The world is changed.
I feel it in the water.
I feel it in the Earth.
I smell it in the air.
Much that once was is lost.
For none now live who remember it.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS
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.
Victory was near. But the
power of the ring could not be undone.
It was in this moment when
all hope had faded, that Isildur, son of the King, took up his father's sword.
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 prrrrreciousssss!>>
The ring brought 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 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.
THE
FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
The Shire…60 years later
<A hobbit, reading
beneath a tree, hears a male voice singing. He runs to see who it is and finds
an old man, wearing a gray cloak and a pointy hat, driving a cart filled with
fireworks and suchlike>
Old Man:
<singing> The road goes ever on and on down from the door where it
began....
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: You didn’t think I’ll miss
your Uncle Bilbo's birthday?
Frodo: What news of the outside
world? Tell me everything.
Gandalf:
Everything?
But 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>
<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: Ooh! The long expected
party! So how is the old rascal? I hear there’s got to be a party of special magnificence.
Frodo: You know Bilbo, he's got
the whole place in an uproar
Gandalf: Hmm, now well that
should please him, hmmm.
Frodo: Half the Shire's been
invited.
Gandalf: Good gracious me!
Frodo: He is up to something.
Gandalf: Ooh 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 peace.
Gandalf: Oh really?
<Cart drives past grumpy old hobbit with grim look>
Hobbit children: Gandalf! Gandalf! Fireworks? Gandalf?
<Fireworks go off behind 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 grim look>
Frodo: Gandalf - I'm glad you're back.
Gandalf: <as Frodo jumps off the cart> So am I, dear boy! So am I.
<Gandalf goes through a
gate with a sign on it saying: "No admittance except on party business. He
then knocks on the door>
<knock, knock, knock, knock>>
Bilbo: 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 believed it? <looks at Bilbo in
astonishment> You haven't aged a day.
<Bilbo and Gandalf
laughs>
Bilbo: Come on, come in!
Welcome, welcome! *There we go/ *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 worldwide]
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. 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 old
chicken and pickles... Here's some cheese - oh no it won't do. There we got
brussels(?) and jam and... Not much for afterlunch - oh no! We're all right, I
have some cake. I can make you some eggs if you like-- oh. Gandalf?
Gandalf: Just tea, thank you.
Bilbo: All right! You don't mind
if I eat, do you?
Gandalf: Oh no, not at all.
<There's a 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, the two 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 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 and the fireworks are going off and festivities are well underway>
Bilbo: <to guest> Hello, hello, lovely to see you! Welcome,
welcome!
<Frodo sees his friend
Sam sitting alone, looking at hobbitlass Rosie Cotton dancing>
Frodo: 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>
Frodo: <laughs>
Gandalf: whoa!
<huge fireworks>
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.
Cutie-pie Hobbit: <shakes her head emphatically>
Bilbo: They spent so much time arguing the weather to’s and why-fore’s
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: <laughs, grabbing more fireworks>
<Merry Brandybuck comes
from behind, signaling Pippin Took to get onto Gandalf’s cart>
Merry: Quickly!
Gandalf: <to the hobbit children> Whoa! Off they go.
Merry: No, no the big one, big one
Pippin: Done.
<Inside the tent>
Merry: You’re supposed to stick it in the ground!
Pippin: It is in the ground.
Merry: Outside!
Pippin: It was your idea!
<The firework goes up,
throwing Merry and Pippin onto the ground. The firework turns into a shape of a
dragon and turns towards the merrymakers. Hobbits see this and try to get out
of the way>
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 flies off and bursts into a beautiful firework. Hobbits
clap in amusement>
Merry: That was good. Let’s get another one!
<Gandalf comes behind
and grabs their ears>
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!
Hobbits: Speech!
Frodo: Speech!
Bilbo: My dear Bagginses and Boffins, Tooks and Brandybucks, Grubbs,
Chubbs, Hornblowers, Bolgers, Bracegirdles and Proudfoots.
Proudfoot Hobbit: Proudfeet!
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. <whispers to himself> I’ve put this off for far too long. I regret to
announce this is the end. I am going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell.
