GANDALF
You cannot pass!
FRODO
Gandalf!
GANDALF
I'm the servant of the secret fire, wielder of the flame of Anor...
GANDALF
The dark fire will not avail you! Flame of Udun!
[The camera zooms in through the mountain and focuses on Gandalf and the Balrog on the bridge of Khazad-dûm. The Balrog strikes down on Gandalf with its flaming sword. Gandalf parries the blow with Glamdring, shattering the Balrog’s sword]
GANDALF
Go back to the shadow!
[The Balrog brandishes a flaming whip, lashing it about menacingly]
GANDALF
YOU… SHALL NOT... PASS!!!
[Gandalf strikes his staff onto the bridge. As the Balrog steps forward, the bridge collapses from under it and the demon plunges backward into the chasm. Gandalf, exhausted, leans on his staff and watches the Balrog fall, then turns to follow the others. At the last minute, the flaming whip lashes up from the depths of the abyss and winds around Gandalf’s ankle, dragging him over the edge. He clings onto the bridge but is straining to keep his grip]
[Frodo rushes forward but Boromir restrains him]
BOROMIR
No! Frodo!
GANDALF
Fly you fools!
[Gandalf loses his grip and falls into the chasm]
FRODO
NOOOOOOOO!!
[Gandalf falls after the Balrog and grabs hold of his sword Glamdring on his way down. As they continue to plunge into the depths, Gandalf hacks away at the Balrog even as it crashes and bounces off the walls. They continue to plunge at great speed, sometimes with Gandalf clinging to the horn of the demon. The battling pair then fall into an enormous cavern and plunges into the water. Just at that moment Frodo wakens as if from a nightmare]
FRODO
Gandalf!
SAM
What is it Mr. Frodo?
FRODO
Nothing. Just a dream.
[Frodo lies back down again]
[Scene cuts to Frodo and Sam as they climb over rocky terrain. They look into the distance at the Mountain of Fire.]
SAM
Mordor. The one place in Middle Earth we don't want to see any closer. It's the one place we are trying to get to. It's just where we cant get. Lets face it Mr Frodo. We are lost. I don't Gandalf meant for us to come this way.
FRODO
He didn't mean for a lot of things to happen Sam. But they did.
[Suddenly Frodo feels and sees The Lidless Eye of Sauron zooming in on him. He gasps and pants as he backs away]
SAM
Frodo? It's the ring isn’t it?
FRODO
It's getting heavier.
[Frodo clutches the ring to his chest and sits down, still panting. He then fumbles for his water bottle and takes a sip.]
FRODO
What food have we got left?
SAM
Well, let me see. [He takes out a package of lembas bread from his pack] Oh yes, lovely. Lembas bread. And look! [he digs deeper into his pack] More Lembas bread.
[He shows another package. He then breaks off a piece and tosses it to Frodo, and munches on a piece himself.]
SAM
I don't usually hold to foreign food, but this elvish stuff is not bad.
FRODO
(Smiles) Nothing ever dampens you spirits does it Sam?
SAM
(Smiles back, and then look towards Mordor) Those rain clouds might.
[Scene cuts to where they continue trekking through difficult terrain, often huddling underneath their cloaks.]
SAM
This looks strangely familiar.
FRODO
Cause we've been here before. We are going in circles.
SAM
Ah! What's that 'orrid stink? I'll warrant there's a nasty bog nearby. Can you smell it?
FRODO
Yes I can smell it. [Frodo walks closer to Sam and then turns to look at him after a pause] We are not alone.
[The scene cuts to see Frodo and Sam sleep next to a rock face. A birds-eye view of them is shown through the camera, and then Gollum appears, very slowly, climbing down the rock face]
GOLLUM
Those thieves! Those filthy little thieves! Wheeere isssit? Wheeere isssit? They stole it from us. My preciousssss. [Gollum creeps closer and closer] Curse them. We hates them. It's ours, it is, and we wantsss it! [Gollum reaches out his hand towards the hobbits.]
[Suddenly the hobbits spring up, grab hold of Gollum’s arms and pull him down. Amidst the struggle, Gollum wriggles loose and leaps onto Frodo. As Frodo falls back, the chain and ring around his neck is revealed and Gollum jumps straight for the ring. Sam tries to grab at him but is knocked away. Gollum now jumps on top of Frodo and tries to reach for the ring even as Frodo grabs his hands and tries to push him away. Gollum’s cheeks puff with exertion as he struggles with Frodo, his huge eyes fixed on the ring. Sam grabs hold of Gollum again and tears him away from Frodo. Gollum then turns around and bits Sam on the shoulder, wriggles around and clasps his arms around Sam’s neck and legs around his waist in a death grip. Frodo then unsheathes Sting and holds it to Gollum's throat]
FRODO
(Menacingly) This is sting. You've seen it before, haven't you, Gollum! [Gollum’s eyes become fixed on Sting] Release him or I'll cut your throat!
[Slowly, Gollum loosens his grip on Sam and as the latter disentangles himself, Gollum wails. The camera changes to show path leading through the rock, the wail from Gollum still being heard. Frodo and Sam walk through, Gollum tied at the neck with Sam’s elvish rope and half-dragged along even as he cries and wails.]
GOLLUM
It burns! It burns us! It freezes! Take it ooooffff!
SAM
Quiet you! [Sam tugs fiercely at the rope and then turns to Frodo in dismay] It's hopeless! Every orc in Mordor will hear this racket! Let's just tie him up and leave him!
GOLLUM
No! That would kill us, kill us!
SAM
It's nothing more than you deserve!
FRODO
(Looks at Gollum) Maybe he does deserve to die. Now that I've seen him, I do pity him.
GOLLUM
We be very nice to hobbits, they be nice to us. Save us. We swears to do what you wants. We swears!
FRODO
There is no promise you make that I can trust.
[Gollum kneels in front of Frodo and begs]
GOLLUM
We swears to serve the master of the precious. We swears on, on the precious! (gollum gollum)
FRODO
The ring is treacherous. It will hold you to your word.
GOLLUM
Yes... on the precious... on the precious.
SAM
I don't believe you! Get down! Get down! [Sam jerks strongly at the rope as Gollum tries to get away and such that the latter crashes onto the ground, choking.]
FRODO
Sam!
SAM
He was trying to trick us! We let him go he'll throttle us into our sleep!
[Gollum lies panting and holding his throat. He backs away, frightened, as Frodo approaches him]
FRODO
You know the way to Mordor?
GOLLUM
[nods warily] Yes?
FRODO
You've been there before?
GOLLUM
[nods again] Yes?
FRODO
[reaches out and takes the rope noose off Gollum’s neck. Gollum seems surprised and relieved] You will lead us to the Black Gate.
[Gollum scrambles off and the hobbits follow in his wake]
[Scene changes to see the Uruk Hai troop with Merry and Pippin held captive, marching]
PIPPIN
Merry! Merry!
[The Uruks pause]
MAUHÚR
What is it? What do you smell?
UGLÚK
(sniffs the air) Man-flesh.
PIPPIN
(to himself) Aragorn!
MAUHÚR
They've picked up our trail! Let's go!
[The Uruk Hai quicken their pace. Pippin struggles to reach his Elven brooch with his teeth. He then tears it off his cloak and drops it onto the ground. A foot stomps on the brooch but it remains unbroken and visible on the grass.]
[Scene cuts to see Aragorn lying with his eyes closed and ear pressed to the ground, listening for the sound of footsteps ]
ARAGORN
Their pace quickens. [He looks up] They must have caught our scent. Hurry! [He runs off]
LEGOLAS
Come on Gimli! [Looks back at Gimli and then runs after Aragorn]
[Gimli pauses in his steps and huffs]
GIMLI
Three day's and night's pursuit.. no food... no rest... and no sign of our quarry but what bare rock can tell. [Runs after his companions]
[The Three Hunters run across rocks and plains, with Aragorn in the lead, and Legolas and Gimli trailing behind. From time to time, Legolas looks back to make sure that Gimli is keeping up. Aragorn suddenly bends down to pick up an Elven brooch from the ground.]
[Aragorn picks up the brooch]
ARAGORN
Not idly do the leaves of Lórien fall.
[Legolas stops running and turns to Aragorn]
LEGOLAS
They may yet be alive.
ARAGORN
Less than a day ahead of us, come! [Runs off again]
[Gimli stumbles from behind some rocks and rolls to the ground]
LEGOLAS
Come Gimli! We are gaining on them.
GIMLI
I'm wasted on cross-country. We dwarves are natural sprinters. Very dangerous we are over short distances.
[Camera pans over the orcs running across the plains, and then swings to the Three Hunters giving chase. The trackers come over a hill and pause as they gaze across the plains below]
ARAGORN
Rohan, home of the horse-lords. There's something strange at work here. Some evil gives speed to these creatures. Sets it's will against us. Legolas! What does your elf eyes see?
LEGOLAS
The Orcs turn northeast. They are taking the hobbits to Isengard!
ARAGORN
Saruman.
[The scene cuts to show the tower of Orthanc as it stands amidst the smoking caverns of Isengard. Saruman stands in his chamber, communicating with the Dark Lord through the Palantir]
SARUMAN
The world is changing.
[View changes to the tower of Barad-dur, with its huge orc armies on a bridge]
SARUMAN
Who now has the strength to stand against the armies of Isengard and Mordor. To stand against the might of Sauron and Saruman and the union of the two towers. [Camera pans upwards along the height of the tower of Barad-dur until the flaming Eye is in view] Together, Lord Sauron, we shall rule this Middle-Earth.
[Camera shows The Lidless Eye of Saron. The caverns of Isengard glow with the fires of industry, sounds of hammering fill the air and molten iron is poured into casts]
SARUMAN
(voiceover) The old world will burn in the fires of industry. Forest will fall. A new order will rise. We will drive the machinery of war with the sword and the spear and the iron fist of the orcs. We now have only to remove those who oppose us.
