath.Itwaseasiertobreatheuphereabovethereeksthatcoiledanddrifted
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downbelow.‘Thankyou,Sam,’hesaidinacrackedwhisper.‘Howfaristheretogo?’
‘Idon’tknow,’saidSam,‘becauseIdon’tknowwherewe’regoing.’
Helookedback,andthenhelookedup;andhewasamazedtoseehowfarhislastefforthadbroughthim.The
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Mountainstandingominousandalonehadlookedtallerthanitwas.SamsawnowthatitwaslessloftythanthehighpassesoftheEphelDúathwhichheandFrodohadscaled.Theconfusedandtumbledshouldersofitsgreatbaseroseformaybethreethousandfeetabovetheplain,andabovethemwasrearedhalfashighagainitstallcentralcone,likeavastoast
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orchimneycappedwithajaggedcrater.ButalreadySamwasmorethanhalfwayupthebase,andtheplainofGorgorothwasdimbelowhim,wrappedinfumeandshadow.Ashelookeduphewouldhavegivenashout,ifhisparchedthroathadallowedhim;foramidtheruggedhumpsandshouldersabovehimhesawplainlyapathorroad.Itclimbedlikea
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risinggirdlefromthewestandwoundsnakelikeabouttheMountain,untilbeforeitwentroundoutofviewitreachedthefootoftheconeuponitseasternside.
Samcouldnotseethecourseimmediatelyabovehim,whereitwaslowest,forasteepslopewentupfromwherehestood;butheguessedthatifhecouldonlystruggleonjustalittleway
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furtherup,theywouldstrikethispath.Agleamofhopereturnedtohim.TheymightconquertheMountainyet.‘Why,itmighthavebeenputtherea-purpose!’hesaidtohimself.‘Ifitwasn’tthere,I’dhavetosayIwasbeatenintheend.’
ThepathwasnotputthereforthepurposesofSam.Hedidnotknowit,buthewaslookingatSauron’sRoad
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fromBarad-dûrtotheSammathNaur,theChambersofFire.OutfromtheDarkTower’shugewesterngateitcameoveradeepabyssbyavastbridgeofiron,andthenpassingintotheplainitranforaleaguebetweentwosmokingchasms,andsoreachedalongslopingcausewaythatledupontotheMountain’seasternside.Thence,turningand
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encirclingallitswidegirthfromsouthtonorth,itclimbedatlast,highintheuppercone,butstillfarfromthereekingsummit,toadarkentrancethatgazedbackeaststraighttotheWindowoftheEyeinSauron’sshadow-mantledfortress.OftenblockedordestroyedbythetumultsoftheMountain’sfurnaces,alwaysthatroadwasrepairedandcleared
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againbythelaboursofcountlessorcs.
Samdrewadeepbreath.Therewasapath,buthowhewastogetuptheslopetoithedidnotknow.Firsthemusteasehisachingback.HelayflatbesideFrodoforawhile.Neitherspoke.Slowlythelightgrew.SuddenlyasenseofurgencywhichhedidnotunderstandcametoSam.Itwasalmostasifhe
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hadbeencalled:‘Now,now,oritwillbetoolate!’Hebracedhimselfandgotup.Frodoalsoseemedtohavefeltthecall.Hestruggledtohisknees.
‘I’llcrawl,Sam,’hegasped.
Sofootbyfoot,likesmallgreyinsects,theycreptuptheslope.Theycametothepathandfoundthatitwasbroad,pavedwithbrokenrubbleand
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beatenash.Frodoclamberedontoit,andthenmovedasifbysomecompulsionheturnedslowlytofacetheEast.FarofftheshadowsofSauronhung;buttornbysomegustofwindoutoftheworld,orelsemovedbysomegreatdisquietwithin,themantlingcloudsswirled,andforamomentdrewaside;andthenhesaw,risingblack,blackeranddarkerthanthe
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vastshadesamidwhichitstood,thecruelpinnaclesandironcrownofthetopmosttowerofBarad-dûr.Onemomentonlyitstaredout,butasfromsomegreatwindowimmeasurablyhightherestabbednorthwardaflameofred,theflickerofapiercingEye;andthentheshadowswerefurledagainandtheterriblevisionwasremoved.TheEyewasnotturnedto
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them:itwasgazingnorthtowheretheCaptainsoftheWeststoodatbay,andthitherallitsmalicewasnowbent,asthePowermovedtostrikeitsdeadlyblow;butFrodoatthatdreadfulglimpsefellasonestrickenmortally.Hishandsoughtthechainabouthisneck.
Samkneltbyhim.Faint,almostinaudibly,heheardFrodowhispering:‘Helpme,
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Sam!Helpme,Sam!Holdmyhand!Ican’tstopit.’Samtookhismaster’shandsandlaidthemtogether,palmtopalm,andkissedthem;andthenheheldthemgentlybetweenhisown.Thethoughtcamesuddenlytohim:‘He’sspottedus!It’sallup,oritsoonwillbe.Now,SamGamgee,thisistheendofends.’
AgainheliftedFrodoand
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drewhishandsdowntohisownbreast,lettinghismaster’slegsdangle.Thenhebowedhisheadandstruggledoffalongtheclimbingroad.Itwasnotaseasyawaytotakeasithadlookedatfirst.ByfortunethefiresthathadpouredforthinthegreatturmoilswhenSamstooduponCirithUngolhadfloweddownmainlyonthesouthernandwesternslopes,andthe
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roadonthissidewasnotblocked.Yetinmanyplacesithadcrumbledawayorwascrossedbygapingrents.Afterclimbingeastwardforsometimeitbentbackuponitselfatasharpangleandwentwestwardforaspace.ThereatthebenditwascutdeepthroughacragofoldweatheredstoneoncelongagovomitedfromtheMountain’sfurnaces.Panting
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underhisloadSamturnedthebend;andevenashedidso,outofthecornerofhiseye,hehadaglimpseofsomethingfallingfromthecrag,likeasmallpieceofblackstonethathadtoppledoffashepassed.
Asuddenweightsmotehimandhecrashedforward,tearingthebacksofhishandsthatstillclaspedhismaster’s.Thenheknewwhathad
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happened,forabovehimashelayheheardahatedvoice.
‘Wickedmasster!’ithissed.‘Wickedmasstercheatsus;cheatsSméagol,gollum.Hemusstn’tgothatway.Hemusstn’thurtPreciouss.GiveittoSméagol,yess,giveittous!Giveittouss!’
WithaviolentheaveSamroseup.Atoncehedrewhissword;buthecoulddo
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nothing.GollumandFrodowerelockedtogether.Gollumwastearingathismaster,tryingtogetatthechainandtheRing.ThiswasprobablytheonlythingthatcouldhaverousedthedyingembersofFrodo’sheartandwill:anattack,anattempttowresthistreasurefromhimbyforce.HefoughtbackwithasuddenfurythatamazedSam,andGollumalso.Evensothings
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mighthavegonefarotherwise,ifGollumhimselfhadremainedunchanged;butwhateverdreadfulpaths,lonelyandhungryandwaterless,hehadtrodden,drivenbyadevouringdesireandaterriblefear,theyhadleftgrievousmarksonhim.Hewasalean,starved,haggardthing,allbonesandtight-drawnsallowskin.Awildlightflamedinhiseyes,
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buthismalicewasnolongermatchedbyhisoldgripingstrength.Frodoflunghimoffandroseupquivering.
‘Down,down!’hegasped,clutchinghishandtohisbreast,sothatbeneaththecoverofhisleathershirtheclaspedtheRing.‘Down,youcreepingthing,andoutofmypath!Yourtimeisatanend.Youcannotbetraymeorslaymenow.’
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Thensuddenly,asbeforeundertheeavesoftheEmynMuil,Samsawthesetworivalswithothervision.Acrouchingshape,scarcelymorethantheshadowofalivingthing,acreaturenowwhollyruinedanddefeated,yetfilledwithahideouslustandrage;andbeforeitstoodstern,untouchablenowbypity,afigurerobedinwhite,butatitsbreastithelda
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wheeloffire.Outofthefiretherespokeacommandingvoice.
‘Begone,andtroublemenomore!Ifyoutouchmeeveragain,youshallbecastyourselfintotheFireofDoom.’
Thecrouchingshapebackedaway,terrorinitsblinkingeyes,andyetatthesametimeinsatiabledesire.
Thenthevisionpassed
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andSamsawFrodostanding,handonbreast,hisbreathcomingingreatgasps,andGollumathisfeet,restingonhiskneeswithhiswide-splayedhandsupontheground.
‘Lookout!’criedSam.‘He’llspring!’Hesteppedforward,brandishinghissword.‘Quick,Master!’hegasped.‘Goon!Goon!Notimetolose.I’lldealwith
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him.Goon!’Frodolookedathimasif
atonenowfaraway.‘Yes,Imustgoon,’hesaid.‘Farewell,Sam!Thisistheendatlast.OnMountDoomdoomshallfall.Farewell!’Heturnedandwenton,walkingslowlybuterect,uptheclimbingpath.
‘Now!’saidSam.‘Atlast
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Icandealwithyou!’Heleapedforwardwithdrawnbladereadyforbattle.ButGollumdidnotspring.Hefellflatuponthegroundandwhimpered.
‘Don’tkillus,’hewept.‘Don’thurtuswithnasstycruelsteel!Letuslive,yes,livejustalittlelonger.Lostlost!We’relost.AndwhenPreciousgoeswe’lldie,yes,dieintothedust.’Heclawed
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uptheashesofthepathwithhislongfleshlessfingers.‘Dusst!’hehissed.
Sam’shandwavered.Hismindwashotwithwrathandthememoryofevil.Itwouldbejusttoslaythistreacherous,murderouscreature,justandmanytimesdeserved;andalsoitseemedtheonlysafethingtodo.Butdeepinhishearttherewassomethingthatrestrained
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him:hecouldnotstrikethisthinglyinginthedust,forlorn,ruinous,utterlywretched.Hehimself,thoughonlyforalittlewhile,hadbornetheRing,andnowdimlyheguessedtheagonyofGollum’sshrivelledmindandbody,enslavedtothatRing,unabletofindpeaceorreliefeverinlifeagain.ButSamhadnowordstoexpresswhathefelt.
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‘Oh,curseyou,youstinkingthing!’hesaid.‘Goaway!Beoff!Idon’ttrustyou,notasfarasIcouldkickyou;butbeoff.OrIshallhurtyou,yes,withnastycruelsteel.’
Gollumgotuponallfours,andbackedawayforseveralpaces,andthenheturned,andasSamaimedakickathimhefledawaydownthepath.Samgaveno
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moreheedtohim.Hesuddenlyrememberedhismaster.Helookedupthepathandcouldnotseehim.Asfastashecouldhetrudgeduptheroad.Ifhehadlookedback,hemighthaveseennotfarbelowGollumturnagain,andthenwithawildlightofmadnessglaringinhiseyescome,swiftlybutwarily,creepingonbehind,aslinkingshadowamongthestones.
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Thepathclimbedon.SoonitbentagainandwithalasteastwardcoursepassedinacuttingalongthefaceoftheconeandcametothedarkdoorintheMountain’sside,thedooroftheSammathNaur.FarawaynowrisingtowardstheSouththesun,piercingthesmokesandhaze,burnedominous,adullbleareddiscofred;butallMordorlayaboutthe
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Mountainlikeadeadland,silent,shadow-folded,waitingforsomedreadfulstroke.
Samcametothegapingmouthandpeeredin.Itwasdarkandhot,andadeeprumblingshooktheair.‘Frodo!Master!’hecalled.Therewasnoanswer.Foramomenthestood,hisheartbeatingwithwildfears,andthenheplungedin.Ashadow
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followedhim.Atfirsthecouldsee
nothing.InhisgreatneedhedrewoutoncemorethephialofGaladriel,butitwaspaleandcoldinhistremblinghandandthrewnolightintothatstiflingdark.HewascometotheheartoftherealmofSauronandtheforgesofhisancientmight,greatestinMiddle-earth;allotherpowerswereheresubdued.
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Fearfullyhetookafewuncertainstepsinthedark,andthenallatoncetherecameaflashofredthatleapedupward,andsmotethehighblackroof.ThenSamsawthathewasinalongcaveortunnelthatboredintotheMountain’ssmokingcone.Butonlyashortwayaheaditsfloorandthewallsoneithersidewereclovenbyagreatfissure,outofwhich
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theredglarecame,nowleapingup,nowdyingdownintodarkness;andallthewhilefarbelowtherewasarumourandatroubleasofgreatenginesthrobbingandlabouring.
Thelightsprangupagain,andthereonthebrinkofthechasm,attheveryCrackofDoom,stoodFrodo,blackagainsttheglare,tense,erect,butstillasifhehadbeen
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turnedtostone.‘Master!’criedSam.ThenFrodostirredand
spokewithaclearvoice,indeedwithavoiceclearerandmorepowerfulthanSamhadeverheardhimuse,anditroseabovethethrobandturmoilofMountDoom,ringingintheroofandwalls.
‘Ihavecome,’hesaid.‘ButIdonotchoosenowtodowhatIcametodo.Iwill
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notdothisdeed.TheRingismine!’Andsuddenly,ashesetitonhisfinger,hevanishedfromSam’ssight.Samgasped,buthehadnochancetocryout,foratthatmomentmanythingshappened.
SomethingstruckSamviolentlyintheback,hislegswereknockedfromunderhimandhewasflungaside,strikinghisheadagainstthe
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stonyfloor,asadarkshapesprangoverhim.Helaystillandforamomentallwentblack.
Andfaraway,asFrodoputontheRingandclaimeditforhisown,eveninSammathNaurtheveryheartofhisrealm,thePowerinBarad-dûrwasshaken,andtheTowertrembledfromitsfoundationstoitsproudandbittercrown.TheDarkLord
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wassuddenlyawareofhim,andhisEyepiercingallshadowslookedacrosstheplaintothedoorthathehadmade;andthemagnitudeofhisownfollywasrevealedtohiminablindingflash,andallthedevicesofhisenemieswereatlastlaidbare.Thenhiswrathblazedinconsumingflame,buthisfearroselikeavastblacksmoketochokehim.Forheknew
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hisdeadlyperilandthethreaduponwhichhisdoomnowhung.
Fromallhispoliciesandwebsoffearandtreachery,fromallhisstratagemsandwarshismindshookfree;andthroughouthisrealmatremorran,hisslavesquailed,andhisarmieshalted,andhiscaptainssuddenlysteerless,bereftofwill,waveredanddespaired.Fortheywere
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forgotten.ThewholemindandpurposeofthePowerthatwieldedthemwasnowbentwithoverwhelmingforceupontheMountain.Athissummons,wheelingwitharendingcry,inalastdesperateracethereflew,fasterthanthewinds,theNazgûl,theRing-wraiths,andwithastormofwingstheyhurtledsouthwardstoMountDoom.
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Samgotup.Hewasdazed,andbloodstreamingfromhisheaddrippedinhiseyes.Hegropedforward,andthenhesawastrangeandterriblething.Gollumontheedgeoftheabysswasfightinglikeamadthingwithanunseenfoe.Toandfroheswayed,nowsonearthebrinkthatalmosthetumbledin,nowdraggingback,fallingtotheground,rising,and
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fallingagain.Andallthewhilehehissedbutspokenowords.
Thefiresbelowawokeinanger,theredlightblazed,andallthecavernwasfilledwithagreatglareandheat.SuddenlySamsawGollum’slonghandsdrawupwardstohismouth;hiswhitefangsgleamed,andthensnappedastheybit.Frodogaveacry,andtherehewas,fallenupon
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hiskneesatthechasm’sedge.ButGollum,dancinglikeamadthing,heldaloftthering,afingerstillthrustwithinitscircle.Itshonenowasifverilyitwaswroughtoflivingfire.
‘Precious,precious,precious!’Gollumcried.‘MyPrecious!OmyPrecious!’Andwiththat,evenashiseyeswerelifteduptogloatonhisprize,hesteppedtoo
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far,toppled,waveredforamomentonthebrink,andthenwithashriekhefell.OutofthedepthscamehislastwailPrecious,andhewasgone.
Therewasaroarandagreatconfusionofnoise.Firesleapedupandlickedtheroof.Thethrobbinggrewtoagreattumult,andtheMountainshook.SamrantoFrodoandpickedhimupand
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carriedhimouttothedoor.AndthereuponthedarkthresholdoftheSammathNaur,highabovetheplainsofMordor,suchwonderandterrorcameonhimthathestoodstillforgettingallelse,andgazedasoneturnedtostone.
Abriefvisionhehadofswirlingcloud,andinthemidstofittowersandbattlements,tallashills,
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foundeduponamightymountain-throneaboveimmeasurablepits;greatcourtsanddungeons,eyelessprisonssheerascliffs,andgapinggatesofsteelandadamant:andthenallpassed.Towersfellandmountainsslid;wallscrumbledandmelted,crashingdown;vastspiresofsmokeandspoutingsteamswentbillowingup,up,untiltheytoppledlikean
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overwhelmingwave,anditswildcrestcurledandcamefoamingdownupontheland.Andthenatlastoverthemilesbetweentherecamearumble,risingtoadeafeningcrashandroar;theearthshook,theplainheavedandcracked,andOrodruinreeled.Firebelchedfromitsrivensummit.Theskiesburstintothundersearedwithlightning.Downlikelashingwhipsfell
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atorrentofblackrain.Andintotheheartofthestorm,withacrythatpiercedallothersounds,tearingthecloudsasunder,theNazgûlcame,shootinglikeflamingbolts,ascaughtinthefieryruinofhillandskytheycrackled,withered,andwentout.
‘Well,thisistheend,Sam
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Gamgee,’saidavoicebyhisside.AndtherewasFrodo,paleandworn,andyethimselfagain;andinhiseyestherewaspeacenow,neitherstrainofwill,normadness,noranyfear.Hisburdenwastakenaway.TherewasthedearmasterofthesweetdaysintheShire.
‘Master!’criedSam,andfelluponhisknees.Inallthatruinoftheworldforthe
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momenthefeltonlyjoy,greatjoy.Theburdenwasgone.Hismasterhadbeensaved;hewashimselfagain,hewasfree.AndthenSamcaughtsightofthemaimedandbleedinghand.
‘Yourpoorhand!’hesaid.‘AndIhavenothingtobinditwith,orcomfortit.Iwouldhavesparedhimawholehandofminerather.Buthe’sgonenowbeyondrecall,gone
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forever.’‘Yes,’saidFrodo.‘Butdo
yourememberGandalf’swords:EvenGollummayhavesomethingyettodo?Butforhim,Sam,IcouldnothavedestroyedtheRing.TheQuestwouldhavebeeninvain,evenatthebitterend.Soletusforgivehim!FortheQuestisachieved,andnowallisover.Iamgladyouareherewithme.Hereattheend
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ofallthings,Sam.’
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Chapter4
THEFIELDOFCORMALLEN
AllaboutthehillsthehostsofMordorraged.TheCaptains
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oftheWestwerefounderinginagatheringsea.Thesungleamedred,andunderthewingsoftheNazgûltheshadowsofdeathfelldarkupontheearth.Aragornstoodbeneathhisbanner,silentandstern,asonelostinthoughtofthingslongpastorfaraway;buthiseyesgleamedlikestarsthatshinethebrighterasthenightdeepens.Uponthehill-topstoodGandalf,andhe
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waswhiteandcoldandnoshadowfellonhim.TheonslaughtofMordorbrokelikeawaveonthebeleagueredhills,voicesroaringlikeatideamidthewreckandcrashofarms.
Asiftohiseyessomesuddenvisionhadbeengiven,Gandalfstirred;andheturned,lookingbacknorthwheretheskieswerepaleandclear.Thenhelifteduphis
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handsandcriedinaloudvoiceringingabovethedin:TheEaglesarecoming!Andmanyvoicesansweredcrying:TheEaglesarecoming!TheEaglesarecoming!ThehostsofMordorlookedupandwonderedwhatthissignmightmean.
TherecameGwaihirtheWindlord,andLandrovalhisbrother,greatestofalltheEaglesoftheNorth,mightiest
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ofthedescendantsofoldThorondor,whobuilthiseyriesintheinaccessiblepeaksoftheEncirclingMountainswhenMiddle-earthwasyoung.Behindtheminlongswiftlinescamealltheirvassalsfromthenorthernmountains,speedingonagatheringwind.StraightdownupontheNazgûltheybore,stoopingsuddenlyoutofthehighairs,andtherush
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oftheirwidewingsastheypassedoverwaslikeagale.
ButtheNazgûlturnedandfled,andvanishedintoMordor’sshadows,hearingasuddenterriblecalloutoftheDarkTower;andevenatthatmomentallthehostsofMordortrembled,doubtclutchedtheirhearts,theirlaughterfailed,theirhandsshookandtheirlimbswereloosed.ThePowerthatdrove
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themonandfilledthemwithhateandfurywaswavering,itswillwasremovedfromthem;andnowlookingintheeyesoftheirenemiestheysawadeadlylightandwereafraid.
ThenalltheCaptainsoftheWestcriedaloud,fortheirheartswerefilledwithanewhopeinthemidstofdarkness.OutfromthebeleagueredhillsknightsofGondor,
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RidersofRohan,DúnedainoftheNorth,close-serriedcompanies,droveagainsttheirwaveringfoes,piercingthepresswiththethrustofbitterspears.ButGandalflifteduphisarmsandcalledoncemoreinaclearvoice:
‘Stand,MenoftheWest!Standandwait!Thisisthehourofdoom.’
Andevenashespoketheearthrockedbeneaththeir
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feet.Thenrisingswiftlyup,farabovetheTowersoftheBlackGate,highabovethemountains,avastsoaringdarknesssprangintothesky,flickeringwithfire.Theearthgroanedandquaked.TheTowersoftheTeethswayed,tottered,andfelldown;themightyrampartcrumbled;theBlackGatewashurledinruin;andfromfaraway,nowdim,nowgrowing,now
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mountingtotheclouds,therecameadrummingrumble,aroar,alongechoingrollofruinousnoise.
‘TherealmofSauronisended!’saidGandalf.‘TheRing-bearerhasfulfilledhisQuest.’AndastheCaptainsgazedsouthtotheLandofMordor,itseemedtothemthat,blackagainstthepallof
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cloud,thereroseahugeshapeofshadow,impenetrable,lightning-crowned,fillingallthesky.Enormousitrearedabovetheworld,andstretchedouttowardsthemavastthreateninghand,terriblebutimpotent:forevenasitleanedoverthem,agreatwindtookit,anditwasallblownaway,andpassed;andthenahushfell.
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TheCaptainsbowedtheirheads;andwhentheylookedupagain,behold!theirenemieswereflyingandthepowerofMordorwasscatteringlikedustinthewind.Aswhendeathsmitestheswollenbroodingthingthatinhabitstheircrawlinghillandholdsthemallinsway,antswillwanderwitlessandpurposelessandthenfeeblydie,sothe
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creaturesofSauron,orcortrollorbeastspell-enslaved,ranhitherandthithermindless;andsomeslewthemselves,orcastthemselvesinpits,orfledwailingbacktohideinholesanddarklightlessplacesfarfromhope.ButtheMenofRhûnandofHarad,EasterlingandSouthron,sawtheruinoftheirwarandthegreatmajestyandgloryofthe
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CaptainsoftheWest.Andthosethatweredeepestandlongestinevilservitude,hatingtheWest,andyetweremenproudandbold,intheirturnnowgatheredthemselvesforalaststandofdesperatebattle.Butthemostpartfledeastwardastheycould;andsomecasttheirweaponsdownandsuedformercy.
ThenGandalf,leavingallsuchmattersofbattleand
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commandtoAragornandtheotherlords,stooduponthehill-topandcalled;anddowntohimcamethegreateagle,GwaihirtheWindlord,andstoodbeforehim.
‘Twiceyouhaveborneme,Gwaihirmyfriend,’saidGandalf.‘Thriceshallpayforall,ifyouarewilling.YouwillnotfindmeaburdenmuchgreaterthanwhenyouboremefromZirakzigil,
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wheremyoldlifeburnedaway.’
‘Iwouldbearyou,’answeredGwaihir,‘whitheryouwill,evenwereyoumadeofstone.’
‘Thencome,andletyourbrothergowithus,andsomeotherofyourfolkwhoismostswift!Forwehaveneedofspeedgreaterthananywind,outmatchingthewingsoftheNazgûl.’
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‘TheNorthWindblows,butweshalloutflyit,’saidGwaihir.AndheliftedupGandalfandspedawaysouth,andwithhimwentLandroval,andMeneldoryoungandswift.AndtheypassedoverUdûnandGorgorothandsawallthelandinruinandtumultbeneaththem,andbeforethemMountDoomblazing,pouringoutitsfire.
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‘Iamgladthatyouareherewithme,’saidFrodo.‘Hereattheendofallthings,Sam.’
‘Yes,Iamwithyou,Master,’saidSam,layingFrodo’swoundedhandgentlytohisbreast.‘Andyou’rewithme.Andthejourney’sfinished.ButaftercomingallthatwayIdon’twanttogiveupyet.It’snotlikeme,somehow,ifyouunderstand.’
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‘Maybenot,Sam,’saidFrodo;‘butit’slikethingsareintheworld.Hopesfail.Anendcomes.Wehaveonlyalittletimetowaitnow.Wearelostinruinanddownfall,andthereisnoescape.’
‘Well,Master,wecouldatleastgofurtherfromthisdangerousplacehere,fromthisCrackofDoom,ifthat’sitsname.Nowcouldn’twe?Come,Mr.Frodo,let’sgo
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downthepathatanyrate!’‘Verywell,Sam.Ifyou
wishtogo,I’llcome,’saidFrodo;andtheyroseandwentslowlydownthewindingroad;andevenastheypassedtowardstheMountain’squakingfeet,agreatsmokeandsteambelchedfromtheSammathNaur,andthesideoftheconewasrivenopen,andahugefieryvomitrolledinslow
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thunderouscascadedowntheeasternmountain-side.
FrodoandSamcouldgonofurther.Theirlaststrengthofmindandbodywasswiftlyebbing.TheyhadreachedalowashenhillpiledattheMountain’sfoot;butfromittherewasnomoreescape.Itwasanislandnow,notlongtoendure,amidthetormentofOrodruin.Allaboutittheearthgaped,andfromdeep
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riftsandpitssmokeandfumesleapedup.BehindthemtheMountainwasconvulsed.Greatrentsopenedinitsside.Slowriversoffirecamedownthelongslopestowardsthem.Soontheywouldbeengulfed.Arainofhotashwasfalling.
Theystoodnow;andSamstillholdinghismaster’shandcaressedit.Hesighed.‘Whatatalewehavebeenin,Mr.
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Frodo,haven’twe?’hesaid.‘IwishIcouldhearittold!Doyouthinkthey’llsay:NowcomesthestoryofNine-fingeredFrodoandtheRingofDoom?Andtheneveryonewillhush,likewedid,wheninRivendelltheytoldusthetaleofBerenOne-handandtheGreatJewel.IwishIcouldhearit!AndIwonderhowitwillgoonafterourpart.’
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Butevenwhilehespokeso,tokeepfearawayuntiltheverylast,hiseyesstillstrayednorth,northintotheeyeofthewind,towheretheskyfaroffwasclear,asthecoldblast,risingtoagale,drovebackthedarknessandtheruinoftheclouds.
AndsoitwasthatGwaihirsawthemwithhis
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keenfar-seeingeyes,asdownthewildwindhecame,anddaringthegreatperiloftheskieshecircledintheair:twosmalldarkfigures,forlorn,handinhanduponalittlehill,whiletheworldshookunderthem,andgasped,andriversoffiredrewnear.Andevenasheespiedthemandcameswoopingdown,hesawthemfall,wornout,orchokedwithfumesandheat,orstricken
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downbydespairatlast,hidingtheireyesfromdeath.
Sidebysidetheylay;anddownsweptGwaihir,anddowncameLandrovalandMeneldortheswift;andinadream,notknowingwhatfatehadbefallenthem,thewandererswereliftedupandbornefarawayoutofthedarknessandthefire.
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WhenSamawoke,hefoundthathewaslyingonsomesoftbed,butoverhimgentlyswayedwidebeechenboughs,andthroughtheiryoungleavessunlightglimmered,greenandgold.Alltheairwasfullofasweetmingledscent.
Herememberedthatsmell:thefragranceofIthilien.‘Blessme!’hemused.‘HowlonghaveI
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beenasleep?’Forthescenthadbornehimbacktothedaywhenhehadlithislittlefireunderthesunnybank;andforthemomentallelsebetweenwasoutofwakingmemory.Hestretchedanddrewadeepbreath.‘Why,whatadreamI’vehad!’hemuttered.‘Iamgladtowake!’HesatupandthenhesawthatFrodowaslyingbesidehim,andslept
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peacefully,onehandbehindhishead,andtheotherrestinguponthecoverlet.Itwastherighthand,andthethirdfingerwasmissing.
Fullmemoryfloodedback,andSamcriedaloud:‘Itwasn’tadream!Thenwherearewe?’
Andavoicespokesoftlybehindhim:‘InthelandofIthilien,andinthekeepingoftheKing;andheawaitsyou.’
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WiththatGandalfstoodbeforehim,robedinwhite,hisbeardnowgleaminglikepuresnowinthetwinklingoftheleafysunlight.‘Well,MasterSamwise,howdoyoufeel?’hesaid.
ButSamlayback,andstaredwithopenmouth,andforamoment,betweenbewildermentandgreatjoy,hecouldnotanswer.Atlasthegasped:‘Gandalf!I
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thoughtyouweredead!ButthenIthoughtIwasdeadmyself.Iseverythingsadgoingtocomeuntrue?What’shappenedtotheworld?’
‘AgreatShadowhasdeparted,’saidGandalf,andthenhelaughed,andthesoundwaslikemusic,orlikewaterinaparchedland;andashelistenedthethoughtcametoSamthathehadnot
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heardlaughter,thepuresoundofmerriment,fordaysupondayswithoutcount.Itfelluponhisearsliketheechoofallthejoyshehadeverknown.Buthehimselfburstintotears.Then,asasweetrainwillpassdownawindofspringandthesunwillshineouttheclearer,histearsceased,andhislaughterwelledup,andlaughinghesprangfromhisbed.
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‘HowdoIfeel?’hecried.‘Well,Idon’tknowhowtosayit.Ifeel,Ifeel’–hewavedhisarmsintheair–‘Ifeellikespringafterwinter,andsunontheleaves;andliketrumpetsandharpsandallthesongsIhaveeverheard!’Hestoppedandheturnedtowardshismaster.‘Buthow’sMr.Frodo?’hesaid.‘Isn’titashameabouthispoorhand?ButIhope
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he’sallrightotherwise.He’shadacrueltime.’
‘Yes,Iamallrightotherwise,’saidFrodo,sittingupandlaughinginhisturn.‘Ifellasleepagainwaitingforyou,Sam,yousleepy-head.Iwasawakeearlythismorning,andnowitmustbenearlynoon.’
‘Noon?’saidSam,tryingtocalculate.‘Noonofwhatday?’
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‘ThefourteenthoftheNewYear,’saidGandalf;‘orifyoulike,theeighthdayofAprilintheShire-reckoning.*ButinGondortheNewYearwillalwaysnowbeginuponthetwenty-fifthofMarchwhenSauronfell,andwhenyouwerebroughtoutofthefiretotheKing.Hehastendedyou,andnowheawaitsyou.Youshalleatanddrinkwithhim.Whenyouare
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readyIwillleadyoutohim.’‘TheKing?’saidSam.
‘Whatking,andwhoishe?’‘TheKingofGondorand
LordoftheWesternLands,’saidGandalf;‘andhehastakenbackallhisancientrealm.Hewillridesoontohiscrowning,buthewaitsforyou.’
‘Whatshallwewear?’saidSam;forallhecouldseewastheoldandtattered
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clothesthattheyhadjourneyedin,lyingfoldedonthegroundbesidetheirbeds.
‘TheclothesthatyouworeonyourwaytoMordor,’saidGandalf.‘Eventheorc-ragsthatyouboreintheblackland,Frodo,shallbepreserved.Nosilksandlinens,noranyarmourorheraldrycouldbemorehonourable.ButlaterIwillfindsomeotherclothes,
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perhaps.’Thenheheldouthishands
tothem,andtheysawthatoneshonewithlight.‘Whathaveyougotthere?’Frodocried.‘Canitbe——?’
‘Yes,Ihavebroughtyourtwotreasures.TheywerefoundonSamwhenyouwererescued,theLadyGaladriel’sgifts:yourglass,Frodo,andyourbox,Sam.Youwillbegladtohavethesesafeagain.’
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Whentheywerewashedandclad,andhadeatenalightmeal,theHobbitsfollowedGandalf.Theysteppedoutofthebeech-groveinwhichtheyhadlain,andpassedontoalonggreenlawn,glowinginsunshine,borderedbystatelydark-leavedtreesladenwithscarletblossom.Behindthemtheycouldhearthesoundoffallingwater,andastream
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randownbeforethembetweenfloweringbanks,untilitcametoagreenwoodatthelawn’sfootandpassedthenonunderanarchwayoftrees,throughwhichtheysawtheshimmerofwaterfaraway.
Astheycametotheopeninginthewood,theyweresurprisedtoseeknightsinbrightmailandtallguardsinsilverandblackstanding
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there,whogreetedthemwithhonourandbowedbeforethem.Andthenoneblewalongtrumpet,andtheywentonthroughtheaisleoftreesbesidethesingingstream.Sotheycametoawidegreenland,andbeyonditwasabroadriverinasilverhaze,outofwhichrosealongwoodedisle,andmanyshipslaybyitsshores.Butonthefieldwheretheynowstooda
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greathostwasdrawnup,inranksandcompaniesglitteringinthesun.AndastheHobbitsapproachedswordswereunsheathed,andspearswereshaken,andhornsandtrumpetssang,andmencriedwithmanyvoicesandinmanytongues:
‘LonglivetheHalflings!Praisethemwithgreatpraise!
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CuioiPheriainanann!Aglar’niPheriannath!Praisethemwithgreatpraise,FrodoandSamwise!DauraBerhael,ConinenAnnûn!Eglerio!Praisethem!Eglerio!Alaitate,laitate!Andavelaituvalmet!Praisethem!Cormacolindor,alaita
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tárienna!Praisethem!TheRing-bearers,praisethemwithgreatpraise!’
Andsotheredbloodblushingintheirfacesandtheireyesshiningwithwonder,FrodoandSamwentforwardandsawthatamidsttheclamoroushostweresetthreehigh-seatsbuiltofgreenturves.Behindtheseatupon
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therightfloated,whiteongreen,agreathorserunningfree;upontheleftwasabanner,silveruponblue,ashipswan-prowedfaringonthesea;butbehindthehighestthroneinthemidstofallagreatstandardwasspreadinthebreeze,andthereawhitetreeflowereduponasablefieldbeneathashiningcrownandsevenglitteringstars.Onthethrone
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satamail-cladman,agreatswordwaslaidacrosshisknees,butheworenohelm.Astheydrewnearherose.Andthentheyknewhim,changedashewas,sohighandgladofface,kingly,lordofMen,dark-hairedwitheyesofgrey.
Frodorantomeethim,andSamfollowedclosebehind.‘Well,ifthisisn’tthecrownofall!’hesaid.
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‘Strider,orI’mstillasleep!’‘Yes,Sam,Strider,’said
Aragorn.‘Itisalongway,isitnot,fromBree,whereyoudidnotlikethelookofme?Alongwayforusall,butyourshasbeenthedarkestroad.’
AndthentoSam’ssurpriseandutterconfusionhebowedhiskneebeforethem;andtakingthembythehand,FrodouponhisrightandSamuponhisleft,heled
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themtothethrone,andsettingthemuponit,heturnedtothemenandcaptainswhostoodbyandspoke,sothathisvoicerangoverallthehost,crying:
‘Praisethemwithgreatpraise!’
Andwhenthegladshouthadswelledupanddiedawayagain,toSam’sfinalandcompletesatisfactionandpurejoy,aminstrelof
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Gondorstoodforth,andknelt,andbeggedleavetosing.Andbehold!hesaid:
‘Lo!lordsandknightsandmenofvalourunashamed,kingsandprinces,andfairpeopleofGondor,andRidersofRohan,andyesonsofElrond,andDúnedainoftheNorth,andElfandDwarf,andgreatheartsoftheShire,andallfreefolkoftheWest,nowlistentomylay.ForI
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willsingtoyouofFrodooftheNineFingersandtheRingofDoom.’
AndwhenSamheardthathelaughedaloudforsheerdelight,andhestoodupandcried:‘Ogreatgloryandsplendour!Andallmywisheshavecometrue!’Andthenhewept.
Andallthehostlaughedandwept,andinthemidstoftheirmerrimentandtearsthe
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clearvoiceoftheminstrelroselikesilverandgold,andallmenwerehushed.Andhesangtothem,nowintheelven-tongue,nowinthespeechoftheWest,untiltheirhearts,woundedwithsweetwords,overflowed,andtheirjoywaslikeswords,andtheypassedinthoughtouttoregionswherepainanddelightflowtogetherandtearsaretheverywineof
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blessedness.
Andatthelast,astheSunfellfromthenoonandtheshadowsofthetreeslengthened,heended.‘Praisethemwithgreatpraise!’hesaidandknelt.AndthenAragornstoodup,andallthehostarose,andtheypassedtopavilionsmadeready,toeatanddrinkandmakemerry
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whilethedaylasted.FrodoandSamwereled
apartandbroughttoatent,andtheretheiroldraimentwastakenoff,butfoldedandsetasidewithhonour;andcleanlinenwasgiventothem.ThenGandalfcameandinhisarms,tothewonderofFrodo,heboretheswordandtheelven-cloakandthemithril-coatthathadbeentakenfromhiminMordor.
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ForSamhebroughtacoatofgildedmail,andhiselven-cloakallhealedofthesoilsandhurtsthatithadsuffered;andthenhelaidbeforethemtwoswords.
‘Idonotwishforanysword,’saidFrodo.
‘Tonightatleastyoushouldwearone,’saidGandalf.
ThenFrodotookthesmallswordthathadbelongedto
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Sam,andhadbeenlaidathissideinCirithUngol.‘StingIgavetoyouSam,’hesaid.
‘No,master!Mr.Bilbogaveittoyou,anditgoeswithhissilvercoat;hewouldnotwishanyoneelsetowearitnow.’
Frodogaveway;andGandalf,asifheweretheiresquire,kneltandgirtthesword-beltsaboutthem,andthenrisinghesetcircletsof
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silverupontheirheads.Andwhentheywerearrayedtheywenttothegreatfeast;andtheysatattheKing’stablewithGandalf,andKingÉomerofRohan,andthePrinceImrahilandallthechiefcaptains;andtherealsowereGimliandLegolas.
Butwhen,aftertheStandingSilence,winewasbroughttherecameintwoesquirestoservethekings;or
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sotheyseemedtobe:onewascladinthesilverandsableoftheGuardsofMinasTirith,andtheotherinwhiteandgreen.ButSamwonderedwhatsuchyoungboysweredoinginanarmyofmightymen.Thensuddenlyastheydrewnearandhecouldseethemplainly,heexclaimed:
‘Why,lookMr.Frodo!Lookhere!Well,ifitisn’tPippin.Mr.PeregrinTookI
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shouldsay,andMr.Merry!Howtheyhavegrown!Blessme!ButIcanseethere’smoretalestotellthanours.’
‘Thereareindeed,’saidPippinturningtowardshim.‘Andwe’llbegintellingthem,assoonasthisfeastisended.InthemeantimeyoucantryGandalf.He’snotsocloseasheusedtobe,thoughhelaughsnowmorethanhetalks.ForthepresentMerry
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andIarebusy.WeareknightsoftheCityandoftheMark,asIhopeyouobserve.’
Atlastthegladdayended;andwhentheSunwasgoneandtheroundMoonrodeslowlyabovethemistsofAnduinandflickeredthroughtheflutteringleaves,FrodoandSamsatunderthewhisperingtreesamidthe
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fragranceoffairIthilien;andtheytalkeddeepintothenightwithMerryandPippinandGandalf,andafterawhileLegolasandGimlijoinedthem.ThereFrodoandSamlearnedmuchofallthathadhappenedtotheCompanyaftertheirfellowshipwasbrokenontheevildayatParthGalenbyRaurosFalls;andstilltherewasalwaysmoretoaskand
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moretotell.Orcs,andtalkingtrees,
andleaguesofgrass,andgallopingriders,andglitteringcaves,andwhitetowersandgoldenhalls,andbattles,andtallshipssailing,allthesepassedbeforeSam’sminduntilhefeltbewildered.ButamidstallthesewondershereturnedalwaystohisastonishmentatthesizeofMerryandPippin;andhe
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madethemstandbacktobackwithFrodoandhimself.Hescratchedhishead.‘Can’tunderstanditatyourage!’hesaid.‘Butthereitis:you’rethreeinchestallerthanyououghttobe,orI’madwarf.’
‘Thatyoucertainlyarenot,’saidGimli.‘ButwhatdidIsay?Mortalscannotgodrinkingent-draughtsandexpectnomoretocomeofthemthanofapotofbeer.’
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‘Ent-draughts?’saidSam.‘ThereyougoaboutEntsagain;butwhattheyarebeatsme.Why,itwilltakeweeksbeforewegetallthesethingssizedup!’
‘Weeksindeed,’saidPippin.‘AndthenFrodowillhavetobelockedupinatowerinMinasTirithandwriteitalldown.Otherwisehewillforgethalfofit,andpooroldBilbowillbe
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dreadfullydisappointed.’
AtlengthGandalfrose.‘ThehandsoftheKingarehandsofhealing,dearfriends,’hesaid.‘Butyouwenttotheverybrinkofdeathereherecalledyou,puttingforthallhispower,andsentyouintothesweetforgetfulnessofsleep.Andthoughyouhaveindeedslept
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longandblessedly,stillitisnowtimetosleepagain.’
‘AndnotonlySamandFrodohere,’saidGimli,‘butyoutoo,Pippin.Iloveyou,ifonlybecauseofthepainsyouhavecostme,whichIshallneverforget.NorshallIforgetfindingyouonthehillofthelastbattle.ButforGimlitheDwarfyouwouldhavebeenlostthen.ButatleastIknownowthelookof
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ahobbit’sfoot,thoughitbeallthatcanbeseenunderaheapofbodies.AndwhenIheavedthatgreatcarcaseoffyou,Imadesureyouweredead.Icouldhavetornoutmybeard.Anditisonlyadayyetsinceyouwerefirstupandabroadagain.Tobednowyougo.AndsoshallI.’
‘AndI,’saidLegolas,‘shallwalkinthewoodsofthisfairland,whichisrest
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enough.Indaystocome,ifmyElven-lordallows,someofourfolkshallremovehither;andwhenwecomeitshallbeblessed,forawhile.Forawhile:amonth,alife,ahundredyearsofMen.ButAnduinisnear,andAnduinleadsdowntotheSea.TotheSea!
TotheSea,totheSea!Thewhitegullsare
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crying,Thewindisblowing,andthewhitefoamisflying.West,westaway,theroundsunisfalling.Greyship,greyship,doyouhearthemcalling,Thevoicesofmypeoplethathavegonebeforeme?Iwillleave,Iwillleavethewoodsthatboreme;
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Forourdaysareendingandouryearsfailing.Iwillpassthewidewaterslonelysailing.LongarethewavesontheLastShorefalling,SweetarethevoicesintheLostIslecalling,InEressëa,inElvenhomethatnomancandiscover,Wheretheleavesfallnot:landofmypeoplefor
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ever!’
AndsosingingLegolaswentawaydownthehill.
Thentheothersalsodeparted,andFrodoandSamwenttotheirbedsandslept.Andinthemorningtheyroseagaininhopeandpeace;andtheyspentmanydaysinIthilien.FortheFieldof
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Cormallen,wherethehostwasnowencamped,wasneartoHennethAnnûn,andthestreamthatflowedfromitsfallscouldbeheardinthenightasitrusheddownthroughitsrockygate,andpassedthroughtheflowerymeadsintothetidesofAnduinbytheIsleofCairAndros.Thehobbitswanderedhereandtherevisitingagaintheplacesthat
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theyhadpassedbefore;andSamhopedalwaysinsomeshadowofthewoodsorsecretgladetocatch,maybe,aglimpseofthegreatOliphaunt.AndwhenhelearnedthatatthesiegeofGondortherehadbeenagreatnumberofthesebeastsbutthattheywerealldestroyed,hethoughtitasadloss.
‘Well,onecan’tbeeverywhereatonce,I
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suppose,’hesaid.‘ButImissedalot,seemingly.’
InthemeanwhilethehostmadereadyforthereturntoMinasTirith.Thewearyrestedandthehurtwerehealed.ForsomehadlabouredandfoughtmuchwiththeremnantsoftheEasterlingsandSouthrons,untilallweresubdued.And,
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latestofall,thosereturnedwhohadpassedintoMordoranddestroyedthefortressesinthenorthoftheland.
ButatthelastwhenthemonthofMaywasdrawingneartheCaptainsoftheWestsetoutagain;andtheywentaboardshipwithalltheirmen,andtheysailedfromCairAndrosdownAnduintoOsgiliath;andtheretheyremainedforoneday;andthe
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dayaftertheycametothegreenfieldsofthePelennorandsawagainthewhitetowersundertallMindolluin,theCityoftheMenofGondor,lastmemoryofWesternesse,thathadpassedthroughthedarknessandfiretoanewday.
Andthereinthemidstofthefieldstheysetuptheirpavilionsandawaitedthemorning;foritwastheEveof
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May,andtheKingwouldenterhisgateswiththerisingoftheSun.
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Chapter5
THESTEWARDANDTHEKING
OverthecityofGondordoubtandgreatdreadhad
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hung.Fairweatherandclearsunhadseemedbutamockerytomenwhosedaysheldlittlehope,andwholookedeachmorningfornewsofdoom.Theirlordwasdeadandburned,deadlaytheKingofRohanintheircitadel,andthenewkingthathadcometotheminthenightwasgoneagaintoawarwithpowerstoodarkandterribleforanymightorvalourto
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conquer.Andnonewscame.AfterthehostleftMorgulValeandtookthenorthwardroadbeneaththeshadowofthemountainsnomessengerhadreturnednoranyrumourofwhatwaspassinginthebroodingEast.
WhentheCaptainswerebuttwodaysgone,theLadyÉowynbadethewomenwhotendedhertobringherraiment,andshewouldnotbe
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gainsaid,butrose;andwhentheyhadclothedherandsetherarminaslingoflinen,shewenttotheWardenoftheHousesofHealing.
‘Sir,’shesaid,‘Iamingreatunrest,andIcannotlielongerinsloth.’
‘Lady,’heanswered,‘youarenotyethealed,andIwascommandedtotendyouwithespecialcare.Youshouldnothaverisenfromyourbedfor
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sevendaysyet,orsoIwasbidden.Ibegyoutogoback.’
‘Iamhealed,’shesaid,‘healedatleastinbody,savemyleftarmonly,andthatisatease.ButIshallsickenanew,ifthereisnaughtthatIcando.Aretherenotidingsofwar?Thewomencantellmenothing.’
‘Therearenotidings,’saidtheWarden,‘savethattheLordshaveriddento
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MorgulVale;andmensaythatthenewcaptainoutoftheNorthistheirchief.Agreatlordisthat,andahealer;anditisathingpassingstrangetomethatthehealinghandshouldalsowieldthesword.ItisnotthusinGondornow,thoughonceitwasso,ifoldtalesbetrue.Butforlongyearswehealershaveonlysoughttopatchtherentsmadebythemenof
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swords.Thoughweshouldstillhaveenoughtodowithoutthem:theworldisfullenoughofhurtsandmischanceswithoutwarstomultiplythem.’
‘Itneedsbutonefoetobreedawar,nottwo,MasterWarden,’answeredÉowyn.‘Andthosewhohavenotswordscanstilldieuponthem.WouldyouhavethefolkofGondorgatheryou
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herbsonly,whentheDarkLordgathersarmies?Anditisnotalwaysgoodtobehealedinbody.Norisitalwayseviltodieinbattle,eveninbitterpain.WereIpermitted,inthisdarkhourIwouldchoosethelatter.’
TheWardenlookedather.Tallshestoodthere,hereyesbrightinherwhiteface,herrighthandclenchedassheturnedandgazedoutofhis
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windowthatopenedtotheEast.Hesighedandshookhishead.Afterapausesheturnedtohimagain.
‘Istherenodeedtodo?’shesaid.‘WhocommandsinthisCity?’
‘Idonotrightlyknow,’heanswered.‘Suchthingsarenotmycare.ThereisamarshalovertheRidersofRohan;andtheLordHúrin,Iamtold,commandsthemen
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ofGondor.ButtheLordFaramirisbyrighttheStewardoftheCity.’
‘WherecanIfindhim?’‘Inthishouse,lady.He
wassorelyhurt,butisnowsetagainonthewaytohealth.ButIdonotknow——’
‘Willyounotbringmetohim?Thenyouwillknow.’
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TheLordFaramirwaswalkingaloneinthegardenoftheHousesofHealing,andthesunlightwarmedhim,andhefeltliferunnewinhisveins;buthisheartwasheavy,andhelookedoutoverthewallseastward.Andcoming,theWardenspokehisname,andheturnedandsawtheLadyÉowynofRohan;andhewasmovedwithpity,forhesawthatshe
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washurt,andhisclearsightperceivedhersorrowandunrest.
‘Mylord,’saidtheWarden,‘hereistheLadyÉowynofRohan.Sherodewiththekingandwassorelyhurt,anddwellsnowinmykeeping.Butsheisnotcontent,andshewishestospeaktotheStewardoftheCity.’
‘Donotmisunderstand
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him,lord,’saidÉowyn.‘Itisnotlackofcarethatgrievesme.Nohousescouldbefairer,forthosewhodesiretobehealed.ButIcannotlieinsloth,idle,caged.Ilookedfordeathinbattle.ButIhavenotdied,andbattlestillgoeson.’
AtasignfromFaramir,theWardenbowedanddeparted.‘Whatwouldyouhavemedo,lady?’saidFaramir.‘Ialsoamaprisoner
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ofthehealers.’Helookedather,andbeingamanwhompitydeeplystirred,itseemedtohimthatherlovelinessamidhergriefwouldpiercehisheart.Andshelookedathimandsawthegravetendernessinhiseyes,andyetknew,forshewasbredamongmenofwar,thatherewasonewhomnoRideroftheMarkwouldoutmatchinbattle.
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‘Whatdoyouwish?’hesaidagain.‘Ifitliesinmypower,Iwilldoit.’
‘IwouldhaveyoucommandthisWarden,andbidhimletmego,’shesaid;butthoughherwordswerestillproud,herheartfaltered,andforthefirsttimeshedoubtedherself.Sheguessedthatthistallman,bothsternandgentle,mightthinkhermerelywayward,likeachild
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thathasnotthefirmnessofmindtogoonwithadulltasktotheend.
‘ImyselfamintheWarden’skeeping,’answeredFaramir.‘NorhaveIyettakenupmyauthorityintheCity.ButhadIdoneso,Ishouldstilllistentohiscounsel,andshouldnotcrosshiswillinmattersofhiscraft,unlessinsomegreatneed.’
‘ButIdonotdesire
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healing,’shesaid.‘IwishtoridetowarlikemybrotherÉomer,orbetterlikeThéodentheking,forhediedandhasbothhonourandpeace.’
‘Itistoolate,lady,tofollowtheCaptains,evenifyouhadthestrength,’saidFaramir.‘Butdeathinbattlemaycometousallyet,willingorunwilling.Youwillbebetterpreparedtofaceitinyourownmanner,ifwhile
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thereisstilltimeyoudoastheHealercommanded.YouandI,wemustendurewithpatiencethehoursofwaiting.’
Shedidnotanswer,butashelookedatheritseemedtohimthatsomethinginhersoftened,asthoughabitterfrostwereyieldingatthefirstfaintpresageofspring.Atearspranginhereyeandfelldownhercheek,likea
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glisteningrain-drop.Herproudheaddroopedalittle.Thenquietly,moreasifspeakingtoherselfthantohim:‘Butthehealerswouldhavemelieabedsevendaysyet,’shesaid.‘Andmywindowdoesnotlookeastward.’Hervoicewasnowthatofamaidenyoungandsad.
Faramirsmiled,thoughhisheartwasfilledwithpity.
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‘Yourwindowdoesnotlookeastward?’hesaid.‘Thatcanbeamended.InthisIwillcommandtheWarden.Ifyouwillstayinthishouseinourcare,lady,andtakeyourrest,thenyoushallwalkinthisgardeninthesun,asyouwill;andyoushalllookeast,whitherallourhopeshavegone.Andhereyouwillfindme,walkingandwaiting,andalsolookingeast.Itwould
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easemycare,ifyouwouldspeaktome,orwalkatwhileswithme.’
Thensheraisedherheadandlookedhimintheeyesagain;andacolourcameinherpaleface.‘HowshouldIeaseyourcare,mylord?’shesaid.‘AndIdonotdesirethespeechoflivingmen.’
‘Wouldyouhavemyplainanswer?’hesaid.
‘Iwould.’
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‘Then,ÉowynofRohan,Isaytoyouthatyouarebeautiful.Inthevalleysofourhillsthereareflowersfairandbright,andmaidensfairerstill;butneitherflowernorladyhaveIseentillnowinGondorsolovely,andsosorrowful.Itmaybethatonlyafewdaysarelefteredarknessfallsuponourworld,andwhenitcomesIhopetofaceitsteadily;butit
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wouldeasemyheart,ifwhiletheSunyetshines,Icouldseeyoustill.ForyouandIhavebothpassedunderthewingsoftheShadow,andthesamehanddrewusback.’
‘Alas,notme,lord!’shesaid.‘Shadowliesonmestill.Looknottomeforhealing!Iamashieldmaidenandmyhandisungentle.ButIthankyouforthisatleast,thatIneednotkeeptomychamber.
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IwillwalkabroadbythegraceoftheStewardoftheCity.’Andshedidhimacourtesyandwalkedbacktothehouse.ButFaramirforalongwhilewalkedaloneinthegarden,andhisglancenowstrayedrathertothehousethantotheeastwardwalls.
Whenhereturnedtohis
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chamberhecalledfortheWarden,andheardallthathecouldtelloftheLadyofRohan.
‘ButIdoubtnot,lord,’saidtheWarden,‘thatyouwouldlearnmorefromtheHalflingthatiswithus;forhewasintheridingoftheking,andwiththeLadyattheend,theysay.’
AndsoMerrywassenttoFaramir,andwhilethatday
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lastedtheytalkedlongtogether,andFaramirlearnedmuch,moreeventhanMerryputintowords;andhethoughtthatheunderstoodnowsomethingofthegriefandunrestofÉowynofRohan.AndinthefaireveningFaramirandMerrywalkedinthegarden,butshedidnotcome.
Butinthemorning,asFaramircamefromthe
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Houses,hesawher,asshestooduponthewalls;andshewascladallinwhite,andgleamedinthesun.Andhecalledtoher,andshecamedown,andtheywalkedonthegrassorsatunderagreentreetogether,nowinsilence,nowinspeech.Andeachdayaftertheydidlikewise.AndtheWardenlookingfromhiswindowwasgladinheart,forhewasahealer,andhiscare
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waslightened;andcertainitwasthat,heavyaswasthedreadandforebodingofthosedaysupontheheartsofmen,stillthesetwoofhischargesprosperedandgrewdailyinstrength.
AndsothefifthdaycamesincetheLadyÉowynwentfirsttoFaramir;andtheystoodnowtogetheroncemoreuponthewallsoftheCityandlookedout.No
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tidingshadyetcome,andallheartsweredarkened.Theweather,too,wasbrightnolonger.Itwascold.AwindthathadsprungupinthenightwasblowingnowkeenlyfromtheNorth,anditwasrising;butthelandsaboutlookedgreyanddrear.
Theywerecladinwarmraimentandheavycloaks,andoveralltheLadyÉowynworeagreatbluemantleof
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thecolourofdeepsummer-night,anditwassetwithsilverstarsabouthemandthroat.Faramirhadsentforthisrobeandhadwrappeditabouther;andhethoughtthatshelookedfairandqueenlyindeedasshestoodthereathisside.Themantlewaswroughtforhismother,FinduilasofAmroth,whodieduntimely,andwastohimbutamemoryof
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lovelinessinfardaysandofhisfirstgrief;andherrobeseemedtohimraimentfittingforthebeautyandsadnessofÉowyn.
Butshenowshiveredbeneaththestarrymantle,andshelookednorthward,abovethegreyhitherlands,intotheeyeofthecoldwindwherefarawaytheskywashardandclear.
‘Whatdoyoulookfor,
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Éowyn?’saidFaramir.‘DoesnottheBlackGate
lieyonder?’saidshe.‘Andmusthenotnowbecomethither?Itissevendayssinceherodeaway.’
‘Sevendays,’saidFaramir.‘Butthinknotillofme,ifIsaytoyou:theyhavebroughtmebothajoyandapainthatIneverthoughttoknow.Joytoseeyou;butpain,becausenowthefear
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anddoubtofthiseviltimearegrowndarkindeed.Éowyn,Iwouldnothavethisworldendnow,orlosesosoonwhatIhavefound.’
‘Losewhatyouhavefound,lord?’sheanswered;butshelookedathimgravelyandhereyeswerekind.‘Iknownotwhatinthesedaysyouhavefoundthatyoucouldlose.Butcome,myfriend,letusnotspeakofit!
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Letusnotspeakatall!Istanduponsomedreadfulbrink,anditisutterlydarkintheabyssbeforemyfeet,butwhetherthereisanylightbehindmeIcannottell.ForIcannotturnyet.Iwaitforsomestrokeofdoom.’
‘Yes,wewaitforthestrokeofdoom,’saidFaramir.Andtheysaidnomore;anditseemedtothemastheystooduponthewall
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thatthewinddied,andthelightfailed,andtheSunwasbleared,andallsoundsintheCityorinthelandsaboutwerehushed:neitherwind,norvoice,norbird-call,norrustleofleaf,northeirownbreathcouldbeheard;theverybeatingoftheirheartswasstilled.Timehalted.
Andastheystoodso,theirhandsmetandclasped,thoughtheydidnotknowit.
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Andstilltheywaitedfortheyknewnotwhat.Thenpresentlyitseemedtothemthatabovetheridgesofthedistantmountainsanothervastmountainofdarknessrose,toweringuplikeawavethatshouldengulftheworld,andaboutitlightningsflickered;andthenatremorranthroughtheearth,andtheyfeltthewallsoftheCityquiver.Asoundlikeasigh
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wentupfromallthelandsaboutthem;andtheirheartsbeatsuddenlyagain.
‘ItremindsmeofNúmenor,’saidFaramir,andwonderedtohearhimselfspeak.
‘OfNúmenor?’saidÉowyn.
‘Yes,’saidFaramir,‘ofthelandofWesternessethatfoundered,andofthegreatdarkwaveclimbingoverthe
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greenlandsandabovethehills,andcomingon,darknessunescapable.Ioftendreamofit.’
‘ThenyouthinkthattheDarknessiscoming?’saidÉowyn.‘DarknessUnescapable?’Andsuddenlyshedrewclosetohim.
‘No,’saidFaramir,lookingintoherface.‘Itwasbutapictureinthemind.Idonotknowwhatishappening.
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Thereasonofmywakingmindtellsmethatgreatevilhasbefallenandwestandattheendofdays.Butmyheartsaysnay;andallmylimbsarelight,andahopeandjoyarecometomethatnoreasoncandeny.Éowyn,Éowyn,WhiteLadyofRohan,inthishourIdonotbelievethatanydarknesswillendure!’Andhestoopedandkissedherbrow.
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AndsotheystoodonthewallsoftheCityofGondor,andagreatwindroseandblew,andtheirhair,ravenandgolden,streamedoutminglingintheair.AndtheShadowdeparted,andtheSunwasunveiled,andlightleapedforth;andthewatersofAnduinshonelikesilver,andinallthehousesoftheCitymensangforthejoythatwelledupintheirheartsfrom
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whatsourcetheycouldnottell.
AndbeforetheSunhadfallenfarfromthenoonoutoftheEasttherecameagreatEagleflying,andheboretidingsbeyondhopefromtheLordsoftheWest,crying:
Singnow,yepeopleoftheTowerofAnor,fortheRealmofSauronisendedforever,
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andtheDarkToweristhrowndown.
Singandrejoice,yepeopleoftheTowerofGuard,foryourwatchhathnotbeeninvain,andtheBlackGateisbroken,andyourKinghathpassedthrough,andheisvictorious.
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Singandbeglad,allyechildrenoftheWest,foryourKingshallcomeagain,andheshalldwellamongyouallthedaysofyourlife.
AndtheTreethatwaswitheredshallberenewed,andheshallplantitinthehighplaces,
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andtheCityshallbeblessed.
Singallyepeople!
AndthepeoplesanginallthewaysoftheCity.
Thedaysthatfollowedweregolden,andSpringandSummerjoinedandmadereveltogetherinthefieldsof
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Gondor.AndtidingsnowcamebyswiftridersfromCairAndrosofallthatwasdone,andtheCitymadereadyforthecomingoftheKing.MerrywassummonedandrodeawaywiththewainsthattookstoreofgoodstoOsgiliathandthencebyshiptoCairAndros;butFaramirdidnotgo,fornowbeinghealedhetookuponhimhisauthorityandthe
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Stewardship,althoughitwasonlyforalittlewhile,andhisdutywastoprepareforonewhoshouldreplacehim.
AndÉowyndidnotgo,thoughherbrothersentwordbegginghertocometothefieldofCormallen.AndFaramirwonderedatthis,buthesawherseldom,beingbusywithmanymatters;andshedweltstillintheHousesofHealingandwalkedalone
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inthegarden,andherfacegrewpaleagain,anditseemedthatinalltheCitysheonlywasailingandsorrowful.AndtheWardenoftheHouseswastroubled,andhespoketoFaramir.
ThenFaramircameandsoughther,andoncemoretheystoodonthewallstogether;andhesaidtoher:‘Éowyn,whydoyoutarryhere,anddonotgotothe
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rejoicinginCormallenbeyondCairAndros,whereyourbrotherawaitsyou?’
Andshesaid:‘Doyounotknow?’
Butheanswered:‘Tworeasonstheremaybe,butwhichistrue,Idonotknow.’
Andshesaid:‘Idonotwishtoplayatriddles.Speakplainer!’
‘Thenifyouwillhaveitso,lady,’hesaid:‘youdonot
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go,becauseonlyyourbrothercalledforyou,andtolookontheLordAragorn,Elendil’sheir,inhistriumphwouldnowbringyounojoy.OrbecauseIdonotgo,andyoudesirestilltobenearme.Andmaybeforboththesereasons,andyouyourselfcannotchoosebetweenthem.Éowyn,doyounotloveme,orwillyounot?’
‘Iwishedtobelovedby
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another,’sheanswered.‘ButIdesirenoman’spity.’
‘ThatIknow,’hesaid.‘YoudesiredtohavetheloveoftheLordAragorn.Becausehewashighandpuissant,andyouwishedtohaverenownandgloryandtobeliftedfarabovethemeanthingsthatcrawlontheearth.Andasagreatcaptainmaytoayoungsoldierheseemedtoyouadmirable.Forsoheis,alord
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amongmen,thegreatestthatnowis.Butwhenhegaveyouonlyunderstandingandpity,thenyoudesiredtohavenothing,unlessabravedeathinbattle.Lookatme,Éowyn!’
AndÉowynlookedatFaramirlongandsteadily;andFaramirsaid:‘Donotscornpitythatisthegiftofagentleheart,Éowyn!ButIdonotofferyoumypity.For
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youarealadyhighandvaliantandhaveyourselfwonrenownthatshallnotbeforgotten;andyouarealadybeautiful,Ideem,beyondeventhewordsoftheelven-tonguetotell.AndIloveyou.OnceIpitiedyoursorrow.Butnow,wereyousorrowless,withoutfearoranylack,wereyoutheblissfulQueenofGondor,stillIwouldloveyou.
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Éowyn,doyounotloveme?’ThentheheartofÉowyn
changed,orelseatlastsheunderstoodit.Andsuddenlyherwinterpassed,andthesunshoneonher.
‘IstandinMinasAnor,theToweroftheSun,’shesaid;‘andbehold!theShadowhasdeparted!Iwillbeashieldmaidennolonger,norviewiththegreatRiders,nortakejoyonlyinthesongs
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ofslaying.Iwillbeahealer,andloveallthingsthatgrowandarenotbarren.’AndagainshelookedatFaramir.‘NolongerdoIdesiretobeaqueen,’shesaid.
ThenFaramirlaughedmerrily.‘Thatiswell,’hesaid;‘forIamnotaking.YetIwillwedwiththeWhiteLadyofRohan,ifitbeherwill.Andifshewill,thenletuscrosstheRiverandin
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happierdaysletusdwellinfairIthilienandtheremakeagarden.Allthingswillgrowwithjoythere,iftheWhiteLadycomes.’
‘ThenmustIleavemyownpeople,manofGondor?’shesaid.‘Andwouldyouhaveyourproudfolksayofyou:“TheregoesalordwhotamedawildshieldmaidenoftheNorth!Wastherenowomanoftheraceof
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Númenortochoose?”’‘Iwould,’saidFaramir.
Andhetookherinhisarmsandkissedherunderthesunlitsky,andhecarednotthattheystoodhighuponthewallsinthesightofmany.AndmanyindeedsawthemandthelightthatshoneaboutthemastheycamedownfromthewallsandwenthandinhandtotheHousesofHealing.
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AndtotheWardenoftheHousesFaramirsaid:‘HereistheLadyÉowynofRohan,andnowsheishealed.’
AndtheWardensaid:‘ThenIreleaseherfrommychargeandbidherfarewell,andmayshesufferneverhurtnorsicknessagain.IcommendhertothecareoftheStewardoftheCity,untilherbrotherreturns.’
ButÉowynsaid:‘Yetnow
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thatIhaveleavetodepart,Iwouldremain.ForthisHousehasbecometomeofalldwellingsthemostblessed.’AndsheremainedthereuntilKingÉomercame.
AllthingswerenowmadereadyintheCity;andtherewasgreatconcourseofpeople,forthetidingshadgoneoutintoallpartsof
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Gondor,fromMin-RimmoneventoPinnathGelinandthefarcoastsofthesea;andallthatcouldcometotheCitymadehastetocome.AndtheCitywasfilledagainwithwomenandfairchildrenthatreturnedtotheirhomesladenwithflowers;andfromDolAmrothcametheharpersthatharpedmostskilfullyinalltheland;andtherewereplayersuponviolsandupon
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flutesanduponhornsofsilver,andclear-voicedsingersfromthevalesofLebennin.
Atlastaneveningcamewhenfromthewallsthepavilionscouldbeseenuponthefield,andallnightlightswereburningasmenwatchedforthedawn.AndwhenthesunroseintheclearmorningabovethemountainsintheEast,uponwhichshadowslay
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nomore,thenallthebellsrang,andallthebannersbrokeandflowedinthewind;andupontheWhiteTowerofthecitadelthestandardoftheStewards,brightargentlikesnowinthesun,bearingnochargenordevice,wasraisedoverGondorforthelasttime.
NowtheCaptainsoftheWestledtheirhosttowardstheCity,andfolksawthemadvanceinlineuponline,
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flashingandglintinginthesunriseandripplinglikesilver.AndsotheycamebeforetheGatewayandhaltedafurlongfromthewalls.Asyetnogateshadbeensetupagain,butabarrierwaslaidacrosstheentrancetotheCity,andtherestoodmenatarmsinsilverandblackwithlongswordsdrawn.BeforethebarrierstoodFaramirtheSteward,
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andHúrinWardenoftheKeys,andothercaptainsofGondor,andtheLadyÉowynofRohanwithElfhelmtheMarshalandmanyknightsoftheMark;anduponeithersideoftheGatewasagreatpressoffairpeopleinraimentofmanycoloursandgarlandsofflowers.
SonowtherewasawidespacebeforethewallsofMinasTirith,anditwas
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hemmedinuponallsidesbytheknightsandthesoldiersofGondorandofRohan,andbythepeopleoftheCityandofallpartsoftheland.AhushfelluponallasoutfromthehoststeppedtheDúnedaininsilverandgrey;andbeforethemcamewalkingslowtheLordAragorn.Hewascladinblackmailgirtwithsilver,andheworealongmantleofpurewhiteclaspedatthe
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throatwithagreatjewelofgreenthatshonefromafar;buthisheadwasbaresaveforastaruponhisforeheadboundbyaslenderfilletofsilver.WithhimwereÉomerofRohan,andthePrinceImrahil,andGandalfrobedallinwhite,andfoursmallfiguresthatmanymenmarvelledtosee.
‘Nay,cousin!theyarenotboys,’saidIorethtoher
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kinswomanfromImlothMelui,whostoodbesideher.‘ThosearePeriain,outofthefarcountryoftheHalflings,wheretheyareprincesofgreatfame,itissaid.Ishouldknow,forIhadonetotendintheHouses.Theyaresmall,buttheyarevaliant.Why,cousin,oneofthemwentwithonlyhisesquireintotheBlackCountryandfoughtwiththeDarkLordallby
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himself,andsetfiretohisTower,ifyoucanbelieveit.AtleastthatisthetaleintheCity.ThatwillbetheonethatwalkswithourElfstone.Theyaredearfriends,Ihear.Nowheisamarvel,theLordElfstone:nottoosoftinhisspeech,mindyou,buthehasagoldenheart,asthesayingis;andhehasthehealinghands.“Thehandsofthekingarethehandsofahealer”,I
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said;andthatwashowitwasalldiscovered.AndMithrandir,hesaidtome:“Ioreth,menwilllongrememberyourwords”,and——’
ButIorethwasnotpermittedtocontinuetheinstructionofherkinswomanfromthecountry,forasingletrumpetrang,andadeadsilencefollowed.ThenforthfromtheGatewentFaramir
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withHúrinoftheKeys,andnoothers,savethatbehindthemwalkedfourmeninthehighhelmsandarmouroftheCitadel,andtheyboreagreatcasketofblacklebethronboundwithsilver.
FaramirmetAragorninthemidstofthosethereassembled,andheknelt,andsaid:‘ThelastStewardofGondorbegsleavetosurrenderhisoffice.’Andhe
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heldoutawhiterod;butAragorntooktherodandgaveitback,saying:‘Thatofficeisnotended,anditshallbethineandthyheirs’aslongasmylineshalllast.Donowthyoffice!’
ThenFaramirstoodupandspokeinaclearvoice:‘MenofGondor,hearnowtheStewardofthisRealm!Behold!onehascometoclaimthekingshipagainat
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last.HereisAragornsonofArathorn,chieftainoftheDúnedainofArnor,CaptainoftheHostoftheWest,beareroftheStaroftheNorth,wielderoftheSwordReforged,victoriousinbattle,whosehandsbringhealing,theElfstone,ElessarofthelineofValandil,Isildur’sson,Elendil’ssonofNúmenor.ShallhebekingandenterintotheCityanddwell
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there?’Andallthehostandall
thepeoplecriedyeawithonevoice.
AndIorethsaidtoherkinswoman:‘ThisisjustaceremonysuchaswehaveintheCity,cousin;forhehasalreadyentered,asIwastellingyou;andhesaidtome——’Andthenagainshewasobligedtosilence,forFaramirspokeagain.
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‘MenofGondor,theloremasterstellthatitwasthecustomofoldthatthekingshouldreceivethecrownfromhisfathererehedied;orifthatmightnotbe,thatheshouldgoaloneandtakeitfromthehandsofhisfatherinthetombwherehewaslaid.Butsincethingsmustnowbedoneotherwise,usingtheauthorityoftheSteward,Ihavetodaybroughthither
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fromRathDínenthecrownofEärnurthelastking,whosedayspassedinthetimeofourlongfathersofold.’
Thentheguardssteppedforward,andFaramiropenedthecasket,andheheldupanancientcrown.ItwasshapedlikethehelmsoftheGuardsoftheCitadel,savethatitwasloftier,anditwasallwhite,andthewingsateithersidewerewroughtofpearland
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silverinthelikenessofthewingsofasea-bird,foritwastheemblemofkingswhocameovertheSea;andsevengemsofadamantweresetinthecirclet,anduponitssummitwassetasinglejewelthelightofwhichwentuplikeaflame.
ThenAragorntookthecrownandhelditupandsaid:
EtEärelloEndorennautúlien.Sinomemaruvanar
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Hildinyartenn’Ambar-metta!Andthosewerethewords
thatElendilspokewhenhecameupoutoftheSeaonthewingsofthewind:‘OutoftheGreatSeatoMiddle-earthIamcome.InthisplacewillIabide,andmyheirs,untotheendingoftheworld.’
ThentothewonderofmanyAragorndidnotputthecrownuponhishead,butgaveitbacktoFaramir,and
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said:‘BythelabourandvalourofmanyIhavecomeintomyinheritance.IntokenofthisIwouldhavetheRing-bearerbringthecrowntome,andletMithrandirsetituponmyhead,ifhewill;forhehasbeenthemoverofallthathasbeenaccomplished,andthisishisvictory.’
ThenFrodocameforwardandtookthecrownfromFaramirandboreitto
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Gandalf;andAragornknelt,andGandalfsettheWhiteCrownuponhishead,andsaid:
‘NowcomethedaysoftheKing,andmaytheybeblessedwhilethethronesoftheValarendure!’
ButwhenAragornaroseallthatbeheldhimgazedinsilence,foritseemedtothemthathewasrevealedtothemnowforthefirsttime.Tallas
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thesea-kingsofold,hestoodaboveallthatwerenear;ancientofdaysheseemedandyetintheflowerofmanhood;andwisdomsatuponhisbrow,andstrengthandhealingwereinhishands,andalightwasabouthim.AndthenFaramircried:
‘BeholdtheKing!’Andinthatmomentallthe
trumpetswereblown,andtheKingElessarwentforthand
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cametothebarrier,andHúrinoftheKeysthrustitback;andamidthemusicofharpandofviolandoffluteandthesingingofclearvoicestheKingpassedthroughtheflower-ladenstreets,andcametotheCitadel,andenteredin;andthebanneroftheTreeandtheStarswasunfurleduponthetopmosttower,andthereignofKingElessarbegan,ofwhichmany
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songshavetold.InhistimetheCitywas
mademorefairthanithadeverbeen,eveninthedaysofitsfirstglory;anditwasfilledwithtreesandwithfountains,anditsgateswerewroughtofmithrilandsteel,anditsstreetswerepavedwithwhitemarble;andtheFolkoftheMountainlabouredinit,andtheFolkoftheWoodrejoicedtocome
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there;andallwashealedandmadegood,andthehouseswerefilledwithmenandwomenandthelaughterofchildren,andnowindowwasblindnoranycourtyardempty;andaftertheendingoftheThirdAgeoftheworldintothenewageitpreservedthememoryandthegloryoftheyearsthatweregone.
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InthedaysthatfollowedhiscrowningtheKingsatonhisthroneintheHalloftheKingsandpronouncedhisjudgements.Andembassiescamefrommanylandsandpeoples,fromtheEastandtheSouth,andfromthebordersofMirkwood,andfromDunlandinthewest.AndtheKingpardonedtheEasterlingsthathadgiventhemselvesup,andsentthem
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awayfree,andhemadepeacewiththepeoplesofHarad;andtheslavesofMordorhereleasedandgavetothemallthelandsaboutLakeNúrnentobetheirown.Andtherewerebroughtbeforehimmanytoreceivehispraiseandrewardfortheirvalour;andlastthecaptainoftheGuardbroughttohimBeregondtobejudged.
AndtheKingsaidto
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Beregond:‘Beregond,byyourswordbloodwasspilledintheHallows,wherethatisforbidden.AlsoyouleftyourpostwithoutleaveofLordorofCaptain.Forthesethings,ofold,deathwasthepenalty.NowthereforeImustpronounceyourdoom.
‘Allpenaltyisremittedforyourvalourinbattle,andstillmorebecauseallthatyoudidwasfortheloveoftheLord
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Faramir.NonethelessyoumustleavetheGuardoftheCitadel,andyoumustgoforthfromtheCityofMinasTirith.’
ThenthebloodleftBeregond’sface,andhewasstrickentotheheartandbowedhishead.ButtheKingsaid:
‘Soitmustbe,foryouareappointedtotheWhiteCompany,theGuardof
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Faramir,PrinceofIthilien,andyoushallbeitscaptainanddwellinEmynArneninhonourandpeace,andintheserviceofhimforwhomyouriskedall,tosavehimfromdeath.’
AndthenBeregond,perceivingthemercyandjusticeoftheKing,wasglad,andkneelingkissedhishand,anddepartedinjoyandcontent.AndAragorngaveto
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FaramirIthilientobehisprincedom,andbadehimdwellinthehillsofEmynArnenwithinsightoftheCity.
‘For,’saidhe,‘MinasIthilinMorgulValeshallbeutterlydestroyed,andthoughitmayintimetocomebemadeclean,nomanmaydwellthereformanylongyears.’
AndlastofallAragorn
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greetedÉomerofRohan,andtheyembraced,andAragornsaid:‘Betweenustherecanbenowordofgivingortaking,norofreward;forwearebrethren.InhappyhourdidEorlridefromtheNorth,andneverhasanyleagueofpeoplesbeenmoreblessed,sothatneitherhaseverfailedtheother,norshallfail.Now,asyouknow,wehavelaidThéodentheRenownedina
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tombintheHallows,andthereheshalllieforeveramongtheKingsofGondor,ifyouwill.Orifyoudesireit,wewillcometoRohanandbringhimbacktorestwithhisownpeople.’
AndÉomeranswered:‘SincethedaywhenyourosebeforemeoutofthegreengrassofthedownsIhavelovedyou,andthatloveshallnotfail.ButnowImust
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departforawhiletomyownrealm,wherethereismuchtohealandsetinorder.ButasfortheFallen,whenallismadereadywewillreturnforhim;butherelethimsleepawhile.’
AndÉowynsaidtoFaramir:‘NowImustgobacktomyownlandandlookonitonceagain,andhelpmybrotherinhislabour;butwhenonewhomIlong
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lovedasfatherislaidatlasttorest,Iwillreturn.’
Sothegladdayspassed;andontheeighthdayofMaytheRidersofRohanmadeready,androdeoffbytheNorth-way,andwiththemwentthesonsofElrond.Alltheroadwaslinedwithpeopletodothemhonourandpraisethem,fromtheGateof
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theCitytothewallsofthePelennor.Thenallothersthatdweltafarwentbacktotheirhomesrejoicing;butintheCitytherewaslabourofmanywillinghandstorebuildandrenewandtoremoveallthescarsofwarandthememoryofthedarkness.
ThehobbitsstillremainedinMinasTirith,withLegolasandGimli;forAragornwaslothforthefellowshiptobe
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dissolved.‘Atlastallsuchthingsmustend,’hesaid,‘butIwouldhaveyouwaitalittlewhilelonger:fortheendofthedeedsthatyouhavesharedinhasnotyetcome.AdaydrawsnearthatIhavelookedforinalltheyearsofmymanhood,andwhenitcomesIwouldhavemyfriendsbesideme.’Butofthatdayhewouldsaynomore.
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InthosedaystheCompanionsoftheRingdwelttogetherinafairhousewithGandalf,andtheywenttoandfroastheywished.AndFrodosaidtoGandalf:‘DoyouknowwhatthisdayisthatAragornspeaksof?Forwearehappyhere,andIdon’twishtogo;butthedaysarerunningaway,andBilboiswaiting;andtheShireismyhome.’
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‘AsforBilbo,’saidGandalf,‘heiswaitingforthesameday,andheknowswhatkeepsyou.Andasforthepassingofthedays,itisnowonlyMayandhighsummerisnotyetin;andthoughallthingsmayseemchanged,asifanageoftheworldhadgoneby,yettothetreesandthegrassitislessthanayearsinceyousetout.’
‘Pippin,’saidFrodo,
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‘didn’tyousaythatGandalfwaslessclosethanofold?Hewaswearyofhislaboursthen,Ithink.Nowheisrecovering.’
AndGandalfsaid:‘Manyfolkliketoknowbeforehandwhatistobesetonthetable;butthosewhohavelabouredtopreparethefeastliketokeeptheirsecret;forwondermakesthewordsofpraiselouder.AndAragornhimself
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waitsforasign.’
TherecameadaywhenGandalfcouldnotbefound,andtheCompanionswonderedwhatwasgoingforward.ButGandalftookAragornoutfromtheCitybynight,andhebroughthimtothesouthernfeetofMountMindolluin;andtheretheyfoundapathmadeinages
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pastthatfewnowdaredtotread.Foritledupontothemountaintoahighhallowwhereonlythekingshadbeenwonttogo.Andtheywentupbysteepways,untiltheycametoahighfieldbelowthesnowsthatcladtheloftypeaks,anditlookeddownovertheprecipicethatstoodbehindtheCity.Andstandingtheretheysurveyedthelands,forthemorning
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wascome;andtheysawthetowersoftheCityfarbelowthemlikewhitepencilstouchedbythesunlight,andalltheValeofAnduinwaslikeagarden,andtheMountainsofShadowwereveiledinagoldenmist.UpontheonesidetheirsightreachedtothegreyEmynMuil,andtheglintofRauroswaslikeastartwinklingfaroff;andupontheotherside
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theysawtheRiverlikearibbonlaiddowntoPelargir,andbeyondthatwasalightonthehemoftheskythatspokeoftheSea.
AndGandalfsaid:‘Thisisyourrealm,andtheheartofthegreaterrealmthatshallbe.TheThirdAgeoftheworldisended,andthenewageisbegun;anditisyourtasktoorderitsbeginningandtopreservewhatmaybe
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preserved.Forthoughmuchhasbeensaved,muchmustnowpassaway;andthepoweroftheThreeRingsalsoisended.Andallthelandsthatyousee,andthosethatlieroundaboutthem,shallbedwellingsofMen.ForthetimecomesoftheDominionofMen,andtheElderKindredshallfadeordepart.’
‘Iknowitwell,dearfriend,’saidAragorn;‘butI
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wouldstillhaveyourcounsel.’
‘Notforlongnow,’saidGandalf.‘TheThirdAgewasmyage.IwastheEnemyofSauron;andmyworkisfinished.Ishallgosoon.Theburdenmustlienowuponyouandyourkindred.’
‘ButIshalldie,’saidAragorn.‘ForIamamortalman,andthoughbeingwhatIamandoftheraceofthe
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Westunmingled,Ishallhavelifefarlongerthanothermen,yetthatisbutalittlewhile;andwhenthosewhoarenowinthewombsofwomenarebornandhavegrownold,Itooshallgrowold.AndwhothenshallgovernGondorandthosewholooktothisCityastotheirqueen,ifmydesirebenotgranted?TheTreeintheCourtoftheFountainisstillwitheredandbarren.When
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shallIseeasignthatitwilleverbeotherwise?’
‘Turnyourfacefromthegreenworld,andlookwhereallseemsbarrenandcold!’saidGandalf.
ThenAragornturned,andtherewasastonyslopebehindhimrunningdownfromtheskirtsofthesnow;andashelookedhewasawarethatalonethereinthewasteagrowingthingstood.
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Andheclimbedtoit,andsawthatoutoftheveryedgeofthesnowtheresprangasaplingtreenomorethanthreefoothigh.Alreadyithadputforthyoungleaveslongandshapely,darkaboveandsilverbeneath,anduponitsslendercrownitboreonesmallclusterofflowerswhosewhitepetalsshonelikethesunlitsnow.
ThenAragorncried:‘Yé!
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utúvienyes!Ihavefoundit!Lo!hereisascionoftheEldestofTrees!Buthowcomesithere?Foritisnotitselfyetsevenyearsold.’
AndGandalfcominglookedatit,andsaid:‘VerilythisisasaplingofthelineofNimloththefair;andthatwasaseedlingofGalathilion,andthatafruitofTelperionofmanynames,EldestofTrees.Whoshallsayhowitcomes
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hereintheappointedhour?Butthisisanancienthallow,anderethekingsfailedortheTreewitheredinthecourt,afruitmusthavebeensethere.Foritissaidthat,thoughthefruitoftheTreecomesseldomtoripeness,yetthelifewithinmaythenliesleepingthroughmanylongyears,andnonecanforetellthetimeinwhichitwillawake.Rememberthis.Forif
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everafruitripens,itshouldbeplanted,lestthelinedieoutoftheworld.Hereithaslainhiddenonthemountain,evenastheraceofElendillayhiddeninthewastesoftheNorth.YetthelineofNimlothisolderfarthanyourline,KingElessar.’
ThenAragornlaidhishandgentlytothesapling,andlo!itseemedtoholdonlylightlytotheearth,anditwas
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removedwithouthurt;andAragornboreitbacktotheCitadel.Thenthewitheredtreewasuprooted,butwithreverence;andtheydidnotburnit,butlaidittorestinthesilenceofRathDínen.AndAragornplantedthenewtreeinthecourtbythefountain,andswiftlyandgladlyitbegantogrow;andwhenthemonthofJuneenteredinitwasladenwith
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blossom.‘Thesignhasbeengiven,’
saidAragorn,‘andthedayisnotfaroff.’Andhesetwatchmenuponthewalls.
ItwasthedaybeforeMidsummerwhenmessengerscamefromAmonDîntotheCity,andtheysaidthattherewasaridingoffairfolkoutoftheNorth,and
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theydrewnearnowtothewallsofthePelennor.AndtheKingsaid:‘Atlasttheyhavecome.LetalltheCitybemadeready!’
UpontheveryEveofMidsummer,whentheskywasblueassapphireandwhitestarsopenedintheEast,buttheWestwasstillgolden,andtheairwascoolandfragrant,theriderscamedowntheNorth-waytothe
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gatesofMinasTirith.FirstrodeElrohirandElladanwithabannerofsilver,andthencameGlorfindelandErestorandallthehouseholdofRivendell,andafterthemcametheLadyGaladrielandCeleborn,LordofLothlórien,ridinguponwhitesteedsandwiththemmanyfairfolkoftheirland,grey-cloakedwithwhitegemsintheirhair;andlastcameMasterElrond,
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mightyamongElvesandMen,bearingthesceptreofAnnúminas,andbesidehimuponagreypalfreyrodeArwenhisdaughter,Evenstarofherpeople.
AndFrodowhenhesawhercomeglimmeringintheevening,withstarsonherbrowandasweetfragranceabouther,wasmovedwithgreatwonder,andhesaidtoGandalf:‘AtlastIunderstand
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whywehavewaited!Thisistheending.Nownotdayonlyshallbebeloved,butnighttooshallbebeautifulandblessedandallitsfearpassaway!’
ThentheKingwelcomedhisguests,andtheyalighted;andElrondsurrenderedthesceptre,andlaidthehandofhisdaughterinthehandoftheKing,andtogethertheywentupintotheHighCity,
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andallthestarsfloweredinthesky.AndAragorntheKingElessarweddedArwenUndómielintheCityoftheKingsuponthedayofMidsummer,andthetaleoftheirlongwaitingandlabourswascometofulfilment.
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Chapter6
MANYPARTINGS
WhenthedaysofrejoicingwereoveratlasttheCompanionsthoughtofreturningtotheirownhomes.
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AndFrodowenttotheKingashewassittingwiththeQueenArwenbythefountain,andshesangasongofValinor,whiletheTreegrewandblossomed.TheywelcomedFrodoandrosetogreethim;andAragornsaid:
‘Iknowwhatyouhavecometosay,Frodo:youwishtoreturntoyourownhome.Well,dearestfriend,thetreegrowsbestinthelandofits
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sires;butforyouinallthelandsoftheWesttherewilleverbeawelcome.Andthoughyourpeoplehavehadlittlefameinthelegendsofthegreat,theywillnowhavemorerenownthanmanywiderealmsthatarenomore.’
‘ItistruethatIwishtogobacktotheShire,’saidFrodo.‘ButfirstImustgotoRivendell.Foriftherecouldbeanythingwantinginatime
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soblessed,ImissedBilbo;andIwasgrievedwhenamongallthehouseholdofElrondIsawthathewasnotcome.’
