CHAPTER 6: THE FORBIDDEN POOL

Near moonset, Faramir rouses Frodo and leads him to a high ledge above Henneth Annûn. From there, Faramir and his sentinel Anborn spot a small, manlike swimmer in the Forbidden Pool. Faramir asks whether to shoot; Frodo, realizing it is Gollum, begs mercy.

Faramir presses Frodo about the trespasser and learns Gollum once bore the Ring and now seeks fish. Reluctant to let a spy go, Faramir orders that Gollum be slain or taken. Frodo volunteers to lure Gollum in; creeping to the bank, he coaxes the creature with promises and threats invoking the “Precious.”

As Gollum approaches, suspicious, Anborn and other Rangers seize him. Frodo protests rough treatment, claiming responsibility. Brought before Faramir, Gollum pleads and denies intent. At Frodo’s intercession, Faramir has him unbound to answer, then exacts an oath that Gollum will never return or reveal the refuge. Faramir yields Gollum into Frodo’s keeping under strict conditions.

Faramir then declares his judgement: Frodo is free within Gondor for a year and a day, except he may not return to Henneth Annûn unbidden; any under his protection share Gondor’s shield. He warns Gollum that if found without Frodo, he dies, and demands their route. Frodo explains they turned from the Black Gate toward a path near Minas Morgul.

Faramir names the pass Cirith Ungol, alarming Gollum, and counsels strongly against that way. He recounts Minas Ithil’s fall, the Nazgûl’s dominion, and the valley’s sleepless malice. Frodo insists he must cross or fail his charge; Faramir, reading old murder in Gollum, urges caution but honors Frodo’s pledge.

Accepting they must part, Faramir blesses Frodo and his people, offers food and rest, and hopes for a distant day to share tales if Frodo returns alive. He departs, leaving Frodo bound to his grim path with Gollum under probation.