The Lord of the Rings, #3
The Return of the King
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
Chapter 10: THE BLACK GATE OPENS
Overview
The Captains of the West march from Minas Tirith to the Morannon, openly proclaiming King Elessar to draw Sauron’s Eye. At the Black Gate, the Mouth of Sauron displays Frodo’s gear to break their will, but Gandalf rejects Sauron’s terms. Sauron unleashes a vast assault; amid the desperate battle Pippin slays a troll and falls as cries of the Eagles sound.
Summary
The West musters on the Pelennor and moves out. Merry, still unfit, remains in Minas Tirith, grieving as Pippin marches with a Gondor company. The vanguard crosses Osgiliath and restores the Cross-roads, proclaiming Gondor’s return. Gandalf dissuades any assault on Minas Morgul to avoid drawing the Eye near Frodo’s path.
They advance north toward the Morannon, heralds naming Aragorn as King Elessar. A planned ambush by Orcs and Easterlings is foiled by scouts led by Mablung, yet Aragorn deems it a feint. The Nazgûl shadow the host, and fear deepens as they enter Mordor’s desolation. Some falter; Aragorn mercifully sends them to attempt retaking Cair Andros, while the main force presses on with fewer than six thousand.
Before the Black Gate, the Captains form two defensive hills and call Sauron forth. The Mouth of Sauron rides out, mocks Aragorn, and reveals Frodo’s sword, cloak, and mithril coat, implying the Ring-bearer’s capture. Gandalf rejects Sauron’s extortionate terms and seizes the tokens, ending the parley.
Sauron springs his trap: gates open, drums roll, and armies pour out, encircling the smaller Western host. Banners of Gondor, Rohan, and Dol Amroth stand firm as Nazgûl descend and hope wanes. In the first brutal assault, hill-trolls smash into Gondor’s line; Pippin protects Beregond by stabbing the troll-chief with his Númenórean blade.
The troll collapses onto Pippin, who is crushed and fades into darkness. As his consciousness slips, he hears distant cries—“The Eagles are coming!”—and believes his tale at an end.
Who Appears
- Peregrin (Pippin) TookMarches with Gondor; witnesses the parley; fights at the front; kills a troll-chief and collapses hearing the Eagles.
- GandalfChief herald at the Gate; counters the Mouth of Sauron; seizes Frodo’s tokens and rejects Sauron’s terms.
- Aragorn (King Elessar)Leads the march, proclaims kingship, discerns feints, shows mercy to faint-hearted, arrays the host for the final stand.
- The Mouth of SauronSauron’s lieutenant; parleys, displays Frodo’s gear to break morale; flees when Gandalf rejects the terms.
- Prince ImrahilCommands Dol Amroth at the front; stands in the parley; anchors the right flank against Mordor’s assault.
- ÉomerLeads Rohan within the host; stands among the Captains before the Black Gate.
- Meriadoc (Merry) BrandybuckLeft in Minas Tirith to recover; watches the army depart in sorrow.
- BeregondFights beside Pippin in the front rank; is struck down by a troll before Pippin intervenes.
- BergilComforts injured Merry and helps him return to the Houses of Healing.
- LegolasRides with Aragorn; senses the Nazgûl overhead during the march.
- GimliRides with Aragorn and the Captains; present at the parley and final stand.
- Elladan and ElrohirSons of Elrond; stand with the Dúnedain on the left of the front line.
- MablungLeads scouts from Henneth Annûn who forewarn and foil the enemy ambush.