[Saruman stands in the midst of a gathering of Wildmen, who are holding torches and crude weapons]
SARUMAN
The horsemen have taken your lands. They drove your people into the hills to scratch the living of rocks.
[Cries of agreement]
WILDMEN CROWD
Murderer!
SARUMAN
Take back the lands they stole from you. Burn every village!
[Wildmen roar with approval and run off down the hill]
SARUMAN
(voiceover) It will begin in the Rohan. Too long have these peasants stood against you. But no more.
[Scene cuts to the wildmen and orcs attacking a Rohan village. A woman with her hand on a horse calls out to her children]
MOTHER
Eothain! You take your sister. You'll go faster with just two.
[The mother puts the little girl onto the horse in front of her brother]
FREDA
But Papa says Eothain must not ride. She's too big for him!
MOTHER
Listen to me! You must ride to Edoras and raise the alarm. Do you understand me?!
EOTHAIN
Yes mum!
FREDA
(sobbing) I don't wanna go! I don't wanna go!
MOTHER
(to Freda) Listen to me. I will find you there.
[Screams are increasing in volume as the army draws closer]
MOTHER
Quickly!
MOTHER
Go, child!
MOTHER
Oh child!
[The army slaughters at will and sets fire to the village. Eothain and Freda weep as they look back from a distance]
SARUMAN
(voiceover) Rohan, my lord, is ready to fall.
[Scene cuts. A group of horsemen ride to Edoras. Eomer is in the lead, carrying a gravely wounded Theodred in front of him]
[Eowyn runs hastily up the stairs to the Golden Hall and enters a bedchamber. She runs to the bed]
EOWYN
Theodred!
[Theodred seems to hear her call but is unable to respond. He has a bloody gash on the side of his head. Eomer nods to Eowyn in the direction of Theodred’s torso. Eowyn draws back the covers and upon seeing Theodred’s fatal wound, her lips tighten and her eyes close. She looks up to catch Eomer’s eye]
[Scene goes to where Eomer and Eowyn are speaking to Theoden-king who sits motionless on his throne, wizened and aged beyond his years]
EOWYN
Your son is badly wounded my lord.
EOMER
He was ambushed by orcs. If we don't defend our country, Saruman will take it by force.
GRIMA
That is a lie! [Appears from the shadows] Saruman the White has ever been our friend and ally.
THEODEN
[Mumbles feebly] Grima… Grima… [Grima leans down close to the King]
EOMER
Orcs are roaming freely across our lands. Unchecked, unchallenged, killing at will. Orcs bearing the white hand of Saruman.
[He drops a helmet onto the ground, which topples over to reveal the white hand of Saruman]
GRIMA
Why do you lay these troubles on an already troubled mind? Can you not see? Your uncle is weary of your malcontent, your war mongering.
EOMER
War mongering? [He grabs Grima and pushes him against a pillar] How long has it been since Saruman bought you? What was the promised price, Grima? When all the men are dead you would take a share of the treasure?
[Grima’s eyes flick to right, watching Eowyn as she walks by. Eowyn stopped to stare back for a moment before departing form the hall. Eomer jerks Grima again and clutches his hand around Grima’s jaw]
EOMER
Too long have you watched my sister, too long have you haunted her steps.
[His eyes look to the left and relax and Eomer is suddenly pulled off Grima by guards]
GRIMA
You see much, Eomer son of Eomund. Too much.
[Guards hold Eomer.]
GRIMA
You are banished forthwith from the kingdom of Rohan, under pain of death!
EOMER
(cry of anguish) Argh!!
[Scene cuts. Uruk Hai and orcs continue to march across the plains with their hobbit captives, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli hot on their pursuit.]
GIMLI
Keep breathing, that's the key! Breathe! Ho!
LEGOLAS
They run as if the very whips of their masters were behind them.
[They continue running over vast distances. The Uruk Hai and orcs halt at nightfall, many panting with exertion.]
RANDOM URUK HAI
We ain't goin' no further till we've 'ad a breather.
UGLÚK
Get the fire going!
[As the Uruk Hai take their rest, Pippin crawls over towards Merry]
Pippin: Merry! Merry!
MERRY
[opens his eyes] I think, we might have made a mistake, leaving the Shire Pippin.
[a group orcs chop down the trees nearby for firewood. Low groans and rumbles start to emerge from the forest]
PIPPIN
What's making that noise?
MERRY
[Looks towards the forest] It's the trees.
PIPPIN
What?
MERRY
You remember the Old Forest? On the borders of Buckland? Folks used to say that there was something in the water that made the trees grow tall, and come alive.
PIPPIN
Alive?
MERRY
Trees that could whisper, talk to each other, even move.
RANDOM URUK HAI
I'm starving. We ain't 'ad nothin' but maggoty bread for three stinkin' days!
COCKNEY ACCENTED ORC
Yeah! Why can't we have some meat? [His eyes come to rest on the hobbits] What about them? They're fresh!
UGLÚK
They are not for eating!
GRISHNAK
What about their legs? They don't need those. Ooh! They look tasty!
UGLUK
[shoves at the orcs] Get back!
[The other orcs get restless]
COCKNEY ACCENTED ORC
[Moves towards the hobbits with his blade drawn] Just a mouthful
[Pippin and Merry recoil in fright. Uglúk jumps on the cockney accented orc and cuts off his head, which lands on the hobbit's shoulders]
UGLÚK
Looks like meat's back on the menu boys!!
[The Uruk Hai and orcs cheer and started tearing into the fresh meat, intestines flying, taking their eyes off the hobbits for a while]
MERRY
Pippin, let's go!
[Their hands still bound, the hobbits try to crawl away. Suddenly a foot comes down onto Pippin and flips him over]
GRISHNAK
[Brandishing a blade in front of Pippin’s face] Go on, call for help. Squeal! No one's gonna save you now!
[Suddenly, a spear pierces Grishnak’s back. Mayhem ensues as Riders of Rohan burst out from their hiding places and ambush the orcs]
MERRY
Pippin! [Gestures for them to make their escape]
[The hobbits try to escape from the pandemonium to the forest, dodging bodies and stomping feet. Suddenly Pippin turns and looks up at a pair of thrashing hooves bearing down on him]
PIPPIN
Argh!!!!
[Scene cuts. The Three Hunters are still chasing after the Uruk-Hai. Dawn has risen]
LEGOLAS
A red sun rises. Blood has been spilled this night.
[The sound of horses comes to their ears. Aragorn quickly gets them to hide behind some boulders. A large group of horse-men appears, galloping quickly with their banners flying. Aragorn comes out of hiding as they pass, followed by Legolas and Gimli]
ARAGORN
Riders of Rohan! What news from the Mark?
[At a signal from Eomer at the lead, the riders make a quick turn and head towards them, surrounding them in an ever-tightening circle. As they stop, they point their long spears menacingly at them]
EOMER
What business does an elf, a man and a dwarf have in the Riddermark? Speak quickly!
GIMLI
Give me your name, horsemaster, and I shall give you mine.
[Eomer hands his staff to another rider, and gets off his horse. Aragorn puts a hand on Gimli’s shoulder]
EOMER
I would cut off your head...Dwarf...if it stood but a little higher from the ground.
[Legolas, in a lightning fast move, points an arrow at Eomer]
LEGOLAS
You would die before your stroke fell!
[The riders all point their spears closer to the travellers. After a tense moment, Aragorn pushes down Legolas’ arm and tries to soothe rising tempers]
ARAGORN
I'm Aragorn, son of Arathorn. This is Gimli, son of Gloin, and Legolas, from the Woodland realm. We are friends of Rohan and of Theoden, its king.
EOMER
Theoden no longer recognizes friend from foe. [Eomer takes helmet off] Not even his own kin.
[The spears are withdrawn]
EOMER
Saruman has poisoned the mind of the king and claim lordship over this land. My company are those loyal to Rohan. And for that, we are banished. The White Wizard is cunning. He walks here and there they say, as an old man, hooded and cloaked. And everywhere his spies slip past our nets.
ARAGORN
We are not spies. We track a band of Uruk-Hai westward across the plains. They have taken two of our friends captive.
EOMER
The Uruks are destroyed. We slaughtered them during the night.
GIMLI
[Alarmed] But there were two Hobbits, do you see two Hobbits with them?
ARAGORN
They will be small, only children to your eyes.
EOMER
We left none alive. We piled the carcasses and burned them. [Points to a smoking pile in the distance]
GIMLI
They are dead?
EOMER
(nods) I am sorry.
[Legolas puts a hand on Gimli’s shoulders in grief. Eomer turns and whistles]
EOMER
Hasufel! Arod!
[Two horses appear, one chesnut, the other grey.]
EOMER
May these horses bear you to better fortune than the former masters. Farewell.
[Eomer puts on his helmet and gets back on his horse]
EOMER
Look for your friends but do not trust to hope. It has forsaken these lands. [to the riders] We ride north!!!!
[Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli look on as the Riders go off. They then ride towards the burning carcasses and Gimli starts to shift through the smouldering pile, and Legolas and Aragorn look around. Gimli pulls out a charred belt and dagger sheath]
GIMLI
It’s one of their little belts.
LEGOLAS
[with his head bowed and eyes closed] Hiro îth ab 'wanath. (May they find peace after death)
ARAGORN
[Kicks at an orc helmet and yells] AAARRGGHH!!! [He falls to his knees]
GIMLI
We failed them.
[Aragorn looks to the side and some tracks catch his attention]
ARAGORN
A Hobbit lay here, and the other.
[Flashback: Pippin yells as he looks up at a pair of thrashing hooves bearing down on him. He rolls over, avoiding the hooves]
ARAGORN
They crawled.
[Aragorn starts to follow the tracks, with Legolas and Gimli behind him.]
[Flashback: Merry and Pippin crawl frantically away from the battle]
ARAGORN
Their hands were bound.
[Flashback: Pippin rubs his bonds furiously against the sharp edge of an upturned blade]
ARAGORN
Their bonds were cut.
[Aragorn holds up a broken length of thick rope]
ARAGORN
They ran over here and were followed.
