THEFELLOWSHIP
OFTHERING
BEINGTHEFIRSTPARTOF
THELORDOFTHERINGS
BY
J.R.R.TOLKIEN
ThreeRingsfortheElven-kingsunderthesky,
SevenfortheDwarf-lordsintheirhallsofstone,
NineforMortalMendoomedtodie,
OnefortheDarkLordonhisdarkthrone
IntheLandofMordorwheretheShadowslie.
OneRingtorulethemall,
OneRingtofindthem,OneRingtobringthemallandinthedarknessbindthem
IntheLandofMordorwheretheShadowslie.
CONTENTS
COVERPAGETITLEPAGENOTEONTHETEXTNOTEONTHE50THANNIVERSARYEDITIONFOREWORDTOTHESECONDEDITION
PROLOGUE
BOOKONE
CHAPTER1:ALONG-EXPECTEDPARTY
CHAPTER2:THESHADOWOFTHEPAST
CHAPTER3:THREEISCOMPANY
CHAPTER4:ASHORTCUTTOMUSHROOMS
CHAPTER5:ACONSPIRACYUNMASKED
CHAPTER6:THEOLDFOREST
CHAPTER7:INTHEHOUSEOFTOMBOMBADIL
CHAPTER8:FOGONTHEBARROW-DOWNS
CHAPTER9:ATTHESIGN
OFTHEPRANCINGPONY
CHAPTER10:STRIDER
CHAPTER11:AKNIFEINTHEDARK
CHAPTER12:FLIGHTTOTHEFORD
BOOKTWO
CHAPTER1:MANYMEETINGS
CHAPTER2:THE
COUNCILOFELROND
CHAPTER3:THERINGGOESSOUTH
CHAPTER4:AJOURNEYINTHEDARK
CHAPTER5:THEBRIDGEOFKHAZAD-DÛM
CHAPTER6:LOTHLÓRIEN
CHAPTER7:THEMIRROROFGALADRIEL
CHAPTER8:FAREWELLTOLÓRIEN
CHAPTER9:THEGREATRIVER
CHAPTER10:THEBREAKINGOFTHEFELLOWSHIP
MAPWORKSBYJ.R.R.TOLKIENCOPYRIGHT
ABOUTTHEPUBLISHER
NOTEONTHETEXT
J.R.R.Tolkien’sTheLordoftheRingsisoftenerroneously
calledatrilogy,whenitisinfactasinglenovel,consistingofsixbooksplusappendices,sometimespublishedinthreevolumes.
Thefirstvolume,TheFellowshipoftheRing,waspublishedinGreatBritainbytheLondonfirmGeorgeAllen&Unwinon29July1954;anAmericaneditionfollowedon21Octoberofthesameyear,publishedby
HoughtonMifflinCompanyofBoston.Intheproductionofthisfirstvolume,Tolkienexperiencedwhatbecameforhimacontinualproblem:printer’serrorsandcompositor’smistakes,includingwell-intentioned‘corrections’ofhissometimesidiosyncraticusage.These‘corrections’includethealteringofdwarvestodwarfs,elvishto
elfish,furthertofarther,nasturtianstonasturtiums,tryandsaytotrytosayand(‘worstofall’toTolkien)elventoelfin.InaworksuchasTheLordoftheRings,containinginventedlanguagesanddelicatelyconstructednomenclatures,errorsandinconsistenciesimpedeboththeunderstandingandtheappreciationofserious
readers–andTolkienhadmanysuchreadersfromveryearlyon.Evenbeforethepublicationofthethirdvolume,whichcontainedmuchhithertounrevealedinformationontheinventedlanguagesandwritingsystems,Tolkienreceivedmanylettersfromreaderswritteninthesesystems,inadditiontonumerousenquiriesonthefinerpoints
oftheirusage.Thesecondvolume,The
TwoTowers,waspublishedinEnglandon11November1954andintheUnitedStateson21April1955.MeanwhileTolkienworkedtokeepapromisehehadmadeintheforewordtovolumeone:that‘anindexofnamesandstrangewords’wouldappearinthethirdvolume.Asoriginallyplanned,thisindex
wouldcontainmuchetymologicalinformationonthelanguages,particularlyontheelventongues,withalargevocabulary.Itprovedthechiefcauseofthedelayinpublishingvolumethree,whichintheendcontainednoindexatall,onlyanapologyfromthepublisherforitsabsence.ForTolkienhadabandonedworkonitafterindexingvolumesoneand
two,believingitssizeandthereforeitscosttoberuinous.
Volumethree,TheReturnoftheKing,finallyappearedinEnglandon20October1955andintheUnitedStateson5January1956.Withtheappearanceofthethirdvolume,TheLordoftheRingswaspublishedinitsentirety,anditsfirsteditiontextremainedvirtually
unchangedforadecade.Tolkienhadmadeafewsmallcorrections,butfurthererrorsenteredTheFellowshipoftheRinginitsDecember1954secondimpressionwhentheprinter,havingdistributedthetypeafterthefirstprinting,resetthebookwithoutinformingtheauthororpublisher.Theseincludemisrepresentationsoftheoriginalprintedtext–thatis,
wordsandphrasesthatreadacceptablyincontext,butwhichdepartfromTolkien’swordingasoriginallywrittenandpublished.
In1965,stemmingfromwhatthenappearedtobecopyrightproblemsintheUnitedStates,anAmericanpaperbackfirmpublishedanunauthorizedandnon-royalty-payingeditionofTheLordoftheRings.Forthis
neweditionbyAceBooksthetextofthenarrativewasreset,thusintroducingnewtypographicalerrors;theappendices,however,werereproducedphotographicallyfromthehardcoveredition,andremainconsistentwithit.
Tolkiensettoworkonhisfirstrevisionofthetextsothatanewlyrevisedandauthorizededitioncouldsuccessfullycompeteonthe
Americanmarket.ThisfirstrevisionofthetextwaspublishedinAmericainpaperbackbyBallantineBooks,underlicencefromHoughtonMifflin,inOctober1965.Inadditiontorevisionswithinthetextitself,Tolkienreplacedhisoriginalforewordwithanewone.Hewaspleasedtoremovetheoriginalforeword;inhischeckcopy,hewroteofit:
‘confusing(asitdoes)realpersonalmatterswiththe“machinery”oftheTale,isaseriousmistake’.Tolkienalsoaddedanextensiontotheprologueandanindex–notthedetailedindexofnamespromisedinthefirstedition,but,rather,abaldindexwithonlynamesandpagereferences.Additionally,atthistimetheappendicesweregreatlyrevised.
TolkienreceivedhiscopiesoftheBallantineeditioninlateJanuary1966,andinearlyFebruaryherecordedinhisdiarythathehad‘workedforsomehoursontheAppendicesinBallantineversion&foundmoreerrorsthanIatfirstexpected’.SoonafterthishesentasmallnumberoffurtherrevisionstoBallantinefortheappendices,includingthe
nowwell-knownadditionof‘EstellaBolger’aswifeofMeriadocinthefamilytreesinAppendixC.Mostoftheserevisions,whichenteredvariouslyinthethirdandfourthimpressions(JuneandAugust1966)ofvolumethree,andwhichwerenotalwaysinsertedcorrectly(therebycausingfurtherconfusioninthetext),somehownevermadeitinto
themainsequenceofrevisioninthethree-volumeBritishhardcoveredition,andforlongremainedanomalies.Tolkienoncewrote,concerningtherevisingofTheLordoftheRings,thatperhapshehadfailedtokeephisnotesinorder;thiserrantbranchofrevisionseemslikelytobeanexampleofthatdisorder–eitherinhisnotesorintheabilityofhis
publisherstofollowthemwithutmostaccuracy.
TherevisedtextfirstappearedinGreatBritaininathree-volumehardcover‘SecondEdition’fromAllen&Unwinon27October1966.Butagaintherewereproblems.AlthoughtherevisionsTolkiensenttoAmericaofthetextitselfwereavailabletobeutilizedinthenewBritishedition,his
extensiverevisionstotheappendiceswerelostafterbeingenteredintotheBallantineedition.Allen&UnwinwereforcedtoresettheappendicesusingthecopyaspublishedinthefirstBallantineedition.ThisdidnotincludeTolkien’ssecond,smallsetofrevisionssenttoBallantine;but,moresignificantly,itdidincludeagreatnumberoferrorsand
omissions,manyofwhichwerenotdiscovereduntillongafterwards.Thus,intheappendices,aclosescrutinyofthefirsteditiontextandofthemuchlatercorrectedimpressionsofthesecondeditionisnecessarytodiscernwhetheranyparticularchangeinthiseditionisauthorialorerroneous.
InAmerica,therevisedtextappearedinhardcoverin
thethree-volumeeditionpublishedbyHoughtonMifflinon27February1967.Thistextwasevidentlyphoto-offsetfromthe1966Allen&Unwinthree-volumehardcover,andisthusconsistentwithit.AsidefromthefirstprintingofthissecondHoughtonMifflinedition,whichhasa1967dateonthetitlepage,noneofthemanyreprintingsisdated.
Aftertheinitialprintingsofthisedition,whichborea1966copyrightnotice,thedateofcopyrightwaschangedin1965tomatchthestatementintheBallantineedition.Thischangehascausedagreatdealofconfusionforlibrariansandotherresearcherswhohavetriedtosortoutthesequenceofpublicationoftheseeditions.
Meanwhile,Tolkienspentmuchofthesummerof1966furtherrevisingthetext.InJunehelearnedthatanymorerevisionsweretoolateforinclusioninthe1966Allen&Unwinsecondedition,andherecordedinhisdiary:‘ButIamattemptingtocompletemywork[ontherevisions]–Icannotleaveitwhileitisallinmymind.Somuchtimehasbeenwastedinallmy
workbythisconstantbreakingofthreads.’ThiswasthelastmajorsetofrevisionsTolkienhimselfmadetothetextduringhislifetime.Theywereaddedtothesecondimpression(1967)ofthethree-volumehard-coverAllen&Unwinsecondedition.Therevisionsthemselvesmostlyincludecorrectionsofnomenclatureandattemptsatconsistencyof
usagethroughoutthethreevolumes.SomesmallalterationsweremadebyTolkieninthe1969one-volumeIndiapaperedition.
J.R.R.Tolkiendiedin1973.Histhirdsonandliteraryexecutor,ChristopherTolkien,sentalargenumberoffurthercorrectionsofmisprints,mainlyintheappendicesandindex,toAllen&Unwinforusein
theireditionsin1974.Mostofthesecorrectionsweretypographical,andinlinewithhisfather’sexpressedintentinhisowncheckcopies.
Since1974,ChristopherTolkienhassentadditionalcorrections,aserrorshavebeendiscovered,totheBritishpublishersofTheLordoftheRings(Allen&Unwin,laterUnwinHyman,
andnowHarperCollins),whohavetriedtobeconscientiousintheimpossibletaskofmaintainingatextualintegrityinwhichevereditionsofTheLordoftheRingstheyhavepublished.However,everytimethetexthasbeenresetforpublicationinanewformat(e.g.thevariouspaperbackeditionspublishedinEnglandinthe1970sand1980s),hugenumbersofnew
misprintshavecreptin,thoughattimessomeoftheseerrorshavebeenobservedandcorrectedinlaterprintings.Still,throughouttheseyearsthethree-volumeBritishhardcovereditionhasretainedthehighesttextualintegrity.
IntheUnitedStates,thetextoftheBallantinepaperbackhasremainedunchangedformorethan
threedecadesafterTolkienaddedhisfewrevisionsin1966.ThetextinalloftheHoughtonMifflineditionsremainedunchangedfrom1967until1987,whenHoughtonMifflinphoto-offsetthethencurrentthree-volumeBritishhardcovereditioninordertoupdatethetextusedintheireditions.Inthosenewreprintingsanumberoffurthercorrections
(overseenbyChristopherTolkien)wereadded,andtheerrantBallantinebranchofrevision(includingthe‘EstellaBolger’addition)wasintegratedintothemainbranchoftextualdescent.Thismethodofcorrectioninvolvedacut-and-pasteprocesswithprintedversionsofthetext.Beginningwiththe1987HoughtonMifflinedition,anearlierversionof
this‘NoteontheText’(datedOctober1986)wasaddedtoTheLordoftheRings.This‘Note’hasbeenreworkedthreetimessincethen–theversiondatedApril1993firstappearedin1994,andtheversiondatedApril2002cameoutlaterthatyear.Thepresent‘Note’replacesandsupersedesallpreviousversions.
Forthe1994British
editionpublishedbyHarperCollins,thetextofTheLordoftheRingswasenteredintoword-processingfiles.Thisnextstageoftextualevolutioncameabouttoallowforagreateruniformityofthetextinallfutureeditions,butwithit,inevitably,camenewwrinkles.Somenewmisreadingsenteredintothetext,whileatthesametime
otherswerefixed.Intheworstinstance,onelineoftheringinscriptioninthechapter‘TheShadowofthePast’ofTheFellowshipoftheRingwassimplydropped.Unforeseeableglitchesaroseinothereditionswhenthebasecomputerizedtextwastransferredintopage-makingortypesettingprograms–e.g.,inoneeditionofTheFellowshipoftheRing,the
closingtwosentencesof‘TheCouncilofElrond’simplyandinexplicablydisappeared.Suchglitcheshavebeenverymuchtheexception,nottherule,andthetexthasotherwisemaintainedaconsistencyandintegritythroughoutitscomputerizedevolution.
The1994editionalsocontainedanumberofnewcorrections(againsupervised
byChristopherTolkien),aswellasareconfiguredindexofnamesandpagereferences.The1994textwasfirstusedinAmericaneditionspublishedbyHoughtonMifflinin1999.Asmallnumberoffurthercorrectionswereaddedintothe2002three-volumeeditionillustratedbyAlanLee,publishedbyHarperCollinsinGreatBritainandHoughton
MifflinintheUnitedStates.
ThetextualhistoryofTheLordoftheRings,merelyinitspublishedform,isavastandcomplexweb.InthisbriefnoteIhavegivenonlyaglimpseoftheoverallsequenceandstructure.Furtherdetailsontherevisionsandcorrectionsmadeovertheyearstothe
publishedtextofTheLordoftheRings,andafulleraccountofitspublishinghistory,maybefoundinJ.R.R.Tolkien:ADescriptiveBibliography,byWayneG.Hammond,withtheassistanceofDouglasA.Anderson(1993).
ForthoseinterestedinobservingthegradualevolvingofTheLordoftheRingsfromitsearliestdrafts
toitspublishedform,IhighlyrecommendChristopherTolkien’saccount,whichappearswithinfivevolumesofhistwelve-volumeseriesTheHistoryofMiddle-earth.VolumessixthroughninecontainthemajorpartofhisstudypertainingtoTheLordoftheRings:TheReturnoftheShadow(1988);TheTreasonofIsengard(1989);TheWaroftheRing(1990);
andSauronDefeated(1992).Also,thefinalbookoftheseries,ThePeoplesofMiddle-earth(1996),coverstheevolutionoftheprologueandappendicestoTheLordoftheRings.Thesevolumescontainanengrossingover-the-shoulderaccountofthegrowthandwritingofTolkien’smasterpiece.
TheprocessofstudyingTolkien’smanuscriptsofThe
LordoftheRingsinvolvedthedecipheringofversionswhereTolkienwrotefirstinpencilandthenininkatopthepencilleddraft.ChristopherTolkienhasdecribedhisfather’smethodofcompositioninTheReturnoftheShadow:‘Inthehandwritingthatheusedforrapiddraftsandsketches,notintendedtoendurelongbeforeheturnedtothem
againandgavethemamoreworkableform,lettersaresolooselyformedthatawordwhichcannotbededucedorguessedatfromthecontextorfromlaterversionscanproveperfectlyopaqueafterlongexamination;andif,asheoftendid,heusedasoftpencilmuchhasnowbecomeblurredandfaint.’Thetruedifficultyofreadingsuchdouble-draftscanbeobserved
inthefrontispiecetoTheWaroftheRing,whichreproducesincolourTolkien’sillustrationof‘Shelob’sLair’fromapageofTolkien’smanuscript.Lookingverycloselyatthehastyinkdraftalongsidetheillustration,onecanseeunderneathittheearlier,hastier,pencilleddraft.AlsoinTheWaroftheRing,ChristopherTolkienreproducesapagefromthe
firstmanuscriptofthechapter‘TheTamingofSméagol’,andtheprintedtextcorrespondingtothistextisonthefacingpage(seepp.90–91).Oneisastonishedatanyone’sabilitytodeciphersuchtexts.
Thatdifficultyaside,justwhatdothesebookssignifytoordinaryreadersandtoTolkienscholars?Andwhatis‘thehistoryofthewriting’
ofabook?Simply,thesevolumesshowingreatdetailthedevelopmentofthestoryofTheLordoftheRingsfromitsveryearliestdraftsandhastyprojectionsthroughitscompletion.Weseeintheearliestmaterialswhatisverymuchachildren’sbook,asequeltoTheHobbit,andasthestorygrowsthroughvarious‘phases’,thereisanincreaseinseriousnessand
depth.Weseealternatebranchesofdevelopment,thegradualblendingandmergingofcertaincharacters,andtheslowemergenceofthenatureoftheringsandofthemotivationsofothercharacters.Someofthesevariousideasareabandonedaltogether,whileothersarereworkedintosomevariantformthatmayormaynotsurviveintothefinalversion.
OnecouldmakeawholecatalogueofinterestingtidbitsfromChristopherTolkien’sstudy–suchasthefactthatStriderwascalledTrotteruntilaverylatestageinthewritingofthebook;thatTrotterwasatonetimeahobbit,sonamedbecauseheworewoodenshoes;thatTolkienatonepointconsideredaromancebetweenAragornandÉowyn;
thatTolkienwroteanepiloguetothebook,tyinguplooseends,butitwasdroppedbeforepublication(andnowappearsinSauronDefeated);andsoon.ButthesedevelopmentsarebestappreciatedwhenreadwithinthecontextofChristopherTolkien’scommentaryratherthandiscussedseparately.
Themostsignificantachievementofthesevolumes
isthattheyshowushowTolkienwroteandthought.Nowhereelsedoweseetheauthorialprocessitselfatworkinsuchdetail.Tolkien’shastiestcommentsaboutwherethestorymightproceed,orwhyitcanorcan’tgosuchandsuchaway–thesequeriestohimselfwerewrittenout:Tolkienisliterallythinkingonpaper.Thisgivesanadded
dimensionofunderstandingtoTolkien’scommenttoStanleyUnwinina1963letterthat,whensufferingfromtroublewithhisshoulderandrightarm,‘Ifoundnotbeingabletouseapenorpencilasdefeatingasthelossofherbeakwouldbetoahen.’Andwe,asreadersofthesevolumes,cansharewithTolkienhimselfthewonderandbewildermentof
newcharactersappearingasiffromnowhere,orofsomeothersuddenchangeordevelopment,attheverymomentoftheiremergenceintothestory.
Iknowofnootherinstanceinliteraturewherewehavesucha‘historyofthewriting’ofabook,toldmostlybytheauthorhimself,withallthehesitationsandfalsepathslaidoutbeforeus,
sortedout,commentedupon,andserveduptoareaderlikeafeast.Weareshowninnumerableinstancesintheminutestdetailofthethought-processitselfatwork.Weseetheauthorfullyabsorbedincreationforitsownsake.Andthisisallthemoreexceptionalbecausethisisahistorynotonlyoftheunfoldingofastoryanditstext,butoftheevolutionofa
world.Thereisanadditionalwealthofmaterialbeyondsimplenarrativetext.Therearemapsandillustrations.Therearelanguagesandwritingsystems,andthehistoriesofthepeopleswhospokeandwroteinthesesystems.Alloftheseadditionalmaterialsaddmultipledimensionsofcomplexitytoourappreciationoftheinvented
worlditself.Fiftyyearsintothe
publishedlifeofTheLordoftheRings,itseemsextraordinarytomethatwehavenotonlysuchamasterfulworkofliteraturebutalsoasacompaniontoitanunparalleledaccountofitswriting.OurgratitudeasreadersgoestobothoftheTolkiens,fatherandson.
DouglasA.AndersonMay2004
NOTEONTHE50THANNIVERSARYEDITION
InthiseditionofTheLordoftheRings,preparedforthefiftiethanniversaryofitspublication,betweenthreeandfourhundredemendationshavebeenmadefollowinganexhaustivereviewofpasteditionsandprintings.ThepresenttextisbasedonthesettingoftheHarperCollinsthree-volumehardcovereditionof2002,whichinturnwasarevision
oftheHarperCollinsreseteditionof1994.AsDouglasA.Andersoncommentsinthepreceding‘NoteontheText’,eachofthoseeditionswasitselfcorrected,andeachalsointroducednewerrors.Atthesametime,othererrorssurvivedundetected,amongthemsomefivedozenwhichenteredaslongagoas1954,intheresettingofTheFellowshipoftheRing
publishedasits‘secondimpression’.
ThattheprinterhadquietlyresetTheFellowshipoftheRing,andthatcopieshadbeenissuedwithoutproofhavingbeenreadbytheauthor,neverbecameknowntoTolkien;whilehispublisher,RaynerUnwin,learnedofitonlythirty-eightyearsafterthefact.Tolkienfoundafewofthe
unauthorizedchangesintroducedinthesecondprintingwhen(probablywhilepreparingthesecondeditionin1965)hereadacopyofthetwelfthimpression(1962),butthoughttheerrorsnewlymade.These,amongothers,werecorrectedinthecourseofthereprinting.Thenin1992EricThompson,areaderwithakeeneyefor
typographicdetail,noticedsmalldifferencesbetweenthefirstandsecondimpressionsofTheFellowshipoftheRingandcalledthemtotheattentionofthepresenteditors.Aboutone-sixthoftheerrorsthatenteredinthesecondprintingquicklycametolight.Manymorewererevealedonlyrecently,whenStevenM.Frisbyusedingeniousopticalaidsto
makeacomparisonofcopiesofTheLordoftheRingsingreaterdetailthanwaspreviouslyaccomplished.WehavegladlymadefulluseofMrFrisby’sresults,whichhehasgenerouslysharedanddiscussed.
Inthecourseofitsfifty-yearhistoryTheLordoftheRingshashadmanysuchreaderswhohaverecordedchangesmadebetweenits
variousappearancesinprint,bothtodocumentwhathasgonebeforeandtoaidintheachievementofanauthoritativetext.Errorsorpossibleerrorswerereportedtotheauthorhimselfortohispublishers,andinformationonthetextualhistoryoftheworkcirculatedamongTolkienenthusiastsatleastasearlyas1966,whenBanksMebanepublishedhis
‘ProlegomenatoaVariorumTolkien’inthefanzineEntmoot.Mostnotablyinlateryears,DouglasA.AndersonhasbeenintheforefrontofeffortstoachieveanaccuratetextofTheLordoftheRings(andofTheHobbit);ChristinaScullhaspublished‘APreliminaryStudyofVariationsinEditionsofTheLordoftheRings’inBeyondBree(April
andAugust1985);WayneG.HammondhascompiledextensivelistsoftextualchangesinJ.R.R.Tolkien:ADescriptiveBibliography(1993);andDavidBratmanhaspublishedanimportantarticle,‘ACorrigendatoTheLordoftheRings’,intheMarch1994numberofTheTolkienCollector.TheobservationsofDainisBisenieks,YuvalWelis,
CharlesNoad,andotherreaders,senttousdirectlyorpostedinpublicforums,havealsobeenofservice.
EffortssuchasthesefollowtheexampleoftheauthorofTheLordoftheRingsduringhislifetime.Hisconcernforthetextualaccuracyandcoherenceofhisworkisevidentfromthemanyemendationshemadeinlaterprintings,andfrom
noteshemadeforotheremendationswhichforonereasonoranotherhavenotpreviously(orhaveonlypartly)beenputintoeffect.Evenlateinlife,whensuchlaboursweariedhim,hisfeelingswereclear.On30October1967hewrotetoJoyHillatGeorgeAllen&Unwin,concerningareader’squeryhehadreceivedaboutpointsintheAppendicesto
TheLordoftheRings:‘PersonallyIhaveceasedtobotherabouttheseminor“discrepancies”,sinceifthegenealogiesandcalendarsetc.lackverisimilitudeitisintheirgeneralexcessiveaccuracy:ascomparedwithrealannalsorgenealogies!Anywaytheslipswerefew,havenowmostlybeenremoved,andthediscoveryofwhatremainseemsan
amusingpastime!Buterrorsinthetextareanothermatter’(italicsours).InfactTolkienhadnot‘ceasedtobother’,and‘slips’weredealtwithasopportunitiesarose.These,andtheindulgenceofhispublisher,allowedTolkienaluxuryfewauthorsenjoy:multiplechancesnotonlytocorrecthistextbuttoimproveit,andtofurtherdevelopthelanguages,geography,and
peoplesofMiddle-earth.Thefiftiethanniversaryof
TheLordoftheRingsseemedanidealopportunitytoconsiderthelatest(2002)textinlightofinformationwehadgatheredinthecourseofdecadesofworkinTolkienstudies,withSteveFrisby’sresearchathand,andwithanelectroniccopyofTheLordoftheRings(suppliedbyHarperCollins)searchableby
keywordorphrase.Thelatterespeciallyallowedustodeveloplistsofwordsthatvariedfromoneinstancetoanother,andinvestigatevariationsinusage,astheystoodinthecopy-textandrelativetoearliereditionsandprintings.OfcourseTolkienwroteTheLordoftheRingsoversolongaperiodoftime,someeighteenyears,thatinconsistenciesinitstext
werealmostinevitable.ChristopherTolkienevenobservedtousthatsomeapparentinconsistenciesofforminhisfather’sworkmayevenhavebeendeliberate:forinstance,althoughTolkiencarefullydistinguishedhouse‘dwelling’fromHouse‘noblefamilyordynasty’,intwoinstancesheusedhouseinthelattersensebutinlowercase,perhapsbecauseacapital
letterwouldhavedetractedfromtheimportanceoftheadjectivewithwhichthewordwaspaired(‘royalhouse’,‘goldenhouse’).Therecanbenodoubt,however,thatTolkienattemptedtocorrectinconsistency,nolessthanoutrighterror,wheneveritcametohisattention,anditwasouropinion,withtheadviceandagreementof
ChristopherTolkien,thatanattemptshouldbemadetodosointheanniversaryedition,insofaraswecouldcarefullyandconservativelydistinguishwhattoemend.
Manyoftheemendationsinthepresenttextaretomarksofpunctuation,eithertocorrectrecenttypographicalerrorsortorepairsurvivingalterationsintroducedinthesecond
printingofTheFellowshipoftheRing.Inthelatterrespectandineverycase,Tolkien’soriginalpunctuationisalwaysmorefelicitous–subtlepoints,whenoneiscomparingcommasandsemi-colons,butnolessapartoftheauthor’sintendedexpression.Distinctivewordssuchaschillratherthancold,andglisteredratherthanglistened,changedby
typesetterslongagowithoutauthorization,likewisehavebeenrestored.Acontrolledamountofregularizationalsoseemedcalledfor,suchasnaughtratherthannought,achangeinstitutedbyTolkienbutnotcarriedthroughinallinstances;DarkPowerratherthandarkpowerwhenthereferenceisobviouslytoSauron(orMorgoth);Barrow-downsbyTolkien’s
preferenceratherthanBarrowdowns;likewiseBree-hillratherthanBreeHill;accentedandmorecommonDrúadanratherthanDruadan;capitalizednamesofseasonswhenusedaspersonificationormetaphor,accordingtoTolkien’spredominantpracticeandtheinternallogicofthetext;andElvishratherthanelvishwhenusedasaseparateadjective,
followingapreferenceTolkienmarkedinhiscopyofthesecondeditionofTheLordoftheRings.Inaddition,wehaveaddedasecondaccenttoNúmenórean(s),asTolkienoftenwrotethenameinmanuscriptandasitappearsinTheSilmarillionandotherposthumouspublications.
Theresult,nonetheless,stillincludesmanyvariations
incapitalization,punctuation,andotherpointsofstyle.Notalloftheseareerroneous:theyincludewordssuchasSun,Moon,Hobbit,andMan(orsun,moon,hobbit,man),whichmaychangeformaccordingtomeaningorapplication,inrelationtoadjacentadjectives,orwhetherTolkienintendedpersonification,poetry,oremphasis.Hisintentcannot
bedivinedwithconfidenceineverycase.ButitispossibletodiscernTolkien’spreferencesinmanyinstances,fromstatementshewroteinhischeckcopiesofTheLordoftheRingsorfromacloseanalysisofitstextinmanuscript,typescript,proof,andprint.Whenevertherehasbeenanydoubtwhatsoeverastotheauthor’sintentions,thetexthasbeenallowedto
stand.Mostofthedemonstrable
errorsnotedbyChristopherTolkieninTheHistoryofMiddle-earthalsohavebeencorrected,suchasthedistancefromtheBrandywineBridgetotheFerry(tenmilesratherthantwenty)andthenumberofMerry’sponies(fiveratherthansix),shadowsofearlierdrafts.Butthoseinconsistenciesof
content,suchasGimli’sfamous(anderroneous)statementinBookIII,Chapter7,‘TillnowIhavehewnnaughtbutwoodsinceIleftMoria’,whichwouldrequirerewritingtoemendratherthansimplecorrection,remainunchanged.
SomanynewemendationstoTheLordoftheRings,andsuchanextensivereviewofitstext,deservetobefully
documented.Althoughmostreaderswillbecontentwiththetextalone,manywillwanttoknowmoreabouttheproblemsencounteredinpreparingthisnewedition,andtheirsolutions(wheresolutionshavebeenpossible),especiallywherethetexthasbeenemended,butalsowhereithasnot.Tothisend,andtoilluminatetheworkinotherrespects,wearepreparinga
volumeofannotationstoTheLordoftheRingsforpublicationin2005.Thiswillallowustodiscuss,atalengthimpossibleinaprefatorynote,thevarioustextualcrucesofTheLordoftheRings,toidentifychangesthathavebeenmadetothepresenttext,andtoremarkonsignificantalterationstothepublishedworkthroughoutitshistory.Wewillalsoexplain
archaicorunusualwordsandnamesinTheLordoftheRings,exploreliteraryandhistoricalinfluences,noteconnectionswithTolkien’sotherwritings,andcommentondifferencesbetweenitsdraftsandpublishedform,onquestionsoflanguage,andonmuchelsethatwehopewillinterestreadersandenhancetheirenjoymentofTolkien’smasterpiece.
WayneG.Hammond&ChristinaScull
May2004
FOREWORDTOTHESECONDEDITION
Thistalegrewinthetelling,untilitbecameahistoryoftheGreatWaroftheRingandincludedmanyglimpsesoftheyetmoreancienthistorythatprecededit.ItwasbegunsoonafterTheHobbitwaswrittenandbeforeitspublicationin1937;butIdidnotgoonwiththissequel,forIwishedfirsttocompleteandsetinorderthemythologyandlegendsofthe
ElderDays,whichhadthenbeentakingshapeforsomeyears.Idesiredtodothisformyownsatisfaction,andIhadlittlehopethatotherpeoplewouldbeinterestedinthiswork,especiallysinceitwasprimarilylinguisticininspirationandwasbeguninordertoprovidethenecessarybackgroundof‘history’forElvishtongues.
Whenthosewhoseadvice
andopinionIsoughtcorrectedlittlehopetonohope,Iwentbacktothesequel,encouragedbyrequestsfromreadersformoreinformationconcerninghobbitsandtheiradventures.Butthestorywasdrawnirresistiblytowardstheolderworld,andbecameanaccount,asitwere,ofitsendandpassingawaybeforeitsbeginningandmiddlehad
beentold.TheprocesshadbeguninthewritingofTheHobbit,inwhichtherewerealreadysomereferencestotheoldermatter:Elrond,Gondolin,theHigh-elves,andtheorcs,aswellasglimpsesthathadarisenunbiddenofthingshigherordeeperordarkerthanitssurface:Durin,Moria,Gandalf,theNecromancer,theRing.Thediscoveryofthesignificance
oftheseglimpsesandoftheirrelationtotheancienthistoriesrevealedtheThirdAgeanditsculminationintheWaroftheRing.
Thosewhohadaskedformoreinformationabouthobbitseventuallygotit,buttheyhadtowaitalongtime;forthecompositionofTheLordoftheRingswentonatintervalsduringtheyears1936to1949,aperiodin
whichIhadmanydutiesthatIdidnotneglect,andmanyotherinterestsasalearnerandteacherthatoftenabsorbedme.Thedelaywas,ofcourse,alsoincreasedbytheoutbreakofwarin1939,bytheendofwhichyearthetalehadnotyetreachedtheendofBookOne.InspiteofthedarknessofthenextfiveyearsIfoundthatthestorycouldnotnowbewholly
abandoned,andIploddedon,mostlybynight,tillIstoodbyBalin’stombinMoria.ThereIhaltedforalongwhile.ItwasalmostayearlaterwhenIwentonandsocametoLothlórienandtheGreatRiverlatein1941.InthenextyearIwrotethefirstdraftsofthematterthatnowstandsasBookThree,andthebeginningsofchaptersIandIIIofBookFive;andthereas
thebeaconsflaredinAnórienandThéodencametoHarrowdaleIstopped.Foresighthadfailedandtherewasnotimeforthought.
Itwasduring1944that,leavingthelooseendsandperplexitiesofawarwhichitwasmytasktoconduct,oratleasttoreport,IforcedmyselftotacklethejourneyofFrodotoMordor.Thesechapters,eventuallyto
becomeBookFour,werewrittenandsentoutasaserialtomyson,Christopher,theninSouthAfricawiththeRAF.Nonethelessittookanotherfiveyearsbeforethetalewasbroughttoitspresentend;inthattimeIchangedmyhouse,mychair,andmycollege,andthedaysthoughlessdarkwerenolesslaborious.Thenwhenthe‘end’hadatlastbeenreached
thewholestoryhadtoberevised,andindeedlargelyre-writtenbackwards.Andithadtobetyped,andre-typed:byme;thecostofprofessionaltypingbytheten-fingeredwasbeyondmymeans.
TheLordoftheRingshasbeenreadbymanypeoplesinceitfinallyappearedinprint;andIshouldliketosaysomethingherewith
referencetothemanyopinionsorguessesthatIhavereceivedorhavereadconcerningthemotivesandmeaningofthetale.Theprimemotivewasthedesireofatale-tellertotryhishandatareallylongstorythatwouldholdtheattentionofreaders,amusethem,delightthem,andattimesmaybeexcitethemordeeplymovethem.AsaguideIhadonly
myownfeelingsforwhatisappealingormoving,andformanytheguidewasinevitablyoftenatfault.Somewhohavereadthebook,oratanyratehavereviewedit,havefounditboring,absurd,orcontemptible;andIhavenocausetocomplain,sinceIhavesimilaropinionsoftheirworks,orofthekindsofwritingthattheyevidently
prefer.Butevenfromthepointsofviewofmanywhohaveenjoyedmystorythereismuchthatfailstoplease.Itisperhapsnotpossibleinalongtaletopleaseeverybodyatallpoints,nortodispleaseeverybodyatthesamepoints;forIfindfromthelettersthatIhavereceivedthatthepassagesorchaptersthataretosomeablemishareallbyothersspeciallyapproved.
Themostcriticalreaderofall,myself,nowfindsmanydefects,minorandmajor,butbeingfortunatelyundernoobligationeithertoreviewthebookortowriteitagain,hewillpassovertheseinsilence,exceptonethathasbeennotedbyothers:thebookistooshort.
Asforanyinnermeaningor‘message’,ithasintheintentionoftheauthornone.
Itisneitherallegoricalnortopical.Asthestorygrewitputdownroots(intothepast)andthrewoutunexpectedbranches:butitsmainthemewassettledfromtheoutsetbytheinevitablechoiceoftheRingasthelinkbetweenitandTheHobbit.Thecrucialchapter,‘TheShadowofthePast’,isoneoftheoldestpartsofthetale.Itwaswrittenlongbeforethe
foreshadowof1939hadyetbecomeathreatofinevitabledisaster,andfromthatpointthestorywouldhavedevelopedalongessentiallythesamelines,ifthatdisasterhadbeenaverted.Itssourcesarethingslongbeforeinmind,orinsomecasesalreadywritten,andlittleornothinginitwasmodifiedbythewarthatbeganin1939oritssequels.
Therealwardoesnotresemblethelegendarywarinitsprocessoritsconclusion.Ifithadinspiredordirectedthedevelopmentofthelegend,thencertainlytheRingwouldhavebeenseizedandusedagainstSauron;hewouldnothavebeenannihilatedbutenslaved,andBarad-dûrwouldnothavebeendestroyedbutoccupied.Saruman,failingtoget
possessionoftheRing,wouldintheconfusionandtreacheriesofthetimehavefoundinMordorthemissinglinksinhisownresearchesintoRing-lore,andbeforelonghewouldhavemadeaGreatRingofhisownwithwhichtochallengetheself-styledRulerofMiddle-earth.Inthatconflictbothsideswouldhaveheldhobbitsinhatredandcontempt:they
wouldnotlonghavesurvivedevenasslaves.
Otherarrangementscouldbedevisedaccordingtothetastesorviewsofthosewholikeallegoryortopicalreference.ButIcordiallydislikeallegoryinallitsmanifestations,andalwayshavedonesosinceIgrewoldandwaryenoughtodetectitspresence.Imuchpreferhistory,trueorfeigned,with
itsvariedapplicabilitytothethoughtandexperienceofreaders.Ithinkthatmanyconfuse‘applicability’with‘allegory’;buttheoneresidesinthefreedomofthereader,andtheotherinthepurposeddominationoftheauthor.
Anauthorcannotofcourseremainwhollyunaffectedbyhisexperience,butthewaysinwhichastory-germusesthesoilof
experienceareextremelycomplex,andattemptstodefinetheprocessareatbestguessesfromevidencethatisinadequateandambiguous.Itisalsofalse,thoughnaturallyattractive,whenthelivesofanauthorandcritichaveoverlapped,tosupposethatthemovementsofthoughtortheeventsoftimescommontobothwerenecessarilythemostpowerfulinfluences.
Onehasindeedpersonallytocomeundertheshadowofwartofeelfullyitsoppression;butastheyearsgobyitseemsnowoftenforgottenthattobecaughtinyouthby1914wasnolesshideousanexperiencethantobeinvolvedin1939andthefollowingyears.By1918allbutoneofmyclosefriendsweredead.Ortotakealessgrievousmatter:ithasbeen
supposedbysomethat‘TheScouringoftheShire’reflectsthesituationinEnglandatthetimewhenIwasfinishingmytale.Itdoesnot.Itisanessentialpartoftheplot,foreseenfromtheoutset,thoughintheeventmodifiedbythecharacterofSarumanasdevelopedinthestorywithout,needIsay,anyallegoricalsignificanceorcontemporarypolitical
referencewhatsoever.Ithasindeedsomebasisinexperience,thoughslender(fortheeconomicsituationwasentirelydifferent),andmuchfurtherback.ThecountryinwhichIlivedinchildhoodwasbeingshabbilydestroyedbeforeIwasten,indayswhenmotor-carswererareobjects(Ihadneverseenone)andmenwerestillbuildingsuburbanrailways.
RecentlyIsawinapaperapictureofthelastdecrepitudeoftheoncethrivingcorn-millbesideitspoolthatlongagoseemedtomesoimportant.IneverlikedthelooksoftheYoungmiller,buthisfather,theOldmiller,hadablackbeard,andhewasnotnamedSandyman.
TheLordoftheRingsisnowissuedinanewedition,andtheopportunityhasbeen
takenofrevisingit.Anumberoferrorsandinconsistenciesthatstillremainedinthetexthavebeencorrected,andanattempthasbeenmadetoprovideinformationonafewpointswhichattentivereadershaveraised.Ihaveconsideredalltheircommentsandenquiries,andifsomeseemtohavebeenpassedoverthatmaybebecauseIhavefailedtokeepmynotesinorder;but
manyenquiriescouldonlybeansweredbyadditionalappendices,orindeedbytheproductionofanaccessoryvolumecontainingmuchofthematerialthatIdidnotincludeintheoriginaledition,inparticularmoredetailedlinguisticinformation.InthemeantimethiseditionoffersthisForeword,anadditiontothePrologue,somenotes,andanindexofthenamesof
personsandplaces.Thisindexisinintentioncompleteinitemsbutnotinreferences,sinceforthepresentpurposeithasbeennecessarytoreduceitsbulk.Acompleteindex,makingfulluseofthematerialpreparedformebyMrs.N.Smith,belongsrathertotheaccessoryvolume.
PROLOGUE
1ConcerningHobbits
ThisbookislargelyconcernedwithHobbits,andfromitspagesareadermaydiscovermuchoftheircharacterandalittleoftheirhistory.Furtherinformation
willalsobefoundintheselectionfromtheRedBookofWestmarchthathasalreadybeenpublished,underthetitleofTheHobbit.ThatstorywasderivedfromtheearlierchaptersoftheRedBook,composedbyBilbohimself,thefirstHobbittobecomefamousintheworldatlarge,andcalledbyhimThereandBackAgain,sincetheytoldofhisjourneyinto
theEastandhisreturn:anadventurewhichlaterinvolvedalltheHobbitsinthegreateventsofthatAgethatarehererelated.
Many,however,maywishtoknowmoreaboutthisremarkablepeoplefromtheoutset,whilesomemaynotpossesstheearlierbook.ForsuchreadersafewnotesonthemoreimportantpointsareherecollectedfromHobbit-
lore,andthefirstadventureisbrieflyrecalled.
Hobbitsareanunobtrusivebutveryancientpeople,morenumerousformerlythantheyaretoday;fortheylovepeaceandquietandgoodtilledearth:awell-orderedandwell-farmedcountrysidewastheirfavouritehaunt.Theydonot
anddidnotunderstandorlikemachinesmorecomplicatedthanaforge-bellows,awater-mill,orahand-loom,thoughtheywereskilfulwithtools.Eveninancientdaystheywere,asarule,shyof‘theBigFolk’,astheycallus,andnowtheyavoiduswithdismayandarebecominghardtofind.Theyarequickofhearingandsharp-eyed,andthoughtheyareinclined
tobefatanddonothurryunnecessarily,theyarenonethelessnimbleanddeftintheirmovements.Theypossessedfromthefirsttheartofdisappearingswiftlyandsilently,whenlargefolkwhomtheydonotwishtomeetcomeblunderingby;andthisarttheyhavedevelopeduntiltoMenitmayseemmagical.ButHobbitshavenever,infact,studied
magicofanykind,andtheirelusivenessisduesolelytoaprofessionalskillthatheredityandpractice,andaclosefriendshipwiththeearth,haverenderedinimitablebybiggerandclumsierraces.
Fortheyarealittlepeople,smallerthanDwarves:lessstoutandstocky,thatis,evenwhentheyarenotactuallymuch
shorter.Theirheightisvariable,rangingbetweentwoandfourfeetofourmeasure.Theyseldomnowreachthreefeet;buttheyhavedwindled,theysay,andinancientdaystheyweretaller.AccordingtotheRedBook,BandobrasTook(Bullroarer),sonofIsumbrastheThird,wasfourfootfiveandabletorideahorse.HewassurpassedinallHobbit
recordsonlybytwofamouscharactersofold;butthatcuriousmatterisdealtwithinthisbook.
AsfortheHobbitsoftheShire,withwhomthesetalesareconcerned,inthedaysoftheirpeaceandprosperitytheywereamerryfolk.Theydressedinbrightcolours,beingnotablyfondofyellowandgreen;buttheyseldomworeshoes,sincetheirfeet
hadtoughleatherysolesandwerecladinathickcurlinghair,muchlikethehairoftheirheads,whichwascommonlybrown.Thus,theonlycraftlittlepractisedamongthemwasshoe-making;buttheyhadlongandskilfulfingersandcouldmakemanyotherusefulandcomelythings.Theirfaceswereasarulegood-naturedratherthanbeautiful,broad,
bright-eyed,red-cheeked,withmouthsapttolaughter,andtoeatinganddrinking.Andlaughtheydid,andeat,anddrink,oftenandheartily,beingfondofsimplejestsatalltimes,andofsixmealsaday(whentheycouldgetthem).Theywerehospitableanddelightedinparties,andinpresents,whichtheygaveawayfreelyandeagerlyaccepted.
ItisplainindeedthatinspiteoflaterestrangementHobbitsarerelativesofours:farnearertousthanElves,oreventhanDwarves.OfoldtheyspokethelanguagesofMen,aftertheirownfashion,andlikedanddislikedmuchthesamethingsasMendid.Butwhatexactlyourrelationshipiscannolongerbediscovered.ThebeginningofHobbitsliesfarbackinthe
ElderDaysthatarenowlostandforgotten.OnlytheElvesstillpreserveanyrecordsofthatvanishedtime,andtheirtraditionsareconcernedalmostentirelywiththeirownhistory,inwhichMenappearseldomandHobbitsarenotmentionedatall.YetitisclearthatHobbitshad,infact,livedquietlyinMiddle-earthformanylongyearsbeforeotherfolkbecameevenaware
ofthem.Andtheworldbeingafterallfullofstrangecreaturesbeyondcount,theselittlepeopleseemedofverylittleimportance.ButinthedaysofBilbo,andofFrodohisheir,theysuddenlybecame,bynowishoftheirown,bothimportantandrenowned,andtroubledthecounselsoftheWiseandtheGreat.
Thosedays,theThirdAgeofMiddle-earth,arenowlongpast,andtheshapeofalllandshasbeenchanged;buttheregionsinwhichHobbitsthenlivedweredoubtlessthesameasthoseinwhichtheystilllinger:theNorth-WestoftheOldWorld,eastoftheSea.OftheiroriginalhometheHobbitsinBilbo’stimepreservednoknowledge.Aloveoflearning(otherthan
genealogicallore)wasfarfromgeneralamongthem,butthereremainedstillafewintheolderfamilieswhostudiedtheirownbooks,andevengatheredreportsofoldtimesanddistantlandsfromElves,Dwarves,andMen.TheirownrecordsbeganonlyafterthesettlementoftheShire,andtheirmostancientlegendshardlylookedfurtherbackthantheirWandering
Days.Itisclear,nonetheless,fromtheselegends,andfromtheevidenceoftheirpeculiarwordsandcustoms,thatlikemanyotherfolkHobbitshadinthedistantpastmovedwestward.TheirearliesttalesseemtoglimpseatimewhentheydweltintheuppervalesofAnduin,betweentheeavesofGreenwoodtheGreatandtheMistyMountains.Whytheylaterundertookthehard
andperilouscrossingofthemountainsintoEriadorisnolongercertain.TheirownaccountsspeakofthemultiplyingofMenintheland,andofashadowthatfellontheforest,sothatitbecamedarkenedanditsnewnamewasMirkwood.
BeforethecrossingofthemountainstheHobbitshadalreadybecomedividedintothreesomewhatdifferent
breeds:Harfoots,Stoors,andFallohides.TheHarfootswerebrownerofskin,smaller,andshorter,andtheywerebeardlessandbootless;theirhandsandfeetwereneatandnimble;andtheypreferredhighlandsandhillsides.TheStoorswerebroader,heavierinbuild;theirfeetandhandswerelarger;andtheypreferredflatlandsandriversides.The
Fallohideswerefairerofskinandalsoofhair,andtheyweretallerandslimmerthantheothers;theywereloversoftreesandofwoodlands.
TheHarfootshadmuchtodowithDwarvesinancienttimes,andlonglivedinthefoothillsofthemountains.Theymovedwestwardearly,androamedoverEriadorasfarasWeathertopwhiletheotherswerestillin
Wilderland.TheywerethemostnormalandrepresentativevarietyofHobbit,andfarthemostnumerous.Theywerethemostinclinedtosettleinoneplace,andlongestpreservedtheirancestralhabitoflivingintunnelsandholes.
TheStoorslingeredlongbythebanksoftheGreatRiverAnduin,andwerelessshyofMen.Theycamewest
aftertheHarfootsandfollowedthecourseoftheLoudwatersouthwards;andtheremanyofthemlongdweltbetweenTharbadandthebordersofDunlandbeforetheymovednorthagain.
TheFallohides,theleastnumerous,wereanortherlybranch.TheyweremorefriendlywithElvesthantheotherHobbitswere,andhadmoreskillinlanguageand
songthaninhandicrafts;andofoldtheypreferredhuntingtotilling.TheycrossedthemountainsnorthofRivendellandcamedowntheRiverHoarwell.InEriadortheysoonmingledwiththeotherkindsthathadprecededthem,butbeingsomewhatbolderandmoreadventurous,theywereoftenfoundasleadersorchieftainsamongclansofHarfootsorStoors.Evenin
Bilbo’stimethestrongFallohidishstraincouldstillbenotedamongthegreaterfamilies,suchastheTooksandtheMastersofBuckland.
InthewestlandsofEriador,betweentheMistyMountainsandtheMountainsofLune,theHobbitsfoundbothMenandElves.Indeed,aremnantstilldweltthereoftheDúnedain,thekingsofMenthatcameovertheSea
outofWesternesse;buttheyweredwindlingfastandthelandsoftheirNorthKingdomwerefallingfarandwideintowaste.Therewasroomandtospareforincomers,anderelongtheHobbitsbegantosettleinorderedcommunities.MostoftheirearliersettlementshadlongdisappearedandbeenforgotteninBilbo’stime;butoneofthefirsttobecome
importantstillendured,thoughreducedinsize;thiswasatBreeandintheChetwoodthatlayroundabout,somefortymileseastoftheShire.
Itwasintheseearlydays,doubtless,thattheHobbitslearnedtheirlettersandbegantowriteafterthemanneroftheDúnedain,whohadintheirturnlongbeforelearnedtheartfromtheElves.Andin
thosedaysalsotheyforgotwhateverlanguagestheyhadusedbefore,andspokeeveraftertheCommonSpeech,theWestronasitwasnamed,thatwascurrentthroughallthelandsofthekingsfromArnortoGondor,andaboutallthecoastsoftheSeafromBelfalastoLune.Yettheykeptafewwordsoftheirown,aswellastheirownnamesofmonthsanddays,
andagreatstoreofpersonalnamesoutofthepast.
AboutthistimelegendamongtheHobbitsfirstbecomeshistorywithareckoningofyears.ForitwasintheonethousandsixhundredandfirstyearoftheThirdAgethattheFallohidebrothers,MarchoandBlanco,setoutfromBree;andhavingobtainedpermissionfromthehighkingatFornost,*they
crossedthebrownriverBaranduinwithagreatfollowingofHobbits.TheypassedovertheBridgeofStonebows,thathadbeenbuiltinthedaysofthepoweroftheNorthKingdom,andtheytookallthelandbeyondtodwellin,betweentheriverandtheFarDowns.AllthatwasdemandedofthemwasthattheyshouldkeeptheGreatBridgeinrepair,andall
otherbridgesandroads,speedtheking’smessengers,andacknowledgehislordship.
ThusbegantheShire-reckoning,fortheyearofthecrossingoftheBrandywine(astheHobbitsturnedthename)becameYearOneoftheShire,andalllaterdateswerereckonedfromit.*AtoncethewesternHobbitsfellinlovewiththeirnewland,
andtheyremainedthere,andsoonpassedoncemoreoutofthehistoryofMenandofElves.Whiletherewasstillakingtheywereinnamehissubjects,buttheywere,infact,ruledbytheirownchieftainsandmeddlednotatallwitheventsintheworldoutside.TothelastbattleatFornostwiththeWitch-lordofAngmartheysentsomebowmentotheaidofthe
king,orsotheymaintained,thoughnotalesofMenrecordit.ButinthatwartheNorthKingdomended;andthentheHobbitstookthelandfortheirown,andtheychosefromtheirownchiefsaThaintoholdtheauthorityofthekingthatwasgone.Thereforathousandyearstheywerelittletroubledbywars,andtheyprosperedandmultipliedaftertheDarkPlague(S.R.
37)untilthedisasteroftheLongWinterandthefaminethatfollowedit.Manythousandsthenperished,buttheDaysofDearth(1158–60)wereatthetimeofthistalelongpastandtheHobbitshadagainbecomeaccustomedtoplenty.Thelandwasrichandkindly,andthoughithadlongbeendesertedwhentheyenteredit,ithadbeforebeenwelltilled,andtheretheking
hadoncehadmanyfarms,cornlands,vineyards,andwoods.
FortyleaguesitstretchedfromtheFarDownstotheBrandywineBridge,andfiftyfromthenorthernmoorstothemarshesinthesouth.TheHobbitsnamedittheShire,astheregionoftheauthorityoftheirThain,andadistrictofwell-orderedbusiness;andthereinthatpleasantcorner
oftheworldtheypliedtheirwell-orderedbusinessofliving,andtheyheededlessandlesstheworldoutsidewheredarkthingsmoved,untiltheycametothinkthatpeaceandplentyweretheruleinMiddle-earthandtherightofallsensiblefolk.TheyforgotorignoredwhatlittletheyhadeverknownoftheGuardians,andofthelaboursofthosethatmade
possiblethelongpeaceoftheShire.Theywere,infact,sheltered,buttheyhadceasedtorememberit.
AtnotimehadHobbitsofanykindbeenwarlike,andtheyhadneverfoughtamongthemselves.Inoldendaystheyhad,ofcourse,beenoftenobligedtofighttomaintainthemselvesinahardworld;butinBilbo’stimethatwasveryancienthistory.
Thelastbattle,beforethisstoryopens,andindeedtheonlyonethathadeverbeenfoughtwithinthebordersoftheShire,wasbeyondlivingmemory:theBattleofGreenfields,S.R.1147,inwhichBandobrasTookroutedaninvasionofOrcs.Eventheweathershadgrownmilder,andthewolvesthathadoncecomeraveningoutoftheNorthinbitterwhite
winterswerenowonlyagrandfather’stale.So,thoughtherewasstillsomestoreofweaponsintheShire,thesewereusedmostlyastrophies,hangingabovehearthsoronwalls,orgatheredintothemuseumatMichelDelving.TheMathom-houseitwascalled;foranythingthatHobbitshadnoimmediateusefor,butwereunwillingtothrowaway,theycalleda
mathom.Theirdwellingswereapttobecomerathercrowdedwithmathoms,andmanyofthepresentsthatpassedfromhandtohandwereofthatsort.
Nonetheless,easeandpeacehadleftthispeoplestillcuriouslytough.Theywere,ifitcametoit,difficulttodauntortokill;andtheywere,perhaps,sounwearyinglyfondofgood
thingsnotleastbecausetheycould,whenputtoit,dowithoutthem,andcouldsurviveroughhandlingbygrief,foe,orweatherinawaythatastonishedthosewhodidnotknowthemwellandlookednofurtherthantheirbelliesandtheirwell-fedfaces.Thoughslowtoquarrel,andforsportkillingnothingthatlived,theyweredoughtyatbay,andatneed
couldstillhandlearms.Theyshotwellwiththebow,fortheywerekeen-eyedandsureatthemark.Notonlywithbowsandarrows.IfanyHobbitstoopedforastone,itwaswelltogetquicklyundercover,asalltrespassingbeastsknewverywell.
AllHobbitshadoriginallylivedinholesintheground,orsotheybelieved,andinsuchdwellingstheystillfelt
mostathome;butinthecourseoftimetheyhadbeenobligedtoadoptotherformsofabode.ActuallyintheShireinBilbo’sdaysitwas,asarule,onlytherichestandthepoorestHobbitsthatmaintainedtheoldcustom.Thepoorestwentonlivinginburrowsofthemostprimitivekind,mereholesindeed,withonlyonewindowornone;whilethewell-to-dostill
constructedmoreluxuriousversionsofthesimplediggingsofold.Butsuitablesitesfortheselargeandramifyingtunnels(orsmialsastheycalledthem)werenoteverywheretobefound;andintheflatsandthelow-lyingdistrictstheHobbits,astheymultiplied,begantobuildaboveground.Indeed,eveninthehillyregionsandtheoldervillages,suchas
HobbitonorTuckborough,orinthechieftownshipoftheShire,MichelDelvingontheWhiteDowns,therewerenowmanyhousesofwood,brick,orstone.Thesewerespeciallyfavouredbymillers,smiths,ropers,andcartwrights,andothersofthatsort;forevenwhentheyhadholestolivein,Hobbitshadlongbeenaccustomedtobuildshedsandworkshops.
ThehabitofbuildingfarmhousesandbarnswassaidtohavebegunamongtheinhabitantsoftheMarishdownbytheBrandywine.TheHobbitsofthatquarter,theEastfarthing,wereratherlargeandheavy-legged,andtheyworedwarf-bootsinmuddyweather.ButtheywerewellknowntobeStoorsinalargepartoftheirblood,asindeedwasshownbythe
downthatmanygrewontheirchins.NoHarfootorFallohidehadanytraceofabeard.Indeed,thefolkoftheMarish,andofBuckland,eastoftheRiver,whichtheyafterwardsoccupied,cameforthemostpartlaterintotheShireupfromsouth-away;andtheystillhadmanypeculiarnamesandstrangewordsnotfoundelsewhereintheShire.
Itisprobablethatthecraftofbuilding,asmanyothercraftsbeside,wasderivedfromtheDúnedain.ButtheHobbitsmayhavelearneditdirectfromtheElves,theteachersofMenintheiryouth.FortheElvesoftheHighKindredhadnotyetforsakenMiddle-earth,andtheydweltstillatthattimeattheGreyHavensawaytothewest,andinotherplaces
withinreachoftheShire.ThreeElf-towersofimmemorialagewerestilltobeseenontheTowerHillsbeyondthewesternmarches.Theyshonefaroffinthemoonlight.Thetallestwasfurthestaway,standingaloneuponagreenmound.TheHobbitsoftheWestfarthingsaidthatonecouldseetheSeafromthetopofthattower;butnoHobbithadever
beenknowntoclimbit.Indeed,fewHobbitshadeverseenorsailedupontheSea,andfewerstillhadeverreturnedtoreportit.MostHobbitsregardedevenriversandsmallboatswithdeepmisgivings,andnotmanyofthemcouldswim.AndasthedaysoftheShirelengthenedtheyspokelessandlesswiththeElves,andgrewafraidofthem,anddistrustfulofthose
thathaddealingswiththem;andtheSeabecameawordoffearamongthem,andatokenofdeath,andtheyturnedtheirfacesawayfromthehillsinthewest.
ThecraftofbuildingmayhavecomefromElvesorMen,buttheHobbitsuseditintheirownfashion.Theydidnotgoinfortowers.Theirhouseswereusuallylong,low,andcomfortable.The
oldestkindwere,indeed,nomorethanbuiltimitationsofsmials,thatchedwithdrygrassorstraw,orroofedwithturves,andhavingwallssomewhatbulged.Thatstage,however,belongedtotheearlydaysoftheShire,andhobbit-buildinghadlongsincebeenaltered,improvedbydevices,learnedfromDwarves,ordiscoveredbythemselves.Apreferencefor
roundwindows,andevenrounddoors,wasthechiefremainingpeculiarityofhobbit-architecture.
ThehousesandtheholesofShire-hobbitswereoftenlarge,andinhabitedbylargefamilies.(BilboandFrodoBagginswereasbachelorsveryexceptional,astheywerealsoinmanyotherways,suchastheirfriendshipwiththeElves.)Sometimes,
asinthecaseoftheTooksofGreatSmials,ortheBrandybucksofBrandyHall,manygenerationsofrelativeslivedin(comparative)peacetogetherinoneancestralandmany-tunnelledmansion.AllHobbitswere,inanycase,clannishandreckoneduptheirrelationshipswithgreatcare.Theydrewlongandelaboratefamily-treeswithinnumerablebranches.In
dealingwithHobbitsitisimportanttorememberwhoisrelatedtowhom,andinwhatdegree.Itwouldbeimpossibleinthisbooktosetoutafamily-treethatincludedeventhemoreimportantmembersofthemoreimportantfamiliesatthetimewhichthesetalestellof.ThegenealogicaltreesattheendoftheRedBookofWestmarchareasmallbook
inthemselves,andallbutHobbitswouldfindthemexceedinglydull.Hobbitsdelightedinsuchthings,iftheywereaccurate:theylikedtohavebooksfilledwiththingsthattheyalreadyknew,setoutfairandsquarewithnocontradictions.
2ConcerningPipe-weed
ThereisanotherastonishingthingaboutHobbitsofoldthatmustbementioned,anastonishinghabit:theyimbibedorinhaled,throughpipesofclayorwood,thesmokeoftheburningleavesofaherb,whichtheycalledpipe-weedorleaf,avarietyprobablyofNicotiana.Agreatdealofmysterysurroundstheoriginofthispeculiarcustom,or‘art’as
theHobbitspreferredtocallit.AllthatcouldbediscoveredaboutitinantiquitywasputtogetherbyMeriadocBrandybuck(laterMasterofBuckland),andsinceheandthetobaccooftheSouthfarthingplayapartinthehistorythatfollows,hisremarksintheintroductiontohisHerbloreoftheShiremaybequoted.
‘This,’hesays,‘istheone
artthatwecancertainlyclaimtobeourowninvention.WhenHobbitsfirstbegantosmokeisnotknown,allthelegendsandfamilyhistoriestakeitforgranted;foragesfolkintheShiresmokedvariousherbs,somefouler,somesweeter.ButallaccountsagreethatToboldHornblowerofLongbottomintheSouthfarthingfirstgrewthetruepipe-weedin
hisgardensinthedaysofIsengrimtheSecond,abouttheyear1070ofShire-reckoning.Thebesthome-grownstillcomesfromthatdistrict,especiallythevarietiesnowknownasLongbottomLeaf,OldToby,andSouthernStar.