‘Doyouwonderatthat,Ring-bearer?’saidArwen.‘Foryouknowthepowerofthatthingwhichisnowdestroyed;andallthatwasdonebythatpowerisnowpassingaway.Butyourkinsmanpossessedthisthing
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longerthanyou.Heisancientinyearsnow,accordingtohiskind;andheawaitsyou,forhewillnotagainmakeanylongjourneysaveone.’
‘ThenIbegleavetodepartsoon,’saidFrodo.
‘Insevendayswewillgo,’saidAragorn.‘Forweshallridewithyoufarontheroad,evenasfarasthecountryofRohan.InthreedaysnowÉomerwillreturn
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hithertobearThéodenbacktorestintheMark,andweshallridewithhimtohonourthefallen.ButnowbeforeyougoIwillconfirmthewordsthatFaramirspoketoyou,andyouaremadefreeforeveroftherealmofGondor;andallyourcompanionslikewise.AndiftherewereanygiftsthatIcouldgivetomatchwithyourdeedsyoushouldhavethem;
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butwhateveryoudesireyoushalltakewithyou,andyoushallrideinhonourandarrayedasprincesoftheland.’
ButtheQueenArwensaid:‘AgiftIwillgiveyou.ForIamthedaughterofElrond.IshallnotgowithhimnowwhenhedepartstotheHavens;formineisthechoiceofLúthien,andasshesohaveIchosen,boththe
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sweetandthebitter.Butinmysteadyoushallgo,Ring-bearer,whenthetimecomes,andifyouthendesireit.Ifyourhurtsgrieveyoustillandthememoryofyourburdenisheavy,thenyoumaypassintotheWest,untilallyourwoundsandwearinessarehealed.ButwearthisnowinmemoryofElfstoneandEvenstarwithwhomyourlifehasbeenwoven!’
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Andshetookawhitegemlikeastarthatlayuponherbreasthanginguponasilverchain,andshesetthechainaboutFrodo’sneck.‘Whenthememoryofthefearandthedarknesstroublesyou,’shesaid,‘thiswillbringyouaid.’
Inthreedays,astheKinghadsaid,ÉomerofRohan
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cameridingtotheCity,andwithhimcameanéoredofthefairestknightsoftheMark.Hewaswelcomed;andwhentheysatallattableinMerethrond,theGreatHallofFeasts,hebeheldthebeautyoftheladiesthathesawandwasfilledwithgreatwonder.AndbeforehewenttohisresthesentforGimlitheDwarf,andhesaidtohim:‘GimliGlóin’sson,haveyouyour
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axeready?’‘Nay,lord,’saidGimli,
‘butIcanspeedilyfetchit,iftherebeneed.’
‘Youshalljudge,’saidÉomer.‘FortherearecertainrashwordsconcerningtheLadyintheGoldenWoodthatliestillbetweenus.AndnowIhaveseenherwithmyeyes.’
‘Well,lord,’saidGimli,‘andwhatsayyounow?’
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‘Alas!’saidÉomer.‘Iwillnotsaythatsheisthefairestladythatlives.’
‘ThenImustgoformyaxe,’saidGimli.
‘ButfirstIwillpleadthisexcuse,’saidÉomer.‘HadIseenherinothercompany,Iwouldhavesaidallthatyoucouldwish.ButnowIwillputQueenArwenEvenstarfirst,andIamreadytodobattleonmyownpartwith
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anywhodenyme.ShallIcallformysword?’
ThenGimlibowedlow.‘Nay,youareexcusedformypart,lord,’hesaid.‘YouhavechosentheEvening;butmyloveisgiventotheMorning.Andmyheartforebodesthatsoonitwillpassawayforever.’
Atlastthedayof
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departurecame,andagreatandfaircompanymadereadytoridenorthfromtheCity.ThenthekingsofGondorandRohanwenttotheHallowsandtheycametothetombsinRathDínen,andtheyboreawayKingThéodenuponagoldenbier,andpassedthroughtheCityinsilence.ThentheylaidthebieruponagreatwainwithRidersofRohanallaboutitandhis
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bannerbornebefore;andMerrybeingThéoden’sesquirerodeuponthewainandkeptthearmsoftheking.
FortheotherCompanionssteedswerefurnishedaccordingtotheirstature;andFrodoandSamwiserodeatAragorn’sside,andGandalfrodeuponShadowfax,andPippinrodewiththeknightsofGondor;andLegolasandGimliaseverrodetogether
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uponArod.Inthatridingwentalso
QueenArwen,andCelebornandGaladrielwiththeirfolk,andElrondandhissons;andtheprincesofDolAmrothandofIthilien,andmanycaptainsandknights.NeverhadanykingoftheMarksuchcompanyupontheroadaswentwithThéodenThengel’ssontothelandofhishome.
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WithouthasteandatpeacetheypassedintoAnórien,andtheycametotheGreyWoodunderAmonDîn;andtheretheyheardasoundasofdrumsbeatinginthehills,thoughnolivingthingcouldbeseen.ThenAragornletthetrumpetsbeblown;andheraldscried:
‘Behold,theKingElessariscome!TheForestofDrúadanhegivestoGhân-
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buri-Ghânandtohisfolk,tobetheirownforever;andhereafterletnomanenteritwithouttheirleave!’
Thenthedrumsrolledloudly,andweresilent.
AtlengthafterfifteendaysofjourneythewainofKingThéodenpassedthroughthegreenfieldsofRohanandcametoEdoras;andthere
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theyallrested.TheGoldenHallwasarrayedwithfairhangingsanditwasfilledwithlight,andtherewasheldthehighestfeastthatithadknownsincethedaysofitsbuilding.ForafterthreedaystheMenoftheMarkpreparedthefuneralofThéoden;andhewaslaidinahouseofstonewithhisarmsandmanyotherfairthingsthathehadpossessed,andoverhimwas
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raisedagreatmound,coveredwithgreenturvesofgrassandofwhiteevermind.Andnowtherewereeightmoundsontheeast-sideoftheBarrowfield.
ThentheRidersoftheKing’sHouseuponwhitehorsesroderoundaboutthebarrowandsangtogetherasongofThéodenThengel’ssonthatGléowinehisminstrelmade,andhemade
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noothersongafter.TheslowvoicesoftheRidersstirredtheheartsevenofthosewhodidnotknowthespeechofthatpeople;butthewordsofthesongbroughtalighttotheeyesofthefolkoftheMarkastheyheardagainafarthethunderofthehoovesoftheNorthandthevoiceofEorlcryingabovethebattleupontheFieldofCelebrant;andthetaleofthekingsrolledon,
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andthehornofHelmwasloudinthemountains,untiltheDarknesscameandKingThéodenaroseandrodethroughtheShadowtothefire,anddiedinsplendour,evenastheSun,returningbeyondhope,gleameduponMindolluininthemorning.
Outofdoubt,outofdark,totheday’srisingherodesinginginthe
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sun,swordunsheathing.Hopeherekindled,andinhopeended;overdeath,overdread,overdoomliftedoutofloss,outoflife,untolongglory.
ButMerrystoodatthefootofthegreenmound,andhewept,andwhenthesongwasendedhearoseandcried:
‘ThéodenKing,Théoden
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King!Farewell!Asafatheryouweretome,foralittlewhile.Farewell!’
Whentheburialwasoverandtheweepingofwomenwasstilled,andThéodenwasleftatlastaloneinhisbarrow,thenfolkgatheredtotheGoldenHallforthegreatfeastandputawaysorrow;forThéodenhadlivedtofull
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yearsandendedinhonournolessthanthegreatestofhissires.AndwhenthetimecamethatinthecustomoftheMarktheyshoulddrinktothememoryofthekings,ÉowynLadyofRohancameforth,goldenasthesunandwhiteassnow,andsheboreafilledcuptoÉomer.
Thenaminstrelandloremasterstoodupandnamedallthenamesofthe
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LordsoftheMarkintheirorder:EorltheYoung;andBregobuilderoftheHall;andAldorbrotherofBaldorthehapless;andFréa,andFréawine,andGoldwine,andDéor,andGram;andHelmwholayhidinHelm’sDeepwhentheMarkwasoverrun;andsoendedtheninemoundsofthewest-side,forinthattimethelinewasbroken,andaftercamethemoundsofthe
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east-side:Fréaláf,Helm’ssister-son,andLéofa,andWalda,andFolca,andFolcwine,andFengel,andThengel,andThéodenthelatest.AndwhenThéodenwasnamedÉomerdrainedthecup.ThenÉowynbadethosethatservedtofillthecups,andallthereassembledroseanddranktothenewking,crying:‘Hail,Éomer,KingoftheMark!’
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AtthelastwhenthefeastdrewtoanendÉomeraroseandsaid:‘NowthisisthefuneralfeastofThéodentheKing;butIwillspeakerewegooftidingsofjoy,forhewouldnotgrudgethatIshoulddoso,sincehewaseverafathertoÉowynmysister.Hearthenallmyguests,fairfolkofmanyrealms,suchashaveneverbeforebeengatheredinthis
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hall!Faramir,StewardofGondor,andPrinceofIthilien,asksthatÉowynLadyofRohanshouldbehiswife,andshegrantsitfullwilling.Thereforetheyshallbetrothplightedbeforeyouall.’
AndFaramirandÉowynstoodforthandsethandinhand;andalltheredranktothemandwereglad.‘Thus,’saidÉomer,‘isthefriendship
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oftheMarkandofGondorboundwithanewbond,andthemoredoIrejoice.’
‘Noniggardareyou,Éomer,’saidAragorn,‘togivethustoGondorthefairestthinginyourrealm!’
ThenÉowynlookedintheeyesofAragorn,andshesaid:‘Wishmejoy,myliege-lordandhealer!’
Andheanswered:‘Ihavewishedtheejoyeversince
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firstIsawthee.Ithealsmyhearttoseetheenowinbliss.’
Whenthefeastwasover,thosewhoweretogotookleaveofKingÉomer.Aragornandhisknights,andthepeopleofLórienandofRivendell,madereadytoride;butFaramirandImrahilremainedatEdoras;and
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ArwenEvenstarremainedalso,andshesaidfarewelltoherbrethren.NonesawherlastmeetingwithElrondherfather,fortheywentupintothehillsandtherespokelongtogether,andbitterwastheirpartingthatshouldendurebeyondtheendsoftheworld.
AtthelastbeforetheguestssetoutÉomerandÉowyncametoMerry,andtheysaid:‘Farewellnow,
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MeriadocoftheShireandHoldwineoftheMark!Ridetogoodfortune,andridebacksoontoourwelcome!’
AndÉomersaid:‘KingsofoldwouldhaveladenyouwithgiftsthatawaincouldnotbearforyourdeedsuponthefieldsofMundburg;andyetyouwilltakenaught,yousay,butthearmsthatweregiventoyou.ThisIsuffer,forindeedIhavenogiftthat
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isworthy;butmysisterbegsyoutoreceivethissmallthing,asamemorialofDernhelmandofthehornsoftheMarkatthecomingofthemorning.’
ThenÉowyngavetoMerryanancienthorn,smallbutcunninglywroughtalloffairsilverwithabaldricofgreen;andwrightshadengravenuponitswifthorsemenridinginalinethat
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woundaboutitfromthetiptothemouth;andthereweresetrunesofgreatvirtue.
‘Thisisanheirloomofourhouse,’saidÉowyn.‘ItwasmadebytheDwarves,andcamefromthehoardofScathatheWorm.EorltheYoungbroughtitfromtheNorth.Hethatblowsitatneedshallsetfearintheheartsofhisenemiesandjoyintheheartsofhisfriends,
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andtheyshallhearhimandcometohim.’
ThenMerrytookthehorn,foritcouldnotberefused,andhekissedÉowyn’shand;andtheyembracedhim,andsotheypartedforthattime.
Nowtheguestswereready,andtheydrankthestirrup-cup,andwithgreatpraiseandfriendshipthey
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departed,andcameatlengthtoHelm’sDeep,andtheretheyrestedtwodays.ThenLegolasrepaidhispromisetoGimliandwentwithhimtotheGlitteringCaves;andwhentheyreturnedhewassilent,andwouldsayonlythatGimlialonecouldfindfitwordstospeakofthem.‘AndneverbeforehasaDwarfclaimedavictoryoveranElfinacontestofwords,’said
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he.‘NowthereforeletusgotoFangornandsetthescoreright!’
FromDeeping-coombtheyrodetoIsengard,andsawhowtheEntshadbusiedthemselves.Allthestone-circlehadbeenthrowndownandremoved,andthelandwithinwasmadeintoagardenfilledwithorchardsandtrees,andastreamranthroughit;butinthemidstof
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alltherewasalakeofclearwater,andoutofittheTowerofOrthancrosestill,tallandimpregnable,anditsblackrockwasmirroredinthepool.
ForawhilethetravellerssatwhereoncetheoldgatesofIsengardhadstood,andtherewerenowtwotalltreeslikesentinelsatthebeginningofagreen-borderedpaththatrantowardsOrthanc;and
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theylookedinwonderattheworkthathadbeendone,butnolivingthingcouldtheyseefarornear.Butpresentlytheyheardavoicecallinghoom-hom,hoom-hom;andtherecameTreebeardstridingdownthepathtogreetthemwithQuickbeamathisside.
‘WelcometotheTreegarthofOrthanc!’hesaid.‘Iknewthatyouwerecoming,butIwasatworkup
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thevalley;thereismuchstilltobedone.Butyouhavenotbeenidleeitherawayinthesouthandtheeast,Ihear;andallthatIhearisgood,verygood.’ThenTreebeardpraisedalltheirdeeds,ofwhichheseemedtohavefullknowledge;andatlasthestoppedandlookedlongatGandalf.
‘Well,comenow!’hesaid.‘Youhaveproved
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mightiest,andallyourlabourshavegonewell.Wherenowwouldyoubegoing?Andwhydoyoucomehere?’
‘Toseehowyourworkgoes,myfriend,’saidGandalf,‘andtothankyouforyouraidinallthathasbeenachieved.’
‘Hoom,well,thatisfairenough,’saidTreebeard;‘fortobesureEntshaveplayed
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theirpart.Andnotonlyindealingwiththat,hoom,thataccursedtree-slayerthatdwelthere.Fortherewasagreatinrushofthose,burárum,thoseevileyed-black-handed-bowlegged-flinthearted-clawfingered-foulbellied-blood-thirsty,morimaite-sincahonda,hoom,well,sinceyouarehastyfolkandtheirfullnameisaslongasyearsoftorment,those
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verminoforcs;andtheycameovertheRiveranddownfromtheNorthandallroundthewoodofLaurelindórenan,whichtheycouldnotgetinto,thankstotheGreatoneswhoarehere.’HebowedtotheLordandLadyofLórien.
‘AndthesesamefoulcreaturesweremorethansurprisedtomeetusoutontheWold,fortheyhadnot
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heardofusbefore;thoughthatmightbesaidalsoofbetterfolk.Andnotmanywillrememberus,fornotmanyescapedusalive,andtheRiverhadmostofthose.Butitwaswellforyou,foriftheyhadnotmetus,thenthekingofthegrasslandwouldnothaveriddenfar,andifhehadtherewouldhavebeennohometoreturnto.’
‘Weknowitwell,’said
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Aragorn,‘andnevershallitbeforgotteninMinasTirithorinEdoras.’
‘Neveristoolongawordevenforme,’saidTreebeard.‘Notwhileyourkingdomslast,youmean;buttheywillhavetolastlongindeedtoseemlongtoEnts.’
‘TheNewAgebegins,’saidGandalf,‘andinthisageitmaywellprovethatthekingdomsofMenshall
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outlastyou,Fangornmyfriend.Butnowcometellme:whatofthetaskthatIsetyou?HowisSaruman?IshenotwearyofOrthancyet?ForIdonotsupposethathewillthinkyouhaveimprovedtheviewfromhiswindows.’
TreebeardgaveGandalfalonglook,almostacunninglook,Merrythought.‘Ah!’hesaid.‘Ithoughtyouwouldcometothat.Wearyof
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Orthanc?Verywearyatlast;butnotsowearyofhistowerashewaswearyofmyvoice.Hoom!Igavehimsomelongtales,oratleastwhatmightbethoughtlonginyourspeech.’
‘Thenwhydidhestaytolisten?DidyougointoOrthanc?’askedGandalf.
‘Hoom,no,notintoOrthanc!’saidTreebeard.‘Buthecametohiswindow
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andlistened,becausehecouldnotgetnewsinanyotherway,andthoughhehatedthenews,hewasgreedytohaveit;andIsawthathehearditall.ButIaddedagreatmanythingstothenewsthatitwasgoodforhimtothinkof.Hegrewveryweary.Healwayswashasty.Thatwashisruin.’
‘Iobserve,mygoodFangorn,’saidGandalf,‘that
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withgreatcareyousaydwelt,was,grew.Whataboutis?Ishedead?’
‘No,notdead,sofarasIknow,’saidTreebeard.‘Butheisgone.Yes,heisgonesevendays.Ilethimgo.Therewaslittleleftofhimwhenhecrawledout,andasforthatworm-creatureofhis,hewaslikeapaleshadow.Nowdonottellme,Gandalf,thatIpromisedtokeephim
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safe;forIknowit.Butthingshavechangedsincethen.AndIkepthimuntilhewassafe,safefromdoinganymoreharm.YoushouldknowthataboveallIhatethecagingoflivethings,andIwillnotkeepevensuchcreaturesasthesecagedbeyondgreatneed.Asnakewithoutfangsmaycrawlwherehewill.’
‘Youmayberight,’saidGandalf;‘butthissnakehad
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stillonetoothleft,Ithink.Hehadthepoisonofhisvoice,andIguessthathepersuadedyou,evenyouTreebeard,knowingthesoftspotinyourheart.Well,heisgone,andthereisnomoretobesaid.ButtheTowerofOrthancnowgoesbacktotheKing,towhomitbelongs.Thoughmaybehewillnotneedit.’
‘Thatwillbeseenlater,’saidAragorn.‘ButIwillgive
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toEntsallthisvalleytodowithastheywill,solongastheykeepawatchuponOrthancandseethatnoneenteritwithoutmyleave.’
‘Itislocked,’saidTreebeard.‘ImadeSarumanlockitandgivemethekeys.Quickbeamhasthem.’
QuickbeambowedlikeatreebendinginthewindandhandedtoAragorntwogreatblackkeysofintricateshape,
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joinedbyaringofsteel.‘NowIthankyouoncemore,’saidAragorn,‘andIbidyoufarewell.Mayyourforestgrowagaininpeace.Whenthisvalleyisfilledthereisroomandtosparewestofthemountains,whereonceyouwalkedlongago.’
Treebeard’sfacebecamesad.‘Forestsmaygrow,’hesaid.‘Woodsmayspread.ButnotEnts.Thereareno
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Entings.’‘Yetmaybethereisnow
morehopeinyoursearch,’saidAragorn.‘Landswilllieopentoyoueastwardthathavelongbeenclosed.’
ButTreebeardshookhisheadandsaid:‘Itisfartogo.AndtherearetoomanyMenthereinthesedays.ButIamforgettingmymanners!Willyoustayhereandrestawhile?Andmaybethereare
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somethatwouldbepleasedtopassthroughFangornForestandsoshortentheirroadhome?’HelookedatCelebornandGaladriel.
ButallsaveLegolassaidthattheymustnowtaketheirleaveanddeparteithersouthorwest.‘Come,Gimli!’saidLegolas.‘NowbyFangorn’sleaveIwillvisitthedeepplacesoftheEntwoodandseesuchtreesasarenowhere
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elsetobefoundinMiddle-earth.Youshallcomewithmeandkeepyourword;andthuswewilljourneyontogethertoourownlandsinMirkwoodandbeyond.’TothisGimliagreed,thoughwithnogreatdelight,itseemed.
‘HerethenatlastcomestheendingoftheFellowshipoftheRing,’saidAragorn.‘YetIhopethaterelongyou
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willreturntomylandwiththehelpthatyoupromised.’
‘Wewillcome,ifourownlordsallowit,’saidGimli.‘Well,farewell,myhobbits!Youshouldcomesafetoyourownhomesnow,andIshallnotbekeptawakeforfearofyourperil.Wewillsendwordwhenwemay,andsomeofusmayyetmeetattimes;butIfearthatweshallnotallbegatheredtogethereveragain.’
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ThenTreebeardsaidfarewelltoeachoftheminturn,andhebowedthreetimesslowlyandwithgreatreverencetoCelebornandGaladriel.‘Itislong,longsincewemetbystockorbystone,Avanimar,vanimálionnostari!’hesaid.‘Itissadthatweshouldmeetonlythusattheending.Fortheworldischanging:Ifeelitinthewater,Ifeelitintheearth,
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andIsmellitintheair.Idonotthinkweshallmeetagain.’
AndCelebornsaid:‘Idonotknow,Eldest.’ButGaladrielsaid:‘NotinMiddle-earth,noruntilthelandsthatlieunderthewaveareliftedupagain.Theninthewillow-meadsofTasarinanwemaymeetintheSpring.Farewell!’
LastofallMerryand
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Pippinsaidgood-byetotheoldEnt,andhegrewgayerashelookedatthem.‘Well,mymerryfolk,’hesaid,‘willyoudrinkanotherdraughtwithmebeforeyougo?’
‘Indeedwewill,’theysaid,andhetookthemasideintotheshadeofoneofthetrees,andtheretheysawthatagreatstonejarhadbeenset.AndTreebeardfilledthreebowls,andtheydrank;and
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theysawhisstrangeeyeslookingatthemovertherimofhisbowl.‘Takecare,takecare!’hesaid.‘ForyouhavealreadygrownsinceIsawyoulast.’Andtheylaughedanddrainedtheirbowls.
‘Well,good-bye!’hesaid.‘Anddon’tforgetthatifyouhearanynewsoftheEntwivesinyourland,youwillsendwordtome.’Thenhewavedhisgreathandsto
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allthecompanyandwentoffintothetrees.
Thetravellersnowrodewithmorespeed,andtheymadetheirwaytowardstheGapofRohan;andAragorntookleaveofthematlastclosetothatveryplacewherePippinhadlookedintotheStoneofOrthanc.TheHobbitsweregrievedatthis
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parting;forAragornhadneverfailedthemandhehadbeentheirguidethroughmanyperils.
‘IwishwecouldhaveaStonethatwecouldseeallourfriendsin,’saidPippin,‘andthatwecouldspeaktothemfromfaraway!’
‘Onlyonenowremainsthatyoucoulduse,’answeredAragorn;‘foryouwouldnotwishtoseewhattheStoneof
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MinasTirithwouldshowyou.ButthePalantírofOrthanctheKingwillkeep,toseewhatispassinginhisrealm,andwhathisservantsaredoing.Fordonotforget,PeregrinTook,thatyouareaknightofGondor,andIdonotreleaseyoufromyourservice.Youaregoingnowonleave,butImayrecallyou.Andremember,dearfriendsoftheShire,thatmy
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realmliesalsointheNorth,andIshallcomethereoneday.’
ThenAragorntookleaveofCelebornandGaladriel;andtheLadysaidtohim:‘Elfstone,throughdarknessyouhavecometoyourhope,andhavenowallyourdesire.Usewellthedays!’
ButCelebornsaid:‘Kinsman,farewell!Mayyourdoombeotherthan
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mine,andyourtreasureremainwithyoutotheend!’
Withthattheyparted,anditwasthenthetimeofsunset;andwhenafterawhiletheyturnedandlookedback,theysawtheKingoftheWestsittinguponhishorsewithhisknightsabouthim;andthefallingSunshoneuponthemandmadealltheirharnesstogleamlikeredgold,andthewhitemantleofAragornwas
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turnedtoaflame.ThenAragorntookthegreenstoneandhelditup,andtherecameagreenfirefromhishand.
Soonthedwindlingcompany,followingtheIsen,turnedwestandrodethroughtheGapintothewastelandsbeyond,andthentheyturnednorthwards,andpassedoverthebordersofDunland.The
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Dunlendingsfledandhidthemselves,fortheywereafraidofElvishfolk,thoughfewindeedevercametotheircountry;butthetravellersdidnotheedthem,fortheywerestillagreatcompanyandwerewellprovidedwithallthattheyneeded;andtheywentontheirwayattheirleisure,settinguptheirtentswhentheywould.
Onthesixthdaysince
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theirpartingfromtheKingtheyjourneyedthroughawoodclimbingdownfromthehillsatthefeetoftheMistyMountainsthatnowmarchedontheirrighthand.Astheycameoutagainintotheopencountryatsundowntheyovertookanoldmanleaningonastaff,andhewasclothedinragsofgreyordirtywhite,andathisheelswentanotherbeggar,
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slouchingandwhining.‘WellSaruman!’said
Gandalf.‘Whereareyougoing?’
‘Whatisthattoyou?’heanswered.‘Willyoustillordermygoings,andareyounotcontentwithmyruin?’
‘Youknowtheanswers,’saidGandalf:‘noandno.Butinanycasethetimeofmylaboursnowdrawstoanend.TheKinghastakenonthe
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burden.IfyouhadwaitedatOrthanc,youwouldhaveseenhim,andhewouldhaveshownyouwisdomandmercy.’
‘Thenallthemorereasontohaveleftsooner,’saidSaruman;‘forIdesireneitherofhim.Indeedifyouwishforananswertoyourfirstquestion,Iamseekingawayoutofhisrealm.’
‘Thenoncemoreyouare
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goingthewrongway,’saidGandalf,‘andIseenohopeinyourjourney.Butwillyouscornourhelp?Forweofferittoyou.’
‘Tome?’saidSaruman.‘Nay,praydonotsmileatme!Ipreferyourfrowns.AndasfortheLadyhere,Idonottrusther:shealwayshatedme,andschemedforyourpart.Idonotdoubtthatshehasbroughtyouthisway
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tohavethepleasureofgloatingovermypoverty.HadIbeenwarnedofyourpursuit,Iwouldhavedeniedyouthepleasure.’
‘Saruman,’saidGaladriel,‘wehaveothererrandsandothercaresthatseemtousmoreurgentthanhuntingforyou.Sayratherthatyouareovertakenbygoodfortune;fornowyouhavealastchance.’
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‘Ifitbetrulythelast,Iamglad,’saidSaruman;‘forIshallbesparedthetroubleofrefusingitagain.Allmyhopesareruined,butIwouldnotshareyours.Ifyouhaveany.’
Foramomenthiseyeskindled.‘Go!’hesaid.‘Ididnotspendlongstudyonthesemattersfornaught.Youhavedoomedyourselves,andyouknowit.Anditwillaffordme
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somecomfortasIwandertothinkthatyoupulleddownyourownhousewhenyoudestroyedmine.Andnow,whatshipwillbearyoubackacrosssowideasea?’hemocked.‘Itwillbeagreyship,andfullofghosts.’Helaughed,buthisvoicewascrackedandhideous.
‘Getup,youidiot!’heshoutedtotheotherbeggar,whohadsatdownonthe
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ground;andhestruckhimwithhisstaff.‘Turnabout!Ifthesefinefolkaregoingourway,thenwewilltakeanother.Geton,orI’llgiveyounocrustforyoursupper!’
Thebeggarturnedandslouchedpastwhimpering:‘PooroldGríma!PooroldGríma!Alwaysbeatenandcursed.HowIhatehim!IwishIcouldleavehim!’
‘Thenleavehim!’said
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Gandalf.ButWormtongueonly
shotaglanceofhisblearedeyesfullofterroratGandalf,andthenshuffledquicklypastbehindSaruman.Asthewretchedpairpassedbythecompanytheycametothehobbits,andSarumanstoppedandstaredatthem;buttheylookedathimwithpity.
‘Soyouhavecometogloattoo,haveyou,my
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urchins?’hesaid.‘Youdon’tcarewhatabeggarlacks,doyou?Foryouhaveallyouwant,foodandfineclothes,andthebestweedforyourpipes.Ohyes,Iknow!Iknowwhereitcomesfrom.Youwouldnotgiveapipefultoabeggar,wouldyou?’
‘Iwould,ifIhadany,’saidFrodo.
‘YoucanhavewhatIhavegotleft,’saidMerry,‘ifyou
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willwaitamoment.’Hegotdownandsearchedinthebagathissaddle.ThenhehandedtoSarumanaleatherpouch.‘Takewhatthereis,’hesaid.‘Youarewelcometoit;itcamefromtheflotsamofIsengard.’
‘Mine,mine,yesanddearlybought!’criedSaruman,clutchingatthepouch.‘Thisisonlyarepaymentintoken;foryou
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tookmore,I’llbebound.Still,abeggarmustbegrateful,ifathiefreturnshimevenamorselofhisown.Well,itwillserveyourightwhenyoucomehome,ifyoufindthingslessgoodintheSouthfarthingthanyouwouldlike.Longmayyourlandbeshortofleaf!’
‘Thankyou!’saidMerry.‘InthatcaseIwillhavemypouchback,whichisnot
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yoursandhasjourneyedfarwithme.Wraptheweedinaragofyourown.’
‘Onethiefdeservesanother,’saidSaruman,andturnedhisbackonMerry,andkickedWormtongue,andwentawaytowardsthewood.
‘Well,Ilikethat!’saidPippin.‘Thiefindeed!Whatofourclaimforwaylaying,wounding,andorc-draggingusthroughRohan?’
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‘Ah!’saidSam.‘Andboughthesaid.How,Iwonder?AndIdidn’tlikethesoundofwhathesaidabouttheSouthfarthing.It’stimewegotback.’
‘I’msureitis,’saidFrodo.‘Butwecan’tgoanyquicker,ifwearetoseeBilbo.IamgoingtoRivendellfirst,whateverhappens.’
‘Yes,Ithinkyouhadbetterdothat,’saidGandalf.
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‘ButalasforSaruman!Ifearnothingmorecanbemadeofhim.Hehaswitheredaltogether.Allthesame,IamnotsurethatTreebeardisright:Ifancyhecoulddosomemischiefstillinasmallmeanway.’
NextdaytheywentonintonorthernDunland,wherenomennowdwelt,thoughitwasagreenandpleasantcountry.Septembercamein
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withgoldendaysandsilvernights,andtheyrodeateaseuntiltheyreachedtheSwanfleetriver,andfoundtheoldford,eastofthefallswhereitwentdownsuddenlyintothelowlands.FartothewestinahazelaythemeresandeyotsthroughwhichitwounditswaytotheGreyflood:therecountlessswanshousedinalandofreeds.
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SotheypassedintoEregion,andatlastafairmorningdawned,shimmeringabovegleamingmists;andlookingfromtheircamponalowhillthetravellerssawawayintheeasttheSuncatchingthreepeaksthatthrustupintotheskythroughfloatingclouds:Caradhras,Celebdil,andFanuidhol.TheywereneartotheGatesofMoria.
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Herenowforsevendaystheytarried,forthetimewasathandforanotherpartingwhichtheywerelothtomake.SoonCelebornandGaladrielandtheirfolkwouldturneastward,andsopassbytheRedhornGateanddowntheDimrillStairtotheSilverlodeandtotheirowncountry.Theyhadjourneyedthusfarbythewest-ways,fortheyhadmuchtospeakof
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withElrondandwithGandalf,andheretheylingeredstillinconversewiththeirfriends.Oftenlongafterthehobbitswerewrappedinsleeptheywouldsittogetherunderthestars,recallingtheagesthatweregoneandalltheirjoysandlaboursintheworld,orholdingcouncil,concerningthedaystocome.Ifanywandererhadchancedtopass,littlewouldhehave
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seenorheard,anditwouldhaveseemedtohimonlythathesawgreyfigures,carvedinstone,memorialsofforgottenthingsnowlostinunpeopledlands.Fortheydidnotmoveorspeakwithmouth,lookingfrommindtomind;andonlytheirshiningeyesstirredandkindledastheirthoughtswenttoandfro.
Butatlengthallwassaid,andtheypartedagainfora
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while,untilitwastimefortheThreeRingstopassaway.Quicklyfadingintothestonesandtheshadowsthegrey-cloakedpeopleofLórienrodetowardsthemountains;andthosewhoweregoingtoRivendellsatonthehillandwatched,untiltherecameoutofthegatheringmistaflash;andthentheysawnomore.FrodoknewthatGaladrielhadheldaloftherringin
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tokenoffarewell.Samturnedawayand
sighed:‘IwishIwasgoingbacktoLórien!’
Atlastoneeveningtheycameoverthehighmoors,suddenlyastotravellersitalwaysseemed,tothebrinkofthedeepvalleyofRivendellandsawfarbelowthelampsshininginElrond’shouse.Andtheywentdownandcrossedthebridgeand
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cametothedoors,andallthehousewasfilledwithlightandsongforjoyatElrond’shomecoming.
Firstofall,beforetheyhadeatenorwashedorevenshedtheircloaks,thehobbitswentinsearchofBilbo.Theyfoundhimallaloneinhislittleroom.Itwaslitteredwithpapersandpensandpencils;butBilbowassittinginachairbeforeasmall
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brightfire.Helookedveryold,butpeaceful,andsleepy.
Heopenedhiseyesandlookedupastheycamein.‘Hullo,hullo!’hesaid.‘Soyou’vecomeback?Andtomorrow’smybirthday,too.Howcleverofyou!Doyouknow,Ishallbeonehundredandtwenty-nine?Andinoneyearmore,ifIamspared,IshallequaltheOldTook.Ishouldliketobeathim;but
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weshallsee.’
AfterthecelebrationofBilbo’sbirthdaythefourhobbitsstayedinRivendellforsomedays,andtheysatmuchwiththeiroldfriend,whospentmostofhistimenowinhisroom,exceptatmeals.Forthesehewasstillverypunctualasarule,andheseldomfailedtowakeup
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intimeforthem.Sittingroundthefiretheytoldhiminturnallthattheycouldrememberoftheirjourneysandadventures.Atfirsthepretendedtotakesomenotes;butheoftenfellasleep;andwhenhewokehewouldsay:‘Howsplendid!Howwonderful!Butwherewerewe?’Thentheywentonwiththestoryfromthepointwherehehadbeguntonod.
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TheonlypartthatseemedreallytorousehimandholdhisattentionwastheaccountofthecrowningandmarriageofAragorn.‘Iwasinvitedtothewedding,ofcourse,’hesaid.‘AndIhavewaitedforitlongenough.Butsomehow,whenitcametoit,IfoundIhadsomuchtodohere;andpackingissuchabother.’
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WhennearlyafortnighthadpassedFrodolookedoutofhiswindowandsawthattherehadbeenafrostinthenight,andthecobwebswerelikewhitenets.Thensuddenlyheknewthathemustgo,andsaygood-byetoBilbo.Theweatherwasstillcalmandfair,afteroneofthemostlovelysummersthatpeoplecouldremember;butOctoberhadcome,andit
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mustbreaksoonandbegintorainandblowagain.Andtherewasstillaverylongwaytogo.Yetitwasnotreallythethoughtoftheweatherthatstirredhim.HehadafeelingthatitwastimehewentbacktotheShire.Samsharedit.Onlythenightbeforehehadsaid:
‘Well,Mr.Frodo,we’vebeenfarandseenadeal,andyetIdon’tthinkwe’vefound
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abetterplacethanthis.There’ssomethingofeverythinghere,ifyouunderstandme:theShireandtheGoldenWoodandGondorandkings’housesandinnsandmeadowsandmountainsallmixed.Andyet,somehow,Ifeelweoughttobegoingsoon.I’mworriedaboutmygaffer,totellyouthetruth.’
‘Yes,somethingof
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everything,Sam,excepttheSea,’Frodohadanswered;andherepeateditnowtohimself:‘ExcepttheSea.’
ThatdayFrodospoketoElrond,anditwasagreedthattheyshouldleavethenextmorning.TotheirdelightGandalfsaid:‘IthinkIshallcometoo.AtleastasfarasBree.IwanttoseeButterbur.’
Intheeveningtheywent
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tosaygood-byetoBilbo.‘Well,ifyoumustgo,youmust,’hesaid.‘Iamsorry.Ishallmissyou.Itisnicejusttoknowthatyouareabouttheplace.ButIamgettingverysleepy.’ThenhegaveFrodohismithril-coatandSting,forgettingthathehadalreadydoneso;andhegavehimalsothreebooksoflorethathehadmadeatvarioustimes,writteninhisspidery
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hand,andlabelledontheirredbacks:TranslationsfromtheElvish,byB.B.
ToSamhegavealittlebagofgold.‘AlmostthelastdropoftheSmaugvintage,’hesaid.‘Maycomeinuseful,ifyouthinkofgettingmarried,Sam.’Samblushed.
‘Ihavenothingmuchtogivetoyouyoungfellows,’hesaidtoMerryandPippin,‘exceptgoodadvice.’And
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whenhehadgiventhemafairsampleofthis,headdedalastiteminShire-fashion:‘Don’tletyourheadsgettoobigforyourhats!Butifyoudon’tfinishgrowingupsoon,youaregoingtofindhatsandclothesexpensive.’
‘ButifyouwanttobeattheOldTook,’saidPippin,‘Idon’tseewhyweshouldn’ttryandbeattheBullroarer.’
Bilbolaughed,andhe
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producedoutofapockettwobeautifulpipeswithpearlmouth-piecesandboundwithfine-wroughtsilver.‘Thinkofmewhenyousmokethem!’hesaid.‘TheElvesmadethemforme,butIdon’tsmokenow.’Andthensuddenlyhenoddedandwenttosleepforalittle;andwhenhewokeupagainhesaid:‘Nowwherewerewe?Yes,ofcourse,givingpresents.
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Whichremindsme:what’sbecomeofmyring,Frodo,thatyoutookaway?’
‘Ihavelostit,Bilbodear,’saidFrodo.‘Igotridofit,youknow.’
‘Whatapity!’saidBilbo.‘Ishouldhavelikedtoseeitagain.Butno,howsillyofme!That’swhatyouwentfor,wasn’tit:togetridofit?Butitisallsoconfusing,forsuchalotofotherthings
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seemtohavegotmixedupwithit:Aragorn’saffairs,andtheWhiteCouncil,andGondor,andtheHorsemen,andSouthrons,andoliphaunts–didyoureallyseeone,Sam?–andcavesandtowersandgoldentrees,andgoodnessknowswhatbesides.
‘Ievidentlycamebackbymuchtoostraightaroadfrommytrip.IthinkGandalf
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mighthaveshownmeroundabit.ButthentheauctionwouldhavebeenoverbeforeIgotback,andIshouldhavehadevenmoretroublethanIdid.Anywayit’stoolatenow;andreallyIthinkit’smuchmorecomfortabletosithereandhearaboutitall.Thefire’sverycosyhere,andthefood’sverygood,andthereareElveswhenyouwantthem.Whatmorecouldone
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want?
TheRoadgoeseveronandonOutfromthedoorwhereitbegan.NowfaraheadtheRoadhasgone,Letothersfollowitwhocan!Letthemajourneynewbegin,ButIatlastwithweary
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feetWillturntowardsthelightedinn,Myevening-restandsleeptomeet.’
AndasBilbomurmuredthelastwordshisheaddroppedonhischestandhesleptsoundly.
Theeveningdeepenedintheroom,andthefirelightburnedbrighter;andthey
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lookedatBilboashesleptandsawthathisfacewassmiling.Forsometimetheysatinsilence;andthenSamlookingroundattheroomandtheshadowsflickeringonthewalls,saidsoftly:
‘Idon’tthink,Mr.Frodo,thathe’sdonemuchwritingwhilewe’vebeenaway.Hewon’teverwriteourstorynow.’
AtthatBilboopenedan
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eye,almostasifhehadheard.Thenherousedhimself.‘Yousee,Iamgettingsosleepy,’hesaid.‘AndwhenIhavetimetowrite,Ionlyreallylikewritingpoetry.Iwonder,Frodomydearfellow,ifyouwouldverymuchmindtidyingthingsupabitbeforeyougo?Collectallmynotesandpapers,andmydiarytoo,andtakethemwithyou,if
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youwill.Yousee,Ihaven’tmuchtimefortheselectionandthearrangementandallthat.GetSamtohelp,andwhenyou’veknockedthingsintoshape,comeback,andI’llrunoverit.Iwon’tbetoocritical.’
‘OfcourseI’lldoit!’saidFrodo.‘AndofcourseI’llcomebacksoon:itwon’tbedangerousanymore.Thereisarealkingnow,andhewill
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soonputtheroadsinorder.’‘Thankyou,mydear
fellow!’saidBilbo.‘Thatreallyisaverygreatrelieftomymind.’Andwiththathefellasleepagain.
ThenextdayGandalfandthehobbitstookleaveofBilboinhisroom,foritwascoldoutofdoors;andthentheysaidfarewelltoElrond
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andallhishousehold.AsFrodostooduponthe
threshold,Elrondwishedhimafairjourney,andblessedhim,andhesaid:
‘Ithink,Frodo,thatmaybeyouwillnotneedtocomeback,unlessyoucomeverysoon.Foraboutthistimeoftheyear,whentheleavesaregoldbeforetheyfall,lookforBilbointhewoodsoftheShire.Ishallbewithhim.’
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Thesewordsnooneelseheard,andFrodokeptthemtohimself.
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Chapter7
HOMEWARDBOUND
Atlastthehobbitshadtheirfacesturnedtowardshome.
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TheywereeagernowtoseetheShireagain;butatfirsttheyrodeonlyslowly,forFrodohadbeenillatease.WhentheycametotheFordofBruinen,hehadhalted,andseemedlothtorideintothestream;andtheynotedthatforawhilehiseyesappearednottoseethemorthingsabouthim.Allthatdayhewassilent.ItwasthesixthofOctober.
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‘Areyouinpain,Frodo?’saidGandalfquietlyasherodebyFrodo’sside.
‘Well,yesIam,’saidFrodo.‘Itismyshoulder.Thewoundaches,andthememoryofdarknessisheavyonme.Itwasayearagotoday.’
‘Alas!therearesomewoundsthatcannotbewhollycured,’saidGandalf.
‘Ifearitmaybesowith
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mine,’saidFrodo.‘Thereisnorealgoingback.ThoughImaycometotheShire,itwillnotseemthesame;forIshallnotbethesame.Iamwoundedwithknife,sting,andtooth,andalongburden.WhereshallIfindrest?’
Gandalfdidnotanswer.
Bytheendofthenextdaythepainanduneasehad
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passed,andFrodowasmerryagain,asmerryasifhedidnotremembertheblacknessofthedaybefore.Afterthatthejourneywentwell,andthedayswentquicklyby;fortheyrodeatleisure,andoftentheylingeredinthefairwoodlandswheretheleaveswereredandyellowintheautumnsun.AtlengththeycametoWeathertop;anditwasthendrawingtowards
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eveningandtheshadowofthehilllaydarkontheroad.ThenFrodobeggedthemtohasten,andhewouldnotlooktowardsthehill,butrodethroughitsshadowwithheadbowedandcloakdrawncloseabouthim.Thatnighttheweatherchanged,andawindcamefromtheWestladenwithrain,anditblewloudandchill,andtheyellowleaveswhirledlikebirdsin
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theair.WhentheycametotheChetwoodalreadytheboughswerealmostbare,andagreatcurtainofrainveiledBree-hillfromtheirsight.
SoitwasthatneartheendofawildandweteveninginthelastdaysofOctoberthefivetravellersrodeuptheclimbingroadandcametotheSouth-gateofBree.Itwaslockedfast;andtherainblewintheirfaces,andinthe
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darkeningskylowcloudswenthurryingby,andtheirheartssankalittle,fortheyhadexpectedmorewelcome.
Whentheyhadcalledmanytimes,atlasttheGate-keepercameout,andtheysawthathecarriedagreatcudgel.Helookedatthemwithfearandsuspicion;butwhenhesawthatGandalfwasthere,andthathiscompanionswerehobbits,in
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spiteoftheirstrangegear,thenhebrightenedandwishedthemwelcome.
‘Comein!’hesaid,unlockingthegate.‘Wewon’tstayfornewsouthereinthecoldandthewet,aruffianlyevening.ButoldBarleywillnodoubtgiveyouawelcomeatThePony,andthereyou’llhearallthereistohear.’
‘Andthereyou’llhear
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laterallthatwesay,andmore,’laughedGandalf.‘HowisHarry?’
TheGate-keeperscowled.‘Gone,’hesaid.‘Butyou’dbestaskBarliman.Goodevening!’
‘Goodeveningtoyou!’theysaid,andpassedthrough;andthentheynoticedthatbehindthehedgeattheroadsidealonglowhuthadbeenbuilt,andanumberof
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menhadcomeoutandwerestaringatthemoverthefence.WhentheycametoBillFerny’shousetheysawthatthehedgetherewastatteredandunkempt,andthewindowswereallboardedup.
‘Doyouthinkyoukilledhimwiththatapple,Sam?’saidPippin.
‘I’mnotsohopeful,Mr.Pippin,’saidSam.‘ButI’dliketoknowwhatbecameof
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thatpoorpony.He’sbeenonmymindmanyatime,andthewolveshowlingandall.’
AtlasttheycametoThePrancingPony,andthatatleastlookedoutwardlyunchanged;andtherewerelightsbehindtheredcurtainsinthelowerwindows.Theyrangthebell,andNobcametothedoor,andopenedita
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crackandpeepedthrough;andwhenhesawthemstandingunderthelamphegaveacryofsurprise.
‘Mr.Butterbur!Master!’heshouted.‘They’vecomeback!’
‘Ohhavethey?I’lllearnthem,’cameButterbur’svoice,andouthecamewitharush,andhehadaclubinhishand.Butwhenhesawwhotheywerehestoppedshort,
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andtheblackscowlonhisfacechangedtowonderanddelight.
‘Nob,youwoolly-patedninny!’hecried.‘Can’tyougiveoldfriendstheirnames?Youshouldn’tgoscaringmelikethat,withtimesastheyare.Well,well!Andwherehaveyoucomefrom?Ineverexpectedtoseeanyofyoufolkagain,andthat’safact:goingoffintotheWildwith
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thatStrider,andallthoseBlackMenabout.ButI’mrightgladtoseeyou,andnonemorethanGandalf.Comein!Comein!Thesameroomsasbefore?They’refree.Indeedmostroomsareemptythesedays,asI’llnothidefromyou,foryou’llfinditoutsoonenough.AndI’llseewhatcanbedoneaboutsupper,assoonasmaybe;butI’mshort-handedat
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present.Hey,Nobyouslowcoach!TellBob!Ah,butthereI’mforgetting,Bob’sgone:goeshometohisfolkatnightfallnow.Well,taketheguests’poniestothestables,Nob!Andyou’llbetakingyourhorsetohisstableyourself,Gandalf,Idon’tdoubt.Afinebeast,asIsaidwhenIfirstseteyesonhim.Well,comein!Makeyourselvesathome!’
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Mr.Butterburhadatanyratenotchangedhismanneroftalking,andstillseemedtoliveinhisoldbreathlessbustle.Andyettherewashardlyanybodyabout,andallwasquiet;fromtheCommonRoomtherecamealowmurmurofnomorethantwoorthreevoices.Andseencloserinthelightoftwocandlesthathelitandcarriedbeforethemthelandlord’s
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facelookedratherwrinkledandcareworn.
Heledthemdownthepassagetotheparlourthattheyhadusedonthatstrangenightmorethanayearago;andtheyfollowedhim,alittledisquieted,foritseemedplaintothemthatoldBarlimanwasputtingabravefaceonsometrouble.Thingswerenotwhattheyhadbeen.Buttheysaidnothing,andwaited.
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AstheyexpectedMr.Butterburcametotheparlouraftersuppertoseeifallhadbeentotheirliking.Asindeedithad:nochangefortheworsehadyetcomeuponthebeerorthevictualsatThePony,atanyrate.‘NowIwon’tmakesoboldastosuggestyoushouldcometotheCommonRoomtonight,’saidButterbur.‘You’llbetired;andthereisn’tmany
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folktherethisevening,anyway.Butifyoucouldsparemehalfanhourbeforeyougotoyourbeds,Iwoulddearlyliketohavesometalkwithyou,quiet-likebyourselves.’
‘Thatisjustwhatweshouldlike,too,’saidGandalf.‘Wearenottired.Wehavebeentakingthingseasy.Wewerewet,coldandhungry,butallthatyouhave
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cured.Come,sitdown!Andifyouhaveanypipe-weed,we’llblessyou.’
‘Well,ifyou’dcalledforanythingelse,I’dhavebeenhappier,’saidButterbur.‘That’sjustathingthatwe’reshortof,seeinghowwe’veonlygotwhatwegrowourselves,andthat’snotenough.There’snonetobehadfromtheShirethesedays.ButI’lldowhatIcan.’
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Whenhecamebackhebroughtthemenoughtolastthemforadayortwo,awadofuncutleaf.‘Southlinch,’hesaid,‘andthebestwehave;butnotthematchofSouthfarthing,asI’vealwayssaid,thoughI’mallforBreeinmostmatters,beggingyourpardon.’
Theyputhiminalargechairbythewood-fire,andGandalfsatontheotherside
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ofthehearth,andthehobbitsinlowchairsbetweenthem;andthentheytalkedformanytimeshalfanhour,andexchangedallsuchnewsasMr.Butterburwishedtohearorgive.Mostofthethingswhichtheyhadtotellwereamerewonderandbewildermenttotheirhost,andfarbeyondhisvision;andtheybroughtforthfewcommentsotherthan:‘You
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don’tsay,’oftenrepeatedindefianceoftheevidenceofMr.Butterbur’sownears.‘Youdon’tsay,Mr.Baggins,orisitMr.Underhill?I’mgettingsomixedup.Youdon’tsay,MasterGandalf!WellInever!Who’dhavethoughtitinourtimes!’
Buthedidsaymuchonhisownaccount.Thingswerefarfromwell,hewouldsay.Businesswasnotevenfair,it
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wasdownrightbad.‘NoonecomesnighBreenowfromOutside,’hesaid.‘Andtheinsidefolks,theystayathomemostlyandkeeptheirdoorsbarred.ItallcomesofthosenewcomersandgangrelsthatbegancominguptheGreenwaylastyear,asyoumayremember;butmorecamelater.Somewerejustpoorbodiesrunningawayfromtrouble;butmostwere
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badmen,fullo’thieveryandmischief.AndtherewastroublerighthereinBree,badtrouble.Why,wehadarealset-to,andthereweresomefolkkilled,killeddead!Ifyou’llbelieveme.’
‘Iwillindeed,’saidGandalf.‘Howmany?’
‘Threeandtwo,’saidButterbur,referringtothebigfolkandthelittle.‘TherewaspoorMatHeathertoes,and
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RowlieAppledore,andlittleTomPickthornfromovertheHill;andWillieBanksfromup-away,andoneoftheUnderhillsfromStaddle:allgoodfellows,andthey’remissed.AndHarryGoatleafthatusedtobeontheWest-gate,andthatBillFerny,theycameinonthestrangers’side,andthey’vegoneoffwiththem;andit’smybelieftheyletthemin.Onthenight
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ofthefight,Imean.Andthatwasafterweshowedthemthegatesandpushedthemout:beforetheyear’send,thatwas;andthefightwasearlyintheNewYear,aftertheheavysnowwehad.
‘Andnowthey’regoneforrobbersandliveoutside,hidinginthewoodsbeyondArchet,andoutinthewildsnorth-away.It’slikeabitofthebadoldtimestalestellof,
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Isay.Itisn’tsafeontheroadandnobodygoesfar,andfolklockupearly.Wehavetokeepwatchersallroundthefenceandputalotofmenonthegatesatnights.’
‘Well,noonetroubledus,’saidPippin,‘andwecamealongslowly,andkeptnowatch.Wethoughtwe’dleftalltroublebehindus.’
‘Ah,thatyouhaven’t,Master,more’sthepity,’said
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Butterbur.‘Butit’snowondertheyleftyoualone.Theywouldn’tgoforarmedfolk,withswordsandhelmetsandshieldsandall.Makethemthinktwice,thatwould.AndImustsayitputmeabackabitwhenIsawyou.’
Thenthehobbitssuddenlyrealizedthatpeoplehadlookedatthemwithamazementnotoutofsurpriseattheirreturnso
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muchasinwonderattheirgear.Theythemselveshadbecomesousedtowarfareandtoridinginwell-arrayedcompaniesthattheyhadquiteforgottenthatthebrightmailpeepingfromundertheircloaks,andthehelmsofGondorandtheMark,andthefairdevicesontheirshields,wouldseemoutlandishintheirowncountry.AndGandalf,too,wasnowriding
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onhistallgreyhorse,allcladinwhitewithagreatmantleofblueandsilveroverall,andthelongswordGlamdringathisside.
Gandalflaughed.‘Well,well,’hesaid,‘iftheyareafraidofjustfiveofus,thenwehavemetworseenemiesonourtravels.Butatanyratetheywillgiveyoupeaceatnightwhilewestay.’
‘Howlongwillthatbe?’
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saidButterbur.‘I’llnotdenyweshouldbegladtohaveyouaboutforabit.Yousee,we’renotusedtosuchtroubles;andtheRangershaveallgoneaway,folktellme.Idon’tthinkwe’verightlyunderstoodtillnowwhattheydidforus.Forthere’sbeenworsethanrobbersabout.Wolveswerehowlingroundthefenceslastwinter.Andthere’sdark
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shapesinthewoods,dreadfulthingsthatitmakesthebloodruncoldtothinkof.It’sbeenverydisturbing,ifyouunderstandme.’
‘Iexpectithas,’saidGandalf.‘Nearlyalllandshavebeendisturbedthesedays,verydisturbed.Butcheerup,Barliman!Youhavebeenontheedgeofverygreattroubles,andIamonlygladtohearthatyouhavenot
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beendeeperin.Butbettertimesarecoming.Maybe,betterthananyyouremember.TheRangershavereturned.Wecamebackwiththem.Andthereisakingagain,Barliman.Hewillsoonbeturninghismindthisway.
‘ThentheGreenwaywillbeopenedagain,andhismessengerswillcomenorth,andtherewillbecomingsandgoings,andtheevilthings
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willbedrivenoutofthewaste-lands.Indeedthewasteintimewillbewastenolonger,andtherewillbepeopleandfieldswhereoncetherewaswilderness.’
Mr.Butterburshookhishead.‘Ifthere’safewdecentrespectablefolkontheroads,thatwon’tdonoharm,’hesaid.‘Butwedon’twantnomorerabbleandruffians.Andwedon’twantnooutsidersat
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Bree,nornearBreeatall.Wewanttobeletalone.Idon’twantawholecrowdo’strangerscampinghereandsettlingthereandtearingupthewildcountry.’
‘Youwillbeletalone,Barliman,’saidGandalf.‘ThereisroomenoughforrealmsbetweenIsenandGreyflood,oralongtheshore-landssouthoftheBrandywine,withoutanyone
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livingwithinmanydays’rideofBree.Andmanyfolkusedtodwellawaynorth,ahundredmilesormorefromhere,atthefarendoftheGreenway:ontheNorthDownsorbyLakeEvendim.’
‘UpawaybyDeadmen’sDike?’saidButterbur,lookingevenmoredubious.‘That’shauntedland,theysay.Nonebutarobberwouldgothere.’
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‘TheRangersgothere,’saidGandalf.‘Deadmen’sDike,yousay.Soithasbeencalledforlongyears;butitsrightname,Barliman,isFornostErain,NorburyoftheKings.AndtheKingwillcomethereagainoneday;andthenyou’llhavesomefairfolkridingthrough.’
‘Well,thatsoundsmorehopeful,I’llallow,’saidButterbur.‘Anditwillbe
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goodforbusiness,nodoubt.SolongasheletsBreealone.’
‘Hewill,’saidGandalf.‘Heknowsitandlovesit.’
‘Doeshenow?’saidButterburlookingpuzzled.‘ThoughI’msureIdon’tknowwhyheshould,sittinginhisbigchairupinhisgreatcastle,hundredsofmilesaway.Anddrinkingwineoutofagoldencup,Ishouldn’t
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wonder.What’sThePonytohim,ormugso’beer?Notbutwhatmybeer’sgood,Gandalf.It’sbeenuncommongood,sinceyoucameintheautumnoflastyearandputagoodwordonit.Andthat’sbeenacomfortintrouble,Iwillsay.’
‘Ah!’saidSam.‘Buthesaysyourbeerisalwaysgood.’
‘Hesays?’
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‘Ofcoursehedoes.He’sStrider.ThechiefoftheRangers.Haven’tyougotthatintoyourheadyet?’
Itwentinatlast,andButterbur’sfacewasastudyinwonder.Theeyesinhisbroadfacegrewround,andhismouthopenedwide,andhegasped.‘Strider!’heexclaimedwhenhegotbackhisbreath.‘Himwithacrownandallandagoldencup!
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Well,whatarewecomingto?’
‘Bettertimes,forBreeatanyrate,’saidGandalf.
‘Ihopeso,I’msure,’saidButterbur.‘Well,thishasbeenthenicestchatI’vehadinamonthofMondays.AndI’llnotdenythatI’llsleepeasiertonightandwithalighterheart.You’vegivenmeapowerfullottothinkover,butI’llputthatoffuntil
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tomorrow.I’mforbed,andI’venodoubtyou’llbegladofyourbedstoo.Hey,Nob!’hecalled,goingtothedoor.‘Nob,youslowcoach!’
‘Nob!’hesaidtohimself,slappinghisforehead.‘Nowwhatdoesthatremindmeof?’
‘Notanotherletteryou’veforgotten,Ihope,Mr.Butterbur?’saidMerry.
‘Now,now,Mr.
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Brandybuck,don’tgoremindingmeofthat!Butthere,you’vebrokenmythought.NowwherewasI?Nob,stables,ah!thatwasit.I’vesomethingthatbelongstoyou.IfyourecollectBillFernyandthehorsethieving:hisponyasyoubought,well,it’shere.Comebackallofitself,itdid.Butwhereithadbeentoyouknowbetterthanme.Itwasasshaggyasan
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olddogandasleanasaclothes-rail,butitwasalive.Nob’slookedafterit.’
‘What!MyBill?’criedSam.‘Well,Iwasbornlucky,whatevermygaffermaysay.There’sanotherwishcometrue!Whereishe?’SamwouldnotgotobeduntilhehadvisitedBillinhisstable.
Thetravellersstayedin
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Breeallthenextday,andMr.Butterburcouldnotcomplainofhisbusinessnexteveningatanyrate.Curiosityovercameallfears,andhishousewascrowded.ForawhileoutofpolitenessthehobbitsvisitedtheCommonRoomintheeveningandansweredagoodmanyquestions.Breememoriesbeingretentive,Frodowasaskedmanytimesifhehad
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writtenhisbook.‘Notyet,’heanswered.‘I
amgoinghomenowtoputmynotesinorder.’HepromisedtodealwiththeamazingeventsatBree,andsogiveabitofinteresttoabookthatappearedlikelytotreatmostlyoftheremoteandlessimportantaffairs‘awaysouth’.
Thenoneoftheyoungerfolkcalledforasong.Butat
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thatahushfell,andhewasfrowneddown,andthecallwasnotrepeated.EvidentlytherewasnowishforanyuncannyeventsintheCommonRoomagain.
Notroublebyday,noranysoundbynight,disturbedthepeaceofBreewhilethetravellersremainedthere;butthenextmorningtheygotupearly,forastheweatherwasstillrainytheywishedto
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reachtheShirebeforenight,anditwasalongride.TheBreefolkwereallouttoseethemoff,andwereinmerriermoodthantheyhadbeenforayear;andthosewhohadnotseenthestrangersinalltheirgearbeforegapedwithwonderatthem:atGandalfwithhiswhitebeard,andthelightthatseemedtogleamfromhim,asifhisbluemantlewasonlyacloudover
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sunshine;andatthefourhobbitslikeridersuponerrantryoutofalmostforgottentales.EventhosewhohadlaughedatallthetalkabouttheKingbegantothinktheremightbesometruthinit.
‘Well,goodluckonyourroad,andgoodlucktoyourhomecoming!’saidMr.Butterbur.‘Ishouldhavewarnedyoubeforethatall’s
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notwellintheShireneither,ifwhatwehearistrue.Funnygoingson,theysay.Butonethingdrivesoutanother,andIwasfullofmyowntroubles.ButifImaybesobold,you’vecomebackchangedfromyourtravels,andyoulooknowlikefolkascandealwithtroublesoutofhand.Idon’tdoubtyou’llsoonsetalltorights.Goodlucktoyou!Andtheofteneryoucome
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backthebetterI’llbepleased.’
Theywishedhimfarewellandrodeaway,andpassedthroughtheWest-gateandontowardstheShire.Billtheponywaswiththem,andasbeforehehadagooddealofbaggage,buthetrottedalongbesideSamandseemedwellcontent.
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‘IwonderwhatoldBarlimanwashintingat,’saidFrodo.
‘Icanguesssomeofit,’saidSamgloomily.‘WhatIsawintheMirror:treescutdownandall,andmyoldgafferturnedoutoftheRow.Ioughttohavehurriedbackquicker.’
‘Andsomething’swrongwiththeSouthfarthingevidently,’saidMerry.
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‘There’sageneralshortageofpipe-weed.’
‘Whateveritis,’saidPippin,‘Lothowillbeatthebottomofit:youcanbesureofthat.’
‘Deepin,butnotatthebottom,’saidGandalf.‘YouhaveforgottenSaruman.HebegantotakeaninterestintheShirebeforeMordordid.’
‘Well,we’vegotyouwithus,’saidMerry,‘sothings
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willsoonbeclearedup.’‘Iamwithyouatpresent,’
saidGandalf,‘butsoonIshallnotbe.IamnotcomingtotheShire.Youmustsettleitsaffairsyourselves;thatiswhatyouhavebeentrainedfor.Doyounotyetunderstand?Mytimeisover:itisnolongermytasktosetthingstorights,nortohelpfolktodoso.Andasforyou,mydearfriends,youwill
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neednohelp.Youaregrownupnow.Grownindeedveryhigh;amongthegreatyouare,andIhavenolongeranyfearatallforanyofyou.
‘Butifyouwouldknow,Iamturningasidesoon.IamgoingtohavealongtalkwithBombadil:suchatalkasIhavenothadinallmytime.Heisamoss-gatherer,andIhavebeenastonedoomedtorolling.Butmyrollingdays
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areending,andnowweshallhavemuchtosaytooneanother.’
InalittlewhiletheycametothepointontheEastRoadwheretheyhadtakenleaveofBombadil;andtheyhopedandhalfexpectedtoseehimstandingtheretogreetthemastheywentby.Buttherewasnosignofhim;andthere
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wasagreymistontheBarrow-downssouthwards,andadeepveilovertheOldForestfaraway.
TheyhaltedandFrodolookedsouthwistfully.‘Ishoulddearlyliketoseetheoldfellowagain,’hesaid.‘Iwonderhowheisgettingon?’
‘Aswellasever,youmaybesure,’saidGandalf.‘Quiteuntroubled;andIshould
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guess,notmuchinterestedinanythingthatwehavedoneorseen,unlessperhapsinourvisitstotheEnts.Theremaybeatimelaterforyoutogoandseehim.ButifIwereyou,Ishouldpressonnowforhome,oryouwillnotcometotheBrandywineBridgebeforethegatesarelocked.’
‘Buttherearen’tanygates,’saidMerry,‘notonthe
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Road;youknowthatquitewell.There’stheBucklandGate,ofcourse;butthey’llletmethroughthatatanytime.’
‘Thereweren’tanygates,youmean,’saidGandalf.‘Ithinkyouwillfindsomenow.AndyoumighthavemoretroubleevenattheBucklandGatethanyouthink.Butyou’llmanageallright.Good-bye,dearfriends!Notforthelasttime,notyet.
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Good-bye!’HeturnedShadowfaxoff
theRoad,andthegreathorseleapedthegreendikethathereranbesideit;andthenatacryfromGandalfhewasgone,racingtowardstheBarrow-downslikeawindfromtheNorth.
‘Wellhereweare,justthefourofusthatstartedout
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together,’saidMerry.‘Wehaveleftalltherestbehind,oneafteranother.Itseemsalmostlikeadreamthathasslowlyfaded.’
‘Nottome,’saidFrodo.‘Tomeitfeelsmorelikefallingasleepagain.’
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Chapter8
THESCOURINGOFTHESHIRE
Itwasafternightfallwhen,wetandtired,thetravellers
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cameatlasttotheBrandywine,andtheyfoundthewaybarred.AteitherendoftheBridgetherewasagreatspikedgate;andonthefurthersideoftherivertheycouldseethatsomenewhouseshadbeenbuilt:two-storeyedwithnarrowstraight-sidedwindows,bareanddimlylit,allverygloomyandun-Shirelike.
Theyhammeredonthe
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outergateandcalled,buttherewasatfirstnoanswer;andthentotheirsurprisesomeoneblewahorn,andthelightsinthewindowswentout.Avoiceshoutedinthedark:
‘Who’sthat?Beoff!Youcan’tcomein.Can’tyoureadthenotice:Noadmittancebetweensundownandsunrise?’
‘Ofcoursewecan’tread
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thenoticeinthedark,’Samshoutedback.‘AndifhobbitsoftheShirearetobekeptoutinthewetonanightlikethis,I’llteardownyournoticewhenIfindit.’
Atthatawindowslammed,andacrowdofhobbitswithlanternspouredoutofthehouseontheleft.Theyopenedthefurthergate,andsomecameoverthebridge.Whentheysawthe
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travellerstheyseemedfrightened.
‘Comealong!’saidMerry,recognizingoneofthehobbits.‘Ifyoudon’tknowme,HobHayward,yououghtto.IamMerryBrandybuck,andIshouldliketoknowwhatallthisisabout,andwhataBucklanderlikeyouisdoinghere.YouusedtobeontheHayGate.’
‘Blessme!It’sMaster
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Merry,tobesure,andalldressedupforfighting!’saidoldHob.‘Why,theysaidyouwasdead!LostintheOldForestbyallaccounts.I’mpleasedtoseeyoualiveafterall!’
‘Thenstopgapingatmethroughthebars,andopenthegate!’saidMerry.
‘I’msorry,MasterMerry,butwehaveorders.’
‘Whoseorders?’
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‘TheChief’supatBagEnd.’
‘Chief?Chief?DoyoumeanMr.Lotho?’saidFrodo.
‘Isupposeso,Mr.Baggins;butwehavetosayjust“theChief”nowadays.’
‘Doyouindeed!’saidFrodo.‘Well,IamgladhehasdroppedtheBagginsatanyrate.Butitisevidentlyhightimethatthefamilydealtwithhimandputhiminhis
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place.’Ahushfellonthehobbits
beyondthegate.‘Itwon’tdonogoodtalkingthatway,’saidone.‘He’llgettohearofit.Andifyoumakesomuchnoise,you’llwaketheChief’sBigMan.’
‘Weshallwakehimupinawaythatwillsurprisehim,’saidMerry.‘IfyoumeanthatyourpreciousChiefhasbeenhiringruffiansoutofthe
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wild,thenwe’venotcomebacktoosoon.’Hesprangfromhispony,andseeingthenoticeinthelightofthelanterns,hetoreitdownandthrewitoverthegate.Thehobbitsbackedawayandmadenomovetoopenit.‘Comeon,Pippin!’saidMerry.‘Twoisenough.’
MerryandPippinclimbedthegate,andthehobbitsfled.Anotherhornsounded.Outof
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thebiggerhouseontherightalargeheavyfigureappearedagainstalightinthedoorway.
‘What’sallthis,’hesnarledashecameforward.‘Gatebreaking?Youclearout,orI’llbreakyourfilthylittlenecks!’Thenhestopped,forhehadcaughtthegleamofswords.
‘BillFerny,’saidMerry,‘ifyoudon’topenthatgatein
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tenseconds,you’llregretit.Ishallsetsteeltoyou,ifyoudon’tobey.Andwhenyouhaveopenedthegatesyouwillgothroughthemandneverreturn.Youarearuffianandahighway-robber.’
BillFernyflinchedandshuffledtothegateandunlockedit.‘Givemethekey!’saidMerry.Buttheruffianflungitathishead
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andthendartedoutintothedarkness.Ashepassedtheponiesoneofthemletflywithhisheelsandjustcaughthimasheran.Hewentoffwithayelpintothenightandwasneverheardofagain.
‘Neatwork,Bill,’saidSam,meaningthepony.
‘SomuchforyourBigMan,’saidMerry.‘We’llseetheChieflater.Inthemeantimewewantalodging
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forthenight,andasyouseemtohavepulleddowntheBridgeInnandbuiltthisdismalplaceinstead,you’llhavetoputusup.’
‘Iamsorry,Mr.Merry,’saidHob,‘butitisn’tallowed.’
‘Whatisn’tallowed?’‘Takinginfolkoff-hand
like,andeatingextrafood,andallthat,’saidHob.
‘What’sthematterwith
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theplace?’saidMerry.‘Hasitbeenabadyear,orwhat?Ithoughtithadbeenafinesummerandharvest.’
‘Wellno,theyear’sbeengoodenough,’saidHob.‘Wegrowsalotoffood,butwedon’trightlyknowwhatbecomesofit.It’sallthese“gatherers”and“sharers”,Ireckon,goingroundcountingandmeasuringandtakingofftostorage.Theydomore
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gatheringthansharing,andweneverseemostofthestuffagain.’
‘Ohcome!’saidPippinyawning.‘Thisisalltootiresomeformetonight.We’vegotfoodinourbags.Justgiveusaroomtoliedownin.It’llbebetterthanmanyplacesIhaveseen.’
Thehobbitsatthegate
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stillseemedillatease,evidentlysomeruleorotherwasbeingbroken;buttherewasnogain-sayingfoursuchmasterfultravellers,allarmed,andtwoofthemuncommonlylargeandstrong-looking.Frodoorderedthegatestobelockedagain.Therewassomesenseatanyrateinkeepingaguard,whileruffianswerestillabout.Thenthefourcompanionswent
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intothehobbitguard-houseandmadethemselvesascomfortableastheycould.Itwasabareanduglyplace,withameanlittlegratethatwouldnotallowagoodfire.Intheupperroomswerelittlerowsofhardbeds,andoneverywalltherewasanoticeandalistofRules.Pippintorethemdown.Therewasnobeerandverylittlefood,butwithwhatthetravellers
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broughtandsharedouttheyallmadeafairmeal;andPippinbrokeRule4byputtingmostofnextday’sallowanceofwoodonthefire.
‘Wellnow,whataboutasmoke,whileyoutelluswhathasbeenhappeningintheShire?’hesaid.
‘Thereisn’tnopipe-weednow,’saidHob;‘atleastonlyfortheChief’smen.Allthe
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stocksseemtohavegone.Wedohearthatwaggon-loadsofitwentawaydowntheoldroadoutoftheSouthfarthing,overSarnFordway.Thatwouldbetheendo’lastyear,afteryouleft.Butithadbeengoingawayquietlybeforethat,inasmallway.ThatLotho——’
‘Nowyoushutup,HobHayward!’criedseveraloftheothers.‘Youknowtalko’
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thatsortisn’tallowed.TheChiefwillhearofit,andwe’llallbeintrouble.’
‘Hewouldn’thearnaught,ifsomeofyouhereweren’tsneaks,’rejoinedHobhotly.
‘Allright,allright!’saidSam.‘That’squiteenough.Idon’twanttohearnomore.Nowelcome,nobeer,nosmoke,andalotofrulesandorc-talkinstead.Ihopedtohavearest,butIcansee
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there’sworkandtroubleahead.Let’ssleepandforgetittillmorning!’
Thenew‘Chief’evidentlyhadmeansofgettingnews.ItwasagoodfortymilesfromtheBridgetoBagEnd,butsomeonemadethejourneyinahurry.SoFrodoandhisfriendssoondiscovered.
Theyhadnotmadeany
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definiteplans,buthadvaguelythoughtofgoingdowntoCrickhollowtogetherfirst,andrestingthereabit.Butnow,seeingwhatthingswerelike,theydecidedtogostraighttoHobbiton.SothenextdaytheysetoutalongtheRoadandjoggedalongsteadily.Thewindhaddroppedbuttheskywasgrey.Thelandlookedrathersadandforlorn;butitwasafter
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allthefirstofNovemberandthefag-endofautumn.Stillthereseemedanunusualamountofburninggoingon,andsmokerosefrommanypointsroundabout.AgreatcloudofitwasgoingupfarawayinthedirectionoftheWoodyEnd.
AseveningfelltheyweredrawingneartoFrogmorton,avillagerightontheRoad,abouttwenty-twomilesfrom
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theBridge.Theretheymeanttostaythenight;TheFloatingLogatFrogmortonwasagoodinn.ButastheycametotheeastendofthevillagetheymetabarrierwithalargeboardsayingNOROAD;andbehinditstoodalargebandofShirriffswithstavesintheirhandsandfeathersintheircaps,lookingbothimportantandratherscared.
‘What’sallthis?’said
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Frodo,feelinginclinedtolaugh.
‘Thisiswhatitis,Mr.Baggins,’saidtheleaderoftheShirriffs,atwo-featherhobbit:‘You’rearrestedforGatebreaking,andTearingupofRules,andAssaultingGate-keepers,andTrespassing,andSleepinginShire-buildingswithoutLeave,andBribingGuardswithFood.’
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‘Andwhatelse?’saidFrodo.
‘That’lldotogoonwith,’saidtheShirriff-leader.
‘Icanaddsomemore,ifyou’dlikeit,’saidSam.‘CallingyourChiefNames,WishingtopunchhisPimplyFace,andThinkingyouShirriffslookalotofTom-fools.’
‘Therenow,Mister,that’lldo.It’stheChief’sordersthat
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you’retocomealongquiet.We’regoingtotakeyoutoBywaterandhandyouovertotheChief’sMen;andwhenhedealswithyourcaseyoucanhaveyoursay.Butifyoudon’twanttostayintheLockholesanylongerthanyouneed,Ishouldcutthesayshort,ifIwasyou.’
TothediscomfitureoftheShirriffsFrodoandhiscompanionsallroaredwith
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laughter.‘Don’tbeabsurd!’saidFrodo.‘IamgoingwhereIplease,andinmyowntime.IhappentobegoingtoBagEndonbusiness,butifyouinsistongoingtoo,wellthatisyouraffair.’
‘Verywell,Mr.Baggins,’saidtheleader,pushingthebarrieraside.‘Butdon’tforgetI’vearrestedyou.’
‘Iwon’t,’saidFrodo.
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‘Never.ButImayforgiveyou.NowIamnotgoinganyfurthertoday,soifyou’llkindlyescortmetoTheFloatingLog,I’llbeobliged.’
‘Ican’tdothat,Mr.Baggins.Theinn’sclosed.There’saShirriff-houseatthefarendofthevillage.I’lltakeyouthere.’
‘Allright,’saidFrodo.‘Goonandwe’llfollow.’
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SamhadbeenlookingtheShirriffsupanddownandhadspottedonethatheknew.‘Hey,comehereRobinSmallburrow!’hecalled.‘Iwantawordwithyou.’
Withasheepishglanceathisleader,wholookedwrathfulbutdidnotdaretointerfere,ShirriffSmallburrowfellbackandwalkedbesideSam,whogotdownoffhispony.
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‘Lookhere,Cock-robin!’saidSam.‘You’reHobbiton-bredandoughttohavemoresense,cominga-waylayingMr.Frodoandall.Andwhat’sallthisabouttheinnbeingclosed?’
‘They’reallclosed,’saidRobin.‘TheChiefdoesn’tholdwithbeer.Leastwaysthatishowitstarted.ButnowIreckonit’shisMenthathasitall.Andhedoesn’thold
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withfolkmovingabout;soiftheywillortheymust,thentheyhastogototheShirriff-houseandexplaintheirbusiness.’
‘Yououghttobeashamedofyourselfhavinganythingtodowithsuchnonsense,’saidSam.‘Youusedtoliketheinsideofaninnbetterthantheoutsideyourself.Youwerealwayspoppingin,ondutyoroff.’
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‘AndsoIwouldbestill,Sam,ifIcould.Butdon’tbehardonme.WhatcanIdo?YouknowhowIwentforaShirriffsevenyearsago,beforeanyofthisbegan.Gavemeachanceofwalkingroundthecountryandseeingfolk,andhearingthenews,andknowingwherethegoodbeerwas.Butnowit’sdifferent.’
‘Butyoucangiveitup,
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stopShirriffing,ifithasstoppedbeingarespectablejob,’saidSam.
‘We’renotallowedto,’saidRobin.
‘IfIhearnotallowedmuchoftener,’saidSam,‘I’mgoingtogetangry.’
‘Can’tsayasI’dbesorrytoseeit,’saidRobinloweringhisvoice.‘Ifweallgotangrytogethersomethingmightbedone.Butit’stheseMen,
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Sam,theChief’sMen.Hesendsthemroundeverywhere,andifanyofussmallfolkstandupforourrights,theydraghimofftotheLockholes.TheytookoldFlourdumpling,oldWillWhitfoottheMayor,first,andthey’vetakenalotmore.Latelyit’sbeengettingworse.Oftentheybeat’emnow.’
‘Thenwhydoyoudotheir
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workforthem?’saidSamangrily.‘WhosentyoutoFrogmorton?’
‘Noonedid.WestayhereinthebigShirriff-house.We’retheFirstEastfarthingTroopnow.There’shundredsofShirriffsalltold,andtheywantmore,withallthesenewrules.Mostofthemareinitagainsttheirwill,butnotall.EvenintheShiretherearesomeaslikemindingother
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folk’sbusinessandtalkingbig.Andthere’sworsethanthat:there’safewasdospy-workfortheChiefandhisMen.’
‘Ah!Sothat’showyouhadnewsofus,isit?’
‘That’sright.Wearen’tallowedtosendbyitnow,buttheyusetheoldQuickPostservice,andkeepspecialrunnersatdifferentpoints.Onecameinfrom
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Whitfurrowslastnightwitha“secretmessage”,andanothertookitonfromhere.AndamessagecamebackthisafternoonsayingyouwastobearrestedandtakentoBywater,notdirecttotheLockholes.TheChiefwantstoseeyouatonce,evidently.’
‘Hewon’tbesoeagerwhenMr.Frodohasfinishedwithhim,’saidSam.
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TheShirriff-houseatFrogmortonwasasbadastheBridge-house.Ithadonlyonestorey,butithadthesamenarrowwindows,anditwasbuiltofuglypalebricks,badlylaid.Insideitwasdampandcheerless,andsupperwasservedonalongbaretablethathadnotbeenscrubbedforweeks.Thefooddeservednobettersetting.Thetravellersweregladtoleave
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theplace.ItwasabouteighteenmilestoBywater,andtheysetoffatteno’clockinthemorning.Theywouldhavestartedearlier,onlythedelaysoplainlyannoyedtheShirriff-leader.Thewestwindhadshiftednorthwardanditwasturningcolder,buttherainwasgone.
Itwasratheracomiccavalcadethatleftthevillage,thoughthefewfolkthatcame
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outtostareatthe‘get-up’ofthetravellersdidnotseemquitesurewhetherlaughingwasallowed.AdozenShirriffshadbeentoldoffasescorttothe‘prisoners’;butMerrymadethemmarchinfront,whileFrodoandhisfriendsrodebehind.Merry,Pippin,andSamsatattheireaselaughingandtalkingandsinging,whiletheShirriffsstumpedalongtryingtolook
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sternandimportant.Frodo,however,wassilentandlookedrathersadandthoughtful.
Thelastpersontheypassedwasasturdyoldgafferclippingahedge.‘Hullo,hullo!’hejeered.‘Nowwho’sarrestedwho?’
TwooftheShirriffsimmediatelyleftthepartyandwenttowardshim.‘Leader!’saidMerry.‘Orderyour
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fellowsbacktotheirplacesatonce,ifyoudon’twantmetodealwiththem!’
Thetwohobbitsatasharpwordfromtheleadercamebacksulkily.‘Nowgeton!’saidMerry,andafterthatthetravellerssawtoitthattheirponies’pacewasquickenoughtopushtheShirriffsalongasfastastheycouldgo.Thesuncameout,andinspiteofthechillywindthey
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weresoonpuffingandsweating.
AttheThree-FarthingStonetheygaveitup.Theyhaddonenearlyfourteenmileswithonlyonerestatnoon.Itwasnowthreeo’clock.Theywerehungryandveryfootsoreandtheycouldnotstandthepace.
‘Well,comealonginyourowntime!’saidMerry.‘Wearegoingon.’
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‘Good-bye,Cock-robin!’saidSam.‘I’llwaitforyououtsideTheGreenDragon,ifyouhaven’tforgottenwherethatis.Don’tdawdleontheway!’
‘You’rebreakingarrest,that’swhatyou’redoing,’saidtheleaderruefully,‘andIcan’tbeanswerable.’
‘Weshallbreakagoodmanythingsyet,andnotaskyoutoanswer,’saidPippin.
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‘Goodlucktoyou!’
Thetravellerstrottedon,andasthesunbegantosinktowardstheWhiteDownsfarawayonthewesternhorizontheycametoBywaterbyitswidepool;andtheretheyhadtheirfirstreallypainfulshock.ThiswasFrodoandSam’sowncountry,andtheyfoundoutnowthattheycared
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aboutitmorethananyotherplaceintheworld.Manyofthehousesthattheyhadknownweremissing.Someseemedtohavebeenburneddown.Thepleasantrowofoldhobbit-holesinthebankonthenorthsideofthePoolweredeserted,andtheirlittlegardensthatusedtorundownbrighttothewater’sedgewererankwithweeds.Worse,therewasawholeline
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oftheuglynewhousesallalongPoolSide,wheretheHobbitonRoadranclosetothebank.Anavenueoftreeshadstoodthere.Theywereallgone.AndlookingwithdismayuptheroadtowardsBagEndtheysawatallchimneyofbrickinthedistance.Itwaspouringoutblacksmokeintotheeveningair.
Samwasbesidehimself.
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‘I’mgoingrighton,Mr.Frodo!’hecried.‘I’mgoingtoseewhat’sup.Iwanttofindmygaffer.’
‘Weoughttofindoutfirstwhatwe’reinfor,Sam,’saidMerry.‘Iguessthatthe“Chief”willhaveagangofruffianshandy.Wehadbetterfindsomeonewhowilltellushowthingsareroundhere.’
ButinthevillageofBywaterallthehousesand
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holeswereshut,andnoonegreetedthem.Theywonderedatthis,buttheysoondiscoveredthereasonofit.WhentheyreachedTheGreenDragon,thelasthouseontheHobbitonside,nowlifelessandwithbrokenwindows,theyweredisturbedtoseehalfadozenlargeill-favouredMenloungingagainsttheinn-wall;theyweresquint-eyedandsallow-
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faced.‘LikethatfriendofBill
Ferny’satBree,’saidSam.‘LikemanythatIsawat
Isengard,’mutteredMerry.
Theruffianshadclubsintheirhandsandhornsbytheirbelts,buttheyhadnootherweapons,asfarascouldbeseen.Asthetravellersrodeuptheyleftthewalland
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walkedintotheroad,blockingtheway.
‘Whered’youthinkyou’regoing?’saidone,thelargestandmostevil-lookingofthecrew.‘There’snoroadforyouanyfurther.AndwherearethosepreciousShirriffs?’
‘Comingalongnicely,’saidMerry.‘Alittlefootsore,perhaps.Wepromisedtowaitforthemhere.’
‘Garn,whatdidIsay?’
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saidtheruffiantohismates.‘ItoldSharkeyitwasnogoodtrustingthoselittlefools.Someofourchapsoughttohavebeensent.’
‘Andwhatdifferencewouldthathavemade,pray?’saidMerry.‘Wearenotusedtofootpadsinthiscountry,butweknowhowtodealwiththem.’
‘Footpads,eh?’saidtheman.‘Sothat’syourtone,is
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it?Changeit,orwe’llchangeitforyou.Youlittlefolkaregettingtoouppish.Don’tyoutrusttoomuchintheBoss’skindheart.Sharkey’scomenow,andhe’lldowhatSharkeysays.’
‘Andwhatmaythatbe?’saidFrodoquietly.
‘Thiscountrywantswakingupandsettingtorights,’saidtheruffian,‘andSharkey’sgoingtodoit;and
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makeithard,ifyoudrivehimtoit.YouneedabiggerBoss.Andyou’llgetonebeforetheyearisout,ifthere’sanymoretrouble.Thenyou’lllearnathingortwo,youlittlerat-folk.’
‘Indeed.Iamgladtohearofyourplans,’saidFrodo.‘IamonmywaytocallonMr.Lotho,andhemaybeinterestedtohearofthemtoo.’
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Theruffianlaughed.‘Lotho!Heknowsallright.Don’tyouworry.He’lldowhatSharkeysays.BecauseifaBossgivestrouble,wecanchangehim.See?Andiflittlefolkstrytopushinwherethey’renotwanted,wecanputthemoutofmischief.See?’
‘Yes,Isee,’saidFrodo.‘Foronething,Iseethatyou’rebehindthetimesand
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thenewshere.MuchhashappenedsinceyoulefttheSouth.Yourdayisover,andallotherruffians’.TheDarkTowerhasfallen,andthereisaKinginGondor.AndIsengardhasbeendestroyed,andyourpreciousmasterisabeggarinthewilderness.Ipassedhimontheroad.TheKing’smessengerswillrideuptheGreenwaynow,notbulliesfromIsengard.’
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Themanstaredathimandsmiled.‘Abeggarinthewilderness!’hemocked.‘Oh,isheindeed?Swaggerit,swaggerit,mylittlecock-a-whoop.Butthatwon’tstopuslivinginthisfatlittlecountrywhereyouhavelazedlongenough.And’–hesnappedhisfingersinFrodo’sface–‘King’smessengers!Thatforthem!WhenIseeone,I’lltakenotice,perhaps.’
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ThiswastoomuchforPippin.HisthoughtswentbacktotheFieldofCormallen,andherewasasquint-eyedrascalcallingtheRing-bearer‘littlecock-a-whoop’.Hecastbackhiscloak,flashedouthissword,andthesilverandsableofGondorgleamedonhimasherodeforward.
‘IamamessengeroftheKing,’hesaid.‘Youare
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speakingtotheKing’sfriend,andoneofthemostrenownedinallthelandsoftheWest.Youarearuffianandafool.Downonyourkneesintheroadandaskpardon,orIwillsetthistroll’sbaneinyou!’
Theswordglintedinthewesteringsun.MerryandSamdrewtheirswordsalsoandrodeuptosupportPippin;butFrododidnotmove.Theruffiansgave
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back.ScaringBree-landpeasants,andbullyingbewilderedhobbits,hadbeentheirwork.Fearlesshobbitswithbrightswordsandgrimfaceswereagreatsurprise.Andtherewasanoteinthevoicesofthesenewcomersthattheyhadnotheardbefore.Itchilledthemwithfear.
‘Go!’saidMerry.‘Ifyoutroublethisvillageagain,you
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willregretit.’Thethreehobbitscameon,andthentheruffiansturnedandfled,runningawayuptheHobbitonRoad;buttheyblewtheirhornsastheyran.
‘Well,we’vecomebacknonetoosoon,’saidMerry.
‘Notadaytoosoon.Perhapstoolate,atanyratetosaveLotho,’saidFrodo.‘Miserablefool,butIamsorryforhim.’
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‘SaveLotho?Whateverdoyoumean?’saidPippin.‘Destroyhim,Ishouldsay.’
‘Idon’tthinkyouquiteunderstandthings,Pippin,’saidFrodo.‘Lothonevermeantthingstocometothispass.Hehasbeenawickedfool,buthe’scaughtnow.Theruffiansareontop,gathering,robbingandbullying,andrunningorruiningthingsastheylike,in
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hisname.Andnotinhisnameevenformuchlonger.He’saprisonerinBagEndnow,Iexpect,andveryfrightened.Weoughttotryandrescuehim.’
‘WellIamstaggered!’saidPippin.‘OfalltheendstoourjourneythatistheverylastIshouldhavethoughtof:tohavetofighthalf-orcsandruffiansintheShireitself–torescueLothoPimple!’
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‘Fight?’saidFrodo.‘Well,Isupposeitmaycometothat.Butremember:thereistobenoslayingofhobbits,noteveniftheyhavegoneovertotheotherside.Reallygoneover,Imean;notjustobeyingruffians’ordersbecausetheyarefrightened.NohobbithaseverkilledanotheronpurposeintheShire,anditisnottobeginnow.Andnobodyistobekilledatall,if
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itcanbehelped.Keepyourtempersandholdyourhandstothelastpossiblemoment!’
‘Butiftherearemanyoftheseruffians,’saidMerry,‘itwillcertainlymeanfighting.Youwon’trescueLotho,ortheShire,justbybeingshockedandsad,mydearFrodo.’
