The Lord of the Rings, #2
The Two Towers
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
CHAPTER 7: HELM’S DEEP
Overview
Théoden leads Rohan to Helm’s Deep as Saruman’s vast host advances. Through a night-long siege, the Deeping Wall is blasted and defenders fall back to the Hornburg and caves. At dawn, Théoden rides forth as Gandalf arrives with Erkenbrand’s force; the enemy is driven into a newly appeared forest and destroyed.
Summary
Théoden’s host departs Edoras, hastening west beneath gathering storms. A battered rider, Ceorl, reports disaster at the Fords of Isen and Erkenbrand’s retreat toward Helm’s Deep. Gandalf urges Théoden to ride to Helm’s Gate and departs on a swift errand. The Rohirrim reach the Deep as enemy fires spread across Westfold.
Inside the Hornburg and along the Deeping Wall, Éomer arrays defenders. Gimli and Legolas take posts, trading grim banter as torches and ladders mass below. Near midnight, Orcs and Dunlendings assault the gates and wall. Aragorn and Éomer lead a sortie from a postern, shattering the ram-bearers; Gimli saves Éomer from ambushers, beginning his tally.
The siege intensifies: ropes and ladders swarm the wall; arrows run out; defenders tire. Orcs infiltrate the culvert into the Deep, but Gimli and Gamling rally men, slay the intruders, and choke the outlet with stones. Brief respite follows; then Saruman’s blasting fire explodes the culvert, tearing a breach as new ladders crest the wall. The defence collapses into the Deep and back to the Hornburg.
Aragorn and Legolas cover the retreat; Legolas spends his last arrow. Within the citadel, Aragorn reports the loss of the wall; Éomer’s fate is uncertain in the narrows. Théoden, refusing to die trapped, vows to ride at dawn. Through the night Aragorn stiffens the lines as fires and grapnels batter the ruins.
At first light, Aragorn parleyes from the gate, declaring the Hornburg unconquered; the enemy mocks him as another blast shatters the arch. Then Helm’s great horn answers from the tower. Théoden rides forth with Aragorn and his house; men surge from the caves. Terror seizes the foe as day breaks.
Before them, a sudden forest fills the coomb. Gandalf appears on Shadowfax with Erkenbrand and a thousand footmen. Hemmed between Riders and trees, Saruman’s host breaks. Dunlendings throw themselves down; Orcs flee into the shadowed wood and do not return. Helm’s Deep is saved.
Who Appears
- ThéodenKing of Rohan; retreats to Helm’s Deep, endures siege, then leads the dawn charge to break the enemy.
- AragornCommands defenses, leads a sortie, rallies men, parleyes at dawn, and rides beside Théoden in the final charge.
- ÉomerMarshal of the Mark; fights on walls and at the Deep, saved by Gimli, possibly cut off until the final breakout.
- GandalfDeparts on urgent errand; returns at dawn with Erkenbrand, turning the battle and routing Saruman’s host.
- LegolasHolds the wall with bow and knife, covers the retreat, keeps tally with Gimli, witnesses Gandalf’s return.
- GimliFights fiercely in the Deep, saves Éomer, helps block the culvert, counts slain, exemplifying Dwarven stoutness.
- GamlingOld captain at Helm’s Dike; organizes defense, leads counterattack in the Deep, aids sealing the culvert.
- ErkenbrandLord of Westfold; arrives with a thousand footmen at dawn to smash the enemy alongside Gandalf.
- CeorlWeary rider who brings news of defeat at the Isen and Erkenbrand’s withdrawal toward Helm’s Deep.
- HámaGuard-captain at Théoden’s side; comments on Gandalf’s sudden departure and expected return.