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Prologue:
I amar prestar aen…
The world is changed.
han mathon ne nen…
I feel it in the water.
han mathon ne chae…
I feel it in the Earth.
a han noston ned gwilith.
I smell it in the air.
Much that once was is lost. For
none now live who remember it.
It began with the forging of the
great rings. Three were given to the Elves, immortal, wisest and fairest
of all beings. Seven to the Dwarf lords, great miners and craftsmen of
the mountain halls. And nine, nine rings were gifted to the race of Men,
who above all else, desire power. For within these rings was bound the
strength and will to govern each race. But they were all of them deceived,
for another ring was made.
In the land of Mordor, in the fires
of Mount Doom, the Dark Lord Sauron forged in secret a master ring, to
control all others. And into this Ring, he poured his cruelty, his malice
and his will to dominate all life.
"One Ring to rule them all."
One by one, free lands in Middle-Earth
fell to the power of the Ring. But there were some who resisted. A last
alliance of Men and Elves marched against the armies of Mordor and on the
slopes of Mount Doom they fought for the freedom of Middle-Earth.
< Vast armies of Men, Elves and
Orcs assemble on the battlefield. Gil-Galad, Elrond and Elendil regard
their enemies as the orcs snarl back, taunting them. Then the Orcs attack
the Alliance, rushing across the field that separates the two armies. Elrond
gives the command to the elven archers to engage >
< < Elrond: Tangado haid!
Hado i philinn! > >
< The Elves raise their bows
and releases a slew of arrows at the incoming orcs, taking down the first
line of orc defense. As the wave of the orc infantry reaches the first
line of the elven troops, the elves swing their swords up, slicing the
orcs as they come, one after the other down the line. Soon the elves and
the men are fully engaged in combat, taking down many of the orc troops
>
Victory was near. But the power
of the Ring could not be undone.
< Sauron strides onto the battlefield.
Elrond looks up in trepidation. The Dark Lord, towering over both elves
and men, brandishes a mace and shows the Ring of Power glowing on his finger.
In fear, some of the warriors back off. Sauron wields his mace, hitting
a group of warriors and sends them flying across the field. He repeats
it with another fell swoop. Elendil, raising his sword to strike, attacks
Sauron, but Sauron parries his blow and flings him against the rock, crushing
him to death. Horrified, Isildur runs to his fallen father >
It was in this moment when all hope
had faded, that Isildur, son of the King, took up his father's sword.
< Isildur grasps the hilt of
Narsil but Sauron quickly stomps it down, shattering the blade. Sauron,
with the Ring on his finger, reaches down towards Isildur. With a last
desperate attempt, Isildur lets out a battle cry and strikes Sauron’s hand
with the shards of Narsil, slicing the finger that bears the One Ring.
Sauron lets out a cry as the Ring is separated from him. He implodes, sending
a shock wave throughout the battlefield, knocking the warring troops off
their feet. His armor falls unto the ground, his body vaporized >
Sauron, the enemy of the free-peoples
of Middle-Earth was defeated. The Ring passed to Isildur, who had this
one chance to destroy evil forever.
But the hearts of men are easily
corrupted. And the Ring of Power has a will of its own. It betrayed Isildur
to his death. And some things that should not have been forgotten were
lost.
History became legend, legend became
myth and for two and a half thousand years, the Ring passed out of all
knowledge. Until, when chance came, it ensnared a new bearer.
< < Gollum: My Precioussssss
> >
The Ring came to the creature Gollum,
who took it deep into the tunnels of the Misty Mountains. And there, it
consumed him.
< < Gollum: It came to me,
my own, my love, my own, my prrrrreciousssss! gollum! > >
The Ring brought to Gollum unnatural
long life. For five hundred years it poisoned his mind. And in the gloom
of Gollum's cave, it waited. Darkness crept back into the forest of the
world. Rumor grew of a shadow in the east, whispers of a nameless fear,
and the Ring of Power perceived. Its time had now come.
It abandoned Gollum.
But something happened then the
Ring did not intend. It was picked up by the most unlikely creature imaginable.
< < Bilbo: What’s this > >
A Hobbit: Bilbo Baggins of the Shire.
< < Bilbo: A ring. > >
< < Gollum: (from afar) Losssst!
My precious is lost! > >
For the time soon come when Hobbits
will shape the fortunes of all.
< < TITLE: THE FELLOWSHIP
OF THE RING > >
The Shire…60 years later
< A hobbit, reading beneath a
tree, hears a male voice singing. He closes his book and stands, listening.
Recognizing the voice, he smiles then runs to the road. He finds an old
man, wearing a gray cloak and a pointy hat, driving a horse-drawn cart
filled with fireworks and such >
Old Man: < singing > The road
goes ever on and on down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the
road has gone, and I must follow if I can…
Hobbit: You're late!
< The old man does not look at
the Hobbit at first, and then turns slowly, with an emphatic expression
on his face that begins to twitch >
Old Man: A wizard is never late,
Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.
< Both he and Frodo slowly begin
to grin and crack up into laughter >
Frodo: < leaps onto cart and
hugs the old man > Its wonderful to see you Gandalf!
Gandalf: < laughs > Ooh! You
didn’t think I’d miss your Uncle Bilbo's birthday?
Frodo: What news of the outside
world? Tell me everything.
Gandalf: Everything? Far too eager
and curious for a hobbit, most unnatural. Well what can I tell you? Life
in the wide world goes on much as it has this past age, full of its own
comings and goings. Scarcely aware of the existence of hobbits... which
I am very thankful.
Hobbit folk: Look it's Gandalf!
Its Gandalf!
< Gandalf grins and tips his
hat slightly >
Gandalf: Ooh! The long expected
party!
< Hobbits raise a banner by the
Party Tree that reads "Happy Birthday Bilbo Baggins." A hobbitess clasps
her hands with pleasure and anticipation, looking at the sign >
Gandalf: So how is the old rascal?
I hear it’s got to be a party of special magnificence.
Frodo: You know Bilbo, he's got
the whole place in an uproar.
Gandalf: Hmm, well now that should
please him, hmmm.
Frodo: Half the Shire’s been invited.
Gandalf: Good gracious me!
Frodo: He is up to something.
Gandalf: Oh really…
Frodo: All right then keep your secrets.
< Gandalf laughs > Before you came along we Bagginses were very well
thought of.
Gandalf: Indeed?
Frodo: Never had any adventures
or did anything unexpected.
Gandalf: If you’re referring to
the incident with the dragon, I was barely involved. All I did was give
your uncle a little nudge out of the door.
Frodo: Whatever you did, you’ve
been officially labeled a disturber of the peace.
Gandalf: Oh really?
< cart drives past grumpy old
hobbit with grim look >
Hobbit children: Gandalf! Gandalf!
Fireworks? Gandalf?
< Gandalf pretends to ignore
the children >
Hobbit children: < dissapointed
> Awwww.
< fireworks suddenly go off from
the cart >
< hobbit children cheer >
< Gandalf laughs >
< grumpy old hobbit chuckles
>
< grumpy old hobbitwife comes
out and gives a nagging look to grumpy old hobbit >
< grumpy old hobbit restores
grumpy look >
Frodo: Gandalf, I'm glad you're back.
Gandalf: < as Frodo jumps off
the cart > So am I, dear boy! So am I.
< Scene goes to Bag End. Gandalf
pulls up to Bilbo’s house. He goes through a gate with a sign on it saying:
"No admittance except on party business. He then knocks on the door with
his staff >
< knock, knock, knock, knock
>
Bilbo: < from within > No thank
you! We don't want any more visitors, well-wishers or distant relations!
Gandalf: And what about very old
friends?
< Bilbo opens the door >
Bilbo: Gandalf?
Gandalf: Bilbo Baggins!
Bilbo: My dear Gandalf! < gives
Gandalf a hug >
Gandalf: Good to see you! One hundred
and eleven years old --who would believe it? < looks at Bilbo in astonishment
> You haven't aged a day.
< Bilbo and Gandalf laugh >
Bilbo: Come on, come in! Welcome,
welcome! < closes door > *There we are/ *Well now. Tea? Or maybe something
a little stronger? I've got a few bottles of the Old Winyard left. 1296
--very good year. Almost as old as I am! Hahaha! It was laid down by my
father. What say we open one, eh? [*note to reader: these lines are the
different versions heard by audiences everywhere]
Gandalf: Just tea, thank you.
< Gandalf backs into the chandelier.
He steadies it but then bumps his head onto the beam. Nursing the pain
he enters Bilbo’s study and sees the map of the Lonely Mountain mounted
on a frame. He picks it up to examine it. Meanwhile, Bilbo was puttering
around in the kitchen >
Bilbo: I was expecting you here
last week! Not that it matters, you come and go as you please. Always have
done and always will. You caught me a bit unprepared, I'm afraid. We have
some cold chicken and pickles... Here's some cheese here- oh no it won't
do. There we got raspberry jam and apple tart... Not much for afterlunch
- oh no! We're all right. I have some cake. < enters the study > I can
make you some eggs if you like-- oh. Gandalf?
Gandalf: Just tea, thank you.
Bilbo: Alright! < with mouthful
of cake > You don't mind if I eat, do you?
Gandalf: Oh no, not at all.
< a sudden, incessant knock on
the door and a woman shouting: "Bilbo! Bilbo Baggins! >
Bilbo: < whispers > I'm not at
home!
Bilbo: I've got to get away from
these confounded relatives hanging on the bell--they never give me a moment's
peace! I want to see mountains again, mountains Gandalf! And then find
somewhere quiet where I can finish my book. Oh, tea!
Gandalf: So, you mean to go through
with your plan, then.
Bilbo: Yes, yes. It's all in hand.
All the arrangements are made. < starts to pour water into the tea pot,
Gandalf opens the lid > Oh, thank you.
Gandalf: Frodo suspects something.
Bilbo: ‘Course he does. He's a Baggins!
Not some block-headed Bracegirdle from Hardbottle.
Gandalf: You will tell him, won't
you?
Bilbo: Yes, yes.
Gandalf: He's very fond of you.
Bilbo: I know. He'd probably come
with me if I asked him < chuckles >. I think in his heart Frodo is still
in love with the Shire: the woods, the fields…little rivers. I'm old Gandalf.
I know I don't look it, but I'm beginning to feel it in my heart. I feel
thin --sort of stretched like butter scraped over too much bread. I need
a holiday, a very long holiday, and I don't expect I shall return. In fact,
I mean not to!
< evening came. Outside, Gandalf
and Bilbo are sitting and smoking pipe >
Bilbo: Old Toby. The finest weed
in the Southfarthing.
< Bilbo first blows a ring of
smoke and Gandalf blows a smoke ship that sails through it >
Bilbo: Gandalf, my old friend. This
will be a night to remember!
< Scene goes to Bilbo’s party.
The fireworks are going off and festivities are well underway >
Bilbo: < to guest > Hello, hello,
Fatty Bolger, lovely to see you! Welcome, welcome!
< Frodo sees his friend Sam sitting
alone, looking sidelong at hobbitlass Rosie Cotton dancing >
Frodo: < sits beside him > Go
on Sam! Ask Rosie for a dance.
Sam: < gets cold feet > I think
I’ll just have another ale.
Frodo: Oh no you don’t. Go on. <
pushes Sam to the dance floor and into Rosie’s arms. Frodo laughs aloud
>
Gandalf: < setting off a firework
> Whoa!
< fireworks explode over the
party field, a huge glittering umbrella in the night sky then changes into
spears and whizzes away into the distance >
< Bilbo speaks to the hobbit
children gathered at his feet >
Bilbo: There I was, at the mercy
of three monstrous trolls! And they were all arguing amongst themselves
about how they were going to cook us, whether it be turned on a spit or
whether they should sit on us one by one and squash us into jelly.
< cute hobbit child gasps and
shakes her head emphatically >
Bilbo: They spent so much time arguing
the wither-tos and why-fors, that when the sun’s first light cracked over
the top of the trees and poof!
Hobbit Children: < gasp >
Bilbo: It turned them all to stone!
< Gandalf, laughing, returns
from his cart with more fireworks. Merry Brandybuck appears from behind,
signaling Pippin Took to get onto Gandalf’s cart >
Merry: Quickly!
< butterfly fireworks goes off
much to the hobbit children’s amusement >
Gandalf: Whoa! Off they go.
Merry: No, no the big one, big one
< inside the tent, Merry and Pippin
light up the firework >
Pippin: Done.
Merry: You’re supposed to stick
it in the ground!
Pippin: It is in the ground.
Merry: Outside!
Pippin: It was your idea!
< just then the firework goes
up, throwing Merry and Pippin onto the ground. The firework bursts into
a shape of a dragon and turns towards the merrymakers. The hobbits see
this and try to get out of the way >
Hobbit: Look at that!
Frodo: Bilbo? Bilbo, look out for
the dragon!
Bilbo: Dragon? Nonsense! There hasn’t
been a dragon in these parts for a thousand years…
< Frodo pushes Bilbo to the ground.
The dragon swoops low over the hobbits’ heads, flies off and bursts into
a beautiful finale over the lake. Hobbits clap in amusement >
< Merry and Pippin, covered in
soot, stands proud with their accomplishment >
Merry: That was good!
Pippin: Let’s get another one!