‘No,’saidPippin.‘Itwon’tbesoeasyscaringthemasecondtime.Theywere
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takenbysurprise.Youheardthathorn-blowing?Evidentlythereareotherruffiansnearathand.They’llbemuchbolderwhenthere’smoreofthemtogether.Weoughttothinkoftakingcoversomewhereforthenight.Afterallwe’reonlyfour,evenifwearearmed.’
‘I’veanidea,’saidSam.‘Let’sgotooldTomCotton’sdownSouthLane!Healways
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wasastoutfellow.Andhehasalotofladsthatwereallfriendsofmine.’
‘No!’saidMerry.‘It’snogood“gettingundercover”.Thatisjustwhatpeoplehavebeendoing,andjustwhattheseruffianslike.Theywillsimplycomedownonusinforce,cornerus,andthendriveusout,orburnusin.No,wehavegottodosomethingatonce.’
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‘Dowhat?’saidPippin.‘RaisetheShire!’said
Merry.‘Now!Wakeallourpeople!Theyhateallthis,youcansee:allofthemexceptperhapsoneortworascals,andafewfoolsthatwanttobeimportant,butdon’tatallunderstandwhatisreallygoingon.ButShire-folkhavebeensocomfortablesolongtheydon’tknowwhattodo.They
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justwantamatch,though,andthey’llgoupinfire.TheChief’sMenmustknowthat.They’lltrytostamponusandputusoutquick.We’veonlygotaveryshorttime.
‘Sam,youcanmakeadashforCotton’sfarm,ifyoulike.He’sthechiefpersonroundhere,andthesturdiest.Comeon!IamgoingtoblowthehornofRohan,andgivethemallsomemusicthey
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haveneverheardbefore.’
Theyrodebacktothemiddleofthevillage.ThereSamturnedasideandgallopedoffdownthelanethatledsouthtoCotton’s.Hehadnotgonefarwhenheheardasuddenclearhorn-callgoupringingintothesky.Faroverhillandfielditechoed;andsocompelling
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wasthatcallthatSamhimselfalmostturnedanddashedback.Hisponyrearedandneighed.
‘On,lad!On!’hecried.‘We’llbegoingbacksoon.’
ThenheheardMerrychangethenote,andupwenttheHorn-cryofBuckland,shakingtheair.
Awake!Awake!Fear,Fire,Foes!Awake!
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Fire,Foes!Awake!
BehindhimSamheardahubbubofvoicesandagreatdinandslammingofdoors.Infrontofhimlightssprangoutinthegloaming;dogsbarked;feetcamerunning.Beforehegottothelane’sendtherewasFarmerCottonwiththreeofhislads,YoungTom,Jolly,andNick,hurryingtowardshim.Theyhadaxes
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intheirhands,andbarredtheway.
‘Nay!It’snotoneofthemruffians,’Samheardthefarmersay.‘It’sahobbitbythesizeofit,butalldressedupqueer.Hey!’hecried.‘Whoareyou,andwhat’sallthisto-do?’
‘It’sSam,SamGamgee.I’vecomeback.’
FarmerCottoncameupcloseandstaredathiminthe
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twilight.‘Well!’heexclaimed.‘Thevoiceisright,andyourfaceisnoworsethanitwas,Sam.ButIshoulda’passedyouinthestreetinthatgear.You’vebeeninforeignparts,seemingly.Wefearedyouweredead.’
‘ThatIain’t!’saidSam.‘NorMr.Frodo.He’shereandhisfriends.Andthat’stheto-do.They’reraisingthe
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Shire.We’regoingtoclearout
theseruffians,andtheirChieftoo.We’restartingnow.’
‘Good,good!’criedFarmerCotton.‘Soit’sbegunatlast!I’vebeenitchingfortroubleallthisyear,butfolkswouldn’thelp.AndI’vehadthewifeandRosietothinkof.Theseruffiansdon’tstickatnothing.Butcomeonnow,lads!Bywaterisup!Wemust
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beinit!’‘WhataboutMrs.Cotton
andRosie?’saidSam.‘Itisn’tsafeyetforthemtobeleftallalone.’
‘MyNibsiswiththem.Butyoucangoandhelphim,ifyouhaveamind,’saidFarmerCottonwithagrin.Thenheandhissonsranofftowardsthevillage.
Samhurriedtothehouse.Bythelargerounddooratthe
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topofthestepsfromthewideyardstoodMrs.CottonandRosie,andNibsinfrontofthemgraspingahay-fork.
‘It’sme!’shoutedSamashetrottedup.‘SamGamgee!Sodon’ttryproddingme,Nibs.Anyway,I’veamail-shirtonme.’
Hejumpeddownfromhisponyandwentupthesteps.Theystaredathiminsilence.‘Goodevening,Mrs.Cotton!’
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hesaid.‘Hullo,Rosie!’‘Hullo,Sam!’saidRosie.
‘Where’veyoubeen?Theysaidyouweredead;butI’vebeenexpectingyousincethespring.Youhaven’thurried,haveyou?’
‘Perhapsnot,’saidSamabashed.‘ButI’mhurryingnow.We’resettingabouttheruffians,andI’vegottogetbacktoMr.Frodo.ButIthoughtI’dhavealookand
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seehowMrs.Cottonwaskeeping,andyou,Rosie.’
‘We’rekeepingnicely,thankyou,’saidMrs.Cotton.‘Orshouldbe,ifitweren’tforthesethievingruffians.’
‘Well,beoffwithyou!’saidRosie.‘Ifyou’vebeenlookingafterMr.Frodoallthiswhile,whatd’youwanttoleavehimfor,assoonasthingslookdangerous?’
Thiswastoomuchfor
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Sam.Itneededaweek’sanswer,ornone.Heturnedawayandmountedhispony.Butashestartedoff,Rosierandownthesteps.
‘Ithinkyoulookfine,Sam,’shesaid.‘Goonnow!Buttakecareofyourself,andcomestraightbackassoonasyouhavesettledtheruffians!’
WhenSamgotbackhe
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foundthewholevillageroused.Already,apartfrommanyyoungerlads,morethanahundredsturdyhobbitswereassembledwithaxes,andheavyhammers,andlongknives,andstoutstaves;andafewhadhunting-bows.Morewerestillcominginfromoutlyingfarms.
Someofthevillage-folkhadlitalargefire,justtoenliventhings,andalso
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becauseitwasoneofthethingsforbiddenbytheChief.Itburnedbrightasnightcameon.OthersatMerry’sordersweresettingupbarriersacrosstheroadateachendofthevillage.WhentheShirriffscameuptotheloweronetheyweredumbfounded;butassoonastheysawhowthingswere,mostofthemtookofftheirfeathersandjoinedintherevolt.The
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othersslunkaway.SamfoundFrodoandhis
friendsbythefiretalkingtooldTomCotton,whileanadmiringcrowdofBywaterfolkstoodroundandstared.
‘Well,what’sthenextmove?’saidFarmerCotton.
‘Ican’tsay,’saidFrodo,‘untilIknowmore.Howmanyoftheseruffiansarethere?’
‘That’shardtotell,’said
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Cotton.‘Theymovesaboutandcomesandgoes.There’ssometimesfiftyofthemintheirshedsupHobbitonway;buttheygooutfromthererovinground,thievingor“gathering”astheycallit.Stillthere’sseldomlessthanascoreroundtheBoss,astheynameshim.He’satBagEnd,orwas;buthedon’tgooutsidethegroundsnow.Noone’sseenhimatall,infact,
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foraweekortwo;buttheMendon’tletnoonegonear.’
‘Hobbiton’snottheironlyplace,isit?’saidPippin.
‘No,more’sthepity,’saidCotton.‘There’sagoodfewdownsouthinLongbottomandbySarnFord,Ihear;andsomemorelurkingintheWoodyEnd;andthey’veshedsatWaymeet.Andthenthere’stheLockholes,asthey
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call’em:theoldstorage-tunnelsatMichelDelvingthatthey’vemadeintoprisonsforthoseasstanduptothem.StillIreckonthere’snotabovethreehundredofthemintheShirealltold,andmaybeless.Wecanmasterthem,ifwesticktogether.’
‘Havetheygotanyweapons?’askedMerry.
‘Whips,knives,andclubs,enoughfortheirdirtywork:
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that’sallthey’veshowedsofar,’saidCotton.‘ButIdaresaythey’vegotothergear,ifitcomestofighting.Somehavebows,anyway.They’veshotoneortwoofourfolk.’
‘Thereyouare,Frodo!’saidMerry.‘Iknewweshouldhavetofight.Well,theystartedthekilling.’
‘Notexactly,’saidCotton.‘Leastwaysnottheshooting.Tooksstartedthat.Yousee,
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yourdad,Mr.Peregrin,he’sneverhadnotruckwiththisLotho,notfromthebeginning:saidthatifanyonewasgoingtoplaythechiefatthistimeofday,itwouldbetherightThainoftheShireandnoupstart.AndwhenLothosenthisMentheygotnochangeoutofhim.Tooksarelucky,they’vegotthosedeepholesintheGreenHills,theGreatSmialsandall,and
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theruffianscan’tcomeat’em;andtheywon’tlettheruffianscomeontheirland.Iftheydo,Tookshunt’em.Tooksshotthreeforprowlingandrobbing.Afterthattheruffiansturnednastier.AndtheykeepaprettyclosewatchonTookland.Noonegetsinnoroutofitnow.’
‘GoodfortheTooks!’criedPippin.‘Butsomeoneisgoingtogetinagain,now.I
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amofftotheSmials.AnyonecomingwithmetoTuckborough?’
Pippinrodeoffwithhalfadozenladsonponies.‘Seeyousoon!’hecried.‘It’sonlyfourteenmilesorsooverthefields.I’llbringyoubackanarmyofTooksinthemorning.’Merryblewahorn-callafterthemastheyrodeoffintothegatheringnight.Thepeoplecheered.
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‘Allthesame,’saidFrodotoallthosewhostoodnear,‘Iwishfornokilling;notevenoftheruffians,unlessitmustbedone,topreventthemfromhurtinghobbits.’
‘Allright!’saidMerry.‘ButweshallbehavingavisitfromtheHobbitonganganytimenow,Ithink.Theywon’tcomejusttotalkthingsover.We’lltrytodealwiththemneatly,butwemustbe
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preparedfortheworst.NowI’vegotaplan.’
‘Verygood,’saidFrodo.‘Youmakethearrangements.’
Justthensomehobbits,whohadbeensentouttowardsHobbiton,camerunningin.‘They’recoming!’theysaid.‘Ascoreormore.Buttwohavegoneoffwestacrosscountry.’
‘ToWaymeet,that’llbe,’
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saidCotton,‘tofetchmoreofthegang.Well,it’sfifteenmileeachway.Weneedn’ttroubleaboutthemjustyet.’
Merryhurriedofftogiveorders.FarmerCottonclearedthestreet,sendingeveryoneindoors,excepttheolderhobbitswhohadweaponsofsomesort.Theyhadnotlongtowait.Soontheycouldhearloudvoices,andthenthetrampingofheavyfeet.
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Presentlyawholesquadoftheruffianscamedowntheroad.Theysawthebarrierandlaughed.Theydidnotimaginethattherewasanythinginthislittlelandthatwouldstanduptotwentyoftheirkindtogether.
Thehobbitsopenedthebarrierandstoodaside.‘Thankyou!’theMenjeered.‘Nowrunhometobedbeforeyou’rewhipped.’Thenthey
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marchedalongthestreetshouting:‘Putthoselightsout!Getindoorsandstaythere!Orwe’lltakefiftyofyoutotheLockholesforayear.Getin!TheBossislosinghistemper.’
Noonepaidanyheedtotheirorders;butastheruffianspassed,theyclosedinquietlybehindandfollowedthem.WhentheMenreachedthefiretherewasFarmer
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Cottonstandingallalonewarminghishands.
‘Whoareyou,andwhatd’youthinkyou’redoing?’saidtheruffian-leader.
FarmerCottonlookedathimslowly.‘Iwasjustgoingtoaskyouthat,’hesaid.‘Thisisn’tyourcountry,andyou’renotwanted.’
‘Well,you’rewantedanyhow,’saidtheleader.‘Wewantyou.Takehimlads!
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Lockholesforhim,andgivehimsomethingtokeephimquiet!’
TheMentookonestepforwardandstoppedshort.Thererosearoarofvoicesallroundthem,andsuddenlytheywereawarethatFarmerCottonwasnotallalone.Theyweresurrounded.Inthedarkontheedgeofthefirelightstoodaringofhobbitsthathadcreptupout
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oftheshadows.Therewasnearlytwohundredofthem,allholdingsomeweapon.
Merrysteppedforward.‘Wehavemetbefore,’hesaidtotheleader,‘andIwarnedyounottocomebackhere.Iwarnyouagain:youarestandinginthelightandyouarecoveredbyarchers.Ifyoulayafingeronthisfarmer,oronanyoneelse,youwillbeshotatonce.Laydownany
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weaponsthatyouhave!’Theleaderlookedround.
Hewastrapped.Buthewasnotscared,notnowwithascoreofhisfellowstobackhim.Heknewtoolittleofhobbitstounderstandhisperil.Foolishlyhedecidedtofight.Itwouldbeeasytobreakout.
‘At’em,lads!’hecried.‘Let’emhaveit!’
Withalongknifeinhis
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lefthandandaclubintheotherhemadearushatthering,tryingtoburstoutbacktowardsHobbiton.HeaimedasavageblowatMerrywhostoodinhisway.Hefelldeadwithfourarrowsinhim.
Thatwasenoughfortheothers.Theygavein.Theirweaponsweretakenfromthem,andtheywereropedtogether,andmarchedofftoanemptyhutthattheyhad
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builtthemselves,andtheretheyweretiedhandandfoot,andlockedupunderguard.Thedeadleaderwasdraggedoffandburied.
‘Seemsalmosttooeasyafterall,don’tit?’saidCotton.‘Isaidwecouldmasterthem.Butweneededacall.Youcamebackinthenicko’time,Mr.Merry.’
‘There’smoretobedonestill,’saidMerry.‘Ifyou’re
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rightinyourreckoning,wehaven’tdealtwithatitheofthemyet.Butit’sdarknow.Ithinkthenextstrokemustwaituntilmorning.ThenwemustcallontheChief.’
‘Whynotnow?’saidSam.‘It’snotmuchmorethansixo’clock.AndIwanttoseemygaffer.D’youknowwhat’scomeofhim,Mr.Cotton?’
‘He’snottoowell,andnottoobad,Sam,’saidthe
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farmer.‘TheydugupBagshotRow,andthatwasasadblowtohim.He’sinoneofthemnewhousesthattheChief’sMenusedtobuildwhiletheystilldidanyworkotherthanburningandthieving:notaboveamilefromtheendofBywater.Buthecomesaroundtome,whenhegetsachance,andIseehe’sbetterfedthansomeofthepoorbodies.AllagainstTheRules,
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ofcourse.I’dhavehadhimwithme,butthatwasn’tallowed.’
‘Thank’eeindeed,Mr.Cotton,andI’llneverforgetit,’saidSam.‘ButIwanttoseehim.ThatBossandthatSharkey,astheyspokeof,theymightdoamischiefuptherebeforethemorning.’
‘Allright,Sam,’saidCotton.‘Choosealadortwo,andgoandfetchhimtomy
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house.You’llnothaveneedtogoneartheoldHobbitonvillageoverWater.MyJollyherewillshowyou.’
Samwentoff.Merryarrangedforlook-outsroundthevillageandguardsatthebarriersduringthenight.ThenheandFrodowentoffwithFarmerCotton.Theysatwiththefamilyinthewarm
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kitchen,andtheCottonsaskedafewpolitequestionsabouttheirtravels,buthardlylistenedtotheanswers:theywerefarmoreconcernedwitheventsintheShire.
‘ItallbeganwithPimple,aswecallhim,’saidFarmerCotton;‘anditbeganassoonasyou’dgoneoff,Mr.Frodo.He’dfunnyideas,hadPimple.Seemshewantedtoowneverythinghimself,and
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thenorderotherfolkabout.Itsooncameoutthathealreadydidownasightmorethanwasgoodforhim;andhewasalwaysgrabbingmore,thoughwherehegotthemoneywasamystery:millsandmalt-housesandinns,andfarms,andleaf-plantations.He’dalreadyboughtSandyman’smillbeforehecametoBagEnd,seemingly.
‘Ofcoursehestartedwith
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alotofpropertyintheSouthfarthingwhichhehadfromhisdad;anditseemshe’dbeensellingaloto’thebestleaf,andsendingitawayquietlyforayearortwo.Butattheendo’lastyearhebegansendingawayloadsofstuff,notonlyleaf.Thingsbegantogetshort,andwintercomingon,too.Folkgotangry,buthehadhisanswer.AlotofMen,ruffiansmostly,
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camewithgreatwaggons,sometocarryoffthegoodssouth-away,andotherstostay.Andmorecame.AndbeforeweknewwhereweweretheywereplantedhereandthereallovertheShire,andwerefellingtreesanddiggingandbuildingthemselvesshedsandhousesjustastheyliked.AtfirstgoodsanddamagewaspaidforbyPimple;butsoonthey
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beganlordingitaroundandtakingwhattheywanted.
‘Thentherewasabitoftrouble,butnotenough.OldWilltheMayorsetoffforBagEndtoprotest,buthenevergotthere.RuffianslaidhandsonhimandtookandlockedhimupinaholeinMichelDelving,andthereheisnow.Andafterthat,itwouldbesoonafterNewYear,therewasn’tnomore
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Mayor,andPimplecalledhimselfChiefShirriff,orjustChief,anddidasheliked;andifanyonegot“uppish”astheycalledit,theyfollowedWill.Sothingswentfrombadtoworse.Therewasn’tnosmokeleft,savefortheMen;andtheChiefdidn’tholdwithbeer,saveforhisMen,andclosedalltheinns;andeverythingexceptRulesgotshorterandshorter,unless
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onecouldhideabitofone’sownwhentheruffianswentroundgatheringstuffup“forfairdistribution”:whichmeanttheygotitandwedidn’t,exceptfortheleavingswhichyoucouldhaveattheShirriff-houses,ifyoucouldstomachthem.Allverybad.ButsinceSharkeycameit’sbeenplainruination.’
‘WhoisthisSharkey?’saidMerry.‘Iheardoneof
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theruffiansspeakofhim.’‘Thebiggestruffiano’the
lot,seemingly,’answeredCotton.‘Itwasaboutlastharvest,endo’Septembermaybe,thatwefirstheardofhim.We’veneverseenhim,buthe’supatBagEnd;andhe’stherealChiefnow,Iguess.Alltheruffiansdowhathesays;andwhathesaysismostly:hack,burn,andruin;andnowit’scome
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tokilling.There’snolongerevenanybadsenseinit.Theycutdowntreesandlet’emlie,theyburnhousesandbuildnomore.
‘TakeSandyman’smillnow.PimpleknockeditdownalmostassoonashecametoBagEnd.Thenhebroughtinaloto’dirty-lookingMentobuildabiggeroneandfillitfullo’wheelsandoutlandishcontraptions.Onlythatfool
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Tedwaspleasedbythat,andheworkstherecleaningwheelsfortheMen,wherehisdadwastheMillerandhisownmaster.Pimple’sideawastogrindmoreandfaster,orsohesaid.He’sgotothermillslikeit.Butyou’vegottohavegristbeforeyoucangrind;andtherewasnomoreforthenewmilltodothanfortheold.ButsinceSharkeycametheydon’tgrindno
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morecornatall.They’realwaysa-hammeringanda-lettingoutasmokeandastench,andthereisn’tnopeaceevenatnightinHobbiton.Andtheypouroutfilthapurpose;they’vefouledallthelowerWater,andit’sgettingdownintoBrandywine.IftheywanttomaketheShireintoadesert,they’regoingtherightwayaboutit.Idon’tbelievethat
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foolofaPimple’sbehindallthis.It’sSharkey,Isay.’
‘That’sright!’putinYoungTom.‘Why,theyeventookPimple’soldma,thatLobelia,andhewasfondofher,ifnooneelsewas.SomeoftheHobbitonfolk,theysawit.Shecomesdownthelanewithheroldumberella.Someoftheruffiansweregoingupwithabigcart.
‘“Wherebeyoua-
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going?”saysshe.‘“ToBagEnd,”saysthey.‘“Whatfor?”saysshe.‘“Toputupsomesheds
forSharkey,”saysthey.‘“Whosaidyoucould?”
saysshe.‘“Sharkey,”saysthey.
“Sogetouto’theroad,oldhagling!”
‘“I’llgiveyouSharkey,youdirtythievingruffians!”saysshe,andupswithher
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umberellaandgoesfortheleader,neartwicehersize.Sotheytookher.DraggedherofftotheLockholes,atheragetoo.They’vetookotherswemissmore,butthere’snodenyingsheshowedmorespiritthanmost.’
IntothemiddleofthistalkcameSam,burstinginwithhisgaffer.OldGamgee
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didnotlookmucholder,buthewasalittledeafer.
‘Goodevening,Mr.Baggins!’hesaid.‘GladindeedIamtoseeyousafeback.ButI’veabonetopickwithyou,inamannero’speaking,ifImaymakesobold.Youdidn’tneveroughttohavea’soldBagEnd,asIalwayssaid.That’swhatstartedallthemischief.Andwhileyou’vebeentrapessing
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inforeignparts,chasingBlackMenupmountainsfromwhatmySamsays,thoughwhatforhedon’tmakeclear,they’vebeenanddugupBagshotRowandruinedmytaters!’
‘Iamverysorry,Mr.Gamgee,’saidFrodo.‘ButnowI’vecomeback,I’lldomybesttomakeamends.’
‘Well,youcan’tsayfairerthanthat,’saidtheGaffer.
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‘Mr.FrodoBagginsisarealgentlehobbit,Ialwayshavesaid,whateveryoumaythinkofsomeothersofthename,beggingyourpardon.AndIhopemySam’sbehavedhisselfandgivensatisfaction?’
‘Perfectsatisfaction,Mr.Gamgee,’saidFrodo.‘Indeed,ifyouwillbelieveit,he’snowoneofthemostfamouspeopleinallthe
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lands,andtheyaremakingsongsabouthisdeedsfromheretotheSeaandbeyondtheGreatRiver.’Samblushed,buthelookedgratefullyatFrodo,forRosie’seyeswereshiningandshewassmilingathim.
‘Ittakesaloto’believing,’saidtheGaffer,‘thoughIcanseehe’sbeenmixinginstrangecompany.What’scomeofhisweskit?I
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don’tholdwithwearingironmongery,whetheritwearswellorno.’
FarmerCotton’shouseholdandallhisguestswereupearlynextmorning.Nothinghadbeenheardinthenight,butmoretroublewouldcertainlycomebeforethedaywasold.‘Seemsasifnoneo’theruffianswereleftupat
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BagEnd,’saidCotton;‘butthegangfromWaymeetwillbealonganytimenow.’
AfterbreakfastamessengerfromtheTooklandrodein.Hewasinhighspirits.‘TheThainhasraisedallourcountry,’hesaid,‘andthenewsisgoinglikefireallways.Theruffiansthatwerewatchingourlandhavefledoffsouth,thosethatescapedalive.TheThainhasgone
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afterthem,toholdoffthebiggangdownthatway;buthe’ssentMr.Peregrinbackwithalltheotherfolkhecanspare.’
Thenextnewswaslessgood.Merry,whohadbeenoutallnight,cameridinginaboutteno’clock.‘There’sabigbandaboutfourmilesaway,’hesaid.‘They’recomingalongtheroadfromWaymeet,butagoodmany
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strayruffianshavejoinedupwiththem.Theremustbecloseonahundredofthem;andthey’refire-raisingastheycome.Cursethem!’
‘Ah!Thislotwon’tstaytotalk,they’llkill,iftheycan,’saidFarmerCotton.‘IfTooksdon’tcomesooner,we’dbestgetbehindcoverandshootwithoutarguing.There’sgottobesomefightingbeforethisissettled,Mr.Frodo.’
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TheTooksdidcomesooner.Beforelongtheymarchedin,ahundredstrong,fromTuckboroughandtheGreenHillswithPippinattheirhead.Merrynowhadenoughsturdyhobbitrytodealwiththeruffians.Scoutsreportedthattheywerekeepingclosetogether.Theyknewthatthecountrysidehadrisenagainstthem,andplainlymeanttodealwiththe
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rebellionruthlessly,atitscentreinBywater.Buthowevergrimtheymightbe,theyseemedtohavenoleaderamongthemwhounderstoodwarfare.Theycameonwithoutanyprecautions.Merrylaidhisplansquickly.
TheruffianscametrampingalongtheEastRoad,andwithouthalting
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turneduptheBywaterRoad,whichranforsomewayslopingupbetweenhighbankswithlowhedgesontop.Roundabend,aboutafurlongfromthemainroad,theymetastoutbarrierofoldfarm-cartsupturned.Thathaltedthem.Atthesamemomenttheybecameawarethatthehedgesonbothsides,justabovetheirheads,werealllinedwithhobbits.Behind
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themotherhobbitsnowpushedoutsomemorewaggonsthathadbeenhiddeninafield,andsoblockedthewayback.Avoicespoketothemfromabove.
‘Well,youhavewalkedintoatrap,’saidMerry.‘YourfellowsfromHobbitondidthesame,andoneisdeadandtherestareprisoners.Laydownyourweapons!Thengo
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backtwentypacesandsitdown.Anywhotrytobreakoutwillbeshot.’
Buttheruffianscouldnotnowbecowedsoeasily.Afewofthemobeyed,butwereimmediatelysetonbytheirfellows.Ascoreormorebrokebackandchargedthewaggons.Sixwereshot,buttheremainderburstout,killingtwohobbits,andthenscatteringacrosscountryin
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thedirectionoftheWoodyEnd.Twomorefellastheyran.Merryblewaloudhorn-call,andtherewereansweringcallsfromadistance.
‘Theywon’tgetfar,’saidPippin.‘Allthatcountryisalivewithourhuntersnow.’
Behind,thetrappedMeninthelane,stillaboutfourscore,triedtoclimbthebarrierandthebanks,andthe
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hobbitswereobligedtoshootmanyofthemorhewthemwithaxes.Butmanyofthestrongestandmostdesperategotoutonthewestside,andattackedtheirenemiesfiercely,beingnowmorebentonkillingthanescaping.Severalhobbitsfell,andtherestwerewavering,whenMerryandPippin,whowereontheeastside,cameacrossandchargedtheruffians.
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Merryhimselfslewtheleader,agreatsquint-eyedbrutelikeahugeorc.Thenhedrewhisforcesoff,encirclingthelastremnantoftheMeninawideringofarchers.
Atlastallwasover.Nearlyseventyoftheruffianslaydeadonthefield,andadozenwereprisoners.Nineteenhobbitswerekilled,andsomethirtywerewounded.Thedeadruffians
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wereladenonwaggonsandhauledofftoanoldsand-pitnearbyandthereburied:intheBattlePit,asitwasafterwardscalled.Thefallenhobbitswerelaidtogetherinagraveonthehill-side,wherelateragreatstonewassetupwithagardenaboutit.SoendedtheBattleofBywater,1419,thelastbattlefoughtintheShire,andtheonlybattlesincethe
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Greenfields,1147,awayupintheNorthfarthing.Inconsequence,thoughithappilycostveryfewlives,ithasachaptertoitselfintheRedBook,andthenamesofallthosewhotookpartweremadeintoaRoll,andlearnedbyheartbyShire-historians.TheveryconsiderableriseinthefameandfortuneoftheCottonsdatesfromthistime;butatthetopoftheRollinall
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accountsstandthenamesofCaptainsMeriadocandPeregrin.
Frodohadbeeninthebattle,buthehadnotdrawnsword,andhischiefparthadbeentopreventthehobbitsintheirwrathattheirlosses,fromslayingthoseoftheirenemieswhothrewdowntheirweapons.Whenthe
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fightingwasover,andthelaterlabourswereordered,Merry,Pippin,andSamjoinedhim,andtheyrodebackwiththeCottons.Theyatealatemiddaymeal,andthenFrodosaidwithasigh:‘Well,Isupposeitistimenowthatwedealtwiththe“Chief”.’
‘Yesindeed;thesoonerthebetter,’saidMerry.‘Anddon’tbetoogentle!He’s
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responsibleforbringingintheseruffians,andforalltheeviltheyhavedone.’
FarmerCottoncollectedanescortofsometwodozensturdyhobbits.‘Forit’sonlyaguessthatthereisnoruffiansleftatBagEnd,’hesaid.‘Wedon’tknow.’Thentheysetoutonfoot.Frodo,Sam,Merry,andPippinledtheway.
Itwasoneofthesaddest
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hoursintheirlives.Thegreatchimneyroseupbeforethem;andastheydrewneartheoldvillageacrosstheWater,throughrowsofnewmeanhousesalongeachsideoftheroad,theysawthenewmillinallitsfrowninganddirtyugliness:agreatbrickbuildingstraddlingthestream,whichitfouledwithasteamingandstinkingoutflow.Allalongthe
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BywaterRoadeverytreehadbeenfelled.
AstheycrossedthebridgeandlookeduptheHilltheygasped.EvenSam’svisionintheMirrorhadnotpreparedhimforwhattheysaw.TheOldGrangeonthewestsidehadbeenknockeddown,anditsplacetakenbyrowsoftarredsheds.Allthechestnutsweregone.Thebanksandhedgerowswerebroken.
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Greatwaggonswerestandingindisorderinafieldbeatenbareofgrass.BagshotRowwasayawningsandandgravelquarry.BagEndupbeyondcouldnotbeseenforaclutteroflargehuts.
‘They’vecutitdown!’criedSam.‘They’vecutdownthePartyTree!’HepointedtowherethetreehadstoodunderwhichBilbohadmadehisFarewellSpeech.It
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waslyingloppedanddeadinthefield.AsifthiswasthelaststrawSamburstintotears.
Alaughputanendtothem.Therewasasurlyhobbitloungingoverthelowwallofthemill-yard.Hewasgrimy-facedandblack-handed.‘Don’t’eelikeit,Sam?’hesneered.‘Butyoualwayswassoft.Ithoughtyou’dgoneoffinoneo’them
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shipsyouusedtoprattleabout,sailing,sailing.Whatd’youwanttocomebackfor?We’veworktodointheShirenow.’
‘SoIsee,’saidSam.‘Notimeforwashing,buttimeforwall-propping.Butseehere,MasterSandyman,I’veascoretopayinthisvillage,anddon’tyoumakeitanylongerwithyourjeering,oryou’llfootabilltoobigfor
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yourpurse.’TedSandymanspatover
thewall.‘Garn!’hesaid.‘Youcan’ttouchme.I’mafriendo’theBoss’s.Buthe’lltouchyouallright,ifIhaveanymoreofyourmouth.’
‘Don’twasteanymorewordsonthefool,Sam!’saidFrodo.‘Ihopetherearenotmanymorehobbitsthathavebecomelikethis.Itwouldbeaworsetroublethanallthe
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damagetheMenhavedone.’‘Youaredirtyand
insolent,Sandyman,’saidMerry.‘Andalsoverymuchoutofyourreckoning.WearejustgoinguptheHilltoremoveyourpreciousBoss.WehavedealtwithhisMen.’
Tedgaped,foratthatmomenthefirstcaughtsightoftheescortthatatasignfromMerrynowmarchedoverthebridge.Dashingback
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intothemillheranoutwithahornandblewitloudly.
‘Saveyourbreath!’laughedMerry.‘I’veabetter.’Thenliftinguphissilverhornhewindedit,anditsclearcallrangovertheHill;andoutoftheholesandshedsandshabbyhousesofHobbitonthehobbitsanswered,andcamepouringout,andwithcheersandloudcriestheyfollowedthe
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companyuptheroadtoBagEnd.
Atthetopofthelanethepartyhalted,andFrodoandhisfriendswenton;andtheycameatlasttotheoncebelovedplace.Thegardenwasfullofhutsandsheds,somesoneartheoldwestwardwindowsthattheycutoffalltheirlight.Therewerepilesofrefuseeverywhere.Thedoorwas
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scarred;thebell-chainwasdanglingloose,andthebellwouldnotring.Knockingbroughtnoanswer.Atlengththeypushedandthedooryielded.Theywentin.Theplacestankandwasfulloffilthanddisorder:itdidnotappeartohavebeenusedforsometime.
‘Whereisthatmiserable
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Lothohiding?’saidMerry.Theyhadsearchedeveryroomandfoundnolivingthingsaveratsandmice.‘Shallweturnontheotherstosearchthesheds?’
‘ThisisworsethanMordor!’saidSam.‘Muchworseinaway.Itcomeshometoyou,astheysay;becauseitishome,andyourememberitbeforeitwasallruined.’
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‘Yes,thisisMordor,’saidFrodo.‘Justoneofitsworks.Sarumanwasdoingitsworkallthetime,evenwhenhethoughthewasworkingforhimself.AndthesamewiththosethatSarumantricked,likeLotho.’
Merrylookedroundindismayanddisgust.‘Let’sgetout!’hesaid.‘IfIhadknownallthemischiefhehadcaused,Ishouldhavestuffed
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mypouchdownSaruman’sthroat.’
‘Nodoubt,nodoubt!Butyoudidnot,andsoIamabletowelcomeyouhome.’TherestandingatthedoorwasSarumanhimself,lookingwell-fedandwell-pleased;hiseyesgleamedwithmaliceandamusement.
AsuddenlightbrokeonFrodo.‘Sharkey!’hecried.
Sarumanlaughed.‘Soyou
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haveheardthename,haveyou?AllmypeopleusedtocallmethatinIsengard,Ibelieve.Asignofaffection,possibly.*Butevidentlyyoudidnotexpecttoseemehere.’
‘Ididnot,’saidFrodo.‘ButImighthaveguessed.Alittlemischiefinameanway:Gandalfwarnedmethatyouwerestillcapableofit.’
‘Quitecapable,’said
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Saruman,‘andmorethanalittle.Youmademelaugh,youhobbit-lordlings,ridingalongwithallthosegreatpeople,sosecureandsopleasedwithyourlittleselves.Youthoughtyouhaddoneverywelloutofitall,andcouldnowjustamblebackandhaveanicequiettimeinthecountry.Saruman’shomecouldbeallwrecked,andhecouldbe
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turnedout,butnoonecouldtouchyours.Ohno!Gandalfwouldlookafteryouraffairs.’
Sarumanlaughedagain.‘Nothe!Whenhistoolshavedonetheirtaskhedropsthem.Butyoumustgodanglingafterhim,dawdlingandtalking,andridingroundtwiceasfarasyouneeded.“Well,”thoughtI,“ifthey’resuchfools,Iwillgetaheadofthemandteachthemalesson.
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Oneillturndeservesanother.”Itwouldhavebeenasharperlesson,ifonlyyouhadgivenmealittlemoretimeandmoreMen.StillIhavealreadydonemuchthatyouwillfindithardtomendorundoinyourlives.Anditwillbepleasanttothinkofthatandsetitagainstmyinjuries.’
‘Well,ifthatiswhatyoufindpleasurein,’saidFrodo,
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‘Ipityyou.Itwillbeapleasureofmemoryonly,Ifear.Goatonceandneverreturn!’
ThehobbitsofthevillageshadseenSarumancomeoutofoneofthehuts,andatoncetheycamecrowdinguptothedoorofBagEnd.WhentheyheardFrodo’scommand,theymurmuredangrily:
‘Don’tlethimgo!Killhim!He’savillainanda
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murderer.Killhim!’Sarumanlookedroundat
theirhostilefacesandsmiled.‘Killhim!’hemocked.‘Killhim,ifyouthinkthereareenoughofyou,mybravehobbits!’Hedrewhimselfupandstaredatthemdarklywithhisblackeyes.‘ButdonotthinkthatwhenIlostallmygoodsIlostallmypower!Whoeverstrikesmeshallbeaccursed.Andifmyblood
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stainstheShire,itshallwitherandneveragainbehealed.’
Thehobbitsrecoiled.ButFrodosaid:‘Donotbelievehim!Hehaslostallpower,savehisvoicethatcanstilldauntyouanddeceiveyou,ifyouletit.ButIwillnothavehimslain.Itisuselesstomeetrevengewithrevenge:itwillhealnothing.Go,Saruman,bythespeediestway!’
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‘Worm!Worm!’Sarumancalled;andoutofanearbyhutcameWormtongue,crawling,almostlikeadog.‘Totheroadagain,Worm!’saidSaruman.‘Thesefinefellowsandlordlingsareturningusadriftagain.Comealong!’
Sarumanturnedtogo,andWormtongueshuffledafterhim.ButevenasSarumanpassedclosetoFrodoaknife
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flashedinhishand,andhestabbedswiftly.Thebladeturnedonthehiddenmail-coatandsnapped.Adozenhobbits,ledbySam,leapedforwardwithacryandflungthevillaintotheground.Samdrewhissword.
‘No,Sam!’saidFrodo.‘Donotkillhimevennow.Forhehasnothurtme.AndinanycaseIdonotwishhimtobeslaininthisevilmood.
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Hewasgreatonce,ofanoblekindthatweshouldnotdaretoraiseourhandsagainst.Heisfallen,andhiscureisbeyondus;butIwouldstillsparehim,inthehopethathemayfindit.’
Sarumanrosetohisfeet,andstaredatFrodo.Therewasastrangelookinhiseyesofmingledwonderandrespectandhatred.‘Youhavegrown,Halfling,’hesaid.
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‘Yes,youhavegrownverymuch.Youarewise,andcruel.Youhaverobbedmyrevengeofsweetness,andnowImustgohenceinbitterness,indebttoyourmercy.Ihateitandyou!Well,IgoandIwilltroubleyounomore.Butdonotexpectmetowishyouhealthandlonglife.Youwillhaveneither.Butthatisnotmydoing.Imerelyforetell.’
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Hewalkedaway,andthehobbitsmadealaneforhimtopass;buttheirknuckleswhitenedastheygrippedontheirweapons.Wormtonguehesitated,andthenfollowedhismaster.
‘Wormtongue!’calledFrodo.‘Youneednotfollowhim.Iknowofnoevilyouhavedonetome.Youcanhaverestandfoodhereforawhile,untilyouarestronger
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andcangoyourownways.’Wormtonguehaltedand
lookedbackathim,halfpreparedtostay.Sarumanturned.‘Noevil?’hecackled.‘Ohno!Evenwhenhesneaksoutatnightitisonlytolookatthestars.ButdidIhearsomeoneaskwherepoorLothoishiding?Youknow,don’tyou,Worm?Willyoutellthem?’
Wormtonguecowered
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downandwhimpered:‘No,no!’
‘ThenIwill,’saidSaruman.‘WormkilledyourChief,poorlittlefellow,yournicelittleBoss.Didn’tyou,Worm?Stabbedhiminhissleep,Ibelieve.Buriedhim,Ihope;thoughWormhasbeenveryhungrylately.No,Wormisnotreallynice.Youhadbetterleavehimtome.’
Alookofwildhatred
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cameintoWormtongue’sredeyes.‘Youtoldmeto;youmademedoit,’hehissed.
Sarumanlaughed.‘YoudowhatSharkeysays,always,don’tyou,Worm?Well,nowhesays:follow!’HekickedWormtongueinthefaceashegrovelled,andturnedandmadeoff.Butatthatsomethingsnapped:suddenlyWormtongueroseup,drawingahiddenknife,
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andthenwithasnarllikeadoghesprangonSaruman’sback,jerkedhisheadback,cuthisthroat,andwithayellranoffdownthelane.BeforeFrodocouldrecoverorspeakaword,threehobbit-bowstwangedandWormtonguefelldead.
Tothedismayofthosethatstoodby,aboutthebody
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ofSarumanagreymistgathered,andrisingslowlytoagreatheightlikesmokefromafire,asapaleshroudedfigureitloomedovertheHill.Foramomentitwavered,lookingtotheWest;butoutoftheWestcameacoldwind,anditbentaway,andwithasighdissolvedintonothing.
Frodolookeddownatthebodywithpityandhorror,for
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ashelookeditseemedthatlongyearsofdeathweresuddenlyrevealedinit,anditshrank,andtheshrivelledfacebecameragsofskinuponahideousskull.Liftinguptheskirtofthedirtycloakthatsprawledbesideit,hecovereditover,andturnedaway.
‘Andthat’stheendof
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that,’saidSam.‘Anastyend,andIwishIneedn’thaveseenit;butit’sagoodriddance.’
‘AndtheverylastendoftheWar,Ihope,’saidMerry.
‘Ihopeso,’saidFrodoandsighed.‘Theverylaststroke.Buttothinkthatitshouldfallhere,attheverydoorofBagEnd!AmongallmyhopesandfearsatleastIneverexpectedthat.’
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‘Ishan’tcallittheend,tillwe’veclearedupthemess,’saidSamgloomily.‘Andthat’lltakealotoftimeandwork.’
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Chapter9
THEGREYHAVENS
Theclearingupcertainlyneededalotofwork,butittooklesstimethanSamhadfeared.Thedayafterthe
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battleFrodorodetoMichelDelvingandreleasedtheprisonersfromtheLockholes.OneofthefirstthattheyfoundwaspoorFredegarBolger,Fattynolonger.HehadbeentakenwhentheruffianssmokedoutabandofrebelsthatheledfromtheirhidingsupintheBrockenboresbythehillsofScary.
‘Youwouldhavedone
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bettertocomewithusafterall,pooroldFredegar!’saidPippin,astheycarriedhimouttooweaktowalk.
Heopenedaneyeandtriedgallantlytosmile.‘Who’sthisyounggiantwiththeloudvoice?’hewhispered.‘NotlittlePippin!What’syoursizeinhatsnow?’
ThentherewasLobelia.Poorthing,shelookedvery
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oldandthinwhentheyrescuedherfromadarkandnarrowcell.Sheinsistedonhobblingoutonherownfeet;andshehadsuchawelcome,andtherewassuchclappingandcheeringwhensheappeared,leaningonFrodo’sarmbutstillclutchingherumbrella,thatshewasquitetouched,anddroveawayintears.Shehadneverinherlifebeenpopularbefore.But
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shewascrushedbythenewsofLotho’smurder,andshewouldnotreturntoBagEnd.ShegaveitbacktoFrodo,andwenttoherownpeople,theBracegirdlesofHardbottle.
Whenthepoorcreaturediednextspring–shewasafterallmorethanahundredyearsold–Frodowassurprisedandmuchmoved:shehadleftallthatremained
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ofhermoneyandofLotho’sforhimtouseinhelpinghobbitsmadehomelessbythetroubles.Sothatfeudwasended.
OldWillWhitfoothadbeenintheLockholeslongerthanany,andthoughhehadperhapsbeentreatedlessharshlythansome,heneededalotoffeedingupbeforehecouldlookthepartofMayor;soFrodoagreedtoactashis
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Deputy,untilMr.Whitfootwasinshapeagain.TheonlythingthathedidasDeputyMayorwastoreducetheShirriffstotheirproperfunctionsandnumbers.ThetaskofhuntingoutthelastremnantoftheruffianswaslefttoMerryandPippin,anditwassoondone.Thesoutherngangs,afterhearingthenewsoftheBattleofBywater,fledoutoftheland
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andofferedlittleresistancetotheThain.BeforetheYear’sEndthefewsurvivorswereroundedupinthewoods,andthosethatsurrenderedwereshowntotheborders.
Meanwhilethelabourofrepairwentonapace,andSamwaskeptverybusy.Hobbitscanworklikebeeswhenthemoodandtheneedcomesonthem.Nowtherewerethousandsofwilling
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handsofallages,fromthesmallbutnimbleonesofthehobbitladsandlassestothewell-wornandhornyonesofthegaffersandgammers.BeforeYulenotabrickwasleftstandingofthenewShirriff-housesorofanythingthathadbeenbuiltby‘Sharkey’sMen’;butthebrickswereusedtorepairmanyanoldhole,tomakeitsnuggeranddrier.Great
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storesofgoodsandfood,andbeer,werefoundthathadbeenhiddenawaybytheruffiansinshedsandbarnsanddesertedholes,andespeciallyinthetunnelsatMichelDelvingandintheoldquarriesatScary;sothattherewasagreatdealbettercheerthatYulethananyonehadhopedfor.
OneofthefirstthingsdoneinHobbiton,before
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eventheremovalofthenewmill,wastheclearingoftheHillandBagEnd,andtherestorationofBagshotRow.Thefrontofthenewsand-pitwasalllevelledandmadeintoalargeshelteredgarden,andnewholeswereduginthesouthwardface,backintotheHill,andtheywerelinedwithbrick.TheGafferwasrestoredtoNumberThree;andhesaidoftenanddidnot
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carewhoheardit:‘It’sanillwindasblows
nobodynogood,asIalwayssay.AndAll’swellasendsBetter!’
Therewassomediscussionofthenamethatthenewrowshouldbegiven.BattleGardenswasthoughtof,orBetterSmials.Butafterawhileinsensiblehobbit-fashionitwasjustcalledNewRow.ItwasapurelyBywater
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joketorefertoitasSharkey’sEnd.
Thetreesweretheworstlossanddamage,foratSharkey’sbiddingtheyhadbeencutdownrecklesslyfarandwideovertheShire;andSamgrievedoverthismorethananythingelse.Foronething,thishurtwouldtakelongtoheal,andonlyhis
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great-grandchildren,hethought,wouldseetheShireasitoughttobe.
Thensuddenlyoneday,forhehadbeentoobusyforweekstogiveathoughttohisadventures,herememberedthegiftofGaladriel.HebroughttheboxoutandshowedittotheotherTravellers(forsotheywerenowcalledbyeveryone),andaskedtheiradvice.
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‘Iwonderedwhenyouwouldthinkofit,’saidFrodo.‘Openit!’
Insideitwasfilledwithagreydust,softandfine,inthemiddleofwhichwasaseed,likeasmallnutwithasilvershale.‘WhatcanIdowiththis?’saidSam.
‘Throwitintheaironabreezydayandletitdoitswork!’saidPippin.
‘Onwhat?’saidSam.
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‘Chooseonespotasanursery,andseewhathappenstotheplantsthere,’saidMerry.
‘ButI’msuretheLadywouldnotlikemetokeepitallformyowngarden,nowsomanyfolkhavesuffered,’saidSam.
‘Useallthewitsandknowledgeyouhaveofyourown,Sam,’saidFrodo,‘andthenusethegifttohelpyour
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workandbetterit.Anduseitsparingly.Thereisnotmuchhere,andIexpecteverygrainhasavalue.’
SoSamplantedsaplingsinalltheplaceswherespeciallybeautifulorbelovedtreeshadbeendestroyed,andheputagrainofthepreciousdustinthesoilattherootofeach.HewentupanddowntheShireinthislabour;butifhepaidspecialattentionto
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HobbitonandBywaternooneblamedhim.Andattheendhefoundthathestillhadalittleofthedustleft;sohewenttotheThree-FarthingStone,whichisasnearthecentreoftheShireasnomatter,andcastitintheairwithhisblessing.ThelittlesilvernutheplantedinthePartyFieldwherethetreehadoncebeen;andhewonderedwhatwouldcomeofit.All
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throughthewinterheremainedaspatientashecould,andtriedtorestrainhimselffromgoingroundconstantlytoseeifanythingwashappening.
Springsurpassedhiswildesthopes.Histreesbegantosproutandgrow,asiftimewasinahurryandwishedtomakeoneyeardo
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fortwenty.InthePartyFieldabeautifulyoungsaplingleapedup:ithadsilverbarkandlongleavesandburstintogoldenflowersinApril.Itwasindeedamallorn,anditwasthewonderoftheneighbourhood.Inafteryears,asitgrewingraceandbeauty,itwasknownfarandwideandpeoplewouldcomelongjourneystoseeit:theonlymallornwestofthe
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MountainsandeastoftheSea,andoneofthefinestintheworld.
Altogether1420intheShirewasamarvellousyear.Notonlywastherewonderfulsunshineanddeliciousrain,induetimesandperfectmeasure,butthereseemedsomethingmore:anairofrichnessandgrowth,andagleamofabeautybeyondthatofmortalsummersthat
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flickerandpassuponthisMiddle-earth.Allthechildrenbornorbegotteninthatyear,andthereweremany,werefairtoseeandstrong,andmostofthemhadarichgoldenhairthathadbeforebeenrareamonghobbits.Thefruitwassoplentifulthatyounghobbitsverynearlybathedinstrawberriesandcream;andlatertheysatonthelawnsundertheplum-
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treesandate,untiltheyhadmadepilesofstoneslikesmallpyramidsortheheapedskullsofaconqueror,andthentheymovedon.Andnoonewasill,andeveryonewaspleased,exceptthosewhohadtomowthegrass.
IntheSouthfarthingthevineswereladen,andtheyieldof‘leaf’wasastonishing;andeverywheretherewassomuchcornthat
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atHarvesteverybarnwasstuffed.TheNorthfarthingbarleywassofinethatthebeerof1420maltwaslongrememberedandbecameabyword.Indeedagenerationlateronemighthearanoldgafferinaninn,afteragoodpintofwell-earnedale,putdownhismugwithasigh:‘Ah!thatwasproperfourteen-twenty,thatwas!’
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SamstayedatfirstattheCottons’withFrodo;butwhentheNewRowwasreadyhewentwiththeGaffer.InadditiontoallhisotherlabourshewasbusydirectingthecleaningupandrestoringofBagEnd;buthewasoftenawayintheShireonhisforestrywork.SohewasnotathomeinearlyMarchanddidnotknowthatFrodohadbeenill.Onthe
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thirteenthofthatmonthFarmerCottonfoundFrodolyingonhisbed;hewasclutchingawhitegemthathungonachainabouthisneckandheseemedhalfinadream.
‘Itisgoneforever,’hesaid,‘andnowallisdarkandempty.’
Butthefitpassed,andwhenSamgotbackonthetwenty-fifth,Frodohad
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recovered,andhesaidnothingabouthimself.InthemeanwhileBagEndhadbeensetinorder,andMerryandPippincameoverfromCrickhollowbringingbackalltheoldfurnitureandgear,sothattheoldholesoonlookedverymuchasitalwayshaddone.
WhenallwasatlastreadyFrodosaid:‘Whenareyougoingtomoveinandjoinme,
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Sam?’Samlookedabit
awkward.‘Thereisnoneedtocome
yet,ifyoudon’twantto,’saidFrodo.‘ButyouknowtheGafferiscloseathand,andhewillbeverywelllookedafterbyWidowRumble.’
‘It’snotthat,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam,andhewentveryred.
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‘Well,whatisit?’‘It’sRosie,RoseCotton,’
saidSam.‘Itseemsshedidn’tlikemygoingabroadatall,poorlass;butasIhadn’tspoken,shecouldn’tsayso.AndIdidn’tspeak,becauseIhadajobtodofirst.ButnowIhavespoken,andshesays:“Well,you’vewastedayear,sowhywaitlonger?”“Wasted?”Isays.“Iwouldn’tcallitthat.”StillIseewhat
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shemeans.Ifeeltornintwo,asyoumightsay.’
‘Isee,’saidFrodo:‘youwanttogetmarried,andyetyouwanttolivewithmeinBagEndtoo?ButmydearSam,howeasy!Getmarriedassoonasyoucan,andthenmoveinwithRosie.There’sroomenoughinBagEndforasbigafamilyasyoucouldwishfor.’
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Andsoitwassettled.SamGamgeemarriedRoseCottoninthespringof1420(whichwasalsofamousforitsweddings),andtheycameandlivedatBagEnd.AndifSamthoughthimselflucky,Frodoknewthathewasmoreluckyhimself;fortherewasnotahobbitintheShirethatwaslookedafterwithsuchcare.Whenthelaboursofrepairhadallbeenplanned
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andsetgoinghetooktoaquietlife,writingagreatdealandgoingthroughallhisnotes.HeresignedtheofficeofDeputyMayorattheFreeFairthatMidsummer,anddearoldWillWhitfoothadanothersevenyearsofpresidingatBanquets.
MerryandPippinlivedtogetherforsometimeatCrickhollow,andtherewasmuchcomingandgoing
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betweenBucklandandBagEnd.ThetwoyoungTravellerscutagreatdashintheShirewiththeirsongsandtheirtalesandtheirfinery,andtheirwonderfulparties.‘Lordly’folkcalledthem,meaningnothingbutgood;foritwarmedallheartstoseethemgoridingbywiththeirmail-shirtssobrightandtheirshieldssosplendid,laughingandsingingsongsoffar
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away;andiftheywerenowlargeandmagnificent,theywereunchangedotherwise,unlesstheywereindeedmorefairspokenandmorejovialandfullofmerrimentthaneverbefore.
FrodoandSam,however,wentbacktoordinaryattire,exceptthatwhentherewasneedtheybothworelonggreycloaks,finelywovenandclaspedatthethroatwith
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beautifulbrooches;andMr.Frodoworealwaysawhitejewelonachainthatheoftenwouldfinger.
Allthingsnowwentwell,withhopealwaysofbecomingstillbetter;andSamwasasbusyandasfullofdelightasevenahobbitcouldwish.Nothingforhimmarredthatwholeyear,exceptforsomevagueanxietyabouthismaster.
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FrododroppedquietlyoutofallthedoingsoftheShire,andSamwaspainedtonoticehowlittlehonourhehadinhisowncountry.Fewpeoplekneworwantedtoknowabouthisdeedsandadventures;theiradmirationandrespectweregivenmostlytoMr.MeriadocandMr.Peregrinand(ifSamhadknownit)tohimself.Alsointheautumnthereappeareda
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shadowofoldtroubles.OneeveningSamcame
intothestudyandfoundhismasterlookingverystrange.Hewasverypaleandhiseyesseemedtoseethingsfaraway.
‘What’sthematter,Mr.Frodo?’saidSam.
‘Iamwounded,’heanswered,‘wounded;itwillneverreallyheal.’
Butthenhegotup,and
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theturnseemedtopass,andhewasquitehimselfthenextday.ItwasnotuntilafterwardsthatSamrecalledthatthedatewasOctoberthesixth.TwoyearsbeforeonthatdayitwasdarkinthedellunderWeathertop.
Timewenton,and1421camein.FrodowasillagaininMarch,butwithagreat
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effortheconcealedit,forSamhadotherthingstothinkabout.ThefirstofSamandRosie’schildrenwasbornonthetwenty-fifthofMarch,adatethatSamnoted.
‘Well,Mr.Frodo,’hesaid.‘I’minabitofafix.RoseandmehadsettledtocallhimFrodo,withyourleave;butit’snothim,it’sher.Thoughasprettyamaidchildasanyonecould
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hopefor,takingafterRosemorethanme,luckily.Sowedon’tknowwhattodo.’
‘Well,Sam,’saidFrodo,‘what’swrongwiththeoldcustoms?ChooseaflowernamelikeRose.HalfthemaidchildrenintheShirearecalledbysuchnames,andwhatcouldbebetter?’
‘Isupposeyou’reright,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam.‘I’veheardsomebeautifulnames
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onmytravels,butIsupposethey’reabittoograndfordailywearandtear,asyoumightsay.TheGaffer,hesays:“Makeitshort,andthenyouwon’thavetocutitshortbeforeyoucanuseit.”Butifit’stobeaflower-name,thenIdon’ttroubleaboutthelength:itmustbeabeautifulflower,because,yousee,Ithinksheisverybeautiful,andisgoingtobebeautifuller
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still.’Frodothoughtfora
moment.‘Well,Sam,whataboutelanor,thesun-star,yourememberthelittlegoldenflowerinthegrassofLothlórien?’
‘You’rerightagain,Mr.Frodo!’saidSamdelighted.‘That’swhatIwanted.’
LittleElanorwasnearly
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sixmonthsold,and1421hadpassedtoitsautumn,whenFrodocalledSamintothestudy.
‘ItwillbeBilbo’sBirthdayonThursday,Sam,’hesaid.‘AndhewillpasstheOldTook.Hewillbeahundredandthirty-one!’
‘Sohewill!’saidSam.‘He’samarvel!’
‘Well,Sam,’saidFrodo,‘IwantyoutoseeRoseand
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findoutifshecanspareyou,sothatyouandIcangoofftogether.Youcan’tgofarorforalongtimenow,ofcourse,’hesaidalittlewistfully.
‘Well,notverywell,Mr.Frodo.’
‘Ofcoursenot.Butnevermind.Youcanseemeonmyway.TellRosethatyouwon’tbeawayverylong,notmorethanafortnight;and
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you’llcomebackquitesafe.’‘IwishIcouldgoallthe
waywithyoutoRivendell,Mr.Frodo,andseeMr.Bilbo,’saidSam.‘AndyettheonlyplaceIreallywanttobeinishere.Iamthattornintwo.’
‘PoorSam!Itwillfeellikethat,Iamafraid,’saidFrodo.‘Butyouwillbehealed.Youweremeanttobesolidandwhole,andyouwillbe.’
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InthenextdayortwoFrodowentthroughhispapersandhiswritingswithSam,andhehandedoverhiskeys.Therewasabigbookwithplainredleathercovers;itstallpageswerenowalmostfilled.AtthebeginningthereweremanyleavescoveredwithBilbo’sthinwanderinghand;butmostofitwaswritteninFrodo’sfirmflowingscript.Itwasdivided
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intochaptersbutChapter80wasunfinished,andafterthatweresomeblankleaves.Thetitlepagehadmanytitlesonit,crossedoutoneafteranother,so:
MyDiary.MyUnexpectedJourney.ThereandBackAgain.AndWhatHappenedAfter.
AdventuresofFiveHobbits.TheTaleoftheGreatRing,compiledby
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BilboBagginsfromhisownobservationsandtheaccountsofhisfriends.WhatwedidintheWaroftheRing.
HereBilbo’shandendedandFrodohadwritten:
THEDOWNFALLOFTHE
LORDOFTHERINGSANDTHE
RETURNOFTHEKING
(asseenbytheLittlePeople;
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beingthememoirsofBilboandFrodooftheShire,
supplementedbytheaccountsoftheirfriendsandthelearningoftheWise.)
TogetherwithextractsfromBooksofLoretranslatedby
BilboinRivendell.
‘Why,youhavenearlyfinishedit,Mr.Frodo!’Sam
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exclaimed.‘Well,youhavekeptatit,Imustsay.’
‘Ihavequitefinished,Sam,’saidFrodo.‘Thelastpagesareforyou.’
OnSeptemberthetwenty-firsttheysetouttogether,FrodoontheponythathadbornehimallthewayfromMinasTirith,andwasnowcalledStrider;andSamonhis
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belovedBill.Itwasafairgoldenmorning,andSamdidnotaskwheretheyweregoing:hethoughthecouldguess.
TheytooktheStockRoadoverthehillsandwenttowardstheWoodyEnd,andtheylettheirponieswalkattheirleisure.
TheycampedintheGreenHills,andonSeptemberthetwenty-secondtheyrode
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gentlydownintothebeginningofthetreesasafternoonwaswearingaway.
‘Ifthatisn’ttheverytreeyouhidbehindwhentheBlackRiderfirstshowedup,Mr.Frodo!’saidSampointingtotheleft.‘Itseemslikeadreamnow.’
Itwasevening,andthestarswereglimmeringinthe
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easternskyastheypassedtheruinedoakandturnedandwentondownthehillbetweenthehazel-thickets.Samwassilent,deepinhismemories.PresentlyhebecameawarethatFrodowassingingsoftlytohimself,singingtheoldwalking-song,butthewordswerenotquitethesame.
Stillroundthecorner
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theremaywaitAnewroadorasecretgate;AndthoughIofthavepassedthemby,AdaywillcomeatlastwhenIShalltakethehiddenpathsthatrunWestoftheMoon,EastoftheSun.
Andasifinanswer,from
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downbelow,cominguptheroadoutofthevalley,voicessang:
A!ElberethGilthoniel!silivrenpennamírielomenelaglarelenath,Gilthoniel,A!Elbereth!Westillremember,wewhodwellInthisfarlandbeneaththetreesThestarlightonthe
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WesternSeas.
FrodoandSamhaltedandsatsilentinthesoftshadows,untiltheysawashimmerasthetravellerscametowardsthem.
TherewasGildorandmanyfairElvenfolk;andtheretoSam’swonderrodeElrondandGaladriel.Elrondworeamantleofgreyandhadastaruponhisforehead,
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andasilverharpwasinhishand,anduponhisfingerwasaringofgoldwithagreatbluestone,Vilya,mightiestoftheThree.ButGaladrielsatuponawhitepalfreyandwasrobedallinglimmeringwhite,likecloudsabouttheMoon;forsheherselfseemedtoshinewithasoftlight.OnherfingerwasNenya,theringwroughtofmithril,thatboreasinglewhitestone
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flickeringlikeafrostystar.Ridingslowlybehindonasmallgreypony,andseemingtonodinhissleep,wasBilbohimself.
Elrondgreetedthemgravelyandgraciously,andGaladrielsmileduponthem.‘Well,MasterSamwise,’shesaid.‘Ihearandseethatyouhaveusedmygiftwell.TheShireshallnowbemorethaneverblessedandbeloved.’
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Sambowed,butfoundnothingtosay.HehadforgottenhowbeautifultheLadywas.
ThenBilbowokeupandopenedhiseyes.‘Hullo,Frodo!’hesaid.‘Well,IhavepassedtheOldTooktoday!Sothat’ssettled.AndnowIthinkIamquitereadytogoonanotherjourney.Areyoucoming?’
‘Yes,Iamcoming,’said
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Frodo.‘TheRing-bearersshouldgotogether.’
‘Whereareyougoing,Master?’criedSam,thoughatlastheunderstoodwhatwashappening.
‘TotheHavens,Sam,’saidFrodo.
‘AndIcan’tcome.’‘No,Sam.Notyet
anyway,notfurtherthantheHavens.ThoughyoutoowereaRing-bearer,ifonlyfora
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littlewhile.Yourtimemaycome.Donotbetoosad,Sam.Youcannotbealwaystornintwo.Youwillhavetobeoneandwhole,formanyyears.Youhavesomuchtoenjoyandtobe,andtodo.’
‘But,’saidSam,andtearsstartedinhiseyes,‘IthoughtyouweregoingtoenjoytheShire,too,foryearsandyears,afterallyouhavedone.’
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‘SoIthoughttoo,once.ButIhavebeentoodeeplyhurt,Sam.ItriedtosavetheShire,andithasbeensaved,butnotforme.Itmustoftenbeso,Sam,whenthingsareindanger:someonehastogivethemup,losethem,sothatothersmaykeepthem.Butyouaremyheir:allthatIhadandmighthavehadIleavetoyou.AndalsoyouhaveRose,andElanor;and
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Frodo-ladwillcome,andRosie-lass,andMerry,andGoldilocks,andPippin;andperhapsmorethatIcannotsee.Yourhandsandyourwitswillbeneededeverywhere.YouwillbetheMayor,ofcourse,aslongasyouwanttobe,andthemostfamousgardenerinhistory;andyouwillreadthingsoutoftheRedBook,andkeepalivethememoryoftheage
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thatisgone,sothatpeoplewillremembertheGreatDangerandsolovetheirbelovedlandallthemore.Andthatwillkeepyouasbusyandashappyasanyonecanbe,aslongasyourpartoftheStorygoeson.
‘Comenow,ridewithme!’
ThenElrondand
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Galadrielrodeon;fortheThirdAgewasover,andtheDaysoftheRingswerepassed,andanendwascomeofthestoryandsongofthosetimes.WiththemwentmanyElvesoftheHighKindredwhowouldnolongerstayinMiddle-earth;andamongthem,filledwithasadnessthatwasyetblessedandwithoutbitterness,rodeSam,andFrodo,andBilbo,andthe
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Elvesdelightedtohonourthem.
ThoughtheyrodethroughthemidstoftheShirealltheeveningandallthenight,nonesawthempass,savethewildcreatures;orhereandtheresomewandererinthedarkwhosawaswiftshimmerunderthetrees,oralightandshadowflowingthroughthegrassastheMoonwentwestward.Andwhen
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theyhadpassedfromtheShire,goingaboutthesouthskirtsoftheWhiteDowns,theycametotheFarDowns,andtotheTowers,andlookedonthedistantSea;andsotheyrodedownatlasttoMithlond,totheGreyHavensinthelongfirthofLune.
AstheycametothegatesCírdantheShipwrightcameforthtogreetthem.Verytallhewas,andhisbeardwas
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long,andhewasgreyandold,savethathiseyeswerekeenasstars;andhelookedatthemandbowed,andsaid:‘Allisnowready.’
ThenCírdanledthemtotheHavens,andtherewasawhiteshiplying,anduponthequaybesideagreatgreyhorsestoodafigurerobedallinwhiteawaitingthem.AsheturnedandcametowardsthemFrodosawthatGandalf
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nowworeopenlyonhishandtheThirdRing,NaryatheGreat,andthestoneuponitwasredasfire.Thenthosewhoweretogowereglad,fortheyknewthatGandalfalsowouldtakeshipwiththem.
ButSamwasnowsorrowfulatheart,anditseemedtohimthatifthepartingwouldbebitter,moregrievousstillwouldbethelongroadhomealone.But
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evenastheystoodthere,andtheElvesweregoingaboard,andallwasbeingmadereadytodepart,uprodeMerryandPippiningreathaste.AndamidhistearsPippinlaughed.
‘Youtriedtogiveusthesliponcebeforeandfailed,Frodo,’hesaid.‘Thistimeyouhavenearlysucceeded,butyouhavefailedagain.ItwasnotSam,though,thatgaveyouawaythistime,but
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Gandalfhimself!’‘Yes,’saidGandalf;‘forit
willbebettertoridebackthreetogetherthanonealone.Well,hereatlast,dearfriends,ontheshoresoftheSeacomestheendofourfellowshipinMiddle-earth.Goinpeace!Iwillnotsay:donotweep;fornotalltearsareanevil.’
ThenFrodokissedMerryandPippin,andlastofall
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Sam,andwentaboard;andthesailsweredrawnup,andthewindblew,andslowlytheshipslippedawaydownthelonggreyfirth;andthelightoftheglassofGaladrielthatFrodoboreglimmeredandwaslost.AndtheshipwentoutintotheHighSeaandpassedonintotheWest,untilatlastonanightofrainFrodosmelledasweetfragranceontheairandheard
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thesoundofsingingthatcameoverthewater.AndthenitseemedtohimthatasinhisdreaminthehouseofBombadil,thegreyrain-curtainturnedalltosilverglassandwasrolledback,andhebeheldwhiteshoresandbeyondthemafargreencountryunderaswiftsunrise.
ButtoSamtheeveningdeepenedtodarknessashestoodattheHaven;andashe
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lookedatthegreyseahesawonlyashadowonthewatersthatwassoonlostintheWest.Therestillhestoodfarintothenight,hearingonlythesighandmurmurofthewavesontheshoresofMiddle-earth,andthesoundofthemsankdeepintohisheart.BesidehimstoodMerryandPippin,andtheyweresilent.
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Atlastthethreecompanionsturnedaway,andneveragainlookingbacktheyrodeslowlyhomewards;andtheyspokenowordtooneanotheruntiltheycamebacktotheShire,buteachhadgreatcomfortinhisfriendsonthelonggreyroad.
AtlasttheyrodeoverthedownsandtooktheEastRoad,andthenMerryandPippinrodeontoBuckland;
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andalreadytheyweresingingagainastheywent.ButSamturnedtoBywater,andsocamebackuptheHill,asdaywasendingoncemore.Andhewenton,andtherewasyellowlight,andfirewithin;andtheeveningmealwasready,andhewasexpected.AndRosedrewhimin,andsethiminhischair,andputlittleElanoruponhislap.
Hedrewadeepbreath.
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‘Well,I’mback,’hesaid.
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APPENDIXAANNALSOFTHEKINGSANDRULERS
ConcerningthesourcesformostofthemattercontainedinthefollowingAppendices,especiallyAtoD,seethe
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noteattheendofthePrologue.ThesectionAIII,Durin’sFolk,wasprobablyderivedfromGimlitheDwarf,whomaintainedhisfriendshipwithPeregrinandMeriadocandmetthemagainmanytimesinGondorandRohan.
Thelegends,histories,andloretobefoundinthesourcesareveryextensive.Onlyselectionsfromthem,in
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mostplacesmuchabridged,areherepresented.TheirprincipalpurposeistoillustratetheWaroftheRinganditsorigins,andtofillupsomeofthegapsinthemainstory.TheancientlegendsoftheFirstAge,inwhichBilbo’schiefinterestlay,areverybrieflyreferredto,sincetheyconcerntheancestryofElrondandtheNúmenóreankingsandchieftains.Actual
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extractsfromlongerannalsandtalesareplacedwithinquotationmarks.Insertionsoflaterdateareenclosedinbrackets.Noteswithinquotationmarksarefoundinthesources.Othersareeditorial.1
ThedatesgivenarethoseoftheThirdAge,unlesstheyaremarkedS.A.(SecondAge)orF.A.(FourthAge).TheThirdAgewasheldto
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haveendedwhentheThreeRingspassedawayinSeptember3021,butforthepurposesofrecordsinGondorF.A.1beganonMarch25,3021.OntheequationofthedatingofGondorandShireReckoningseeVol.Ip.6andIIIpp.1463–4.Inliststhedatesfollowingthenamesofkingsandrulersarethedatesoftheirdeaths,ifonlyonedate
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isgiven.Thesign†indicatesaprematuredeath,inbattleorotherwise,thoughanannaloftheeventisnotalwaysincluded.
ITHENÚMENÓREAN
KINGS
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(i)NÚMENOR
FëanorwasthegreatestoftheEldarinartsandlore,butalsotheproudestandmostselfwilled.HewroughttheThreeJewels,theSilmarilli,andfilledthemwiththeradianceoftheTwoTrees,TelperionandLaurelin,1thatgavelighttothelandofthe
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Valar.TheJewelswerecovetedbyMorgoththeEnemy,whostolethemand,afterdestroyingtheTrees,tookthemtoMiddle-earth,andguardedtheminhisgreatfortressofThangorodrim.2AgainstthewilloftheValarFëanorforsooktheBlessedRealmandwentinexiletoMiddle-earth,leadingwithhimagreatpartofhispeople;forinhispridehepurposedto
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recovertheJewelsfromMorgothbyforce.ThereafterfollowedthehopelesswaroftheEldarandtheEdainagainstThangorodrim,inwhichtheywereatlastutterlydefeated.TheEdain(Atani)werethreepeoplesofMenwho,comingfirsttotheWestofMiddle-earthandtheshoresoftheGreatSea,becamealliesoftheEldaragainsttheEnemy.
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TherewerethreeunionsoftheEldarandtheEdain:LúthienandBeren;IdrilandTuor;ArwenandAragorn.Bythelastthelong-sunderedbranchesoftheHalf-elvenwerereunitedandtheirlinewasrestored.
LúthienTinúvielwasthedaughterofKingThingolGrey-cloakofDoriathintheFirstAge,buthermotherwasMelianofthepeopleofthe
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Valar.BerenwasthesonofBarahiroftheFirstHouseoftheEdain.TogethertheywrestedasilmarilfromtheIronCrownofMorgoth.3LúthienbecamemortalandwaslosttoElven-kind.Diorwasherson.Elwingwashisdaughterandhadinherkeepingthesilmaril.
IdrilCelebrindalwasthedaughterofTurgon,kingofthehiddencityofGondolin.1
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TuorwasthesonofHuoroftheHouseofHador,theThirdHouseoftheEdainandthemostrenownedinthewarswithMorgoth.EärendiltheMarinerwastheirson.
EärendilweddedElwing,andwiththepowerofthesilmarilpassedtheShadows2andcametotheUttermostWest,andspeakingasambassadorofbothElvesandMenobtainedthehelpby
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whichMorgothwasoverthrown.Eärendilwasnotpermittedtoreturntomortallands,andhisshipbearingthesilmarilwassettosailintheheavensasastar,andasignofhopetothedwellersinMiddle-earthoppressedbytheGreatEnemyorhisservants.3ThesilmarillialonepreservedtheancientlightoftheTwoTreesofValinorbeforeMorgoth
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poisonedthem;buttheothertwowerelostattheendoftheFirstAge.Ofthesethingsthefulltale,andmuchelseconcerningElvesandMen,istoldinTheSilmarillion.
ThesonsofEärendilwereElrosandElrond,thePeredhilorHalf-elven.InthemalonethelineoftheheroicchieftainsoftheEdain
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intheFirstAgewaspreserved;andafterthefallofGil-galad4thelineageoftheHigh-elvenKingswasalsoinMiddle-earthonlyrepresentedbytheirdescendants.
AttheendoftheFirstAgetheValargavetotheHalf-elvenanirrevocablechoicetowhichkindredtheywouldbelong.ElrondchosetobeofElven-kind,andbecamea
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masterofwisdom.TohimthereforewasgrantedthesamegraceastothoseoftheHighElvesthatstilllingeredinMiddle-earth:thatwhenwearyatlastofthemortallandstheycouldtakeshipfromtheGreyHavensandpassintotheUttermostWest;andthisgracecontinuedafterthechangeoftheworld.ButtothechildrenofElrondachoicewasalsoappointed:to
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passwithhimfromthecirclesoftheworld;oriftheyremainedtobecomemortalanddieinMiddle-earth.ForElrond,therefore,allchancesoftheWaroftheRingwerefraughtwithsorrow.5
ElroschosetobeofMan-kindandremainwiththeEdain;butagreatlife-spanwasgrantedtohimmanytimesthatoflessermen.
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AsarewardfortheirsufferingsinthecauseagainstMorgoth,theValar,theGuardiansoftheWorld,grantedtotheEdainalandtodwellin,removedfromthedangersofMiddle-earth.Mostofthem,therefore,setsailoverSea,andguidedbytheStarofEärendilcametothegreatIsleofElenna,westernmostofallMortallands.Theretheyfoundedthe
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realmofNúmenor.Therewasatallmountain
inthemidstoftheland,theMeneltarma,andfromitssummitthefarsightedcoulddescrythewhitetoweroftheHavenoftheEldarinEressëa.ThencetheEldarcametotheEdainandenrichedthemwithknowledgeandmanygifts;butonecommandhadbeenlaidupontheNúmenóreans,
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the‘BanoftheValar’:theywereforbiddentosailwestoutofsightoftheirownshoresortoattempttosetfootontheUndyingLands.Forthoughalongspanoflifehadbeengrantedtothem,inthebeginningthricethatoflesserMen,theymustremainmortal,sincetheValarwerenotpermittedtotakefromthemtheGiftofMen(ortheDoomofMen,asitwas
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afterwardscalled).ElroswasthefirstKingof
Númenor,andwasafterwardsknownbytheHigh-elvennameTar-Minyatur.Hisdescendantswerelong-livedbutmortal.Laterwhentheybecamepowerfultheybegrudgedthechoiceoftheirforefather,desiringtheimmortalitywithinthelifeoftheworldthatwasthefateoftheEldar,andmurmuring
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againsttheBan.Inthiswaybegantheirrebellionwhich,undertheevilteachingofSauron,broughtabouttheDownfallofNúmenorandtheruinoftheancientworld,asistoldintheAkallabêth.
ThesearethenamesoftheKingsandQueensofNúmenor:ElrosTar-Minyatur,Vardamir,Tar-
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Amandil,Tar-Elendil,Tar-Meneldur,Tar-Aldarion,Tar-Ancalimë(thefirstRulingQueen),Tar-Anárion,Tar-Súrion,Tar-Telperiën(thesecondQueen),Tar-Minastir,Tar-Ciryatan,Tar-AtanamirtheGreat,Tar-Ancalimon,Tar-Telemmaitë,Tar-Vanimeldë(thethirdQueen),Tar-Alcarin,Tar-Calmacil,Tar-Ardamin.
AfterArdamintheKings
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tookthesceptreinnamesoftheNúmenórean(orAdûnaic)tongue:Ar-Adûnakhôr,Ar-Zimrathôn,Ar-Sakalthôr,Ar-Gimilzôr,Ar-Inziladûn.InziladûnrepentedofthewaysoftheKingsandchangedhisnametoTar-Palantir‘TheFarsighted’.HisdaughtershouldhavebeenthefourthQueen,Tar-Míriel,buttheKing’snephewusurpedthesceptreand
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becameAr-PharazôntheGolden,lastKingoftheNúmenóreans.
InthedaysofTar-ElendilthefirstshipsoftheNúmenóreanscamebacktoMiddle-earth.Hiselderchildwasadaughter,Silmariën.HersonwasValandil,firstoftheLordsofAndúniëinthewestoftheland,renownedfortheirfriendshipwiththeEldar.Fromhimwere
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descendedAmandil,thelastlord,andhissonElendiltheTall.
ThesixthKingleftonlyonechild,adaughter.ShebecamethefirstQueen;foritwasthenmadealawoftheroyalhousethattheeldestchildoftheKing,whethermanorwoman,shouldreceivethesceptre.
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TherealmofNúmenorenduredtotheendoftheSecondAgeandincreasedeverinpowerandsplendour;anduntilhalftheAgehadpassedtheNúmenóreansgrewalsoinwisdomandjoy.ThefirstsignoftheshadowthatwastofalluponthemappearedinthedaysofTar-Minastir,eleventhKing.HeitwasthatsentagreatforcetotheaidofGil-galad.Heloved
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theEldarbutenviedthem.TheNúmenóreanshadnowbecomegreatmariners,exploringalltheseaseastward,andtheybegantoyearnfortheWestandtheforbiddenwaters;andthemorejoyfulwastheirlife,themoretheybegantolongfortheimmortalityoftheEldar.
Moreover,afterMinastirtheKingsbecamegreedyofwealthandpower.Atfirstthe
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NúmenóreanshadcometoMiddle-earthasteachersandfriendsoflesserMenafflictedbySauron;butnowtheirhavensbecamefortresses,holdingwidecoastlandsinsubjection.Atanamirandhissuccessorsleviedheavytribute,andtheshipsoftheNúmenóreansreturnedladenwithspoil.
ItwasTar-Atanamirwhofirstspokeopenlyagainstthe
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BananddeclaredthatthelifeoftheEldarwashisbyright.Thustheshadowdeepened,andthethoughtofdeathdarkenedtheheartsofthepeople.ThentheNúmenóreansbecamedivided:ontheonehandweretheKingsandthosewhofollowedthem,andwereestrangedfromtheEldarandtheValar;ontheotherwerethefewwhocalled
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themselvestheFaithful.Theylivedmostlyinthewestoftheland.
TheKingsandtheirfollowerslittlebylittleabandonedtheuseoftheEldarintongues;andatlastthetwentiethKingtookhisroyalname,inNúmenóreanform,callinghimselfAr-Adûnakhôr,‘LordoftheWest’.Thisseemedill-omenedtotheFaithful,for
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hithertotheyhadgiventhattitleonlytooneoftheValar,ortotheElderKinghimself.1AndindeedAr-AdûnakhôrbegantopersecutetheFaithfulandpunishedthosewhousedtheElven-tonguesopenly;andtheEldarcamenomoretoNúmenor.
ThepowerandwealthoftheNúmenóreansnonethelesscontinuedtoincrease;buttheiryearslessenedastheir
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fearofdeathgrew,andtheirjoydeparted.Tar-Palantirattemptedtoamendtheevil;butitwastoolate,andtherewasrebellionandstrifeinNúmenor.Whenhedied,hisnephew,leaderoftherebellion,seizedthesceptre,andbecameKingAr-Pharazôn.Ar-PharazôntheGoldenwastheproudestandmostpowerfulofalltheKings,andnolessthanthe
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kingshipoftheworldwashisdesire.
HeresolvedtochallengeSaurontheGreatforthesupremacyinMiddle-earth,andatlengthhehimselfsetsailwithagreatnavy,andhelandedatUmbar.SogreatwasthemightandsplendouroftheNúmenóreansthatSauron’sownservantsdesertedhim;andSauronhumbledhimself,doing
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homage,andcravingpardon.ThenAr-PharazôninthefollyofhispridecarriedhimbackasaprisonertoNúmenor.ItwasnotlongbeforehehadbewitchedtheKingandwasmasterofhiscounsel;andsoonhehadturnedtheheartsofalltheNúmenóreans,excepttheremnantoftheFaithful,backtowardsthedarkness.
AndSauronliedtothe
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King,declaringthateverlastinglifewouldbehiswhopossessedtheUndyingLands,andthattheBanwasimposedonlytopreventtheKingsofMenfromsurpassingtheValar.‘ButgreatKingstakewhatistheirright,’hesaid.
AtlengthAr-Pharazônlistenedtothiscounsel,forhefeltthewaningofhisdaysandwasbesottedbythefear
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ofDeath.Hepreparedthenthegreatestarmamentthattheworldhadseen,andwhenallwasreadyhesoundedhistrumpetsandsetsail;andhebroketheBanoftheValar,goingupwithwartowresteverlastinglifefromtheLordsoftheWest.ButwhenAr-PharazônsetfootupontheshoresofAmantheBlessed,theValarlaiddowntheirGuardianshipandcalledupon
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theOne,andtheworldwaschanged.NúmenorwasthrowndownandswallowedintheSea,andtheUndyingLandswereremovedforeverfromthecirclesoftheworld.SoendedthegloryofNúmenor.
ThelastleadersoftheFaithful,Elendilandhissons,escapedfromtheDownfallwithnineships,bearingaseedlingofNimloth,andthe
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SevenSeeing-stones(giftsoftheEldartotheirHouse);1andtheywereborneonthewindofagreatstormandcastupontheshoresofMiddle-earth.TheretheyestablishedintheNorth-westtheNúmenóreanrealmsinexile,ArnorandGondor.2ElendilwastheHighKinganddweltintheNorthatAnnúminas;andtheruleintheSouthwascommittedtohissons,Isildur
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andAnárion.TheyfoundedthereOsgiliath,betweenMinasIthilandMinasAnor,3notfarfromtheconfinesofMordor.Forthisgoodatleasttheybelievedhadcomeoutofruin,thatSauronalsohadperished.
Butitwasnotso.SauronwasindeedcaughtinthewreckofNúmenor,sothatthebodilyforminwhichhelonghadwalkedperished;but
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hefledbacktoMiddle-earth,aspiritofhatredborneuponadarkwind.Hewasunableeveragaintoassumeaformthatseemedfairtomen,butbecameblackandhideous,andhispowerthereafterwasthroughterroralone.Here-enteredMordor,andhidthereforatimeinsilence.ButhisangerwasgreatwhenhelearnedthatElendil,whomhemosthated,hadescapedhim,
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andwasnoworderingarealmuponhisborders.
Therefore,afteratimehemadewarupontheExiles,beforetheyshouldtakeroot.Orodruinburstoncemoreintoflame,andwasnamedanewinGondorAmonAmarth,MountDoom.ButSauronstrucktoosoon,beforehisownpowerwasrebuilt,whereasthepowerofGil-galadhadincreasedinhis
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absence;andintheLastAlliancethatwasmadeagainsthimSauronwasoverthrownandtheOneRingwastakenfromhim.1SoendedtheSecondAge.
(ii)THEREALMSINEXILE
TheNorthernLine
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HeirsofIsildurArnor.Elendil†S.A.3441,Isildur†2,Valandil249,2Eldacar339,Arantar435,Tarcil515,Tarondor602,Valandur†652,Elendur777,Eärendur861.
Arthedain.AmlaithofFornost3(eldestsonofEärendur)946,Beleg1029,
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Mallor1110,Celepharn1191,Celebrindor1272,Malvegil1349,4ArgelebI†1356,ArvelegI1409,Araphor1589,ArgelebII1670,Arvegil1743,ArvelegII1813,Araval1891,Araphant1964,ArveduiLast-king†1975.EndoftheNorth-kingdom.
Chieftains.Aranarth(elder
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sonofArvedui)2106,Arahael2177,Aranuir2247,Aravir2319,AragornI†2327,Araglas2455,ArahadI2523,Aragost2588,Aravorn2654,ArahadII2719,Arassuil2784,ArathornI†2848,Argonui2912,Arador†2930,ArathornII†2933,AragornIIF.A.120.
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TheSouthernLineHeirsofAnárion
KingsofGondor.Elendil,(Isildurand)Anárion†S.A.3440,MeneldilsonofAnárion158,Cemendur238,Eärendil324,Anardil411,Ostoher492,RómendacilI(Tarostar)†541,Turambar667,AtanatarI748,Siriondil830.Herefollowedthefour‘Ship-kings’:
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TarannonFalastur913.Hewasthefirstchildlessking,andwassucceededbythesonofhisbrotherTarciryan.EärnilI†936,Ciryandil†1015,HyarmendacilI(Ciryaher)1149.Gondornowreachedtheheightofitspower.
AtanatarIIAlcarin‘theGlorious’1226,NarmacilI1294.Hewas
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thesecondchildlesskingandwassucceededbyhisyoungerbrother.Calmacil1304,Minalcar(regent1240–1304),crownedasRómendacilII1304,died1366,Valacar1432.InhistimethefirstdisasterofGondorbegan,theKin-strife.
EldacarsonofValacar(atfirstcalledVinitharya)deposed1437.Castamir
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theUsurper†1447.Eldacarrestored,died1490.
Aldamir(secondsonofEldacar)†1540,HyarmendacilII(Vinyarion)1621,Minardil†1634,Telemnar†1636.Telemnarandallhischildrenperishedintheplague;hewassucceededbyhisnephew,thesonofMinastan,
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secondsonofMinardil.Tarondor1798,TelumehtarUmbardacil1850,NarmacilII†1856,Calimehtar1936,Ondoher†1944.Ondoherandhistwosonswereslaininbattle.Afterayearin1945thecrownwasgiventothevictoriousgeneralEärnil,adescendantofTelumehtarUmbardacil.
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EärnilII2043,Eärnur†2050.HerethelineoftheKingscametoanend,untilitwasrestoredbyElessarTelcontarin3019.TherealmwasthenruledbytheStewards.
StewardsofGondor.TheHouseofHúrin:Pelendur1998.HeruledforayearafterthefallofOndoher,andadvisedGondortorejectArvedui’sclaimto
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thecrown.VorondiltheHunter2029.1MardilVoronwë‘theSteadfast’,thefirstoftheRulingStewards.HissuccessorsceasedtouseHigh-elvennames.
RulingStewards.Mardil2080,Eradan2116,Herion2148,Belegorn2204,HúrinI2244,TúrinI2278,Hador2395,Barahir2412,Dior2435,
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DenethorI2477,Boromir2489,Cirion2567.InhistimetheRohirrimcametoCalenardhon.
Hallas2605,HúrinII2628,BelecthorI2655,Orodreth2685,EcthelionI2698,Egalmoth2743,Beren2763,Beregond2811,BelecthorII2872,Thorondir2882,TúrinII2914,Turgon2953,EcthelionII2984,
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DenethorII.HewasthelastoftheRulingStewards,andwasfollowedbyhissecondsonFaramir,LordofEmynArnen,StewardtoKingElessar,F.A.82.
(iii)ERIADOR,ARNOR,ANDTHEHEIRSOFISILDUR
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‘EriadorwasofoldthenameofallthelandsbetweentheMistyMountainsandtheBlue;intheSouthitwasboundedbytheGreyfloodandtheGlanduinthatflowsintoitaboveTharbad.
‘AtitsgreatestArnorincludedallEriador,excepttheregionsbeyondtheLune,andthelandseastofGreyfloodandLoud-water,inwhichlayRivendelland
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Hollin.BeyondtheLunewasElvishcountry,greenandquiet,wherenoMenwent;butDwarvesdwelt,andstilldwell,intheeastsideoftheBlueMountains,especiallyinthosepartssouthoftheGulfofLune,wheretheyhaveminesthatarestillinuse.ForthisreasontheywereaccustomedtopasseastalongtheGreatRoad,astheyhaddoneforlongyearsbeforewe
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cametotheShire.AttheGreyHavensdweltCírdantheShipwright,andsomesayhedwellstherestill,untiltheLastShipsetssailintotheWest.InthedaysoftheKingsmostoftheHighElvesthatstilllingeredinMiddle-earthdweltwithCírdanorintheseawardlandsofLindon.Ifanynowremaintheyarefew.’
