CHAPTER 4: TREEBEARD

Fleeing deeper into Fangorn, Merry and Pippin rest by a stream and climb a rocky shelf, where they are unexpectedly seized—gently—by Treebeard (Fangorn), an ancient Ent. He questions them, discerns they are not Orcs, and decides to take them to one of his homes for shelter and talk.

Treebeard carries them through the forest to Wellinghall, where he serves ent-draughts that refresh and strengthen the hobbits. Through a long exchange, Treebeard speaks of Ents and trees growing “tree-ish,” recalls the great woods of old, and laments Saruman’s industrial ravaging of Fangorn. He also tells the sorrowful tale of the Entwives’ parting and loss. Angered by Saruman’s felling of his tree-friends, Treebeard resolves to act but pauses to think.

At dawn, Treebeard leads them south to Derndingle for an Entmoot. Many varied Ents assemble and begin an unhurried, resonant debate. Recognizing the hobbits’ impatience, Treebeard introduces Bregalad (Quickbeam), a comparatively hasty Ent whose home has been ravaged; Quickbeam befriends the hobbits, walks and sings with them, and grieves for the rowans cut by Orcs.

Two days pass in deliberation while the hobbits remain with Quickbeam. On the third day, the forest falls silent; then a great shout and marching song announce the Ents’ decision. Treebeard returns at the head of a large company. The Ents, roused by Saruman’s treachery and wanton destruction, set off for Isengard, singing of war.

Treebeard places Merry and Pippin on his shoulders to lead the march. He explains the Ents’ great strength and acknowledges the risk—perhaps their last march—but insists doom would find them if they stayed. As night falls on Nan Curunír, the Ents approach Isengard, and it seems to Pippin that even the trees of Fangorn are on the move.