< Gandalf comes up behind them
and grabs them each by their ear >
Merry and Pippin: Aah!
Gandalf: Meriadoc Brandybuck and
Peregrin Took. I might have known.
< As Merry and Pippin wash the
plates, the other Hobbits are gathered near the party tree >
Hobbits: Speech, Bilbo! Speech!
Frodo: Speech!
Bilbo: My dear Bagginses and Boffins,
< cheers > Tooks and Brandybucks, < cheers > Grubbs, < cheers
> Chubbs, < cheers > Hornblowers, < cheers > Bolgers, < cheers
> Bracegirdles < cheers > and Proudfoots.
Proudfoot Hobbit: Proudfeet!
< hobbits laugh. Bilbo waves
dismissively >
Bilbo: Today is my 111th birthday!
Hobbits: Happy birthday!
Hobbit: Happy birthday!
Bilbo: Alas, eleventy-one years is
far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable hobbits.
< cheers > I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like, and
I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. < dead silence
from the crowd >
Bilbo: I, uh, I h-have things to
do. < fidgets with the Ring behind his back. Whispers to himself > I’ve
put this off for far too long. < to the crowd > I regret to announce
this is the end. I am going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell. <
whispers >Goodbye.
< Puts the Ring on and vanishes
>
Hobbits: < shocked > Ooh!
< Bilbo, invisible, leaves the
party and returns to Bag End. Next scene shows Bag-End interior >
Bilbo: Hahahahaha! < flips the
ring, catches it and puts it in his pocket >
Gandalf: I suppose you think that
was terribly clever.
Bilbo: Come on Gandalf! Did you see
their faces?
Gandalf: There are many magic rings
in this world Bilbo Baggins and none of them should be used lightly.
Bilbo: It was just a bit of fun!
Oh you’re probably right, as usual. You will keep an eye on Frodo, won’t
you?
Gandalf: Two eyes, as often as I
can spare them.
Bilbo: I’m leaving everything to
him.
Gandalf: What about this Ring of
yours, is that staying too?
Bilbo: Yes, yes. It’s in an envelope
over there on the mantelpiece. < Gandalf turns to look >
Bilbo: No, wait, its --here in my
pocket. Heh, isn’t that, isn’t that odd though? < looks at the Ring
> Yet, after all why not? Why shouldn’t I keep it?
Gandalf: I think you should leave
the Ring behind, Bilbo. Is that so hard?
Bilbo: Well no… and yes! Now it comes
to it, I don’t feel like parting with it, its mine, I found it, it came
to me!
Gandalf: There’s no need to get angry.
Bilbo: What if I’m angry, it’s your
fault! < caresses Ring > It’s mine! My own, my precious.
Gandalf: Precious? Its been called
that before, but not by you.
Bilbo: Argh! What business is it
of yours what I do with my own things!
Gandalf: I think you’ve had that
Ring quite long enough.
Bilbo: You want it for yourself!
Gandalf: Bilbo Baggins! Do not take
me for some conjurer of cheap tricks. I am not trying to rob you. I’m trying
to help you.
Bilbo: < starts weeping >
Gandalf: All your long years we’ve
been friends. Trust me as you once did, hmm? Let it go.
Bilbo: < collects himself > You’re
right Gandalf, the Ring must go to Frodo. It’s late, the road is long.
Yes it is time.
< Bilbo opens the door >
Gandalf: Bilbo…
Bilbo: Hmm?
Gandalf: …the Ring is still in your
pocket.
Bilbo: Oh, yes…
< Bilbo pulls out the Ring from
his pocket. He stares at it on his palm, then slowly and with a great effort
turns his hand, allowing it to slip off his palm. It lands on the floor
with a heavy thud >
< Bilbo runs out the door, goes
a few paces, then stops and lifts his head. He looks relieved >
Bilbo: I’ve thought of an ending
for my book. < turns to Gandalf at the door > "And he lived happily
ever after…to the end of his days".
Gandalf: And I’m sure you will my
dear friend.
Bilbo: Good bye, Gandalf.
Gandalf: Good bye, dear Bilbo.
< Bilbo goes out by the gate,
and starts down the road, singing >
Bilbo: The road goes ever on and
on, down from the door where it began…
Gandalf: Until our next meeting.
< Gandalf re-enters Bag End.
He stoops to pick up the ring but stops short when the Eye of Sauron flashes
in his mind. He rises and proceeds to sit himself by the fireplace >
< Voice over of Bilbo > Its mine,
my own, my precious! >
Gandalf: < mumbles > Riddles in
the Dark.
< Frodo is heard entering Bag
End >
Frodo: Bilbo! Bilbo!
< Frodo sees the Ring and stoops
to pick it up >
Gandalf: < mumbles > My precious.
< Frodo notices Gandalf smoking
by the fireplace, approaches him >
Gandalf: < mumbles > Precious…
Frodo: He's gone hasn't he? He talked
for so long about leaving. I didn't think he'd really do it.
Frodo: Gandalf?
Gandalf: Hmm. < smiles at Frodo
> Bilbo's Ring. He's gone to stay with the elves. He's left you Bag End…
< holds envelope open, Frodo slips in the Ring, Gandalf seals the envelope
> …along with all his possessions. The Ring is yours now. Put it somewhere
out of sight.
< Gandalf gets up to leave >
Frodo: Where are you going?
Gandalf: There are some things that
I must see to.
Frodo: What things?
Gandalf: Questions. Questions that
need answering!
Frodo: But you've only just arrived!
I don't understand.
Gandalf: < looks back at Frodo
> Neither do I. Keep it secret. Keep it safe.
< Gandalf leaves Bag End. Frodo
looks at the envelope in his hand, containing the Ring >
< At the dungeons of Barad-Dur,
Gollum’s voice is heard as he is tortured >
Gollum: Shire!!! Baggins!!!
< Gates of Minas Morgul opens.
The Ringwraiths ride out to find the Ring >
< Gandalf rides to the outskirts
of Mount Doom to observe the activity that going on. He then heads to Minas
Tirith to study its ancient scrolls >
Gandalf: < voice over >Year 3434
of the Second Age. Here follows the account of Isildur, High King of Gondor
and the finding of the Ring of Power. It has come to me, the One Ring.
It shall be an heirloom of my kingdom. All that should follow in my bloodline
shall be bound to its fate for I will risk no hurt to the Ring. It is precious
to me, though I buy it with a great pain. The markings upon the band begin
to fade. The writing, which at first was as clear as red flame, has all
but disappeared. A secret now that only fire can tell.
< Back at the Shire >
< Hobbit chopping wood in front
of his home. His dog barks incessantly, then backs off, whimpering, as
it retreats into the house >
Ringwraith: Shire. Baggins.
Hobbit: < fearful > Baggins.
There are no Baggins ‘round here. They’re up in Hobbiton, that way. <
points >
< Ringwraith gallops off >
< Scene goes to The Green Dragon
Inn - Frodo and Sam are leaving >
Rosie: Goodnight.
Sam: Goodnight.
< Frodo and Sam stagger to Bag
End >
Sam: Goodnight.
Frodo: Goodnight Sam.
< Frodo comes up the steps, opens
the door and notices that the house seems to have been broken into >
< Gandalf grabs his shoulder
from behind >
Frodo: < startled > Huh?!
Gandalf: Is it secret?! Is it safe?!
< Frodo opens a chest, searches
through it and finds the envelope >
Frodo: Ah! < hands Gandalf the
envelope >
< Gandalf throws the envelope
to the fire >
Frodo: < alarmed > What are you
doing?
< Gandalf gets a pair of tongs
and picks up the Ring >
Gandalf: Hold out your hand Frodo,
it’s quite cool. < drops the Ring on Frodo’s hand > What can you see?
Can you see anything?
Frodo: Nothing. There's nothing...
wait. There are markings. It's some form of elvish. I can’t read it.
Gandalf: There are few who can. The
language is that of Mordor, which I will not utter here.
Frodo: Mordor?
Gandalf: In the common tongue it
says, "One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them. One Ring to bring
them all and in the darkness bind them."
Gandalf: This is the One Ring. Forged
by the Dark Lord Sauron in the fires of Mount Doom. Taken by Isildur from
the hand of Sauron himself.
Frodo: Bilbo found it. In Gollum's
cave.
Gandalf: Yes. For sixty years the
Ring lay quiet in Bilbo's keeping, prolonging his life, delaying old age.
But no longer Frodo. Evil is stirring in Mordor. The Ring has awoken. It's
heard its master's call.
Frodo: But he was destroyed. Sauron
was destroyed.
Ring: < whispers > Isildur…
< alarmed, both Gandalf and Frodo
look at the Ring >
Gandalf: No, Frodo. The spirit of
Sauron endured. His life force is bound to the Ring and the Ring survived.
Sauron has returned. His orcs have multiplied. His fortress of Barad-Dur
is rebuilt in the land of Mordor. Sauron needs only this Ring to cover
all the lands of a second darkness. He is seeking it. Seeking it, all his
thought is bent on it. The Ring yearns above all else to return to the
hand of its master. They are one, the Ring and the Dark Lord. Frodo, he
must never find it.
Frodo: Alright, we put it away. We
keep it hidden. We never speak of it again. No one knows it's here, do
they? Do they Gandalf?
Gandalf: There is one other who knew
that Bilbo had the Ring. I looked everywhere for the creature Gollum. But
the enemy found him first. I don’t know how long they tortured him. Amidst
the endless screams and inane babble, they discerned two words:
< Scene flashes to Gollum’s torture
>
Gollum: Shire!!! Baggins!!!
Frodo: Shire. Baggins. But that would
lead them here!
< Scene cuts to the Ringwraiths
riding up to a Hobbit along the road >
Hobbit: Who goes there?
< Ringwraith chops off the hobbit’s
head >
< Scene cuts back to Bag End
>
Frodo: Take it Gandalf! Take it!
Gandalf: No Frodo no.
Frodo: You must take it!
Gandalf: You cannot offer me this
Ring!
Frodo: I'm giving it to you!
Gandalf: Don't tempt me Frodo! I
dare not take it. Not even to keep it safe. Understand Frodo, I would use
this Ring from the desire to do good. But through me, it would wield a
power to great and terrible to imagine.
Frodo: But it cannot stay in the
Shire!
Gandalf: No! No it can't.
Frodo: What must I do?
< Scene goes to Frodo rushing
about, hastily packing for his journey >
Gandalf: You must leave and leave
quickly.
Frodo: Where? Where do I go?
Gandalf: Get out of the Shire. Make
for the village Bree.
Frodo: Bree. What about you?
Gandalf: I'll be waiting for you,
at the Inn of the Prancing Pony.
Frodo: And the Ring will be safe
there?
Gandalf: I don't know Frodo. I don't
have any answers. I must see the head of my order. He is both wise and
powerful. Trust me Frodo, he’ll know what to do. You’ll have to leave the
name of Baggins behind you, for that name is not safe outside the Shire.
Travel only by day. And stay off the road.
Frodo: I can cut across country easily
enough.
Gandalf: My dear Frodo. Hobbits really
are amazing creatures! You can learn all that there is to know about their
ways in a month, and yet after a hundred years, they can still surprise
you. < hears rustling of the leaves > Get down!
< Frodo drops to the floor. Gandalf
goes to the window, peers out cautiously then gives the bushes a whack
with his staff >
Sam: Oooff!!
< Gandalf drags Sam up by his
hair and plops him onto the table >
Gandalf: Confound it all Samwise
Gamgee! Have you been eavesdropping?!
Sam: I have been droppin’ no eves
sir, honest. I was just cutting the grass under the window there, if you
follow me.
Gandalf: A little late for trimming
the verge don’t you think?
Sam: I heard raised voices.
Gandalf: What did you hear?! Speak!!!!
Sam: N-n-n-nothing important. That
is I heard a good deal about a Ring and a Dark Lord and something about
the end of the world but… Please, Mister Gandalf sir, don’t hurt me. Don’t
turn me into anythin’ --unnatural.
Gandalf: No, perhaps not. I have
thought of a better use for you…
< Cuts to the scene outside the
following morning >
Gandalf: Come along Samwise, keep
up! Be careful both of you. The enemy has many spies in his service: birds,
beasts. < turns to Frodo > Is it safe? < Frodo pats his vest pocket
> Never put it on, for the agents of the Dark Lord will be drawn to its
power. Always remember, Frodo, the Ring is trying to get back to its master.
It wants to be found.
< Gandalf rides off, leaving
Frodo and Sam in the forest >
< Frodo and Sam treks along countryside
and streams >
< Frodo walks along the cornfield.
Sam following behind, suddenly stops >
Sam: This is it.
Frodo: < turns > This is what?
Sam: I take one more step, it’ll
be the farthest away from home I’ve ever been.
Frodo: < reassuringly > Come
on Sam. Remember what Bilbo used to say: "It's a dangerous business… <
segues to Bilbo’s voice > …Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the
road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might
be swept off to."
< Scene of Frodo and Sam setting
up camp for the night >
< Scene of a Ringwraith, on a
ridge, looking over the Shire >
< Gandalf rides swiftly into
Isengard. Saruman descends down the steps of Orthanc to meet him >
Saruman: Smoke rises from the mountain
of Doom. The hour grows late and Gandalf the Grey rides to Isengard seeking
my counsel. For that is why you have come, is it not...my old friend?
