Chapter 4: THE SIEGE OF GONDOR

Pippin begins service to Denethor, receiving the livery of the Tower. A deep shadow oppresses Minas Tirith. Nazgûl on fell beasts hunt over the Pelennor as Faramir and a few riders flee; Gandalf rides out and drives the Nazgûl off, escorting Faramir into the city. In council, Faramir recounts meeting Frodo and Sam in Ithilien and their route toward Cirith Ungol, alarming Gandalf. Denethor clashes with Gandalf over the Ring and scorns Faramir.

At dawn, Denethor orders Faramir to hold Osgiliath and the Causeway Forts. The Black Captain leads the assault; the Enemy forces the Anduin, and Faramir retreats under crushing odds. Gandalf organizes a mounted sortie with Prince Imrahil and the Dol Amroth knights, checking the rout and bringing the survivors in. Faramir is struck by a deadly dart and borne back senseless.

Denethor withdraws to watch over fevered Faramir, sinking into despair. Gandalf assumes command, rallying defenders as siege engines hurl fire and the severed heads of Gondor’s fallen into the city. Nazgûl cries sap courage; trenches of fire and engines ring Minas Tirith.

In the night, Denethor orders Faramir carried to the Houses of the Dead and commands wood and oil for a pyre. Pippin, horrified, seeks Gandalf and warns Beregond to defy orders to save Faramir. Below, the assault concentrates on the Gate as mûmakil and towers press the walls and the great ram Grond advances.

Under the Witch-king’s will, Grond thrice smites the Gate and breaks it. The Lord of the Nazgûl rides in, and all flee save Gandalf on Shadowfax, who bars the way. As the Witch-king threatens, a cock crows and, answering from the mountains, the horns of Rohan sound: the Rohirrim have come with the dawn.