‘HowOldTobycamebytheplantisnotrecorded,fortohisdyingdayhewouldnottell.Heknewmuchabout
herbs,buthewasnotraveller.ItissaidthatinhisyouthhewentoftentoBree,thoughhecertainlyneverwentfurtherfromtheShirethanthat.ItisthusquitepossiblethathelearnedofthisplantinBree,wherenow,atanyrate,itgrowswellonthesouthslopesofthehill.TheBree-hobbitsclaimtohavebeenthefirstactualsmokersofthepipe-weed.Theyclaim,of
course,tohavedoneeverythingbeforethepeopleoftheShire,whomtheyrefertoas“colonists”;butinthiscasetheirclaimis,Ithink,likelytobetrue.AndcertainlyitwasfromBreethattheartofsmokingthegenuineweedspreadintherecentcenturiesamongDwarvesandsuchotherfolk,Rangers,Wizards,orwanderers,asstillpassedto
andfrothroughthatancientroad-meeting.ThehomeandcentreoftheartisthustobefoundintheoldinnofBree,ThePrancingPony,thathasbeenkeptbythefamilyofButterburfromtimebeyondrecord.
‘Allthesame,observationsthatIhavemadeonmyownmanyjourneyssouthhaveconvincedmethattheweeditselfisnotnativeto
ourpartsoftheworld,butcamenorthwardfromthelowerAnduin,whitheritwas,Isuspect,originallybroughtoverSeabytheMenofWesternesse.ItgrowsabundantlyinGondor,andthereisricherandlargerthanintheNorth,whereitisneverfoundwild,andflourishesonlyinwarmshelteredplaceslikeLongbottom.TheMenofGondorcallitsweetgalenas,
andesteemitonlyforthefragranceofitsflowers.FromthatlanditmusthavebeencarrieduptheGreenwayduringthelongcenturiesbetweenthecomingofElendilandourowndays.ButeventheDúnedainofGondorallowusthiscredit:Hobbitsfirstputitintopipes.NoteventheWizardsfirstthoughtofthatbeforewedid.ThoughoneWizardthatI
knewtookuptheartlongago,andbecameasskilfulinitasinallotherthingsthatheputhismindto.’
3OftheOrderingoftheShire
TheShirewasdividedintofourquarters,theFarthingsalreadyreferredto,North,South,East,andWest;and
theseagaineachintoanumberoffolklands,whichstillborethenamesofsomeoftheoldleadingfamilies,althoughbythetimeofthishistorythesenameswerenolongerfoundonlyintheirproperfolklands.NearlyallTooksstilllivedintheTookland,butthatwasnottrueofmanyotherfamilies,suchastheBagginsesortheBoffins.Outsidethe
FarthingsweretheEastandWestMarches:theBuckland(p.129);andtheWestmarchaddedtotheShireinS.R.1452.
TheShireatthistimehadhardlyany‘government’.Familiesforthemostpartmanagedtheirownaffairs.Growingfoodandeatingitoccupiedmostoftheirtime.Inothermatterstheywere,asarule,generousandnot
greedy,butcontentedandmoderate,sothatestates,farms,workshops,andsmalltradestendedtoremainunchangedforgenerations.
Thereremained,ofcourse,theancienttraditionconcerningthehighkingatFornost,orNorburyastheycalledit,awaynorthoftheShire.Buttherehadbeennokingfornearlyathousandyears,andeventheruinsof
Kings’Norburywerecoveredwithgrass.YettheHobbitsstillsaidofwildfolkandwickedthings(suchastrolls)thattheyhadnotheardoftheking.Fortheyattributedtothekingofoldalltheiressentiallaws;andusuallytheykeptthelawsoffreewill,becausetheywereTheRules(astheysaid),bothancientandjust.
ItistruethattheTook
familyhadlongbeenpre-eminent;fortheofficeofThainhadpassedtothem(fromtheOld-bucks)somecenturiesbefore,andthechiefTookhadbornethattitleeversince.TheThainwasthemasteroftheShire-moot,andcaptainoftheShire-musterandtheHobbitry-in-arms;butasmusterandmootwereonlyheldintimesofemergency,whichnolongeroccurred,the
Thainshiphadceasedtobemorethananominaldignity.TheTookfamilywasstill,indeed,accordedaspecialrespect,foritremainedbothnumerousandexceedinglywealthy,andwasliabletoproduceineverygenerationstrongcharactersofpeculiarhabitsandevenadventuroustemperament.Thelatterqualities,however,werenowrathertolerated(intherich)
thangenerallyapproved.Thecustomendured,nonetheless,ofreferringtotheheadofthefamilyasTheTook,andofaddingtohisname,ifrequired,anumber:suchasIsengrimtheSecond,forinstance.
TheonlyrealofficialintheShireatthisdatewastheMayorofMichelDelving(oroftheShire),whowaselectedeverysevenyearsat
theFreeFairontheWhiteDownsattheLithe,thatisatMidsummer.Asmayoralmosthisonlydutywastopresideatbanquets,givenontheShire-holidays,whichoccurredatfrequentintervals.ButtheofficesofPostmasterandFirstShirriffwereattachedtothemayoralty,sothathemanagedboththeMessengerServiceandtheWatch.Theseweretheonly
Shire-services,andtheMessengerswerethemostnumerous,andmuchthebusierofthetwo.BynomeansallHobbitswerelettered,butthosewhowerewroteconstantlytoalltheirfriends(andaselectionoftheirrelations)wholivedfurtheroffthananafternoon’swalk.
TheShirriffswasthenamethattheHobbitsgaveto
theirpolice,orthenearestequivalentthattheypossessed.Theyhad,ofcourse,nouniforms(suchthingsbeingquiteunknown),onlyafeatherintheircaps;andtheywereinpracticeratherhaywardsthanpolicemen,moreconcernedwiththestrayingsofbeaststhanofpeople.TherewereinalltheShireonlytwelveofthem,threeineachFarthing,
forInsideWork.Aratherlargerbody,varyingatneed,wasemployedto‘beatthebounds’,andtoseethatOutsidersofanykind,greatorsmall,didnotmakethemselvesanuisance.
AtthetimewhenthisstorybeginstheBounders,astheywerecalled,hadbeengreatlyincreased.Thereweremanyreportsandcomplaintsofstrangepersonsand
creaturesprowlingabouttheborders,oroverthem:thefirstsignthatallwasnotquiteasitshouldbe,andalwayshadbeenexceptintalesandlegendsoflongago.Fewheededthesign,andnotevenBilboyethadanynotionofwhatitportended.Sixtyyearshadpassedsincehesetoutonhismemorablejourney,andhewasoldevenforHobbits,whoreacheda
hundredasoftenasnot;butmuchevidentlystillremainedoftheconsiderablewealththathehadbroughtback.Howmuchorhowlittleherevealedtonoone,noteventoFrodohisfavourite‘nephew’.Andhestillkeptsecrettheringthathehadfound.
4OftheFindingoftheRing
AsistoldinTheHobbit,therecameonedaytoBilbo’sdoorthegreatWizard,GandalftheGrey,andthirteendwarveswithhim:noneother,indeed,thanThorinOakenshield,descendantofkings,andhistwelvecompanionsinexile.Withthemhesetout,tohisownlastingastonishment,onamorningofApril,itbeingthentheyear1341Shire-
reckoning,onaquestofgreattreasure,thedwarf-hoardsoftheKingsundertheMountain,beneathEreborinDale,faroffintheEast.Thequestwassuccessful,andtheDragonthatguardedthehoardwasdestroyed.Yet,thoughbeforeallwaswontheBattleofFiveArmieswasfought,andThorinwasslain,andmanydeedsofrenownweredone,thematterwould
scarcelyhaveconcernedlaterhistory,orearnedmorethananoteinthelongannalsoftheThirdAge,butforan‘accident’bytheway.ThepartywasassailedbyOrcsinahighpassoftheMistyMountainsastheywenttowardsWilderland;andsoithappenedthatBilbowaslostforawhileintheblackorc-minesdeepunderthemountains,andthere,ashe
gropedinvaininthedark,heputhishandonaring,lyingonthefloorofatunnel.Heputitinhispocket.Itseemedthenlikemereluck.
Tryingtofindhiswayout,Bilbowentondowntotherootsofthemountains,untilhecouldgonofurther.Atthebottomofthetunnellayacoldlakefarfromthelight,andonanislandofrockinthewaterlivedGollum.He
wasaloathsomelittlecreature:hepaddledasmallboatwithhislargeflatfeet,peeringwithpaleluminouseyesandcatchingblindfishwithhislongfingers,andeatingthemraw.Heateanylivingthing,evenorc,ifhecouldcatchitandstrangleitwithoutastruggle.Hepossessedasecrettreasurethathadcometohimlongagesago,whenhestilllived
inthelight:aringofgoldthatmadeitswearerinvisible.Itwastheonethingheloved,his‘Precious’,andhetalkedtoit,evenwhenitwasnotwithhim.Forhekeptithiddensafeinaholeonhisisland,exceptwhenhewashuntingorspyingontheorcsofthemines.
MaybehewouldhaveattackedBilboatonce,iftheringhadbeenonhimwhen
theymet;butitwasnot,andthehobbitheldinhishandanElvishknife,whichservedhimasasword.SotogaintimeGollumchallengedBilbototheRiddle-game,sayingthatifheaskedariddlewhichBilbocouldnotguess,thenhewouldkillhimandeathim;butifBilbodefeatedhim,thenhewoulddoasBilbowished:hewouldleadhimtoawayoutofthe
tunnels.Sincehewaslostinthe
darkwithouthope,andcouldneithergoonnorback,Bilboacceptedthechallenge;andtheyaskedoneanothermanyriddles.IntheendBilbowonthegame,morebyluck(asitseemed)thanbywits;forhewasstumpedatlastforariddletoask,andcriedout,ashishandcameupontheringhehadpickedupand
forgotten:WhathaveIgotinmypocket?ThisGollumfailedtoanswer,thoughhedemandedthreeguesses.
TheAuthorities,itistrue,differwhetherthislastquestionwasamere‘question’andnota‘riddle’accordingtothestrictrulesoftheGame;butallagreethat,afteracceptingitandtryingtoguesstheanswer,Gollumwasboundbyhispromise.
AndBilbopressedhimtokeephisword;forthethoughtcametohimthatthisslimycreaturemightprovefalse,eventhoughsuchpromiseswereheldsacred,andofoldallbutthewickedestthingsfearedtobreakthem.ButafteragesaloneinthedarkGollum’sheartwasblack,andtreacherywasinit.Heslippedaway,andreturnedtohisisland,ofwhichBilbo
knewnothing,notfaroffinthedarkwater.There,hethought,layhisring.Hewashungrynow,andangry,andoncehis‘Precious’waswithhimhewouldnotfearanyweaponatall.
Buttheringwasnotontheisland;hehadlostit,itwasgone.HisscreechsentashiverdownBilbo’sback,thoughhedidnotyetunderstandwhathad
happened.ButGollumhadatlastleapedtoaguess,toolate.Whathasitgotinitspocketses?hecried.Thelightinhiseyeswaslikeagreenflameashespedbacktomurderthehobbitandrecoverhis‘Precious’.JustintimeBilbosawhisperil,andhefledblindlyupthepassageawayfromthewater;andoncemorehewassavedbyhisluck.Forasheranheput
hishandinhispocket,andtheringslippedquietlyontohisfinger.SoitwasthatGollumpassedhimwithoutseeinghim,andwenttoguardthewayout,lestthe‘thief’shouldescape.WarilyBilbofollowedhim,ashewentalong,cursing,andtalkingtohimselfabouthis‘Precious’;fromwhichtalkatlastevenBilboguessedthetruth,andhopecametohiminthe
darkness:hehimselfhadfoundthemarvellousringandachanceofescapefromtheorcsandfromGollum.
Atlengththeycametoahaltbeforeanunseenopeningthatledtothelowergatesofthemines,ontheeastwardsideofthemountains.ThereGollumcrouchedatbay,smellingandlistening;andBilbowastemptedtoslayhimwithhissword.Butpity
stayedhim,andthoughhekeptthering,inwhichhisonlyhopelay,hewouldnotuseittohelphimkillthewretchedcreatureatadisadvantage.Intheend,gatheringhiscourage,heleapedoverGolluminthedark,andfledawaydownthepassage,pursuedbyhisenemy’scriesofhateanddespair:Thief,thief!Baggins!Wehatesitforever!
NowitisacuriousfactthatthisisnotthestoryasBilbofirsttoldittohiscompanions.TothemhisaccountwasthatGollumhadpromisedtogivehimapresent,ifhewonthegame;butwhenGollumwenttofetchitfromhisislandhefoundthetreasurewasgone:amagicring,whichhadbeengiventohimlongagoonhisbirthday.Bilboguessedthat
thiswastheveryringthathehadfound,andashehadwonthegame,itwasalreadyhisbyright.Butbeinginatightplace,hesaidnothingaboutit,andmadeGollumshowhimthewayout,asarewardinsteadofapresent.ThisaccountBilbosetdowninhismemoirs,andheseemsnevertohavealteredithimself,notevenaftertheCouncilofElrond.Evidentlyitstill
appearedintheoriginalRedBook,asitdidinseveralofthecopiesandabstracts.Butmanycopiescontainthetrueaccount(asanalternative),derivednodoubtfromnotesbyFrodoorSamwise,bothofwhomlearnedthetruth,thoughtheyseemtohavebeenunwillingtodeleteanythingactuallywrittenbytheoldhobbithimself.
Gandalf,however,
disbelievedBilbo’sfirststory,assoonasheheardit,andhecontinuedtobeverycuriousaboutthering.EventuallyhegotthetruetaleoutofBilboaftermuchquestioning,whichforawhilestrainedtheirfriendship;butthewizardseemedtothinkthetruthimportant.ThoughhedidnotsaysotoBilbo,healsothoughtitimportant,and
disturbing,tofindthatthegoodhobbithadnottoldthetruthfromthefirst:quitecontrarytohishabit.Theideaofa‘present’wasnotmerehobbitlikeinvention,allthesame.ItwassuggestedtoBilbo,asheconfessed,byGollum’stalkthatheoverheard;forGollumdid,infact,calltheringhis‘birthday-present’,manytimes.ThatalsoGandalf
thoughtstrangeandsuspicious;buthedidnotdiscoverthetruthinthispointformanymoreyears,aswillbeseeninthisbook.
OfBilbo’slateradventureslittlemoreneedbesaidhere.Withthehelpoftheringheescapedfromtheorc-guardsatthegateandrejoinedhiscompanions.He
usedtheringmanytimesonhisquest,chieflyforthehelpofhisfriends;buthekeptitsecretfromthemaslongashecould.Afterhisreturntohishomeheneverspokeofitagaintoanyone,saveGandalfandFrodo;andnooneelseintheShireknewofitsexistence,orsohebelieved.OnlytoFrododidheshowtheaccountofhisJourneythathewaswriting.
Hissword,Sting,Bilbohungoverhisfireplace,andhiscoatofmarvellousmail,thegiftoftheDwarvesfromtheDragon-hoard,helenttoamuseum,totheMichelDelvingMathom-houseinfact.ButhekeptinadraweratBagEndtheoldcloakandhoodthathehadwornonhistravels;andthering,securedbyafinechain,remainedinhispocket.
HereturnedtohishomeatBagEndonJunethe22ndinhisfifty-secondyear(S.R.1342),andnothingverynotableoccurredintheShireuntilMr.Bagginsbeganthepreparationsforthecelebrationofhishundred-and-eleventhbirthday(S.R.1401).AtthispointthisHistorybegins.
NOTEONTHESHIRERECORDS
AttheendoftheThirdAgethepartplayedbytheHobbitsinthegreateventsthatledtotheinclusionoftheShireintheReunitedKingdomawakenedamongthemamorewidespreadinterestintheirownhistory;andmanyoftheirtraditions,uptothattimestillmainlyoral,werecollectedandwrittendown.Thegreaterfamilieswerealsoconcernedwitheventsinthe
Kingdomatlarge,andmanyoftheirmembersstudieditsancienthistoriesandlegends.BytheendofthefirstcenturyoftheFourthAgetherewerealreadytobefoundintheShireseverallibrariesthatcontainedmanyhistoricalbooksandrecords.
ThelargestofthesecollectionswereprobablyatUnder-towers,atGreatSmials,andatBrandyHall.
ThisaccountoftheendoftheThirdAgeisdrawnmainlyfromtheRedBookofWestmarch.ThatmostimportantsourceforthehistoryoftheWaroftheRingwassocalledbecauseitwaslongpreservedatUndertowers,thehomeoftheFairbairns,WardensoftheWestmarch.*ItwasinoriginBilbo’sprivatediary,whichhetookwithhimto
Rivendell.FrodobroughtitbacktotheShire,togetherwithmanylooseleavesofnotes,andduringS.R.1420–1henearlyfilleditspageswithhisaccountoftheWar.Butannexedtoitandpreservedwithit,probablyinasingleredcase,werethethreelargevolumes,boundinredleather,thatBilbogavetohimasapartinggift.Tothesefourvolumestherewasadded
inWestmarchafifthcontainingcommentaries,genealogies,andvariousothermatterconcerningthehobbitmembersoftheFellowship.
TheoriginalRedBookhasnotbeenpreserved,butmanycopiesweremade,especiallyofthefirstvolume,fortheuseofthedescendantsofthechildrenofMasterSamwise.Themostimportant
copy,however,hasadifferenthistory.ItwaskeptatGreatSmials,butitwaswritteninGondor,probablyattherequestofthegreat-grandsonofPeregrin,andcompletedinS.R.1592(F.A.172).Itssouthernscribeappendedthisnote:Findegil,King’sWriter,finishedthisworkinIV172.ItisanexactcopyinalldetailsoftheThain’sBookinMinasTirith.
Thatbookwasacopy,madeattherequestofKingElessar,oftheRedBookofthePeriannath,andwasbroughttohimbytheThainPeregrinwhenheretiredtoGondorinIV64.
TheThain’sBookwasthusthefirstcopymadeoftheRedBookandcontainedmuchthatwaslateromittedorlost.InMinasTirithitreceivedmuchannotation,
andmanycorrections,especiallyofnames,words,andquotationsintheElvishlanguages;andtherewasaddedtoitanabbreviatedversionofthosepartsofTheTaleofAragornandArwenwhichlieoutsidetheaccountoftheWar.ThefulltaleisstatedtohavebeenwrittenbyBarahir,grandsonoftheStewardFaramir,sometimeafterthepassingoftheKing.
ButthechiefimportanceofFindegil’scopyisthatitalonecontainsthewholeofBilbo’s‘TranslationsfromtheElvish’.Thesethreevolumeswerefoundtobeaworkofgreatskillandlearninginwhich,between1403and1418,hehadusedallthesourcesavailabletohiminRivendell,bothlivingandwritten.ButsincetheywerelittleusedbyFrodo,
beingalmostentirelyconcernedwiththeElderDays,nomoreissaidofthemhere.
SinceMeriadocandPeregrinbecametheheadsoftheirgreatfamilies,andatthesametimekeptuptheirconnexionswithRohanandGondor,thelibrariesatBuckleburyandTuckboroughcontainedmuchthatdidnotappearintheRedBook.In
BrandyHallthereweremanyworksdealingwithEriadorandthehistoryofRohan.SomeofthesewerecomposedorbegunbyMeriadochimself,thoughintheShirehewaschieflyrememberedforhisHerbloreoftheShire,andforhisReckoningofYearsinwhichhediscussedtherelationofthecalendarsoftheShireandBreetothoseofRivendell,
Gondor,andRohan.HealsowroteashorttreatiseonOldWordsandNamesintheShire,showingspecialinterestindiscoveringthekinshipwiththelanguageoftheRohirrimofsuch‘shire-words’asmathomandoldelementsinplacenames.
AtGreatSmialsthebookswereoflessinteresttoShire-folk,thoughmoreimportantforlargerhistory.Noneof
themwaswrittenbyPeregrin,butheandhissuccessorscollectedmanymanuscriptswrittenbyscribesofGondor:mainlycopiesorsummariesofhistoriesorlegendsrelatingtoElendilandhisheirs.OnlyhereintheShireweretobefoundextensivematerialsforthehistoryofNúmenorandthearisingofSauron.ItwasprobablyatGreatSmialsthatTheTaleof
Years*wasputtogether,withtheassistanceofmaterialcollectedbyMeriadoc.Thoughthedatesgivenareoftenconjectural,especiallyfortheSecondAge,theydeserveattention.ItisprobablethatMeriadocobtainedassistanceandinformationfromRivendell,whichhevisitedmorethanonce.There,thoughElrondhaddeparted,hissonslong
remained,togetherwithsomeoftheHigh-elvenfolk.ItissaidthatCelebornwenttodwellthereafterthedepartureofGaladriel;butthereisnorecordofthedaywhenatlasthesoughttheGreyHavens,andwithhimwentthelastlivingmemoryoftheElderDaysinMiddle-earth.
BOOKONE
Chapter1
ALONG-EXPECTEDPARTY
WhenMr.BilboBagginsofBagEndannouncedthathewouldshortlybecelebratinghiseleventy-firstbirthday
withapartyofspecialmagnificence,therewasmuchtalkandexcitementinHobbiton.
Bilbowasveryrichandverypeculiar,andhadbeenthewonderoftheShireforsixtyyears,eversincehisremarkabledisappearanceandunexpectedreturn.Thericheshehadbroughtbackfromhistravelshadnowbecomealocallegend,andit
waspopularlybelieved,whatevertheoldfolkmightsay,thattheHillatBagEndwasfulloftunnelsstuffedwithtreasure.Andifthatwasnotenoughforfame,therewasalsohisprolongedvigourtomarvelat.Timeworeon,butitseemedtohavelittleeffectonMr.Baggins.Atninetyhewasmuchthesameasatfifty.Atninety-ninetheybegantocallhimwell-
preserved;butunchangedwouldhavebeennearerthemark.Thereweresomethatshooktheirheadsandthoughtthiswastoomuchofagoodthing;itseemedunfairthatanyoneshouldpossess(apparently)perpetualyouthaswellas(reputedly)inexhaustiblewealth.
‘Itwillhavetobepaidfor,’theysaid.‘Itisn’tnatural,andtroublewillcome
ofit!’
Butsofartroublehadnotcome;andasMr.Bagginswasgenerouswithhismoney,mostpeoplewerewillingtoforgivehimhisodditiesandhisgoodfortune.Heremainedonvisitingtermswithhisrelatives(except,ofcourse,theSackville-Bagginses),andhehadmany
devotedadmirersamongthehobbitsofpoorandunimportantfamilies.Buthehadnoclosefriends,untilsomeofhisyoungercousinsbegantogrowup.
Theeldestofthese,andBilbo’sfavourite,wasyoungFrodoBaggins.WhenBilbowasninety-nineheadoptedFrodoashisheir,andbroughthimtoliveatBagEnd;andthehopesoftheSackville-
Bagginseswerefinallydashed.BilboandFrodohappenedtohavethesamebirthday,September22nd.‘Youhadbettercomeandlivehere,Frodomylad,’saidBilbooneday;‘andthenwecancelebrateourbirthday-partiescomfortablytogether.’AtthattimeFrodowasstillinhistweens,asthehobbitscalledtheirresponsibletwentiesbetweenchildhood
andcomingofageatthirty-three.
Twelvemoreyearspassed.EachyeartheBagginseshadgivenverylivelycombinedbirthday-partiesatBagEnd;butnowitwasunderstoodthatsomethingquiteexceptionalwasbeingplannedforthatautumn.Bilbowasgoingto
beeleventy-one,111,arathercuriousnumber,andaveryrespectableageforahobbit(theOldTookhimselfhadonlyreached130);andFrodowasgoingtobethirty-three,33,animportantnumber:thedateofhis‘comingofage’.
TonguesbegantowaginHobbitonandBywater;andrumourofthecomingeventtravelledallovertheShire.Thehistoryandcharacterof
Mr.BilboBagginsbecameonceagainthechieftopicofconversation;andtheolderfolksuddenlyfoundtheirreminiscencesinwelcomedemand.
NoonehadamoreattentiveaudiencethanoldHamGamgee,commonlyknownastheGaffer.HeheldforthatTheIvyBush,asmallinnontheBywaterroad;andhespokewithsomeauthority,
forhehadtendedthegardenatBagEndforfortyyears,andhadhelpedoldHolmaninthesamejobbeforethat.Nowthathewashimselfgrowingoldandstiffinthejoints,thejobwasmainlycarriedonbyhisyoungestson,SamGamgee.BothfatherandsonwereonveryfriendlytermswithBilboandFrodo.TheylivedontheHillitself,inNumber3BagshotRowjust
belowBagEnd.‘Averynicewell-spoken
gentlehobbitisMr.Bilbo,asI’vealwayssaid,’theGafferdeclared.Withperfecttruth:forBilbowasverypolitetohim,callinghim‘MasterHamfast’,andconsultinghimconstantlyuponthegrowingofvegetables–inthematterof‘roots’,especiallypotatoes,theGafferwasrecognizedastheleadingauthoritybyallin
theneighbourhood(includinghimself).
‘ButwhataboutthisFrodothatliveswithhim?’askedOldNoakesofBywater.‘Bagginsishisname,buthe’smorethanhalfaBrandybuck,theysay.ItbeatsmewhyanyBagginsofHobbitonshouldgolookingforawifeawaythereinBuckland,wherefolksaresoqueer.’
‘Andnowonderthey’requeer,’putinDaddyTwofoot(theGaffer’snext-doorneighbour),‘iftheyliveonthewrongsideoftheBrandywineRiver,andrightagintheOldForest.That’sadarkbadplace,ifhalfthetalesbetrue.’
‘You’reright,Dad!’saidtheGaffer.‘NotthattheBrandybucksofBucklandliveintheOldForest;but
they’reaqueerbreed,seemingly.Theyfoolaboutwithboatsonthatbigriver–andthatisn’tnatural.Smallwonderthattroublecameofit,Isay.Butbethatasitmay,Mr.Frodoisasniceayounghobbitasyoucouldwishtomeet.VerymuchlikeMr.Bilbo,andinmorethanlooks.AfterallhisfatherwasaBaggins.AdecentrespectablehobbitwasMr.
DrogoBaggins;therewasnevermuchtotellofhim,tillhewasdrownded.’
‘Drownded?’saidseveralvoices.Theyhadheardthisandotherdarkerrumoursbefore,ofcourse;buthobbitshaveapassionforfamilyhistory,andtheywerereadytohearitagain.
‘Well,sotheysay,’saidtheGaffer.‘Yousee:Mr.Drogo,hemarriedpoorMiss
PrimulaBrandybuck.ShewasourMr.Bilbo’sfirstcousinonthemother’sside(hermotherbeingtheyoungestoftheOldTook’sdaughters);andMr.Drogowashissecondcousin.SoMr.Frodoishisfirstandsecondcousin,onceremovedeitherway,asthesayingis,ifyoufollowme.AndMr.DrogowasstayingatBrandyHallwithhisfather-in-law,
oldMasterGorbadoc,asheoftendidafterhismarriage(himbeingpartialtohisvittles,andoldGorbadockeepingamightygeneroustable);andhewentoutboatingontheBrandywineRiver;andheandhiswifeweredrownded,andpoorMr.Frodoonlyachildandall.’
‘I’veheardtheywentonthewaterafterdinnerinthemoonlight,’saidOldNoakes;
‘anditwasDrogo’sweightassunktheboat.’
‘AndIheardshepushedhimin,andhepulledherinafterhim,’saidSandyman,theHobbitonmiller.
‘Youshouldn’tlistentoallyouhear,Sandyman,’saidtheGaffer,whodidnotmuchlikethemiller.‘Thereisn’tnocalltogotalkingofpushingandpulling.Boatsarequitetrickyenoughforthosethat
sitstillwithoutlookingfurtherforthecauseoftrouble.Anyway:therewasthisMr.Frodoleftanorphanandstranded,asyoumightsay,amongthosequeerBucklanders,beingbroughtupanyhowinBrandyHall.Aregularwarren,byallaccounts.OldMasterGorbadocneverhadfewerthanacoupleofhundredrelationsintheplace.Mr.
Bilboneverdidakinderdeedthanwhenhebroughttheladbacktoliveamongdecentfolk.
‘ButIreckonitwasanastyknockforthoseSackville-Bagginses.TheythoughttheyweregoingtogetBagEnd,thattimewhenhewentoffandwasthoughttobedead.Andthenhecomesbackandordersthemoff;andhegoesonlivingand
living,andneverlookingadayolder,blesshim!Andsuddenlyheproducesanheir,andhasallthepapersmadeoutproper.TheSackville-Bagginseswon’tneverseetheinsideofBagEndnow,oritistobehopednot.’
‘There’satidybitofmoneytuckedawayupthere,Iheartell,’saidastranger,avisitoronbusinessfromMichelDelvinginthe
Westfarthing.‘Allthetopofyourhillisfulloftunnelspackedwithchestsofgoldandsilver,andjools,bywhatI’veheard.’
‘Thenyou’veheardmorethanIcanspeakto,’answeredtheGaffer.‘Iknownothingaboutjools.Mr.Bilboisfreewithhismoney,andthereseemsnolackofit;butIknowofnotunnel-making.IsawMr.Bilbo
whenhecameback,amatterofsixtyyearsago,whenIwasalad.I’dnotlongcomeprenticetooldHolman(himbeingmydad’scousin),buthehadmeupatBagEndhelpinghimtokeepfolksfromtramplingandtrapessingalloverthegardenwhilethesalewason.AndinthemiddleofitallMr.BilbocomesuptheHillwithaponyandsomemightybigbags
andacoupleofchests.Idon’tdoubttheyweremostlyfulloftreasurehehadpickedupinforeignparts,wheretherebemountainsofgold,theysay;buttherewasn’tenoughtofilltunnels.ButmyladSamwillknowmoreaboutthat.He’sinandoutofBagEnd.Crazyaboutstoriesoftheolddays,heis,andhelistenstoallMr.Bilbo’stales.Mr.Bilbohaslearnedhimhis
letters–meaningnoharm,markyou,andIhopenoharmwillcomeofit.
‘ElvesandDragons!Isaystohim.Cabbagesandpotatoesarebetterformeandyou.Don’tgogettingmixedupinthebusinessofyourbetters,oryou’lllandintroubletoobigforyou,Isaystohim.AndImightsayittoothers,’headdedwithalookatthestrangerandthemiller.
ButtheGafferdidnotconvincehisaudience.ThelegendofBilbo’swealthwasnowtoofirmlyfixedinthemindsoftheyoungergenerationofhobbits.
‘Ah,buthehaslikelyenoughbeenaddingtowhathebroughtatfirst,’arguedthemiller,voicingcommonopinion.‘He’softenawayfromhome.Andlookattheoutlandishfolkthatvisithim:
dwarvescomingatnight,andthatoldwanderingconjuror,Gandalf,andall.Youcansaywhatyoulike,Gaffer,butBagEnd’saqueerplace,anditsfolkarequeerer.’
‘Andyoucansaywhatyoulike,aboutwhatyouknownomoreofthanyoudoofboating,Mr.Sandyman,’retortedtheGaffer,dislikingthemillerevenmorethanusual.‘Ifthat’sbeingqueer,
thenwecoulddowithabitmorequeernessintheseparts.There’ssomenotfarawaythatwouldn’tofferapintofbeertoafriend,iftheylivedinaholewithgoldenwalls.ButtheydothingsproperatBagEnd.OurSamsaysthateveryone’sgoingtobeinvitedtotheparty,andthere’sgoingtobepresents,markyou,presentsforall–thisverymonthasis.’
ThatverymonthwasSeptember,andasfineasyoucouldask.Adayortwolaterarumour(probablystartedbytheknowledgeableSam)wasspreadaboutthatthereweregoingtobefireworks–fireworks,whatismore,suchashadnotbeenseenintheShirefornighonacentury,notindeedsincetheOldTookdied.
DayspassedandTheDay
drewnearer.Anodd-lookingwaggonladenwithodd-lookingpackagesrolledintoHobbitononeeveningandtoileduptheHilltoBagEnd.Thestartledhobbitspeeredoutoflamplitdoorstogapeatit.Itwasdrivenbyoutlandishfolk,singingstrangesongs:dwarveswithlongbeardsanddeephoods.AfewofthemremainedatBagEnd.Attheendofthesecondweekin
SeptemberacartcameinthroughBywaterfromthedirectionofBrandywineBridgeinbroaddaylight.Anoldmanwasdrivingitallalone.Heworeatallpointedbluehat,alonggreycloak,andasilverscarf.Hehadalongwhitebeardandbushyeyebrowsthatstuckoutbeyondthebrimofhishat.Smallhobbit-childrenranafterthecartallthrough
Hobbitonandrightupthehill.Ithadacargooffireworks,astheyrightlyguessed.AtBilbo’sfrontdoortheoldmanbegantounload:thereweregreatbundlesoffireworksofallsortsandshapes,eachlabelledwithalargeredGandtheelf-rune, .
ThatwasGandalf’smark,ofcourse,andtheoldmanwasGandalftheWizard,
whosefameintheShirewasduemainlytohisskillwithfires,smokes,andlights.Hisrealbusinesswasfarmoredifficultanddangerous,buttheShire-folkknewnothingaboutit.Tothemhewasjustoneofthe‘attractions’attheParty.Hencetheexcitementofthehobbit-children.‘GforGrand!’theyshouted,andtheoldmansmiled.Theyknewhimbysight,thoughheonly
appearedinHobbitonoccasionallyandneverstoppedlong;butneithertheynoranybuttheoldestoftheireldershadseenoneofhisfireworkdisplays–theynowbelongedtoalegendarypast.
Whentheoldman,helpedbyBilboandsomedwarves,hadfinishedunloading,Bilbogaveafewpenniesaway;butnotasinglesquiborcrackerwasforthcoming,tothe
disappointmentoftheonlookers.
‘Runawaynow!’saidGandalf.‘Youwillgetplentywhenthetimecomes.’ThenhedisappearedinsidewithBilbo,andthedoorwasshut.Theyounghobbitsstaredatthedoorinvainforawhile,andthenmadeoff,feelingthatthedayofthepartywouldnevercome.
InsideBagEnd,BilboandGandalfweresittingattheopenwindowofasmallroomlookingoutwestontothegarden.Thelateafternoonwasbrightandpeaceful.Theflowersglowedredandgolden:snap-dragonsandsunflowers,andnasturtianstrailingallovertheturfwallsandpeepinginattheroundwindows.
‘Howbrightyourgarden
looks!’saidGandalf.‘Yes,’saidBilbo.‘Iam
veryfondindeedofit,andofallthedearoldShire;butIthinkIneedaholiday.’
‘Youmeantogoonwithyourplanthen?’
‘Ido.Imadeupmymindmonthsago,andIhaven’tchangedit.’
‘Verywell.Itisnogoodsayinganymore.Sticktoyourplan–yourwholeplan,
mind–andIhopeitwillturnoutforthebest,foryou,andforallofus.’
‘Ihopeso.AnywayImeantoenjoymyselfonThursday,andhavemylittlejoke.’
‘Whowilllaugh,Iwonder?’saidGandalf,shakinghishead.
‘Weshallsee,’saidBilbo.
ThenextdaymorecartsrolleduptheHill,andstillmorecarts.Theremighthavebeensomegrumblingabout‘dealinglocally’,butthatveryweekordersbegantopouroutofBagEndforeverykindofprovision,commodity,orluxurythatcouldbeobtainedinHobbitonorBywateroranywhereintheneighbourhood.People
becameenthusiastic;andtheybegantotickoffthedaysonthecalendar;andtheywatchedeagerlyforthepostman,hopingforinvitations.
Beforelongtheinvitationsbeganpouringout,andtheHobbitonpost-officewasblocked,andtheBywaterpost-officewassnowedunder,andvoluntaryassistantpostmenwerecalledfor.
TherewasaconstantstreamofthemgoinguptheHill,carryinghundredsofpolitevariationsonThankyou,Ishallcertainlycome.
AnoticeappearedonthegateatBagEnd:NOADMITTANCEEXCEPTONPARTYBUSINESS.Eventhosewhohad,orpretendedtohavePartyBusinesswereseldomallowedinside.Bilbowasbusy:writinginvitations,
tickingoffanswers,packinguppresents,andmakingsomeprivatepreparationsofhisown.FromthetimeofGandalf’sarrivalheremainedhiddenfromview.
Onemorningthehobbitswoketofindthelargefield,southofBilbo’sfrontdoor,coveredwithropesandpolesfortentsandpavilions.Aspecialentrancewascutintothebankleadingtotheroad,
andwidestepsandalargewhitegatewerebuiltthere.Thethreehobbit-familiesofBagshotRow,adjoiningthefield,wereintenselyinterestedandgenerallyenvied.OldGafferGamgeestoppedevenpretendingtoworkinhisgarden.
Thetentsbegantogoup.Therewasaspeciallylargepavilion,sobigthatthetreethatgrewinthefieldwas
rightinsideit,andstoodproudlynearoneend,attheheadofthechieftable.Lanternswerehungonallitsbranches.Morepromisingstill(tothehobbits’mind):anenormousopen-airkitchenwaserectedinthenorthcornerofthefield.Adraughtofcooks,fromeveryinnandeating-houseformilesaround,arrivedtosupplementthedwarvesandotherodd
folkthatwerequarteredatBagEnd.Excitementrosetoitsheight.
Thentheweathercloudedover.ThatwasonWednesdaytheeveoftheParty.Anxietywasintense.ThenThursday,Septemberthe22nd,actuallydawned.Thesungotup,thecloudsvanished,flagswereunfurledandthefunbegan.
BilboBagginscalleditaparty,butitwasreallya
varietyofentertainmentsrolledintoone.Practicallyeverybodylivingnearwasinvited.Averyfewwereoverlookedbyaccident,butastheyturnedupallthesame,thatdidnotmatter.ManypeoplefromotherpartsoftheShirewerealsoasked;andtherewereevenafewfromoutsidetheborders.Bilbomettheguests(andadditions)atthenewwhite
gateinperson.Hegaveawaypresentstoallandsundry–thelatterwerethosewhowentoutagainbyabackwayandcameinagainbythegate.Hobbitsgivepresentstootherpeopleontheirownbirthdays.Notveryexpensiveones,asarule,andnotsolavishlyasonthisoccasion;butitwasnotabadsystem.ActuallyinHobbitonandBywatereverydayintheyear
wassomebody’sbirthday,sothateveryhobbitinthosepartshadafairchanceofatleastonepresentatleastonceaweek.Buttheynevergottiredofthem.
Onthisoccasionthepresentswereunusuallygood.Thehobbit-childrenweresoexcitedthatforawhiletheyalmostforgotabouteating.Thereweretoysthelikeofwhichtheyhad
neverseenbefore,allbeautifulandsomeobviouslymagical.Manyofthemhadindeedbeenorderedayearbefore,andhadcomeallthewayfromtheMountainandfromDale,andwereofrealdwarf-make.
Wheneveryguesthadbeenwelcomedandwasfinallyinsidethegate,thereweresongs,dances,music,games,and,ofcourse,food
anddrink.Therewerethreeofficialmeals:lunch,tea,anddinner(orsupper).Butlunchandteaweremarkedchieflybythefactthatatthosetimesalltheguestsweresittingdownandeatingtogether.Atothertimesthereweremerelylotsofpeopleeatinganddrinking–continuouslyfromelevensesuntilsix-thirty,whenthefireworksstarted.
Thefireworkswereby
Gandalf:theywerenotonlybroughtbyhim,butdesignedandmadebyhim;andthespecialeffects,setpieces,andflightsofrocketswereletoffbyhim.Buttherewasalsoagenerousdistributionofsquibs,crackers,backarappers,sparklers,torches,dwarf-candles,elf-fountains,goblin-barkersandthunder-claps.Theywereallsuperb.TheartofGandalf
improvedwithage.Therewererocketslikea
flightofscintillatingbirdssingingwithsweetvoices.Thereweregreentreeswithtrunksofdarksmoke:theirleavesopenedlikeawholespringunfoldinginamoment,andtheirshiningbranchesdroppedglowingflowersdownupontheastonishedhobbits,disappearingwithasweet
scentjustbeforetheytouchedtheirupturnedfaces.Therewerefountainsofbutterfliesthatflewglitteringintothetrees;therewerepillarsofcolouredfiresthatroseandturnedintoeagles,orsailingships,oraphalanxofflyingswans;therewasaredthunderstormandashowerofyellowrain;therewasaforestofsilverspearsthatsprangsuddenlyintotheairwitha
yelllikeanembattledarmy,andcamedownagainintotheWaterwithahisslikeahundredhotsnakes.Andtherewasalsoonelastsurprise,inhonourofBilbo,anditstartledthehobbitsexceedingly,asGandalfintended.Thelightswentout.Agreatsmokewentup.Itshapeditselflikeamountainseeninthedistance,andbegantoglowatthesummit.
Itspoutedgreenandscarletflames.Outflewared-goldendragon–notlife-size,butterriblylife-like:firecamefromhisjaws,hiseyesglareddown;therewasaroar,andhewhizzedthreetimesovertheheadsofthecrowd.Theyallducked,andmanyfellflatontheirfaces.Thedragonpassedlikeanexpresstrain,turnedasomersault,andburstoverBywaterwitha
deafeningexplosion.‘Thatisthesignalfor
supper!’saidBilbo.Thepainandalarmvanishedatonce,andtheprostratehobbitsleapedtotheirfeet.Therewasasplendidsupperforeveryone;foreveryone,thatis,exceptthoseinvitedtothespecialfamilydinner-party.Thiswasheldinthegreatpavilionwiththetree.Theinvitationswerelimitedto
twelvedozen(anumberalsocalledbythehobbitsoneGross,thoughthewordwasnotconsideredpropertouseofpeople);andtheguestswereselectedfromallthefamiliestowhichBilboandFrodowererelated,withtheadditionofafewspecialunrelatedfriends(suchasGandalf).Manyyounghobbitswereincluded,andpresentbyparental
permission;forhobbitswereeasy-goingwiththeirchildreninthematterofsittinguplate,especiallywhentherewasachanceofgettingthemafreemeal.Bringingupyounghobbitstookalotofprovender.
ThereweremanyBagginsesandBoffins,andalsomanyTooksandBrandybucks;therewerevariousGrubbs(relationsof
BilboBaggins’grandmother),andvariousChubbs(connexionsofhisTookgrandfather);andaselectionofBurrowses,Bolgers,Bracegirdles,Brockhouses,Goodbodies,HornblowersandProudfoots.SomeofthesewereonlyverydistantlyconnectedwithBilbo,andsomehadhardlyeverbeeninHobbitonbefore,astheylivedinremotecornersofthe
Shire.TheSackville-Bagginseswerenotforgotten.OthoandhiswifeLobeliawerepresent.TheydislikedBilboanddetestedFrodo,butsomagnificentwastheinvitationcard,writteningoldenink,thattheyhadfeltitwasimpossibletorefuse.Besides,theircousin,Bilbo,hadbeenspecializinginfoodformanyyearsandhistablehadahighreputation.
Alltheonehundredandforty-fourguestsexpectedapleasantfeast;thoughtheyratherdreadedtheafter-dinnerspeechoftheirhost(aninevitableitem).Hewasliabletodraginbitsofwhathecalledpoetry;andsometimes,afteraglassortwo,wouldalludetotheabsurdadventuresofhismysteriousjourney.Theguestswerenotdisappointed:
theyhadaverypleasantfeast,infactanengrossingentertainment:rich,abundant,varied,andprolonged.Thepurchaseofprovisionsfellalmosttonothingthroughoutthedistrictintheensuingweeks;butasBilbo’scateringhaddepletedthestocksofmostofthestores,cellarsandwarehousesformilesaround,thatdidnotmattermuch.
Afterthefeast(moreor
less)cametheSpeech.Mostofthecompanywere,however,nowinatolerantmood,atthatdelightfulstagewhichtheycalled‘fillingupthecorners’.Theyweresippingtheirfavouritedrinks,andnibblingattheirfavouritedainties,andtheirfearswereforgotten.Theywerepreparedtolistentoanything,andtocheerateveryfullstop.
MydearPeople,beganBilbo,risinginhisplace.‘Hear!Hear!Hear!’theyshouted,andkeptonrepeatingitinchorus,seemingreluctanttofollowtheirownadvice.Bilbolefthisplaceandwentandstoodonachairundertheilluminatedtree.Thelightofthelanternsfellonhisbeamingface;thegoldenbuttonsshoneonhis
embroideredsilkwaistcoat.Theycouldallseehimstanding,wavingonehandintheair,theotherwasinhistrouser-pocket.
MydearBagginsesandBoffins,hebeganagain;andmydearTooksandBrandybucks,andGrubbs,andChubbs,andBurrowses,andHornblowers,andBolgers,Bracegirdles,Goodbodies,Brockhouses
andProudfoots.‘ProudFEET!’shoutedanelderlyhobbitfromthebackofthepavilion.Hisname,ofcourse,wasProudfoot,andwellmerited;hisfeetwerelarge,exceptionallyfurry,andbothwereonthetable.
Proudfoots,repeatedBilbo.AlsomygoodSackville-BagginsesthatIwelcomebackatlasttoBagEnd.Todayismyone
hundredandeleventhbirthday:Iameleventy-onetoday!‘Hurray!Hurray!ManyHappyReturns!’theyshouted,andtheyhammeredjoyouslyonthetables.Bilbowasdoingsplendidly.Thiswasthesortofstufftheyliked:shortandobvious.
IhopeyouareallenjoyingyourselvesasmuchasIam.Deafeningcheers.CriesofYes(andNo).Noises
oftrumpetsandhorns,pipesandflutes,andothermusicalinstruments.Therewere,ashasbeensaid,manyyounghobbitspresent.Hundredsofmusicalcrackershadbeenpulled.Mostofthemborethemarkdaleonthem;whichdidnotconveymuchtomostofthehobbits,buttheyallagreedtheyweremarvellouscrackers.Theycontainedinstruments,small,butof
perfectmakeandenchantingtones.Indeed,inonecornersomeoftheyoungTooksandBrandybucks,supposingUncleBilbotohavefinished(sincehehadplainlysaidallthatwasnecessary),nowgotupanimpromptuorchestra,andbeganamerrydance-tune.MasterEverardTookandMissMelilotBrandybuckgotonatableandwithbellsintheirhandsbegantodance
theSpringle-ring:aprettydance,butrathervigorous.
ButBilbohadnotfinished.Seizingahornfromayoungsternearby,heblewthreeloudhoots.Thenoisesubsided.Ishallnotkeepyoulong,hecried.Cheersfromalltheassembly.IhavecalledyoualltogetherforaPurpose.Somethinginthewaythathesaidthismadeanimpression.Therewasalmost
silence,andoneortwooftheTooksprickeduptheirears.
Indeed,forThreePurposes!Firstofall,totellyouthatIamimmenselyfondofyouall,andthateleventy-oneyearsistooshortatimetoliveamongsuchexcellentandadmirablehobbits.Tremendousoutburstofapproval.
Idon’tknowhalfofyouhalfaswellasIshouldlike;
andIlikelessthanhalfofyouhalfaswellasyoudeserve.Thiswasunexpectedandratherdifficult.Therewassomescatteredclapping,butmostofthemweretryingtoworkitoutandseeifitcametoacompliment.
Secondly,tocelebratemybirthday.Cheersagain.Ishouldsay:OURbirthday.Foritis,ofcourse,alsothebirthdayofmyheirand
nephew,Frodo.Hecomesofageandintohisinheritancetoday.Someperfunctoryclappingbytheelders;andsomeloudshoutsof‘Frodo!Frodo!JollyoldFrodo,’fromthejuniors.TheSackville-Bagginsesscowled,andwonderedwhatwasmeantby‘comingintohisinheritance’.
Togetherwescoreonehundredandforty-four.Yournumberswerechosentofit
thisremarkabletotal:OneGross,ifImayusetheexpression.Nocheers.Thiswasridiculous.Manyoftheguests,andespeciallytheSackville-Bagginses,wereinsulted,feelingsuretheyhadonlybeenaskedtofilluptherequirednumber,likegoodsinapackage.‘OneGross,indeed!Vulgarexpression.’
Itisalso,ifImaybeallowedtorefertoancient
history,theanniversaryofmyarrivalbybarrelatEsgarothontheLongLake;thoughthefactthatitwasmybirthdayslippedmymemoryonthatoccasion.Iwasonlyfifty-onethen,andbirthdaysdidnotseemsoimportant.Thebanquetwasverysplendid,however,thoughIhadabadcoldatthetime,Iremember,andcouldonlysay‘thagyouverybuch’.Inowrepeatit
morecorrectly:Thankyouverymuchforcomingtomylittleparty.Obstinatesilence.Theyallfearedthatasongorsomepoetrywasnowimminent;andtheyweregettingbored.Whycouldn’thestoptalkingandletthemdrinkhishealth?ButBilbodidnotsingorrecite.Hepausedforamoment.
Thirdlyandfinally,hesaid,Iwishtomakean
ANNOUNCEMENT.Hespokethislastwordsoloudlyandsuddenlythateveryonesatupwhostillcould.Iregrettoannouncethat–though,asIsaid,eleventy-oneyearsisfartooshortatimetospendamongyou–thisistheEND.Iamgoing.IamleavingNOW.GOOD-BYE!
Hesteppeddownand
vanished.Therewasablindingflashoflight,andtheguestsallblinked.WhentheyopenedtheireyesBilbowasnowheretobeseen.Onehundredandforty-fourflabbergastedhobbitssatbackspeechless.OldOdoProudfootremovedhisfeetfromthetableandstamped.Thentherewasadeadsilence,untilsuddenly,afterseveraldeepbreaths,every
Baggins,Boffin,Took,Brandybuck,Grubb,Chubb,Burrows,Bolger,Bracegirdle,Brockhouse,Goodbody,Hornblower,andProudfootbegantotalkatonce.
Itwasgenerallyagreedthatthejokewasinverybadtaste,andmorefoodanddrinkwereneededtocuretheguestsofshockandannoyance.‘He’smad.Ialwayssaidso,’wasprobably
themostpopularcomment.EventheTooks(withafewexceptions)thoughtBilbo’sbehaviourwasabsurd.Forthemomentmostofthemtookitforgrantedthathisdisappearancewasnothingmorethanaridiculousprank.
ButoldRoryBrandybuckwasnotsosure.Neitheragenoranenormousdinnerhadcloudedhiswits,andhesaidtohisdaughter-in-law,
Esmeralda:‘There’ssomethingfishyinthis,mydear!IbelievethatmadBagginsisoffagain.Sillyoldfool.Butwhyworry?Hehasn’ttakenthevittleswithhim.’HecalledloudlytoFrodotosendthewineroundagain.
Frodowastheonlyonepresentwhohadsaidnothing.ForsometimehehadsatsilentbesideBilbo’sempty
chair,andignoredallremarksandquestions.Hehadenjoyedthejoke,ofcourse,eventhoughhehadbeenintheknow.Hehaddifficultyinkeepingfromlaughterattheindignantsurpriseoftheguests.Butatthesametimehefeltdeeplytroubled:herealizedsuddenlythathelovedtheoldhobbitdearly.Mostoftheguestswentoneatinganddrinkingand
discussingBilboBaggins’oddities,pastandpresent;buttheSackville-Bagginseshadalreadydepartedinwrath.Frododidnotwanttohaveanymoretodowiththeparty.Hegaveordersformorewinetobeserved;thenhegotupanddrainedhisownglasssilentlytothehealthofBilbo,andslippedoutofthepavilion.
AsforBilboBaggins,evenwhilehewasmakinghisspeech,hehadbeenfingeringthegoldenringinhispocket:hismagicringthathehadkeptsecretforsomanyyears.Ashesteppeddownheslippeditonhisfinger,andhewasneverseenbyanyhobbitinHobbitonagain.
Hewalkedbrisklybacktohishole,andstoodforamomentlisteningwitha
smiletothedininthepavilion,andtothesoundsofmerrymakinginotherpartsofthefield.Thenhewentin.Hetookoffhispartyclothes,foldedupandwrappedintissue-paperhisembroideredsilkwaistcoat,andputitaway.Thenheputonquicklysomeolduntidygarments,andfastenedroundhiswaistawornleatherbelt.Onithehungashortswordina
batteredblack-leatherscabbard.Fromalockeddrawer,smellingofmoth-balls,hetookoutanoldcloakandhood.Theyhadbeenlockedupasiftheywereveryprecious,buttheyweresopatchedandweatherstainedthattheiroriginalcolourcouldhardlybeguessed:itmighthavebeendarkgreen.Theywererathertoolargeforhim.Hethenwentintohis
study,andfromalargestrong-boxtookoutabundlewrappedinoldcloths,andaleather-boundmanuscript;andalsoalargebulkyenvelope.Thebookandbundlehestuffedintothetopofaheavybagthatwasstandingthere,alreadynearlyfull.Intotheenvelopeheslippedhisgoldenring,anditsfinechain,andthensealedit,andaddressedittoFrodo.
Atfirstheputitonthemantelpiece,butsuddenlyheremoveditandstuckitinhispocket.AtthatmomentthedooropenedandGandalfcamequicklyin.
‘Hullo!’saidBilbo.‘Iwonderedifyouwouldturnup.’
‘Iamgladtofindyouvisible,’repliedthewizard,sittingdowninachair,‘Iwantedtocatchyouandhave
afewfinalwords.Isupposeyoufeelthateverythinghasgoneoffsplendidlyandaccordingtoplan?’
‘Yes,Ido,’saidBilbo.‘Thoughthatflashwassurprising:itquitestartledme,letalonetheothers.Alittleadditionofyourown,Isuppose?’
‘Itwas.Youhavewiselykeptthatringsecretalltheseyears,anditseemedtome
necessarytogiveyourguestssomethingelsethatwouldseemtoexplainyoursuddenvanishment.’
‘Andwouldspoilmyjoke.Youareaninterferingoldbusybody,’laughedBilbo,‘butIexpectyouknowbest,asusual.’
‘Ido–whenIknowanything.ButIdon’tfeeltoosureaboutthiswholeaffair.Ithasnowcometothefinal
point.Youhavehadyourjoke,andalarmedoroffendedmostofyourrelations,andgiventhewholeShiresomethingtotalkaboutforninedays,orninety-ninemorelikely.Areyougoinganyfurther?’
‘Yes,Iam.IfeelIneedaholiday,averylongholiday,asIhavetoldyoubefore.Probablyapermanentholiday:Idon’texpectIshall
return.Infact,Idon’tmeanto,andIhavemadeallarrangements.
‘Iamold,Gandalf.Idon’tlookit,butIambeginningtofeelitinmyheartofhearts.Well-preservedindeed!’hesnorted.‘Why,Ifeelallthin,sortofstretched,ifyouknowwhatImean:likebutterthathasbeenscrapedovertoomuchbread.Thatcan’tberight.Ineedachange,or
something.’Gandalflookedcuriously
andcloselyathim.‘No,itdoesnotseemright,’hesaidthoughtfully.‘No,afterallIbelieveyourplanisprobablythebest.’
‘Well,I’vemadeupmymind,anyway.Iwanttoseemountainsagain,Gandalf–mountains;andthenfindsomewherewhereIcanrest.Inpeaceandquiet,withouta
lotofrelativespryingaround,andastringofconfoundedvisitorshangingonthebell.ImightfindsomewherewhereIcanfinishmybook.Ihavethoughtofaniceendingforit:andhelivedhappilyeveraftertotheendofhisdays.’
Gandalflaughed.‘Ihopehewill.Butnobodywillreadthebook,howeveritends.’
‘Oh,theymay,inyearstocome.Frodohasreadsome
already,asfarasithasgone.You’llkeepaneyeonFrodo,won’tyou?’
‘Yes,Iwill–twoeyes,asoftenasIcansparethem.’
‘Hewouldcomewithme,ofcourse,ifIaskedhim.Infactheofferedtoonce,justbeforetheparty.Buthedoesnotreallywantto,yet.IwanttoseethewildcountryagainbeforeIdie,andtheMountains;butheisstillin
lovewiththeShire,withwoodsandfieldsandlittlerivers.Heoughttobecomfortablehere.Iamleavingeverythingtohim,ofcourse,exceptafewoddments.Ihopehewillbehappy,whenhegetsusedtobeingonhisown.It’stimehewashisownmasternow.’
‘Everything?’saidGandalf.‘Theringaswell?Youagreedtothat,you
remember.’‘Well,er,yes,Isuppose
so,’stammeredBilbo.‘Whereisit?’
‘Inanenvelope,ifyoumustknow,’saidBilboimpatiently.‘Thereonthemantelpiece.Well,no!Hereitisinmypocket!’Hehesitated.‘Isn’tthatoddnow?’hesaidsoftlytohimself.‘Yetafterall,whynot?Whyshouldn’titstay
there?’Gandalflookedagainvery
hardatBilbo,andtherewasagleaminhiseyes.‘Ithink,Bilbo,’hesaidquietly,‘Ishouldleaveitbehind.Don’tyouwantto?’
‘Wellyes–andno.Nowitcomestoit,Idon’tlikepartingwithitatall,Imaysay.AndIdon’treallyseewhyIshould.Whydoyouwantmeto?’heasked,anda
curiouschangecameoverhisvoice.Itwassharpwithsuspicionandannoyance.‘Youarealwaysbadgeringmeaboutmyring;butyouhaveneverbotheredmeabouttheotherthingsthatIgotonmyjourney.’
‘No,butIhadtobadgeryou,’saidGandalf.‘Iwantedthetruth.Itwasimportant.Magicringsare–well,magical;andtheyarerareand
curious.Iwasprofessionallyinterestedinyourring,youmaysay;andIstillam.Ishouldliketoknowwhereitis,ifyougowanderingagain.AlsoIthinkyouhavehaditquitelongenough.Youwon’tneeditanymore,Bilbo,unlessIamquitemistaken.’
Bilboflushed,andtherewasanangrylightinhiseyes.Hiskindlyfacegrewhard.‘Whynot?’hecried.‘And
whatbusinessisitofyours,anyway,toknowwhatIdowithmyownthings?Itismyown.Ifoundit.Itcametome.’
‘Yes,yes,’saidGandalf.‘Butthereisnoneedtogetangry.’
‘IfIamitisyourfault,’saidBilbo.‘Itismine,Itellyou.Myown.MyPrecious.Yes,myPrecious.’
Thewizard’sface
remainedgraveandattentive,andonlyaflickerinhisdeepeyesshowedthathewasstartledandindeedalarmed.‘Ithasbeencalledthatbefore,’hesaid,‘butnotbyyou.’
‘ButIsayitnow.Andwhynot?EvenifGollumsaidthesameonce.It’snothisnow,butmine.AndIshallkeepit,Isay.’
Gandalfstoodup.He
spokesternly.‘Youwillbeafoolifyoudo,Bilbo,’hesaid.‘Youmakethatclearerwitheverywordyousay.Ithasgotfartoomuchholdonyou.Letitgo!Andthenyoucangoyourself,andbefree.’
‘I’lldoasIchooseandgoasIplease,’saidBilboobstinately.
‘Now,now,mydearhobbit!’saidGandalf.‘Allyourlonglifewehavebeen
friends,andyouowemesomething.Come!Doasyoupromised:giveitup!’
‘Well,ifyouwantmyringyourself,sayso!’criedBilbo.‘Butyouwon’tgetit.Iwon’tgivemyPreciousaway,Itellyou.’Hishandstrayedtothehiltofhissmallsword.
Gandalf’seyesflashed.‘Itwillbemyturntogetangrysoon,’hesaid.‘Ifyousaythatagain,Ishall.Then
youwillseeGandalftheGreyuncloaked.’Hetookasteptowardsthehobbit,andheseemedtogrowtallandmenacing;hisshadowfilledthelittleroom.
Bilbobackedawaytothewall,breathinghard,hishandclutchingathispocket.Theystoodforawhilefacingoneanother,andtheairoftheroomtingled.Gandalf’seyesremainedbentonthehobbit.
Slowlyhishandsrelaxed,andhebegantotremble.
‘Idon’tknowwhathascomeoveryou,Gandalf,’hesaid.‘Youhaveneverbeenlikethisbefore.Whatisitallabout?Itismineisn’tit?Ifoundit,andGollumwouldhavekilledme,ifIhadn’tkeptit.I’mnotathief,whateverhesaid.’
‘Ihavenevercalledyouone,’Gandalfanswered.‘And
Iamnotoneeither.Iamnottryingtorobyou,buttohelpyou.Iwishyouwouldtrustme,asyouused.’Heturnedaway,andtheshadowpassed.Heseemedtodwindleagaintoanoldgreyman,bentandtroubled.
