The Lord of the Rings, #3
The Return of the King
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
Chapter 4: THE FIELD OF CORMALLEN
Overview
The Eagles scatter the Nazgûl as Sauron’s realm collapses with the Ring’s destruction. Gandalf has Gwaihir rescue Frodo and Sam from Orodruin. In Ithilien they awaken, reunite with the Fellowship, and are honored at the Field of Cormallen. After feasting and rest, the host sails back to Minas Tirith for Aragorn’s coronation.
Summary
On the hills before the Black Gate, the Captains of the West are nearly overwhelmed when Gandalf foresees help and proclaims the coming of the Eagles. Gwaihir and his kin descend, driving the Nazgûl away. At that very hour the will of Sauron falters; Mordor’s forces waver as the Dark Power is removed.
Gandalf stays the counterattack and declares it the hour of doom. The earth quakes; the Black Gate and its towers fall. A vast shadow rises and is blown away. Gandalf announces the Ring-bearer has fulfilled the Quest, and Mordor’s armies break—some fleeing, some surrendering, some making a last, futile stand.
Leaving command to Aragorn, Gandalf summons Gwaihir, Landroval, and Meneldor, and they fly over ruined Mordor to Mount Doom. Frodo and Sam, stranded on an ashen hill as rivers of fire descend, resign themselves to death. The Eagles find them as they collapse and bear them out of the fire.
Frodo and Sam awaken in Ithilien under beeches and behold Gandalf alive. Gandalf names the day of the New Year in Gondor and says the King awaits them. Clad again in their travel-worn garments and given back Galadriel’s gifts, they are led to a great host assembled on the Field of Cormallen.
Aragorn—revealed in kingly state—honors Frodo and Sam, seats them upon the high throne, and commands, “Praise them with great praise!” A minstrel sings of “Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom,” moving the host to tears and laughter. At the feast their gear is restored; Frodo accepts a sword for the night, and silver circlets are set upon their heads. Merry and Pippin, now knights, joyfully reunite with them.
That night the companions share tales; Gimli recalls saving Pippin, and Legolas sings of the Sea. Days of rest follow in fair Ithilien as the host subdues remaining foes. At last, with May approaching, the Captains embark down Anduin, return to the Pelennor, and make camp, awaiting morning and the King’s entry into Minas Tirith.
Who Appears
- Frodo BagginsRescued from Orodruin; awakens in Ithilien; honored as Ring-bearer at Cormallen; reunites with friends.
- Samwise GamgeeRescued with Frodo; awakes joyous and bewildered; celebrated alongside Frodo; reunites with Merry and Pippin.
- GandalfForesees aid, announces Sauron’s fall; summons Eagles to rescue hobbits; guides them to Aragorn and the feast.
- Aragorn (Strider)Commands the West; revealed as King; honors Frodo and Sam, leading their public praise at Cormallen.
- Gwaihir the WindlordLeads the Eagles to scatter Nazgûl and personally rescues Frodo and Sam from Mount Doom.
- Peregrin Took (Pippin)Now a knight of the City; reunites at the feast; promises to share his adventures.
- Meriadoc Brandybuck (Merry)Knight of the Mark; reunites with Frodo and Sam; his increased height amazes Sam.
- LegolasJoins the night’s talk; sings of the Sea; muses about Elves dwelling in Ithilien.
- GimliRecalls finding Pippin on the battlefield; counsels rest; joins the reunion.
- King ÉomerFeasts with the King’s table and honors the Ring-bearers at Cormallen.
- Prince ImrahilPresent at the King’s table, honoring Frodo and Sam during the celebration.
- LandrovalEagle who helps scatter the Nazgûl and assists in the rescue.
- MeneldorSwift young Eagle accompanying Gwaihir in the rescue from Orodruin.
- Minstrel of GondorSings the lay of ‘Frodo of the Nine Fingers,’ moving the host to tears and joy.