The Fellowship Of The Ring Script

GALADRIEL (Voiceover)
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.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)
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.

(The Last Alliance of Men and Elves fight against Sauron's forces)

GALADRIEL (V.O.)
Victory was near. But the power of the Ring could not be undone.

SAURON appears, and destroys many men with each swing of his mace.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)
It was in this moment, when all hope had faded, that Isildur, son of the king, took up his father's sword.

ISILDUR tries to pick up the sword, but SAURON breaks it. ISILDUR uses the broken blade to cut off SAURON'S fingers, and the Ring.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)
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.

ISILDUR is attacked by orcs and dies in the river, and the Ring is lost in the water.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)
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.

A hand finds the Ring in the riverbed.

GOLLUM
My Precious

GALADRIEL (V.O.)
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 Prrrrrecious.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)
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 forests 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 that the Ring did not intend. It was picked up by the most unlikely creature imaginable.

BILBO
What's this?

GALADRIEL (V.O.)
A hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, of the Shire.

BILBO
A Ring!

GOLLUM
Lost! My Precious is lost!

GALADRIEL (V.O.)
For the time will soon come when hobbits will shape the fortunes of all.

Title: The Fellowship of the Ring

The Shire... 60 years later

FRODO reading a book under a tree, hears GANDALF approach singing.

GANDALF
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...

FRODO
You're late.

GANDALF
A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.

They both try to keep a straight face, and fail. FRODO throws himself into GANDALF'S arms for a hug.

FRODO
It's wonderful to see you, Gandalf!

GANDALF
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... for which I am very thankful...

HOBBIT FOLK
Look, it's Gandalf! It's Gandalf!

GANDALF tips his hat

They pass a field where tents and a banner are being set up.

GANDALF
Oh! The long-expected party. So how is the old rascal? I here there's to be a party of special magnificence.

FRODO
You know Bilbo. He has 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's up to something.

GANDALF
Oh really?

FRODO
All right then, keep your secrets. 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 that 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 have been officially labeled a disturber of the peace.

Odo Proudfoot gives Gandalf a grumpy look. A group of HOBBIT children see GANDALF and come running.

CHILDREN
Gandalf, Gandalf! Fireworks, Gandalf!

GANDALF pretends he won't, but he sets off butterfly fireworks the behind cart. The Hobbit children cheer and Gandalf laughs. Odo Proudfoot chuckles. Odo's grumpy old hobbitwife comes out and gives a nagging look to Odo who quickly restores his grumpy grim look.

FRODO
Gandalf, I'm glad you're back.

FRODO jumps off the wagon.

GANDALF
So am I, dear boy, so am I.

GANDALF approaches BILBO's home, Bag End

GANDALF
Woah, woah

He checks his wagon in front and walks through a gate with a sign attached that says 'no admittance except on party business', knocks on the door with his staff. A disgruntled voice comes from within.

BILBO
No thank you! We don't want any more visitors, well-wishers or distant relations!

GANDALF
And what about very old friends?

BILBO
Gandalf?

GANDALF
Bilbo Baggins!

BILBO
My dear Gandalf!

GANDALF
Good to see you. One hundred and eleven years old! Who would believe it? You haven't aged a day.

BILBO
Come on, come in! Welcome, welcome! Oh, here we are. 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?

BILBO puts GANDALF'S hat and staff away.

GANDALF
Just tea, thank you.

GANDALF knocks the chandelier, steadies it, and hits his head on the beam when he turns around.

BILBO
I was expecting you sometime 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've only got cold chicken and a bit of pickle... here's some cheese here - oh no that won't do. We've got raspberry jam, an apple tart, but not much for afters I'm afraid- oh no, we're all right! I've just found some sponge cake. I can make you some eggs if you like... oh. Gandalf?

BILBO comes into the room, but GANDALF isn't there.

GANDALF appears from behind him.

GANDALF
Just tea, thank you

BILBO
Oh, right. You don't mind if I eat, do you?

BILBO has a mouthful of food already.

GANDALF
Oh, no, not at all.

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins knocks on the door.

LOBELIA
Bilbo! Bilbo Baggins!

BILBO (to Gandalf)
I'm not at home! I've got to get away from these confounded relatives, hanging on the bell all day, never giving me a moment's peace. I want to see mountains again, mountains, Gandalf! And then find someplace 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. The arrangements have been made. Oh, thank you.

GANDALF
Frodo suspects something.

BILBO
Of course he does. He's a Baggins, not some blockheaded 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, but 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.

BILBO and GANDALF sit outside Bag-End, smoking.

BILBO
Old Toby, the finest weed in Southfarthing.

BILBO blows a smoke-ring, GANDALF blows a galleon, which sails through the ring.

BILBO
Gandalf, my old friend, this will be a night to remember!

Next scene: The birthday party. GANDALF sets off fireworks -

BILBO (to guests)
Hello, hello...Fatty Bolger! Lovely to see you! Welcome, welcome.

FRODO sits down next to SAM.

FRODO
Go on, Sam, ask Rosie for a dance!

SAM is too shy.

SAM
I think I'll just have another ale.

FRODO
Oh no you don't! Go on!

FRODO pushes SAM to ROSIE, and they dance off

BILBO is telling a story to the young HOBBIT children.

BILBO
So there I was, at the mercy of three monstrous trolls, and they were 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 CHILD
(shakes her head emphatically)

BILBO
They spent so much time arguing the whithertos and whyfores that when the sun's first light crept over the top of the trees, POOF!

HOBBIT CHILDREN
*Gasp*

BILBO
It turned them all to stone!

GANDALF sets off a butterflies firework, which the
children try to catch. MERRY and PIPPIN steal one of their own. MERRY gives PIPPIN a boost into Gandalf's wagon, where he roots around and comes up with one.

MERRY
No, no! The big one, the big one!

PIPPIN grabs the largest firework he can find, which is bright red and huge. They hurry into the tent, so they won't be caught with it. PIPPIN lights it.

PIPPIN
Done!

MERRY
You're supposed to stick in the ground!

PIPPIN
It is in the ground!

MERRY
Outside!

PIPPIN
This was your idea!

The firework goes off, taking the roof of the tent with it, and leaving MERRY and PIPPIN flat on the ground, covered in soot. The firework goes straight up, becomes a dragon's head, turns around, sprouts wings, and flies in low over the crowd. General panic. FRODO sees it coming and tries to warn BILBO.

FRODO
Bilbo, Bilbo, look out for the dragon!

BILBO
Dragon? Nonsense, there hasn't been a dragon in these parts for a thousand years!

They duck to avoid the dragon, which, having given everyone a good scare, dissolves into a spectacular shower of sparks.

PIPPIN
That was good!

MERRY
Let's get another one!

GANDALF comes up behind and grabs MERRY and PIPPIN by their ears.