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TheNorth-kingdomandtheDúnedain
AfterElendilandIsildurtherewereeightHighKingsofArnor.AfterEärendur,owingtodissensionsamonghissonstheirrealmwasdividedintothree:Arthedain,Rhudaur,andCardolan.ArthedainwasintheNorth-westandincludedthelandbetween
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BrandywineandLune,andalsothelandnorthoftheGreatRoadasfarastheWeatherHills.RhudaurwasintheNorth-eastandlaybetweentheEttenmoors,theWeatherHills,andtheMistyMountains,butincludedalsotheAnglebetweentheHoarwellandtheLoudwater.CardolanwasintheSouth,itsboundsbeingtheBrandywine,theGreyflood,
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andtheGreatRoad.InArthedainthelineof
Isildurwasmaintainedandendured,butthelinesoonperishedinCardolanandRhudaur.Therewasoftenstrifebetweenthekingdoms,whichhastenedthewaningoftheDúnedain.ThechiefmatterofdebatewasthepossessionoftheWeatherHillsandthelandwestwardtowardsBree.BothRhudaur
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andCardolandesiredtopossessAmonSûl(Weathertop),whichstoodonthebordersoftheirrealms;fortheTowerofAmonSûlheldthechiefPalantíroftheNorth,andtheothertwowerebothinthekeepingofArthedain.
‘ItwasinthebeginningofthereignofMalvegilof
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ArthedainthatevilcametoArnor.ForatthattimetherealmofAngmararoseintheNorthbeyondtheEttenmoors.ItslandslayonbothsidesoftheMountains,andthereweregatheredmanyevilmen,andOrcs,andotherfellcreatures.[ThelordofthatlandwasknownastheWitch-king,butitwasnotknownuntillaterthathewasindeedthechiefofthe
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Ringwraiths,whocamenorthwiththepurposeofdestroyingtheDúnedaininArnor,seeinghopeintheirdisunion,whileGondorwasstrong.]’
InthedaysofArgelebsonofMalvegil,sincenodescendantsofIsildurremainedintheotherkingdoms,thekingsofArthedainagainclaimedthelordshipofallArnor.The
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claimwasresistedbyRhudaur.TheretheDúnedainwerefew,andpowerhadbeenseizedbyanevillordoftheHillmen,whowasinsecretleaguewithAngmar.ArgelebthereforefortifiedtheWeatherHills;1buthewasslaininbattlewithRhudaurandAngmar.
ArvelegsonofArgeleb,withthehelpofCardolanandLindon,drovebackhis
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enemiesfromtheHills;andformanyyearsArthedainandCardolanheldinforceafrontieralongtheWeatherHills,theGreatRoad,andthelowerHoarwell.ItissaidthatatthistimeRivendellwasbesieged.
AgreathostcameoutofAngmarin1409,andcrossingtheriverenteredCardolanandsurroundedWeathertop.TheDúnedainweredefeated
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andArvelegwasslain.TheTowerofAmonSûlwasburnedandrazed;butthepalantírwassavedandcarriedbackinretreattoFornost.RhudaurwasoccupiedbyevilMensubjecttoAngmar,1andtheDúnedainthatremainedtherewereslainorfledwest.Cardolanwasravaged.AraphorsonofArvelegwasnotyetfull-grown,buthewas
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valiant,andwithaidfromCírdanherepelledtheenemyfromFornostandtheNorthDowns.AremnantofthefaithfulamongtheDúnedainofCardolanalsoheldoutinTyrnGorthad(theBarrow-downs),ortookrefugeintheForestbehind.
ItissaidthatAngmarwasforatimesubduedbytheElvenfolkcomingfromLindon;andfromRivendell,
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forElrondbroughthelpovertheMountainsoutofLórien.ItwasatthistimethattheStoorsthathaddweltintheAngle(betweenHoarwellandLoudwater)fledwestandsouth,becauseofthewars,andthedreadofAngmar,andbecausethelandandclimeofEriador,especiallyintheeast,worsenedandbecameunfriendly.SomereturnedtoWilderland,anddweltbeside
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theGladden,becomingariversidepeopleoffishers.
InthedaysofArgelebIItheplaguecameintoEriadorfromtheSouth-east,andmostofthepeopleofCardolanperished,especiallyinMinhiriath.TheHobbitsandallotherpeoplessufferedgreatly,buttheplaguelessenedasitpassed
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northwards,andthenorthernpartsofArthedainwerelittleaffected.ItwasatthistimethatanendcameoftheDúnedainofCardolan,andevilspiritsoutofAngmarandRhudaurenteredintothedesertedmoundsanddweltthere.
‘ItissaidthatthemoundsofTyrnGorthad,astheBarrow-downswerecalledofold,areveryancient,andthat
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manywerebuiltinthedaysoftheoldworldoftheFirstAgebytheforefathersoftheEdain,beforetheycrossedtheBlueMountainsintoBeleriand,ofwhichLindonisallthatnowremains.ThosehillswerethereforereveredbytheDúnedainaftertheirreturn;andtheremanyoftheirlordsandkingswereburied.[SomesaythatthemoundinwhichtheRing-
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bearerwasimprisonedhadbeenthegraveofthelastprinceofCardolan,whofellinthewarof1409.]’
‘In1974thepowerofAngmararoseagain,andtheWitch-kingcamedownuponArthedainbeforewinterwasended.HecapturedFornost,anddrovemostoftheremainingDúnedainoverthe
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Lune;amongthemwerethesonsoftheking.ButKingArveduiheldoutupontheNorthDownsuntilthelast,andthenflednorthwithsomeofhisguard;andtheyescapedbytheswiftnessoftheirhorses.
‘ForawhileArveduihidinthetunnelsoftheolddwarf-minesnearthefarendoftheMountains,buthewasdrivenatlastbyhungerto
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seekthehelpoftheLossoth,theSnowmenofForochel.1Someofthesehefoundincampbytheseashore;buttheydidnothelpthekingwillingly,forhehadnothingtoofferthem,saveafewjewelswhichtheydidnotvalue;andtheywereafraidoftheWitch-king,who(theysaid)couldmakefrostorthawathiswill.Butpartlyoutofpityforthegauntking
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andhismen,andpartlyoutoffearoftheirweapons,theygavethemalittlefoodandbuiltforthemsnow-huts.ThereArveduiwasforcedtowait,hopingforhelpfromthesouth;forhishorseshadperished.
‘WhenCírdanheardfromAranarthsonofArveduioftheking’sflighttothenorth,heatoncesentashiptoForocheltoseekforhim.The
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shipcamethereatlastaftermanydays,becauseofcontrarywinds,andthemarinerssawfromafarthelittlefireofdrift-woodwhichthelostmencontrivedtokeepalight.Butthewinterwaslonginloosingitsgripthatyear;andthoughitwasthenMarch,theicewasonlybeginningtobreak,andlayfaroutfromtheshore.
‘WhentheSnowmensaw
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theshiptheywereamazedandafraid,fortheyhadseennosuchshipontheseawithintheirmemories;buttheyhadbecomenowmorefriendly,andtheydrewthekingandthosethatsurvivedofhiscompanyoutovertheiceintheirslidingcarts,asfarastheydared.Inthiswayaboatfromtheshipwasabletoreachthem.
‘ButtheSnowmenwere
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uneasy:fortheysaidthattheysmelleddangerinthewind.AndthechiefoftheLossothsaidtoArvedui:“Donotmountonthissea-monster!Iftheyhavethem,lettheseamenbringusfoodandotherthingsthatweneed,andyoumaystayheretilltheWitch-kinggoeshome.Forinsummerhispowerwanes;butnowhisbreathisdeadly,andhiscoldarmislong.”
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‘ButArveduididnottakehiscounsel.Hethankedhim,andatpartinggavehimhisring,saying:“Thisisathingofworthbeyondyourreckoning.Foritsancientryalone.Ithasnopower,savetheesteeminwhichthoseholditwholovemyhouse.Itwillnothelpyou,butifeveryouareinneed,mykinwillransomitwithgreatstoreofallthatyoudesire.”1
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‘YetthecounseloftheLossothwasgood,bychanceorbyforesight;fortheshiphadnotreachedtheopenseawhenagreatstormofwindarose,andcamewithblindingsnowoutoftheNorth;anditdrovetheshipbackupontheiceandpilediceupagainstit.EventhemarinersofCírdanwerehelpless,andinthenighttheicecrushedthehull,andtheshipfoundered.So
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perishedArveduiLast-king,andwithhimthepalantíriwereburiedinthesea.2ItwaslongafterwardsthatnewsoftheshipwreckofForochelwaslearnedfromtheSnowmen.’
TheShire-folksurvived,thoughwarsweptoverthemandmostofthemfledintohiding.Tothehelpofthekingtheysentsomearcherswhoneverreturned;and
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otherswentalsotothebattleinwhichAngmarwasoverthrown(ofwhichmoreissaidintheannalsoftheSouth).AfterwardsinthepeacethatfollowedtheShire-folkruledthemselvesandprospered.TheychoseaThaintotaketheplaceoftheKing,andwerecontent;thoughforalongtimemanystilllookedforthereturnoftheKing.Butatlastthathope
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wasforgotten,andremainedonlyinthesayingWhentheKingcomesback,usedofsomegoodthatcouldnotbeachieved,orofsomeevilthatcouldnotbeamended.ThefirstShire-thainwasoneBuccaoftheMarish,fromwhomtheOldbucksclaimeddescent.HebecameThainin379ofourreckoning(1979).
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AfterArveduitheNorth-kingdomended,fortheDúnedainwerenowfewandallthepeoplesofEriadordiminished.YetthelineofthekingswascontinuedbytheChieftainsoftheDúnedain,ofwhomAranarthsonofArveduiwasthefirst.ArahaelhissonwasfosteredinRivendell,andsowereallthesonsofthechieftainsafterhim;andtherealsowerekept
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theheirloomsoftheirhouse:theringofBarahir,theshardsofNarsil,thestarofElendil,andthesceptreofAnnúminas.1
‘WhenthekingdomendedtheDúnedainpassedintotheshadowsandbecameasecretandwanderingpeople,andtheirdeedsandlabourswereseldomsungorrecorded.LittlenowisrememberedofthemsinceElronddeparted.
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AlthoughevenbeforetheWatchfulPeaceendedevilthingsagainbegantoattackEriadorortoinvadeitsecretly,theChieftainsforthemostpartlivedouttheirlonglives.AragornI,itissaid,wasslainbywolves,whicheverafterremainedaperilinEriador,andarenotyetended.InthedaysofArahadItheOrcs,whohad,aslaterappeared,longbeensecretly
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occupyingstrongholdsintheMistyMountains,soastobarallthepassesintoEriador,suddenlyrevealedthemselves.In2509CelebríanwifeofElrondwasjourneyingtoLórienwhenshewaswaylaidintheRedhornPass,andherescortbeingscatteredbythesuddenassaultoftheOrcs,shewasseizedandcarriedoff.Shewaspursuedandrescuedby
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ElladanandElrohir,butnotbeforeshehadsufferedtormentandhadreceivedapoisonedwound.1ShewasbroughtbacktoImladris,andthoughhealedinbodybyElrond,lostalldelightinMiddle-earth,andthenextyearwenttotheHavensandpassedoverSea.AndlaterinthedaysofArassuil,Orcs,multiplyingagainintheMistyMountains,beganto
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ravagethelands,andtheDúnedainandthesonsofElrondfoughtwiththem.ItwasatthistimethatalargebandcamesofarwestastoentertheShire,andweredrivenoffbyBandobrasTook.’2
TherewerefifteenChieftains,beforethesixteenthandlastwasborn,AragornII,whobecameagainKingofbothGondor
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andArnor.‘OurKing,wecallhim;andwhenhecomesnorthtohishouseinAnnúminasrestoredandstaysforawhilebyLakeEvendim,theneveryoneintheShireisglad.Buthedoesnotenterthislandandbindshimselfbythelawthathehasmade,thatnoneoftheBigPeopleshallpassitsborders.ButheridesoftenwithmanyfairpeopletotheGreatBridge,andthere
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hewelcomeshisfriends,andanyotherswhowishtoseehim;andsomerideawaywithhimandstayinhishouseaslongastheyhaveamind.ThainPeregrinhasbeentheremanytimes;andsohasMasterSamwisetheMayor.HisdaughterElanortheFairisoneofthemaidsofQueenEvenstar.’
ItwastheprideandwonderoftheNorthernLine
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that,thoughtheirpowerdepartedandtheirpeopledwindled,throughallthemanygenerationsthesuccessionwasunbrokenfromfathertoson.Also,thoughthelengthoflivesoftheDúnedaingreweverlessinMiddle-earth,aftertheendingoftheirkingsthewaningwasswifterinGondor;andmanyoftheChieftainsoftheNorthstill
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livedtotwicetheageofMen,andfarbeyondthedaysofeventheoldestamongstus.Aragornindeedlivedtobetwohundredandtenyearsold,longerthananyofhislinesinceKingArvegil;butinAragornElessarthedignityofthekingsofoldwasrenewed.
(iv)
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GONDORANDTHEHEIRSOFANÁRION
Therewerethirty-onekingsinGondorafterAnárionwhowasslainbeforetheBarad-dûr.Thoughwarneverceasedontheirborders,formorethanathousandyearstheDúnedainoftheSouthgrewinwealthandpowerbylandandsea,untilthereignof
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AtanatarII,whowascalledAlcarin,theGlorious.Yetthesignsofdecayhadthenalreadyappeared;forthehighmenoftheSouthmarriedlate,andtheirchildrenwerefew.ThefirstchildlesskingwasFalastur,andthesecondNarmacilI,thesonofAtanatarAlcarin.
ItwasOstohertheseventh
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kingwhorebuiltMinasAnor,whereafterwardsthekingsdweltinsummerratherthaninOsgiliath.InhistimeGondorwasfirstattackedbywildmenoutoftheEast.ButTarostar,hisson,defeatedthemanddrovethemout,andtookthenameofRómendacil‘East-victor’.Hewas,however,laterslaininbattlewithfreshhordesofEasterlings.Turambarhisson
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avengedhim,andwonmuchterritoryeastwards.
WithTarannon,thetwelfthking,beganthelineoftheShip-kings,whobuiltnaviesandextendedtheswayofGondoralongthecoastswestandsouthoftheMouthsofAnduin.TocommemoratehisvictoriesasCaptainoftheHosts,TarannontookthecrowninthenameofFalastur‘LordoftheCoasts’.
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EärnilI,hisnephew,whosucceededhim,repairedtheancienthavenofPelargir,andbuiltagreatnavy.HelaidsiegebyseaandlandtoUmbar,andtookit,anditbecameagreatharbourandfortressofthepowerofGondor.1ButEärnildidnotlongsurvivehistriumph.HewaslostwithmanyshipsandmeninagreatstormoffUmbar.Ciryandilhisson
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continuedthebuildingofships;buttheMenoftheHarad,ledbythelordsthathadbeendrivenfromUmbar,cameupwithgreatpoweragainstthatstronghold,andCiryandilfellinbattleinHaradwaith.
FormanyyearsUmbarwasinvested,butcouldnotbetakenbecauseofthesea-powerofGondor.CiryahersonofCiryandilbidedhis
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time,andatlastwhenhehadgatheredstrengthhecamedownfromthenorthbyseaandbyland,andcrossingtheRiverHarnenhisarmiesutterlydefeatedtheMenoftheHarad,andtheirkingswerecompelledtoacknowledgetheoverlordshipofGondor(1050).CiryaherthentookthenameofHyarmendacil‘South-victor’.
Themightof
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Hyarmendacilnoenemydaredtocontestduringtheremainderofhislongreign.Hewaskingforonehundredandthirty-fouryears,thelongestreignbutoneofalltheLineofAnárion.InhisdayGondorreachedthesummitofitspower.TherealmthenextendednorthtothefieldofCelebrantandthesoutherneavesofMirkwood;westtotheGreyflood;eastto
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theinlandSeaofRhûn;southtotheRiverHarnen,andthencealongthecoasttothepeninsulaandhavenofUmbar.TheMenoftheValesofAnduinacknowledgeditsauthority;andthekingsoftheHaraddidhomagetoGondor,andtheirsonslivedashostagesinthecourtofitsKing.Mordorwasdesolate,butwaswatchedoverbygreatfortressesthatguarded
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thepasses.Soendedthelineofthe
Ship-kings.AtanatarAlcarinsonofHyarmendacillivedingreatsplendour,sothatmensaidpreciousstonesarepebblesinGondorforchildrentoplaywith.ButAtanatarlovedeaseanddidnothingtomaintainthepowerthathehadinherited,andhistwosonswereofliketemper.ThewaningofGondorhad
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alreadybegunbeforehedied,andwasdoubtlessobservedbyitsenemies.ThewatchuponMordorwasneglected.NonethelessitwasnotuntilthedaysofValacarthatthefirstgreatevilcameuponGondor:thecivilwaroftheKin-strife,inwhichgreatlossandruinwascausedandneverfullyrepaired.
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Minalcar,sonofCalmacil,wasamanofgreatvigour,andin1240Narmacil,toridhimselfofallcares,madehimRegentoftherealm.FromthattimeonwardshegovernedGondorinthenameofthekingsuntilhesucceededhisfather.HischiefconcernwaswiththeNorthmen.
Thesehadincreasedgreatlyinthepeacebrought
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bythepowerofGondor.Thekingsshowedthemfavour,sincetheywerethenearestinkinoflesserMentotheDúnedain(beingforthemostpartdescendantsofthosepeoplesfromwhomtheEdainofoldhadcome);andtheygavethemwidelandsbeyondAnduinsouthofGreenwoodtheGreat,tobeadefenceagainstmenoftheEast.Forinthepasttheattacksofthe
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EasterlingshadcomemostlyovertheplainbetweentheInlandSeaandtheAshMountains.
InthedaysofNarmacilItheirattacksbeganagain,thoughatfirstwithlittleforce;butitwaslearnedbytheregentthattheNorthmendidnotalwaysremaintruetoGondor,andsomewouldjoinforceswiththeEasterlings,eitheroutofgreedforspoil,
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orinthefurtheranceoffeudsamongtheirprinces.Minalcarthereforein1248ledoutagreatforce,andbetweenRhovanionandtheInlandSeahedefeatedalargearmyoftheEasterlingsanddestroyedalltheircampsandsettlementseastoftheSea.HethentookthenameofRómendacil.
OnhisreturnRómendacilfortifiedthewestshoreof
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AnduinasfarastheinflowoftheLimlight,andforbadeanystrangertopassdowntheRiverbeyondtheEmynMuil.HeitwasthatbuiltthepillarsoftheArgonathattheentrancetoNenHithoel.Butsinceheneededmen,anddesiredtostrengthenthebondbetweenGondorandtheNorthmen,hetookmanyofthemintohisserviceandgavetosomehighrankinhis
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armies.Rómendacilshowed
especialfavourtoVidugavia,whohadaidedhiminthewar.HecalledhimselfKingofRhovanion,andwasindeedthemostpowerfuloftheNorthernprinces,thoughhisownrealmlaybetweenGreenwoodandtheRiverCelduin.1In1250RómendacilsenthissonValacarasanambassadorto
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dwellforawhilewithVidugaviaandmakehimselfacquaintedwiththelanguage,manners,andpoliciesoftheNorthmen.ButValacarfarexceededhisfather’sdesigns.HegrewtolovetheNorthernlandsandpeople,andhemarriedVidumavi,daughterofVidugavia.Itwassomeyearsbeforehereturned.FromthismarriagecamelaterthewaroftheKin-strife.
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‘ForthehighmenofGondoralreadylookedaskanceattheNorthmenamongthem;anditwasathingunheardofbeforethattheheirofthecrown,oranysonoftheKing,shouldwedoneoflesserandalienrace.TherewasalreadyrebellioninthesouthernprovinceswhenKingValacargrewold.Hisqueenhadbeenafairandnoblelady,butshort-lived
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accordingtothefateoflesserMen,andtheDúnedainfearedthatherdescendantswouldprovethesameandfallfromthemajestyoftheKingsofMen.Alsotheywereunwillingtoacceptaslordherson,whothoughhewasnowcalledEldacar,hadbeenborninanaliencountryandwasnamedinhisyouthVinitharya,anameofhismother’speople.
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‘ThereforewhenEldacarsucceededhisfathertherewaswarinGondor.ButEldacardidnotproveeasytothrustfromhisheritage.TothelineageofGondorheaddedthefearlessspiritoftheNorthmen.Hewashandsomeandvaliant,andshowednosignofageingmoreswiftlythanhisfather.Whentheconfederatesledbydescendantsofthekingsrose
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againsthim,heopposedthemtotheendofhisstrength.AtlasthewasbesiegedinOsgiliath,andhelditlong,untilhungerandthegreaterforcesoftherebelsdrovehimout,leavingthecityinflames.InthatsiegeandburningtheToweroftheDomeofOsgiliathwasdestroyed,andthepalantírwaslostinthewaters.
‘ButEldacareludedhis
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enemies,andcametotheNorth,tohiskinsfolkinRhovanion.Manygatheredtohimthere,bothoftheNorthmenintheserviceofGondor,andoftheDúnedainofthenorthernpartsoftherealm.Formanyofthelatterhadlearnedtoesteemhim,andmanymorecametohatehisusurper.ThiswasCastamir,grandsonofCalimehtar,youngerbrother
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ofRómendacilII.Hewasnotonlyoneofthosenearestbybloodtothecrown,buthehadthegreatestfollowingofalltherebels;forhewastheCaptainofShips,andwassupportedbythepeopleofthecoastsandofthegreathavensofPelargirandUmbar.
‘Castamirhadnotlongsatuponthethronebeforeheprovedhimselfhaughtyand
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ungenerous.Hewasacruelman,ashehadfirstshowninthetakingofOsgiliath.HecausedOrnendilsonofEldacar,whowascaptured,tobeputtodeath;andtheslaughteranddestructiondoneinthecityathisbiddingfarexceededtheneedsofwar.ThiswasrememberedinMinasAnorandinIthilien;andthereloveforCastamirwasfurtherlessenedwhenit
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becameseenthathecaredlittlefortheland,andthoughtonlyofthefleets,andpurposedtoremovetheking’sseattoPelargir.
‘Thushehadbeenkingonlytenyears,whenEldacar,seeinghistime,camewithagreatarmyoutofthenorth,andfolkflockedtohimfromCalenardhonandAnórienandIthilien.TherewasagreatbattleinLebenninatthe
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CrossingsofErui,inwhichmuchofthebestbloodinGondorwasshed.EldacarhimselfslewCastamirincombat,andsowasavengedforOrnendil;butCastamir’ssonsescaped,andwithothersoftheirkinandmanypeopleofthefleetstheyheldoutlongatPelargir.
‘Whentheyhadgatheredtherealltheforcethattheycould(forEldacarhadno
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shipstobesetthembysea)theysailedaway,andestablishedthemselvesatUmbar.Theretheymadearefugeforalltheenemiesoftheking,andalordshipindependentofhiscrown.UmbarremainedatwarwithGondorformanylivesofmen,athreattoitscoastlandsandtoalltrafficonthesea.Itwasneveragaincompletelysubdueduntilthedaysof
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Elessar;andtheregionofSouthGondorbecameadebatablelandbetweentheCorsairsandtheKings.’
‘ThelossofUmbarwasgrievoustoGondor,notonlybecausetherealmwasdiminishedinthesouthanditsholdupontheMenoftheHaradwasloosened,butbecauseitwastherethatAr-
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PharazôntheGolden,lastKingofNúmenor,hadlandedandhumbledthemightofSauron.Thoughgreatevilhadcomeafter,eventhefollowersofElendilrememberedwithpridethecomingofthegreathostofAr-PharazônoutofthedeepsoftheSea;andonthehighesthilloftheheadlandabovetheHaventheyhadsetagreatwhitepillarasamonument.It
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wascrownedwithaglobeofcrystalthattooktheraysoftheSunandoftheMoonandshonelikeabrightstarthatcouldbeseeninclearweatherevenonthecoastsofGondororfaroutuponthewesternsea.Soitstood,untilafterthesecondarisingofSauron,whichnowapproached,Umbarfellunderthedominationofhisservants,andthememorialofhis
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humiliationwasthrowndown.’
AfterthereturnofEldacarthebloodofthekinglyhouseandotherhousesoftheDúnedainbecamemoremingledwiththatoflesserMen.FormanyofthegreathadbeenslainintheKin-strife;whileEldacarshowedfavourtotheNorthmen,bywhosehelphe
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hadregainedthecrown,andthepeopleofGondorwerereplenishedbygreatnumbersthatcamefromRhovanion.
ThisminglingdidnotatfirsthastenthewaningoftheDúnedain,ashadbeenfeared;butthewaningstillproceeded,littlebylittle,asithadbefore.FornodoubtitwasdueabovealltoMiddle-earthitself,andtotheslowwithdrawingofthegiftsof
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theNúmenóreansafterthedownfalloftheLandoftheStar.Eldacarlivedtohistwohundredandthirty-fifthyear,andwaskingforfifty-eightyears,ofwhichtenwerespentinexile.
ThesecondandgreatestevilcameuponGondorinthereignofTelemnar,thetwenty-sixthking,whose
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fatherMinardil,sonofEldacar,wasslainatPelargirbytheCorsairsofUmbar.(TheywereledbyAngamaitëandSangahyando,thegreat-grandsonsofCastamir.)SoonafteradeadlyplaguecamewithdarkwindsoutoftheEast.TheKingandallhischildrendied,andgreatnumbersofthepeopleofGondor,especiallythosethatlivedinOsgiliath.Thenfor
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wearinessandfewnessofmenthewatchonthebordersofMordorceasedandthefortressesthatguardedthepasseswereunmanned.
LateritwasnotedthatthesethingshappenedevenastheShadowgrewdeepinGreenwood,andmanyevilthingsreappeared,signsofthearisingofSauron.ItistruethattheenemiesofGondoralsosuffered,orthey
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mighthaveoverwhelmeditinitsweakness;butSauroncouldwait,anditmaywellbethattheopeningofMordorwaswhathechieflydesired.
WhenKingTelemnardiedtheWhiteTreeofMinasAnoralsowitheredanddied.ButTarondor,hisnephew,whosucceededhim,replantedaseedlinginthecitadel.HeitwaswhoremovedtheKing’shouse
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permanentlytoMinasAnor,forOsgiliathwasnowpartlydeserted,andbegantofallintoruin.FewofthosewhohadfledfromtheplagueintoIthilienortothewesterndaleswerewillingtoreturn.
Tarondor,comingyoungtothethrone,hadthelongestreignofalltheKingsofGondor;buthecouldachievelittlemorethanthereorderingofhisrealmwithin,andthe
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slownursingofitsstrength.ButTelumehtarhisson,rememberingthedeathofMinardil,andbeingtroubledbytheinsolenceoftheCorsairs,whoraidedhiscoastsevenasfarastheAnfalas,gatheredhisforcesandin1810tookUmbarbystorm.InthatwarthelastdescendantsofCastamirperished,andUmbarwasagainheldforawhilebythe
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kings.TelumehtaraddedtohisnamethetitleUmbardacil.ButinthenewevilsthatsoonbefellGondorUmbarwasagainlost,andfellintothehandsoftheMenoftheHarad.
ThethirdevilwastheinvasionoftheWainriders,whichsappedthewaningstrengthofGondorinwars
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thatlastedforalmostahundredyears.TheWainriderswereapeople,oraconfederacyofmanypeoples,thatcamefromtheEast;buttheywerestrongerandbetterarmedthananythathadappearedbefore.Theyjourneyedingreatwains,andtheirchieftainsfoughtinchariots.Stirredup,aswasafterwardsseen,bytheemissariesofSauron,they
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madeasuddenassaultuponGondor,andKingNarmacilIIwasslaininbattlewiththembeyondAnduinin1856.ThepeopleofeasternandsouthernRhovanionwereenslaved;andthefrontiersofGondorwereforthattimewithdrawntotheAnduinandtheEmynMuil.[AtthistimeitisthoughtthattheRingwraithsre-enteredMordor.]
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Calimehtar,sonofNarmacilII,helpedbyarevoltinRhovanion,avengedhisfatherwithagreatvictoryovertheEasterlingsuponDagorladin1899,andforawhiletheperilwasaverted.ItwasinthereignofAraphantintheNorthandofOndohersonofCalimehtarintheSouththatthetwokingdomsagaintookcounseltogetherafterlongsilenceand
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estrangement.ForatlasttheyperceivedthatsomesinglepowerandwillwasdirectingtheassaultfrommanyquartersuponthesurvivorsofNúmenor.ItwasatthattimethatArveduiheirofAraphantweddedFírieldaughterofOndoher(1940).Butneitherkingdomwasabletosendhelptotheother;forAngmarreneweditsattackuponArthedainatthesametimeas
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theWainridersreappearedingreatforce.
ManyoftheWainridersnowpassedsouthofMordorandmadealliancewithmenofKhandandofNearHarad;andinthisgreatassaultfromnorthandsouth,Gondorcameneartodestruction.In1944KingOndoherandbothhissons,ArtamirandFaramir,fellinbattlenorthoftheMorannon,andtheenemy
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pouredintoIthilien.ButEärnil,CaptainoftheSouthernArmy,wonagreatvictoryinSouthIthilienanddestroyedthearmyofHaradthathadcrossedtheRiverPoros.Hasteningnorth,hegatheredtohimallthathecouldoftheretreatingNorthernArmyandcameupagainstthemaincampoftheWainriders,whiletheywerefeastingandrevelling,
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believingthatGondorwasoverthrownandthatnothingremainedbuttotakethespoil.Eärnilstormedthecampandsetfiretothewains,anddrovetheenemyinagreatroutoutofIthilien.AgreatpartofthosewhofledbeforehimperishedintheDeadMarshes.
‘OnthedeathofOndoherand
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hissons,ArveduioftheNorth-kingdomclaimedthecrownofGondor,asthedirectdescendantofIsildur,andasthehusbandofFíriel,onlysurvivingchildofOndoher.Theclaimwasrejected.InthisPelendur,theStewardofKingOndoher,playedthechiefpart.
‘TheCouncilofGondoranswered:“ThecrownandroyaltyofGondorbelongs
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solelytotheheirsofMeneldil,sonofAnárion,towhomIsildurrelinquishedthisrealm.InGondorthisheritageisreckonedthroughthesonsonly;andwehavenotheardthatthelawisotherwiseinArnor.”
‘TothisArveduireplied:“Elendilhadtwosons,ofwhomIsildurwastheelderandtheheirofhisfather.Wehaveheardthatthenameof
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ElendilstandstothisdayattheheadofthelineoftheKingsofGondor,sincehewasaccountedthehighkingofalllandsoftheDúnedain.WhileElendilstilllived,theconjointruleintheSouthwascommittedtohissons;butwhenElendilfell,Isildurdepartedtotakeupthehighkingshipofhisfather,andcommittedtheruleintheSouthinlikemannertothe
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sonofhisbrother.HedidnotrelinquishhisroyaltyinGondor,norintendthattherealmofElendilshouldbedividedforever.
‘“Moreover,inNúmenorofoldthesceptredescendedtotheeldestchildoftheking,whethermanorwoman.Itistruethatthelawhasnotbeenobservedinthelandsofexileevertroubledbywar;butsuchwasthelawofour
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people,towhichwenowrefer,seeingthatthesonsofOndoherdiedchildless.”1
‘TothisGondormadenoanswer.ThecrownwasclaimedbyEärnil,thevictoriouscaptain;anditwasgrantedtohimwiththeapprovalofalltheDúnedaininGondor,sincehewasoftheroyalhouse.HewasthesonofSiriondil,sonofCalimmacil,sonofArciryas
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brotherofNarmacilII.Arveduididnotpresshisclaim;forhehadneitherthepowernorthewilltoopposethechoiceoftheDúnedainofGondor;yettheclaimwasneverforgottenbyhisdescendantsevenwhentheirkingshiphadpassedaway.ForthetimewasnowdrawingnearwhentheNorth-kingdomwouldcometoanend.
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‘Arveduiwasindeedthelastking,ashisnamesignifies.ItissaidthatthisnamewasgiventohimathisbirthbyMalbeththeSeer,whosaidtohisfather:“Arveduiyoushallcallhim,forhewillbethelastinArthedain.ThoughachoicewillcometotheDúnedain,andiftheytaketheonethatseemslesshopeful,thenyoursonwillchangehisnameand
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becomekingofagreatrealm.Ifnot,thenmuchsorrowandmanylivesofmenshallpass,untiltheDúnedainariseandareunitedagain.”
‘InGondoralsoonekingonlyfollowedEärnil.Itmaybethatifthecrownandthesceptrehadbeenunited,thenthekingshipwouldhavebeenmaintainedandmuchevilaverted.ButEärnilwasawiseman,andnotarrogant,
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evenif,astomostmeninGondor,therealminArthedainseemedasmallthing,forallthelineageofitslords.
‘HesentmessagestoArveduiannouncingthathereceivedthecrownofGondor,accordingtothelawsandtheneedsoftheSouth-kingdom,“butIdonotforgettheroyaltyofArnor,nordenyourkinship,norwishthatthe
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realmsofElendilshouldbeestranged.Iwillsendtoyouraidwhenyouhaveneed,sofarasIamable.”
‘Itwas,however,longbeforeEärnilfelthimselfsufficientlysecuretodoashepromised.KingAraphantcontinuedwithdwindlingstrengthtoholdofftheassaultsofAngmar,andArveduiwhenhesucceededdidlikewise;butatlastinthe
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autumnof1973messagescametoGondorthatArthedainwasingreatstraits,andthattheWitch-kingwaspreparingalaststrokeagainstit.ThenEärnilsenthissonEärnurnorthwithafleet,asswiftlyashecould,andwithasgreatstrengthashecouldspare.Toolate.BeforeEärnurreachedthehavensofLindon,theWitch-kinghadconqueredArthedainand
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Arveduihadperished.‘ButwhenEärnurcameto
theGreyHavenstherewasjoyandgreatwonderamongbothElvesandMen.Sogreatindraughtandsomanywerehisshipsthattheycouldscarcelyfindharbourage,thoughboththeHarlondandtheForlondalsowerefilled;andfromthemdescendedanarmyofpower,withmunitionandprovisionforawarof
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greatkings.OrsoitseemedtothepeopleoftheNorth,thoughthiswasbutasmallsending-forceofthewholemightofGondor.Mostofall,thehorseswerepraised,formanyofthemcamefromtheValesofAnduinandwiththemwereriderstallandfair,andproudprincesofRhovanion.
‘ThenCírdansummonedallwhowouldcometohim,
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fromLindonorArnor,andwhenallwasreadythehostcrossedtheLuneandmarchednorthtochallengetheWitch-kingofAngmar.Hewasnowdwelling,itissaid,inFornost,whichhehadfilledwithevilfolk,usurpingthehouseandruleofthekings.Inhispridehedidnotawaittheonsetofhisenemiesinhisstronghold,butwentouttomeetthem,thinkingto
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sweepthem,asothersbefore,intotheLune.
‘ButtheHostoftheWestcamedownonhimoutoftheHillsofEvendim,andtherewasagreatbattleontheplainbetweenNenuialandtheNorthDowns.TheforcesofAngmarwerealreadygivingwayandretreatingtowardsFornostwhenthemainbodyofthehorsementhathadpassedroundthehillscame
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downfromthenorthandscatteredtheminagreatrout.ThentheWitch-king,withallthathecouldgatherfromthewreck,flednorthwards,seekinghisownlandofAngmar.BeforehecouldgaintheshelterofCarnDûmthecavalryofGondorovertookhimwithEärnurridingattheirhead.AtthesametimeaforceunderGlorfindeltheElf-lordcame
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upoutofRivendell.ThensoutterlywasAngmardefeatedthatnotamannoranorcofthatrealmremainedwestoftheMountains.
‘ButitissaidthatwhenallwaslostsuddenlytheWitch-kinghimselfappeared,black-robedandblack-maskeduponablackhorse.Fearfelluponallwhobeheldhim;buthesingledouttheCaptainofGondorforthe
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fullnessofhishatred,andwithaterriblecryherodestraightuponhim.Eärnurwouldhavewithstoodhim;buthishorsecouldnotendurethatonset,anditswervedandborehimfarawaybeforehecouldmasterit.
‘ThentheWitch-kinglaughed,andnonethathearditeverforgotthehorrorofthatcry.ButGlorfindelrodeupthenonhiswhitehorse,
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andinthemidstofhislaughtertheWitch-kingturnedtoflightandpassedintotheshadows.Fornightcamedownonthebattlefield,andhewaslost,andnonesawwhitherhewent.
‘Eärnurnowrodeback,butGlorfindel,lookingintothegatheringdark,said:“Donotpursuehim!Hewillnotreturntothisland.Faroffyetishisdoom,andnotbythe
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handofmanwillhefall.”Thesewordsmanyremembered;butEärnurwasangry,desiringonlytobeavengedforhisdisgrace.
‘SoendedtheevilrealmofAngmar;andsodidEärnur,CaptainofGondor,earnthechiefhatredoftheWitch-king;butmanyyearswerestilltopassbeforethatwasrevealed.’
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ItwasthusinthereignofKingEärnil,aslaterbecameclear,thattheWitch-kingescapingfromtheNorthcametoMordor,andtheregatheredtheotherRingwraiths,ofwhomhewasthechief.Butitwasnotuntil2000thattheyissuedfromMordorbythePassofCirithUngolandlaidsiegetoMinasIthil.Thistheytookin2002,andcapturedthepalantírof
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thetower.TheywerenotexpelledwhiletheThirdAgelasted;andMinasIthilbecameaplaceoffear,andwasrenamedMinasMorgul.ManyofthepeoplethatstillremainedinIthiliendesertedit.
‘Eärnurwasamanlikehisfatherinvalour,butnotinwisdom.Hewasamanof
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strongbodyandhotmood;buthewouldtakenowife,forhisonlypleasurewasinfighting,orintheexerciseofarms.HisprowesswassuchthatnoneinGondorcouldstandagainsthiminthoseweapon-sportsinwhichhedelighted,seemingratherachampionthanacaptainorking,andretaininghisvigourandskilltoalateragethanwasthenusual.’
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WhenEärnurreceivedthecrownin2043theKingofMinasMorgulchallengedhimtosinglecombat,tauntinghimthathehadnotdaredtostandbeforehiminbattleintheNorth.ForthattimeMardiltheStewardrestrainedthewrathoftheking.MinasAnor,whichhadbecomethechiefcityoftherealmsincethedaysofKingTelemnar,andtheresidence
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ofthekings,wasnowrenamedMinasTirith,asthecityeveronguardagainsttheevilofMorgul.
EärnurhadheldthecrownonlysevenyearswhentheLordofMorgulrepeatedhischallenge,tauntingthekingthattothefaintheartofhisyouthhehadnowaddedtheweaknessofage.ThenMardilcouldnolongerrestrainhim,andherodewithasmall
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escortofknightstothegateofMinasMorgul.Noneofthatridingwereeverheardofagain.ItwasbelievedinGondorthatthefaithlessenemyhadtrappedtheking,andthathehaddiedintormentinMinasMorgul;butsincetherewerenowitnessesofhisdeath,MardiltheGoodStewardruledGondorinhisnameformanyyears.
Nowthedescendantsof
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thekingshadbecomefew.TheirnumbershadbeengreatlydiminishedintheKin-strife;whereassincethattimethekingshadbecomejealousandwatchfulofthosenearakin.OftenthoseonwhomsuspicionfellhadfledtoUmbarandtherejoinedtherebels;whileothershadrenouncedtheirlineageandtakenwivesnotofNúmenóreanblood.
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Soitwasthatnoclaimanttothecrowncouldbefoundwhowasofpureblood,orwhoseclaimallwouldallow;andallfearedthememoryoftheKin-strife,knowingthatifanysuchdissensionaroseagain,thenGondorwouldperish.Therefore,thoughtheyearslengthened,theStewardcontinuedtoruleGondor,andthecrownofElendillayinthelapofKingEärnilinthe
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HousesoftheDead,whereEärnurhadleftit.
TheStewards
TheHouseoftheStewardswascalledtheHouseofHúrin,fortheyweredescendantsoftheStewardofKingMinardil(1621–34),HúrinofEmynArnen,aman
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ofhighNúmenóreanrace.Afterhisdaythekingshadalwayschosentheirstewardsfromamonghisdescendants;andafterthedaysofPelendurtheStewardshipbecamehereditaryasakingship,fromfathertosonornearestkin.
EachnewStewardindeedtookofficewiththeoath‘toholdrodandruleinthenameoftheking,untilheshallreturn’.Butthesesoon
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becamewordsofrituallittleheeded,fortheStewardsexercisedallthepowerofthekings.YetmanyinGondorstillbelievedthatakingwouldindeedreturninsometimetocome;andsomerememberedtheancientlineoftheNorth,whichitwasrumouredstilllivedonintheshadows.ButagainstsuchthoughtstheRulingStewardshardenedtheirhearts.
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NonethelesstheStewardsneversatontheancientthrone;andtheyworenocrown,andheldnosceptre.Theyboreawhiterodonlyasthetokenoftheiroffice;andtheirbannerwaswhitewithoutcharge;buttheroyalbannerhadbeensable,uponwhichwasdisplayedawhitetreeinblossombeneathsevenstars.
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AfterMardilVoronwë,whowasreckonedthefirstoftheline,therefollowedtwenty-fourRulingStewardsofGondor,untilthetimeofDenethorII,thetwenty-sixthandlast.Atfirsttheyhadquiet,forthosewerethedaysoftheWatchfulPeace,duringwhichSauronwithdrewbeforethepoweroftheWhiteCouncilandtheRingwraithsremainedhiddeninMorgul
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Vale.ButfromthetimeofDenethorI,therewasneverfullpeaceagain,andevenwhenGondorhadnogreatoropenwaritsborderswereunderconstantthreat.
InthelastyearsofDenethorItheraceofuruks,blackorcsofgreatstrength,firstappearedoutofMordor,andin2475theysweptacrossIthilienandtookOsgiliath.BoromirsonofDenethor
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(afterwhomBoromiroftheNineWalkerswaslaternamed)defeatedthemandregainedIthilien;butOsgiliathwasfinallyruined,anditsgreatstone-bridgewasbroken.Nopeopledweltthereafterwards.Boromirwasagreatcaptain,andeventheWitch-kingfearedhim.Hewasnobleandfairofface,amanstronginbodyandinwill,buthereceiveda
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Morgul-woundinthatwarwhichshortenedhisdays,andhebecameshrunkenwithpainanddiedtwelveyearsafterhisfather.
AfterhimbeganthelongruleofCirion.Hewaswatchfulandwary,butthereachofGondorhadgrownshort,andhecoulddolittlemorethandefendhisborders,whilehisenemies(orthepowerthatmovedthem)
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preparedstrokesagainsthimthathecouldnothinder.TheCorsairsharriedhiscoasts,butitwasinthenorththathischiefperillay.InthewidelandsofRhovanion,betweenMirkwoodandtheRiverRunning,afiercepeoplenowdwelt,whollyundertheshadowofDolGuldur.Oftentheymaderaidsthroughtheforest,untilthevaleofAnduinsouthoftheGladden
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waslargelydeserted.TheseBalchothwereconstantlyincreasedbyothersoflikekindthatcameinfromtheeast,whereasthepeopleofCalenardhonhaddwindled.CirionwashardputtoittoholdthelineoftheAnduin.
‘Foreseeingthestorm,Cirionsentnorthforaid,butover-late;forinthatyear(2510)theBalchoth,havingbuiltmanygreatboatsand
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raftsontheeastshoresofAnduin,swarmedovertheRiverandsweptawaythedefenders.AnarmymarchingupfromthesouthwascutoffanddrivennorthovertheLimlight,andthereitwassuddenlyattackedbyahordeofOrcsfromtheMountainsandpressedtowardstheAnduin.ThenoutoftheNorththerecamehelpbeyondhope,andthehorns
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oftheRohirrimwerefirstheardinGondor.EorltheYoungcamewithhisridersandsweptawaytheenemy,andpursuedtheBalchothtothedeathoverthefieldsofCalenardhon.CiriongrantedtoEorlthatlandtodwellin,andhesworetoCiriontheOathofEorl,offriendshipatneedoratcalltotheLordsofGondor.’
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InthedaysofBeren,thenineteenthSteward,anevengreaterperilcameuponGondor.Threegreatfleets,longprepared,cameupfromUmbarandtheHarad,andassailedthecoastsofGondoringreatforce;andtheenemymademanylandings,evenasfarnorthasthemouthoftheIsen.AtthesametimetheRohirrimwereassailedfromthewestandtheeast,and
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theirlandwasoverrun,andtheyweredrivenintothedalesoftheWhiteMountains.Inthatyear(2758)theLongWinterbeganwithcoldandgreatsnowsoutoftheNorthandtheEastwhichlastedforalmostfivemonths.HelmofRohanandbothhissonsperishedinthatwar;andtherewasmiseryanddeathinEriadorandinRohan.ButinGondorsouthofthe
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mountainsthingswerelessevil,andbeforespringcameBeregondsonofBerenhadovercometheinvaders.AtoncehesentaidtoRohan.HewasthegreatestcaptainthathadariseninGondorsinceBoromir;andwhenhesucceededhisfather(2763)Gondorbegantorecoveritsstrength.ButRohanwasslowertobehealedofthehurtsthatithadreceived.It
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wasforthisreasonthatBerenwelcomedSaruman,andgavetohimthekeysofOrthanc;andfromthatyearon(2759)SarumandweltinIsengard.
ItwasinthedaysofBeregondthattheWaroftheDwarvesandOrcswasfoughtintheMistyMountains(2793–9),ofwhichonlyrumourcamesouth,untilthe
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OrcsfleeingfromNanduhirionattemptedtocrossRohanandestablishthemselvesintheWhiteMountains.Therewasfightingformanyyearsinthedalesbeforethatdangerwasended.
WhenBelecthorII,thetwenty-firstSteward,died,theWhiteTreediedalsoinMinasTirith;butitwasleftstanding‘untiltheKing
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returns’,fornoseedlingcouldbefound.
InthedaysofTúrinIItheenemiesofGondorbegantomoveagain;forSauronwasgrownagaintopowerandthedayofhisarisingwasdrawingnear.AllbutthehardiestofitspeopledesertedIthilienandremovedwestoverAnduin,forthelandwasinfestedbyMordor-orcs.ItwasTúrinthatbuiltsecret
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refugesforhissoldiersinIthilien,ofwhichHennethAnnûnwasthelongestguardedandmanned.HealsofortifiedagaintheisleofCairAndros1todefendAnórien.Buthischiefperillayinthesouth,wheretheHaradrimhadoccupiedSouthGondor,andtherewasmuchfightingalongthePoros.WhenIthilienwasinvadedingreatstrength,KingFolcwineof
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RohanfulfilledtheOathofEorlandrepaidhisdebtfortheaidbroughtbyBeregond,sendingmanymentoGondor.WiththeiraidTúrinwonavictoryatthecrossingofthePoros;butthesonsofFolcwinebothfellinthebattle.TheRidersburiedthemafterthefashionoftheirpeople,andtheywerelaidinonemound,fortheyweretwinbrothers.Longitstood,
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HaudhinGwanûr,highupontheshoreoftheriver,andtheenemiesofGondorfearedtopassit.
TurgonfollowedTúrin,butofhistimeitischieflyrememberedthattwoyearserehisdeath,Sauronaroseagain,anddeclaredhimselfopenly;andhere-enteredMordorlongpreparedforhim.ThentheBarad-dûrwasraisedoncemore,andMount
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Doomburstintoflame,andthelastofthefolkofIthilienfledfaraway.WhenTurgondiedSarumantookIsengardforhisown,andfortifiedit.
‘EcthelionII,sonofTurgon,wasamanofwisdom.WithwhatpowerwaslefttohimhebegantostrengthenhisrealmagainsttheassaultofMordor.Heencouragedall
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menofworthfromnearorfartoenterhisservice,andtothosewhoprovedtrustworthyhegaverankandreward.Inmuchthathedidhehadtheaidandadviceofagreatcaptainwhomhelovedaboveall.ThorongilmencalledhiminGondor,theEagleoftheStar,forhewasswiftandkeen-eyed,andworeasilverstaruponhiscloak;butnooneknewhistruenamenor
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inwhatlandhewasborn.HecametoEcthelionfromRohan,wherehehadservedtheKingThengel,buthewasnotoneoftheRohirrim.Hewasagreatleaderofmen,bylandorbysea,buthedepartedintotheshadowswhencehecame,beforethedaysofEcthelionwereended.
‘ThorongiloftencounselledEcthelionthatthestrengthoftherebelsin
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UmbarwasagreatperiltoGondor,andathreattothefiefsofthesouththatwouldprovedeadly,ifSauronmovedtoopenwar.AtlasthegotleaveoftheStewardandgatheredasmallfleet,andhecametoUmbarunlookedforbynight,andthereburnedagreatpartoftheshipsoftheCorsairs.HehimselfoverthrewtheCaptainoftheHaveninbattleuponthe
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quays,andthenhewithdrewhisfleetwithsmallloss.ButwhentheycamebacktoPelargir,tomen’sgriefandwonder,hewouldnotreturntoMinasTirith,wheregreathonourawaitedhim.
‘HesentamessageoffarewelltoEcthelion,saying:“Othertasksnowcallme,lord,andmuchtimeandmanyperilsmustpass,ereIcomeagaintoGondor,ifthat
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bemyfate.”Thoughnonecouldguesswhatthosetasksmightbe,norwhatsummonshehadreceived,itwasknownwhitherhewent.ForhetookboatandcrossedoverAnduin,andtherehesaidfarewelltohiscompanionsandwentonalone;andwhenhewaslastseenhisfacewastowardstheMountainsofShadow.
‘Therewasdismayinthe
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CityatthedepartureofThorongil,andtoallmenitseemedagreatloss,unlessitweretoDenethor,thesonofEcthelion,amannowripefortheStewardship,towhichafterfouryearshesucceededonthedeathofhisfather.
‘DenethorIIwasaproudman,tall,valiant,andmorekinglythananymanthathadappearedinGondorformanylivesofmen;andhewaswise
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also,andfar-sighted,andlearnedinlore.IndeedhewasasliketoThorongilastooneofnearestkin,andyetwaseverplacedsecondtothestrangerintheheartsofmenandtheesteemofhisfather.AtthetimemanythoughtthatThorongilhaddepartedbeforehisrivalbecamehismaster;thoughindeedThorongilhadneverhimselfviedwithDenethor,norheld
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himselfhigherthantheservantofhisfather.AndinonematteronlyweretheircounselstotheStewardatvariance:ThorongiloftenwarnedEcthelionnottoputtrustinSarumantheWhiteinIsengard,buttowelcomeratherGandalftheGrey.ButtherewaslittlelovebetweenDenethorandGandalf;andafterthedaysofEctheliontherewaslesswelcomefor
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theGreyPilgriminMinasTirith.Thereforelater,whenallwasmadeclear,manybelievedthatDenethor,whowassubtleinmindandlookedfurtheranddeeperthanothermenofhisday,haddiscoveredwhothisstrangerThorongilintruthwas,andsuspectedthatheandMithrandirdesignedtosupplanthim.
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‘WhenDenethorbecameSteward(2984)heprovedamasterfullord,holdingtheruleofallthingsinhisownhand.Hesaidlittle.Helistenedtocounsel,andthenfollowedhisownmind.Hehadmarriedlate(2976),takingaswifeFinduilas,daughterofAdrahilofDolAmroth.Shewasaladyofgreatbeautyandgentleheart,butbeforetwelveyearshad
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passedshedied.Denethorlovedher,inhisfashion,moredearlythananyother,unlessitweretheelderofthesonsthatsheborehim.Butitseemedtomenthatshewitheredintheguardedcity,asafloweroftheseawardvalessetuponabarrenrock.Theshadowintheeastfilledherwithhorror,andsheturnedhereyeseversouthtotheseathatshemissed.
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‘AfterherdeathDenethorbecamemoregrimandsilentthanbefore,andwouldsitlongaloneinhistowerdeepinthought,foreseeingthattheassaultofMordorwouldcomeinhistime.Itwasafterwardsbelievedthatneedingknowledge,butbeingproud,andtrustinginhisownstrengthofwill,hedaredtolookinthepalantíroftheWhiteTower.Noneofthe
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Stewardshaddaredtodothis,noreventhekingsEärnilandEärnur,afterthefallofMinasIthilwhenthepalantírofIsildurcameintothehandsoftheEnemy;fortheStoneofMinasTirithwasthepalantírofAnárion,mostcloseinaccordwiththeonethatSauronpossessed.
‘InthiswayDenethorgainedhisgreatknowledgeofthingsthatpassedinhis
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realm,andfarbeyondhisborders,atwhichmenmarvelled;butheboughttheknowledgedearly,beingagedbeforehistimebyhiscontestwiththewillofSauron.ThusprideincreasedinDenethortogetherwithdespair,untilhesawinallthedeedsofthattimeonlyasinglecombatbetweentheLordoftheWhiteTowerandtheLordoftheBarad-dûr,andmistrusted
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allotherswhoresistedSauron,unlesstheyservedhimselfalone.
‘SotimedrewontotheWaroftheRing,andthesonsofDenethorgrewtomanhood.Boromir,fiveyearstheelder,belovedbyhisfather,waslikehiminfaceandpride,butinlittleelse.RatherhewasamanafterthesortofKingEärnurofold,takingnowifeanddelighting
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chieflyinarms;fearlessandstrong,butcaringlittleforlore,savethetalesofoldbattles.Faramirtheyoungerwaslikehiminlooksbutotherwiseinmind.Hereadtheheartsofmenasshrewdlyashisfather,butwhathereadmovedhimsoonertopitythantoscorn.Hewasgentleinbearing,andaloverofloreandofmusic,andthereforebymanyinthosedayshis
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couragewasjudgedlessthanhisbrother’s.Butitwasnotso,exceptthathedidnotseekgloryindangerwithoutapurpose.HewelcomedGandalfatsuchtimesashecametotheCity,andhelearnedwhathecouldfromhiswisdom;andinthisasinmanyothermattershedispleasedhisfather.
‘Yetbetweenthebrotherstherewasgreatlove,andhad
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beensincechildhood,whenBoromirwasthehelperandprotectorofFaramir.Nojealousyorrivalryhadarisenbetweenthemsince,fortheirfather’sfavourorforthepraiseofmen.ItdidnotseempossibletoFaramirthatanyoneinGondorcouldrivalBoromir,heirofDenethor,CaptainoftheWhiteTower;andoflikemindwasBoromir.Yetitproved
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otherwiseatthetest.ButofallthatbefellthesethreeintheWaroftheRingmuchissaidelsewhere.AndaftertheWarthedaysoftheRulingStewardscametoanend;fortheheirofIsildurandAnárionreturnedandthekingshipwasrenewed,andthestandardoftheWhiteTreeflewoncemorefromtheTowerofEcthelion.’
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(v)HEREFOLLOWSAPART
OFTHETALEOFARAGORNANDARWEN
‘AradorwasthegrandfatheroftheKing.HissonArathornsoughtinmarriageGilraentheFair,daughterofDírhael,whowashimselfa
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descendantofAranarth.TothismarriageDírhaelwasopposed;forGilraenwasyoungandhadnotreachedtheageatwhichthewomenoftheDúnedainwereaccustomedtomarry.
‘“Moreover,”hesaid,“Arathornisasternmanoffullage,andwillbechieftainsoonerthanmenlookedfor;yetmyheartforebodesthathewillbeshort-lived.”
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‘ButIvorwen,hiswife,whowasalsoforesighted,answered:
“Themoreneedofhaste!Thedaysaredarkeningbeforethestorm,andgreatthingsaretocome.Ifthesetwowednow,hopemaybebornforourpeople;butiftheydelay,itwillnotcomewhilethisagelasts.”
‘AndithappenedthatwhenArathornandGilraen
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hadbeenmarriedonlyoneyear,Aradorwastakenbyhill-trollsintheColdfellsnorthofRivendellandwasslain;andArathornbecameChieftainoftheDúnedain.ThenextyearGilraenborehimason,andhewascalledAragorn.ButAragornwasonlytwoyearsoldwhenArathornwentridingagainsttheOrcswiththesonsofElrond,andhewasslainby
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anorc-arrowthatpiercedhiseye;andsoheprovedindeedshort-livedforoneofhisrace,beingbutsixtyyearsoldwhenhefell.
‘ThenAragorn,beingnowtheHeirofIsildur,wastakenwithhismothertodwellinthehouseofElrond;andElrondtooktheplaceofhisfatherandcametolovehimasasonofhisown.ButhewascalledEstel,thatis
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“Hope”,andhistruenameandlineagewerekeptsecretatthebiddingofElrond;fortheWisethenknewthattheEnemywasseekingtodiscovertheHeirofIsildur,ifanyremaineduponearth.
‘ButwhenEstelwasonlytwentyyearsofage,itchancedthathereturnedtoRivendellaftergreatdeedsinthecompanyofthesonsofElrond;andElrondlookedat
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himandwaspleased,forhesawthathewasfairandnobleandwasearlycometomanhood,thoughhewouldyetbecomegreaterinbodyandinmind.ThatdaythereforeElrondcalledhimbyhistruename,andtoldhimwhohewasandwhoseson;andhedeliveredtohimtheheirloomsofhishouse.
‘“HereistheringofBarahir,”hesaid,“thetoken
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ofourkinshipfromafar;andherealsoaretheshardsofNarsil.Withtheseyoumayyetdogreatdeeds;forIforetellthatthespanofyourlifeshallbegreaterthanthemeasureofMen,unlessevilbefallsyouoryoufailatthetest.Butthetestwillbehardandlong.TheSceptreofAnnúminasIwithhold,foryouhaveyettoearnit.”
‘Thenextdayatthehour
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ofsunsetAragornwalkedaloneinthewoods,andhisheartwashighwithinhim;andhesang,forhewasfullofhopeandtheworldwasfair.Andsuddenlyevenashesanghesawamaidenwalkingonagreenswardamongthewhitestemsofthebirches;andhehaltedamazed,thinkingthathehadstrayedintoadream,orelsethathehadreceivedthegift
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oftheElf-minstrels,whocanmakethethingsofwhichtheysingappearbeforetheeyesofthosethatlisten.
‘ForAragornhadbeensingingapartoftheLayofLúthienwhichtellsofthemeetingofLúthienandBerenintheforestofNeldoreth.Andbehold!thereLúthienwalkedbeforehiseyesinRivendell,cladinamantleofsilverandblue,fairasthe
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twilightinElven-home;herdarkhairstrayedinasuddenwind,andherbrowswereboundwithgemslikestars.
‘ForamomentAragorngazedinsilence,butfearingthatshewouldpassawayandneverbeseenagain,hecalledtohercrying,Tinúviel,Tinúviel!evenasBerenhaddoneintheElderDayslongago.
‘Thenthemaidenturned
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tohimandsmiled,andshesaid:“Whoareyou?Andwhydoyoucallmebythatname?”
‘Andheanswered:“BecauseIbelievedyoutobeindeedLúthienTinúviel,ofwhomIwassinging.Butifyouarenotshe,thenyouwalkinherlikeness.”
‘“Somanyhavesaid,”sheansweredgravely.“Yethernameisnotmine.Though
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maybemydoomwillbenotunlikehers.Butwhoareyou?”
‘“EstelIwascalled,”hesaid;“butIamAragorn,Arathorn’sson,Isildur’sHeir,LordoftheDúnedain”;yeteveninthesayinghefeltthatthishighlineage,inwhichhishearthadrejoiced,wasnowoflittleworth,andasnothingcomparedtoherdignityandloveliness.
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‘Butshelaughedmerrilyandsaid:“Thenweareakinfromafar.ForIamArwenElrond’sdaughter,andamnamedalsoUndómiel.”
‘“Oftenisitseen,”saidAragorn,“thatindangerousdaysmenhidetheirchieftreasure.YetImarvelatElrondandyourbrothers;forthoughIhavedweltinthishousefromchildhood,Ihaveheardnowordofyou.How
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comesitthatwehavenevermetbefore?Surelyyourfatherhasnotkeptyoulockedinhishoard?”
‘“No,”shesaid,andlookedupattheMountainsthatroseintheeast.“Ihavedweltforatimeinthelandofmymother’skin,infarLothlórien.Ihavebutlatelyreturnedtovisitmyfatheragain.ItismanyyearssinceIwalkedinImladris.”
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‘ThenAragornwondered,forshehadseemedofnogreateragethanhe,whohadlivedyetnomorethanascoreofyearsinMiddle-earth.ButArwenlookedinhiseyesandsaid:“Donotwonder!ForthechildrenofElrondhavethelifeoftheEldar.”
‘ThenAragornwasabashed,forhesawtheelven-lightinhereyesandthewisdomofmanydays;yet
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fromthathourhelovedArwenUndómieldaughterofElrond.
‘InthedaysthatfollowedAragornfellsilent,andhismotherperceivedthatsomestrangethinghadbefallenhim;andatlastheyieldedtoherquestionsandtoldherofthemeetinginthetwilightofthetrees.
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‘“Myson,”saidGilraen,“youraimishigh,evenforthedescendantofmanykings.Forthisladyisthenoblestandfairestthatnowwalkstheearth.AnditisnotfitthatmortalshouldwedwiththeElf-kin.”
‘“Yetwehavesomepartinthatkinship,”saidAragorn,“ifthetaleofmyforefathersistruethatIhavelearned.”
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‘“Itistrue,”saidGilraen,“butthatwaslongagoandinanotherageofthisworld,beforeourracewasdiminished.ThereforeIamafraid;forwithoutthegoodwillofMasterElrondtheHeirsofIsildurwillsooncometoanend.ButIdonotthinkthatyouwillhavethegoodwillofElrondinthismatter.”
‘“Thenbitterwillmy
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daysbe,andIwillwalkinthewildalone,”saidAragorn.
‘“Thatwillindeedbeyourfate,”saidGilraen;butthoughshehadinameasuretheforesightofherpeople,shesaidnomoretohimofherforeboding,nordidshespeaktoanyoneofwhathersonhadtoldher.
‘ButElrondsawmanythingsandreadmanyhearts.Oneday,therefore,beforethe
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falloftheyearhecalledAragorntohischamber,andhesaid:“Aragorn,Arathorn’sson,LordoftheDúnedain,listentome!Agreatdoomawaitsyou,eithertoriseabovetheheightofallyourfatherssincethedaysofElendil,ortofallintodarknesswithallthatisleftofyourkin.Manyyearsoftrialliebeforeyou.Youshallneitherhavewife,norbind
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anywomantoyouintroth,untilyourtimecomesandyouarefoundworthyofit.”
‘ThenAragornwastroubled,andhesaid:“Canitbethatmymotherhasspokenofthis?”
‘“Noindeed,”saidElrond.“Yourowneyeshavebetrayedyou.ButIdonotspeakofmydaughteralone.Youshallbebetrothedtonoman’schildasyet.Butasfor
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ArwentheFair,LadyofImladrisandofLórien,Evenstarofherpeople,sheisoflineagegreaterthanyours,andshehaslivedintheworldalreadysolongthattoheryouarebutasayearlingshootbesideayoungbirchofmanysummers.Sheistoofaraboveyou.Andso,Ithink,itmaywellseemtoher.Butevenifitwerenotso,andherheartturnedtowardsyou,I
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shouldstillbegrievedbecauseofthedoomthatislaidonus.”
‘“Whatisthatdoom?”saidAragorn.
‘“ThatsolongasIabidehere,sheshalllivewiththeyouthoftheEldar,”answeredElrond,“andwhenIdepart,sheshallgowithme,ifshesochooses.”
‘“Isee,”saidAragorn,“thatIhaveturnedmyeyesto
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atreasurenolessdearthanthetreasureofThingolthatBerenoncedesired.Suchismyfate.”Thensuddenlytheforesightofhiskindredcametohim,andhesaid:“Butlo!MasterElrond,theyearsofyourabidingrunshortatlast,andthechoicemustsoonbelaidonyourchildren,toparteitherwithyouorwithMiddle-earth.”
‘“Truly,”saidElrond.
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“Soon,asweaccountit,thoughmanyyearsofMenmuststillpass.ButtherewillbenochoicebeforeArwen,mybeloved,unlessyou,Aragorn,Arathorn’sson,comebetweenusandbringoneofus,youorme,toabitterpartingbeyondtheendoftheworld.Youdonotknowyetwhatyoudesireofme.”Hesighed,andafterawhile,lookinggravelyupon
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theyoungman,hesaidagain:“Theyearswillbringwhattheywill.Wewillspeaknomoreofthisuntilmanyhavepassed.Thedaysdarken,andmuchevilistocome.”
‘ThenAragorntookleavelovinglyofElrond;andthenextdayhesaidfarewelltohismother,andtothehouseofElrond,andtoArwen,and
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hewentoutintothewild.FornearlythirtyyearshelabouredinthecauseagainstSauron;andhebecameafriendofGandalftheWise,fromwhomhegainedmuchwisdom.Withhimhemademanyperilousjourneys,butastheyearsworeonhewentmoreoftenalone.Hiswayswerehardandlong,andhebecamesomewhatgrimtolookupon,unlesshechanced
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tosmile;andyetheseemedtoMenworthyofhonour,asakingthatisinexile,whenhedidnothidehistrueshape.Forhewentinmanyguises,andwonrenownundermanynames.HerodeinthehostoftheRohirrim,andfoughtfortheLordofGondorbylandandbysea;andtheninthehourofvictoryhepassedoutoftheknowledgeofMenoftheWest,andwentalonefar
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intotheEastanddeepintotheSouth,exploringtheheartsofMen,bothevilandgood,anduncoveringtheplotsanddevicesoftheservantsofSauron.
‘ThushebecameatlastthemosthardyoflivingMen,skilledintheircraftsandlore,andwasyetmorethanthey;forhewaselven-wise,andtherewasalightinhiseyesthatwhentheywerekindled
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fewcouldendure.Hisfacewassadandsternbecauseofthedoomthatwaslaidonhim,andyethopedwelteverinthedepthsofhisheart,fromwhichmirthwouldariseattimeslikeaspringfromtherock.
‘ItcametopassthatwhenAragornwasnineandfortyyearsofagehereturnedfrom
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perilsonthedarkconfinesofMordor,whereSauronnowdweltagainandwasbusywithevil.HewaswearyandhewishedtogobacktoRivendellandrestthereforawhileerehejourneyedintothefarcountries;andonhiswayhecametothebordersofLórienandwasadmittedtothehiddenlandbytheLadyGaladriel.
‘Hedidnotknowit,but
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ArwenUndómielwasalsothere,dwellingagainforatimewiththekinofhermother.Shewaslittlechanged,forthemortalyearshadpassedherby;yetherfacewasmoregrave,andherlaughternowseldomwasheard.ButAragornwasgrowntofullstatureofbodyandmind,andGaladrielbadehimcastasidehiswaywornraiment,andsheclothedhim
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insilverandwhite,withacloakofelven-greyandabrightgemonhisbrow.ThenmorethananykingofMenheappeared,andseemedratheranElf-lordfromtheIslesoftheWest.AndthusitwasthatArwenfirstbeheldhimagainaftertheirlongparting;andashecamewalkingtowardsherunderthetreesofCarasGaladhonladenwithflowersofgold,
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herchoicewasmadeandherdoomappointed.
‘ThenforaseasontheywanderedtogetherinthegladesofLothlórien,untilitwastimeforhimtodepart.AndontheeveningofMidsummerAragorn,Arathorn’sson,andArwendaughterofElrondwenttothefairhill,CerinAmroth,inthemidstoftheland,andtheywalkedunshodonthe
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undyinggrasswithelanorandniphredilabouttheirfeet.AndthereuponthathilltheylookedeasttotheShadowandwesttotheTwilight,andtheyplightedtheirtrothandwereglad.
‘AndArwensaid:“DarkistheShadow,andyetmyheartrejoices;foryou,Estel,shallbeamongthegreatwhosevalourwilldestroyit.”
‘ButAragornanswered:
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“Alas!Icannotforeseeit,andhowitmaycometopassishiddenfromme.YetwithyourhopeIwillhope.AndtheShadowIutterlyreject.Butneither,lady,istheTwilightforme;forIammortal,andifyouwillcleavetome,Evenstar,thentheTwilightyoumustalsorenounce.”
‘Andshestoodthenasstillasawhitetree,looking
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intotheWest,andatlastshesaid:“Iwillcleavetoyou,Dúnadan,andturnfromtheTwilight.Yetthereliesthelandofmypeopleandthelonghomeofallmykin.”Shelovedherfatherdearly.
‘WhenElrondlearnedthechoiceofhisdaughter,hewassilent,thoughhisheartwasgrievedandfoundthe
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doomlongfearednonetheeasiertoendure.ButwhenAragorncameagaintoRivendellhecalledhimtohim,andhesaid:
‘“Myson,yearscomewhenhopewillfade,andbeyondthemlittleiscleartome.Andnowashadowliesbetweenus.Maybe,ithasbeenappointedso,thatbymylossthekingshipofMenmayberestored.Therefore,
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thoughIloveyou,Isaytoyou:ArwenUndómielshallnotdiminishherlife’sgraceforlesscause.SheshallnotbethebrideofanyManlessthantheKingofbothGondorandArnor.Tomethenevenourvictorycanbringonlysorrowandparting–buttoyouhopeofjoyforawhile.Alas,myson!IfearthattoArwentheDoomofMenmayseemhardattheending.”
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‘SoitstoodafterwardsbetweenElrondandAragorn,andtheyspokenomoreofthismatter;butAragornwentforthagaintodangerandtoil.AndwhiletheworlddarkenedandfearfellonMiddle-earth,asthepowerofSaurongrewandtheBarad-dûrroseevertallerandstronger,ArwenremainedinRivendell,andwhenAragornwasabroad,fromafarshe
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watchedoverhiminthought;andinhopeshemadeforhimagreatandkinglystandard,suchasonlyonemightdisplaywhoclaimedthelordshipoftheNúmenóreansandtheinheritanceofElendil.
‘AfterafewyearsGilraentookleaveofElrondandreturnedtoherownpeopleinEriador,andlivedalone;andsheseldomsawhersonagain,forhespentmany
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yearsinfarcountries.Butonatime,whenAragornhadreturnedtotheNorth,hecametoher,andshesaidtohimbeforehewent:
‘“Thisisourlastparting,Estel,myson.Iamagedbycare,evenasoneoflesserMen;andnowthatitdrawsnearIcannotfacethedarknessofourtimethatgathersuponMiddle-earth.Ishallleaveitsoon.”
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‘Aragorntriedtocomforther,saying:“Yettheremaybealightbeyondthedarkness;andifso,Iwouldhaveyouseeitandbeglad.”
‘Butsheansweredonlywiththislinnod:
Óneni-EstelEdain,ú-chebinestelanim,1
andAragornwentaway
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heavyofheart.Gilraendiedbeforethenextspring.
‘ThustheyearsdrewontotheWaroftheRing;ofwhichmoreistoldelsewhere:howthemeansunforeseenwasrevealedwherebySauronmightbeoverthrown,andhowhopebeyondhopewasfulfilled.AnditcametopassthatinthehourofdefeatAragorncameupfromtheseaandunfurledthestandard
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ofArweninthebattleoftheFieldsofPelennor,andinthatdayhewasfirsthailedasking.AndatlastwhenallwasdoneheenteredintotheinheritanceofhisfathersandreceivedthecrownofGondorandsceptreofArnor;andatMidsummerintheyearoftheFallofSauronhetookthehandofArwenUndómiel,andtheywereweddedinthecityoftheKings.
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‘TheThirdAgeendedthusinvictoryandhope;andyetgrievousamongthesorrowsofthatAgewasthepartingofElrondandArwen,fortheyweresunderedbytheSeaandbyadoombeyondtheendoftheworld.WhentheGreatRingwasunmadeandtheThreewereshornoftheirpower,thenElrondgrewwearyatlastandforsookMiddle-earth,nevertoreturn.
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ButArwenbecameasamortalwoman,andyetitwasnotherlottodieuntilallthatshehadgainedwaslost.
‘AsQueenofElvesandMenshedweltwithAragornforsix-scoreyearsingreatgloryandbliss;yetatlasthefelttheapproachofoldageandknewthatthespanofhislife-dayswasdrawingtoanend,longthoughithadbeen.ThenAragornsaidtoArwen:
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‘“Atlast,LadyEvenstar,fairestinthisworld,andmostbeloved,myworldisfading.Lo!wehavegathered,andwehavespent,andnowthetimeofpaymentdrawsnear.”
‘Arwenknewwellwhatheintended,andlonghadforeseenit;nonethelessshewasoverbornebyhergrief.“Wouldyouthen,lord,beforeyourtimeleaveyourpeoplethatlivebyyourword?”she
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said.‘“Notbeforemytime,”
heanswered.“ForifIwillnotgonow,thenImustsoongoperforce.AndEldarionoursonisamanfull-ripeforkingship.”
‘ThengoingtotheHouseoftheKingsintheSilentStreet,Aragornlaidhimdownonthelongbedthathadbeenpreparedforhim.Therehesaidfarewellto
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Eldarion,andgaveintohishandsthewingedcrownofGondorandthesceptreofArnor;andthenalllefthimsaveArwen,andshestoodalonebyhisbed.Andforallherwisdomandlineageshecouldnotforbeartopleadwithhimtostayyetforawhile.Shewasnotyetwearyofherdays,andthusshetastedthebitternessofthemortalitythatshehadtaken
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uponher.‘“LadyUndómiel,”said
Aragorn,“thehourisindeedhard,yetitwasmadeeveninthatdaywhenwemetunderthewhitebirchesinthegardenofElrondwherenonenowwalk.AndonthehillofCerinAmrothwhenweforsookboththeShadowandtheTwilightthisdoomweaccepted.Takecounselwithyourself,beloved,andask
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whetheryouwouldindeedhavemewaituntilIwitherandfallfrommyhighseatunmannedandwitless.Nay,lady,IamthelastoftheNúmenóreansandthelatestKingoftheElderDays;andtomehasbeengivennotonlyaspanthricethatofMenofMiddle-earth,butalsothegracetogoatmywill,andgivebackthegift.Now,therefore,Iwillsleep.
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‘“Ispeaknocomforttoyou,forthereisnocomfortforsuchpainwithinthecirclesoftheworld.Theuttermostchoiceisbeforeyou:torepentandgototheHavensandbearawayintotheWestthememoryofourdaystogetherthatshalltherebeevergreenbutnevermorethanmemory;orelsetoabidetheDoomofMen.”
‘“Nay,dearlord,”she
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said,“thatchoiceislongover.Thereisnownoshipthatwouldbearmehence,andImustindeedabidetheDoomofMen,whetherIwillorInill:thelossandthesilence.ButIsaytoyou,KingoftheNúmenóreans,nottillnowhaveIunderstoodthetaleofyourpeopleandtheirfall.AswickedfoolsIscornedthem,butIpitythematlast.Forifthisisindeed,as
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theEldarsay,thegiftoftheOnetoMen,itisbittertoreceive.”
‘“Soitseems,”hesaid.“Butletusnotbeoverthrownatthefinaltest,whoofoldrenouncedtheShadowandtheRing.Insorrowwemustgo,butnotindespair.Behold!wearenotboundforevertothecirclesoftheworld,andbeyondthemismorethanmemory.
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Farewell!”‘“Estel,Estel!”shecried,
andwiththatevenashetookherhandandkissedit,hefellintosleep.Thenagreatbeautywasrevealedinhim,sothatallwhoaftercametherelookedonhiminwonder;fortheysawthatthegraceofhisyouth,andthevalourofhismanhood,andthewisdomandmajestyofhisagewereblended
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together.Andlongtherehelay,animageofthesplendouroftheKingsofMeningloryundimmedbeforethebreakingoftheworld.
‘ButArwenwentforthfromtheHouse,andthelightofhereyeswasquenched,anditseemedtoherpeoplethatshehadbecomecoldandgreyasnightfallinwinterthatcomeswithoutastar.Then
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shesaidfarewelltoEldarion,andtoherdaughters,andtoallwhomshehadloved;andshewentoutfromthecityofMinasTirithandpassedawaytothelandofLórien,anddwelttherealoneunderthefadingtreesuntilwintercame.GaladrielhadpassedawayandCelebornalsowasgone,andthelandwassilent.
‘Thereatlastwhenthemallorn-leaveswerefalling,
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butspringhadnotyetcome,1shelaidherselftorestuponCerinAmroth;andthereishergreengrave,untiltheworldischanged,andallthedaysofherlifeareutterlyforgottenbymenthatcomeafter,andelanorandniphredilbloomnomoreeastoftheSea.
‘Hereendsthistale,asithascometousfromtheSouth;andwiththepassing
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ofEvenstarnomoreissaidinthisbookofthedaysofold.’
IITHEHOUSEOF
EORL
‘EorltheYoungwaslordoftheMenofÉothéod.ThatlandlaynearthesourcesofAnduin,betweenthefurthest
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rangesoftheMistyMountainsandthenorthernmostpartsofMirkwood.TheÉothéodhadmovedtothoseregionsinthedaysofKingEärnilIIfromlandsinthevalesofAnduinbetweentheCarrockandtheGladden,andtheywereinorigincloseakintotheBeorningsandthemenofthewest-eavesoftheforest.TheforefathersofEorlclaimed
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descentfromkingsofRhovanion,whoserealmlaybeyondMirkwoodbeforetheinvasionsoftheWainriders,andthustheyaccountedthemselveskinsmenofthekingsofGondordescendedfromEldacar.Theylovedbesttheplains,anddelightedinhorsesandinallfeatsofhorsemanship,butthereweremanymeninthemiddlevalesofAnduininthosedays,and
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moreovertheshadowofDolGuldurwaslengthening;whenthereforetheyheardoftheoverthrowoftheWitch-king,theysoughtmoreroomintheNorth,anddroveawaytheremnantsofthepeopleofAngmarontheeastsideoftheMountains.ButinthedaysofLéod,fatherofEorl,theyhadgrowntobeanumerouspeopleandwereagainsomewhatstraitenedin
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thelandoftheirhome.‘Inthetwothousandfive
hundredandtenthyearoftheThirdAgeanewperilthreatenedGondor.AgreathostofwildmenfromtheNorth-eastsweptoverRhovanionandcomingdownoutoftheBrownLandscrossedtheAnduinonrafts.AtthesametimebychanceordesigntheOrcs(whoatthattimebeforetheirwar
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withtheDwarveswereingreatstrength)madeadescentfromtheMountains.TheinvadersoverranCalenardhon,andCirion,StewardofGondor,sentnorthforhelp;fortherehadbeenlongfriendshipbetweentheMenofAnduin’sValeandthepeopleofGondor.ButinthevalleyoftheRivermenwerenowfewandscattered,andslowtorender
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suchaidastheycould.AtlasttidingscametoEorloftheneedofGondor,andlatethoughitseemed,hesetoutwithagreathostofriders.
‘ThushecametothebattleoftheFieldofCelebrant,forthatwasthenameofthegreenlandthatlaybetweenSilverlodeandLimlight.TherethenorthernarmyofGondorwasinperil.DefeatedintheWoldandcut
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offfromthesouth,ithadbeendrivenacrosstheLimlight,andwasthensuddenlyassailedbytheOrc-hostthatpressedittowardstheAnduin.Allhopewaslostwhen,unlookedfor,theRiderscameoutoftheNorthandbrokeupontherearoftheenemy.Thenthefortunesofbattlewerereversed,andtheenemywasdrivenwithslaughteroverLimlight.Eorl
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ledhismeninpursuit,andsogreatwasthefearthatwentbeforethehorsemenoftheNorththattheinvadersoftheWoldwerealsothrownintopanic,andtheRidershuntedthemovertheplainsofCalenardhon.’
ThepeopleofthatregionhadbecomefewsincethePlague,andmostofthosethatremainedhadbeenslaughteredbythesavage
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Easterlings.Cirion,therefore,inrewardforhisaid,gaveCalenardhonbetweenAnduinandIsentoEorlandhispeople;andtheysentnorthfortheirwivesandchildrenandtheirgoodsandsettledinthatland.TheynameditanewtheMarkoftheRiders,andtheycalledthemselvestheEorlingas;butinGondortheirlandwascalledRohan,anditspeopletheRohirrim
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(thatis,theHorse-lords).ThusEorlbecamethefirstKingoftheMark,andhechoseforhisdwellingagreenhillbeforethefeetoftheWhiteMountainsthatwerethesouth-wallofhisland.TheretheRohirrimlivedafterwardsasfreemenundertheirownkingsandlaws,butinperpetualalliancewithGondor.
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‘Manylordsandwarriors,andmanyfairandvaliantwomen,arenamedinthesongsofRohanthatstillremembertheNorth.Frumgar,theysay,wasthenameofthechieftainwholedhispeopletoÉothéod.Ofhisson,Fram,theytellthatheslewScatha,thegreatdragonofEredMithrin,andthelandhadpeacefromthelong-wormsafterwards.ThusFram
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wongreatwealth,butwasatfeudwiththeDwarves,whoclaimedthehoardofScatha.Framwouldnotyieldthemapenny,andsenttotheminsteadtheteethofScathamadeintoanecklace,saying:“Jewelssuchastheseyouwillnotmatchinyourtreasuries,fortheyarehardtocomeby.”SomesaythattheDwarvesslewFramforthisinsult.Therewasnogreat
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lovebetweenÉothéodandtheDwarves.
‘LéodwasthenameofEorl’sfather.Hewasatamerofwildhorses;forthereweremanyatthattimeintheland.Hecapturedawhitefoalanditgrewquicklytoahorsestrong,andfair,andproud.Nomancouldtameit.WhenLéoddaredtomountit,itborehimaway,andatlastthrewhim,andLéod’shead
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struckarock,andsohedied.Hewasthenonlytwoandfortyyearsold,andhissonayouthofsixteen.
‘Eorlvowedthathewouldavengehisfather.Hehuntedlongforthehorse,andatlasthecaughtsightofhim;andhiscompanionsexpectedthathewouldtrytocomewithinbowshotandkillhim.Butwhentheydrewnear,Eorlstoodupandcalledinaloud
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voice:“Comehither,Mansbane,andgetanewname!”TotheirwonderthehorselookedtowardsEorl,andcameandstoodbeforehim,andEorlsaid:“FelarófInameyou.Youlovedyourfreedom,andIdonotblameyouforthat.Butnowyouowemeagreatweregild,andyoushallsurrenderyourfreedomtomeuntilyourlife’send.”
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‘ThenEorlmountedhim,andFelarófsubmitted;andEorlrodehimhomewithoutbitorbridle;andherodehiminlikefashioneverafter.Thehorseunderstoodallthatmensaid,thoughhewouldallownomanbutEorltomounthim.ItwasuponFelarófthatEorlrodetotheFieldofCelebrant;forthathorseprovedaslong-livedasMen,andsowerehisdescendants.
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Thesewerethemearas,whowouldbearnoonebuttheKingoftheMarkorhissons,untilthetimeofShadowfax.MensaidofthemthatBéma(whomtheEldarcallOromë)musthavebroughttheirsirefromWestoverSea.
‘OftheKingsoftheMarkbetweenEorlandThéodenmostissaidofHelm
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Hammerhand.Hewasagrimmanofgreatstrength.TherewasatthattimeamannamedFreca,whoclaimeddescentfromKingFréawine,thoughhehad,mensaid,muchDunlendishblood,andwasdark-haired.Hegrewrichandpowerful,havingwidelandsoneithersideoftheAdorn.1Nearitssourcehemadehimselfastrongholdandpaidlittleheedtotheking.Helm
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mistrustedhim,butcalledhimtohiscouncils;andhecamewhenitpleasedhim.
‘TooneofthesecouncilsFrecarodewithmanymen,andheaskedthehandofHelm’sdaughterforhissonWulf.ButHelmsaid:“Youhavegrownbigsinceyouwerelasthere;butitismostlyfat,Iguess”;andmenlaughedatthat,forFrecawaswideinthebelt.
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‘ThenFrecafellinarageandreviledtheking,andsaidthisatthelast:“Oldkingsthatrefuseaprofferedstaffmayfallontheirknees.”Helmanswered:“Come!Themarriageofyoursonisatrifle.LetHelmandFrecadealwithitlater.Meanwhilethekingandhiscouncilhavemattersofmomenttoconsider.”
‘Whenthecouncilwas
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over,HelmstoodupandlaidhisgreathandonFreca’sshoulder,saying:“Thekingdoesnotpermitbrawlsinhishouse,butmenarefreeroutside”;andheforcedFrecatowalkbeforehimoutfromEdorasintothefield.ToFreca’smenthatcameuphesaid:“Beoff!Weneednohearers.Wearegoingtospeakofaprivatematteralone.Goandtalktomy
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men!”Andtheylookedandsawthattheking’smenandhisfriendsfaroutnumberedthem,andtheydrewback.
‘“Now,Dunlending,”saidtheking,“youhaveonlyHelmtodealwith,aloneandunarmed.Butyouhavesaidmuchalready,anditismyturntospeak.Freca,yourfollyhasgrownwithyourbelly.Youtalkofastaff!IfHelmdislikesacrookedstaff
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thatisthrustonhim,hebreaksit.So!”WiththathesmoteFrecasuchablowwithhisfistthathefellbackstunned,anddiedsoonafter.
‘HelmthenproclaimedFreca’ssonandnearkintheking’senemies;andtheyfled,foratonceHelmsentmanymenridingtothewestmarches.’
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Fouryearslater(2758)greattroublescametoRohan,andnohelpcouldbesentfromGondor,forthreefleetsoftheCorsairsattackeditandtherewaswaronallitscoasts.AtthesametimeRohanwasagaininvadedfromtheEast,andtheDunlendingsseeingtheirchancecameovertheIsenanddownfromIsengard.ItwassoonknownthatWulfwastheirleader.Theywere
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ingreatforce,fortheywerejoinedbyenemiesofGondorthatlandedinthemouthsofLefnuiandIsen.
TheRohirrimweredefeatedandtheirlandwasoverrun;andthosewhowerenotslainorenslavedfledtothedalesofthemountains.HelmwasdrivenbackwithgreatlossfromtheCrossingsofIsenandtookrefugeintheHornburgandtheravine
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behind(whichwasafterknownasHelm’sDeep).Therehewasbesieged.WulftookEdorasandsatinMeduseldandcalledhimselfking.ThereHalethHelm’ssonfell,lastofall,defendingthedoors.
‘SoonafterwardstheLongWinterbegan,andRohanlayundersnowfornearlyfivemonths(NovembertoMarch,2758–9).BoththeRohirrim
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andtheirfoessufferedgrievouslyinthecold,andinthedearththatlastedlonger.InHelm’sDeeptherewasagreathungerafterYule;andbeingindespair,againsttheking’scounsel,Hámahisyoungersonledmenoutonasortieandforay,buttheywerelostinthesnow.Helmgrewfierceandgauntforfamineandgrief;andthedreadofhimalonewasworth
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manymeninthedefenceoftheBurg.Hewouldgooutbyhimself,cladinwhite,andstalklikeasnow-trollintothecampsofhisenemies,andslaymanymenwithhishands.Itwasbelievedthatifheborenoweaponnoweaponwouldbiteonhim.TheDunlendingssaidthatifhecouldfindnofoodheatemen.ThattalelastedlonginDunland.Helmhadagreat
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horn,andsoonitwasmarkedthatbeforehesalliedforthhewouldblowablastuponitthatechoedintheDeep;andthensogreatafearfellonhisenemiesthatinsteadofgatheringtotakehimorkillhimtheyfledawaydowntheCoomb.
‘Onenightmenheardthehornblowing,butHelmdidnotreturn.Inthemorningtherecameasun-gleam,the
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firstforlongdays,andtheysawawhitefigurestandingstillontheDike,alone,fornoneoftheDunlendingsdaredcomenear.TherestoodHelm,deadasastone,buthiskneeswereunbent.YetmensaidthatthehornwasstillheardattimesintheDeepandthewraithofHelmwouldwalkamongthefoesofRohanandkillmenwithfear.
‘Soonafterthewinter
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broke.ThenFréaláf,sonofHild,Helm’ssister,camedownoutofDunharrow,towhichmanyhadfled;andwithasmallcompanyofdesperatemenhesurprisedWulfinMeduseldandslewhim,andregainedEdoras.Thereweregreatfloodsafterthesnows,andthevaleofEntwashbecameavastfen.TheEasterninvadersperishedorwithdrew;andtherecame
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helpatlastfromGondor,bytheroadsbotheastandwestofthemountains.Beforetheyear(2759)wasendedtheDunlendingsweredrivenout,evenfromIsengard;andthenFréaláfbecameking.