[Flashback: Their hands freed, the hobbits run away from the battle scene, dodging under a horse and trying to stay out of harms way. As they flee, Grishnak grabs Pippin by his belt and clings on]
MERRY
The belt! Run!
[Pippin undoes his belt and Grishnak is left holding the belt and the hobbits run off]
[Flashback ends]
ARAGORN
Tracks lead away from the battle, into...Fangorn Forest.
[The Three look up into a very dense and old forest]
GIMLI
Fangorn! What madness drew them there?
[The camera flows sideways into Fangorn from Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas. As it passes a tree, it converts back in time to when Merry and Pippin ran in there. The hobbits now run into Fangorn, seeking to lose Grishnak. They collapse onto the ground, breathing hard.]
PIPPIN
Did we lose him? [Looks around] I think we lost him.
[Suddenly, Grishnak bursts through the branches, brandishing a blade]
GRISHNAK
Im gonna rip off both your little heads! Come here!
MERRY
Trees! Climb a tree!
[Pippin and Merry quickly scramble up a tree]
MERRY
[Looks around and then sighs in relief] He's gone.
[Suddenly, Merry is pulled by his legs and falls to the ground. Grishnak leans over him with his menacing blade. Merry tries to kick him off but to no avail]
PIPPIN
Merry!
[Pippin looks down in horror but as he turns his head, he spots a pair of gleaming yellow eyes blinking in the tree he’s clinging to. The tree starts to move and groan]
PIPPIN
Argh!!
[Pippin loses his grip in fright and grabs at the air futilely as he falls. The tree catches him before he hits the ground.]
GRISHNAK
[To Merry, oblivious to the movement behind him] Let’s put a maggot-hole in your belly.
[Suddenly he senses something behind him and as he looks up, the tree stomps and squashes him with one step]
PIPPIN
Run Merry!
[Merry tries to run away but is scooped by Treebeard]
TREEBEARD
[Looks at the creatures in his hands] Little orcs!
PIPPIN
It's talking Merry. The tree is talking.
TREEBEARD
Tree! I am no tree! I am an Ent. [stomps slowly through the forest]
MERRY
Tree herder! Shepherd of the forest.
PIPPIN
Don't talk to it Merry. Don't encourage it.
TREEBEARD
Treebeard some call me.
PIPPIN
An' whose side are you on?
TREEBEARD
Side? I am on nobody's side. Because nobody is on my side, little orc. Nobody cares for the woods anymore.
MERRY
We are not orcs. We are Hobbits!
TREEBEARD
Hobbits? Never heard of a Hobbit before. Sounds like orc mischief to me. They come with fire, they come with axes. Biting, breaking, hacking, burning sawing. Destroyers and usurpers. Curse them!
MERRY
No! You don't understand. We are Hobbits, halflings. Shire folk!
TREEBEARD
Maybe you are, and maybe you aren't. The White Wizard will know.
MERRY
White Wizard? Saruman!
[Treebeard drops them on the ground and the Hobbits look up at the White Wizard]
[Scene cuts. Frodo and Sam follow Gollum through rocky terrain. Gollum looks back to check that they are following]
GOLLUM
See, see, we have led you out! Hurry, hurry hobbitses. Very lucky we find you.
[Gollum jumps on a rock. Frodo walks past and Gollum shrinks as Sam draws near] Nice Hobbit.
SAM
[Sam’s foot slips into muck] Whoa! It's a bog! He's led us into a swamp!
GOLLUM
Swamp yes. Come master. We will take you to safe paths, through the mist. Come Hobbits come. We move quickly.
[Gollum looks back and gestures for the hobbits to follow]
GOLLUM
I found it. I did. The way through the marshes. Orcs don't use it. Orcs don't know it. They go round for miles and miles. Come quickly. Swift and quickly.
[The marsh lands stretch for miles and miles as far as the eye can see. The hobbits and Gollum appear as little specks. As the three pick their way gingerly though the marshes, they see faces floating in the water; still, rotting and pale. Ghostly lights dance in the swamp]
SAM
There are dead things! Dead faces in the water!
GOLLUM
All dead. All rotten. Elves and men and orcses. A great battle long ago. [Turns to face the hobbits] The Dead Marshes. Yes,Yes! That is the name. This way. Don't follow the light.
[Sam’s foot slips again into the water]
SAM
Ohh!
GOLLUM
Careful now! Or Hobbits go down to join the dead ones, and light little candles of their own.
[Frodo is drawn to one of the faces in Elven armour. He stares at it intently, until suddenly its eyes open and Frodo falls face-down into the water]
SAM
Frodo!
[Frodo sees many faces of the dead in the water, no longer still but screaming and grasping, their rotten robes and hair flowing about their gruesome faces. Their hands reach for him, seeking to draw him into their realm. Suddenly he is grabbed from behind and pulled ashore. Frodo sputters and gasps for air as Gollum pulls him out of the water and drags him ashore]
FRODO
[Looks at Gollum in perplexed gratitude and disbelief] Gollum...
GOLLUM
DON'T follow the lights!
SAM
[Runs to Frodo’s side] Frodo! are you alright?
[Frodo lies panting, looking after Gollum]
[Scene goes to nightfall. Sam is asleep but Frodo is still awake. He holds the ring in the palm of his hand, staring at it and stroking it in a fixated manner. Suddenly he hears Gollum]
GOLLUM
So bright, so beautiful.
[Frodo quickly puts the ring back inside his shirt. He looks up to see Gollum crouching away from him, stroking the centre of his palm]
GOLLUM
Ah precious.
FRODO
What did you say?
GOLLUM
Master should be resting. Master need to keep up his strength.
FRODO
[Moves over and crouches in front of Gollum] Who are you?
GOLLUM
[Avoiding Frodo’s eyes] Musn't ask us it's name not his business (gollum, gollum)
FRODO
Gandalf told me you were one of the River Folk.
GOLLUM
Cold be rock and hard and bone. And call every traveller far from home.
FRODO
He said your life was was a sad story.
GOLLUM
They do not see what lies ahead when sun has faded and moon is dead.
FRODO
You were not so different from a Hobbit once were you? [pause] Smeagol.
GOLLUM
[looks up slowly] What did you call me?
FRODO
That was your name once, wasn't it? A long time ago.
GOLLUM
My .... My name.... Sme.... Sme..... Smeagol.
GOLLUM
[Suddenly, Gollum notices something overhead] Argh!!
SAM
Black Riders!
GOLLUM
Hide! Hide!
FRODO
Argh Argh!!
[Suddenly he feels a sharp pain in his shoulder where he received the wound from the Witch-King at Weathertop. Images of the Ringwraiths comes to him in flashes]
SAM
C'mon Frodo, C'mon!
GOLLUM
They will see us! They will see us.
[Frodo continues to clutch at the ring on his chest, immobilized. Sam drags Frodo across to hide beneath a bramble bush. The nazgul appears, tightening his hold on the reins. Camera then shows him riding a Fell Beast, swooping down across the marsh lands. Chilling screams of the nazgul fill the air]
GOLLUM
[cowering] Wraiths! Wraiths on wings!
SAM
I thought they were dead?
GOLLUM
Dead? No, you cannot kill them. No.
[A loud screech comes from the nazgul flying high above the marshes.> ]
GOLLUM
They are calling for the precious. They are calling for the precious.
[Frodo feels the call of the ring and tries to put it on. Sam grabs hold of Frodo’s hand just as he reaches for the ring and holds his hand]
SAM
It's alright.
[The nazgul continues to circle overhead. Finally, its cries start to fade into the distance]
GOLLUM
Hurry Hobbits. The Black Gate is very close.
[Scene cuts. Aragorn and company go into Fangorn Forest to look for Merry and Pippin.]
[Gimli fingers a dark stain on a leaf in Fangorn Forest. He brings it to his mouth and spits it out]
GIMLI
Orc blood!
ARAGORN
These are strange tracks.
GIMLI
The air is so close here.
LEGOLAS
This forest is old. Very old. Full of memories...and anger.
[Groans reverberate through the forest. Gimli raises his axe instinctively]
LEGOLAS
The trees are speaking to each other.
[Gimli wields his axe more menacingly as more groans are heard]
ARAGORN
Gimli!
GIMLI
Huh?
ARAGORN
[Gestures] Lower your axe.
GIMLI
[Lowers his axe slowly] Oh!
LEGOLAS
Aragorn, nad nâ ennas! (Something is out there!)
ARAGORN
Man cenich? (What do you see?)
[Close-up of Legolas’ eyes]
LEGOLAS
The White Wizard approaches.
ARAGORN
Do not let him speak. He will out a spell on us!
[Aragorn wraps his hand around the hilt of his sword, Gimli tightens his hold on his axe, and Legolas notches an arrow to his bow]
ARAGORN
We must be quick.
GIMLI
Argh!
[With a yell, the three swing round to attack in accord. They are suddenly blinded by a bright light emanating from the White Wizard. Gimli’s axe and Legolas’ arrow are deflected. Aragorn drops his sword as it becomes red hot in his grasp]
GANDALF
You are tracking the footsteps of two young Hobbits.
ARAGORN
Where are they?
GANDALF
They passed this way the day before yesterday. They met someone they did not expect. Does that comfort you?
ARAGORN
Who are you? Show yourself!
[The blinding light dims, revealing Gandalf, all dressed in white. The three are astounded. Legolas and Gimli bow before Gandalf]
ARAGORN
It cannot be! You fell!
GANDALF
Through fire and water.
[Flashback: Gandalf is battling the Balrog on a peak.]
GANDALF
From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, I fought him, the Balrog of Morgoth.
[Gandalf holds up Glamdring and a flash of lightning strikes it before he plunges the sword into the Balrog. With a final cry, the Balrog falls from the peak and lands, smoking, onto the icy mountainside]
GANDALF
Until at last, I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside.
[On top of the mountain, Gandalf crawls a bit before collapsing on his back and gives up his consciousness]
GANDALF
Darkness took me. And I strayed out of thought and time.