Gandalf: Saruman. < bows >
< Gandalf and Saruman are walking
through the Gardens of Isengard >
Saruman: You are sure of this?
Gandalf: Beyond any doubt.
Saruman: The Ring of Power has been
found.
Gandalf: All these long years it
was in the Shire, under my very nose.
Saruman: Yet you did not have the
wit to see it. Your love of the halfling’s leaf has clearly slowed your
mind.
Gandalf: But we still have time.
Time enough to counter Sauron if we act quickly.
Saruman: Time?! What time do you
think we have?
< Gandalf and Saruman are conferring
in the chambers of Orthanc >
Saruman: Sauron has regained much
of his former strength. He cannot yet take physical form, but his spirit
has lost none of its potency. Concealed within his fortress, the Lord of
Mordor sees all -- his gaze pierces cloud, shadow, earth and flesh. You
know of what I speak, Gandalf -- a great Eye... lidless... wreathed in
flame.
Gandalf: The Eye of Sauron.
Saruman: He is gathering all evil
to him. Very soon he will summon an army great enough to launch an assault
upon Middle Earth.
Gandalf: You know this? How?
Saruman: I have seen it.
< Gandalf and Saruman enter the
chamber of the Palantir >
Gandalf: A Palantir is a dangerous
tool, Saruman.
Saruman: Why? Why should we fear
to use it?
< Unveils the Palantir >
Gandalf: They are not all accounted
for, the lost Seeing Stones. We do not know who else may be watching!
< Covers the Palantir, Eye of
Sauron flashes briefly >
Saruman: The hour is later than you
think. Sauron's forces are already moving. The Nine have left Minas Morgul.
Gandalf: < alarmed > The Nine!
Saruman: They crossed the River Isen
on Midsummer's Eve, disguised as riders in black.
Gandalf: They've reached the Shire?!
Saruman: They will find the Ring…
and kill the one who carries it.
Gandalf: Frodo!
< Gandalf heads towards the door
but Saruman closes it with his mind and the other doors in turn. Trapped,
Gandalf looks at Saruman >
Saruman: You did not seriously think
that a hobbit could contend with the will of Sauron? There are none who
can. Against the power of Mordor there can be no victory. We must join
with him, Gandalf. We must join with Sauron. It would be wise, my friend.
Gandalf: Tell me, "friend", when
did Saruman the wise abandon reason for madness?!
< With a shout, Saruman points
his staff at Gandalf, throwing him up and pinning him against the far wall,
then drops him heavily to the floor. Gandalf counters with his own staff,
throwing Saruman onto his back. They battle back and forth. Finally, Saruman
uses his power to yank Gandalf’s staff from his hands, and he advances
on Gandalf with both staffs. Gandalf spins helplessly just above the floor
>
Saruman: I gave you the chance of
aiding me willingly. But you...have elected...the way of pain!
< Saruman sends Gandalf rising
to the pinnacle of Orthanc >
< Scene: The Shire. Sam emerges
from a field of corn, onto a small path. He looks back and forth, not seeing
Frodo in either direction >
Sam: < starts to panic > Mister
Frodo? Frodo! Frodo!
< Frodo emerges from the bend
in the path, looking puzzled >
Sam: < sigh > I thought I’d lost
you.
Frodo: What are you talking about?
Sam: It's just something Gandalf
said.
Frodo: What did he say?
Sam: "Don’t you lose him Samwise
Gamgee!" And I don't mean to.
Frodo: < amused > Sam, we're still
in the Shire. What could possibly happen?
< Suddenly, Pippin bursts from
the cornfield and knocks over Frodo. Merry, close behind, barrels out,
knocking over Sam. Both have an armful of vegetables >
Pippin: Frodo? Merry! It's Frodo
Baggins.
Merry: Hello Frodo!
Sam: Get off him! < hauls Pippin
off Frodo > Frodo? Are you all right?
Pippin: What's the meaning of this?
Merry: Hold this. < hands vegetables
to Sam >
Sam: You've been into Farmer Maggot's
crop!
< They hear a dog barking and
an angry, yelling voice. Pippin grabs Frodo and runs, followed by Merry.
Sam does a double take on the produce in his hands, drops them and runs
after the others >
Farmer Maggot: < brandishing a
scythe > Wait till I get this through you!…Stay out of my fields! You ruffians
I’ll catch up with you!
Merry: ‘Dunno why he is so upset.
It’s only a couple of carrots!
Pippin: And some cabbages. And those
few bags of potatoes that we lifted last week and, and the mushrooms the
week before!
Merry: Yes Pippin! My point is, he
is clearly overreactin’. Run!
< Pippin, Frodo and Merry stops
just before the edge of the hill. Sam slams into them from behind and all
four hobbits roll down the hill >
Pippin: Ooh! That was close
Merry: Ow! I think I've broken something.
< pulls out a broken carrot >
Sam: Trust a Brandybuck and a Took!
Merry: What?! That was just a detour,
a shortcut.
Sam: A shortcut to what?
Pippin: Mushrooms!!!
< Sam and Merry rush towards
the mushrooms, followed by Pippin >
< Frodo, standing, looks down
the road >
Pippin: That’s mine!
Hobbits: Mmm…
Merry: Here is a nice one Sam.
Frodo: I think we should get off
the road.
< Sounds of the Nazgul can be
heard, coming up the road >
Frodo: Get off the road! Quick!
< hobbits grab their things and
cross the road, hopping over and then crawling beneath a large overhanging
tree root. Sound of hoof steps are heard >
Sam: Shhh! < to Merry and Pippin
> Stop it! Be quiet!
< Merry and Pippin stop jostling
each other. Frodo looks up through a small gap and sees a great black horse,
and the Nazgul, clothed and hooded in black. The Nazgul leaps from his
horse. He approaches the tree root and rests his armored hand on it, hissing
and sniffing >
< Insects and earthworms start
coming out of their holes. Frodo enters a trance, tempted to wear the Ring
as his finger strains towards it. Sam realizes this and he reaches over
and hits Frodo in the arm, startling him out of his the trance. Frodo jerks
the Ring away from his finger. Merry throws a bag full of vegetables into
the forest to distract the Nazgul, who whirls away and follows the sound.
The hobbits make a break for it. They run a short distance and then stop,
gasping >
Merry: What was that?
< Frodo stares at the Ring on
his palm but says nothing >
< Nightfall. A Nazgul is patrolling
the area. The hobbits hide behind the trees >
Pippin: Anything?
Frodo: Nothing.
Pippin: What is going on?
Merry: That Black Rider was looking
for something… or someone. Frodo?
Sam: Get down!
< Nazgul feigns leaving the area
>
Frodo: I have to leave the Shire.
Sam and I must get to Bree.
Merry: Right. Buckleberry Ferry.
Follow me.
< Hobbits make their way to Buckleberry
ferry. A second Nazgul suddenly appears along their path. Frodo is delayed
as the others run on. The hobbits jump over the fence and run towards the
river. The Nazgul follows the chase, hot on Frodo’s heels >
Pippin: Run! This way, follow me!
Run!
Merry: Get the rope Sam!
< Merry and Sam each uncoil an
anchoring rope while Pippin starts to push off >
Sam: Frodo!
Hobbits: Run Frodo!
Frodo: Go!
Hobbits: Hurry!
Sam: Frodo!
Hobbits: Jump Frodo! Go on faster!
Jump!
< Frodo leaps onto the raft.
The Nazgul stops short of the water >
< Looking back the hobbits see
the Nazgul ride away, followed by two more riders >
Frodo: How far to the nearest crossing?
Merry: Brandywine Bridge: Twenty
miles.
< Hobbits arrive at the west
gate of Bree, soaking wet due to the pouring rain >
Frodo: Come on.
< Knocks on the gates >
Gatekeeper: What do you want?
Frodo: We’re heading for the Prancing
Pony.
Gatekeeper: Hobbits! Four hobbits!
What business brings you to Bree?
Frodo: We wish to stay at the inn.
Our business is our own.
Gatekeeper: Alright young sir, I
meant no offence. ‘Tis my job to ask question after nightfall. There’s
talk of strange folk abroad. Can’t be too careful.
< Hobbits come up the cobble
stone path, working their way through the crowd >
Men of Bree: Move! Watch where you're
going!
< Hobbits enter the Prancing
Pony >
Frodo: Excuse me?
Butterbur: Good evening little masters!
If you’re seeking accommodation we’ve got some nice, cozy, hobbit-sized
rooms available. Mr. uh--
Frodo: --Underhill, my name’s Underhill.
Butterbur: Underhill. Hmm.
Frodo: We’re friends of Gandalf
the Grey. Can you tell him we’ve arrived?
Butterbur: Gandalf? Gandalf? Ohhh
yes! I remember, elderly chap, big gray beard, pointy hat. Not seen him
for 6 months.
< The hobbits are shocked. Worry
crosses their faces >
Sam: What do we do now?
< The hobbits are seated at a
table in the common room of the Prancing Pony. The air is dark and smoke-filled.
Drunken men laugh raucously. Several glance suspiciously at the hobbits.
Frodo looks worried, as does Sam >
Frodo: Sam. He’ll be here. He’ll
come.
Man: < to Merry coming from the
bar > Get, get out of my way.
< Merry sits down at the table.
He is holding a huge stein of beer, which he sets down reverently >
Pippin: What’s that?
Merry: This my friend, is a pint.
Pippin: It comes in pints? I’m getting
one. < rushes to the bar >
Sam: You had a whole half already!
< Sam turns back to his mug.
After a moment, he nudges Frodo >
Sam: That fellow’s done nothin’
but starin’ at us since we arrived.
Frodo: < takes Barliman aside
> Excuse me, that man in the corner, who is he?
Butterbur: He’s one of them rangers.
Dangerous folk they are-- all wandering the wilds. What his right name
is I’ve never heard but around here, he’s known as Strider.
Frodo: Strider...
< Frodo starts to play with the
Ring. It starts to whisper, tempting him to use it >
The Ring: Baggins. Baggins. Baggins.
Baggins! Baggins!…
Pippin: Baggins!
< Frodo snaps out of his reverie
>
Pippin: < at the bar > Sure I
know a Baggins. He’s over there, Frodo Baggins. He's my second cousin once
removed on his mother's side < listeners laugh, "It works for him!"
yells one > and my third cousin twice removed on his father's side, if
you follow me.
< Frodo rushes towards the bar
to stop Pippin from babbling further >
Frodo: Pippin! < grabs him >
Pippin: Steady on!
< Frodo slips on someone’s boot
and falls back, tossing the Ring into the air. As he catches it, the Ring
slips onto Frodo’s finger. He disappears. Bree folks gasp in surprise.
The Nazgul are alerted and makes for Bree. Frodo, now in the Shadow World,
looks around mystified. He then sees an immense singular orb, a lidless
eye, wreathed in flame. The Eye of Sauron stares down at him >
Voice of Sauron: You cannot hide!
I see you! There is no life in the void, only death!
< Frodo backs away, terrified.
He gropes for the Ring, unable to tear his gaze from the hideous Eye. Finally
he wrenches the Ring off, reappearing with a relieved sigh, beside Strider’s
table >
Frodo: Ah! < Strider grabs him
from behind >
Strider: You draw far too much attention
to yourself Mr. "Underhill"! < tosses him up the stairs >
< Strider flings open the door
of his room, tosses Frodo in and shuts the door behind them. Frodo stumbles,
falls to his knees, and stands up quickly, putting his back to the wall
>
Frodo: What do you want?
Strider: A little more caution from
you. That is no trinket you carry.
Frodo: I carry nothing.
Strider: Indeed.
< Walks over to the window, puts
out the candles >
Strider: I can avoid being seen
if I wish. But to disappear entirely, that is a rare gift.
Frodo: Who are you?
Strider: Are you frightened?
Frodo: Yes.
Strider: Not nearly frightened enough.
I know what hunts you.
< Door bursts open. Strider draws
his sword. Sam, Merry and Pippin rushes in >
Sam: *Stand off! / *Let him go!
Or I’ll have you Longshanks! [*note to reader: these are the two different
versions heard by audiences everywhere]
Strider: You have a stout heart
little hobbit, but that will not save you. You can no longer wait for the
wizard Frodo. They’re coming.
< The Nazgul crash through the
gates of Bree and into the Prancing Pony. Screeches are heard. They make
for the hobbits’ room and starts stabbing the beds. They pull back the
covers to realize the hobbits are not there. They scream in agony >
< Strider watches from the window
in his room as the Nazgul remount their dark horses. Frodo, gravely concerned
of the attack, sits at the foot of the bed. The rest of the sleeping hobbits,
awakened by the Nazgul cries, lean wide-eyed against the headboard >
Frodo: What are they?
Strider: They were once men. Great
kings of Men. Then Sauron the Deceiver gave to them nine Rings of Power.
Blinded by their greed, they took them without question. One by one falling
into darkness. Now they are slaves to his will. They are the Nazgul, Ringwraiths,
neither living nor dead. At all times they feel the presence of the Ring.
Drawn to the power of the One. They will never stop hunting you.
< The following morning, Strider
leads the four hobbits and a newly acquired pony away from the village
of Bree >
Frodo: Where are you taking us?
Strider: Into the wild.