‘HelmwasbroughtfromtheHornburgandlaidintheninthmound.Everafterthewhitesimbelmynëgrewtheremostthickly,sothatthemoundseemedtobesnow-
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clad.WhenFréaláfdiedanewlineofmoundswasbegun.’
TheRohirrimweregrievouslyreducedbywaranddearthandlossofcattleandhorses;anditwaswellthatnogreatdangerthreatenedthemagainformanyyears,foritwasnotuntilthetimeofKing
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Folcwinethattheyrecoveredtheirformerstrength.
ItwasatthecrowningofFréaláfthatSarumanappeared,bringinggifts,andspeakinggreatpraiseofthevalouroftheRohirrim.Allthoughthimawelcomeguest.SoonafterhetookuphisabodeinIsengard.Forthis,Beren,StewardofGondor,gavehimleave,forGondorstillclaimedIsengardasa
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fortressofitsrealm,andnotpartofRohan.BerenalsogaveintoSaruman’skeepingthekeysofOrthanc.Thattowernoenemyhadbeenabletoharmortoenter.
InthiswaySarumanbegantobehaveasalordofMen;foratfirstheheldIsengardasalieutenantoftheStewardandwardenofthetower.ButFréaláfwasasgladasBerentohavethisso,
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andtoknowthatIsengardwasinthehandsofastrongfriend.Afriendhelongseemed,andmaybeinthebeginninghewasoneintruth.Thoughafterwardstherewaslittledoubtinmen’smindsthatSarumanwenttoIsengardinhopetofindtheStonestillthere,andwiththepurposeofbuildingupapowerofhisown.CertainlyafterthelastWhite
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Council(2953)hisdesignstowardsRohan,thoughhehidthem,wereevil.HethentookIsengardforhisownandbegantomakeitaplaceofguardedstrengthandfear,asthoughtorivaltheBarad-dûr.HisfriendsandservantshedrewthenfromallwhohatedGondorandRohan,whetherMenorothercreaturesmoreevil.
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THEKINGSOFTHEMARK
FirstLine
Year1
2485–2545
1.EorltheYoung.Hewassonamedbecausehesucceededhisfatherinyouthandremainedyellow-hairedandruddytotheendofhisdays.Thesewereshortenedbyarenewedattackofthe
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Easterlings.EorlfellinbattleintheWold,andthefirstmoundwasraised.Felarófwaslaidtherealso.
2512–70
2.Brego.HedrovetheenemyoutoftheWold,andRohanwasnotattackedagainformanyyears.In2569hecompletedthegreathallofMeduseld.AtthefeasthissonBaldorvowedthathewouldtread‘thePathsoftheDead’anddidnotreturn.2Bregodiedofgriefthenextyear.3.AldortheOld.HewasBrego’ssecondson.HebecameknownastheOld,sincehelivedtoagreatage,
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2544–2645
andwaskingfor75years.InhistimetheRohirrimincreased,anddroveoutorsubduedthelastoftheDunlendishpeoplethatlingeredeastofIsen.Harrowdaleandothermountain-valleysweresettled.Ofthenextthreekingslittleissaid,forRohanhadpeaceandprosperedintheirtime.
2570–2659
4.Fréa.Eldestson,butfourthchildofAldor;hewasalreadyoldwhenhebecameking.
2594–2680
5.Fréawine.
2619–99 6.Goldwine.
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2644–2718
7.Déor.InhistimetheDunlendingsraidedoftenovertheIsen.In2710theyoccupiedthedesertedringofIsengard,andcouldnotbedislodged.
2668–2741 8.Gram.
2691–2759
9.HelmHammerhand.AttheendofhisreignRohansufferedgreatloss,byinvasionandtheLongWinter.HelmandhissonsHalethandHámaperished.Fréaláf,Helm’ssister’sson,becameking.
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SecondLine
2726–2798
10.FréaláfHildeson.InhistimeSarumancametoIsengard,fromwhichtheDunlendingshadbeendriven.TheRohirrimatfirstprofitedbyhisfriendshipinthedaysofdearthandweaknessthatfollowed.
2752–2842
11.Brytta.HewascalledbyhispeopleLéofa,forhewaslovedbyall;hewasopenhandedandahelptoalltheneedy.InhistimetherewaswarwithOrcsthat,drivenfromtheNorth,soughtrefugesintheWhite
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Mountains.1Whenhedieditwasthoughtthattheyhadallbeenhuntedout;butitwasnotso.
2780–2851
12.Walda.Hewaskingonlynineyears.HewasslainwithallhiscompanionswhentheyweretrappedbyOrcs,astheyrodebymountain-pathsfromDunharrow.
2804–64
13.Folca.Hewasagreathunter,buthevowedtochasenowildbeastwhiletherewasanOrcleftinRohan.Whenthelastorc-holdwasfoundanddestroyed,hewenttohuntthegreatboarofEverholtintheFirienWood.
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Heslewtheboarbutdiedofthetusk-woundsthatitgavehim.
2830–2903
14.Folcwine.WhenhebecamekingtheRohirrimhadrecoveredtheirstrength.Hereconqueredthewest-march(betweenAdornandIsen)thatDunlendingshadoccupied.RohanhadreceivedgreathelpfromGondorintheevildays.When,therefore,heheardthattheHaradrimwereassailingGondorwithgreatstrength,hesentmanymentothehelpoftheSteward.Hewishedtoleadthemhimself,butwasdissuaded,andhistwinsons
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FolcredandFastred(born2858)wentinhisstead.TheyfellsidebysideinbattleinIthilien(2885).TúrinIIofGondorsenttoFolcwinearichweregildofgold.
2870–2953
15.Fengel.HewasthethirdsonandfourthchildofFolcwine.Heisnotrememberedwithpraise.Hewasgreedyoffoodandofgold,andatstrifewithhismarshals,andwithhischildren.Thengel,histhirdchildandonlyson,leftRohanwhenhecametomanhoodandlivedlonginGondor,andwonhonourintheserviceof
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Turgon.
2905–80
16.Thengel.Hetooknowifeuntillate,butin2943heweddedMorwenofLossarnachinGondor,thoughshewasseventeenyearstheyounger.SheborehimthreechildreninGondor,ofwhomThéoden,thesecond,washisonlyson.WhenFengeldiedtheRohirrimrecalledhim,andhereturnedunwillingly.Butheprovedagoodandwiseking;thoughthespeechofGondorwasusedinhishouse,andnotallmenthoughtthatgood.Morwenborehimtwomoredaughters
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inRohan;andthelast,Théodwyn,wasthefairest,thoughshecamelate(2963),thechildofhisage.Herbrotherlovedherdearly.ItwassoonafterThengel’sreturnthatSarumandeclaredhimselfLordofIsengardandbegantogivetroubletoRohan,encroachingonitsbordersandsupportingitsenemies.17.Théoden.HeiscalledThéodenEdnewintheloreofRohan,forhefellintoadeclineunderthespellsofSaruman,butwashealedbyGandalf,andinthelastyear
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2948–3019
ofhislifearoseandledhismentovictoryattheHornburg,andsoonaftertotheFieldsofPelennor,thegreatestbattleoftheAge.HefellbeforethegatesofMundburg.Forawhileherestedinthelandofhisbirth,amongthedeadKingsofGondor,butwasbroughtbackandlaidintheeighthmoundofhislineatEdoras.Thenanewlinewasbegun.
ThirdLine
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In2989ThéodwynmarriedÉomundofEastfold,thechiefMarshaloftheMark.HersonÉomerwasbornin2991,andherdaughterÉowynin2995.AtthattimeSauronhadarisenagain,andtheshadowofMordorreachedouttoRohan.Orcsbegantoraidintheeasternregionsandslayorstealhorses.OthersalsocamedownfromtheMistyMountains,manybeinggreat
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uruksintheserviceofSaruman,thoughitwaslongbeforethatwassuspected.Éomund’schiefchargelayintheeastmarches;andhewasagreatloverofhorsesandhaterofOrcs.Ifnewscameofaraidhewouldoftenrideagainsttheminhotanger,unwarilyandwithfewmen.Thusitcameaboutthathewasslainin3002;forhepursuedasmallbandtothe
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bordersoftheEmynMuil,andwastheresurprisedbyastrongforcethatlayinwaitintherocks.
NotlongafterThéodwyntooksickanddiedtothegreatgriefoftheking.Herchildrenhetookintohishouse,callingthemsonanddaughter.Hehadonlyonechildofhisown,Théodredhisson,thentwenty-fouryearsold;forthequeenElfhildhaddiedin
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childbirth,andThéodendidnotwedagain.ÉomerandÉowyngrewupatEdorasandsawthedarkshadowfallonthehallsofThéoden.Éomerwaslikehisfathersbeforehim;butÉowynwasslenderandtall,withagraceandpridethatcametoheroutoftheSouthfromMorwenofLossarnach,whomtheRohirrimhadcalledSteelsheen.
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2991–
63(3084)ÉomerÉadig.WhenstillyounghebecameaMarshaloftheMark(3017)andwasgivenhisfather’schargeintheeastmarches.IntheWaroftheRingThéodredfellinbattlewithSarumanattheCrossingsofIsen.ThereforebeforehediedontheFieldsofthePelennorThéodennamedÉomerhisheirandcalledhimking.InthatdayÉowynalsowonrenown,forshefoughtinthatbattle,ridingindisguise;andwasknownafterintheMarkastheLadyoftheShield-
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F.A. arm.1Éomerbecameagreatking,andbeingyoungwhenhesucceededThéodenhereignedforsixty-fiveyears,longerthanalltheirkingsbeforehimsaveAldortheOld.IntheWaroftheRinghemadethefriendshipofKingElessar,andofImrahilofDolAmroth;andherodeoftentoGondor.InthelastyearoftheThirdAgeheweddedLothíriel,daughterofImrahil.TheirsonElfwinetheFairruledafterhim.
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InÉomer’sdayintheMarkmenhadpeacewhowishedforit,andthepeopleincreasedbothinthedalesandtheplains,andtheirhorsesmultiplied.InGondortheKingElessarnowruled,andinArnoralso.Inallthelandsofthoserealmsofoldhewasking,saveinRohanonly;forherenewedtoÉomerthegiftofCirion,andÉomertookagaintheOathof
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Eorl.Oftenhefulfilledit.ForthoughSauronhadpassed,thehatredsandevilsthathebredhadnotdied,andtheKingoftheWesthadmanyenemiestosubduebeforetheWhiteTreecouldgrowinpeace.AndwhereverKingElessarwentwithwarKingÉomerwentwithhim;andbeyondtheSeaofRhûnandonthefarfieldsoftheSouththethunderofthecavalryof
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theMarkwasheard,andtheWhiteHorseuponGreenflewinmanywindsuntilÉomergrewold.
IIIDURIN’SFOLK
ConcerningthebeginningoftheDwarvesstrangetalesaretoldbothbytheEldarandby
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theDwarvesthemselves;butsincethesethingsliefarbackbeyondourdayslittleissaidofthemhere.DurinisthenamethattheDwarvesusedfortheeldestoftheSevenFathersoftheirrace,andtheancestorofallthekingsoftheLongbeards.1Hesleptalone,untilinthedeepsoftimeandtheawakeningofthatpeoplehecametoAzanulbizar,andinthecaves
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aboveKheled-zâramintheeastoftheMistyMountainshemadehisdwelling,whereafterwardsweretheMinesofMoriarenownedinsong.
TherehelivedsolongthathewasknownfarandwideasDurintheDeathless.YetintheendhediedbeforetheElderDayshadpassed,andhistombwasinKhazad-dûm;buthislineneverfailed,andfivetimesanheirwasbornin
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hisHousesoliketohisForefatherthathereceivedthenameofDurin.HewasindeedheldbytheDwarvestobetheDeathlessthatreturned;fortheyhavemanystrangetalesandbeliefsconcerningthemselvesandtheirfateintheworld.
AftertheendoftheFirstAgethepowerandwealthofKhazad-dûmwasmuchincreased;foritwasenriched
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bymanypeopleandmuchloreandcraftwhentheancientcitiesofNogrodandBelegostintheBlueMountainswereruinedatthebreakingofThangorodrim.ThepowerofMoriaenduredthroughouttheDarkYearsandthedominionofSauron,forthoughEregionwasdestroyedandthegatesofMoriawereshut,thehallsofKhazad-dûmweretoodeep
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andstrongandfilledwithapeopletoonumerousandvaliantforSaurontoconquerfromwithout.Thusitswealthremainedlongunravished,thoughitspeoplebegantodwindle.
ItcametopassthatinthemiddleoftheThirdAgeDurinwasagainitsking,beingthesixthofthatname.ThepowerofSauron,servantofMorgoth,wasthenagain
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growingintheworld,thoughtheShadowintheForestthatlookedtowardsMoriawasnotyetknownforwhatitwas.Allevilthingswerestirring.TheDwarvesdelveddeepatthattime,seekingbeneathBarazinbarformithril,themetalbeyondpricethatwasbecomingyearlyeverhardertowin.1
Thustheyrousedfromsleep2athingofterrorthat,flying
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fromThangorodrim,hadlainhiddenatthefoundationsoftheearthsincethecomingoftheHostoftheWest:aBalrogofMorgoth.Durinwasslainbyit,andtheyearafterNáinI,hisson;andthenthegloryofMoriapassed,anditspeopleweredestroyedorfledfaraway.
Mostofthosethatescaped
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madetheirwayintotheNorth,andThráinI,Náin’sson,cametoErebor,theLonelyMountain,neartheeasterneavesofMirkwood,andtherehebegannewworks,andbecameKingundertheMountain.InEreborhefoundthegreatjewel,theArkenstone,HeartoftheMountain.3ButThorinIhissonremovedandwentintothefarNorthtotheGrey
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Mountains,wheremostofDurin’sfolkwerenowgathering;forthosemountainswererichandlittleexplored.Butthereweredragonsinthewastesbeyond;andaftermanyyearstheybecamestrongagainandmultiplied,andtheymadewarontheDwarves,andplunderedtheirworks.AtlastDáinI,togetherwithFrórhissecondson,wasslainatthe
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doorsofhishallbyagreatcold-drake.
NotlongaftermostofDurin’sFolkabandonedtheGreyMountains.Grór,Dáin’sson,wentawaywithmanyfollowerstotheIronHills;butThrór,Dáin’sheir,withBorinhisfather’sbrotherandtheremainderofthepeoplereturnedtoErebor.TotheGreatHallofThráin,ThrórbroughtbacktheArkenstone,
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andheandhisfolkprosperedandbecamerich,andtheyhadthefriendshipofallMenthatdweltnear.Fortheymadenotonlythingsofwonderandbeautybutweaponsandarmourofgreatworth;andtherewasgreattrafficoforebetweenthemandtheirkinintheIronHills.ThustheNorthmenwholivedbetweenCelduin(RiverRunning)andCarnen
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(Redwater)becamestronganddrovebackallenemiesfromtheEast;andtheDwarveslivedinplenty,andtherewasfeastingandsongintheHallsofErebor.1
SotherumourofthewealthofEreborspreadabroadandreachedtheearsofthedragons,andatlastSmaugtheGolden,greatestofthedragonsofhisday,aroseandwithoutwarning
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cameagainstKingThróranddescendedontheMountaininflames.Itwasnotlongbeforeallthatrealmwasdestroyed,andthetownofDalenearbywasruinedanddeserted;butSmaugenteredintotheGreatHallandlaythereuponabedofgold.
FromthesackandtheburningmanyofThrór’skinescaped;andlastofallfromthehallsbyasecretdoor
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cameThrórhimselfandhissonThráinII.Theywentawaysouthwiththeirfamily2intolongandhomelesswandering.Withthemwentalsoasmallcompanyoftheirkinsmenandfaithfulfollowers.
YearsafterwardsThrór,nowold,poor,anddesperate,gavetohissonThráintheone
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greattreasurehestillpossessed,thelastoftheSevenRings,andthenhewentawaywithoneoldcompaniononly,calledNár.OftheRinghesaidtoThráinattheirparting:
‘Thismayprovethefoundationofnewfortuneforyouyet,thoughthatseemsunlikely.Butitneedsgoldtobreedgold.’
‘Surelyyoudonotthink
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ofreturningtoErebor?’saidThráin.
‘Notatmyage,’saidThrór.‘OurvengeanceonSmaugIbequeathtoyouandyoursons.ButIamtiredofpovertyandthescornofMen.IgotoseewhatIcanfind.’Hedidnotsaywhere.
HewasalittlecrazedperhapswithageandmisfortuneandlongbroodingonthesplendourofMoriain
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hisforefathers’days;ortheRing,itmaybe,wasturningtoevilnowthatitsmasterwasawake,drivinghimtofollyanddestruction.FromDunland,wherehewasthendwelling,hewentnorthwithNár,andtheycrossedtheRedhornPassandcamedownintoAzanulbizar.
WhenThrórcametoMoriatheGatewasopen.Nárbeggedhimtobeware,buthe
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tooknoheedofhim,andwalkedproudlyinasanheirthatreturns.Buthedidnotcomeback.Nárstayednearbyformanydaysinhiding.Onedayheheardaloudshoutandtheblareofahorn,andabodywasflungoutonthesteps.FearingthatitwasThrór,hebegantocreepnear,buttherecameavoicefromwithinthegate:
‘Comeon,beardling!We
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canseeyou.Butthereisnoneedtobeafraidtoday.Weneedyouasamessenger.’
ThenNárcameup,andfoundthatitwasindeedthebodyofThrór,buttheheadwasseveredandlayfacedownwards.Ashekneltthere,heheardorc-laughterintheshadows,andthevoicesaid:
‘Ifbeggarswillnotwaitatthedoor,butsneakintotry
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thieving,thatiswhatwedotothem.Ifanyofyourpeoplepoketheirfoulbeardsinhereagain,theywillfarethesame.Goandtellthemso!Butifhisfamilywishtoknowwhoisnowkinghere,thenameiswrittenonhisface.Iwroteit!Ikilledhim!Iamthemaster!’
ThenNárturnedtheheadandsawbrandedonthebrowindwarf-runessothathe
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couldreaditthenameAZOG.ThatnamewasbrandedinhisheartandintheheartsofalltheDwarvesafterwards.Nárstoopedtotakethehead,butthevoiceofAzog1said:
‘Dropit!Beoff!Here’syourfee,beggar-beard.’Asmallbagstruckhim.Itheldafewcoinsoflittleworth.
Weeping,NárfleddowntheSilverlode;buthelookedbackonceandsawthatOrcs
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hadcomefromthegateandwerehackingupthebodyandflingingthepiecestotheblackcrows.
SuchwasthetalethatNárbroughtbacktoThráin;andwhenhehadweptandtornhisbeardhefellsilent.Sevendayshesatandsaidnoword.Thenhestoodupandsaid:‘Thiscannotbeborne!’That
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wasthebeginningoftheWaroftheDwarvesandtheOrcs,whichwaslonganddeadly,andfoughtforthemostpartindeepplacesbeneaththeearth.
Thráinatoncesentmessengersbearingthetale,north,east,andwest;butitwasthreeyearsbeforetheDwarveshadmusteredtheirstrength.Durin’sFolkgatheredalltheirhost,and
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theywerejoinedbygreatforcessentfromtheHousesofotherFathers;forthisdishonourtotheheiroftheEldestoftheirracefilledthemwithwrath.WhenallwasreadytheyassailedandsackedonebyoneallthestrongholdsoftheOrcsthattheycouldfindfromGundabadtotheGladden.Bothsideswerepitiless,andtherewasdeathandcruel
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deedsbydarkandbylight.ButtheDwarveshadthevictorythroughtheirstrength,andtheirmatchlessweapons,andthefireoftheiranger,astheyhuntedforAzogineverydenundermountain.
AtlastalltheOrcsthatfledbeforethemweregatheredinMoria,andtheDwarf-hostinpursuitcametoAzanulbizar.Thatwasagreatvalethatlaybetweenthe
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armsofthemountainsaboutthelakeofKheled-zâramandhadbeenofoldpartofthekingdomofKhazad-dûm.WhentheDwarvessawthegateoftheirancientmansionsuponthehill-sidetheysentupagreatshoutlikethunderinthevalley.Butagreathostoffoeswasarrayedontheslopesabovethem,andoutofthegatespouredamultitudeofOrcsthathadbeenheld
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backbyAzogforthelastneed.
AtfirstfortunewasagainsttheDwarves;foritwasadarkdayofwinterwithoutsun,andtheOrcsdidnotwaver,andtheyoutnumberedtheirenemies,andhadthehigherground.SobegantheBattleofAzanulbizar(orNanduhirionintheElvishtongue),atthememoryofwhichtheOrcs
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stillshudderandtheDwarvesweep.ThefirstassaultofthevanguardledbyThráinwasthrownbackwithloss,andThráinwasdrivenintoawoodofgreattreesthatthenstillgrewnotfarfromKheled-zâram.ThereFrerinhissonfell,andFundinhiskinsman,andmanyothers,andbothThráinandThorinwerewounded.1Elsewherethebattleswayedtoandfro
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withgreatslaughter,untilatlastthepeopleoftheIronHillsturnedtheday.CominglateandfreshtothefieldthemailedwarriorsofNáin,Grór’sson,drovethroughtheOrcstotheverythresholdofMoria,crying‘Azog!Azog!’astheyheweddownwiththeirmattocksallwhostoodintheirway.
ThenNáinstoodbeforetheGateandcriedwitha
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greatvoice:‘Azog!Ifyouareincomeout!Oristheplayinthevalleytoorough?’
ThereuponAzogcameforth,andhewasagreatOrcwithahugeiron-cladhead,andyetagileandstrong.Withhimcamemanylikehim,thefightersofhisguard,andastheyengagedNáin’scompanyheturnedtoNáin,andsaid:
‘What?Yetanother
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beggaratmydoors?MustIbrandyoutoo?’WiththatherushedatNáinandtheyfought.ButNáinwashalfblindwithrage,andalsoverywearywithbattle,whereasAzogwasfreshandfellandfullofguile.SoonNáinmadeagreatstrokewithallhisstrengththatremained,butAzogdartedasideandkickedNáin’sleg,sothatthemattocksplinteredonthe
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stonewherehehadstood,butNáinstumbledforward.ThenAzogwithaswiftswinghewedhisneck.Hismail-collarwithstoodtheedge,butsoheavywastheblowthatNáin’sneckwasbrokenandhefell.
ThenAzoglaughed,andhelifteduphisheadtoletforthagreatyelloftriumph;butthecrydiedinhisthroat.Forhesawthatallhishostin
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thevalleywasinarout,andtheDwarveswentthiswayandthatslayingastheywould,andthosethatcouldescapefromthemwereflyingsouth,shriekingastheyran.Andhardbyallthesoldiersofhisguardlaydead.HeturnedandfledbacktowardstheGate.
UpthestepsafterhimleapedaDwarfwitharedaxe.ItwasDáinIronfoot,
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Náin’sson.RightbeforethedoorshecaughtAzog,andthereheslewhim,andhewedoffhishead.Thatwasheldagreatfeat,forDáinwasthenonlyastriplinginthereckoningoftheDwarves.Butlonglifeandmanybattleslaybeforehim,untiloldbutunbowedhefellatlastintheWaroftheRing.Yethardyandfullofwrathashewas,itissaidthatwhenhecame
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downfromtheGatehelookedgreyintheface,asonewhohasfeltgreatfear.
WhenatlastthebattlewaswontheDwarvesthatwereleftgatheredinAzanulbizar.TheytooktheheadofAzogandthrustintoitsmouththepurseofsmallmoney,andthentheysetitonastake.Butnofeastnorsongwasthere
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thatnight;fortheirdeadwerebeyondthecountofgrief.Barelyhalfoftheirnumber,itissaid,couldstillstandorhadhopeofhealing.
NonethelessinthemorningThráinstoodbeforethem.Hehadoneeyeblindedbeyondcure,andhewashaltwithaleg-wound;buthesaid:‘Good!Wehavethevictory.Khazad-dûmisours!’
Buttheyanswered:
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‘Durin’sHeiryoumaybe,butevenwithoneeyeyoushouldseeclearer.Wefoughtthiswarforvengeance,andvengeancewehavetaken.Butitisnotsweet.Ifthisisvictory,thenourhandsaretoosmalltoholdit.’
AndthosewhowerenotofDurin’sFolksaidalso:‘Khazad-dûmwasnotourFathers’house.Whatisittous,unlessahopeoftreasure?
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Butnow,ifwemustgowithouttherewardsandtheweregildsthatareowedtous,thesoonerwereturntoourownlandsthebetterpleasedweshallbe.’
ThenThráinturnedtoDáin,andsaid:‘Butsurelymyownkinwillnotdesertme?’‘No,’saidDáin.‘YouarethefatherofourFolk,andwehavebledforyou,andwillagain.Butwewillnot
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enterKhazad-dûm.YouwillnotenterKhazad-dûm.OnlyIhavelookedthroughtheshadowoftheGate.Beyondtheshadowitwaitsforyoustill:Durin’sBane.TheworldmustchangeandsomeotherpowerthanoursmustcomebeforeDurin’sFolkwalkagaininMoria.’
Soitwasthatafter
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AzanulbizartheDwarvesdispersedagain.Butfirstwithgreatlabourtheystrippedalltheirdead,sothatOrcsshouldnotcomeandwinthereastoreofweaponsandmail.ItissaidthateveryDwarfthatwentfromthatbattlefieldwasbowedunderaheavyburden.Thentheybuiltmanypyresandburnedallthebodiesoftheirkin.Therewasagreatfellingoftreesinthe
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valley,whichremainedbareeverafter,andthereekoftheburningwasseeninLórien.1
Whenthedreadfulfireswereinashestheallieswentawaytotheirowncountries,andDáinIronfootledhisfather’speoplebacktotheIronHills.Thenstandingbythegreatstake,ThráinsaidtoThorinOakenshield:‘Somewouldthinkthisheaddearlybought!Atleastwehave
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givenourkingdomforit.Willyoucomewithmebacktotheanvil?Orwillyoubegyourbreadatprouddoors?’
‘Totheanvil,’answeredThorin.‘Thehammerwillatleastkeepthearmsstrong,untiltheycanwieldsharpertoolsagain.’
SoThráinandThorinwithwhatremainedoftheirfollowing(amongwhomwereBalinandGlóin)
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returnedtoDunland,andsoonafterwardstheyremovedandwanderedinEriador,untilatlasttheymadeahomeinexileintheeastoftheEredLuinbeyondtheLune.Ofironweremostofthethingsthattheyforgedinthosedays,buttheyprosperedafterafashion,andtheirnumbersslowlyincreased.1But,asThrórhadsaid,theRingneededgoldtobreedgold,
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andofthatoranyotherpreciousmetaltheyhadlittleornone.
OfthisRingsomethingmaybesaidhere.ItwasbelievedbytheDwarvesofDurin’sFolktobethefirstoftheSeventhatwasforged;andtheysaythatitwasgiventotheKingofKhazad-dûm,DurinIII,bytheElven-smiths
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themselvesandnotbySauron,thoughdoubtlesshisevilpowerwasonit,sincehehadaidedintheforgingofalltheSeven.ButthepossessorsoftheRingdidnotdisplayitorspeakofit,andtheyseldomsurrenderedituntilneardeath,sothatothersdidnotknowforcertainwhereitwasbestowed.SomethoughtthatithadremainedinKhazad-dûm,inthesecret
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tombsofthekings,iftheyhadnotbeendiscoveredandplundered;butamongthekindredofDurin’sHeiritwasbelieved(wrongly)thatThrórhadwornitwhenherashlyreturnedthere.Whatthenhadbecomeofittheydidnotknow.ItwasnotfoundonthebodyofAzog.2
Nonethelessitmaywellbe,astheDwarvesnowbelieve,thatSauronbyhis
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artshaddiscoveredwhohadthisRing,thelasttoremainfree,andthatthesingularmisfortunesoftheheirsofDurinwerelargelyduetohismalice.FortheDwarveshadproveduntameablebythismeans.TheonlypoweroverthemthattheRingswieldedwastoinflametheirheartswithagreedofgoldandpreciousthings,sothatiftheylackedthemallothergood
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thingsseemedprofitless,andtheywerefilledwithwrathanddesireforvengeanceonallwhodeprivedthem.Buttheyweremadefromtheirbeginningofakindtoresistmoststeadfastlyanydomination.Thoughtheycouldbeslainorbroken,theycouldnotbereducedtoshadowsenslavedtoanotherwill;andforthesamereasontheirliveswerenotaffected
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byanyRing,toliveeitherlongerorshorterbecauseofit.AllthemoredidSauronhatethepossessorsanddesiretodispossessthem.
ItwasthereforeperhapspartlybythemaliceoftheRingthatThráinaftersomeyearsbecamerestlessanddiscontented.Thelustforgoldwaseverinhismind.At
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last,whenhecouldendureitnolonger,heturnedhisthoughtstoErebor,andresolvedtogobackthere.HesaidnothingtoThorinofwhatwasinhisheart;butwithBalinandDwalinandafewothers,hearoseandsaidfarewellanddeparted.
Littleisknownofwhathappenedtohimafterwards.Itwouldnowseemthatassoonashewasabroadwith
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fewcompanionshewashuntedbytheemissariesofSauron.Wolvespursuedhim,Orcswaylaidhim,evilbirdsshadowedhispath,andthemorehestrovetogonorththemoremisfortunesopposedhim.TherecameadarknightwhenheandhiscompanionswerewanderinginthelandbeyondAnduin,andtheyweredrivenbyablackraintotakeshelterundertheeaves
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ofMirkwood.Inthemorninghewasgonefromthecamp,andhiscompanionscalledhiminvain.Theysearchedforhimmanydays,untilatlastgivinguphopetheydepartedandcameatlengthbacktoThorin.OnlylongafterwasitlearnedthatThráinhadbeentakenaliveandbroughttothepitsofDolGuldur.TherehewastormentedandtheRingtaken
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fromhim,andthereatlasthedied.
SoThorinOakenshieldbecametheHeirofDurin,butanheirwithouthope.WhenThráinwaslosthewasninety-five,agreatdwarfofproudbearing;butheseemedcontenttoremaininEriador.Therehelabouredlong,andtrafficked,andgainedsuchwealthashecould;andhispeoplewereincreasedby
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manyofthewanderingFolkofDurinwhoheardofhisdwellinginthewestandcametohim.Nowtheyhadfairhallsinthemountains,andstoreofgoods,andtheirdaysdidnotseemsohard,thoughintheirsongstheyspokeeveroftheLonelyMountainfaraway.
Theyearslengthened.TheembersintheheartofThoringrewhotagain,ashebrooded
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onthewrongsofhisHouseandthevengeanceupontheDragonthathehadinherited.Hethoughtofweaponsandarmiesandalliances,ashisgreathammerranginhisforge;butthearmiesweredispersedandthealliancesbrokenandtheaxesofhispeoplewerefew;andagreatangerwithouthopeburnedhimashesmotetheredironontheanvil.
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ButatlasttherecameaboutbychanceameetingbetweenGandalfandThorinthatchangedallthefortunesoftheHouseofDurin,andledtootherandgreaterendsbeside.Onatime1Thorin,returningwestfromajourney,stayedatBreeforthenight.ThereGandalfwasalso.HewasonhiswaytotheShire,whichhehadnotvisitedforsometwentyyears.
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Hewasweary,andthoughttorestthereforawhile.
AmongmanycareshewastroubledinmindbytheperilousstateoftheNorth;becauseheknewthenalreadythatSauronwasplottingwar,andintended,assoonashefeltstrongenough,toattackRivendell.ButtoresistanyattemptfromtheEasttoregainthelandsofAngmarandthenorthernpassesinthe
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mountainstherewerenowonlytheDwarvesoftheIronHills.AndbeyondthemlaythedesolationoftheDragon.TheDragonSauronmightusewithterribleeffect.HowthencouldtheendofSmaugbeachieved?
ItwasevenasGandalfsatandponderedthisthatThorinstoodbeforehim,andsaid:‘MasterGandalf,Iknowyouonlybysight,butnowI
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shouldbegladtospeakwithyou.Foryouhaveoftencomeintomythoughtsoflate,asifIwerebiddentoseekyou.IndeedIshouldhavedoneso,ifIhadknownwheretofindyou.’
Gandalflookedathimwithwonder.‘Thatisstrange,ThorinOakenshield,’hesaid.‘ForIhavethoughtofyoualso;andthoughIamonmywaytotheShire,itwasinmy
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mindthatisthewayalsotoyourhalls.’
‘Callthemso,ifyouwill,’saidThorin.‘Theyareonlypoorlodgingsinexile.Butyouwouldbewelcomethere,ifyouwouldcome.Fortheysaythatyouarewiseandknowmorethananyotherofwhatgoesonintheworld;andIhavemuchonmymindandwouldbegladofyourcounsel.’
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‘Iwillcome,’saidGandalf;‘forIguessthatweshareonetroubleatleast.TheDragonofEreborisonmymind,andIdonotthinkthathewillbeforgottenbythegrandsonofThrór.’
Thestoryistoldelsewhereofwhatcameofthatmeeting:ofthestrangeplanthatGandalfmadeforthehelpofThorin,
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andhowThorinandhiscompanionssetoutfromtheShireonthequestoftheLonelyMountainthatcametogreatendsunforeseen.HereonlythosethingsarerecalledthatdirectlyconcernDurin’sFolk.
TheDragonwasslainbyBardofEsgaroth,buttherewasbattleinDale.FortheOrcscamedownuponEreborassoonastheyheardofthe
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returnoftheDwarves;andtheywereledbyBolg,sonofthatAzogwhomDáinslewinhisyouth.InthatfirstBattleofDale,ThorinOakenshieldwasmortallywounded;andhediedandwaslaidinatombundertheMountainwiththeArkenstoneuponhisbreast.TherefellalsoFíliandKíli,hissister-sons.ButDáinIronfoot,hiscousin,whocamefromtheIronHillsto
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hisaidandwasalsohisrightfulheir,becamethenKingDáinII,andtheKingdomundertheMountainwasrestored,evenasGandalfhaddesired.Dáinprovedagreatandwiseking,andtheDwarvesprosperedandgrewstrongagaininhisday.
Inthelatesummerofthatsameyear(2941)GandalfhadatlastprevaileduponSarumanandtheWhite
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CounciltoattackDolGuldur,andSauronretreatedandwenttoMordor,theretobesecure,ashethought,fromallhisenemies.SoitwasthatwhentheWarcameatlastthemainassaultwasturnedsouthwards;yetevensowithhisfar-stretchedrighthandSauronmighthavedonegreatevilintheNorth,ifKingDáinandKingBrandhadnotstoodinhispath.Evenas
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GandalfsaidafterwardstoFrodoandGimli,whentheydwelttogetherforatimeinMinasTirith.NotlongbeforenewshadcometoGondorofeventsfaraway.
‘IgrievedatthefallofThorin,’saidGandalf;‘andnowwehearthatDáinhasfallen,fightinginDaleagain,evenwhilewefoughthere.Ishouldcallthataheavyloss,ifitwasnotawonderrather
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thatinhisgreatagehecouldstillwieldhisaxeasmightilyastheysaythathedid,standingoverthebodyofKingBrandbeforetheGateofEreboruntilthedarknessfell.
‘Yetthingsmighthavegonefarotherwiseandfarworse.WhenyouthinkofthegreatBattleofthePelennor,donotforgetthebattlesinDaleandthevalourof
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Durin’sFolk.Thinkofwhatmighthavebeen.Dragon-fireandsavageswordsinEriador,nightinRivendell.TheremightbenoQueeninGondor.Wemightnowhopetoreturnfromthevictoryhereonlytoruinandash.Butthathasbeenaverted–becauseImetThorinOakenshieldoneeveningontheedgeofspringinBree.Achance-meeting,aswesayin
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Middle-earth.’
DíswasthedaughterofThráinII.Sheistheonlydwarf-womannamedinthesehistories.ItwassaidbyGimlithattherearefewdwarf-women,probablynomorethanathirdofthewholepeople.Theyseldomwalkabroadexceptatgreatneed.Theyareinvoiceand
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appearance,andingarbiftheymustgoonajourney,soliketothedwarf-menthattheeyesandearsofotherpeoplescannottellthemapart.ThishasgivenrisetothefoolishopinionamongMenthattherearenodwarf-women,andthattheDwarves‘growoutofstone’.
Itisbecauseofthefewnessofwomenamongthemthatthekindofthe
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Dwarvesincreasesslowly,andisinperilwhentheyhavenosecuredwellings.ForDwarvestakeonlyonewifeorhusbandeachintheirlives,andarejealous,asinallmattersoftheirrights.Thenumberofdwarf-menthatmarryisactuallylessthanone-third.Fornotallthewomentakehusbands:somedesirenone;somedesireonethattheycannotget,andso
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willhavenoother.Asforthemen,verymanyalsodonotdesiremarriage,beingengrossedintheircrafts.
TheLineoftheDwarvesofEreborasitwassetoutbyGimliGlóin’ssonforKing
Elessar.
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FoundationofErebor,1999.DainIslainbyadragon,2589.ReturntoErebor,2590.SackofErebor,2770.MurderofThrór,2790.MusteringoftheDwarves,2790–3.WaroftheDwarvesandOrcs,2793–9.
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BattleofNanduhirion,2799..Thráingoeswandering,2841.DeathofThráinandlossofhisRing,2850.BattleofFiveArmiesanddeathofThorinII,2941.BalingoestoMoria,2989.
*Thenamesofthose
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whowereheldtobekingsofDurin’sFolk,whetherinexileornot,aremarkedso.OftheothercompanionsofThorinOakenshieldinthejourneytoEroborOri,Nori,andDoriwerealsooftheHouseofDurin,andmoreremotekinsmanofThorin.Bifur,Bofur,andBomburwere
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descendedfromDwarvesofMoriabutwerenotofDurin’sline.For†seep.1351.
GimliGlóin’ssonisrenowned,forhewasoneoftheNineWalkersthatsetoutwiththeRing;andheremainedinthecompanyofKingElessarthroughouttheWar.HewasnamedElf-
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friendbecauseofthegreatlovethatgrewbetweenhimandLegolas,sonofKingThranduil,andbecauseofhisreverencefortheLadyGaladriel.
AfterthefallofSauron,GimlibroughtsouthapartoftheDwarf-folkofErebor,andhebecameLordoftheGlitteringCaves.HeandhispeopledidgreatworksinGondorandRohan.For
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MinasTiriththeyforgedgatesofmithrilandsteeltoreplacethosebrokenbytheWitch-king.LegolashisfriendalsobroughtsouthElvesoutofGreenwood,andtheydweltinIthilien,anditbecameonceagainthefairestcountryinallthewestlands.
ButwhenKingElessargaveuphislifeLegolasfollowedatlastthedesireofhisheart
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andsailedoverSea.
HerefollowsoneofthelastnotesintheRedBook
WehaveheardtellthatLegolastookGimliGlóin’ssonwithhimbecauseoftheirgreatfriendship,greaterthananythathasbeenbetweenElfandDwarf.Ifthisistrue,thenitisstrangeindeed:thata
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DwarfshouldbewillingtoleaveMiddle-earthforanylove,orthattheEldarshouldreceivehim,orthattheLordsoftheWestshouldpermitit.ButitissaidthatGimliwentalsooutofdesiretoseeagainthebeautyofGaladriel;anditmaybethatshe,beingmightyamongtheEldar,obtainedthisgraceforhim.Morecannotbesaidofthismatter.
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APPENDIXBTHETALEOFYEARS
(CHRONOLOGYOFTHEWESTLANDS)
TheFirstAgeendedwiththeGreatBattle,inwhichtheHostofValinorbrokeThangorodrim1andoverthrewMorgoth.Then
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mostoftheNoldorreturnedintotheFarWest2anddweltinEressëawithinsightofValinor;andmanyoftheSindarwentoverSeaalso.
TheSecondAgeendedwiththefirstoverthrowofSauron,servantofMorgoth,andthetakingoftheOneRing.
TheThirdAgecametoitsendintheWaroftheRing;buttheFourthAgewasnot
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heldtohavebegununtilMasterElronddeparted,andthetimewascomeforthedominionofMenandthedeclineofallother‘speaking-peoples’inMiddle-earth.3
IntheFourthAgetheearlierageswereoftencalledtheElderDays;butthatnamewasproperlygivenonlytothedaysbeforethecastingoutofMorgoth.Thehistoriesofthattimearenotrecorded
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here.
TheSecondAge
ThesewerethedarkyearsforMenofMiddle-earth,buttheyearsofthegloryofNúmenor.OfeventsinMiddle-earththerecordsarefewandbrief,andtheirdatesareoftenuncertain.
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InthebeginningofthisagemanyoftheHighElvesstillremained.MostofthesedweltinLindonwestoftheEredLuin;butbeforethebuildingoftheBarad-dûrmanyoftheSindarpassedeastward,andsomeestablishedrealmsintheforestsfaraway,wheretheirpeopleweremostlySilvanElves.Thranduil,kinginthenorthofGreenwoodthe
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Great,wasoneofthese.InLindonnorthoftheLunedweltGil-galad,lastheirofthekingsoftheNoldorinexile.HewasacknowledgedasHighKingoftheElvesoftheWest.InLindonsouthoftheLunedweltforatimeCeleborn,kinsmanofThingol;hiswifewasGaladriel,greatestofElvenwomen.ShewassisterofFinrodFelagund,Friend-of-
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Men,oncekingofNargothrond,whogavehislifetosaveBerensonofBarahir.
LatersomeoftheNoldorwenttoEregion,uponthewestoftheMistyMountains,andneartotheWest-gateofMoria.ThistheydidbecausetheylearnedthatmithrilhadbeendiscoveredinMoria.1TheNoldorweregreatcraftsmenandlessunfriendly
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totheDwarvesthantheSindar;butthefriendshipthatgrewupbetweenthepeopleofDurinandtheElven-smithsofEregionwastheclosestthattherehaseverbeenbetweenthetworaces.CelebrimborwasLordofEregionandthegreatestoftheircraftsmen;hewasdescendedfromFëanor.
Year
1 FoundationoftheGreyHavens,andofLindon.
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32 TheEdainreachNúmenor.
c.40
ManyDwarvesleavingtheiroldcitiesinEredLuingotoMoriaandswellitsnumbers.
442 DeathofElrosTar-Minyatur.
c.500 SauronbeginstostiragaininMiddle-earth.
521 BirthinNúmenorofSilmariën.
600ThefirstshipsoftheNúmenóreansappearoffthecoasts.
750 EregionfoundedbytheNoldor.
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c.1000
Sauron,alarmedbythegrowingpoweroftheNúmenóreans,choosesMordorasalandtomakeintoastronghold.HebeginsthebuildingofBarad-dûr.
1075Tar-AncalimëbecomesthefirstRulingQueenofNúmenor.
1200
SauronendeavourstoseducetheEldar.Gil-galadrefusestotreatwithhim;butthesmithsofEregionarewonover.TheNúmenóreansbegintomakepermanenthavens.
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c.1500
TheElven-smithsinstructedbySauronreachtheheightoftheirskill.TheybegintheforgingoftheRingsofPower.
c.1590 TheThreeRingsarecompletedinEregion.
c.1600
SauronforgestheOneRinginOrodruin.HecompletestheBarad-dûr.CelebrimborperceivesthedesignsofSauron.
1693WaroftheElvesandSauronbegins.TheThreeRingsarehidden.Sauron’sforcesinvade
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1695 Eriador.Gil-galadsendsElrondtoEregion.
1697
Eregionlaidwaste.DeathofCelebrimbor.ThegatesofMoriaareshut.ElrondretreatswithremnantoftheNoldorandfoundstherefugeofImladris.
1699 SauronoverrunsEriador.
1700
Tar-MinastirsendsagreatnavyfromNúmenortoLindon.Sauronisdefeated.
1701
SauronisdrivenoutofEriador.TheWestlandshavepeaceforalongwhile.
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c.1800
FromaboutthistimeonwardtheNúmenóreansbegintoestablishdominionsonthecoasts.Sauronextendshispowereastwards.TheshadowfallsonNúmenor.
2251
DeathofTar-Atanamir.Tar-Ancalimontakesthesceptre.RebellionanddivisionoftheNúmenóreansbegins.AboutthistimetheNazgûlorRingwraiths,slavesoftheNineRings,firstappear.
2280UmbarismadeintoagreatfortressofNúmenor.
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2350
Pelargirisbuilt.ItbecomesthechiefhavenoftheFaithfulNúmenóreans.
2899 Ar-Adûnakhôrtakesthesceptre.
3175RepentanceofTar-Palantir.CivilwarinNúmenor.
3255 Ar-PharazôntheGoldenseizesthesceptre.
3261 Ar-PharazônsetssailandlandsatUmbar.
3262
SauronistakenasprisonertoNúmenor;3262–3310SauronseducestheKingand
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corruptstheNúmenóreans.
3310Ar-PharazônbeginsthebuildingoftheGreatArmament.
3319
Ar-PharazônassailsValinor.DownfallofNúmenor.Elendilandhissonsescape.
3320
FoundationsoftheRealmsinExile:ArnorandGondor.TheStonesaredivided(p.780).SauronreturnstoMordor.SauronattacksGondor,takesMinasIthilandburnstheWhiteTree.
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3429 IsildurescapesdownAnduinandgoestoElendilintheNorth.AnáriondefendsMinasAnorandOsgiliath.
3430 TheLastAllianceofElvesandMenisformed.
3431 Gil-galadandElendilmarcheasttoImladris.
3434
ThehostoftheAlliancecrossestheMistyMountains.BattleofDagorladanddefeatofSauron.SiegeofBarad-dûrbegins.
3440 Anárionslain.
Sauronoverthrownby
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3441
ElendilandGil-galad,whoperish.IsildurtakestheOneRing.SauronpassesawayandtheRingwraithsgointotheshadows.TheSecondAgeends.
TheThirdAge
ThesewerethefadingyearsoftheEldar.Forlongtheywereatpeace,wieldingthe
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ThreeRingswhileSauronsleptandtheOneRingwaslost;buttheyattemptednothingnew,livinginmemoryofthepast.TheDwarveshidthemselvesindeepplaces,guardingtheirhoards;butwhenevilbegantostiragainanddragonsreappeared,onebyonetheirancienttreasureswereplundered,andtheybecameawanderingpeople.Moriafor
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longremainedsecure,butitsnumbersdwindleduntilmanyofitsvastmansionsbecamedarkandempty.Thewisdomandthelife-spanoftheNúmenóreansalsowanedastheybecamemingledwithlesserMen.
Whenmaybeathousandyearshadpassed,andthefirstshadowhadfallenonGreenwoodtheGreat,theIstariorWizardsappearedin
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Middle-earth.ItwasafterwardssaidthattheycameoutoftheFarWestandweremessengerssenttocontestthepowerofSauron,andtouniteallthosewhohadthewilltoresisthim;buttheywereforbiddentomatchhispowerwithpower,ortoseektodominateElvesorMenbyforceandfear.
TheycamethereforeintheshapeofMen,though
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theywereneveryoungandagedonlyslowly,andtheyhadmanypowersofmindandhand.Theyrevealedtheirtruenamestofew,1butusedsuchnamesasweregiventothem.Thetwohighestofthisorder(ofwhomitissaidtherewerefive)werecalledbytheEldarCurunír,‘theManofSkill’,andMithrandir,‘theGreyPilgrim’,butbyMeninthe
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NorthSarumanandGandalf.CurunírjourneyedoftenintotheEast,butdweltatlastinIsengard.MithrandirwasclosestinfriendshipwiththeEldar,andwanderedmostlyintheWest,andnevermadeforhimselfanylastingabode.
ThroughouttheThirdAgetheguardianshipoftheThreeRingswasknownonlytothosewhopossessedthem.Butattheenditbecame
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knownthattheyhadbeenheldatfirstbythethreegreatestoftheEldar:Gil-galad,GaladrielandCírdan.Gil-galadbeforehediedgavehisringtoElrond;CírdanlatersurrenderedhistoMithrandir.ForCírdansawfurtheranddeeperthananyotherinMiddle-earth,andhewelcomedMithrandirattheGreyHavens,knowingwhencehecameandwhither
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hewouldreturn.‘Takethisring,Master,’
hesaid,‘foryourlabourswillbeheavy;butitwillsupportyouinthewearinessthatyouhavetakenuponyourself.ForthisistheRingofFire,andwithityoumayrekindleheartsinaworldthatgrowschill.Butasforme,myheartiswiththeSea,andIwilldwellbythegreyshoresuntilthelastshipsails.Iwillawait
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you.’Year
2
IsildurplantsaseedlingoftheWhiteTreeinMinasAnor.HedeliverstheSouth-kingdomtoMeneldil.DisasteroftheGladdenFields;Isildurandhisthreeeldersonsareslain.
3 OhtarbringstheshardsofNarsiltoImladris.
10 ValandilbecomesKingofArnor.
109 ElrondwedsCelebrían,daughterofCeleborn.
130 BirthofElladanand
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Elrohir,sonsofElrond.
241 BirthofArwenUndómiel.
420 KingOstoherrebuildsMinasAnor.
490 FirstinvasionofEasterlings.
500 RómendacilIdefeatstheEasterlings.
541 Rómendacilslaininbattle.
830 FalasturbeginsthelineoftheShip-kingsofGondor.
861 DeathofEärendur,anddivisionofArnor.
933KingEärnilItakesUmbar,whichbecomesa
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fortressofGondor.
936 Eärnillostatsea.
1015 KingCiryandilslaininthesiegeofUmbar.
1050
HyarmendacilconquerstheHarad.Gondorreachestheheightofitspower.AboutthistimeashadowfallsonGreenwood,andmenbegintocallitMirkwood.ThePeriannatharefirstmentionedinrecords,withthecomingoftheHarfootstoEriador.TheWise(theIstariandthechiefEldar)discover
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c.1100 thatanevilpowerhasmadeastrongholdatDolGuldur.ItisthoughttobeoneoftheNazgûl.
1149 ReignofAtanatarAlcarinbegins.
c.1150
TheFallohidesenterEriador.TheStoorscomeovertheRedhornPassandmovetotheAngle,ortoDunland.
c.1300
Evilthingsbegintomultiplyagain.OrcsincreaseintheMistyMountainsandattacktheDwarves.TheNazgûlreappear.Thechiefofthesecomesnorthto
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Angmar.ThePeriannathmigratewestward;manysettleatBree.
1356
KingArgelebIslaininbattlewithRhudaur.AboutthistimetheStoorsleavetheAngle,andsomereturntoWilderland.
1409
TheWitch-kingofAngmarinvadesArnor.KingArvelegIslain.FornostandTyrnGorthadaredefended.TheTowerofAmonSûldestroyed.
1432KingValacarofGondordies,andthecivilwaroftheKin-strifebegins.
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1437
BurningofOsgiliathandlossofthepalantír.EldacarfleestoRhovanion;hissonOrnendilismurdered.
1447
EldacarreturnsanddrivesouttheusurperCastamir.BattleoftheCrossingsofErui.SiegeofPelargir.
1448 RebelsescapeandseizeUmbar.
1540KingAldamirslaininwarwiththeHaradandCorsairsofUmbar.
1551HyarmendacilIIdefeatstheMenofHarad.
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1601 ManyPeriannathmigratefromBree,andaregrantedlandbeyondBaranduinbyArgelebII.
c.1630 TheyarejoinedbyStoorscomingupfromDunland.
1634TheCorsairsravagePelargirandslayKingMinardil.
1636
TheGreatPlaguedevastatesGondor.DeathofKingTelemnarandhischildren.TheWhiteTreediesinMinasAnor.Theplaguespreadsnorthandwest,andmanypartsofEriadorbecomedesolate.BeyondtheBaranduinthe
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Periannathsurvive,butsuffergreatloss.
1640
KingTarondorremovestheKing’sHousetoMinasAnor,andplantsaseedlingoftheWhiteTree.Osgiliathbeginstofallintoruin.Mordorisleftunguarded.
1810
KingTelumehtarUmbardacilretakesUmbaranddrivesouttheCorsairs.
1851TheattacksoftheWainridersuponGondorbegin.
Gondorlosesitseastern
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1856 territories,andNarmacilIIfallsinbattle.
1899KingCalimehtardefeatstheWainridersonDagorlad.
1900CalimehtarbuildstheWhiteTowerinMinasAnor.
1940
GondorandArnorrenewcommunicationsandformanalliance.ArveduiwedsFírieldaughterofOndoherofGondor.
1944
Ondoherfallsinbattle.EärnildefeatstheenemyinSouthIthilien.HethenwinstheBattleoftheCamp,anddrives
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WainridersintotheDeadMarshes.ArveduiclaimsthecrownofGondor.
1945 EärnilIIreceivesthecrown.
1974
EndoftheNorth-kingdom.TheWitch-kingoverrunsArthedainandtakesFornost.
1975
ArveduidrownedintheBayofForochel.ThepalantíriofAnnúminasandAmonSûlarelost.EärnurbringsafleettoLindon.TheWitch-kingdefeatedattheBattleofFornost,andpursuedtotheEttenmoors.He
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vanishesfromtheNorth.
1976
AranarthtakesthetitleofChieftainoftheDúnedain.TheheirloomsofArnoraregivenintothekeepingofElrond.
1977 FrumgarleadstheÉothéodintotheNorth.
1979BuccaoftheMarishbecomesfirstThainoftheShire.
1980
TheWitch-kingcomestoMordorandtheregatherstheNazgûl.ABalrogappearsinMoria,andslaysDurinVI.NáinIslain.TheDwarves
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1981fleefromMoria.ManyoftheSilvanElvesofLórienfleesouth.AmrothandNimrodelarelost.
1999
ThráinIcomestoEreborandfoundsadwarf-kingdom‘undertheMountain’.
2000TheNazgûlissuefromMordorandbesiegeMinasIthil.
2002
FallofMinasIthil,afterwardsknownasMinasMorgul.Thepalantíriscaptured.
2043EärnurbecomesKingofGondor.Heischallenged
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bytheWitch-king.
2050
Thechallengeisrenewed.EärnurridestoMinasMorgulandislost.MardilbecomesthefirstRulingSteward.
2060
ThepowerofDolGuldurgrows.TheWisefearthatitmaybeSaurontakingshapeagain.
2063
GandalfgoestoDolGuldur.SauronretreatsandhidesintheEast.TheWatchfulPeacebegins.TheNazgûlremainquietinMinasMorgul.ThorinIleavesErebor,
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2210andgoesnorthtotheGreyMountains,wheremostoftheremnantsofDurin’sFolkarenowgathering.
2340
IsumbrasIbecomesthirteenthThain,andfirstoftheTookline.TheOldbucksoccupytheBuckland.
2460
TheWatchfulPeaceends.SauronreturnswithincreasedstrengthtoDolGuldur.
2463
TheWhiteCouncilisformed.AboutthistimeDéagoltheStoorfindstheOneRing,andis
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murderedbySméagol.
2470AboutthistimeSméagol-GollumhidesintheMistyMountains.
2475
AttackonGondorrenewed.Osgiliathfinallyruined,anditsstone-bridgebroken.
c.2480
OrcsbegintomakesecretstrongholdsintheMistyMountainssoastobarallthepassesintoEriador.SauronbeginstopeopleMoriawithhiscreatures.
2509
Celebrían,journeyingtoLórien,iswaylaidintheRedhornPass,and
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receivesapoisonedwound.
2510
CelebríandepartsoverSea.OrcsandEasterlingsoverrunCalenardhon.EorltheYoungwinsthevictoryoftheFieldofCelebrant.TheRohirrimsettleinCalenardhon.
2545 EorlfallsinbattleintheWold.
2569BregosonofEorlcompletestheGoldenHall.
2570
BaldorsonofBregoenterstheForbiddenDoorandislost.AboutthistimeDragonsreappearin
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thefarNorthandbegintoafflicttheDwarves.
2589 DáinIslainbyaDragon.
2590ThrórreturnstoErebor.GrórhisbrothergoestotheIronHills.
c.2670Toboldplants‘pipe-weed’intheSouthfarthing.
2683
IsengrimIIbecomestenthThainandbeginstheexcavationofGreatSmials.
2698EcthelionIrebuildstheWhiteTowerinMinasTirith.
2740 Orcsrenewtheir
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invasionsofEriador.
2747BandobrasTookdefeatsanOrc-bandintheNorth-farthing.
2758
Rohanattackedfromwestandeastandoverrun.GondorattackedbyfleetsoftheCorsairs.HelmofRohantakesrefugeinHelm’sDeep.WulfseizesEdoras.2758–9:TheLongWinterfollows.GreatsufferingandlossoflifeinEriadorandRohan.GandalfcomestotheaidoftheShire-folk.
DeathofHelm.Fréaláf
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2759drivesoutWulf,andbeginssecondlineofKingsoftheMark.SarumantakesuphisabodeinIsengard.
2770
SmaugtheDragondescendsonErebor.Daledestroyed.ThrórescapeswithThráinIIandThorinII.
2790
ThrórslainbyanOrcinMoria.TheDwarvesgatherforawarofvengeance.BirthofGerontius,laterknownastheOldTook.
2793 TheWaroftheDwarves
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andOrcsbegins.
2799
BattleofNanduhirionbeforetheEast-gateofMoria.DáinIronfootreturnstotheIronHills.ThráinIIandhissonThorinwanderwestwards.TheysettleintheSouthofEredLuinbeyondtheShire(2802).
2800–64
OrcsfromtheNorthtroubleRohan.KingWaldaslainbythem(2861).
2841
ThráinIIsetsouttorevisitErebor,butispursuedbytheservantsof
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Sauron.
2845
ThráintheDwarfisimprisonedinDolGuldur;thelastoftheSevenRingsistakenfromhim.
2850
GandalfagainentersDolGuldur,anddiscoversthatitsmasterisindeedSauron,whoisgatheringalltheRingsandseekingfornewsoftheOne,andofIsildur’sHeir.HefindsThráinandreceivesthekeyofErebor.ThráindiesinDolGuldur.
TheWhiteCouncilmeets.
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2851GandalfurgesanattackonDolGuldur.Sarumanoverruleshim.1SarumanbeginstosearchneartheGladdenFields.
2872
BelecthorIIofGondordies.TheWhiteTreedies,andnoseedlingcanbefound.TheDeadTreeisleftstanding.
2885
StirredupbyemissariesofSaurontheHaradrimcrossthePorosandattackGondor.ThesonsofFolcwineofRohanareslainintheserviceofGondor.
2890 BilbobornintheShire.
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2901
MostoftheremaininginhabitantsofIthiliendesertitowingtotheattacksofUruksofMordor.ThesecretrefugeofHennethAnnûnisbuilt.
2907 BirthofGilraenmotherofAragornII.
2911
TheFellWinter.TheBaranduinandotherriversarefrozen.WhiteWolvesinvadeEriadorfromtheNorth.
2912
GreatfloodsdevastateEnedwaithandMinhiriath.Tharbadisruinedanddeserted.
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2920 DeathoftheOldTook.
2929ArathornsonofAradoroftheDúnedainwedsGilraen.
2930
AradorslainbyTrolls.BirthofDenethorIIsonofEcthelionIIinMinasTirith.
2931 AragornsonofArathornIIbornonMarch1st.
2933
ArathornIIslain.GilraentakesAragorntoImladris.Elrondreceiveshimasfoster-sonandgiveshimthenameEstel(Hope);hisancestryisconcealed.
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2939
SarumandiscoversthatSauron’sservantsaresearchingtheAnduinnearGladdenFields,andthatSauronthereforehaslearnedofIsildur’send.Heisalarmed,butsaysnothingtotheCouncil.
2941
ThorinOakenshieldandGandalfvisitBilbointheShire.BilbomeetsSméagol-GollumandfindstheRing.TheWhiteCouncilmeets;SarumanagreestoanattackonDolGuldur,sincehenowwishestopreventSauronfromsearchingtheRiver.
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SauronhavingmadehisplansabandonsDolGuldur.TheBattleoftheFiveArmiesinDale.DeathofThorinII.BardofEsgarothslaysSmaug.DáinoftheIronHillsbecomesKingundertheMountain(DáinII).
2942
BilboreturnstotheShirewiththeRing.SauronreturnsinsecrettoMordor.
2944
BardrebuildsDaleandbecomesKing.GollumleavestheMountainsandbeginshissearchforthe‘thief’oftheRing.
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2948 ThéodensonofThengel,KingofRohan,born.
2949 GandalfandBalinvisitBilbointheShire.
2950Finduilas,daughterofAdrahilofDolAmroth,born.
2951
SaurondeclareshimselfopenlyandgatherspowerinMordor.HebeginstherebuildingofBarad-dûr.GollumturnstowardsMordor.SauronsendsthreeoftheNazgûltoreoccupyDolGuldur.Elrondrevealsto‘Estel’histruenameandancestry,anddeliversto
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himtheshardsofNarsil.Arwen,newlyreturnedfromLórien,meetsAragorninthewoodsofImladris.AragorngoesoutintotheWild.
2953
LastmeetingoftheWhiteCouncil.TheydebatetheRings.SarumanfeignsthathehasdiscoveredthattheOneRinghaspasseddownAnduintotheSea.SarumanwithdrawstoIsengard,whichhetakesashisown,andfortifiesit.BeingjealousandafraidofGandalfhesetsspiesto
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watchallhismovements;andnoteshisinterestintheShire.HesoonbeginstokeepagentsinBreeandtheSouthfarthing.
2954
MountDoomburstsintoflameagain.ThelastinhabitantsofIthilienfleeoverAnduin.
2956AragornmeetsGandalfandtheirfriendshipbegins.
2957–80
Aragornundertakeshisgreatjourneysanderrantries.AsThorongilheservesindisguisebothThengelofRohanandEcthelionIIofGondor.
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2968 BirthofFrodo.
2976DenethorwedsFinduilasofDolAmroth.
2977 BainsonofBardbecomesKingofDale.
2978 BirthofBoromirsonofDenethorII.
2980
AragornentersLórien,andtheremeetsagainArwenUndómiel.AragorngiveshertheringofBarahir,andtheyplighttheirtrothuponthehillofCerinAmroth.AboutthistimeGollumreachestheconfinesofMordorandbecomesacquaintedwith
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Shelob.ThéodenbecomesKingofRohan.BirthofSamwise.
2983 FaramirsonofDenethorborn.
2984DeathofEcthelionII.DenethorIIbecomesStewardofGondor.
2988 Finduilasdiesyoung.
2989 BalinleavesEreborandentersMoria.
2991 ÉomerÉomund’ssonborninRohan.
2994Balinperishes,andthedwarf-colonyisdestroyed.ÉowynsisterofÉomer
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2995 born.
c.3000
TheshadowofMordorlengthens.SarumandarestousethepalantírofOrthanc,butbecomesensnaredbySauron,whohastheIthil-stone.HebecomesatraitortotheCouncil.HisspiesreportthattheShireisbeingcloselyguardedbytheRangers.
3001
Bilbo’sfarewellfeast.GandalfsuspectshisringtobetheOneRing.TheguardontheShireisdoubled.Gandalfseeks
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fornewsofGollumandcallsonthehelpofAragorn.
3002BilbobecomesaguestofElrond,andsettlesinRivendell.
3004
GandalfvisitsFrodointheShire,anddoessoatintervalsduringthenextfouryears.
3007BrandsonofBainbecomesKinginDale.DeathofGilraen.
3008IntheautumnGandalfpayshislastvisittoFrodo.GandalfandAragorn
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3009
renewtheirhuntforGollumatintervalsduringthenexteightyears,searchinginthevalesofAnduin,Mirkwood,andRhovaniontotheconfinesofMordor.AtsometimeduringtheseyearsGollumhimselfventuredintoMordor,andwascapturedbySauron.ElrondsendsforArwen,andshereturnstoImladris;theMountainsandalllandseastwardarebecomingdangerous.GollumisreleasedfromMordor.Heistakenby
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3017AragornintheDeadMarshes,andbroughttoThranduilinMirkwood.GandalfvisitsMinasTirithandreadsthescrollofIsildur.
THEGREATYEARS3018
April12 GandalfreachesHobbiton.
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June
20SauronattacksOsgiliath.AboutthesametimeThranduilisattacked,andGollumescapes.
Mid-year’sDayGandalfmeetsRadagast.
July4 BoromirsetsoutfromMinas
Tirith.
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10 GandalfimprisonedinOrthanc.
AugustAlltraceofGollumislost.Itisthoughtthatataboutthistime,beinghuntedbothbytheElvesandSauron’sservants,hetookrefugeinMoria;butwhenhehadatlastdiscoveredthewaytotheWest-gatehecouldnotgetout.
September
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18GandalfescapesfromOrthancintheearlyhours.TheBlackRiderscrosstheFordsofIsen.
19 GandalfcomestoEdorasasabeggar,andisrefusedadmittance.
20
GandalfgainsentrancetoEdoras.Théodencommandshimtogo:‘Takeanyhorse,onlybegoneeretomorrowisold!’
21
GandalfmeetsShadowfax,butthehorsewillnotallowhimtocomenear.HefollowsShadowfaxfaroverthefields.
22
TheBlackRidersreachSarnFordatevening;theydriveofftheguardofRangers.GandalfovertakesShadowfax.
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23
FourRidersentertheShirebeforedawn.TheotherspursuetheRangerseastward,andthenreturntowatchtheGreenway.ABlackRidercomestoHobbitonatnightfall.FrodoleavesBagEnd.GandalfhavingtamedShadowfaxridesfromRohan.
24 GandalfcrossestheIsen.
26 TheOldForest.FrodocomestoBombadil.
27 GandalfcrossesGreyflood.SecondnightwithBombadil.
28TheHobbitscapturedbyaBarrow-wight.GandalfreachesSarnFord.
29FrodoreachesBreeatnight.
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GandalfvisitstheGaffer.
30
CrickhollowandtheInnatBreeareraidedintheearlyhours.FrodoleavesBree.GandalfcomestoCrickhollow,andreachesBreeatnight.
October1 GandalfleavesBree.
3 HeisattackedatnightonWeathertop.
6 ThecampunderWeathertopattackedatnight.Frodowounded.
9 GlorfindelleavesRivendell.
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11 HedrivestheRidersofftheBridgeofMitheithel.
13 FrodocrossestheBridge.
18 GlorfindelfindsFrodoatdusk.GandalfreachesRivendell.
20 EscapeacrosstheFordofBruinen.
24Frodorecoversandwakes.BoromirarrivesinRivendellatnight.
25 CouncilofElrond.
DecemberTheCompanyoftheRingleaves
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25 Rivendellatdusk.
3019
January8 TheCompanyreachHollin.11,12 SnowonCaradhras.
13
AttackbyWolvesintheearlyhours.TheCompanyreachesWest-gateofMoriaatnightfall.GollumbeginstotrailtheRing-
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bearer.14 NightinHallTwenty-one.
15TheBridgeofKhazad-dûm,andfallofGandalf.TheCompanyreachesNimrodellateatnight.
17 TheCompanycomestoCarasGaladhonatevening.
23 GandalfpursuestheBalrogtothepeakofZirakzigil.
25HecastsdowntheBalrog,andpassesaway.Hisbodyliesonthepeak.
February
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15 TheMirrorofGaladriel.Gandalfreturnstolife,andliesinatrance.
16FarewelltoLórien.Golluminhidingonthewestbankobservesthedeparture.
17 GwaihirbearsGandalftoLórien.
23 TheboatsareattackedatnightnearSarnGebir.
25
TheCompanypasstheArgonathandcampatParthGalen.FirstBattleoftheFordsofIsen;ThéodredsonofThéodenslain.
26
BreakingoftheFellowship.DeathofBoromir;hishornisheardinMinasTirith.MeriadocandPeregrincaptured.FrodoandSamwiseentertheeasternEmyn
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Muil.AragornsetsoutinpursuitoftheOrcsatevening.ÉomerhearsofthedescentoftheOrc-bandfromEmynMuil.
27
Aragornreachesthewest-cliffatsunrise.ÉomeragainstThéoden’sorderssetsoutfromEastfoldaboutmidnighttopursuetheOrcs.
28 ÉomerovertakestheOrcsjustoutsideFangornForest.
29
MeriadocandPippinescapeandmeetTreebeard.TheRohirrimattackatsunriseanddestroytheOrcs.FrododescendsfromtheEmynMuilandmeetsGollum.FaramirseesthefuneralboatofBoromir.
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30 Entmootbegins.ÉomerreturningtoEdorasmeetsAragorn.
March
1
FrodobeginsthepassageoftheDeadMarshesatdawn.Entmootcontinues.AragornmeetsGandalftheWhite.TheysetoutforEdoras.FaramirleavesMinasTirithonanerrandtoIthilien.FrodocomestotheendoftheMarshes.GandalfcomestoEdorasandhealsThéoden.TheRohirrimridewestagainst
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2 Saruman.SecondBattleofFordsofIsen.Erkenbranddefeated.Entmootendsinafternoon.TheEntsmarchonIsengardandreachitatnight.
3
ThéodenretreatstoHelm’sDeep.BattleoftheHornburgbegins.EntscompletethedestructionofIsengard.
4
ThéodenandGandalfsetoutfromHelm’sDeepforIsengard.Frodoreachestheslag-moundsontheedgeoftheDesolationoftheMorannon.ThéodenreachesIsengardatnoon.ParleywithSarumaninOrthanc.WingedNazgûlpasses
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5 overthecampatDolBaran.GandalfsetsoutwithPeregrinforMinasTirith.FrodohidesinsightoftheMorannon,andleavesatdusk.
6
AragornovertakenbytheDúnedainintheearlyhours.ThéodensetsoutfromtheHornburgforHarrowdale.Aragornsetsoutlater.
7FrodotakenbyFaramirtoHennethAnnûn.AragorncomestoDunharrowatnightfall.
8
Aragorntakesthe‘PathsoftheDead’atdaybreak;hereachesErechatmidnight.FrodoleavesHennethAnnûn.GandalfreachesMinasTirith.
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9
FaramirleavesHennethAnnûn.AragornsetsoutfromErechandcomestoCalembel.AtduskFrodoreachestheMorgul-road.ThéodencomestoDunharrow.DarknessbeginstoflowoutofMordor.
10
TheDawnlessDay.TheMusterofRohan:theRohirrimridefromHarrowdale.FaramirrescuedbyGandalfoutsidethegatesoftheCity.AragorncrossesRingló.AnarmyfromtheMorannontakesCairAndrosandpassesintoAnórien.FrodopassestheCross-roads,andseestheMorgul-hostsetforth.GollumvisitsShelob,butseeing
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11
Frodoasleepnearlyrepents.DenethorsendsFaramirtoOsgiliath.AragornreachesLinhirandcrossesintoLebennin.EasternRohanisinvadedfromthenorth.FirstassaultonLórien.
12
GollumleadsFrodointoShelob’slair.FaramirretreatstotheCausewayForts.ThéodencampsunderMin-Rimmon.AragorndrivestheenemytowardsPelargir.TheEntsdefeattheinvadersofRohan.
13
FrodocapturedbytheOrcsofCirithUngol.ThePelennorisoverrun.Faramiriswounded.AragornreachesPelargirandcapturesthefleet.Théodenin
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DrúadanForest.
14
SamwisefindsFrodointheTower.MinasTirithisbesieged.TheRohirrimledbytheWildMencometotheGreyWood.
15
IntheearlyhourstheWitch-kingbreakstheGatesoftheCity.Denethorburnshimselfonapyre.ThehornsoftheRohirrimareheardatcockcrow.BattleofthePelennor.Théodenisslain.AragornraisesthestandardofArwen.FrodoandSamwiseescapeandbegintheirjourneynorthalongtheMorgai.BattleunderthetreesinMirkwood;ThranduilrepelstheforcesofDolGuldur.SecondassaultonLórien.
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16Debateofthecommanders.FrodofromtheMorgailooksoutoverthecamptoMountDoom.
17
BattleofDale.KingBrandandKingDáinIronfootfall.ManyDwarvesandMentakerefugeinEreborandarebesieged.ShagratbringsFrodo’scloak,mail-shirt,andswordtoBarad-dûr.
18
TheHostoftheWestmarchesfromMinasTirith.FrodocomesinsightoftheIsenmouthe;heisovertakenbyOrcsontheroadfromDurthangtoUdûn.
19
TheHostcomestoMorgulVale.FrodoandSamwiseescapeandbegintheirjourneyalongtheroad
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totheBarad-dûr.
22
Thedreadfulnightfall.FrodoandSamwiseleavetheroadandturnsouthtoMountDoom.ThirdassaultonLórien.
23
TheHostpassesoutofIthilien.Aragorndismissesthefaint-hearted.FrodoandSamwisecastawaytheirarmsandgear.
24
FrodoandSamwisemaketheirlastjourneytothefeetofMountDoom.TheHostcampsintheDesolationoftheMorannon.
25
TheHostissurroundedontheSlag-hills.FrodoandSamwisereachtheSammathNaur.GollumseizestheRingandfallsinthe
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CracksofDoom.DownfallofBarad-dûrandpassingofSauron.
AfterthefalloftheDarkTowerandthepassingofSaurontheShadowwasliftedfromtheheartsofallwhoopposedhim,butfearanddespairfelluponhisservantsandallies.ThreetimesLórienhadbeenassailedfromDolGuldur,butbesidesthevalouroftheelvenpeopleofthat
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land,thepowerthatdwelttherewastoogreatforanytoovercome,unlessSauronhadcometherehimself.Thoughgrievousharmwasdonetothefairwoodsontheborders,theassaultsweredrivenback;andwhentheShadowpassed,CeleborncameforthandledthehostofLórienoverAnduininmanyboats.TheytookDolGuldur,andGaladrielthrewdownits
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wallsandlaidbareitspits,andtheforestwascleansed.
IntheNorthalsotherehadbeenwarandevil.TherealmofThranduilwasinvaded,andtherewaslongbattleunderthetreesandgreatruinoffire;butintheendThranduilhadthevictory.AndonthedayoftheNewYearoftheElves,CelebornandThranduilmetinthemidstoftheforest;andthey
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renamedMirkwoodErynLasgalen,TheWoodofGreenleaves.Thranduiltookallthenorthernregionasfarasthemountainsthatriseintheforestforhisrealm;andCeleborntookallthesouthernwoodbelowtheNarrows,andnameditEastLórien;allthewideforestbetweenwasgiventotheBeorningsandtheWoodmen.Butafterthepassingof
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GaladrielinafewyearsCeleborngrewwearyofhisrealmandwenttoImladristodwellwiththesonsofElrond.IntheGreenwoodtheSilvanElvesremaineduntroubled,butinLórientherelingeredsadlyonlyafewofitsformerpeople,andtherewasnolongerlightorsonginCarasGaladhon.
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AtthesametimeasthegreatarmiesbesiegedMinasTirithahostofthealliesofSauronthathadlongthreatenedthebordersofKingBrandcrossedtheRiverCarnen,andBrandwasdrivenbacktoDale.TherehehadtheaidoftheDwarvesofErebor;andtherewasagreatbattleattheMountain’sfeet.Itlastedthreedays,butintheendbothKingBrandandKingDáin
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Ironfootwereslain,andtheEasterlingshadthevictory.ButtheycouldnottaketheGate,andmany,bothDwarvesandMen,tookrefugeinErebor,andtherewithstoodasiege.
WhennewscameofthegreatvictoriesintheSouth,thenSauron’snorthernarmywasfilledwithdismay;andthebesiegedcameforthandroutedthem,andtheremnant
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fledintotheEastandtroubledDalenomore.ThenBardII,Brand’sson,becameKinginDale,andThorinIIIStonehelm,Dáin’sson,becameKingundertheMountain.TheysenttheirambassadorstothecrowningofKingElessar;andtheirrealmsremainedeverafter,aslongastheylasted,infriendshipwithGondor;andtheywereunderthecrown
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andprotectionoftheKingoftheWest.
THECHIEFDAYSFROMTHEFALLOFBARAD-DÛRTOTHEENDOFTHETHIRDAGE1
3019S.R.1419
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March27.BardIIandThorinIIIStonehelmdrivetheenemyfromDale.28.CeleborncrossesAnduin;destructionofDolGuldurbegun.
April6.MeetingofCelebornandThranduil.8.TheRing-bearersare
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honouredontheFieldofCormallen.
May1.CrowningofKingElessar;ElrondandArwensetoutfromRivendell.8.ÉomerandÉowyndepartforRohanwiththesonsofElrond.20.ElrondandArwencometo
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Lórien.27.TheescortofArwenleavesLórien.
June14.ThesonsofElrondmeettheescortandbringArwentoEdoras.16.TheysetoutforGondor.25.KingElessarfindsthesaplingoftheWhiteTree.
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1Lithe.ArwencomestotheCity.
Mid-year’sDay.WeddingofElessarandArwen.
July18.ÉomerreturnstoMinasTirith.22.ThefuneralescortofKingThéodensetsout.
August7.TheescortcomestoEdoras.10.Funeralof
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KingThéoden.14.ThegueststakeleaveofKingÉomer.15.TreebeardreleasesSaruman.18.TheycometoHelm’sDeep.22.TheycometoIsengard;theytakeleaveoftheKingoftheWestatsunset.
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28.TheyovertakeSaruman;SarumanturnstowardstheShire.
September6.TheyhaltinsightoftheMountainsofMoria.13.CelebornandGaladrieldepart,theotherssetoutforRivendell.21.TheyreturntoRivendell.
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22.Thehundredandtwenty-ninthbirthdayofBilbo.SarumancomestotheShire.
October5.GandalfandtheHobbitsleaveRivendell.6.TheycrosstheFordofBruinen;Frodofeelsthefirstreturnofpain.28.Theyreach
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Breeatnightfall.30.TheyleaveBree.The‘Travellers’cometotheBrandywineBridgeatdark.
November1.TheyarearrestedatFrogmorton.2.TheycometoBywaterandrousetheShire-folk.3.Battleof
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Bywater,andPassingofSaruman.EndoftheWaroftheRing.
3020S.R.1420:TheGreatYearofPlenty
March13.Frodoistakenill(ontheanniversaryofhis
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poisoningbyShelob).April6.Themallornflowers
inthePartyField.May1.Samwisemarries
Rose.Mid-year’sDay.Frodo
resignsofficeofmayor,andWillWhit-footisrestored.
September22.Bilbo’shundredandthirtiethbirthday.
October6.Frodoisagainill.
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3021S.R.1421:TheLastoftheThirdAgeMarch13.Frodois
againill.25.BirthofElanortheFair,1daughterofSamwise.OnthisdaytheFourthAgebeganinthereckoningofGondor.September21.
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FrodoandSamwisesetoutfromHobbiton.22.TheymeettheLastRidingoftheKeepersoftheRingsinWoodyEnd.29.TheycometotheGreyHavens.FrodoandBilbodepartoverSeawiththeThree
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Keepers.TheendoftheThirdAge.
October6.SamwisereturnstoBagEnd.
LATEREVENTSCONCERNINGTHEMEMBERSOFTHEFELLOWSHIPOF
THERING
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S.R.
1422
WiththebeginningofthisyeartheFourthAgebeganinthecountofyearsintheShire;butthenumbersoftheyearsofShireReckoningwerecontinued.
1427
WillWhitfootresigns.SamwiseiselectedMayoroftheShire.PeregrinTookmarriesDiamondofLongCleeve.KingElessarissuesanedictthatMenarenottoentertheShire,andhemakesitaFreeLandundertheprotectionoftheNorthernSceptre.
1430 Faramir,sonofPeregrin,born.
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1431 Goldilocks,daughterofSamwise,born.
1432
Meriadoc,calledtheMagnificent,becomesMasterofBuckland.GreatgiftsaresenttohimbyKingÉomerandtheLadyÉowynofIthilien.
1434
PeregrinbecomestheTookandThain.KingElessarmakestheThain,theMaster,andtheMayorCounsellorsoftheNorth-kingdom.MasterSamwiseiselectedMayorforthesecondtime.KingElessarridesnorth,anddwellsforawhilebyLakeEvendim.HecomestotheBrandywineBridge,andthere
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1436 greetshisfriends.HegivestheStaroftheDúnedaintoMasterSamwise,andElanorismadeamaidofhonourtoQueenArwen.
1441 MasterSamwisebecomesMayorforthethirdtime.
1442
MasterSamwiseandhiswifeandElanorridetoGondorandstaythereforayear.MasterTolmanCottonactsasdeputyMayor.
1448 MasterSamwisebecomesMayorforthefourthtime.
1451ElanortheFairmarriesFastredofGreenholmontheFarDowns.
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1452
TheWestmarch,fromtheFarDownstotheTowerHills(EmynBeraid),1isaddedtotheShirebythegiftoftheKing.Manyhobbitsremovetoit.
1454 ElfstanFairbairn,sonofFastredandElanor,isborn.
1455 MasterSamwisebecomesMayorforthefifthtime.
1462
MasterSamwisebecomesMayorforthesixthtime.AthisrequesttheThainmakesFastredWardenofWestmarch.FastredandElanormaketheirdwellingatUndertowersontheTowerHills,wheretheirdescendants,theFairbairnsof
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theTowers,dweltformanygenerations.
1463FaramirTookmarriesGoldilocks,daughterofSamwise.
1469
MasterSamwisebecomesMayorfortheseventhandlasttime,beingin1476,attheendofhisoffice,ninety-sixyearsold.
1482
DeathofMistressRose,wifeofMasterSamwise,onMid-year’sDay.OnSeptember22MasterSamwiseridesoutfromBagEnd.HecomestotheTowerHills,andislastseenbyElanor,towhomhegivestheRedBookafterwardskeptby
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theFairbairns.AmongthemthetraditionishandeddownfromElanorthatSamwisepassedtheTowers,andwenttotheGreyHavens,andpassedoverSea,lastoftheRing-bearers.
1484
InthespringoftheyearamessagecamefromRohantoBucklandthatKingÉomerwishedtoseeMasterHoldwineonceagain.Meriadocwasthenold(102)butstillhale.HetookcounselwithhisfriendtheThain,andsoonaftertheyhandedovertheirgoodsandofficestotheirsonsandrodeawayovertheSarnFord,andtheywerenotseenagaininthe
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Shire.ItwasheardafterthatMasterMeriadoccametoEdorasandwaswithKingÉomerbeforehediedinthatautumn.ThenheandThainPeregrinwenttoGondorandpassedwhatshortyearswerelefttotheminthatrealm,untiltheydiedandwerelaidinRathDínenamongthegreatofGondor.
1541
Inthisyear1onMarch1stcameatlastthePassingofKingElessar.ItissaidthatthebedsofMeriadocandPeregrinweresetbesidethebedofthegreatking.ThenLegolasbuiltagreyshipinIthilien,andsailed
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downAnduinandsooverSea;andwithhim,itissaid,wentGimlitheDwarf.AndwhenthatshippassedanendwascomeinMiddle-earthoftheFellowshipoftheRing.
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APPENDIXCFAMILYTREES
ThenamesgivenintheseTreesareonlyaselectionfrommany.MostofthemareeitherguestsatBilbo’sFarewellParty,ortheirdirectancestors.TheguestsatthePartyareunderlined.Afew
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othernamesofpersonsconcernedintheeventsrecountedarealsogiven.InadditionsomegenealogicalinformationisprovidedconcerningSamwisethefounderofthefamilyofGardner,laterfamousandinfluential.
Thefiguresafterthenamesarethoseofbirth(anddeathwherethatisrecorded).Alldatesaregivenaccording
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totheShire-reckoning,calculatedfromthecrossingoftheBrandywinebythebrothersMarchoandBlancointheYear1oftheShire(ThirdAge1601).
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APPENDIXDSHIRECALENDARFORUSEINALLYEARS
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Everyyearbeganonthefirst
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dayoftheweek,Saturday,andendedonthelastdayoftheweek,Friday.TheMid-year’sDay,andinLeap-yearstheOverlithe,hadnoweekdayname.TheLithebeforeMid-year’sDaywascalled1Lithe,andtheoneafterwascalled2Lithe.TheYuleattheendoftheyearwas1Yule,andthatatthebeginningwas2Yule.TheOverlithewasadayofspecial
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holiday,butitdidnotoccurinanyoftheyearsimportanttothehistoryoftheGreatRing.Itoccurredin1420,theyearofthefamousharvestandwonderfulsummer,andthemerrymakinginthatyearissaidtohavebeenthegreatestinmemoryorrecord.
THECALENDARS
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TheCalendarintheShiredifferedinseveralfeaturesfromours.Theyearnodoubtwasofthesamelength,1forlongagoasthosetimesarenowreckonedinyearsandlivesofmen,theywerenotveryremoteaccordingtothememoryoftheEarth.ItisrecordedbytheHobbitsthattheyhadno‘week’whentheywerestillawanderingpeople,andthoughtheyhad
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‘months’,governedmoreorlessbytheMoon,theirkeepingofdatesandcalculationsoftimewerevagueandinaccurate.Inthewest-landsofEriador,whentheyhadbeguntosettledown,theyadoptedtheKings’ReckoningoftheDúnedain,whichwasultimatelyofEldarinorigin;buttheHobbitsoftheShireintroducedseveralminor
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alterations.Thiscalendar,or‘ShireReckoning’asitwascalled,waseventuallyadoptedalsoinBree,exceptfortheShireusageofcountingasYear1theyearofthecolonizationoftheShire.
Itisoftendifficulttodiscoverfromoldtalesandtraditionspreciseinformationaboutthingswhichpeopleknewwellandtookforgrantedintheirownday
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(suchasthenamesofletters,orofthedaysoftheweek,orthenamesandlengthsofmonths).Butowingtotheirgeneralinterestingenealogy,andtotheinterestinancienthistorywhichthelearnedamongstthemdevelopedaftertheWaroftheRing,theShire-hobbitsseemtohaveconcernedthemselvesagooddealwithdates;andtheyevendrewupcomplicatedtables
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showingtherelationsoftheirownsystemwithothers.Iamnotskilledinthesematters,andmayhavemademanyerrors;butatanyratethechronologyofthecrucialyearsS.R.1418,1419issocarefullysetoutintheRedBookthattherecannotbemuchdoubtaboutdaysandtimesatthatpoint.
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ItseemsclearthattheEldarinMiddle-earth,whohad,asSamwiseremarked,moretimeattheirdisposal,reckonedinlongperiods,andtheQuenyawordyén,oftentranslated‘year’(p.492),reallymeans144ofouryears.TheEldarpreferredtoreckoninsixesandtwelvesasfaraspossible.A‘day’ofthesuntheycalledréandreckonedfromsunsetto
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sunset.Theyéncontained52,596days.ForritualratherthanpracticalpurposestheEldarobservedaweekorenquiëofsixdays;andtheyéncontained8,766oftheseenquier,reckonedcontinuouslythroughouttheperiod.
InMiddle-earththeEldaralsoobservedashortperiodorsolaryear,calledacoranaror‘sun-round’when
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consideredmoreorlessastronomically,butusuallycalledloa‘growth’(especiallyinthenorth-westernlands)whentheseasonalchangesinvegetationwereprimarilyconsidered,aswasusualwiththeElvesgenerally.Theloawasbrokenupintoperiodsthatmightberegardedeitheraslongmonthsorshortseasons.Thesenodoubt
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variedindifferentregions;buttheHobbitsonlyprovideinformationconcerningtheCalendarofImladris.Inthatcalendarthereweresixofthese‘seasons’,ofwhichtheQuenyanamesweretuilë,lairë,yávië,quellë,hrívë,coirë,whichmaybetranslated‘spring,summer,autumn,fading,winter,stirring’.TheSindarinnameswereethuil,laer,iavas,firith,
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rhîw,echuir.‘Fading’wasalsocalledlasse-lanta‘leaf-fall’,orinSindarinnarbeleth‘sun-waning’.
Lairëandhrívëeachcontained72days,andtheremainder54each.Theloabeganwithyestarë,thedayimmediatelybeforetuilë,andendedwithmettarë,thedayimmediatelyaftercoirë.Betweenyáviëandquellëwereinsertedthreeenderior
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‘middle-days’.Thisprovidedayearof365dayswhichwassupplementedbydoublingtheenderi(adding3days)ineverytwelfthyear.
Howanyresultinginaccuracywasdealtwithisuncertain.Iftheyearwasthenofthesamelengthasnow,theyénwouldhavebeenmorethanadaytoolong.Thattherewasaninaccuracyisshownbyanote
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intheCalendarsoftheRedBooktotheeffectthatinthe‘ReckoningofRivendell’thelastyearofeverythirdyénwasshortenedbythreedays:thedoublingofthethreeenderidueinthatyearwasomitted;‘butthathasnothappenedinourtime’.Oftheadjustmentofanyremaininginaccuracythereisnorecord.