[Camera zooms in Gandalf’s eye and enters an amorphous realm of stars and galaxies, ending in a blinding white light]
GANDALF
Stars wheeled overhead as if of the life age of earth. But it was not the end. I felt light in me again.
[Camera zooms out from Gandalf’s eye, lying naked and very still. His hair has turned white and wounds are completely healed. He suddenly shudders with a deep gasp and pants as life returns to him]
GANDALF
I've been sent back until my task is done.
ARAGORN
Gandalf!
GANDALF
[looks at Aragorn puzzled] Gandalf? Oh yes. [There is a light of recollection in his eyes] That's what they used to call me. Gandalf the Grey. That was my name.
GIMLI
Gandalf!
GANDALF
[Looks at Aragorn meaningfully] I am Gandalf the White.
[Aragorn grins]
GANDALF
And I come back to you now at the turn of the tide.
[They start to walk through the forest, with Gandalf leading the way, now wearing a grey cloak over his white robes]
GANDALF
One stage of the journey is over another begins. War has come to Rohan. We must ride to Edoras with all speed.
[Outside the forest, Gandalf whistles piercingly. Soon an answering neigh is heard and Shadowfax appears from the plain, answering the call]
LEGOLAS
That is one of the mearas Unless my eyes are cheated by some spell.
[Shadowfax comes round to stop in front of Gandalf]
GANDALF
Shadowfax.
[Gimli bows in respect in the background]
GANDALF
He's the lord of all horses and he's been my friend through many dangers.
[The Three Hunters and Gandalf ride across the plains to Edoras]
[Scene cuts. Treebeard walks through the forest, carrying Merry and Pippin]
Treebeard: My home. I sleep in the forest here. The roots of the mountains. I told Gandalf I would keep you safe and safe is where I'll keep you. The trees have gone wild and dangerous. Anger is in their hearts. They will harm you if they can. There are too few of us now. Too few of us ents are left to manage them.
[Scene cut to where Frodo and Sam reach the Black Gate.]
GOLLUM
The Black Gate of Mordor.
[The enormous Black Gate comes into view with orcs patrolling and standing guard on the towers and atop the walls. From right, an army of Easterling soldiers are marching to the Black Gate]
SAM
My old Gaffer would have a thing or two to say if he saw this.
GOLLUM
Master says show him the way into Mordor so good Smeagol does what master says so.
FRODO
I did.
[They watch as orcs patrol the Black Gate]
SAM
We cannot get past them.
[A command is heard and an orc sounds a horn, signalling for the Gate to be opened. Two enormous cave trolls stretch and growl and then pull the mighty Gate open]
SAM
Look! The gate, it's opening! [He looks down from where he is] I can see a way down.
[He moves closer to the edge. Suddenly, the rock underneath him gives way and he falls]
FRODO
Sam! No!
SAM
Argh!!
[Frodo goes after Sam]
GOLLUM
Master!
[Two Easterling soldiers see streams of dust coming down the cliff made by Sam and Frodo. They move away from the troop to investigate. Frodo reaches Sam who is stuck in the scree. As the Easterlings move closer and closer, Frodo throws his elvish cloak over himself and Sam. The soldiers are now directly in front of Sam, but their eyes see nothing but rock. Frodo and
Sam peer from underneath the cloak. The soldiers soon leave and after a moment, Frodo throws back the cloak and pulls Sam out]
FRODO
I do not ask you to come with me, Sam.
SAM
I know, Mr. Frodo. I doubt these elvish cloaks will help us in there.
[They prepare to make a run for the Gate]
FRODO
Now!
[Gollum seizes them and pulls them back]
GOLLUM
No! No! No master! They catch you! They catch you. Don't take it to Him. He wants the precious. Always he's looking for it. And the preciousss is wanting to go back to him, but we mustn’t let him have it.
[Frodo tries to make a run for it]
GOLLUM
No! [Pulls Frodo back again] There is another way. More secret, and dark way.
SAM
Why haven't you spoke of this before?!
GOLLUM
Because master did not ask!
SAM
He is up to something.
FRODO
Are you saying that there is another way to Mordor?
GOLLUM
Yes. There is a path, and some stairs and then a tunnel.
[Gollum strokes Frodo’s arm and buries his face in Frodo’s cloak, pleading for him not to go]
FRODO
He has led us this far Sam.
SAM
Mr. Frodo, no!
FRODO
He's been true to his word.
Sam
No!
FRODO
Lead the way Smeagol.
GOLLUM
Good Smeagol always help.
[Frodo follows Gollum as Sam stares after him in disbelief]
[Scene cuts to Gandalf and Company arriving at Edoras]
GANDALF
Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld, King of Rohan, whose mine is overthrown and Saruman's hold over King Theoden is now very strong.
[Scene goes to within the Golden Halls. Eowyn is knelt in front of the king]
EOWYN
My lord, your son is dead. My lord? Uncle? Will you not go to him? Will you do nothing.
GANDALF
Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here.
[Eowyn mourns the loss of the kings's son Theodred]
GRIMA
Ohh he, he must have died sometime in the night. What a tragedy for the king to lose his only son and heir. I understand his passing is hard to accept, especially now that your brother has deserted you.
EOWYN
Leave me alone you snake!!!
GRIMA
Oh! But you are alone! Who knows what you have spoken to the darkness. The bitter watches of the night. When all your life seems to shrink. The walls of your bower closing in about you. So fair, so cold, like a morning pale spring still clinging to winter's chill.
EOWYN
Your words are poison.
[Eowyn runs out of the hall. Outside, a flag comes off the pole and floats down, landing near the entrance to Edoras, just as Aragorn passes]
[The company approaches the stairs in the hall]
GIMLI
This place is as cheerful as a graveyard.
[The guards approached the company]
GANDALF
Ah.
HAMA
I cannot allow you before Theoden King so armed, Gandalf Grayhame. By order of-Grima Wormtongue.
[Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn surrender their weapons to the guards in a fashionable way. ]
HAMA
Your staff.
GANDALF
Hmm? Oh. No, you would not part an old man from his walking stick.
[Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli enter the Golden Hall, and approach King Theoden]
GRIMA
My lord. Gandalf the Grey is coming. He is not welcome
GANDALF
The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Theoden King.
GRIMA
He is not welcome.
THEODEN
Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?
GRIMA
A just question my lord. Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear Lathspell spell I name him. Ill news is an ill guest.
GANDALF
Silence! Keep your forked tongue behind you teeth. I have not come here to bandy words with a witless (??)
GRIMA
Your staff. I told you to take the wizard's staff!
[Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas go off fighting the guards and protecting the Wizard while he begins the exorcism]
GANDALF
Theoden, Son of Thengel. Too long have you sat in shadows.
GIMLI
Argh!! I would stay still if I were you.
GANDALF
Come to me. I will release you from the spell.
THEODEN
Hahahhhahahahah! You have no powers here Gandalf the Grey. HAAHHHA! Argh!!
GANDALF
I release you.
THEODEN
Hehehehehehehe. . . you have no power here, Gandalf the Grey!
[Gandalf drops his cloak and Theoden flies against the chair]
THEODEN
Ah!
GANDALF
I shall draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound.
[Eowyn rushes in, tries to go to Theoden, but Aragorn stops her]
ARAGORN
Wait.
THEODEN
(in Saruman's voice) If I go. . . Theoden dies.
[Theoden flies against the chair again]
GANDALF
You did not kill me you will not kill him.
THEODEN
(in Saruman's voice) Rohan is mine!
GANDALF
Be gone!!
[Theoden jumps up at Gandalf, flies back into the chair and the shot changes to Saruman flying backward]
[Theoden's face begins to change, into a much younger-looking man. Eowyn rushes up to him. ]
THEODEN
I know your face. Eowyn. . . Eowyn.
GANDALF
Breathe the free air again, my friend.
THEODEN
Dark my dreams have been of late.
GANDALF
Your fingers would remember their old strength better if they grasped your sword.
[Hama runs up with his sword]
[Theoden draws it out, then his gaze turns to Grima]
[The guards throws Grima out of the hall and down the stairs]
GRIMA
Argh! I've only ever served you my lord.
THEODEN
Your witchcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!
GRIMA
Send me not from your side!
[Theoden raises sword to kill Grima. Aragorn holds him back]
ARAGORN
No my lord! No my lord. Let him go. Enough blood has been spilt on his account.
[Grima runs off through the crowd of witnesses]
GRIMA
Get out of my way!
ARAGORN
Hail, Theoden, King!
[Grima rides out of Edoras]
THEODEN
Where is Theodred? Where is my son?
[Scene cuts to where Theoden visits his son's grave]
THEODEN
Simbelmyne, ever has it grown on the tombs of my forebears. Now it shall cover the grave of my son. Alas, that these evil days shall be mine. The young perish and the old linger. That I should live to see the last days of my house.
GANDALF
Theodred's death was not of your making.
THEODEN
No parent should have to bury their child.
[Theoden started to weep and cry. ]
GANDALF
He was strong in life. His spirits will find his way to the halls of your fathers.
[Two children on horseback appear on the hill. One child (Eothain) falls off the horse]
[Scene cuts. Inside the Golden Hall. The two children are at a table, and Eowyn is with them]
EOWYN
They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the wildmen are moving through westfold, burning as they go, every rick, cot and tree.
FREDA
Where's momma?
EOWYN
Shh.
GANDALF
This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven mad by the fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from the women and children. You must fight.
ARAGORN
You have 2000 good men riding north as we speak. Eomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king.
THEODEN
They will be 300 leagues from here by now. Eomer cannot help us. I know what is that you want of me. But I would not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war.
ARAGORN
Open war is upon you, whether would risk it or not.
THEODEN
When last I looked, Theoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan.
[Gimli drinks ale then burps]
GANDALF
Then what is the king's decision?
[Scene changes to be outside the Golden Hall]
HAMA
By order of the king, The city must empty. We make for the refuge of
Helm's Deep. Do not burden yourself with treasures. Take only what provisions you need.