<whispers>Goodbye. <Puts on the ring 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.
Bilbo: No, wait, its --here in my pocket. Heh, Isn’t that, isn’t that
odd though? 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! Its 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 crying>
Gandalf: All your long years we’ve been friends. Trust me as you once
did, hmm? Let it go.
Bilbo: 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
allows it to slip out of his hand. It lands with a loud thud>
<Bilbo runs out the door, then stops>
Bilbo: I’ve thought of an ending for my book – 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: <singing>The road goes ever on and on, down from the door
where it began…
Gandalf: Till 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 eyes>
<Gandalf sits 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: 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 rode to the
outskirts of Mount Doom to observe the activity that is going on and finally
head of 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 the heirloom of my kingdom. All
that who 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.
Dog barks incessantly, then backs off>
Ringwraith: Shire. Baggins
Hobbit: Baggins. There are no
Baggins ‘round here. They’re up in Hobbiton, that way. <points>
<Ringwraith rides
off>
<At the Green Dragon Inn
- Frodo and Sam are leaving>
Rosie: Goodnight.
Sam: Goodnight.
<Frodo and Sam stagger to Bag End>
Frodo: Goodnight Sam.
<Frodo comes up the steps, opens the door and notices that the house seems
to have been broken into>
<Gandalf grabs him from behind >
Frodo: 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: 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. 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. 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…
<Both Gandalf and Frodo
look at it>
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!
<cuts to the Ringwraiths
riding up to a Hobbit along the road>
Hobbit: Who goes there?
<the Ringwraith chops
off the hobbit’s head>
<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 trying to pack for his journey>
Gandalf: You must leave and leave quickly.
Frodo: Where? Where do I go?
Gandalf: Get out of the Shire. Make for it to 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, you'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!
<Gandalf goes to the window and gives the bushes a whack with his staff.
Sam: Oooff!!
<Gandalf drags Sam up by
his hair and plops him down onto the table>
Gandalf: Confound it all Samwise
Gamgee! You’ve been evesdropping?!
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 breast 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 walking along the
field, Sam slightly behind>
Sam: This is it.
Frodo: This is what?
Sam: I take one more step, it
would be the farthest away from home I’ve ever been.
Frodo: 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."
<Gandalf rides swiftly
into Isengard. Saruman descending 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 Saruman's chambers>
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: 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>
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 from Saruman the battle of the Wizards begins. Saruman gains
the upper hand>PRIVATE
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>
<Back at the Shire. Sam
emerges from a field of corn>
Sam: Mister Frodo? Frodo! Frodo!
<Frodo emerges from the
bend>
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: Sam we're still in the Shire. What could possibly happen?
(Merry and Pippin bumped into both Sam and Frodo)
Pippin: Frodo? Merry! It's Frodo Baggins.
Merry: Hello Frodo!
Sam: Get of him! <hauls Pippin off Frodo> Frodo? Are you alright?
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 gets 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 sickle> 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 hide beneath a root of a tree. A Nazgul approaches and stops,
sniffing and hearing. Insects and earthworms started coming out of their
holes>
<Frodo goes into a trance, tempted to wear the ring. Sam stops him. Merry
throws a bag away to distract the Nazgul. Nazgul follows the sound. Hobbits
make a break for it>
Merry: What was that?
<Frodo stares at the
ring on his palm>
<Nightfall. A Nazgul is patrolling the area>
<Hobbits hide behind trees>
Pippin: Anything?
Frodo: Nothing.
Pippin: What is going on?
Merry: That Black Rider was
looking for something… or someone. Frodo?
Pippin: Get down!
<Nazgul feigns leaving
the area>
Frodo: I have to leave the
Shire. Sam and I have 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. Hobbits jump over the fence. Runs 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!
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 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 then we 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 were
surprised. Worry crosses their faces>
Sam: What do we do now?
<Hobbits sitting at the
table>
Frodo: Sam. He’ll be here. He’ll come.
Man: <to Merry> Get, get out of my way.
<Merry brings a mug
filled with beer>
Pippin: What’s that?
Merry: This my friend, is a pint.
Pippin: It comes in pints? I’m getting one.