GANDALF
Meriadoc Brandybuck, and Peregrin Took. I might have known.

MERRY and PIPPIN end up washing dishes in penance. BILBO stands up.

HOBBITS
Speech! Speech!

BILBO
My dear Bagginses and Boffins, Tooks and Brandybucks, Grubbs, Chubbs, Hornblowers, Bolgers, Bracegirdles, and Proudfoots!

ODO PROUDFOOT
Proudfeet!

BILBO
Today is my one hundred and eleventh birthday! Alas, eleventy one years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable hobbits! 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.

The crowd is confused

BILBO (to himself)
I have things to do. I've put this off for far too long.

BILBO (to the crowd)
I regret to announce this is the end! I'm going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell! Goodbye.

BILBO puts on the ring and vanishes, to the astonishment of everyone except GANDALF. Footsteps up the path to Bag End. Door opens. BILBO appears, taking off the RING. Puts it in his pocket. Chooses a staff from beside the door. GANDALF has arrived before him.

GANDALF
I suppose you think that was terribly clever.

BILBO
Yes

GANDALF
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 looks on the mantel.

BILBO
No wait, it's... here in my pocket. Isn't that odd, now? Yet, afterall 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! It's mine. I found it! It came to me!

GANDALF
There's no need to get angry.

BILBO
Well if I'm angry it's your fault! It's mine. My own, my precious...

GANDALF
Precious? It's been called that before, but not by you.

BILBO
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!

A shadow draws around GANDALF, revealing the power he usually keeps hidden.

GANDALF
Bilbo Baggins! Do not take me for some conjuror of cheap tricks! I am not trying to rob you! I'm trying to help you.

The shadow retreats, and GANDALF is the kindly old man again. BILBO runs to him.

GANDALF
All your long years, we have been friends. Trust me as you once did. 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 gathers his pack and heads out the door. GANDALF stops him on the doorstep.

GANDALF
Bilbo, the ring is still in your pocket.

BILBO
Oh, yes.

BILBO takes out the ring, holds it on his palm, and with a great effort, turns his hand until the ring slips off and drops on the floor. BILBO walks out, takes a deep breath.

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
Goodbye, Gandalf.

They shake hands, friends as always.

GANDALF
Goodbye, dear Bilbo.

Exit BILBO, singing.

BILBO
The road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began...

GANDALF
Until our next meeting.

GANDALF reaches down to pick up the RING, sees the EYE, and leaves it where it is. He sits in front of the fire, thinking about BILBO'S words.

BILBO (Voiceover)
It's mine, my own, my precious.

GANDALF
Riddles in the dark... My precious...

FRODO
Bilbo!

FRODO enters, sees the ring and picks it up.

FRODO
He's gone, hasn't he? He talked for so long about leaving, I didn't think he would really do it.

GANDALF
Precious....

Gandalf?

GANDALF looks over, sees FRODO has the RING.

GANDALF
Bilbo's Ring. He's gone to stay with the elves. He's left you Bag End

GANDALF holds out an envelope, FRODO slips the RING inside. GANDALF seals it with wax.

GANDALF
Along with all his possessions. The Ring is yours now. Put it somewhere out of sight.

FRODO
Where are you going?

GANDALF heads for the door.

GANDALF
I have 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 rides to the White city, sees fire over the mountains and Barad Dur rebuilt. A voice screams 'Shire! Baggins!' The Nine ride out of Minas Morgul. GANDALF looks through the library in Minas Tirith, and he finds a manuscript of ISILDUR'S tale.

GANDALF
The 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 should be an heirloom of my kingdom. All those who follow in my bloodline should 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 on the band fade, the writing which was at first as clear as red flame has all but disappeared, a secret now only fire can tell.

A hobbit cutting wood is startled by a BLACK RIDER. His dog sensibly retreats into the house.

BLACK RIDER
Shire. Baggins.

HOBBIT
There's no Bagginses around here! They're out in Hobbiton. That way.

He follows his dog as the BLACK RIDER turns toward HOBBITON.

FRODO returns home from the Green Dragon, the window is open and all is dark. GANDALF grabs his shoulder from behind.

GANDALF
Is it secret? Is it safe?

FRODO gets out the envelope, still sealed, and GANDALF throws it in the fire.

FRODO
What are you doing?

Envelope burns away, revealing the Ring. GANDALF retrieves it from the fire with tongs.

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 shall 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 stirring in Mordor. The Ring has awoken. It's heard its master's call.

FRODO
But he was destroyed. Sauron was destroyed.

The RING
(whispers in the Black Speech)

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 in 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 grabs the RING.

FRODO

Alright, we put it away. We keep it hidden. We never speak of it again. No one knows it's here, do they?

GANDALF is silent.

FRODO
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, but amidst the endless screams and inane babble, they discerned two words.

GOLLUM
Shire! Baggins!

FRODO
Shire. Baggins. But that would lead them here!

The BLACK RIDERS kill a night watchman. FRODO holds out the RING to GANDALF.

FRODO
Take it, Gandalf, take it!

GANDALF
No, Frodo.

FRODO
You must take it!

GANDALF
You cannot offer me this Ring!

FRODO
I'm giving it to you!

GANDALF
Don't tempt me! I dare not take it, not even to keep it safe! Understand Frodo, I would use this Ring from a desire to do good, but through me, it would wield a power too great and terrible to imagine.

FRODO
But it cannot stay in the Shire!

GANDALF
No! No, it can't.

FRODO
What must I do?

GANDALF
You must leave, and leave quickly.

FRODO
Where? Where do I go?

GANDALF
Get out of the Shire. Make for the village of 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 stops, looking at FRODO, who is within minutes packed, cloaked, and ready for a long and dangerous journey.

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.

There's a noise outside the window.

GANDALF
Get down!

FRODO drops to the floor, GANDALF reaches out the window with his staff, hits something. Hauls SAM in by the scruff of his neck.

GANDALF
Confound it all, Samwise Gamgee, have you been eavesdropping?

SAM
I haven't been dropping no eaves, 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
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 don't hurt me, sir, don't turn me into anything unnatural.

GANDALF
No? Perhaps not. I've thought of a better use for you.

GANDALF and FRODO walking oustide in the morning, GANDALF leading his horse.

GANDALF
Come along, Samwise, keep up!

SAM runs to catch up. The three stop under the trees.

GANDALF
Be careful, both of you. The enemy has many spies in his service. Birds, beasts. Is it safe?

FRODO pats his pocket, where the RING is hidden.

GANDALF
Never put it on. For the agents of the Dark Lord will be drawn to its power. Always remember, the Ring is trying to get back to its master. It wants to be found.

GANDALF leaves. FRODO and SAM cross fields, going towards Bree. SAM suddenly stops.

SAM
This is it.

FRODO
This is what?

SAM
If I take one more step, it will 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, Frodo,

BILBO (voiceover)
going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you'll be swept off to.

