CHAPTER 3: THE BLACK GATE IS CLOSED

Frodo, Sam, and Gollum reach Mordor’s northern entrance, Cirith Gorgor, where the Teeth of Mordor and the iron Morannon bar the way. Trumpets and distant drums signal the Enemy’s ceaseless vigilance, dashing any hope of slipping through.

Sam despairs, but Frodo remains resolved to enter Mordor. Gollum urgently begs him not to take the Ring to Sauron and, fearing both Sauron and losing Frodo, proposes another way: a secret path west along Ephel Dúath to a crossroads near Minas Ithil, then a climbing road toward a high, guarded pass. He speaks of Silent Watchers and a route that includes long stairs, a tunnel, and a high path—his own way out long ago.

Frodo, wary, questions whether the path is guarded and whether Gollum truly escaped unaided. He warns Gollum that if the Ring is claimed, he could command Gollum to self-destruction, and forbids any thought of reclaiming the “Precious.” Abashed, Gollum offers few specifics, withholding the pass’s name. Frodo inwardly recalls Gandalf’s counsel but finds no clear guidance.

Winged Nazgûl wheel high overhead, renewing their dread. Later, a host of Southron Men marches toward the Black Gate; Gollum describes their cruel appearance. Sam recites his Shire rhyme of the “Oliphaunt,” briefly lightening the mood.

Accepting that the Gate is impossible, Frodo places conditional trust in Gollum and chooses the secret route by Minas Ithil toward the high pass later known as Cirith Ungol. They agree to rest under the stones and move swiftly by night.