Merry: < to Frodo > How do we
know this Strider is a friend of Gandalf’s?
Frodo: We have no choice but to
trust him.
Sam: But where is he leading us?
Strider: To Rivendell Master Gamgee,
The House of Elrond.
Sam: Did you hear that? Rivendell!
We’re going to see the elves!
< After a while the Hobbits pause
pulling cookware and food from their packs. Strider looks back at them
>
Strider: Gentlemen, we do not stop
till nightfall.
Pippin: What about breakfast?
Strider: We’ve already had it.
Pippin: We've had one yes. What
about second breakfast?
< Strider walks away >
Merry: Don't think he knows about
second breakfast Pip.
Pippin: < alarmed > What about
elevenses? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? He knows about them
doesn’t he?
Merry: I wouldn't count on it.
< From over bush, Strider tosses
an apple and Merry catches it. He hands it to Pippin and pats him on the
shoulder. Another apple flies through the air, hitting Pippin in the head.
He looks up bewildered >
Merry: < impatiently > Pippin!
< Scene: Isengard. Saruman is
in the Chamber of the Palantir. His hand is suspended over the Stone, and
a fiery light is in its depths. The eye of Sauron appears within the Palantir
>
Saruman: < telepathically > The
power of Isengard is at your command, Sauron, Lord of the Earth.
Voice of Sauron: Build me an army
worthy of Mordor!
< Saruman is sitting on a chair
in one of his chambers, his arms wound about him. He looks haunted. Three
orcs file into the room >
Orc: What orders from Mordor my
Lord? What does the Eye command?
Saruman: We have work to do!
< Scene: The pinnacle of Orthanc.
Gandalf wakes painfully, the cold rain slashing down, the creaking of the
felled trees heard far below. He slowly pushes himself up and moves cautiously
to the edge and peers down at the activity surrounding Isengard >
Orcs: The trees are strong, my Lord.
Their roots go deep.
Saruman: Rip them all down.
< Scene returns to Strider and
the Hobbits. Strider stops and looks at the ruins atop a tall hill >
Strider: This was the great watchtower
of Amon Sul. We shall rest here tonight.
< Hobbits, weary from the long
travel, flings off their packs and settles down. Strider opens a bundle,
revealing four short swords. He hands them to the hobbits >
Strider: These are for you. Keep
them close. I’m going to have a look around. Stay here.
< Frodo, asleep, wakes up with
a start. Merry, Pippin and Sam gathered around a fire cooking >
Pippin: Can I have some meat?
Merry: Ok. Want some tomatoes Sam?
Merry: Great tomatoes
Frodo: What are you doing?!
Merry: Tomatoes, sausages, nice
crispy bacon.
Sam: We saved some for you Mr. Frodo.
Frodo: Put it out you fools! Put
it out!
Pippin: Oh that’s nice! Ash on my
tomatoes!
< Suddenly, a Nazgul cry pierces
the darkness. The hobbits jump up, startled, and look over the lip of the
hollow. They see five Nazgul closing in on Amon Sul. They unsheathe their
small swords >
All: Uh?!
< Frodo motions the others to
run up the steps, towards the ruins >
Frodo: Go!
< At the top, the Nazgul surrounds
them, pulling out their long swords. Sam, Merry and Pippin prepare to defend
of Frodo >
Sam: < brandishing his sword
> Back you devils!
< Sam clashes swords with the
Nazgul, but is swiftly thrown aside. Merry and Pippin close the gap in
front of Frodo, but they too are cast aside. Frodo backs across the hill,
dropping his sword with a clatter. He stumbles, falls, and crawls backward
until he is backed against a fallen column. Frodo brings out the Ring from
his pocket. Immediately, the Witch King feels its presence and approaches
Frodo, drawing a long dagger. Frodo tries to scramble back, terrified,
but has nowhere to go. Desperately, he slips on the Ring >
< The world changes. The Nazguls’
true forms are revealed to him, shining like ghostly kings. The Witch King
reaches out for the Ring, and the Ring responds, lifting Frodo’s own hand
towards the wraith. With desperate strength, Frodo yanks his hand back.
The Witch King stabs him through the left shoulder with his long dagger,
pinning him to the ground, then reaches again for the Ring. Frodo cries
out in pain >
< At that moment, Strider leaps
over Frodo and attacks the Nazgul with both sword and flaming brand. The
Witch King withdraws his dagger and drops it. Frodo summons the strength
to pull the Ring from his finger. He reappears in the middle of an anguished
scream >
Frodo: Aaaahhhh!
Sam: Frodo! < rushes to his side
>
Frodo: Oh Sam!
< Strider continues to fight
the Nazgul, torch in one hand, sword in another. He sets them afire and
finally drives them away >
Sam: Strider! Help him Strider.
Strider: He’s been stabbed by a
Morgul blade. < blade dissolves in the wind > This is beyond my skill
to heal. He needs elvish medicine.
< Strider carries Frodo over
his shoulder and proceeds to leave Weathertop, the other hobbits following
closely behind them. Nazgul cries are still heard in the area >
Strider: Hurry!
Sam: We are six days from Rivendell.
He’ll never make it!
Frodo: < whispering > Gandalf…
Strider: Hold on Frodo.
Frodo: < cries out > …Gandalf!!!!
< Next scene swoops over Isengard
and up to the Pinnacle of Orthanc were Gandalf is held prisoner. A moth
flutters into view and is caught by Gandalf, who to whispers to it >
Gandalf: < whispering > Gwaihir.
Go, Gwaihir.
< Gandalf sends it off and the
moth flies away. Scene swoops down into the Caverns of Isengard as forging
of weapons and armor are well underway. Saruman observes all the activity
with pride and witnesses the birth of Lurtz and the Uruk Hai >
< Scene goes back to Strider
and the Hobbits at the Trollshaws. Frodo is delirious >
Sam: Mr. Frodo? < to Strider
> He’s going cold!
Pippin: Is he going to die?
Strider: He’s passing into the shadow
world. He will soon become a wraith like them.
< Frodo gasps >
< The Nazgul cry is heard from
a distance >
Merry: They’re close.
Strider: Sam, do you know Athelas
plant?
Sam: Athelas?
Strider: Kingsfoil.
Sam: Kingsfoil- uh, that's a weed.
Strider: It may help to slow the
poison. Hurry!
< They search for the plant.
Strider finds a small patch and proceeds to collect it. Suddenly a sword
is at his throat >
Arwen: What’s this? A ranger caught
off his guard?
< Frodo, lying on the ground,
senses a white light nearing him. He turns towards it, and like a vision,
sees Arwen approaching >
Arwen: Frodo.... Im Arwen. Telin
le thaed (I am Arwen. I have come to help you.)
Arwen: Lasto beth nin. Tolo dan na
galad (Hear my voice. Come back to the light)
Merry: < in awe > Who is she?
Arwen: < kneels > Frodo!
Sam: She's an elf.
Arwen: He's fading!
< Frodo gasps >
Arwen: He's not going to last. We
must get him to my father. I’ve been looking for you for 2 days.
Merry: Where are you taking him?
Arwen: There are 5 wraiths behind
you. Where the other 4 are, I do not know.
< Strider mounts Frodo onto the
horse, Asfaloth >
Strider/Aragorn: Dartho guin perian.
Rych le ad tolthathon. (Stay with the Hobbits. I will send horses again
for you)
Arwen: Hon mabathon. Rochon ellint
im. (I’m the faster rider. I’ll take him.)
Strider/Aragorn: Andelu i ven. (The
road is too dangerous.)
Pippin: What are they saying?
Arwen: Frodo fir. Ae athradon i hir,
tur gwaith nin beriatha hon. (If I can get across the river, the power
of my people will protect him.)
Arwen: < reassuringly > I do not
fear them.
Strider/Aragorn: Beyest lin.
< Arwen mounts onto Asfaloth.
Frodo is seated in front of her >
Strider/Aragorn: Arwen, ride hard.
Don’t look back!
Arwen: Noro lim, Asfaloth, noro lim!
(Ride fast Asfaloth, ride fast!)
< Asfaloth gallops away >
Sam: < to Strider > What are you
doing?! Those wraiths are still out there!
< Arwen rides on as the Nazgul
gives chase. Amongst the trees and over open spaces they rode in pursuit
>
Arwen: Noro lim Asfaloth!!! (Ride
faster Asfaloth!)
< Arwen reaches the river, and
splashes across the ford. She pauses and looks back. The Nazgul have stops
at the edge of the water >
Nazgul: Give up the half-fling she-elf!
Arwen: < draws her sword > If
you want him, come and claim him!
< The Nazgul draws their sword
and begin to cross the ford >
< Arwen casts a spell unto the
river >
Arwen: Nin o Chithaeglir, lasto
beth daer, Rimmo nin Bruinen dan in Ulair!
Nin o Chithaeglir, lasto beth daer,
Rimmo nin Bruinen dan in Ulair! (Waters of the Misty Mountains listen to
the great word; flow waters of Loudwater against the Ringwraiths!)
< Gradually, the water level
rises. A great flood comes around the bend, with peaks like white horses.
The Nazgul are cast from their mounts and washed away down the river >
< Frodo starts to slip from the
horse. Arwen lays him on the ground >
Arwen: No! Frodo...No! Frodo, don’t
give in! Not now!
< Arwen cries and embraces Frodo
>
Arwen: < voice over > What grace
is given me, let it pass to him, let him be spared, save him.
< Scene whites out, Elrond’s
image appears >
Elrond: Lasto beth nin. Tolo dan
nan galad. (Hear my voice, come back to the light)
< Scene opens with Frodo lying
in bed at The House of Elrond, Rivendell >
Frodo: < half-asleep > Where am
I?
Gandalf: You are in the house of
Elrond. And it is 10 o’clock in the morning, on October the 24th if you
want to know.
< Frodo wakes up >
Frodo: Gandalf!
Gandalf: Yes...I’m here. And you're
lucky to be here too. A few more hours and you
would have been beyond our aid.
But you have some strength in you, my dear hobbit!
Frodo: What happened Gandalf? Why
didn't you meet us?
Gandalf: Oh I'm sorry Frodo... I
was delayed.
< Flashback to Isengard. Saruman
using his powers, flips Gandalf about then dangles him dangerously over
the edge of Orthanc >
Saruman: Friendship with Saruman
is not lightly thrown aside.
Saruman: One ill turn deserves another.
It is over! Embrace the power of the Ring…or embrace your own destruction!
< flips Gandalf back towards
the platform >
Gandalf: < slowly raises himself
> There is only one Lord of the Ring! Only one can bend it to his will.
And he does not share power!
< Gandalf leaps off the Tower
of Orthanc and lands on Gwaihir's back >
Saruman: So you have chosen - death.
< Gwaihir flies over the mountains,
bearing Gandalf to safety >
< End of Flashback. Scene returns
to Rivendell >
Frodo: Gandalf? What is it?
Gandalf: Nothing Frodo.
< Sam enters the room >
Sam: Frodo! Frodo!
Frodo: Sam!
Sam: Bless you, you're awake!
< Frodo laughs >
Gandalf: Sam has hardly left your
side.
Sam: We were that worried about you,
weren't we Mr. Gandalf?
Gandalf: By the skills of Lord Elrond,
you're beginning to mend.
Elrond: Welcome to Rivendell, Frodo
Baggins.
< Reunion of the hobbits. Frodo
sees Bilbo >
Frodo: Bilbo!
Bilbo: Hello Frodo my lad!
Frodo: Bilbo! < hug >
Bilbo: Oh!
< Next scene, Frodo reads Bilbo's
book >
Frodo: "There and Back Again: A Hobbit's
Tale by Bilbo Baggins". < leafs through the book > This is wonderful!
Bilbo: I meant to go back...wander
the paths of Mirkwood... visit Laketown...see the Lonely Mountain again.
But age it seems have finally caught up with me. < gives Frodo a playful
smirk >
< Frodo leafing through the book,
stops to look at the map of the Shire >
Frodo: I miss the Shire. I spent
all my childhood, pretending I was off somewhere else…off with you on one
of your adventures! < realizes sadly > My own adventure turned out to
be quite different.
Frodo: I’m not like you Bilbo.
Bilbo: My dear boy.
< Scene goes to Sam packing his
bag >
Sam: < to himself > Now what
have I forgotten?
Frodo: Packed already?
Sam: No harm in being prepared.
Frodo: I thought you wanted to see
the elves Sam.
Sam: I do!
Frodo: More than anything.
Sam: I did! Its just...we did what
Gandalf wanted didn't we? We got the Ring this far
to Rivendell and then I thought,
seen’ as how you’re on the mend, we'd be off soon. Off home.
Frodo: You're right Sam. We did what
we set out to do. < shows the Ring on his palm > The Ring will be safe
in Rivendell.
Frodo: I am ready to go home.
< Gandalf and Elrond watches
Frodo and Sam from the balcony in Elrond's study >
Elrond: His strength returns.
Gandalf: That wound will never fully
heal. He will carry it the rest of his life.
Elrond: And yet to have come so far,
still bearing the Ring, the hobbit has shown extraordinary resilience to
it's evil.
Gandalf: It is a burden he should
never have had to bear. We can ask no more of Frodo.
Elrond: Gandalf, the enemy is moving.
Sauron's forces are amassing in the east-- his eye is fixed on Rivendell.