GANDALF rides to Isengard.

SARUMAN
Smoke rises from the mountain of Doom. The hour grows late, and Gandalf the Grey rides to Isengard seeking my council. For that is why you have come, is it not, my old friend?

GANDALF
Saruman.

GANDALF and SARUMAN walking outside Isengard.

SARUMAN
You are sure of this?

GANDALF
Beyond any doubt.

SARUMAN
So the Ring of Power has been found.

GANDALF
All these long years it was in the Shire, under my very nose.

SARUMAN
And 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 to counter Sauron, if we act quickly.

SARUMAN
Time? What time do you think we have?

SARUMAN and GANDALF inside Isengard.

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.

They enter another room, where a stone sphere lies covered.

GANDALF
A palantir is a dangerous tool, Saruman.

SARUMAN uncovers the stone.

SARUMAN
Why? Why should we fear to use it?

GANDALF
They are not all accounted for, the lost seeing stones. We do not know who else may be watching.

As he re-covers the stone, GANDALF sees the EYE

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 tries to leave, but the doors slam, one by one.

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?

They fight, GANDALF loses his staff, breakdances, and is captured.

SARUMAN
I offered you the choice of aiding me willingly, but you have elected the way of pain!

GANDALF rises toward the roof of Isengard. Darkness.

SAM emerges from a corn patch, alone.

SAM
Mr. Frodo? Frodo? Frodo!

FRODO reappears from the path ahead.

SAM
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
We're still in the Shire, Sam, what could possibly happen?

They get knocked over by MERRY and PIPPIN.

PIPPIN
Frodo! Merry, it's Frodo Baggins!

MERRY
Hello, Frodo!

SAM
Get off him! Frodo, are you alight?

PIPPIN
What's the meaning of this?

MERRY hands SAM an armful of vegetables. MERRY
Hold these.

SAM
You've been into Farmer Maggot's crops!

FARMER MAGGOT's outraged voice
Hey! You get out of my fields! You'd better watch out when I catch up with you!

MERRY
I don't why he's so upset, it's only a few carrots.

PIPPIN
And some cabbages. And those three bags of potatoes we lifted last week. And then mushrooms the week before that.

MERRY
Yes, Pippin! My point is, he's clearly overreacting. Run!

They all fall over a cliff, land in a heap.

PIPPIN lands inches away from a pile of manure.

PIPPIN
Ooh! That was close.

MERRY
I think I've broken something.

MERRY pulls out a broken carrot.

SAM
Trust a Brandybuck and a Took!

MERRY
What? That was just a detour! A shortcut!

SAM
Shortcut to what?

PIPPIN
Mushrooms!

Three start gathering mushrooms into a bag.

FRODO looks down the road.

FRODO
I think we should get off the road.

Something dark approaches.

FRODO
Get off the road, quick!

They hide under the roots of a tree. The Black Rider comes, on his horse. Gets off the horse, sniffing as though he can smell that the RING is close. A spider crawls out, and a centipede, and a lot of worms. For the first time, the Ring tries to impose its will on FRODO, pushing him to put it on so they will be found. SAM stops him. MERRY throws a bag to distract the Black Rider, and they run away.

MERRY
What was that?

It is dark, they have been running for some time, watching for the RIDER.

MERRY
Anything?

FRODO
Nothing.

PIPPIN
What is going on?

MERRY
That black rider was looking for something or someone. Frodo?

BLACK RIDER appears, in the distance.

PIPPIN
Get down!

They hide again.

FRODO
I have to leave the Shire. Sam and I must get to Bree.

MERRY
Right. Bucklebury ferry. Follow me.

They run, but the horse is right behind them. FRODO gets separated from the rest, who get to the ferry ahead of him.

MERRY
Get the rope, Sam!

They untie the ferry.

HOBBITS
Run, Frodo!

The RIDER is right behind FRODO.

FRODO
Go!

HOBBITS
Hurry!

SAM
Frodo!

PIPPIN
Jump!

FRODO jumps off the dock, and just makes it onto the ferry. The BLACK RIDER stops at the water's edge.

FRODO
How far to the nearest crossing?

MERRY
The Brandywine bridge. Twenty miles.

They look back to see three BLACK RIDERS now, heading for the bridge.

Four HOBBITS arrive at BREE, in the pouring rain, knock on the gate. the GATEKEEPER answers. Seeing no one at the window, he opens the lower window.

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. It's my job to ask questions after nightfall. There's talk of strange folk abroad. Can't be too careful.

Arrival at the Prancing Pony.

FRODO
Excuse me?

BARLIMAN
Good evening, little masters. If you're seeking accommodation, we've got some cozy hobbit-size rooms available, Mr...?

FRODO
Underhill. My name's Underhill.

BARLIMAN
Underhill. Hmm

FRODO
We're friends of Gandalf the Grey. Can you tell him we've arrived?

BARLIMAN
Gandalf? Gandalf? Ohhh, yes! I remember. Elderly chap, big grey beard, pointy hat. Not seen him for six months.

SAM
What do we do now?

The hobbits are sitting at a table

FRODO
Sam, he'll be here. He'll come

MERRY sits down.

PIPPIN
What's that?

MERRY
This, my friend, is a pint.

PIPPIN
It comes in pints? I'm going to get one.

SAM
you've had a whole half already.

PIPPIN goes to the bar.

SAM
That fellow's done nothing but stare at you since we arrived.

FRODO stops the innkeeper.

FRODO
Excuse me, that man in the corner, who is he?

BARLIMAN
He's one of them rangers. Their dangerous folk, they are, wandering the wild. What his right name is I've never heard, but around here he's known as Strider.

FRODO
Strider.

RING tries again to get FRODO to put it on, whispering Baggins, Baggins...

PIPPIN
Baggins? Sure I know a Baggins. He's over there. Frodo Baggins. He's my second cousin, once removed on his Mother's side. And my fourth cousin twice removed on...

FRODO runs toward PIPPIN, at the bar.

FRODO
Pippin!

PIPPIN
Steady on!

FRODO trips, the ring falls on his finger. The Nine turn towards BREE. FRODO sees the EYE for the first time.

SAURON
You cannot hide. I see you. There is no life in the void. Only death.

FRODO takes off the ring and is dragged off to a room by STRIDER.

STRIDER
You draw far too much attention to yourself, "Mr. Underhill".

FRODO
What do you want?

STRIDER
A little more caution from you, that is no trinket you carry.

FRODO
I carry nothing.

STRIDER
Indeed? 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.

The three HOBBITS come in, threatening STRIDER

SAM
Let him go, or I'll have you, Longshanks!

STRIDER
You have a stout heart, little hobbit, but that will not save you. You can no longer wait for the wizard, Frodo. They are coming.