Sam: You had a whole half already!
<Pippin rushes to the
bar>
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 in 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 blabbing further>
Frodo: Pippin!
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 dissapears. Bree
folks gasp in surprise. The Nazgul are alerted and makes for Bree. Frodo sees
the Eye of Sauron staring down at him>
Voice of Sauron: You cannot hide! I see
you!
<Frodo crawls away then
takes the ring off his finger. He reappears, 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>
<Entering a room,
Strider tosses him in>
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 world wide]
Strider: You have a stout heart for a hobbit, but that will not save
you. You can no longer wait for the wizard Frodo. They are coming.
<The Nazgul crash through the gates of Bree and into the Prancing Pony.
Screeches are heard. They make for the hobbit rooms and starts stabbing the
beds. They pull back the covers to realize the hobbits are not there. They
scream in agony>
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.
<Following day in the
woods>
Frodo: Where are you taking us?
Strider: Into the wild.
Merry: <to Frodo> How do we know this Strider is a friend of
Gandalf?
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. Strider looks back at them>
Strider: Gentlemen, we do not stop till nightfall.
Pippin: What about breakfast?
Strider: We 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: 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 goes to Isengard.
Saruman is in the Chamber of the Palantir communicating with Sauron>
Saruman: The power of Isengard is
at your command, Sauron, Lord of the Earth.
Voice of Sauron: Build me an army worthy of Mordor!
<Orcs file into the
room>
Orc: What orders from Mordor my Lord? What does the Eye command?
Saruman: We have work to do!
<Gandalf awakens at the top of Isengard, sees the work around it>
Orcs: The trees are strong, my
Lord. Their roots go deep.
Saruman: Rip them all down.
<Scene goes to Strider
and the Hobbits at Weathertop>
Strider: This was the great
watchtower of Amon Sul. We shall rest here tonight.
<Hobbits, weary from the
long travel, settle down. Strider shows 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!
<The Nazgul cry is heard>
<The hobbits are
alerted, grabs the swords and sees the Nazgul closing in on Amon Sul>
All: Uh?!
<Frodo motions the
others to go up>
Frodo: Go!!
<At the top, the Nazgul surrounds them and pulls out their long swords>
Sam: Back you devils!
<Sam is pushed aside as does Merry and Pippin.
Frodo backs off. He brings out the ring from his pocket. The Witch King feels
its presence and approaches Frodo, dagger in hand. In fear Frodo wears the
ring. Suddenly the Nazguls’ true forms are revealed to him. As the Witch King
reaches out for the ring, the ring lifts Frodo’s own hand towards the wraith.
With all his strength Frodo yanks his hand back. The Witch King stabs him on
his left shoulder. Frodo cries out in pain. Strider intercedes, driving the
Nazgul away with a torch. Frodo pulls out the ring from his finger and crying
in pain>
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. They begin to leave Weathertop. 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
the caverns of Isengard and up to the Pinnacle of Orthanc were Gandalf is held
prisoner. A moth flies by and Gandalf, catches it and begins to whisper to
it>
Gandalf: <whispering>
Gwaihir. Go, Gwaihir.
<Moth flies away. Scene
swoops down into the Caverns of Isengard and see the forging of weapons and
armor. Saruman witnesses the birth of Lurtz and the Uruk Hai>
<scene goes back to
Aragorn 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. Suddenly a sword is at his throat>
Arwen: What’s this? A ranger
caught off his guard?
<Frodo seeing Arwen in a white light>
Arwen: Frodo.... Im Arwen. Telin le thaed (I am Arwen. I have
come to help you.)
Arwen: Lasto beth nin, tolo dan na ngalad (Hear my voice. Come
back to the light)
Merry: Who is she?
Arwen: <kneels> Frodo!
Sam: She's an elf.
Arwen: He's fading!
<Frodo's gasping>
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 puts Frodo on
the horse>
Strider/Aragorn: Dartho guin berian. 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: I do not fear them.
Strider/Aragorn: Beyest lin.
Strider/Aragorn: Arwen, ride hard. Don’t look back!
Arwen: Noro lim, Asfaloth, noro lim! (Ride fast Asfaloth, ride
fast!)