And Saruman you tell me has betrayed us. Our list of allies grows thin.
Gandalf: His treachery runs deeper
than you know. By foul craft Saruman has crossed orcs with goblin-men,
he's breeding an army in the caverns of Isengard. An army that can move
in sunlight and cover great distance at speed. Saruman is coming for the
Ring.
Elrond: This evil cannot be concealed
by the power of the Elves. We do not have the strength to fight both Mordor
and Isengard!
< Gandalf moves away, deep in
thought >
Elrond: Gandalf, the Ring cannot
stay here.
< Gandalf sees Boromir, Legolas
and Gimli arrive at Rivendell >
Elrond: This peril belongs to all
middle earth. They must decide now how to end it. The time of the Elves
is over-- my people are leaving these shores. Who will you look to when
we've gone? The Dwarves? They hide in their mountains seeking riches--
they care nothing for the troubles of others.
Gandalf: It is in Men that we must
place our hope.
Elrond: Men? Men are weak. The race
of men is failing. The blood of Numenor is all but spent. It's pride and
dignity forgotten. It is because of men the Ring survives. I was there
Gandalf. I was there three thousand years ago…
< Quick flashback to Isildur
slicing the Ring off Sauron’s hand >
Elrond: Isildur took the Ring. I
was there the day the strength of men failed.
< Return to flashback, Elrond
and Isildur on the slopes of Mount Doom >
Elrond: Isildur hurry. Follow me.
Elrond: < voice over > I led Isildur
into the heart of Mount Doom, where the Ring was forged, the one place
it could be destroyed.
< At Sammath Naur, Elrond stands
near the cracks of Doom >
Elrond: Cast it into the fire!
< Isildur looks at the Ring in
his hand. The Ring whispers to him >
Elrond: Destroy it!
Isildur: No.
< Isildur walks away >
Elrond: Isildur!!!
Elrond: < voice over > It should’ve
ended that day, but evil was allowed to endure.
< Flashback ends. Scene returns
to Rivendell >
Elrond: Isildur kept the Ring. The
line of kings is broken. There is no strength left in the world of men.
They’re scattered, divided, leaderless.
Gandalf: There is one who could unite
them, one who could reclaim the throne of Gondor.
Elrond: He turned from that path
long time ago. He has chosen exile.
< Interior shot in Rivendell.
Cut to Aragorn is reading a book. Boromir enters and pauses to regard the
painting of Isildur and Sauron. Then he turns to the shrine and sees the
broken sword lying there. He picks up the haft and stares at the blade
>
Boromir: The shards of Narsil! The
blade that cut the ring from Sauron's hand!
< Boromir runs his finger up the
blade and cuts himself >
Boromir: < in amazement > It's
still sharp!
< Turns to look at Aragorn who
is watching him >
Boromir: < in disdain > No more
than a broken heirloom!
< He returns the sword carelessly
and it clatters to the ground. Boromir walks away. Aragorn gets up and
walks to the shrine. He picks up the dropped haft and carefully sets it
in place with the other shards. He takes a step back and touches his right
hand to his heart, as he looks at the shrine. Arwen walks in behind him
>
Arwen: Why do you fear the past?
You are Isildur's heir, not Isildur himself. You are not bound to his fate.
Aragorn: The same blood flows in
my veins. < turns to Arwen > Same weakness.
Arwen: Your time will come. You will
face the same evil, and you will defeat it. A si i-Dh?ath ?-orthor. ? or
le a ? or nin. (The Shadow does not hold sway yet, not over you and not
over me.)
< Scene goes to Arwen and Aragorn,
in the garden at twilight, standing atop of a bridge >
Arwen: Renech i lu i erui govannen?
(Do you remember when we first met?)
Aragorn: Nauthannem i ned ol reniannen.
(I thought I had strayed into a dream.)
Arwen: < tenderly touches Aragorn’s
cheek > Gwenwin in enninath...U-arnech in naeth i si celich. (Long years
have passed…You did not have the cares you carry now.)
Arwen: Renech i beth i pennen? (Do
you remember what I told you?)
Aragorn: < his fingers run across
the Evenstar pendant > You said you'd bind yourself to me. Forsaking the
immortal life of your people.
Arwen: And to that I hold. I would
rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world
alone.
< Arwen gives Aragorn the Evenstar
>
Arwen: I choose a mortal life.
Aragorn: You cannot give me this!
Arwen: It is mine to give to whom
I will...like my heart.
< They kiss >
< The following morning, at the
Council of Elrond. Gandalf and Frodo along with a congregation of Men,
Elves and Dwarves sit in a semi-circle around a stone pedestal >
Elrond: Strangers from distant lands,
friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor.
Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it.
You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate--this
one doom. < gestures to the pedestal > Bring forth the Ring, Frodo.
< Frodo rises and lays the Ring
on the pedestal and returns to his seat >
< People starts whispering >
Boromir: So it is true...
Man of Laketown: The Doom of Men
Boromir: < shakes head > It is
a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring? < paces
> Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor
at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe! Give Gondor
the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him!
Aragorn: You cannot wield it! None
of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master.
Boromir: And what would a ranger
know of this matter?
< Legolas stands suddenly >
Legolas: This is no mere ranger.
He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.
Boromir: Aragorn? This... is Isildur's
heir?
Legolas: And heir to the throne
of Gondor.
< Frodo looks wide-eyed at Aragorn
>
Aragorn: Havo dad Legolas (Sit down
Legolas)
Boromir: Gondor has no king. Gondor
needs no king. < returns to his seat >
Gandalf: Aragorn is right. We cannot
use it.
Elrond: You have only one choice.
The Ring must be destroyed.
Gimli: What are we waiting for?
< Gimli grabs an axe and approaches
the pedestal >
Gimli: ARGH!!!!
< Gimli strikes the Ring with
full force but is repelled back, throwing him to the ground. Concurrently,
Frodo sees the Eye of Sauron in his mind and winces in pain. The Ring remains
intact with the shards of the axe all around it >
< Whispers in the black tongue
issue forth from the Ring >
Elrond: The Ring cannot be destroyed,
Gimli, son of Gloin by any craft that we here possess. The Ring was made
in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken
deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came.
< Ring whispers: Ash Nazg >
Elrond: One of you must do this.
< Dead silence from the council
>
Boromir: One does not simply walk
into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There
is evil there that does not sleep. And the great Eye is ever watchful.
It is a barren wasteland. Riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very
air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you
do this. It is folly!
Legolas: < stands indignantly
> Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!
Gimli: < leaps to his feet >
And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?!
Boromir: < rises > And if we
fail, what then?! What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?!
Gimli: I will be dead before I see
the Ring in the hands of an elf!
< Commotion starts as arguments
erupt amongst the council members >
Gimli: Never trust an elf!
Gandalf: Do you not understand that
while we bicker amongst ourselves, Sauron's power grows?! None can escape
it!
< Frodo remains seated, watching
the Ring uneasily, the angry figures of the council reflected on its surface.
Suddenly, flames flare up, engulfing the surface of the Ring >
Ring: Ash Nazg Durbatuluk! Ash Nazg
Gimbatul! Ash Nazg Gimbatul! Ash Nazg Gimbatul!
< The intensity of the arguments
increase. Slowly, determination dawns on Frodo’s face. He stands and takes
a few steps toward the arguing council, trying to make his voice heard
above the din >
Frodo: I will take it! I will take
it!
< The argument dies down. Gandalf
closes is eyes as he hears Frodo’s statement. The members of the council
slowly turn towards Frodo, astonished >
Frodo: I will take the Ring to Mordor.
Though-- I do not know the way.
Gandalf: < walks towards Frodo
> I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, so long as it is yours
to bear. < places his hands reassuringly on Frodo’s shoulders >
Aragorn: < rises > If by my life
or death, I can protect you, I will.
< approaches Frodo and keels
before him >
Aragorn: You have my sword.
Legolas: And you have my bow. <
walks to join them >
Gimli: And my axe! < looks grimly
at Legolas as he joins the group >
Boromir: < walks over to them
> You carry the fates of us all little one. If this is indeed the will
of the council, then Gondor will see it done.
Sam: Heh! < jumps from behind
the bushes and joins them > Mr. Frodo is not goin’ anywhere without me!
Elrond: < amused > No indeed,
it is hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret
council and you are not.
Pippin and Merry: < emerges from
behind the pillars to join them > Wait! We are coming too!
Merry: You'd have to send us home
tied up in a sack to stop us!
Pippin: Anyway you need people of
intelligence on this sort of mission, quest... thing.
Merry: Well that rules you out Pip.
Elrond: Nine companions... So be
it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!
Pippin: Great! Where are we going?
< Scene goes to Bilbo’s room
>
Bilbo: My old sword, Sting! Here!
Take it, take it!
< Frodo unsheathes the sword
and examines it >
Frodo: It’s so light!
Bilbo: Yes...yea--made by the elves
you know. The blade glows blue when orcs are close. And its times like
that my lad, when you'll have to be extra careful!
< Bilbo brings out a mail shirt
>
Bilbo: Here’s a pretty thing --Mithril!
As light as a feather! And as hard as dragon scales! Let me see you put
it on. Go on.
< Bilbo sees the Ring hanging
on a chain around Frodo’s neck >
Bilbo: Oh...M-my old Ring! Oh well…
I sh-sh-should very much like, to hold it again, one last time.
< Frodo begins to cover up the
Ring >
< Bilbo, transformed by the power
of the Ring, lashes out. Frodo, startled, backs away. Bilbo soon regains
his composure. He then sits on the bed weeping >
Bilbo: I’m sorry I brought this upon
you my boy...I’m sorry that you must carry this burden. I’m sorry for everything!
< Frodo places a reassuring hand
on Bilbo’s shoulder >
< The Fellowship departs from
Rivendell. They travel through the woods, over open plains and hillsides.
They pause on a hill in the wild >
Gandalf: < voice over > We must
hold this course west of the Misty Mountains for 40 days. If our luck holds
the Gap of Rohan will still be open to us. From there our road turns east
to Mordor.
< Boromir spars with Merry and
Pippin, tutoring them on sword fighting >
Boromir: Two, Three, Four, Five.
Good, very good.
Aragorn: Move your feet.
Merry: That’s good, Pippin.
Pippin: Thanks.
Boromir: Faster
Gimli: ‘Anyone was to ask for my
opinion, which I note they’re not, I’d say we were taking the long way
round. Gandalf, we could pass through the Mines of Moria. My cousin Balin
would give us a royal welcome.
Gandalf: No Gimli, I would not take
the roads through Moria unless I had no other choice.
< Legolas notices something amiss
and looks intently towards the South >
Boromir: Come on. Good.
< Boromir accidentally nicks Pippin’s
hand >
Pippin: Aaaah!
Boromir: Sorry!
< Pippin kicks Boromir on the
shin >
Boromir: Ahh!
Merry: Get Him!
< Boromir goes down in mock battle
and Boromir and Aragorn laughs >
Pippin: For the Shire!
Pippin: Hold him! Hold him Merry!
Merry: He got my arm! He got my
arm!
< taking notice of Legolas’ observation
>
Sam: What is that?
Gimli: Nothing, it’s just a whiff
of cloud.
Boromir: It’s moving fast…against
the wind.
Legolas: Crebain from Dunland!
Aragorn: Hide!
Boromir: Merry! Frodo!
Aragorn: Come on, come on! Take cover!
< The Fellowship scrambles to
gather their things. Sam puts out the fire. They hide behind rock outcroppings
and under bushes. Just then, a flock of black birds rushes overhead, cawing
loudly. They circle the hill, then turn and fly back Southward >
Gandalf: Spies of Saruman! The passage
south is being watched. We must take the Pass of Caradhras.
< The Fellowship climbs the snowy
slopes of Caradhras. Frodo looses his footing and falls, rolling down the
slope towards Aragorn >
Frodo: Ungh!
Aragorn: Frodo! < helps him to
his feet >
< Frodo searches himself for
the Ring. Finding it missing, he looks back up the slope. Boromir, sees
the Ring on the snow and picks it up by its chain >
Aragorn: Boromir.
Boromir: It is a strange fate we
should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing… such a little
thing.
Aragorn: Boromir! Give the Ring to
Frodo.
Boromir: < hands it to Frodo >
As you wish. I care not.
< Frodo grabs the Ring from him.
Boromir jokingly tousles Frodo’s hair then turns to resume climbing. Frodo
looks on suspiciously. Aragorn releases his grip from his sword >
< Scene goes to Crebain returning
to Isengard- beneath Orthanc >
Saruman: So, Gandalf, you try to
lead them over Caradhras. And if that fails, where then will you go? If
the mountain defeats you will you risk a more dangerous road?
< Scene - The Pass of Caradhras
>
< Fellowship with the exception
of Legolas plods through the snow >
< Voice of Saruman is heard >
Saruman: Cuiva nwalca Carnirasse;
nai yarvaxea rasselya! (Wake up cruel Redhorn! May your horn be bloodstained!)
Legolas: There is a fell voice on
the air.
Gandalf: Its Saruman!
< First avalanche falls. It misses
the Fellowship by a hair >
Aragorn: He’s trying to bring down
the mountain! Gandalf, we must turn back!
Gandalf: No!