Four of the Nine arrive at BREE, break down the gate and kill the gatekeeper. They find the room where HOBBITS appear to be sleeping, stab the empty mattresses, and become angry when they find they have been tricked. FRODO is awake already, watching STRIDER look out the window. The others wake at the noise.

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 party leaves BREE, avoiding the roads.

FRODO
Where are you taking us?

STRIDER
Into the wild.

They walk for a while.

MERRY
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, to the house of Elrond.

SAM
Did you hear that? Rivendell! We're going to see the elves!

Later, the hobbits stop.

STRIDER
Gentlemen, we do not stop 'til nightfall.

PIPPIN
What about breakfast?

STRIDER
You've already had it.

PIPPIN
We've had one, yes. What about second breakfast?

STRIDER walks away

MERRY
I don't think he knows about second breakfast, Pip.

PIPPIN
What about elevenses? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? Do you think he knows about them, doesn't he?

MERRY
I wouldn't count on it.

STRIDER throws an apple to MERRY, who catches it, and PIPPIN, who gets hit in the head.

MERRY
Pippin!

SARUMAN using Palantir.

SARUMAN
The power of Isengard is at your command, Sauron, Lord of the Earth.

SAURON
Build me an army worthy of Mordor.

Orcs enter

ORC
What orders from Mordor, my lord? What does the Eye command?

SARUMAN
We have work to do.

ORCS begin pulling down trees. GANDALF observes from his prison atop the tower.

ORC
The trees are strong, my lord. Their roots go deep.

SARUMAN
Rip them all down.

FRODO and company cross harsh lands.

STRIDER
This was the great watchtower of Amon Sul. We shall rest here tonight.

STRIDER unwraps four swords and passes them out to HOBBITS.

STRIDER
These are for you. Keep them close. I'm going to have a look around. Stay here.

FRODO is napping.

MERRY
Oh, my tomato's burst.

SAM
Could I have some bacon?

MERRY
Okay, want a tomato, Sam?

FRODO (awaking)
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!

FRODO stamps out the fire.

PIPPIN
That's nice, ash on my tomatoes.

They look over the edge to find BLACK RIDERS approaching.

FRODO pulls out his sword.

FRODO
Go!

Hobbits retreat to the center of the ruin, stand back to back, not knowing where the BLACK RIDERS will come from. Five BLACK RIDERS enter the ruin.

SAM
Back, you devils!

SAM tries to fight them, gets tossed aside. MERRY and PIPPIN step in front, get pushed away. FRODO drops his sword, backs away. Falls down. The BLACK RIDERS seem to know he has the RING. He pulls it out of his pocket, and they all focus on it. BLACK RIDERS close in, and he puts on the ring. The BLACK RIDER leader tries to take the ring. It takes all FRODO'S strength to pull it away. The Wraith seems angry that FRODO has denied him and stabs him in the shoulder. STRIDER attacks BLACK RIDERS, FRODO takes the ring off.

SAM
Frodo! Frodo!

SAM runs to FRODO, now that he can see him.

FRODO
Oh, Sam!

STRIDER stabs and sets fire to BLACK RIDERS and drives them away.

SAM
Strider! Help him, Strider.

STRIDER picks up the sword, but the blade dissolves into dust.

STRIDER
He's been stabbed with a Morgul blade. This is beyond my skill to heal. He needs elvish medicine.

STRIDER picks up FRODO, who is in a lot of pain.

STRIDER
Hurry.

SAM
We're six days from Rivendell! He'll never make it!

STRIDER
Hang on, Frodo.

FRODO
Gandalf!

GANDALF is still imprisoned on top of Isengard, which is now barren, with deep holes in the ground where ORCS mine and forge weapons and armor. A moth flutters by, and GANDALF catches it, speaks to it, and lets it go. SARUMAN oversees his latest project - a new type of creature is being bred. Lurtz awakens, and immediately kills the ORC tending him. SARUMAN seems pleased.

STRIDER carries FRODO, they stop at the three stone trolls.

SAM
Mr. Frodo? He's going cold!

PIPPIN
Is he going to die?

STRIDER
He is passing into the shadow world. He will soon become a wraith like them.

MERRY
They're close!

STRIDER
Sam, do you know the Athelas plant?

SAM
Athelas?

STRIDER
Kingsfoil.

SAM
Kingsfoil? Aye, it's a weed.

STRIDER
It may help to slow the poison.

SAM and STRIDER search for plant, STRIDER finds it.

ARWEN
What's this? A Ranger caught off his guard?

FRODO sees ARWEN as she is from the shadow world- a beautiful, glowing elf-maiden in white robes.

ARWEN
Frodo, Im Arwen. Telin le thaed
(I'm Arwen. I've come to help you.)
Lasto beth nin, tolo dan na ngalad
(Hear my voice. Return to the light.)

A black stain is spreading across FRODO'S eyes as the poison takes over.

MERRY
Who is she?

ARWEN
Frodo.

SAM
She's an elf!

ARWEN
He's fading. He's not going to last. We must get him to my father.

STRIDER chews up some of the Kingsfoil and presses it into the wound.

ARWEN
I've been looking for you for two days. There are five wraiths behind you. Where the other four are I do not know.

STRIDER lifts FRODO onto ARWEN'S horse.

STRIDER
Dartho guin berian. Rych le ad tolthathon.
(Stay with the hobbits. I will send horses for you.)

ARWEN
Hon mabathon. Rochon ellint im.
(I am the faster rider. I will take him.)

STRIDER
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.)
I do not fear them.

STRIDER
Beyest lin
(As you wish)

ARWEN gets on her horse, behind FRODO.

STRIDER
Arwen, ride hard. Don't look back.

ARWEN
Noro lim, Asfaloth, noro lim!
(Ride fast, Asfaloth, ride fast!)

SAM
What are you doing? The wraiths are still out there!

ARWEN and FRODO ride, chased by some Black Riders.

ARWEN
Noro lim, Asfaloth!
(Ride fast Asfaloth!)

They get to the river, ARWEN stops partway across. The Black Riders do not want to enter the river.

Black Rider
Give up the halfling, she-elf!

ARWEN draws her sword.

ARWEN
If you want him, come and claim him!

The Black Riders draw their swords and start to cross 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!)

A flood of water washes down the riverbed, led by white horse-shapes. The Black Riders are washed away. FRODO is losing his battle. ARWEN gets off her horse, lays him on the ground.

ARWEN
No, Frodo! Mo! Frodo, don't give in! Not now!

ARWEN
What grace is given me let it pass to him. Let him be spared. Save him.

FRODO'S world dissolves into light.

ELROND
Lasto beth nin. Tolo dan nan galad.
(Hear my voice. Come back to the light.)

FRODO wakes up, in bed.

FRODO
Where am I?

GANDALF
You are in the House of Elrond, and it is ten o'clock in the morning, on October the 24th, if you want to know.

