Chapter 7: THE PYRE OF DENETHOR

As the shadow lifts from the Gate and the horns of Rohan sound, Pippin remembers his errand and stops Gandalf from riding to battle. He reports that Denethor intends to burn Faramir alive. Gandalf, torn between the field and the Citadel, decides to act, placing Pippin before him on Shadowfax and racing upward through the mustering city.

Finding the Citadel unguided and the Closed Door opened with the porter slain, Gandalf deduces that the Enemy’s will sows division within. In Rath Dínen, Beregond stands alone, holding the door against Denethor’s servants, having already slain two. Gandalf confronts Denethor, disarms him with a word, and discovers Faramir laid on an oil-soaked pyre, still alive and fevered. Gandalf lifts Faramir from the faggots, but Denethor, despairing, refuses counsel to return to battle or to wait upon fate.

Denethor reveals a palantír, declaring the West’s failure and accusing Gandalf of scheming to replace him with Aragorn. Gandalf insists Denethor has no right to order death or steal Faramir’s choice. When Denethor moves to slay Faramir, Beregond blocks him. Denethor then ignites the pyre, breaks his white rod, and lies upon the burning table clutching the Stone. Gandalf shuts the door; Denethor’s death-cry sounds as the house later collapses in flame.

Gandalf declares Denethor’s end and bids enmity cease, crediting Beregond’s “treason” with saving Faramir. They bear Faramir toward the Houses of Healing. A terrible cry from the field passes; after it, the sun breaks through and hope rises. Gandalf, grave, witnesses from the walls the aftermath of the Witch-king’s fall and returns in sorrow.

Gandalf explains that Denethor’s frequent use of the palantír let Sauron shape his visions, feeding despair until judgment failed. He assigns Beregond to be removed from the Guard but to serve at Faramir’s side in the Houses of Healing, honoring his deed. Gandalf then goes to meet those coming from the field as rain and smoke settle over the city.