< Gandalf rises on the snow,
chants out counter spell >
Gandalf: Losto Caradhras, sedho,
hodo, nuitho i 'ruith! (Sleep Caradhras, be still, lie still, hold your
wrath!)
< Saruman stands on the Pinnacle
of Orthanc continues to cast spells on Caradhras >
Saruman: Cuiva nwalca Carnirasse;
Nai yarvaxea rasselya; taltuva notto-carinnar! (Wake up cruel Redhorn!
May your bloodstained horn fall upon enemy heads!)
< lightning strikes the tip of
Caradhras sending a second avalanche onto the Fellowship below. Legolas
snatches Gandalf from the edge, pulling him against the cliff just before
the snow buries them completely. After a moment, they emerge from the snow
>
Boromir: We must get off the mountain!
Make for the Gap of Rohan and take the west road to my city!
Aragorn: The Gap of Rohan takes us
too close to Isengard!
Gimli: If we cannot pass over a mountain,
let us go under it. Let us go through the mines of Moria.
< Scene flashes to Saruman in
his chamber in Orthanc, reading a page in the book of lore >
Saruman: Moria. You fear to go into
those mines. The dwarves delved too greedily and too deep. You know what
they awoke in the darkness of Khazad-dum: Shadow and Flame!
< Scene returns to Caradhras
>
Gandalf: < grimly > Let the Ring
bearer decide.
Gandalf: Frodo?
Frodo: We will go through the mines.
Gandalf: So be it.
< Nest scene: The Fellowship
arrives at the West Gate of Moria >
Gimli: < in awe > The walls of
Moria!
< Fellowship walks by the side
of the lake. Frodo’s foot slips into the water >
Frodo: < gasp >
< Gandalf makes out an outline
of the doors >
Gandalf: Now, let’s see. Ithildin
-- it mirrors only starlight and moonlight.
< Moon appears. Doors illuminate
>
Gandalf: It reads "The doors of
Durin - Lord of Moria. Speak friend and enter."
Merry: What do you suppose that means?
Gandalf: Oh it’s quite simple. If
you are a friend you speak the password and the doors will open.
Gandalf: Annon Edhellen edro hi
ammen! (Gate of the Elves open now for me!)
< Doors remain closed. Gandalf
begins to push it with his staff >
< Time passes. The rest of the
Fellowship are seated around the doors or near the lake, still waiting
for Gandalf to open it >
Gandalf: Ando Eldarinwa a lasta
quettanya, Fenda Casarinwa! (Gate of Elves listen to my word, Threshold
of Dwarves!)
Aragorn: < unhitches Bill’s bridle
> The mines are no place for a pony, even one so brave as Bill.
Sam: < sadly > Buh-bye Bill
Aragorn: Go on, Bill, go on. Don’t
worry Sam, he knows the way home.
< Merry begins to throw stones
into the water. Pippin follows suit but Aragorn stops him >
Aragorn: Do not disturb the water.
Gandalf: < exasperated > Oh, it’s
useless!
< Frodo stands and looks at the
writings intently >
Frodo: It’s a riddle. Speak "friend"
and enter. What’s the Elvish word for friend?
Gandalf: Mellon
< The stone doors slowly swing
open. The Fellowship enters Moria >
Gimli: Soon master elf you will enjoy
the fabled hospitality of the dwarves. Roaring fires, malt beer, ripe meat
off the bone. This, my friend, is the home of my cousin Balin. And they
call it a mine. A mine!
Boromir: This is no mine, it’s a
tomb!
< Dwarf corpses litter the floor
>
Gimli: Oh! No! Noooo!!!
< Legolas picks up an arrow from
the body of a fallen dwarf, examines it and casts it away in disgust >
Legolas: Goblins!
< Legolas, Aragorn and Boromir
draw out their swords >
Boromir: We make for the Gap of Rohan.
We should never have come here.
< The four hobbits are backing
toward the door. Something stirs in the water behind them >
Boromir: Now get out of here, get
out!
< The whole company starts for
the door. Suddenly, Frodo is grabbed from behind and pulled off his feet
by the Watcher in the water >
Sam, Merry, and Pippin: Frodo!
Sam: Strider! < hacks at tentacle
> Get off him!
< The watcher releases Frodo
for a split-second, and feigns to disappear under the water. Suddenly as
many tentacles come boiling out of the water its slaps the other hobbits
aside and grab Frodo around the leg. He is pulled out over the water and
into the air >
Frodo: aah!
Merry: Aragorn!
< Legolas shoots one of the tentacles
holding Frodo. Boromir and Aragorn rush to the water with their swords,
and attack the Watcher. It flings Frodo wildly in the air. Boromir slices
the main tentacle holding Frodo’s leg. Frodo falls, and Boromir catches
him. Aragorn and Boromir retreat towards the shore >
Gandalf: Into the Mines!
Boromir: Legolas! Aim for his eye!
Come on!
< Legolas shoots an arrow straight
into the Watcher’s eye. It pulls back and as the Fellowship race into Moria,
it reaches out and slams the gates shut. Slabs of rocks drop and the roof
of the passageway collapses. Total darkness falls. Then a beam of light
emits from Gandalf’s staff, showing the startled faces of the Fellowship
>
Gandalf: We now have but one choice.
We must face the long dark of Moria. Be on your guard. There are older
and fouler things than orcs in the deep places of the world.
< The Fellowship carefully picks
its way over the floor and up the broad steps >
Gandalf: Quietly now. It’s a four-day
journey to the other side. Let us hope that our presence may go unnoticed.
< The Fellowship enters a great
cavern with a serpentine walkway down through the middle. They then climb
up steep steps on the side of a cavern with its many buildings and stalagmites
above them. Pippin looses his footing and slips onto Merry >
Merry: Pippin!
< On the fourth day of their
journey, the Fellowship climbs another flight of stairs to a crossroads
in the mine: three portals loom before them >
Gandalf: I have no memory of this
place
< The Fellowship rests while
Gandalf tries to decide their course >
Pippin: Are we lost?
Merry: No.
Pippin: I think we are.
Sam: Shhh! Gandalf’s thinking.
Pippin: Merry?
Merry: What?
Pippin: I’m hungry.
< Frodo looks down into the cavern
and sees a small figure leaping from stone to stone. Startled, he walks
over to where Gandalf is sitting >
Frodo: There’s something down there.
Gandalf: It’s Gollum.
Frodo: Gollum?
Gandalf: He’s been following us for
three days.
Frodo: He escaped the dungeons of
Barad-Dur!
Gandalf: Escaped? Or set loose?
< From the distance below, Gollum
looks up, his large eyes pierces the darkness and observes the company
>
Gandalf: He hates and loves the
Ring, as he hates and loves himself. He will never be rid of his need for
it.
Frodo: It’s a pity Bilbo didn’t kill
him when he had the chance!
Gandalf: Pity? It was pity that stayed
Bilbo’s hand. Many that live deserve death, and some that die deserve life.
Can you give it to them, Frodo?
Gandalf: Do not be too eager to deal
out death in judgement. Even the very wise can not see all ends. My heart
tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before
this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many.
< Gollum slinks off. Frodo sits
down next to Gandalf >
Frodo: I wish the Ring had never
come to me. I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see
such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is
what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at
work in this world Frodo besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find
the Ring, in which case you also were meant to have it. And that is an
encouraging thought.
Gandalf: < looks towards one of
the doorways > Ah! It’s that way.
Merry: He’s remembered!
Gandalf: No, but the air doesn’t
smell so foul down here. If in doubt, Meriadoc, always follow your nose.
< The Fellowship heads down the
left-hand passage, and before long they come to a more open space >
Gandalf: Let me risk a little more
light.
< His staff illuminates a grandiose
hall of stone lined with tall pillars and arched ceilings as far as the
eye can see. Members of the Fellowship, including Gimli, react in awe >
Gandalf: Behold the great realm
and dwarf city of Dwarrowdelf.
Sam: Now there’s an eye opener and
no mistake.
< Fellowship walks forward through
the hall. Gimli sees a ray of sunlight shining through the Chamber of Mazarbul.
Corpses lay scattered about >
Gimli: Haugh!
Gandalf: Gimli!
< Gimli pays no heed to Gandalf,
but runs into the chamber. He stops and kneels by a crypt >
Gimli: No! No! < sob > No! <
sob >
< Boromir moves forward and places
his hand on Gimli’s shoulder >
Gandalf: < translates the runes
on the tomb > "Here lies Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria." He is dead
then. Its as I feared.
Gimli: < wails >
< Gandalf gives his staff and
hat to Pippin, bends down, and takes from the grasp of a corpse a large
and battered book. He opens it and clears the dirt from its pages >
Legolas: < to Aragorn > We must
move on, we cannot linger!
Gandalf: < reading > "They have
taken the bridge, and the second hall. We have barred the gates, but cannot
hold them for long. The ground shakes. Drums, drums in the deep. < turns
the page > We cannot get out. A Shadow moves in the dark. We cannot get
out…They are coming."
< Pippin sees a corpse sitting
by a stone well with an arrow in its chest. Curiously, he reaches out and
lightly touches the arrow. The arrowhead breaks off from the rest of the
corpse, causing first the skull, then the body, then the chain and bucket
to go over the side of the well and drop far below, its noise echo from
hall to hall. He winces at each new wave of noise. Then silence. The Fellowship
begins to relax >
Gandalf: < slams the book shut
> Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity!
< Just then, drums echo up from
deep below. Terror creeps into their faces >
Sam: Frodo! < Sting glows blue
>
Legolas: Orcs!
< Boromir goes to the door to
have a look. Arrows are shot and hits the door near his face >
Aragorn: < to the Hobbits > Get
back! Stay close to Gandalf!
< Aragorn, dropping his torch,
runs to Boromir and closes the doors. A troll can be heard just outside
>
Boromir: They have a cave troll.
< Legolas tosses weapons to Boromir
and Aragorn to help blockade the door. Fellowship draws out their weapons
Gimli leaps atop Balin's tomb and brandishes his axe >
Gimli: Aarrgghhh!!! Let them come!
There is one dwarf yet in Moria that still draws breath!
< Orcs begin breaking the door
down. Legolas and Aragorn shoot at them through the holes in the door.
The orcs break through and the battle begins. The Fellowship engages the
orcs >
< A cave troll smashes through
the doorway. Legolas shoots him; he growls. Sam looks up, sees the troll
swinging his mace down at him, and runs under the troll's legs. The troll
swings twice at Gimli, but hits first the tomb, then an Orc instead. The
battle rages on >
Sam: < hits orcs with skillet
> I think I’m getting the hang of this.
< Legolas kills orcs on a ledge
on one wall. The troll swings his chain at Legolas, who avoids it until
the troll wraps it around a pillar. Legolas stamps the chain tight and
then runs along it onto the troll's head. He shoots the troll and then
jumps off >
< The troll continues to seek
Frodo who tries to evade its searches by hiding around the pillar. The
troll finds him nevertheless and grabs him. Frodo falls on his back into
a corner. The troll lifts and drags Frodo off the edge >
Frodo: Aragorn? Aragorn!
< Frodo stabs the troll's hand
with Sting. The troll drops Frodo to the ground >
Aragorn: Frodo! Yaaahh!
< Aragorn grabs a spear from
the floor and stabs the troll with it. The troll, infuriated, hits Aragorn
and sends him flying across the room. He collapses onto the floor. Frodo
races after him and tries to rouse him, but Aragorn is too stunned to move
>
< Frodo begins to run but the
troll blocks Frodo’s path with its spear, throwing him back. The troll
takes aim and stabs Frodo on the chest >
Frodo: < being stabbed > Ungh!
Sam: Frodo? Frodo!
< Frodo slumps to the floor >
Merry and Pippin: Yaahh!
< They leap onto the troll's
head and start stabbing him. The troll flails at its head, finally grabbing
Merry, swinging him around and throws him to the ground. The Fellowship
redoubles its efforts against Orcs and troll. Gandalf and Gimli take turns
stabbing at the troll and dodging out of range. Legolas takes aim. With
Pippin stabbing the troll one more time on the head, the troll opens its
mouth. Legolas delivers the deathblow >
< The troll moans then collapses
to the ground. Pippin is thrown against the floor and is knocked out. There
is a moment of silence. All Orcs are dead or has fled >
Aragorn: Oh no!
< He runs towards Frodo and turns
him over. Frodo groans >
Sam: He’s alive!
Frodo: I’m all right, I’m not hurt.
Aragorn: You should be dead! That
spear would have skewered a wild boar.
Gandalf: I think there’s more to
this hobbit than meets the eye.
< Frodo reveals his Mithril shirt
>
Gimli: Mithril! You are full of surprises
Master Baggins.
< Orcs are once again heard down
the hall >
Gandalf: To the bridge of Khazad-dum!
< The Fellowship runs out the
rear door of the chamber, closely pursued by an army of orcs. Other orcs
spring out from the floor or crawl from the ceiling and down the pillars
like spiders. They surround the Fellowship, who have drawn their weapons
outward. Just then a fiery light appears at the end of a hall followed
by a thunderous growl. The orcs, dismayed, flee panicking in all directions
>
Boromir: What is this new devilry?
Gandalf: A Balrog-- a demon of the
ancient world. This foe is beyond any of you. Run!
