The Lord of the Rings, #2
The Two Towers
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
CHAPTER 5: THE WINDOW ON THE WEST
Overview
Faramir formally questions Frodo, reveals a vision of Boromir’s death, and escorts Frodo and Sam blindfold to the hidden refuge of Henneth Annûn. Over food and grave talk, Sam inadvertently exposes the Ring. Faramir rejects any claim to it, pledges restraint and discretion, and Frodo admits his mission to destroy it in Mordor.
Summary
Faramir returns with his men and convenes a stern questioning of Frodo, probing his role, his parting from Boromir, and the meaning of Isildur’s Bane. Doubting Frodo’s omissions, Faramir announces that Boromir is dead and recounts a midnight vision of Boromir’s boat upon the Anduin and the later finding of his cloven horn, convincing proof of his fate.
Accepting that Frodo withholds a grave secret yet trusting his bearing, Faramir orders Frodo and Sam to accompany him to a hidden refuge. Blindfolded, they are led through a guarded path to Henneth Annûn, the Window of the Sunset, a concealed cave behind a waterfall, where they are given rest, food, and courteous treatment among the Rangers.
In private talk, Faramir shares Gondor’s lore and history, his memories of Boromir, and his reverence for Mithrandir, while Frodo speaks of their journey but steers clear of the Ring. Scouts report a strange, tail-less “squirrel,” hinting at Gollum’s presence. During praise of Galadriel, Sam blurts that Boromir desired the Enemy’s Ring.
Faramir momentarily tests them with stern words, then declares his renunciation: not for Minas Tirith’s salvation would he take such a weapon. He forbids the Ring’s name to be spoken again and offers what counsel and aid he may without demanding their secret.
At last, under the weight of grief and trust, Frodo states his purpose: to reach Gorgoroth and cast the Ring into the Fire. Overcome, Frodo faints, and Faramir lays him to rest. Sam, relieved, salutes Faramir’s proved “quality,” and the Captain watches and waits for morning’s decisions.
Who Appears
- FaramirCaptain of Gondor; questions Frodo, reveals Boromir’s death, leads them to Henneth Annûn, rejects the Ring, offers discreet aid.
- Frodo BagginsQuestioned about his errand; confirms Boromir’s gear, resists disclosure, finally admits his quest to destroy the Ring in Mordor.
- Samwise GamgeeDefends Frodo, stays wary, praises Galadriel, accidentally reveals the Ring, prompting Faramir’s renunciation, and lauds Faramir’s “quality.”
- MablungRanger of Ithilien; helps escort and blindfold the hobbits to Henneth Annûn, attends during the refuge’s preparations.
- DamrodRanger of Ithilien; assists in guiding and guarding Frodo and Sam to the hidden refuge.
- AnbornScout who reports sighting a strange, tail-less ‘squirrel,’ likely Gollum, near the Rangers’ positions.
- GollumUnseen pursuer in the woods; likely glimpsed by Anborn and shadowing Frodo and Sam.