<Arwen rides away with
Frodo>
Sam: <to Strider> What are you doing?! Those wraiths are still out
there!
<Arwen rides, The Nazgul
gives chase>
Arwen: Noro lim Asfaloth!!! (Ride faster Asfaloth!)
<Arwen crosses the ford>
Nazgul: Give up the half-fling she-elf!
<Arwen draws her
sword>
Arwen: If you want him, come and claim him!
<The Nazgul draws their sword and starts to cross the ford>
<Arwen casts spells unto
the river>
Arwen: Nin o Chithaeglir, lasto beth daer, Rimmo nin Bruinen dan in
Ulaer!
Nin o Chithaeglir, lasto beth daer, Rimmo nin Bruinen dan in Ulaer! (Waters
of the
Misty
Mountains listen to the great word;
flow waters of Loudwater against the Ringwraiths!)
<Water level rises, great flood comes around the bend. The Nazgul drown>
<Frodo starting to slip. Arwen lays him on the ground>
Arwen: No! Frodo...No! Frodo, don’t give in! Not now!
<Arwen cries, 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
on the bed in 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 Gandalf's escape from 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!
Gandalf: 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 looks
into 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: 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 reading a book. Boromir enters. Boromir regards 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: 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-Dhúath ú-orthor. Ú or le a ú or nin. (The Shadow does
not hold sway yet, not over you and not over me.)
<Arwen and Aragorn in the garden, standing over a bridge>
Arwen: Renech i lu i erui govannem? (Do you remember when we
first met?)
Aragorn: Nauthannem i ned ol reniannen. (I thought I had strayed
into a dream.)
Arwen: Gwenwin in enninath...U-arnech in naeth i si celich. (Long
years have passed…You do not have the cares you carry now.)
Arwen: Renech i beth i pennen? (Do you remember what I told you?)
Aragorn: 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>
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 column> Bring forth the ring, Frodo.
<Frodo lays the ring on
the column and returns to his seat>
<People starts
whispering>
Boromir: So it is true...
Boromir: It is a gift. A gift to
the foes of Mordor! Why not use this ring? Long has my father, the Steward of
Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay, by the blood of our people-- all 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.
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 steps forward,
grabbing an axe>
Gimli: ARGH!!!!
<Gimli strikes down at
the ring with full force but is repelled back. Frodo sees the Eye and felt
pain. The ring remained intact with the shards of the axe all around it>
<Whispers were coming
out of 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.
Elrond: One of you must do this.
<Dead silence from the
council>
Boromir: One does not simply walk
to 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: Have you heard nothing
Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed!
Gimli: And I suppose you think
you're the one to do it?!
Boromir: 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!
<Arguments start among
them>
Gimli: Never trust an elf!
Gandalf: Do you not understand
that while we bicker among ourselves, Sauron's power grows?! None can escape
it!
<The ring flares up>
<Frodo stands and
approaches the arguing council, his voiced raised above the din>
Frodo: I will take it! I will
take it!
<The argument dies
down>
<Gandalf closes is eyes
when he hears Frodo’s statement>
Frodo: I will take the ring to
Mordor. Though-- I do not know the way.
Gandalf: I will help you bear this
burden, Frodo Baggins, so long as it is yours to bear.
Aragorn: If by my life or death, I
can protect you, I will. You have my sword.
Legolas: And you have my bow.
Gimli: And my axe!
Boromir: 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! Mr. Frodo is not
goin’ anywhere without me!
Elrond: 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: 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 turns to Frodo’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>
<Next scene shows The
Nine Companions travelling together. They pause on a hill in the wild>
Gandalf: <voice over> We
must hold this course west from 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: 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 know 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 to Moria unless I had no
other choice.
<Legolas sees something
from a distance>
Boromir: Come on. Good.
<Boromir accidently nicks Pippin>
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 laugh>
Pippin: For the Shire!
Pippin: Hold him! Hold him Merry!
Merry: He got my arm! He got my
arm!
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!
<Fellowship hides behind rock outcroppings. Crebain flies overhead>
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?