Bilbodrewhishandoverhiseyes.‘Iamsorry,’hesaid.‘ButIfeltsoqueer.Andyetitwouldbeareliefinawaynottobebotheredwithitany
more.Ithasbeensogrowingonmymindlately.SometimesIhavefeltitwaslikeaneyelookingatme.AndIamalwayswantingtoputitonanddisappear,don’tyouknow;orwonderingifitissafe,andpullingitouttomakesure.Itriedlockingitup,butIfoundIcouldn’trestwithoutitinmypocket.Idon’tknowwhy.AndIdon’tseemabletomakeupmy
mind.’‘Thentrustmine,’said
Gandalf.‘Itisquitemadeup.Goawayandleaveitbehind.Stoppossessingit.GiveittoFrodo,andIwilllookafterhim.’
Bilbostoodforamomenttenseandundecided.Presentlyhesighed.‘Allright,’hesaidwithaneffort.‘Iwill.’Thenheshruggedhisshoulders,andsmiledrather
ruefully.‘Afterallthat’swhatthispartybusinesswasallabout,really:togiveawaylotsofbirthday-presents,andsomehowmakeiteasiertogiveitawayatthesametime.Ithasn’tmadeitanyeasierintheend,butitwouldbeapitytowasteallmypreparations.Itwouldquitespoilthejoke.’
‘IndeeditwouldtakeawaytheonlypointIeversawintheaffair,’said
Gandalf.‘Verywell,’saidBilbo,‘it
goestoFrodowithalltherest.’Hedrewadeepbreath.‘AndnowIreallymustbestarting,orsomebodyelsewillcatchme.Ihavesaidgood-bye,andIcouldn’tbeartodoitalloveragain.’Hepickeduphisbagandmovedtothedoor.
‘Youhavestillgottheringinyourpocket,’saidthe
wizard.‘Well,soIhave!’cried
Bilbo.‘Andmywillandalltheotherdocumentstoo.Youhadbettertakeitanddeliveritforme.Thatwillbesafest.’
‘No,don’tgivetheringtome,’saidGandalf.‘Putitonthemantelpiece.Itwillbesafeenoughthere,tillFrodocomes.Ishallwaitforhim.’
Bilbotookouttheenvelope,butjustashewas
abouttosetitbytheclock,hishandjerkedback,andthepacketfellonthefloor.Beforehecouldpickitup,thewizardstoopedandseizeditandsetitinitsplace.Aspasmofangerpassedswiftlyoverthehobbit’sfaceagain.Suddenlyitgavewaytoalookofreliefandalaugh.
‘Well,that’sthat,’hesaid.‘NowI’moff!’
Theywentoutintothe
hall.Bilbochosehisfavouritestickfromthestand;thenhewhistled.Threedwarvescameoutofdifferentroomswheretheyhadbeenbusy.
‘Iseverythingready?’askedBilbo.‘Everythingpackedandlabelled?’
‘Everything,’theyanswered.
‘Well,let’sstartthen!’Hesteppedoutofthefront-door.
Itwasafinenight,andthe
blackskywasdottedwithstars.Helookedup,sniffingtheair.‘Whatfun!Whatfuntobeoffagain,offontheRoadwithdwarves!ThisiswhatIhavereallybeenlongingfor,foryears!Good-bye!’hesaid,lookingathisoldhomeandbowingtothedoor.‘Good-bye,Gandalf!’
‘Good-bye,forthepresent,Bilbo.Takecareofyourself!Youareoldenough,
andperhapswiseenough.’‘Takecare!Idon’tcare.
Don’tyouworryaboutme!IamashappynowasIhaveeverbeen,andthatissayingagreatdeal.Butthetimehascome.Iambeingsweptoffmyfeetatlast,’headded,andtheninalowvoice,asiftohimself,hesangsoftlyinthedark:
TheRoadgoesever
onandonDownfromthedoorwhereitbegan.
NowfaraheadtheRoadhasgone,AndImustfollow,ifIcan,
Pursuingitwitheagerfeet,Untilitjoinssomelargerway
Wheremanypaths
anderrandsmeet.Andwhitherthen?Icannotsay.
Hepaused,silentforamoment.Thenwithoutanotherwordheturnedawayfromthelightsandvoicesinthefieldandtents,andfollowedbyhisthreecompanionswentroundintohisgarden,andtrotteddownthelongslopingpath.He
jumpedoveralowplaceinthehedgeatthebottom,andtooktothemeadows,passingintothenightlikearustleofwindinthegrass.
Gandalfremainedforawhilestaringafterhimintothedarkness.‘Good-bye,mydearBilbo–untilournextmeeting!’hesaidsoftlyandwentbackindoors.
Frodocameinsoonafterwards,andfoundhimsittinginthedark,deepinthought.‘Hashegone?’heasked.
‘Yes,’answeredGandalf,‘hehasgoneatlast.’
‘Iwish–Imean,Ihopeduntilthiseveningthatitwasonlyajoke,’saidFrodo.‘ButIknewinmyheartthathereallymeanttogo.Healwaysusedtojokeaboutserious
things.IwishIhadcomebacksooner,justtoseehimoff.’
‘Ithinkreallyhepreferredslippingoffquietlyintheend,’saidGandalf.‘Don’tbetootroubled.He’llbeallright–now.Heleftapacketforyou.Thereitis!’
Frodotooktheenvelopefromthemantelpiece,andglancedatit,butdidnotopenit.
‘You’llfindhiswillandalltheotherdocumentsinthere,Ithink,’saidthewizard.‘YouarethemasterofBagEndnow.Andalso,Ifancy,you’llfindagoldenring.’
‘Thering!’exclaimedFrodo.‘Hasheleftmethat?Iwonderwhy.Still,itmaybeuseful.’
‘Itmay,anditmaynot,’saidGandalf.‘Ishouldnot
makeuseofit,ifIwereyou.Butkeepitsecret,andkeepitsafe!NowIamgoingtobed.’
AsmasterofBagEndFrodofeltithispainfuldutytosaygood-byetotheguests.Rumoursofstrangeeventshadbynowspreadalloverthefield,butFrodowouldonlysaynodoubteverythingwillbeclearedupinthe
morning.Aboutmidnightcarriagescamefortheimportantfolk.Onebyonetheyrolledaway,filledwithfullbutveryunsatisfiedhobbits.Gardenerscamebyarrangement,andremovedinwheelbarrowsthosethathadinadvertentlyremainedbehind.
Nightslowlypassed.Thesunrose.Thehobbitsroseratherlater.Morningwenton.
Peoplecameandbegan(byorders)toclearawaythepavilionsandthetablesandthechairs,andthespoonsandknivesandbottlesandplates,andthelanterns,andthefloweringshrubsinboxes,andthecrumbsandcracker-paper,theforgottenbagsandglovesandhandkerchiefs,andtheuneatenfood(averysmallitem).Thenanumberofotherpeoplecame(without
orders):Bagginses,andBoffins,andBolgers,andTooks,andothergueststhatlivedorwerestayingnear.Bymid-day,wheneventhebest-fedwereoutandaboutagain,therewasalargecrowdatBagEnd,uninvitedbutnotunexpected.
Frodowaswaitingonthestep,smiling,butlookingrathertiredandworried.Hewelcomedallthecallers,but
hehadnotmuchmoretosaythanbefore.Hisreplytoallinquirieswassimplythis:‘Mr.BilboBagginshasgoneaway;asfarasIknow,forgood.’Someofthevisitorsheinvitedtocomeinside,asBilbohadleft‘messages’forthem.
Insideinthehalltherewaspiledalargeassortmentofpackagesandparcelsandsmallarticlesoffurniture.On
everyitemtherewasalabeltied.Therewereseverallabelsofthissort:
ForADELARDTOOK,forhisVERYOWN,fromBilbo;onanumbrella.Adelardhadcarriedoffmanyunlabelledones.
ForDORABAGGINSinmemoryofaLONGcorrespondence,withlovefromBilbo;onalargewaste-paperbasket.Dorawas
Drogo’ssisterandtheeldestsurvivingfemalerelativeofBilboandFrodo;shewasninety-nine,andhadwrittenreamsofgoodadviceformorethanhalfacentury.
ForMILOBURROWS,hopingitwillbeuseful,fromB.B.;onagoldpenandink-bottle.Miloneveransweredletters.
ForANGELICA’Suse,fromUncleBilbo;onaround
convexmirror.ShewasayoungBaggins,andtooobviouslyconsideredherfaceshapely.
ForthecollectionofHUGOBRACEGIRDLE,fromacontributor;onan(empty)book-case.Hugowasagreatborrowerofbooks,andworsethanusualatreturningthem.
ForLOBELIASACKVILLE-BAGGINS,asa
PRESENT;onacaseofsilverspoons.Bilbobelievedthatshehadacquiredagoodmanyofhisspoons,whilehewasawayonhisformerjourney.Lobeliaknewthatquitewell.Whenshearrivedlaterintheday,shetookthepointatonce,butshealsotookthespoons.
Thisisonlyasmall
selectionoftheassembledpresents.Bilbo’sresidencehadgotratherclutteredupwiththingsinthecourseofhislonglife.Itwasatendencyofhobbit-holestogetclutteredup:forwhichthecustomofgivingsomanybirthday-presentswaslargelyresponsible.Not,ofcourse,thatthebirthday-presentswerealwaysnew;therewereoneortwooldmathomsof
forgottenusesthathadcirculatedallaroundthedistrict;butBilbohadusuallygivennewpresents,andkeptthosethathereceived.Theoldholewasnowbeingclearedalittle.
Everyoneofthevariouspartinggiftshadlabels,writtenoutpersonallybyBilbo,andseveralhadsomepoint,orsomejoke.But,ofcourse,mostofthethings
weregivenwheretheywouldbewantedandwelcome.Thepoorerhobbits,andespeciallythoseofBagshotRow,didverywell.OldGafferGamgeegottwosacksofpotatoes,anewspade,awoollenwaistcoat,andabottleofointmentforcreakingjoints.OldRoryBrandybuck,inreturnformuchhospitality,gotadozenbottlesofOldWinyards:a
strongredwinefromtheSouthfarthing,andnowquitemature,asithadbeenlaiddownbyBilbo’sfather.RoryquiteforgaveBilbo,andvotedhimacapitalfellowafterthefirstbottle.
TherewasplentyofeverythingleftforFrodo.And,ofcourse,allthechieftreasures,aswellasthebooks,pictures,andmorethanenoughfurniture,were
leftinhispossession.Therewas,however,nosignnormentionofmoneyorjewellery:notapenny-pieceoraglassbeadwasgivenaway.
Frodohadaverytryingtimethatafternoon.Afalserumourthatthewholehouseholdwasbeingdistributedfreespreadlike
wildfire;andbeforelongtheplacewaspackedwithpeoplewhohadnobusinessthere,butcouldnotbekeptout.Labelsgottornoffandmixed,andquarrelsbrokeout.Somepeopletriedtodoswapsanddealsinthehall;andotherstriedtomakeoffwithminoritemsnotaddressedtothem,orwithanythingthatseemedunwantedorunwatched.The
roadtothegatewasblockedwithbarrowsandhandcarts.
InthemiddleofthecommotiontheSackville-Bagginsesarrived.FrodohadretiredforawhileandlefthisfriendMerryBrandybucktokeepaneyeonthings.WhenOtholoudlydemandedtoseeFrodo,Merrybowedpolitely.
‘Heisindisposed,’hesaid.‘Heisresting.’
‘Hiding,youmean,’said
Lobelia.‘Anywaywewanttoseehimandwemeantoseehim.Justgoandtellhimso!’
Merryleftthemalongwhileinthehall,andtheyhadtimetodiscovertheirpartinggiftofspoons.Itdidnotimprovetheirtempers.Eventuallytheywereshownintothestudy.Frodowassittingatatablewithalotofpapersinfrontofhim.Helookedindisposed–tosee
Sackville-Bagginsesatanyrate;andhestoodup,fidgetingwithsomethinginhispocket.Buthespokequitepolitely.
TheSackville-Bagginseswereratheroffensive.Theybeganbyofferinghimbadbargain-prices(asbetweenfriends)forvariousvaluableandunlabelledthings.WhenFrodorepliedthatonlythethingsspeciallydirectedby
Bilbowerebeinggivenaway,theysaidthewholeaffairwasveryfishy.
‘Onlyonethingiscleartome,’saidOtho,‘andthatisthatyouaredoingexceedinglywelloutofit.Iinsistonseeingthewill.’
OthowouldhavebeenBilbo’sheir,butfortheadoptionofFrodo.Hereadthewillcarefullyandsnorted.Itwas,unfortunately,very
clearandcorrect(accordingtothelegalcustomsofhobbits,whichdemandamongotherthingssevensignaturesofwitnessesinredink).
‘Foiledagain!’hesaidtohiswife.‘Andafterwaitingsixtyyears.Spoons?Fiddlesticks!’HesnappedhisfingersunderFrodo’snoseandstumpedoff.ButLobeliawasnotsoeasilygotridof.A
littlelaterFrodocameoutofthestudytoseehowthingsweregoingon,andfoundherstillabouttheplace,investigatingnooksandcorners,andtappingthefloors.Heescortedherfirmlyoffthepremises,afterhehadrelievedherofseveralsmall(butrathervaluable)articlesthathadsomehowfalleninsideherumbrella.Herfacelookedasifshewasinthe
throesofthinkingoutareallycrushingpartingremark;butallshefoundtosay,turningroundonthestep,was:
‘You’lllivetoregretit,youngfellow!Whydidn’tyougotoo?Youdon’tbelonghere;you’renoBaggins–you–you’reaBrandybuck!’
‘Didyouhearthat,Merry?Thatwasaninsult,ifyoulike,’saidFrodoasheshutthedooronher.
‘Itwasacompliment,’saidMerryBrandybuck,‘andso,ofcourse,nottrue.’
Thentheywentroundthehole,andevictedthreeyounghobbits(twoBoffinsandaBolger)whowereknockingholesinthewallsofoneofthecellars.FrodoalsohadatusslewithyoungSanchoProudfoot(oldOdo
Proudfoot’sgrandson),whohadbegunanexcavationinthelargerpantry,wherehethoughttherewasanecho.ThelegendofBilbo’sgoldexcitedbothcuriosityandhope;forlegendarygold(mysteriouslyobtained,ifnotpositivelyill-gotten),is,aseveryoneknows,anyone’sforthefinding–unlessthesearchisinterrupted.
Whenhehadovercome
Sanchoandpushedhimout,Frodocollapsedonachairinthehall.‘It’stimetoclosetheshop,Merry,’hesaid.‘Lockthedoor,anddon’topenittoanyonetoday,noteveniftheybringabatteringram.’Thenhewenttorevivehimselfwithabelatedcupoftea.
Hehadhardlysatdown,whentherecameasoftknockatthefront-door.‘Lobelia
againmostlikely,’hethought.‘Shemusthavethoughtofsomethingreallynasty,andhavecomebackagaintosayit.Itcanwait.’
Hewentonwithhistea.Theknockwasrepeated,muchlouder,buthetooknonotice.Suddenlythewizard’sheadappearedatthewindow.
‘Ifyoudon’tletmein,Frodo,Ishallblowyourdoorrightdownyourholeandout
throughthehill,’hesaid.‘MydearGandalf!Halfa
minute!’criedFrodo,runningoutoftheroomtothedoor.‘Comein!Comein!IthoughtitwasLobelia.’
‘ThenIforgiveyou.ButIsawhersometimeago,drivingapony-traptowardsBywaterwithafacethatwouldhavecurdlednewmilk.’
‘Shehadalreadynearly
curdledme.Honestly,InearlytriedonBilbo’sring.Ilongedtodisappear.’
‘Don’tdothat!’saidGandalf,sittingdown.‘Dobecarefulofthatring,Frodo!Infact,itispartlyaboutthatthatIhavecometosayalastword.’
‘Well,whataboutit?’‘Whatdoyouknow
already?’‘OnlywhatBilbotoldme.
Ihaveheardhisstory:howhefoundit,andhowheusedit:onhisjourney,Imean.’
‘Whichstory,Iwonder,’saidGandalf.
‘Oh,notwhathetoldthedwarvesandputinhisbook,’saidFrodo.‘HetoldmethetruestorysoonafterIcametolivehere.Hesaidyouhadpesteredhimtillhetoldyou,soIhadbetterknowtoo.“Nosecretsbetweenus,Frodo,”
hesaid;“buttheyarenottogoanyfurther.It’smineanyway.”’
‘That’sinteresting,’saidGandalf.‘Well,whatdidyouthinkofitall?’
‘Ifyoumean,inventingallthatabouta“present”,well,Ithoughtthetruestorymuchmorelikely,andIcouldn’tseethepointofalteringitatall.ItwasveryunlikeBilbotodoso,anyway;andI
thoughtitratherodd.’‘SodidI.Butoddthings
mayhappentopeoplethathavesuchtreasures–iftheyusethem.Letitbeawarningtoyoutobeverycarefulwithit.Itmayhaveotherpowersthanjustmakingyouvanishwhenyouwishto.’
‘Idon’tunderstand,’saidFrodo.
‘NeitherdoI,’answeredthewizard.‘Ihavemerely
beguntowonderaboutthering,especiallysincelastnight.Noneedtoworry.Butifyoutakemyadviceyouwilluseitveryseldom,ornotatall.AtleastIbegyounottouseitinanywaythatwillcausetalkorrousesuspicion.Isayagain:keepitsafe,andkeepitsecret!’
‘Youareverymysterious!Whatareyouafraidof?’
‘Iamnotcertain,soIwill
saynomore.ImaybeabletotellyousomethingwhenIcomeback.Iamgoingoffatonce:sothisisgood-byeforthepresent.’Hegotup.
‘Atonce!’criedFrodo.‘Why,Ithoughtyouwerestayingonforatleastaweek.Iwaslookingforwardtoyourhelp.’
‘Ididmeanto–butIhavehadtochangemymind.Imaybeawayforagood
while;butI’llcomeandseeyouagain,assoonasIcan.Expectmewhenyouseeme!Ishallslipinquietly.Ishan’toftenbevisitingtheShireopenlyagain.IfindthatIhavebecomeratherunpopular.TheysayIamanuisanceandadisturberofthepeace.SomepeopleareactuallyaccusingmeofspiritingBilboaway,orworse.Ifyouwanttoknow,
thereissupposedtobeaplotbetweenyouandmetogetholdofhiswealth.’
‘Somepeople!’exclaimedFrodo.‘YoumeanOthoandLobelia.Howabominable!IwouldgivethemBagEndandeverythingelse,ifIcouldgetBilbobackandgoofftrampinginthecountrywithhim.IlovetheShire.ButIbegintowish,somehow,thatIhadgonetoo.IwonderifI
shalleverseehimagain.’‘SodoI,’saidGandalf.
‘AndIwondermanyotherthings.Good-byenow!Takecareofyourself!Lookoutforme,especiallyatunlikelytimes!Good-bye!’
Frodosawhimtothedoor.Hegaveafinalwaveofhishand,andwalkedoffatasurprisingpace;butFrodothoughttheoldwizardlookedunusuallybent,almostasif
hewascarryingagreatweight.Theeveningwasclosingin,andhiscloakedfigurequicklyvanishedintothetwilight.Frododidnotseehimagainforalongtime.
Chapter2
THESHADOWOFTHEPAST
Thetalkdidnotdiedowninnineorevenninety-ninedays.TheseconddisappearanceofMr.BilboBagginswas
discussedinHobbiton,andindeedallovertheShire,forayearandaday,andwasrememberedmuchlongerthanthat.Itbecameafireside-storyforyounghobbits;andeventuallyMadBaggins,whousedtovanishwithabangandaflashandreappearwithbagsofjewelsandgold,becameafavouritecharacteroflegendandlivedonlongafterallthetrue
eventswereforgotten.Butinthemeantime,the
generalopinionintheneighbourhoodwasthatBilbo,whohadalwaysbeenrathercracked,hadatlastgonequitemad,andhadrunoffintotheBlue.Therehehadundoubtedlyfallenintoapoolorariverandcometoatragic,buthardlyanuntimely,end.TheblamewasmostlylaidonGandalf.
‘IfonlythatdrattedwizardwillleaveyoungFrodoalone,perhapshe’llsettledownandgrowsomehobbit-sense,’theysaid.AndtoallappearancethewizarddidleaveFrodoalone,andhedidsettledown,butthegrowthofhobbit-sensewasnotverynoticeable.Indeed,heatoncebegantocarryonBilbo’sreputationforoddity.Herefusedtogointo
mourning;andthenextyearhegaveapartyinhonourofBilbo’shundred-and-twelfthbirthday,whichhecalledaHundred-weightFeast.Butthatwasshortofthemark,fortwentyguestswereinvitedandtherewereseveralmealsatwhichitsnowedfoodandraineddrink,ashobbitssay.
Somepeoplewererathershocked;butFrodokeptupthecustomofgivingBilbo’s
BirthdayPartyyearafteryearuntiltheygotusedtoit.HesaidthathedidnotthinkBilbowasdead.Whentheyasked:‘Whereishethen?’heshruggedhisshoulders.
Helivedalone,asBilbohaddone;buthehadagoodmanyfriends,especiallyamongtheyoungerhobbits(mostlydescendantsoftheOldTook)whohadaschildrenbeenfondofBilbo
andofteninandoutofBagEnd.FolcoBoffinandFredegarBolgerweretwoofthese;buthisclosestfriendswerePeregrinTook(usuallycalledPippin),andMerryBrandybuck(hisrealnamewasMeriadoc,butthatwasseldomremembered).FrodowenttrampingovertheShirewiththem;butmoreoftenhewanderedbyhimself,andtotheamazementofsensible
folkhewassometimesseenfarfromhomewalkinginthehillsandwoodsunderthestarlight.MerryandPippinsuspectedthathevisitedtheElvesattimes,asBilbohaddone.
Astimewenton,peoplebegantonoticethatFrodoalsoshowedsignsofgood‘preservation’:outwardlyhe
retainedtheappearanceofarobustandenergetichobbitjustoutofhistweens.‘Somefolkhavealltheluck,’theysaid;butitwasnotuntilFrodoapproachedtheusuallymoresoberageoffiftythattheybegantothinkitqueer.
Frodohimself,afterthefirstshock,foundthatbeinghisownmasterandtheMr.BagginsofBagEndwasratherpleasant.Forsome
yearshewasquitehappyanddidnotworrymuchaboutthefuture.ButhalfunknowntohimselftheregretthathehadnotgonewithBilbowassteadilygrowing.Hefoundhimselfwonderingattimes,especiallyintheautumn,aboutthewildlands,andstrangevisionsofmountainsthathehadneverseencameintohisdreams.Hebegantosaytohimself:‘PerhapsI
shallcrosstheRivermyselfoneday.’Towhichtheotherhalfofhismindalwaysreplied:‘Notyet.’
Soitwenton,untilhisfortieswererunningout,andhisfiftiethbirthdaywasdrawingnear:fiftywasanumberthathefeltwassomehowsignificant(orominous);itwasatanyrateatthatagethatadventurehadsuddenlybefallenBilbo.
Frodobegantofeelrestless,andtheoldpathsseemedtoowell-trodden.Helookedatmaps,andwonderedwhatlaybeyondtheiredges:mapsmadeintheShireshowedmostlywhitespacesbeyonditsborders.Hetooktowanderingfurtherafieldandmoreoftenbyhimself;andMerryandhisotherfriendswatchedhimanxiously.Oftenhewasseenwalkingand
talkingwiththestrangewayfarersthatbeganatthistimetoappearintheShire.
Therewererumoursofstrangethingshappeningintheworldoutside;andasGandalfhadnotatthattimeappearedorsentanymessageforseveralyears,Frodogatheredallthenewshecould.Elves,whoseldom
walkedintheShire,couldnowbeseenpassingwestwardthroughthewoodsintheevening,passingandnotreturning;buttheywereleavingMiddle-earthandwerenolongerconcernedwithitstroubles.Therewere,however,dwarvesontheroadinunusualnumbers.TheancientEast–WestRoadranthroughtheShiretoitsendattheGreyHavens,and
dwarveshadalwaysuseditontheirwaytotheirminesintheBlueMountains.Theywerethehobbits’chiefsourceofnewsfromdistantparts–iftheywantedany:asaruledwarvessaidlittleandhobbitsaskednomore.ButnowFrodooftenmetstrangedwarvesoffarcountries,seekingrefugeintheWest.Theyweretroubled,andsomespokeinwhispersofthe
EnemyandoftheLandofMordor.
Thatnamethehobbitsonlyknewinlegendsofthedarkpast,likeashadowinthebackgroundoftheirmemories;butitwasominousanddisquieting.ItseemedthattheevilpowerinMirkwoodhadbeendrivenoutbytheWhiteCouncilonlytoreappearingreaterstrengthintheold
strongholdsofMordor.TheDarkTowerhadbeenrebuilt,itwassaid.Fromtherethepowerwasspreadingfarandwide,andawayfareastandsouththerewerewarsandgrowingfear.Orcsweremultiplyingagaininthemountains.Trollswereabroad,nolongerdull-witted,butcunningandarmedwithdreadfulweapons.Andthereweremurmuredhintsof
creaturesmoreterriblethanallthese,buttheyhadnoname.
Littleofallthis,ofcourse,reachedtheearsofordinaryhobbits.Buteventhedeafestandmoststay-at-homebegantohearqueertales;andthosewhosebusinesstookthemtotheborderssawstrangethings.
TheconversationinTheGreenDragonatBywater,oneeveninginthespringofFrodo’sfiftiethyear,showedthateveninthecomfortableheartoftheShirerumourshadbeenheard,thoughmosthobbitsstilllaughedatthem.
SamGamgeewassittinginonecornernearthefire,andoppositehimwasTedSandyman,themiller’sson;andtherewerevariousother
rustichobbitslisteningtotheirtalk.
‘Queerthingsyoudohearthesedays,tobesure,’saidSam.
‘Ah,’saidTed,‘youdo,ifyoulisten.ButIcanhearfireside-talesandchildren’sstoriesathome,ifIwantto.’
‘Nodoubtyoucan,’retortedSam,‘andIdaresaythere’smoretruthinsomeofthemthanyoureckon.Who
inventedthestoriesanyway?Takedragonsnow.’
‘Nothank’ee,’saidTed,‘Iwon’t.IheardtellofthemwhenIwasayoungster,butthere’snocalltobelieveinthemnow.There’sonlyoneDragoninBywater,andthat’sGreen,’hesaid,gettingagenerallaugh.
‘Allright,’saidSam,laughingwiththerest.‘ButwhatabouttheseTree-men,
thesegiants,asyoumightcallthem?TheydosaythatonebiggerthanatreewasseenupawaybeyondtheNorthMoorsnotlongback.’
‘Who’sthey?’‘MycousinHalforone.
HeworksforMr.BoffinatOverhillandgoesuptotheNorthfarthingforthehunting.Hesawone.’
‘Sayshedid,perhaps.YourHal’salwayssaying
he’sseenthings;andmaybeheseesthingsthatain’tthere.’
‘Butthisonewasasbigasanelmtree,andwalking–walkingsevenyardstoastride,ifitwasaninch.’
‘ThenIbetitwasn’taninch.Whathesawwasanelmtree,aslikeasnot.’
‘Butthisonewaswalking,Itellyou;andthereain’tnoelmtreeontheNorthMoors.’
‘ThenHalcan’thaveseenone,’saidTed.Therewassomelaughingandclapping:theaudienceseemedtothinkthatTedhadscoredapoint.
‘Allthesame,’saidSam,‘youcan’tdenythatothersbesidesourHalfasthaveseenqueerfolkcrossingtheShire–crossingit,mindyou:therearemorethatareturnedbackattheborders.TheBoundershaveneverbeensobusy
before.‘AndI’veheardtellthat
Elvesaremovingwest.Theydosaytheyaregoingtotheharbours,outawaybeyondtheWhiteTowers.’Samwavedhisarmvaguely:neitherhenoranyofthemknewhowfaritwastotheSea,pasttheoldtowersbeyondthewesternbordersoftheShire.Butitwasanoldtraditionthatawayoverthere
stoodtheGreyHavens,fromwhichattimeselven-shipssetsail,nevertoreturn.
‘Theyaresailing,sailing,sailingovertheSea,theyaregoingintotheWestandleavingus,’saidSam,halfchantingthewords,shakinghisheadsadlyandsolemnly.ButTedlaughed.
‘Well,thatisn’tanythingnew,ifyoubelievetheoldtales.AndIdon’tseewhatit
matterstomeoryou.Letthemsail!ButIwarrantyouhaven’tseenthemdoingit;noranyoneelseintheShire.’
‘Well,Idon’tknow,’saidSamthoughtfully.HebelievedhehadonceseenanElfinthewoods,andstillhopedtoseemoreoneday.Ofallthelegendsthathehadheardinhisearlyyearssuchfragmentsoftalesandhalf-rememberedstoriesaboutthe
Elvesasthehobbitsknew,hadalwaysmovedhimmostdeeply.‘Therearesome,evenintheseparts,asknowtheFairFolkandgetnewsofthem,’hesaid.‘There’sMr.Bagginsnow,thatIworkfor.HetoldmethattheyweresailingandheknowsabitaboutElves.AndoldMr.Bilboknewmore:many’sthetalkIhadwithhimwhenIwasalittlelad.’
‘Oh,they’rebothcracked,’saidTed.‘LeastwaysoldBilbowascracked,andFrodo’scracking.Ifthat’swhereyougetyournewsfrom,you’llneverwantformoonshine.Well,friends,I’moffhome.Yourgoodhealth!’Hedrainedhismugandwentoutnoisily.
Samsatsilentandsaidnomore.Hehadagooddealto
thinkabout.Foronething,therewasalottodoupintheBagEndgarden,andhewouldhaveabusydaytomorrow,iftheweathercleared.Thegrasswasgrowingfast.ButSamhadmoreonhismindthangardening.Afterawhilehesighed,andgotupandwentout.
ItwasearlyAprilandtheskywasnowclearingafter
heavyrain.Thesunwasdown,andacoolpaleeveningwasquietlyfadingintonight.HewalkedhomeundertheearlystarsthroughHobbitonanduptheHill,whistlingsoftlyandthoughtfully.
ItwasjustatthistimethatGandalfreappearedafterhislongabsence.Forthreeyears
afterthePartyhehadbeenaway.ThenhepaidFrodoabriefvisit,andaftertakingagoodlookathimhewentoffagain.Duringthenextyearortwohehadturnedupfairlyoften,comingunexpectedlyafterdusk,andgoingoffwithoutwarningbeforesunrise.Hewouldnotdiscusshisownbusinessandjourneys,andseemedchieflyinterestedinsmallnews
aboutFrodo’shealthanddoings.
Thensuddenlyhisvisitshadceased.ItwasovernineyearssinceFrodohadseenorheardofhim,andhehadbeguntothinkthatthewizardwouldneverreturnandhadgivenupallinterestinhobbits.Butthatevening,asSamwaswalkinghomeandtwilightwasfading,therecametheoncefamiliartapon
thestudywindow.Frodowelcomedhisold
friendwithsurpriseandgreatdelight.Theylookedhardatoneanother.
‘Allwelleh?’saidGandalf.‘Youlookthesameasever,Frodo!’
‘Sodoyou,’Frodoreplied;butsecretlyhethoughtthatGandalflookedolderandmorecareworn.Hepressedhimfornewsof
himselfandofthewideworld,andsoontheyweredeepintalk,andtheystayedupfarintothenight.
Nextmorningafteralatebreakfast,thewizardwassittingwithFrodobytheopenwindowofthestudy.Abrightfirewasonthehearth,butthesunwaswarm,andthewindwasintheSouth.Everything
lookedfresh,andthenewgreenofspringwasshimmeringinthefieldsandonthetipsofthetrees’fingers.
Gandalfwasthinkingofaspring,nearlyeightyyearsbefore,whenBilbohadrunoutofBagEndwithoutahandkerchief.Hishairwasperhapswhiterthanithadbeenthen,andhisbeardandeyebrowswereperhaps
longer,andhisfacemorelinedwithcareandwisdom;buthiseyeswereasbrightasever,andhesmokedandblewsmoke-ringswiththesamevigouranddelight.
Hewassmokingnowinsilence,forFrodowassittingstill,deepinthought.EveninthelightofmorninghefeltthedarkshadowofthetidingsthatGandalfhadbrought.Atlasthebrokethesilence.
‘Lastnightyoubegantotellmestrangethingsaboutmyring,Gandalf,’hesaid.‘Andthenyoustopped,becauseyousaidthatsuchmatterswerebestleftuntildaylight.Don’tyouthinkyouhadbetterfinishnow?Yousaytheringisdangerous,farmoredangerousthanIguess.Inwhatway?’
‘Inmanyways,’answeredthewizard.‘Itisfarmore
powerfulthanIeverdaredtothinkatfirst,sopowerfulthatintheenditwouldutterlyovercomeanyoneofmortalracewhopossessedit.Itwouldpossesshim.
‘InEregionlongagomanyElven-ringsweremade,magicringsasyoucallthem,andtheywere,ofcourse,ofvariouskinds:somemorepotentandsomeless.Thelesserringswereonlyessays
inthecraftbeforeitwasfull-grown,andtotheElven-smithstheywerebuttrifles–yetstilltomyminddangerousformortals.ButtheGreatRings,theRingsofPower,theywereperilous.
‘Amortal,Frodo,whokeepsoneoftheGreatRings,doesnotdie,buthedoesnotgroworobtainmorelife,hemerelycontinues,untilatlasteveryminuteisaweariness.
AndifheoftenusestheRingtomakehimselfinvisible,hefades:hebecomesintheendinvisiblepermanently,andwalksinthetwilightundertheeyeoftheDarkPowerthatrulestheRings.
Yes,soonerorlater–later,ifheisstrongorwell-meaningtobeginwith,butneitherstrengthnorgoodpurposewilllast–soonerorlatertheDarkPowerwill
devourhim.’‘Howterrifying!’said
Frodo.Therewasanotherlongsilence.ThesoundofSamGamgeecuttingthelawncameinfromthegarden.
‘Howlonghaveyouknownthis?’askedFrodoatlength.‘AndhowmuchdidBilboknow?’
‘Bilboknewnomorethan
hetoldyou,Iamsure,’saidGandalf.‘Hewouldcertainlyneverhavepassedontoyouanythingthathethoughtwouldbeadanger,eventhoughIpromisedtolookafteryou.Hethoughttheringwasverybeautiful,andveryusefulatneed;andifanythingwaswrongorqueer,itwashimself.Hesaidthatitwas“growingonhismind”,andhewasalwaysworrying
aboutit;buthedidnotsuspectthattheringitselfwastoblame.Thoughhehadfoundoutthatthethingneededlookingafter;itdidnotseemalwaysofthesamesizeorweight;itshrankorexpandedinanoddway,andmightsuddenlyslipoffafingerwhereithadbeentight.’
‘Yes,hewarnedmeofthatinhislastletter,’said
Frodo,‘soIhavealwayskeptitonitschain.’
‘Verywise,’saidGandalf.‘Butasforhislonglife,Bilboneverconnecteditwiththeringatall.Hetookallthecreditforthattohimself,andhewasveryproudofit.Thoughhewasgettingrestlessanduneasy.Thinandstretchedhesaid.Asignthattheringwasgettingcontrol.’
‘Howlonghaveyou
knownallthis?’askedFrodoagain.
‘Known?’saidGandalf.‘IhaveknownmuchthatonlytheWiseknow,Frodo.Butifyoumean“knownaboutthisring”,well,Istilldonotknow,onemightsay.Thereisalasttesttomake.ButInolongerdoubtmyguess.
‘WhendidIfirstbegintoguess?’hemused,searchingbackinmemory.‘Letmesee
–itwasintheyearthattheWhiteCouncildrovetheDarkPowerfromMirkwood,justbeforetheBattleofFiveArmies,thatBilbofoundhisring.Ashadowfellonmyheartthen,thoughIdidnotknowyetwhatIfeared.IwonderedoftenhowGollumcamebyaGreatRing,asplainlyitwas–thatatleastwasclearfromthefirst.ThenIheardBilbo’sstrangestory
ofhowhehad“won”it,andIcouldnotbelieveit.WhenIatlastgotthetruthoutofhim,Isawatoncethathehadbeentryingtoputhisclaimtotheringbeyonddoubt.MuchlikeGollumwithhis“birthday-present”.Theliesweretoomuchalikeformycomfort.Clearlytheringhadanunwholesomepowerthatsettoworkonitskeeperatonce.Thatwasthefirstreal
warningIhadthatallwasnotwell.ItoldBilbooftenthatsuchringswerebetterleftunused;butheresentedit,andsoongotangry.TherewaslittleelsethatIcoulddo.Icouldnottakeitfromhimwithoutdoinggreaterharm;andIhadnorighttodosoanyway.Icouldonlywatchandwait.ImightperhapshaveconsultedSarumantheWhite,butsomethingalways
heldmeback.’‘Whoishe?’askedFrodo.
‘Ihaveneverheardofhimbefore.’
‘Maybenot,’answeredGandalf.‘Hobbitsare,orwere,noconcernofhis.YetheisgreatamongtheWise.HeisthechiefofmyorderandtheheadoftheCouncil.Hisknowledgeisdeep,buthispridehasgrownwithit,andhetakesillanymeddling.
TheloreoftheElven-rings,greatandsmall,ishisprovince.Hehaslongstudiedit,seekingthelostsecretsoftheirmaking;butwhentheRingsweredebatedintheCouncil,allthathewouldrevealtousofhisring-loretoldagainstmyfears.Somydoubtslept–butuneasily.StillIwatchedandIwaited.
‘AndallseemedwellwithBilbo.Andtheyearspassed.
Yes,theypassed,andtheyseemednottotouchhim.Heshowednosignsofage.Theshadowfellonmeagain.ButIsaidtomyself:“Afterallhecomesofalong-livedfamilyonhismother’sside.Thereistimeyet.Wait!”
‘AndIwaited.Untilthatnightwhenheleftthishouse.HesaidanddidthingsthenthatfilledmewithafearthatnowordsofSarumancould
allay.Iknewatlastthatsomethingdarkanddeadlywasatwork.AndIhavespentmostoftheyearssincetheninfindingoutthetruthofit.’
‘Therewasn’tanypermanentharmdone,wasthere?’askedFrodoanxiously.‘Hewouldgetallrightintime,wouldn’the?Beabletorestinpeace,Imean?’
‘Hefeltbetteratonce,’
saidGandalf.‘ButthereisonlyonePowerinthisworldthatknowsallabouttheRingsandtheireffects;andasfarasIknowthereisnoPowerintheworldthatknowsallabouthobbits.AmongtheWiseIamtheonlyonethatgoesinforhobbit-lore:anobscurebranchofknowledge,butfullofsurprises.Softasbuttertheycanbe,andyet
sometimesastoughasoldtree-roots.IthinkitlikelythatsomewouldresisttheRingsfarlongerthanmostoftheWisewouldbelieve.Idon’tthinkyouneedworryaboutBilbo.
‘Ofcourse,hepossessedtheringformanyyears,andusedit,soitmighttakealongwhilefortheinfluencetowearoff–beforeitwassafeforhimtoseeitagain,for
instance.Otherwise,hemightliveonforyears,quitehappily:juststopashewaswhenhepartedwithit.Forhegaveitupintheendofhisownaccord:animportantpoint.No,IwasnottroubledaboutdearBilboanymore,oncehehadletthethinggo.ItisforyouthatIfeelresponsible.
‘EversinceBilboleftIhavebeendeeplyconcerned
aboutyou,andaboutallthesecharming,absurd,helplesshobbits.Itwouldbeagrievousblowtotheworld,iftheDarkPowerovercametheShire;ifallyourkind,jolly,stupidBolgers,Hornblowers,Boffins,Bracegirdles,andtherest,nottomentiontheridiculousBagginses,becameenslaved.’
Frodoshuddered.‘Butwhyshouldwebe?’heasked.
‘Andwhyshouldhewantsuchslaves?’
‘Totellyouthetruth,’repliedGandalf,‘Ibelievethathitherto–hitherto,markyou–hehasentirelyoverlookedtheexistenceofhobbits.Youshouldbethankful.Butyoursafetyhaspassed.Hedoesnotneedyou–hehasmanymoreusefulservants–buthewon’tforgetyouagain.Andhobbitsas
miserableslaveswouldpleasehimfarmorethanhobbitshappyandfree.Thereissuchathingasmaliceandrevenge.’
‘Revenge?’saidFrodo.‘Revengeforwhat?Istilldon’tunderstandwhatallthishastodowithBilboandmyself,andourring.’
‘Ithaseverythingtodowithit,’saidGandalf.‘Youdonotknowtherealperilyet;
butyoushall.IwasnotsureofitmyselfwhenIwaslasthere;butthetimehascometospeak.Givemetheringforamoment.’
Frodotookitfromhisbreeches-pocket,whereitwasclaspedtoachainthathungfromhisbelt.Heunfasteneditandhandeditslowlytothewizard.Itfeltsuddenlyvery
heavy,asifeitheritorFrodohimselfwasinsomewayreluctantforGandalftotouchit.
Gandalfhelditup.Itlookedtobemadeofpureandsolidgold.‘Canyouseeanymarkingsonit?’heasked.
‘No,’saidFrodo.‘Therearenone.Itisquiteplain,anditnevershowsascratchorsignofwear.’
‘Wellthen,look!’ToFrodo’sastonishmentanddistressthewizardthrewitsuddenlyintothemiddleofaglowingcornerofthefire.Frodogaveacryandgropedforthetongs;butGandalfheldhimback.
‘Wait!’hesaidinacommandingvoice,givingFrodoaquicklookfromunderhisbristlingbrows.
Noapparentchangecame
overthering.AfterawhileGandalfgotup,closedtheshuttersoutsidethewindow,anddrewthecurtains.Theroombecamedarkandsilent,thoughtheclackofSam’sshears,nownearertothewindows,couldstillbeheardfaintlyfromthegarden.Foramomentthewizardstoodlookingatthefire;thenhestoopedandremovedtheringtothehearthwiththetongs,
andatoncepickeditup.Frodogasped.
‘Itisquitecool,’saidGandalf.‘Takeit!’Frodoreceiveditonhisshrinkingpalm:itseemedtohavebecomethickerandheavierthanever.
‘Holditup!’saidGandalf.‘Andlookclosely!’
AsFrododidso,henowsawfinelines,finerthanthefinestpen-strokes,running
alongthering,outsideandinside:linesoffirethatseemedtoformthelettersofaflowingscript.Theyshonepiercinglybright,andyetremote,asifoutofagreatdepth.
‘Icannotreadthefieryletters,’saidFrodoinaquaveringvoice.
‘No,’saidGandalf,‘butIcan.ThelettersareElvish,ofanancientmode,butthelanguageisthatofMordor,whichIwillnotutterhere.ButthisintheCommonTongueiswhatissaid,closeenough:
OneRingtorule
themall,OneRingtofindthem,OneRingtobringthemallandinthedarknessbindthem.
ItisonlytwolinesofaverselongknowninElven-lore:
ThreeRingsfortheElven-kingsunder
thesky,SevenfortheDwarf-lordsintheirhallsofstone,
NineforMortalMendoomedtodie,OnefortheDarkLordonhisdarkthrone
IntheLandofMordorwheretheShadowslie.
OneRingtorulethemall,OneRingtofindthem,
OneRingtobringthemallandinthedarknessbindthemIntheLandofMordorwheretheShadowslie.’
Hepaused,andthensaidslowlyinadeepvoice:‘This
istheMaster-ring,theOneRingtorulethemall.ThisistheOneRingthathelostmanyagesago,tothegreatweakeningofhispower.Hegreatlydesiresit–buthemustnotgetit.’
Frodosatsilentandmotionless.Fearseemedtostretchoutavasthand,likeadarkcloudrisingintheEastandloominguptoengulfhim.‘Thisring!’he
stammered.‘How,howonearthdiditcometome?’
‘Ah!’saidGandalf.‘Thatisaverylongstory.ThebeginningsliebackintheBlackYears,whichonlythelore-mastersnowremember.IfIweretotellyouallthattale,weshouldstillbesittingherewhenSpringhadpassedintoWinter.
‘ButlastnightItoldyouofSaurontheGreat,theDarkLord.Therumoursthatyouhaveheardaretrue:hehasindeedarisenagainandlefthisholdinMirkwoodandreturnedtohisancientfastnessintheDarkTowerofMordor.Thatnameevenyouhobbitshaveheardof,likeashadowonthebordersofoldstories.Alwaysafteradefeatandarespite,theShadow
takesanothershapeandgrowsagain.’
‘Iwishitneednothavehappenedinmytime,’saidFrodo.
‘SodoI,’saidGandalf,‘andsodoallwholivetoseesuchtimes.Butthatisnotforthemtodecide.Allwehavetodecideiswhattodowiththetimethatisgivenus.Andalready,Frodo,ourtimeisbeginningtolookblack.The
Enemyisfastbecomingverystrong.Hisplansarefarfromripe,Ithink,buttheyareripening.Weshallbehardputtoit.Weshouldbeveryhardputtoit,evenifitwerenotforthisdreadfulchance.
‘TheEnemystilllacksonethingtogivehimstrengthandknowledgetobeatdownallresistance,breakthelastdefences,andcoverallthelandsinaseconddarkness.
HelackstheOneRing.‘TheThree,fairestofall,
theElf-lordshidfromhim,andhishandnevertouchedthemorsulliedthem.SeventheDwarf-kingspossessed,butthreehehasrecovered,andtheothersthedragonshaveconsumed.NinehegavetoMortalMen,proudandgreat,andsoensnaredthem.LongagotheyfellunderthedominionoftheOne,and
theybecameRingwraiths,shadowsunderhisgreatShadow,hismostterribleservants.Longago.ItismanyayearsincetheNinewalkedabroad.Yetwhoknows?AstheShadowgrowsoncemore,theytoomaywalkagain.Butcome!WewillnotspeakofsuchthingseveninthemorningoftheShire.
‘Soitisnow:theNinehehasgatheredtohimself;the
Sevenalso,orelsetheyaredestroyed.TheThreearehiddenstill.Butthatnolongertroubleshim.HeonlyneedstheOne;forhemadethatRinghimself,itishis,andheletagreatpartofhisownformerpowerpassintoit,sothathecouldrulealltheothers.Ifherecoversit,thenhewillcommandthemallagain,wherevertheybe,eventheThree,andallthathas
beenwroughtwiththemwillbelaidbare,andhewillbestrongerthanever.
‘Andthisisthedreadfulchance,Frodo.HebelievedthattheOnehadperished;thattheElveshaddestroyedit,asshouldhavebeendone.Butheknowsnowthatithasnotperished,thatithasbeenfound.Soheisseekingit,seekingit,andallhisthoughtisbentonit.Itishisgreat
hopeandourgreatfear.’‘Why,whywasn’tit
destroyed?’criedFrodo.‘AndhowdidtheEnemyevercometoloseit,ifhewassostrong,anditwassoprecioustohim?’HeclutchedtheRinginhishand,asifhesawalreadydarkfingersstretchingouttoseizeit.
‘Itwastakenfromhim,’saidGandalf.‘ThestrengthoftheElvestoresisthimwas
greaterlongago;andnotallMenwereestrangedfromthem.TheMenofWesternessecametotheiraid.Thatisachapterofancienthistorywhichitmightbegoodtorecall;fortherewassorrowthentoo,andgatheringdark,butgreatvalour,andgreatdeedsthatwerenotwhollyvain.Oneday,perhaps,Iwilltellyouallthetale,oryoushallhear
ittoldinfullbyonewhoknowsitbest.
‘Butforthemoment,sincemostofallyouneedtoknowhowthisthingcametoyou,andthatwillbetaleenough,thisisallthatIwillsay.ItwasGil-galad,Elven-kingandElendilofWesternessewhooverthrewSauron,thoughtheythemselvesperishedinthedeed;andIsildurElendil’ssoncutthe
RingfromSauron’shandandtookitforhisown.ThenSauronwasvanquishedandhisspiritfledandwashiddenforlongyears,untilhisshadowtookshapeagaininMirkwood.
‘ButtheRingwaslost.ItfellintotheGreatRiver,Anduin,andvanished.ForIsildurwasmarchingnorthalongtheeastbanksoftheRiver,andneartheGladden
FieldshewaswaylaidbytheOrcsoftheMountains,andalmostallhisfolkwereslain.Heleapedintothewaters,buttheRingslippedfromhisfingerasheswam,andthentheOrcssawhimandkilledhimwitharrows.’
Gandalfpaused.‘AndthereinthedarkpoolsamidtheGladdenFields,’hesaid,‘theRingpassedoutofknowledgeandlegend;and
evensomuchofitshistoryisknownnowonlytoafew,andtheCounciloftheWisecoulddiscovernomore.ButatlastIcancarryonthestory,Ithink.
‘Longafter,butstillverylongago,therelivedbythebanksoftheGreatRiverontheedgeofWilderlandaclever-handedandquiet-
footedlittlepeople.Iguesstheywereofhobbit-kind;akintothefathersofthefathersoftheStoors,fortheylovedtheRiver,andoftenswaminit,ormadelittleboatsofreeds.Therewasamongthemafamilyofhighrepute,foritwaslargeandwealthierthanmost,anditwasruledbyagrandmotherofthefolk,sternandwiseinoldlore,suchastheyhad.
Themostinquisitiveandcurious-mindedofthatfamilywascalledSméagol.Hewasinterestedinrootsandbeginnings;hedivedintodeeppools;heburrowedundertreesandgrowingplants;hetunnelledintogreenmounds;andheceasedtolookupatthehill-tops,ortheleavesontrees,ortheflowersopeningintheair:hisheadandhiseyeswere
downward.‘Hehadafriendcalled
Déagol,ofsimilarsort,sharper-eyedbutnotsoquickandstrong.OnatimetheytookaboatandwentdowntotheGladdenFields,wherethereweregreatbedsofirisandfloweringreeds.ThereSméagolgotoutandwentnosingaboutthebanksbutDéagolsatintheboatandfished.Suddenlyagreatfish
tookhishook,andbeforeheknewwherehewas,hewasdraggedoutanddownintothewater,tothebottom.Thenheletgoofhisline,forhethoughthesawsomethingshiningintheriver-bed;andholdinghisbreathhegrabbedatit.
‘Thenuphecamespluttering,withweedsinhishairandahandfulofmud;andheswamtothebank.
Andbehold!whenhewashedthemudaway,thereinhishandlayabeautifulgoldenring;anditshoneandglitteredinthesun,sothathisheartwasglad.ButSméagolhadbeenwatchinghimfrombehindatree,andasDéagolgloatedoverthering,Sméagolcamesoftlyupbehind.
‘“Giveusthat,Déagol,mylove,”saidSméagol,over
hisfriend’sshoulder.‘“Why?”saidDéagol.‘“Becauseit’smy
birthday,mylove,andIwantsit,”saidSméagol.
‘“Idon’tcare,”saidDéagol.“Ihavegivenyouapresentalready,morethanIcouldafford.Ifoundthis,andI’mgoingtokeepit.”
‘“Oh,areyouindeed,mylove,”saidSméagol;andhecaughtDéagolbythethroat
andstrangledhim,becausethegoldlookedsobrightandbeautiful.Thenheputtheringonhisfinger.
‘NooneeverfoundoutwhathadbecomeofDéagol;hewasmurderedfarfromhome,andhisbodywascunninglyhidden.ButSméagolreturnedalone;andhefoundthatnoneofhisfamilycouldseehim,whenhewaswearingthering.He
wasverypleasedwithhisdiscoveryandheconcealedit;andheusedittofindoutsecrets,andheputhisknowledgetocrookedandmalicioususes.Hebecamesharp-eyedandkeen-earedforallthatwashurtful.Theringhadgivenhimpoweraccordingtohisstature.Itisnottobewonderedatthathebecameveryunpopularandwasshunned(whenvisible)
byallhisrelations.Theykickedhim,andhebittheirfeet.Hetooktothieving,andgoingaboutmutteringtohimself,andgurglinginhisthroat.SotheycalledhimGollum,andcursedhim,andtoldhimtogofaraway;andhisgrandmother,desiringpeace,expelledhimfromthefamilyandturnedhimoutofherhole.
‘Hewanderedin
loneliness,weepingalittleforthehardnessoftheworld,andhejourneyeduptheRiver,tillhecametoastreamthatfloweddownfromthemountains,andhewentthatway.Hecaughtfishindeeppoolswithinvisiblefingersandatethemraw.Onedayitwasveryhot,andashewasbendingoverapool,hefeltaburningonthebackofhishead,andadazzlinglight
fromthewaterpainedhisweteyes.Hewonderedatit,forhehadalmostforgottenabouttheSun.Thenforthelasttimehelookedupandshookhisfistather.
‘Butasheloweredhiseyes,hesawfaraheadthetopsoftheMistyMountains,outofwhichthestreamcame.Andhethoughtsuddenly:“Itwouldbecoolandshadyunderthosemountains.The
Suncouldnotwatchmethere.Therootsofthosemountainsmustberootsindeed;theremustbegreatsecretsburiedtherewhichhavenotbeendiscoveredsincethebeginning.”
‘Sohejourneyedbynightupintothehighlands,andhefoundalittlecaveoutofwhichthedarkstreamran;andhewormedhiswaylikeamaggotintotheheartofthe
hills,andvanishedoutofallknowledge.TheRingwentintotheshadowswithhim,andeventhemaker,whenhispowerhadbeguntogrowagain,couldlearnnothingofit.’
‘Gollum!’criedFrodo.‘Gollum?DoyoumeanthatthisistheveryGollum-creaturethatBilbomet?How
loathsome!’‘Ithinkitisasadstory,’
saidthewizard,‘anditmighthavehappenedtoothers,eventosomehobbitsthatIhaveknown.’
‘Ican’tbelievethatGollumwasconnectedwithhobbits,howeverdistantly,’saidFrodowithsomeheat.‘Whatanabominablenotion!’
‘Itistrueallthesame,’repliedGandalf.‘Abouttheir
origins,atanyrate,Iknowmorethanhobbitsdothemselves.AndevenBilbo’sstorysuggeststhekinship.Therewasagreatdealinthebackgroundoftheirmindsandmemoriesthatwasverysimilar.Theyunderstoodoneanotherremarkablywell,verymuchbetterthanahobbitwouldunderstand,say,aDwarf,oranOrc,orevenanElf.Thinkoftheriddlesthey
bothknew,foronething.’‘Yes,’saidFrodo.
‘Thoughotherfolksbesideshobbitsaskriddles,andofmuchthesamesort.Andhobbitsdon’tcheat.Gollummeanttocheatallthetime.HewasjusttryingtoputpoorBilbooffhisguard.AndIdaresayitamusedhiswickednesstostartagamewhichmightendinprovidinghimwithaneasyvictim,but
ifhelostwouldnothurthim.’‘Onlytootrue,Ifear,’said
Gandalf.‘Buttherewassomethingelseinit,Ithink,whichyoudon’tseeyet.EvenGollumwasnotwhollyruined.HehadprovedtougherthanevenoneoftheWisewouldhaveguessed–asahobbitmight.Therewasalittlecornerofhismindthatwasstillhisown,andlightcamethroughit,asthrougha
chinkinthedark:lightoutofthepast.Itwasactuallypleasant,Ithink,tohearakindlyvoiceagain,bringingupmemoriesofwind,andtrees,andsunonthegrass,andsuchforgottenthings.
‘Butthat,ofcourse,wouldonlymaketheevilpartofhimangrierintheend–unlessitcouldbeconquered.Unlessitcouldbecured.’Gandalfsighed.‘Alas!there
islittlehopeofthatforhim.Yetnotnohope.No,notthoughhepossessedtheRingsolong,almostasfarbackashecanremember.Foritwaslongsincehehadwornitmuch:intheblackdarknessitwasseldomneeded.Certainlyhehadnever“faded”.Heisthinandtoughstill.Butthethingwaseatinguphismind,ofcourse,andthetormenthadbecomealmost
unbearable.‘Allthe“greatsecrets”
underthemountainshadturnedouttobejustemptynight:therewasnothingmoretofindout,nothingworthdoing,onlynastyfurtiveeatingandresentfulremembering.Hewasaltogetherwretched.Hehatedthedark,andhehatedlightmore:hehatedeverything,andtheRingmostofall.’
‘Whatdoyoumean?’saidFrodo.‘SurelytheRingwashisPreciousandtheonlythinghecaredfor?Butifhehatedit,whydidn’thegetridofit,orgoawayandleaveit?’
‘Yououghttobegintounderstand,Frodo,afterallyouhaveheard,’saidGandalf.‘Hehateditandlovedit,ashehatedandlovedhimself.Hecouldnot
getridofit.Hehadnowillleftinthematter.
‘ARingofPowerlooksafteritself,Frodo.Itmayslipofftreacherously,butitskeeperneverabandonsit.Atmostheplayswiththeideaofhandingitontosomeoneelse’scare–andthatonlyatanearlystage,whenitfirstbeginstogrip.ButasfarasIknowBilboaloneinhistoryhasevergonebeyond
playing,andreallydoneit.Heneededallmyhelp,too.Andevensohewouldneverhavejustforsakenit,orcastitaside.ItwasnotGollum,Frodo,buttheRingitselfthatdecidedthings.TheRinglefthim.’
‘What,justintimetomeetBilbo?’saidFrodo.‘Wouldn’tanOrchavesuiteditbetter?’
‘Itisnolaughingmatter,’
saidGandalf.‘Notforyou.ItwasthestrangesteventinthewholehistoryoftheRingsofar:Bilbo’sarrivaljustatthattime,andputtinghishandonit,blindly,inthedark.
‘Therewasmorethanonepoweratwork,Frodo.TheRingwastryingtogetbacktoitsmaster.IthadslippedfromIsildur’shandandbetrayedhim;thenwhenachancecameitcaughtpoorDéagol,
andhewasmurdered;andafterthatGollum,andithaddevouredhim.Itcouldmakenofurtheruseofhim:hewastoosmallandmean;andaslongasitstayedwithhimhewouldneverleavehisdeeppoolagain.Sonow,whenitsmasterwasawakeoncemoreandsendingouthisdarkthoughtfromMirkwood,itabandonedGollum.Onlytobepickedupbythemost
unlikelypersonimaginable:BilbofromtheShire!
‘Behindthattherewassomethingelseatwork,beyondanydesignoftheRing-maker.IcanputitnoplainerthanbysayingthatBilbowasmeanttofindtheRing,andnotbyitsmaker.Inwhichcaseyoualsoweremeanttohaveit.Andthatmaybeanencouragingthought.’
‘Itisnot,’saidFrodo.‘ThoughIamnotsurethatIunderstandyou.ButhowhaveyoulearnedallthisabouttheRing,andaboutGollum?Doyoureallyknowitall,orareyoujustguessingstill?’
GandalflookedatFrodo,andhiseyesglinted.‘IknewmuchandIhavelearnedmuch,’heanswered.‘ButIamnotgoingtogivean
accountofallmydoingstoyou.ThehistoryofElendilandIsildurandtheOneRingisknowntoalltheWise.YourringisshowntobethatOneRingbythefire-writingalone,apartfromanyotherevidence.’
‘Andwhendidyoudiscoverthat?’askedFrodo,interrupting.
‘Justnowinthisroom,ofcourse,’answeredthewizard
sharply.‘ButIexpectedtofindit.Ihavecomebackfromdarkjourneysandlongsearchtomakethatfinaltest.Itisthelastproof,andallisnowonlytooclear.MakingoutGollum’spart,andfittingitintothegapinthehistory,requiredsomethought.ImayhavestartedwithguessesaboutGollum,butIamnotguessingnow.Iknow.Ihaveseenhim.’
‘YouhaveseenGollum?’exclaimedFrodoinamazement.
‘Yes.Theobviousthingtodo,ofcourse,ifonecould.Itriedlongago;butIhavemanageditatlast.’
‘ThenwhathappenedafterBilboescapedfromhim?Doyouknowthat?’
‘Notsoclearly.WhatIhavetoldyouiswhatGollumwaswillingtotell–though
not,ofcourse,inthewayIhavereportedit.Gollumisaliar,andyouhavetosifthiswords.Forinstance,hecalledtheRinghis“birthday-present”,andhestucktothat.Hesaiditcamefromhisgrandmother,whohadlotsofbeautifulthingsofthatkind.Aridiculousstory.IhavenodoubtthatSméagol’sgrandmotherwasamatriarch,agreatpersoninherway,but
totalkofherpossessingmanyElven-ringswasabsurd,andasforgivingthemaway,itwasalie.Butaliewithagrainoftruth.
‘ThemurderofDéagolhauntedGollum,andhehadmadeupadefence,repeatingittohis“Precious”overandoveragain,ashegnawedbonesinthedark,untilhealmostbelievedit.Itwashisbirthday.Déagoloughtto
havegiventheringtohim.Ithadobviouslyturnedupjustsoastobeapresent.Itwashisbirthday-present,andsoon,andon.
‘IenduredhimaslongasIcould,butthetruthwasdesperatelyimportant,andintheendIhadtobeharsh.Iputthefearoffireonhim,andwrungthetruestoryoutofhim,bitbybit,togetherwithmuchsnivellingand
snarling.Hethoughthewasmisunderstoodandill-used.Butwhenhehadatlasttoldmehishistory,asfarastheendoftheRiddle-gameandBilbo’sescape,hewouldnotsayanymore,exceptindarkhints.Someotherfearwasonhimgreaterthanmine.Hemutteredthathewasgoingtogethisownback.Peoplewouldseeifhewouldstandbeingkicked,anddriveninto
aholeandthenrobbed.Gollumhadgoodfriendsnow,goodfriendsandverystrong.Theywouldhelphim.Bagginswouldpayforit.Thatwashischiefthought.HehatedBilboandcursedhisname.Whatismore,heknewwherehecamefrom.’
