The Lord of the Rings, #3
The Return of the King
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
Chapter 1: MINAS TIRITH
Overview
Gandalf and Pippin reach Minas Tirith, where Pippin, honoring Boromir, swears fealty to Denethor. Denethor probes for news and spars with Gandalf, revealing ominous foresight. Pippin learns Gondor’s dire preparations, glimpses a Nazgûl’s shadow, and witnesses scant Outland reinforcements arrive as a deeper Darkness begins.
Summary
Gandalf bears Pippin swiftly into Gondor as the beacons blaze, and they pass the Rammas Echor to behold Minas Tirith at dawn. At the Citadel, Gandalf warns Pippin to be cautious with Denethor. In the great hall, Denethor reveals Boromir’s cloven horn and interrogates Pippin, who recounts Boromir’s last stand.
Moved by debt and pride, Pippin offers service and swears fealty to Denethor. Denethor presses him for details while parrying with Gandalf, hinting at far sight and other sources of knowledge. Tension flares between Steward and wizard over purpose and rule; Gandalf departs to council, calling Pippin to vigilance.
Pippin lodges in the Citadel. At Gandalf’s request, he checks on Shadowfax, then meets Beregond, who tutors him in passwords, customs, and the City’s war footing. Together they view the Pelennor, Osgiliath, and the looming Shadow. A chill passes as a Nazgûl’s presence darkens the sun, but hope stirs in Pippin remembering Gandalf’s return.
Beregond speaks of Denethor’s foresight, Faramir’s perilous errand, and a Corsair fleet threatening Gondor’s southern aid. They share food with the Third Company, where rumour inflates Pippin’s status. Beregond sends Pippin to his son Bergil for a tour.
With Bergil, Pippin watches the Captains of the Outlands arrive: Forlong of Lossarnach, men of Ringló, Morthond, Anfalas, Lamedon, the Ethir, Hirluin of Pinnath Gelin, and Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth—valiant yet too few. The Gate shuts at evening as ash-darkness spreads and songs rise within the walls.
Pippin returns, heartened by comradeship yet weighed by gloom. Late at night Gandalf paces, anxious for Faramir. He warns that the summons to Denethor will come with a new Darkness: there will be no dawn.
Who Appears
- Peregrin (Pippin) TookBrought by Gandalf to Minas Tirith; recounts Boromir’s death; swears fealty to Denethor; learns city ways; witnesses scant reinforcements.
- Gandalf (Mithrandir)Leads Pippin to Minas Tirith; warns prudence; clashes subtly with Denethor; sends Pippin to Shadowfax; anxiously awaits Faramir; foretells looming Darkness.
- Denethor son of EcthelionSteward of Gondor; displays Boromir’s broken horn; questions Pippin closely; accepts Pippin’s oath; hints at far sight; prioritizes Gondor’s defense.
- BeregondGuard of the Citadel; befriends and instructs Pippin; explains Gondor’s preparations, Denethor’s repute, Faramir’s errand, and southern threats.
- BergilBeregond’s son; guides Pippin to the Gate to see the Captains arrive; shares youthful pride and hope.
- IngoldCaptain at the Rammas Echor gate; challenges Gandalf; hears tidings; warned to sharpen swords and keep vigil.
- ShadowfaxGandalf’s great horse; stalwart after the long ride; visited and praised by Pippin and Beregond.
- Imrahil, Prince of Dol AmrothArrives last with knights and men-at-arms; most splendid of the Outland captains, yet numbers are still too few.
- Forlong of LossarnachLeads a small company warmly hailed by the crowd; emblematic of the Outlands’ limited aid.