The Lord of the Rings, #3
The Return of the King
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
Chapter 2: THE PASSING OF THE GREY COMPANY
Overview
The Grey Company reaches Rohan, and Aragorn, warned by Elrond’s sons and using the Stone of Orthanc, resolves to take the Paths of the Dead to counter a southern threat. Théoden appoints Merry his esquire and departs separately. Éowyn pleads to follow Aragorn but is refused. Aragorn leads the Dúnedain through the Dark Door, summons the Oathbreakers at Erech, and races south beneath Mordor’s spreading storm.
Summary
Merry returns to Aragorn as Théoden readies a night march. Riders overtake them—Aragorn’s kinsman Halbarad and the Grey Company with Elladan and Elrohir. Elrohir bears Elrond’s warning to remember the Paths of the Dead, and Halbarad brings a secret standard from Rivendell. They reach the Hornburg to rest and take counsel.
At midday Théoden honors Merry, naming him esquire and planning to ride by mountain paths to Dunharrow and Edoras. Aragorn appears grim and declares he must change course: he will ride east by the swiftest way—the Paths of the Dead. Théoden and Éomer part from Aragorn with sorrow, while Legolas and Gimli choose to follow him.
In council Aragorn reveals he used the Stone of Orthanc, showed Sauron the reforged sword, and learned of a sudden southern peril threatening Gondor. He recalls Malbeth’s prophecy and resolves to summon the Oathbreakers. The Grey Company races to Dunharrow, where Éowyn greets them. That night and at dawn, Éowyn begs to ride with Aragorn; he refuses, citing her duty to her people.
Aragorn leads the Grey Company to the Dark Door under Dwimorberg. Despite dread, they pass within; Gimli struggles with fear as unseen hosts whisper and follow. Deep inside, Aragorn finds a fallen warrior before a sealed door and summons the Dead to the Stone of Erech. The torches fail; they press on and emerge into Morthond Vale with the Dead riding behind.
Riding hard through terrified lands, Aragorn urges haste to Erech. Near midnight they reach the black Stone. Aragorn blows a silver horn, challenges the Oathbreakers, and commands them to follow to Pelargir to cleanse the land; only then will they have peace. Halbarad unfurls the black standard. At dawn they surge on through Tarlang’s Neck into Lamedon, vanishing into Mordor’s Storm, the Dead in their wake.
Who Appears
- AragornLeader of the Grey Company; uses the Stone of Orthanc, chooses the Paths of the Dead, summons the Oathbreakers at Erech.
- ThéodenKing of Rohan; appoints Merry as esquire and departs by mountain roads toward Dunharrow.
- ÉowynLady of Rohan; pleads to follow Aragorn, is refused, revealing fear of a life caged from deeds.
- Meriadoc (Merry) BrandybuckGrateful hobbit; sworn as Théoden’s esquire and rides with the Rohirrim.
- LegolasElf companion; volunteers to follow Aragorn through the Paths of the Dead, perceives the Dead riding behind.
- GimliDwarf companion; struggles with dread in the Dark Door yet follows Aragorn.
- HalbaradDúnedain kinsman; brings Arwen’s standard, rides with Aragorn, senses doom beyond the Door.
- ElladanSon of Elrond; bears a torch in the Paths and confirms the Dead are following.
- ElrohirSon of Elrond; delivers counsel to remember the Paths of the Dead and gives Aragorn a silver horn.
- ÉomerMarshal of the Mark; parts from Aragorn with sorrow, rides with Théoden to the muster.
- The Oathbreakers (The Dead)Cursed spirits summoned by Aragorn at Erech to fulfill their ancient oath against Sauron.