<Frodo searches for the
ring. 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; talhira
notto-carinnar! (Wake up cruel Redhorn! May your horn be bloodstained…)
<lightning strikes the
tip of Caradhras sending a second avalanche onto the Fellowship below. It
buries them completely but soon 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. Reads 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: Let the ringbearer
decide.
Gandalf: Frodo?
Frodo: We will go through the mines.
Gandalf: So be it.
<Scene – outside Moria>
Gimli: 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 stay closed. Gandalf
begins to push it with his staff>
<After a while, the
Fellowship lay 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: Bye, bye Bill
Aragorn: Go on, Bill, go on. Don’t worry Sam, he knows the way home.
<Merry throws a stone 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 doors open. 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>
Legolas: Goblins!
<Legolas, Aragorn and
Boromir draw out their swords>
Boromir: We make for the Gap of Rohan. We should never have come here.
<Something stirs in the
water behind the Hobbits>
Boromir: Now get out, get out!
<Frodo is grabbed by the Watcher in the water>
Sam, Merry, and Pippin: Frodo!
Sam: Strider! <hacks at tentacle> Get off him!
<Fellowship fights
against the Watcher>
Frodo: aah!
Merry: Aragorn!
Frodo: Aah! Ungh! Aah! Argh! Aah!
Boromir: <slices a tentacle>
<Fellowship battle it
out against the Watcher in the Water. It finally releases Frodo and the hobbit
lands right onto Boromir’s arms>
Gandalf: Into the Mines!
Boromir: Legolas!
<The Watcher slams the Gates shut. The Fellowship races inside the entrance.
Slabs of rock drop; the roof of the passageway collapses. Total darkness falls.
Then Gandalf again lights the piece of quartz that he picked up on the shore
the first time they went in. We see the startled faces of the Fellowship and
the first flight of stairs, with corpses strewn about>
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.
Gandalf: Quietly now. It’s a four-day journey to the other side. Let us
hope that our presence may go unnoticed.
<The Fellowship is seen
entering a great cavern with a serpentine walkway down through the middle. Cut
to the Fellowship climbing 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: I think we are.
Sam: Shh, 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? 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 and 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.
<Frodo sits 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: Ah! It’s that way.
Merry: He’s remembered!
<The Fellowship heads
down the middle passage>
Gandalf: No, but the air doesn’t smell so foul down here. If in doubt,
Meriadoc, always follow your nose.
Gandalf: Let me risk a little more light.
<His brightened staff
shows 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 of the dwarf city of
Dwarrowdelf.
Sam: That’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 stops, kneels by
a crypt>
Gimli: No! No! <sob> No! <sob>
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 touches the arrow, 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 noises
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!
<Drums echo up from deep below>
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. Fellowship
continues to fight the Orcs>
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 plays hide and seek with Frodo around a pillar, at last grabbing
him when Frodo falls on his back into a corner. The troll lifts and drags
Frodo>
Frodo: Aragorn? Aragorn!
<Frodo stabs the troll's
hand with Sting. The troll drops Frodo>
Aragorn: Frodo! Yaaahh!
<Aragorn grabs a spear
from the floor and stabs the troll with it. The troll, infuriated, punches
Aragorn across the room. He collapses on the floor. Frodo races after him>
<The troll blocks Frodo’s path with his 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 his 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 turns Frodo 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 shows 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
into Dwarrowdelf again pursued by an army of orcs. The orcs surround the
Fellowship but are dismayed and flee. A burning red light appears in the
distance>
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 break into a chasm
and Boromir nearly falls into one. He was pulled back by Legolas. 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. 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: Gandalf.
<Gandalf leaps after
him>
<Orcs begin shooting at
the Fellowship. Legolas shoots back>
Boromir: Merry! Pippin! Hoo-aah!
<He takes Merry and Pippin, one on each side, and leaps forward>
Aragorn: Sam.
<Sam is tossed to the other side caught by Boromir>
Gimli: <to Aragorn> Nobody tosses a dwarf.
<He leaps forward but
nearly falls back. Legolas grabs his beard>
Gimli: Not the beard!
