The Lord of the Rings, #2
The Two Towers
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
CHAPTER 1: THE TAMING OF SMÉAGOL
Overview
Frodo and Sam struggle to escape the Emyn Muil, using Galadriel’s rope after a Nazgûl’s cry nearly causes disaster. They capture Gollum, and Frodo, moved by pity and purpose, compels him to swear an oath to guide them to Mordor. Gollum leads them by night toward the Dead Marshes.
Summary
On their third evening alone, Frodo and Sam, lost in the Emyn Muil, confront sheer cliffs and the reek of marshes toward Mordor. Pressed by fear of delay, Frodo attempts a descent as a storm breaks and a Nazgûl’s cry nearly causes him to fall. Sam remembers Galadriel’s rope and hauls Frodo back to safety.
When the storm passes, they rig the rope and cautiously climb down the slanting cliff face. After reaching the bottom, the rope mysteriously loosens at Sam’s call, hinting at Elvish craft. They move away from the cliffs in moonlight but find no shelter, finally collapsing beneath a boulder.
They spot Gollum crawling headfirst down the cliff. Sam ambushes him, but Gollum’s strength surprises him until Frodo subdues Gollum with Sting. Frodo recalls counsel about pity and, fearful yet resolute, refuses to kill Gollum, deciding instead to hold him and demand help.
Testing Gollum’s intentions, Frodo names their aim—Mordor—and confronts Gollum’s divided will. When Gollum tries to flee, they leash him with the Elvish rope, which burns him. Frodo demands a trustworthy promise; Gollum, speaking as Sméagol, swears by the Precious to serve the master of the Ring and not betray him. Frodo has Sam remove the rope, and a meeker Sméagol emerges.
Accepting Sméagol as guide under oath, Frodo sets their course by night. Gollum leads them away from the Emyn Muil toward the one secret crossing he knows: the path into the Dead Marshes, avoiding Orc-roads and moonlight as they fade into the dark lands before Mordor.
Who Appears
- Frodo BagginsDetermined Ring-bearer; risks a perilous descent, shows pity to Gollum, and compels his oath to guide them to Mordor.
- Samwise GamgeeLoyal companion; recalls and uses Galadriel’s rope to save Frodo, distrusts Gollum, and helps bind and manage him.
- Gollum (Sméagol)Stealthy pursuer captured by the hobbits; torn nature revealed; swears by the Precious to guide them toward Mordor.