GIMLI
Helm's Deep! They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them if not their king?
ARAGORN
He is only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in the past.
GANDALF
There is no way out than that of ravine. Theoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he is leading them to safety but what he'll get is a massacre.
Theoden has a strong hold but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan. He will need you before the end there Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you. The defences have to hold.
ARAGORN
They will hold.
GANDALF
The Grey Pilgrim. That is what they used to call me. 300 lives of men have walked this earth and now, I have no time. Good luck. My search will not be in vain. Look to my coming. at first light, of the fifth day, at dawn, look to the East.
ARAGORN
Go.
[Gandalf rides out of the stable]
[Scene cuts to show Eowyn as she opens a chest. In it is a sword, which she begins to practice with. She swings around and is met by Aragorn, who blocks her swing]
ARAGORN
You have some skill with a blade?
EOWYN
Women of this country learned long ago that those without swords may still die upon them. I fear neither death nor pain.
ARAGORN
What do you fear my lady?
EOWYN
A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them. And all chance of valour has gone beyond recall or desire.
ARAGORN
You are a daughter of kings. A shieldmaiden of Rohan. I do not think that will be your fate.
[Scene cuts. The people are seen heading towards Helm's Deep. At Isengard, Grima confers with Saruman]
GRIMA
Theoden will not stay at Edoras. It is vulnerable, he knows this. He will expect an attack on the city. They will flee to Helm's Deep, the great fortress of Rohan. It is a dangerous road to take through the mountains. It will be slow. They will have women and children with them.
[Saruman walks through the depths of Isengard. He approaches an orc]
SARUMAN
Send out your warg riders.
[The orc smiles. Behind him is seen a pit full of dangerous wargs]
[Scene cuts to Frodo and Sam walking next to a river. Gollum is trying to catch a fish]
SAM
Hey stinker! Don't go getting too far ahead!
FRODO
Why do you do that?
SAM
What?
FRODO
Call him names? Run him down all the time.
SAM
Because. 'Cause that's what he is Mr. Frodo. There's naught left in 'im but lies and deceit. It's the ring he wants. It's all he cares about.
FRODO
You have no idea what it did to him. What is still doing to him. I want to help him Sam.
SAM
Why?
FRODO
Because I have to believe he could come back.
SAM
You can't save him, Mr. Frodo. No one can.
FRODO
(growling angry) What do you know about it? Nothing! [Pauses as Sam walks off] I'm sorry Sam. I don't know why I said that.
SAM
I do. It's the ring. You can't take your eyes off it. I've seen you. You're not eating. You barely sleep. It's taking a hold of you Mr Frodo. You have to fight it.
FRODO
I know what I have to do Sam. The ring was entrusted to me. It's my task! Mine! My own!.
SAM
Can't you hear yourself? Don't you know who you sound like?
[Scene cuts. It is night, and Frodo and Sam sleep while Gollum is off by himself]
GOLLUM
We wants it, we needs it. Must have the precious. They stole it from us. Sneaky little hobbitses. Wicked, Trickses, False!
SMEAGOL
No! No! Master, yes.
GOLLUM
Yes. Precious first. They will kick you, hurt you, lie.
SMEAGOL
Master's my friend.
GOLLUM
You don't have any friends. Nobody likes you.
SMEAGOL
Not listening. Not listening.
GOLLUM
You’re a liar, thief
SMEAGOL
Nope.
GOLLUM
Murderer!
SMEAGOL
Go away.
GOLLUM
Go away! HAHAHHA.
SMEAGOL
I hate you, I hate you!
GOLLUM
Where would you be without me? (Gollum gollum). I saved us. It was me. We survived because of me!
SMEAGOL
Not anymore.
GOLLUM
What did you say?
SMEAGOL
Master looks after us now. We don't need you.
GOLLUM
What?
SMEAGOL
Leave now and never come back.
GOLLUM
No!
SMEAGOL
leave now and never come back!
GOLLUM
Grrrr!
SMEAGOL
leave now and never come back!
[Smeagol pants and looks around]
SMEAGOL
We told him to go away! And away he goes precious. Gone, gone, gone, Smeagol is free!
[Scene cuts. The next day, while the hobbits are resting, Smeagol comes back with two rabbits.]
SMEAGOL
Look! Look! See what Smeagol finds! Hehehe! Hah hah!
[Smeagol picks up one of the dead rabbits and rips it apart in front of Frodo]
SMEAGOL
They are young! There are tender and nice. Yes they are! Eat them. Eat them.
SAM
You'll make him sick you will, behaving like that. There's only one way to eat a brace of coneys.
[Scene goes to where Sam is cooking the rabbits in a pot]
SMEAGOL
Argh!! Whats he doing! Stupid fat hobbit. You ruins it!
SAM
What’s to ruin? There's hardly any meat on 'em.
[A faint calling sound caught the attention of Frodo.]
SAM
What we need it a few good taters.
SMEAGOL
What’s taters? Precious, what’s taters? Huh?
SAM
Po-ta-toes!! Boil 'em, mash 'em stick ‘em in the stew. Lovely big golden chips with a nice piece of fried fish.
SMEAGOL
Phooo!
SAM
Even you couldn’t say no to that.
SMEAGOL
Oh yes we could. Spoiling nice fish. [scrambles over to Sam] Give it to us raw...and wriggling! You keep nasty chips! [scrambles away]
SAM
You're hopeless.
[Frodo follows the source of the sound and goes out of sight]
SAM
Mr Frodo?
[Scene goes to where Frodo lies on his stomach on a bank as he watches an army marching across the land]
SAM
Who are they?
SMEAGOL
Wicked men, servants of Sauron. They are called to Mordor. The Dark One is gathering all armies to him. It won't be long now. It will soon be ready.
SAM
Ready for what?
SMEAGOL
To make his war the last war that will cover all the world in shadow.
FRODO
We've got to keep moving. C'mon Sam.
[From behind the trees, two 50 foot high Oliphaunts appear carrying even more men]
SAM
Mr. Frodo! Look! Oliphaunts! No one at home will believe this.
[Smeagol backs out]
FRODO
Smeagol?
[Pandemonium breaks out from below where the soldiers are when arrows are suddenly shot towards them - they are being ambushed by rangers from Gondor]
FRODO
We've been here for too long. C'mon Sam.
[Both of them flee and Frodo is caught by a ranger. Sam spots that Frodo has been captured]
SAM
Ah!
[Another ranger appears and grabs Sam. One of the rangers points a sword toward Sam]
FARAMIR
Bind their hands.
[Scene cuts. The villagers are heading towards Helm's Deep]
GIMLI
It's true that you don't see many dwarf women. And in fact, they are so alike in voice and appearance, haha, they are often mistaken for dwarf men.
[Eowyn glances back at Aragorn]
ARAGORN
[Gestures with hand by his chin] It's the beard...
[Eowyn giggles]
GIMLI
And this in turn has given rise to the belief that there are no dwarf women. And the dwarves just, spring out of holes in the ground!
EOWYN
Hahaha!
GIMLI
Hehehe! Which is of course ridiculous. Whoa!!
[Gimli’s horse canters forward suddenly. Gimli falls from the horse]
GIMLI
It's alright! It's alright. Nobody panic. That was deliberate. It was deliberate.
[It is night. Aragorn can't sleep and is smoking his pipe. In the background, Arwen’s voice is heard]
ARWEN
The light of the Evenstar does not wax and wane. It is mine to give to whom I will. Like my heart. Go to sleep.
[Scene goes to Aragorn’s dream]
ARAGORN
I am asleep. This is a dream.
ARWEN
Then it is a good dream. Sleep.
ARAGORN
You told me once.--Elvish translation-- This day would come.
ARWEN
This is not the end... --Elvish Translation-- It is the beginning. You must go with Frodo. That is your path.
ARAGORN
My path is hidden from me. --Elvish translation--
ARWEN
It is already laid before your feet. --Elvish translation--. you cannot falter now.
ARAGORN
Arwen.
ARWEN
If you trust nothing else... trust this. Trust us. --Elvish translation--
[Aragorn and Arwen romantically unite in a kiss]
[Scene cuts to the next day of the Rohirrims trekking]
EOWYN
Where is she? The woman who gave you that jewel?
[Aragorn smiles but says nothing. The scene changes to a flashback of Elrond conversing with Aragorn in Rivendell]
ELROND
Our time here is ending. Arwen's time is ending. Let her go. Let her take the ship into the West. Let her bear away her love for you to the undying lands, which is evergreen.
ARAGORN
It will never be more than a memory.
ELROND
I will not leave my daughter here to die.
ARAGORN
She stays because she still has hope.
ELROND
She stays for you. She belongs with her people.
[Aragorn and Arwen meet before the departure of the Fellowship]
ARAGORN
You have a chance for another life... --Elvish translation-- away from war... grief... despair.
ARWEN
Why are you saying this?
ARAGORN
I'm mortal. You are elf kind. It was a dream Arwen, nothing more.
[Aragorn returns the necklace to Arwen]
ARAGORN
This belongs to you.
ARWEN
It was a gift. Keep it.
[Flashback ends]
EOWYN
My lord?
ARAGORN
She is sailing to the undying lands, with all that is left of her kin.
[Two riders, Gamling and Hama ride to the front of the people]
GAMLING
What is it? Hama?
[Horses become restless]
HAMA
I'm not sure.
[A warg scout appears above them and starts charging towards both of them. The warg attacks Hama, shaking him in its mouth and throwing him once he is dead. Legolas comes to the rescue and shoots an arrow, killing the warg. He walks up to the orc and stabs him so he’s dead]
LEGOLAS
A scout!
ARAGORN
Theoden! What do you see?
THEODEN
Wargs! We are under attack!
[Villagers begin to panic]
THEODEN
All riders to the head of the colony.
GIMLI
C'mon get me up here, I'm a rider. Agh!