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TheNúmenóreansalteredthesearrangements.Theydividedtheloaintoshorterperiodsofmoreregularlength;andtheyadheredtothecustomofbeginningtheyearinmid-winter,whichhadbeenusedbyMenoftheNorth-westfromwhomtheywerederivedintheFirstAge.Latertheyalsomadetheirweekoneof7days,andtheyreckonedthedayfrom
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sunrise(outoftheeasternsea)tosunrise.
TheNúmenóreansystem,asusedinNúmenor,andinArnorandGondoruntiltheendofthekings,wascalledKings’Reckoning.Thenormalyearhad365days.Itwasdividedintotwelveastarormonths,ofwhichtenhad30daysandtwohad31.ThelongastarwerethoseoneithersideoftheMid-year,
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approximatelyourJuneandJuly.Thefirstdayoftheyearwascalledyestarë,themiddleday(183rd)wascalledloëndë,andthelastdaymettarë;these3daysbelongedtonomonth.Ineveryfourthyear,exceptthelastofacentury(haranyë),twoenderior‘middle-days’weresubstitutedfortheloëndë.
InNúmenorcalculation
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startedwithS.A.1.TheDeficitcausedbydeducting1dayfromthelastyearofacenturywasnotadjusteduntilthelastyearofamillennium,leavingamillennialdeficitof4hours,46minutes,40seconds.ThisadditionwasmadeinNúmenorinS.A.1000,2000,3000.AftertheDownfallinS.A.3319thesystemwasmaintainedbytheexiles,butitwasmuch
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dislocatedbythebeginningoftheThirdAgewithanewnumeration:S.A.3442becameT.A.1.BymakingT.A.4aleapyearinsteadofT.A.3(S.A.3444)1moreshortyearofonly365dayswasintrudedcausingadeficitof5hours,48minutes,46seconds.Themillennialadditionsweremade441yearslate:inT.A.1000(S.A.4441)and2000(S.A.5441).
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Toreducetheerrorssocaused,andtheaccumulationofthemillennialdeficits,MardiltheStewardissuedarevisedcalendartotakeeffectinT.A.2060,afteraspecialadditionof2daysto2059(S.A.5500),whichconcluded5½millenniasincethebeginningoftheNúmenóreansystem.Butthisstillleftabout8hoursdeficit.
Hadorto2360added1
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daythoughthisdeficiencyhadnotquitereachedthatamount.Afterthatnomoreadjustmentsweremade.(InT.A.3000withthethreatofimminentwarsuchmatterswereneglected.)BytheendoftheThirdAge,after660moreyears,theDeficithadnotyetamountedto1day.
TheRevisedCalendarintroducedbyMardilwascalledStewards’Reckoning
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andwasadoptedeventuallybymostoftheusersoftheWestronlanguage,excepttheHobbits.Themonthswereallof30days,and2daysoutsidethemonthswereintroduced:1betweenthethirdandfourthmonths(March,April),and1betweentheninthandtenth(September,October).These5daysoutsidethemonths,yestarë,tuilérë,loëndë,yáviérë,andmettarë,were
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holidays.
TheHobbitswereconservativeandcontinuedtouseaformofKings’Reckoningadaptedtofittheirowncustoms.Theirmonthswereallequalandhad30dayseach;buttheyhad3Summerdays,calledintheShiretheLitheortheLithedays,betweenJuneand
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July.ThelastdayoftheyearandthefirstofthenextyearwerecalledtheYuledays.TheYuledaysandtheLithedaysremainedoutsidethemonths,sothatJanuary1wasthesecondandnotthefirstdayoftheyear.Everyfourthyear,exceptinthelastyearofthecentury,1therewerefourLithedays.TheLithedaysandtheYuledayswerethechiefholidaysand
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timesoffeasting.TheadditionalLithedaywasaddedafterMid-year’sDay,andsothe184thdayoftheLeap-yearswascalledOverlitheandwasadayofspecialmerrymaking.InfullYuletidewassixdayslong,includingthelastthreeandfirstthreedaysofeachyear.
TheShire-folkintroducedonesmallinnovationoftheirown(eventuallyalsoadopted
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inBree),whichtheycalledShire-reform.Theyfoundtheshiftingoftheweekdaynamesinrelationtodatesfromyeartoyearuntidyandinconvenient.SointhetimeofIsengrimIItheyarrangedthattheodddaywhichputthesuccessionout,shouldhavenoweekdayname.AfterthatMid-year’sDay(andtheOverlithe)wasknownonlybyitsnameandbelongedto
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noweek(p.222).InconsequenceofthisreformtheyearalwaysbeganontheFirstDayoftheweekandendedontheLastDay;andthesamedateinanyoneyearhadthesameweekdaynameinallotheryears,sothatShire-folknolongerbotheredtoputtheweekdayintheirlettersordiaries.1Theyfoundthisquiteconvenientathome,butnotsoconvenient
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iftheyevertravelledfurtherthanBree.
Intheabovenotes,asinthenarrative,Ihaveusedourmodernnamesforbothmonthsandweekdays,thoughofcourseneithertheEldarnortheDúnedainnortheHobbitsactuallydidso.TranslationoftheWestronnamesseemedtobeessential
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toavoidconfusion,whiletheseasonalimplicationsofournamesaremoreorlessthesame,atanyrateintheShire.Itappears,however,thatMid-year’sDaywasintendedtocorrespondasnearlyaspossibletothesummersolstice.InthatcasetheShiredateswereactuallyinadvanceofoursbysometendays,andourNewYear’sDaycorrespondedmoreor
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lesstotheShireJanuary9.IntheWestronthe
QuenyanamesofthemonthswereusuallyretainedastheLatinnamesarenowwidelyusedinalienlanguages.Theywere:Narvinyë,Nénimë,Súlimë,Víressë,Lótessë,Nárië,Cermië,Úrimë,Yavannië,Narquelië,Hísimë,Ringarë.TheSindarinnames(usedonlybytheDúnedain)were:Narwain,Nínui,
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Gwaeron,Gwirith,Lothron,Nórui,Cerveth,Úrui,Ivanneth,Narbeleth,Hithui,Girithron.
InthisnomenclaturetheHobbits,however,bothoftheShireandofBree,divergedfromtheWestronusage,andadheredtoold-fashionedlocalnamesoftheirown,whichtheyseemtohavepickedupinantiquityfromtheMenofthevalesof
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Anduin;atanyratesimilarnameswerefoundinDaleandRohan(cf.thenotesonthelanguages,pp.1488–9,1493–1500).Themeaningsofthesenames,devisedbyMen,hadasarulelongbeenforgottenbytheHobbits,evenincaseswheretheyhadoriginallyknownwhattheirsignificancewas;andtheformsofthenamesweremuchobscuredin
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consequence:math,forinstance,attheendofsomeofthemisareductionofmonth.
TheShirenamesaresetoutintheCalendar.ItmaybenotedthatSolmathwasusuallypronounced,andsometimeswritten,Somath;ThrimidgewasoftenwrittenThrimich(archaicallyThrimilch);andBlotmathwaspronouncedBlodmathor
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Blommath.InBreethenamesdiffered,beingFrery,Solmath,Rethe,Chithing,Thrimidge,Lithe,TheSummerdays,Mede,Wedmath,Harvestmath,Wintring,Blooting,andYulemath.Frery,ChithingandYulemathwerealsousedintheEastfarthing.1
TheHobbitweekwastaken
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fromtheDúnedain,andthenamesweretranslationsofthosegiventothedaysintheoldNorth-kingdom,whichintheirturnwerederivedfromtheEldar.Thesix-dayweekoftheEldarhaddaysdedicatedto,ornamedafter,theStars,theSun,theMoon,theTwoTrees,theHeavens,andtheValarorPowers,inthatorder,thelastdaybeingthechiefdayoftheweek.
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TheirnamesinQuenyawereElenya,Anarya,Isilya,Aldúya,Menelya,Valanya(orTárion);theSindarinnameswereOrgilion,Oranor,Orithil,Orgaladhad,Ormenel,Orbelain(orRodyn).
TheNúmenóreansretainedthededicationsandorder,butalteredthefourthdaytoAldëa(Orgaladh)withreferencetotheWhiteTree
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only,ofwhichNimloththatgrewintheKing’sCourtinNúmenorwasbelievedtobeadescendant.Alsodesiringaseventhday,andbeinggreatmariners,theyinserteda‘Sea-day’,Eärenya(Oraearon),aftertheHeavens’Day.
TheHobbitstookoverthisarrangement,butthemeaningsoftheirtranslatednamesweresoonforgotten,
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ornolongerattendedto,andtheformsweremuchreduced,especiallyineverydaypronunciation.ThefirsttranslationoftheNúmenóreannameswasprobablymadetwothousandyearsormorebeforetheendoftheThirdAge,whentheweekoftheDúnedain(thefeatureoftheirreckoningearliestadoptedbyalienpeoples)wastakenupby
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MenintheNorth.Aswiththeirnamesofmonths,theHobbitsadheredtothesetranslations,althoughelsewhereintheWestronareatheQuenyanameswereused.
NotmanyancientdocumentswerepreservedintheShire.AttheendoftheThirdAgefarthemostnotablesurvivalwasYellowskin,ortheYearbookofTuckborough.1Itsearliest
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entriesseemtohavebegunatleastninehundredyearsbeforeFrodo’stime;andmanyarecitedintheRedBookannalsandgenealogies.Inthesetheweekdaynamesappearinarchaicforms,ofwhichthefollowingaretheoldest:(1)Sterrendei,(2)Sunnendei,(3)Monendei,(4)Trewesdei,(5)Hevenesdei,(6)Meresdei,(7)Hihdei.Inthelanguageofthetimeof
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theWaroftheRingthesehadbecomeSterday,Sunday,Monday,Trewsday,Hevensday(orHensday),Mersday,Highday.
Ihavetranslatedthesenamesalsointoourownnames,naturallybeginningwithSundayandMonday,whichoccurintheShireweekwiththesamenamesasours,andre-namingtheothersinorder.Itmustbe
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noted,however,thattheassociationsofthenameswerequitedifferentintheShire.Thelastdayoftheweek,Friday(Highday),wasthechiefday,andoneofholiday(afternoon)andeveningfeasts.SaturdaythuscorrespondsmorenearlytoourMonday,andThursdaytoourSaturday.2
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Afewothernamesmaybementionedthathaveareferencetotime,thoughnotusedinprecisereckonings.Theseasonsusuallynamedweretuilëspring,lairësummer,yáviëautumn(orharvest),hrívëwinter;butthesehadnoexactdefinitions,andquellë(orlasselanta)wasalsousedforthelatterpartofautumnandthebeginningofwinter.
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TheEldarpaidspecialattentiontothe‘twilight’(inthenortherlyregions),chieflyasthetimesofstar-fadingandstar-opening.Theyhadmanynamesfortheseperiods,ofwhichthemostusualweretindómëandundómë;theformermostoftenreferredtothetimeneardawn,andundómëtotheevening.TheSindarinnamewasuial,whichcouldbedefinedas
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minuialandaduial.ThesewereoftencalledintheShiremorrowdimandevendim.Cf.LakeEvendimasatranslationofNenuial.
TheShireReckoninganddatesaretheonlyonesofimportanceforthenarrativeoftheWaroftheRing.Allthedays,months,anddatesareintheRedBook
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translatedintoShireterms,orequatedwiththeminnotes.Themonthsanddays,therefore,throughoutTheLordoftheRingsrefertotheShireCalendar.Theonlypointsinwhichthedifferencesbetweenthisandourcalendarareimportanttothestoryatthecrucialperiod,theendof3018andthebeginningof3019(S.R.1418,1419),arethese:
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October1418hasonly30days,January1istheseconddayof1419,andFebruaryhas30days;sothatMarch25,thedateofthedownfalloftheBarad-dûr,wouldcorrespondtoourMarch27,ifouryearsbeganatthesameseasonalpoint.Thedatewas,however,March25inbothKings’andStewards’Reckoning.
TheNewReckoningwas
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begunintherestoredKingdominT.A.3019.ItrepresentedareturntoKings’Reckoningadaptedtofitaspring-beginningasintheEldarinloa.1
IntheNewReckoningtheyearbeganonMarch25oldstyle,incommemorationofthefallofSauronandthedeedsoftheRing-bearers.Themonthsretainedtheirformernames,beginningnow
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withVíressë(April),butreferredtoperiodsbeginninggenerallyfivedaysearlierthanpreviously.Allthemonthshad30days.Therewere3EnderiorMiddle-days(ofwhichthesecondwascalledLoëndë),betweenYavannië(September)andNarquelië(October),thatcorrespondedwithSeptember23,24,25oldstyle.ButinhonourofFrodoYavannië30,
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whichcorrespondedwithformerSeptember22,hisbirthday,wasmadeafestival,andtheleap-yearwasprovidedforbydoublingthisfeast,calledCormarëorRingday.
TheFourthAgewasheldtohavebegunwiththedepartureofMasterElrond,whichtookplaceinSeptember3021;butforpurposesofrecordinthe
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KingdomFourthAge1wastheyearthatbeganaccordingtotheNewReckoninginMarch25,3021,oldstyle.
ThisreckoningwasinthecourseofthereignofKingElessaradoptedinallhislandsexcepttheShire,wheretheoldcalendarwasretainedandShireReckoningwascontinued.FourthAge1wasthuscalled1422;andinsofarastheHobbitstookany
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accountofthechangeofAge,theymaintainedthatitbeganwith2Yule1422,andnotinthepreviousMarch.
ThereisnorecordoftheShire-folkcommemoratingeitherMarch25orSeptember22;butintheWestfarthing,especiallyinthecountryroundHobbitonHill,theregrewupacustomofmakingholidayanddancinginthePartyField,whenweather
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permitted,onApril6.SomesaidthatitwasoldSamGardner’sbirthday,somethatitwasthedayonwhichtheGoldenTreefirstfloweredin1420,andsomethatitwastheElves’NewYear.IntheBucklandtheHornoftheMarkwasblownatsundowneveryNovember2andbonfiresandfeastingsfollowed.1
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APPENDIXEWritingandSpelling
IPRONUNCIATIONOFWORDSAND
NAMES
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TheWestronorCommonSpeechhasbeenentirelytranslatedintoEnglishequivalents.AllHobbitnamesandspecialwordsareintendedtobepronouncedaccordingly:forexample,Bolgerhasgasinbulge,andmathomrhymeswithfathom.
IntranscribingtheancientscriptsIhavetriedtorepresenttheoriginalsounds(sofarastheycanbe
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determined)withfairaccuracy,andatthesametimetoproducewordsandnamesthatdonotlookuncouthinmodernletters.TheHigh-elvenQuenyahasbeenspeltasmuchlikeLatinasitssoundsallowed.ForthisreasonchasbeenpreferredtokinbothEldarinlanguages.
Thefollowingpointsmaybeobservedbythosewhoareinterestedinsuchdetails.
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CONSONANTS
Chasalwaysthevalueofkevenbeforeeandi:celeb‘silver’shouldbepronouncedaskeleb.
CH
isonlyusedtorepresentthesoundheardinbach(inGermanorWelsh),notthatinEnglishchurch.ExceptattheendofwordsandbeforetthissoundwasweakenedtohinthespeechofGondor,andthatchangehasbeenrecognizedinafewnames,suchasRohan,Rohirrim.(ImrahilisaNúmenóreanname.)representsthevoiced(soft)thofEnglishtheseclothes.Itis
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DHusuallyrelatedtod,asinS.galadh‘tree’comparedwithQ.alda;butissometimesderivedfromn+r,asinCaradhras‘Redhorn’fromcaran-rass.
F
representsf,exceptattheendofwords,whereitisusedtorepresentthesoundofv(asinEnglishof):Nindalf,Fladrif.
G
hasonlythesoundofgingive,get:gil‘star’,inGildor,Gilraen,Osgiliath,beginsasinEnglishgild.standingalonewithnootherconsonanthasthesoundofhinhouse,behold.TheQuenyacombinationhthasthesoundofcht,asinGermanecht,acht:e.g.
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HinthenameTelumehtar‘Orion’.1SeealsoCH,DH,L,R,TH,W,Y.Iinitiallybeforeanothervowelhastheconsonantalsoundofyinyou,yoreinSindarinonly:asinIoreth,Iarwain.SeeY.
K
isusedinnamesdrawnfromotherthanElvishlanguages,withthesamevalueasc;khthusrepresentsthesamesoundaschinOrkishGrishnákh,orAdûnaic(Númenórean)Adûnakhôr.OnDwarvish(Khuzdul)seenotebelow.representsmoreorlessthesoundofEnglishinitiall,asinlet.Itwas,however,tosomedegree
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L
‘palatalized’betweene,iandaconsonant,orfinallyaftere,i.(TheEldarwouldprobablyhavetranscribedEnglishbell,fillasbeol,fiol.)LHrepresentsthissoundwhenvoiceless(usuallyderivedfrominitialsl-).In(archaic)Quenyathisiswrittenhl,butwasintheThirdAgeusuallypronouncedasl.NGrepresentsnginfinger,exceptfinallywhereitwassoundedasinEnglishsing.ThelattersoundalsooccurredinitiallyinQuenya,buthasbeentranscribedn(asinNoldo),accordingtothepronunciationoftheThirdAge.PHhasthesamesoundasf.Itis
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used(a)wherethef-soundoccursattheendofaword,asinalph‘swan’;(b)wherethef-soundisrelatedtoorderivedfromap,asini-Pheriannath‘theHalflings’(perian);(c)inthemiddleofafewwordswhereitrepresentsalongff(frompp)asinEphel‘outerfence’;and(d)inAdûnaicandWestron,asinAr-Pharazôn(pharaz‘gold’).
QU
hasbeenusedforcw,acombinationveryfrequentinQuenya,thoughitdidnotoccurinSindarin.representsatrilledrinallpositions;thesoundwasnotlostbeforeconsonants(asinEnglish
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Rpart).TheOrcs,andsomeDwarves,aresaidtohaveusedabackoruvularr,asoundwhichtheEldarfounddistasteful.RHrepresentsavoicelessr(usuallyderivedfromolderinitialsr-).ItwaswrittenhrinQuenya.Cf.L.
S
isalwaysvoiceless,asinEnglishso,geese;thez-sounddidnotoccurincontemporaryQuenyaorSindarin.SH,occurringinWestron,DwarvishandOrkish,representssoundssimilartoshinEnglish.
TH
representsthevoicelessthofEnglishinthincloth.ThishadbecomesinspokenQuenya,thoughstillwrittenwitha
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differentletter;asinQ.Isil,S.Ithil,‘Moon’.
TY
representsasoundprobablysimilartothetinEnglishtune.Itwasderivedmainlyfromcort+y.ThesoundofEnglishch,whichwasfrequentinWestron,wasusuallysubstitutedforitbyspeakersofthatlanguage.Cf.HYunderY.
V hasthesoundofEnglishv,butisnotusedfinally.SeeF.hasthesoundofEnglishw.HWisavoicelessw,asinEnglishwhite(innorthernpronunciation).ItwasnotanuncommoninitialsoundinQuenya,thoughexamplesseem
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W nottooccurinthisbook.BothvandwareusedinthetranscriptionofQuenya,inspiteoftheassimilationofitsspellingtoLatin,sincethetwosounds,distinctinorigin,bothoccurredinthelanguage.
Y
isusedinQuenyafortheconsonanty,asinEnglishyou.InSindarinyisavowel(seebelow).HYhasthesamerelationtoyasHWtow,andrepresentsasoundlikethatoftenheardinEnglishhew,huge;hinQuenyaeht,ihthadthesamesound.ThesoundofEnglishsh,whichwascommoninWestron,wasoftensubstitutedby
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speakersofthatlanguage.Cf.TYabove.HYwasusuallyderivedfromsy-andkhy-;inbothcasesrelatedSindarinwordsshowinitialh,asinQ.Hyarmen‘south’,S.Harad.
Notethatconsonantswrittentwice,astt,ll,ss,nn,representlong,‘double’consonants.Attheendofwordsofmorethanonesyllablethesewereusuallyshortened:asinRohanfrom
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Rochann(archaicRochand).InSindarinthe
combinationsng,nd,mb,whichwerespeciallyfavouredintheEldarinlanguagesatanearlierstage,sufferedvariouschanges.mbbecameminallcases,butstillcountedasalongconsonantforpurposesofstress(seebelow),andisthuswrittenmmincaseswhereotherwisethestressmightbe
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indoubt.1ngremainedunchangedexceptinitiallyandfinallywhereitbecamethesimplenasal(asinEnglishsing).ndbecamennusually,asEnnor‘Middle-earth’,Q.Endóre;butremainedndattheendoffullyaccentedmonosyllablessuchasthond‘root’(cf.Morthond‘Blackroot’),andalsobeforer,asAndros‘long-foam’.Thisndisalso
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seeninsomeancientnamesderivedfromanolderperiod,suchasNargothrond,Gondolin,Beleriand.IntheThirdAgefinalndinlongwordshadbecomenfromnn,asinIthilien,Rohan,Anórien.
VOWELS
Forvowelsthelettersi,e,a,o,uareused,and(inSindarin
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only)y.Asfarascanbedeterminedthesoundsrepresentedbytheseletters(otherthany)wereofnormalkind,thoughdoubtlessmanylocalvarietiesescapedetection.2Thatis,thesoundswereapproximatelythoserepresentedbyi,e,a,o,uinEnglishmachine,were,father,for,brute,irrespectiveofquantity.
InSindarinlonge,a,o
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hadthesamequalityastheshortvowels,beingderivedincomparativelyrecenttimesfromthem(olderé,á,óhadbeenchanged).InQuenyalongéandówere,whencorrectly2pronounced,asbytheEldar,tenserand‘closer’thantheshortvowels.
Sindarinaloneamongcontemporarylanguagespossessedthe‘modified’orfrontedu,moreorlessasuin
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Frenchlune.Itwaspartlyamodificationofoandu,partlyderivedfromolderdiphthongseu,iu.Forthissoundyhasbeenused(asinancientEnglish):asinl±g‘snake’,Q.leuca,oremynpl.ofamon‘hill’.InGondorthisywasusuallypronouncedlikei.
Longvowelsareusually
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markedwiththe‘acuteaccent’,asinsomevarietiesofFëanorianscript.InSindarinlongvowelsinstressedmonosyllablesaremarkedwiththecircumflex,sincetheytendedinsuchcasestobespeciallyprolonged;1soindûncomparedwithDúnadan.TheuseofthecircumflexinotherlanguagessuchasAdûnaicorDwarvishhasnospecial
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significance,andisusedmerelytomarktheseoutasalientongues(aswiththeuseofk).
FinaleisnevermuteorameresignoflengthasinEnglish.Tomarkthisfinaleitisoften(butnotconsistently)writtenë.
Thegroupser,ir,ur(finally
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orbeforeaconsonant)arenotintendedtobepronouncedasinEnglishfern,fir,fur,butratherasEnglishair,eer,oor.
InQuenyaui,oi,aiandiu,eu,auarediphthongs(thatis,pronouncedinonesyllable).Allotherpairsofvowelsaredissyllabic.Thisisoftendictatedbywritingëa(Eä),ëo,oë.
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InSindarinthediphthongsarewrittenae,ai,ei,oe,ui,andau.Othercombinationsarenotdiphthongal.ThewritingoffinalauasawisinaccordancewithEnglishcustom,butisactuallynotuncommoninFëanorianspellings.
Allthesediphthongs2were‘falling’diphthongs,thatisstressedonthefirstelement,andcomposedofthe
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simplevowelsruntogether.Thusai,ei,oi,uiareintendedtobepronouncedrespectivelyasthevowelsinEnglishrye(notray),grey,boy,ruin;andau(aw)asinloud,howandnotasinlaud,haw.
ThereisnothinginEnglishcloselycorrespondingtoae,oe,eu;aeandoemaybepronouncedasai,oi.
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STRESS
Thepositionofthe‘accent’orstressisnotmarked,sinceintheEldarinlanguagesconcerneditsplaceisdeterminedbytheformoftheword.Inwordsoftwosyllablesitfallsinpracticallyallcasesonthefirstsyllable.Inlongerwordsitfallsonthelastsyllablebutone,where
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thatcontainsalongvowel,adiphthong,oravowelfollowedbytwo(ormore)consonants.Wherethelastsyllablebutonecontains(asoften)ashortvowelfollowedbyonlyone(orno)consonant,thestressfallsonthesyllablebeforeit,thethirdfromtheend.WordsofthelastformarefavouredintheEldarinlanguages,especiallyQuenya.
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Inthefollowingexamplesthestressedvowelismarkedbyacapitalletter:isIldur,Orome,erEssëa,fËanor,ancAlima,elentÁri,dEnethor,periAnnath,ecthElion,pelArgir,silIvren.WordsofthetypeelentÁri‘star-queen’seldomoccurinQuenyawherethevowelisé,á,ó,unless(asinthiscase)theyarecompounds;theyarecommonerwiththevowelsí,
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ú,asandÚne‘sunset,west’.TheydonotoccurinSindarinexceptincompounds.NotethatSindarindh,th,charesingleconsonantsandrepresentsinglelettersintheoriginalscripts.
NOTE
InnamesdrawnfromotherlanguagesthanEldarinthe
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samevaluesforthelettersareintended,wherenotspeciallydescribedabove,exceptinthecaseofDwarvish.InDwarvish,whichdidnotpossessthesoundsrepresentedabovebythandch(kh),thandkhareaspirates,thatistorkfollowedbyanh,moreorlessasinbackhand,outhouse.
Wherezoccursthesound
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intendedisthatofEnglishz.ghintheBlackSpeechandOrkishrepresentsa‘backspirant’(relatedtogasdhtod):asinghâshandagh.
The‘outer’orMannishnamesoftheDwarveshavebeengivenNorthernforms,buttheletter-valuesarethosedescribed.
Soalsointhecaseofthepersonalandplace-namesofRohan(wheretheyhavenot
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beenmodernized),exceptthathereéaandéoarediphthongs,whichmayberepresentedbytheeaofEnglishbear,andtheeoofTheobald;yisthemodifiedu.ThemodernizedformsareeasilyrecognizedandareintendedtobepronouncedasinEnglish.Theyaremostlyplace-names:asDunharrow(forDúnharg),exceptShadowfaxandWormtongue.
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IIWRITING
ThescriptsandlettersusedintheThirdAgewereallultimatelyofEldarinorigin,andalreadyatthattimeofgreatantiquity.Theyhadreachedthestageoffullalphabeticdevelopment,butoldermodesinwhichonlytheconsonantsweredenoted
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byfullletterswerestillinuse.
Thealphabetswereoftwomain,andinoriginindependent,kinds:theTengwarorTîw,heretranslatedas‘letters’;andtheCertarorCirth,translatedas‘runes’.TheTengwarweredevisedforwritingwithbrushorpen,andthesquaredformsofinscriptionswereintheircasederivativefromthe
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writtenforms.TheCertarweredevisedandmostlyusedonlyforscratchedorincisedinscriptions.
TheTengwarwerethemoreancient;fortheyhadbeendevelopedbytheNoldor,thekindredoftheEldarmostskilledinsuchmatters,longbeforetheirexile.TheoldestEldarinletters,theTengwarofRúmil,werenotusedinMiddle-
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earth.Thelaterletters,theTengwarofFëanor,werelargelyanewinvention,thoughtheyowedsomethingtothelettersofRúmil.TheywerebroughttoMiddle-earthbytheexiledNoldor,andsobecameknowntotheEdainandNúmenóreans.IntheThirdAgetheirusehadspreadovermuchthesameareaasthatinwhichtheCommonSpeechwasknown.
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TheCirthweredevisedfirstinBeleriandbytheSindar,andwerelongusedonlyforinscribingnamesandbriefmemorialsuponwoodorstone.Tothatorigintheyowetheirangularshapes,verysimilartotherunesofourtimes,thoughtheydifferedfromtheseindetailsandwerewhollydifferentinarrangement.TheCirthintheirolderandsimplerform
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spreadeastwardintheSecondAge,andbecameknowntomanypeoples,toMenandDwarves,andeventoOrcs,allofwhomalteredthemtosuittheirpurposesandaccordingtotheirskillorlackofit.OnesuchsimpleformwasstillusedbytheMenofDale,andasimilaronebytheRohirrim.
ButinBeleriand,beforetheendoftheFirstAge,the
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Cirth,partlyundertheinfluenceoftheTengwaroftheNoldor,wererearrangedandfurtherdeveloped.TheirrichestandmostorderedformwasknownastheAlphabetofDaeron,sinceinElvishtraditionitwassaidtohavebeendevisedbyDaeron,theminstrelandloremasterofKingThingolofDoriath.AmongtheEldartheAlphabetofDaerondidnot
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developtruecursiveforms,sinceforwritingtheElvesadoptedtheFëanorianletters.TheElvesoftheWestindeedforthemostpartgaveuptheuseofrunesaltogether.InthecountryofEregion,however,theAlphabetofDaeronwasmaintainedinuseandpassedthencetoMoria,whereitbecamethealphabetmostfavouredbytheDwarves.Itremainedeverafterinuse
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amongthemandpassedwiththemtotheNorth.HenceinlatertimesitwasoftencalledAngerthasMoriaortheLongRune-rowsofMoria.AswiththeirspeechtheDwarvesmadeuseofsuchscriptsaswerecurrentandmanywrotetheFëanorianlettersskilfully;butfortheirowntonguetheyadheredtotheCirth,anddevelopedwrittenpen-formsfromthem.
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(i)THEFëANORIAN
LETTERS
Thetableshows,informalbook-handshape,allthelettersthatwerecommonlyusedintheWest-landsintheThirdAge.Thearrangementistheonemostusualatthetime,andtheoneinwhichtheletterswerethenusuallyrecitedbyname.
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Thisscriptwasnotinoriginan‘alphabet’:thatis,ahaphazardseriesofletters,eachwithanindependentvalueofitsown,recitedinatraditionalorderthathasnoreferenceeithertotheirshapesortotheirfunctions.1Itwas,rather,asystemofconsonantalsigns,ofsimilarshapesandstyle,whichcouldbeadaptedatchoiceorconveniencetorepresentthe
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consonantsoflanguagesobserved(ordevised)bytheEldar.Noneofthelettershadinitselfafixedvalue;butcertainrelationsbetweenthemweregraduallyrecognized.
THETENGWAR
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Thesystemcontainedtwenty-fourprimaryletters,
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1–24,arrangedinfourtémar(series),eachofwhichhadsixtyeller(grades).Therewerealso‘additionalletters’,ofwhich25–36areexamples.Ofthese27and29aretheonlystrictlyindependentletters;theremainderaremodificationsofotherletters.Therewasalsoanumberoftehtar(signs)ofvarieduses.Thesedonotappearinthetable.1
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Theprimaryletterswereeachformedofatelco(stem)andalúva(bow).Theformsseenin1–4wereregardedasnormal.Thestemcouldberaised,asin9–16;orreduced,asin17–24.Thebowcouldbeopen,asinSeriesIandIII;orclosed,asinIIandIV;andineithercaseitcouldbedoubled,ase.g.in5–8.
ThetheoreticfreedomofapplicationhadintheThird
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AgebeenmodifiedbycustomtothisextentthatSeriesIwasgenerallyappliedtothedentalort-series(tincotéma),andIItothelabialsorp-series(parmatéma).TheapplicationofSeriesIIIandIVvariedaccordingtotherequirementsofdifferentlanguages.
InlanguagesliketheWestron,whichmademuchuseofconsonants2suchas
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ourch,j,sh,SeriesIIIwasusuallyappliedtothese;inwhichcaseSeriesIVwasappliedtothenormalk-series(calmatéma).InQuenya,whichpossessedbesidesthecalmatémabothapalatalseries(tyelpetéma)andalabializedseries(quessetéma),thepalatalswererepresentedbyaFëanoriandiacriticdenoting‘followingy’(usuallytwo
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underposeddots),whileSeriesIVwasakw-series.
Withinthesegeneralapplicationsthefollowingrelationswerealsocommonlyobserved.Thenormalletters,Grade1,wereappliedtothe‘voicelessstops’:t,p,k,etc.Thedoublingofthebowindicatedtheadditionof‘voice’:thusif1,2,3,4=t,p,ch,k(ort,p,k,kw)then5,6,7,8=d,b,j,g(ord,b,g,gw).
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Theraisingofthestemindicatedtheopeningoftheconsonanttoa‘spirant’:thusassumingtheabovevaluesforGrade1,Grade3(9–12)=th,f,sh,ch(orth,f,kh,khw/hw),andGrade4(13–16)=dh,v,zh,gh(ordh,v,gh,ghw/w).
TheoriginalFëanoriansystemalsopossessedagradewithextendedstems,bothaboveandbelowtheline.
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Theseusuallyrepresentedaspiratedconsonants(e.g.t+h,p+h,k+h),butmightrepresentotherconsonantalvariationsrequired.TheywerenotneededinthelanguagesoftheThirdAgethatusedthisscript;buttheextendedformsweremuchusedasvariants(moreclearlydistinguishedfromGrade1)ofGrades3and4.
Grade5(17–20)was
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usuallyappliedtothenasalconsonants:thus17and18werethemostcommonsignsfornandm.Accordingtotheprincipleobservedabove,Grade6shouldthenhaverepresentedthevoicelessnasals;butsincesuchsounds(exemplifiedbyWelshnhorancientEnglishhn)wereofveryrareoccurrenceinthelanguagesconcerned,Grade6(21–24)wasmostoftenused
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fortheweakestor‘semi-vocalic’consonantsofeachseries.Itconsistedofthesmallestandsimplestshapesamongtheprimaryletters.Thus21wasoftenusedforaweak(untrilled)r,originallyoccurringinQuenyaandregardedinthesystemofthatlanguageastheweakestconsonantofthetincotéma;22waswidelyusedforw;whereSeriesIIIwasusedasa
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palatalseries23wascommonlyusedasconsonantaly.1
SincesomeoftheconsonantsofGrade4tendedtobecomeweakerinpronunciation,andtoapproachortomergewiththoseofGrade6(asdescribedabove),manyofthelatterceasedtohaveaclearfunctionintheEldarinlanguages;anditwasfrom
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theselettersthatthelettersexpressingvowelswerelargelyderived.
NOTE
ThestandardspellingofQuenyadivergedfromtheapplicationsofthelettersabovedescribed.Grade2wasusedfornd,mb,ng,ngw,allofwhichwerefrequent,since
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b,g,gwonlyappearedinthesecombinations,whileforrd,ldthespecialletters26,28wereused.(Forlv,notforlw,manyspeakers,especiallyElves,usedlb:thiswaswrittenwith27+6,sincelmbcouldnotoccur.)Similarly,Grade4wasusedfortheextremelyfrequentcombinationsnt,mp,nk,nqu,sinceQuenyadidnotpossessdh,gh,ghw,andforvused
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letter22.SeetheQuenyaletter-namespp.1474–5.
Theadditionalletters.No.27wasuniversallyusedforl.No.25(inoriginamodificationof21)wasusedfor‘full’trilledr.Nos.26,28weremodificationsofthese.Theywerefrequentlyusedforvoicelessr(rh)andl(lh)respectively.ButinQuenya
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theywereusedforrdandld.29representeds,and31(withdoubledcurl)zinthoselanguagesthatrequiredit.Theinvertedforms,30and32,thoughavailableforuseasseparatesigns,weremostlyusedasmerevariantsof29and31,accordingtotheconvenienceofwriting,e.g.theyweremuchusedwhenaccompaniedbysuperimposedtehtar.
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No.33wasinoriginavariationrepresentingsome(weaker)varietyof11;itsmostfrequentuseintheThirdAgewash.34wasmostlyused(ifatall)forvoicelessw(hw).35and36were,whenusedasconsonants,mostlyappliedtoyandwrespectively.
Thevowelswereinmany
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modesrepresentedbytehtar,usuallysetaboveaconsonantalletter.InlanguagessuchasQuenya,inwhichmostwordsendedinavowel,thetehtawasplacedabovetheprecedingconsonant;inthosesuchasSindarin,inwhichmostwordsendedinaconsonant,itwasplacedabovethefollowingconsonant.Whentherewasnoconsonant
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presentintherequiredposition,thetehtawasplacedabovethe‘shortcarrier’,ofwhichacommonformwaslikeanundottedi.Theactualtehtarusedindifferentlanguagesforvowel-signswerenumerous.Thecommonest,usuallyappliedto(varietiesof)e,i,a,o,u,areexhibitedintheexamplesgiven.Thethreedots,mostusualinformalwritingfora,
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werevariouslywritteninquickerstyles,aformlikeacircumflexbeingoftenemployed.1Thesingledotandthe‘acuteaccent’werefrequentlyusedforiande(butinsomemodesforeandi).Thecurlswereusedforoandu.IntheRing-inscriptionthecurlopentotherightisusedforu;butonthetitle-pagethisstandsforo,andthecurlopentotheleftforu.The
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curltotherightwasfavoured,andtheapplicationdependedonthelanguageconcerned:intheBlackSpeechowasrare.
Longvowelswereusuallyrepresentedbyplacingthetehtaonthe‘longcarrier’,ofwhichacommonformwaslikeanundottedj.Butforthesamepurposethetehtarcouldbedoubled.Thiswas,however,onlyfrequentlydonewiththecurls,and
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sometimeswiththe‘accent’.Twodotswasmoreoftenusedasasignforfollowingy.
TheWest-gateinscriptionillustratesamodeof‘fullwriting’withthevowelsrepresentedbyseparateletters.AllthevocaliclettersusedinSindarinareshown.TheuseofNo.30asasignforvocalicymaybenoted;alsotheexpressionofdiphthongsbyplacingthe
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tehtaforfollowingyabovethevowel-letter.Thesignforfollowingw(requiredfortheexpressionofau,aw)wasinthismodetheu-curloramodificationofit~.Butthediphthongswereoftenwrittenoutinfull,asinthetranscription.Inthismodelengthofvowelwasusuallyindicatedbythe‘acuteaccent’,calledinthatcaseandaith‘longmark’.
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Therewerebesidethetehtaralreadymentionedanumberofothers,chieflyusedtoabbreviatethewriting,especiallybyexpressingfrequentconsonantcombinationswithoutwritingthemoutinfull.Amongthese,abar(orasignlikeaSpanishtilde)placedaboveaconsonantwasoftenusedtoindicatethatitwasprecededbythenasalof
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thesameseries(asinnt,mp,ornk);asimilarsignplacedbelowwas,however,mainlyusedtoshowthattheconsonantwaslongordoubled.Adownwardhookattachedtothebow(asinhobbits,thelastwordonthetitle-page)wasusedtoindicateafollowings,especiallyinthecombinationsts,ps,ks(x),thatwerefavouredin
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Quenya.
Therewasofcourseno‘mode’fortherepresentationofEnglish.OneadequatephoneticallycouldbedevisedfromtheFëanoriansystem.Thebriefexampleonthetitle-pagedoesnotattempttoexhibitthis.ItisratheranexampleofwhatamanofGondormighthaveproduced,
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hesitatingbetweenthevaluesofthelettersfamiliarinhis‘mode’andthetraditionalspellingofEnglish.Itmaybenotedthatadotbelow(oneoftheusesofwhichwastorepresentweakobscuredvowels)ishereemployedintherepresentationofunstressedand,butisalsousedinhereforsilentfinale;the,of,andoftheareexpressedbyabbreviations
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(extendeddh,extendedv,andthelatterwithanunder-stroke).
Thenamesoftheletters.Inallmodeseachletterandsignhadaname;butthesenamesweredevisedtofitordescribethephoneticusesineachparticularmode.Itwas,however,oftenfeltdesirable,especiallyindescribingthe
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usesofthelettersinothermodes,tohaveanameforeachletterinitselfasashape.ForthispurposetheQuenya‘fullnames’werecommonlyemployed,evenwheretheyreferredtousespeculiartoQuenya.Each‘fullname’wasanactualwordinQuenyathatcontainedtheletterinquestion.Wherepossibleitwasthefirstsoundoftheword;butwherethesoundor
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thecombinationexpresseddidnotoccurinitiallyitfollowedimmediatelyafteraninitialvowel.Thenamesofthelettersinthetablewere(1)tincometal,parmabook,calmalamp,quessefeather;(2)andogate,umbarfate,angairon,ungwespider’sweb;(3)thúle(súle)spirit,formennorth,harmatreasure(oraharage),hwestabreeze;(4)antomouth,ampahook,
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ancajaws,unqueahollow;(5)númenwest,maltagold,noldo(olderngoldo)oneofthekindredoftheNoldor,nwalme(olderngwalme)torment;(6)óreheart(innermind),valaangelicpower,annagift,vilyaair,sky(olderwilya);rómeneast,ardaregion,lambetongue,aldatree;silmestarlight,silmenuquerna(sreversed),áresunlight(oressename),áre
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nuquerna;hyarmensouth,hwestasindarinwa,yantabridge,úreheat.WheretherearevariantsthisisduetothenamesbeinggivenbeforecertainchangesaffectedQuenyaasspokenbytheExiles.ThusNo.11wascalledharmawhenitrepresentedthespirantchinallpositions,butwhenthissoundbecamebreathhinitially1(thoughremaining
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medially)thenameahawasdevised.árewasoriginallyáze,butwhenthiszbecamemergedwith21,thesignwasinQuenyausedfortheveryfrequentssofthatlanguage,andthenameessewasgiventoit.hwestasindarinwaor‘Grey-elvenhw’wassocalledbecauseinQuenya12hadthesoundofhw,anddistinctsignsforchwandhwwerenotrequired.Thenames
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ofthelettersmostwidelyknownandusedwere17n,33hy,25r,10f:númen,hyarmen,rómen,formen=west,south,east,north(cf.Sindarindûnorannûn,harad,rhûnoramrûn,forod).TheseletterscommonlyindicatedthepointsW,S,E,Neveninlanguagesthatusedquitedifferentterms.Theywere,intheWest-lands,namedinthis
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order,beginningwithandfacingwest;hyarmenandformenindeedmeantleft-handregionandright-handregion(theoppositetothearrangementinmanyMannishlanguages).
(ii)THECIRTH
TheCerthasDaeronwasoriginallydevisedto
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representthesoundsofSindarinonly.TheoldestcirthwereNos.1,2,5,6;8,9,12;18,19,22;29,31;35,36;39,42,46,50;andacerthvaryingbetween13and15.Theassignmentofvalueswasunsystematic.Nos.39,42,46,50werevowelsandremainedsoinalllaterdevelopments.Nos.13,15wereusedforhors,accordingas35wasusedforsorh.Thistendency
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tohesitateintheassignmentofvaluesforsandhcontinuedinlaterarrangements.Inthosecharactersthatconsistedofa‘stem’anda‘branch’,1–31,theattachmentofthebranchwas,ifononesideonly,usuallymadeontherightside.Thereversewasnotinfrequent,buthadnophoneticsignificance.
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TheextensionandelaborationofthiscerthaswascalledinitsolderformtheAngerthasDaeron,sincetheadditionstotheoldcirthandtheirreorganizationwasattributedtoDaeron.Theprincipaladditions,however,theintroductionsoftwonewseries,13–17,and23–28,wereactuallymostprobablyinventionsoftheNoldorofEregion,sincetheywereused
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fortherepresentationofsoundsnotfoundinSindarin.
IntherearrangementoftheAngerthasthefollowingprinciplesareobservable(evidentlyinspiredbytheFëanoriansystem):(1)addingastroketoabranchadded‘voice’;(2)reversingthecerthindicatedopeningtoa‘spirant’;(3)placingthebranchonbothsidesofthestemaddedvoiceand
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nasality.Theseprincipleswereregularlycarriedout,exceptinonepoint.For(archaic)Sindarinasignforaspirantm(ornasalv)wasrequired,andsincethiscouldbestbeprovidedbyareversalofthesignform,thereversibleNo.6wasgiventhevaluem,butNo.5wasgiventhevaluehw.
No.36,thetheoreticvalueofwhichwasz,wasused,in
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spellingSindarinorQuenya,forss:cf.Fëanorian31.No.39wasusedforeitheriory(consonant);34,35wereusedindifferentlyfors;and38wasusedforthefrequentsequencend,thoughitwasnotclearlyrelatedinshapetothedentals.
IntheTableofValuesthoseontheleftare,when
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separatedby——,thevaluesoftheolderAngerthas.ThoseontherightarethevaluesoftheDwarvishAngerthasMoria.1TheDwarvesofMoria,ascanbeseen,introducedanumberofunsystematicchangesinvalue,aswellascertainnewcirth:*37,40,41,53,55,56.Thedislocationinvalueswasduemainlytotwocauses:(1)thealterationinthevaluesof
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34,35,54respectivelytoh,’(theclearorglottalbeginningofawordwithaninitialvowelthatappearedinKhuzdul),ands;(2)theabandonmentoftheNos.14,16forwhichtheDwarvessubstituted29,30.Theconsequentuseof12forr,theinventionof53forn(anditsconfusionwith22);theuseof17asz,togowith54initsvalues,andtheconsequent
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useof36asηandthenewcerth37forngmayalsobeobserved.Thenew55,56wereinoriginahalvedformof46,andwereusedforvowelslikethoseheardinEnglishbutter,whichwerefrequentinDwarvishandintheWestron.Whenweakorevanescenttheywereoftenreducedtoamerestrokewithoutastem.ThisAngerthasMoriais
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representedinthetomb-inscription.
TheDwarvesofEreborusedafurthermodificationofthissystem,knownasthemodeofErebor,andexemplifiedintheBookofMazarbul.Itschiefcharacteristicswere:theuseof43asz;of17asks(x);andtheinventionoftwonewcirth,57,58forpsandts.
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Theyalsoreintroduced14,16forthevaluesj,zh;butused29,30forg,gh,orasmerevariantsof19,21.Thesepeculiaritiesarenotincludedinthetable,exceptforthespecialEreboriancirth,57,58.
THEANGERTHAS
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THEANGERTHAS
Values
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APPENDIXF
ITHELANGUAGESANDPEOPLESOFTHETHIRDAGE
ThelanguagerepresentedinthishistorybyEnglishwas
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theWestronor‘CommonSpeech’oftheWest-landsofMiddle-earthintheThirdAge.Inthecourseofthatageithadbecomethenativelanguageofnearlyallthespeaking-peoples(savetheElves)whodweltwithintheboundsoftheoldkingdomsofArnorandGondor;thatisalongallthecoastsfromUmbarnorthwardtotheBayofForochel,andinlandasfar
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astheMistyMountainsandtheEphelDúath.IthadalsospreadnorthuptheAnduin,occupyingthelandswestoftheRiverandeastofthemountainsasfarastheGladdenFields.
AtthetimeoftheWaroftheRingattheendoftheagethesewerestillitsboundsasanativetongue,thoughlargepartsofEriadorwerenowdeserted,andfewMendwelt
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ontheshoresoftheAnduinbetweentheGladdenandRauros.
AfewoftheancientWildMenstilllurkedintheDrúadanForestinAnórien;andinthehillsofDunlandaremnantlingeredofanoldpeople,theformerinhabitantsofmuchofGondor.Theseclungtotheirownlanguages;whileintheplainsofRohantheredweltnowaNorthern
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people,theRohirrim,whohadcomeintothatlandsomefivehundredyearsearlier.ButtheWestronwasusedasasecondlanguageofintercoursebyallthosewhostillretainedaspeechoftheirown,evenbytheElves,notonlyinArnorandGondorbutthroughoutthevalesofAnduin,andeastwardtothefurthereavesofMirkwood.EvenamongtheWildMen
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andtheDunlendingswhoshunnedotherfolkthereweresomethatcouldspeakit,thoughbrokenly.
OFTHEELVES
TheElvesfarbackintheElderDaysbecamedividedintotwomainbranches:theWest-elves(theEldar)andtheEast-elves.OfthelatterkindweremostoftheElven-
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folkofMirkwoodandLórien;buttheirlanguagesdonotappearinthishistory,inwhichalltheElvishnamesandwordsareofEldarinform.1
OftheEldarintonguestwoarefoundinthisbook:theHigh-elvenorQuenya,andtheGrey-elvenorSindarin.TheHigh-elvenwasanancienttongueofEldamarbeyondtheSea,thefirsttobe
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recordedinwriting.Itwasnolongerabirth-tongue,buthadbecome,asitwere,an‘Elven-latin’,stillusedforceremony,andforhighmattersofloreandsong,bytheHighElves,whohadreturnedinexiletoMiddle-earthattheendoftheFirstAge.
TheGrey-elvenwasinoriginakintoQuenya;foritwasthelanguageofthose
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Eldarwho,comingtotheshoresofMiddle-earth,hadnotpassedovertheSeabuthadlingeredonthecoastsinthecountryofBeleriand.ThereThingolGreycloakofDoriathwastheirking,andinthelongtwilighttheirtonguehadchangedwiththechangefulnessofmortallandsandhadbecomefarestrangedfromthespeechoftheEldarfrombeyondtheSea.
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TheExiles,dwellingamongthemorenumerousGrey-elves,hadadoptedtheSindarinfordailyuse;andhenceitwasthetongueofallthoseElvesandElf-lordsthatappearinthishistory.ForthesewereallofEldarinrace,evenwherethefolkthattheyruledwereofthelesserkindreds.NoblestofallwastheLadyGaladrieloftheroyalhouseofFinarfinand
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sisterofFinrodFelagund,KingofNargothrond.IntheheartsoftheExilestheyearningfortheSeawasanunquietnevertobestilled;intheheartsoftheGrey-elvesitslumbered,butonceawakeneditcouldnotbeappeased.
OFMEN
TheWestronwasaMannish
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speech,thoughenrichedandsoftenedunderElvishinfluence.ItwasinoriginthelanguageofthosewhomtheEldarcalledtheAtaniorEdain,‘FathersofMen’,beingespeciallythepeopleoftheThreeHousesoftheElf-friendswhocamewestintoBeleriandintheFirstAge,andaidedtheEldarintheWaroftheGreatJewelsagainsttheDarkPowerofthe
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North.Aftertheoverthrowofthe
DarkPower,inwhichBeleriandwasforthemostpartdrownedorbroken,itwasgrantedasarewardtotheElf-friendsthattheyalso,astheEldar,mightpasswestoverSea.ButsincetheUndyingRealmwasforbiddentothem,agreatislewassetapartforthem,mostwesterlyofallmortallands.
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ThenameofthatislewasNúmenor(Westernesse).MostoftheElf-friends,therefore,departedanddweltinNúmenor,andtheretheybecamegreatandpowerful,marinersofrenownandlordsofmanyships.Theywerefairoffaceandtall,andthespanoftheirliveswasthricethatoftheMenofMiddle-earth.TheseweretheNúmenóreans,theKingsof
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Men,whomtheElvescalledtheDúnedain.
TheDúnedainaloneofallracesofMenknewandspokeanElvishtongue;fortheirforefathershadlearnedtheSindarintongue,andthistheyhandedontotheirchildrenasamatteroflore,changinglittlewiththepassingoftheyears.AndtheirmenofwisdomlearnedalsotheHigh-elvenQuenyaand
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esteemeditaboveallothertongues,andinittheymadenamesformanyplacesoffameandreverence,andformanymenofroyaltyandgreatrenown.1
ButthenativespeechoftheNúmenóreansremainedforthemostparttheirancestralMannishtongue,theAdûnaic,andtothisinthelatterdaysoftheirpridetheirkingsandlordsreturned,
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abandoningtheElven-speech,saveonlythosefewthatheldstilltotheirancientfriendshipwiththeEldar.IntheyearsoftheirpowertheNúmenóreanshadmaintainedmanyfortsandhavensuponthewesterncoastsofMiddle-earthforthehelpoftheirships;andoneofthechiefofthesewasatPelargirneartheMouthsofAnduin.ThereAdûnaicwasspoken,andmingledwith
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manywordsofthelanguagesoflessermenitbecameaCommonSpeechthatspreadthencealongthecoastsamongallthathaddealingswithWesternesse.
AftertheDownfallofNúmenor,ElendilledthesurvivorsoftheElf-friendsbacktotheNorth-westernshoresofMiddle-earth.Theremanyalreadydweltwhowereinwholeorpartof
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Númenóreanblood;butfewofthemrememberedtheElvishspeech.AlltoldtheDúnedainwerethusfromthebeginningfarfewerinnumberthanthelessermenamongwhomtheydweltandwhomtheyruled,beinglordsoflonglifeandgreatpowerandwisdom.TheyusedthereforetheCommonSpeechintheirdealingwithotherfolkandinthe
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governmentoftheirwiderealms;buttheyenlargedthelanguageandenricheditwithmanywordsdrawnfromelven-tongues.
InthedaysoftheNúmenóreankingsthisennobledWestronspeechspreadfarandwide,evenamongtheirenemies;anditbecameusedmoreandmorebytheDúnedainthemselves,sothatatthetimeoftheWar
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oftheRingtheelven-tonguewasknowntoonlyasmallpartofthepeoplesofGondor,andspokendailybyfewer.ThesedweltmostlyinMinasTirithandthetownlandsadjacent,andinthelandofthetributaryprincesofDolAmroth.YetthenamesofnearlyallplacesandpersonsintherealmofGondorwereofElvishformandmeaning.Afewwereofforgotten
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origin,anddescendeddoubtlessfromthedaysbeforetheshipsoftheNúmenóreanssailedtheSea;amongthesewereUmbar,ArnachandErech;andthemountain-namesEilenachandRimmon.Forlongwasalsoanameofthesamesort.
MostoftheMenofthenorthernregionsoftheWest-landsweredescendedfromtheEdainoftheFirstAge,or
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fromtheirclosekin.Theirlanguageswere,therefore,relatedtotheAdûnaic,andsomestillpreservedalikenesstotheCommonSpeech.OfthiskindwerethepeoplesoftheuppervalesofAnduin:theBeornings,andtheWoodmenofWesternMirkwood;andfurthernorthandeasttheMenoftheLongLakeandofDale.FromthelandsbetweentheGladden
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andtheCarrockcamethefolkthatwereknowninGondorastheRohirrim,MastersofHorses.Theystillspoketheirancestraltongue,andgavenewnamesinittonearlyalltheplacesintheirnewcountry;andtheycalledthemselvestheEorlings,ortheMenoftheRiddermark.ButthelordsofthatpeopleusedtheCommonSpeechfreely,andspokeitnobly
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afterthemanneroftheiralliesinGondor;forinGondorwhenceitcametheWestronkeptstillamoregraciousandantiquestyle.
WhollyalienwasthespeechoftheWildMenofDrúadanForest.Alien,too,oronlyremotelyakin,wasthelanguageoftheDunlendings.ThesewerearemnantofthepeoplesthathaddweltinthevalesoftheWhiteMountains
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inagespast.TheDeadMenofDunharrowwereoftheirkin.ButintheDarkYearsothershadremovedtothesoutherndalesoftheMistyMountains;andthencesomehadpassedintotheemptylandsasfarnorthastheBarrow-downs.FromthemcametheMenofBree;butlongbeforethesehadbecomesubjectsoftheNorthKingdomofArnorandhad
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takenuptheWestrontongue.OnlyinDunlanddidMenofthisraceholdtotheiroldspeechandmanners:asecretfolk,unfriendlytotheDúnedain,hatingtheRohirrim.
Oftheirlanguagenothingappearsinthisbook,savethenameForgoilwhichtheygavetotheRohirrim(meaningStrawheads,itissaid).Dunlandand
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DunlendingarethenamesthattheRohirrimgavetothem,becausetheywereswarthyanddark-haired;thereisthusnoconnexionbetweentheworddunninthesenamesandtheGrey-elvenwordDûn‘west’.
OFHOBBITS
TheHobbitsoftheShireandofBreehadatthistime,
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forprobablyathousandyears,adoptedtheCommonSpeech.Theyuseditintheirownmannerfreelyandcarelessly;thoughthemorelearnedamongthemhadstillattheircommandamoreformallanguagewhenoccasionrequired.
ThereisnorecordofanylanguagepeculiartoHobbits.Inancientdaystheyseemalwaystohaveusedthe
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languagesofMennearwhom,oramongwhom,theylived.ThustheyquicklyadoptedtheCommonSpeechaftertheyenteredEriador,andbythetimeoftheirsettlementatBreetheyhadalreadybeguntoforgettheirformertongue.ThiswasevidentlyaMannishlanguageoftheupperAnduin,akintothatoftheRohirrim;thoughthesouthernStoorsappearto
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haveadoptedalanguagerelatedtoDunlendishbeforetheycamenorthtotheShire.1
OfthesethingsinthetimeofFrodotherewerestillsometracesleftinlocalwordsandnames,manyofwhichcloselyresembledthosefoundinDaleorinRohan.Mostnotablewerethenamesofdays,months,andseasons;severalotherwordsofthe
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samesort(suchasmathomandsmial)werealsostillincommonuse,whilemorewerepreservedintheplace-namesofBreeandtheShire.ThepersonalnamesoftheHobbitswerealsopeculiarandmanyhadcomedownfromancientdays.
HobbitwasthenameusuallyappliedbytheShire-folktoalltheirkind.MencalledthemHalflingsandthe
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ElvesPeriannath.Theoriginofthewordhobbitwasbymostforgotten.Itseems,however,tohavebeenatfirstanamegiventotheHarfootsbytheFallohidesandStoors,andtobeaworn-downformofawordpreservedmorefullyinRohan:holbytla‘hole-builder’.
OFOTHERRACES
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Ents.ThemostancientpeoplesurvivingintheThirdAgeweretheOnodrimorEnyd.EntwastheformoftheirnameinthelanguageofRohan.TheywereknowntotheEldarinancientdays,andtotheEldarindeedtheEntsascribednottheirownlanguagebutthedesireforspeech.Thelanguagethattheyhadmadewasunlikeallothers:slow,sonorous,
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agglomerated,repetitive,indeedlong-winded;formedofamultiplicityofvowel-shadesanddistinctionsoftoneandqualitywhicheventhelore-mastersoftheEldarhadnotattemptedtorepresentinwriting.Theyuseditonlyamongthemselves;buttheyhadnoneedtokeepitsecret,fornootherscouldlearnit.
Entswere,however,
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themselvesskilledintongues,learningthemswiftlyandneverforgettingthem.ButtheypreferredthelanguagesoftheEldar,andlovedbesttheancientHigh-elventongue.ThestrangewordsandnamesthattheHobbitsrecordasusedbyTreebeardandotherEntsarethusElvish,orfragmentsofElf-speechstrungtogetherinEnt-fashion.1SomeareQuenya:
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asTaurelilómëa-tumbalemornaTumbaletaurëaLómëanor,whichmayberendered‘Forestmanyshadowed-deepvalleyblackDeepvalleyforestedGloomyland’,andbywhichTreebeardmeant,moreorless:‘thereisablackshadowinthedeepdalesoftheforest’.SomeareSindarin:asFangorn‘beard-(of)-tree’,or
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Fimbrethil‘slender-beech’.
OrcsandtheBlackSpeech.OrcistheformofthenamethatotherraceshadforthisfoulpeopleasitwasinthelanguageofRohan.InSindarinitwasorch.Related,nodoubt,wasthewordurukoftheBlackSpeech,thoughthiswasappliedasaruleonlytothegreatsoldier-orcsthat
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atthistimeissuedfromMordorandIsengard.Thelesserkindswerecalled,especiallybytheUrukhai,snaga‘slave’.
TheOrcswerefirstbredbytheDarkPoweroftheNorthintheElderDays.Itissaidthattheyhadnolanguageoftheirown,buttookwhattheycouldofothertonguesandpervertedittotheirownliking;yetthey
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madeonlybrutaljargons,scarcelysufficientevenfortheirownneeds,unlessitwereforcursesandabuse.Andthesecreatures,beingfilledwithmalice,hatingeventheirownkind,quicklydevelopedasmanybarbarousdialectsasthereweregroupsorsettlementsoftheirrace,sothattheirOrkishspeechwasoflittleusetotheminintercoursebetweendifferent
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tribes.SoitwasthatintheThird
AgeOrcsusedforcommunicationbetweenbreedandbreedtheWestrontongue;andmanyindeedoftheoldertribes,suchasthosethatstilllingeredintheNorthandintheMistyMountains,hadlongusedtheWestronastheirnativelanguage,thoughinsuchafashionastomakeithardlylessunlovelythan
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Orkish.Inthisjargontark,‘manofGondor’,wasadebasedformoftarkil,aQuenyawordusedinWestronforoneofNúmenóreandescent;seep.1185.
ItissaidthattheBlackSpeechwasdevisedbySauronintheDarkYears,andthathehaddesiredtomakeitthelanguageofallthosethatservedhim,buthe
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failedinthatpurpose.FromtheBlackSpeech,however,werederivedmanyofthewordsthatwereintheThirdAgewide-spreadamongtheOrcs,suchasghâsh‘fire’,butafterthefirstoverthrowofSauronthislanguageinitsancientformwasforgottenbyallbuttheNazgûl.WhenSauronaroseagain,itbecameoncemorethelanguageofBarad-dûrandofthecaptains
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ofMordor.TheinscriptionontheRingwasintheancientBlackSpeech,whilethecurseoftheMordororconp.579wasinthemoredebasedformusedbythesoldiersoftheDarkTower,ofwhomGrishnákhwasthecaptain.Sharkûinthattonguemeansoldman.
Trolls.Trollhasbeenusedto
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translatetheSindarinTorog.IntheirbeginningfarbackinthetwilightoftheElderDays,thesewerecreaturesofdullandlumpishnatureandhadnomorelanguagethanbeasts.ButSauronhadmadeuseofthem,teachingthemwhatlittletheycouldlearnandincreasingtheirwitswithwickedness.TrollsthereforetooksuchlanguageastheycouldmasterfromtheOrcs;
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andintheWestlandstheStone-trollsspokeadebasedformoftheCommonSpeech.
ButattheendoftheThirdAgeatroll-racenotbeforeseenappearedinsouthernMirkwoodandinthemountainbordersofMordor.Olog-haitheywerecalledintheBlackSpeech.ThatSauronbredthemnonedoubted,thoughfromwhatstockwasnotknown.Some
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heldthattheywerenotTrollsbutgiantOrcs;buttheOlog-haiwereinfashionofbodyandmindquiteunlikeeventhelargestofOrc-kind,whomtheyfarsurpassedinsizeandpower.Trollstheywere,butfilledwiththeevilwilloftheirmaster:afellrace,strong,agile,fierceandcunning,butharderthanstone.UnliketheolderraceoftheTwilighttheycould
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enduretheSun,solongasthewillofSauronheldswayoverthem.Theyspokelittle,andtheonlytonguethattheyknewwastheBlackSpeechofBarad-dûr.
Dwarves.TheDwarvesarearaceapart.Oftheirstrangebeginning,andwhytheyarebothlikeandunlikeElvesandMen,theSilmarillion
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tells;butofthistalethelesserElvesofMiddle-earthhadnoknowledge,whilethetalesoflaterMenareconfusedwithmemoriesofotherraces.
Theyareatough,thrawnraceforthemostpart,secretive,laborious,retentiveofthememoryofinjuries(andofbenefits),loversofstone,ofgems,ofthingsthattakeshapeunderthehandsofthecraftsmanratherthan
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thingsthatlivebytheirownlife.Buttheyarenotevilbynature,andfeweverservedtheEnemyoffreewill,whateverthetalesofMenmayhavealleged.ForMenofoldlustedaftertheirwealthandtheworkoftheirhands,andtherehasbeenenmitybetweentheraces.
ButintheThirdAgeclosefriendshipstillwasfoundinmanyplacesbetweenMen
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andDwarves;anditwasaccordingtothenatureoftheDwarvesthat,travellingandlabouringandtradingaboutthelands,astheydidafterthedestructionoftheirancientmansions,theyshouldusethelanguagesofMenamongwhomtheydwelt.Yetinsecret(asecretwhichunliketheElves,theydidnotwillinglyunlock,eventotheirfriends)theyusedtheirown
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strangetongue,changedlittlebytheyears;forithadbecomeatongueofloreratherthanacradle-speech,andtheytendeditandguardeditasatreasureofthepast.Fewofotherracehavesucceededinlearningit.Inthishistoryitappearsonlyinsuchplace-namesasGimlirevealedtohiscompanions;andinthebattle-crywhichheutteredinthesiegeofthe
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Hornburg.Thatatleastwasnotsecret,andhadbeenheardonmanyafieldsincetheworldwasyoung.BarukKhazâd!Khazâdai-mênu!‘AxesoftheDwarves!TheDwarvesareuponyou!’
Gimli’sownname,however,andthenamesofallhiskin,areofNorthern(Mannish)origin.Theirownsecretand‘inner’names,theirtruenames,theDwarves
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haveneverrevealedtoanyoneofalienrace.Notevenontheirtombsdotheyinscribethem.
IIONTRANSLATION
InpresentingthematteroftheRedBook,asahistoryforpeopleoftodaytoread,the
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wholeofthelinguisticsettinghasbeentranslatedasfaraspossibleintotermsofourowntimes.OnlythelanguagesalientotheCommonSpeechhavebeenleftintheiroriginalform;buttheseappearmainlyinthenamesofpersonsandplaces.
TheCommonSpeech,asthelanguageoftheHobbitsandtheirnarratives,hasinevitablybeenturnedinto
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modernEnglish.IntheprocessthedifferencebetweenthevarietiesobservableintheuseoftheWestronhasbeenlessened.SomeattempthasbeenmadetorepresentvarietiesbyvariationsinthekindofEnglishused;butthedivergencebetweenthepronunciationandidiomoftheShireandtheWestrontongueinthemouthsofthe
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ElvesorofthehighmenofGondorwasgreaterthanhasbeenshowninthisbook.Hobbitsindeedspokeforthemostpartarusticdialect,whereasinGondorandRohanamoreantiquelanguagewasused,moreformalandmoreterse.
Onepointinthedivergencemayherebenoted,since,thoughimportant,ithasproved
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impossibletorepresent.TheWestrontonguemadeinthepronounsofthesecondperson(andoftenalsointhoseofthethird)adistinction,independentofnumber,between‘familiar’and‘deferential’forms.Itwas,however,oneofthepeculiaritiesofShire-usagethatthedeferentialformshadgoneoutofcolloquialuse.Theylingeredonlyamongthe
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villagers,especiallyoftheWestfarthing,whousedthemasendearments.ThiswasoneofthethingsreferredtowhenpeopleofGondorspokeofthestrangenessofHobbit-speech.PeregrinTook,forinstance,inhisfirstfewdaysinMinasTirithusedthefamiliarforpeopleofallranks,includingtheLordDenethorhimself.Thismayhaveamusedtheaged
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Steward,butitmusthaveastonishedhisservants.NodoubtthisfreeuseofthefamiliarformshelpedtospreadthepopularrumourthatPeregrinwasapersonofveryhighrankinhisowncountry.1
ItwillbenoticedthatHobbitssuchasFrodo,andotherpersonssuchasGandalfandAragorn,donotalwaysusethesamestyle.Thisis
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intentional.ThemorelearnedandableamongtheHobbitshadsomeknowledgeof‘book-language’,asitwastermedintheShire;andtheywerequicktonoteandadoptthestyleofthosewhomtheymet.Itwasinanycasenaturalformuch-travelledfolktospeakmoreorlessafterthemannerofthoseamongwhomtheyfoundthemselves,especiallyinthe
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caseofmenwho,likeAragorn,wereoftenatpainstoconcealtheiroriginandtheirbusiness.YetinthosedaysalltheenemiesoftheEnemyreveredwhatwasancient,inlanguagenolessthaninothermatters,andtheytookpleasureinitaccordingtotheirknowledge.TheEldar,beingaboveallskilledinwords,hadthecommandofmanystyles,
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thoughtheyspokemostnaturallyinamannernearesttotheirownspeech,oneevenmoreantiquethanthatofGondor.TheDwarves,too,spokewithskill,readilyadaptingthemselvestotheircompany,thoughtheirutteranceseemedtosomeratherharshandguttural.ButOrcsandTrollsspokeastheywould,withoutloveofwordsorthings;andtheirlanguage
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wasactuallymoredegradedandfilthythanIhaveshownit.Idonotsupposethatanywillwishforacloserrendering,thoughmodelsareeasytofind.Muchthesamesortoftalkcanstillbeheardamongtheorc-minded;drearyandrepetitivewithhatredandcontempt,toolongremovedfromgoodtoretainevenverbalvigour,saveintheearsofthosetowhom
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onlythesqualidsoundsstrong.
Translationofthiskindis,ofcourse,usualbecauseinevitableinanynarrativedealingwiththepast.Itseldomproceedsanyfurther.ButIhavegonebeyondit.IhavealsotranslatedallWestronnamesaccordingtotheirsenses.WhenEnglishnamesortitlesappearinthisbookitisanindicationthat
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namesintheCommonSpeechwerecurrentatthetime,beside,orinsteadof,thoseinalien(usuallyElvish)languages.
TheWestronnameswereasaruletranslationsofoldernames:asRivendell,Hoarwell,Silverlode,Langstrand,TheEnemy,theDarkTower.Somedifferedinmeaning:asMountDoomforOrodruin‘burningmountain’,
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orMirkwoodforTaure-Ndaedelos‘forestofthegreatfear’.AfewwerealterationsofElvishnames:asLuneandBrandywinederivedfromLhûnandBaranduin.
Thisprocedureperhapsneedssomedefence.ItseemedtomethattopresentallthenamesintheiroriginalformswouldobscureanessentialfeatureofthetimesasperceivedbytheHobbits
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(whosepointofviewIwasmainlyconcernedtopreserve):thecontrastbetweenawide-spreadlanguage,tothemasordinaryandhabitualasEnglishistous,andthelivingremainsoffarolderandmorereverendtongues.Allnamesifmerelytranscribedwouldseemtomodernreadersequallyremote:forinstance,iftheElvishnameImladrisandthe
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WestrontranslationKarningulhadbothbeenleftunchanged.ButtorefertoRivendellasImladriswasasifonenowwastospeakofWinchesterasCamelot,exceptthattheidentitywascertain,whileinRivendelltherestilldweltalordofrenownfarolderthanArthurwouldbe,werehestillkingatWinchestertoday.
ThenameoftheShire
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(Sûza)andallotherplacesoftheHobbitshavethusbeenEnglished.Thiswasseldomdifficult,sincesuchnameswerecommonlymadeupofelementssimilartothoseusedinoursimplerEnglishplace-names;eitherwordsstillcurrentlikehillorfield;oralittleworndownliketonbesidetown.Butsomewerederived,asalreadynoted,fromoldhobbit-wordsno
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longerinuse,andthesehavebeenrepresentedbysimilarEnglishthings,suchaswich,orbottle‘dwelling’,ormichel‘great’.
Inthecaseofpersons,however,Hobbit-namesintheShireandinBreewereforthosedayspeculiar,notablyinthehabitthathadgrownup,somecenturiesbeforethistime,ofhavinginheritednamesforfamilies.Mostof
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thesesurnameshadobviousmeanings(inthecurrentlanguagebeingderivedfromjestingnicknames,orfromplace-names,or–especiallyinBree–fromthenamesofplantsandtrees).Translationofthesepresentedlittledifficulty;butthereremainedoneortwooldernamesofforgottenmeaning,andtheseIhavebeencontenttoanglicizeinspelling:asTook
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forTûk,orBoffinforBophîn.IhavetreatedHobbitfirst-
names,asfaraspossible,inthesameway.Totheirmaid-childrenHobbitscommonlygavethenamesofflowersorjewels.Totheirman-childrentheyusuallygavenamesthathadnomeaningatallintheirdailylanguage;andsomeoftheirwomen’snamesweresimilar.OfthiskindareBilbo,Bungo,Polo,Lotho,
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Tanta,Nina,andsoon.Therearemanyinevitablebutaccidentalresemblancestonameswenowhaveorknow:forinstanceOtho,Odo,Drogo,Dora,Cora,andthelike.ThesenamesIhaveretained,thoughIhaveusuallyanglicizedthembyalteringtheirendings,sinceinHobbit-namesawasamasculineending,andoandewerefeminine.
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Insomeoldfamilies,especiallythoseofFallohideoriginsuchastheTooksandtheBolgers,itwas,however,thecustomtogivehigh-soundingfirst-names.Sincemostoftheseseemtohavebeendrawnfromlegendsofthepast,ofMenaswellasofHobbits,andmanywhilenowmeaninglesstoHobbitscloselyresembledthenamesofMenintheValeof
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Anduin,orinDale,orintheMark,Ihaveturnedthemintothoseoldnames,largelyofFrankishandGothicorigin,thatarestillusedbyusoraremetinourhistories.Ihavethusatanyratepreservedtheoftencomiccontrastbetweenthefirst-namesandsurnames,ofwhichtheHobbitsthemselveswerewellaware.Namesofclassicaloriginhaverarelybeenused;forthe
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nearestequivalentstoLatinandGreekinShire-loreweretheElvishtongues,andthesetheHobbitsseldomusedinnomenclature.Fewofthematanytimeknewthe‘languagesofthekings’,astheycalledthem.
ThenamesoftheBucklandersweredifferentfromthoseoftherestoftheShire.ThefolkoftheMarishandtheiroffshootacrossthe
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Brandywinewereinmanywayspeculiar,ashasbeentold.ItwasfromtheformerlanguageofthesouthernStoors,nodoubt,thattheyinheritedmanyoftheirveryoddnames.TheseIhaveusuallyleftunaltered,forifqueernow,theywerequeerintheirownday.Theyhadastylethatweshouldperhapsfeelvaguelytobe‘Celtic’.
Sincethesurvivalof
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tracesoftheolderlanguageoftheStoorsandtheBree-menresembledthesurvivalofCelticelementsinEngland,Ihavesometimesimitatedthelatterinmytranslation.ThusBree,Combe(Coomb),Archet,andChetwoodaremodelledonrelicsofBritishnomenclature,chosenaccordingtosense:bree‘hill’chet‘wood’.Butonlyone
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personalnamehasbeenalteredinthisway.Meriadocwaschosentofitthefactthatthischaracter’sshortenedname,Kali,meantintheWestron‘jolly,gay’,thoughitwasactuallyanabbreviationofthenowunmeaningBucklandnameKalimac.
IhavenotusednamesofHebraicorsimilarorigininmytranspositions.Nothingin
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Hobbit-namescorrespondstothiselementinournames.ShortnamessuchasSam,Tom,Tim,MatwerecommonasabbreviationsofactualHobbit-names,suchasTomba,Tolma,Matta,andthelike.ButSamandhisfatherHamwerereallycalledBanandRan.ThesewereshorteningsofBanazîrandRanugad,originallynicknames,meaning
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‘halfwise,simple’and‘stay-at-home’;butbeingwordsthathadfallenoutofcolloquialusetheyremainedastraditionalnamesincertainfamilies.IhavethereforetriedtopreservethesefeaturesbyusingSamwiseandHamfast,modernizationsofancientEnglishsamwísandhámfæstwhichcorrespondedcloselyinmeaning.
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HavinggonesofarinmyattempttomodernizeandmakefamiliarthelanguageandnamesofHobbits,Ifoundmyselfinvolvedinafurtherprocess.TheMannishlanguagesthatwererelatedtotheWestronshould,itseemedtome,beturnedintoformsrelatedtoEnglish.ThelanguageofRohanIhaveaccordinglymadetoresembleancientEnglish,sinceitwas
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relatedboth(moredistantly)totheCommonSpeech,and(veryclosely)totheformertongueofthenorthernHobbits,andwasincomparisonwiththeWestronarchaic.IntheRedBookitisnotedinseveralplacesthatwhenHobbitsheardthespeechofRohantheyrecognizedmanywordsandfeltthelanguagetobeakintotheirown,sothatitseemed
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absurdtoleavetherecordednamesandwordsoftheRohirriminawhollyalienstyle.
InseveralcasesIhavemodernizedtheformsandspellingsofplace-namesinRohan:asinDunharroworSnowbourn;butIhavenotbeenconsistent,forIhavefollowedtheHobbits.Theyalteredthenamesthattheyheardinthesameway,ifthey
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weremadeofelementsthattheyrecognized,oriftheyresembledplace-namesintheShire;butmanytheyleftalone,asIhavedone,forinstance,inEdoras‘thecourts’.Forthesamereasonsafewpersonalnameshavealsobeenmodernized,asShadowfaxandWormtongue.1
Thisassimilationalsoprovidedaconvenientwayof
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representingthepeculiarlocalhobbit-wordsthatwereofnorthernorigin.TheyhavebeengiventheformsthatlostEnglishwordsmightwellhavehad,iftheyhadcomedowntoourday.ThusmathomismeanttorecallancientEnglishmáthm,andsotorepresenttherelationshipoftheactualHobbitkasttoR.kastu.Similarlysmial(orsmile)
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‘burrow’isalikelyformforadescendantofsmygel,andrepresentswelltherelationshipofHobbittrântoR.trahan.SméagolandDéagolareequivalentsmadeupinthesamewayforthenamesTrahald‘burrowing,wormingin’,andNahald‘secret’intheNortherntongues.
ThestillmorenortherlylanguageofDaleisinthis
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bookseenonlyinthenamesoftheDwarvesthatcamefromthatregionandsousedthelanguageoftheMenthere,takingtheir‘outer’namesinthattongue.ItmaybeobservedthatinthisbookasinTheHobbittheformdwarvesisused,althoughthedictionariestellusthatthepluralofdwarfisdwarfs.Itshouldbedwarrows(ordwerrows),ifsingularand
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pluralhadeachgoneitsownwaydowntheyears,ashavemanandmen,orgooseandgeese.Butwenolongerspeakofadwarfasoftenaswedoofaman,orevenofagoose,andmemorieshavenotbeenfreshenoughamongMentokeepholdofaspecialpluralforaracenowabandonedtofolk-tales,whereatleastashadowoftruthispreserved,oratlastto
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nonsense-storiesinwhichtheyhavebecomemerefiguresoffun.ButintheThirdAgesomethingoftheiroldcharacterandpowerisstillglimpsed,ifalreadyalittledimmed;thesearethedescendantsoftheNaugrimoftheElderDays,inwhoseheartsstillburnstheancientfireofAulëtheSmith,andtheemberssmoulderoftheirlonggrudgeagainstthe
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Elves;andinwhosehandsstilllivestheskillinworkofstonethatnonehavesurpassed.
ItistomarkthisthatIhaveventuredtousetheformdwarves,andremovethemalittle,perhaps,fromthesilliertalesoftheselatterdays.Dwarrowswouldhavebeenbetter;butIhaveusedthatformonlyinthenameDwarrowdelf,torepresentthe
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nameofMoriaintheCommonSpeech:Phurunargian.Forthatmeant‘Dwarf-delving’andyetwasalreadyawordofantiqueform.ButMoriaisanElvishname,andgivenwithoutlove;fortheEldar,thoughtheymightatneed,intheirbitterwarswiththeDarkPowerandhisservants,contrivefortressesunderground,werenot
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dwellersinsuchplacesofchoice.Theywereloversofthegreenearthandthelightsofheaven;andMoriaintheirtonguemeanstheBlackChasm.ButtheDwarvesthemselves,andthisnameatleastwasneverkeptsecret,calleditKhazad-dûm,theMansionoftheKhazâd;forsuchistheirownnamefortheirownrace,andhasbeenso,sinceAulëgaveittothem
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attheirmakinginthedeepsoftime.
ElveshasbeenusedtotranslatebothQuendi,‘thespeakers’,theHigh-elvennameofalltheirkind,andEldar,thenameoftheThreeKindredsthatsoughtfortheUndyingRealmandcamethereatthebeginningofDays(savetheSindaronly).Thisoldwordwasindeedtheonlyoneavailable,andwasonce
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fittedtoapplytosuchmemoriesofthispeopleasMenpreserved,ortothemakingsofMen’smindsnotwhollydissimilar.Butithasbeendiminished,andtomanyitmaynowsuggestfancieseitherprettyorsilly,asunliketotheQuendiofoldasarebutterfliestotheswiftfalcon–notthatanyoftheQuendieverpossessedwingsofthebody,asunnaturaltothemas
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toMen.Theywerearacehighandbeautiful,theolderChildrenoftheworld,andamongthemtheEldarwereaskings,whonowaregone:thePeopleoftheGreatJourney,thePeopleoftheStars.Theyweretall,fairofskinandgrey-eyed,thoughtheirlocksweredark,saveinthegoldenhouseofFinarfin;1andtheirvoiceshadmoremelodiesthananymortal
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voicethatnowisheard.Theywerevaliant,butthehistoryofthosethatreturnedtoMiddle-earthinexilewasgrievous;andthoughitwasinfar-offdayscrossedbythefateoftheFathers,theirfateisnotthatofMen.Theirdominionpassedlongago,andtheydwellnowbeyondthecirclesoftheworld,anddonotreturn.
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Noteonthreenames:Hobbit,Gamgee,andBrandywine.
Hobbitisaninvention.IntheWestronthewordused,whenthispeoplewasreferredtoatall,wasbanakil‘halfling’.ButatthisdatethefolkoftheShireandofBreeusedthewordkuduk,whichwasnotfoundelsewhere.Meriadoc,however,actuallyrecordsthat
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theKingofRohanusedthewordkûd-dûkan‘hole-dweller’.Since,ashasbeennoted,theHobbitshadoncespokenalanguagecloselyrelatedtothatoftheRohirrim,itseemslikelythatkudukwasaworn-downformofkûd-dûkan.ThelatterIhavetranslated,forreasonsexplained,byholbytla;andhobbitprovidesawordthatmightwellbeaworn-down
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formofholbytla,ifthatnamehadoccurredinourownancientlanguage.
Gamgee.Accordingtofamilytradition,setoutintheRedBook,thesurnameGalbasi,orinreducedformGalpsi,camefromthevillageofGalabas,popularlysupposedtobederivedfromgalab-‘game’andanoldelement
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bas-,moreorlessequivalenttoourwick,wich.Gamwich(pronouncedGammidge)seemedthereforeaveryfairrendering.However,inreducingGammidgytoGamgee,torepresentGalpsi,noreferencewasintendedtotheconnexionofSamwisewiththefamilyofCotton,thoughajestofthatkindwouldhavebeenhobbit-likeenough,hadtherebeenany
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warrantintheirlanguage.Cotton,infact,represents
Hlothran,afairlycommonvillage-nameintheShire,derivedfromhloth,‘atwo-roomeddwellingorhole’,andran(u)asmallgroupofsuchdwellingsonahill-side.Asasurnameitmaybeanalterationofhlothram(a)‘cottager’.Hlothram,whichIhaverenderedCotman,wasthenameofFarmerCotton’s
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grandfather.
Brandywine.Thehobbit-namesofthisriverwerealterationsoftheElvishBaranduin(accentedonand),derivedfrombaran‘goldenbrown’andduin‘(large)river’.OfBaranduinBrandywineseemedanaturalcorruptioninmoderntimes.Actuallytheolderhobbit-
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namewasBranda-nîn‘border-water’,whichwouldhavebeenmorecloselyrenderedbyMarch-bourn;butbyajestthathadbecomehabitual,referringagaintoitscolour,atthistimetheriverwasusuallycalledBralda-hîm‘headyale’.
Itmustbeobserved,however,thatwhentheOldbucks(Zaragamba)changedtheirnameto
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Brandybuck(Brandagamba),thefirstelementmeant‘borderland’,andMarchbuckwouldhavebeennearer.OnlyaveryboldhobbitwouldhaveventuredtocalltheMasterofBucklandBraldagambainhishearing.
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INDEX
CompiledbyChristinaScull&WayneG.Hammond
Thepaginationofthiselectroniceditiondoesnotmatchtheeditionfromwhichitwascreated.Tolocateaspecificpassage,pleaseusethesearch
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featureofyoure-bookreader.
ThislisthasbeencompiledindependentofthatpreparedbyNancySmithandrevisedbyJ.R.R.Tolkienforthesecondedition(1965)ofTheLordoftheRingsandaugmentedinlaterprintings;butforthefinalresult
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referencehasbeenmadetotheearlierindexinordertoresolvequestionsofcontentandtopreserveTolkien’soccasionaladdednotesand‘translations’[hereindicatedwithinsquarebrackets].WehavealsoreferredtotheindexthatTolkienhimselfbegantoprepareduring1954,butwhichheleftunfinishedafterdealingonlywithplace-names.Hehadintended,as
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hesaidinhisoriginalforewordtoTheLordoftheRings,toprovide‘anindexofnamesandstrangewordswithsomeexplanations’;butitsoonbecameclearthatsuchaworkwouldbetoolongandcostly,easilyashortvolumeuntoitself.(Tolkien’smanuscriptlistofplace-namesinformedhissonChristopher’sindexesinTheSilmarillionandUnfinished
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Tales,andisreferredtoalsointhepresentauthors’TheLordoftheRings:AReader’sCompanion.)
Readershavelongcomplainedthattheoriginalindexistoobriefandfragmentedforserioususe.Inthepresentworkcitationsaregivenmorecomprehensivelyfornamesofpersons,places,andthings,andunusual(invented)words,mentioned
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oralludedtointhetext(i.e.excludingthemaps);andthereisasinglemainsequenceofentries,nowprecededbyalistofpoemsandsongsbyfirstlineandalistofpoemsandphrasesinlanguagesotherthanEnglish(CommonSpeech).Nonetheless,althoughthisnewindexisgreatlyenlargedcomparedwithitspredecessor,someconstraints
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onitslengthwerenecessarysothatitmightfitcomfortablyaftertheAppendices.Thusithasnotbeenpossibletoindexseparatelyortocross-referenceeveryvariationofeverynameinTheLordoftheRings(ofwhichtherearethousands),andwehavehadtobeparticularlyselectivewhenindexingAppendicesDthroughF,concentratingon
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thosenamesortermsthatfeatureinthemaintext,andwhensubdividingentriesbyaspect.
PrimaryentryelementshavebeenchosenusuallyaccordingtopredominanceinTheLordoftheRings,butsometimesbasedonfamiliarityoreaseofreference:thus(forinstance)predominantNazgûlratherthanRingwraithsorevenless
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frequentBlackRiders,andpredominantandfamiliarTreebeardratherthanFangorn,withcross-referencesfrom(astheyseemtous)themostimportantalternateterms.Namesofbays,bridges,fords,gates,towers,vales,etc.including‘Bay’,‘Bridge’,etc.areenteredusuallyundertheprincipalelement,e.g.Belfalas,Bayofratherthan
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BayofBelfalas.Namesofbattlesandmountainsareentereddirectly,e.g.BattleofBywater,MountDoom.Withoneexception(RoseCotton),marriedfemalehobbitsareindexedunderthehusband’ssurname,withselectivecross-referencesfrommaidennames.
I.PoemsandSongs
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AElberethGilthoniel309AElberethGilthoniel
(anotherpoem)954A!ElberethGilthoniel!1345Ai!lauriëlantarlassisúrinen!
492Alivewithoutbreath811Allthatisgolddoesnot
glitter222,322Arise,arise,Ridersof
Théoden!1096Arisenow,arise,Ridersof
Théoden!675
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Coldbehandandheartandbone184
Coldhardlands,The810–11Eärendilwasamariner304–8Elven-maidtherewasofold,
An442–3Entstheearthborn,oldas
mountains765Ereironwasfoundorwas
hewn709Faithfulservantyetmaster’s
bane1106Farewellwecalltohearthand
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hall!138–9FromdarkDunharrowinthe
dimmorning1051Getout,youoldWight!
Vanishinthesunlight!186
Gil-galadwasanElven-king242
Gondor!Gondor,betweentheMountainsandtheSea!549
Greyasamouse844–5Hey!Comederrydol!Hop
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along,myhearties!160Hey!Comemerrydol!derry
dol!Mydarling!156Heydol!merrydol!ringa
dongdillo!156Hey!now!Comehoynow!
Whitherdoyouwander?188
Ho!Ho!Ho!tothebottleIgo118
Ho!TomBombadil,TomBombadillo!175,185
Hopalong,mylittlefriends,
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uptheWithywindle!158Ihadanerrandthere:
gatheringwater-lilies165
Isangofleaves,ofleavesofgold,andleavesofgoldtheregrew485
Isitbesidethefireandthink362–3
InDwimordene,inLórien671
Inthewillow-meadsofTasarinanIwalkedin
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theSpring610–11Inwesternlandsbeneaththe
Sun1188–9LearnnowtheloreofLiving
Creatures!604–5Leaveswerelong,thegrass
wasgreen,The250–2LegolasGreenleaflongunder
tree656LonglivetheHalflings!
