The Lord of the Rings, #2
The Two Towers
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
CHAPTER 8: THE STAIRS OF CIRITH UNGOL
Overview
Frodo, Sam, and Gollum reach Minas Morgul, where the Witch-king leads a great host westward. Frodo resists the Ring’s command by grasping Galadriel’s phial and turns to the secret path of Cirith Ungol. They survive the perilous Straight and Winding Stairs, pause for a reflective talk, and witness Gollum’s fleeting remorse—broken by Sam—before Gollum insists on guiding them into the impending tunnel.
Summary
Gollum urges haste as Frodo and Sam turn from the West toward the Morgul Vale. Minas Morgul looms ahead, its corpse-light drawing Frodo toward the bridge until Sam restrains him. The ground quakes and a red flare rises from Gorgoroth; Minas Morgul answers with lightning, and its gates open.
The Witch-king halts at the bridge, sensing a presence. Frodo feels an overwhelming command to wear the Ring, but, choosing resistance, he grasps Galadriel’s phial and the pressure abates. The Witch-king rides out with a vast army toward the West. Frodo despairs for Faramir but regains resolve, accepting that his task must be done whether known or not.
Guided by Gollum, they leave the road for a hidden ledge and reach the Straight Stair. After a grueling ascent, they traverse a dark passage to the Winding Stair. The path snakes across cliffs and chasms toward a horned cleft crowned by a watch-tower, confirming all ways are watched.
They shelter in a rock crevice, ration food and water, and speak quietly about fate and stories. Sam reflects on the nature of true tales, and Frodo answers that endings are unknown to those within them. They muse on being remembered, and Frodo honors Sam’s part in their story.
Gollum slips away. While Frodo sleeps with his head in Sam’s lap, Gollum returns, momentarily softened by pity and touching Frodo gently. Sam wakes, snaps at him, and the moment shatters; Gollum’s eyes harden. After tense words, Frodo offers to release Gollum from his promise if they can find the way alone, but Gollum insists they still need him for the tunnel. They prepare to continue the last lap toward it.
Who Appears
- Frodo BagginsRing-bearer; nearly ensnared by Minas Morgul’s pull, resists the Ring using Galadriel’s phial, renews resolve, debates fate with Sam.
- Samwise GamgeeSupports and guards Frodo; reflects on true tales and courage; distrusts Gollum and breaks Gollum’s brief remorse with a sharp rebuke.
- Gollum (Sméagol)Guide through Cirith Ungol; urges haste; briefly shows pity while Frodo sleeps, then hardens under Sam’s suspicion; insists on leading to the tunnel.
- Witch-king of AngmarLord of the Nazgûl; senses the Ring’s presence at Minas Morgul, then leads a vast army westward to war.