<Some of the steps give
way. Aragorn and Frodo struggle back. A huge rock falls from behind, cracking
the foundation of the stairs Aragorn and Frodo are still on. The stairs start
to wobble>
Aragorn: Stay there. Hold on. Hang on! Lean forward!
Boromir: Come on!
<They shifted their
weight forward, forcing the stairs to lessen the gap between them and the rest
of the Fellowship. They leap and cross to safety. They continue to run down the
stairs>
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,
destroying the Balrog’s sword>
Gandalf: Go back to the shadow!
Gandalf: YOU…SHALL NOT...PASS!!!
<Gandalf strikes his staff onto the bridge. The Balrog steps forward and
falls into the chasm. But at the last minute the whip lashes out and drags
Gandalf down to the edge>
Boromir: No, Frodo!
Frodo: Gandaaaaalf!
Gandalf: Fly, you fools! <falls into the chasm>
Frodo: Noooooooooooooooo!!!!
<Boromir grabs hold of
Frodo and starts to leave>
Boromir: Aragorn!
Frodo: Noooooooooooo!!!
<Aragorn looks at
Gandalf’s demise in disbelief. He turns to follow the others just as several
orc arrows miss him as he retreats>
<The Fellowship exits
Moria. Everyone is distraught>
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. On
your feet Sam. Frodo? Frodo!
<Frodo weeping silently,
turns towards Aragorn>
<Next scene- Fellowship
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: You're coming to us… is
as the footsteps of doom. You bring great evil here ringbearer!
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!
<Arrows started pointing
towards the each member of the Fellowship>
Gimli: Oh...
Haldir: The dwarf breaths so loud
we could have shot him in the dark.
Gimli: Grrr....
Aragorn: Haldir o Lórien.
Henion aníron, boe ammen i dulu lîn. Boe ammen veriad lîn.
(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 the stairway to meet Galadriel and Celeborn. The
Lord and Lady of Lothlorien descend to meet the Fellowship>
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>
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!
<Back at the bottom, a
song is sung for Gandalf>
A Olorin i yaresse ( Olorin, who once was...)
Mentaner i Numeherui… (sent by the Lords
of the West…)
Legolas: 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: Take some rest. These
borders are well protected.
Boromir: I will find no rest here.
I heard a 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>
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 walks up to the
mirror to take a look. Frodo sees 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. After which he sees the Eye of Sauron. The ring
hanging from his neck pulls him closer to the water. Terrified he grabs the
ring and falls on his back>
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.
<Frodo 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 ringbearer,
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: Even the smallest person
can change the course of the future.
<Scene goes to Orthanc
in Isengard>
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 are given
their gear and assembled to Saruman>
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 bids goodbye
as the Fellowship canoes down the river>
<Orcs march along the
river>
<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>
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 impossible labyrinth of
razor sharp rocks! And after that, it gets even better! 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: Where's Frodo?
<Sam rouses with a
start. Boromir’s lone shield lies where he was>
<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. 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!
<Frodo runs from
Aragorn>
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 away>
Aragorn: I would ha
ve 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 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: 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-hais with quick
bow-work; Gimli lands an ax-blow>
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 sees them and
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-Hais were coming down the hill, towards their
area>
Merry: <quietly> Run Frodo! Go!
<Merry calls out to the
Uruk-Hais>
Merry: <cups his hands>
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 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 and starts to
gasp. But he swings his sword at another Uruk and gets 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 had a chance
to use them. 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 sorrow>
<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>
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.
<starts 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 gives it to him. Boromir clasps its hilt to his chest>
Boromir: I would have followed you
my brother, my captain, my king!
<Boromir passes away>
Aragorn: Be at peace, son of Gondor.
<Legolas and Gimli
arrive at the scene. Legolas looks closely 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. He puts the ring in his pocket,
pushes the boat into the river and jumps in>
<Sam emerges from the
woods>
Sam: Frodo no! Frodo! Mr.
Frodo!
Frodo: No Sam. <continues to paddle away>
<Sam runs into the river
after Frodo>
Frodo: <looks back> 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. Frodo pulls him out of the water and up into the boat>
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. He has his sword with him, his shield is above his head,
and his 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 continues to
stand>
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 to 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>
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.
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