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: Isengard)

SARUMAN
The friendship of Saruman is not lightly thrown aside. One ill turn deserves another.

SARUMAN holding GANDALF out over the edge of the tower.

SARUMAN
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 who can bend it to his will, and he does not share power.

GANDALF jumps off the edge of the tower, and lands on the back of Gwaihir the eagle.

SARUMAN
So you have chosen death.

(End of Flashback)

FRODO
Gandalf, what is it?

GANDALF
Nothing, Frodo.

SAM comes in, and ELROND.

SAM
Frodo, Frodo!

FRODO
Sam!

SAM
Bless you, you're awake!

GANDALF
Sam has hardly left your side.

SAM
We were that worried about you, weren't we, Mr. Gandalf?

GANDALF
By the skills of Master Elrond, you're beginning to mend.

ELROND
Welcome to Rivendell, Frodo Baggins.

FRODO meets MERRY and PIPPIN again, and BILBO, looking older.

FRODO
Bilbo!

BILBO
Hello, Frodo, my lad!

FRODO
Bilbo!

BILBO and FRODO hug

Next scene: FRODO looks at BILBO'S book.

FRODO
There and back again, a hobbit's tale, by Bilbo Baggins. This is wonderful!

BILBO
I meant to go back, wander the paths of the Mirkwood, visit Laketown, see the Lonely Mountain again, but age, it seems, has finally caught up with me.

FRODO
I miss the Shire. I spent all my childhood pretending I was off somewhere else, off with you on one of your adventures. But my own adventure turned out to be quite different. I'm not like you, Bilbo.

BILBO
My dear boy.

Scene goes to SAM packing.

SAM
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, it's just... we did what Gandalf wanted, didn't we? We got the ring this far, to Rivendell, and I thought seeing 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. The Ring will be safe in Rivendell. I am ready to go home.

GANDALF and ELROND, watching FRODO and SAM.

ELROND
His strength returns.

GANDALF
That wound will never fully heal. He will carry it for the rest of his life.

ELROND
And yet to have come so far still bearing the Ring, the hobbit has shown extraordinary resilience to its 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 massing in the East. His Eye is fixed on Rivendell. And Saruman, you tell me, has betrayed us. Our list of our 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 distances 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, the Ring cannot stay here.

BOROMIR arrives, and LEGOLAS, and a group of DWARVES.

ELROND
This peril belongs to all Middle-Earth, and they must decide now how to end it. The time of elves is over. My people are leaving these shores. Who will you look to when we're gone? The dwarves? They hide in their mountains seeking riches. They care not 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 fading. The blood of Numenor is all but spent, its pride and dignity forgotten. It is because of men the Ring survives. I was there, Gandalf. I was there, three thousand years ago, when Isildur took the ring. I was there when the day the strength of men failed.

(Flashback: ISILDUR takes the RING.)

ELROND
Isildur, hurry! Follow me.

ELROND (V.O.)
I led Isildur into the heart of Mount Doom, where the Ring was forged, the one place it could be destroyed.

ELROND
Cast it in the fire! Destroy it!

ISILDUR
No.

ELROND
Isildur!

(End of Flashback)

ELROND
It should have ended that day, but evil was allowed to endure. Isildur kept the Ring. The line of Kings is broken. There is no strength left in the world of men. They are scattered, divided, leaderless.

GANDALF
There is one who could unite them. Who could reclaim the throne of Gondor.

ELROND
He turned from that path a long time ago. He has chosen exile.

Interior shot of Rivendell- a museum. STRIDER reads a book. Boromir enters.

BOROMIR
The shards of Narsil! The blade that cut the Ring from Sauron's hand.

He runs his fingers along the blade and cuts himself.

BOROMIR
Uh! Still sharp.

BOROMIR turns to STRIDER who is watching him

BOROMIR
No more than a broken heirloom

BOROMIR tries to replace it on the statue carelessly and it falls away. STRIDER picks it up, and returns it to its place. ARWEN enters behind

ARWEN
Why do you fear the past? You are Isildur's heir, not Isildur himself. You are not bound to his fate.

STRIDER
The same blood flows in my veins, the 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.)

Scene switches to ARWEN and STRIDER on a bridge in a garden.

ARWEN
Renech i lu i erui govannem?
(Do you remember when we first met?)

STRIDER
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 since then. You did not have the cares you carry now. Do you remember what I told you?

STRIDER
You said you'd bind yourself to me, foresaking 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. I choose a mortal life.

ARWEN gives STRIDER her pendant, the Evenstar.

STRIDER
You cannot give me this.

ARWEN
It is mine to give to whom I will. Like my heart.

STRIDER and ARWEN kiss

A council is gathered of MEN and ELVES and DWARVES and FRODO.

ELROND
Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You've 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. Bring forth the ring, Frodo.

FRODO puts the RING on the stand in the center of the council, and seems much relieved to be rid of it. People start whispering.

BOROMIR
So it is true.

MAN
The doom of man.

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 my people are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him.

STRIDER
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
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.

GANDALF
Aragorn is right. We cannot use it.

ELROND
You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed.

GIMLI
Then what are we waiting for?

GIMLI picks up his axe and hits the Ring. FRODO sees the eye, and the axe is shattered. GIMLI is knocked to the ground. The Ring whispers in the Black Speech.

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. One of you must do this.

Silence

BOROMIR
One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than 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! Never trust an elf! (Gimli spits)

RING
Ash Nazg Durbatuluk! Ash Nazg Gimbatul! Ash Nazg Gimbatul! Ash Nazg Gimbatul!

FRODO
I will take it!

Arguing continues.

FRODO
I will take it!

Silence returns.

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, for as long as it is yours to bear.

ARAGORN
If by my life or death I can protect you, I will.

ARAGORN kneels in front of FRODO.

ARAGORN
You have my sword.

LEGOLAS
And you have my bow.

GIMLI
And MY axe.

BOROMIR
You carry the fate of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done.

SAM runs in.

SAM
Heh! Mr. Frodo's not goin anywhere without me.

SAM takes his place beside FRODO.

ELROND
No, indeed, it is hardly possible to separate the two of you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not.

MERRY and PIPPIN enter.

MERRY
Wait! We're coming, too! 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?

Back in Frodo's room

BILBO
My old sword, Sting. Here, take it, take it!

FRODO
It's so light!

BILBO
Yes. Made by the elves, you know. The blade glows blue when orcs are close. And it's times like that, my lad, when you have to be extra careful.

BILBO holds up a chainmail vest

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. Come on.

FRODO starts to take off his shirt.

BILBO
Oh, my old ring. I should very much like to hold it again, one last time.

FRODO knows better, and buttons up his shirt again. BILBO lashes out for it, then recovers and begins 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 comforts him.

The company leaves Rivendell, wanders past ruins, over mountains, through fields.

