The Lord of the Rings, #2
The Two Towers
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
CHAPTER 4: OF HERBS AND STEWED RABBIT
Overview
Frodo, Sam, and Gollum slip south into Ithilien, where the land briefly eases their hardship. Sam cooks stewed rabbit, but the smoke draws Faramir’s Rangers, who seize and question the hobbits. While Faramir leads an ambush on Haradrim, Sam witnesses a Mûmak. Faramir leaves guards, intending to remove the hobbits swiftly after the skirmish.
Summary
At night, Frodo, Sam, and Gollum leave the Morannon’s shadow, skirting the road and turning south. As dawn breaks, the land softens into Ithilien’s fragrant woods and streams. They find a hidden dell with a mossed stone basin and decide to lie low for the day, wary of the Enemy’s presence.
Hunger drives Sam to ask Gollum for food. Gollum returns with two rabbits, but protests when Sam insists on cooking. Sam kindles a small fire, gathers herbs, and stews the coneys, despite Gollum’s warnings that fire draws foes. Frodo wakes to share the simple meal, while Gollum slinks off.
Sam then notices a telltale thread of smoke and hears birdlike whistles. Men in green and brown surround them. Their captain names himself Faramir of Gondor and demands their purpose, asking after a third companion. Frodo identifies himself and Sam, hints at their former Fellowship, and mentions Boromir and Aragorn; Faramir reacts gravely and leaves two Rangers to guard them.
The guards, Mablung and Damrod, reveal they are Rangers of Ithilien tasked to ambush Southrons marching for Mordor. Hidden forces assemble. Near noon, horns and battle erupt above. A Southron falls dead nearby, stirring Sam’s uneasy pity and questions.
Suddenly a Mûmak charges through the woods, scattering both sides before thundering away. As quiet returns, Mablung warns they must depart swiftly once Faramir returns, before the Enemy learns of the ambush. Sam, exhausted, prepares to snatch brief sleep under guard.
Who Appears
- Samwise GamgeeTends Frodo, cooks stewed rabbit despite danger; notices smoke, hears whistles; witnesses ambush and a Mûmak; reflects on a fallen Southron.
- Frodo BagginsRests in Ithilien; parleyed with Faramir, names the Fellowship, asks mercy for Gollum; shares Sam’s stew.
- Gollum (Sméagol)Guides south; fetches rabbits but opposes fire and cooking; skulks away when Rangers approach.
- FaramirCaptain of Gondor; discovers the hobbits, questions them about Boromir and Isildur’s Bane; leads ambush on the Haradrim; leaves guards.
- MablungGondor Ranger guarding the hobbits; explains the mission against Southrons; warns of swift departure.
- DamrodGondor Ranger guarding the hobbits; details the Haradrim threat; alerts Mablung during the skirmish.