The Lord of the Rings, #3
The Return of the King
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
Chapter 8: THE HOUSES OF HEALING
Overview
Merry collapses after the battle and is brought with Éowyn and Faramir to the Houses of Healing, stricken by the Black Shadow. Aragorn enters the city discreetly and, invoking ancient lore, uses athelas to heal Faramir, Éowyn, and Merry. Faramir acknowledges Aragorn as king, and news of the King’s return spreads.
Aragorn defers formal claim and rule to Imrahil until Faramir wakes, while Gandalf guides counsel. Hope is restored as Aragorn heals many through the night.
Summary
Exhausted and numb after the Pelennor, Merry is separated from Éowyn’s bier on the climb into Minas Tirith. Pippin finds him wandering and, with Gandalf’s help, brings him to the Houses of Healing, where Faramir, Éowyn, and Merry lie stricken by wounds and the Black Shadow.
As evening falls, Ioreth recalls the old lore that the king’s hands are healing hands. Aragorn, arriving with Éomer and Imrahil, refuses to claim the city formally, leaving rule to Imrahil until Faramir wakes and urging that Gandalf direct counsel. At Gandalf’s urging, Aragorn enters the Houses to attempt healing.
Aragorn diagnoses Faramir’s fever as weariness, grief, a Southron wound, and the Black Breath. After securing athelas, he breathes upon the leaves, infuses the room with renewing fragrance, and calls Faramir back. Faramir awakens, recognizing Aragorn as king, and hope spreads through the city.
Aragorn turns to Éowyn, assessing her crushed spirit and broken arm. He speaks of her long despair, unreturned love, and courage against a foe beyond mortal strength. Using athelas again, he calls her from the dark; Éowyn awakens to Éomer’s joy, grieving Théoden yet speaking of deeds still to do.
Lastly Aragorn heals Merry, easing the Black Shadow and sorrow from striking the Witch‑king. Merry wakes hungry and comforted, sharing quiet fellowship with Pippin. Aragorn and Gandalf instruct the Warden to restrain Éowyn’s departure, delay telling Faramir of Denethor’s end, and allow Merry brief walks.
Word races through Minas Tirith that the King has come indeed. Aragorn, aided by the sons of Elrond, heals many into the night. Before dawn he slips back to his field tent, while the city wonders if the sight of the Elfstone was a dream.
Who Appears
- Aragorn (Elessar, Elfstone)Arrives incognito, refuses formal claim, uses athelas to heal Faramir, Éowyn, and Merry; restores hope and heals many through the night.
- Gandalf (Mithrandir)Finds Merry, brings him to the Houses, urges Aragorn’s healing, guides counsel, and manages sensitive news about Denethor.
- Meriadoc Brandybuck (Merry)Weakened by the Black Breath after striking the Witch‑king; revived by Aragorn and regains spirits with Pippin’s care.
- FaramirFevered and near death from wound and Black Breath; awakened by Aragorn and recognizes him as king.
- ÉowynGrievously stricken in spirit and body after slaying the Witch‑king; healed by Aragorn and comforted by Éomer.
- Peregrin Took (Pippin)Finds and supports Merry, attends him in the Houses, and spreads practical cheer.
- ÉomerLearns Éowyn lives, witnesses her healing, grieves Théoden, and accepts Aragorn’s counsel on governance.
- Prince Imrahil of Dol AmrothAdvises restraint in claiming the city; rules Minas Tirith temporarily until Faramir awakens.
- IorethElder healer whose proverb prompts Aragorn’s healing; helps procure athelas and spreads news of the king.
- BeregondRemains by Faramir after his rescue, overjoyed at his recovery; instructed to withhold Denethor’s tale.
- BergilErrand-running boy who brings kingsfoil to Aragorn, enabling Faramir’s healing.
- Herb-masterSkeptical lore-keeper who undervalues athelas, prompting Gandalf to demand it by the king’s name.
- Warden of the Houses of HealingReceives Aragorn’s and Gandalf’s instructions on the care and restraint of Faramir, Éowyn, and Merry.
- Sons of ElrondAssist Aragorn in healing many throughout the night after the first restorations.