GANDALF
We must hold this course west of the Misty Mountains for forty days. If our luck holds, the Gap of Rohan will still be open to us. From there our road turns east to Mordor.

They stop for lunch, MERRY and PIPPIN practice swordfighting with BOROMIR.

BOROMIR
Two, one, 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 road through Moria unless I had no other choice.

BOROMIR
Come on, good!

BOROMIR accidentally cuts PIPPIN.

PIPPIN
Ow!

BOROMIR
Sorry!

PIPPIN drops his sword, kicks BOROMIR in the shins and tackles him.

PIPPIN
Get him!

MERRY joins in, and the two of them wrestle BOROMIR to the ground.

MERRY
For the Shire!

PIPPIN
Hold him down, Merry!

MERRY
Hey! You've got my arm!

LEGOLAS notices something on the horizon.

SAM
What is that?

GIMLI
Nothing, it's just a wisp of cloud.

Everyone looks.

BOROMIR
It's moving fast, against the wind.

LEGOLAS
Crebain from Dunland!

ARAGORN
Hide!

BOROMIR
Merry, Frodo!

Everyone hides under rock outcroppings. crebain fly overhead

GANDALF
Spies of Saruman. The passage south is being watched. We must take the pass of Caradhras.

Climbing a snowy mountain, FRODO falls and rolls down.

ARAGORN
Frodo?

ARAGORN helps him, but the RING is missing. BOROMIR picks it up.

ARAGORN
Boromir.

BOROMIR
It is a strange fate that 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
As you wish. I care not.

He ruffles Frodo's hair, and when he turns away, ARAGORN takes his hand off his sword.

The crebain return to Isengard and report to SARUMAN.

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?

LEGOLAS runs atop the snow while the others struggle through it. He stands at the edge of a cliff, listening.

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
It's Saruman!

Rocks fall from the side of the mountain, followed by snow.

ARAGORN
He's trying to bring down the mountain! Gandalf, we must turn back!

GANDALF
No! Losto Caradhras, sedho, hodo, nuitho i 'ruith!
(Sleep Caradhras, be still, lie still, hold your wrath!)

GANDALF tries to stop the storm, but SARUMAN is reinforcing it from Isengard.

SARUMAN
Cuiva nwalca Carnirasse; nai yarvaxea rasselya; talhira notto-carinnar!
(Wake up cruel Redhorn! May your horn be bloodstained!)

Lightning strikes the mountain, and LEGOLAS pulls GANDALF back from the edge just before snow falls and buries them all. One by one, they dig out or shake the snow off.

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 the mountain, let us go under it! Let us go through the Mines of Moria.

SARUMAN (At Isengard)
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.

GANDALF
Let the Ringbearer decide! Frodo?

FRODO
We will go through the mines!

GANDALF
So be it.

Scene: Outside Moria

GIMLI
The Walls of Moria.

They walk next to a dark lake. FRODO'S foot slips in the water, and he scrambles back. They reach a wall framed by two great trees. GANDALF scrubs away dirt to find a pattern on the wall.

GANDALF
Now let's see... Ithildin. It mirrors only starlight and moonlight.

Moon comes out, showing the shape of a door, with writing above in elvish.

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 tries a number of passwords, but none of them work. ARAGORN and SAM unload the pony and let him go.

ARAGORN
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 and PIPPIN are throwing rocks in the water, ARAGORN stops them.

ARAGORN
Do not disturb the water!

GANDALF
Oh, it's useless!

Having tried any number of passwords, GANDALF sits down in disgust.

FRODO
It's a riddle. Speak "friend" and enter! What's the Elvish word for friend?

GANDALF
Mellon.

The doors 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.

Light reveals skeletons all over

GIMLI
No!

LEGOLAS pulls an arrow out of one of the skeletons.

LEGOLAS
Goblins!

BOROMIR
We make for the Gap of Rohan! We should never have come here! Now, get out! Get out!

FRODO is grabbed by a tentacle from the water.

SAM, MERRY, and PIPPIN
Frodo!

SAM cuts off the tentacle

SAM
Get off him!

A dozen more push the HOBBITS away while one grabs FRODO.

SAM
Strider!

ARAGORN chops off the tentacle holding FRODO, and BOROMIR catches him when he falls.

GANDALF
Into the Mines!

Boromir
Legolas! Into the cave!

LEGOLAS puts an arrow in one of the KRAKEN'S eyes, giving ARAGORN and BOROMIR time to get out of the water.

BOROMIR
Run!

They retreat to the Mine. KRAKEN crumbles the gate behind them.

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. Quietly now. It is a four day journey to the other side. Let us hope our presence may go unnoticed.

PIPPIN almost falls down the stairs, which are steep and cluttered with debris.

MERRY
Pippin!

They come to the top of the stairs.

GANDALF
I have no memory of this place.

The Fellowship rests

PIPPIN
Are we lost?

MERRY
No.

PIPPIN
I think we're lost.

MERRY
Shh, Gandalf's thinking.

PIPPIN
Merry?

MERRY
What?

PIPPIN
I'm hungry.

FRODO sees something behind them.

FRODO
There's something down there.

GANDALF
It's Gollum.

FRODO
Gollum?

GANDALF
He's been following us for three days.

FRODO
He escaped from 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? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum still has a part to play yet, for good or ill. Before this is over, the pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many.

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 the 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!

GANDALF
No, but the air smells less foul down here. If in doubt, Meriadoc, always follow your nose. 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
Well, there's an eye-opener and no mistake

GIMLI sees a brightened door, runs through it.

GIMLI
Haugh!

GANDALF
Gimli!

The others follow, find GIMLI grieving over a tomb. GANDALF reads the dwarven runes on the top of the tomb.

GANDALF
Here lies Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria. He is dead then. It's as I feared.

GANDALF finds a book held by a skeleton leaning against the tomb.

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. We cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark. We cannot get out. They are coming.

PIPPIN knocks a skeleton into the well, which makes a little more than enough noise to wake the dead.

GANDALF
Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in, next time, and rid us of your stupidity!

There is a pause where it seems they might not have been heard, then drums start pounding. FRODO'S sword is glowing blue.

SAM
Mr. Frodo!

LEGOLAS
Orcs!

BOROMIR checks out the door, almost gets hit by two arrows, shuts the door.

ARAGORN (to the hobbits)
Get back! Stay close to Gandalf

BOROMIR
They have a cave troll.

They bar the door with the weapons of the dead.

GIMLI
Argh! Let them come! There is one dwarf yet in Moria who still draws breath!

ORCS break holes in the door. LEGOLAS and ARAGORN shoot arrows through the holes and kill the ORCS on the other side. Finally, the doors break open and ORCS flood in. All the companions join in the fighting, even the HOBBITS. Then the CAVETROLL comes through the door and part of the wall. SAM slips under him. Many ORCS killed. The CAVETROLL smashes the tomb GIMLI is standing on top of, but misses GIMLI, then kills several of the ORCS in its attempt to get the dwarf. The TROLL uses its chain like a whip, trying to hit LEGOLAS, who dodges. The chain becomes momentarily caught around a pillar, and LEGOLAS runs up it to stand on top of the CAVETROLL and gets a shot at its head, but jumps off when the CAVETROLL grabs for his ankles.

