The Lord of the Rings, #3
The Return of the King
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
Chapter 5: THE STEWARD AND THE KING
Overview
In Minas Tirith, Éowyn and Faramir recover, witness Sauron’s fall, and confess their love. Aragorn is crowned King Elessar by Gandalf, with Frodo bearing the crown. Beregond is judged mercifully and assigned to Faramir, now Prince of Ithilien. A new White Tree is found and planted. At Midsummer, the Elves arrive and Aragorn weds Arwen.
Summary
As Minas Tirith waits in dread, Éowyn rises from the Houses of Healing seeking action. The Warden brings her to Faramir, who gently counsels patience. Drawn to each other, they begin walking daily in the gardens, and Faramir learns her grief from Merry. From the walls, they sense the world pause, then a tremor as the Shadow lifts; an Eagle proclaims Sauron’s fall and victory at the Black Gate.
Spring turns to celebration. Faramir resumes his Steward’s duties; Éowyn lingers in the Houses, troubled. Faramir confronts her choice to stay, naming her former desire for Aragorn’s glory and his own love for her. Éowyn’s heart changes; she chooses healing over battle, accepts Faramir’s love, and is released from the Warden’s care.
The Captains return for the coronation. Before the people, Faramir offers the Steward’s rod; Aragorn returns it and is hailed by name and lineage. At Aragorn’s request, Frodo bears the crown and Gandalf sets it upon Aragorn, revealing King Elessar. Music fills the City as the banner of the Tree and Stars is raised.
King Elessar judges and makes peace: he pardons Easterlings and frees Mordor’s slaves, grants them lands by Núrnen, and mercifully condemns Beregond only to leave the Citadel Guard—elevating him to captain of Faramir’s White Company. Aragorn makes Faramir Prince of Ithilien. Later, Gandalf leads Aragorn to a high hallow where a sapling of the line of Nimloth is found; the withered Tree is laid to rest and the new White Tree is planted, quickly blossoming.
On Midsummer’s Eve, the Elves of Rivendell and Lothlórien arrive with Elrond, Galadriel, and Celeborn; Arwen Evenstar comes beside Elrond. Elrond surrenders the Sceptre of Annúminas and joins Arwen’s hand to Aragorn’s. Under the stars, King Elessar weds Arwen, fulfilling their long waiting and labours.
Who Appears
- FaramirSteward of Gondor; counsels Éowyn, falls in love, resumes office, and proclaims Aragorn king.
- ÉowynRecovers in the Houses, struggles with despair, finds hope and love with Faramir, chooses healing.
- Aragorn (King Elessar)Crowned by Gandalf with Frodo bearing the crown; renews the White Tree; shows mercy; weds Arwen.
- Gandalf (Mithrandir)Sets the crown on Aragorn, reveals the new age, guides Aragorn to the White Tree sapling.
- Frodo BagginsBears the crown to Gandalf at the coronation; witnesses Arwen’s arrival and wedding.
- BeregondJudged for breaking the law; pardoned and appointed captain of Faramir’s White Company.
- ÉomerAllies with Aragorn; prepares to return to Rohan; promises to return for Théoden’s reburial.
- IorethTalkative healer; marvels at the Halflings and recalls Aragorn’s healing hands.
- Húrin, Warden of the KeysStands at the Gate during the coronation; opens the barrier for the new king.
- Prince ImrahilAccompanies Aragorn at the entry and coronation among the Captains of the West.
- Meriadoc Brandybuck (Merry)Speaks with Faramir about Éowyn’s deeds and grief; later rides to Osgiliath.
- ElrondArrives with the northern host; surrenders the Sceptre; gives Arwen’s hand to Aragorn.
- Arwen UndómielArrives at Midsummer with Elrond; weds Aragorn, fulfilling their long betrothal.
- GaladrielComes from Lothlórien with Celeborn to honor the new king and wedding.
- CelebornArrives with Galadriel and the fair folk of Lothlórien for the celebrations.
- Elladan and ElrohirLead the northern riders bearing a silver banner; attend the wedding.
- Warden of the Houses of HealingGuards Éowyn’s recovery; consults Faramir; releases her when she is healed.
- The Great EagleFlies to Minas Tirith bearing tidings of Sauron’s downfall and victory.