< The Fellowship enters a passageway,
then down a flight of steps. Parts of the steps end into a chasm and Boromir
nearly falls into one. Legolas pulls him back. The Hobbits too stop short
of falling in. They take another flight of stairs down. Aragorn and Gandalf
bring up the rear >
Aragorn: Gandalf.
Gandalf: Lead them on Aragorn. The
bridge is near. < Aragorn resists > Do as I say! Swords are no more
use here.
< The Fellowship encounter a
gap on the stairs. Legolas leaps forward and lands on the other side >
Legolas: < beckons > Gandalf.
< Gandalf leaps after him >
< Arrows whistles into the air,
striking the stone steps at their feet. Legolas and Aragorn shoots back
>
Boromir: Merry! Pippin! Hoo-aah!
< He takes Merry and Pippin,
one on each side, and leaps forward >
Aragorn: Sam.
< He pitches Sam to the other
side and is caught by Boromir >
< Aragorn reaches to pick up
Gimli >
Gimli: < holds up his hand >
Nobody tosses a dwarf.
< He leaps forward but nearly
falls back into the chasm. Legolas grabs his beard >
Gimli: Not the beard!
< Some of the stone steps crumble
and fall into the abyss. Aragorn pushes Frodo back up the steps and clambers
after him. They struggle to their feet and look at the widened gap that
separates them from the rest of the fellowship. The Balrog is heard approaching
from the other hall, its the fiery light is seen getting closer. Stone
structures around the mine collapse as it draws near. A huge rock falls
from the ceiling and smashes down the steps behind Aragorn and Frodo, creating
another gap behind them and weakening the stairs’ foundation. The stairs
begin to wobble >
Aragorn: Stay there. Hold on. Hang
on! Lean forward!
Legolas: Come on!
< They shift their weight forward,
tipping the stairs across the divide and slamming onto the steps where
their companions are. They leap across to safety. Turning, they continue
to run down the stairs as the stone structures collapse behind them >
Gandalf: Over the bridge! Fly!
< The Fellowship crosses the
bridge. Gandalf turns to face the Balrog >
< The Balrog growls >
Gandalf: You cannot pass!
Frodo: Gandalf!
< A blazing light radiate from
Gandalf’s staff, illuminating the entire bridge >
Gandalf: I am the servant of the
secret fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. The dark fire will not avail
you! Flame of Udun!
< The Balrog strikes down on
Gandalf with its flaming sword. Gandalf parries the blow with Glamdring,
shattering the Balrog’s sword >
Gandalf: Go back to the shadow!
< The Balrog brandishes a flaming
whip, lashing it about menacingly >
Gandalf: YOU…SHALL NOT...PASS!!!
< Gandalf strikes his staff onto
the bridge. As the Balrog steps forward, the bridge collapses from under
it and the demon plunges backward into the chasm. Gandalf, exhausted, leans
on his staff and watches the Balrog fall then turns to follow the others.
At the last minute, the flaming whip lashes up from the depths of the abyss
and wounds about Gandalf’s ankle, dragging him over the edge. He clings
onto the bridge but is straining to keep his grip >
< Frodo rushes forward but Boromir
restrains him >
Boromir: No, Frodo!
Frodo: Gandaaaaalf!
Gandalf: Fly you fools!
< Gandalf loses his grip and
falls into the chasm >
Frodo: Noooooooooooooooo!!!!
< Boromir grabs hold of Frodo
and starts to leave >
Boromir: Aragorn!
Frodo: Noooooooooooo!!!
< Aragorn is stunned. He stares
at the bridge in disbelief. For a moment he does not move, but then orc
arrows start whistling by once again, shooting at the companions. Dodging,
he turns and follows the others up the stairs >
< The Fellowship comes streaming
out of the East Gate of Moria. Everyone is distraught. Sam sits on the
ground, bows his head onto his hands and begins to weep. Merry consoles
Pippin, who lay crying. Boromir tries to restrain Gimli as the dwarf vents
out his rage and sorrow. Legolas wears a look of shock and disbelief >
< Aragorn wipes his sword clean,
re-sheathes it and turns to the others >
Aragorn: Legolas, get them up.
Boromir: Give them a moment for pity's
sake.
Aragorn: By nightfall these hills
will be swarming with orcs! We must reach the Woods of Lothlorien. Come
Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, get them up.
Aragorn: < he reaches down and
lifts Sam up > On your feet Sam. < looks around > Frodo? Frodo!
< Frodo, a few paces away, grieves
alone. Weeping silently, he turns towards Aragorn >
< Next scene: The Fellowship
crosses Dimrill Dale and enters the Woods of Lothlorien >
Gimli: Stay close young hobbits!
They say there’s a great sorceress lives in these woods, an elf-witch of
terrible power. All who look upon her, fall under her spell...
Galadriel’s Voice: < whispering
echo > Frodo....
< Frodo, startled, looks around
>
Gimli: ... and are never seen again.
Galadriel’s Voice: …Your coming
to us… is as the footsteps of doom. You bring great evil here Ring bearer!
Sam: Mr. Frodo?
Gimli: Well, here is one dwarf she
won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!
< With arrows notched, Lorien
elves suddenly appear from behind the trees, aiming at them. The Fellowship
stops and look around, alarmed >
Gimli: Oh...
Haldir: The dwarf breathes so loud
we could have shot him in the dark.
Gimli: Grrr....
Aragorn: Haldir o L?rien. Henion
an?ron, boe ammen i dulu l?n. Boe ammen veriad l?n.
(Haldir of Lorien, we come here
for help. We need your protection.)
Gimli: Aragorn, these woods are
perilous! We should go back.
Haldir: You have entered the realm
of the Lady of the Wood. You cannot go back. Come, she is waiting.
< The Fellowship arrive at Caras
Galadhon. They ascend a winding stairway amongst the trees, towards the
grand court of Galadriel and Celeborn. With a glow issuing forth from them,
the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien descend to meet the Fellowship, hand in
hand. Aragorn touches his head reverently in greeting >
Celeborn: Eight that are here yet
nine there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me where is Gandalf? For I
much desire to speak with him.
< Galadriel looks at Aragorn,
reading the answer in his eyes >
Galadriel: He has fallen into shadow.
Galadriel: The quest stands upon
the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of
all.
< Galadriel looks at Boromir
who can't stand her gaze. He starts shaking and casts his eyes downwards
>
Galadriel: Yet hope remains while
the company is true.
< Galadriel looks at Sam and
smiles. Sam continues to gaze at her >
Galadriel: Do not let your hearts
be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil.
Tonight you will sleep in peace. < whispers to Frodo in his mind > Welcome
Frodo of the Shire. One who has seen the Eye!
< Later, back on the ground,
an area has been provided for them to rest in. The hobbits are settling
down to rest. In the trees, the elves singing can be heard >
A Olorin i yaresse ( Olorin, who
once was...)
Mentaner i Numeherui… (sent by the
Lords of the West…)
Legolas: < pensive > A lament
for Gandalf.
Merry: What do they say about him?
Legolas: I have not the heart to
tell you. For me the grief is still too near.
Tirien i Romenori (to guard the
lands of the East…)
Maiarion i Oiosaila…(wisest of all
Maiar…)
Mana elye etevanne…(what drove you
to leave…)
Norie i melanelye? (that which you
loved?)
< Aragorn walks over to Boromir,
who is seated alone on a great tree root >
Aragorn: Take some rest. These borders
are well protected.
Boromir: I will find no rest here.
I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of
Gondor. She said to me even now there is hope left. But I cannot see it.
It is long since we had any hope.
Boromir: My father is a noble man,
but his rule is failing. And now our…our people lose faith. He looks to
me to make things right and I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor
restored. < sigh > Have you ever seen it Aragorn? White tower of Ecthelion,
glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. It's banners caught high in
the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing
of silver trumpets?
Aragorn: I have seen the White City,
long ago.
Boromir: One day, our paths will
lead us there. And the tower guards shall take up the call: The Lords of
Gondor have returned!
< The Fellowship is asleep. Galadriel
walks by. Frodo wakes up with a start and proceeds to follow her. Galadriel
descends to her garden and fills the ewer with water. She turns towards
Frodo >
Galadriel: Will you look into the
mirror?
Frodo: What will I see?
Galadriel: Even the wisest cannot
tell. For the mirror shows many things.
< She begins to pour the water
into the silver basin >
Galadriel: Things that were, things
that are and some things… < empties the ewer > that have not yet come
to pass.
< Frodo steps up to the mirror
to take a look. He peers down and sees nothing but his reflection. The
suddenly the mirror clears and shows a vision of Legolas, Merry and Pippin,
then Sam. He sees Bag End, then the burning of Hobbiton, the enslavement
of the Hobbits and the destruction of the Shire. Then the Eye of Sauron
fills the mirror. The Ring hanging from his neck pulls him closer to the
water. Steam begins to curl up from the basin as Sauron speaks to Frodo
in Black Speech. Terrified, he grabs the Ring and jerks back, throwing
himself off the step and landing on his back on the forest floor >
Galadriel: I know what it is you
saw, for it is also in my mind. < speaks to Frodo telepathically > It
is what will come to pass if you should fail. The Fellowship is breaking.
It has already begun. He will try to take the Ring. You know of whom I
speak. One by one it will destroy them all.
Frodo: < telepathically > If
you ask it of me, I will give you the One Ring.
< Opening his palm, he offers
the Ring to her >
Galadriel: You offer it to me freely.
I do not deny that my heart has greatly desired this.
< She approaches Frodo and places
her hand over the Ring. Her image begins to change >
Galadriel: In place OF A DARK LORD,
YOU WILL HAVE A QUEEN! NOT DARK BUT BEAUTIFUL AND TERRIBLE AS THE DAWN!
TREACHEROUS AS THE SEA! STRONGER THAN THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH! ALL
SHALL LOVE ME AND DISPAIR!
< Galadriel’s image returns to
normal >
Galadriel: I pass the test! I will
diminish, and go into the West, and remain Galadriel.
Frodo: I cannot do this alone.
Galadriel: You are a Ring bearer,
Frodo. To bear a Ring of power is to be alone. This task was appointed
to you and if you do not find a way, no one will.
Frodo: Then I know what I must do.
It's just… I'm afraid to do it.
< Galadriel bends down to meet
him at eye level >
Galadriel: Even the smallest person
can change the course of the future.
< Scene goes to Orthanc in Isengard.
Saruman and Lurtz are standing in the central chamber >
Saruman: Do you know how the Orcs
first came into being? They were elves once, taken by the dark powers.
Tortured and mutilated: a ruined and terrible form of life. Now...perfected:
my fighting Uruk-Hai. Whom do you serve?
Lurtz: Saruman!
< The Uruk-Hai wear their armor
and are given their weapons. They receive a white handprint on their heads
and faces, signifying Saruman’s army. They then assemble before him >
Saruman: < to the troops > Hunt
them down. Do not stop until they are found. You do not know pain. You
do not know fear. You will taste man flesh!
Saruman: < to Lurtz > One of
the halflings carries something of great value. Bring them to me alive
and unspoiled. Kill the others!
< Uruk-Hai troop leaves Isengard
>
< Scene returns to Lothlorien
>
Galadriel: Farewell, Frodo Baggins.
I give you the light of Earendil, our most beloved star.
Galadriel: Namarie.
Galadriel: May it be a light for
you in dark places, when all other lights go out.
< Galadriel raises her hand in
farewell as the Fellowship canoes down the river >
< The Uruk-Hai march along through
the forest as the three boats carrying the Fellowship float along the Anduin
>
< The Fellowship’s boats pass
through a canyon. Aragorn lifts his head, half-smiles and taps Frodo on
the shoulder >
Aragorn: Frodo, the Argonath! Long
have I desired to look upon the kings of old. My kin.
< The Fellowship looks up in
awe at the towering splendor of the Argonath. Two majestic statues, carved
right out of the rock, proudly stand on each side of the Anduin. Their
left arms are held aloft, their palms facing outwards in gesture of warning.
Solemn and stern were their faces, the silent wardens of a long vanished
kingdom >
< The Fellowship reaches the
foot of Amon Hen, the Hill of Sight. As they disembark on the gravel beach
of Parth Galen, Boromir looks troubled and appears to be fighting a conflict
within him. Frodo looks perturbed. The Fellowship starts to make camp >
Aragorn: We cross the lake at nightfall.
Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the north.
Gimli: Oh, yes?! It's just a simple
matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil? An impassable labyrinth of
razor sharp rocks! And after that, it gets even better! < Pippin looks
up, alarmed > Festering, stinking marshlands far as the eye can see!
Aragorn: That is our road. I suggest
you take some rest and recover your strength master dwarf.
Gimli: Recover my…?! Phrrrrr...
Legolas: < quietly to Aragorn
> We should leave now.
Aragorn: No. Orcs patrol the eastern
shore. We must wait for cover of darkness.
Legolas: It is not the eastern shore
that worries me. A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind. Something
draws near...I can feel it!
Gimli: No dwarf need recover strength!
< to Pippin > Pay no heed to that, young hobbit.
< Merry, returning with some
wood for the campfire, looks around >
Merry: Where's Frodo?
< Sam, who was half-dozing, rouses
with a start. Aragorn looks over the camp. His gaze stops on Boromir’s
shield, lying with the baggage >
< Frodo wanders into the forest.