‘Buthowdidhefindthatout?’askedFrodo.
‘Well,asforthename,Bilboveryfoolishlytold
Gollumhimself;andafterthatitwouldnotbedifficulttodiscoverhiscountry,onceGollumcameout.Ohyes,hecameout.HislongingfortheRingprovedstrongerthanhisfearoftheOrcs,orevenofthelight.Afterayearortwoheleftthemountains.Yousee,thoughstillboundbydesireofit,theRingwasnolongerdevouringhim;hebegantorevivealittle.He
feltold,terriblyold,yetlesstimid,andhewasmortallyhungry.
‘Light,lightofSunandMoon,hestillfearedandhated,andhealwayswill,Ithink;buthewascunning.Hefoundhecouldhidefromdaylightandmoonshine,andmakehiswayswiftlyandsoftlybydeadofnightwithhispalecoldeyes,andcatchsmallfrightenedorunwary
things.Hegrewstrongerandbolderwithnewfoodandnewair.HefoundhiswayintoMirkwood,asonewouldexpect.’
‘Isthatwhereyoufoundhim?’askedFrodo.
‘Isawhimthere,’answeredGandalf,‘butbeforethathehadwanderedfar,followingBilbo’strail.Itwasdifficulttolearnanythingfromhimforcertain,forhis
talkwasconstantlyinterruptedbycursesandthreats.“Whathaditgotinitspocketses?”hesaid.“Itwouldn’tsay,noprecious.Littlecheat.Notafairquestion.Itcheatedfirst,itdid.Itbroketherules.Weoughttohavesqueezedit,yesprecious.Andwewill,precious!”
‘Thatisasampleofhistalk.Idon’tsupposeyou
wantanymore.Ihadwearydaysofit.ButfromhintsdroppedamongthesnarlsIgatheredthathispaddingfeethadtakenhimatlasttoEsgaroth,andeventothestreetsofDale,listeningsecretlyandpeering.Well,thenewsofthegreateventswentfarandwideinWilderland,andmanyhadheardBilbo’snameandknewwherehecamefrom.Wehad
madenosecretofourreturnjourneytohishomeintheWest.Gollum’ssharpearswouldsoonlearnwhathewanted.’
‘Thenwhydidn’thetrackBilbofurther?’askedFrodo.‘Whydidn’thecometotheShire?’
‘Ah,’saidGandalf,‘nowwecometoit.IthinkGollumtriedto.Hesetoutandcamebackwestward,asfarasthe
GreatRiver.Butthenheturnedaside.Hewasnotdauntedbythedistance,Iamsure.No,somethingelsedrewhimaway.Somyfriendsthink,thosethathuntedhimforme.
‘TheWood-elvestrackedhimfirst,aneasytaskforthem,forhistrailwasstillfreshthen.ThroughMirkwoodandbackagainitledthem,thoughtheynever
caughthim.Thewoodwasfulloftherumourofhim,dreadfultalesevenamongbeastsandbirds.TheWoodmensaidthattherewassomenewterrorabroad,aghostthatdrankblood.Itclimbedtreestofindnests;itcreptintoholestofindtheyoung;itslippedthroughwindowstofindcradles.
‘ButatthewesternedgeofMirkwoodthetrailturned
away.ItwanderedoffsouthwardsandpassedoutoftheWood-elves’ken,andwaslost.AndthenImadeagreatmistake.Yes,Frodo,andnotthefirst;thoughIfearitmayprovetheworst.Iletthematterbe.Ilethimgo;forIhadmuchelsetothinkofatthattime,andIstilltrustedtheloreofSaruman.
‘Well,thatwasyearsago.Ihavepaidforitsincewith
manydarkanddangerousdays.ThetrailwaslongcoldwhenItookitupagain,afterBilbolefthere.Andmysearchwouldhavebeeninvain,butforthehelpthatIhadfromafriend:Aragorn,thegreatesttravellerandhuntsmanofthisageoftheworld.TogetherwesoughtforGollumdownthewholelengthofWilderland,withouthope,andwithoutsuccess.
Butatlast,whenIhadgivenupthechaseandturnedtootherpaths,Gollumwasfound.Myfriendreturnedoutofgreatperilsbringingthemiserablecreaturewithhim.
‘Whathehadbeendoinghewouldnotsay.Heonlyweptandcalleduscruel,withmanyagolluminhisthroat;andwhenwepressedhimhewhinedandcringed,andrubbedhislonghands,licking
hisfingersasiftheypainedhim,asifherememberedsomeoldtorture.ButIamafraidthereisnopossibledoubt:hehadmadehisslow,sneakingway,stepbystep,milebymile,south,downatlasttotheLandofMordor.’
Aheavysilencefellintheroom.Frodocouldhearhisheartbeating.Evenoutside
everythingseemedstill.NosoundofSam’sshearscouldnowbeheard.
‘Yes,toMordor,’saidGandalf.‘Alas!Mordordrawsallwickedthings,andtheDarkPowerwasbendingallitswilltogatherthemthere.TheRingoftheEnemywouldleaveitsmark,too,leavehimopentothesummons.Andallfolkwerewhisperingthenofthenew
ShadowintheSouth,anditshatredoftheWest.Therewerehisfinenewfriends,whowouldhelphiminhisrevenge!
‘Wretchedfool!Inthatlandhewouldlearnmuch,toomuchforhiscomfort.Andsoonerorlaterashelurkedandpriedonthebordershewouldbecaught,andtaken–forexamination.Thatwasthewayofit,Ifear.
Whenhewasfoundhehadalreadybeentherelong,andwasonhiswayback.Onsomeerrandofmischief.Butthatdoesnotmattermuchnow.Hisworstmischiefwasdone.
‘Yes,alas!throughhimtheEnemyhaslearnedthattheOnehasbeenfoundagain.HeknowswhereIsildurfell.HeknowswhereGollumfoundhisring.He
knowsthatitisaGreatRing,foritgavelonglife.HeknowsthatitisnotoneoftheThree,fortheyhaveneverbeenlost,andtheyendurenoevil.HeknowsthatitisnotoneoftheSeven,ortheNine,fortheyareaccountedfor.HeknowsthatitistheOne.Andhehasatlastheard,Ithink,ofhobbitsandtheShire.
‘TheShire–hemaybeseekingforitnow,ifhehas
notalreadyfoundoutwhereitlies.Indeed,Frodo,Ifearthathemayeventhinkthatthelong-unnoticednameofBagginshasbecomeimportant.’
‘Butthisisterrible!’criedFrodo.‘FarworsethantheworstthatIimaginedfromyourhintsandwarnings.OGandalf,bestoffriends,whatamItodo?FornowIamreallyafraid.WhatamIto
do?WhatapitythatBilbodidnotstabthatvilecreature,whenhehadachance!’
‘Pity?ItwasPitythatstayedhishand.Pity,andMercy:nottostrikewithoutneed.Andhehasbeenwellrewarded,Frodo.Besurethathetooksolittlehurtfromtheevil,andescapedintheend,becausehebeganhisownershipoftheRingso.WithPity.’
‘Iamsorry,’saidFrodo.‘ButIamfrightened;andIdonotfeelanypityforGollum.’
‘Youhavenotseenhim,’Gandalfbrokein.
‘No,andIdon’twantto,’saidFrodo.‘Ican’tunderstandyou.Doyoumeantosaythatyou,andtheElves,havelethimliveonafterallthosehorribledeeds?NowatanyrateheisasbadasanOrc,andjustanenemy.He
deservesdeath.’‘Deservesit!Idaresayhe
does.Manythatlivedeservedeath.Andsomethatdiedeservelife.Canyougiveittothem?Thendonotbetooeagertodealoutdeathinjudgement.Foreventheverywisecannotseeallends.IhavenotmuchhopethatGollumcanbecuredbeforehedies,butthereisachanceofit.Andheisboundupwith
thefateoftheRing.Myhearttellsmethathehassomeparttoplayyet,forgoodorill,beforetheend;andwhenthatcomes,thepityofBilbomayrulethefateofmany–yoursnotleast.Inanycasewedidnotkillhim:heisveryoldandverywretched.TheWood-elveshavehiminprison,buttheytreathimwithsuchkindnessastheycanfindintheirwisehearts.’
‘Allthesame,’saidFrodo,‘evenifBilbocouldnotkillGollum,IwishhehadnotkepttheRing.Iwishhehadneverfoundit,andthatIhadnotgotit!Whydidyouletmekeepit?Whydidn’tyoumakemethrowitaway,or,ordestroyit?’
‘Letyou?Makeyou?’saidthewizard.‘Haven’tyoubeenlisteningtoallthatIhavesaid?Youarenot
thinkingofwhatyouaresaying.Butasforthrowingitaway,thatwasobviouslywrong.TheseRingshaveawayofbeingfound.Inevilhandsitmighthavedonegreatevil.Worstofall,itmighthavefallenintothehandsoftheEnemy.Indeeditcertainlywould;forthisistheOne,andheisexertingallhispowertofinditordrawittohimself.
‘Ofcourse,mydearFrodo,itwasdangerousforyou;andthathastroubledmedeeply.ButtherewassomuchatstakethatIhadtotakesomerisk–thoughevenwhenIwasfarawaytherehasneverbeenadaywhentheShirehasnotbeenguardedbywatchfuleyes.Aslongasyouneverusedit,IdidnotthinkthattheRingwouldhaveanylastingeffect
onyou,notforevil,notatanyrateforaverylongtime.Andyoumustrememberthatnineyearsago,whenIlastsawyou,Istillknewlittleforcertain.’
‘Butwhynotdestroyit,asyousayshouldhavebeendonelongago?’criedFrodoagain.‘Ifyouhadwarnedme,orevensentmeamessage,Iwouldhavedoneawaywithit.’
‘Wouldyou?Howwouldyoudothat?Haveyouevertried?’
‘No.ButIsupposeonecouldhammeritormeltit.’
‘Try!’saidGandalf.‘Trynow!’
FrododrewtheRingoutofhispocketagainandlookedatit.Itnowappearedplainandsmooth,without
markordevicethathecouldsee.Thegoldlookedveryfairandpure,andFrodothoughthowrichandbeautifulwasitscolour,howperfectwasitsroundness.Itwasanadmirablethingandaltogetherprecious.Whenhetookitouthehadintendedtoflingitfromhimintotheveryhottestpartofthefire.Buthefoundnowthathecouldnotdoso,notwithoutagreat
struggle.HeweighedtheRinginhishand,hesitating,andforcinghimselftorememberallthatGandalfhadtoldhim;andthenwithaneffortofwillhemadeamovement,asiftocastitaway–buthefoundthathehadputitbackinhispocket.
Gandalflaughedgrimly.‘Yousee?Alreadyyoutoo,Frodo,cannoteasilyletitgo,norwilltodamageit.AndI
couldnot“make”you–exceptbyforce,whichwouldbreakyourmind.ButasforbreakingtheRing,forceisuseless.Evenifyoutookitandstruckitwithaheavysledge-hammer,itwouldmakenodintinit.Itcannotbeunmadebyyourhands,orbymine.
‘Yoursmallfire,ofcourse,wouldnotmeltevenordinarygold.ThisRinghas
alreadypassedthroughitunscathed,andevenunheated.Butthereisnosmith’sforgeinthisShirethatcouldchangeitatall.NoteventheanvilsandfurnacesoftheDwarvescoulddothat.Ithasbeensaidthatdragon-firecouldmeltandconsumetheRingsofPower,butthereisnotnowanydragonleftonearthinwhichtheoldfireishotenough;norwasthere
everanydragon,notevenAncalagontheBlack,whocouldhaveharmedtheOneRing,theRulingRing,forthatwasmadebySauronhimself.
‘Thereisonlyoneway:tofindtheCracksofDoominthedepthsofOrodruin,theFire-mountain,andcasttheRinginthere,ifyoureallywishtodestroyit,toputitbeyondthegraspofthe
Enemyforever.’‘Idoreallywishto
destroyit!’criedFrodo.‘Or,well,tohaveitdestroyed.Iamnotmadeforperilousquests.IwishIhadneverseentheRing!Whydiditcometome?WhywasIchosen?’
‘Suchquestionscannotbeanswered,’saidGandalf.‘Youmaybesurethatitwasnotforanymeritthatothers
donotpossess:notforpowerorwisdom,atanyrate.Butyouhavebeenchosen,andyoumustthereforeusesuchstrengthandheartandwitsasyouhave.’
‘ButIhavesolittleofanyofthesethings!Youarewiseandpowerful.WillyounottaketheRing?’
‘No!’criedGandalf,springingtohisfeet.‘WiththatpowerIshouldhave
powertoogreatandterrible.AndovermetheRingwouldgainapowerstillgreaterandmoredeadly.’Hiseyesflashedandhisfacewaslitasbyafirewithin.‘Donottemptme!ForIdonotwishtobecomeliketheDarkLordhimself.YetthewayoftheRingtomyheartisbypity,pityforweaknessandthedesireofstrengthtodogood.Donottemptme!Idarenot
takeit,noteventokeepitsafe,unused.Thewishtowielditwouldbetoogreatformystrength.Ishallhavesuchneedofit.Greatperilsliebeforeme.’
Hewenttothewindowanddrewasidethecurtainsandtheshutters.Sunlightstreamedbackagainintotheroom.Sampassedalongthepathoutsidewhistling.‘Andnow,’saidthewizard,turning
backtoFrodo,‘thedecisionlieswithyou.ButIwillalwayshelpyou.’HelaidhishandonFrodo’sshoulder.‘Iwillhelpyoubearthisburden,aslongasitisyourstobear.Butwemustdosomething,soon.TheEnemyismoving.’
Therewasalongsilence.Gandalfsatdownagainand
puffedathispipe,asiflostinthought.Hiseyesseemedclosed,butunderthelidshewaswatchingFrodointently.Frodogazedfixedlyattheredembersonthehearth,untiltheyfilledallhisvision,andheseemedtobelookingdownintoprofoundwellsoffire.HewasthinkingofthefabledCracksofDoomandtheterroroftheFieryMountain.
‘Well!’saidGandalfatlast.‘Whatareyouthinkingabout?Haveyoudecidedwhattodo?’
‘No!’answeredFrodo,comingbacktohimselfoutofdarkness,andfindingtohissurprisethatitwasnotdark,andthatoutofthewindowhecouldseethesunlitgarden.‘Orperhaps,yes.AsfarasIunderstandwhatyouhavesaid,IsupposeImustkeep
theRingandguardit,atleastforthepresent,whateveritmaydotome.’
‘Whateveritmaydo,itwillbeslow,slowtoevil,ifyoukeepitwiththatpurpose,’saidGandalf.
‘Ihopeso,’saidFrodo.‘ButIhopethatyoumayfindsomeotherbetterkeepersoon.ButinthemeanwhileitseemsthatIamadanger,adangertoallthatlivenear
me.IcannotkeeptheRingandstayhere.IoughttoleaveBagEnd,leavetheShire,leaveeverythingandgoaway.’Hesighed.
‘IshouldliketosavetheShire,ifIcould–thoughtherehavebeentimeswhenIthoughttheinhabitantstoostupidanddullforwords,andhavefeltthatanearthquakeoraninvasionofdragonsmightbegoodforthem.ButI
don’tfeellikethatnow.IfeelthataslongastheShireliesbehind,safeandcomfortable,Ishallfindwanderingmorebearable:Ishallknowthatsomewherethereisafirmfoothold,evenifmyfeetcannotstandthereagain.
‘Ofcourse,Ihavesometimesthoughtofgoingaway,butIimaginedthatasakindofholiday,aseriesofadventureslikeBilbo’sor
better,endinginpeace.Butthiswouldmeanexile,aflightfromdangerintodanger,drawingitafterme.AndIsupposeImustgoalone,ifIamtodothatandsavetheShire.ButIfeelverysmall,andveryuprooted,andwell–desperate.TheEnemyissostrongandterrible.’
HedidnottellGandalf,butashewasspeakingagreatdesiretofollowBilbo
flamedupinhisheart–tofollowBilbo,andevenperhapstofindhimagain.Itwassostrongthatitovercamehisfear:hecouldalmosthaverunoutthereandthendowntheroadwithouthishat,asBilbohaddoneonasimilarmorninglongago.
‘MydearFrodo!’exclaimedGandalf.‘Hobbitsreallyareamazingcreatures,asIhavesaidbefore.Youcan
learnallthatthereistoknowabouttheirwaysinamonth,andyetafterahundredyearstheycanstillsurpriseyouatapinch.Ihardlyexpectedtogetsuchananswer,notevenfromyou.ButBilbomadenomistakeinchoosinghisheir,thoughhelittlethoughthowimportantitwouldprove.Iamafraidyouareright.TheRingwillnotbeabletostayhiddenintheShiremuch
longer;andforyourownsake,aswellasforothers,youwillhavetogo,andleavethenameofBagginsbehindyou.Thatnamewillnotbesafetohave,outsidetheShireorintheWild.Iwillgiveyouatravellingnamenow.Whenyougo,goasMr.Underhill.
‘ButIdon’tthinkyouneedgoalone.Notifyouknowofanyoneyoucantrust,andwhowouldbe
willingtogobyyourside–andthatyouwouldbewillingtotakeintounknownperils.Butifyoulookforacompanion,becarefulinchoosing!Andbecarefulofwhatyousay,eventoyourclosestfriends!Theenemyhasmanyspiesandmanywaysofhearing.’
Suddenlyhestoppedasiflistening.Frodobecameawarethatallwasveryquiet,
insideandoutside.Gandalfcrepttoonesideofthewindow.Thenwithadarthesprangtothesill,andthrustalongarmoutanddownwards.Therewasasquawk,andupcameSamGamgee’scurlyheadhauledbyoneear.
‘Well,well,blessmybeard!’saidGandalf.‘SamGamgeeisit?Nowwhatmayyoubedoing?’
‘Lorblessyou,Mr.
Gandalf,sir!’saidSam.‘Nothing!LeastwaysIwasjusttrimmingthegrass-borderunderthewindow,ifyoufollowme.’Hepickeduphisshearsandexhibitedthemasevidence.
‘Idon’t,’saidGandalfgrimly.‘ItissometimesinceIlastheardthesoundofyourshears.Howlonghaveyoubeeneavesdropping?’
‘Eavesdropping,sir?I
don’tfollowyou,beggingyourpardon.Thereain’tnoeavesatBagEnd,andthat’safact.’
‘Don’tbeafool!Whathaveyouheard,andwhydidyoulisten?’Gandalf’seyesflashedandhisbrowsstuckoutlikebristles.
‘Mr.Frodo,sir!’criedSamquaking.‘Don’tlethimhurtme,sir!Don’tlethimturnmeintoanything
unnatural!Myolddadwouldtakeonso.Imeantnoharm,onmyhonour,sir!’
‘Hewon’thurtyou,’saidFrodo,hardlyabletokeepfromlaughing,althoughhewashimselfstartledandratherpuzzled.‘Heknows,aswellasIdo,thatyoumeannoharm.Butjustyouupandanswerhisquestionsstraightaway!’
‘Well,sir,’saidSam
ditheringalittle.‘IheardadealthatIdidn’trightlyunderstand,aboutanenemy,andrings,andMr.Bilbo,sir,anddragons,andafierymountain,and–andElves,sir.IlistenedbecauseIcouldn’thelpmyself,ifyouknowwhatImean.Lorblessme,sir,butIdolovetalesofthatsort.AndIbelievethemtoo,whateverTedmaysay.Elves,sir!Iwoulddearly
lovetoseethem.Couldn’tyoutakemetoseeElves,sir,whenyougo?’
SuddenlyGandalflaughed.‘Comeinside!’heshouted,andputtingoutbothhisarmsheliftedtheastonishedSam,shears,grass-clippingsandall,rightthroughthewindowandstoodhimonthefloor.‘TakeyoutoseeElves,eh?’hesaid,eyeingSamclosely,butwith
asmileflickeringonhisface.‘SoyouheardthatMr.Frodoisgoingaway?’
‘Idid,sir.Andthat’swhyIchoked:whichyouheardseemingly.Itriednotto,sir,butitburstoutofme:Iwassoupset.’
‘Itcan’tbehelped,Sam,’saidFrodosadly.HehadsuddenlyrealizedthatflyingfromtheShirewouldmeanmorepainfulpartingsthan
merelysayingfarewelltothefamiliarcomfortsofBagEnd.‘Ishallhavetogo.But’–andherehelookedhardatSam–‘ifyoureallycareaboutme,youwillkeepthatdeadsecret.See?Ifyoudon’t,ifyouevenbreatheawordofwhatyou’veheardhere,thenIhopeGandalfwillturnyouintoaspottedtoadandfillthegardenfullofgrass-snakes.’
Samfellonhisknees,
trembling.‘Getup,Sam!’saidGandalf.‘Ihavethoughtofsomethingbetterthanthat.Somethingtoshutyourmouth,andpunishyouproperlyforlistening.YoushallgoawaywithMr.Frodo!’
‘Me,sir!’criedSam,springinguplikeadoginvitedforawalk.‘MegoandseeElvesandall!Hooray!’heshouted,and
thenburstintotears.
Chapter3
THREEISCOMPANY
‘Yououghttogoquietly,andyououghttogosoon,’saidGandalf.Twoorthreeweekshadpassed,andstillFrodo
madenosignofgettingreadytogo.
‘Iknow.Butitisdifficulttodoboth,’heobjected.‘IfIjustvanishlikeBilbo,thetalewillbeallovertheShireinnotime.’
‘Ofcourseyoumustn’tvanish!’saidGandalf.‘Thatwouldn’tdoatall!Isaidsoon,notinstantly.IfyoucanthinkofanywayofslippingoutoftheShirewithoutits
beinggenerallyknown,itwillbeworthalittledelay.Butyoumustnotdelaytoolong.’
‘Whatabouttheautumn,onorafterOurBirthday?’askedFrodo.‘IthinkIcouldprobablymakesomearrangementsbythen.’
Totellthetruth,hewasveryreluctanttostart,nowthatithadcometothepoint:BagEndseemedamoredesirableresidencethanit
hadforyears,andhewantedtosavourasmuchashecouldofhislastsummerintheShire.Whenautumncame,heknewthatpartatleastofhisheartwouldthinkmorekindlyofjourneying,asitalwaysdidatthatseason.Hehadindeedprivatelymadeuphismindtoleaveonhisfiftiethbirthday:Bilbo’sonehundredandtwenty-eighth.Itseemedsomehowtheproper
dayonwhichtosetoutandfollowhim.FollowingBilbowasuppermostinhismind,andtheonethingthatmadethethoughtofleavingbearable.HethoughtaslittleaspossibleabouttheRing,andwhereitmightleadhimintheend.ButhedidnottellallhisthoughtstoGandalf.Whatthewizardguessedwasalwaysdifficulttotell.
HelookedatFrodoand
smiled.‘Verywell,’hesaid.‘Ithinkthatwilldo–butitmustnotbeanylater.Iamgettingveryanxious.Inthemeanwhile,dotakecare,anddon’tletoutanyhintofwhereyouaregoing!AndseethatSamGamgeedoesnottalk.Ifhedoes,Ireallyshallturnhimintoatoad.’
‘AsforwhereIamgoing,’saidFrodo,‘itwouldbedifficulttogivethataway,for
Ihavenoclearideamyself,yet.’
‘Don’tbeabsurd!’saidGandalf.‘Iamnotwarningyouagainstleavinganaddressatthepost-office!ButyouareleavingtheShire–andthatshouldnotbeknown,untilyouarefaraway.Andyoumustgo,oratleastsetout,eitherNorth,South,WestorEast–andthedirectionshouldcertainlynotbe
known.’‘Ihavebeensotakenup
withthethoughtsofleavingBagEnd,andofsayingfarewell,thatIhaveneverevenconsideredthedirection,’saidFrodo.‘ForwhereamItogo?AndbywhatshallIsteer?Whatistobemyquest?Bilbowenttofindatreasure,thereandbackagain;butIgotoloseone,andnotreturn,asfarasIcan
see.’‘Butyoucannotseevery
far,’saidGandalf.‘Neithercan
I.ItmaybeyourtasktofindtheCracksofDoom;butthatquestmaybeforothers:Idonotknow.Atanyrateyouarenotreadyforthatlongroadyet.’
‘Noindeed!’saidFrodo.‘ButinthemeantimewhatcourseamItotake?’
‘Towardsdanger;butnottoorashly,nortoostraight,’answeredthewizard.‘Ifyouwantmyadvice,makeforRivendell.Thatjourneyshouldnotprovetooperilous,thoughtheRoadislesseasythanitwas,anditwillgrowworseastheyearfails.’
‘Rivendell!’saidFrodo.‘Verygood:Iwillgoeast,andIwillmakeforRivendell.IwilltakeSamtovisitthe
Elves;hewillbedelighted.’Hespokelightly;buthisheartwasmovedsuddenlywithadesiretoseethehouseofElrondHalfelven,andbreathetheairofthatdeepvalleywheremanyoftheFairFolkstilldweltinpeace.
Onesummer’seveninganastonishingpieceofnewsreachedtheIvyBushand
GreenDragon.GiantsandotherportentsonthebordersoftheShirewereforgottenformoreimportantmatters:Mr.FrodowassellingBagEnd,indeedhehadalreadysoldit–totheSackville-Bagginses!
‘Foranicebit,too,’saidsome.‘Atabargainprice,’saidothers,‘andthat’smorelikelywhenMistressLobelia’sthebuyer.’(Otho
haddiedsomeyearsbefore,attheripebutdisappointedageof102.)
JustwhyMr.Frodowassellinghisbeautifulholewasevenmoredebatablethantheprice.Afewheldthetheory–supportedbythenodsandhintsofMr.Bagginshimself–thatFrodo’smoneywasrunningout:hewasgoingtoleaveHobbitonandliveinaquietwayontheproceedsof
thesaledowninBucklandamonghisBrandybuckrelations.‘AsfarfromtheSackville-Bagginsesasmaybe,’someadded.ButsofirmlyfixedhadthenotionoftheimmeasurablewealthoftheBagginsesofBagEndbecomethatmostfoundthishardtobelieve,harderthananyotherreasonorunreasonthattheirfancycouldsuggest:tomostitsuggestedadark
andyetunrevealedplotbyGandalf.Thoughhekepthimselfveryquietanddidnotgoaboutbyday,itwaswellknownthathewas‘hidingupintheBagEnd’.Buthoweveraremovalmightfitinwiththedesignsofhiswizardry,therewasnodoubtaboutthefact:FrodoBagginswasgoingbacktoBuckland.
‘Yes,Ishallbemovingthisautumn,’hesaid.‘Merry
Brandybuckislookingoutforanicelittleholeforme,orperhapsasmallhouse.’
AsamatteroffactwithMerry’shelphehadalreadychosenandboughtalittlehouseatCrickhollowinthecountrybeyondBucklebury.ToallbutSamhepretendedhewasgoingtosettledowntherepermanently.Thedecisiontosetouteastwardshadsuggestedtheideato
him;forBucklandwasontheeasternbordersoftheShire,andashehadlivedthereinchildhoodhisgoingbackwouldatleastseemcredible.
GandalfstayedintheShireforovertwomonths.Thenoneevening,attheendofJune,soonafterFrodo’splanhadbeenfinallyarranged,hesuddenly
announcedthathewasgoingoffagainnextmorning.‘Onlyforashortwhile,Ihope,’hesaid.‘ButIamgoingdownbeyondthesouthernborderstogetsomenews,ifIcan.IhavebeenidlelongerthanIshould.’
Hespokelightly,butitseemedtoFrodothathelookedratherworried.‘Hasanythinghappened?’heasked.
‘Wellno;butIhaveheardsomethingthathasmademeanxiousandneedslookinginto.IfIthinkitnecessaryafterallforyoutogetoffatonce,Ishallcomebackimmediately,oratleastsendword.Inthemeanwhilesticktoyourplan;butbemorecarefulthanever,especiallyoftheRing.Letmeimpressonyouoncemore:don’tuseit!’
Hewentoffatdawn.‘Imaybebackanyday,’hesaid.‘AttheverylatestIshallcomebackforthefarewellparty.IthinkafterallyoumayneedmycompanyontheRoad.’
AtfirstFrodowasagooddealdisturbed,andwonderedoftenwhatGandalfcouldhaveheard;buthisuneasinessworeoff,andinthefineweatherheforgothis
troublesforawhile.TheShirehadseldomseensofairasummer,orsorichanautumn:thetreeswereladenwithapples,honeywasdrippinginthecombs,andthecornwastallandfull.
AutumnwaswellunderwaybeforeFrodobegantoworryaboutGandalfagain.Septemberwaspassingandtherewasstillnonewsofhim.TheBirthday,andthe
removal,drewnearer,andstillhedidnotcome,orsendword.BagEndbegantobebusy.SomeofFrodo’sfriendscametostayandhelphimwiththepacking:therewasFredegarBolgerandFolcoBoffin,andofcoursehisspecialfriendsPippinTookandMerryBrandybuck.Betweenthemtheyturnedthewholeplaceupside-down.
OnSeptember20thtwo
coveredcartswentoffladentoBuckland,conveyingthefurnitureandgoodsthatFrodohadnotsoldtohisnewhome,bywayoftheBrandywineBridge.ThenextdayFrodobecamereallyanxious,andkeptaconstantlook-outforGandalf.Thursday,hisbirthdaymorning,dawnedasfairandclearasithadlongagoforBilbo’sgreatparty.Still
Gandalfdidnotappear.IntheeveningFrodogavehisfarewellfeast:itwasquitesmall,justadinnerforhimselfandhisfourhelpers;buthewastroubledandfeltinnomoodforit.Thethoughtthathewouldsosoonhavetopartwithhisyoungfriendsweighedonhisheart.Hewonderedhowhewouldbreakittothem.
Thefouryoungerhobbits
were,however,inhighspirits,andthepartysoonbecameverycheerfulinspiteofGandalf’sabsence.Thedining-roomwasbareexceptforatableandchairs,butthefoodwasgood,andtherewasgoodwine:Frodo’swinehadnotbeenincludedinthesaletotheSackville-Bagginses.
‘Whateverhappenstotherestofmystuff,whentheS.-B.sgettheirclawsonit,at
anyrateIhavefoundagoodhomeforthis!’saidFrodo,ashedrainedhisglass.ItwasthelastdropofOldWinyards.
Whentheyhadsungmanysongs,andtalkedofmanythingstheyhaddonetogether,theytoastedBilbo’sbirthday,andtheydrankhishealthandFrodo’stogetheraccordingtoFrodo’scustom.Thentheywentoutforasniffofair,and
glimpseofthestars,andthentheywenttobed.Frodo’spartywasover,andGandalfhadnotcome.
Thenextmorningtheywerebusypackinganothercartwiththeremainderoftheluggage.Merrytookchargeofthis,anddroveoffwithFatty(thatisFredegarBolger).‘Someonemustget
thereandwarmthehousebeforeyouarrive,’saidMerry.‘Well,seeyoulater–thedayaftertomorrow,ifyoudon’tgotosleepontheway!’
Folcowenthomeafterlunch,butPippinremainedbehind.Frodowasrestlessandanxious,listeninginvainforasoundofGandalf.Hedecidedtowaituntilnightfall.Afterthat,ifGandalfwantedhimurgently,hewouldgoto
Crickhollow,andmightevengettherefirst.ForFrodowasgoingonfoot.Hisplan–forpleasureandalastlookattheShireasmuchasanyotherreason–wastowalkfromHobbitontoBuckleburyFerry,takingitfairlyeasy.
‘Ishallgetmyselfabitintotraining,too,’hesaid,lookingathimselfinadustymirrorinthehalf-emptyhall.Hehadnotdoneany
strenuouswalkingforalongtime,andthereflectionlookedratherflabby,hethought.
Afterlunch,theSackville-Bagginses,Lobeliaandhersandy-hairedson,Lotho,turnedup,muchtoFrodo’sannoyance.‘Oursatlast!’saidLobelia,asshesteppedinside.Itwasnotpolite;norstrictlytrue,forthesaleofBagEnddidnottakeeffect
untilmidnight.ButLobeliacanperhapsbeforgiven:shehadbeenobligedtowaitaboutseventy-sevenyearslongerforBagEndthansheoncehoped,andshewasnowahundredyearsold.Anyway,shehadcometoseethatnothingshehadpaidforhadbeencarriedoff;andshewantedthekeys.Ittookalongwhiletosatisfyher,asshehadbroughtacomplete
inventorywithherandwentrightthroughit.IntheendshedepartedwithLothoandthesparekeyandthepromisethattheotherkeywouldbeleftattheGamgees’inBagshotRow.Shesnorted,andshowedplainlythatshethoughttheGamgeescapableofplunderingtheholeduringthenight.Frododidnotofferheranytea.
Hetookhisownteawith
PippinandSamGamgeeinthekitchen.IthadbeenofficiallyannouncedthatSamwascomingtoBuckland‘todoforMr.Frodoandlookafterhisbitofgarden’;anarrangementthatwasapprovedbytheGaffer,thoughitdidnotconsolehimfortheprospectofhavingLobeliaasaneighbour.
‘OurlastmealatBagEnd!’saidFrodo,pushing
backhischair.TheyleftthewashingupforLobelia.PippinandSamstrappeduptheirthreepacksandpiledthemintheporch.Pippinwentoutforalaststrollinthegarden.Samdisappeared.
Thesunwentdown.BagEndseemedsadandgloomyanddishevelled.Frodowanderedroundthefamiliar
rooms,andsawthelightofthesunsetfadeonthewalls,andshadowscreepoutofthecorners.Itgrewslowlydarkindoors.Hewentoutandwalkeddowntothegateatthebottomofthepath,andthenonashortwaydowntheHillRoad.HehalfexpectedtoseeGandalfcomestridingupthroughthedusk.
Theskywasclearandthestarsweregrowingbright.
‘It’sgoingtobeafinenight,’hesaidaloud.‘That’sgoodforabeginning.Ifeellikewalking.Ican’tbearanymorehangingabout.Iamgoingtostart,andGandalfmustfollowme.’Heturnedtogoback,andthenstopped,forheheardvoices,justroundthecornerbytheendofBagshotRow.OnevoicewascertainlytheoldGaffer’s;theotherwas
strange,andsomehowunpleasant.Hecouldnotmakeoutwhatitsaid,butheheardtheGaffer’sanswers,whichwererathershrill.Theoldmanseemedputout.
‘No,Mr.Bagginshasgoneaway.Wentthismorning,andmySamwentwithhim:anywayallhisstuffwent.Yes,soldoutandgone,Itell’ee.Why?Why’snoneofmybusiness,oryours.
Whereto?Thatain’tnosecret.He’smovedtoBuckleburyorsomesuchplace,awaydownyonder.Yesitis–atidyway.I’veneverbeensofarmyself;they’requeerfolksinBuckland.No,Ican’tgivenomessage.Goodnighttoyou!’
FootstepswentawaydowntheHill.Frodowonderedvaguelywhythefactthattheydidnotcomeon
uptheHillseemedagreatrelief.‘Iamsickofquestionsandcuriosityaboutmydoings,Isuppose,’hethought.‘Whataninquisitivelottheyallare!’HehadhalfamindtogoandasktheGafferwhotheinquirerwas;buthethoughtbetter(orworse)ofit,andturnedandwalkedquicklybacktoBagEnd.
Pippinwassittingonhispackintheporch.Samwas
notthere.Frodosteppedinsidethedarkdoor.‘Sam!’hecalled.‘Sam!Time!’
‘Coming,sir!’cametheanswerfromfarwithin,followedsoonbySamhimself,wipinghismouth.Hehadbeensayingfarewelltothebeer-barrelinthecellar.
‘Allaboard,Sam?’saidFrodo.
‘Yes,sir.I’lllastforabitnow,sir.’
Frodoshutandlockedtherounddoor,andgavethekeytoSam.‘Rundownwiththistoyourhome,Sam!’hesaid.‘ThencutalongtheRowandmeetusasquickasyoucanatthegateinthelanebeyondthemeadows.Wearenotgoingthroughthevillagetonight.Toomanyearsprickingandeyesprying.’Samranoffatfullspeed.
‘Well,nowwe’reoffat
last!’saidFrodo.Theyshoulderedtheirpacksandtookuptheirsticks,andwalkedroundthecornertothewestsideofBagEnd.‘Good-bye!’saidFrodo,lookingatthedarkblankwindows.Hewavedhishand,andthenturnedand(followingBilbo,ifhehadknownit)hurriedafterPeregrindownthegarden-path.Theyjumpedoverthe
lowplaceinthehedgeatthebottomandtooktothefields,passingintothedarknesslikearustleinthegrasses.
AtthebottomoftheHillonitswesternsidetheycametothegateopeningontoanarrowlane.Theretheyhaltedandadjustedthestrapsoftheirpacks.PresentlySamappeared,trottingquicklyand
breathinghard;hisheavypackwashoistedhighonhisshoulders,andhehadputonhisheadatallshapelessfeltbag,whichhecalledahat.Inthegloomhelookedverymuchlikeadwarf.
‘Iamsureyouhavegivenmealltheheavieststuff,’saidFrodo.‘Ipitysnails,andallthatcarrytheirhomesontheirbacks.’
‘Icouldtakealotmore
yet,sir.Mypacketisquitelight,’saidSamstoutlyanduntruthfully.
‘Noyoudon’t,Sam!’saidPippin.‘Itisgoodforhim.He’sgotnothingexceptwhatheorderedustopack.He’sbeenslacklately,andhe’llfeeltheweightlesswhenhe’swalkedoffsomeofhisown.’
‘Bekindtoapooroldhobbit!’laughedFrodo.‘Ishallbeasthinasawillow-
wand,I’msure,beforeIgettoBuckland.ButIwastalkingnonsense.Isuspectyouhavetakenmorethanyourshare,Sam,andIshalllookintoitatournextpacking.’Hepickeduphisstickagain.‘Well,wealllikewalkinginthedark,’hesaid,‘solet’sputsomemilesbehindusbeforebed.’
Forashortwaytheyfollowedthelanewestwards.
Thenleavingittheyturnedleftandtookquietlytothefieldsagain.Theywentinsinglefilealonghedgerowsandthebordersofcoppices,andnightfelldarkaboutthem.Intheirdarkcloakstheywereasinvisibleasiftheyallhadmagicrings.Sincetheywereallhobbits,andweretryingtobesilent,theymadenonoisethatevenhobbitswouldhear.Eventhe
wildthingsinthefieldsandwoodshardlynoticedtheirpassing.
AftersometimetheycrossedtheWater,westofHobbiton,byanarrowplank-bridge.Thestreamwastherenomorethanawindingblackribbon,borderedwithleaningalder-trees.AmileortwofurthersouththeyhastilycrossedthegreatroadfromtheBrandywineBridge;they
werenowintheTooklandandbendingsouth-eastwardstheymadefortheGreenHillCountry.AstheybegantoclimbitsfirstslopestheylookedbackandsawthelampsinHobbitonfarofftwinklinginthegentlevalleyoftheWater.Soonitdisappearedinthefoldsofthedarkenedland,andwasfollowedbyBywaterbesideitsgreypool.Whenthelight
ofthelastfarmwasfarbehind,peepingamongthetrees,Frodoturnedandwavedahandinfarewell.
‘IwonderifIshalleverlookdownintothatvalleyagain,’hesaidquietly.
Whentheyhadwalkedforaboutthreehourstheyrested.Thenightwasclear,cool,andstarry,butsmoke-likewispsofmistwerecreepingupthehill-sidesfromthestreams
anddeepmeadows.Thin-cladbirches,swayinginalightwindabovetheirheads,madeablacknetagainstthepalesky.Theyateaveryfrugalsupper(forhobbits),andthenwentonagain.Soontheystruckanarrowroad,thatwentrollingupanddown,fadinggreyintothedarknessahead:theroadtoWoodhall,andStock,andtheBuckleburyFerry.Itclimbed
awayfromthemainroadintheWater-valley,andwoundovertheskirtsoftheGreenHillstowardsWoodyEnd,awildcorneroftheEastfarthing.
Afterawhiletheyplungedintoadeeplycloventrackbetweentalltreesthatrustledtheirdryleavesinthenight.Itwasverydark.Atfirsttheytalked,orhummedatunesoftlytogether,beingnowfar
awayfrominquisitiveears.Thentheymarchedoninsilence,andPippinbegantolagbehind.Atlast,astheybegantoclimbasteepslope,hestoppedandyawned.
‘Iamsosleepy,’hesaid,‘thatsoonIshallfalldownontheroad.Areyougoingtosleeponyourlegs?Itisnearlymidnight.’
‘Ithoughtyoulikedwalkinginthedark,’said
Frodo.‘Butthereisnogreathurry.Merryexpectsussometimethedayaftertomorrow;butthatleavesusnearlytwodaysmore.We’llhaltatthefirstlikelyspot.’
‘Thewind’sintheWest,’saidSam.‘Ifwegettotheothersideofthishill,weshallfindaspotthatisshelteredandsnugenough,sir.Thereisadryfir-woodjustahead,ifIrememberrightly.’Samknew
thelandwellwithintwentymilesofHobbiton,butthatwasthelimitofhisgeography.
Justoverthetopofthehilltheycameonthepatchoffir-wood.Leavingtheroadtheywentintothedeepresin-scenteddarknessofthetrees,andgathereddeadsticksandconestomakeafire.Soontheyhadamerrycrackleofflameatthefootofalarge
fir-treeandtheysatrounditforawhile,untiltheybegantonod.Then,eachinanangleofthegreattree’sroots,theycurledupintheircloaksandblankets,andweresoonfastasleep.Theysetnowatch;evenFrodofearednodangeryet,fortheywerestillintheheartoftheShire.Afewcreaturescameandlookedatthemwhenthefirehaddiedaway.Afoxpassingthrough
thewoodonbusinessofhisownstoppedseveralminutesandsniffed.
‘Hobbits!’hethought.‘Well,whatnext?Ihaveheardofstrangedoingsinthisland,butIhaveseldomheardofahobbitsleepingoutofdoorsunderatree.Threeofthem!There’ssomethingmightyqueerbehindthis.’Hewasquiteright,butheneverfoundoutanymoreaboutit.
Themorningcame,paleandclammy.Frodowokeupfirst,andfoundthatatree-roothadmadeaholeinhisback,andthathisneckwasstiff.‘Walkingforpleasure!Whydidn’tIdrive?’hethought,asheusuallydidatthebeginningofanexpedition.‘AndallmybeautifulfeatherbedsaresoldtotheSackville-Bagginses!Thesetree-rootswoulddo
themgood.’Hestretched.‘Wakeup,hobbits!’hecried.‘It’sabeautifulmorning.’
‘What’sbeautifulaboutit?’saidPippin,peeringovertheedgeofhisblanketwithoneeye.‘Sam!Getbreakfastreadyforhalf-pastnine!Haveyougotthebath-waterhot?’
Samjumpedup,lookingratherbleary.‘No,sir,Ihaven’t,sir!’hesaid.
Frodostrippedthe
blanketsfromPippinandrolledhimover,andthenwalkedofftotheedgeofthewood.Awayeastwardthesunwasrisingredoutofthemiststhatlaythickontheworld.Touchedwithgoldandredtheautumntreesseemedtobesailingrootlessinashadowysea.Alittlebelowhimtothelefttheroadrandownsteeplyintoahollowanddisappeared.
WhenhereturnedSamandPippinhadgotagoodfiregoing.‘Water!’shoutedPippin.‘Where’sthewater?’
‘Idon’tkeepwaterinmypockets,’saidFrodo.‘Wethoughtyouhadgonetofindsome,’saidPippin,busysettingoutthefood,andcups.‘Youhadbettergonow.’
‘Youcancometoo,’saidFrodo,‘andbringallthewaterbottles.’Therewasa
streamatthefootofthehill.Theyfilledtheirbottlesandthesmallcampingkettleatalittlefallwherethewaterfellafewfeetoveranoutcropofgreystone.Itwasicycold;andtheysplutteredandpuffedastheybathedtheirfacesandhands.
Whentheirbreakfastwasover,andtheirpacksalltrussedupagain,itwasafterteno’clock,andthedaywas
beginningtoturnfineandhot.Theywentdowntheslope,andacrossthestreamwhereitdivedundertheroad,andupthenextslope,andupanddownanothershoulderofthehills;andbythattimetheircloaks,blankets,water,food,andothergearalreadyseemedaheavyburden.
Theday’smarchpromisedtobewarmandtiringwork.Aftersomemiles,however,
theroadceasedtorollupanddown:itclimbedtothetopofasteepbankinawearyzig-zaggingsortofway,andthenpreparedtogodownforthelasttime.Infrontofthemtheysawthelowerlandsdottedwithsmallclumpsoftreesthatmeltedawayinthedistancetoabrownwoodlandhaze.TheywerelookingacrosstheWoodyEndtowardstheBrandywine
River.Theroadwoundawaybeforethemlikeapieceofstring.
‘Theroadgoesonforever,’saidPippin;‘butIcan’twithoutarest.Itishightimeforlunch.’Hesatdownonthebankatthesideoftheroadandlookedawayeastintothehaze,beyondwhichlaytheRiver,andtheendoftheShireinwhichhehadspentallhislife.Samstood
byhim.Hisroundeyeswerewideopen–forhewaslookingacrosslandshehadneverseentoanewhorizon.
‘DoElvesliveinthosewoods?’heasked.
‘NotthatIeverheard,’saidPippin.Frodowassilent.Hetoowasgazingeastwardalongtheroad,asifhehadneverseenitbefore.Suddenlyhespoke,aloudbutasiftohimself,saying
slowly:
TheRoadgoeseveronandonDownfromthedoorwhereitbegan.
NowfaraheadtheRoadhasgone,AndImustfollow,ifIcan,
Pursuingitwithwearyfeet,
Untilitjoinssomelargerway,
Wheremanypathsanderrandsmeet.Andwhitherthen?Icannotsay.
‘ThatsoundslikeabitofoldBilbo’srhyming,’saidPippin.‘Orisitoneofyourimitations?Itdoesnotsoundaltogetherencouraging.’
‘Idon’tknow,’said
Frodo.‘Itcametomethen,asifIwasmakingitup;butImayhavehearditlongago.CertainlyitremindsmeverymuchofBilbointhelastyears,beforehewentaway.HeusedoftentosaytherewasonlyoneRoad;thatitwaslikeagreatriver:itsspringswereateverydoorstep,andeverypathwasitstributary.“It’sadangerousbusiness,Frodo,goingoutof
yourdoor,”heusedtosay.“YoustepintotheRoad,andifyoudon’tkeepyourfeet,thereisnoknowingwhereyoumightbesweptoffto.DoyourealizethatthisistheverypaththatgoesthroughMirkwood,andthatifyouletit,itmighttakeyoutotheLonelyMountainorevenfurtherandtoworseplaces?”Heusedtosaythatonthepathoutsidethefrontdoorat
BagEnd,especiallyafterhehadbeenoutforalongwalk.’
‘Well,theRoadwon’tsweepmeanywhereforanhouratleast,’saidPippin,unslinginghispack.Theothersfollowedhisexample,puttingtheirpacksagainstthebankandtheirlegsoutintotheroad.Afteraresttheyhadagoodlunch,andthenmorerest.
Thesunwasbeginningtogetlowandthelightofafternoonwasonthelandastheywentdownthehill.Sofartheyhadnotmetasoulontheroad.Thiswaywasnotmuchused,beinghardlyfitforcarts,andtherewaslittletraffictotheWoodyEnd.TheyhadbeenjoggingalongagainforanhourormorewhenSamstoppedamomentasiflistening.Theywere
nowonlevelground,andtheroadaftermuchwindinglaystraightaheadthroughgrass-landsprinkledwithtalltrees,outliersoftheapproachingwoods.
‘Icanhearaponyorahorsecomingalongtheroadbehind,’saidSam.
Theylookedback,buttheturnoftheroadpreventedthemfromseeingfar.‘IwonderifthatisGandalf
comingafterus,’saidFrodo;butevenashesaidit,hehadafeelingthatitwasnotso,andasuddendesiretohidefromtheviewoftheridercameoverhim.
‘Itmaynotmattermuch,’hesaidapologetically,‘butIwouldrathernotbeseenontheroad–byanyone.Iamsickofmydoingsbeingnoticedanddiscussed.AndifitisGandalf,’headdedasan
afterthought,‘wecangivehimalittlesurprise,topayhimoutforbeingsolate.Let’sgetoutofsight!’
Theothertworanquicklytotheleftanddownintoalittlehollownotfarfromtheroad.Theretheylayflat.Frodohesitatedforasecond:curiosityorsomeotherfeelingwasstrugglingwithhisdesiretohide.Thesoundofhoofsdrewnearer.Justin
timehethrewhimselfdowninapatchoflonggrassbehindatreethatovershadowedtheroad.Thenheliftedhisheadandpeeredcautiouslyaboveoneofthegreatroots.
Roundthecornercameablackhorse,nohobbit-ponybutafull-sizedhorse;andonitsatalargeman,whoseemedtocrouchinthesaddle,wrappedinagreat
blackcloakandhood,sothatonlyhisbootsinthehighstirrupsshowedbelow;hisfacewasshadowedandinvisible.
WhenitreachedthetreeandwaslevelwithFrodothehorsestopped.Theridingfiguresatquitestillwithitsheadbowed,asiflistening.Frominsidethehoodcameanoiseasofsomeonesniffingtocatchanelusivescent;the
headturnedfromsidetosideoftheroad.
AsuddenunreasoningfearofdiscoverylaidholdofFrodo,andhethoughtofhisRing.Hehardlydaredtobreathe,andyetthedesiretogetitoutofhispocketbecamesostrongthathebeganslowlytomovehishand.Hefeltthathehadonlytoslipiton,andthenhewouldbesafe.Theadviceof
Gandalfseemedabsurd.BilbohadusedtheRing.‘AndIamstillintheShire,’hethought,ashishandtouchedthechainonwhichithung.Atthatmomenttheridersatup,andshookthereins.Thehorsesteppedforward,walkingslowlyatfirst,andthenbreakingintoaquicktrot.
Frodocrawledtotheedgeoftheroadandwatchedthe
rider,untilhedwindledintothedistance.Hecouldnotbequitesure,butitseemedtohimthatsuddenly,beforeitpassedoutofsight,thehorseturnedasideandwentintothetreesontheright.
‘Well,Icallthatveryqueer,andindeeddisturbing,’saidFrodotohimself,ashewalkedtowardshiscompanions.PippinandSamhadremainedflatinthegrass,
andhadseennothing;soFrododescribedtheriderandhisstrangebehaviour.
‘Ican’tsaywhy,butIfeltcertainhewaslookingorsmellingforme;andalsoIfeltcertainthatIdidnotwanthimtodiscoverme.I’veneverseenorfeltanythinglikeitintheShirebefore.’
‘ButwhathasoneoftheBigPeoplegottodowithus?’saidPippin.‘Andwhatis
hedoinginthispartoftheworld?’
‘TherearesomeMenabout,’saidFrodo.‘DownintheSouthfarthingtheyhavehadtroublewithBigPeople,Ibelieve.ButIhaveneverheardofanythinglikethisrider.Iwonderwherehecomesfrom.’
‘Beggingyourpardon,’putinSamsuddenly,‘Iknowwherehecomesfrom.It’s
fromHobbitonthatthishereblackridercomes,unlessthere’smorethanone.AndIknowwherehe’sgoingto.’
‘Whatdoyoumean?’saidFrodosharply,lookingathiminastonishment.‘Whydidn’tyouspeakupbefore?’
‘Ihaveonlyjustremembered,sir.Itwaslikethis:whenIgotbacktoourholeyesterdayeveningwiththekey,mydad,hesaysto
me:Hallo,Sam!hesays.IthoughtyouwereawaywithMr.Frodothismorning.There’sbeenastrangecustomeraskingforMr.BagginsofBagEnd,andhe’sonlyjustgone.I’vesenthimontoBucklebury.NotthatIlikedthesoundofhim.Heseemedmightyputout,whenItoldhimMr.Bagginshadlefthisoldhomeforgood.Hissedatme,hedid.Itgave
mequiteashudder.Whatsortofafellowwashe?saysItotheGaffer.Idon’tknow,sayshe;buthewasn’tahobbit.Hewastallandblack-like,andhestoopedoverme.IreckonitwasoneoftheBigFolkfromforeignparts.Hespokefunny.
‘Icouldn’tstaytohearmore,sir,sinceyouwerewaiting;andIdidn’tgivemuchheedtoitmyself.The
Gafferisgettingold,andmorethanabitblind,anditmusthavebeenneardarkwhenthisfellowcomeuptheHillandfoundhimtakingtheairattheendofourRow.Ihopehehasn’tdonenoharm,sir,norme.’
‘TheGaffercan’tbeblamedanyway,’saidFrodo.‘AsamatteroffactIheardhimtalkingtoastranger,whoseemedtobeinquiringfor
me,andInearlywentandaskedhimwhoitwas.IwishIhad,oryouhadtoldmeaboutitbefore.Imighthavebeenmorecarefulontheroad.’
‘Still,theremaybenoconnexionbetweenthisriderandtheGaffer’sstranger,’saidPippin.‘WeleftHobbitonsecretlyenough,andIdon’tseehowhecouldhavefollowedus.’
‘Whataboutthesmelling,sir?’saidSam.‘AndtheGaffersaidhewasablackchap.’
‘IwishIhadwaitedforGandalf,’Frodomuttered.‘Butperhapsitwouldonlyhavemademattersworse.’
‘Thenyouknoworguesssomethingaboutthisrider?’saidPippin,whohadcaughtthemutteredwords.
‘Idon’tknow,andI
wouldrathernotguess,’saidFrodo.
‘Allright,cousinFrodo!Youcankeepyoursecretforthepresent,ifyouwanttobemysterious.Inthemeanwhilewhatarewetodo?Ishouldlikeabiteandasup,butsomehowIthinkwehadbettermoveonfromhere.Yourtalkofsniffingriderswithinvisiblenoseshasunsettledme.’
‘Yes,Ithinkwewillmoveonnow,’saidFrodo;‘butnotontheroad–incasethatridercomesback,oranotherfollowshim.Weoughttodoagoodstepmoretoday.Bucklandisstillmilesaway.’
Theshadowsofthetreeswerelongandthinonthegrass,astheystartedoffagain.Theynowkepta
stone’sthrowtotheleftoftheroad,andkeptoutofsightofitasmuchastheycould.Butthishinderedthem;forthegrasswasthickandtussocky,andthegrounduneven,andthetreesbegantodrawtogetherintothickets.
Thesunhadgonedownredbehindthehillsattheirbacks,andeveningwascomingonbeforetheycamebacktotheroadattheendof
thelongleveloverwhichithadrunstraightforsomemiles.AtthatpointitbentleftandwentdownintothelowlandsoftheYalemakingforStock;butalanebranchedright,windingthroughawoodofancientoak-treesonitswaytoWoodhall.‘Thatisthewayforus,’saidFrodo.
Notfarfromtheroad-meetingtheycameonthehugehulkofatree:itwas
stillaliveandhadleavesonthesmallbranchesthatithadputoutroundthebrokenstumpsofitslong-fallenlimbs;butitwashollow,andcouldbeenteredbyagreatcrackonthesideawayfromtheroad.Thehobbitscreptinside,andsatthereuponafloorofoldleavesanddecayedwood.Theyrestedandhadalightmeal,talkingquietlyandlisteningfrom
timetotime.Twilightwasaboutthem
astheycreptbacktothelane.TheWestwindwassighinginthebranches.Leaveswerewhispering.Soontheroadbegantofallgentlybutsteadilyintothedusk.AstarcameoutabovethetreesinthedarkeningEastbeforethem.Theywentabreastandinstep,tokeepuptheirspirits.Afteratime,asthe
starsgrewthickerandbrighter,thefeelingofdisquietleftthem,andtheynolongerlistenedforthesoundofhoofs.Theybegantohumsoftly,ashobbitshaveawayofdoingastheywalkalong,especiallywhentheyaredrawingneartohomeatnight.Withmosthobbitsitisasupper-songorabed-song;butthesehobbitshummedawalking-song(thoughnot,of
course,withoutanymentionofsupperandbed).BilboBagginshadmadethewords,toatunethatwasasoldasthehills,andtaughtittoFrodoastheywalkedinthelanesoftheWater-valleyandtalkedaboutAdventure.
Uponthehearththefireisred,Beneaththeroofthereisabed;
Butnotyetwearyareourfeet,StillroundthecornerwemaymeetAsuddentreeorstandingstoneThatnonehaveseenbutwealone.Treeandflowerandleafandgrass,Letthempass!Letthempass!
Hillandwaterundersky,Passthemby!Passthemby!
StillroundthecornertheremaywaitAnewroadorasecretgate,Andthoughwepassthembytoday,Tomorrowwemaycomethisway
AndtakethehiddenpathsthatrunTowardstheMoonortotheSun.Apple,thorn,andnutandsloe,Letthemgo!Letthemgo!Sandandstoneandpoolanddell,Fareyouwell!Fareyouwell!
Homeisbehind,theworldahead,AndtherearemanypathstotreadThroughshadowstotheedgeofnight,Untilthestarsareallalight.Thenworldbehindandhomeahead,We’llwanderbacktohomeandbed.Mistandtwilight,
cloudandshade,Awayshallfade!Awayshallfade!Fireandlamp,andmeatandbread,Andthentobed!Andthentobed!
Thesongended.‘Andnowtobed!Andnowtobed!’sangPippininahighvoice.
‘Hush!’saidFrodo.‘I
thinkIhearhoofsagain.’Theystoppedsuddenly
andstoodassilentastree-shadows,listening.Therewasasoundofhoofsinthelane,somewaybehind,butcomingslowandcleardownthewind.Quicklyandquietlytheyslippedoffthepath,andranintothedeepershadeundertheoak-trees.
‘Don’tletusgotoofar!’saidFrodo.‘Idon’twantto
beseen,butIwanttoseeifitisanotherBlackRider.’
‘Verywell!’saidPippin.‘Butdon’tforgetthesniffing!’
Thehoofsdrewnearer.Theyhadnotimetofindanyhiding-placebetterthanthegeneraldarknessunderthetrees;SamandPippincrouchedbehindalargetree-bole,whileFrodocreptbackafewyardstowardsthelane.
Itshowedgreyandpale,alineoffadinglightthroughthewood.Aboveitthestarswerethickinthedimsky,buttherewasnomoon.
Thesoundofhoofsstopped.AsFrodowatchedhesawsomethingdarkpassacrossthelighterspacebetweentwotrees,andthenhalt.Itlookedliketheblackshadeofahorseledbyasmallerblackshadow.The
blackshadowstoodclosetothepointwheretheyhadleftthepath,anditswayedfromsidetoside.Frodothoughtheheardthesoundofsnuffling.Theshadowbenttotheground,andthenbegantocrawltowardshim.
OncemorethedesiretoslipontheRingcameoverFrodo;butthistimeitwasstrongerthanbefore.Sostrongthat,almostbeforehe
realizedwhathewasdoing,hishandwasgropinginhispocket.Butatthatmomenttherecameasoundlikemingledsongandlaughter.Clearvoicesroseandfellinthestarlitair.Theblackshadowstraightenedupandretreated.Itclimbedontotheshadowyhorseandseemedtovanishacrossthelaneintothedarknessontheotherside.Frodobreathedagain.
‘Elves!’exclaimedSaminahoarsewhisper.‘Elves,sir!’Hewouldhaveburstoutofthetreesanddashedofftowardsthevoices,iftheyhadnotpulledhimback.
‘Yes,itisElves,’saidFrodo.‘OnecanmeetthemsometimesintheWoodyEnd.Theydon’tliveintheShire,buttheywanderintoitinspringandautumn,outoftheirownlandsawaybeyond
theTowerHills.Iamthankfulthattheydo!Youdidnotsee,butthatBlackRiderstoppedjusthereandwasactuallycrawlingtowardsuswhenthesongbegan.Assoonasheheardthevoicesheslippedaway.’
‘WhatabouttheElves?’saidSam,tooexcitedtotroubleabouttherider.‘Can’twegoandseethem?’
‘Listen!Theyarecoming
thisway,’saidFrodo.‘Wehaveonlytowait.’
Thesingingdrewnearer.Oneclearvoicerosenowabovetheothers.Itwassinginginthefairelven-tongue,ofwhichFrodoknewonlyalittle,andtheothersknewnothing.Yetthesoundblendingwiththemelodyseemedtoshapeitselfintheirthoughtintowordswhichtheyonlypartlyunderstood.
ThiswasthesongasFrodoheardit:
Snow-white!Snow-white!OLadyclear!OQueenbeyondtheWesternSeas
OLighttousthatwanderhereAmidtheworldofwoventrees!
Gilthoniel!OElbereth!Cleararethyeyesandbrightthybreath!
Snow-white!Snow-white!WesingtotheeInafarlandbeyondtheSea.
OstarsthatintheSunlessYear
Withshininghandbyherweresown,
InwindyfieldsnowbrightandclearWeseeyoursilverblossomblown!
OElbereth!Gilthoniel!Westillremember,wewhodwell
Inthisfarland
beneaththetrees,ThystarlightontheWesternSeas.