Praisethemwithgreatpraise!1248
Mournnotovermuch!Mighty
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wasthefallen1104Nowletthesongbegin!Let
ussingtogether160OOrofarnë,Lassemista,
Carnimírië!630Oslenderasawillow-wand!
Oclearerthanclearwater!162
O!Wanderersintheshadowedland147
OldTomBombadilisamerryfellow162,185
Outofdoubt,outofdarkto
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theday’srising1109Outofdoubt,outofdark,to
theday’srising1278Overthelandthereliesalong
shadow1023Roadgoeseveronandon,
The(threepoems)46–7,96,1293
SeekfortheSwordthatwasbroken320
SilverflowthestreamsfromCelostoErui1145
Singhey!forthebathatclose
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ofday132Singnow,yepeopleofthe
TowerofAnor1262Snow-white!Snow-white!O
Ladyclear!104Stillroundthecornerthere
maywait1345Tallshipsandtallkings779Thereisaninn,amerryold
inn207–9ThreeRingsfortheElven-
kingsunderthesky66ThroughRohanoverfenand
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fieldwherethelonggrassgrows543–4
ToIsengard!ThoughIsengardberingedandbarredwithdoorsofstone632
TotheSea,totheSea!Thewhitegullsarecrying1252–3
Tom’scountryendshere:hewillnotpasstheborders193
Trollsataloneonhisseatof
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stone270–1Uponthehearththefireisred
101–2Wakenowmymerrylads!
Wakeandhearmecalling!187
Wecome,wecomewithhornanddrum:ta-runarunarunarom!631
Wecome,wecomewithrollofdrum:ta-rundarundarundarom!631
Weheardofthehornsinthe
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hillsringing1111–12WheneveningintheShire
wasgrey467–8Whenspringunfoldsthe
beechenleaf,andsapisinthebough621–2
Whentheblackbreathblows1132
Whenwinterfirstbeginstobite355
WherenowaretheDúnedain,Elessar,Elessar?656
Wherenowthehorseandthe
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rider?Whereisthehornthatwasblowing?656
Worldwasyoung,themountainsgreen,The411–13
II.PoemsandPhrasesinLanguagesOtherThanCommonSpeech
AElberethGilthoniel…(variants)309,954
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A!ElberethGilthoniel!…1345
Alaitate,laitate!Andavalaituvalmet!1248
A-lalla-lalla-rumba-kamanda-lind-or-burúmë606
Ai!lauriëlantarlassisúrinen…492
AinaveduiDúnadan!Maegovannen!273
AiyaEärendilElenionAncalima!942
Aiyaelenionancalima!1197
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Annonedhellen,edrohiammen!…400
Arwenvanimelda,namárië!458
Ashnazgdurbatulûk…331BarukKhazâd!Khazâdai-
mênu!697,1488ConinenAnnûn!Eglerio!
1248Cormacolindor,alaita
tárienna!1248CuioiPheriainanann!
Aglar’niPheriannath!
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1248DauraBerhael,Coninen
Annûn!Eglerio!1248Elensílalúmenn’omentielvo
105EnnynDurinAranMoria398ErniliPheriannath1005EtEärelloEndorennautúlien
…1268FerthuThéodenhál!682Galadhremminennorath1464
(cf.309)Gilthoniel,AElbereth!954,
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1197Khazâdai-mênu!697Laurelindórenan
lindelorendormalinornélionornemalin608
Nauranedraithammen!378,389
Naurdaningaurhoth!389Norolim,norolim,Asfaloth!
278OOrofarnë,Lassemista,
Carnimírië!630,631
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Óneni-EstelEdain,ú-chebinestelanim1392
Taurelilómëa-tumbalemornaTumbaletaurëaLómëanor609,1486
UglúkubagronkshapushdugSaruman-globbúbhoshskai579
WestuThéodenhál!676Yé!utúvienyes!1273
III.Persons,Places,
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andThings
AccursedYears1031Adorn1398,1402Adrahil1384,1430Adûnaic1355,1356,1462,
1465,1482Adûnakhôr1462Aeglos[Icicle],Spearof
Gilgalad316AglarondseeGlittering
CavesofAglarondAkallabêth1354
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Aldalómë611Aldamir1359,1425AldortheOld1279,1401,
1405Alfirin1145AlphabetsseeWritingand
spellingAman(BlessedRealm,
UndyingLands,UndyingRealm,UttermostWest,theWest,WesternShore,LandbeyondtheSea,
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etc.)59,171,288,318,445,475,476,876,886,1253,1276,1348,1352,1354,1357,1360,1394,1397,1420,1423,1482,1495;seealsoEressëa;Valimar;Valinor
Amandil1355Ambaróna611Amlaith1358AmonDîn(Dîn)978,1087,
1089,1090,1091,1274,1277
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AmonHen(HillofSight,HilloftheEye)508,513,515–16,517,521–2,524,528,544,836,841;seaton(SeatofSeeing)522,524,528,544
AmonLhaw(HillofHearing)513,515–16,523,524,531;seaton524
AmonSûlseeWeathertopAmroth443,1427;name
1481;Amroth’shaven443,1140;moundofsee
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CerinAmroth;seealsoDolAmroth
Anardil1359Anárion316,318,328,512,
780,875,886,1357,1358,1366,1367,1374,1384,1385,1423;heirs,Houseof(SouthernLine)875,1118,1358,1368;name1482
Anborn882,895–900passim,901
AncalagontheBlack80
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AncientWorld463Anduin(GreatRiver,the
River,RiverofGondor)4,11,69,76,316,318,319,325–6,330,334,349,357,366,369,435,440,441,444,453,458,478–514passim,537,540–6passim,547,548–9,553,558,567,569,572,581,588,598,620,641,649–50,735,787,788,805,835,837–8,
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839,844,847,861,862,865,871,872,894,912,925,981,988,992–3,999,1000,1001,1034,1046,1057,1058,1062,1067,1068,1075,1079,1091,1098,1103,1107–12,1117–18,1143–9passim,1153,1157,1165,1252,1253,1264,1272,1282,1327,1369–74,1381,1380,1382,1395,1414,1423,1431,
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1439,1443,1480,1483;mouths,deltaof(Ethir[outflow]Anduin)316,378,517,522,540,861,1009,1108,1148,1369,1483;sourcesof1395
Anduin,Vale(s)of[lowlandswateredbyAnduinfromLórientotheEthir;the‘lowervales’southofRauros;northofLórienwerethe‘uppervales’]4,795–6,1056,1078,
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1158,1202,1272,1369,1376,1380,1395,1396,1432,1443,1480,1483,1492;MenofAnduin’sVale1396
Andúnië,Lordsof1355,1365
Andúril(FlameoftheWest,theSword,theSwordReforged)360,363,422,424,488,564,569,644–5,666–7,696,698,700,701,993,1022,1110,
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1150,1155,1207,1267;seealsoNarsil
AnfalasseeLangstrandAngamaitë1372Angband253Angbor,LordofLamedon
1145,1147,1153AngerthasDaeron1475–9AngerthasMoria1468,1476–
9Angle,betweenHoarwelland
Loudwater1361,1362,1425
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Angle,inLothlórien452Angmar6,190,242,263,
1086,1105,1362,1363,1374,1376,1377,1395,1415;LordofseeWitch-king
AngrenostseeIsengardAnn-thennath252Annúminas318,780,1357,
1364,1365,1426;palantírof779–80,1364;sceptreof(sceptreofArnor)1274,1365,
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1386,1392Anor,flameof430Anor-stoneseePalantírAnórien(Sunlending)978,
981,1002,1051,1075,1091,1154,1156,1277,1374,1382,1436,1464,1482;EastAnórien1086
Appledore,surname203Appledore,Rowlie1299Ar-Adûnakhor‘Lordofthe
West’1355,1356,1422Ar-Gimilzôr1355
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Ar-InziladûnseeTar-PalantirAr-Pharazôn‘theGolden’
1355,1356–7,1365,1372,1422,1462
Ar-Sakalthôr1355Ar-Zimrathôn1355Arador1358,1386,1429Araglas1358AragornI1358,1366AragornII,sonofArathornII
(Strider,heirofElendilandIsildur,Captain,Chieftain,Lordofthe
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DúnedainofArnor,CaptainoftheHostoftheWest,chiefoftheRangers,KingoftheNúmenóreans,KingofGondorandtheWesternLands,LordoftheWhiteTree,etc.)19,20,77,204–5,210–78passim,286–90passim,296,303,308,309,312,321,322,333,327,330,332,341–2,343,355,
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356,359–519passim,537–77passim,578,579,585,590,628,636–714passim,720,730–50passim,753,762,763,768,775,776,777,778,782–3,840,841,860,867,875,885,888,926,985,986,987,989,995,1012–34passim,1036–42passim,1049,1060,1066,1109–11,1118,1127–67passim,1174,
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1241,1243,1247–54passim,1262–87passim,1291–4passim,1302,1315,1352,1358,1365–6,1375,1385–95passim,1404,1405,1418,1419,1429–43passim,1450,1457,1490;(the)Dúnadan273,301,303,308,323,564,1391;Elessar[namegiventoAragorninLórienandadoptedby
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himasKing]20,488,512,564,656,1034,1109,1129,1159,1267,1268,1273,1277,1359,1367,1405,1418,1419,1439,1441,1443,1450,1460,1482seealsoElfstonefollowing;ElessarTelcontar1359;Elfstone1015,1140,1157,1266,1276,1286;Envinyatar,theRenewer1129;Estel1386,1387,
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1391,1394,1430;Longshanks236;Strider[usedinBreeandbyhishobbit-companions]frequently,especially205–307;Stick-at-naughtStrider236;Telcontar1130;Thorongil[eagleofstar]1383,1384,1431;Wingfoot567;ashealer259–60,436–7,710,1126,1129–40,1247,
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1252,1255–6,1266,1267;names1482;ofthechildrenofLúthien1147;oneoftheThreeHunters546,643;hisstandardwroughtbyArwen1015,1019,1034,1109,1110,1127,1148,1162,1167,1241,1248–9,1268,1392,1385,1436
Aragost1358ArahadI1358,1366
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ArahadII1358Arahael1358,1365Aranarth1358,1363,1365,
1385,1426Arantar1358Aranuir1358Araphant1358,1374,1376Araphor1358,1362Arassuil1358ArathornI1358ArathornII1358,1385–6,
1430;seealsoAragornII,sonofArathornII
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Araval1358Aravir1358Aravorn1358ArawseeOromëArchet195,219,235,237,
238,1299;name1492Arciryas1375ArgelebI1358,1361,1425ArgelebII5,1358,1362,
1425Argonath(Pillarsofthe
Kings,GateofKings,GatesofGondor,the
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Gates,sentinelsofNúmenor)319,349,508,510,511–12,522,524,553,564,919,987,1046,1369,1435
Argonui1358Arkenstone1407,1416ArmyoftheWestseeHostof
theWestArnachseeLossarnachArnor(NorthKingdom,
NorthernKingdom,Northlands,etc.)5,6,
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242,263,316,318,329,734,780–1,1105,1111,1129,1267,1286,1357–69passim,1374,1375,1376,1392,1393,1407,1422,1423,1424,1441,1454;RealminExile1358,1422;calendarof1454,1458;HighKingsof1358,1360–1;languageof1358,1360–9,1393,1422,1425,1441,1480,1484;
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palantírof1425;sceptreofseeAnnúminas;StaroftheNorthKingdomseeElendilmir
Arod571,576,577,636,658–9,660,664,731,1012,1029,1277
Artamir1374Arthedain1360,1361,1362,
1375,1426Arvedui‘Last-king’5,1023,
1358,1359,1363–5,1374–6,1426
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Arvegil1358,1367ArvelegI1358,1361,1425ArvelegII1358Arwen(Lady,theLadyof
Rivendell,etc.)296,299,303,309,458,489,1015,1109,1274,1275–82passim,1286,1352,1387–95passim,1417,1424,1431,1432,1436,1441;Evenstar296,489,1274,1277,1367,1391,1395;QueenArwen
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1276,1277;1441;QueenofElvesandMen1393;Undómiel[cf.Undómë]296,1274,1387,1390,1391,1424,1431;recalled,alludedtobyAragorn253,263–4,364,458,488,1028;gifttoFrodo(passageintotheWest)1276;gifttoFrodo(whitegem)1276,1338,1341;standardshewroughtfor
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AragornseeAragornIIAsëaaranionseeAthelasAsfaloth273,278–81passim,
289,290Ashen(Ash)Mountainssee
EredLithuiAtanatarI1359AtanatarIIAlcarin‘the
Glorious’1359,1367,1369
AtaniseeEdainAthelas(asëaaranion,
kingsfoil)[ahealing
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herb]259–60,437,1130–9passim
AulëtheSmith1494Avernien304AzanulbizarseeDimrillDale;
BattleofNanduhirion(Azanulbizar)
Azog1409–14passim,1416
BagEnd18,27,28–62passim,82–92passim,97,99,129,131,135,137,219,222,240,342,355,414,915,
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1191,1307,1309,1310,1314,1316,1320,1324,1325,1326,1327,1330–41passim,1349,1433,1441Bagginsfamily12,37,38,
39,48–9,64,362,1445;name78
Baggins,Angelica49,1445Baggins,Balbo1445,1447
Baggins,BelladonnanéeTook1445,1448
Baggins,BeryllanéeBoffin1445,1447
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Baggins,Bilbo1–9passim,14–20passim,27–65passim,71–89passim,96–101passim,105,106,108,123,124,131–8passim,173,183,206,207,221,243,269,272,292–3,297–310passim,311–14passim,322,324–5,330,345,351–5passim,356,360–3,364,366,375,377,414,418,427,437,468–9,473,
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499,517,527,601,803,811,827,837,888,952,957,958,1169,1188,1250,1252,1271,1274,1289–94,1330,1343,1344,1346,1347,1351,1429,1430,1431,1440,1445,1447,1464;birthday,birthday-parties,17,28,30–40,46,48–9,55–6,85,88–9,206,355,1291,1343,1346;book,diarysee
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RedBookofWestmarchBaggins,Bingo49,1445Baggins,Bungo1445,1448Baggins,Camellianée
Sackville1445Baggins,ChicanéeChubb
1445Baggins,Dora48,1445Baggins,Drogo29–30,48,
1445,1446,1449;seealsoBaggins,Frodo,sonofDrogo
Baggins,Dudo1445
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Baggins,Fosco1445,1446Baggins,Frodo,sonofDrogo
(Ring-bearer,Mr.Underhill,theHalfling,etc.)3,17,18,19,20,28–9,30,36,39–530passim,538,537,539,545,554,573,578,586,590,628,638,647–8,674,744,787–971passim,978,979,984,1036,1042,1056,1061,1066,1067,1161,1164,
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1168,1173,1174,1175,1176,1180,1182,1183,1187,1190–1253passim,1266,1268,1271,1274,1275,1277,1290–1349passim,1363,1417,1431–41passim,1457–63passim,1459,1490;andstoryoftheRingofDoom(FrodooftheNineFingers)1244–5,1249
Baggins,Gillynée
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Brownlock1445Baggins,Largo1445,1447Baggins,LauranéeGrubb
1445,1447Baggins,Longo1445Baggins,MimosanéeBunce
1445Baggins,Mungo1445,1447Baggins,Polo1445Baggins,Ponto,theelder
1445Baggins,Ponto,theyounger
1445
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Baggins,Porto1445Baggins,Posco1445Baggins,Primulanée
Brandybuck29,1445,1448,1449
Baggins,RubynéeBolger1445,1446
Baggins,TantanéeHornblower1445
BagshotRow28,34,49,90,91,99,472,852,1304,1323,1327,1330,1337
Bain,sonofBard,Kingof
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Dale298,1432Balchoth1380,1395–6Baldor1043,1279,1401,
1428Balin,sonofFundin298–9,
301,313,349,386,415,418,421,423,424,426,463,1413,1414,1418,1430,1431;tombof416–17,418,423
Balrog(Durin’sBane,elf-bane)413,426,427,429–31,463,654,505,
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885,1407,1412,1427,1434
Bamfurlong119Banks,surname203Banks,Willie1299Barad-dûr(DarkTower,
FortressofSauron,Lugbúrz,GreatTower,theTower,etc.)57,67,294,317,326,327,329,359,386,463,523,538,581,588,592,646,648,724,735,760,769,775,
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780,781,782,788,829,832,841,842,859,862,946,966–71passim,1077,1140,1150,1151,1152,1176,1177,1178,1180,1202,1207,1219,1223,1225,1232,1233,1237,1241–2,1262,1266,1315,1366,1384,1391–2,1400,1420,1421,1422,1423,1437,1459,1487,1488;hostsofseeSauron;name
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(DarkTower)1491;sometimesusedasasynonymforSauron
Barahir,fatherofBeren252,1352,1364;seealsoBeren,sonofBarahir;RingofBarahir
Barahir,grandsonofFaramir20
Barahir,steward1360BaranduinseeBrandywineBarazinbar(Baraz)see
Caradhras
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BardofEsgaroth(BardtheBowman)298,1416,1430,1431
BardIIofDale1438BardingsseeDale:MenofBarrow-downs(Downlands)
149,150,160,170,171,175,177–91passim,214,234,342,575,1105,1305,1362,1484;TyrnGorthad1362,1425;north-gateof181
Barrowfield662,1031,1278,
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1400,1403Barrows(mounds)170–1,
175,182–8,242,989,1362–3;barrowinwhichFrodoisimprisoned183–7,189,255,286,941,957,1363;knivesfromseeSwords;ofthekingsofRohanseeBarrowfield;seealsoMoundoftheRiders
Barrow-wight(s)(Wights)171,175,183–7,189,
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242,345,989,1433BattleGardens1337BattleofAzanulbizarsee
BattleofNanduhirionBattleofBywater1328–9,
1337,1440;Rollof1329BattleofDagorlad(Great
Battle)316,817,877,1366,1420,1423
BattleofDale,2941ThirdAgeseeBattleofFiveArmies
BattleofDale,3019Third
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Age1438BattleofFiveArmies(of
Dale)14,62,298,386,1418,1430
BattleofFornost1376,1425,1426
BattleofGreenfields7,1329BattleofNanduhirion
(Azanulbizar)1410,1418,1428
BattleoftheCamp1374,1426
BattleoftheCrossingsof
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Erui1371,1425BattleoftheFieldofGondor
seeBattleofthePelennorFields
BattleoftheFieldofCelebrant668,886,1278,1396,1397,1428
BattleoftheHornburg692–707,1435
BattleofthePeak,i.e.Celebdil655
BattleofthePelennorFields1068,1069–79,1083–4,
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1093–1112,1149,1156,1392,1403–5,1436
BattlePlainseeDagorladBattlesoftheFordsofIsen
687–8,718–20,1435Beaconhills,beacons978,
979,1001,1053Beechbone741BelecthorI1360BelecthorII1360,1381,1429Beleg1358Belegorn1360Belegost1406
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Beleriand(NorthernLands,Norland)252,307,398,945,1362,1464,1476–8,1482
Belfalas978,982,1001,1108Belfalas,Bayof444,496BémaseeOromëBeorn297–8Beornings298,481,522,
560,1395,1438;honeycakesof481;landof522;languageof1483
Beregond,sonofBaranor
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(BeregondoftheGuard)994–1004,1005,1056,1057,1058,1059,1060,1082,1113–14,1115–22passim,1133–4,1140,1157,1169,1269–70;seealsoBergil,sonofBeregond
Beregond,steward1360,1381
Beren,sonofBarahir(BerenOne-hand)250–3,353,360,932,946,953,
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1352,1364,1387,1389,1421;name1482;BerenandLúthien,layof360
Beren,steward1360,1381,1400
Bergil,sonofBeregond1007–10,1125,1133,1156
Berúthiel,Queen,catsof405Beryl,anelf-stone262BetterSmials1337–8Bifur298,1418BigFolk,BigPeopleseeMen
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Bill,pony234–5,236,243,260,267,268,365,370,374,377,382,388,393,394,395–6,400,402,407,1297,1302,1304,1308,1344
Birds,asspies240,370–2,382–3,537,715,1002
Birthday,BilboandFrodo’sseeBaggins,Bilbo
BlackBreath(BlackShadow)227,334,1126,1131,1132,1140
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BlackCaptainseeWitch-kingBlackCountryseeMordorBlackfleet(blacksails,black
ships)1109,1117–18,1129,1143–7,1174
BlackGate(s)ofMordorseeMorannon
BlackLandseeMordorBlackNúmenóreanssee
NúmenóreansBlackOne(BlackHand)see
SauronBlackRidersseeNazgûl
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BlackShadowseeBlackBreath
BlackSpeech(languageofMordor)66,331,1466,1473,1486–7
BlackStoneseeStoneofErech
BlackYears67,331BlackrootseeMorthondBlanco5,1444BlessedRealmseeAmanBlueMountains(EredLuin,
MountainsofLune)5,
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57,242,610,1360,1362,1406,1413,1420,1421
Bob200,209,233,234,1297Boffinfamily9,37,38,40,
48,51,64,1447;name1491
Boffin,Basso1447Boffin,Bosco1447Boffin,Briffo1447Boffin,Buffo1447Boffin,DaisynéeBaggins
1445,1447
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Boffin,DonnamiranéeTook1447,1448
Boffin,DrudanéeBurrows1447
Boffin,Folco56,88,89,1447
Boffin,Griffo1445,1447Boffin,Gruffo1447Boffin,Hugo1447,1448Boffin,IvynéeGoodenough
1447Boffin,Jago1447Boffin,LavendernéeGrubb
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1447Boffin,Mr.58Boffin,Otto‘theFat’1447Boffin,Rollo1447Boffin,Sapphiranée
Brockhouse1447Boffin,Tosto1447Boffin,Uffo1447Boffin,Vigo1447Bofur298,1418Bolg1416,1418Bolgerfamily37,38,40,48,
51,64,1446;name
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1460;namesin1492Bolger,Adalbert1446,1447Bolger,Adalgar1446Bolger,Alfrida1446Bolger,Amethystnée
Hornblower1446Bolger,BelbanéeBaggins
1445,1446Bolger,CoranéeGoodbody
1446Bolger,DinanéeDiggle1446Bolger,Fastolph1445,1446Bolger,Filibert1445,1446
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Bolger,Fredegar‘Fatty’56,88,89–90,130–42passim,231,1336,1446,1447,1448
Bolger,GerdanéeBoffin1446,1447
Bolger,Gundabald1445,1446
Bolger,Gundahad1446Bolger,Gundahar1446Bolger,Gundolpho1446Bolger,Heribald1446Bolger,Herugar1446,1447
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Bolger,JessaminenéeBoffin1446,1447
Bolger,NinanéeLightfoot1446
Bolger,Nora1446Bolger,Odovacar1446,1448Bolger,PansynéeBaggins
1445,1446Bolger,PoppynéeChubb-
Baggins1445,1446Bolger,PriscanéeBaggins
1445,1446Bolger,RosamundanéeTook
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1446,1448Bolger,Rudibert1446Bolger,Rudigar1445,1446Bolger,Rudolph1446Bolger,Salvianée
Brandybuck1446,1449Bolger,Theobald1446Bolger,Wilibald1445,1446Bolger,Wilimar1446Bombadil,Tom156–75
passim,176–9,185–93passim,199,214,234,280,345,614,941–2,
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1304,1348,1433;Forn345;IarwainBen-adar345,346,347,1462;Orald345;Eldest(oldest)172,345;houseof(underhill)156,159–60,161–4,178,185,1348
Bombur298,1418BonfireGlade145,146–7BookofMazarbul419–22,
463,1477BooksofLore,atRivendell
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1344Borgil107Borin1407,1418Boromir,sonofDenethorII
(Captain,HighWardenoftheWhiteTower,oftheNineWalkers,etc.)312,317,321,322,323,324,328,332,336,341–2,348,349,351,363–531passim,537–9passim,542–4,546,552,560,561,564,566,567,
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575,578–9,639–40,647,674,735,744,859,860,866–71passim,872,873,875,876,877,878,885,887,889,890,980,985,987,988,990,1000–1,1003,1004–5,1045,1060–8,1121,1381,1384,1434,1435;name1482;hornofseeHornofBoromir
Boromir,steward1360,1380,1381
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Bounders13,59Bracegirdlefamily37,38,40,
64,1336Bracegirdle,Blanco1447Bracegirdle,Bruno1447Bracegirdle,Hugo49,1447Bracegirdle,Primrosenée
Boffin1447Brand,sonofBain,Kingof
Dale298,314–15,1417,1432,1437,1438
BrandyHall9,19,20,29,121,128,129,130,131
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Brandybuckfamily9,29,30,37,38,40,51,52,87,119,123,128,129,131,140,231,1139,1449;name1496;inquisitivenessof771;MasteroftheHall(MasterofBuckland),i.e.headofthefamily4,10,129,140
Brandybuck,AdaldridanéeBolger1446,1449
Brandybuck,Amaranth1449
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Brandybuck,Berilac1449Brandybuck,Celandine1449Brandybuck,Dinodas1449Brandybuck,Doderic1449Brandybuck,Dodinas1449Brandybuck,Esmeraldanée
Took40,1448,1449Brandybuck,Estellanée
Bolger1446,1448,1449Brandybuck,Gorbadoc
‘Broadbelt’29–30,1448,1449
Brandybuck,Gorbulas1449
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Brandybuck,Gormadoc‘Deepdelver’1449
Brandybuck,HannanéeGoldworthy1449
Brandybuck,HildanéeBracegirdle1447,1449
Brandybuck,Ilberic1449Brandybuck,Madoc
‘Proudneck’1449Brandybuck,Malvanée
Headstrong1449Brandybuck,Marmadas1449Brandybuck,Marmadoc
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‘Masterful’1446,1449Brandybuck,Marroc1449Brandybuck,Melilot38,1449Brandybuck,Menegildanée
Goold1449Brandybuck,Mentha1449Brandybuck,Meriadoc
‘Merry’,sonofSaradoc2,10,20,50,51,56,57,88,94,120–203passim,211,221,226–76passim,285–6,290,291,292,294,295,296,311,
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354–531passim,539,569,573.578,582–652,726–52passim,760–73passim,778,861,987,988,1004,1007,1012–53passim,1086–90passim,1094–5,1096passim,1123–6,1130,1137–40passim,1156,1157,1168,1174,1251,1259,1262,1277,1278–9,1280–1,1283,1285–1349passim,1347,
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1351,1405,1435,1441,1442–3,1445,1446,1448,1449,1464,1492–3;HoldwineoftheMark1280–1,1405,1441;Meriadoc‘theMagnificent’1405,1449;MasterofBuckland1405,1442;hornofseeHornoftheMark;name1492–3
Brandybuck,Merimac1449Brandybuck,Merimas1449
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Brandybuck,MirabellanéeTook1448,1449
Brandybuck,Orgulas1449Brandybuck,Rorimac
‘Goldfather’,‘OldRory’40,49,1449
Brandybuck,Sadoc1449Brandybuck,Saradas1449Brandybuck,Saradoc
‘Scattergold’726,1448,1449
Brandybuck,Seredic1449Brandywine(Baranduin)6,8,
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29,30,56,96,109,116,118,121,128–9,130,149,158,196,206,225,231,274,375,479,1201,1301,1306,1326,1361,1426,1429,1440,1496;name1491,1496;valleyof177
BrandywineBridge(BridgeofStonebows,GreatBridge)5,6,32,88,93,115,129,139,140,179,196,1305,1306,1309,
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1310,1312,1367,1440,1441;bridge-house1311,1312;BridgeInn1310–11
Bree(Bree-land,Bree-folk,Breelanders)5,11,20,195–216passim,224–36passim,237,238,240,241,287,303,334,335,340,343–4,364,427,733,738,1139,1292,1301–5passim,1314,1361,1415,1417,1425,
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1431,1433,1440,1455;calendarof1452,1456;Gate-keeper1296;Hobbitsof(LittleFolk)11,195–206passim,210,1299;Menof(BigFolk)193,195–205passim;language,dialectof203,1484–5;namesin1492–3;place-namesin1485;South-gateof197,227,237,1296,1299;West-gateof197,
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198,227,1304;‘strangeasnewsfromBree’845
Bree-hill237,1296,1299BregaladseeQuickbeamBrego,sonofEorl673,
1043–4,1279,1401,1428
Bridgefields141Brockenbores1336Brockhousefamily37,38,
40;name203BrownLands495,497,598,
620,1395
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Bruinen(Loudwater)4,245,262,264,265,277,292,310,311
Bruinen,Fordof(FordofRivendell)245,262,264,265,272,277–9,286,288,290,291,325,344,357,366,1295,1360,1361,1362,1434,1440
BryttaseeLéofaBuccaoftheMarish1365,
1426
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BuckHill128,130Buckland(Bucklanders)8,
12,29,30,87,88,91,92,100,109,120,122,124,129–31,196,198,225,231–2,343,1306,1341,1349,1427,1442,1460,1496;names1493;Gateof(BucklandGate,HayGate,North-gate)140,231,1305,1306;horn-call,horn-cryof230–1,1318;Master
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ofseeBrandybuckfamily
Bucklebury20,89,91,99,112,118,129,130,139,159–60
BuckleburyFerry(theFerry)89,93,115–27passim,93,128–9
Budgeford141,1446BullroarerseeTook,
BandobrasBumpkin188Bundushathûr(Shathûr)
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[Cloudy-head]seeFanuidhol
Burrowsfamily37,38,40Burrows,Asphodelnée
Brandybuck1449Burrows,Milo49,1445,
1449Burrows,Minto1445Burrows,Moro1445Burrows,Mosco1445Burrows,Myrtle1445Burrows,PeonynéeBaggins
1445,1449
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Burrows,Rufus1449Butterburfamily11Butterbur,Barliman(Barley)
193,199–227passim,232–6passim,287,323,335,340,343,1292,1296–1304passim
Bywater28,29,32,33,35,36,52,58,93,472,1221,1312–14passim,1328–9,1337,1338,1440;Poolat1228,1313–14;seealsoBattle
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ofBywaterBywaterRoad22,1328–9
CairAndros(Andros)1062,1067–8,1071–2,1156,1160–1,1253,1262,1263,1382,1436Calacirya[ravineoflight]
306,492Calembel1034,1436Calenardhon(laterRohan)
886,1360,1371,1395–6,1380–1,1428
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Calendars20–1,1451–60Calenhad978,1053Calimehtar,brotherof
RómendacilII1371Calimehtar,sonofNarmacil
II1359,1374,1375,1426
Calimmacil1375Calmacil1359,1369CaptainoftheHavenat
Umbar1393CaptainsoftheWest1149,
1153,1159–67passim,
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1214,1219,1223,1227,1233,1241,1242,1253–4,1255,1257
CarachAngrenseeIsenmouthe
CaradhrastheCruel(Barazinbar,Baraz,Redhorn)368–9,371–85passim,388,413,433,464,467,885,1289,1407,1434,1461;passofseeRedhornGate
CarasGaladhon(Cityofthe
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Galadhrim,CityoftheTrees)464,467,470–2,483,506,615,656,1390,1434,1438;name1481
CarchostseeTowersoftheTeeth
Cardolan1360–3Carl,sonofCottar1450CarnDûm187,190,1377Carnen(Redwater)1407,
1438Carnimírië630,631
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Carrock1395,1484;Fordof298
CastamirtheUsurper1359,1371,1372,1425
Causeway981,1056,1157;Fortsof(Guard-towers)981,1056,1069,1070,1436
Cave-troll422CelduinseeRiverRunningCelebdiltheWhite
(Silvertine,Zirakzigil,Zirak)368,433,654–5,
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1243,1289,1434CeleborntheWise(Lordof
Lothlórien,LordoftheGaladhrim,etc.)21,455,459–67passim,478,479,485–92passim,575,608,1274,1277,1282,1284,1285,1286,1289–90,1394,1421,1424,1438,1439,1440,1437oneoftheGreatOnes1285
Celebrant,river(Silverlode,
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Kibil-nâla)[silver-course]357,369,420,435,441,444,450–2,455,463,485,491,499,506,1396,1409
Celebrant,Fieldof[plainbetweenSilverlodeandLimlight]1368,1396;seealsoBattleoftheFieldofCelebrant
Celebrían296,488,1366,1424,1428
Celebrimbor315,329,398,
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1422Celebrindor1358Celepharn1358Celos1145Cemendur1358Ceorl688CerinAmroth456–8,1391,
1393,1394–5,1431CertarseeCirthCerthasDaeronseeDaeron’s
RunesChamberofMazarbul
[Records]419–32
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passim,463ChambersofFiresee
SammathNaurChetwood5,195,238,241,
1296;name1492Chief,theseeSackville-
Baggins,LothoChief’sMenseeRuffiansChubbfamily37,38,40Chubb-Baggins,Falco1445CírdantheShipwright312,
317,346,1347,1360–4passim,1424
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Ciril1034,1145;fordsof1034
Cirion886,1360,1380–1,1395,1405
CirithGorgor(HauntedPass)486,830,835,1160,1161,1167,1208,1220
CirithUngol[PassoftheSpider](HighPass,NamelessPass)841–3passim,904,905,929,930,946,959–60,1062,1066,1203,1233,1250,
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1378,1436;Cleftof946,959–60,1174–5;towerof930,934,948,959,963,970,1174–97passim,1203,1206,1210,1211,1436;seealsoStraightStair;WindingStair
CirthseeRunesCiryandil1359,1368CitadelofGondor(High
City)983,984–5,994,995,996,997–8,1010,
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1055–6,1059,1064,1073,1074,1072,1078,1080,1081,1114,1120,1122,1124,1127,1137,1255,1266,1267,1274;Citadel-gate983–4,1058–9,1082,1114–15,1120;Court(Place)oftheFountain984,985,992,1272–3;GuardsofseeGuardsoftheCitadel;HalloftheKings(oftheTower,
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TowerHall)323,985,1054,1070,1127–8,1267;HighCourt984;seealsoWhiteTower
CitadeloftheStarsseeOsgiliath
City,theseeusuallyMinasTirith
CityoftheGaladhrim(CityoftheTrees)seeCarasGaladhon
ClosedDoorseeFenHollenCloudyheadseeFanuidhol
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Coldfells1386Combe195,235,237;name
1492Command,wordof426CommonSpeech(Common
Language,CommonTongue,Westron,etc.)5,66,252,441–3,446,458,467,561,579,662,666,861,1005,1088,1209–30,1249,1455–60passim,1464,1467,1480–95passim;names
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in1490–1CompanyoftheRing(Ring’s
Company)359,360,364–467passim,478–87passim,492–518passim,524,525,528,538,539,545–6,567,646,647,648,681,742,787,788,795,867,868,872,874–5,885,993,995,1012,1251,1434,1435;CompanionsoftheRing(Companions)1271,
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1277,1276;Fellowship19,516,873,876,1271,1348,1435;FellowshipoftheRing1284,1441–3;NineCompanions1142NineWalkers359,878,1380,1419
Cormallen,Fieldof1241–54passim,1262,1263,1316,1439
CorsairsofUmbar1001,1108,1371,1372,1373,1380,1381,1383,1398–
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9,1426Cotman,sonofCottar1450Cotmanfamily1496Cottar,ancestorofCottons
1450Cottonfamily1340–1;name
1496Cotton,Bowman‘Nick’
1221,1318,1450Cotton,Carl‘Nibs’1221,
1228,1319,1450Cotton,Holman‘LongHom’
1450
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Cotton,LilynéeBrown1319,1450
Cotton,MarigoldnéeGamgee1450
Cotton,Rose‘Rosie’(laterRoseGamgee)1221,1228,1319,1327,1340–1,1342,1347,1349,1440,1442,1450
Cotton,Tolman‘Tom’,theelder1221,1228,1317–28passim,1450
Cotton,Tolman‘Tom’,the
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younger1318,1326,1442,1450
Cotton,Wilcome‘Jolly’1221,1228,1318,1324,1450
Cotton,Wilcome‘Will’1450Council,ofDenethor1067–8CouncilofElrond(the
Council)17,286,310,311–53,354,365,481,516,519,520,614,867,877,957,962,1434
CounciloftheWisesee
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WhiteCouncilCourtoftheFountainsee
CitadelofGondorCrack(s)ofDoom(Fireof
Doom,theFire,gulfofDoom)80,81,86,348,350,523,526,815,852,891,957,1228,1235,1237,1244,1437;seealsoSammathNaur
Cram481Crebain371;seealsoBirds,
asspies
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Crickhollow87,89,113,130–3,140,141,154,230,231,343,344,1309,1340,1341,1433
Cross-roads(oftheFallenKing)837,848,915,916–19,1056,1156–61passim,1173,1223,1436
CrownofGondor(SilverCrown,WhiteCrown,wingedcrown,crownofElendil)318,549,878,
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1267–8,1365–6,1379,1393
CrowsseeBirds,asspiesCurtain,theseeHenneth
AnnûnCurunírseeSaruman
Daeron1468Daeron’sRunes(Certhas
Daeron)416–17,1468,1475
Dagorlad(BattlePlain)788,817,877,1046,1373,
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1423;seealsoBattleofDagorlad
DáinI1407,1416,1428DáinII‘Ironfoot’298,313–
14,447,1153,1411–13,1416,1417,1418,1428,1430,1437,1438
Dale14,35,38,76,298,299,301,314,418,483,560,1408,1416,1417,1431,1432,1437,1438,1468,1484,1492;calendarof1456–7;languageof
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1485,1494;Menof(Bardings)298,481,560,1484;seealsoBattleofDale;BattleofFiveArmies
Damrod861,862,863,834,873,874,879,880
DarkDays447DarkDoorseeDoorofthe
DeadDarkLordseeSauronDarkPowerseeSauronDarkPower(oftheNorth)
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seeMorgothDarkTowerseeBarad-dûrDarkYears560,946,982,
1024,1040,1043,1087,1146,1406,1484,1487
Darkness(ofMordor,oftheStormofMordor)327,886,916–19,1011,1035,1048,1050,1051,1057,1062,1070,1090,1144,1147,1436;DarknessUnescapable1261;DawnlessDay
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1436DaysofDearth6Dead,the(DeadMenof
Dunharrow,forgottenpeople,GreyHost,ShadowHost,SleeplessDead,etc.)656,1020,1022,1023,1025–34,1042,1144–8,1484;Kingof1033,1034,1145,1147;MenoftheMountains1024;Oathbreakers1023,
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1033–4;seealsoDooroftheDead;PathsoftheDead
DeadCityseeMinasMorgulDeadMarshes330,486,787,
795,798,808,810,817–23,829,840,871,898,916,1160,1374,1426,1432,1435;MereofDeadFaces820–1,825
Deadmen’sDikeseeFornostDéagol69–70,73,74–5;
name1485,1494
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DeathDown721,1017DeepingWall(theWall)
688–702passimDeeping-coomb(theCoomb)
690,691,697,706,712,715,716,718,721,779,783,1015,1017,1020–1,1024,1399
Deeping-stream689,699,701,708,712
DenethorI1360,1380DenethorII,sonofEcthelion
II(LordandStewardof
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Gondor,MinasTirith,theCity,theTowerofGuard,theWhiteTower,StewardoftheHighKing,etc.)321,323,328,330,538,542,564,666,783,860,861–2,869,872,873,876,903,979,980,985–1003passim,1010,1011,1045–6,1054–83passim,1093,1113,1114,115–20,1121–2,
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1127,1128,1140,1149–50,1168,1174,1257,1360,1379,1383–5,1429,1431,1436;name1482
Déor1279,1401Déorwine1105,1111Derndingle624,631DernhelmseeÉowynDerufin1009,1112Dervorin1008DesolationofSmaug299DesolationoftheMorannon
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1437Dimholt1029,1040,1043DimrillDale(Azanulbizar,
Nanduhirion)369,404,415,418–20,432,444,483,1381,1406–13passim;seealsoBattleofNanduhirion
DimrillGateseeMoriaDimrillStair369,433,446,
1290Dior,steward1360Dior,Thingol’sheir253,316,
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1352Dírhael1385Dís1408,1413,1418DolAmroth982,1032,1149,
1265,1384,1483;bannerof1009,1073,1074,1103,1140,1167,1248–9;menof1167,1168;swan-knightsof1073,1074,1084,1110,1154;silverswan,emblem1103,1167;whiteshipandsilver
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swan,emblems1009;[combinedasshipwithswan-shapedprow]1140,1248–9;seealsoAdrahil;Finduilas;Imrahil,PrinceofDolAmroth;Lothíriel
DolBaran769,1435DolGuldur326,333,335,
349,386,458,842,947,1380,1395,1414,1416,1425,1427,1429,1430,1437,1439
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DomeofStarsseeOsgiliathDominionofMen1272,1420Doom,MountseeMount
DoomDoomofMenseeGiftof
MenDooroftheDead(Dark
Door,DoortothePathsoftheDead,Door,ForbiddenDoor)1023,1028,1029,1043,1428;seealsoDead,the;PathsoftheDead
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Dori298,1418Doriath(Kingdomof
Thingol)263,316,946,1352,1468,1481;Elvenhome251
Dorthonion(Orod-na-Thôn)611
DownlandsseeBarrow-downs
Downs(inRohan)555–60passim,569,582,1270
Dragons31,58,67,80,82,84,114,119,136,395,
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468,978,1396,1407,1423,1428;seealsoAncalagontheBlack;ScathatheWorm;Smaug
DrúadanForest1086,1089,1277–8,1436,1480,1484
Drums,inMoria421–32passim;oftheWildMen(Woses)1086,1087,1092,1277
Duilin1009,1111
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Duinhir1009Dúnedain(MenoftheWest)
inSecondAgeandThirdAge1482–5;inThirdAge:ofArnor(oftheNorth,Rangers),excludingthosewhojoinedAragornintheSouth5,6,7,8–9,11,195,197,205,238,245,247,288,296,321,323,327,355,357,696,780,1264,1300–1,1360–9
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passim,1386,1429,1433;thoseoftheNorthwhojoinedAragornintheSouth557,1014–34passim,1105,1110,1146,1154,1156,1167,1242,1266,1436;ChieftainsoftheDúnedain1367,1386;DúnedainofCardolan1361,1362;DúnedainofGondor(oftheSouth,ofIthilien,Rangers)858–9,
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861,862,863,864,865,874,881–4,887,1040,1369–77passim;calendarofseeKings’Reckoning;seealsoNúmenóreans;StaroftheDúnedain
Dunharrow(Hold)677,683,703,768,1017,1019,1024,1025,1030,1031–2,1037–51passim,1088,1101,1135,1138,1144,1148,1149,1400,
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1402,1436,1467,1484;name1493;StairoftheHold1044
Dunharrow,DeadMenofseeDead,the
Dúnhere1038,1042,1111Dunland4,345,371,688,
711,1269,1286,1289,1399,1408–9,1413,1425,1480;languageof700,1484;menofseeDunlendings;name1484;Dunlandfells695
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Dunlendings(MenofDunland,Dunlendishpeople,wildhillmenandherdfolk)688,695,696,697,698,700,707,711,1017,1286,1397–1402passim,1484,1485;name1484
DurinI,‘theDeathless’411–13,714,1406,1410,1418;emblemof[sevenstarsaboveacrownandanvil,hadeightrays,
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representedthePlough]397,1109;heirs,Houseof1406,1413,1414,1418,1421
DurinIII;DoorsofseeMoria1413
DurinVI1406–7,1418,1427DurinVII&Last1418Durin’sAxe419Durin’sBaneseeBalrogDurin’sBridgeseeMoriaDurin’sCrown411,435Durin’sDay412,455
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Durin’sFolk,raceseeDwarves
Durin’sStone434Durin’sTower654Durthang1214,1219,1437Dwalin298,1414,1418DwarrowdelfseeMoriaDwarves2,3,4,9,11,14,34,
35,46,57,72,80,195,197,201,202,203,212,249,296–7,298,301,333,349,359,369,381,386–7,396,397–8,411,
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413,417,428,443,444,447,463,468,490,493,546,557,570,604,654,684,697,699,713,804,876,953,1147,1280–1360,1395,1396–7,1406–19passim,1421,1423,1488,1490,1494–5;Durin’sFolk(people,children,race)313,412,461,654,714,1351,1407–15,1427;Khazâd697,698;Longbeards
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1406;Naugrim1494;SevenFathersof1406;inTheHobbit14,18,52,269,272,297;dwarf-doors,gates396,397,398,399;Dwarf-kings,lords,sires67,68,314seealsonamesofindividualkings,e.g.Durin;dwarvesvs.dwarfs1494–5;languageof(Dwarvish,Khuzdul)372,400,416–
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17,699,1462,1476–7,1488–95;names1465,1488,1494–5;relationshipwithElves352–3,395;writing1467–8,1475–9
DwarvesofErebor(Folkof,orundertheMountain)298,313,1269,1407–8,1419,1438,1476–7;seealsoErebor
DwarvesofMoria313,413,1418,1476;seealso
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MoriaDwarvesoftheIronHills
1416DwarvishseeDwarves:
languageofDwimmerlaik[inRohan,
workofnecromancy,spectre;cf.dwimmer-crafty568]1100
Dwimorberg,theHauntedMountain1028,1040–4passim;seealsoDooroftheDead;Pathsofthe
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DeadDwimordeneseeLothlórien
Eagles340,357,386,488,502,550,646,1169,1241,1261;seealsoGwaihirtheWindlord;Landroval;MeneldorEärendil,kingofGondor
1360EärendiltheMariner253,
304–8,316,932,942,1353;thestar470,474,
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474–5,1353,1354;theFlammiferofWesternesse308
Eärendur1358,1360,1424EärnilI1359,1368,1425EärnilII1359,1374,1375–6,
1378,1379,1384,1426Eärnur875,886,1267,1376–
9,1384,1405,1427East,far(Eastlands)836,999EastDales,ofRohan711East-gate,ofMoriaseeMoriaEastLórien1438
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EastMarch,oftheShire12EastWallseeEmynMuilEast-WestRoad(EastRoad,
OldRoad,theRoad,etc.)57,87,88,93,110,140,149,175,180,191–7passim,214,225,226,237,237–79passim,301,344,366,1305,1309,1310,1328,1349;GreatRoad1360,1361
Eastemnet555,659Easterlings(folkoftheEast)
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319,522,886,1107,1110,1159,1167,1243,1253,1269,1369,1373,1396,1400,1424,1427,1438
Eastfarthing8,12,93,115,141,196,278,1457
Eastfold1048,1435EcthelionI1360,1428,1466EcthelionII(LordofGondor)
1360,1383,1390,1429;seealsoDenethorII,sonofEcthelionII
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Edain(Atani,FathersoftheNúmenóreans)887,888,1352–4,1369,1421,1467,1482,1483;ThreeHousesofMen(ofElf-friends)887;FirstHouseof1352;ThirdHouseof1353;forefathersof1362;unionsofEldarandEdain1352;seealsoNúmenóreans
Edoras341,571,653,663–5passim,666,678,682,
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686,703,710,716,719,726,768,783,1012,1017,1018,1024,1037,1038,1050,1051,1053,1069,1280,1282,1396–1405passim,1428,1433–8passim,1442–3;name1493;seealsoMeduseld
Egalmoth1360Eilenach978,1086;name
1483Elanor,flower456,457,458,
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483,485,1343,1391,1395
Elbereth(Gilthoniel)104,111,256,258,280,307,309,492,504,954,1194,1197,1345;Varda,theKindler,theQueenofStars492[Elbereth,star-queen;QueenoftheStars(Elentári);Gilthoniel(=Tintallë),star-kindler:titleonlyfound
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followinghername;called(inQuenya)Varda,theexalted]
Eldacar,ofAnor1358Eldacar,ofGondor
(Vinitharya)1359,1370,1371,1372,1395,1425Eldamar(Ever-eve,Evereven)306,307,485,779,1481
Eldar(HighElves,oftheHighKindred,West-elves),unless
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specificallyorclearlyNoldor9,105,290,397,453,1347,1352–8passim,1388,1389,1394,1397,1406,1419,1420–4passim,1453,1456,1457,1458–9,1464,1466–7,1468,1481–7passim,1461,1494–5;PeopleoftheGreatJourney1495;PeopleoftheStars1495;Noldor(Elvesofthe
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West,theElven-wise,LordsoftheEldar,Exiles)[followersofFëanor]105,252,290,369,779,1352,1420,1421,1465,1466,1476,1481,1482,1495;kingsof1420–1,seealsoElvesofEregion;Sindar(Grey-elves)1420,1421,1464,1482,1495;tree,asemblem397,398;unionsofEldarand
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Edain1352;Eldarand‘twilight’1111
EldarinlanguagesseeElvishlanguages
Eldarion1393,1394ElderDays3,20,21,195,
249,307,316,337,358,397,404,412,454,456,463,575,652,887,1359,1387,1393,1406,1420,1481,1486,1487,1494
ElderKindred,People,Race
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seeElvesElderKing(Manwë)306EldestofTreesseeTelperionElendil[elf-friendorstar-
lover]ofWesternesse(thetall)11,21,68,74,242,263,316–23passim,329,480,488,513,564,567,568,666,667,780,782,838,867,886,985,1263,1268,1355–60passim,1365,1368,1372,1374,1388,
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1392,1423,1482;crownofseeCrownofGondor;Elendil’sStoneseePalantír;emblemsof[SevenStarsofElendilandhiscaptains,hadfiverays,originallyrepresentedthesinglestarsonthebannersofeachofsevenships(of9)thatboreapalantír;inGondorthesevenstarsweresetaboutawhite-
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floweredtree,overwhichtheKingssetawingedcrown]360,779,985,1109,1127,1249,1268,1379;heirs,House,lineof263,322,488,875,1127,1273,seealsoAragornII;liveryoftheheirsof985;name1482;nameusedasbattle-cry431,538,701;realmsof1375;starofsee
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Elendilmir;swordofseeNarsil
Elendilmir(StarofElendil,StaroftheNorthKingdom,StaroftheNorth)[ofdiamond,hadfiverays,representedtheStarofEärendil]191,1110,1127,1266,1267,1365
Elendur1358Elenna,IsleofseeNúmenorElessar(Aragorn)see
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AragornIIElessar(Elfstone,jewel)305,
308,488,1129,1163,1266,1286
Elf-countryseeLothlórienElf-friend,epithetappliedto
Aragorn447;Beren353;Elendil250;Frodo106,111,162,353;Hador353,887;Húrin353;Túrin353;Elf-friendsofNúmenor1482;ThreeHousesoftheElf-friends
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1482Elf-kin,lords,magic,etc.see
ElvesElf-towersseeWhiteTowersElfhelm719,1086,1087,
1093,1094,1098,1304Elfhild1404ElfstoneseeAragornII;
Elessar(jewel)ElfwinetheFair1405Elladan,sonofElrond21,
296,303,355,357,1014,1016,1019,1022,
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1024,1032,1110,1127,1140,1149,1154,1156,1162,1167,1249,1270,1274,1277,1353,1366,1386,1387,1424,1438,1439
Elrohir,sonofElrond21,296,303,355,357,1014,1016,1019,1022,1024,1033,1110,1127,1140,1149,1152,1154,1156,1162,1167,1249,1270,1274,1277,1353,
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1366,1386,1387,1424,1439
ElrondtheHalfelven(LordofRivendell)21,86,222,250,253,264,274,285–366passim,378,388,396,446,462,472,475,481,493,518,525,573,575,579,614,740,780,853,867,888,909,926,954,962,1012,1015,1016,1019,1024,1125,1127,1130,1140,1149,
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1152,1154,1156,1162,1167,1249,1270,1274,1275,1277,1280,1290,1292,1294,1345,1346,1347,1351,1353,1365,1366,1386–93passim,1420,1422,1424,1426,1430,1431,1438,1439,1441,1460;CouncilofseeCouncilofElrond;houseofseeRivendell;householdof312,360,366,1274,1275,1294;
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sonsofseeElladan;Elrohir
ElrosTar-Minyatur1353,1354,1421
ElvenDoorseeMoriaElven-cloaks,folk,etc.see
ElvesElven-king’shalls,Mirkwood
332,713Elven-ringsseeRingsof
PowerElven-riverseeEsgalduinElven-smiths,inFirstAge
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404;ofEregion61,315,331,1413,1421;atRivendell360,361
Elven-tongue(s)seeElvishlanguages
Elven-way,fromHollin393,395
Elvendom[Elvishworld,modeofbeing]
Elvenhome306,884,888,1253,1387;seealsoDoriath
Elves(Firstborn,Elder
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Kindred,ElderPeople,ElderRace,ElvishorElvenfolk,kin,etc.)2–9passim,31,57,59,68,72,78,84,86,96,103–13passim,117,138,171,172,190,195,225,243,249,252,261,273,288–95passim,304,310,316,317,321,331,337,347–55passim,358,366,369,378,380,386,395,414,439,444,
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449–55,459–69passim,475,481–86passim,490,499,522,546,562,570,575,598,604,605,608,615,616,619,620,633,651,667,670,713,743,800,804,806,820,852,859,876,879,885,887,888,897,906,943,944,946,953,954,1142,1185,1192,1194,1197,1220,1224,1272,1286,1293,1345,1352,
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1360,1364,1376,1423,1432,1438,1494;ElvesasnameofQuendi1495;FairFolk59,86,105,1143;boatsof483–6,493–515passim,529–31,541–5passim,871,872;broochesmadeby482,551,569,586,597,735,871,1164,1201,1341;cloaks,robesof482,484,503,542,551,555,595,638,643,671,
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726,817,842,871,925,948,956,1056,1129,1165,1193,1194,1201,1220,1226,1227,1250,1341,1437;calendarof1452–60passim;Elf-kings66,250;Elf-lords67,253,350;Elf-minstrels300,1387;languagesofseeElvishlanguages;Elven-lore66,888;Elf-magic469,471,472;andmemory
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493;andmoonlight,sunlight457;names1481;NewYear1460;relationshipwithDwarves332–3,395;ridingelf-fashion571,778;ropemadeby484,794–8,806–7,1227;sea-longingof1143;seasonsof1453;Elvishsight555,559,687;Elvishsleepanddreams557;abilitytorunover
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snow380;Elven-song310,491;experienceoftime506,1453;WanderingCompanies111;writingseeElvishwriting;seealsoEldar(HighElves);ElvesofEregion;ElvesofLothlórien;ElvesofMirkwood;SilvanElves(Wood-elves);LastAllianceofElvesandMen
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ElvesofEregion368,369,395,1421,1422,1475;seealsoElven-smiths
ElvesofLothlórien444,491;Galadhrim(Tree-people)444,456,457,459,463,464,467,482,487,488,489;SilvanElvesofLórien1427;CityoftheGaladhrimseeCarasGaladhon
ElvesofMirkwood(NorthernElves,Folkofthe
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Wood)330,332,355,441,445,1269
ElvishcountryseeLindon;Lothlórien
Elvishlanguages(Elven,Elvishlanguage,speech,tongue),generalorunspecifiedanduncertain20,108,400,605,620,621,633,1462,1468,1481,1483,1489,1490;Eldarinlanguages(Quenyaand
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Sindarin)1356,1461–8passim,1471,1481–2,1486,1495;Silvan(woodland)tongue,accent441,445,1481;seealsoQuenya(High-elven);Sindarin(Grey-elven);Valinorean
Elvishwriting(lettering,script)66,329,400,419,420;Fëanorianletters(script)1465,1468,1471,1473,1475–6;
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modeofBeleriand398;seealsoRunes;Tengwar
ElwingtheWhite253,305,316,1352
EmynArnen981,1269EmynBeraidseeTowerHillsEmynMuil486,495,501,
507,508,511,524,531,547,550,555,556,646,649,652,660,735,787–809,850,875,947,993,1160,1234,1272,1369,1373,1404,1435;East
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WallofRohan[thewesterncliffsofEmynMuil]561,568
EmynUialseeEvendim,Hillsof
EncirclingMountains948End,the326EndlessStair654Enedwaith1429Enemy,theseeMorgoth;
SauronEnt-draughts613,623,732,
748,1252,1285
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Ent-house(s)613,628,629,631
EntishseeEnts:languageofEntmoot(Moot)623,626–32,
736,1453Ents575,603,604,609,614–
35passim,652,717,728,730–49passim,752,763–6passim,1252,1281–5passim,1305,1436,1485–6;Onodrim(Enyd)575,651,1485;shepherdsof
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thetrees609,650,717;Entings623,630,1284;Entmaidens619;Entwives614,620,630,634,765,1285;languageof(Entish)604,615,621,623,626,633,1485–6;rememberedinsongortalesforchildren620–2,651,717;ShadowoftheWood756
Entwade565,570
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Entwash486,547,555–9passim,567,587,594,597,609–13passim,639,659,661,742,872,1053,1400;valeof507,551
EntwoodseeFangornForestÉomer,sonofÉomund
(ÉomerÉadig,ThirdMarshalofRiddermarkortheMark,laterKingÉomer,KingoftheMark)561–71passim,
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576,599,664,669–702passim,708,710,718,719,726,753,756,777,1013,1014,1018–20,1028,1037,1041–45passim,1048,1049,1053,1055,1087–97passim,1104–11passim,1121,1127,1128,1129,1134,1135,1136,1142,1151–5passim,1162,1250,1257,1262,1263,1264,1265,1274–80
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passim,1404–5,1431,1435,1439,1442,1443
Éomund570,1404;seealsoÉomer,sonofÉomund;Éowyn,daughterofÉomund
Éored[atroopofRidersofRohan]565,568,1086,1094,1095,1097,1276
EorltheYoung(lordoftheMenoftheÉothéod,KingoftheMark)560,566,568,663,668,673,
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700,717,1270,1278,1279,1281,1381,1395–7,1401,1405,1428;Houseof[dynasty]678,682,683,755,757,1027,1028,1043,1135;houseof[hall]783;houseof[both],i.e.hallanddynasty757,1135;lordsoftheHouseofseeThéoden:householdof;Oathof1381,1382,1405;SonsofEorl
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(Eorlingas)seeRohirrimÉothain565,571Éothéod1395,1396,1426Éowyn,daughterofÉomund
(LadyofRohan,laterofIthilien,theWhiteLadyofRohan)669,672,679–85passim,1017,1024–7,1041,1042–4,1049,1050,1100–7passim,1123–39passim,1144,1255–65passim,1270,1279,1286,1404,
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1431,1439,1441;disguisedasDernhelm1050–1,1052,1086,1095–101passim,1280;LadyoftheShield-arm1405
EphelDúath(MountainsofShadow,ShadowyMountains,HauntedMountains,fences,wallsofMordor)318,327,395,523,824,831,835,837,839,847,848,850,
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862,905,912,914,920,929,938,947,955,1000,1048,1158,1159,1176,1178,1198,1201,1202,1206,1213,1231,1272,1383,1480
Eradan1360Erebor(LonelyMountain,
siteofDwarf-kingdom)14,35,97,297,298,313,364,447,490,682,1141,1148,1153,1269,1284,1407,1408,1414–
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17passim,1427,1428,1431,1437,1438,1476;FolkofseeDwarvesofErebor;gateof1417,1438;GreatHallof1407;keyof1429;KingdomofDáin1407;KingsundertheMountain14
Erech1023,1144,1436;name1483;Hillof1023,1033;StoneofseeStoneofErech
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EredLithui(AshenMountains)817,824,831,835,1167,1207,1213,1221,1369;mountain-wallsofMordor817,824
EredLuinseeBlueMountains
EredMithrin1396EredNimraisseeWhite
MountainsEregion(Hollin)61,315,
329,331,368–72
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passim,393,395,397,1289,1360,1406,1421,1434,1468,1475;elven-scriptof329;ElvesofseeElves:ofEregion;roadfrom,toMoria391,392,395;seealsoElven-smiths
Erelas978,1053Eressëa318,1253,1365,
1420,1466;IslesoftheWest1390;LostIsle1253;Havenofthe
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Eldarin1354Erestor312,346,348,350,
1274Eriador3,4,20,227,1360,
1362,1366,1381,1392,1413,1415,1417,1422–8passim,1452,1480,1485
Erkenbrand,lordofWestfold690,692,706,708,711,719,1435
Erling,sonofHolman‘thegreenhanded’1450
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Errand-ridersofGondor978,983,997,1001,1045,1050,1093
Erui1145;Crossingsof1371,1425;seealsoBattleoftheCrossingsofErui
Esgalduin(Elven-river)250,253
Esgaroth(LongLake)39,76,289,1416,1430,1484;languageof1483–4;Menof1484
EthirAnduinseeAnduin:
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mouthsofEttendales265Ettenmoors261,344,357,
1361,1426Evendim,Hillsof(Emyn
Uial)1377Evendim,Lake(Nenuial)
318,1301,1366,1377,1441,1459
EvenstarseeArwenEver-eve(Evereven)see
EldamarEverholt,greatboarof1402
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EvermindseeSimbelmynëEvernight306Everwhite,Mountsee
OiolossëExilesseeElves:Noldor;
NúmenóreansExpresstrain,asanalogy36Eye,the(ofBarad-dûr,of
Mordor,ofSauron,GreatEye,LidlessEye,RedEye,etc.)474,475,477,523,581,588,651,735,769,789,817,824,
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826,839,966,1150,1151,1158,1175,1224,1232,1237;RedEye(EvilEye,theEye),asemblem541,588,1075,1163,1181,1194,1209;sometimesusedasasynonymforSauron
Faces,socalledbyGollum,seeMoon;SunFairFolkseeElvesFairbairn,Elfstan1442
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FairbairnsofWestmarch(oftheTowers)19,1442,1450
Faithful,theseeNúmenóreans
Falastur1367,1424FallofGil-galad,The243Fallohides4,8,1425,1485;
names1492Fang,FarmerMaggot’sdog
120,121Fangorn,theEntsee
Treebeard
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FangornForest(Entwood)371,486,496,547,556,557,558,568,569,572–6
FangornForest–cont.passim,586–99passim,600–51,657,713,715,721,730,735,736,764,767,1020,1281,1284,1435;name(Fangorn)1486;EastEnd610
FanuidholtheGrey(Bundushathûr,Shathûr,
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Cloudyhead)368,433,1289
FarDowns5,6,1347,1442,1450
Faramir,sonofDenethor(CaptainofGondor,oftheWhiteTower,Lord,laterStewardofGondor,oftheCity,etc.)20,320,321,859–911passim,925,926,931,945,950,987,993,1001,1003,1011,1057–83passim,
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1113,1116–22,1125–33passim,1139,1158,1159,1195,1205,1226,1256–70passim,1275–80passim,1385,1431,1435,1436;LordofEmynArnen1360;PrinceofIthilien1269,1277,1279
Faramir,sonofOndoher1374
Farin1418Farthings12,129,303;see
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alsoEastfarthing;Northfarthing;Southfarthing;Westfarthing
Fastred,killedinBattleofthePelennorFields1112
Fastred,ofGreenholm1442,1450
Fastred,sonofFolcwine1382,1403,1429
FattyLumpkin188,189,191,234
Fëanor397,779,781,1352,
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1421,1465,1467;lettersseeElvishwriting;StaroftheHouseofFëanor[ofsilver,hadeightrays]397;seealsoEldar
FelagundseeFinrodFelagund
Felaróf(Mansbane)663,1397,1401
FellWinter231,375,1429FellowshipoftheRing
(Fellowship)seeCompanyoftheRing
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FenHollen(ClosedDoor,theSteward’sDoor)1081,1082,1114,1120
Fengel1279,1403Fenmarch1051,1053Ferny,surname203Ferny,Bill(Chief’sBigMan)
210,215,216,227,234,236–7,238,287,1296,1299,1302,1307,1314
FerryseeBuckleburyFerryFerrylane126,128Fíli1413,1416,1418
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Fimbrethil(Wandlimb)[Slim-birch]619,634;name1486
Finarfin1481,1495Findegil,King’swriter20FinduilasofDolAmroth
1260,1384,1430,1431FinglasseeLeaflockFinrodFelagund(Friend-of-
Men)1364,1421,1481;Houseof105
Fire-(Fiery)MountainseeMountDoom
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Firefoot684Fireworks32–3,35–6,468,
469Fíriel1374,1426FirienWood(Firienwood)
1051,1402;alludedto1053
Firienfeld1040FirstAge1351,1352,1362,
1406,1420,1454,1468,1482,1483
FirstbornseeElvesFishandchips856
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FladrifseeSkinbarkFlet(talan)446,447,448,
449,456,461,499,506FloatingLog,The1310–11Flói419FlourdumplingseeWhitfoot,
WillFolca1279,1402Folcred1403Folcwine1279,1382,1400,
1402,1429Folde1051,1053Folklands12
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ForbiddenDoorseeDooroftheDead
ForestRiver479ForlondseeGreyHavensForlongtheFat,Lordof
Lossarnach1008,1107,1111;name1483
Fornost(FornostErain,NorburyoftheKings,Deadmen’sDike,north-city)5,6,12,318,1023,1301,1362,1363,1376,1426;lastbattleatsee
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BattleofFornostForochel1363;seealso
LossothForochel,Bayof1462,1480Forochel,Capeof1363Forodwaith1363ForsakenInn,The245FourthAge19,1351,1420,
1441,1460Fox,thinking94Fram1396,1397Frár420Fréa1279,1401
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FréaláfHildeson1279,1399,1400,1428
Fréawine1279,1397,1401Freca1397,1398FreeFair13,1341FreePeoples(oftheWorld,
FreeFolk)345,359,366,604,1249
Frerin1408,1410,1418Frogmorton1310,1312,1440Frór1407,1418Frumgar1396Fundin1410;seealsoBalin,
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sonofFundin
Gaffer,theseeGamgee,HamfastGaladhrimseeElvesof
LothlórienGaladriel(LadyofLórien,of
Lothlórien,oftheElves,oftheGaladhrim,oftheGoldenWood,oftheWood,theLady,ElvishLady,etc.)21,447,452–93passim,505,506,
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554,555,562,569,570,571–2,614,647,656,666,671,684,740,797,871,888–9,926,932,942,954,956,958,1014,1129,1146,1180,1193,1197,1201,1204,1212,1227,1236,1247,1274,1276,1277,1282,1285,1286,1287,1289,1338,1345,1346,1347,1348,1390,1394,1419,1421,1424,1438,1440,
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1481;Ladythatdiesnot872;MistressofMagic872;QueenGaladriel714;SorceressoftheGoldenWood670;WhiteLady888;giftofsheathforAndúriltoAragorn488,667;giftofbelttoBoromir489,542,871;giftofhairtoGimli489–90,493,497,657;giftofbowandarrowstoLegolas489,
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504,649,666;giftofbeltstoMerryandPippin489;giftofboxtoSam489,1127,1247,1338–9,1346;magicof471;MirrorofseeMirrorofGaladriel;PhialofseePhialofGaladriel
Galathilion[theTreeoftheHighElves,whichwasderivedfromtheelderoftheTwoTreesofthe
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Valar,TelperionandLaurelin]1273
Galdor312,325,330,333,346,347
GalenasseePipe-weedGamgeefamily90,1450,
1496;name1496Gamgee,BellnéeGoodchild
1450Gamgee,Bilbo1450Gamgee,Daisy,daughterof
Hamfast1450Gamgee,Daisy,daughterof
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Samwise1450Gamgee,Elanor1343,1347,
1349,1367,1440,1441,1450
Gamgee,Frodo1347,1450Gamgee,Halfast58,59,1450Gamgee,Halfred,ofOverhill
1450Gamgee,Halfred,sonof
Hamfast1450Gamgee,Hamfast(the
Gaffer,OldGamgee)28–31,49,83,91,99–
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100,342,470,472,477,794,798,814,815,832,860,889,916,1221,1304,1323,1326–7,1337,1340,1342,1433,1450;Ranugad(Ran)1493;name1493;andpotatoes(taters)29,31,855,1327
Gamgee,Hamfast,sonofSamwise1450
Gamgee,Hamson1450Gamgee,Hobson‘Roper’
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798,1450Gamgee,Marigold1221,
1450Gamgee,May1450Gamgee,Merry1347,1450Gamgee,Pippin1347,1450Gamgee,Primrose1450Gamgee,Robin1450Gamgee,Rose,daughterof
Samwise1347,1450Gamgee,Rose,wifeof
SamwiseseeCotton,Rose
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Gamgee,Ruby1450Gamgee,Samwise(Sam,
Hamfast’sSon,MasterSamwise,SamGardner,etc.)17,20,28,31,58–60passim,65,77,81–280passim,285,286,293–6passim,300,303,309,310,311,353–531passim,537,539,545,571,614,628,639,646,744,770,787–971passim,1036,1042,
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1061–2,1067,1164,1172–240passim,1244–53passim,1266,1271,1277,1285–349passim,1369,1431–44passim,1448,1450,1453,1460,1496;Banazîr1493;Berhael1248;name1493
Gamgee,Tolman‘Tom’1450GamlingtheOld692,693,
699,700,702,708Gammidge,Hob‘theRoper’,
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‘OldGammidgy’1450Gammidge,Rowan1450Gamwich1450Gamwich,Wiseman1450GandalftheGrey
(Mithrandir,Greyhame,GreyPilgrim,GreyWanderer,GandalftheWhite,theWise,WhiteRider,LeaderoftheCompany,etc.)11,14,17,31–3passim,41–7passim,52–91passim,
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97,98,100,109,110,111,135,137–43passim,173–4,183,184,198,217–28passim,240,243–8passim,250,255,258,260,269–74passim,285–302passim,310,311,321–56passim,358–437passim,462–80passim,513,516,517,525,538,541,566,568,573,579,590,606–7,614,641–90
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passim,703–30passim,734,739,743,744,746–84passim,803,837,842,846,876–7,885,888,891,896–7,898,906,917,926,957,978–96passim,1001–4passim,1010,1011,1016,1021,1038,1042,1046,1054–85passim,1104,1113–25passim,1128–42passim,1148–59passim,1162–68
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passim,1221,1239–47passim,1266,1268,1271–2,1277,1282–3,1287–305passim,1332,1348,1383–4,1389,1403,1415–7,1424–36passim,1440,1490;GreyFool1078,1117;Incánus,Olórin,Tharkûn876;Lathspell669;Stormcrow669,981;voiceof523,645
GapofRohan336,373,385,
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487,568,627,659,718,887,1165,1286
Gardnerfamily1444,1450Gardner,Frodo1450Gardner,Holfast1450GateofKingsseeArgonathGateofMordorsee
MorannonGate-streamseeSirannonGatesofGondorsee
ArgonathGhân-buri-Ghân(WildMan)
1087–93,1094,1277
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Ghâsh427GiftofMen(DoomofMen)
1354,1391,1394GildorInglorion105–111
passim,138,173,225,770,1345,1462
Gil-galad68,242–3,249–50,316,317,329,1353,1355,1420–4passim
GilthonielseeElberethGilraen1385–92passim,
1429,1430,1432,1462;name1482
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Gilrain1145Gimli,sonofGlóin(Durin’s
son)312,359,364–528passim,539–77passim,636–718passim,726–7,730–4passim,746,750–5passim,762,763,764,879,1012,1015–1054passim,1036,1042,1050,1110,1141–9passim,1153,1156,1162,1250,1251,1252,1271,1277,1281,1284,
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1351,1413–19passim,1443,1488;Lockbearer657;oneoftheThreeHunters546,640
GladdenFields69,317,330,357,1429,1430;Disasterof69,317,1358,1424
GladdenRiver357,1362,1380,1395,1410,1480,1484,1485;sourcesof357
Glamdring364,404,421,
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430,667,1300Glanduin1360Gléowine1278GlitteringCavesofAglarond
713–14,783,1015,1251,1281;LordofseeGimli
Glóin,sonofGróin297–9,312,313,324,325,332,349,350,1413,1418;seealsoGimli,sonofGlóin
Glóin,sonofThorinI1418
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Glorfindel(Elf-lord)273–80passim,287–95passim,312,346,347,348,349,359,1274,1377,1405,1434
Goatleaf,surname203Goatleaf,Harry197–8,215,
227,1296,1299GoblinsseeOrcsGolasgil1009Goldberry(River-daughter)
156,158,160–5,168,169,172–3,176–7,189,
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193GoldenHall(GoldenHouse)
seeMeduseldGoldenPerch,The115,121GoldenTreeseeLaurelinGoldenWoodseeLothlórienGoldwine1279,1401Gollum(Sméagol,Slinker,
Stinker,etc.)14–17passim,44,45,63,69–79passim,324,327–33passim,340,354,357,406,410,414,439,449,
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456,497–501passim,514,525,593,594,789,800–57passim,863,879,882,895–951passim,957,966–7,1067,1196,1201,1210,1211,1225,1226,1228,1234–8passim,1427–47passim;Sméagol-Gollumdebate826–8
Gondolin316,412,464,1353,1464
Gondor(South-kingdom,
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South,Southlands,etc.)5,11,20,21,313–24passim,328,334,347,363,385,431,440,478,480,508,516,529,540,542,549,560,561,564,567,575,617,619,660,666,669,674,682,689,734,780,796,831,836,850,859,862,870,872,875,877,886–7,894,903,904,905,909,912,919,931,953,978–94
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passim,998–1008passim,1022,1023,1040,1045,1048,1050,1052,1053,1061,1064,1073,1078,1087,1090,1095,1108–12passim,1119,1125,1128,1138,1142,1148,1152,1154,1156,1159,1161,1162,1168,1177,1242,1254,1256,1265,1272,1276,1279,1292,1293,1300,1315,1351,1357–61
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passim,1365–85passim,1390,1395–405passim,1417,1422–31passim,1438–43passim,1480,1484,1487;RealminExile1358,1422;Stoningland1111;names1482,1483;calendar,reckoningof1351,1401,1452;CityofGondorseeMinasTirith;Councilof1374;CrownofseeCrownof
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Gondor;Errand-ridersseeErrand-ridersofGondor;FieldsofseePelennor;Kings,Ship-kingsof775,1359,1395,1424;languageof1106,1403,1461,1465,1489,1490;LordsofseeStewards;Menof(folk,people,race,etc.)11,348,508,567,571,831,836,874,887–8,890,981,1083,1089,1106,
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1107,1148,1165,1242,1249,1256,1264,1265,1266,1277;Minstrelof1249;NorthernArmyof1374,1396;palantírof780;southernfiefs981,1110;tombsofseeHallows;wardensofGondorupontheWest(atOrthanc)724;writingin1473–4;East-borders567;NorthMarch873;SouthGondor1371;see
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alsoAnórien;Beaconhills;Ithilien;MinasTirith;etc.
Goodbodyfamily37,38,40,1445
Goodbody,Lily(Baggins)1445
Goodbody,Togo1445Gorbag960–70passim,1175,
1179,1183,1194,1202GoreseeNaithofLórienGorgoroth318,523,831,
839,891,923,929,
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1168,1177,1178,1206,1207,1213,1222,1231,1243
Gothmog1107Gram1279,1402Grange,Old1330Great,the3,353GreatArmament1422GreatBattle,atendofFirst
Age1420GreatBridgeseeBrandywine
BridgeGreatDanger1347
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GreatDarkness,ofMorgoth609,610,616,633
GreatEnemyseeMorgothGreatGateoftheCitysee
MinasTirithGreatGate(s)seeMoriaGreatJewelseeSilmaril(s)GreatLandsseeMiddle-earthGreatRiverseeAnduinGreatShips,Númenórean
615GreatSiege967GreatSignal923–4,966
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GreatSmials(GreatPlaceoftheTooks)9,19,21,600,1321,1428,1448
GreatWars[againstMorgothandSauron]
GreatYears1432–8GreenDragon,The58,86,
193,1313,1314GreenHills(GreenHill
Country),oftheShire93,1321,1328,1345
GreenHills,ofGondorseePinnathGelin
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Greenhand,Halfred1450Greenhand,Holman1450Greenway(NorthRoad)11,
197,201,203–4,215,334,342,357,1299,1301,1315,1433;Greenway-crossing197
GreenwoodtheGreatseeMirkwood
GreyCompany656,1016,1024,1028–34passim
Grey-elvenseeSindarinGrey-elvesseeEldar
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GreyHostseeDead,theGreyHavens9,21,57,59,
312,325,346,369,453,1143,1276,1346,1347,1353,1360,1366,1376,1394,1421,1424,1441,1442;Forlond1376;Harlond1376;Mithlond780,1347
GreyMountains1407,1427,1436
GreyPilgrimseeGandalfGreyWood1093,1277
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Greyflood(Gwathló)262,357,358,371,487,1289,1301,1360,1361,1368,1433
Gríma,sonofGálmódseeWormtongue
GrimbeorntheOld297Grimbold[amarshal
distinguishedinbattlesattheFordsofIsen,commandedtheLeft-wingandfellinthebattleofPelennor]719,
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1095,1111Grimslade1111Grip120,121,122Grishnákh581–2,587–96
passim,638,639,735,1462,1487
Gróin1418Grond,battering-ram1083–4Grond,Hammerofthe
Underworld,Morgoth’smace1084
Grór1407,1411,1418,1428Grubbfamily37,38,40
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Grubb,Laura37GuardsoftheCitadel(of
MinasTirith)985,998,1004,1006,1010,1045,1122,1156,1248,1266–9passim;liveryof985,1055,1060,1113,1115,1129,1248,1250–1,1316
GuardedCityseeMinasTirith
GuardiansseeValarGundabad1410
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Guthláf1096,1104,1111Gúthwine(Éomer’ssword)
696GwaihirtheWindlord340–1,
355,646,655,1241–5passim,
GwathlóseeGreyflood
Hador,steward1360,1455HadortheGoldenhaired,the
Elf-friend353,887;HouseofHador1353
Halbarad1014–21passim,
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1024,1029,1034,1110,1111
Haldir446–62passim,467,483–4,499,795
HalethHelm’sson1399,1402
Half-elven(Peredhil)519,1353;seealsoElrondtheHalfelven
HalflingsseeHobbitsHalflings,countryofsee
ShireHalifirien978,1053
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HallofFireseeRivendellHalloftheKings(ofthe
Tower)seeCitadelofGondor
Hallas1360Hallow,onMount
Mindolluin1272Hallows,inMinasTirith
1115,1269;seealsoHouseoftheKings;HouseoftheStewards
Háma,captainoftheKing’sGuard666,667,671–7
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passim,683,689,712,757
Háma,Helm’sson1399,1402
HamfastofGamwich1450HammeroftheUnderworld
seeGrondHarad(South)323,862,864,
1002,1061,1083,1381,1425,1463;Haradwaith1381;Sunlands845;havensof522;kingdomsof,intheFarSouth862;
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kingsof1368;menofseeHaradrim
Haradrim(folk,men,peoplesofHarad)319,862,886,1046,1061,1069,1098,1107,1111,1145,1146,1159,1243,1269,1368,1372,1373,1374,1382,1402,1425,1429;championof1074;chieftain(theblackserpent)1099,1102;menlikehalf-trollsfrom
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FarHarad1107;MenofNearHarad1374;Southrons862,863,882,1099,1107,1110,1131,1253,1293;deadSouthron863–4;SwarthyMen1047;Swertings845,865
Hardbottle1336Harding,ofRohan1111HardingoftheHill1450Harfoots4,8,1425,1485HarlondseeGreyHavens
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Harlond,harbourofMinasTirith981,1108,1110,1148,1153
Harnen1368Harrowdale1025,1035,
1037,1042,1401,1436Hasufel371,572,576,636,
658,660,664,684,703,730,1012
HaudhinGwanûr1382HauntedMountainsee
DwimorbergHauntedPassseeCirith
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GorgorHavensseeGreyHavensHayGateseeBucklandHaysend129,149Hayward,Hob1308,1309HealersseeHousesof
HealingHeathertoes,surname203Heathertoes,Mat1299HedgeseeHighHayHelm‘Hammerhand’629,
705,1279,1381,1397–402passim,1428;horn
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of703,705,1278Helm’sDeep(theDeep)686–
710passim,738,756,768,777,783,1024,1025,1279,1281,1399,1428,1435,1439;cavernsofseeGlitteringCavesofAglarond;seealsoDeepingcoomb;DeepingStream;DeepingWallHelm’sDike(theDike)689,691,692,707,708,711,
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712,721,1017,1020,1024,1399
Helm’sGate(theGate)688,691,692,707,708,711
HelmingasseeWestfold:menof
Hending,sonofHolman‘thegreenhanded’1450
HennethAnnûn,WindowoftheSunset(Window-curtain,Curtain)881,893–6passim,909,911,1061,1160,1253,1381,
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1429,1436HerbloreoftheShire10,20Herefara1112Herion1360Herubrand1112Herugrim(Théoden’ssword)
675,676,677HiddenLandseeLothlórienHighCityseeCitadelof
GondorHighCourtseeCitadelof
GondorHigh-elvenseeQuenya
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HighElvesseeEldar:NoldorHighHay(Hedge)129,139,
143,144,145HighPassseeCirithUngolHighPass,inMisty
Mountains228Hild1399Hill,the(HobbitonHill)27,
28,32,33,52,60,90,92,99,123,342,467,472,1330,1331,1335,1337,1460
HillofHearingseeAmon
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LhawHilloftheEye,ofSightsee
AmonHenHillRoad90,1331Hill-trollsseeTrollsHillmenseeDunlendings;
RhudaurHirgon1045,1046,1047,
1048,1093HirluintheFair1009,1107,
1112HitherShore(s)seeMiddle-
earth
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Hithlain[mist-thread]484Hoarwell(Mitheithel)4,261,
272,344,357,1361,1362,1434;name1491;BridgeofMitheithelseeLastBridge
Hobbit,The1,14–16,1494Hobbiton8,28–37,55,87,
89,93,94,99,100,123,134,219,301,303,325,342–3,467–8,375,614,793,1201,1309,1311,1314,1320–31passim,
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1337,1338,1432,1441,1445,1460;folkof1326
HobbitonRoad1314Hobbits(LittleFolk,Little
People)1–42passim,48–58passim,63,64,69–72passim,82,87,90,92,94,120,123,124,140,141,171,345,387,565,605,625,639,727,765,996–7,1308–41passim,1362,1452,1486;Halflings446,
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453,520,565,580,591,861,873,890,987,1060,1266,1485;Holbytla(n)727,1013,1485,1496;Periain,Periannath(sing.Perian)20,1005,1056,1125,1140,1157,1266,1425,1426;andarchitecture,craftofbuilding8,9;andboats,water8,29,128,479;calendarofseeShireReckoning;
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character,appearance1–4;education,lore1,3,5,8,13,19,20,21,64,779;passionforfamilyhistory28,728;foodanddrink2,34–40,55,133,730–1,etc.;dislikeofheights448;Hobbitry-in-arms12;languageof2,4,5,1464,1484,1489,1490;legends,storiesof727–8,995;andmushrooms133;
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namesofrace1462,1496;namesofHobbits1461,1484–5,1491–2,1496;customofpresents2,7,35;smoking10–11,728,733–4,seealsoPipe-weed;toughnessof7,288–9,426–7;writing(letters,script)5;seealsoBree;Fallowhides;Harfoots;Mathom;Shire,the;Stoors;etc.
Holbytla(n)seeHobbits
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HoldseeDunharrowHollinseeEregionHollingateseeMoriaHolman‘thegreenhanded’
28,30,1450Horn,RiderofRohan1112Horn-call,cryofBuckland
seeBucklandHornofBoromir363,430,
537,538,542,543,871,872,887,988,1435
HornoftheMark,giventoMeriadoc1280,1318,
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1329,1331,1460Hornblowerfamily37,38,
40,64Hornblowerpipe-weed
brandmarks733,749Hornblower,Tobold(Tobold
theOld,OldToby)10–11,728
Hornburg(theBurg)689–704passim,711,712,757,1015–24passim,1110,1150,1399,1400,1436,1488;Hornburg-gates
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695;seealsoBattleoftheHornburg
Hornrock(Rock)689,696–705passim
Horse-men’sroad1089HostoftheWest,against
Witch-king1377HostoftheWest,armyfrom
ValinoratendofFirstAge1407
HostoftheWest(armyoftheWest,MenoftheWest),againstSauron1437
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HostofValinor1420HoundofSauronseeWolvesHouseofHúrinseeStewardsHouseoftheKings(Houses
oftheDead)1269,1379,1393,1394
HouseoftheStewards,tombs1078,1081,1113
HousesofHealing1120–44passim,1255,1256,1259,1262,1264,1266;Healers1120,1125,1126,1157,1255,1256,
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1258;herb-masterof1130,1133,1136;Wardenof1139–40,1255–6,1257,1258,1259,1263,1264
HousesoftheDeadseeHouseoftheKings
Hundred-weightFeast55Hunter’sMoon357Huor1353Huorns635,706–12passim,
716,720,721,736–46passim,752;darknessof
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686–7Húrin,oftheFirstAge353;
name1482HúrinI,steward1360HúrinII,steward1360HúrinofEmynArnen,
steward1360,1379;HouseofseeStewards
HúrintheTall,WardenoftheKeys1107,1256,1265,1266
Hyarmendacil‘South-victor’(Ciryaher)1359,1368,
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1369,1425HyarmendacilII(Vinyarion)
1359,1425
IarwainBen-adarseeBombadil,TomIdrilCelebrindal1352Ilmarin306,485ImladMorgulseeMorgul
ValeImladrisseeRivendellImlothMelui1133,1266Imrahil,PrinceofDol
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Amroth(thePrince,LordofDolAmroth)982,1009,1035,1057,1068,1073,1074,1078,1106–1114passim,1120,1127–1133passim,1141,1142,1149,1152–3,1154,1158,1162,1164,1167,1250,1266,1127,1280,1405,1461;name1461
IncánusseeGandalfIngold980,1074
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InlandSeaseeNúrnen;Rhûn,Seaof
Ioreth1126,1129,1130,1133,1134,1266,1462
Iorlas1006Írensaga1040IronCrown932,1352IronHills1407,1408,1410–
11,1413,1428,1430Isen385,687,718,719,720,
742,749,1286,1301,1396,1398,1399,1402,1433
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Isen,Fords(Crossings)of686,688,690,711,715–20passim,738,756,778,1013,1399,1404,1433;mouthsof1381;seealsoBattlesoftheFordsofIsen
Isengard166,336,339,385,522,541,547,553,568,569,581,588,592,599,614–18passim,627,628,632,633,634,639,649,652,659,676,681,
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687,688,690,694,698,703,705,709,715,720–50,759,767,769,776,777,780,782,841,979,990,1001,1012,1165,1281,1288,1314,1315,1332,1381,1383,1399–403passim,1428,1430,1435,1439,1486;Angrenost616;creaturesof700;emblemof(whitehand)568,581,585,617,695,722;gates
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of715,722;LordofseeSaruman;Ring(circle)of340,723–4;IsengardersseeOrcs;seealsoOrthanc;WhiteHand;Wizard’sVale
IsengrimII1428,1455Isenmouthe(CarachAngren)
1203,1213,1216,1220,1437
Isildur,sonofElendil68,73,74,316–24passim,327,329,359,513,564,838,
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866,867,877,886,925,1022,1024,1034,1145,1147,1267,1357,1358,1360,1364,1374,1386,1387,1423,1424,1430,1466,1482;heirs,Houseof(NorthernLine)1118,1358,1360,1364,1429,seealsoAragornII,Valandil;name1482;scrollof328–9,1432
Isildur’sBaneseeRing,theIstariseeWizards
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Ithil-stoneseePalantírIthildin[starmoon]397,414Ithilien319,849,859,861,
878,881,883,905,910,920,981,984,997,1002,1061,1062,1065,1158,1177,1245,1251,1253,1264,1269,1371,1373,1374,1378–82passim,1403,1419,1429,1431,1435,1437,1441,1443,1464;seealsoSouthIthilien
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Ivorwen1385IvyBush,The28,86
Jewels,ThreeseeSilmarils
Khand1107,1374KhazâdseeDwarvesKhazad-dûmseeMoriaKheled-zâramseeMirrormereKhuzdulseeDwarves:
languageofKibil-nâlaseeCelebrantKíli1413,1416,1418
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KingofAngmarseeWitch-king
KingoftheDeadseeDead,the
KingoftheMark(Rohan)seeÉomer;Théoden;etc.