[Legolas spots many wargs coming fast towards them]
THEODEN
You must lead the people to Helm's Deep and make haste.
EOWYN
I can fight!
THEODEN
No! You must do this... for me. Follow me! Argh!
GIMLI
Forward, forward honey, march forward.
EOWYN
Make for the lower ground. Stick together!
[Aragorn catches one final glimpse of Eowyn and sets off. Legolas shoots several wargs and their riders, and then grabs onto Gimli's horse as it gallops towards him, swinging himself up on it.]
ORC
Argh!
THEODEN
Argh!
[The warg riders and the Rohirrim crash into each other at full speed After about minute of fighting, Gimli falls of the horse. A riderless warg heads straight towards him.]
GIMLI: Bring your pretty face to my axe!
[Legolas shoots the warg as it attacks]
GIMLI
Argh!! That one counts as mine!
[Another warg, dead, lands on Gimli]
GIMLI
Argh! Stinking creature. Argh!
[A warg-rider appears over the dead warg, and Gimli snaps his neck]
[Gimli tries to lift the creature so he can get up, but another warg crawls into view. The warg growls. Aragorn throws a spear towards the warg and kills it. It also lands on Gimli.]
GIMLI
Oooh!
[A warg and rider ride past Aragorn. He leaps upon his back and head butts the warg-rider. He slips and catches his hand in the reins of the warg. The rider, battles with Aragorn as he is dragged along, before he falls off injured. The warg carries on, and despite much effort, Aragorn cannot escape. The warg goes over the cliff along with Aragorn.]
[Gimli walks up to a warg lying on the ground and axes his neck. Him and Legolas call out to Aragorn but no reply is heard. A laugh is then heard from the fallen warg-rider, lying on the ground. Legolas and Gimli walk over to him]
GIMLI
Tell me what happened and I will ease your passing.
WARG-RIDER
He’s dead. He took a little tumble over the cliff.
LEGOLAS
You lie.
[The warg-rider continues to laugh and then dies. Legolas opens up his hand to reveal Arwen’s Evenstar belonging to Aragorn. He takes it and follows Gimli to the edge of the cliff. Theoden approaches as well. There is no sign of Aragorn, so Theoden moves them away, back to Helms Deep]
THEODEN
Put the wounded on horses. The wolves of Isengard will return. Leave the dead.
[Scene cuts. The riders return to Helm's Deep after their battle with the Wargs]
FREDA: Momma!
[The children find their mother once again and she hugs them]
GUARD
Make way for Theoden. Make way for the king.
EOWYN
So few. So few of you have returned.
THEODEN
Our people are safe. They have paid for it with my many lives.
GIMLI
My lady...
EOWYN
Lord Aragorn, where is he?
GIMLI
He fell...
[Eowyn and Theoden look at each other, and the king walks off. Eowyn is shocked and shaken]
THEODEN
Draw out forces behind the wall. Bar the gate, and set a watch on the surround.
GUARD
What of those who cannot fight my lord? The women and children?
THEODEN
Get them into the cave. Saruman's arm would have grown long indeed if he thinks he can reach us here.
[The camera shot shows a culvert in the wall of Helms Deep. Grima’s voice is heard in the background]
GRIMA
Helm's Deep has but one weakness. It's outer wall is solid rock for except for a small culvert in space which is little more than a drain.
[Scene cuts and shows Saruman as he pours explosive stones into a spiky, metallic ball]
GRIMA
How? How can fire undo stone? What kind of device can break down a wall?
[Saruman pushes the candle that Grima is holding away from the explosive stones for fear of explosion]
SARUMAN
If the wall is breached, Helm's Deep will fall.
GRIMA
Even if it is breached, it would take a number beyond reckoning, thousands to storm the keep.
SARUMAN
Tens of thousands.
GRIMA
But my lord there is no such force.
[Both of them walk to the balcony of the tower. Grima looks in awe at the sheer number of warriors standing in neat rows, waiting for Saruman to appear. The horn sounds for the appearance of Saruman, who will give the order to attack Helm's Deep. A loud cheer begins]
SARUMAN
(addressing crowd) A new power is rising. It's victory is at hand.
[The warriors cheer and roar]
SARUMAN
This night, the land would be stained with the blood of Rohan! March to Helm's Deep! Leave none alive! To war!! There will be no dawn for Men.
[The warriors begin their march to Helm's Deep]
[Scene cuts to Merry and Pippin]
PIPPIN
Look! The smoke to the south!
TREEBEARD
There is always smoke rising up from Isengard these days.
MERRY
Isengard?
TREEBEARD
There was a time, when Saruman would walk in my woods, but now, he has a mind of metal and wheels. He no longer cares for growing things.
[From where Merry and Pippin sit upon Treebeard, over the treetops they spot a massive army marching by]
PIPPIN
What is it?
MERRY
It's Saruman's army! The war has started.
[Scene cuts. Aragorn floats in the river and washes ashore. Dreaming, Arwen kisses Aragorn on his lips]
ARWEN
May the grace of the Valar protect you.
[Brego arrives and nudges Aragorn until he awakes. Aragorn slowly rides to Helm's Deep]
[Scene cuts to Arwen lying down in Rivendell. Elrond approaches her]
ELROND
Arwen. It is time. The ships are leaving for Valinor. Go now... before it is too late. (Elvish Translation)
ARWEN
I've made my choice.
ELROND
He is not coming back. Why do you linger where there is no hope?
ARWEN
There is still hope.
ELROND
If Aragorn survives this war, You will still be parted. If Sauron is defeated, then Aragorn made king and all that you hoped for comes true...you will still have to taste the bitterness of mortality. Whether by the sword of the slow decay of time, Aragorn will die. And there will be no comfort for you. No comfort to ease the pain of his passing. He will come to death. An image of the splendor of the kings of men in glory undimmed before the breaking of the world. But you, my daughter, you will linger on in darkness and in doubt. As night falling winter has come without a star. Here you will dwell, bound to your grief, under the fading trees, until all the world has changed and the long years of your life are utterly spent. Arwen... there is nothing for you here, only death. Do I not also have your love? (Elvish translation)
ARWEN
You have my love father. (Elvish translation)
[The Elves in Rivendell set off to leave Middle Earth. Arwen looks at her father one last time before she leaves. The scene then goes to Elrond, standing, silently communicating with Galadriel]
GALADRIEL
I amar prestar aen, han mathon ne nen, han mathon ne chae a han nostan ned gwilith.
The power of the enemy is growing. Sauron will use his puppet Saruman to destroy the people of Rohan. Isengard has been unleashed. The Eye of Sauron now turns to Gondor. The last free kingdom of men. His war on this country will come swiftly. He senses the ring is close. The strength of the ringbearer is failing. In his heart, Frodo begins to understand. The quest will claim his life. You know this. You have foreseen it. It is the risk we all took. In the gathering dark, the will of the ring grows strong. It works hard now to find its way back into the hands of men. Men, who are so easily seduced by its power. The young captain of Gondor has but to extend his hand to take the ring for his own and the world will fall. He is close now, so close to achieving his goal. For Sauron will have dominion over all life on this Earth, even until the ending of the world. The time of the elves is over. Do we leave Middle Earth to this fate? Do we let them stand alone?
[Scene cuts to Henneth Anun. Faramir and one of his rangers look over a map]
FARAMIR
What news?
GON
Our scouts report Saruman has attacked Rohan. Theoden’s people have fled to Helm’s Deep. But we must look to our own borders. Faramir, orcs are on the move. Sauron is marshalling an army. Easterlings and Southrons are passing through the Black Gate.
FARAMIR
How many?
GONDOR
Some thousands. More come every day.
FARAMIR
Who’s covering the river to the north?
GON
We pulled 500 men out of Osgiliath, but if the city is attacked, we won’t hold it.
FARAMIR
Saruman attacks from Isengard. Sauron from Mordor. The fight will come to men on both fronts. Gondor is weak. Sauron will strike us soon. And he will strike hard. He knows now we do not have the strength to repel him.
[Scene cuts to Faramir approaching Sam and Frodo in the cave]
FARAMIR
My men tell me that you are orc spies.
SAM
Spies! Now wait just a minute.
FARAMIR
Well if you’re not spies, then who are you? Speak!
FRODO
We are hobbits of the Shire. Frodo Baggins is my name and this is Samwise Gamgee.
FARAMIR
Your bodyguard?
SAM
His gardener.
FARAMIR
And where is your skulking friend? That gangrel creature. He had an ill-favoured look.
FRODO
There was no other. We set out from Rivendell with seven companions. One we lost in Moria. Two were my kin. A dwarf there was also. And an elf. And two men. Aragorn, son of Arathorn and Boromir of Gondor.
FARAMIR
You were a friend of Boromir?
FRODO
Yes. For my part.
FARAMIR
It would grieve you then to learn that he is dead?
FRODO
Dead? How? When?
FARAMIR
As one of his companions, I had hoped you would tell me. He was my brother.
GON
Captain Faramir.
[Faramir takes Frodo to the entrance of the Forbidden Pool. Gollum can be seen below]
FARAMIR
You must come with me.
[Scene changes to Faramir and Frodo, standing on the edge on the rock, looking down at Smeagol]
FARAMIR
Now. Down there. To enter the Forbidden Pool bears the penalty of death.
[Faramir points to four other men holding bow and arrow at Smeagol]
FAMARIR
They wait for my command. Shall they shoot?
GOLLUM
Rock and pool is nice and cool, so juicy sweet. I only wish to catch a fish, so juicy sweet!
FRODO
Wait. This creature is bound to me. And I to him. He is our guide. Please, let me go down to him.
[Faramir nods slightly]
[Camera goes down to Smeagol as Frodo appears behind him]
FRODO
Smeagol. Master is here. Come, Smeagol. Trust master. Come.
GOLLUM
We must go now?
FRODO
Smeagol, you must trust master. Follow me, come on. Come. Come, Smeagol. Nice Smeagol. That’s it. Come on.