Thesongended.‘TheseareHighElves!TheyspokethenameofElbereth!’saidFrodoinamazement.‘FewofthatfairestfolkareeverseenintheShire.NotmanynowremaininMiddle-earth,eastoftheGreatSea.Thisisindeedastrangechance!’
Thehobbitssatinshadowbythewayside.BeforelongtheElvescamedownthelanetowardsthevalley.Theypassedslowly,andthehobbitscouldseethestarlightglimmeringontheirhairandintheireyes.Theyborenolights,yetastheywalkedashimmer,likethelightofthemoonabovetherimofthehillsbeforeitrises,seemedtofallabouttheirfeet.They
werenowsilent,andasthelastElfpassedheturnedandlookedtowardsthehobbitsandlaughed.
‘Hail,Frodo!’hecried.‘Youareabroadlate.Orareyouperhapslost?’Thenhecalledaloudtotheothers,andallthecompanystoppedandgatheredround.
‘Thisisindeedwonderful!’theysaid.‘Threehobbitsinawoodatnight!
WehavenotseensuchathingsinceBilbowentaway.Whatisthemeaningofit?’
‘Themeaningofit,fairpeople,’saidFrodo,‘issimplythatweseemtobegoingthesamewayasyouare.Ilikewalkingunderthestars.ButIwouldwelcomeyourcompany.’
‘Butwehavenoneedofothercompany,andhobbitsaresodull,’theylaughed.
‘Andhowdoyouknowthatwegothesamewayasyou,foryoudonotknowwhitherwearegoing?’
‘Andhowdoyouknowmyname?’askedFrodoinreturn.
‘Weknowmanythings,’theysaid.‘WehaveseenyouoftenbeforewithBilbo,thoughyoumaynothaveseenus.’
‘Whoareyou,andwhois
yourlord?’askedFrodo.‘IamGildor,’answered
theirleader,theElfwhohadfirsthailedhim.‘GildorInglorionoftheHouseofFinrod.WeareExiles,andmostofourkindredhavelongagodepartedandwetooarenowonlytarryinghereawhile,erewereturnovertheGreatSea.ButsomeofourkinsfolkdwellstillinpeaceinRivendell.Comenow,Frodo,
telluswhatyouaredoing?Forweseethatthereissomeshadowoffearuponyou.’
‘OWisePeople!’interruptedPippineagerly.‘TellusabouttheBlackRiders!’
‘BlackRiders?’theysaidinlowvoices.‘WhydoyouaskaboutBlackRiders?’
‘BecausetwoBlackRidershaveovertakenustoday,oronehasdoneso
twice,’saidPippin;‘onlyalittlewhileagoheslippedawayasyoudrewnear.’
TheElvesdidnotansweratonce,butspoketogethersoftlyintheirowntongue.AtlengthGildorturnedtothehobbits.‘Wewillnotspeakofthishere,’hesaid.‘Wethinkyouhadbestcomenowwithus.Itisnotourcustom,butforthistimewewilltakeyouonourroad,andyou
shalllodgewithustonight,ifyouwill.’
‘OFairFolk!Thisisgoodfortunebeyondmyhope,’saidPippin.Samwasspeechless.‘Ithankyouindeed,GildorInglorion,’saidFrodobowing.‘Elensílalúmenn’omentielvo,astarshinesonthehourofourmeeting,’headdedintheHigh-elvenspeech.
‘Becareful,friends!’cried
Gildorlaughing.‘Speaknosecrets!HereisascholarintheAncientTongue.Bilbowasagoodmaster.Hail,Elf-friend!’hesaid,bowingtoFrodo.‘Comenowwithyourfriendsandjoinourcompany!Youhadbestwalkinthemiddlesothatyoumaynotstray.Youmaybewearybeforewehalt.’
‘Why?Whereareyougoing?’askedFrodo.
‘FortonightwegotothewoodsonthehillsaboveWoodhall.Itissomemiles,butyoushallhaverestattheendofit,anditwillshortenyourjourneytomorrow.’
Theynowmarchedonagaininsilence,andpassedlikeshadowsandfaintlights:forElves(evenmorethanhobbits)couldwalkwhentheywishedwithoutsoundorfootfall.Pippinsoonbeganto
feelsleepy,andstaggeredonceortwice;buteachtimeatallElfathissideputouthisarmandsavedhimfromafall.SamwalkedalongatFrodo’sside,asifinadream,withanexpressiononhisfacehalfoffearandhalfofastonishedjoy.
Thewoodsoneithersidebecamedenser;thetreeswere
nowyoungerandthicker;andasthelanewentlower,runningdownintoafoldofthehills,thereweremanydeepbrakesofhazelontherisingslopesateitherhand.AtlasttheElvesturnedasidefromthepath.Agreenridelayalmostunseenthroughthethicketsontheright;andthistheyfollowedasitwoundawaybackupthewoodedslopesontothetopofa
shoulderofthehillsthatstoodoutintothelowerlandoftheriver-valley.Suddenlytheycameoutoftheshadowofthetrees,andbeforethemlayawidespaceofgrass,greyunderthenight.Onthreesidesthewoodspresseduponit;buteastwardthegroundfellsteeplyandthetopsofthedarktrees,growingatthebottomoftheslope,werebelowtheirfeet.Beyond,the
lowlandslaydimandflatunderthestars.NearerathandafewlightstwinkledinthevillageofWoodhall.
TheElvessatonthegrassandspoketogetherinsoftvoices;theyseemedtotakenofurthernoticeofthehobbits.Frodoandhiscompanionswrappedthemselvesincloaksandblankets,anddrowsinessstoleoverthem.Thenight
grewon,andthelightsinthevalleywentout.Pippinfellasleep,pillowedonagreenhillock.
AwayhighintheEastswungRemmirath,theNettedStars,andslowlyabovethemistsredBorgilrose,glowinglikeajeweloffire.Thenbysomeshiftofairsallthemistwasdrawnawaylikeaveil,andthereleanedup,asheclimbedovertherimof
theworld,theSwordsmanoftheSky,Menelvagorwithhisshiningbelt.TheElvesallburstintosong.Suddenlyunderthetreesafiresprangupwitharedlight.
‘Come!’theElvescalledtothehobbits.‘Come!Nowisthetimeforspeechandmerriment!’
Pippinsatupandrubbedhiseyes.Heshivered.‘Thereisafireinthehall,andfood
forhungryguests,’saidanElfstandingbeforehim.
Atthesouthendofthegreenswardtherewasanopening.Therethegreenfloorranonintothewood,andformedawidespacelikeahall,roofedbytheboughsoftrees.Theirgreattrunksranlikepillarsdowneachside.Inthemiddletherewasawood-fireblazing,anduponthetree-pillarstorcheswith
lightsofgoldandsilverwereburningsteadily.TheElvessatroundthefireuponthegrassoruponthesawnringsofoldtrunks.Somewenttoandfrobearingcupsandpouringdrink;othersbroughtfoodonheapedplatesanddishes.
‘Thisispoorfare,’theysaidtothehobbits;‘forwearelodginginthegreenwoodfarfromourhalls.Ifeveryou
areourguestsathome,wewilltreatyoubetter.’
‘Itseemstomegoodenoughforabirthday-party,’saidFrodo.
Pippinafterwardsrecalledlittleofeitherfoodordrink,forhismindwasfilledwiththelightupontheelf-faces,andthesoundofvoicessovariousandsobeautifulthathefeltinawakingdream.Butherememberedthatthere
wasbread,surpassingthesavourofafairwhiteloaftoonewhoisstarving;andfruitssweetaswildberriesandricherthanthetendedfruitsofgardens;hedrainedacupthatwasfilledwithafragrantdraught,coolasaclearfountain,goldenasasummerafternoon.
Samcouldneverdescribeinwords,norpictureclearlytohimself,whathefeltor
thoughtthatnight,thoughitremainedinhismemoryasoneofthechiefeventsofhislife.Thenearestheevergotwastosay:‘Well,sir,ifIcouldgrowappleslikethat,Iwouldcallmyselfagardener.Butitwasthesingingthatwenttomyheart,ifyouknowwhatImean.’
Frodosat,eating,drinking,andtalkingwithdelight;buthismindwas
chieflyonthewordsspoken.Heknewalittleoftheelf-speechandlistenedeagerly.Nowandagainhespoketothosethatservedhimandthankedthemintheirownlanguage.Theysmiledathimandsaidlaughing:‘Hereisajewelamonghobbits!’
AfterawhilePippinfellfastasleep,andwasliftedupandborneawaytoabowerunderthetrees;therehewas
laiduponasoftbedandslepttherestofthenightaway.Samrefusedtoleavehismaster.WhenPippinhadgone,hecameandsatcurledupatFrodo’sfeet,whereatlasthenoddedandclosedhiseyes.Frodoremainedlongawake,talkingwithGildor.
Theyspokeofmanythings,oldandnew,and
FrodoquestionedGildormuchabouthappeningsinthewideworldoutsidetheShire.Thetidingsweremostlysadandominous:ofgatheringdarkness,thewarsofMen,andtheflightoftheElves.AtlastFrodoaskedthequestionthatwasnearesttohisheart:
‘Tellme,Gildor,haveyoueverseenBilbosinceheleftus?’
Gildorsmiled.‘Yes,’he
answered.‘Twice.Hesaidfarewelltousonthisveryspot.ButIsawhimonceagain,farfromhere.’HewouldsaynomoreaboutBilbo,andFrodofellsilent.
‘Youdonotaskmeortellmemuchthatconcernsyourself,Frodo,’saidGildor.‘ButIalreadyknowalittle,andIcanreadmoreinyourfaceandinthethoughtbehindyourquestions.You
areleavingtheShire,andyetyoudoubtthatyouwillfindwhatyouseek,oraccomplishwhatyouintend,orthatyouwilleverreturn.Isnotthatso?’
‘Itis,’saidFrodo;‘butIthoughtmygoingwasasecretknownonlytoGandalfandmyfaithfulSam.’HelookeddownatSam,whowassnoringgently.
‘Thesecretwillnotreach
theEnemyfromus,’saidGildor.
‘TheEnemy?’saidFrodo.‘ThenyouknowwhyIamleavingtheShire?’
‘IdonotknowforwhatreasontheEnemyispursuingyou,’answeredGildor;‘butIperceivethatheis–strangeindeedthoughthatseemstome.AndIwarnyouthatperilisnowbothbeforeyouandbehindyou,anduponeither
side.’‘YoumeantheRiders?I
fearedthattheywereservantsoftheEnemy.WhataretheBlackRiders?’
‘HasGandalftoldyounothing?’
‘Nothingaboutsuchcreatures.’
‘ThenIthinkitisnotformetosaymore–lestterrorshouldkeepyoufromyourjourney.Foritseemstome
thatyouhavesetoutonlyjustintime,ifindeedyouareintime.Youmustnowmakehaste,andneitherstaynorturnback;fortheShireisnolongeranyprotectiontoyou.’
‘Icannotimaginewhatinformationcouldbemoreterrifyingthanyourhintsandwarnings,’exclaimedFrodo.‘Iknewthatdangerlayahead,ofcourse;butIdidnotexpecttomeetitinourown
Shire.Can’tahobbitwalkfromtheWatertotheRiverinpeace?’
‘ButitisnotyourownShire,’saidGildor.‘Othersdweltherebeforehobbitswere;andotherswilldwellhereagainwhenhobbitsarenomore.Thewideworldisallaboutyou:youcanfenceyourselvesin,butyoucannotforeverfenceitout.’
‘Iknow–andyetithas
alwaysseemedsosafeandfamiliar.WhatcanIdonow?MyplanwastoleavetheShiresecretly,andmakemywaytoRivendell;butnowmyfootstepsaredogged,beforeeverIgettoBuckland.’
‘Ithinkyoushouldstillfollowthatplan,’saidGildor.‘IdonotthinktheRoadwillprovetoohardforyourcourage.Butifyoudesire
clearercounsel,youshouldaskGandalf.Idonotknowthereasonforyourflight,andthereforeIdonotknowbywhatmeansyourpursuerswillassailyou.ThesethingsGandalfmustknow.IsupposethatyouwillseehimbeforeyouleavetheShire?’
‘Ihopeso.Butthatisanotherthingthatmakesmeanxious.IhavebeenexpectingGandalfformany
days.HewastohavecometoHobbitonatthelatesttwonightsago;buthehasneverappeared.NowIamwonderingwhatcanhavehappened.ShouldIwaitforhim?’
Gildorwassilentforamoment.‘Idonotlikethisnews,’hesaidatlast.‘ThatGandalfshouldbelate,doesnotbodewell.Butitissaid:Donotmeddleintheaffairs
ofWizards,fortheyaresubtleandquicktoanger.Thechoiceisyours:togoorwait.’
‘Anditisalsosaid,’answeredFrodo:‘GonottotheElvesforcounsel,fortheywillsaybothnoandyes.’
‘Isitindeed?’laughedGildor.‘Elvesseldomgiveunguardedadvice,foradviceisadangerousgift,evenfromthewisetothewise,andall
coursesmayrunill.Butwhatwouldyou?Youhavenottoldmeallconcerningyourself;andhowthenshallIchoosebetterthanyou?Butifyoudemandadvice,Iwillforfriendship’ssakegiveit.Ithinkyoushouldnowgoatonce,withoutdelay;andifGandalfdoesnotcomebeforeyousetout,thenIalsoadvisethis:donotgoalone.Takesuchfriendsasaretrustyand
willing.Nowyoushouldbegrateful,forIdonotgivethiscounselgladly.TheElveshavetheirownlaboursandtheirownsorrows,andtheyarelittleconcernedwiththewaysofhobbits,orofanyothercreaturesuponearth.Ourpathscrosstheirsseldom,bychanceorpurpose.Inthismeetingtheremaybemorethanchance;butthepurposeisnotcleartome,andIfear
tosaytoomuch.’‘Iamdeeplygrateful,’
saidFrodo;‘butIwishyouwouldtellmeplainlywhattheBlackRidersare.IfItakeyouradviceImaynotseeGandalfforalongwhile,andIoughttoknowwhatisthedangerthatpursuesme.’
‘IsitnotenoughtoknowthattheyareservantsoftheEnemy?’answeredGildor.‘Fleethem!Speaknowords
tothem!Theyaredeadly.Asknomoreofme!Butmyheartforbodesthat,ereallisended,you,FrodosonofDrogo,willknowmoreofthesefellthingsthanGildorInglorion.MayElberethprotectyou!’
‘ButwhereshallIfindcourage?’askedFrodo.‘ThatiswhatIchieflyneed.’
‘Courageisfoundinunlikelyplaces,’saidGildor.
‘Beofgoodhope!Sleepnow!Inthemorningweshallhavegone;butwewillsendourmessagesthroughthelands.TheWanderingCompaniesshallknowofyourjourney,andthosethathavepowerforgoodshallbeonthewatch.InameyouElf-friend;andmaythestarsshineupontheendofyourroad!Seldomhavewehadsuchdelightinstrangers,anditisfairtohear
wordsoftheAncientSpeechfromthelipsofotherwanderersintheworld.’
Frodofeltsleepcominguponhim,evenasGildorfinishedspeaking.‘Iwillsleepnow,’hesaid;andtheElfledhimtoabowerbesidePippin,andhethrewhimselfuponabedandfellatonceintoadreamlessslumber.
Chapter4
ASHORTCUTTOMUSHROOMS
InthemorningFrodowokerefreshed.Hewaslyinginabowermadebyalivingtreewithbrancheslacedand
droopingtotheground;hisbedwasoffernandgrass,deepandsoftandstrangelyfragrant.Thesunwasshiningthroughtheflutteringleaves,whichwerestillgreenuponthetree.Hejumpedupandwentout.
Samwassittingonthegrassneartheedgeofthewood.Pippinwasstandingstudyingtheskyandweather.Therewasnosignofthe
Elves.‘Theyhaveleftusfruit
anddrink,andbread,’saidPippin.‘Comeandhaveyourbreakfast.Thebreadtastesalmostasgoodasitdidlastnight.Ididnotwanttoleaveyouany,butSaminsisted.’
FrodosatdownbesideSamandbegantoeat.‘Whatistheplanfortoday?’askedPippin.
‘TowalktoBuckleburyas
quicklyaspossible,’answeredFrodo,andgavehisattentiontothefood.
‘DoyouthinkweshallseeanythingofthoseRiders?’askedPippincheerfully.Underthemorningsuntheprospectofseeingawholetroopofthemdidnotseemveryalarmingtohim.
‘Yes,probably,’saidFrodo,notlikingthereminder.‘ButIhopetoget
acrosstheriverwithouttheirseeingus.’
‘DidyoufindoutanythingaboutthemfromGildor?’
‘Notmuch–onlyhintsandriddles,’saidFrodoevasively.
‘Didyouaskaboutthesniffing?’
‘Wedidn’tdiscussit,’saidFrodowithhismouthfull.
‘Youshouldhave.Iamsureitisveryimportant.’
‘InthatcaseIamsureGildorwouldhaverefusedtoexplainit,’saidFrodosharply.‘Andnowleavemeinpeaceforabit!Idon’twanttoanswerastringofquestionswhileIameating.Iwanttothink!’
‘Goodheavens!’saidPippin.‘Atbreakfast?’Hewalkedawaytowardstheedgeofthegreen.
FromFrodo’smindthe
brightmorning–treacherouslybright,hethought–hadnotbanishedthefearofpursuit;andheponderedthewordsofGildor.ThemerryvoiceofPippincametohim.Hewasrunningonthegreenturfandsinging.
‘No!Icouldnot!’hesaidtohimself.‘ItisonethingtotakemyyoungfriendswalkingovertheShirewithme,untilwearehungryand
weary,andfoodandbedaresweet.Totakethemintoexile,wherehungerandwearinessmayhavenocure,isquiteanother–eveniftheyarewillingtocome.Theinheritanceisminealone.Idon’tthinkIoughteventotakeSam.’HelookedatSamGamgee,anddiscoveredthatSamwaswatchinghim.
‘Well,Sam!’hesaid.‘Whataboutit?Iamleaving
theShireassoonaseverIcan–infactIhavemadeupmymindnownoteventowaitadayatCrickhollow,ifitcanbehelped.’
‘Verygood,sir!’‘Youstillmeantocome
withme?’‘Ido.’‘Itisgoingtobevery
dangerous,Sam.Itisalreadydangerous.Mostlikelyneitherofuswillcomeback.’
‘Ifyoudon’tcomeback,sir,thenIshan’t,that’scertain,’saidSam.‘Don’tyouleavehim!theysaidtome.Leavehim!Isaid.Inevermeanto.Iamgoingwithhim,ifheclimbstotheMoon;andifanyofthoseBlackRiderstrytostophim,they’llhaveSamGamgeetoreckonwith,Isaid.Theylaughed.’
‘Whoarethey,andwhatareyoutalkingabout?’
‘TheElves,sir.Wehadsometalklastnight;andtheyseemedtoknowyouweregoingaway,soIdidn’tseetheuseofdenyingit.Wonderfulfolk,Elves,sir!Wonderful!’
‘Theyare,’saidFrodo.‘Doyoulikethemstill,nowyouhavehadacloserview?’
‘Theyseemabitabovemylikesanddislikes,sotospeak,’answeredSamslowly.
‘Itdon’tseemtomatterwhatIthinkaboutthem.TheyarequitedifferentfromwhatIexpected–sooldandyoung,andsogayandsad,asitwere.’
FrodolookedatSamratherstartled,halfexpectingtoseesomeoutwardsignoftheoddchangethatseemedtohavecomeoverhim.ItdidnotsoundlikethevoiceoftheoldSamGamgeethathe
thoughtheknew.ButitlookedliketheoldSamGamgeesittingthere,exceptthathisfacewasunusuallythoughtful.
‘DoyoufeelanyneedtoleavetheShirenow–nowthatyourwishtoseethemhascometruealready?’heasked.
‘Yes,sir.Idon’tknowhowtosayit,butafterlastnightIfeeldifferent.Iseem
toseeahead,inakindofway.Iknowwearegoingtotakeaverylongroad,intodarkness;butIknowIcan’tturnback.Itisn’ttoseeElvesnow,nordragons,normountains,thatIwant–Idon’trightlyknowwhatIwant:butIhavesomethingtodobeforetheend,anditliesahead,notintheShire.Imustseeitthrough,sir,ifyouunderstandme.’
‘Idon’taltogether.ButIunderstandthatGandalfchosemeagoodcompanion.Iamcontent.Wewillgotogether.’
Frodofinishedhisbreakfastinsilence.Thenstandinguphelookedoverthelandahead,andcalledtoPippin.
‘Allreadytostart?’hesaidasPippinranup.‘Wemustbegettingoffatonce.
Wesleptlate;andthereareagoodmanymilestogo.’
‘Yousleptlate,youmean,’saidPippin.‘Iwasuplongbefore;andweareonlywaitingforyoutofinisheatingandthinking.’
‘Ihavefinishedbothnow.AndIamgoingtomakeforBuckleburyFerryasquicklyaspossible.Iamnotgoingoutoftheway,backtotheroadweleftlastnight:Iam
goingtocutstraightacrosscountryfromhere.’
‘Thenyouaregoingtofly,’saidPippin.‘Youwon’tcutstraightonfootanywhereinthiscountry.’
‘Wecancutstraighterthantheroadanyway,’answeredFrodo.‘TheFerryiseastfromWoodhall;butthehardroadcurvesawaytotheleft–youcanseeabendofitawaynorthoverthere.It
goesroundthenorthendoftheMarishsoastostrikethecausewayfromtheBridgeaboveStock.Butthatismilesoutoftheway.WecouldsaveaquarterofthedistanceifwemadealinefortheFerryfromwherewestand.’
‘Shortcutsmakelongdelays,’arguedPippin.‘Thecountryisroughroundhere,andtherearebogsandallkindsofdifficultiesdownin
theMarish–Iknowthelandintheseparts.AndifyouareworryingaboutBlackRiders,Ican’tseethatitisanyworsemeetingthemonaroadthaninawoodorafield.’
‘Itislesseasytofindpeopleinthewoodsandfields,’answeredFrodo.‘Andifyouaresupposedtobeontheroad,thereissomechancethatyouwillbelookedforontheroadandnotoffit.’
‘Allright!’saidPippin.‘Iwillfollowyouintoeverybogandditch.Butitishard!IhadcountedonpassingtheGoldenPerchatStockbeforesundown.ThebestbeerintheEastfarthing,orusedtobe:itisalongtimesinceItastedit.’
‘Thatsettlesit!’saidFrodo.‘Shortcutsmakedelays,butinnsmakelongerones.Atallcostswemust
keepyouawayfromtheGoldenPerch.WewanttogettoBuckleburybeforedark.Whatdoyousay,Sam?’
‘Iwillgoalongwithyou,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam(inspiteofprivatemisgivingsandadeepregretforthebestbeerintheEastfarthing).
‘Thenifwearegoingtotoilthroughbogandbriar,let’sgonow!’saidPippin.
Itwasalreadynearlyashotasithadbeenthedaybefore;butcloudswerebeginningtocomeupfromtheWest.Itlookedlikelytoturntorain.Thehobbitsscrambleddownasteepgreenbankandplungedintothethicktreesbelow.TheircoursehadbeenchosentoleaveWoodhalltotheirleft,andtocutslantingthroughthewoodsthatclustered
alongtheeasternsideofthehills,untiltheyreachedtheflatsbeyond.ThentheycouldmakestraightfortheFerryovercountrythatwasopen,exceptforafewditchesandfences.Frodoreckonedtheyhadeighteenmilestogoinastraightline.
Hesoonfoundthatthethicketwascloserandmoretangledthanithadappeared.Therewerenopathsinthe
undergrowth,andtheydidnotgetonveryfast.Whentheyhadstruggledtothebottomofthebank,theyfoundastreamrunningdownfromthehillsbehindinadeeplydugbedwithsteepslipperysidesoverhungwithbrambles.Mostinconvenientlyitcutacrossthelinetheyhadchosen.Theycouldnotjumpoverit,norindeedgetacrossitatallwithoutgettingwet,
scratched,andmuddy.Theyhalted,wonderingwhattodo.‘Firstcheck!’saidPippin,smilinggrimly.
SamGamgeelookedback.Throughanopeninginthetreeshecaughtaglimpseofthetopofthegreenbankfromwhichtheyhadclimbeddown.
‘Look!’hesaid,clutchingFrodobythearm.Theyalllooked,andontheedgehigh
abovethemtheysawagainsttheskyahorsestanding.Besideitstoopedablackfigure.
Theyatoncegaveupanyideaofgoingback.Frodoledtheway,andplungedquicklyintothethickbushesbesidethestream.‘Whew!’hesaidtoPippin.‘Wewerebothright!Theshortcuthasgonecrookedalready;butwegotundercoveronlyjustintime.
You’vegotsharpears,Sam:canyouhearanythingcoming?’
Theystoodstill,almostholdingtheirbreathastheylistened;buttherewasnosoundofpursuit.‘Idon’tfancyhewouldtrybringinghishorsedownthatbank,’saidSam.‘ButIguessheknowswecamedownit.Wehadbetterbegoingon.’
Goingonwasnot
altogethereasy.Theyhadpackstocarry,andthebushesandbrambleswerereluctanttoletthemthrough.Theywerecutofffromthewindbytheridgebehind,andtheairwasstillandstuffy.Whentheyforcedtheirwayatlastintomoreopenground,theywerehotandtiredandveryscratched,andtheywerealsonolongercertainofthedirectioninwhichtheywere
going.Thebanksofthestreamsank,asitreachedthelevelsandbecamebroaderandshallower,wanderingofftowardstheMarishandtheRiver.
‘Why,thisistheStock-brook!’saidPippin.‘Ifwearegoingtotryandgetbackontoourcourse,wemustcrossatonceandbearright.’
Theywadedthestream,andhurriedoverawideopen
space,rush-grownandtreeless,onthefurtherside.Beyondthattheycameagaintoabeltoftrees:talloaks,forthemostpart,withhereandthereanelmtreeoranash.Thegroundwasfairlylevel,andtherewaslittleundergrowth;butthetreesweretoocloseforthemtoseefarahead.Theleavesblewupwardsinsuddengustsofwind,andspotsofrainbegan
tofallfromtheovercastsky.Thenthewinddiedawayandtheraincamestreamingdown.Theytrudgedalongasfastastheycould,overpatchesofgrass,andthroughthickdriftsofoldleaves;andallaboutthemtherainpatteredandtrickled.Theydidnottalk,butkeptglancingback,andfromsidetoside.
AfterhalfanhourPippinsaid:‘Ihopewehavenot
turnedtoomuchtowardsthesouth,andarenotwalkinglongwisethroughthiswood!Itisnotaverybroadbelt–Ishouldhavesaidnomorethanamileatthewidest–andweoughttohavebeenthroughitbynow.’
‘Itisnogoodourstartingtogoinzig-zags,’saidFrodo.‘Thatwon’tmendmatters.Letuskeeponaswearegoing!IamnotsurethatI
wanttocomeoutintotheopenyet.’
Theywentonforperhapsanothercoupleofmiles.Thenthesungleamedoutofraggedcloudsagainandtherainlessened.Itwasnowpastmid-day,andtheyfeltitwashightimeforlunch.Theyhaltedunderanelmtree:itsleavesthoughfastturning
yellowwerestillthick,andthegroundatitsfeetwasfairlydryandsheltered.Whentheycametomaketheirmeal,theyfoundthattheElveshadfilledtheirbottleswithacleardrink,palegoldenincolour:ithadthescentofahoneymadeofmanyflowers,andwaswonderfullyrefreshing.Verysoontheywerelaughing,andsnappingtheirfingersatrain,
andatBlackRiders.Thelastfewmiles,theyfelt,wouldsoonbebehindthem.
Frodoproppedhisbackagainstthetree-trunk,andclosedhiseyes.SamandPippinsatnear,andtheybegantohum,andthentosingsoftly:
Ho!Ho!Ho!tothebottleIgoTohealmyheartand
drownmywoe.Rainmayfallandwindmayblow,Andmanymilesbestilltogo,ButunderatalltreeIwilllie,Andletthecloudsgosailingby.
Ho!Ho!Ho!theybeganagainlouder.Theystoppedshortsuddenly.Frodosprang
tohisfeet.Along-drawnwailcamedownthewind,likethecryofsomeevilandlonelycreature.Itroseandfell,andendedonahighpiercingnote.Evenastheysatandstood,asifsuddenlyfrozen,itwasansweredbyanothercry,fainterandfurtheroff,butnolesschillingtotheblood.Therewasthenasilence,brokenonlybythesoundofthewindintheleaves.
‘Andwhatdoyouthinkthatwas?’Pippinaskedatlast,tryingtospeaklightly,butquaveringalittle.‘Ifitwasabird,itwasonethatIneverheardintheShirebefore.’
‘Itwasnotbirdorbeast,’saidFrodo.‘Itwasacall,orasignal–therewerewordsinthatcry,thoughIcouldnotcatchthem.Butnohobbithassuchavoice.’
Nomorewassaidaboutit.TheywereallthinkingoftheRiders,butnoonespokeofthem.Theywerenowreluctanteithertostayorgoon;butsoonerorlatertheyhadgottogetacrosstheopencountrytotheFerry,anditwasbesttogosoonerandindaylight.Inafewmomentstheyhadshoulderedtheirpacksagainandwereoff.
Beforelongthewoodcametoasuddenend.Widegrasslandsstretchedbeforethem.Theynowsawthattheyhad,infact,turnedtoomuchtothesouth.AwayovertheflatstheycouldglimpsethelowhillofBuckleburyacrosstheRiver,butitwasnowtotheirleft.Creepingcautiouslyoutfromtheedgeofthetrees,theysetoffacrosstheopenasquicklyastheycould.
Atfirsttheyfeltafraid,awayfromtheshelterofthewood.Farbackbehindthemstoodthehighplacewheretheyhadbreakfasted.Frodohalfexpectedtoseethesmalldistantfigureofahorsemanontheridgedarkagainstthesky;buttherewasnosignofone.Thesunescapingfromthebreakingclouds,asitsanktowardsthehillstheyhadleft,wasnowshiningbrightly
again.Theirfearleftthem,thoughtheystillfeltuneasy.Butthelandbecamesteadilymoretameandwell-ordered.Soontheycameintowell-tendedfieldsandmeadows:therewerehedgesandgatesanddikesfordrainage.Everythingseemedquietandpeaceful,justanordinarycorneroftheShire.Theirspiritsrosewitheverystep.ThelineoftheRivergrew
nearer;andtheBlackRidersbegantoseemlikephantomsofthewoodsnowleftfarbehind.
Theypassedalongtheedgeofahugeturnip-field,andcametoastoutgate.Beyonditaruttedlaneranbetweenlowwell-laidhedgestowardsadistantclumpoftrees.Pippinstopped.
‘Iknowthesefieldsandthisgate!’hesaid.‘Thisis
Bamfurlong,oldFarmerMaggot’sland.That’shisfarmawaythereinthetrees.’
‘Onetroubleafteranother!’saidFrodo,lookingnearlyasmuchalarmedasifPippinhaddeclaredthelanewastheslotleadingtoadragon’sden.Theotherslookedathiminsurprise.
‘What’swrongwitholdMaggot?’askedPippin.‘He’sagoodfriendtoallthe
Brandybucks.Ofcoursehe’saterrortotrespassers,andkeepsferociousdogs–butafterall,folkdownhereareneartheborderandhavetobemoreontheirguard.’
‘Iknow,’saidFrodo.‘Butallthesame,’headdedwithashamefacedlaugh,‘Iamterrifiedofhimandhisdogs.Ihaveavoidedhisfarmforyearsandyears.Hecaughtmeseveraltimestrespassing
aftermushrooms,whenIwasayoungsteratBrandyHall.Onthelastoccasionhebeatme,andthentookmeandshowedmetohisdogs.“See,lads,”hesaid,“nexttimethisyoungvarmintsetsfootonmyland,youcaneathim.Nowseehimoff!”TheychasedmeallthewaytotheFerry.Ihavenevergotoverthefright–thoughIdaresaythebeastsknewtheirbusiness
andwouldnotreallyhavetouchedme.’
Pippinlaughed.‘Well,it’stimeyoumadeitup.EspeciallyifyouarecomingbacktoliveinBuckland.OldMaggotisreallyastoutfellow–ifyouleavehismushroomsalone.Let’sgetintothelaneandthenweshan’tbetrespassing.Ifwemeethim,I’lldothetalking.HeisafriendofMerry’s,and
Iusedtocomeherewithhimagooddealatonetime.’
Theywentalongthelane,untiltheysawthethatchedroofsofalargehouseandfarm-buildingspeepingoutamongthetreesahead.TheMaggots,andthePuddifootsofStock,andmostoftheinhabitantsoftheMarish,werehouse-dwellers;andthis
farmwasstoutlybuiltofbrickandhadahighwallallroundit.Therewasawidewoodengateopeningoutofthewallintothelane.
Suddenlyastheydrewneareraterrificbayingandbarkingbrokeout,andaloudvoicewasheardshouting:‘Grip!Fang!Wolf!Comeon,lads!’
FrodoandSamstoppeddead,butPippinwalkedona
fewpaces.Thegateopenedandthreehugedogscamepeltingoutintothelane,anddashedtowardsthetravellers,barkingfiercely.TheytooknonoticeofPippin;butSamshrankagainstthewall,whiletwowolvish-lookingdogssniffedathimsuspiciously,andsnarledifhemoved.ThelargestandmostferociousofthethreehaltedinfrontofFrodo,bristlingandgrowling.
Throughthegatetherenowappearedabroadthick-sethobbitwitharoundredface.‘Hallo!Hallo!Andwhomayyoube,andwhatmayyoubewanting?’heasked.
‘Goodafternoon,Mr.Maggot!’saidPippin.
Thefarmerlookedathimclosely.‘Well,ifitisn’tMasterPippin–Mr.PeregrinTook,Ishouldsay!’hecried,changingfromascowltoa
grin.‘It’salongtimesinceIsawyouroundhere.It’sluckyforyouthatIknowyou.Iwasjustgoingouttosetmydogsonanystrangers.Therearesomefunnythingsgoingontoday.Ofcourse,wedogetqueerfolkwanderinginthesepartsattimes.TooneartheRiver,’hesaid,shakinghishead.‘ButthisfellowwasthemostoutlandishIhaveeverset
eyeson.Hewon’tcrossmylandwithoutleaveasecondtime,notifIcanstopit.’
‘Whatfellowdoyoumean?’askedPippin.
‘Thenyouhaven’tseenhim?’saidthefarmer.‘Hewentupthelanetowardsthecausewaynotalongwhileback.Hewasafunnycustomerandaskingfunnyquestions.Butperhapsyou’llcomealonginside,andwe’ll
passthenewsmorecomfortable.I’veadropofgoodaleontap,ifyouandyourfriendsarewilling,Mr.Took.’
Itseemedplainthatthefarmerwouldtellthemmore,ifallowedtodoitinhisowntimeandfashion,sotheyallacceptedtheinvitation.‘Whataboutthedogs?’askedFrodoanxiously.
Thefarmerlaughed.
‘Theywon’tharmyou–notunlessItell’emto.Here,Grip!Fang!Heel!’hecried.‘Heel,Wolf!’TothereliefofFrodoandSam,thedogswalkedawayandletthemgofree.
Pippinintroducedtheothertwotothefarmer.‘Mr.FrodoBaggins,’hesaid.‘Youmaynotrememberhim,butheusedtoliveatBrandyHall.’AtthenameBaggins
thefarmerstarted,andgaveFrodoasharpglance.ForamomentFrodothoughtthatthememoryofstolenmushroomshadbeenaroused,andthatthedogswouldbetoldtoseehimoff.ButFarmerMaggottookhimbythearm.
‘Well,ifthatisn’tqueererthanever!’heexclaimed.‘Mr.Bagginsisit?Comeinside!Wemusthaveatalk.’
Theywentintothefarmer’skitchen,andsatbythewidefire-place.Mrs.Maggotbroughtoutbeerinahugejug,andfilledfourlargemugs.Itwasagoodbrew,andPippinfoundhimselfmorethancompensatedformissingtheGoldenPerch.Samsippedhisbeersuspiciously.HehadanaturalmistrustoftheinhabitantsofotherpartsoftheShire;and
alsohewasnotdisposedtobequickfriendswithanyonewhohadbeatenhismaster,howeverlongago.
Afterafewremarksabouttheweatherandtheagriculturalprospects(whichwerenoworsethanusual),FarmerMaggotputdownhismugandlookedatthemallinturn.
‘Now,Mr.Peregrin,’hesaid,‘wheremightyoube
comingfrom,andwheremightyoubegoingto?Wereyoucomingtovisitme?For,ifso,youhadgonepastmygatewithoutmyseeingyou.’
‘Well,no,’answeredPippin.‘Totellyouthetruth,sinceyouhaveguessedit,wegotintothelanefromtheotherend:wehadcomeoveryourfields.Butthatwasquitebyaccident.Welostourwayinthewoods,backnear
Woodhall,tryingtotakeashortcuttotheFerry.’
‘Ifyouwereinahurry,theroadwouldhaveservedyoubetter,’saidthefarmer.‘ButIwasn’tworryingaboutthat.Youhaveleavetowalkovermyland,ifyouhaveamind,Mr.Peregrin.Andyou,Mr.Baggins–thoughIdaresayyoustilllikemushrooms.’Helaughed.‘Ahyes,Irecognizedthe
name.IrecollectthetimewhenyoungFrodoBagginswasoneoftheworstyoungrascalsofBuckland.Butitwasn’tmushroomsIwasthinkingof.IhadjustheardthenameBagginsbeforeyouturnedup.Whatdoyouthinkthatfunnycustomeraskedme?’
Theywaitedanxiouslyforhimtogoon.‘Well,’thefarmercontinued,
approachinghispointwithslowrelish,‘hecameridingonabigblackhorseinatthegate,whichhappenedtobeopen,andrightuptomydoor.Allblackhewashimself,too,andcloakedandhoodedup,asifhedidnotwanttobeknown.“NowwhatintheShirecanhewant?”Ithoughttomyself.Wedon’tseemanyoftheBigFolkovertheborder;and
anywayIhadneverheardofanylikethisblackfellow.
‘“Good-daytoyou!”Isays,goingouttohim.“Thislanedon’tleadanywhere,andwhereveryoumaybegoing,yourquickestwaywillbebacktotheroad.”Ididn’tlikethelooksofhim;andwhenGripcameout,hetookonesniffandletoutayelpasifhehadbeenstung:heputdownhistailandboltedoff
howling.Theblackfellowsatquitestill.
‘“Icomefromyonder,”hesaid,slowandstiff-like,pointingbackwest,overmyfields,ifyouplease.“HaveyouseenBaggins?”heaskedinaqueervoice,andbentdowntowardsme.Icouldnotseeanyface,forhishoodfelldownsolow;andIfeltasortofshiverdownmyback.ButIdidnotseewhyheshould
comeridingovermylandsobold.
‘“Beoff!”Isaid.“TherearenoBagginseshere.You’reinthewrongpartoftheShire.YouhadbettergobackwesttoHobbiton–butyoucangobyroadthistime.”
‘“Bagginshasleft,”heansweredinawhisper.“Heiscoming.Heisnotfaraway.Iwishtofindhim.Ifhepasseswillyoutellme?Iwillcome
backwithgold.”‘“Noyouwon’t,”Isaid.
“You’llgobackwhereyoubelong,doublequick.IgiveyouoneminutebeforeIcallallmydogs.”
‘Hegaveasortofhiss.Itmighthavebeenlaughing,anditmightnot.Thenhespurredhisgreathorserightatme,andIjumpedoutofthewayonlyjustintime.Icalledthedogs,butheswungoff,
androdethroughthegateandupthelanetowardsthecausewaylikeaboltofthunder.Whatdoyouthinkofthat?’
Frodosatforamomentlookingatthefire,buthisonlythoughtwashowonearthwouldtheyreachtheFerry.‘Idon’tknowwhattothink,’hesaidatlast.
‘ThenI’lltellyouwhattothink,’saidMaggot.‘You
shouldneverhavegonemixingyourselfupwithHobbitonfolk,Mr.Frodo.Folkarequeerupthere.’Samstirredinhischair,andlookedatthefarmerwithanunfriendlyeye.‘Butyouwerealwaysarecklesslad.WhenIheardyouhadlefttheBrandybucksandgoneofftothatoldMr.Bilbo,Isaidthatyouweregoingtofindtrouble.Markmywords,this
allcomesofthosestrangedoingsofMr.Bilbo’s.Hismoneywasgotinsomestrangefashioninforeignparts,theysay.MaybethereissomethatwanttoknowwhathasbecomeofthegoldandjewelsthatheburiedinthehillofHobbiton,asIhear?’
Frodosaidnothing:theshrewdguessesofthefarmerwereratherdisconcerting.
‘Well,Mr.Frodo,’Maggotwenton,‘I’mgladthatyou’vehadthesensetocomebacktoBuckland.Myadviceis:staythere!Anddon’tgetmixedupwiththeseoutlandishfolk.You’llhavefriendsintheseparts.Ifanyoftheseblackfellowscomeafteryouagain,I’lldealwiththem.I’llsayyou’redead,orhavelefttheShire,oranythingyoulike.Andthat
mightbetrueenough;foraslikeasnotitisoldMr.Bilbotheywantnewsof.’
‘Maybeyou’reright,’saidFrodo,avoidingthefarmer’seyeandstaringatthefire.
Maggotlookedathimthoughtfully.‘Well,Iseeyouhaveideasofyourown,’hesaid.‘Itisasplainasmynosethatnoaccidentbroughtyouandthatriderhereonthesameafternoon;andmaybe
mynewswasnogreatnewstoyou,afterall.Iamnotaskingyoutotellmeanythingyouhaveamindtokeeptoyourself;butIseeyouareinsomekindoftrouble.Perhapsyouarethinkingitwon’tbetooeasytogettotheFerrywithoutbeingcaught?’
‘Iwasthinkingso,’saidFrodo.‘Butwehavegottotryandgetthere;anditwon’t
bedonebysittingandthinking.SoIamafraidwemustbegoing.Thankyouverymuchindeedforyourkindness!I’vebeeninterrorofyouandyourdogsforoverthirtyyears,FarmerMaggot,thoughyoumaylaughtohearit.It’sapity:forI’vemissedagoodfriend.AndnowI’msorrytoleavesosoon.ButI’llcomeback,perhaps,oneday–ifIgetachance.’
‘You’llbewelcomewhenyoucome,’saidMaggot.‘ButnowI’veanotion.It’snearsundownalready,andwearegoingtohaveoursupper;forwemostlygotobedsoonaftertheSun.IfyouandMr.Peregrinandallcouldstayandhaveabitewithus,wewouldbepleased!’
‘Andsoshouldwe!’saidFrodo.‘Butwemustbegoingatonce,I’mafraid.Evennow
itwillbedarkbeforewecanreachtheFerry.’
‘Ah!butwaitaminute!Iwasgoingtosay:afterabitofsupper,I’llgetoutasmallwaggon,andI’lldriveyoualltotheFerry.Thatwillsaveyouagoodstep,anditmightalsosaveyoutroubleofanothersort.’
Frodonowacceptedtheinvitationgratefully,tothereliefofPippinandSam.The
sunwasalreadybehindthewesternhills,andthelightwasfailing.TwoofMaggot’ssonsandhisthreedaughterscamein,andageneroussupperwaslaidonthelargetable.Thekitchenwaslitwithcandlesandthefirewasmended.Mrs.Maggotbustledinandout.Oneortwootherhobbitsbelongingtothefarm-householdcamein.Inashortwhilefourteensatdown
toeat.Therewasbeerinplenty,andamightydishofmushroomsandbacon,besidesmuchothersolidfarmhousefare.Thedogslaybythefireandgnawedrindsandcrackedbones.
Whentheyhadfinished,thefarmerandhissonswentoutwithalanternandgotthewaggonready.Itwasdarkintheyard,whentheguestscameout.Theythrewtheir
packsonboardandclimbedin.Thefarmersatinthedriving-seat,andwhippeduphistwostoutponies.Hiswifestoodinthelightoftheopendoor.
‘Youbecarefulofyourself,Maggot!’shecalled.‘Don’tgoarguingwithanyforeigners,andcomestraightback!’
‘Iwill!’saidhe,anddroveoutofthegate.Therewas
nownobreathofwindstirring;thenightwasstillandquiet,andachillwasintheair.Theywentwithoutlightsandtookitslowly.Afteramileortwothelanecametoanend,crossingadeepdike,andclimbingashortslopeupontothehigh-bankedcauseway.
Maggotgotdownandtookagoodlookeitherway,northandsouth,butnothing
couldbeseeninthedarkness,andtherewasnotasoundinthestillair.Thinstrandsofriver-mistwerehangingabovethedikes,andcrawlingoverthefields.
‘It’sgoingtobethick,’saidMaggot;‘butI’llnotlightmylanternstillIturnforhome.We’llhearanythingontheroadlongbeforewemeetittonight.’
ItwasfivemilesormorefromMaggot’slanetotheFerry.Thehobbitswrappedthemselvesup,buttheirearswerestrainedforanysoundabovethecreakofthewheelsandtheslowclopoftheponies’hoofs.ThewaggonseemedslowerthanasnailtoFrodo.BesidehimPippinwasnoddingtowardssleep;butSamwasstaringforwardsintotherisingfog.
TheyreachedtheentrancetotheFerrylaneatlast.Itwasmarkedbytwotallwhitepoststhatsuddenlyloomedupontheirright.FarmerMaggotdrewinhisponiesandthewaggoncreakedtoahalt.Theywerejustbeginningtoscrambleout,whensuddenlytheyheardwhattheyhadallbeendreading:hoofsontheroadahead.Thesoundwascoming
towardsthem.Maggotjumpeddownand
stoodholdingtheponies’heads,andpeeringforwardintothegloom.Clip-clop,clip-clopcametheapproachingrider.Thefallofthehoofssoundedloudinthestill,foggyair.
‘You’dbetterbehidden,Mr.Frodo,’saidSamanxiously.‘Yougetdowninthewaggonandcoverupwith
blankets,andwe’llsendthisridertotherightabouts!’Heclimbedoutandwenttothefarmer’sside.BlackRiderswouldhavetorideoverhimtogetnearthewaggon.
Clop-clop,clop-clop.Theriderwasnearlyonthem.
‘Hallothere!’calledFarmerMaggot.Theadvancinghoofsstoppedshort.Theythoughttheycoulddimlyguessadark
cloakedshapeinthemist,ayardortwoahead.
‘Nowthen!’saidthefarmer,throwingthereinstoSamandstridingforward.‘Don’tyoucomeastepnearer!Whatdoyouwant,andwhereareyougoing?’
‘IwantMr.Baggins.Haveyouseenhim?’saidamuffledvoice–butthevoicewasthevoiceofMerryBrandybuck.Adarklanternwas
uncovered,anditslightfellontheastonishedfaceofthefarmer.
‘Mr.Merry!’hecried.‘Yes,ofcourse!Whodid
youthinkitwas?’saidMerrycomingforward.Ashecameoutofthemistandtheirfearssubsided,heseemedsuddenlytodiminishtoordinaryhobbit-size.Hewasridingapony,andascarfwasswathedroundhisneckand
overhischintokeepoutthefog.
Frodosprangoutofthewaggontogreethim.‘Sothereyouareatlast!’saidMerry.‘Iwasbeginningtowonderifyouwouldturnupatalltoday,andIwasjustgoingbacktosupper.WhenitgrewfoggyIcameacrossandrodeuptowardsStocktoseeifyouhadfalleninanyditches.ButI’mblestifI
knowwhichwayyouhavecome.Wheredidyoufindthem,Mr.Maggot?Inyourduck-pond?’
‘No,Icaught’emtrespassing,’saidthefarmer,‘andnearlysetmydogson’em;butthey’lltellyouallthestory,I’venodoubt.Now,ifyou’llexcuseme,Mr.MerryandMr.Frodoandall,I’dbestbeturningforhome.Mrs.Maggotwillbe
worritingwiththenightgettingthick.’
Hebackedthewaggonintothelaneandturnedit.‘Well,goodnighttoyouall,’hesaid.‘It’sbeenaqueerday,andnomistake.Butall’swellasendswell;thoughperhapsweshouldnotsaythatuntilwereachourowndoors.I’llnotdenythatI’llbegladnowwhenIdo.’Helithislanterns,andgotup.
Suddenlyheproducedalargebasketfromundertheseat.‘Iwasnearlyforgetting,’hesaid.‘Mrs.MaggotputthisupforMr.Baggins,withhercompliments.’Hehandeditdownandmovedoff,followedbyachorusofthanksandgood-nights.
Theywatchedthepaleringsoflightroundhislanternsastheydwindledintothefoggynight.Suddenly
Frodolaughed:fromthecoveredbasketheheld,thescentofmushroomswasrising.
Chapter5
ACONSPIRACYUNMASKED
‘Nowwehadbettergethomeourselves,’saidMerry.‘There’ssomethingfunnyaboutallthis,Isee;butit
mustwaittillwegetin.’Theyturneddownthe
Ferrylane,whichwasstraightandwell-keptandedgedwithlargewhite-washedstones.Inahundredyardsorsoitbroughtthemtotheriver-bank,wheretherewasabroadwoodenlanding-stage.Alargeflatferry-boatwasmooredbesideit.Thewhitebollardsnearthewater’sedgeglimmeredinthelightoftwo
lampsonhighposts.Behindthemthemistsintheflatfieldswerenowabovethehedges;butthewaterbeforethemwasdark,withonlyafewcurlingwispslikesteamamongthereedsbythebank.Thereseemedtobelessfogonthefurtherside.
Merryledtheponyoveragangwayontotheferry,andtheothersfollowed.Merrythenpushedslowlyoffwitha
longpole.TheBrandywineflowedslowandbroadbeforethem.Ontheothersidethebankwassteep,andupitawindingpathclimbedfromthefurtherlanding.Lampsweretwinklingthere.BehindloomeduptheBuckHill;andoutofit,throughstrayshroudsofmist,shonemanyroundwindows,yellowandred.TheywerethewindowsofBrandyHall,theancient
homeoftheBrandybucks.
LongagoGorhendadOldbuck,headoftheOldbuckfamily,oneoftheoldestintheMarishorindeedintheShire,hadcrossedtheriver,whichwastheoriginalboundaryofthelandeastwards.Hebuilt(andexcavated)BrandyHall,changedhisnameto
Brandybuck,andsettleddowntobecomemasterofwhatwasvirtuallyasmallindependentcountry.Hisfamilygrewandgrew,andafterhisdayscontinuedtogrow,untilBrandyHalloccupiedthewholeofthelowhill,andhadthreelargefront-doors,manyside-doors,andaboutahundredwindows.TheBrandybucksandtheirnumerousdependantsthen
begantoburrow,andlatertobuild,allroundabout.ThatwastheoriginofBuckland,athicklyinhabitedstripbetweentheriverandtheOldForest,asortofcolonyfromtheShire.ItschiefvillagewasBucklebury,clusteringinthebanksandslopesbehindBrandyHall.
ThepeopleintheMarishwerefriendlywiththeBucklanders,andthe
authorityoftheMasteroftheHall(astheheadoftheBrandybuckfamilywascalled)wasstillacknowledgedbythefarmersbetweenStockandRushey.ButmostofthefolkoftheoldShireregardedtheBucklandersaspeculiar,halfforeignersasitwere.Though,asamatteroffact,theywerenotverydifferentfromtheotherhobbitsoftheFour
Farthings.Exceptinonepoint:theywerefondofboats,andsomeofthemcouldswim.
TheirlandwasoriginallyunprotectedfromtheEast;butonthatsidetheyhadbuiltahedge:theHighHay.Ithadbeenplantedmanygenerationsago,andwasnowthickandtall,foritwasconstantlytended.ItranallthewayfromBrandywine
Bridge,inabigloopcurvingawayfromtheriver,toHaysend(wheretheWithywindleflowedoutoftheForestintotheBrandywine):wellovertwentymilesfromendtoend.But,ofcourse,itwasnotacompleteprotection.TheForestdrewclosetothehedgeinmanyplaces.TheBucklanderskepttheirdoorslockedafterdark,andthat
alsowasnotusualintheShire.
Theferry-boatmovedslowlyacrossthewater.TheBucklandshoredrewnearer.Samwastheonlymemberofthepartywhohadnotbeenovertheriverbefore.Hehadastrangefeelingastheslowgurglingstreamslippedby:hisoldlifelaybehindinthe
mists,darkadventurelayinfront.Hescratchedhishead,andforamomenthadapassingwishthatMr.FrodocouldhavegoneonlivingquietlyatBagEnd.
Thefourhobbitssteppedofftheferry.Merrywastyingitup,andPippinwasalreadyleadingtheponyupthepath,whenSam(whohadbeenlookingback,asiftotakefarewelloftheShire)saidin
ahoarsewhisper:‘Lookback,Mr.Frodo!
Doyouseeanything?’Onthefarstage,underthe
distantlamps,theycouldjustmakeoutafigure:itlookedlikeadarkblackbundleleftbehind.Butastheylookeditseemedtomoveandswaythiswayandthat,asifsearchingtheground.Itthencrawled,orwentcrouching,backintothegloombeyond
thelamps.‘WhatintheShireis
that?’exclaimedMerry.‘Somethingthatis
followingus,’saidFrodo.‘Butdon’taskanymorenow!Let’sgetawayatonce!’Theyhurriedupthepathtothetopofthebank,butwhentheylookedbackthefarshorewasshroudedinmist,andnothingcouldbeseen.
‘Thankgoodnessyou
don’tkeepanyboatsonthewest-bank!’saidFrodo.‘Canhorsescrosstheriver?’
‘TheycangotenmilesnorthtoBrandywineBridge–ortheymightswim,’answeredMerry.‘ThoughIneverheardofanyhorseswimmingtheBrandywine.Butwhathavehorsestodowithit?’
‘I’lltellyoulater.Let’sgetindoorsandthenwecan
talk.’‘Allright!YouandPippin
knowyourway;soI’lljustrideonandtellFattyBolgerthatyouarecoming.We’llseeaboutsupperandthings.’
‘WehadoursupperearlywithFarmerMaggot,’saidFrodo;‘butwecoulddowithanother.’
‘Youshallhaveit!Givemethatbasket!’saidMerry,androdeaheadintothe
darkness.
ItwassomedistancefromtheBrandywinetoFrodo’snewhouseatCrickhollow.TheypassedBuckHillandBrandyHallontheirleft,andontheoutskirtsofBuckleburystruckthemainroadofBucklandthatransouthfromtheBridge.Halfamilenorthwardalongthis
theycametoalaneopeningontheirright.Thistheyfollowedforacoupleofmilesasitclimbedupanddownintothecountry.
Atlasttheycametoanarrowgateinathickhedge.Nothingcouldbeseenofthehouseinthedark:itstoodbackfromthelaneinthemiddleofawidecircleoflawnsurroundedbyabeltoflowtreesinsidetheouter
hedge.Frodohadchosenit,becauseitstoodinanout-of-the-waycornerofthecountry,andtherewerenootherdwellingscloseby.Youcouldgetinandoutwithoutbeingnoticed.IthadbeenbuiltalongwhilebeforebytheBrandybucks,fortheuseofguests,ormembersofthefamilythatwishedtoescapefromthecrowdedlifeofBrandyHallforatime.Itwas
anold-fashionedcountrifiedhouse,asmuchlikeahobbit-holeaspossible:itwaslongandlow,withnoupperstorey;andithadaroofofturf,roundwindows,andalargerounddoor.
Astheywalkedupthegreenpathfromthegatenolightwasvisible;thewindowsweredarkandshuttered.Frodoknockedonthedoor,andFattyBolger
openedit.Afriendlylightstreamedout.Theyslippedinquicklyandshutthemselvesandthelightinside.Theywereinawidehallwithdoorsoneitherside;infrontofthemapassageranbackdownthemiddleofthehouse.
‘Well,whatdoyouthinkofit?’askedMerrycomingupthepassage.‘Wehavedoneourbestinashorttime
tomakeitlooklikehome.AfterallFattyandIonlygotherewiththelastcart-loadyesterday.’
Frodolookedround.Itdidlooklikehome.Manyofhisownfavouritethings–orBilbo’sthings(theyremindedhimsharplyofhimintheirnewsetting)–werearrangedasnearlyaspossibleastheyhadbeenatBagEnd.Itwasapleasant,comfortable,
welcomingplace;andhefoundhimselfwishingthathewasreallycomingheretosettledowninquietretirement.Itseemedunfairtohaveputhisfriendstoallthistrouble;andhewonderedagainhowhewasgoingtobreakthenewstothemthathemustleavethemsosoon,indeedatonce.Yetthatwouldhavetobedonethatverynight,beforetheyall
wenttobed.‘It’sdelightful!’hesaid
withaneffort.‘IhardlyfeelthatIhavemovedatall.’
Thetravellershunguptheircloaks,andpiledtheirpacksonthefloor.Merryledthemdownthepassageandthrewopenadooratthefarend.Firelightcameout,andapuffofsteam.
‘Abath!’criedPippin.‘OblessedMeriadoc!’
‘Whichordershallwegoin?’saidFrodo.‘Eldestfirst,orquickestfirst?You’llbelasteitherway,MasterPeregrin.’
‘Trustmetoarrangethingsbetterthanthat!’saidMerry.‘Wecan’tbeginlifeatCrickhollowwithaquarreloverbaths.Inthatroomtherearethreetubs,andacopper
fullofboilingwater.Therearealsotowels,matsandsoap.Getinside,andbequick!’
MerryandFattywentintothekitchenontheothersideofthepassage,andbusiedthemselveswiththefinalpreparationsforalatesupper.Snatchesofcompetingsongscamefromthebathroommixedwiththesoundofsplashingandwallowing.The
voiceofPippinwassuddenlyliftedupabovetheothersinoneofBilbo’sfavouritebath-songs.
Singhey!forthebathatcloseofdaythatwashesthewearymudaway!Aloonishethatwillnotsing:O!WaterHotisanoblething!
O!Sweetisthesoundoffallingrain,andthebrookthatleapsfromhilltoplain;butbetterthanrainorripplingstreamsisWaterHotthatsmokesandsteams.
O!Watercoldwemaypouratneeddownathirstythroat
andbegladindeed;butbetterisBeer,ifdrinkwelack,andWaterHotpoureddowntheback.
O!Waterisfairthatleapsonhighinafountainwhitebeneaththesky;butneverdidfountainsoundso
sweetassplashingHotWaterwithmyfeet!
Therewasaterrificsplash,andashoutofWhoa!fromFrodo.ItappearedthatalotofPippin’sbathhadimitatedafountainandleapedonhigh.
Merrywenttothedoor:‘Whataboutsupperandbeerinthethroat?’hecalled.
Frodocameoutdryinghishair.
‘There’ssomuchwaterintheairthatI’mcomingintothekitchentofinish,’hesaid.
‘Lawks!’saidMerry,lookingin.Thestonefloorwasswimming.‘Yououghttomopallthatupbeforeyougetanythingtoeat,Peregrin,’hesaid.‘Hurryup,orweshan’twaitforyou.’
Theyhadsupperinthekitchenonatablenearthefire.‘Isupposeyouthreewon’twantmushroomsagain?’saidFredegarwithoutmuchhope.
‘Yesweshall!’criedPippin.
‘They’remine!’saidFrodo.‘GiventomebyMrs.Maggot,aqueenamongfarmers’wives.Takeyourgreedyhandsaway,andI’ll
servethem.’Hobbitshaveapassionfor
mushrooms,surpassingeventhegreediestlikingsofBigPeople.AfactwhichpartlyexplainsyoungFrodo’slongexpeditionstotherenownedfieldsoftheMarish,andthewrathoftheinjuredMaggot.Onthisoccasiontherewasplentyforall,evenaccordingtohobbitstandards.Therewerealsomanyotherthings
tofollow,andwhentheyhadfinishedevenFattyBolgerheavedasighofcontent.Theypushedbackthetable,anddrewchairsroundthefire.
‘We’llclearuplater,’saidMerry.‘Nowtellmeallaboutit!Iguessthatyouhavebeenhavingadventures,whichwasnotquitefairwithoutme.Iwantafullaccount;andmostofallIwanttoknowwhat
wasthematterwitholdMaggot,andwhyhespoketomelikethat.Hesoundedalmostasifhewasscared,ifthatispossible.’
‘Wehaveallbeenscared,’saidPippinafterapause,inwhichFrodostaredatthefireanddidnotspeak.‘Youwouldhavebeen,too,ifyouhadbeenchasedfortwodaysbyBlackRiders.’
‘Andwhatarethey?’
‘Blackfiguresridingonblackhorses,’answeredPippin.‘IfFrodowon’ttalk,Iwilltellyouthewholetalefromthebeginning.’HethengaveafullaccountoftheirjourneyfromthetimewhentheyleftHobbiton.Samgavevarioussupportingnodsandexclamations.Frodoremainedsilent.
‘Ishouldthinkyouweremakingitallup,’saidMerry,
‘ifIhadnotseenthatblackshapeonthelanding-stage–andheardthequeersoundinMaggot’svoice.Whatdoyoumakeofitall,Frodo?’
‘CousinFrodohasbeenveryclose,’saidPippin.‘Butthetimehascomeforhimtoopenout.SofarwehavebeengivennothingmoretogoonthanFarmerMaggot’sguessthatithassomethingtodowitholdBilbo’streasure.’