He stands by an immense stone head, lying with its side on the ground.
Boromir, gathering wood, sees Frodo and approaches him >
Boromir: None of us should wander
alone, you least of all. So much depends on you. Frodo?
Boromir: I know why you seek solitude.
You suffer; I see it day by day. You sure you do not suffer needlessly?
There are other ways, Frodo, other paths that we might take.
Frodo: I know what you would say.
And it would seem like wisdom but for the warning in my heart.
Boromir: Warning? Against what?
We're all afraid, Frodo. But to let that fear drive us to destroy what
hope we have. Don't you see that is madness?
Frodo: There is no other way!
Boromir: I ask only for the strength
to defend my people! < throws the gathered wood to the ground > If you
would but lend me the Ring...
Frodo: No. < steps back >
Boromir: Why do you recoil? I am
no thief.
Frodo: You are not yourself.
Boromir: What chance do you think
you have? They will find you! They will take the Ring and you will beg
for death before the end!
< Frodo begins to run from Boromir
>
Boromir: Fool!
< Boromir gives chase >
Boromir: It is not yours save by
unhappy chance. It could have been mine! < tackles Frodo > It should
be mine! Give it to me!
< struggle ensues >
Boromir: Give it to me!
Frodo: No!
Boromir: Give me… Give me the Ring!
Frodo: Nurgh…ugh!
< Frodo slips the Ring on and
disappears. He kicks Boromir and runs away >
Boromir: < looks around desperately
> I see your mind. You will take the Ring to Sauron! You will betray us!
You go to your death and the death of us all! Curse you! Curse you! And
all the halflings!
< Boromir slips and falls to
the ground. The madness of the Ring leaves him and he comes to his senses
>
Boromir: Frodo?...Frodo?...what
have I done?...please...Frodo!
Boromir: < in the background
> Frodo, I'm sorry! Oh no!
< Frodo, in the "shadow world,"
climbs up onto the Seat of Seeing atop Amon Hen. He looks over the stone
seat and sees the Dark Tower from afar. The image rushes towards him and
his vision rise to its pinnacle-where the burning Eye of Sauron stares
back menacingly. Frodo, rushing to remove the Ring, falls off the Seat
of Seeing and lands on his back. He sits up, trying to catch his breath
>
< Aragorn approaches >
Aragorn: Frodo?
Frodo: < startled > Huh?! It
has taken Boromir.
Aragorn: < intensely > Where
is the Ring?
Frodo: Stay away! < scrambles
up and retreats from Aragorn. Aragorn comes after him >
Aragorn: Frodo!
< Frodo stops >
Aragorn: I swore to protect you!
Frodo: Can you protect me from yourself?!
< Shows the Ring on his palm
>
Frodo: Would you destroy it?
< Aragorn, looking at the Ring,
slowly approaches Frodo. The Ring begins to whisper >
The Ring: Aragorn...Aragorn…Elessar...
< He reaches out. With both hands,
Aragorn closes Frodo’s hand over the Ring and pushes it to the hobbit’s
chest >
Aragorn: I would have gone with
you to the end, into the very fires of Mordor.
Frodo: I know. Look after the others,
especially Sam. He will not understand.
< Aragorn nods but then sees
Sting’s blue glow. He stands suddenly >
Aragorn: Go on Frodo. < draws
out his sword > Run. Run!
< Frodo leaves. Aragorn walks
out from beneath the Seat of Seeing and finds a troop of Uruk-Hai advancing
towards him. He gives a half-smile, and half-swaggers towards them, holding
his sword up to his face as an acceptance to the challenge. They attack.
He cuts several down, but they force him up the stairs of the Seat >
< Sam searches frantically for
Frodo in the woods >
Sam: Mr.Frodo!!!
< He hears the clash of sword
on sword. His eyes widen >
Lurtz: < to his troops > Find
the Halfling! Find the Halfling!
Aragorn: < jumps onto the Uruk-Hai
> Elendil!!!!!
< Legolas and Gimli run forward
from behind the Seat. Legolas shoots three Uruk-Hai with quick bow-work;
Gimli lands blow after blow with his axe >
Legolas: Aragorn! Go!
< Frodo runs and hides behind
a tree. Across the way, Merry and Pippin hide in a space under some fallen
tree trunks >
Merry: Frodo!
Pippin: < beckoning > Hide here
quick! Come on!
< Frodo looks at them, anguished,
then shakes his head >
Pippin: < to Merry > What’s he
doin'?
Merry: He's leavin’.
Pippin: No! < runs out to Frodo
>
Merry: Pippin! < comes after him
>
< Merry and Pippin are out in
the open. Several Uruk-Hai are coming down the hill, towards their area
>
Merry: < quietly > Run Frodo!
Go!
< Merry cups his hands and calls
out to the Uruk-Hai >
Merry: Hey! Hey you! Over here!
Pippin: Hey!
Merry: Over here!
Pippin: < waving his arms > This
way!
< Both hobbits run away from
Frodo. The Uruk-Hai troop follows them. Frodo makes a break for it, running
in the opposite direction >
Pippin: Its working!
Merry: I know its working! Run!
< Merry and Pippin run across
an old stone bridge. At its far end, they stop and see Uruk-hai running
towards them. The Uruks are closing in, both in front and behind. An Uruk
runs up to them, raising his battleaxe. But Boromir comes charging in,
knocks the Uruk back, and kills him with his own axe. He throws a knife
at another. More close in >
< Back at the Seat of Seeing,
Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli continue to fight the Uruk-Hai. In one smooth
move, Legolas stabs one Uruk with an arrow then shoots it out at another.
Gimli wields his axe. Aragorn stabs one behind his back. Legolas shoots
an Uruk who has closed in on Aragorn >
< Three loud ox-horn blasts are
heard >
Legolas: The Horn of Gondor!
Aragorn: Boromir!
< They run down Amon Hen towards
the sound, but Uruks are between them and Boromir. A visual sweep shows
some running towards Boromir, down the stone steps; the others attack Aragorn,
Legolas, and Gimli as they struggle to follow >
< Boromir sounds the horn of Gondor
again >
Boromir: < to the hobbits > Run!
Run!
< The Uruks attack Boromir. He
kills two more. Lurtz walks into view, lifts his bow, aims a big black
arrow, and shoots it into Boromir’s left shoulder. The hobbits look at
him in shock. Boromir drops to his knees, begins to breathe hard, and looks
at the hobbits. Uruks come closer, but he gives a battle cry, rises, and
swings his sword at one, who falls. Lurtz growls, lifts his bow, and shoots
again. A black arrow flies into Boromir’s stomach. He drops to his knees
again, gasping. But he swings his sword at another Uruk and gets back up.
Lurtz shoots him one more time, in the chest. Boromir falls on his knees
and stays there, swaying a little and blinking >
< Merry and Pippin look at him,
aghast. With all the courage they could muster, they take up their swords
and attack the Uruk-Hai >
Merry and Pippin: Shire!!!!!
< They never have the chance
to strike. The Uruk-Hai lifted them up and carried them off. Merry and
Pippin wave their arms frantically. The Uruk-Hai troop walks away from
Boromir. Boromir looks on in helplessly >
< Lurtz, now left alone, stops
ten feet from Boromir and takes aim with his bow. Boromir swallows and
stares back at him. Just then Aragorn crashes into Lurtz, whose arrow flies
off harmlessly >
< Lurtz and Aragorn fight. Aragorn
loses his sword and is thrown to the ground; when he gets up, Lurtz throws
his two-prong shield at Aragorn and pins him by the neck against a tree.
Lurtz raises his sword and strikes, but Aragorn slips beneath the shield
and dodges the blow. Aragorn pulls out a knife and stabs Lurtz on the leg.
Lurtz roars. Lurtz then pulls out the knife and throws it at Aragorn, who
has found his sword and uses it to bat the knife away. Aragorn closes in
on Lurtz and in a flurry of swordplay, slices his arm off and then stabs
him in the chest. Lurtz pulls himself up on the sword closer to Aragorn,
snarling. Aragorn grimaces, pulls his sword out of Lurtz, swings it wide,
and hacks off Lurtz’s head. The rest of Lurtz falls to the ground >
< Aragorn pauses a moment, panting.
He then races to Boromir. Boromir, pale and bloodied, is now lying on his
back, his head close to a tree >
Aragorn: No! < runs up and kneels
near Boromir >
Boromir: They took the little ones.
Aragorn: Be still.
Boromir: Frodo, where is Frodo?
Aragorn: I let Frodo go.
Boromir: Then you did what I could
not. I tried to take the Ring from him.
Aragorn: The Ring is beyond our reach
now.
Boromir: Forgive me, I did not see
it. I have failed you all.
Aragorn: No, Boromir, you fought
bravely! You have kept your honor. < reaches out to pull the arrows
from Boromir >
Boromir: Leave it! It is over. The
world of men will fall, and all will come to darkness… and my city to ruin.
Aragorn: I do not know what strength
is in my blood, but I swear to you I will not let the white city fall,
nor our people fail!
Boromir: Our people? Our people.
< He reaches for his sword. Aragorn
places the hilt in his hand, and Boromir clasps it to his chest >
Boromir: I would have followed you
my brother, my captain, my king!
< Boromir passes away. Aragorn
touches his hand to his forehead, then to his lips in respect >
Aragorn: Be at peace, son of Gondor.
< bends and kisses Boromir on the brow >
< Legolas and Gimli arrive at
the scene. Legolas looks sadly at Aragorn and Boromir. Gimli bows his head
and turns away >
< Scene shows Sam running through
the woods >
Sam: Frodo!
< Frodo stands upon Parth Galen,
staring into the distance, with the Ring on his palm. Weeping silently,
he recalls his conversation with Gandalf >
< flashback >
Frodo: I wish the Ring had never
come to me. I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see
such times but that is not for them to decide. All you have to decide is
what to do with the time that is given to you.
< flashback ends. Frodo decides
to leave. Determined to proceed with the quest alone, he closes his hand
over the Ring, and puts it into his vest pocket. He pushes the boat into
the river and jumps in. Just then, Sam emerges from the woods. He sees
Frodo paddling away and runs after him >
Sam: Frodo no! Frodo! Mr. Frodo!
Frodo: < quietly > No Sam. <
continues to paddle away >
< Sam runs into the river after
Frodo. Frodo, hearing the splashes, looks back >
Frodo: Go back Sam! I’m going to
Mordor alone.
Sam: Of course you are, and I’m coming
with you!
Frodo: You can’t swim! Sam!
< Sam struggles to swim then
sinks into the water >
Frodo: Sam!!!
< Sam sinks deeper and deeper.
He sees the sun shimmering up on the surface. His arm floats limply as
he descends into the water. Suddenly Frodo’s hand reaches down and grabs
Sam’s wrist. . Sam tightens his hand around Frodo’s. Frodo pulls him out
of the water and up into the boat and Sam tumbles in >
Sam: < dripping wet > I made
a promise, Mr. Frodo. A promise! "Don’t you leave him Samwise Gamgee."
And I don’t mean to! I don’t mean to.
Frodo: Oh Sam! < hug > Come on.
< Frodo and Sam paddle towards
the eastern shore >
< Boromir is laid to rest in
one of the boats. His sword rests with him, his shield is above his head
and his cloven horn at his side. The boat slips over the falls of Rauros
and then drops into the mists below. Gimli watches the boat disappear.
Aragorn wears Boromir’s vambraces in his honor. Legolas shoves the third
boat into the water >
Legolas: Hurry! Frodo and Sam have
reached the eastern shore.
< Aragorn stand still and says
nothing >
Legolas: You mean not to follow
them?
Aragorn: Frodo’s fate is no longer
in our hands.
Gimli: Then it has all been in vain!
The Fellowship has failed.
Aragorn: < puts his hands on their
shoulders > Not if we hold true to each other. We will not abandon Merry
and Pippin to torment and death. Not while we have strength left. Leave
all that can be spared behind. We travel light. Let’s hunt some orc!
< Legolas and Gimli look at each
other, grinning >
Gimli: Yes!!! Haha!
< Aragorn runs into the woods,
followed by Gimli and Legolas >
< Frodo and Sam stand upon Emyn
Muil, seeing the Dead Marshes and Mordor in the distance ahead >
Frodo: Mordor. I hope the others
find a safer route.
Sam: Strider will look after them.
Frodo: I don’t suppose we’ll ever
see them again.
Sam: We may yet, Mr. Frodo. We may.
Frodo: < turns, smiling > Sam,
I’m glad you’re with me.
< Frodo and Sam descend the rocky
slope. Scene fades out >
Transcript Credits:
Accela, Amarea, Angleet, BaD_BURN,
Bebbie, Beren Erchamion, Boromir's Chick, Catz, Chrysalia, Collierette,
Cuthalion, Eldarionztg, Elf Princess, Elven_chica, Finafyr, ForceFive,
Forn, Ghyste, HobbitLass, Kalyx, Kingslayer, LadyEowynKenobi, Lamia, Lochrann,
LoneWolf5050, Loriendur, Lorienelf, Loving Legolas, Maatkare, Mdjasrie,
Merp, Radwind, Rosie Cotton, Sun-kissed, Telchar, Teldor, The Red Avenger,
Theodwyn, Zeke.
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