The Lord of the Rings, #3
The Return of the King
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
Chapter 7: HOMEWARD BOUND
Overview
The hobbits return via Bree, where Barliman Butterbur reports ruffians, deaths, and fear. Gandalf reassures him about the returned King, and Sam joyfully recovers Bill the pony. With pipe-weed scarce and hints of Shire trouble, Gandalf parts to visit Bombadil, leaving the hobbits to set their homeland in order.
Summary
The hobbits turn home. On October sixth, Frodo’s old wound and memories of darkness return at the Ford of Bruinen; the pain fades by the next day, though Weathertop still troubles him. Autumn storms follow them into Bree, where wary guards and shuttered houses hint at recent violence.
At The Prancing Pony, Barliman Butterbur welcomes them yet confesses hard times: ruffians came up the Greenway, a fight left several Bree-folk dead, and Harry Goatleaf and Bill Ferny sided with the strangers before fleeing as robbers. Trade is thin, Rangers are absent, wolves and dark shapes have been seen, and pipe-weed from the Shire has ceased.
Gandalf promises better days: the Rangers have returned and there is a King again who will reopen the Greenway and restore the North. When Sam reveals the King is Strider, Butterbur is astonished but heartened. Butterbur then returns Sam’s stray pony Bill, to Sam’s delight. The travellers linger a day; curiosity crowds the inn, but songs are shunned after past uncanny events.
Departing in rain, Butterbur warns that the Shire too has “funny goings on.” The hobbits suspect Lotho and Saruman’s meddling and note pipe-weed scarcity. Gandalf refuses to accompany them, declaring their training complete and his work ended; he will turn aside to visit Tom Bombadil. Near the Barrow-downs he parts, warning of new gates and possible trouble at the Brandywine. The four ride on toward their unsettled home.
Who Appears
- GandalfComforts Frodo, reassures Butterbur about the King, then parts to visit Tom Bombadil, leaving hobbits to fix the Shire.
- Frodo BagginsAnniversary pain at Bruinen and dread of Weathertop; resolves to press home despite foreboding about the Shire.
- Samwise GamgeeRecovers Bill the pony; notes pipe-weed shortage and fears for the Shire after his Mirror vision.
- Meriadoc BrandybuckObserves their changed status; expects Gandalf’s help, then accepts they must manage Shire troubles themselves.
- Peregrin TookJests about Bill Ferny; assumes Lotho’s involvement in Shire troubles; rides on with the others.
- Barliman ButterburInnkeeper of The Prancing Pony; reports ruffians, deaths, fear, and shortages; heartened by news of the King.
- NobButterbur’s helper; recognizes the travellers and has cared for Sam’s returning pony.
- Bree Gate-keeperWary but admits the travellers during a storm; symbolizes Bree’s fear and vigilance.
- Bill the PonySam’s old pony; returns to Bree on his own and happily rejoins the company.
- ShadowfaxGandalf’s great horse; bears him away toward the Barrow-downs when he parts from the hobbits.