‘Thatwasonlyaguess,’saidFrodohastily.‘Maggotdoesnotknowanything.’
‘OldMaggotisashrewdfellow,’saidMerry.‘Alotgoesonbehindhisroundfacethatdoesnotcomeoutinhistalk.I’veheardthatheusedtogointotheOldForestatonetime,andhehasthereputationofknowingagoodmanystrangethings.Butyoucanatleasttellus,Frodo,
whetheryouthinkhisguessgoodorbad.’
‘Ithink,’answeredFrodoslowly,‘thatitwasagoodguess,asfarasitgoes.ThereisaconnexionwithBilbo’soldadventures,andtheRidersarelooking,orperhapsoneoughttosaysearching,forhimorforme.Ialsofear,ifyouwanttoknow,thatitisnojokeatall;andthatIamnotsafehereoranywhere
else.’Helookedroundatthewindowsandwalls,asifhewasafraidtheywouldsuddenlygiveway.Theotherslookedathiminsilence,andexchangedmeaningglancesamongthemselves.
‘It’scomingoutinaminute,’whisperedPippintoMerry.Merrynodded.
‘Well!’saidFrodoatlast,sittingupandstraightening
hisback,asifhehadmadeadecision.‘Ican’tkeepitdarkanylonger.Ihavegotsomethingtotellyouall.ButIdon’tknowquitehowtobegin.’
‘IthinkIcouldhelpyou,’saidMerryquietly,‘bytellingyousomeofitmyself.’
‘Whatdoyoumean?’saidFrodo,lookingathimanxiously.
‘Justthis,mydearold
Frodo:youaremiserable,becauseyoudon’tknowhowtosaygood-bye.YoumeanttoleavetheShire,ofcourse.Butdangerhascomeonyousoonerthanyouexpected,andnowyouaremakingupyourmindtogoatonce.Andyoudon’twantto.Weareverysorryforyou.’
Frodoopenedhismouthandshutitagain.Hislookofsurprisewassocomicalthat
theylaughed.‘DearoldFrodo!’saidPippin.‘Didyoureallythinkyouhadthrowndustinalloureyes?Youhavenotbeennearlycarefulorcleverenoughforthat!YouhaveobviouslybeenplanningtogoandsayingfarewelltoallyourhauntsallthisyearsinceApril.Wehaveconstantlyheardyoumuttering:“ShallIeverlookdownintothatvalleyagain,I
wonder”,andthingslikethat.Andpretendingthatyouhadcometotheendofyourmoney,andactuallysellingyourbelovedBagEndtothoseSackville-Bagginses!AndallthoseclosetalkswithGandalf.’
‘Goodheavens!’saidFrodo.‘IthoughtIhadbeenbothcarefulandclever.Idon’tknowwhatGandalfwouldsay.IsalltheShire
discussingmydeparturethen?’
‘Ohno!’saidMerry.‘Don’tworryaboutthat!Thesecretwon’tkeepforlong,ofcourse;butatpresentitis,Ithink,onlyknowntousconspirators.Afterall,youmustrememberthatweknowyouwell,andareoftenwithyou.Wecanusuallyguesswhatyouarethinking.IknewBilbo,too.Totellyouthe
truth,Ihavebeenwatchingyourathercloselyeversinceheleft.Ithoughtyouwouldgoafterhimsoonerorlater;indeedIexpectedyoutogosooner,andlatelywehavebeenveryanxious.Wehavebeenterrifiedthatyoumightgiveustheslip,andgooffsuddenly,allonyourownlikehedid.Eversincethisspringwehavekeptoureyesopen,anddoneagooddealof
planningonourownaccount.Youarenotgoingtoescapesoeasily!’
‘ButImustgo,’saidFrodo.‘Itcannotbehelped,dearfriends.Itiswretchedforusall,butitisnouseyourtryingtokeepme.Sinceyouhaveguessedsomuch,pleasehelpmeanddonothinderme!’
‘Youdonotunderstand!’saidPippin.‘Youmustgo–
andthereforewemust,too.MerryandIarecomingwithyou.Samisanexcellentfellow,andwouldjumpdownadragon’sthroattosaveyou,ifhedidnottripoverhisownfeet;butyouwillneedmorethanonecompanioninyourdangerousadventure.’
‘Mydearandmostbelovedhobbits!’saidFrododeeplymoved.‘ButIcouldnotallowit.Idecidedthat
longago,too.Youspeakofdanger,butyoudonotunderstand.Thisisnotreasure-hunt,nothere-and-backjourney.Iamflyingfromdeadlyperilintodeadlyperil.’
‘Ofcourseweunderstand,’saidMerryfirmly.‘Thatiswhywehavedecidedtocome.WeknowtheRingisnolaughing-matter;butwearegoingtodo
ourbesttohelpyouagainsttheEnemy.’
‘TheRing!’saidFrodo,nowcompletelyamazed.
‘Yes,theRing,’saidMerry.‘Mydearoldhobbit,youdon’tallowfortheinquisitivenessoffriends.IhaveknownabouttheexistenceoftheRingforyears–beforeBilbowentaway,infact;butsinceheobviouslyregardeditas
secret,Ikepttheknowledgeinmyhead,untilweformedourconspiracy.IdidnotknowBilbo,ofcourse,aswellasIknowyou;Iwastooyoung,andhewasalsomorecareful–buthewasnotcarefulenough.IfyouwanttoknowhowIfirstfoundout,Iwilltellyou.’
‘Goon!’saidFrodofaintly.
‘ItwastheSackville-
Bagginsesthatwerehisdownfall,asyoumightexpect.Oneday,ayearbeforetheParty,Ihappenedtobewalkingalongtheroad,whenIsawBilboahead.SuddenlyinthedistancetheS.-B.sappeared,comingtowardsus.Bilbosloweddown,andthenheypresto!hevanished.IwassostartledthatIhardlyhadthewitstohidemyselfinamore
ordinaryfashion;butIgotthroughthehedgeandwalkedalongthefieldinside.Iwaspeepingthroughintotheroad,aftertheS.-B.shadpassed,andwaslookingstraightatBilbowhenhesuddenlyreappeared.Icaughtaglintofgoldasheputsomethingbackinhistrouser-pocket.
‘AfterthatIkeptmyeyesopen.Infact,IconfessthatIspied.Butyoumustadmit
thatitwasveryintriguing,andIwasonlyinmyteens.ImustbetheonlyoneintheShire,besidesyouFrodo,thathaseverseentheoldfellow’ssecretbook.’
‘Youhavereadhisbook!’criedFrodo.‘Goodheavensabove!Isnothingsafe?’
‘Nottoosafe,Ishouldsay,’saidMerry.‘ButIhaveonlyhadonerapidglance,andthatwasdifficulttoget.
Heneverleftthebookabout.Iwonderwhatbecameofit.Ishouldlikeanotherlook.Haveyougotit,Frodo?’
‘No.ItwasnotatBagEnd.Hemusthavetakenitaway.’
‘Well,asIwassaying,’Merryproceeded,‘Ikeptmyknowledgetomyself,tillthisspringwhenthingsgotserious.Thenweformedourconspiracy;andaswewere
serious,too,andmeantbusiness,wehavenotbeentooscrupulous.Youarenotaveryeasynuttocrack,andGandalfisworse.Butifyouwanttobeintroducedtoourchiefinvestigator,Icanproducehim.’
‘Whereishe?’saidFrodo,lookinground,asifheexpectedamaskedandsinisterfiguretocomeoutofacupboard.
‘Stepforward,Sam!’saidMerry;andSamstoodupwithafacescarletuptotheears.‘Here’sourcollectorofinformation!Andhecollectedalot,Icantellyou,beforehewasfinallycaught.Afterwhich,Imaysay,heseemedtoregardhimselfasonparole,anddriedup.’
‘Sam!’criedFrodo,feelingthatamazementcouldgonofurther,andquite
unabletodecidewhetherhefeltangry,amused,relieved,ormerelyfoolish.
‘Yes,sir!’saidSam.‘Beggingyourpardon,sir!ButImeantnowrongtoyou,Mr.Frodo,nortoMr.Gandalfforthatmatter.Hehassomesense,mindyou;andwhenyousaidgoalone,hesaidno!takesomeoneasyoucantrust.’
‘Butitdoesnotseemthat
Icantrustanyone,’saidFrodo.
Samlookedathimunhappily.‘Italldependsonwhatyouwant,’putinMerry.‘Youcantrustustosticktoyouthroughthickandthin–tothebitterend.Andyoucantrustustokeepanysecretofyours–closerthanyoukeepityourself.Butyoucannottrustustoletyoufacetroublealone,andgooffwithouta
word.Weareyourfriends,Frodo.Anyway:thereitis.WeknowmostofwhatGandalfhastoldyou.WeknowagooddealabouttheRing.Wearehorriblyafraid–butwearecomingwithyou;orfollowingyoulikehounds.’
‘Andafterall,sir,’addedSam,‘youdidoughttotaketheElves’advice.Gildorsaidyoushouldtakethemaswas
willing,andyoucan’tdenyit.’
‘Idon’tdenyit,’saidFrodo,lookingatSam,whowasnowgrinning.‘Idon’tdenyit,butI’llneverbelieveyouaresleepingagain,whetheryousnoreornot.Ishallkickyouhardtomakesure.
‘Youareasetofdeceitfulscoundrels!’hesaid,turningtotheothers.‘Butblessyou!’
helaughed,gettingupandwavinghisarms,‘Igivein.IwilltakeGildor’sadvice.Ifthedangerwerenotsodark,Ishoulddanceforjoy.Evenso,Icannothelpfeelinghappy;happierthanIhavefeltforalongtime.Ihaddreadedthisevening.’
‘Good!That’ssettled.ThreecheersforCaptainFrodoandcompany!’theyshouted;andtheydanced
roundhim.MerryandPippinbeganasong,whichtheyhadapparentlygotreadyfortheoccasion.
Itwasmadeonthemodelofthedwarf-songthatstartedBilboonhisadventurelongago,andwenttothesametune:
Farewellwecalltohearthandhall!Thoughwindmay
blowandrainmayfall,WemustawayerebreakofdayFaroverwoodandmountaintall.
ToRivendell,whereElvesyetdwellIngladesbeneaththemistyfell,Throughmoorandwasteweridein
haste,Andwhitherthenwecannottell.
Withfoesahead,behindusdread,Beneaththeskyshallbeourbed,Untilatlastourtoilbepassed,Ourjourneydone,ourerrandsped.
Wemustaway!Wemustaway!Weridebeforethebreakofday!
‘Verygood!’saidFrodo.‘Butinthatcasetherearealotofthingstodobeforewegotobed–underaroof,fortonightatanyrate.’
‘Oh!Thatwaspoetry!’saidPippin.‘Doyoureallymeantostartbeforethebreak
ofday?’‘Idon’tknow,’answered
Frodo.‘IfearthoseBlackRiders,andIamsureitisunsafetostayinoneplacelong,especiallyinaplacetowhichitisknownIwasgoing.AlsoGildoradvisedmenottowait.ButIshouldverymuchliketoseeGandalf.IcouldseethatevenGildorwasdisturbedwhenheheardthatGandalfhadnever
appeared.Itreallydependsontwothings.HowsooncouldtheRidersgettoBucklebury?Andhowsooncouldwegetoff?Itwilltakeagooddealofpreparation.’
‘Theanswertothesecondquestion,’saidMerry,‘isthatwecouldgetoffinanhour.Ihavepreparedpracticallyeverything.Therearefiveponiesinastableacrossthefields;storesandtackleare
allpacked,exceptforafewextraclothes,andtheperishablefood.’
‘Itseemstohavebeenaveryefficientconspiracy,’saidFrodo.‘ButwhatabouttheBlackRiders?WoulditbesafetowaitonedayforGandalf?’
‘ThatalldependsonwhatyouthinktheRiderswoulddo,iftheyfoundyouhere,’answeredMerry.‘Theycould
havereachedherebynow,ofcourse,iftheywerenotstoppedattheNorth-gate,wheretheHedgerunsdowntotheriverbank,justthissideoftheBridge.Thegate-guardswouldnotletthemthroughbynight,thoughtheymightbreakthrough.Eveninthedaylighttheywouldtrytokeepthemout,Ithink,atanyrateuntiltheygotamessagethroughtotheMasterofthe
Hall–fortheywouldnotlikethelookoftheRiders,andwouldcertainlybefrightenedbythem.But,ofcourse,Bucklandcannotresistadeterminedattackforlong.AnditispossiblethatinthemorningevenaBlackRiderthatrodeupandaskedforMr.Bagginswouldbeletthrough.ItisprettygenerallyknownthatyouarecomingbacktoliveatCrickhollow.’
Frodosatforawhileinthought.‘Ihavemadeupmymind,’hesaidfinally.‘Iamstartingtomorrow,assoonasitislight.ButIamnotgoingbyroad:itwouldbesafertowaitherethanthat.IfIgothroughtheNorth-gatemydeparturefromBucklandwillbeknownatonce,insteadofbeingsecretforseveraldaysatleast,asitmightbe.Andwhatismore,theBridgeand
theEastRoadneartheborderswillcertainlybewatched,whetheranyRidergetsintoBucklandornot.Wedon’tknowhowmanythereare;butthereareatleasttwo,andpossiblymore.Theonlythingtodoistogooffinaquiteunexpecteddirection.’
‘ButthatcanonlymeangoingintotheOldForest!’saidFredegarhorrified.‘Youcan’tbethinkingofdoing
that.ItisquiteasdangerousasBlackRiders.’
‘Notquite,’saidMerry.‘Itsoundsverydesperate,butIbelieveFrodoisright.Itistheonlywayofgettingoffwithoutbeingfollowedatonce.Withluckwemightgetaconsiderablestart.’
‘Butyouwon’thaveanyluckintheOldForest,’objectedFredegar.‘Nooneeverhasluckinthere.You’ll
getlost.Peopledon’tgointhere.’
‘Ohyestheydo!’saidMerry.‘TheBrandybucksgoin–occasionallywhenthefittakesthem.Wehaveaprivateentrance.Frodowentinonce,longago.Ihavebeeninseveraltimes:usuallyindaylight,ofcourse,whenthetreesaresleepyandfairlyquiet.’
‘Well,doasyouthink
best!’saidFredegar.‘IammoreafraidoftheOldForestthanofanythingIknowabout:thestoriesaboutitareanightmare;butmyvotehardlycounts,asIamnotgoingonthejourney.Still,Iamverygladsomeoneisstoppingbehind,whocantellGandalfwhatyouhavedone,whenheturnsup,asIamsurehewillbeforelong.’
FondashewasofFrodo,
FattyBolgerhadnodesiretoleavetheShire,nortoseewhatlayoutsideit.HisfamilycamefromtheEastfarthing,fromBudgefordinBridgefieldsinfact,buthehadneverbeenovertheBrandywineBridge.Histask,accordingtotheoriginalplansoftheconspirators,wastostaybehindanddealwithinquisitivefolk,andtokeepupaslongaspossiblethe
pretencethatMr.BagginswasstilllivingatCrickhollow.HehadevenbroughtalongsomeoldclothesofFrodo’stohelphiminplayingthepart.Theylittlethoughthowdangerousthatpartmightprove.
‘Excellent!’saidFrodo,whenheunderstoodtheplan.‘WecouldnothaveleftanymessagebehindforGandalfotherwise.Idon’tknow
whethertheseRiderscanreadornot,ofcourse,butIshouldnothavedaredtoriskawrittenmessage,incasetheygotinandsearchedthehouse.ButifFattyiswillingtoholdthefort,andIcanbesureofGandalfknowingthewaywehavegone,thatdecidesme.IamgoingintotheOldForestfirstthingtomorrow.’
‘Well,that’sthat,’saidPippin.‘OnthewholeI
wouldratherhaveourjobthanFatty’s–waitingheretillBlackRiderscome.’
‘YouwaittillyouarewellinsidetheForest,’saidFredegar.‘You’llwishyouwerebackherewithmebeforethistimetomorrow.’
‘It’snogoodarguingaboutitanymore,’saidMerry.‘Wehavestillgottotidyupandputthefinishingtouchestothepacking,before
wegettobed.Ishallcallyouallbeforethebreakofday.’
Whenatlasthehadgottobed,Frodocouldnotsleepforsometime.Hislegsached.Hewasgladthathewasridinginthemorning.Eventuallyhefellintoavaguedream,inwhichheseemedtobelookingoutofahighwindowoveradarksea
oftangledtrees.Downbelowamongtherootstherewasthesoundofcreaturescrawlingandsnuffling.Hefeltsuretheywouldsmellhimoutsoonerorlater.
Thenheheardanoiseinthedistance.Atfirsthethoughtitwasagreatwindcomingovertheleavesoftheforest.Thenheknewthatitwasnotleaves,butthesoundoftheSeafar-off;asoundhe
hadneverheardinwakinglife,thoughithadoftentroubledhisdreams.Suddenlyhefoundhewasoutintheopen.Therewerenotreesafterall.Hewasonadarkheath,andtherewasastrangesaltsmellintheair.Lookinguphesawbeforehimatallwhitetower,standingaloneonahighridge.Agreatdesirecameoverhimtoclimbthetower
andseetheSea.Hestartedtostruggleuptheridgetowardsthetower:butsuddenlyalightcameinthesky,andtherewasanoiseofthunder.
Chapter6
THEOLDFOREST
Frodowokesuddenly.Itwasstilldarkintheroom.Merrywasstandingtherewithacandleinonehand,andbangingonthedoorwiththe
other.‘Allright!Whatisit?’saidFrodo,stillshakenandbewildered.
‘Whatisit!’criedMerry.‘Itistimetogetup.Itishalfpastfourandveryfoggy.Comeon!Samisalreadygettingbreakfastready.EvenPippinisup.Iamjustgoingtosaddletheponies,andfetchtheonethatistobethebaggage-carrier.WakethatsluggardFatty!Atleasthe
mustgetupandseeusoff.’Soonaftersixo’clockthe
fivehobbitswerereadytostart.FattyBolgerwasstillyawning.Theystolequietlyoutofthehouse.Merrywentinfrontleadingaladenpony,andtookhiswayalongapaththatwentthroughaspinneybehindthehouse,andthencutacrossseveralfields.Theleavesoftreeswereglistening,andeverytwig
wasdripping;thegrasswasgreywithcolddew.Everythingwasstill,andfar-awaynoisesseemednearandclear:fowlschatteringinayard,someoneclosingadoorofadistanthouse.
Intheirshedtheyfoundtheponies:sturdylittlebeastsofthekindlovedbyhobbits,notspeedy,butgoodforalongday’swork.Theymounted,andsoontheywere
ridingoffintothemist,whichseemedtoopenreluctantlybeforethemandcloseforbiddinglybehindthem.Afterridingforaboutanhour,slowlyandwithouttalking,theysawtheHedgeloomingsuddenlyahead.Itwastallandnettedoverwithsilvercobwebs.
‘Howareyougoingtogetthroughthis?’askedFredegar.
‘Followme!’saidMerry,‘andyouwillsee.’HeturnedtotheleftalongtheHedge,andsoontheycametoapointwhereitbentinwards,runningalongthelipofahollow.Acuttinghadbeenmade,atsomedistancefromtheHedge,andwentslopinggentlydownintotheground.Ithadwallsofbrickatthesides,whichrosesteadily,untilsuddenlytheyarched
overandformedatunnelthatdiveddeepundertheHedgeandcameoutinthehollowontheotherside.
HereFattyBolgerhalted.‘Good-bye,Frodo!’hesaid.‘IwishyouwerenotgoingintotheForest.Ionlyhopeyouwillnotneedrescuingbeforethedayisout.Butgoodlucktoyou–todayandeveryday!’
‘Iftherearenoworse
thingsaheadthantheOldForest,Ishallbelucky,’saidFrodo.‘TellGandalftohurryalongtheEastRoad:weshallsoonbebackonitandgoingasfastaswecan.’‘Good-bye!’theycried,androdedowntheslopeanddisappearedfromFredegar’ssightintothetunnel.
Itwasdarkanddamp.Atthefarenditwasclosedbyagateofthick-setironbars.
Merrygotdownandunlockedthegate,andwhentheyhadallpassedthroughhepushedittoagain.Itshutwithaclang,andthelockclicked.Thesoundwasominous.
‘There!’saidMerry.‘YouhavelefttheShire,andarenowoutside,andontheedgeoftheOldForest.’
‘Arethestoriesaboutittrue?’askedPippin.
‘Idon’tknowwhatstoriesyoumean,’Merryanswered.‘Ifyoumeantheoldbogey-storiesFatty’snursesusedtotellhim,aboutgoblinsandwolvesandthingsofthatsort,Ishouldsayno.AtanyrateIdon’tbelievethem.ButtheForestisqueer.Everythinginitisverymuchmorealive,moreawareofwhatisgoingon,sotospeak,thanthingsareintheShire.Andthetrees
donotlikestrangers.Theywatchyou.Theyareusuallycontentmerelytowatchyou,aslongasdaylightlasts,anddon’tdomuch.Occasionallythemostunfriendlyonesmaydropabranch,orstickarootout,orgraspatyouwithalongtrailer.Butatnightthingscanbemostalarming,orsoIamtold.Ihaveonlyonceortwicebeeninhereafterdark,andthenonlynear
thehedge.Ithoughtallthetreeswerewhisperingtoeachother,passingnewsandplotsalonginanunintelligiblelanguage;andthebranchesswayedandgropedwithoutanywind.Theydosaythetreesdoactuallymove,andcansurroundstrangersandhemthemin.InfactlongagotheyattackedtheHedge:theycameandplantedthemselvesrightbyit,andleanedoverit.
Butthehobbitscameandcutdownhundredsoftrees,andmadeagreatbonfireintheForest,andburnedallthegroundinalongstripeastoftheHedge.Afterthatthetreesgaveuptheattack,buttheybecameveryunfriendly.Thereisstillawidebarespacenotfarinsidewherethebonfirewasmade.’
‘Isitonlythetreesthataredangerous?’askedPippin.
‘TherearevariousqueerthingslivingdeepintheForest,andonthefarside,’saidMerry,‘oratleastIhaveheardso;butIhaveneverseenanyofthem.Butsomethingmakespaths.Wheneveronecomesinsideonefindsopentracks;buttheyseemtoshiftandchangefromtimetotimeinaqueerfashion.Notfarfromthistunnelthereis,orwasfora
longtime,thebeginningofquiteabroadpathleadingtotheBonfireGlade,andthenonmoreorlessinourdirection,eastandalittlenorth.ThatisthepathIamgoingtotryandfind.’
Thehobbitsnowleftthetunnel-gateandrodeacrossthewidehollow.Onthefarsidewasafaintpathleading
upontotheflooroftheForest,ahundredyardsandmorebeyondtheHedge;butitvanishedassoonasitbroughtthemunderthetrees.LookingbacktheycouldseethedarklineoftheHedgethroughthestemsoftreesthatwerealreadythickaboutthem.Lookingaheadtheycouldseeonlytree-trunksofinnumerablesizesandshapes:straightorbent,twisted,
leaning,squatorslender,smoothorgnarledandbranched;andallthestemsweregreenorgreywithmossandslimy,shaggygrowths.
Merryaloneseemedfairlycheerful.‘Youhadbetterleadonandfindthatpath,’Frodosaidtohim.‘Don’tletusloseoneanother,orforgetwhichwaytheHedgelies!’
Theypickedawayamongthetrees,andtheirponies
ploddedalong,carefullyavoidingthemanywrithingandinterlacingroots.Therewasnoundergrowth.Thegroundwasrisingsteadily,andastheywentforwarditseemedthatthetreesbecametaller,darker,andthicker.Therewasnosound,exceptanoccasionaldripofmoisturefallingthroughthestillleaves.Forthemomenttherewasnowhisperingor
movementamongthebranches;buttheyallgotanuncomfortablefeelingthattheywerebeingwatchedwithdisapproval,deepeningtodislikeandevenenmity.Thefeelingsteadilygrew,untiltheyfoundthemselveslookingupquickly,orglancingbackovertheirshoulders,asiftheyexpectedasuddenblow.
Therewasnotasyetany
signofapath,andthetreesseemedconstantlytobartheirway.Pippinsuddenlyfeltthathecouldnotbearitanylonger,andwithoutwarningletoutashout.‘Oi!Oi!’hecried.‘Iamnotgoingtodoanything.Justletmepassthrough,willyou!’
Theothershaltedstartled;butthecryfellasifmuffledbyaheavycurtain.Therewasnoechooranswerthoughthe
woodseemedtobecomemorecrowdedandmorewatchfulthanbefore.
‘Ishouldnotshout,ifIwereyou,’saidMerry.‘Itdoesmoreharmthangood.’
Frodobegantowonderifitwerepossibletofindawaythrough,andifhehadbeenrighttomaketheotherscomeintothisabominablewood.Merrywaslookingfromsidetoside,andseemedalready
uncertainwhichwaytogo.Pippinnoticedit.‘Ithasnottakenyoulongtoloseus,’hesaid.ButatthatmomentMerrygaveawhistleofreliefandpointedahead.
‘Well,well!’hesaid.‘Thesetreesdoshift.ThereistheBonfireGladeinfrontofus(orIhopeso),butthepathtoitseemstohavemovedaway!’
Thelightgrewclearerastheywentforward.Suddenlytheycameoutofthetreesandfoundthemselvesinawidecircularspace.Therewasskyabovethem,blueandcleartotheirsurprise,fordownundertheForest-rooftheyhadnotbeenabletoseetherisingmorningandtheliftingofthemist.Thesunwasnot,however,highenoughyettoshinedownintotheclearing,
thoughitslightwasonthetree-tops.Theleaveswereallthickerandgreenerabouttheedgesoftheglade,enclosingitwithanalmostsolidwall.Notreegrewthere,onlyroughgrassandmanytallplants:stalkyandfadedhemlocksandwood-parsley,fire-weedseedingintofluffyashes,andrampantnettlesandthistles.Adrearyplace:butitseemedacharmingand
cheerfulgardenafterthecloseForest.
Thehobbitsfeltencouraged,andlookeduphopefullyatthebroadeningdaylightinthesky.Atthefarsideofthegladetherewasabreakinthewalloftrees,andaclearpathbeyondit.Theycouldseeitrunningonintothewood,wideinplacesandopenabove,thougheverynowandagainthetreesdrew
inandovershadoweditwiththeirdarkboughs.Upthispaththeyrode.Theywerestillclimbinggently,buttheynowwentmuchquicker,andwithbetterheart;foritseemedtothemthattheForesthadrelented,andwasgoingtoletthempassunhinderedafterall.
Butafterawhiletheairbegantogethotandstuffy.Thetreesdrewcloseagainon
eitherside,andtheycouldnolongerseefarahead.Nowstrongerthanevertheyfeltagaintheillwillofthewoodpressingonthem.Sosilentwasitthatthefalloftheirponies’hoofs,rustlingondeadleavesandoccasionallystumblingonhiddenroots,seemedtothudintheirears.Frodotriedtosingasongtoencouragethem,buthisvoicesanktoamurmur.
O!Wanderersintheshadowedlanddespairnot!Forthoughdarktheystand,allwoodstherebemustendatlast,andseetheopensungopast:thesettingsun,therisingsuntheday’send,orthedaybegun.
Foreastorwestallwoodsmustfail...
Fail–evenashesaidthewordhisvoicefadedintosilence.Theairseemedheavyandthemakingofwordswearisome.Justbehindthemalargebranchfellfromanoldoverhangingtreewithacrashintothepath.Thetreesseemedtocloseinbeforethem.
‘Theydonotlikeallthataboutendingandfailing,’saidMerry.‘Ishouldnotsinganymoreatpresent.Waittillwedogettotheedge,andthenwe’llturnandgivethemarousingchorus!’
Hespokecheerfully,andifhefeltanygreatanxiety,hedidnotshowit.Theothersdidnotanswer.Theyweredepressed.Aheavyweightwassettlingsteadilyon
Frodo’sheart,andheregrettednowwitheverystepforwardthathehadeverthoughtofchallengingthemenaceofthetrees.Hewas,indeed,justabouttostopandproposegoingback(ifthatwasstillpossible),whenthingstookanewturn.Thepathstoppedclimbing,andbecameforawhilenearlylevel.Thedarktreesdrewaside,andaheadtheycould
seethepathgoingalmoststraightforward.Beforethem,butsomedistanceoff,therestoodagreenhill-top,treeless,risinglikeabaldheadoutoftheencirclingwood.Thepathseemedtobemakingdirectlyforit.
Theynowhurriedforwardagain,delightedwiththethoughtofclimbingoutfora
whileabovetheroofoftheForest.Thepathdipped,andthenagainbegantoclimbupwards,leadingthematlasttothefootofthesteephillside.Thereitleftthetreesandfadedintotheturf.Thewoodstoodallroundthehilllikethickhairthatendedsharplyinacircleroundashavencrown.
Thehobbitsledtheirponiesup,windingroundand
rounduntiltheyreachedthetop.Theretheystoodandgazedaboutthem.Theairwasgleamingandsunlit,buthazy;andtheycouldnotseetoanygreatdistance.Nearathandthemistwasnowalmostgone;thoughhereandthereitlayinhollowsofthewood,andtothesouthofthem,outofadeepfoldcuttingrightacrosstheForest,thefogstillroselikesteamorwispsof
whitesmoke.‘That,’saidMerry,
pointingwithhishand,‘thatisthelineoftheWithywindle.ItcomesdownoutoftheDownsandflowssouth-westthroughthemidstoftheForesttojointheBrandywinebelowHaysend.Wedon’twanttogothatway!TheWithywindlevalleyissaidtobethequeerestpartofthewholewood–the
centrefromwhichallthequeernesscomes,asitwere.’
TheotherslookedinthedirectionthatMerrypointedout,buttheycouldseelittlebutmistsoverthedampanddeep-cutvalley;andbeyonditthesouthernhalfoftheForestfadedfromview.
Thesunonthehill-topwasnowgettinghot.Itmusthavebeenabouteleveno’clock;buttheautumnhaze
stillpreventedthemfromseeingmuchinotherdirections.InthewesttheycouldnotmakeouteitherthelineoftheHedgeorthevalleyoftheBrandywinebeyondit.Northward,wheretheylookedmosthopefully,theycouldseenothingthatmightbethelineofthegreatEastRoad,forwhichtheyweremaking.Theywereonanislandinaseaoftrees,and
thehorizonwasveiled.Onthesouth-easternside
thegroundfellverysteeply,asiftheslopesofthehillwerecontinuedfardownunderthetrees,likeisland-shoresthatreallyarethesidesofamountainrisingoutofdeepwaters.Theysatonthegreenedgeandlookedoutoverthewoodsbelowthem,whiletheyatetheirmid-daymeal.Asthesunroseand
passednoontheyglimpsedfaroffintheeastthegrey-greenlinesoftheDownsthatlaybeyondtheOldForestonthatside.Thatcheeredthemgreatly;foritwasgoodtoseeasightofanythingbeyondthewood’sborders,thoughtheydidnotmeantogothatway,iftheycouldhelpit:theBarrow-downshadassinisterareputationinhobbit-legendastheForestitself.
Atlengththeymadeuptheirmindstogoonagain.Thepaththathadbroughtthemtothehillreappearedonthenorthwardside;buttheyhadnotfolloweditfarbeforetheybecameawarethatitwasbendingsteadilytotheright.SoonitbegantodescendrapidlyandtheyguessedthatitmustactuallybeheadingtowardstheWithywindlevalley:notatallthedirection
theywishedtotake.Aftersomediscussiontheydecidedtoleavethismisleadingpathandstrikenorthward;foralthoughtheyhadnotbeenabletoseeitfromthehill-top,theRoadmustliethatway,anditcouldnotbemanymilesoff.Alsonorthward,andtotheleftofthepath,thelandseemedtobedrierandmoreopen,climbinguptoslopeswherethetreeswere
thinner,andpinesandfirsreplacedtheoaksandashesandotherstrangeandnamelesstreesofthedenserwood.
Atfirsttheirchoiceseemedtobegood:theygotalongatafairspeed,thoughwhenevertheygotaglimpseofthesuninanopengladetheyseemedunaccountablytohaveveeredeastwards.Butafteratimethetreesbeganto
closeinagain,justwheretheyhadappearedfromadistancetobethinnerandlesstangled.Thendeepfoldsinthegroundwerediscoveredunexpectedly,liketherutsofgreatgiant-wheelsorwidemoatsandsunkenroadslongdisusedandchokedwithbrambles.Theselayusuallyrightacrosstheirlineofmarch,andcouldonlybecrossedbyscramblingdown
andoutagain,whichwastroublesomeanddifficultwiththeirponies.Eachtimetheyclimbeddowntheyfoundthehollowfilledwiththickbushesandmattedundergrowth,whichsomehowwouldnotyieldtotheleft,butonlygavewaywhentheyturnedtotheright;andtheyhadtogosomedistancealongthebottombeforetheycouldfindaway
upthefurtherbank.Eachtimetheyclamberedout,thetreesseemeddeeperanddarker;andalwaystotheleftandupwardsitwasmostdifficulttofindaway,andtheywereforcedtotherightanddownwards.
Afteranhourortwotheyhadlostallclearsenseofdirection,thoughtheyknew
wellenoughthattheyhadlongceasedtogonorthwardatall.Theywerebeingheadedoff,andweresimplyfollowingacoursechosenforthem–eastwardsandsouthwards,intotheheartoftheForestandnotoutofit.
Theafternoonwaswearingawaywhentheyscrambledandstumbledintoafoldthatwaswideranddeeperthananytheyhadyet
met.Itwassosteepandoverhungthatitprovedimpossibletoclimboutofitagain,eitherforwardsorbackwards,withoutleavingtheirponiesandtheirbaggagebehind.Alltheycoulddowastofollowthefold–downwards.Thegroundgrewsoft,andinplacesboggy;springsappearedinthebanks,andsoontheyfoundthemselvesfollowingabrook
thattrickledandbabbledthroughaweedybed.Thenthegroundbegantofallrapidly,andthebrookgrowingstrongandnoisy,flowedandleapedswiftlydownhill.Theywereinadeepdim-litgullyover-archedbytreeshighabovethem.
Afterstumblingalongforsomewayalongthestream,theycamequitesuddenlyout
ofthegloom.Asifthroughagatetheysawthesunlightbeforethem.Comingtotheopeningtheyfoundthattheyhadmadetheirwaydownthroughacleftinahighsteepbank,almostacliff.Atitsfeetwasawidespaceofgrassandreeds;andinthedistancecouldbeglimpsedanotherbankalmostassteep.Agoldenafternoonoflatesunshinelaywarmand
drowsyuponthehiddenlandbetween.Inthemidstofittherewoundlazilyadarkriverofbrownwater,borderedwithancientwillows,archedoverwithwillows,blockedwithfallenwillows,andfleckedwiththousandsoffadedwillow-leaves.Theairwasthickwiththem,flutteringyellowfromthebranches;fortherewasawarmandgentlebreeze
blowingsoftlyinthevalley,andthereedswererustling,andthewillow-boughswerecreaking.
‘Well,nowIhaveatleastsomenotionofwhereweare!’saidMerry.‘Wehavecomealmostintheoppositedirectiontowhichweintended.ThisistheRiverWithywindle!Iwillgoonandexplore.’
Hepassedoutintothe
sunshineanddisappearedintothelonggrasses.Afterawhilehereappeared,andreportedthattherewasfairlysolidgroundbetweenthecliff-footandtheriver;insomeplacesfirmturfwentdowntothewater’sedge.‘What’smore,’hesaid,‘thereseemstobesomethinglikeafootpathwindingalongonthissideoftheriver.Ifweturnleftandfollowit,we
shallbeboundtocomeoutontheeastsideoftheForesteventually.’
‘Idaresay!’saidPippin.‘Thatis,ifthetrackgoesonsofar,anddoesnotsimplyleadusintoabogandleaveusthere.Whomadethetrack,doyousuppose,andwhy?Iamsureitwasnotforourbenefit.IamgettingverysuspiciousofthisForestandeverythinginit,andIbegin
tobelieveallthestoriesaboutit.Andhaveyouanyideahowfareastwardweshouldhavetogo?’
‘No,’saidMerry,‘Ihaven’t.Idon’tknowintheleasthowfardowntheWithywindleweare,orwhocouldpossiblycomehereoftenenoughtomakeapathalongit.ButthereisnootherwayoutthatIcanseeorthinkof.’
Therebeingnothingelseforit,theyfiledout,andMerryledthemtothepaththathehaddiscovered.Everywherethereedsandgrasseswerelushandtall,inplacesfarabovetheirheads;butoncefound,thepathwaseasytofollow,asitturnedandtwisted,pickingoutthesoundergroundamongthebogsandpools.Hereandthereitpassedoverother
rills,runningdowngulliesintotheWithywindleoutofthehigherforest-lands,andatthesepointsthereweretree-trunksorbundlesofbrushwoodlaidcarefullyacross.
Thehobbitsbegantofeelveryhot.Therewerearmiesoffliesofallkindsbuzzingroundtheirears,andthe
afternoonsunwasburningontheirbacks.Atlasttheycamesuddenlyintoathinshade;greatgreybranchesreachedacrossthepath.Eachstepforwardbecamemorereluctantthanthelast.Sleepinessseemedtobecreepingoutofthegroundanduptheirlegs,andfallingsoftlyoutoftheairupontheirheadsandeyes.
Frodofelthischingo
downandhisheadnod.JustinfrontofhimPippinfellforwardontohisknees.Frodohalted.‘It’snogood,’heheardMerrysaying.‘Can’tgoanotherstepwithoutrest.Musthavenap.It’scoolunderthewillows.Lessflies!’
Frododidnotlikethesoundofthis.‘Comeon!’hecried.‘Wecan’thaveanapyet.Wemustgetclearofthe
Forestfirst.’Buttheothersweretoofargonetocare.BesidethemSamstoodyawningandblinkingstupidly.
SuddenlyFrodohimselffeltsleepoverwhelminghim.Hisheadswam.Therenowseemedhardlyasoundintheair.Theflieshadstoppedbuzzing.Onlyagentlenoiseontheedgeofhearing,asoftflutteringasofasonghalf
whispered,seemedtostirintheboughsabove.Heliftedhisheavyeyesandsawleaningoverhimahugewillow-tree,oldandhoary.Enormousitlooked,itssprawlingbranchesgoinguplikereachingarmswithmanylong-fingeredhands,itsknottedandtwistedtrunkgapinginwidefissuresthatcreakedfaintlyastheboughsmoved.Theleavesfluttering
againstthebrightskydazzledhim,andhetoppledover,lyingwherehefelluponthegrass.
MerryandPippindraggedthemselvesforwardandlaydownwiththeirbackstothewillow-trunk.Behindthemthegreatcracksgapedwidetoreceivethemasthetreeswayedandcreaked.Theylookedupatthegreyandyellowleaves,movingsoftly
againstthelight,andsinging.Theyshuttheireyes,andthenitseemedthattheycouldalmosthearwords,coolwords,sayingsomethingaboutwaterandsleep.Theygavethemselvesuptothespellandfellfastasleepatthefootofthegreatgreywillow.
Frodolayforawhilefightingwiththesleepthatwasoverpoweringhim;thenwithanefforthestruggledto
hisfeetagain.Hefeltacompellingdesireforcoolwater.‘Waitforme,Sam,’hestammered.‘Mustbathefeetaminute.’
Halfinadreamhewanderedforwardtotheriverwardsideofthetree,wheregreatwindingrootsgrewoutintothestream,likegnarleddragonetsstrainingdowntodrink.Hestraddledoneofthese,andpaddledhis
hotfeetinthecoolbrownwater;andtherehetoosuddenlyfellasleepwithhisbackagainstthetree.
Samsatdownandscratchedhishead,andyawnedlikeacavern.Hewasworried.Theafternoonwasgettinglate,andhethoughtthissuddensleepinessuncanny.‘There’smore
behindthisthansunandwarmair,’hemutteredtohimself.‘Idon’tlikethisgreatbigtree.Idon’ttrustit.Harkatitsingingaboutsleepnow!Thiswon’tdoatall!’
Hepulledhimselftohisfeet,andstaggeredofftoseewhathadbecomeoftheponies.Hefoundthattwohadwanderedonagoodwayalongthepath;andhehadjustcaughtthemandbrought
thembacktowardstheothers,whenheheardtwonoises;oneloud,andtheothersoftbutveryclear.Onewasthesplashofsomethingheavyfallingintothewater;theotherwasanoiselikethesnickofalockwhenadoorquietlyclosesfast.
Herushedbacktothebank.Frodowasinthewaterclosetotheedge,andagreattree-rootseemedtobeover
himandholdinghimdown,buthewasnotstruggling.Samgrippedhimbythejacket,anddraggedhimfromundertheroot;andthenwithdifficultyhauledhimontothebank.Almostatoncehewoke,andcoughedandspluttered.
‘Doyouknow,Sam,’hesaidatlength,‘thebeastlytreethrewmein!Ifeltit.Thebigrootjusttwistedround
andtippedmein!’‘YouweredreamingI
expect,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam.‘Youshouldn’tsitinsuchaplace,ifyoufeelsleepy.’
‘Whatabouttheothers?’Frodoasked.‘Iwonderwhatsortofdreamstheyarehaving.’
Theywentroundtotheothersideofthetree,andthenSamunderstoodtheclickthathehadheard.
Pippinhadvanished.Thecrackbywhichhehadlaidhimselfhadclosedtogether,sothatnotachinkcouldbeseen.Merrywastrapped:anothercrackhadclosedabouthiswaist;hislegslayoutside,buttherestofhimwasinsideadarkopening,theedgesofwhichgrippedlikeapairofpincers.
FrodoandSambeatfirstuponthetree-trunkwhere
Pippinhadlain.TheythenstruggledfranticallytopullopenthejawsofthecrackthatheldpoorMerry.Itwasquiteuseless.
‘Whatafoulthingtohappen!’criedFrodowildly.‘WhydidweevercomeintothisdreadfulForest?IwishwewereallbackatCrickhollow!’Hekickedthetreewithallhisstrength,heedlessofhisownfeet.A
hardlyperceptibleshiverranthroughthestemandupintothebranches;theleavesrustledandwhispered,butwithasoundnowoffaintandfar-offlaughter.
‘Isupposewehaven’tgotanaxeamongourluggage,Mr.Frodo?’askedSam.
‘Ibroughtalittlehatchetforchoppingfirewood,’saidFrodo.‘Thatwouldn’tbemuchuse.’
‘Waitaminute!’criedSam,struckbyanideasuggestedbyfirewood.‘Wemightdosomethingwithfire!’
‘Wemight,’saidFrododoubtfully.‘WemightsucceedinroastingPippinaliveinside.’
‘Wemighttrytohurtorfrightenthistreetobeginwith,’saidSamfiercely.‘Ifitdon’tletthemgo,I’llhaveit
down,ifIhavetognawit.’Herantotheponiesandbeforelongcamebackwithtwotinder-boxesandahatchet.
Quicklytheygathereddrygrassandleaves,andbitsofbark;andmadeapileofbrokentwigsandchoppedsticks.Thesetheyheapedagainstthetrunkonthefarsideofthetreefromtheprisoners.AssoonasSam
hadstruckasparkintothetinder,itkindledthedrygrassandaflurryofflameandsmokewentup.Thetwigscrackled.Littlefingersoffirelickedagainstthedryscoredrindoftheancienttreeandscorchedit.Atremorranthroughthewholewillow.Theleavesseemedtohissabovetheirheadswithasoundofpainandanger.Aloudscreamcamefrom
Merry,andfromfarinsidethetreetheyheardPippingiveamuffledyell.
‘Putitout!Putitout!’criedMerry.‘He’llsqueezemeintwo,ifyoudon’t.Hesaysso!’
‘Who?What?’shoutedFrodo,rushingroundtotheothersideofthetree.
‘Putitout!Putitout!’beggedMerry.Thebranchesofthewillowbegantosway
violently.Therewasasoundasofawindrisingandspreadingoutwardstothebranchesofalltheothertreesroundabout,asthoughtheyhaddroppedastoneintothequietslumberoftheriver-valleyandsetupripplesofangerthatranoutoverthewholeForest.Samkickedatthelittlefireandstampedoutthesparks.ButFrodo,withoutanyclearideaofwhy
hedidso,orwhathehopedfor,ranalongthepathcryinghelp!help!help!Itseemedtohimthathecouldhardlyhearthesoundofhisownshrillvoice:itwasblownawayfromhimbythewillow-windanddrownedinaclamourofleaves,assoonasthewordslefthismouth.Hefeltdesperate:lostandwitless.
Suddenlyhestopped.Therewasananswer,orsohe
thought;butitseemedtocomefrombehindhim,awaydownthepathfurtherbackintheForest.Heturnedroundandlistened,andsoontherecouldbenodoubt:someonewassingingasong;adeepgladvoicewassingingcarelesslyandhappily,butitwassingingnonsense:
Heydol!merrydol!ringadongdillo!
Ringadong!hopalong!fallalthewillow!TomBom,jollyTom,TomBombadillo!
Halfhopefulandhalfafraidofsomenewdanger,FrodoandSamnowbothstoodstill.Suddenlyoutofalongstringofnonsense-words(orsotheyseemed)thevoiceroseuploudandclearand
burstintothissong:
Hey!Comemerrydol!derrydol!Mydarling!Lightgoestheweather-windandthefeatheredstarling.DownalongunderHill,shininginthesunlight,Waitingonthe
doorstepforthecoldstarlight,Theremyprettyladyis,River-woman’sdaughter,Slenderasthewillow-wand,clearerthanthewater.OldTomBombadilwater-liliesbringingComeshoppinghome
again.Canyouhearhimsinging?Hey!Comemerrydol!derrydol!andmerry-o,Goldberry,Goldberry,merryyellowberry-o!PooroldWillow-man,youtuckyourrootsaway!Tom’sinahurrynow.Eveningwill
followday.Tom’sgoinghomeagainwater-liliesbringing.Hey!Comederrydol!Canyouhearmesinging?
FrodoandSamstoodasifenchanted.Thewindpuffedout.Theleaveshungsilentlyagainonstiffbranches.Therewasanotherburstofsong,
andthensuddenly,hoppinganddancingalongthepath,thereappearedabovethereedsanoldbatteredhatwithatallcrownandalongbluefeatherstuckintheband.Withanotherhopandaboundtherecameintoviewaman,orsoitseemed.Atanyratehewastoolargeandheavyforahobbit,ifnotquitetallenoughforoneoftheBigPeople,thoughhe
madenoiseenoughforone,stumpingalongwithgreatyellowbootsonhisthicklegs,andchargingthroughgrassandrusheslikeacowgoingdowntodrink.Hehadabluecoatandalongbrownbeard;hiseyeswereblueandbright,andhisfacewasredasaripeapple,butcreasedintoahundredwrinklesoflaughter.Inhishandshecarriedonalargeleafasona
trayasmallpileofwhitewater-lilies.
‘Help!’criedFrodoandSamrunningtowardshimwiththeirhandsstretchedout.
‘Whoa!Whoa!steadythere!’criedtheoldman,holdinguponehand,andtheystoppedshort,asiftheyhadbeenstruckstiff.‘Now,mylittlefellows,wherebeyoua-goingto,puffinglikeabellows?What’sthematter
herethen?DoyouknowwhoIam?I’mTomBombadil.Tellmewhat’syourtrouble!Tom’sinahurrynow.Don’tyoucrushmylilies!’
‘Myfriendsarecaughtinthewillow-tree,’criedFrodobreathlessly.
‘MasterMerry’sbeingsqueezedinacrack!’criedSam.‘What?’shoutedTomBombadil,leapingupintheair.‘OldManWillow?
Naughtworsethanthat,eh?Thatcansoonbemended.Iknowthetuneforhim.OldgreyWillow-man!I’llfreezehismarrowcold,ifhedon’tbehavehimself.I’llsinghisrootsoff.I’llsingawindupandblowleafandbranchaway.OldManWillow!’
Settingdownhisliliescarefullyonthegrass,herantothetree.TherehesawMerry’sfeetstillstickingout
–theresthadalreadybeendrawnfurtherinside.Tomputhismouthtothecrackandbegansingingintoitinalowvoice.Theycouldnotcatchthewords,butevidentlyMerrywasaroused.Hislegsbegantokick.Tomsprangaway,andbreakingoffahangingbranchsmotethesideofthewillowwithit.‘Youletthemoutagain,OldManWillow!’hesaid.‘What
beyoua-thinkingof?Youshouldnotbewaking.Eatearth!Digdeep!Drinkwater!Gotosleep!Bombadilistalking!’HethenseizedMerry’sfeetanddrewhimoutofthesuddenlywideningcrack.
Therewasatearingcreakandtheothercracksplitopen,andoutofitPippinsprang,asifhehadbeenkicked.Thenwithaloudsnapbothcracks
closedfastagain.Ashudderranthroughthetreefromroottotip,andcompletesilencefell.
‘Thankyou!’saidthehobbits,oneaftertheother.
TomBombadilburstoutlaughing.‘Well,mylittlefellows!’saidhe,stoopingsothathepeeredintotheirfaces.‘Youshallcomehomewithme!Thetableisallladenwithyellowcream,
honeycomb,andwhitebreadandbutter.Goldberryiswaiting.Timeenoughforquestionsaroundthesuppertable.Youfollowaftermeasquickasyouareable!’Withthathepickeduphislilies,andthenwithabeckoningwaveofhishandwenthoppinganddancingalongthepatheastward,stillsingingloudlyandnonsensically.
Toosurprisedandtoorelievedtotalk,thehobbitsfollowedafterhimasfastastheycould.Butthatwasnotfastenough.Tomsoondisappearedinfrontofthem,andthenoiseofhissinginggotfainterandfurtheraway.Suddenlyhisvoicecamefloatingbacktotheminaloudhalloo!
Hopalong,mylittle
friends,uptheWithywindle!Tom’sgoingonaheadcandlesfortokindle.DownwestsinkstheSun:soonyouwillbegroping.Whenthenight-shadowsfall,thenthedoorwillopen,Outofthewindow-paneslightwill
twinkleyellow.Fearnoalderblack!Heednohoarywillow!Fearneitherrootnorbough!Tomgoesonbeforeyou.Heynow!merrydol!We’llbewaitingforyou!
Afterthatthehobbitsheardnomore.Almostat
oncethesunseemedtosinkintothetreesbehindthem.TheythoughtoftheslantinglightofeveningglitteringontheBrandywineRiver,andthewindowsofBuckleburybeginningtogleamwithhundredsoflights.Greatshadowsfellacrossthem;trunksandbranchesoftreeshungdarkandthreateningoverthepath.Whitemistsbegantoriseandcurlonthe
surfaceoftheriverandstrayabouttherootsofthetreesuponitsborders.Outoftheverygroundattheirfeetashadowysteamaroseandmingledwiththeswiftlyfallingdusk.
Itbecamedifficulttofollowthepath,andtheywereverytired.Theirlegsseemedleaden.Strangefurtivenoisesranamongthebushesandreedsoneither
sideofthem;andiftheylookeduptothepalesky,theycaughtsightofqueergnarledandknobblyfacesthatgloomeddarkagainstthetwilight,andleereddownatthemfromthehighbankandtheedgesofthewood.Theybegantofeelthatallthiscountrywasunreal,andthattheywerestumblingthroughanominousdreamthatledtonoawakening.
Justastheyfelttheirfeetslowingdowntoastandstill,theynoticedthatthegroundwasgentlyrising.Thewaterbegantomurmur.Inthedarknesstheycaughtthewhiteglimmeroffoam,wheretheriverflowedoverashortfall.Thensuddenlythetreescametoanendandthemistswereleftbehind.TheysteppedoutfromtheForest,andfoundawidesweepof
grasswellingupbeforethem.Theriver,nowsmallandswift,wasleapingmerrilydowntomeetthem,glintinghereandthereinthelightofthestars,whichwerealreadyshininginthesky.
Thegrassundertheirfeetwassmoothandshort,asifithadbeenmownorshaven.TheeavesoftheForestbehindwereclipped,andtrimasahedge.Thepathwasnow
plainbeforethem,well-tendedandborderedwithstone.Itwoundupontothetopofagrassyknoll,nowgreyunderthepalestarrynight;andthere,stillhighabovethemonafurtherslope,theysawthetwinklinglightsofahouse.Downagainthepathwent,andthenupagain,upalongsmoothhillsideofturf,towardsthelight.Suddenlyawideyellow
beamflowedoutbrightlyfromadoorthatwasopened.TherewasTomBombadil’shousebeforethem,up,down,underhill.Behinditasteepshoulderofthelandlaygreyandbare,andbeyondthatthedarkshapesoftheBarrow-downsstalkedawayintotheeasternnight.
Theyallhurriedforward,hobbitsandponies.Alreadyhalftheirwearinessandall
theirfearshadfallenfromthem.Hey!Comemerrydol!rolledoutthesongtogreetthem.
Hey!Comederrydol!Hopalong,myhearties!Hobbits!Poniesall!Wearefondofparties.Nowletthefunbegin!Letussing
together!
Thenanotherclearvoice,asyoungandasancientasSpring,likethesongofagladwaterflowingdownintothenightfromabrightmorninginthehills,camefallinglikesilvertomeetthem:
Nowletthesongbegin!Letussing
togetherOfsun,stars,moonandmist,rainandcloudyweather,Lightonthebuddingleaf,dewonthefeather,Windontheopenhill,bellsontheheather,Reedsbytheshadypool,liliesonthewater:
OldTomBombadilandtheRiver-daughter!
Andwiththatsongthehobbitsstooduponthethreshold,andagoldenlightwasallaboutthem.
Chapter7
INTHEHOUSEOFTOMBOMBADIL
Thefourhobbitssteppedoverthewidestonethreshold,andstoodstill,blinking.Theywereinalonglowroom,
filledwiththelightoflampsswingingfromthebeamsoftheroof;andonthetableofdarkpolishedwoodstoodmanycandles,tallandyellow,burningbrightly.
Inachair,atthefarsideoftheroomfacingtheouterdoor,satawoman.Herlongyellowhairrippleddownhershoulders;hergownwasgreen,greenasyoungreeds,shotwithsilverlikebeadsof
dew;andherbeltwasofgold,shapedlikeachainofflag-liliessetwiththepale-blueeyesofforget-me-nots.Aboutherfeetinwidevesselsofgreenandbrownearthenware,whitewater-lilieswerefloating,sothatsheseemedtobeenthronedinthemidstofapool.
‘Enter,goodguests!’shesaid,andasshespoketheyknewthatitwasherclear
voicetheyhadheardsinging.Theycameafewtimidstepsfurtherintotheroom,andbegantobowlow,feelingstrangelysurprisedandawkward,likefolkthat,knockingatacottagedoortobegforadrinkofwater,havebeenansweredbyafairyoungelf-queencladinlivingflowers.Butbeforetheycouldsayanything,shespranglightlyupandoverthe
lily-bowls,andranlaughingtowardsthem;andassheranhergownrustledsoftlylikethewindinthefloweringbordersofariver.
‘Comedearfolk!’shesaid,takingFrodobythehand.‘Laughandbemerry!IamGoldberry,daughteroftheRiver.’Thenlightlyshepassedthemandclosingthedoorsheturnedherbacktoit,withherwhitearmsspread
outacrossit.‘Letusshutoutthenight!’shesaid.‘Foryouarestillafraid,perhaps,ofmistandtree-shadowsanddeepwater,anduntamethings.Fearnothing!FortonightyouareundertheroofofTomBombadil.’
Thehobbitslookedatherinwonder;andshelookedateachofthemandsmiled.‘FairladyGoldberry!’saidFrodoatlast,feelinghisheart
movedwithajoythathedidnotunderstand.Hestoodashehadattimesstoodenchantedbyfairelven-voices;butthespellthatwasnowlaiduponhimwasdifferent:lesskeenandloftywasthedelight,butdeeperandnearertomortalheart;marvellousandyetnotstrange.‘FairladyGoldberry!’hesaidagain.‘Nowthejoythatwashidden
inthesongsweheardismadeplaintome.
Oslenderasawillow-wand!Oclearerthanclearwater!Oreedbythelivingpool!FairRiver-daughter!Ospring-timeandsummer-time,andspringagainafter!
Owindonthewaterfall,andtheleaves’laughter!’
Suddenlyhestoppedandstammered,overcomewithsurprisetohearhimselfsayingsuchthings.ButGoldberrylaughed.
‘Welcome!’shesaid.‘IhadnotheardthatfolkoftheShireweresosweet-tongued.ButIseethatyouareanElf-
friend;thelightinyoureyesandtheringinyourvoicetellsit.Thisisamerrymeeting!Sitnow,andwaitfortheMasterofthehouse!Hewillnotbelong.Heistendingyourtiredbeasts.’
Thehobbitssatdowngladlyinlowrush-seatedchairs,whileGoldberrybusiedherselfaboutthetable;andtheireyesfollowedher,fortheslendergraceofher
movementfilledthemwithquietdelight.Fromsomewherebehindthehousecamethesoundofsinging.Everynowandagaintheycaught,amongmanyaderrydolandamerrydolandaringadingdillotherepeatedwords:
OldTomBombadilisamerryfellow;Brightbluehisjacket
is,andhisbootsareyellow.
‘Fairlady!’saidFrodoagainafterawhile.‘Tellme,ifmyaskingdoesnotseemfoolish,whoisTomBombadil?’
‘Heis,’saidGoldberry,stayingherswiftmovementsandsmiling.
Frodolookedatherquestioningly.‘Heis,asyou
haveseenhim,’shesaidinanswertohislook.‘HeistheMasterofwood,water,andhill.’
‘Thenallthisstrangelandbelongstohim?’
‘Noindeed!’sheanswered,andhersmilefaded.‘Thatwouldindeedbeaburden,’sheaddedinalowvoice,asiftoherself.‘Thetreesandthegrassesandallthingsgrowingorlivingin
thelandbelongeachtothemselves.TomBombadilistheMaster.NoonehasevercaughtoldTomwalkingintheforest,wadinginthewater,leapingonthehill-topsunderlightandshadow.Hehasnofear.TomBombadilismaster.’
AdooropenedandincameTomBombadil.Hehadnownohatandhisthickbrownhairwascrownedwith
autumnleaves.Helaughed,andgoingtoGoldberry,tookherhand.
‘Here’smyprettylady!’hesaid,bowingtothehobbits.‘Here’smyGoldberryclothedallinsilver-greenwithflowersinhergirdle!Isthetableladen?Iseeyellowcreamandhoneycomb,andwhitebread,andbutter;milk,cheese,andgreenherbsandripeberries
gathered.Isthatenoughforus?Isthesupperready?’
‘Itis,’saidGoldberry;‘buttheguestsperhapsarenot?’
Tomclappedhishandsandcried:‘Tom,Tom!yourguestsaretired,andyouhadnearforgotten!Comenow,mymerryfriends,andTomwillrefreshyou!Youshallcleangrimyhands,andwashyourwearyfaces;castoff
yourmuddycloaksandcomboutyourtangles!’
Heopenedthedoor,andtheyfollowedhimdownashortpassageandroundasharpturn.Theycametoalowroomwithaslopingroof(apenthouse,itseemed,builtontothenorthendofthehouse).Itswallswereofcleanstone,buttheyweremostlycoveredwithgreenhangingmatsandyellow
curtains.Thefloorwasflagged,andstrewnwithfreshgreenrushes.Therewerefourdeepmattresses,eachpiledwithwhiteblankets,laidontheflooralongoneside.Againsttheoppositewallwasalongbenchladenwithwideearthenwarebasins,andbesideitstoodbrownewersfilledwithwater,somecold,somesteaminghot.There
weresoftgreenslipperssetreadybesideeachbed.
Beforelong,washedandrefreshed,thehobbitswereseatedatthetable,twooneachside,whileateitherendsatGoldberryandtheMaster.Itwasalongandmerrymeal.Thoughthehobbitsate,asonlyfamishedhobbitscaneat,therewasnolack.The
drinkintheirdrinking-bowlsseemedtobeclearcoldwater,yetitwenttotheirheartslikewineandsetfreetheirvoices.Theguestsbecamesuddenlyawarethattheyweresingingmerrily,asifitwaseasierandmorenaturalthantalking.
AtlastTomandGoldberryroseandclearedthetableswiftly.Theguestswerecommandedtositquiet,
andweresetinchairs,eachwithafootstooltohistiredfeet.Therewasafireinthewidehearthbeforethem,anditwasburningwithasweetsmell,asifitwerebuiltofapple-wood.Wheneverythingwassetinorder,allthelightsintheroomwereputout,exceptonelampandapairofcandlesateachendofthechimney-shelf.ThenGoldberrycameandstood
beforethem,holdingacandle;andshewishedthemeachagoodnightanddeepsleep.
‘Havepeacenow,’shesaid,‘untilthemorning!Heednonightlynoises!Fornothingpassesdoorandwindowheresavemoonlightandstarlightandthewindoffthehill-top.Goodnight!’Shepassedoutoftheroomwithaglimmerandarustle.The
soundofherfootstepswaslikeastreamfallinggentlyawaydownhillovercoolstonesinthequietofnight.