SAM hits ORCS with his frying pan.

SAM
I think I'm getting the hang of this!

CAVETROLL catches sight of the three HOBBITS. They all dodge, but FRODO goes one way and MERRY and PIPPIN the other. The CAVETROLL follows FRODO, who manages to stay on the opposite side of the pillar from the CAVETROLL for a while, but then he is surprised, falls down, and the CAVETROLL grabs his foot.

FRODO
Aragorn! Aragorn!

FRODO cuts the CAVETROLL'S hand with Sting, and it lets go. CAVETROLL reaches for FRODO again, but ARAGORN runs over and stabs it with a spear, prompting the TROLL to smash him into the wall. FRODO shakes ARAGORN, but he doesn't get up. CAVETROLL stabs at ARAGORN, but renews its interest in FRODO when he moves. FRODO dodges the spear, then runs into it and gets thrown against the wall. Before he can move, the CAVETROLL stabs him with the spear. FRODO falls, with the spear in his side.

SAM
Frodo? Frodo!

MERRY and PIPPIN jump on the TROLL'S back and stab it wildly. TROLL grabs MERRY and throws him off, PIPPIN stabs it again, when it opens its mouth to scream LEGOLAS kills the CAVETROLL with an arrow through the mouth through the brain. PIPPIN has a hard landing, still being on top of the CAVETROLL when it falls. All the orcs have fled or are dead

ARAGORN
Oh, no.

Thinking he's dead, ARAGORN rolls FRODO over, but he sits up.

SAM
Frodo! 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 is more to this hobbit than meets the eye.

FRODO pulls open his shirt to reveal the mithril shirt.

GIMLI
Mithril! You are full of surprises, Master Baggins!

More ORCS approach.

GANDALF
To the bridge of Khazad-Dum!

They run through the cavern, but become surrounded by ORCS. There is a roar in the distance. The ORCS all run away.

BOROMIR
What is this new devilry?

GANDALF
A balrog. A demon of the ancient world. This foe is beyond any of you. Run!

They run. BOROMIR abruptly comes to the edge of the path, drops his torch and teeters on the edge of a very long drop. LEGOLAS pulls him back from the edge.

ARAGORN
Gandalf.

GANDALF
Lead them on, Aragorn! The bridge is near. Do as I say! Swords are no more use here!

They come to a gap in the apparently endless staircase, which LEGOLAS jumps across easily.

LEOGLAS
Gandalf!

GANDALF follows after a moment's hesitation.

BOROMIR
Merry, Pippin! Hoo ahh!

BOROMIR grabs MERRY and PIPPIN, jumps across as the edge crumbles.

ARAGORN
Sam!

ARAGORN throws SAM across, but GIMLI holds up a hand.

GIMLI
Nobody tosses a dwarf!

GIMLI jumps, but doesn't quite make it, and LEGOLAS grabs his beard to keep him from falling.

GIMLI
Not the beard!

More breaks off the edge, FRODO and ARAGORN scramble back. The gap is now too far to jump. Part of roof breaks. The section FRODO and ARAGORN are on breaks loose from the rest of the stair. It starts to tilt.

ARAGORN
Steady. Hold on! Hang on! Lean forward! Steady.

BOROMIR
Come on!

The section falls forward into the rest of the stair, allowing FRODO and STRIDER to rejoin the party. They keep running as the enormous section of stair falls into the abyss.

GANDALF
Over the bridge! Fly!

The BALROG emerges from the chasm behind them.

In the center of the bridge, GANDALF turns to face the demon, staff and sword in hand.

GANDALF
You cannot pass.

FRODO
Gandalf!

A wave of flame spreads across the BALROG.

GANDALF
I am a servant of the secret fire, wielder of the flame of Arnor! Dark fire shall not avail you, Flame of Udun!

BALROG draws a flaming sword and swings at GANDALF, but he parries the blow.

GANDALF
Go back to the shadow! You... SHALL NOT... PASS!

GANDALF slams his staff on the bridge, and a flash of white light drives the BALROG back. The demon draws a whip of fire, steps onto the bridge, and it gives way, dropping the BALROG into the chasm. It seems they have won, but as he turns away, the tail of the whip catches GANDALF'S ankle and pulls him down. He gets a brief grasp on the edge of the bridge.

BOROMIR (holding back Frodo)
No, no!

FRODO
Gandalf!

GANDALF
Fly, you fools!

And GANDALF follows his enemy into the abyss.

FRODO
Nooooooooooo!

BOROMIR
Aragorn!

BOROMIR carries FRODO away. ARAGORN pauses, looking back until ORC arrows drive him away. The diminished group escapes into the sunlight before most collapse with grief.

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 has drawn away from the rest. Tears spill down his face.

ARAGORN jogs across a very cold stream to see LOTHLORIEN in the distance. After some travel, they enter LOTHLORIEN, a wood of silver trees.

GIMLI
Stay close, young hobbits. They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods, an elf-witch of terrible power. All those who look upon her fall under her spell

GALADRIEL'S VOICE
Frodo

GIMLI
and are never seen again.

GALADRIEL'S VOICE
Your coming to us is as the footsteps of doom. You bring great evil here, Ringbearer.

SAM
Mr. Frodo?

GIMLI
Well, here's one dwarf she won't ensnare so easily! I have the eyes of a hawk, and the ears of a fox!

Suddenly, they are all surrounded by ELVES with drawn bows.

HALDIR
The dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark.

ARAGORN
Haldir o Lórien. Henion aníron, boe ammen i dulu lîn. Boe ammen veriad lîn.
(Haldir of Lorien. We have come 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.

They enter the elf city in the trees, and are brought before CELEBORN and GALADRIEL.

CELEBORN
Eight there are here, yet nine there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him.

GALADRIEL
He has fallen into shadow. The quest stands upon the edge of a knife, stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the company is true. 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...

GALADRIEL (telepathically to only Frodo)
Welcome, Frodo of the Shire, one who has seen the Eye.

There is singing in the background while they camp, more comfortable on the ground than in the trees.

ELVES
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.

ELVES
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 (to BOROMIR)
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. 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. Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? The White Tower of Ecthelion glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver, its 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 guard shall take up the call, 'the lords of Gondor have returned!'

The company sleeps, and when GALADRIEL passes, only FRODO wakes. He follows her to a basin set in stone, which she fills with water from a silver urn.

GALADRIEL
Will you look into the mirror?

FRODO
What will I see?