KingoftheMountains1023King’sCourt,Númenor1457King’sMen(Black
Númenóreans)seeNúmenóreans
King’smessengers1315King’sWriterseeFindegil
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Kingsseeundernamesofplaces,e.g.Gondor,andnamesofindividualkings,e.g.Théoden
KingsofMenseeNúmenóreans
KingsundertheMountain14;seealsoErebor
Kings’Reckoning1452–60passim
KingsfoilseeAthelasKin-strife1361,1369,1370,
1378,1425
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LadyofLothlórien(oftheGoldenWood,etc.)seeGaladrielLadyofRivendellseeArwenLagduf1184LakeTownseeEsgarothLamedon1009,1034,1110,
1144,1145;LordofseeAngbor
Lampwright’sStreet(RathCelerdain)1005–6,1009–10
LandofShadowseeMordor
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Landroval1243,1245Langstrand(Anfalas)385,
1009,1373,1491;name1491
Languages,ofMiddle-earth399–400,1480–96;seealsolanguage(s)undernamesofpeoples,e.g.Dwarves,andnamesofindividuallanguagesorlanguagegroups,e.g.Adûnaic;Elvishlanguages
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Lassemista630LastAllianceofElvesand
Men242,316,317,1177,1358,1423
LastBridge(BridgeofMitheithel)262,263,274,1434
LastHomelyHouseseeRivendell
LastMountainseeMethedrasLastShip1360LastShoreseeAmanLaurelin(GoldenTree)485,
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779,842,1352;oneoftheTwoTreesofValinor1352,1353
LaurelindórenanseeLothlórien
LeafseePipe-weedLeaflock(Finglas)618Lebennin385,981,999,
1001,1068,1108,1110,1143,1145,1147,1265,1371,1436
Lebethron909,1266Lefnui1399
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LegolasGreenleaf312,332,354,359,364–527passim,539–77passim,636–718passim,726–53passim,763,764,860,1012,1013–34passim,1036,1042,1110,1141–9passim,1156,1160,1162,1250–3passim,1271,1277,1281,1284,1419,1443;oneoftheThreeHunters546,640
Lembas(waybread)[len-bas
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‘way-bread’]481,482,555,591,596,597,601,638,732,788,812–13,852,931,1196,1203,1205,1206,1214–15,1224,1227
Léod1395,1397Léofa(Brytta)1279,1402Libraries19–20,328,360,
1458LidlessEyeseeEye,theLightfoot1106Limlight1369,1380,1396
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Lindir308Lindon(Elvishcountry)
1360,1362–3,1376,1420,1421,1422,1426
Linhir1145,1436Lithe13,1451,1452,1455–6Lithlad831Littlefolk,peoplesee
HobbitsLockholes1310,1312,1320,
1322,1326,1336LonelyMountainseeEreborLongCleeve1441,1448
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LongLakeseeEsgarothLongWinter6,1381,1399,
1402,1428LongbeardsseeDwarvesLongbottom10,11,728,
1320LongbottomLeaf11,733,
1139Longholes,surname203Lóni420LordofBarad-dûrseeSauronLordofMinasTirithsee
DenethorII;Stewards
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LordoftheMark(Rohan)seeÉomer;Théoden
LordoftheNazgûlseeWitch-king
LordoftheRingseeSauronLordsoftheCitysee
StewardsLórienseeLothlórienLossarnach(Arnach)981,
999,1008,1107,1130,1131,1153,1160,1403,1404,1483
Lossoth(Snowmenof
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Forochel)1363,1364Lothíriel1405Lothlórien(Lórien,Golden
Wood,Elf-country,Elvishcountry,etc.)296,330,346,386,439–94passim,495–9passim,504,505,506–7,510,522,525,541,551–2,562,567,570,608–9,610,614,637,655,666,671,770,794,817,872,873,879,884,885,888,
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889,942,958,1056,1129,1141,1201,1220,1274,1280,1282,1290,1292,1343,1360,1362,1389,1394,1412,1427,1430,1431,1434,1437–8passim,1418;Dreamflower608;Dwimordene[ValeofIllusion,nameinRohanforLórien]671;Egladil452,486;Laurelindórenan(Land
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oftheValleyofSingingGold)608,872,1282;Elvesof(Galadhrim)seeElves:ofLothlórien;name1481;timein466,506–7,655–6;seealsoEastLórien;NaithofLórien;NorthernFences
LoudwaterseeBruinenLugbúrzseeBarad-dûrLugdush584,591Lune(Lhûn),river5,1360,
1361,1363,1413,1420,
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1491;name1491Lune,Firthof1347Lune,Gulfof780,1360,
1364Lune,MountainsofseeBlue
MountainsLúthienTinúviel[Tinúviel=
nightingale]250–3passim,280,296,316,360,946,1147,1276,1352,1387;layofBerenandLúthien(LayofLúthien)360,1387
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Mablung861,862,864,874,879,880,1160Maggotfamily120,125,133Maggot,Farmer119–27,130,
133,134,173Maggot,Mrs.121,125,127,
133MalbeththeSeer1023,1375Mallor1358Mallorn(GoldenTree,pl.
mellyrn)435,444–5,454,456,458,483,637–8,1339,1394,1440
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Mallos1145Malvegil1358,1361ManintheMoon207–9MannishlanguagesseeMen:
languagesofManwë(ElderKing)306Maps,mentioned360,368,
372,1212Marcho5,1444MardilVoronwë‘the
Steadfast’875,988,1359,1378,1379,1427,1454,1455
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Marish8,115,116,120,128,133,793,1058,1426,1449,1492;namesin1492
Mark,theseeRohanMasterofBuckland,ofthe
HallseeBrandybuckfamily
Mathom7,21,49,1461,1485,1494
Mathom-house(museum)7,18,414
Mauhúr595,596
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Mazarbul,BookofseeBookofMazarbul
Mazarbul,ChamberofseeChamberofMazarbul
Mearas566,658,664,1397Meduseld(GoldenHall,
houseofEorl)568,570–1,653,658,661–83,688,708,719,757,783,1013,1017,1038,1043,1049,1103,1111,1135,1278,1279,1395,1396,1398
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Melian1352Mellon[friend]398,401Men(BigFolk,BigPeople,
MortalMen)1–9passim,66,67–8,99,108,122,133,157,172,190,195,196–7,203,204,249,253,287–8,289,298,307,314,316,336,359,366,368,381,386,417,461,468,509,518,519,522,557,560,570,575,590,603,604,
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608,615,616,619,620,662,671,697,711,713,717,719,721,731,738,740,748–9,756,780,804,844,849,864,871,875,883–91passim,896,898,906,910,912,946,1075,1142,1208,1282,1367,1370,1376,1393,1407,1420,1423,1425,1438,1441,1482,1483,1484;alphabetsof1488;calendarof1452–
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3,1456;dominionof1272,1420;failbutseedspringsup1142;languagesof399–400,417,633,1482,1483,1484,1488,1489,1492,1494,1495;seealsoAdûnaic,CommonSpeech;namesof1482,1490–1;seealsoDunlendings;GiftofMen;Haradrim;LastAllianceofElvesand
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Men;Númenóreans;Rohirrim;andnamesofplacesinhabitedbyMen,e.g.Gondor
MenoftheMountainsseeDead,the
MenoftheTwilightseeRohirrim
Meneldil318,328,1358,1374,1424
Meneldor1243,1245Meneltarma1354Menelvagor(Telumehtar,
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Orion)107,1462MereofDeadFacesseeDead
MarshesMerethrond,theGreatHallof
FeastsMethedras(LastMountain)
558,611,612,627MichelDelving7,8,30,204,
206,361,414,1320,1325,1336;mathom-houseof7,18,414;MayorofseeWhitfoot,Will
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Middle-earth(middleworld,mortallands,etc.)3,7,9,21,57,104,195,250,259,287,307,316,326,347,350,400,437,446,454,464,489,492,651,713,717,740,758,777,782,887,888,894,933,943,1032,1036,1143,1163,1192,1200,1236,1241,1268,1284,1339,1347,1348,1352–9passim,1368,1372,
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1388,1391,1393,1417–24passim,1443,1453,1464,1467,1482,1483;GreatLands885;HitherShore(s)307,443,485;name1464;solaryearin1453;Westof400,1352
MiddlePeoplesseeRohirrimMidgewaterMarshes237,
238–9Midsummer13,1271,1274,
1391Mid-year’sDay1451,1455–
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6Mill,inHobbiton472,1324,
1325–6,1330–1,1337MinalcarseeRómendacilIIMinardil1359,1373,1379,
1426MinasAnor,Towerofthe
(Setting)Sun318,319,328,780,878,1157,1262,1264,1357,1367,1373,1378,1423,1424,1426;Anor-stone(palantír)1426;King’s
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House1426;seealsolaternameMinasTirith
MinasIthil,Towerofthe(Rising)Moon(Moontower)318,321,780,838–9,885,904,905,912,920–1,1157,1270,1357,1378,1384,1423,1427;Ithil-stone(palantír)seePalantír;seealsolaternameMinasMorgul
MinasMorgul,Towerof
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Sorcery(DeadCity,accursedtower)318,326,523,780,904,905,906,920–7passim,965,1000,1062,1069,1154,1157,1177,1378,1427;host(s),legionsof(Morgul-host,etc.)925,926,1073,1107,1111,1184,1436;KingofseeWitch-king;seealsoearliernameMinasIthil
MinasTirith,TowerofGuard
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(theCity,Stone-city,etc.)20,319–22passim,328,359,466,478–9passim,482,487,507,508,516,518,519–26passim,538,542,544,548,566,567,647,648,674,717,783,796,860,862,867,873–8passim,885,887,903,906,978,983–4,994,955,1001–11,1022,1046,1048,1055,1056,1057,1059,
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1060,1069–97passim,1105–11passim,1113–29passim,1138–48passim,1153,1157,1160,1174,1251–76passim,1282,1381,1383,1384,1394,1417,1428–38passim,1483,1489;GuardedCity983–4;Mundburg[guardian-fortress]664,663,1051,1052,1089–90,1111–12,1280;
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SevenGates979;seealsoearliernameMinasAnor;Captainsof991;Gateof(GreatGate,GateofGondor)981,982,983,999,1005–10passim,1035,1058,1059,1072–9passim,1083,1084,1085,1098,1103,1111,1113,1116,1123,1127,1153,1265,1270,1436;Lord(s)ofseeStewards;menofthe
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City(oftheTowerofGuard)466,480,482,508,1156,1157,1167;moundsof1111–12;palantírof(Anor-stone)seePalantír;SecondGateof1083;seealsoCitadelofGondor;HouseoftheKings;HouseoftheStewards;HousesofHealing;Lampwright’sStreet(RathCelerdain);Rath
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Dínen(SilentStreet)Minastan1359MindolluinseeMount
MindolluinMinesofMoriaseeMoriaMinhiriath1362,1429Min-Rimmon(Rimmon)978,
1053,1083,1265,1436,1483;name1483
Mirkwood(GreatWood,Wood,etc.)4,57,62,67,69,73,75,76,97,298,312,326,330,332,
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333,340,355,357,435–6,441,490,522,562,601,615,619,640,662,694,713–14,764,882,895,947,1002,1269,1284,1368,1380,1395,1407,1414,1425,1432,1437,1483,1491;ErynLasgalen1438;GreenwoodtheGreat3,1369,1370,1373,1419,1423,1425,1438;Taure-Ndaedelos1491;
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Elven-king’shallsin322,713–14;Narrows1438;NorthernMirkwood312;SouthernMirkwood458,45–6,seealsoEastLórien;seealsoWoodmen
MirrorofGaladriel470–4,475–6,956,1330,1434
Mirrormere(Kheled-zâram)369,411,413,415,419,420,434,435,463,493,
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714,1406,1410Miruvor378,384,403–4MistyMountains(Mountains
ofMist)3,14,69,71,177,195,216,242,244,249,261,267,292,298,299,301,313,326–7,336,341,357,359,360,366–74passim,386,387,390–1,393,403,432,433,443,455,464,496,522,540,558,574,585,589,597,619,651,
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686,720,1165,1287,1360,1361,1366,1380,1381,1387,1395,1404,1406,1421,1423,1425,1427,1432,1480,1484,1487
MitheithelseeHoarwellMithlondseeGreyHavensMithrandirseeGandalfMithril[truesilver]413–14,
419,985,1407,1419;Moria-silver414;mithrilcoat(mail)361–2,414,
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437,957,1164,1180,1200,1250,1292,1437
Moon(Ithil)894;andliveryofMinasMorgul1019,1181;andShirecalendar1452;newafterLothlórien501,502,506–7;WhiteFace,socalledbyGollum805,823,898,899
Morannon[blackgate](theBlackGate(s)ofMordor,Sauron’sgate)
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316,330,486,809,817,821,824,825,829–30passim,831–5,839–40,844,846,847,852,903,904,908,918,1068,1072,1156–69passim,1214,1220,1242,1260,1374,1436
Mordor(BlackCountry,BlackLand,DarkCountry,LandofShadow,NamelessLand,etc.)57,66,67,
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77,192,220,230,243,253,279–80,294,313–18passim,323,327–32passim,338,342,348,358,360,375,422,480,486,504,508,515,519,520,523,526,530,531,540,545,553,563,567,589,599,615,648,649,651,667,674,687,724,757,759,760,763,769,776,783,788,789,809,817,821–7passim,830–
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5passim,840–6passim,851,869,891,903,908,912,919,925,930,955,959,978,1000,1020,1042,1046,1048,1056,1065,1076,1084,1110,1122,1127,1144,1146–7,1149,1153,1154,1158–67passim,1174–9passim,1184,1186,1192,1193,1197,1198–1219passim,1220,1223,1238,1241,1242,
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1247,1250,1253,1266,1304,1332,1357,1369,1372,1373,1378,1380,1381,1382,1391,1404,1421–32passim,1486,1487;alliesof1144,seealsonamesofallies,e.g.Haradrim;captainsof1486;gatesofseeMorannon;host(s)of1020,1044,1077,1097,1190–10,1167,1241;languageofseeBlack
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Speech;slavesof1064,1269;wallsofseeEphelDúath,EredLithui;seealsoDarkness;Nazgûl;Orcs;Shadow
Morgai1176,1177,1199,1203–7,1209,1437
Morgoth(DarkPoweroftheNorth,DarknessintheNorth,theGreatEnemy,theShadow)[evilVala,primeEnemy]253,463,619–20,633,1195,
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1352,1353,1361,1363,1406,1407,1420,1482,1486,1495;servantofseeSauron
Morgul-knife256,259,266,275,289,1294
Morgul-lordseeWitch-kingMorgulPass1158,1177Morgul-road(Morgul-way)
1198,1203,1208,1436Morgul-spells320MorgulVale(ImladMorgul
[Imlad=deepvalley],
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ValleyofLivingDeath,ValleyoftheWraiths,etc.)330,908,912,915,920,929,931,938,942,947,960,1062,1157,1158,1161,1255,1270,1380,1437
Morgulduin912,921,922–3Moria(MinesofMoria,
Khazad-dûm,theBlackPit,Dwarf-kingdom,hallsofMoria–cont.Durin,etc.)313,314,
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315,349,368,385,386,387,391,393,395,404–17passim,419,433–40passim,447,455,462,463,467,468,480,499,505,522,566,567,581,614,654,697,715,733,743,841,860,867,876,885,993,1221,1406–13passim,1418,1421,1422,1423,1426–32passim,1439,1468,1495;Dwarrowdelf368,
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411,1495;bridgeof(BridgeofKhazad-dûm,Durin’sBridge)420,427–32,463,468,654,1434;doorsof(DoorsofDurin,ElvenDoor,Hollingate,West-gate)[westentrancetoMoria,madebydwarvesbutcontrolledbyspellofCelebrimbor]386–417passim,420,1421,1433,1434,1471,1473;First
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Deep427;FirstHall427,428;GreatGates(DimrillGate,East-gate)387,410,415,418
Moria–cont.419,420,421,427,433,436,438–9,440,1289,1409,1412,1427;Lordof395;name1495;North-end(Twenty-firsthall)419,421;SecondHall427–8;SeventhLevelof421;Thirddeep,upper
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armouries419;Wallsof392–5;seealsoBookofMazarbul;ChamberofMazarbul;DwarvesofMoria
Moria,Mountainsof439,1439;seealsoCaradhras;Celebdil;Fanuidhol
Moria-silverseeMithrilMorthond(Blackroot)1009,
1032,1111,1464;archersof1123;uplands
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of1009MorthondVale(Blackroot
Vale)1009,1032;menof1032–3
Morwen‘Steelsheen’1403,1404
MoundoftheRiders719–20,778,1013
MoundsseeBarrowsMountDoom(Orodruin,
AmonAmarth,MountainofFire,etc.)80,81,316,317,319,
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365,372,523,525,816,842,891,1057,1176,1178,1184,1192,1196,1199,1201,1207,1208,1213,1220,1225–40,1243,1244,1357–8,1422,1431,1437,1491;name(Orodruin)1491;seealsoCrack(s)ofDoom;SammathNaur
MountEverwhiteseeOiolossë
MountFangseeOrthanc
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MountMindolluin(Mindolluin)783,894,982,984,994,1009,1056,1065,1081,1085,1091,1093,1110–11,1254,1271–2,1278
MountainandtheWoodseeEreborandLothlórien[orDwarvesandElvesgenerally]
MountainWall(=Pelóri)307MountainsofGondorsee
WhiteMountains
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MountainsofLuneseeBlueMountains
MountainsofMoriaseeMoria,Mountainsof
MountainsofShadowseeEphelDúath
MountainsofTerror(=EredGorgoroth)253,946
MouthofSauron(LieutenantoftheTower,Messenger)1163–7passim
Mugwort,surname203
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Mugwort,Mr.211Mûmak(pl.mûmakil)see
OliphauntMundburgseeMinasTirithMuzgash1184
Náin,fatherofDáinII1411,1418NáinI1407,1418,1427NáinII1418NaithofLórien(Tongue,
Gore)451,455,485,486,491
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Náli420NamelessEnemy,Onesee
SauronNamelessLandseeMordorNamelessPassseeCirith
UngolNameless,gnawingthings
654NanCurunír(Wizard’sVale,
ValleyofSaruman)635,687,720,722–3,736–7,745,769
Nan-tasarionseeTasarinan
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NanduhirionseeDimrillDaleNár1409NarchostseeTowersofthe
TeethNardol978,1053,1091Nargothrond412,464,1364,
1421,1464,1481NarmacilI1359,1367,1369NarmacilII1359,1373–4,
1375,1426NarrowIce(=Helcaraxë)305Narsil(swordthatwas
broken,swordof
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Elendil)[redandwhiteflame]224–5,316,317,321,322,323,349,359,360,564,570,667,696,860,867,885,1022,1110,1386,1424,1430;reforged359–60,seealsoAndúril
Narvi398Narya(theThirdRing,the
RingofFire)1348,1424NaugrimseeDwarvesNazgûl(Ringwraiths,Black
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Riders,FellRiders,BlackMen,theNine,NineRiders,NineLords,MessengersofMordor,WingedMessenger,Shriekers,etc.)67–8,98–101,103–4,105,109–27passim,134,139,140,166,174,192,199,214–20passim,225,226,230,231,240,247,248,254–264passim,273–81passim,
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287–92passim,318,325,334–48passim,355–6,358,359,360,361,363,384,581,588,615,649–50,653,738,777,778,782,796,827–30passim,843,905,920,965,966,977,1000,1002,1058,1059,1061,1071,1073,1074,1077,1126,1131,1151,1159–62passim,1185,1194,1197,1198,1202,
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1211,1227,1241–8passim,1297,1327,1345,1373,1377,1378,1380,1422–7passim,1435;cryof792–3,795,823,1002,1058–9,1197,1198,1202,1211;cityofseeMinasMorgul;darknessofseeBlackBreath;LordofseeWitch-king;mountedonwingedcreatures504–5,581,
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777,782,823,843,1058,1059,1061,1131,1194,1197,1198–9,1227,1241–2,1243,1433,1435;sensesof99,248,289–90,823
NecromancerseeSauronNeekerbreekers239Neldoreth(Taur-na-neldor)
253,610,1387NenHithoel479,513,1369NenuialseeEvendim,LakeNenya(theRingofAdamant)
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475,476,506,1346NewAge1282NewReckoning1459–60NewRow1338NewYear1247;oftheElves
1438,1460NicotianaseePipe-weedNightofNaught305Nimbrethil304NimlothseeWhiteTreeNimrodel,elf441–4passim,
1427,1481;Layof1078;name1481;
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peopleof1078,1141Nimrodel,river441,442,
445,448,450,451,500,1434
Nimrodel,Bridgeof441Nimrodel,fallsof442,448Nindalf(Wetwang)486,1462Nine(NineRiders,Nine
Servants)seeNazgûlNineRingsseeRingsof
PowerNineWalkers(Nine
Companions)see
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CompanyoftheRingNiphredil456,457,1391,
1395Noakes29,30Nob200,201,217,219,221,
226,227,228,233,235–6,1297,1302
NogrodNoldorseeEldarNoman-lands486,825NorburyseeFornostNori298,1418North,the(Northerland,etc.)
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11,197,259,288,317,323,328,347,442,487,564,713,886,978;palantírof1361,1362,1364;seealsonamesoflandsintheNorthofMiddle-earth,e.g.Beleriand
NorthDowns318,1301,1362,1363,1377
North-gateseeBucklandNorthKingdom(Northern
Kingdom)seeArnor
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NorthMoors58–9NorthRoadseeGreenwayNorthStairseeStair,the,by
RaurosNorth-tooksofLongCleeve
1448NorthernFences,of
Lothlórien483Northfarthing12,58,375,
848,1329,1339–40;seealsoBattleofGreenfields
Northmen1369,1370,1407–
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8North-wayseeWestRoadNúmenor(Westernesse),
islandrealm5,21,68,253,308,316,318,779,884,885–6,888,1023,1033,1078,1136,1261,1354–7,1365,1366,1372,1420,1421,1422,1423,1482;Elenna,Isleof1354;LandoftheStar1372;calendarofseeKings’Reckoning;
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Downfallof(Akallabêth)316,1354,1454,1483;KingsandQueensof253,1354–7,1374–5,1393–4;King’sCourt1457;languagesof1482–3,seealsoAdûnaic;menofseeNúmenóreans;name1482;SeeingStonesofseePalantír
Númenóreans,oftheislandrealm(MenoftheSea)
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11,620,633,887,1375,1467,1482;theFaithful(Exiles)1356,1357–8,1422;BlackNúmenóreans(King’sMen)1163,1368;NúmenóreanswhobecameNazgûl905;inMiddle-earthaftertheDownfall(KingsofMen,MenofraceorbloodofNúmenor,Westernesse,etc.)5,68,
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303,316,318,336,349,447,520,522,647,838,861,875,878,884,885–6,1060,1078,1177,1264,1374,1375,1379,1487,seealsoDúnedain;FathersofseeEdain;Rulers(Kings,Chieftains)oftheRealmsinExile194,287,1267,1356–7,1368,1392;worksofNúmenóreans,of
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WesternessespecificallymentionedseeMinasTirith;Orthanc;SeatofSeeing;Swords,frombarrow
Núrnen,Lake(inlandsea)831,1208,1269
OathofEorlseeEorltheYoung:OathofOathbreakersseeDead,theOhtar317,1424Óin,sonofGlóin1418
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Óin,sonofGróin298,313,420,1418
Oiolossë(MountEverwhite)492OldForest29,129,134,140,141,144–60passim,168,170,178,192,198,231,285,345,609,614,1305,1306,1433;seealsoBonfireGlade
OldGrange1330OldGuesthouse1005OldmanatDooroftheDead
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1044–5OldManWillowseeWillow,
OldManOldRoadseeEast-West
RoadOldToby11OldWinyards49,89OldWordsandNamesinthe
Shire21OldWorld,North-westof3Oldbuckfamily12,128–9,
1365,1427,1449,1496;seealsoBrandybuck
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familyOldbuck,Gorhendad128–9,
1449Oliphaunt(mûmak)864,865,
882,1061,1083,1103,1107,1111,1226,1253,1293
Olog-haiseeTrollsOlórinseeGandalfOndoher1359,1374,1375,
1426One,the(=Eru,Ilúvatar)
1357,1394
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OneRingseeRing,theOnodrimseeEntsOrcrist364Orcs(gorgûn,yrch)7,72,75,
78,333,386,403,404,413,422,445,447,515,518,537,538,540,541,542,544–56passim,559–77passim,578–99passim,604,606,626,637–8,768,844,859,953,988,1002,1020,1209–12,1251,1282,
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1361,1386,1427,1436;goblins236,439,540,578,738;ofCirithUngol,MinasMorgul965,970–1,1173–84passim,1189–97passim,1436;fromDurthang1214–19,1437;ofMoria,MistyMountains14,17,57,69,296,386,419,421–2,429–30,423–4,426,429,430,432,445,447,455,497,
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522,582,583,584,585,586,587,882,1366,1381,1395,1409–16passim,1486;ofMordor(Sauron,OrcsoftheEye,Enemy)290,503–4,508–9,568,581,589–95passim,649,788,804,808–10,817,820–1,832,833,839,851,859,869,919,934,939,947,948,970,1047,1075,1077,1076,1087–
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92passim,1095,1098,1110,1156,1158–9,1167,1205,1208–11,1214–19passim,1243,1251,1381,1486;UruksofMordor422,423,965,1217,1380,1486;OrcsofSaruman340,341,615–19passim,630,633,649,681,689–713passim,719,721,730–46passim,768;Uruk-hai(Isengarders,
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withdeviceofWhiteHand)540–1,549,553,569,578–99passim,704,1289,1486;alphabetsof1468;half-orcs738;languagesof579–80,1462,1466,1486–7,1490;madeinmockeryofElves633;poisonedbladesof437;andsunlight429,434,552;seealsonamesofindividualorcs,e.g.
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GrishnákhOri298,313,419,1418OrkishseeOrcs:languagesofOrnendil1371,1425Orod-na-Thônsee
DorthonionOrodreth1360OrodruinseeMountDoomOrofarnë630Oromë(Araw,Béma)[a
Vala]1097,1359,1397,1466;wildkineofAraw988,1359
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Orophin446,447,450Orthanc(CunningMind,
MountFang)166,335,336,339,341,566,568,617,627,724,725,728,733,741–57passim,759–66passim,775,776–7,778,780,781,782,841,1021,1076,1281–4,1433,1435;devilryof(blastingfire)701,703;key(s)of760,765,1381,1400;
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Treegarthof1281Orthanc-stoneseePalantírOsgiliath(Citadelofthe
Stars)318,319,508,523,542,780,837,848,870,885,918,925–6,1000,1001,1062,1065,1068,1069,1072,1076,1079,1107,1157,1253,1262,1357,1367,1370,1371,1372,1373,1380,1423,1425,1432,1436,1462;bridgesof478,
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981;DomeofStars780;fordsof981;palantírofseePalantír;ToweroftheDomeofOsgiliath1370;EastOsgiliath1069
Ossir,SevenRiversof610Ossiriand610Ostoher1367,1424Otherworld305Outlands1008–9;Captainsof
1007Outside,fromwhencethe
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DarkLordcame172Outside(Outsiders),relative
toBreeortheShire13,196,202,1299
Over-heaven782Overhill58Overlithe1451,1455
Palantír[far-seer,pl.palantíri](Seeing-stones,SevenStones)779–84,907,978,985,991,1119,1149,1357,1422;SevenStones
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978,985,991,1357;ofAmonSûl780,1361,1364,1426;ofAnnúminas780,1364,1426;ofArnor1425;ofGondor780;ofMinasIthil(ofIsildur;Ithil-stone)780,1119,1121,1378,1384,1427,1431;ofMinasTirith(ofAnárion,MinasAnor;Anor-stone)780,1117,1119,1121,1286,1384;oftheNorth1361,1364;ofOrthanc(Orthanc-stone)761–2,763,
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770–84passim,841,1150,1286,1400,1431;ofOsgiliath780,1370,1425;oftheTowerHills(Elendil’sStone)780,1364;stonesofNúmenor907,909ParthGalen515,529,538,
542–6passim,860,1012,1251,1435
PartyField34,42,47,1339,1460
PartyTree34,36,1330PathsoftheDead656,1015,
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1020,1022,1023,1024,1025,1026,1041,1042,1043,1047,1109,1135,1144,1148,1401,1436;seealsoDead,the;DooroftheDead
Pelargir1034,1144–9passim,1153,1174,1272,1368,1371,1372,1383,1422,1425,1436,1483
Pelendur1359,1374,1379Pelennor[fencedland]
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(PelennorFields,FieldsofthePelennor,FieldofGondor)980,981,999,1056,1058,1059,1069,1070,1074,1094,1095,1098,1107,1109,1111,1149,1156,1202,1254,1392,1436;wallofseeRammasEchor;seealsoBattleofthePelennorFields
Pennies33,234PeopleoftheGreatJourney
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seeEldarPeopleoftheStarseeEldarPeredhilseeHalf-elvenPeregrin,sonofPaladinsee
Took,PeregrinPeriainseeHobbitsPhialofGaladriel(star-glass,
Lady’sglass)490–1,554,925,932,942–4,948,954,956,959,1173,1180,1193,1197,1212,1227,1236,1247,1434
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Pickthorn,Tom1299PinnathGelin[greenridges]
1009,1034,1107,1111,1265
Pipe-weed(leaf)10–11,728,1138;Nicotiana10;(sweet)galenas11,1138;westmansweed1138;seealsovarietiesofpipe-weed,e.g.LongbottomLeaf
Plague6,1362,1373,1396,1426
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Plough,theseeSickle,thePoniesseenamesof
individualponies,e.g.Bill
Poros1374,1382,1429;crossingof1382
Postmaster,inShire13PrancingPony,The(theInn
ofBree)11,193,195–212passim,220,221,222,427,1296,1298,1301–2,1433
PreciousseeRing,the
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Proudfootfamily37,38,40Proudfoot,Bodo1445Proudfoot,LindanéeBaggins
1445Proudfoot,Odo40,51,1445Proudfoot,Olo1445Proudfoot,Sancho51,1445Puddifootfamily120Púkel-men1039,1040,1088
Quendi(Elves)1495Quenya(High-elven,Ancient
Speech,Ancient
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Tongue,nobletongue,etc.)105–6,111,492,1129–30,1358,1359,1453,1456–77passim,1480,1481,1486,1495
Quest80,86,351,438,464,465,478,493,514,530,538,554,878,885,961–2,1192,1230,1239–40,1242;ofBilboandThorin,i.e.ofErebor14,17,1414;ofMountDoom365
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Quickbeam(Bregalad)629,728,736,740–1,1281,1284
RadagasttheBrown334,335,337,340,357,1432Radbug1184RammasEchor(Rammas)
981,982,984,1067–8,1076,1086–7,1094,1095,1111,1112,1270,1274
RangersseeDúnedain
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RathCelerdainseeLampwrights’Street
RathDínen(SilentStreet)984,1081,1082,1085,1115,1116,1120,1267,1273,1277,1393,1443
Rauros(Falls,cataractsofRauros)479,486,495,507–8,513–14,517,518,522,524,537,540,542,543–4,860,867,872,885,993,1150,1253,1272,1480
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ReckoningofRivendellseeRivendell:calendarof
ReckoningofYears20–1RedArrow1045,1069,1093RedBookofthePeriannath
20RedBookofWestmarch
(BilboBaggins’book,diary)1,2,10,17,18,19,41,52,137,301,351,352,356,360,597,1294,1329,1343–4,1347,1419,1442,1450,
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1453,1458,1489,1493,1496
RedstarintheSouth357RedhornseeCaradhrasRedhornGate(RedhornPass)
357,369,371,373,374,383,384,1291,1366,1409,1425,1428
Remmirath,theNettedStars107
Reunited(restored)Kingdom19,1459
Rhosgobel334,357
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Rhovanion1371–80passim,1064,1425,1432;kingsof1395
Rhudaur263,1360,1361,1362,1425;Hillmenof1361;menof263
Rhûn323,988;menof1243Rhûn,Seaof(InlandSea)
323,988,1002,1359,1368,1369,1405
RhymesofLore779RiddermarkseeRohanRiddle-game15–16,75
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RidersofRohanseeRohirrimRimmonseeMin-RimmonRing,the(OneRing,theOne,
GreatRing,RingofPower,RulingRing,Master-ring,RingoftheEnemy,etc.)15–18,41–7,52,61–86passim,98,103,136–7,138,174,184,206,210–11,222,224,231,248,255,256,257,285–94passim,297,301–2,313–33
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passim,338,345–52passim,358,359,361,365,384,385,387,406,414,439,474,475,476,477,518–31passim,538,593,639,646–9passim,652,807,815,824,828,834,869,878,885,889,890,905,924–5passim,932,960–3passim,978,1064,1078,1147,1150,1151–2,1175–9passim,1182,
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1186,1192,1193,1201,1202,1223–39passim,1275,1293,1340,1344,1357,1392–3,1394,1419,1420,1421,1422,1423,1427–32passim,1439,1452;Isildur’sBane317,320,322,324,860,866,874,875,877,993;RingofIsildur68–9,324,328–9,359;calledPreciousbyGollum(andinreferring
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tohimbyFrodoandSam),Bilbo,andIsildur15–16,44,74–5,329,801,802,803,805,807,815,820,821,827–35passim,837,841,898–902passim,934,947,1234,1235,1238;inscription(fire-writing)66,807,1473,1487;WarofseeWaroftheRing
Ring,Company
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(Companions)oftheseeCompanyoftheRing
RingofBarahir1364,1386,1431
Ring-versev,66;seealsoRing,the:inscription
RingsofPower(GreatRings,Elven-rings)61,63,73,74,77–8,315,325,329,733,905,1150,1346;lesserrings61;ThreeRings(ofElves)66,67,68,78,315,325,328,
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329,350,475–7,1272,1290,1351,1393,1422,1423,1424,1441seealsoNarya,Nenya,Vilya;SevenRings(ofDwarves)66,67,78,325,328,349,477,1408,1473;Thrór’sRing1408,1413,1414,1418;NineRings(ofMortalMen)66,67,78,325,328,477;seealsoElven-smiths:ofEregion
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Ringló1145,1436RinglóValeRingwraithsseeNazgûlRivendell(Imladris,houseof
Elrond,LastHomelyHouse)4,19,21,86,105,109,138,217,222,225,232,233,245,251,253,261–2,274,275,277,279,285–310passim,317,320,344,354–69passim,378,384,396,405,406,441,
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454,453,466,467,476,526,573,590,597,614,647,646,658,733,770,780,850,853,860,867,884,954,963,1022,1026,1142,1212,1245,1274,1275,1280,1289–94passim,1343,1344,1358,1360,1365,1377,1386,1387,1389,1390,1391,1415,1417,1422,1424,1430–40passim,1491;calendarof
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(ReckoningofRivendell)1453–5,1459;name1491;HallofFire301,360,364,954
RiverRunning(Celduin)1370,1380,1407–8
River-daughterseeGoldberryRiver-woman156Road,asidea46–7,96–7,
372Roadsseenamesofroads,
e.g.East-WestRoad
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Rohan(Riddermark[Riddenamearc,landoftheknights],theMark,etc.)20–1,320,341,342,453,486,496–7,522,545–51passim,555,561–72passim,590,598,617,627,637,639,648–53passim,658,659,661,662,663,664,670–6passim,680–5passim,696,698,700,703,710,736,738,742,
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748,749,753,769,782,796,872,879,887,978,980–1,983,996,1001,1003,1004,1013–14,1016,1029,1036,1040,1046,1047,1051,1053,1069,1074,1075,1085,1090,1111,1114,1128,1136,1142,1255,1270,1276,1277,1278,1279,1289,1300,1318,1351,1381,1382,1396–1406passim,1419,1428–43
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passim,1456,1461,1463,1464,1480,1484,1485,1489;barrows,moundsofseeBarrowfield;East-mark567;EastWallof550,568;WestMarches669;emblemof(whitehorse,greathorserunningfreeusuallyupongreen)1050,1097,1099,1109,1167,1405;horsesof,characteristics341,571,
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590,1049;horsesof,theftortribute341,560–1,566,1404;kings,lordsof(Mark-wardens)564,1051,1278,1400–05,1428;name1461,1463;namesin1464;Riders,menofseeRohirrim;seealsoEastDales;Eastfold;GapofRohan;Helm’sDeep;Westfold;WoldofRohan;etc.
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Roheryn1019,1024Rohirrim(Riders,menof
Rohan,Riders,host,knightsoftheMark,RidersofThéoden,etc.)[Rider:inRohan(ridda),aKnightoftheking’strainedcavalry]21,341,385,497,547,548,549,555,559,560,561,566,570,574,576,589–99passim,614–15,649,661,662,675,676,684,
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687–99passim,705–7passim,718,719,724,753,755,756,757,767,777,796,886,887,981,983,1004,1012–28passim,1035–41passim,1045,1049,1050,1051,1052,1055,1066,1067,1068,1069,1075,1086,1091–7passim,1104–9passim,1128,1129,1137,1144,1153,1154,1155,1174,1242,1249,
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1255,1257,1265,1266,1270,1276,1277,1278,1360,1381,1380,1382,1390,1396–1405passim,1428,1435,1436,1480,1484,1493;Eorlingas(Eorlings)675,677,683,685,688,705,1044,1051,1099,1396,1484;Forgoil,Strawheads700,1484;horse-boys(horsebreeders)583,
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587,592;Horsemen(Horse-men,Horse-lords)341,373,496,555,637,649,663–4,738,1089–90,1091,1293;MiddlePeoples,MenoftheTwilight887;Northmen1099;robbersoftheNorth700;SonsofEorl567,1047,1094;Whiteskins(night-eyes)587–91passim;calendarof
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1456;hornsof598,687,705,706,1085,1096–7,1105,1107,1111,1278,1280–1,1380,1399–1400,1436;languageof21,662–3,724,887,1484,1485,1493,1496;name1461;writing1468
RómendacilI‘East-victor’(Tarostar)1359,1367,1369–70,1424
RómendacilII(Minalcar)1359,1371,1373
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Roper,Andwise‘Andy’798,1450
Roper,Anson1450Rose,daughterofHolman
‘thegreenhanded’1450Ruffians(Chief’sMen,
Sharkey’sMen)1314–30passim,1336,1337
Rules,the,ancientlaw12Rules,imposedbyLotho
1309,1324,1325Rumble,Widow1340Rúmil
446,450,451,1467
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Runes32,222,244–5,272,304,360,412,416–17,418,434,488,489,540,541,668,851,1280,1409,1467–8;Cirth1467,1468,1475–9;seealsoAngerthasDaeron;AngerthasMoria;Daeron’sRunes
RunningRiverseeRiverRunning
Rushey129Rushlight,surname203
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Sackville-Bagginsfamily(theS.-B.s)27,30,37,39,40–1,49,87,89–90,135,137–8,342,355Sackville-Baggins,Lobelia
néeBracegirdle37,49–53passim,87,90,1326,1445,1447,1327
Sackville-Baggins,Lotho(theBoss,theChief,Pimple)87,89,90,750,1304,1307–27passim,1330–5passim,1445,1447
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Sackville-Baggins,Otho37,50–1,53,87,1445,1447
SammathNaur(ChambersofFire)1232,1236,1237,1238,1244,1437;seealsoCrack(s)ofDoom
Sandheaver,surname203SandymantheMiller30,51,
58,1325–6Sandyman,Ted58–9,84,
423,472,1325–6,1331Sangahyando1372SarnFord225,1309,1320,
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1433,1442SarnGebir479,502,503,
507,508,510,1434;portage-way508–10
Saruman(SarumantheWhite,SarumantheWise,etc.)63–4,76,325,326–8,333–42passim,345,347,348–9,385,473,541,556,566,568,569,574–6,581,594,615,616,617,627,633–4,636–52passim,
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664,676,679,680,681,686,688,690,691,700,701,709,710,711,712,715,719–29passim,730,731,733,738–66passim,770,773–82passim,841,990,1021,1046,1066,1135,1138,1165,1282,1284,1287,1288,1289,1304,1332–5,1382,1383,1400–05passim,1416,1424,1428,1429,1430,1431,
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1435,1439,1440;Curunír1424;SarumanofManyColours337;SarumanRing-maker337;Sharkey1315,1325,1326,1332,1337,1338;tree-killer740;voiceof(powerofpersuasion)740,752,753–62,1282–3,1333;hostofseeOrcs;Men,inserviceofSaruman568;treasonofIsengard
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1001–2;seealsoIsengard;Orthanc;WhiteHand
Sauron(DarkLord,Enemy,BlackOne,BlackHand,BlackMaster,BaseMasterofTreachery,DarkPower,darkhandsoftheEast,NamelessOne,etc.)21,57,61–9passim,77–82passim,109,136,172,184,190,223,224,225–6,248,
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253,266,274,288–91passim,294,302,313–14passim,323,325,326,329–33passim,334–7passim,346–51passim,358,363,365,375,376,385,386,389,452,453,458,465,471–7passim,495,496,519–24passim,556,560,563,564,566,621,633,646,648,649,651,653,669,717,735,757,763,
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773–7passim,779,780,788,795,807817,823–43passim,848,851,861,862,867–73passim,877,885–8passim,889,925,929,933,934,937,946,948,961,965,968,971,981,988,994,1001,1022,1023–4,1026,1046,1061–71passim,1074,1076,1077,1078,1092,1098,1099,1117–22
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passim,1127,1129,1147–67passim,1177,1178,1207,1214,1217,1219,1222,1223,1227,1232,1233,1236,1237,1247,1256,1262,1266,1272,1354,1355,1356,1368,1372,1373,1381–5passim,1389,1390,1391–2,1404,1405,1406,1413,1414,1415,1416–17,1421,1422,1423,1427,1429,1430,
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1431,1432,1437,1438,1459,1487,1490,1495;Necromancer326;servantofMorgoth1420;name1491;servants,hostsof289,313–14,873–4,1034,1071,1077,seealsoNazgûl,Orcs;LordoftheRing294;shadowof1241–2;slavesof1227;throneof1223;seealsoBarad-dûr;Eye,the;
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ShadowSauron’sRoad1232,1233Scary1336,1337ScathatheWorm1279–80,
1396–7;hoardof1396–7
Sea,the3,5,9,11,59,104,105,142,169,171,184,242,262,287,293,305,306,316,319,326,347,384,443,444,453,454,473,475,476,485–6,496,507,508–9,522,
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542,543,549,550,610,615,620,633,656,659,663,725,779,825,850,871,886,888,919,982,999,1002,1032,1052–3,1056,1088,1097,1106,1109,1112,1125,1143,1145,1148,1192,1204,1265,1267,1272,1288,1292,1327,1339,1347,1354–7,1364–72passim,1382,1390,1392,1395,1419,1420,
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1424,1428,1430,1441,1442,1443,1454,1482,1483;GreatSea104,105,195,454,506,542,725,825,1268,1352;SunderingSeas252,253,485,782;WesternSeas104,412,1345
SeatofHearingseeAmonLhaw
SeatofSeeingseeAmonHenSecondAge21,315,1351,
1355,1358,1420–3,
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1468SecretFire430Seeing-stonesseePalantírSeenandtheUnseen290SevenRingsseeRingsof
PowerSevenStarsseeElendil:
emblemsofSevenStonesseePalantírShadow,the,i.e.therecurring
andgrowingpowerofevil,especiallyofSauron67–8,77,220,
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314,342,358,445,453,454,516,646,788,909,1002,1035,1055,1065,1092,1206,1224,1246,1258,1261,1278,1373,1391,1393,1394,1406,1422,1437;sometimesusedasasynonymforSauronorMordor;seealsoMorgoth
ShadowHostseeDead,theShadowfax342,344,566,
590,658,659,660,664,
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669,681,684,685,688,707,709,719,778,783,978,979,983,984,994,996,997,1005–12,1038,1060,1073,1085,1113,1114,1131,1277,1297,1300,1305,1397,1433,1467,1493;name1493
Shadowmere306Shadows1353ShadowyMountainssee
EphelDúath
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Shagrat(CaptainoftheTower)964–71,1175,1179–88passim,1200,1202,1209,1211,1437
SharkeyseeSarumanSharkey’sEnd1338Sharkû1332,1487Sharp-ears188ShathûrseeFanuidholShelob(She,herLadyship,
theWatcher)828,841,905,938–55passim,960,963–71passim,
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1174,1175,1177,1180,1184,1212,1431,1436,1440;lairof(TorechUngol)840–1,928,930,938–51,962,963passim,1174–5,1187,1436
Ship,asemblemseeDolAmroth
Ship-kings1268,1424Shire,the(country,landof
theHalflings)2–14passim,18,19,20–1
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passim,27–145passim,173,183,190–207passim,216,217,218,219,222,223,225–6,231,241,246,265,276,287,290,293,297,301,302,310,324,331–42passim,344,345,353,360,375,414,418,423,427,453,457,467,469,472,506,517,526,614,728,750,765,793,798,842,845,850,860,944,
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954,978,986,989,994,998,1002,1006,1012,1018,1036,1055,1058,1139,1156,1165,1188,1197,1231,1239,1249,1275,1280,1286,1291–1349passim,1360–67passim,1415,1416,1426–33passim,1439–43passim,1452,1489;calendarofseeShireReckoning;clocksin856;holidaysin13,
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1341,1459–94;Marchesof12;MessengerService13;name1491;orderingof12–13;personalnamesin1491–3;place-namesin1485,1491,1493–4;Postmaster13;QuickPostService1312;recordsin19–21,1458;settlementof4,5;Shire-fashion,advice1292;Shire-folk,Shire-hobbits
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21,196,197,205,226,253,353,469,1021,1036,1156,1317,1365,1428,1440,etc.;Shire-historians1329;Shire-moot12;Shire-muster12;Watch13;‘sureasShiretalk’845;seealsoBuckland;Bywater;Eastfarthing;Farthings;GreenHills;Hobbiton;Hobbits;NorthMoors;Northfarthing;
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Southfarthing;Three-FarthingStone;Tookland;Westfarthing;Westmarch;etc.
ShireReckoning(Shire-reckoning)6,10,734,1174,1247,1351,1441,1444,1451–3,1455–60
Shirriff-houses1311,1312,1325,1337
Shirriffs13,1310–15passim,1320,1325,1337;FirstShirriff13
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Sickle,the(Plough,GreatBear)228
SiegeofBarad-dûr1423SilentStreetseeRathDínenSilentWatchers840,926,
839Silmariën1355,1375Silmaril(s)(Jewels,Great
Jewel)253,305,307,360,932,942,1245,1352,1353
Silmarillion,The1353,1488SilvanElves(Silvanfolk,
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Wood-elves,East-elves)76,78,369,441–9,1420,1427,1438,1481;languageof441,445;seealsonamesofSilvanElves,e.g.Haldir
SilverTreeseeTelperion;WhiteTree
SilverlodeseeCelebrantSilvertineseeCelebdilSimbelmynë(Evermind)662,
1031,1400SindarseeEldar
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Sindarin(Grey-elven)368–9,398–9,400,442,446,724,861,1453,1459–66passim1471–5,1481–7
Sirannon(Gate-stream)392,393;seealsoStairFalls
Siriondil1359,1375Skinbark(Fladrif)618,630,
1462Slag-hills1161,1437Smallburrow,Robin1311–
12,1313SmaugtheGolden(the
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Dragon)14,18,299,333,1292,1408,1415,1416,1428,1430;firework36
SméagolseeGollumSmial(s)8,9,1338,1485,
1494;seealsonamesofindividualsmials,e.g.BrandyHall
SmithsseeElven-smithsSnaga[slave]587,1184–6,
1188,1189–90,1486Snowbourn661,662,1035,
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1037,1040,1044,1051,1053,1493;name1493
Snowmane684,687–8,703,1019,1049,1096,1097,1099–1100,1106
Snowmane’sHowe1106SnowmenofForochelsee
LossothSorcererKingofAngmarsee
Witch-kingSouth,the,relativeto
inhabitantsoftheNorth201,203–4,301,334;
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strangersfrom,atBree201,203–4,210,215–16,235,1314,seealsoSoutherner,squint-eyed;seealsoBelfalas;DolAmroth;Gondor;Harad;etc.
SouthIthilien981,1143,1374,1426
SouthLane1317SouthRoad1007SouthernStar11Southerner,squint-eyed204,
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210,215–16,227,1314Southfarthing10,12,49,99,
496,1288,1298,1304,1309,1324,1339,1428,1431
Southfarthingleaf750Southlinch1298SouthronsseeHaradrimSouthwardRoad,inIthilien
903–4,918SpearofGil-galadseeAeglosSpringle-ring38Staddle195,196,203,235,
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237,1299Staffs,giftofFaramir908–9,
950,956Stair,the,byMoria394–5,
392,393Stair,the,byRauros(North
Stair)508,524StairFalls392Stairs,the,ofCirithUngol
seeStraightStair;WindingStair
StandingSilence884,1250Standingstones179,180
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StarofElendilseeElendilmirStaroftheDúnedain1019,
1382,1441Starkhorn661,1035,1039,
1040Stars,asemblemsseeArnor;
Durin;Elendil;FëanorStewardsofGondor(Ruling
Stewards,RulersoftheCity,LordoftheCity,ofGondor,etc.)[StewardoftheHighKing(titleofrulersofGondor)]328,
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700,875,886,989,1078,1081,1112,1121,1127–8,1152,1158,1159,1359–60,1379–85;seealsonamesofindividualStewards,e.g.DenethorII;bannerof984,1265,1379;seealsoHouseoftheStewards
Stewards’Reckoning1454–5,1459
Sting(Elvishknife),sword
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15,18,41,361,364,404,421,423,439,449,500,515,802,859,945,950,951,953,956,962,963,969–70,971,1173,1180,1183,1186,1190,1193,1212,1227,1250,1292
Stock93,100,117,120,127,129
Stock-brook117StockRoad1344StoneofErech(BlackStone)
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[atryst-stone(symbolofIsildur’soverlordship)]1023,1024,1031–4passim,1144,1146;seealsoErech
Stone-trollsseeTrollsStonebows,Bridgeof5–6;
seealsoBrandywineBridge
StonesofSeeingseePalantírStonewainValley1090,
1091,1174Stoors4,8,69,1362,1425,
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1426,1485,1492;languageof1485;names1492–3
StraightStair841,927,928,966,967
StriderseeAragornIIStrider,pony1344Stybba1019,1049,1052Summerfilth1456Sun,calledYellowFaceby
Gollum812,838,846,852,863,899
SunderingSeasseeSea,the
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SunlendingseeAnórienSunlessYear104Swan,asemblemseeDol
AmrothSwan-ship485,486Swanfleetriver1289Swans,black498Swertings(SwarthyMen)see
HaradrimSwish-tail188Swordthatwasbrokensee
NarsilSwordsseenamesof
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individualswords,e.g.Sting;frombarrow191,255–6,257,278,361,422–3,538,591,941,943–4,1017–18,1095,1101,1105,1165,1169,1249,1250,1437;melts1105
TalanseeFletTaleofAragornandArwen,
The20,1385–95TaleofYears,The21,1420–
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43Taniquetil(theMountain)
306Tar-Alcarin1354Tar-Aldarion1354,1375Tar-Amandil1354,1355Tar-Anárion1354Tar-Ancalimë1345,1375,
1421Tar-Ancalimon1354,1422Tar-Ardamin1354–5Tar-Atanamir1354,1355–6,
1422
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Tar-Calmacil1422Tar-Ciryatam1422Tar-Elendil1355,1354,1375Tar-Meneldur1354,1375Tar-Minastir1354,1355,
1422Tar-MinyaturseeElrosTar-
MinyaturTar-Míriel1355Tar-Palantir‘TheFarsighted’
(Ar-Inziladûn)1355,1356,1422
Tar-Súrion1354
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Tar-Telemmaitë1354Tar-Telperiën1354Tar-Vanimeldë1354TarannonFalastur‘Lordof
theCoasts’1359,1367Tarcil1358Tarciryan1359Targon998Tark(s)1185,1487Tarlang’sNeck1034Tarmenel305Tarondor1359,1373,1426TarostarseeRómendacilI
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Tasarinan(Nan-tasarion[ValeofWillows])610,1285
Taters(potatoes)29,31,855,856,1327
Taur-na-neldorseeNeldorethTaur-nu-Fuin252–3Tauremornalómë611TeethofMordorseeTowers
oftheTeethTelchar667TelcontarseeAragornIITelemnar1359,1373,1426
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Telperion(SilverTree,WhiteTree,EldestofTrees)779,842,1273,1352;oneoftheTwoTreesofValinor1352,1353
TelumehtarUmbardacil1359,1373,1426
Tengwar32,66,1463–9Thain[chieftain]6,12–13,
1426Thain’sBook20,1481Thangorodrim932,1352,
1407,1421
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Tharbad4,357,487,1360,1429
TharkûnseeGandalfThengel670,755,1382,
1403;seealsoThéoden,sonofThengel
Théoden,sonofThengel(King,LordoftheMark,LordofRohan,LordoftheRohirrim,Horsemaster,FatherofHorse-men,ThéodenEdnew,etc.)341,563–
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71passim,650,653,658,661–93passim,700–12passim,717–21passim,726–9passim,746–9passim,767,776,783,983,987,990,996,1013–20passim,1022,1024–5passim,1035–63passim,1055,1086–1106passim,1111,1121,1128,1134–8passim,1149,1202,1255,1270,1277–80
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passim,1397,1403–4,1430,1431,1433,1435–6;householdof(lordsoftheHouseofEorl,oftheGoldenHouse)688,692,705,708,1017,1050,1094,1104,1105
Théodred669,683,687,756,1404,1435
Théodwyn1403,1404ThingolGrey-cloak252,253,
1352,1421,1468,1481ThirdAge1,3,14,19,21,
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324,1269,1272,1347,1351,1378,1395,1401,1405,1420,1423–43,1458;beginningof1467
Thistlewool,surname203ThorinI1408,1418,1427ThorinII‘Oakenshield’14,
297,349,364,361,414,1408–18passim,1428,1430
ThorinIII‘Stonehelm’1418,1438,1439
Thorondir1360
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Thorondor1241ThorongilseeAragornIIThráinI1407,1418,1427ThráinII,sonofThrór
(Durin’sHeir)349,387,1408–18passim,1428
Thranduil312,332,355,461,1419,1420,1432,1437,1438
Three-FarthingStone1313,1339
ThreeHousesofMen(theElf-friends)seeEdain
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ThreeHunters(Aragorn,Gimli,Legolas)546,643
ThreeKindreds546,1495ThreeRingsseeRingsof
PowerThrihyrne687,689,779Throne,ofGondor(throneof
gold)549,987,1268Thrór313,349,387,1407,
1408–9,1413,1418,1428;ringof349
Tighfield798,1450Tim,introllsong270
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TindrockseeTolBrandirTinúvielseeLúthienTirion306,485,781TobaccoseePipe-weedTolBrandir(Tindrock)486,
495,508,513,515–17passim,523,531,542,554,567,573,823,872
Tom,introllsong270–1TomBombadilseeBombadil,
TomTombsseeBarrows;Hallows;
HouseoftheKings;
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HouseoftheStewardsTongueseeNaithofLórienTook,The13Tookfamily4,12–13,37,
38–9,40,48,196,600–1,771,1139,1321,1327–8,1448,1458,1491;names1491;seealsoGreatSmials;Tookland
Took,Adalgrim1448Took,AdamantanéeChubb
1448
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Took,Adelard48,1448Took,Bandobras‘Bullroarer’
2,7,388,1292,1366,1428,1448
Took,Diamond,ofLongCleeve1441,1448
Took,EglantinenéeBanks1448
Took,Everard38,1448Took,Faramir1442,1450,
1448Took,Ferdibrand1448Took,Ferdinand1448
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Took,Ferumbras(II)1448Took,Ferumbras(III)1448Took,Flambard1448Took,Fortinbras(I)1448Took,Fortinbras(II)1448Took,Gerontius‘theOld
Took’28,29,56,600–1,1292,1343,1346,1428,1429,1448
Took,GoldilocksnéeGamgee1347,1441,1448,1450
Took,Hildibrand1448
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Took,Hildifons1448Took,Hildigard1448Took,Hildigrim1445,1448Took,Isembard1448Took,Isembold1448Took,Isengar1448Took,Isengrim(II)11,13,
1448Took,Isengrim(III)2,1448Took,Isumbras(I)1427Took,Isumbras(III)2,1448Took,Isumbras(IV)1448Took,Paladin989,991,994,
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1321;seealsoTook,Peregrin,sonofPaladin
Took,Pearl1448Took,Peregrin(I)‘Pippin’,
sonofPaladin2,20,21,56,89–281passim,285–6,290,291,292,294,296,311,354,357,359,364–528passim,539,540,552,563,564–5,569,572,574,578–635passim,637,638,639,640,644,646,647,648–
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9,650,652,726–50passim,752,762,765,767–84,860,977–1011passim,1016,1020,1035,1036,1042,1054–69,1070–2,1075,1077,1079–83,1087,1090,1113–16,1120,1121,1122,1124–5,1134,1137,1139,1141,1142,1143–4,1156,1162,1164,1168–9,1174,1251,1252,1266,1271,
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1277,1285–6,1289,1292,1295–1322,1327,1328,1329,1330,1337,1338,1340,1341,1342,1347,1348,1349,1351,1433,1435,1441,1443,1445,1448,1450,1464,1489;PrinceoftheHalflings1056;Thain1443
Took,Pervinca1448Took,Pimpernel1448Took,Reginard1448
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Took,RosanéeBaggins1445,1448
Took,Sigismond1448Tookland12,93,1321,1327TorechUngolseeShelob:lair
ofTowerHallseeCitadelof
GondorTowerHills(EmynBeraid)9,
103,780,1364,1442,1450;palantírof780,1364;seealsoWhiteTowers
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TowerofEcthelionseeWhiteTower,ofMinasTirith
TowerofSorceryseeMinasMorgul
Towerofthe(Rising)MoonseeMinasIthil
Towerofthe(Setting)SunseeMinasAnor
TowersoftheTeeth(CarchostandNarchost,TeethofMordor)830,847,1161,1177,1242
TownHole204
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TranslationsfromtheElvish20,1292
Tree,theseeWhiteTreeTree-men58–9TreeoftheHighElves397,
398Tree-peopleseeElvesof
Lothlórien(Galadhrim)Treebeard601–35passim,
650,651,652,726,728,729,731,732,736,737,738,739,741–2,743–4,747,748,749,751,763,
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764–5,766,767,990,1281–4,1285,1289,1435,1439,1486;Fangorn604,618,651,729,1281,1282,1283;name604;Eldest1285;oldestlivingthing651,729
Treebeard’sHill602–7,641–4
Trees,TwoseeLaurelin;Telperion
Trolls(Stone-trolls)12,57,
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249,261,263,268–71passim,290,293,429,1243,1487;cave-troll422;Hill-trolls1168–9,1386;Olog-hai1487;languageof1487,1490;Sam’ssongofthetroll270–1
Trolls’wood(Trollshaws)263–9passim
Tuckborough8,20,600,1006,1321,1328,1458
Tumladen999
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Tunnelly,surname203Tuor1353Turambar1359,1367Turgon,kingofGondolin
1352–3Turgon,steward1360,1382,
1403Túrin,oftheFirstAge353,
953TúrinI,steward1360TúrinII,steward1360,1381–
2,1403Twilight,oftheWest1391,
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1393TwoTreesofValinorsee
Laurelin;TelperionTwoWatchersseeWatchersTwofoot,Daddy29
TyrnGorthadseeBarrow-downsUdûn,flameof[hell],i.e.
dwellingofMorgothbeneathThangorodrim430;[aregionofMordor]1214,1218,
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1219,1243,1437Ufthak969Uglúk579–98passim,614,
617,735Umbar862,1001,1145,
1368,1356,1371,1372,1373,1381,1383,1422,1425,1426,1480,1483;fleetof1145,1146;name1483;seealsoCorsairsofUmbar
Undergate(under-gate,Underway)962,964,
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1173,1182Underharrow1051Underhill,surname203;see
alsoBaggins,FrodoUnderhill,fromStaddle1299Undertowers19,1442UndómielseeArwenUndyingLands(Realm)see
AmanUngoliant947Upbourn1051Uruk-haiseeOrcsUruksseeOrcs
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UttermostWestseeAman
Valacar1359,1369,1370,1425Valandil317,323,513,1267,
1355,1358,1424Valandur1358Valar,the(Authorities,
GuardiansoftheWorld,LordsoftheWest,thosewhodwellbeyondtheSea)15,347,864,1097,1261–2,1352,1353,
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1354,1356–7,1419,1359,1457;Banof1354,1356–7;thronesof1268
Valimar492Valinor306,1275,1353,
1420,1422Valinorean,language1132VardaseeElberethVardamir1354VariagsofKhand1107,1110Vidugavia1370Vidumavi1370
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Vilya1346,1424VinitharyaseeEldacarVorondil‘theHunter’988,
1359
Wainriders1373,1374,1395,1426Walda1279,1402,1429WanderingCompanies111WanderingDays3WandlimbseeFimbrethilWaroftheDwarvesandOrcs
1381–2,1409–10,1417,
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1428WaroftheElvesandSauron
1422WaroftheGreatJewels1482WaroftheRing20,21,287,
580,588,1344,1351,1353,1384,1385,1392,1405,1411,1417,1419,1440,etc.
WardenoftheHousesofHealingseeHousesofHealing
WardensoftheWestmarch
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19,1442,1450WargsseeWolvesWatcherintheWater394,
401–2,420Watchers,ofCirithUngol
(TwoWatchers)1180,1185,1196–7
WatchfulPeace1366,1379–80,1427
Watchwood766Water,the36,93,109,1201,
1326,1330Water-valley93,101
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WaybreadseeLembasWaymeet1320,1321,1320,
1322,1327WeatherHills239,240,241–
4,248,249,1361Weathertop4,225,237–45
passim,254,260,261,264,269,275,285,344,437,1295,1361,1433;AmonSûl242,344,780,1361,1364,1425;palantírofAmonSûlseePalantír;TowerofAmon
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Sûl242,1361,1425Wellinghall612,736Werewolves290West-elvesseeEldarWest-gate,ofMoriasee
MoriaWestMarch,ofShire12WestRoad(North-way),
fromMinasTirithtoRohan1154,1270–1,1274
Westemnet568WesternesseseeNúmenor
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Westfarthing9,12,30,204,1460,1475,1489
Westfold688,692,707,757,1018,1160;Dalesof783;menof(Helmingas,Westfolders,etc.)692,693,699,702,707,708,709,711,712seealsoErkenbrand,lordofWestfold,Grimbold;Valeof688,689,690
Westlands(WestoftheWorld,West),i.e.the
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WestofMiddle-earth195,316,318,464,685,1420,1421,1468,1473,1481,1483,1487;West,the(freefolkof,menof,childrenof,armyof,etc.),i.e.thosefreeof,andopposingSauron77,318,1024,1118,1156,1165,1249,1261–2
WestmansweedseePipe-weed
Westmarch12,1442,1450;
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seealsoRedBookofWestmarch
WetwangseeNindalfWhiteCompany1269–70WhiteCouncil(Councilof
theWise)57,62,63,69,326,327–8,333,345,346,464,616,1293,1379–80,1400,1416,1427–32passim
WhiteDowns8,13,1313–14,1347
WhiteHand,pillarof722,
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767;asemblemseeIsengard
Whitehorse,emblemofRohanseeRohan
WhiteMountains(EredNimrais,MountainsofGondor,etc.)318,336,341,374,444,487,496–7,549,555,659,686,687,779,886,894,908,978,981,982,1033,1035,1038,1381,1396,1398,1402,1484
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WhiteRiderseeGandalfWhiteship1348WhiteTower,ofMinasTirith
(TowerofEcthelion)542,859,982,984,1001,1047,1070–4,1077,1079,1080,1117,1121,1140,1251,1265,1304,1385,1426,1428
WhiteTowers(Elf-towers)9,59,347,1347;seealsoTowerHills
WhiteTree,ofGondor
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(SilverTree,theTree)318,328,549,779,838,877–8,985,1056,1109,1262,1272–3,1275,1373,1381,1385,1405,1423–7passim,1439,1457;Nimloth[whiteflower]1273,1357,1457;seealsoWitheredTree
WhiteTree,ofValinorseeTelperion
White-socks188
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Whitfoot,Will(MayorofMichelDelving,Flourdumpling)204,206,1312,1325,1336–7,1341,1440,1441
Whitfurrows1312Whitwell1006Widfara1094WightsseeBarrow-wightsWild,the82,217,223,259,
302,355,1430;Wilderness274
WildMen,ofDunlandsee
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DunlendingsWildMen(Woses)1087,
1088–90,1091–2,1094,1436,1480,1484;seealsoGhân-buri-Ghân
Wilderland4,14,69,76,77,297,327,357,366,468,501,506,508,514,615,651,1362,1425,1485
Willow,OldMan(Willow-man,GreatWillow)156–8,165,170
Windfola1053,1100
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WindingStair745–6,841,928,966,967
WindowoftheEye1232WingedShadow(s),Terror
seeNazgûlWinterfilth1451,1457Wise,the[theWizardsand
theRulersoftheElves]3,62,63,64,69,72,74,325,326,334,337,349,353,803,1071,1344,1425,1427;seealsoWhiteCouncil
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Wise-nose188Witch-king(sorcererkingof
Angmar,Wraith-king,chiefoftheRingwraiths,LordoftheNazgûl,Morgul-lord,BlackCaptain,CaptainofDespair,etc.)6,256,257,258,280,287,324–5,344,924–5,965–6,1069,1071,1073,1077,1079,1083,1084,1085,1095,1098,1099–1102,
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1105,1107,1121,1151,1177,1202,1211,1361,1363,1364,1376–9passim,1395,1405,1419,1426,1427,1436;cryof1100,1101,1121;Dwimmerlaik1100;wingedbeastof1099–1102,1107
WitheredTree(DeadTree)[deadrelicoftheTreeofGondor]985,1080,1262,1272–3,1275;see
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alsoWhiteTree,ofGondor
Withywindle129,148–9,151,158,165,168,177;valleyof148–50,168
Wizard(s)[oneoftheOrderofIstari]11,14,110,519,615–16,633,667,722,760,768,770–1,774,892,1063,1423;Order63,328,334,335,758,761,1423–4;Istari1423,1424;Five
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Wizards760,1424;seealsonamesofindividualWizards,e.g.Gandalf;theword‘wizard’oftenrefersspecificallytoGandalf,andisalsousedcasuallytoreferto[amagician;anyonecreditedwithstrangepowers;contemptuously;‘wizardry’:magicofkindpopularlyascribedtotheWizards]
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Wizard’sValeseeNanCurunír
WoldofRohan558,572,1053,1094,1282,1396,1401,1428
Wolf,FarmerMaggot’sdog120,121
WolfofAngband253Wolf-riders568,690,719Wolves7,120,339,341,357,
387–8,400,401,402,447,455,522,688,718,719,723,738,746,747,
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885,1300,1414,1434;wargs290,387–90;whitewolves231,375,1429;HoundofSauron389;seealsoWolfofAngband
Wood-elvesseeElvesWoodhall93,100,106,114–
16Woodmen,ofMirkwood76;
languageof1483–4WoodyEnd93,96,97,103,
1201,1310,1320,1329,
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1344,1441World’sEnd307Wormtongue(Gríma,sonof
Gálmód)567,664,670–81passim,689,690,710,724,726,746–50passim,754,762,763,782–3,1037,1134,1135,1288,1289,1333–5,1467,1493;name1493
WosesseeWildMenWraithsseeNazgûl
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Writingandspelling,inMiddle-earth5,1461–77;seealsoElvishwriting;Runes;Tengwar;writingundernamesofpeoples,e.g.Dwarves
Wulf1398,1399,1400,1428
Yale,the100,1446,1447Yellowskin(Yearbookof
Tuckborough)1458YoungerDays337
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Yule1337,1452,1455
Zirakzigil(Zirak)seeCelebdil
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MAPS
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WORKSBYJ.R.R.TOLKIEN
TheHobbitLeafbyNiggleOnFairy-Stories
FarmerGilesofHamTheHomecomingof
Beorhtnoth
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TheLordoftheRingsTheAdventuresofTom
BombadilTheRoadGoesEverOn(withDonaldSwann)
SmithofWoottonMajor
WORKSPUBLISHEDPOSTHUMOUSLY
SirGawainandtheGreenKnight,PearlandSirOrfeoTheFatherChristmasLetters
TheSilmarillion
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PicturesbyJ.R.R.TolkienUnfinishedTales
TheLettersofJ.R.R.TolkienFinnandHengest
MrBlissTheMonstersandtheCritics
&OtherEssaysRoverandom
TheChildrenofHúrinTheLegendofSigurdand
Gudrún
THEHISTORYOFMIDDLE-EARTH
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–BYCHRISTOPHERTOLKIENITheBookofLostTales,
PartOneIITheBookofLostTales,
PartTwoIIITheLaysofBeleriandIVTheShapingofMiddle-
earthVTheLostRoadandOther
WritingsVITheReturnoftheShadowVIITheTreasonofIsengardVIIITheWaroftheRing
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IXSauronDefeatedXMorgoth’sRing
XITheWaroftheJewelsXIIThePeoplesofMiddle-
earth
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COPYRIGHTHarperCollinsPublishers77–85FulhamPalaceRoad,Hammersmith,LondonW68JB
www.tolkien.co.ukwww.tolkienestate.com
![Page 3448: The Return of the King - DropPDF1.droppdf.com/files/8twZz/the-return-of-the-king-j-r-r-tolkien.pdf · Chapter 1: MINAS TIRITH Chapter 2: THE PASSING OF THE GREY COMPANY Chapter 3:](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022609/5b91d41909d3f2c05d8c6d4c/html5/thumbnails/3448.jpg)
PublishedbyHarperCollinsPublishers20081
Thiseditionisbasedonthereseteditionfirstpublished2004
FirstpublishedinGreatBritainbyGeorgeAllen&Unwin1955SecondEdition1966
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Copyright©TheTrusteesoftheJ.R.R.Tolkien1967Settlement1955,1966
®and‘Tolkien’®areregisteredtrademarksofTheJ.R.R.TolkienEstateLimited
AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyright
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Conventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenon-exclusive,non-transferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-bookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,down-loaded,decompiled,reverseengineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyform
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orbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinse-books.
EPubEdition©MARCH2009ISBN:978-0-007-32255-8
Findoutmoreabout
![Page 3452: The Return of the King - DropPDF1.droppdf.com/files/8twZz/the-return-of-the-king-j-r-r-tolkien.pdf · Chapter 1: MINAS TIRITH Chapter 2: THE PASSING OF THE GREY COMPANY Chapter 3:](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022609/5b91d41909d3f2c05d8c6d4c/html5/thumbnails/3452.jpg)
HarperCollinsandtheenvironmentatwww.harpercollins.co.uk/green
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ABOUTTHEPUBLISHERAustraliaHarperCollinsPublishers(Australia)Pty.Ltd.25RydeRoad(POBox321)Pymble,NSW2073,
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Australiahttp://www.harpercollinsebooks.com.au
CanadaHarperCollinsCanada2BloorStreetEast-20thFloorToronto,ON,M4W,1A8,Canadahttp://www.harpercollinsebooks.ca
NewZealand
![Page 3455: The Return of the King - DropPDF1.droppdf.com/files/8twZz/the-return-of-the-king-j-r-r-tolkien.pdf · Chapter 1: MINAS TIRITH Chapter 2: THE PASSING OF THE GREY COMPANY Chapter 3:](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022609/5b91d41909d3f2c05d8c6d4c/html5/thumbnails/3455.jpg)
HarperCollinsPublishers(NewZealand)LimitedP.O.Box1Auckland,NewZealandhttp://www.harpercollinsebooks.co.nz
UnitedKingdomHarperCollinsPublishersLtd.77-85FulhamPalaceRoadLondon,W68JB,UKhttp://www.harpercollinsebooks.co.uk
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UnitedStatesHarperCollinsPublishersInc.10East53rdStreetNewYork,NY10022http://www.harpercollinsebooks.com
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*SeeAppendixF,1487.
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*Therewerethirtydaysin
March(orRethe)intheShirecalendar.
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*ItwasprobablyOrkish
inorigin:sharkû,‘oldman’.
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1Afewreferencesare
givenbypagetothiseditionofTheLordoftheRings,andtothehardback4th(reset4thedition(1995))editionofTheHobbit.
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1Cf.pp.318;781;1273:
nolikenessremainedinMiddle-earthofLaurelintheGolden.
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2p.316;p.932.
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3p.253;p.932.
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1TheHobbit,p.49;The
LordoftheRings,p.412.
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2pp.304–8.
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3pp.470–4;pp.932,942;
pp.1197,1206.
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4pp.68,242–3.
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5Seepp.1276,1280.
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1p.306.
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1p.779;p.1273.
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2p.316.
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3p.318.
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1p.317.
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2Hewasthefourthsonof
Isildur,borninImladris.HisbrotherswereslainintheGladdenFields.
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3AfterEärendurtheKings
nolongertooknamesinHigh-elvenform.
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4AfterMalvegil,the
KingsatFornostagainclaimedlordshipoverthewholeofArnor,andtooknameswiththeprefixar(a)intokenofthis.
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1Seep.988.Thewild
whitekinethatwerestilltobefoundneartheSeaofRhûnweresaidinlegendtobedescendedfromtheKineofAraw,thehuntsmanoftheValar,whoaloneoftheValarcameoftentoMiddle-earthintheElderDays.OromëistheHigh-elvenformofhisname(p.1097).
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1p.242.
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1p.263.
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1Theseareastrange,
unfriendlypeople,remnantoftheForodwaith,Menoffar-offdays,accustomedtothebittercoldsoftherealmofMorgoth.Indeedthosecoldslingerstillinthatregion,thoughtheyliehardlymorethanahundredleaguesnorthoftheShire.TheLossothhouseinthesnow,anditissaidthattheycanrunonthe
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icewithbonesontheirfeet,andhavecartswithoutwheels.Theylivemostly,inaccessibletotheirenemies,onthegreatCapeofForochelthatshutsofftothenorth-westtheimmensebayofthatname;buttheyoftencamponthesouthshoresofthebayatthefeetoftheMountains.
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1Inthiswaytheringof
theHouseofIsildurwassaved;foritwasafterwardsransomedbytheDúnedain.ItissaidthatitwasnoneotherthantheringwhichFelagundofNargothrondgavetoBarahir,andBerenrecoveredatgreatperil.
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2TheseweretheStonesof
AnnúminasandAmonSûl.TheonlyStoneleftintheNorthwastheoneintheToweronEmynBeraidthatlookstowardstheGulfofLune.ThatwasguardedbytheElves,andthoughweneverknewit,itremainedthere,untilCírdanputitaboardElrond’sshipwhenheleft(pp.59,142).Butweare
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toldthatitwasunliketheothersandnotinaccordwiththem;itlookedonlytotheSea.Elendilsetittheresothathecouldlookbackwith‘straightsight’andseeEressëainthevanishedWest;butthebentseasbelowcoveredNúmenorforever.
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1Thesceptrewasthe
chiefmarkofroyaltyinNúmenor,theKingtellsus;andthatwasalsosoinArnor,whosekingsworenocrown,butboreasinglewhitegem,theElendilmir,StarofElendil,boundontheirbrowswithasilverfillet(p.191;pp.1110,1127,1267).Inspeakingofacrown(pp.222,322)Bilbonodoubtreferred
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toGondor;heseemstohavebecomewellacquaintedwithmattersconcerningAragorn’sline.ThesceptreofNúmenorissaidtohaveperishedwithAr-Pharazôn.ThatofAnnúminaswasthesilverrodoftheLordsofAndúnië,andisnowperhapsthemostancientworkofMen’shandspreservedinMiddle-earth.Itwasalreadymorethanfivethousandyearsoldwhen
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ElrondsurrenderedittoAragorn(p.1274).ThecrownofGondorwasderivedfromtheformofaNúmenóreanwar-helm.Inthebeginningitwasindeedaplainhelm;anditissaidtohavebeentheonethatIsildurworeintheBattleofDagorlad(forthehelmofAnárionwascrushedbythestone-castfromBarad-dûrthatslewhim).ButinthedaysofAtanatarAlcarinthis
![Page 3488: The Return of the King - DropPDF1.droppdf.com/files/8twZz/the-return-of-the-king-j-r-r-tolkien.pdf · Chapter 1: MINAS TIRITH Chapter 2: THE PASSING OF THE GREY COMPANY Chapter 3:](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022609/5b91d41909d3f2c05d8c6d4c/html5/thumbnails/3488.jpg)
wasreplacedbythejewelledhelmthatwasusedinthecrowningofAragorn.
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1p.295.
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2p.7;p.1329.
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1Thegreatcapeandland-
lockedfirthofUmbarhadbeenNúmenóreanlandsincedaysofold;butitwasastrongholdoftheKing’sMen,whowereafterwardscalledtheBlackNúmenóreans,corruptedbySauron,andwhohatedaboveallthefollowersofElendil.AfterthefallofSaurontheirraceswiftlydwindledor
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becamemergedwiththeMenofMiddle-earth,buttheyinheritedwithoutlesseningtheirhatredofGondor.Umbar,therefore,wasonlytakenatgreatcost.
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1TheRiverRunning.
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1Thatlawwasmadein
Númenor(aswehavelearnedfromtheKing)whenTar-Aldarion,thesixthking,leftonlyonechild,adaughter.ShebecamethefirstRulingQueen,Tar-Ancalimë.Butthelawwasotherwisebeforehertime.Tar-Elendil,thefourthking,wassucceededbyhissonTar-Meneldur,thoughhisdaughterSilmariën
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wastheelder.Itwas,however,fromSilmariënthatElendilwasdescended.
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1Thisnamemeans‘Ship
ofLong-foam’;fortheislewasshapedlikeagreatship,withahighprowpointingnorth,againstwhichthewhitefoamofAnduinbrokeonsharprocks.
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1‘IgaveHopetothe
Dúnedain,Ihavekeptnohopeformyself.’
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1p.435.
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1ItflowsintoIsenfrom
thewestofEredNimrais.
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1Thedatesaregiven
accordingtothereckoningofGondor(ThirdAge).Thoseinthemarginareofbirthanddeath.
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2pp.1030,1043.
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1p.1381.
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1Forhershield-armwas
brokenbythemaceoftheWitch-king;buthewasbroughttonothing,andthusthewordsofGlorfindellongbeforetoKingEärnurwerefulfilled,thattheWitch-kingwouldnotfallbythehandofman.ForitissaidinthesongsoftheMarkthatinthisdeedÉowynhadtheaidofThéoden’sesquire,andthat
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healsowasnotaManbutaHalflingoutofafarcountry,thoughÉomergavehimhonourintheMarkandthenameofHoldwine.
[ThisHoldwinewasnoneotherthanMeriadoctheMagnificentwhowasMasterofBuckland.]
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1TheHobbit,p.50.
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1p.413.
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2Orreleasedfromprison;
itmaywellbethatithadalreadybeenawakenedbythemaliceofSauron.
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3TheHobbit,pp.207–8.
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1TheHobbit,p.22.
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2Amongwhomwerethe
childrenofThráinII:Thorin(Oakenshield),Frerin,andDís.ThorinwasthenayoungsterinthereckoningoftheDwarves.ItwasafterwardslearnedthatmoreoftheFolkundertheMountainhadescapedthanwasatfirsthoped;butmostofthesewenttotheIronHills.
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1Azogwasthefatherof
Bolg;seeTheHobbit,p.24.
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1ItissaidthatThorin’s
shieldwasclovenandhecastitawayandhehewedoffwithhisaxeabranchofanoakandhelditinhislefthandtowardoffthestrokesofhisfoes,ortowieldasaclub.Inthiswayhegothisname.
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1Suchdealingswiththeir
deadseemedgrievoustotheDwarves,foritwasagainsttheiruse;buttomakesuchtombsastheywereaccustomedtobuild(sincetheywilllaytheirdeadonlyinstonenotinearth)wouldhavetakenmanyyears.Tofirethereforetheyturned,ratherthanleavetheirkintobeastorbirdorcarrion-orc.
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ButthosewhofellinAzanulbizarwerehonouredinmemory,andtothisdayaDwarfwillsayproudlyofoneofhissires:‘hewasaburnedDwarf’,andthatisenough.
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1Theyhadveryfew
women-folk.DísThráin’sdaughterwasthere.ShewasthemotherofFíliandKíli,whowerebornintheEredLuin.Thorinhadnowife.
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2p.349.
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1March15,2941.
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1p.316.
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2p.779,TheHobbit,p.
151.
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3p.1272.
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1p.413.
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1p.876.
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1Itafterwardsbecame
clearthatSarumanhadthenbeguntodesiretopossesstheOneRinghimself,andhehopedthatitmightrevealitself,seekingitsmaster,ifSauronwereletbeforatime.
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1Monthsanddaysare
givenaccordingtotheShireCalendar.
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1Shebecameknownas
‘theFair’becauseofherbeauty;manysaidthatshelookedmorelikeanelf-maidthanahobbit.Shehadgoldenhair,whichhadbeenveryrareintheShire;buttwoothersofSamwise’sdaughterswerealsogolden-haired,andsoweremanyofthechildrenbornatthistime.
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1p.9;p.1364,note2.
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1FourthAge(Gondor)
120.
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1365days,5hours,48
minutes,46seconds.
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1IntheShire,inwhich
Year1correspondedwithT.A.1601.InBreeinwhichYear1correspondedwithT.A.1300itwasthefirstyearofthecentury.
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1Itwillbenotedifone
glancesataShireCalendar,thattheonlyweekdayonwhichnomonthbeganwasFriday.ItthusbecameajestingidiomintheShiretospeakof‘onFridaythefirst’whenreferringtoadaythatdidnotexist,ortoadayonwhichveryunlikelyeventssuchastheflyingofpigsor(intheShire)thewalkingof
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treesmightoccur.Infulltheexpressionwas‘onFridaythefirstofSummerfilth’.
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1ItwasajestinBreeto
speakof‘Winterfilthinthe(muddy)Shire’,butaccordingtotheShire-folkWintringwasaBreealterationoftheoldername,whichhadoriginallyreferredtothefillingorcompletionoftheyearbeforeWinter,anddescendedfromtimesbeforethefulladoptionofKings’Reckoningwhentheirnew
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yearbeganafterharvest.
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1Recordingbirths,
marriages,anddeathsintheTookfamilies,aswellasmatters,suchasland-sales,andvariousShireevents.
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2Ihavethereforein
Bilbo’ssong(pp.207–9)usedSaturdayandSundayinsteadofThursdayandFriday.
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1Thoughactuallythe
yestarëofNewReckoningoccurredearlierthanintheCalendarofImladris,inwhichitcorrespondedmoreorlesswithShireApril6.
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1Anniversaryofitsfirst
blowingintheShirein3019.
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1Usuallycalledin
SindarinMenelvagor(p.107),Q.Menelmacar.
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1Asingaladhremmin
ennorath(p.309)‘tree-wovenlandsofMiddle-earth’.Remmirath(p.107)containsrem‘mesh’,Q.rembe,+mîr‘jewel’.
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2Afairlywidespread
pronunciationoflongéandóaseiandou,moreorlessasinEnglishsayno,bothinWestronandintherenderingsofQuenyanamesbyWestronspeakers,isshownbyspellingssuchasei,ou(ortheirequivalentsincontemporaryscripts).Butsuchpronunciationswereregardedasincorrector
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rustic.TheywerenaturallyusualintheShire.Thosethereforewhopronounceyéniúnótime‘long-yearsinnumerable’,asisnaturalinEnglish(sc.moreorlessasyainyoonoatimy)willerrlittlemorethanBilbo,Meriadoc,orPeregrin.Frodoissaidtohaveshowngreat‘skillwithforeignsounds’.
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1SoalsoinAnnûn
‘sunset’,Amrûn‘sunrise’,undertheinfluenceoftherelateddûn‘west’,andrhûn‘east’.
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2Originally.Butiuin
QuenyawasintheThirdAgeusuallypronouncedasarisingdiphthongasyuinEnglishyule.
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1Theonlyrelationinour
alphabetthatwouldhaveappearedintelligibletotheEldaristhatbetweenPandB;andtheirseparationfromoneanother,andfromF,M,V,wouldhaveseemedtothemabsurd.
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1Manyofthemappearin
theexamplesonthetitle-page,andintheinscriptiononp.66,transcribedonp.331.Theyweremainlyusedtoexpressvowel-sounds,inQuenyausuallyregardedasmodificationsoftheaccompanyingconsonant;ortoexpressmorebrieflysomeofthemostfrequentconsonantcombinations.
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2Therepresentationofthe
soundshereisthesameasthatemployedintranscriptionanddescribedabove,exceptthatherechrepresentsthechinEnglishchurch;jrepresentsthesoundofEnglishj,andzhthesoundheardinazureandoccasion.
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1Theinscriptiononthe
West-gateofMoriagivesanexampleofamode,usedforthespellingofSindarin,inwhichGrade6representedthesimplenasals,butGrade5representedthedoubleorlongnasalsmuchusedinSindarin:17=nn,but21=n.
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1InQuenyainwhicha
wasveryfrequent,itsvowelsignwasoftenomittedaltogether.Thusforcalma‘lamp’clmcouldbewritten.Thiswouldnaturallyreadascalma,sinceclwasnotinQuenyaapossibleinitialcombination,andmneveroccurredfinally.Apossiblereadingwascalama,butnosuchwordexisted.
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1ForbreathhQuenya
originallyusedasimpleraisedstemwithoutbow,calledhalla‘tall’.Thiscouldbeplacedbeforeaconsonanttoindicatethatitwasunvoicedandbreathed;voicelessrandlwereusuallysoexpressedandaretranscribedhr,hl.Later33wasusedforindependenth,andthevalueofhy(itsolder
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value)wasrepresentedbyaddingthetehtaforfollowingy.
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1Thosein()arevalues
onlyfoundinElvishuse;*markscirthonlyusedbyDwarves.
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1InLórienatthisperiod
Sindarinwasspoken,thoughwithan‘accent’,sincemostofitsfolkwereofSilvanorigin.This‘accent’andhisownlimitedacquaintancewithSindarinmisledFrodo(asispointedoutinTheThain’sBookbyacommentatorofGondor).AlltheElvishwordscitedinBookTwochs6,7,8arein
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factSindarin,andsoaremostofthenamesofplacesandpersons.ButLórien,CarasGaladhon,Amroth,NimrodelareprobablyofSilvanorigin,adaptedtoSindarin.
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1Quenya,forexample,are
thenamesNúmenor(orinfullNúmenóre),andElendil,Isildur,andAnárion,andalltheroyalnamesofGondor,includingElessar‘Elfstone’.MostofthenamesoftheothermenandwomenoftheDúnedain,suchasAragorn,Denethor,GilraenareofSindarinform,beingoftenthenamesofElvesorMen
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rememberedinthesongsandhistoriesoftheFirstAge(asBeren,Húrin).Somefewareofmixedforms,asBoromir.
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1TheStoorsoftheAngle,
whoreturnedtoWilderland,hadalreadyadoptedtheCommonSpeech;butDéagolandSméagolarenamesintheMannishlanguageoftheregionneartheGladden.
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1Exceptwherethe
HobbitsseemtohavemadesomeattemptstorepresentshortermurmursandcallsmadebytheEnts;a-lalla-lalla-rumba-kamanda-lindor-burúmealsoisnotElvish,andistheonlyextant(probablyveryinaccurate)attempttorepresentafragmentofactualEntish.
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1Inoneortwoplacesan
attempthasbeenmadetohintatthesedistinctionsbyaninconsistentuseofthou.Sincethispronounisnowunusualandarchaicitisemployedmainlytorepresenttheuseofceremoniouslanguage;butachangefromyoutothou,theeissometimesmeanttoshow,therebeingnoothermeansof
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doingthis,asignificantchangefromthedeferential,orbetweenmenandwomennormal,formstothefamiliar.
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1Thislinguisticprocedure
doesnotimplythattheRohirrimcloselyresembledtheancientEnglishotherwise,incultureorart,inweaponsormodesofwarfare,exceptinageneralwayduetotheircircumstances:asimplerandmoreprimitivepeoplelivingincontactwithahigherandmorevenerableculture,andoccupyinglandsthathad
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oncebeenpartofitsdomain.
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1[Thesewordsdescribing
charactersoffaceandhairinfactappliedonlytotheNoldor:seeTheBookofLostTales,PartOne,p.44.]