Tomsatonawhilebesidetheminsilence,whileeachofthemtriedtomusterthecouragetoaskoneofthemanyquestionshehadmeanttoaskatsupper.Sleepgatheredontheireyelids.AtlastFrodospoke:
‘Didyouhearmecalling,
Master,orwasitjustchancethatbroughtyouatthatmoment?’
Tomstirredlikeamanshakenoutofapleasantdream.‘Eh,what?’saidhe.‘DidIhearyoucalling?Nay,Ididnothear:Iwasbusysinging.Justchancebroughtmethen,ifchanceyoucallit.Itwasnoplanofmine,thoughIwaswaitingforyou.Weheardnewsofyou,and
learnedthatyouwerewandering.Weguessedyou’dcomeerelongdowntothewater:allpathsleadthatway,downtoWithywindle.OldgreyWillow-man,he’samightysinger;andit’shardforlittlefolktoescapehiscunningmazes.ButTomhadanerrandthere,thathedarednothinder.’Tomnoddedasifsleepwastakinghimagain;buthewentoninasoft
singingvoice:
Ihadanerrandthere:gatheringwater-lilies,greenleavesandlilieswhitetopleasemyprettylady,thelasteretheyear’sendtokeepthemfromthewinter,toflowerbyher
prettyfeettillthesnowsaremelted.Eachyearatsummer’sendIgotofindthemforher,inawidepool,deepandclear,fardownWithywindle;theretheyopenfirstinspringandtheretheylingerlatest.BythatpoollongagoIfoundtheRiver-
daughter,fairyoungGoldberrysittingintherushes.Sweetwashersingingthen,andherheartwasbeating!
Heopenedhiseyesandlookedatthemwithasuddenglintofblue:
Andthatprovedwellforyou–fornowIshallnolongergodowndeepagainalongtheforest-water,notwhiletheyearisold.NorshallIbepassingOldManWillow’shousethissideofspring-time,nottillthemerry
spring,whentheRiver-daughterdancesdownthewithy-pathtobatheinthewater.
Hefellsilentagain;butFrodocouldnothelpaskingonemorequestion:theonehemostdesiredtohaveanswered.‘Tellus,Master,’hesaid,‘abouttheWillow-man.Whatishe?Ihave
neverheardofhimbefore.’‘No,don’t!’saidMerry
andPippintogether,sittingsuddenlyupright.‘Notnow!Notuntilthemorning!’
‘Thatisright!’saidtheoldman.‘Nowisthetimeforresting.Somethingsareilltohearwhentheworld’sinshadow.Sleeptillthemorning-light,restonthepillow!Heednonightlynoise!Fearnogreywillow!’
Andwiththathetookdownthelampandblewitout,andgraspingacandleineitherhandheledthemoutoftheroom.
Theirmattressesandpillowsweresoftasdown,andtheblanketswereofwhitewool.Theyhadhardlylaidthemselvesonthedeepbedsanddrawnthelightcoversoverthembeforetheywereasleep.
Inthedeadnight,Frodolayinadreamwithoutlight.Thenhesawtheyoungmoonrising;underitsthinlightthereloomedbeforehimablackwallofrock,piercedbyadarkarchlikeagreatgate.ItseemedtoFrodothathewasliftedup,andpassingoverhesawthattherock-wallwasacircleofhills,andthatwithinitwasaplain,andinthemidstoftheplainstooda
pinnacleofstone,likeavasttowerbutnotmadebyhands.Onitstopstoodthefigureofaman.Themoonasitroseseemedtohangforamomentabovehisheadandglistenedinhiswhitehairasthewindstirredit.Upfromthedarkplainbelowcamethecryingoffellvoices,andthehowlingofmanywolves.Suddenlyashadow,liketheshapeofgreatwings,passed
acrossthemoon.Thefigureliftedhisarmsandalightflashedfromthestaffthathewielded.Amightyeaglesweptdownandborehimaway.Thevoiceswailedandthewolvesyammered.Therewasanoiselikeastrongwindblowing,andonitwasbornethesoundofhoofs,galloping,galloping,gallopingfromtheEast.‘BlackRiders!’thoughtFrodoashewakened,with
thesoundofthehoofsstillechoinginhismind.Hewonderedifhewouldeveragainhavethecouragetoleavethesafetyofthesestonewalls.Helaymotionless,stilllistening;butallwasnowsilent,andatlastheturnedandfellasleepagainorwanderedintosomeotherunremembereddream.
AthissidePippinlaydreamingpleasantly;buta
changecameoverhisdreamsandheturnedandgroaned.Suddenlyhewoke,orthoughthehadwaked,andyetstillheardinthedarknessthesoundthathaddisturbedhisdream:tip-tap,squeak:thenoisewaslikebranchesfrettinginthewind,twig-fingersscrapingwallandwindow:creak,creak,creak.Hewonderediftherewerewillow-treesclosetothe
house;andthensuddenlyhehadadreadfulfeelingthathewasnotinanordinaryhouseatall,butinsidethewillowandlisteningtothathorribledrycreakingvoicelaughingathimagain.Hesatup,andfeltthesoftpillowsyieldtohishands,andhelaydownagainrelieved.Heseemedtoheartheechoofwordsinhisears:‘Fearnothing!Havepeaceuntilthemorning!
Heednonightlynoises!’Thenhewenttosleepagain.
ItwasthesoundofwaterthatMerryheardfallingintohisquietsleep:waterstreamingdowngently,andthenspreading,spreadingirresistiblyallroundthehouseintoadarkshorelesspool.Itgurgledunderthewalls,andwasrisingslowlybutsurely.‘Ishallbedrowned!’hethought.‘Itwill
finditswayin,andthenIshalldrown.’Hefeltthathewaslyinginasoftslimybog,andspringinguphesethisfootonthecornerofacoldhardflagstone.Thenherememberedwherehewasandlaydownagain.Heseemedtohearorrememberhearing:‘Nothingpassesdoorsorwindowssavemoonlightandstarlightandthewindoffthehill-top.’A
littlebreathofsweetairmovedthecurtain.Hebreatheddeepandfellasleepagain.
Asfarashecouldremember,Samsleptthroughthenightindeepcontent,iflogsarecontented.
Theywokeup,allfouratonce,inthemorninglight.Tomwasmovingaboutthe
roomwhistlinglikeastarling.Whenheheardthemstirheclappedhishands,andcried:‘Hey!Comemerrydol!derrydol!Myhearties!’Hedrewbacktheyellowcurtains,andthehobbitssawthatthesehadcoveredthewindows,ateitherendoftheroom,onelookingeastandtheotherlookingwest.
Theyleaptuprefreshed.Frodorantotheeastern
window,andfoundhimselflookingintoakitchen-gardengreywithdew.Hehadhalfexpectedtoseeturfrightuptothewalls,turfallpockedwithhoof-prints.Actuallyhisviewwasscreenedbyatalllineofbeansonpoles;butaboveandfarbeyondthemthegreytopofthehillloomedupagainstthesunrise.Itwasapalemorning:intheEast,behind
longcloudslikelinesofsoiledwoolstainedredattheedges,layglimmeringdeepsofyellow.Theskyspokeofraintocome;butthelightwasbroadeningquickly,andtheredflowersonthebeansbegantoglowagainstthewetgreenleaves.
Pippinlookedoutofthewesternwindow,downintoapoolofmist.TheForestwashiddenunderafog.Itwas
likelookingdownontoaslopingcloud-rooffromabove.Therewasafoldorchannelwherethemistwasbrokenintomanyplumesandbillows:thevalleyoftheWithywindle.Thestreamrandownthehillontheleftandvanishedintothewhiteshadows.Nearathandwasaflower-gardenandaclippedhedgesilver-netted,andbeyondthatgreyshavengrass
palewithdew-drops.Therewasnowillow-treetobeseen.
‘Goodmorning,merryfriends!’criedTom,openingtheeasternwindowwide.Acoolairflowedin;ithadarainysmell.‘Sunwon’tshowherfacemuchtoday,I’mthinking.Ihavebeenwalkingwide,leapingonthehill-tops,sincethegreydawnbegan,nosingwindandweather,wet
grassunderfoot,wetskyaboveme.IwakenedGoldberrysingingunderwindow;butnaughtwakeshobbit-folkintheearlymorning.Inthenightlittlefolkwakeupinthedarkness,andsleepafterlighthascome!Ringadingdillo!Wakenow,mymerryfriends!Forgetthenightlynoises!Ringadingdillodel!derrydel,myhearties!Ifyoucome
soonyou’llfindbreakfastonthetable.Ifyoucomelateyou’llgetgrassandrain-water!’
Needlesstosay–notthatTom’sthreatsoundedveryserious–thehobbitscamesoon,andleftthetablelateandonlywhenitwasbeginningtolookratherempty.NeitherTomnorGoldberrywerethere.Tomcouldbeheardaboutthe
house,clatteringinthekitchen,andupanddownthestairs,andsinginghereandthereoutside.Theroomlookedwestwardoverthemist-cloudedvalley,andthewindowwasopen.Waterdrippeddownfromthethatchedeavesabove.Beforetheyhadfinishedbreakfastthecloudshadjoinedintoanunbrokenroof,andastraightgreyraincamesoftlyand
steadilydown.BehinditsdeepcurtaintheForestwascompletelyveiled.
Astheylookedoutofthewindowtherecamefallinggentlyasifitwasflowingdowntherainoutofthesky,theclearvoiceofGoldberrysingingupabovethem.Theycouldhearfewwords,butitseemedplaintothemthatthesongwasarain-song,assweetasshowersondryhills,
thattoldthetaleofariverfromthespringinthehighlandstotheSeafarbelow.Thehobbitslistenedwithdelight;andFrodowasgladinhisheart,andblessedthekindlyweather,becauseitdelayedthemfromdeparting.Thethoughtofgoinghadbeenheavyuponhimfromthemomentheawoke;butheguessednowthattheywouldnotgofurtherthatday.
TheupperwindsettledintheWestanddeeperandwettercloudsrolleduptospilltheirladenrainonthebareheadsoftheDowns.Nothingcouldbeseenallroundthehousebutfallingwater.Frodostoodneartheopendoorandwatchedthewhitechalkypathturnintoalittleriverofmilkandgobubblingawaydownintothevalley.TomBombadilcame
trottingroundthecornerofthehouse,wavinghisarmsasifhewaswardingofftherain–andindeedwhenhesprangoverthethresholdheseemedquitedry,exceptforhisboots.Thesehetookoffandputinthechimney-corner.Thenhesatinthelargestchairandcalledthehobbitstogatherroundhim.
‘ThisisGoldberry’swashingday,’hesaid,‘and
herautumn-cleaning.Toowetforhobbit-folk–letthemrestwhiletheyareable!It’sagooddayforlongtales,forquestionsandforanswers,soTomwillstartthetalking.’
Hethentoldthemmanyremarkablestories,sometimeshalfasifspeakingtohimself,sometimeslookingatthemsuddenlywithabrightblueeyeunderhisdeepbrows.Oftenhis
voicewouldturntosong,andhewouldgetoutofhischairanddanceabout.Hetoldthemtalesofbeesandflowers,thewaysoftrees,andthestrangecreaturesoftheForest,abouttheevilthingsandgoodthings,thingsfriendlyandthingsunfriendly,cruelthingsandkindthings,andsecretshiddenunderbrambles.
Astheylistened,they
begantounderstandthelivesoftheForest,apartfromthemselves,indeedtofeelthemselvesasthestrangerswhereallotherthingswereathome.MovingconstantlyinandoutofhistalkwasOldManWillow,andFrodolearnednowenoughtocontenthim,indeedmorethanenough,foritwasnotcomfortablelore.Tom’swordslaidbaretheheartsof
treesandtheirthoughts,whichwereoftendarkandstrange,andfilledwithahatredofthingsthatgofreeupontheearth,gnawing,biting,breaking,hacking,burning:destroyersandusurpers.ItwasnotcalledtheOldForestwithoutreason,foritwasindeedancient,asurvivorofvastforgottenwoods;andinittherelivedyet,ageingnoquickerthan
thehills,thefathersofthefathersoftrees,rememberingtimeswhentheywerelords.Thecountlessyearshadfilledthemwithprideandrootedwisdom,andwithmalice.ButnoneweremoredangerousthantheGreatWillow:hisheartwasrotten,buthisstrengthwasgreen;andhewascunning,andamasterofwinds,andhissongandthoughtranthroughthe
woodsonbothsidesoftheriver.Hisgreythirstyspiritdrewpoweroutoftheearthandspreadlikefineroot-threadsintheground,andinvisibletwig-fingersintheair,tillithadunderitsdominionnearlyallthetreesoftheForestfromtheHedgetotheDowns.
SuddenlyTom’stalkleftthewoodsandwentleapinguptheyoungstream,over
bubblingwaterfalls,overpebblesandwornrocks,andamongsmallflowersinclosegrassandwetcrannies,wanderingatlastupontotheDowns.TheyheardoftheGreatBarrows,andthegreenmounds,andthestone-ringsuponthehillsandinthehollowsamongthehills.Sheepwerebleatinginflocks.Greenwallsandwhitewallsrose.Therewerefortresseson
theheights.Kingsoflittlekingdomsfoughttogether,andtheyoungSunshonelikefireontheredmetaloftheirnewandgreedyswords.Therewasvictoryanddefeat;andtowersfell,fortresseswereburned,andflameswentupintothesky.Goldwaspiledonthebiersofdeadkingsandqueens;andmoundscoveredthem,andthestonedoorswereshut;
andthegrassgrewoverall.Sheepwalkedforawhilebitingthegrass,butsoonthehillswereemptyagain.Ashadowcameoutofdarkplacesfaraway,andtheboneswerestirredinthemounds.Barrow-wightswalkedinthehollowplaceswithaclinkofringsoncoldfingers,andgoldchainsinthewind.Stoneringsgrinnedoutofthegroundlikebroken
teethinthemoonlight.Thehobbitsshuddered.
EvenintheShiretherumouroftheBarrow-wightsoftheBarrow-downsbeyondtheForesthadbeenheard.Butitwasnotatalethatanyhobbitlikedtolistento,evenbyacomfortablefiresidefaraway.Thesefournowsuddenlyrememberedwhatthejoyofthishousehaddrivenfromtheirminds:thehouseofTom
Bombadilnestledundertheveryshoulderofthosedreadedhills.Theylostthethreadofhistaleandshifteduneasily,lookingasideatoneanother.
Whentheycaughthiswordsagaintheyfoundthathehadnowwanderedintostrangeregionsbeyondtheirmemoryandbeyondtheirwakingthought,intotimeswhentheworldwaswider,
andtheseasflowedstraighttothewesternShore;andstillonandbackTomwentsingingoutintoancientstarlight,whenonlytheElf-sireswereawake.Thensuddenlyhestopped,andtheysawthathenoddedasifhewasfallingasleep.Thehobbitssatstillbeforehim,enchanted;anditseemedasif,underthespellofhiswords,thewindhadgone,
andthecloudshaddriedup,andthedayhadbeenwithdrawn,anddarknesshadcomefromEastandWest,andalltheskywasfilledwiththelightofwhitestars.
WhetherthemorningandeveningofonedayorofmanydayshadpassedFrodocouldnottell.Hedidnotfeeleitherhungryortired,onlyfilledwithwonder.Thestarsshonethroughthewindow
andthesilenceoftheheavensseemedtoberoundhim.Hespokeatlastoutofhiswonderandasuddenfearofthatsilence:
‘Whoareyou,Master?’heasked.
‘Eh,what?’saidTomsittingup,andhiseyesglintinginthegloom.‘Don’tyouknowmynameyet?That’stheonlyanswer.Tellme,whoareyou,alone,
yourselfandnameless?ButyouareyoungandIamold.Eldest,that’swhatIam.Markmywords,myfriends:Tomwasherebeforetheriverandthetrees;Tomremembersthefirstraindropandthefirstacorn.HemadepathsbeforetheBigPeople,andsawthelittlePeoplearriving.HewasherebeforetheKingsandthegravesandtheBarrow-wights.Whenthe
Elvespassedwestward,Tomwasherealready,beforetheseaswerebent.Heknewthedarkunderthestarswhenitwasfearless–beforetheDarkLordcamefromOutside.’
Ashadowseemedtopassbythewindow,andthehobbitsglancedhastilythroughthepanes.Whentheyturnedagain,Goldberrystoodinthedoorbehind,framedin
light.Sheheldacandle,shieldingitsflamefromthedraughtwithherhand;andthelightflowedthroughit,likesunlightthroughawhiteshell.
‘Therainhasended,’shesaid;‘andnewwatersarerunningdownhill,underthestars.Letusnowlaughandbeglad!’
‘Andletushavefoodanddrink!’criedTom.‘Long
talesarethirsty.Andlonglistening’shungrywork,morning,noon,andevening!’Withthathejumpedoutofhischair,andwithaboundtookacandlefromthechimney-shelfandlititintheflamethatGoldberryheld;thenhedancedaboutthetable.Suddenlyhehoppedthroughthedooranddisappeared.
Quicklyhereturned,
bearingalargeandladentray.ThenTomandGoldberrysetthetable;andthehobbitssathalfinwonderandhalfinlaughter:sofairwasthegraceofGoldberryandsomerryandoddthecaperingsofTom.Yetinsomefashiontheyseemedtoweaveasingledance,neitherhinderingtheother,inandoutoftheroom,androundaboutthetable;andwith
greatspeedfoodandvesselsandlightsweresetinorder.Theboardsblazedwithcandles,whiteandyellow.Tombowedtohisguests.‘Supperisready,’saidGoldberry;andnowthehobbitssawthatshewasclothedallinsilverwithawhitegirdle,andhershoeswerelikefishes’mail.ButTomwasallincleanblue,blueasrain-washedforget-
me-nots,andhehadgreenstockings.
Itwasasupperevenbetterthanbefore.ThehobbitsunderthespellofTom’swordsmayhavemissedonemealormany,butwhenthefoodwasbeforethemitseemedatleastaweeksincetheyhadeaten.Theydidnotsingoreven
speakmuchforawhile,andpaidcloseattentiontobusiness.Butafteratimetheirheartsandspiritsrosehighagain,andtheirvoicesrangoutinmirthandlaughter.
Aftertheyhadeaten,Goldberrysangmanysongsforthem,songsthatbeganmerrilyinthehillsandfellsoftlydownintosilence;andinthesilencestheysawin
theirmindspoolsandwaterswiderthananytheyhadknown,andlookingintothemtheysawtheskybelowthemandthestarslikejewelsinthedepths.Thenoncemoreshewishedthemeachgoodnightandleftthembythefireside.ButTomnowseemedwideawakeandpliedthemwithquestions.
Heappearedalreadytoknowmuchaboutthemand
alltheirfamilies,andindeedtoknowmuchofallthehistoryanddoingsoftheShiredownfromdayshardlyrememberedamongthehobbitsthemselves.Itnolongersurprisedthem;buthemadenosecretthatheowedhisrecentknowledgelargelytoFarmerMaggot,whomheseemedtoregardasapersonofmoreimportancethantheyhadimagined.‘There’searth
underhisoldfeet,andclayonhisfingers;wisdominhisbones,andbothhiseyesareopen,’saidTom.ItwasalsoclearthatTomhaddealingswiththeElves,anditseemedthatinsomefashion,newshadreachedhimfromGildorconcerningtheflightofFrodo.
IndeedsomuchdidTomknow,andsocunningwashisquestioning,thatFrodofound
himselftellinghimmoreaboutBilboandhisownhopesandfearsthanhehadtoldbeforeeventoGandalf.Tomwaggedhisheadupanddown,andtherewasaglintinhiseyeswhenheheardoftheRiders.
‘ShowmethepreciousRing!’hesaidsuddenlyinthemidstofthestory:andFrodo,tohisownastonishment,drewoutthechainfromhis
pocket,andunfasteningtheRinghandeditatoncetoTom.
Itseemedtogrowlargerasitlayforamomentonhisbigbrown-skinnedhand.Thensuddenlyheputittohiseyeandlaughed.Forasecondthehobbitshadavision,bothcomicalandalarming,ofhisbrightblueeyegleamingthroughacircleofgold.ThenTomputthe
Ringroundtheendofhislittlefingerandheldituptothecandlelight.Foramomentthehobbitsnoticednothingstrangeaboutthis.Thentheygasped.TherewasnosignofTomdisappearing!
Tomlaughedagain,andthenhespuntheRingintheair–anditvanishedwithaflash.Frodogaveacry–andTomleanedforwardandhandeditbacktohimwitha
smile.Frodolookedatitclosely,
andrathersuspiciously(likeonewhohaslentatrinkettoajuggler).ItwasthesameRing,orlookedthesameandweighedthesame:forthatRinghadalwaysseemedtoFrodotoweighstrangelyheavyinthehand.Butsomethingpromptedhimtomakesure.HewasperhapsatrifleannoyedwithTomfor
seemingtomakesolightofwhatevenGandalfthoughtsoperilouslyimportant.Hewaitedforanopportunity,whenthetalkwasgoingagain,andTomwastellinganabsurdstoryaboutbadgersandtheirqueerways–thenheslippedtheRingon.
Merryturnedtowardshimtosaysomethingandgaveastart,andcheckedanexclamation.Frodowas
delighted(inaway):itwashisownringallright,forMerrywasstaringblanklyathischair,andobviouslycouldnotseehim.Hegotupandcreptquietlyawayfromthefiresidetowardstheouterdoor.
‘Heythere!’criedTom,glancingtowardshimwithamostseeinglookinhisshiningeyes.‘Hey!ComeFrodo,there!Wherebeyou
a-going?OldTomBombadil’snotasblindasthatyet.Takeoffyourgoldenring!Yourhand’smorefairwithoutit.Comeback!Leaveyourgameandsitdownbesideme!Wemusttalkawhilemore,andthinkaboutthemorning.Tommustteachtherightroad,andkeepyourfeetfromwandering.’
Frodolaughed(tryingtofeelpleased),andtakingoff
theRinghecameandsatdownagain.TomnowtoldthemthathereckonedtheSunwouldshinetomorrow,anditwouldbeagladmorning,andsettingoutwouldbehopeful.Buttheywoulddowelltostartearly;forweatherinthatcountrywasathingthatevenTomcouldnotbesureofforlong,anditwouldchangesometimesquickerthanhe
couldchangehisjacket.‘Iamnoweather-master,’saidhe;‘norisaughtthatgoesontwolegs.’
ByhisadvicetheydecidedtomakenearlydueNorthfromhishouse,overthewesternandlowerslopesoftheDowns:theymighthopeinthatwaytostriketheEastRoadinaday’sjourney,andavoidtheBarrows.Hetoldthemnottobeafraid–
buttomindtheirownbusiness.
‘Keeptothegreengrass.Don’tyougoa-meddlingwitholdstoneorcoldWightsorpryingintheirhouses,unlessyoubestrongfolkwithheartsthatneverfalter!’Hesaidthismorethanonce;andheadvisedthemtopassbarrowsbyonthewest-side,iftheychancedtostraynearone.Thenhetaughtthema
rhymetosing,iftheyshouldbyill-luckfallintoanydangerordifficultythenextday.
Ho!TomBombadil,TomBombadillo!Bywater,woodandhill,bythereedandwillow,Byfire,sunandmoon,harkennowandhearus!
Come,TomBombadil,forourneedisnearus!
Whentheyhadsungthisaltogetherafterhim,heclappedthemeachontheshoulderwithalaugh,andtakingcandlesledthembacktotheirbedroom.
Chapter8
FOGONTHEBARROW-DOWNS
Thatnighttheyheardnonoises.Buteitherinhisdreamsoroutofthem,hecouldnottellwhich,Frodo
heardasweetsingingrunninginhismind:asongthatseemedtocomelikeapalelightbehindagreyrain-curtain,andgrowingstrongertoturntheveilalltoglassandsilver,untilatlastitwasrolledback,andafargreencountryopenedbeforehimunderaswiftsunrise.
Thevisionmeltedintowaking;andtherewasTomwhistlinglikeatree-fullof
birds;andthesunwasalreadyslantingdownthehillandthroughtheopenwindow.Outsideeverythingwasgreenandpalegold.
Afterbreakfast,whichtheyagainatealone,theymadereadytosayfarewell,asnearlyheavyofheartaswaspossibleonsuchamorning:cool,bright,andcleanunderawashedautumnskyofthinblue.Theaircame
freshfromtheNorthwest.Theirquietponieswerealmostfrisky,sniffingandmovingrestlessly.Tomcameoutofthehouseandwavedhishatanddanceduponthedoorstep,biddingthehobbitstogetupandbeoffandgowithgoodspeed.
Theyrodeoffalongapaththatwoundawayfrombehindthehouse,andwentslantinguptowardsthenorthendof
thehill-browunderwhichitsheltered.Theyhadjustdismountedtoleadtheirponiesupthelaststeepslope,whensuddenlyFrodostopped.
‘Goldberry!’hecried.‘Myfairlady,cladallinsilvergreen!Wehaveneversaidfarewelltoher,norseenhersincetheevening!’Hewassodistressedthatheturnedback;butatthat
momentaclearcallcameripplingdown.Thereonthehill-browshestoodbeckoningtothem:herhairwasflyingloose,andasitcaughtthesunitshoneandshimmered.Alightliketheglintofwaterondewygrassflashedfromunderherfeetasshedanced.
Theyhastenedupthelastslope,andstoodbreathlessbesideher.Theybowed,but
withawaveofherarmshebadethemlookround;andtheylookedoutfromthehill-topoverlandsunderthemorning.Itwasnowasclearandfar-seenasithadbeenveiledandmistywhentheystoodupontheknollintheForest,whichcouldnowbeseenrisingpaleandgreenoutofthedarktreesintheWest.Inthatdirectionthelandroseinwoodedridges,green,
yellow,russetunderthesun,beyondwhichlayhiddenthevalleyoftheBrandywine.TotheSouth,overthelineoftheWithywindle,therewasadistantglintlikepaleglasswheretheBrandywineRivermadeagreatloopinthelowlandsandflowedawayoutoftheknowledgeofthehobbits.Northwardbeyondthedwindlingdownsthelandranawayinflatsand
swellingsofgreyandgreenandpaleearth-colours,untilitfadedintoafeaturelessandshadowydistance.EastwardtheBarrow-downsrose,ridgebehindridgeintothemorning,andvanishedoutofeyesightintoaguess:itwasnomorethanaguessofblueandaremotewhiteglimmerblendingwiththehemofthesky,butitspoketothem,outofmemoryandoldtales,of
thehighanddistantmountains.
Theytookadeepdraughtoftheair,andfeltthataskipandafewstoutstrideswouldbearthemwherevertheywished.ItseemedfaintheartedtogojoggingasideoverthecrumpledskirtsofthedownstowardstheRoad,whentheyshouldbeleaping,aslustyasTom,overthesteppingstonesofthe
hillsstraighttowardstheMountains.
Goldberryspoketothemandrecalledtheireyesandthoughts.‘Speednow,fairguests!’shesaid.‘Andholdtoyourpurpose!Northwiththewindinthelefteyeandablessingonyourfootsteps!MakehastewhiletheSunshines!’AndtoFrodoshesaid:‘Farewell,Elf-friend,itwasamerrymeeting!’
ButFrodofoundnowordstoanswer.Hebowedlow,andmountedhispony,andfollowedbyhisfriendsjoggedslowlydownthegentleslopebehindthehill.TomBombadil’shouseandthevalley,andtheForestwerelosttoview.Theairgrewwarmerbetweenthegreenwallsofhillsideandhillside,andthescentofturfrosestrongandsweetasthey
breathed.Turningback,whentheyreachedthebottomofthegreenhollow,theysawGoldberry,nowsmallandslenderlikeasunlitfloweragainstthesky:shewasstandingstillwatchingthem,andherhandswerestretchedouttowardsthem.Astheylookedshegaveaclearcall,andliftingupherhandsheturnedandvanishedbehindthehill.
Theirwaywoundalongthefloorofthehollow,androundthegreenfeetofasteephillintoanotherdeeperandbroadervalley,andthenovertheshouldersoffurtherhills,anddowntheirlonglimbs,anduptheirsmoothsidesagain,upontonewhill-topsanddownintonewvalleys.Therewasnotreenoranyvisiblewater:itwasacountryofgrassandshort
springyturf,silentexceptforthewhisperoftheairovertheedgesoftheland,andhighlonelycriesofstrangebirds.Astheyjourneyedthesunmounted,andgrewhot.Eachtimetheyclimbedaridgethebreezeseemedtohavegrownless.WhentheycaughtaglimpseofthecountrywestwardthedistantForestseemedtobesmoking,asifthefallenrainwassteaming
upagainfromleafandrootandmould.Ashadownowlayroundtheedgeofsight,adarkhazeabovewhichtheupperskywaslikeabluecap,hotandheavy.
Aboutmid-daytheycametoahillwhosetopwaswideandflattened,likeashallowsaucerwithagreenmoundedrim.Insidetherewasnoairstirring,andtheskyseemedneartheirheads.Theyrode
acrossandlookednorthwards.Thentheirheartsrose;foritseemedplainthattheyhadcomefurtheralreadythantheyhadexpected.Certainlythedistanceshadnowallbecomehazyanddeceptive,buttherecouldbenodoubtthattheDownswerecomingtoanend.Alongvalleylaybelowthemwindingawaynorthwards,untilitcametoanopening
betweentwosteepshoulders.Beyond,thereseemedtobenomorehills.Duenorththeyfaintlyglimpsedalongdarkline.‘Thatisalineoftrees,’saidMerry,‘andthatmustmarktheRoad.AllalongitformanyleagueseastoftheBridgetherearetreesgrowing.Somesaytheywereplantedintheolddays.’
‘Splendid!’saidFrodo.‘Ifwemakeasgoodgoingthis
afternoonaswehavedonethismorning,weshallhavelefttheDownsbeforetheSunsetsandbejoggingoninsearchofacampingplace.’Butevenashespokeheturnedhisglanceeastwards,andhesawthatonthatsidethehillswerehigherandlookeddownuponthem;andallthosehillswerecrownedwithgreenmounds,andonsomewerestandingstones,
pointingupwardslikejaggedteethoutofgreengums.
Thatviewwassomehowdisquieting;sotheyturnedfromthesightandwentdownintothehollowcircle.Inthemidstofittherestoodasinglestone,standingtallunderthesunabove,andatthishourcastingnoshadow.Itwasshapelessandyetsignificant:likealandmark,oraguardingfinger,ormore
likeawarning.Buttheywerenowhungry,andthesunwasstillatthefearlessnoon;sotheysettheirbacksagainsttheeastsideofthestone.Itwascool,asifthesunhadhadnopowertowarmit;butatthattimethisseemedpleasant.Theretheytookfoodanddrink,andmadeasgoodanoon-mealundertheopenskyasanyonecouldwish;forthefoodcamefrom
‘downunderHill’.Tomhadprovidedthemwithplentyforthecomfortoftheday.Theirponiesunburdenedstrayeduponthegrass.
Ridingoverthehills,andeatingtheirfill,thewarmsunandthescentofturf,lyingalittletoolong,stretchingouttheirlegsandlookingattheskyabovetheirnoses:these
thingsare,perhaps,enoughtoexplainwhathappened.Howeverthatmaybe:theywokesuddenlyanduncomfortablyfromasleeptheyhadnevermeanttotake.Thestandingstonewascold,anditcastalongpaleshadowthatstretchedeastwardoverthem.Thesun,apaleandwateryyellow,wasgleamingthroughthemistjustabovethewestwallofthehollowin
whichtheylay;north,south,andeast,beyondthewallthefogwasthick,coldandwhite.Theairwassilent,heavyandchill.Theirponieswerestandingcrowdedtogetherwiththeirheadsdown.
Thehobbitssprangtotheirfeetinalarm,andrantothewesternrim.Theyfoundthattheywereuponanislandinthefog.Evenastheylookedoutindismaytowards
thesettingsun,itsankbeforetheireyesintoawhitesea,andacoldgreyshadowsprangupintheEastbehind.Thefogrolleduptothewallsandroseabovethem,andasitmounteditbentovertheirheadsuntilitbecamearoof:theywereshutinahallofmistwhosecentralpillarwasthestandingstone.
Theyfeltasifatrapwasclosingaboutthem;butthey
didnotquiteloseheart.TheystillrememberedthehopefulviewtheyhadhadofthelineoftheRoadahead,andtheystillknewinwhichdirectionitlay.Inanycase,theynowhadsogreatadislikeforthathollowplaceaboutthestonethatnothoughtofremainingtherewasintheirminds.Theypackedupasquicklyastheirchilledfingerswouldwork.
Soontheywereleadingtheirponiesinsinglefileovertherimanddownthelongnorthwardslopeofthehill,downintoafoggysea.Astheywentdownthemistbecamecolderanddamper,andtheirhairhunglankanddrippingontheirforeheads.Whentheyreachedthebottomitwassochillthattheyhaltedandgotoutcloaksandhoods,whichsoon
becamebedewedwithgreydrops.Then,mountingtheirponies,theywentslowlyonagain,feelingtheirwaybytheriseandfalloftheground.Theyweresteering,aswellastheycouldguess,forthegate-likeopeningatthefarnorthwardendofthelongvalleywhichtheyhadseeninthemorning.Oncetheywerethroughthegap,theyhadonlytokeeponinanything
likeastraightlineandtheywereboundintheendtostriketheRoad.Theirthoughtsdidnotgobeyondthat,exceptforavaguehopethatperhapsawaybeyondtheDownstheremightbenofog.
Theirgoingwasveryslow.Topreventtheirgettingseparatedandwanderingindifferentdirectionstheywent
infile,withFrodoleading.Samwasbehindhim,andafterhimcamePippin,andthenMerry.Thevalleyseemedtostretchonendlessly.SuddenlyFrodosawahopefulsign.Oneithersideaheadadarknessbegantoloomthroughthemist;andheguessedthattheywereatlastapproachingthegapinthehills,thenorth-gateoftheBarrow-downs.Iftheycould
passthat,theywouldbefree.‘Comeon!Followme!’he
calledbackoverhisshoulder,andhehurriedforward.Buthishopesoonchangedtobewildermentandalarm.Thedarkpatchesgrewdarker,buttheyshrank;andsuddenlyhesaw,toweringominousbeforehimandleaningslightlytowardsoneanotherlikethepillarsofaheadlessdoor,twohugestanding
stones.Hecouldnotrememberhavingseenanysignoftheseinthevalley,whenhelookedoutfromthehillinthemorning.Hehadpassedbetweenthemalmostbeforehewasaware:andevenashedidsodarknessseemedtofallroundhim.Hisponyrearedandsnorted,andhefelloff.Whenhelookedbackhefoundthathewasalone:theothershadnot
followedhim.‘Sam!’hecalled.‘Pippin!
Merry!Comealong!Whydon’tyoukeepup?’
Therewasnoanswer.Feartookhim,andheranbackpastthestonesshoutingwildly:‘Sam!Sam!Merry!Pippin!’Theponyboltedintothemistandvanished.Fromsomewayoff,orsoitseemed,hethoughtheheardacry:‘Hoy!Frodo!Hoy!’It
wasawayeastward,onhisleftashestoodunderthegreatstones,staringandstrainingintothegloom.Heplungedoffinthedirectionofthecall,andfoundhimselfgoingsteeplyuphill.
Ashestruggledonhecalledagain,andkeptoncallingmoreandmorefrantically;butheheardnoanswerforsometime,andthenitseemedfaintandfar
aheadandhighabovehim.‘Frodo!Hoy!’camethethinvoicesoutofthemist:andthenacrythatsoundedlikehelp,help!oftenrepeated,endingwithalasthelp!thattrailedoffintoalongwailsuddenlycutshort.Hestumbledforwardwithallthespeedhecouldtowardsthecries;butthelightwasnowgone,andclingingnighthadclosedabouthim,sothatit
wasimpossibletobesureofanydirection.Heseemedallthetimetobeclimbingupandup.
Onlythechangeinthelevelofthegroundathisfeettoldhimwhenheatlastcametothetopofaridgeorhill.Hewasweary,sweatingandyetchilled.Itwaswhollydark.
‘Whereareyou?’hecriedoutmiserably.
Therewasnoreply.Hestoodlistening.Hewassuddenlyawarethatitwasgettingverycold,andthatuphereawindwasbeginningtoblow,anicywind.Achangewascomingintheweather.Themistwasflowingpasthimnowinshredsandtatters.Hisbreathwassmoking,andthedarknesswaslessnearandthick.Helookedupandsawwithsurprisethatfaint
starswereappearingoverheadamidthestrandsofhurryingcloudandfog.Thewindbegantohissoverthegrass.
Heimaginedsuddenlythathecaughtamuffledcry,andhemadetowardsit;andevenashewentforwardthemistwasrolledupandthrustaside,andthestarryskywasunveiled.Aglanceshowedhimthathewasnowfacing
southwardsandwasonaroundhill-top,whichhemusthaveclimbedfromthenorth.Outoftheeastthebitingwindwasblowing.Tohisrightthereloomedagainstthewestwardstarsadarkblackshape.Agreatbarrowstoodthere.
‘Whereareyou?’hecriedagain,bothangryandafraid.
‘Here!’saidavoice,deepandcold,thatseemedto
comeoutoftheground.‘Iamwaitingforyou!’
‘No!’saidFrodo;buthedidnotrunaway.Hiskneesgave,andhefellontheground.Nothinghappened,andtherewasnosound.Tremblinghelookedup,intimetoseeatalldarkfigurelikeashadowagainstthestars.Itleanedoverhim.Hethoughtthereweretwoeyes,verycoldthoughlitwitha
palelightthatseemedtocomefromsomeremotedistance.Thenagripstrongerandcolderthanironseizedhim.Theicytouchfrozehisbones,andherememberednomore.
Whenhecametohimselfagain,foramomenthecouldrecallnothingexceptasenseofdread.Thensuddenlyhe
knewthathewasimprisoned,caughthopelessly;hewasinabarrow.ABarrow-wighthadtakenhim,andhewasprobablyalreadyunderthedreadfulspellsoftheBarrow-wightsaboutwhichwhisperedtalesspoke.Hedarednotmove,butlayashefoundhimself:flatonhisbackuponacoldstonewithhishandsonhisbreast.
Butthoughhisfearwasso
greatthatitseemedtobepartoftheverydarknessthatwasroundhim,hefoundhimselfashelaythinkingaboutBilboBagginsandhisstories,oftheirjoggingalongtogetherinthelanesoftheShireandtalkingaboutroadsandadventures.Thereisaseedofcouragehidden(oftendeeply,itistrue)intheheartofthefattestandmosttimidhobbit,waitingforsomefinaland
desperatedangertomakeitgrow.Frodowasneitherveryfatnorverytimid;indeed,thoughhedidnotknowit,Bilbo(andGandalf)hadthoughthimthebesthobbitintheShire.Hethoughthehadcometotheendofhisadventure,andaterribleend,butthethoughthardenedhim.Hefoundhimselfstiffening,asifforafinalspring;henolongerfeltlimplikea
helplessprey.Ashelaythere,thinking
andgettingaholdofhimself,henoticedallatoncethatthedarknesswasslowlygivingway:apalegreenishlightwasgrowingroundhim.Itdidnotatfirstshowhimwhatkindofaplacehewasin,forthelightseemedtobecomingoutofhimself,andfromthefloorbesidehim,andhadnotyetreachedtherooforwall.He
turned,andthereinthecoldglowhesawlyingbesidehimSam,Pippin,andMerry.Theywereontheirbacks,andtheirfaceslookeddeathlypale;andtheywerecladinwhite.Aboutthemlaymanytreasures,ofgoldmaybe,thoughinthatlighttheylookedcoldandunlovely.Ontheirheadswerecirclets,goldchainswereabouttheirwaists,andontheirfingers
weremanyrings.Swordslaybytheirsides,andshieldswereattheirfeet.Butacrosstheirthreeneckslayonelongnakedsword.
Suddenlyasongbegan:acoldmurmur,risingandfalling.Thevoiceseemedfarawayandimmeasurablydreary,sometimeshighintheairandthin,sometimeslikea
lowmoanfromtheground.Outoftheformlessstreamofsadbuthorriblesounds,stringsofwordswouldnowandagainshapethemselves:grim,hard,coldwords,heartlessandmiserable.Thenightwasrailingagainstthemorningofwhichitwasbereaved,andthecoldwascursingthewarmthforwhichithungered.Frodowaschilledtothemarrow.Aftera
whilethesongbecameclearer,andwithdreadinhisheartheperceivedthatithadchangedintoanincantation:
Coldbehandandheartandbone,andcoldbesleepunderstone:nevermoretowakeonstonybed,never,tilltheSunfailsandtheMoon
isdead.Intheblackwindthestarsshalldie,andstillongoldhereletthemlie,tillthedarklordliftshishandoverdeadseaandwitheredland.
Heheardbehindhisheadacreakingandscrapingsound.Raisinghimselfon
onearmhelooked,andsawnowinthepalelightthattheywereinakindofpassagewhichbehindthemturnedacorner.Roundthecorneralongarmwasgroping,walkingonitsfingerstowardsSam,whowaslyingnearest,andtowardsthehiltoftheswordthatlayuponhim.
AtfirstFrodofeltasifhehadindeedbeenturnedinto
stonebytheincantation.Thenawildthoughtofescapecametohim.HewonderedifheputontheRing,whethertheBarrow-wightwouldmisshim,andhemightfindsomewayout.Hethoughtofhimselfrunningfreeoverthegrass,grievingforMerry,andSam,andPippin,butfreeandalivehimself.Gandalfwouldadmitthattherehadbeennothingelsehecoulddo.
Butthecouragethathadbeenawakenedinhimwasnowtoostrong:hecouldnotleavehisfriendssoeasily.Hewavered,gropinginhispocket,andthenfoughtwithhimselfagain;andashedidsothearmcreptnearer.Suddenlyresolvehardenedinhim,andheseizedashortswordthatlaybesidehim,andkneelinghestoopedlowoverthebodiesofhis
companions.Withwhatstrengthhehadhehewedatthecrawlingarmnearthewrist,andthehandbrokeoff;butatthesamemomenttheswordsplintereduptothehilt.Therewasashriekandthelightvanished.Inthedarktherewasasnarlingnoise.
FrodofellforwardoverMerry,andMerry’sfacefeltcold.Allatoncebackintohismind,fromwhichithad
disappearedwiththefirstcomingofthefog,camethememoryofthehousedownundertheHill,andofTomsinging.HerememberedtherhymethatTomhadtaughtthem.Inasmalldesperatevoicehebegan:Ho!TomBombadil!andwiththatnamehisvoiceseemedtogrowstrong:ithadafullandlivelysound,andthedarkchamberechoedasiftodrum
andtrumpet.
Ho!TomBombadil,TomBombadillo!Bywater,woodandhill,bythereedandwillow,Byfire,sunandmoon,harkennowandhearus!Come,TomBombadil,forourneedisnearus!
Therewasasuddendeepsilence,inwhichFrodocouldhearhisheartbeating.Afteralongslowmomentheheardplain,butfaraway,asifitwascomingdownthroughthegroundorthroughthickwalls,anansweringvoicesinging:
OldTomBombadilisamerryfellow,Brightbluehisjacket
is,andhisbootsareyellow.Nonehasevercaughthimyet,forTom,heisthemaster:Hissongsarestrongersongs,andhisfeetarefaster.
Therewasaloudrumblingsound,asofstonesrollingandfalling,andsuddenlylightstreamedin,
reallight,theplainlightofday.Alowdoor-likeopeningappearedattheendofthechamberbeyondFrodo’sfeet;andtherewasTom’shead(hat,feather,andall)framedagainstthelightofthesunrisingredbehindhim.Thelightfelluponthefloor,anduponthefacesofthethreehobbitslyingbesideFrodo.Theydidnotstir,butthesicklyhuehadleftthem.
Theylookednowasiftheywereonlyverydeeplyasleep.
Tomstooped,removedhishat,andcameintothedarkchamber,singing:
Getout,youoldWight!Vanishinthesunlight!Shrivellikethecoldmist,likethewindsgowailing,Outintothebarren
landsfarbeyondthemountains!Comeneverhereagain!Leaveyourbarrowempty!Lostandforgottenbe,darkerthanthedarkness,Wheregatesstandforevershut,tilltheworldismended.
Atthesewordstherewasacryandpartoftheinnerendofthechamberfellinwithacrash.Thentherewasalongtrailingshriek,fadingawayintoanunguessabledistance;andafterthatsilence.
‘Come,friendFrodo!’saidTom.‘Letusgetoutontocleangrass!Youmusthelpmebearthem.’
TogethertheycarriedoutMerry,Pippin,andSam.As
Frodoleftthebarrowforthelasttimehethoughthesawaseveredhandwrigglingstill,likeawoundedspider,inaheapoffallenearth.Tomwentbackinagain,andtherewasasoundofmuchthumpingandstamping.Whenhecameouthewasbearinginhisarmsagreatloadoftreasure:thingsofgold,silver,copper,andbronze;manybeadsand
chainsandjewelledornaments.Heclimbedthegreenbarrowandlaidthemallontopinthesunshine.
Therehestood,withhishatinhishandandthewindinhishair,andlookeddownuponthethreehobbits,thathadbeenlaidontheirbacksuponthegrassatthewestsideofthemound.Raisinghisrighthandhesaidinaclearandcommandingvoice:
Wakenowmymerrylads!Wakeandhearmecalling!Warmnowbeheartandlimb!Thecoldstoneisfallen;Darkdoorisstandingwide;deadhandisbroken.NightunderNightisflown,andtheGateisopen!
ToFrodo’sgreatjoythehobbitsstirred,stretchedtheirarms,rubbedtheireyes,andthensuddenlysprangup.Theylookedaboutinamazement,firstatFrodo,andthenatTomstandinglargeaslifeonthebarrow-topabovethem;andthenatthemselvesintheirthinwhiterags,crownedandbeltedwithpalegold,andjinglingwithtrinkets.
‘Whatinthenameofwonder?’beganMerry,feelingthegoldencircletthathadslippedoveroneeye.Thenhestopped,andashadowcameoverhisface,andheclosedhiseyes.‘Ofcourse,Iremember!’hesaid.‘ThemenofCarnDûmcameonusatnight,andwewereworsted.Ah!thespearinmyheart!’Heclutchedathisbreast.‘No!No!’hesaid,
openinghiseyes.‘WhatamIsaying?Ihavebeendreaming.Wheredidyougetto,Frodo?’
‘IthoughtthatIwaslost,’saidFrodo;‘butIdon’twanttospeakofit.Letusthinkofwhatwearetodonow!Letusgoon!’
‘Dresseduplikethis,sir?’saidSam.‘Wherearemyclothes?’Heflunghiscirclet,belt,andringsonthegrass,
andlookedroundhelplessly,asifheexpectedtofindhiscloak,jacket,andbreeches,andotherhobbit-garmentslyingsomewheretohand.
‘Youwon’tfindyourclothesagain,’saidTom,boundingdownfromthemound,andlaughingashedancedroundtheminthesunlight.Onewouldhavethoughtthatnothingdangerousordreadfulhad
happened;andindeedthehorrorfadedoutoftheirheartsastheylookedathim,andsawthemerryglintinhiseyes.
‘Whatdoyoumean?’askedPippin,lookingathim,halfpuzzledandhalfamused.‘Whynot?’
ButTomshookhishead,saying:‘You’vefoundyourselvesagain,outofthedeepwater.Clothesarebut
littleloss,ifyouescapefromdrowning.Beglad,mymerryfriends,andletthewarmsunlightheatnowheartandlimb!Castoffthesecoldrags!Runnakedonthegrass,whileTomgoesa-hunting!’
Hesprangawaydownhill,whistlingandcalling.LookingdownafterhimFrodosawhimrunningawaysouthwardsalongthegreenhollowbetweentheirhilland
thenext,stillwhistlingandcrying:
Hey!now!Comehoynow!Whitherdoyouwander?Up,down,nearorfar,here,thereoryonder?Sharp-ears,Wise-nose,Swish-tailandBumpkin,White-socksmylittle
lad,andoldFattyLumpkin!
Sohesang,runningfast,tossinguphishatandcatchingit,untilhewashiddenbyafoldoftheground:butforsometimehisheynow!hoynow!camefloatingbackdownthewind,whichhadshiftedroundtowardsthesouth.
Theairwasgrowingverywarmagain.Thehobbitsranaboutforawhileonthegrass,ashetoldthem.Thentheylaybaskinginthesunwiththedelightofthosethathavebeenwaftedsuddenlyfrombitterwintertoafriendlyclime,orofpeoplethat,afterbeinglongillandbedridden,wakeonedaytofindthattheyareunexpectedlywellandthedayisagainfullof
promise.BythetimethatTom
returnedtheywerefeelingstrong(andhungry).Hereappeared,hatfirst,overthebrowofthehill,andbehindhimcameinanobedientlinesixponies:theirownfiveandonemore.ThelastwasplainlyoldFattyLumpkin:hewaslarger,stronger,fatter(andolder)thantheirownponies.Merry,towhomthe
othersbelonged,hadnot,infact,giventhemanysuchnames,buttheyansweredtothenewnamesthatTomhadgiventhemfortherestoftheirlives.Tomcalledthemonebyoneandtheyclimbedoverthebrowandstoodinaline.ThenTombowedtothehobbits.
‘Hereareyourponies,now!’hesaid.‘They’vemoresense(insomeways)than
youwanderinghobbitshave–moresenseintheirnoses.Fortheysniffdangeraheadwhichyouwalkrightinto;andiftheyruntosavethemselves,thentheyruntherightway.Youmustforgivethemall;forthoughtheirheartsarefaithful,tofacefearofBarrow-wightsisnotwhattheyweremadefor.See,heretheycomeagain,bringingalltheirburdens!’
Merry,Sam,andPippinnowclothedthemselvesinsparegarmentsfromtheirpacks;andtheysoonfelttoohot,fortheywereobligedtoputonsomeofthethickerandwarmerthingsthattheyhadbroughtagainsttheoncomingofwinter.
‘Wheredoesthatotheroldanimal,thatFattyLumpkin,comefrom?’askedFrodo.
‘He’smine,’saidTom.
‘Myfour-leggedfriend;thoughIseldomridehim,andhewandersoftenfar,freeuponthehillsides.Whenyourponiesstayedwithme,theygottoknowmyLumpkin;andtheysmelthiminthenight,andquicklyrantomeethim.Ithoughthe’dlookforthemandwithhiswordsofwisdomtakealltheirfearaway.Butnow,myjollyLumpkin,oldTom’sgoingto
ride.Hey!he’scomingwithyou,justtosetyouontheroad;soheneedsapony.Foryoucannoteasilytalktohobbitsthatareriding,whenyou’reonyourownlegstryingtotrotbesidethem.’
Thehobbitsweredelightedtohearthis,andthankedTommanytimes;buthelaughed,andsaidthattheyweresogoodatlosingthemselvesthathewouldnot
feelhappytillhehadseenthemsafeoverthebordersofhisland.‘I’vegotthingstodo,’hesaid:‘mymakingandmysinging,mytalkingandmywalking,andmywatchingofthecountry.Tomcan’tbealwaysneartoopendoorsandwillow-cracks.Tomhashishousetomind,andGoldberryiswaiting.’
Itwasstillfairlyearlybythesun,somethingbetweennineandten,andthehobbitsturnedtheirmindstofood.Theirlastmealhadbeenlunchbesidethestandingstonethedaybefore.TheybreakfastednowofftheremainderofTom’sprovisions,meantfortheirsupper,withadditionsthatTomhadbroughtwithhim.Itwasnotalargemeal
(consideringhobbitsandthecircumstances),buttheyfeltmuchbetterforit.WhiletheywereeatingTomwentuptothemound,andlookedthroughthetreasures.Mostofthesehemadeintoapilethatglisteredandsparkledonthegrass.Hebadethemliethere‘freetoallfinders,birds,beasts,ElvesorMen,andallkindlycreatures’;forsothespellofthemoundshouldbe
brokenandscatteredandnoWightevercomebacktoit.Hechoseforhimselffromthepileabroochsetwithbluestones,many-shadedlikeflax-flowersorthewingsofbluebutterflies.Helookedlongatit,asifstirredbysomememory,shakinghishead,andsayingatlast:
‘HereisaprettytoyforTomandforhislady!Fairwasshewholongagowore
thisonhershoulder.Goldberryshallwearitnow,andwewillnotforgether!’
Foreachofthehobbitshechoseadagger,long,leaf-shaped,andkeen,ofmarvellousworkmanship,damaskedwithserpent-formsinredandgold.Theygleamedashedrewthemfromtheirblacksheaths,wroughtofsomestrangemetal,lightandstrong,and
setwithmanyfierystones.Whetherbysomevirtueinthesesheathsorbecauseofthespellthatlayonthemound,thebladesseemeduntouchedbytime,unrusted,sharp,glitteringinthesun.
‘Oldknivesarelongenoughasswordsforhobbit-people,’hesaid.‘Sharpbladesaregoodtohave,ifShire-folkgowalking,east,south,orfarawayintodark
anddanger.’ThenhetoldthemthatthesebladeswereforgedmanylongyearsagobyMenofWesternesse:theywerefoesoftheDarkLord,buttheywereovercomebytheevilkingofCarnDûmintheLandofAngmar.
‘Fewnowrememberthem,’Tommurmured,‘yetstillsomegowandering,sonsofforgottenkingswalkinginloneliness,guardingfromevil
thingsfolkthatareheedless.’Thehobbitsdidnot
understandhiswords,butashespoketheyhadavisionasitwereofagreatexpanseofyearsbehindthem,likeavastshadowyplainoverwhichtherestrodeshapesofMen,tallandgrimwithbrightswords,andlastcameonewithastaronhisbrow.Thenthevisionfaded,andtheywerebackinthesunlitworld.
Itwastimetostartagain.Theymadeready,packingtheirbagsandladingtheirponies.Theirnewweaponstheyhungontheirleatherbeltsundertheirjackets,feelingthemveryawkward,andwonderingiftheywouldbeofanyuse.Fightinghadnotbeforeoccurredtoanyofthemasoneoftheadventuresinwhichtheirflightwouldlandthem.
Atlasttheysetoff.Theyledtheirponiesdownthehill;andthenmountingtheytrottedquicklyalongthevalley.Theylookedbackandsawthetopoftheoldmoundonthehill,andfromitthesunlightonthegoldwentuplikeayellowflame.ThentheyturnedashoulderoftheDownsanditwashiddenfromview.
ThoughFrodolooked
abouthimoneverysidehesawnosignofthegreatstonesstandinglikeagate,andbeforelongtheycametothenortherngapandrodeswiftlythrough,andthelandfellawaybeforethem.ItwasamerryjourneywithTomBombadiltrottinggailybesidethem,orbeforethem,onFattyLumpkin,whocouldmovemuchfasterthanhisgirthpromised.Tomsang
mostofthetime,butitwaschieflynonsense,orelseperhapsastrangelanguageunknowntothehobbits,anancientlanguagewhosewordsweremainlythoseofwonderanddelight.
Theywentforwardsteadily,buttheysoonsawthattheRoadwasfurtherawaythantheyhadimagined.Evenwithoutafog,theirsleepatmid-daywouldhave
preventedthemfromreachingituntilafternightfallonthedaybefore.Thedarklinetheyhadseenwasnotalineoftreesbutalineofbushesgrowingontheedgeofadeepdikewithasteepwallonthefurtherside.Tomsaidthatithadoncebeentheboundaryofakingdom,butaverylongtimeago.Heseemedtoremembersomethingsadaboutit,and
wouldnotsaymuch.Theyclimbeddownand
outofthedikeandthroughagapinthewall,andthenTomturnedduenorth,fortheyhadbeenbearingsomewhattothewest.Thelandwasnowopenandfairlylevel,andtheyquickenedtheirpace,butthesunwasalreadysinkinglowwhenatlasttheysawalineoftalltreesahead,andtheyknewthattheyhadcome
backtotheRoadaftermanyunexpectedadventures.Theygallopedtheirponiesoverthelastfurlongs,andhaltedunderthelongshadowsofthetrees.Theywereonthetopofaslopingbank,andtheRoad,nowdimaseveningdrewon,woundawaybelowthem.AtthispointitrannearlyfromSouth-westtoNorth-east,andontheirrightitfellquicklydownintoawidehollow.It
wasruttedandboremanysignsoftherecentheavyrain;therewerepoolsandpot-holesfullofwater.
Theyrodedownthebankandlookedupanddown.Therewasnothingtobeseen.‘Well,hereweareagainatlast!’saidFrodo.‘Isupposewehaven’tlostmorethantwodaysbymyshortcutthroughtheForest!Butperhapsthedelaywillprove
useful–itmayhaveputthemoffourtrail.’
Theotherslookedathim.TheshadowofthefearoftheBlackRiderscamesuddenlyoverthemagain.EversincetheyhadenteredtheForesttheyhadthoughtchieflyofgettingbacktotheRoad;onlynowwhenitlaybeneaththeirfeetdidtheyrememberthedangerwhichpursuedthem,andwasmorethanlikelyto
belyinginwaitforthemupontheRoaditself.Theylookedanxiouslybacktowardsthesettingsun,buttheRoadwasbrownandempty.
‘Doyouthink,’askedPippinhesitatingly,‘doyouthinkwemaybepursued,tonight?’
‘No,Ihopenottonight,’answeredTomBombadil;‘norperhapsthenextday.
Butdonottrustmyguess;forIcannottellforcertain.Outeastmyknowledgefails.TomisnotmasterofRidersfromtheBlackLandfarbeyondhiscountry.’
Allthesamethehobbitswishedhewascomingwiththem.TheyfeltthathewouldknowhowtodealwithBlackRiders,ifanyonedid.Theywouldsoonnowbegoingforwardintolandswholly
strangetothem,andbeyondallbutthemostvagueanddistantlegendsoftheShire,andinthegatheringtwilighttheylongedforhome.Adeeplonelinessandsenseoflosswasonthem.Theystoodsilent,reluctanttomakethefinalparting,andonlyslowlybecameawarethatTomwaswishingthemfarewell,andtellingthemtohavegoodheartandtorideontilldark
withouthalting.‘Tomwillgiveyougood
advice,tillthisdayisover(afterthatyourownluckmustgowithyouandguideyou):fourmilesalongtheRoadyou’llcomeuponavillage,BreeunderBree-hill,withdoorslookingwestward.Thereyou’llfindanoldinnthatiscalledThePrancingPony.BarlimanButterburistheworthykeeper.Thereyou
canstaythenight,andafterwardsthemorningwillspeedyouuponyourway.Bebold,butwary!Keepupyourmerryhearts,andridetomeetyourfortune!’
Theybeggedhimtocomeatleastasfarastheinnanddrinkoncemorewiththem;buthelaughedandrefused,saying:
Tom’scountryends
here:hewillnotpasstheborders.Tomhashishousetomind,andGoldberryiswaiting!
Thenheturned,tosseduphishat,leapedonLumpkin’sback,androdeupoverthebankandawaysingingintothedusk.
Thehobbitsclimbedup
andwatchedhimuntilhewasoutofsight.
‘IamsorrytotakeleaveofMasterBombadil,’saidSam.‘He’sacautionandnomistake.Ireckonwemaygoagooddealfurtherandseenaughtbetter,norqueerer.ButIwon’tdenyI’llbegladtoseethisPrancingPonyhespokeof.Ihopeit’llbelikeTheGreenDragonawaybackhome!Whatsortoffolk
aretheyinBree?’‘Therearehobbitsin
Bree,’saidMerry,‘aswellasBigFolk.Idaresayitwillbehomelikeenough.ThePonyisagoodinnbyallaccounts.Mypeoplerideouttherenowandagain.’
‘Itmaybeallwecouldwish,’saidFrodo;‘butitisoutsidetheShireallthesame.Don’tmakeyourselvestoomuchathome!Please
remember–allofyou–thatthenameofBagginsmustnotbementioned.IamMr.Underhill,ifanynamemustbegiven.’
Theynowmountedtheirponiesandrodeoffsilentlyintotheevening.Darknesscamedownquickly,astheyploddedslowlydownhillandupagain,untilatlasttheysawlightstwinklingsomedistanceahead.
BeforethemroseBree-hillbarringtheway,adarkmassagainstmistystars;andunderitswesternflanknestledalargevillage.Towardsittheynowhurrieddesiringonlytofindafire,andadoorbetweenthemandthenight.
Chapter9
ATTHESIGNOFTHEPRANCINGPONY
BreewasthechiefvillageoftheBree-land,asmall
inhabitedregion,likeanislandintheemptylandsroundabout.BesidesBreeitself,therewasStaddleontheothersideofthehill,Combeinadeepvalleyalittlefurthereastward,andArchetontheedgeoftheChetwood.LyingroundBree-hillandthevillageswasasmallcountryoffieldsandtamedwoodlandonlyafewmilesbroad.
TheMenofBreewerebrown-haired,broad,andrathershort,cheerfulandindependent:theybelongedtonobodybutthemselves;buttheyweremorefriendlyandfamiliarwithHobbits,Dwarves,Elves,andotherinhabitantsoftheworldaboutthemthanwas(oris)usualwithBigPeople.Accordingtotheirowntalestheyweretheoriginalinhabitantsand
werethedescendantsofthefirstMenthateverwanderedintotheWestofthemiddle-world.FewhadsurvivedtheturmoilsoftheElderDays;butwhentheKingsreturnedagainovertheGreatSeatheyhadfoundtheBree-menstillthere,andtheywerestilltherenow,whenthememoryoftheoldKingshadfadedintothegrass.