GALADRIEL
Even the wisest cannot tell, for the mirror shows many things. Things that were, things that are, and some things that have not yet come to pass.

FRODO looks into the mirror, and sees LEGOLAS, MERRY and PIPPIN, then SAM. The Shire as it was, then the Shire ravaged, overrun with ORCS, and SAM in chains. Then the EYE appears, and the RING grows heavier, trying to pull itself down into the mirror. FRODO snatches it away, falls backward onto the ground.

GALADRIEL
I know what it is you saw, for it is also in my mind. 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
If you ask it of me, I will give you the One Ring.

GALADRIEL
You offer it to me freely. I do not deny that my heart has greatly desired this.

A dark light falls over her.

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 despair!

GALADRIEL backs away from the Ring, but for a moment, she looks old, and it seems to bring her no joy to have done the right thing.

GALADRIEL
I passed 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 am afraid to do it.

GALADRIEL
Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.

SARUMAN (to LURTZ)
Do you know how orcs first came into being? They were elves once, taken by the dark powers, tortured, and mutilated. A ruined and terrible form of life. And now perfected, my fighting Uruk- Hai. Whom do you serve?

LURTZ
Saruman.

SARUMAN addresses the army of equipped URUK-HAI.

SARUMAN
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.

The company departs in three small boats.

GALADRIEL
Farewell, Frodo Baggins. I give you the light of Earendil, our most beloved star. Numarie. May it be a light for you in dark places, where all other lights go out.

Cut to URUK-HAI on the march.

The company comes to a bend in the river and ARAGORN taps FRODO'S shoulder.

ARAGORN
Frodo, the Argonath. Long have I desired to look upon the kings of old, my kin.

There are two enormous statues of MEN in armor flanking the river, their left hands outstretched in a gesture of warding. The company goes past them, into a lake, where they find an old moorage and beach their boats.

ARAGORN
We cross the lake at nightfall, hide the boats, and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the north.

GIMLI
Oh yes? 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! Festering, stinking marshlands as far as the eye can see!

ARAGORN
That is our road. I suggest take some rest, and recover your strength, Master Dwarf

GIMLI
Recover my...?! Phrrr

LEGOLAS (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! Pay no heed to that, young hobbit.

MERRY returns from gathering firewood.

MERRY
Where is Frodo?

ARAGORN looks around and realizes BOROMIR is also missing.

FRODO walks in the forest, BOROMIR finds him.

BOROMIR
None of us should wander alone, you least of all. So much depends on you. Frodo? 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 are all afraid, Frodo, but to let that fear drive us to destroy what hope we have... Don't you see? It's madness.

FRODO
There is no other way.

BOROMIR
I only ask for the strength to defend my people! If you would but lend me the Ring.

FRODO
No!

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! Fool! It is not yours save by unhappy chance. It could have been mine. It should be mine! Give it to me!

FRODO
No!

They struggle, FRODO puts on the Ring and disappears.

BOROMIR
I see your mind! You would 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 trips, and seems to recover himself.

BOROMIR
Frodo? Frodo? What have I done? Please, frodo, I'm sorry! Frodo!.

FRODO runs away, with the ring on. He hides atop a stone platform in the woods, looks east and sees Barad Dur, an army of ORCS, and the EYE. He falls off the platform and takes off the Ring.

ARAGORN
Frodo?

FRODO
It has taken Boromir.

ARAGORN
Where is the Ring?

FRODO backs away.

FRODO
Stay away!

ARAGORN
Frodo! I swore to protect you.

FRODO
Can you protect me from yourself? Would you destroy it?

THE RING
Aragorn... Aragorn... Elessar

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 sees Sting glowing blue

ARAGORN
Go on, Frodo! Run! Run!

LURTZ
Find the halfling! Find the halfling!

ARAGORN fights a lot of ORCS. When the ORCS return to hunting halflings, he jumps off the platform onto them. LEGOLAS and GIMLI join him. When one ORC gets too close to shoot, LEGOLAS stabs him in the eye with the arrow he is holding, then puts it in his bow to kill the next one, too. FRODO runs away, sees MERRY and PIPPIN hiding.

MERRY
Frodo!

PIPPIN
Hide here, quick! Come on!

FRODO shakes his head.

PIPPIN
What's he doing?

MERRY
He's leaving.

PIPPIN
No!

MERRY
Pippin!

MERRY and PIPPIN come out into the open. Several Uruk-Hais are approaching.

MERRY
Run, Frodo. Go on.

MERRY waves his arms at the approaching ORCS.

MERRY
Hey, you, over here!

PIPPIN
Hey!

MERRY
Over here!

PIPPIN
This way!

MERRY and PIPPIN run, leading a pack of ORCS. FRODO runs the other way.

PIPPIN
It's working!

MERRY
I know it's working, run!

The Orcs are about to get MERRY and PIPPIN, but then BOROMIR appears and starts slaughtering the enemy. He winds his horn, but it only brings more enemies. BOROMIR gets shot three times before he stops killing ORCS. MERRY and PIPPIN get kidnapped, and all but one of the ORCS leave. Lurtz is going to finish him off, but ARAGORN arrives and kills him.

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.

ARAGORN reaches to pull out one of the arrows, but BOROMIR stops him.

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.

ARAGORN gives BOROMIR back his sword.

BOROMIR
I would have followed you, my brother, my captain, my king!

BOROMIR dies.

ARAGORN
Be at peace, son of Gondor.

FRODO at the boats, holding the Ring in his hand. SAM searching for him.

SAM
Frodo!

(Voiceover 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.

(End of flashback)

FRODO regains his resolution, tucks the Ring in his pocket and jumps in a boat. SAM arrives on shore.

SAM
Frodo, no! Frodo! Frodo!

FRODO
No, Sam.

SAM starts wading in.

FRODO
Go back, Sam. I'm going to Mordor alone!

SAM
Of course you are, and I'm coming with you!

SAM keeps going, well into the lake.

FRODO
You can't swim! Sam! Sam!

SAM gets in over his head, FRODO turns around and pulls him into the boat.

SAM
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. Come on.

BOROMIR'S body, in one of the boats, floats over the waterfall. LEGOLAS pushes the last boat to the water.

LEGOLAS
Hurry! Frodo and Sam have reached the eastern shore!

ARAGORN finishes putting on BOROMIR'S vambraces, with the white tree of Gondor. LEGOLAS realizes that ARAGORN isn't coming.

LEGOLAS
You mean not to follow them.

ARAGORN
Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands.

GIMLI
Then it was all in vain. The Fellowship has failed.

ARAGORN
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.

GIMLI, LEGOLAS, and ARAGORN set off in pursuit.

FRODO and SAM reach a height from which they can see the path ahead.

FRODO
Mordor. I hope the others find a safer road.

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
Sam, I'm glad you're with me.

The End

**I didn't write this. Look for the link to this and the extended version on the Links page.