[As Smeagol edges closer and closer to Frodo, Faramir’s men grab him]
FRODO
Don’t hurt him! Smeagol don’t struggle! Smeagol listen to me.
GOLLUM
Master!
[The men put a sack over Smeagol]
[Scene cuts to inside, with Smeagol lying on the floor and Faramir standing over him]
FARAMIR
Where are you leading them? Answer me!
GOLLUM
Smeagol. Why does it cry, Smeagol?
SMEAGOL
Frodo hurts us. Master tricked us.
GOLLUM
Of course he did. I told you he was tricksy. I told you he was false.
SMEAGOL
Master is our friend... our friend.
GOLLUM
Master betrayed us.
SMEAGOL
No, but it’s business. Leave us alone.
GOLLUM
Filthy little hobbites. They stole it from us.
SMEAGOL
No.
FARAMIR
What did they steal?
GOLLUM
My.....[Shouts] precioussss!!!
The Confrontation
[Scene cuts Frodo and Sam, in the cave area]
SAM
We have to get out of here. You go. Go. Now. You can do it. Use the Ring, Mr. Frodo. Just this once. Put it on. Disappear.
FRODO
I can’t. You were right, Sam. You tried to tell me. I’m sorry. The Ring’s taking me, Sam. If I put it on, he’ll find me. He’ll see.
SAM
Mr. Frodo.
[Suddenly Faramir enters, and draws a sword on Frodo]
FARAMIR
So... this is the answer to all the riddles. Here in the wild I have you. Two haflings and a host of men at my call. And the ring of power within my grasp. A chance for Faramir, captain of Gondor, to show his quality.
[Frodo suddenly pushes the blade away and runs into the corner]
FRODO
No!
SAM
Stop it! Leave him alone! Don’t you understand?! He’s got to destroy it. That’s where we’re going. To Mordor. To the Mountain of Fire.
GON
Osgiliath is under attack. They call for reinforcements.
SAM
Please. It’s such a burden. Will you not help him?
GON
Captain?
FARAMIR
Prepare to leave. The Ring will go to Gondor.
[Scene cuts to Aragorn, weakly riding upon Brego. Aragorn sees the Uruks marching and makes his way to Helm’s Deep]
ARAGORN
[in elvish to Brego]
[Aragorn finally arrives at Hems Deep. He dismounts from Brego]
GIMLI: [Shoving his way through] Get out of my way! I'm going to kill him! You are the trickiest, the luckiest, most reckless man I ever knew! Bless you, laddie!
ARAGORN
Where is the king?
[Aragorn runs into Legolas]
LEGOLAS
[in elvish] You’re late. You look terrible.
ARAGORN
[in elvish] Thank you.
THEODEN
A great host, you say?
ARAGORN
All Isengard is emptied.
THEODEN
How many?
ARAGORN
Ten thousand strong at least.
THEODEN
Ten-thousand?
ARAGORN
It is an army bred for a single purpose: to destroy the world of Men. They will be here by nightfall.
THEODEN
Let them come.
THEODEN
I want every man and strong lad able to bear arms, to be ready for battle by nightfall. We will cover the causeway and the gate from above. No army has ever breached the deeping wall or set foot inside the Hornburg.
GIMLI
This is no rabble of mindless orcs. These are Uruk-Hai. There armour is thick and their shields broad.
THEODEN
I have fought many wars, Master Dwarf. I know how to defend my own keep. They will break upon this fortress like water on rock. Saruman’s hordes will pillage and burn, we’ve seen it before. Crops can be resown. Homes rebuilt. Within these walls, we will outlast them.
ARAGORN
They do not come to destroy Rohan’s crops or villages. They come to destroy its people. Down to the last child.
THEODEN
What would you have me do? Look at my men. Their courage hangs by a thread. If this is to be our end, then I would have them make such an end as to be worthy of remembrance!
ARAGORN
Send out riders, my lord. You must call for aid.
THEODEN
And who will come. Elves? Dwarves? We are not so lucky in our friends as you. The old alliances are dead.
ARAGORN
Gondor will answer.
THEODEN
Gondor? Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell? Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in around us? Where was - No, my lord Aragorn, we are alone. Get the women and children into the caves.
GAMLING
We need more time to lay provisions for a siege, lord –
THEODEN
There is no time. War is upon us!
GAMLING
Secure the gate.
[Scene cuts to a clearing in the forest. More and more Ents appear]
TREEBEARD: The ents have not troubled about the wars of men and wizards for a very long time. But now something is about to happen that has not happened for an age... ent moot.
MERRY
What’s that?
TREEBEARD
A gathering.
MERRY
A gathering of what?
TREEBEARD
Beech, oak, chestnut, ash. Good, good, many have come. Now we must decide if the ents will go to war.
[Scene cuts to all the ‘soldiers’ collecting their weapons and armour, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli look on]
ARAGORN
Farmer, fairies, stable boys. These are no soldiers.
GIMLI
Most have seen too many winters.
LEGOLAS
Or too few. Look at them. They’re frightened. I can see it in their eyes. (Boe a hûn: neled herain dan caer menig.) And they should be. 300 against 10,000?
ARAGORN
[Si beriach a hýn. Amar na ned Edoras.] They have a better chance here than in Edoras.
LEGOLAS: [Aragorn, men i ndagor. Hýn ú-gâr ortheri. Natha daged aen.] Every one will die tonight.
ARAGORN
Then I shall die as one them!
[Aragorn storms off]
GIMLI
Let him go, lad. Let him be.
[Scene goes to Theoden, standing inside, with Gamling behind him, with the kings armour]
GAMLING
Every villager able to wield a sword has been sent to the armoury. My lord?
THEODEN
Who am I, Gamling?
GAMLING
You are our king, sire.
THEODEN
And do you trust your king?
GAMLING
You’re men, my lord, will follow you to whatever end.
THEODEN
To whatever end. Where is the horse and the rider. Where is the horn that was blowing. They have passed like rain on the mountains. Like wind in the meadow. The days have gone down in the west. Behind the hills, into shadow. How did it come to this.
[Scene cuts to Aragorn, sitting outside on some steps. He watches a young lad, fully armoured carrying his sword, with a frightened look on his face]
ARAGORN
Give me your sword. What is your name?
HALETH
Haleth, son of Hama, my lord. The men are saying that we will not live out the night. They say that it is hopeless.
ARAGORN
This is a good sword, Haleth, son of Hama. There is always hope.
[Scene cuts to Aragorn inside, putting on his armour. As he is going to pick up his sword, Legolas hands it to him]
LEGOLAS
We have trusted you this far and you have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair.
ARAGORN
Ú-moe ... There is nothing to forgive, Legolas.
GIMLI
We’ve tried to get this adjusted. It’s a little tight across the chest.
[A horn can be heard from outside]
LEGOLAS
That is no orc horn.
[A procession of smartly dressed elves can be seen marching up to Helms Deep]
ROH
Send for the king. Open the gate!
THEODEN
How is this possible?
HALDIR
I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between elves and men. Long ago we fought and died together. We come to honor that allegiance.
ARAGORN
You are most welcome.
[Aragorn gives Haldir a big hug. At first Haldir is shocked but then hugs Aragorn as well]
HALDIR
We are proud to fight alongside men, once more.
[Scene cuts to Helms Deep. The walls are filled with soldiers, men and elf. The camera flows too and fro along the frontline of soldiers, then to the approaching enemies in the distant. Once again the camera goes along the line of soldiers behind the wall, stopping when it gets to Legolas and the top of a helmet, worn by Gimli]
GIMLI
You could have picked a better spot. Well lad, the luck you live by, let’s hope it lasts the night.
LEGOLAS
You’re friends are with you, Aragorn.
GIMLI
Let’s hope they last the night.
[The Uruk Hai and co finally arrive and stop about 50 yards away from the wall, growling as the go]
ARAGORN
[Ba-ráe-d-o-?hîn! [?] Ú-danno i failad a thi; an úben tannatha le failad. [?]] Show them no mercy! For you shall receive none!
[The Uruk Hai and co start banging their spears against the ground, making a loud drumming noise. Scene goes back to Gimli and Legolas. Gimli is impatiently jumping up and down, trying to see]
GIMLI
What’s happening out there?
LEGOLAS
Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box?
GIMLI
Hehehehe!!
ARAGORN
[in elvish] Hold!
THEODEN
So it begins.
ARAGORN
[in elvish] Ready arrows!
LEGOLAS
[Hai(n)- ... di na lanc a núrath?] Their armor is weak at the neck and under the arms.
ARAGORN
[in elvish] Fire!
GIMLI
Anybody hit anything?
THEODEN
Give them a volley.
HAMA
Fire!
ARAGORN
[in elvish] Keep firing.
GIMLI
Come on! Send them to me!
ARAGORN
[Pendraid!] Ladders!
GIMLI
Good!
GIMLI
Legolas, two already!
LEGOLAS
I’m on seventeen!
GIMLI
I’ll have no pointy-ear outscoring me!
LEGOLAS
Nineteen!.
[Scene cuts to Ent Moot]
PIPPIN
Merry.
TREEBEARD
We have just agreed.
[Treebeard dozes off]
MERRY
Yes?
TREEBEARD
I have told your names to the Ent moot and we have agreed: you are not orcs.
PIPPIN
Well that’s good.
MERRY
And what about Saruman? Have you come to a decision about him.
TREEBEARD
Now don’t be hasty, Master Meriadoc.
MERRY
Hasty? Our friends are out there. They cannot fight this war on their own.
TREEBEARD
War, yes. It affects us all. But you must understand, young hobbit. It takes a long time to say anything in old entish and we never say anything unless it is worth taking a long time to say.
[Scene cuts to battle]
GIMLI
Seventeen. Eighteen. Nineteen. Twenty. Twenty-one. Twenty-two.
ARAGORN
[in elvish]
THEODEN
Is this it? Is this all you can conjure, Saruman.
[Uruk Hai’s come with two, large spiked balls and bang both at the culvert before retreating. Suddenly a Berserker comes charging at the culvert]
ARAGORN
Legolas, stop him! Kill him!
[Legolas shoots two arrows at him. The Berserker flinches but carries on]
THEODEN
Hold them! Stand fast!
[The Berserker throws himself at the culvert. The wall explodes, massive chunks of rock flying into the Uruk Hai army. Aragorn gets thrown with it and lands on the floor below. Gimli jumps from where he stands onto the approaching Uruk Hai, and battles with them once more]
ARAGORN
Gimli! Prepare to charge! Charge!
[Scene cuts to the Ent gathering]
TREEBEARD
The Ents cannot hold back this storm. We must weather such things as we have always done.
MERRY
How can that be your decision?
TREEBEARD
This is not our war.
MERRY
But your part of this world, aren’t you. You must help. Please. You must do something.
TREEBEARD
You are young and brave, master Merry. But your part in this tale is over. Go back to your home.
PIPPIN
Maybe Treebeard’s right. We don’t belong here, Merry. It’s too big for us. What can we do in the end? We’ve got the Shire. Maybe we should go home.
MERRY
The fires of Isengard will spread. And the woods of Tuckburough and Buckland will burn. And all that was once green and good in this world will be gone. There won’t be a Shire, Pippin.
[Scene cuts back to Helms Deep]
THEODEN
Aragorn, fall back to the gate!
ARAGORN
Haldir, fall back.
[Legolas and someone else run by, carrying Gimli away from the battle]
GIMLI
What are you doing? Stop it!
[As Haldir prepares to retreat, he gets stabbed in his arm. As he experiences the shock of the pain, another Uruk hai raises his axe and stabs him hard in his back. Haldir sways as his life leaves him, looking at all the dead on the ground.]
ARAGORN
Haldir!
[Aragorn goes down to him and as Haldir falls back into his arms, he sees he is dead]
[Scene cuts to the gate]
HAM
Brace the gate.
THEODEN
To the gate! Draw your swords!
HAM
We can’t hold much longer.
THEODEN
Hold them!
ARAGORN
How long do you need?
THEODEN
As long as you can give me!
ARAGORN
Gimli!
[Both Aragorn and Gimli sneak out through the secret entrance, and spy on the Uruk Hai as they try to break through the gate]
GIMLI
Come on. We can take ‘em!
ARAGORN
It’s a long way.
GIMLI
Toss me.
ARAGORN
What?
GIMLI
I cannot jump the distance so you have to toss me. Don’t tell the elf.
ARAGORN
Not a word.
THEODEN
Shore up the door! Gimli, Aragorn! Get out of there!
LEGOLAS
Aragorn!
THEODEN
Pull everybody back. Pull them back.
GAMLING
Fall back! Fall back!
ARAGORN
They’ve broken through! Come, to the keep!
GAMLING
Retreat! Retreat!
ARAGORN
Inside! Get them inside!
[Scene cuts to Treebeard carrying Merry and Pippin through the forest once again]
TREEBEARD
I will leave you at the western borders of the forest. You can make your way north to your homeland from there.
PIPPIN
Wait! Stop! Stop! Turn around. Turn around. Take us south!
TREEBEARD
South? But that will lead you past Isengard.
PIPPIN: Yes. Exactly. If we go south we can slip past Saruman unnoticed. The closer we are to danger, the farther we are from harm. It’s the last thing he’ll expect.
TREEBEARD
Mmmm. That doesn’t make sense to me. But then, you are very small. Perhaps your right. South it is then. Hold on, little Shirelings. I always like going south. Somehow it feels like going down hill.
MERRY
Are you mad, we’ll be caught.
PIPPIN
No we won’t. Not this time.
[Scene cuts to Faramir still leading the hobbits, on the outskirts of Osgiliath]
GON
Look. Osgiliath burns.
FRODO
The Ring will not save Gondor. It has only the power to destroy. Please, let me go.
FARAMIR
Hurry.
FRODO
Faramir, you must let me go!
[Scene cuts to Treebeard, walking south through the forest. He is in the middle of telling Merry and Pippin a tale, when he reaches outside and sees stumps where there used to be trees]
TREEBEARD
And a little family of field mice that climb up sometimes and they tickle me awfully. They’re always trying to get somewhere - Many of these trees were my friends. Creatures I had known from nut and acorn.
PIPPIN
I’m sorry, Treebeard.
TREEBEARD
They had voices of their own. Saruman. A wizard should know better. There is no curse in elvish, entish or the tongues of men for this treachery. My business is with Isengard tonight. With a rock and stone.
MERRY
Yes.
[From behind, about a hundred more Ents appear from the forest]
TREEBEARD
Come my friends. The ents are going to war. It is likely that we go to our doom. The last march of the ents.
[Faramir arrives at Osgiliath, with Frodo and Sam. Gon runs up to them]
GON
Faramir, orcs have taken the eastern shore. Their numbers are too great. By nightfall we’ll be overrun.
SAM
Mr. Frodo!
FRODO
It’s calling to him, Sam. His eye is almost on me.
SAM
Hold on, Mr. Frodo.
FARAMIR
Take them to my father. Tell him Faramir sends a mighty gift. A weapon that will change our fortunes in this war.
SAM: You want to know what happened to Boromir? You want to know why your brother died? He tried to take the Ring from Frodo. After swearing an oath to protect him. He tried to kill him. The Ring drove your brother mad. Mr. Frodo?
FRODO
They’re here. They’ve come.
FARAMIR
Nazgul! Stay here. Keep out of sight. Take cover!
Forth Eorlingas
[Back at Helms Deep]
THEODEN
The fortress is taken. It is over.
ARAGORN
You said this fortress would never fall while your men defend it. They still defend it. They have died defending it! Is there no other way for the women and children to get out of the caves? Is there no other way?
GAMLING
There is one passage. It leads into the mountains. But they will not get far. The uruk-hai are too many.
ARAGORN
Send word for the women and children to make for the mountain pass. And barricade the entrance.
THEODEN
So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate.
ARAGORN
Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them.
THEODEN
For death and glory?
ARAGORN
For Rohan. For your people.
GIMLI
The sun is rising.
GANDALF
Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn look to the East.
THEODEN
Yes. Yes. The horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the deep one last time.
GIMLI
Yes!
THEODEN
Let this be the hour when we draw swords together. Fell deed awake. Now for wrath. Now for ruin. And the red dawn! Forth Eorlingas!
ARAGORN
Gandalf.
GANDALF
Theoden, king, stand not alone.
EOMER
Not alone. Rohirrim!
THEODEN
Eomer!
EOMER
To the king!
[The Ents enter Isengard, destroying as they go and throwing rocks[
TREEBEARD
A hit. A fine hit.
TREEBEARD
Break the dam! Release the river.
[Water rushes out of the damn, flooding Isengard]
MERRY
Pippin, hold on!
TREEBEARD
Hold on, gentle hobbits.
[Back In Gondor, Frodo, in a trance, wanders away and up the stairs.]
SAM
What are you doing? Where are you going!
[At the top, he hold out the ring towards the Witch King. Just as the Fell Beast is about to grasp the ring, Sam runs and jumps on Frodo making both fall down the steps. Frodo rolls Sam over once at the bottom, placing Sting against Sams throat]
SAM
It’s me. It’s your Sam. Don’t you know your Sam?
[Frodo realises what he is doing and collapses back, off Sam, and leans against the wall]
FRODO
I can’t do this, Sam.
SAM
I know. It’s all wrong. By rights we shouldn’t even be here. But we are. It’s like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy. How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened.
[As Sam makes his speech, the picture changes to Merry and Pippen as they triumph over destroying Isengard, and to Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli etc as the win their battle]
THEODEN
Victory!
SAM
But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something. Even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back only they didn’t. Because they were holding on to something.
FRODO
What are we holding on to, Sam?
SAM
There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.
FARAMIR
I think at last we understand one another, Frodo Baggins.
GON
You know the laws of our country. The laws of your father. If you let them go, your life will be forfeit.
FARAMIR
Then it is forfeit. Release them.
[Epilogue]
GANDALF
Sauron’s wrath will be terrible, his retribution swift. The battle for Helm’s Deep is over. The battle for Middle Earth is about to begin. All our hopes now lie with two little hobbits. Somewhere in the wilderness.
SAM
I wonder if we’ll ever be put into songs or tales.
FRODO
What?
SAM
I wonder if people will ever say, ‘let’s hear about Frodo and the Ring.’ And they’ll say ‘yes, that’s one of my favorite stories. Frodo was really courageous, wasn’t he, dad.’ ‘yes, my boy, the most famousest of hobbits. And that’s saying alot.’
FRODO
You left out one of the cheif characters. Samwise, the Brave. I want to hear more about Sam. Frodo wouldn’t have got far without Sam.
SAM
Now Mr. Frodo, you shouldn’t make fun. I was being serious.
FRODO
So was I.
SAM
Samwise the Brave.
FRODO
Smeagol!
SAM
We’re not gonna wait for you. Come on.
SMEAGOL
Master looks after us. Master wouldn’t hurt us.
GOLLUM
Master broke his promise.
SMEAGOL
Don’t ask Smeagol. Poor Smeagol.
GOLLUM
Master betrayed us! Wicked, tricksy, false. We ought to ring his filthy little neck. Kill him! Kill him! Kill them both. And then we take the precious and we be the master.
SMEAGOL
The fat hobbit. He knows. He’s always watching.
GOLLUM
Then we stabs them out. Put out his eyeses. And then make him crawl.
SMEAGOL
Yes! Yes! Yes!
GOLLUM
Kill them both.
SMEAGOL
Yes! No. No. It’s too risky, it’s too risky.
SAM
Where’s he gone? Hey Gollum, where are you?
FRODO
Smeagol.
GOLLUM
We could let her do it. Yes. She could do it. Yes, precious she could. And then we takes it once they’re dead. Once they’re dead.
SMEAGOL
Come on, hobbits. Long ways to go yet. Smeagol will show you the way.
GOLLUM
Follow me.
THE END.