Inthosedaysnoother
Menhadsettleddwellingssofarwest,orwithinahundredleaguesoftheShire.ButinthewildlandsbeyondBreethereweremysteriouswanderers.TheBree-folkcalledthemRangers,andknewnothingoftheirorigin.TheyweretalleranddarkerthantheMenofBreeandwerebelievedtohavestrangepowersofsightandhearing,andtounderstandthe
languagesofbeastsandbirds.Theyroamedatwillsouthwards,andeastwardsevenasfarastheMistyMountains;buttheywerenowfewandrarelyseen.Whentheyappearedtheybroughtnewsfromafar,andtoldstrangeforgottentaleswhichwereeagerlylistenedto;buttheBree-folkdidnotmakefriendsofthem.
Therewerealsomany
familiesofhobbitsintheBree-land;andtheyclaimedtobetheoldestsettlementofHobbitsintheworld,onethatwasfoundedlongbeforeeventheBrandywinewascrossedandtheShirecolonized.TheylivedmostlyinStaddlethoughthereweresomeinBreeitself,especiallyonthehigherslopesofthehill,abovethehousesoftheMen.TheBigFolkandtheLittle
Folk(astheycalledoneanother)wereonfriendlyterms,mindingtheirownaffairsintheirownways,butbothrightlyregardingthemselvesasnecessarypartsoftheBree-folk.Nowhereelseintheworldwasthispeculiar(butexcellent)arrangementtobefound.
TheBree-folk,BigandLittle,didnotthemselvestravelmuch;andtheaffairsof
thefourvillagesweretheirchiefconcern.OccasionallytheHobbitsofBreewentasfarasBuckland,ortheEastfarthing;butthoughtheirlittlelandwasnotmuchfurtherthanaday’sridingeastoftheBrandywineBridge,theHobbitsoftheShirenowseldomvisitedit.AnoccasionalBucklanderoradventurousTookwouldcomeouttotheInnfora
nightortwo,buteventhatwasbecominglessandlessusual.TheShire-hobbitsreferredtothoseofBree,andtoanyothersthatlivedbeyondtheborders,asOutsiders,andtookverylittleinterestinthem,consideringthemdullanduncouth.TherewereprobablymanymoreOutsidersscatteredaboutintheWestoftheWorldinthosedaysthanthepeopleof
theShireimagined.Some,doubtless,werenobetterthantramps,readytodigaholeinanybankandstayonlyaslongasitsuitedthem.ButintheBree-land,atanyrate,thehobbitsweredecentandprosperous,andnomorerusticthanmostoftheirdistantrelativesInside.Itwasnotyetforgottenthattherehadbeenatimewhentherewasmuchcomingandgoing
betweentheShireandBree.TherewasBree-bloodintheBrandybucksbyallaccounts.
ThevillageofBreehadsomehundredstonehousesoftheBigFolk,mostlyabovetheRoad,nestlingonthehillsidewithwindowslookingwest.Onthatside,runninginmorethanhalfacirclefromthehillandback
toit,therewasadeepdikewithathickhedgeontheinnerside.OverthistheRoadcrossedbyacauseway;butwhereitpiercedthehedgeitwasbarredbyagreatgate.TherewasanothergateinthesoutherncornerwheretheRoadranoutofthevillage.Thegateswereclosedatnightfall;butjustinsidethemweresmalllodgesforthegatekeepers.
DownontheRoad,whereitswepttotherighttogoroundthefootofthehill,therewasalargeinn.Ithadbeenbuiltlongagowhenthetrafficontheroadshadbeenfargreater.ForBreestoodatanoldmeetingofways;anotherancientroadcrossedtheEastRoadjustoutsidethedikeatthewesternendofthevillage,andinformerdaysMenandotherfolkofvarious
sortshadtravelledmuchonit.StrangeasNewsfromBreewasstillasayingintheEastfarthing,descendingfromthosedays,whennewsfromNorth,South,andEastcouldbeheardintheinn,andwhentheShire-hobbitsusedtogomoreoftentohearit.ButtheNorthernLandshadlongbeendesolate,andtheNorthRoadwasnowseldomused:itwasgrass-grown,andthe
Bree-folkcalledittheGreenway.
TheInnofBreewasstillthere,however,andtheinnkeeperwasanimportantperson.Hishousewasameetingplacefortheidle,talkative,andinquisitiveamongtheinhabitants,largeandsmall,ofthefourvillages;andaresortofRangersandotherwanderers,andforsuchtravellers
(mostlydwarves)asstilljourneyedontheEastRoad,toandfromtheMountains.
Itwasdark,andwhitestarswereshining,whenFrodoandhiscompanionscameatlasttotheGreenway-crossinganddrewnearthevillage.TheycametotheWest-gateandfounditshut;butatthedoorofthelodge
beyondit,therewasamansitting.Hejumpedupandfetchedalanternandlookedoverthegateattheminsurprise.
‘Whatdoyouwant,andwheredoyoucomefrom?’heaskedgruffly.
‘Wearemakingfortheinnhere,’answeredFrodo.‘Wearejourneyingeastandcannotgofurthertonight.’
‘Hobbits!Fourhobbits!
Andwhat’smore,outoftheShirebytheirtalk,’saidthegatekeeper,softlyasifspeakingtohimself.Hestaredatthemdarklyforamoment,andthenslowlyopenedthegateandletthemridethrough.
‘Wedon’toftenseeShire-folkridingontheRoadatnight,’hewenton,astheyhaltedamomentbyhisdoor.‘You’llpardonmywondering
whatbusinesstakesyouawayeastofBree!Whatmayyournamesbe,mightIask?’
‘Ournamesandourbusinessareourown,andthisdoesnotseemagoodplacetodiscussthem,’saidFrodo,notlikingthelookofthemanorthetoneofhisvoice.
‘Yourbusinessisyourown,nodoubt,’saidtheman;‘butit’smybusinesstoaskquestionsafternightfall.’
‘WearehobbitsfromBuckland,andwehaveafancytotravelandtostayattheinnhere,’putinMerry.‘IamMr.Brandybuck.Isthatenoughforyou?TheBree-folkusedtobefair-spokentotravellers,orsoIhadheard.’
‘Allright,allright!’saidtheman.‘Imeantnooffence.Butyou’llfindmaybethatmorefolkthanoldHarryatthegatewillbeaskingyou
questions.There’squeerfolkabout.IfyougoontoThePony,you’llfindyou’renottheonlyguests.’
Hewishedthemgoodnight,andtheysaidnomore;butFrodocouldseeinthelantern-lightthatthemanwasstilleyeingthemcuriously.Hewasgladtohearthegateclangtobehindthem,astheyrodeforward.Hewonderedwhythemanwasso
suspicious,andwhetheranyonehadbeenaskingfornewsofapartyofhobbits.CouldithavebeenGandalf?Hemighthavearrived,whiletheyweredelayedintheForestandtheDowns.Buttherewassomethinginthelookandthevoiceofthegatekeeperthatmadehimuneasy.
Themanstaredafterthehobbitsforamoment,and
thenhewentbacktohishouse.Assoonashisbackwasturned,adarkfigureclimbedquicklyinoverthegateandmeltedintotheshadowsofthevillagestreet.
Thehobbitsrodeonupagentleslope,passingafewdetachedhouses,anddrewupoutsidetheinn.Thehouseslookedlargeandstrangeto
them.Samstaredupattheinnwithitsthreestoreysandmanywindows,andfelthisheartsink.Hehadimaginedhimselfmeetinggiantstallerthantrees,andothercreaturesevenmoreterrifying,sometimeorotherinthecourseofhisjourney;butatthemomenthewasfindinghisfirstsightofMenandtheirtallhousesquiteenough,indeedtoomuchforthedark
endofatiringday.Hepicturedblackhorsesstandingallsaddledintheshadowsoftheinn-yard,andBlackRiderspeeringoutofdarkupperwindows.
‘Wesurelyaren’tgoingtostayhereforthenight,arewe,sir?’heexclaimed.‘Iftherearehobbit-folkintheseparts,whydon’twelookforsomethatwouldbewillingtotakeusin?Itwouldbemore
homelike.’‘What’swrongwiththe
inn?’saidFrodo.‘TomBombadilrecommendedit.Iexpectit’shomelikeenoughinside.’
Evenfromtheoutsidetheinnlookedapleasanthousetofamiliareyes.IthadafrontontheRoad,andtwowingsrunningbackonlandpartlycutoutofthelowerslopesofthehill,sothatattherearthe
second-floorwindowswerelevelwiththeground.Therewasawidearchleadingtoacourtyardbetweenthetwowings,andontheleftunderthearchtherewasalargedoorwayreachedbyafewbroadsteps.Thedoorwasopenandlightstreamedoutofit.Abovethearchtherewasalamp,andbeneathitswungalargesignboard:afatwhiteponyreareduponits
hindlegs.Overthedoorwaspaintedinwhiteletters:theprancingponybybarlimanbutterbur.Manyofthelowerwindowsshowedlightsbehindthickcurtains.
Astheyhesitatedoutsideinthegloom,someonebegansingingamerrysonginside,andmanycheerfulvoicesjoinedloudlyinthechorus.Theylistenedtothisencouragingsoundfora
momentandthengotofftheirponies.Thesongendedandtherewasaburstoflaughterandclapping.
Theyledtheirponiesunderthearch,andleavingthemstandingintheyardtheyclimbedupthesteps.Frodowentforwardandnearlybumpedintoashortfatmanwithabaldheadandaredface.Hehadawhiteapronon,andwasbustling
outofonedoorandinthroughanother,carryingatrayladenwithfullmugs.
‘Canwe——’beganFrodo.
‘Halfaminute,ifyouplease!’shoutedthemanoverhisshoulder,andvanishedintoababelofvoicesandacloudofsmoke.Inamomenthewasoutagain,wipinghishandsonhisapron.
‘Goodevening,little
master!’hesaid,bendingdown.‘Whatmayyoubewanting?’
‘Bedsforfour,andstablingforfiveponies,ifthatcanbemanaged.AreyouMr.Butterbur?’
‘That’sright!Barlimanismyname.BarlimanButterburatyourservice!You’refromtheShire,eh?’hesaid,andthensuddenlyheclappedhishandtohisforehead,asif
tryingtoremembersomething.‘Hobbits!’hecried.‘Nowwhatdoesthatremindmeof?MightIaskyournames,sirs?’
‘Mr.TookandMr.Brandybuck,’saidFrodo;‘andthisisSamGamgee.MynameisUnderhill.’
‘Therenow!’saidMr.Butterbur,snappinghisfingers.‘It’sgoneagain!Butit’llcomeback,whenIhave
timetothink.I’mrunoffmyfeet;butI’llseewhatIcandoforyou.Wedon’toftengetapartyoutoftheShirenowadays,andIshouldbesorrynottomakeyouwelcome.Butthereissuchacrowdalreadyinthehousetonightastherehasn’tbeenforlongenough.Itneverrainsbutitpours,wesayinBree.’
‘Hi!Nob!’heshouted.
‘Whereareyou,youwoolly-footedslowcoach?Nob!’
‘Coming,sir!Coming!’Acheery-lookinghobbitbobbedoutofadoor,andseeingthetravellers,stoppedshortandstaredatthemwithgreatinterest.
‘Where’sBob?’askedthelandlord.‘Youdon’tknow?Well,findhim!Doublesharp!Ihaven’tgotsixlegs,norsixeyesneither!TellBob
there’sfiveponiesthathavetobestabled.Hemustfindroomsomehow.’Nobtrottedoffwithagrinandawink.
‘Wellnow,whatwasIgoingtosay?’saidMr.Butterbur,tappinghisforehead.‘Onethingdrivesoutanother,sotospeak.I’mthatbusytonight,myheadisgoinground.There’sapartythatcameuptheGreenwayfromdownSouthlastnight–
andthatwasstrangeenoughtobeginwith.Thenthere’satravellingcompanyofdwarvesgoingWestcomeinthisevening.Andnowthere’syou.Ifyouweren’thobbits,Idoubtifwecouldhouseyou.Butwe’vegotaroomortwointhenorthwingthatweremadespecialforhobbits,whenthisplacewasbuilt.Onthegroundfloorastheyusuallyprefer;round
windowsandallastheylikeit.Ihopeyou’llbecomfortable.You’llbewantingsupper,Idon’tdoubt.Assoonasmaybe.Thiswaynow!’
Heledthemashortwaydownapassage,andopenedadoor.‘Hereisanicelittleparlour!’hesaid.‘Ihopeitwillsuit.Excusemenow.I’mthatbusy.Notimefortalking.Imustbetrotting.It’shard
workfortwolegs,butIdon’tgetthinner.I’lllookinagainlater.Ifyouwantanything,ringthehand-bell,andNobwillcome.Ifhedon’tcome,ringandshout!’
Offhewentatlast,andleftthemfeelingratherbreathless.Heseemedcapableofanendlessstreamoftalk,howeverbusyhemightbe.Theyfoundthemselvesinasmalland
cosyroom.Therewasabitofbrightfireburningonthehearth,andinfrontofitweresomelowandcomfortablechairs.Therewasaroundtable,alreadyspreadwithawhitecloth,andonitwasalargehand-bell.ButNob,thehobbitservant,camebustlinginlongbeforetheythoughtofringing.Hebroughtcandlesandatrayfullofplates.
‘Willyoubewanting
anythingtodrink,masters?’heasked.‘AndshallIshowyouthebedrooms,whileyoursupperisgotready?’
TheywerewashedandinthemiddleofgooddeepmugsofbeerwhenMr.ButterburandNobcameinagain.Inatwinklingthetablewaslaid.Therewashotsoup,coldmeats,ablackberrytart,newloaves,slabsofbutter,andhalfaripecheese:good
plainfood,asgoodastheShirecouldshow,andhomelikeenoughtodispelthelastofSam’smisgivings(alreadymuchrelievedbytheexcellenceofthebeer).
Thelandlordhoveredroundforalittle,andthenpreparedtoleavethem.‘Idon’tknowwhetheryouwouldcaretojointhecompany,whenyouhavesupped,’hesaid,standingat
thedoor.‘Perhapsyouwouldrathergotoyourbeds.Stillthecompanywouldbeverypleasedtowelcomeyou,ifyouhadamind.Wedon’tgetOutsiders–travellersfromtheShire,Ishouldsay,beggingyourpardon–often;andweliketohearabitofnews,oranystoryorsongyoumayhaveinmind.Butasyouplease!Ringthebell,ifyoulackanything!’
Sorefreshedandencourageddidtheyfeelattheendoftheirsupper(aboutthreequartersofanhour’ssteadygoing,nothinderedbyunnecessarytalk)thatFrodo,Pippin,andSamdecidedtojointhecompany.Merrysaiditwouldbetoostuffy.‘Ishallsitherequietlybythefireforabit,andperhapsgooutlaterforasniffoftheair.MindyourPsandQs,anddon’t
forgetthatyouaresupposedtobeescapinginsecret,andarestillonthehigh-roadandnotveryfarfromtheShire!’
‘Allright!’saidPippin.‘Mindyourself!Don’tgetlost,anddon’tforgetthatitissaferindoors!’
Thecompanywasinthebigcommon-roomoftheinn.Thegatheringwaslargeand
mixed,asFrododiscovered,whenhiseyesgotusedtothelight.Thiscamechieflyfromablazinglog-fire,forthethreelampshangingfromthebeamsweredim,andhalfveiledinsmoke.BarlimanButterburwasstandingnearthefire,talkingtoacoupleofdwarvesandoneortwostrange-lookingmen.Onthebencheswerevariousfolk:menofBree,acollectionof
localhobbits(sittingchatteringtogether),afewmoredwarves,andothervaguefiguresdifficulttomakeoutawayintheshadowsandcorners.
AssoonastheShire-hobbitsentered,therewasachorusofwelcomefromtheBree-landers.Thestrangers,especiallythosethathadcomeuptheGreenway,staredatthemcuriously.The
landlordintroducedthenewcomerstotheBree-folk,soquicklythat,thoughtheycaughtmanynames,theywereseldomsurewhothenamesbelongedto.TheMenofBreeseemedalltohaveratherbotanical(andtotheShire-folkratherodd)names,likeRushlight,Goatleaf,Heathertoes,Appledore,ThistlewoolandFerny(nottomentionButterbur).Someof
thehobbitshadsimilarnames.TheMugworts,forinstance,seemednumerous.Butmostofthemhadnaturalnames,suchasBanks,Brockhouse,Longholes,Sandheaver,andTunnelly,manyofwhichwereusedintheShire.TherewereseveralUnderhillsfromStaddle,andastheycouldnotimaginesharinganamewithoutbeingrelated,theytookFrodoto
theirheartsasalong-lostcousin.
TheBree-hobbitswere,infact,friendlyandinquisitive,andFrodosoonfoundthatsomeexplanationofwhathewasdoingwouldhavetobegiven.Hegaveoutthathewasinterestedinhistoryandgeography(atwhichtherewasmuchwaggingofheads,althoughneitherofthesewordsweremuchusedinthe
Bree-dialect).Hesaidhewasthinkingofwritingabook(atwhichtherewassilentastonishment),andthatheandhisfriendswantedtocollectinformationabouthobbitslivingoutsidetheShire,especiallyintheeasternlands.
Atthisachorusofvoicesbrokeout.IfFrodohadreallywantedtowriteabook,andhadhadmanyears,hewould
havelearnedenoughforseveralchaptersinafewminutes.Andifthatwasnotenough,hewasgivenawholelistofnames,beginningwith‘OldBarlimanhere’,towhomhecouldgoforfurtherinformation.Butafteratime,asFrododidnotshowanysignofwritingabookonthespot,thehobbitsreturnedtotheirquestionsaboutdoingsintheShire.Frododidnot
proveverycommunicative,andhesoonfoundhimselfsittingaloneinacorner,listeningandlookingaround.
TheMenandDwarvesweremostlytalkingofdistanteventsandtellingnewsofakindthatwasbecomingonlytoofamiliar.TherewastroubleawayintheSouth,anditseemedthattheMenwhohadcomeuptheGreenwaywereonthemove,
lookingforlandswheretheycouldfindsomepeace.TheBree-folkweresympathetic,butplainlynotveryreadytotakealargenumberofstrangersintotheirlittleland.Oneofthetravellers,asquint-eyedill-favouredfellow,wasforetellingthatmoreandmorepeoplewouldbecomingnorthinthenearfuture.‘Ifroomisn’tfoundforthem,they’llfinditfor
themselves.They’vearighttolive,sameasotherfolk,’hesaidloudly.Thelocalinhabitantsdidnotlookpleasedattheprospect.
Thehobbitsdidnotpaymuchattentiontoallthis,asitdidnotatthemomentseemtoconcernhobbits.BigFolkcouldhardlybegforlodgingsinhobbit-holes.TheyweremoreinterestedinSamandPippin,whowerenowfeeling
quiteathome,andwerechattinggailyabouteventsintheShire.PippinrousedagooddealoflaughterwithanaccountofthecollapseoftheroofoftheTownHoleinMichelDelving:WillWhitfoot,theMayor,andthefattesthobbitintheWestfarthing,hadbeenburiedinchalk,andcameoutlikeafloureddumpling.Buttherewereseveralquestions
askedthatmadeFrodoalittleuneasy.OneoftheBree-landers,whoseemedtohavebeenintheShireseveraltimes,wantedtoknowwheretheUnderhillslivedandwhotheywererelatedto.
SuddenlyFrodonoticedthatastrange-lookingweather-beatenman,sittingintheshadowsnearthewall,wasalsolisteningintentlytothehobbit-talk.Hehadatall
tankardinfrontofhim,andwassmokingalong-stemmedpipecuriouslycarved.Hislegswerestretchedoutbeforehim,showinghighbootsofsuppleleatherthatfittedhimwell,buthadseenmuchwearandwerenowcakedwithmud.Atravel-stainedcloakofheavydark-greenclothwasdrawncloseabouthim,andinspiteoftheheatoftheroomheworeahoodthat
overshadowedhisface;butthegleamofhiseyescouldbeseenashewatchedthehobbits.
‘Whoisthat?’Frodoasked,whenhegotachancetowhispertoMr.Butterbur.‘Idon’tthinkyouintroducedhim?’
‘Him?’saidthelandlordinanansweringwhisper,cockinganeyewithoutturninghishead.‘Idon’t
rightlyknow.Heisoneofthewanderingfolk–Rangerswecallthem.Heseldomtalks:notbutwhathecantellararetalewhenhehasthemind.Hedisappearsforamonth,orayear,andthenhepopsupagain.Hewasinandoutprettyoftenlastspring;butIhaven’tseenhimaboutlately.WhathisrightnameisI’veneverheard:buthe’sknownroundhereasStrider.Goes
aboutatagreatpaceonhislongshanks;thoughhedon’ttellnobodywhatcausehehastohurry.Butthere’snoaccountingforEastandWest,aswesayinBree,meaningtheRangersandtheShire-folk,beggingyourpardon.Funnyyoushouldaskabouthim.’ButatthatmomentMr.Butterburwascalledawaybyademandformorealeandhislastremarkremained
unexplained.FrodofoundthatStrider
wasnowlookingathim,asifhehadheardorguessedallthathadbeensaid.Presently,withawaveofhishandandanod,heinvitedFrodotocomeoverandsitbyhim.AsFrododrewnearhethrewbackhishood,showingashaggyheadofdarkhairfleckedwithgrey,andinapalesternfaceapairofkeengreyeyes.
‘IamcalledStrider,’hesaidinalowvoice.‘Iamverypleasedtomeetyou,Master–Underhill,ifoldButterburgotyournameright.’
‘Hedid,’saidFrodostiffly.Hefeltfarfromcomfortableunderthestareofthosekeeneyes.
‘Well,MasterUnderhill,’saidStrider,‘ifIwereyou,Ishouldstopyouryoung
friendsfromtalkingtoomuch.Drink,fire,andchance-meetingarepleasantenough,but,well–thisisn’ttheShire.Therearequeerfolkabout.ThoughIsayitasshouldn’t,youmaythink,’headdedwithawrysmile,seeingFrodo’sglance.‘AndtherehavebeenevenstrangertravellersthroughBreelately,’hewenton,watchingFrodo’sface.
Frodoreturnedhisgazebutsaidnothing;andStridermadenofurthersign.HisattentionseemedsuddenlytobefixedonPippin.TohisalarmFrodobecameawarethattheridiculousyoungTook,encouragedbyhissuccesswiththefatMayorofMichelDelving,wasnowactuallygivingacomicaccountofBilbo’sfarewellparty.Hewasalreadygiving
animitationoftheSpeech,andwasdrawingneartotheastonishingDisappearance.
Frodowasannoyed.Itwasaharmlessenoughtaleformostofthelocalhobbits,nodoubt:justafunnystoryaboutthosefunnypeopleawaybeyondtheRiver;butsome(oldButterbur,forinstance)knewathingortwo,andhadprobablyheardrumourslongagoabout
Bilbo’svanishing.ItwouldbringthenameofBagginstotheirminds,especiallyiftherehadbeeninquiriesinBreeafterthatname.
Frodofidgeted,wonderingwhattodo.Pippinwasevidentlymuchenjoyingtheattentionhewasgetting,andhadbecomequiteforgetfuloftheirdanger.Frodohadasuddenfearthatinhispresentmoodhemightevenmention
theRing;andthatmightwellbedisastrous.
‘Youhadbetterdosomethingquick!’whisperedStriderinhisear.
Frodojumpedupandstoodonatable,andbegantotalk.TheattentionofPippin’saudiencewasdisturbed.SomeofthehobbitslookedatFrodoandlaughedandclapped,thinkingthatMr.Underhillhadtakenasmuch
aleaswasgoodforhim.Frodosuddenlyfeltvery
foolish,andfoundhimself(aswashishabitwhenmakingaspeech)fingeringthethingsinhispocket.HefelttheRingonitschain,andquiteunaccountablythedesirecameoverhimtoslipitonandvanishoutofthesillysituation.Itseemedtohim,somehow,asifthesuggestioncametohimfromoutside,
fromsomeoneorsomethingintheroom.Heresistedthetemptationfirmly,andclaspedtheRinginhishand,asiftokeepaholdonitandpreventitfromescapingordoinganymischief.Atanyrateitgavehimnoinspiration.Hespoke‘afewsuitablewords’,astheywouldhavesaidintheShire:Weareallverymuchgratifiedbythekindnessof
yourreception,andIventuretohopethatmybriefvisitwillhelptorenewtheoldtiesof
friendshipbetweentheShireandBree;andthenhehesitatedandcoughed.
Everyoneintheroomwasnowlookingathim.‘Asong!’shoutedoneofthehobbits.‘Asong!Asong!’shoutedalltheothers.‘Comeonnow,master,singussomethingthatwehaven’t
heardbefore!’ForamomentFrodostood
gaping.ThenindesperationhebeganaridiculoussongthatBilbohadbeenratherfondof(andindeedratherproudof,forhehadmadeupthewordshimself).Itwasaboutaninn;andthatisprobablywhyitcameintoFrodo’smindjustthen.Hereitisinfull.Onlyafewwordsofitarenow,asarule,
remembered.
Thereisaninn,amerryoldinnbeneathanoldgreyhill,
AndtheretheybrewabeersobrownThattheManintheMoonhimselfcamedownonenighttodrinkhisfill.
Theostlerhasatipsycatthatplaysafive-stringedfiddle;
Andupanddownherunshisbow,Nowsqueakinghigh,nowpurringlow,nowsawinginthemiddle.
Thelandlordkeepsalittledog
thatismightyfondofjokes;
Whenthere’sgoodcheeramongtheguests,Hecocksanearatallthejestsandlaughsuntilhechokes.
Theyalsokeepahornédcowasproudasany
queen;Butmusicturnsherheadlikeale,Andmakesherwavehertuftedtailanddanceuponthegreen.
AndO!therowsofsilverdishesandthestoreofsilverspoons!
ForSunday*there’s
aspecialpair,AndthesetheypolishupwithcareonSaturdayafternoons.
TheManintheMoonwasdrinkingdeep,andthecatbegantowail;
Adishandaspoononthetabledanced,
Thecowinthegardenmadlypranced,andthelittledogchasedhistail.
TheManintheMoontookanothermugandthenrolledbeneathhischair;
Andtherehedozedanddreamedofale,
Tillintheskythestarswerepale,anddawnwasintheair.
Thentheostlersaidtohistipsycat:‘ThewhitehorsesoftheMoon,
Theyneighandchamptheirsilverbits;Buttheirmaster’s
beenanddrownedhiswits,andtheSun’llberisingsoon!’
Sothecatonhisfiddleplayedhey-diddle-diddle,ajigthatwouldwakethedead:
Hesqueakedandsawedandquickenedthetune,
WhilethelandlordshooktheManintheMoon:‘It’safterthree!’hesaid.
TheyrolledtheManslowlyupthehillandbundledhimintotheMoon,
Whilehishorsesgallopedupinrear,Andthecowcame
caperinglikeadeer,andadishranupwiththespoon.
Nowquickerthefiddlewentdeedle-dum-diddle;thedogbegantoroar,
Thecowandthehorsesstoodontheirheads;
Theguestsallboundedfromtheirbedsanddanceduponthefloor.
Withapingandapongthefiddle-stringsbroke!thecowjumpedovertheMoon,
Andthelittledoglaughedtoseesuch
fun,AndtheSaturdaydishwentoffatarunwiththesilverSundayspoon.
TheroundMoonrolledbehindthehillastheSunraisedupherhead.
She*hardlybelieved
herfieryeyes;Forthoughitwasday,tohersurprisetheyallwentbacktobed!
Therewasloudandlongapplause.Frodohadagoodvoice,andthesongtickledtheirfancy.‘Where’soldBarley?’theycried.‘Heoughttohearthis.Boboughttolearnhiscatthefiddle,and
thenwe’dhaveadance.’Theycalledformoreale,andbegantoshout:‘Let’shaveitagain,master!Comeonnow!Oncemore!’
TheymadeFrodohaveanotherdrink,andthenbeginhissongagain,whilemanyofthemjoinedin;forthetunewaswellknown,andtheywerequickatpickingupwords.ItwasnowFrodo’sturntofeelpleasedwith
himself.Hecaperedaboutonthetable;andwhenhecameasecondtimetothecowjumpedovertheMoon,heleapedintheair.Muchtoovigorously;forhecamedown,bang,intoatrayfullofmugs,andslipped,androlledoffthetablewithacrash,clatter,andbump!Theaudienceallopenedtheirmouthswideforlaughter,andstoppedshortingaping
silence;forthesingerdisappeared.Hesimplyvanished,asifhehadgoneslapthroughthefloorwithoutleavingahole!
Thelocalhobbitsstaredinamazement,andthensprangtotheirfeetandshoutedforBarliman.AllthecompanydrewawayfromPippinandSam,whofoundthemselvesleftaloneinacorner,andeyeddarklyanddoubtfully
fromadistance.Itwasplainthatmanypeopleregardedthemnowasthecompanionsofatravellingmagicianofunknownpowersandpurpose.ButtherewasoneswarthyBree-lander,whostoodlookingatthemwithaknowingandhalf-mockingexpressionthatmadethemfeelveryuncomfortable.Presentlyheslippedoutofthedoor,followedbythe
squint-eyedsoutherner:thetwohadbeenwhisperingtogetheragooddealduringtheevening.
Frodofeltafool.Notknowingwhatelsetodo,hecrawledawayunderthetablestothedarkcornerbyStrider,whosatunmoved,givingnosignofhisthoughts.FrodoleanedbackagainstthewallandtookofftheRing.Howitcametobe
onhisfingerhecouldnottell.Hecouldonlysupposethathehadbeenhandlingitinhispocketwhilehesang,andthatsomehowithadslippedonwhenhestuckouthishandwithajerktosavehisfall.ForamomenthewonderediftheRingitselfhadnotplayedhimatrick;perhapsithadtriedtorevealitselfinresponsetosomewishorcommandthatwas
feltintheroom.Hedidnotlikethelooksofthementhathadgoneout.
‘Well?’saidStrider,whenhereappeared.‘Whydidyoudothat?Worsethananythingyourfriendscouldhavesaid!Youhaveputyourfootinit!OrshouldIsayyourfinger?’
‘Idon’tknowwhatyoumean,’saidFrodo,annoyedandalarmed.
‘Ohyes,youdo,’
answeredStrider;‘butwehadbetterwaituntiltheuproarhasdieddown.Then,ifyouplease,Mr.Baggins,Ishouldlikeaquietwordwithyou.’
‘Whatabout?’askedFrodo,ignoringthesuddenuseofhispropername.
‘Amatterofsomeimportance–tousboth,’answered
Strider,lookingFrodointheeye.‘Youmayhear
somethingtoyouradvantage.’
‘Verywell,’saidFrodo,tryingtoappearunconcerned.‘I’lltalktoyoulater.’
Meanwhileanargumentwasgoingonbythefireplace.Mr.Butterburhadcometrottingin,andhewasnowtryingtolistentoseveralconflictingaccountsofthe
eventatthesametime.‘Isawhim,Mr.
Butterbur,’saidahobbit;‘orleastwaysIdidn’tseehim,ifyoutakemymeaning.Hejustvanishedintothinair,inamannerofspeaking.’
‘Youdon’tsay,Mr.Mugwort!’saidthelandlord,lookingpuzzled.
‘YesIdo!’repliedMugwort.‘AndImeanwhatIsay,what’smore.’
‘There’ssomemistakesomewhere,’saidButterbur,shakinghishead.‘TherewastoomuchofthatMr.Underhilltogovanishingintothinair;orintothickair,asismorelikelyinthisroom.’
‘Well,whereishenow?’criedseveralvoices.
‘HowshouldIknow?He’swelcometogowherehewill,solongashepaysinthemorning.There’sMr.Took,
now:he’snotvanished.’‘Well,IsawwhatIsaw,
andIsawwhatIdidn’t,’saidMugwortobstinately.
‘AndIsaythere’ssomemistake,’repeatedButterbur,pickingupthetrayandgatheringupthebrokencrockery.
‘Ofcoursethere’samistake!’saidFrodo.‘Ihaven’tvanished.HereIam!I’vejustbeenhavingafew
wordswithStriderinthecorner.’
Hecameforwardintothefirelight;butmostofthecompanybackedaway,evenmoreperturbedthanbefore.Theywerenotintheleastsatisfiedbyhisexplanationthathehadcrawledawayquicklyunderthetablesafterhehadfallen.MostoftheHobbitsandtheMenofBreewentoffthenandthereina
huff,havingnofancyforfurtherentertainmentthatevening.OneortwogaveFrodoablacklookanddepartedmutteringamongthemselves.TheDwarvesandthetwoorthreestrangeMenthatstillremainedgotupandsaidgoodnighttothelandlord,butnottoFrodoandhisfriends.BeforelongnoonewasleftbutStrider,whosaton,unnoticed,bythewall.
Mr.Butterburdidnotseemmuchputout.Hereckoned,veryprobably,thathishousewouldbefullagainonmanyfuturenights,untilthepresentmysteryhadbeenthoroughlydiscussed.‘Nowwhathaveyoubeendoing,Mr.Underhill?’heasked.‘Frighteningmycustomersandbreakingupmycrockswithyouracrobatics!’
‘Iamverysorrytohave
causedanytrouble,’saidFrodo.‘Itwasquiteunintentional,Iassureyou.Amostunfortunateaccident.’
‘Allright,Mr.Underhill!Butifyou’regoingtodoanymoretumbling,orconjuring,orwhateveritwas,you’dbestwarnfolkbeforehand–andwarnme.We’reabitsuspiciousroundhereofanythingoutoftheway–uncanny,ifyouunderstand
me;andwedon’ttaketoitallofasudden.’
‘Ishan’tbedoinganythingofthesortagain,Mr.Butterbur,Ipromiseyou.AndnowIthinkI’llbegettingtobed.Weshallbemakinganearlystart.Willyouseethatourponiesarereadybyeighto’clock?’
‘Verygood!Butbeforeyougo,Ishouldlikeawordwithyouinprivate,Mr.
Underhill.SomethinghasjustcomebacktomymindthatIoughttotellyou.Ihopethatyou’llnottakeitamiss.WhenI’veseentoathingortwo,I’llcomealongtoyourroom,ifyou’rewilling.’
‘Certainly!’saidFrodo;buthisheartsank.Hewonderedhowmanyprivatetalkshewouldhavebeforehegottobed,andwhattheywouldreveal.Werethese
peopleallinleagueagainsthim?HebegantosuspectevenoldButterbur’sfatfaceofconcealingdarkdesigns.
Chapter10
STRIDER
Frodo,Pippin,andSammadetheirwaybacktotheparlour.Therewasnolight.Merrywasnotthere,andthefirehadburnedlow.Itwasnotuntil
theyhadpuffeduptheembersintoablazeandthrownonacoupleoffaggotsthattheydiscoveredStriderhadcomewiththem.Therehewascalmlysittinginachairbythedoor!
‘Hallo!’saidPippin.‘Whoareyou,andwhatdoyouwant?’
‘IamcalledStrider,’heanswered;‘andthoughhemayhaveforgottenit,your
friendpromisedtohaveaquiettalkwithme.’
‘YousaidImighthearsomethingtomyadvantage,Ibelieve,’saidFrodo.‘Whathaveyoutosay?’
‘Severalthings,’answeredStrider.‘But,ofcourse,Ihavemyprice.’
‘Whatdoyoumean?’askedFrodosharply.
‘Don’tbealarmed!Imeanjustthis:IwilltellyouwhatI
know,andgiveyousomegoodadvice–butIshallwantareward.’
‘Andwhatwillthatbe,pray?’saidFrodo.Hesuspectednowthathehadfalleninwitharascal,andhethoughtuncomfortablythathehadbroughtonlyalittlemoneywithhim.Allofitwouldhardlysatisfyarogue,andhecouldnotspareanyofit.
‘Nomorethanyoucanafford,’answeredStriderwithaslowsmile,asifheguessedFrodo’sthoughts.‘Justthis:youmusttakemealongwithyou,untilIwishtoleaveyou.’
‘Oh,indeed!’repliedFrodo,surprised,butnotmuchrelieved.‘EvenifIwantedanothercompanion,Ishouldnotagreetoanysuchthing,untilIknewagood
dealmoreaboutyou,andyourbusiness.’
‘Excellent!’exclaimedStrider,crossinghislegsandsittingbackcomfortably.‘Youseemtobecomingtoyoursensesagain,andthatisalltothegood.Youhavebeenmuchtoocarelesssofar.Verywell!IwilltellyouwhatIknow,andleavetherewardtoyou.Youmaybegladtograntit,whenyou
haveheardme.’‘Goonthen!’saidFrodo.
‘Whatdoyouknow?’‘Toomuch;toomanydark
things,’saidStridergrimly.‘Butasforyourbusiness——’Hegotupandwenttothedoor,openeditquicklyandlookedout.Thenheshutitquietlyandsatdownagain.‘Ihavequickears,’hewenton,loweringhisvoice,‘andthoughIcannotdisappear,I
havehuntedmanywildandwarythingsandIcanusuallyavoidbeingseen,ifIwish.Now,IwasbehindthehedgethiseveningontheRoadwestofBree,whenfourhobbitscameoutoftheDownlands.IneednotrepeatallthattheysaidtooldBombadilortooneanother;butonethinginterestedme.Pleaseremember,saidoneofthem,thatthenameBagginsmust
notbementioned.IamMr.Underhill,ifanynamemustbegiven.ThatinterestedmesomuchthatIfollowedthemhere.Islippedoverthegatejustbehindthem.MaybeMr.Bagginshasanhonestreasonforleavinghisnamebehind;butifso,Ishouldadvisehimandhisfriendstobemorecareful.’
‘Idon’tseewhatinterestmynamehasforanyonein
Bree,’saidFrodoangrily,‘andIhavestilltolearnwhyitinterestsyou.Mr.Stridermayhaveanhonestreasonforspyingandeavesdropping;butifso,Ishouldadvisehimtoexplainit.’
‘Wellanswered!’saidStriderlaughing.‘Buttheexplanationissimple:IwaslookingforaHobbitcalledFrodoBaggins.Iwantedto
findhimquickly.IhadlearnedthathewascarryingoutoftheShire,well,asecretthatconcernedmeandmyfriends.
‘Now,don’tmistakeme!’hecried,asFrodorosefromhisseat,andSamjumpedupwithascowl.‘Ishalltakemorecareofthesecretthanyoudo.Andcareisneeded!’Heleanedforwardandlookedatthem.‘Watchevery
shadow!’hesaidinalowvoice.‘BlackhorsemenhavepassedthroughBree.
OnMondayonecamedowntheGreenway,theysay;andanotherappearedlater,cominguptheGreenwayfromthesouth.’
Therewasasilence.AtlastFrodospoketoPippinandSam:‘Ioughttohave
guesseditfromthewaythegatekeepergreetedus,’hesaid.‘Andthelandlordseemstohaveheardsomething.Whydidhepressustojointhecompany?Andwhyonearthdidwebehavesofoolishly:weoughttohavestayedquietinhere.’
‘Itwouldhavebeenbetter,’saidStrider.‘Iwouldhavestoppedyourgoingintothecommon-room,ifIcould;
buttheinnkeeperwouldnotletmeintoseeyou,ortakeamessage.’
‘Doyouthinkhe——’beganFrodo.
‘No,Idon’tthinkanyharmofoldButterbur.Onlyhedoesnotaltogetherlikemysteriousvagabondsofmysort.’Frodogavehimapuzzledlook.‘Well,Ihaveratherarascallylook,haveInot?’saidStriderwithacurl
ofhislipandaqueergleaminhiseye.‘ButIhopeweshallgettoknowoneanotherbetter.Whenwedo,Ihopeyouwillexplainwhathappenedattheendofyoursong.Forthatlittleprank——’
‘Itwassheeraccident!’interruptedFrodo.
‘Iwonder,’saidStrider.‘Accident,then.Thataccidenthasmadeyourposition
dangerous.’‘Hardlymorethanitwas
already,’saidFrodo.‘Iknewthesehorsemenwerepursuingme;butnowatanyratetheyseemtohavemissedmeandtohavegoneaway.’
‘Youmustnotcountonthat!’saidStridersharply.‘Theywillreturn.Andmorearecoming.Thereareothers.Iknowtheirnumber.IknowtheseRiders.’Hepaused,and
hiseyeswerecoldandhard.‘AndtherearesomefolkinBreewhoarenottobetrusted,’hewenton.‘BillFerny,forinstance.HehasanevilnameintheBree-land,andqueerfolkcallathishouse.Youmusthavenoticedhimamongthecompany:aswarthysneeringfellow.HewasveryclosewithoneoftheSouthernstrangers,andtheyslippedouttogetherjust
afteryour“accident”.NotallofthoseSouthernersmeanwell;andasforFerny,hewouldsellanythingtoanybody;ormakemischiefforamusement.’
‘WhatwillFernysell,andwhathasmyaccidentgottodowithhim?’saidFrodo,stilldeterminednottounderstandStrider’shints.
‘Newsofyou,ofcourse,’answeredStrider.‘An
accountofyourperformancewouldbeveryinterestingtocertainpeople.Afterthattheywouldhardlyneedtobetoldyourrealname.Itseemstomeonlytoolikelythattheywillhearofitbeforethisnightisover.Isthatenough?Youcandoasyoulikeaboutmyreward:takemeasaguideornot.ButImaysaythatIknowallthelandsbetweentheShireandthe
MistyMountains,forIhavewanderedoverthemformanyyears.IamolderthanIlook.Imightproveuseful.Youwillhavetoleavetheopenroadaftertonight;forthehorsemenwillwatchitnightandday.YoumayescapefromBree,andbeallowedtogoforwardwhiletheSunisup;butyouwon’tgofar.Theywillcomeonyouinthewild,insomedarkplace
wherethereisnohelp.Doyouwishthemtofindyou?Theyareterrible!’
Thehobbitslookedathim,andsawwithsurprisethathisfacewasdrawnasifwithpain,andhishandsclenchedthearmsofhischair.Theroomwasveryquietandstill,andthelightseemedtohavegrowndim.Forawhilehesatwithunseeingeyesasifwalkingindistantmemoryor
listeningtosoundsintheNightfaraway.
‘There!’hecriedafteramoment,drawinghishandacrosshisbrow.‘PerhapsIknowmoreaboutthesepursuersthanyoudo.Youfearthem,butyoudonotfearthemenough,yet.Tomorrowyouwillhavetoescape,ifyoucan.Stridercantakeyoubypathsthatareseldomtrodden.Willyouhavehim?’
Therewasaheavysilence.Frodomadenoanswer;hismindwasconfusedwithdoubtandfear.Samfrowned,andlookedathismaster;andatlasthebrokeout:
‘Withyourleave,Mr.Frodo,I’dsayno!ThisStriderhere,hewarnsandhesaystakecare;andIsayyestothat,andlet’sbeginwithhim.HecomesoutoftheWild,andIneverheardno
goodofsuchfolk.Heknowssomething,that’splain,andmorethanIlike;butit’snoreasonwhyweshouldlethimgoleadingusoutintosomedarkplacefarfromhelp,asheputsit.’
Pippinfidgetedandlookeduncomfortable.StriderdidnotreplytoSam,butturnedhiskeeneyesonFrodo.Frodocaughthisglanceandlookedaway.
‘No,’hesaidslowly.‘Idon’tagree.Ithink,Ithinkyouarenotreallyasyouchoosetolook.YoubegantotalktomeliketheBree-folk,butyourvoicehaschanged.StillSamseemsrightinthis:Idon’tseewhyyoushouldwarnustotakecare,andyetaskustotakeyouontrust.Whythedisguise?Whoareyou?Whatdoyoureallyknowabout–aboutmybusiness;andhow
doyouknowit?’‘Thelessonincautionhas
beenwelllearned,’saidStriderwithagrimsmile.‘Butcautionisonethingandwaveringisanother.YouwillnevergettoRivendellnowonyourown,andtotrustmeisyouronlychance.Youmustmakeupyourmind.Iwillanswersomeofyourquestions,ifthatwillhelpyoutodoso.Butwhyshould
youbelievemystory,ifyoudonottrustmealready?Stillhereitis——’
Atthatmomenttherecameaknockatthedoor.Mr.Butterburhadarrivedwithcandles,andbehindhimwasNobwithcansofhotwater.Striderwithdrewintoadarkcorner.
‘I’vecometobidyou
goodnight,’saidthelandlord,puttingthecandlesonthetable.‘Nob!Takethewatertotherooms!’Hecameinandshutthedoor.
‘It’slikethis,’hebegan,hesitatingandlookingtroubled.‘IfI’vedoneanyharm,I’msorryindeed.Butonethingdrivesoutanother,asyou’lladmit;andI’mabusyman.Butfirstonethingandthenanotherthisweek
havejoggedmymemory,asthesayinggoes;andnottoolateIhope.Yousee,IwasaskedtolookoutforhobbitsoftheShire,andforonebythenameofBagginsinparticular.’
‘Andwhathasthatgottodowithme?’askedFrodo.
‘Ah!youknowbest,’saidthelandlord,knowingly.‘Iwon’tgiveyouaway;butIwastoldthatthisBaggins
wouldbegoingbythenameofUnderhill,andIwasgivenadescriptionthatfitsyouwellenough,ifImaysayso.’
‘Indeed!Let’shaveitthen!’saidFrodo,unwiselyinterrupting.
‘Astoutlittlefellowwithredcheeks,’saidMr.Butterbursolemnly.Pippinchuckled,butSamlookedindignant.‘Thatwon’thelpyoumuch;itgoesformost
hobbits,Barley,hesaystome,’continuedMr.ButterburwithaglanceatPippin.‘Butthisoneistallerthansomeandfairerthanmost,andhehasacleftinhischin:perkychapwithabrighteye.Beggingyourpardon,buthesaidit,notme.’
‘Hesaidit?Andwhowashe?’askedFrodoeagerly.
‘Ah!ThatwasGandalf,ifyouknowwhoImean.A
wizardtheysayheis,buthe’sagoodfriendofmine,whetherorno.ButnowIdon’tknowwhathe’llhavetosaytome,ifIseehimagain:turnallmyalesourormeintoablockofwood,Ishouldn’twonder.He’sabithasty.Stillwhat’sdonecan’tbeundone.’
‘Well,whathaveyoudone?’saidFrodo,gettingimpatientwiththeslow
unravellingofButterbur’sthoughts.
‘WherewasI?’saidthelandlord,pausingandsnappinghisfingers.‘Ah,yes!OldGandalf.Threemonthsbackhewalkedrightintomyroomwithoutaknock.Barley,hesays,I’moffinthemorning.Willyoudosomethingforme?You’veonlytonameit,Isaid.I’minahurry,saidhe,andI’veno
timemyself,butIwantamessagetooktotheShire.Haveyouanyoneyoucansend,andtrusttogo?Icanfindsomeone,Isaid,tomorrow,maybe,orthedayafter.Makeittomorrow,hesays,andthenhegavemealetter.
‘It’saddressedplainenough,’saidMr.Butterbur,producingaletterfromhispocket,andreadingoutthe
addressslowlyandproudly(hevaluedhisreputationasaletteredman):
Mr.FRODOBAGGINS,BAGEND,HOBBITONin
theSHIRE.
‘AletterformefromGandalf!’criedFrodo.
‘Ah!’saidMr.Butterbur.‘Thenyourrightnameis
Baggins?’‘Itis,’saidFrodo,‘and
youhadbettergivemethatletteratonce,andexplainwhyyouneversentit.That’swhatyoucametotellme,Isuppose,thoughyou’vetakenalongtimetocometothepoint.’
PoorMr.Butterburlookedtroubled.‘You’reright,master,’hesaid,‘andIbegyourpardon.AndI’mmortal
afraidofwhatGandalfwillsay,ifharmcomesofit.ButIdidn’tkeepitbacka-purpose.Iputitbysafe.ThenIcouldn’tfindnobodywillingtogototheShirenextday,northedayafter,andnoneofmyownfolkweretospare;andthenonethingafteranotherdroveitoutofmymind.I’mabusyman.I’lldowhatIcantosetmattersright,andifthere’sanyhelpI
cangive,you’veonlytonameit.
‘Leavingtheletteraside,IpromisedGandalfnoless.Barley,hesaystome,thisfriendofminefromtheShire,hemaybecomingoutthiswaybeforelong,himandanother.He’llbecallinghimselfUnderhill.Mindthat!Butyouneedasknoquestions.AndifI’mnotwithhim,hemaybeintrouble,
andhemayneedhelp.Dowhateveryoucanforhim,andI’llbegrateful,hesays.Andhereyouare,andtroubleisnotfaroff,seemingly.’
‘Whatdoyoumean?’askedFrodo.
‘Theseblackmen,’saidthelandlordloweringhisvoice.‘They’relookingforBaggins,andiftheymeanwell,thenI’mahobbit.ItwasonMonday,andallthedogs
wereyammeringandthegeesescreaming.Uncanny,Icalledit.Nob,hecameandtoldmethattwoblackmenwereatthedooraskingforahobbitcalledBaggins.Nob’shairwasallstoodonend.Ibidtheblackfellowsbeoff,andslammedthedooronthem;butthey’vebeenaskingthesamequestionallthewaytoArchet,Ihear.AndthatRanger,Strider,he’sbeen
askingquestions,too.Triedtogetinheretoseeyou,beforeyou’dhadbiteorsup,hedid.’
‘Hedid!’saidStridersuddenly,comingforwardintothelight.‘Andmuchtroublewouldhavebeensaved,ifyouhadlethimin,Barliman.’
Thelandlordjumpedwithsurprise.‘You!’hecried.‘You’realwayspoppingup.
Whatdoyouwantnow?’‘He’sherewithmyleave,’
saidFrodo.‘Hecametooffermehishelp.’
‘Well,youknowyourownbusiness,maybe,’saidMr.Butterbur,lookingsuspiciouslyatStrider.‘ButifIwasinyourplight,Iwouldn’ttakeupwithaRanger.’
‘Thenwhowouldyoutakeupwith?’askedStrider.
‘Afatinnkeeperwhoonlyremembershisownnamebecausepeopleshoutitathimallday?TheycannotstayinThePonyforever,andtheycannotgohome.Theyhavealongroadbeforethem.Willyougowiththemandkeeptheblackmenoff?’
‘Me?LeaveBree!Iwouldn’tdothatforanymoney,’saidMr.Butterbur,lookingreallyscared.‘But
whycan’tyoustayherequietforabit,Mr.Underhill?Whatareallthesequeergoingson?Whataretheseblackmenafter,andwheredotheycomefrom,I’dliketoknow?’
‘I’msorryIcan’texplainitall,’answeredFrodo.‘Iamtiredandveryworried,andit’salongtale.Butifyoumeantohelpme,IoughttowarnyouthatyouwillbeindangeraslongasIaminyour
house.TheseBlackRiders:Iamnotsure,butIthink,Ifeartheycomefrom——’
‘TheycomefromMordor,’saidStriderinalowvoice.‘FromMordor,Barliman,ifthatmeansanythingtoyou.’
‘Saveus!’criedMr.Butterburturningpale;thenameevidentlywasknowntohim.‘ThatistheworstnewsthathascometoBreeinmy
time.’‘Itis,’saidFrodo.‘Are
youstillwillingtohelpme?’‘Iam,’saidMr.Butterbur.
‘Morethanever.ThoughIdon’tknowwhatthelikesofmecandoagainst,against——’hefaltered.
‘AgainsttheShadowintheEast,’saidStriderquietly.‘Notmuch,Barliman,buteverylittlehelps.YoucanletMr.Underhillstayhere
tonight,asMr.Underhill;andyoucanforgetthenameofBaggins,tillheisfaraway.’
‘I’lldothat,’saidButterbur.‘Butthey’llfindouthe’sherewithouthelpfromme,I’mafraid.It’sapityMr.Bagginsdrewattentiontohimselfthisevening,tosaynomore.ThestoryofthatMr.Bilbo’sgoingoffhasbeenheardbeforetonightinBree.Even
ourNobhasbeendoingsomeguessinginhisslowpate;andthereareothersinBreequickerintheuptakethanheis.’
‘Well,wecanonlyhopetheRiderswon’tcomebackyet,’saidFrodo.
‘Ihopenot,indeed,’saidButterbur.‘Butspooksornospooks,theywon’tgetinThePonysoeasy.Don’tyouworrytillthemorning.Nob’ll
saynoword.Noblackmanshallpassmydoors,whileIcanstandonmylegs.Meandmyfolk’llkeepwatchtonight;butyouhadbestgetsomesleep,ifyoucan.’
‘Inanycasewemustbecalledatdawn,’saidFrodo.‘Wemustgetoffasearlyaspossible.Breakfastatsix-thirty,please.’
‘Right!I’llseetotheorders,’saidthelandlord.
‘Goodnight,Mr.Baggins–Underhill,Ishouldsay!Goodnight–now,blessme!Where’syourMr.Brandybuck?’
‘Idon’tknow,’saidFrodowithsuddenanxiety.TheyhadforgottenallaboutMerry,anditwasgettinglate.‘Iamafraidheisout.Hesaidsomethingaboutgoingforabreathofair.’
‘Well,youdowant
lookingafterandnomistake:yourpartymightbeonaholiday!’saidButterbur.‘Imustgoandbarthedoorsquick,butI’llseeyourfriendisletinwhenhecomes.I’dbettersendNobtolookforhim.Goodnighttoyouall!’AtlastMr.Butterburwentout,withanotherdoubtfullookatStriderandashakeofhishead.Hisfootstepsretreateddownthepassage.
‘Well?’saidStrider.‘Whenareyougoingtoopenthatletter?’Frodolookedcarefullyatthesealbeforehebrokeit.ItseemedcertainlytobeGandalf’s.Inside,writteninthewizard’sstrongbutgracefulscript,wasthefollowingmessage:
THEPRANCINGPONY,BREE.Midyear’sDay,ShireYear,1418.
DearFrodo,Badnewshasreached
mehere.Imustgooffatonce.YouhadbetterleaveBagEndsoon,andgetoutoftheShirebeforetheendofJulyatlatest.IwillreturnassoonasIcan;andIwillfollowyou,ifIfindthatyouaregone.Leaveamessageformehere,ifyoupassthroughBree.Youcantrustthe
landlord(Butterbur).YoumaymeetafriendofmineontheRoad:aMan,lean,dark,tall,bysomecalledStrider.Heknowsourbusinessandwillhelpyou.MakeforRivendell.ThereIhopewemaymeetagain.IfIdonotcome,Elrondwilladviseyou.
Yoursinhaste
GANDALF.
PS.DoNOTuseItagain,notforanyreasonwhatever!Donottravelbynight!
PPS.MakesurethatitistherealStrider.Therearemanystrangemenontheroads.HistruenameisAragorn.
Allthatisgolddoes
notglitter,Notallthosewhowanderarelost;
Theoldthatisstrongdoesnotwither,Deeprootsarenotreachedbythefrost.
Fromtheashesafireshallbewoken,Alightfromtheshadowsshallspring;
Renewedshallbebladethatwasbroken,Thecrownlessagainshallbeking.
PPPS.IhopeButterbursendsthispromptly.Aworthyman,buthismemoryislikealumber-room:thingwantedalwaysburied.Ifheforgets,Ishallroasthim.
FareWell!
Frodoreadthelettertohimself,andthenpassedittoPippinandSam.‘ReallyoldButterburhasmadeamessofthings!’hesaid.‘Hedeservesroasting.IfIhadgotthisatonce,wemightallhavebeensafeinRivendellbynow.ButwhatcanhavehappenedtoGandalf?Hewritesasifhe
wasgoingintogreatdanger.’‘Hehasbeendoingthat
formanyyears,’saidStrider.Frodoturnedandlooked
athimthoughtfully,wonderingaboutGandalf’ssecondpostscript.‘Whydidn’tyoutellmethatyouwereGandalf’sfriendatonce?’heasked.‘Itwouldhavesavedtime.’
‘Wouldit?Wouldanyofyouhavebelievedmetill
now?’saidStrider.‘Iknewnothingofthisletter.ForallIknewIhadtopersuadeyoutotrustmewithoutproofs,ifIwastohelpyou.Inanycase,Ididnotintendtotellyouallaboutmyselfatonce.Ihadtostudyyoufirst,andmakesureofyou.TheEnemyhassettrapsformebeforenow.AssoonasIhadmadeupmymind,Iwasreadytotellyouwhateveryouasked.ButI
mustadmit,’headdedwithaqueerlaugh,‘thatIhopedyouwouldtaketomeformyownsake.Ahuntedmansometimesweariesofdistrustandlongsforfriendship.Butthere,Ibelievemylooksareagainstme.’
‘Theyare–atfirstsightatanyrate,’laughedPippinwithsuddenreliefafterreadingGandalf’sletter.‘Buthandsomeisashandsome
does,aswesayintheShire;andIdaresayweshallalllookmuchthesameafterlyingfordaysinhedgesandditches.’
‘Itwouldtakemorethanafewdays,orweeks,oryears,ofwanderingintheWildtomakeyoulooklikeStrider,’heanswered.‘Andyouwoulddiefirst,unlessyouaremadeofsternerstuffthanyoulooktobe.’
Pippinsubsided;butSamwasnotdaunted,andhestilleyedStriderdubiously.‘HowdoweknowyouaretheStriderthatGandalfspeaksabout?’hedemanded.‘YounevermentionedGandalf,tillthislettercameout.Youmightbeaplay-actingspy,forallIcansee,tryingtogetustogowithyou.YoumighthavedoneintherealStriderandtookhisclothes.What
haveyoutosaytothat?’‘Thatyouareastout
fellow,’answeredStrider;‘butIamafraidmyonlyanswertoyou,SamGamgee,isthis.IfIhadkilledtherealStrider,Icouldkillyou.AndIshouldhavekilledyoualreadywithoutsomuchtalk.IfIwasaftertheRing,Icouldhaveit–now!’
Hestoodup,andseemedsuddenlytogrowtaller.Inhis
eyesgleamedalight,keenandcommanding.Throwingbackhiscloak,helaidhishandonthehiltofaswordthathadhungconcealedbyhisside.Theydidnotdaretomove.Samsatwide-mouthedstaringathimdumbly.
‘ButIamtherealStrider,fortunately,’hesaid,lookingdownatthemwithhisfacesoftenedbyasuddensmile.‘IamAragornsonofArathorn;
andifbylifeordeathIcansaveyou,Iwill.’
Therewasalongsilence.AtlastFrodospokewithhesitation.‘Ibelievedthatyouwereafriendbeforethelettercame,’hesaid,‘oratleastIwishedto.Youhavefrightenedmeseveraltimestonight,butneverinthewaythatservantsoftheEnemy
would,orsoIimagine.Ithinkoneofhisspieswould–well,seemfairerandfeelfouler,ifyouunderstand.’
‘Isee,’laughedStrider.‘Ilookfoulandfeelfair.Isthatit?Allthatisgolddoesnotglitter,notallthosewhowanderarelost.’
‘Didtheversesapplytoyouthen?’askedFrodo.‘Icouldnotmakeoutwhattheywereabout.Buthowdidyou
knowthattheywereinGandalf’sletter,ifyouhaveneverseenit?’
‘Ididnotknow,’heanswered.‘ButIamAragorn,andthoseversesgowiththatname.’Hedrewouthissword,andtheysawthatthebladewasindeedbrokenafootbelowthehilt.‘Notmuchuseisit,Sam?’saidStrider.‘Butthetimeisnearwhenitshallbeforged
anew.’Samsaidnothing.‘Well,’saidStrider,‘with
Sam’spermissionwewillcallthatsettled.Stridershallbeyourguide.AndnowIthinkitistimeyouwenttobedandtookwhatrestyoucan.Weshallhavearoughroadtomorrow.EvenifweareallowedtoleaveBreeunhindered,wecanhardlyhopenowtoleaveit
unnoticed.ButIshalltrytogetlostassoonaspossible.IknowoneortwowaysoutofBree-landotherthanthemainroad.Ifonceweshakeoffthepursuit,IshallmakeforWeathertop.’
‘Weathertop?’saidSam.‘What’sthat?’
‘Itisahill,justtothenorthoftheRoad,abouthalfwayfromheretoRivendell.Itcommandsawideviewall
round;andthereweshallhaveachancetolookaboutus.Gandalfwillmakeforthatpoint,ifhefollowsus.AfterWeathertopourjourneywillbecomemoredifficult,andweshallhavetochoosebetweenvariousdangers.’
‘WhendidyoulastseeGandalf?’askedFrodo.‘Doyouknowwhereheis,orwhatheisdoing?’
Striderlookedgrave.‘Ido
notknow,’hesaid.‘Icamewestwithhiminthespring.IhaveoftenkeptwatchonthebordersoftheShireinthelastfewyears,whenhewasbusyelsewhere.Heseldomleftitunguarded.WelastmetonthefirstofMay:atSarnForddowntheBrandywine.Hetoldmethathisbusinesswithyouhadgonewell,andthatyouwouldbestartingforRivendellinthelastweekof
September.AsIknewhewasatyourside,Iwentawayonajourneyofmyown.Andthathasprovedill;forplainlysomenewsreachedhim,andIwasnotathandtohelp.
‘Iamtroubled,forthefirsttimesinceIhaveknownhim.Weshouldhavehadmessages,evenifhecouldnotcomehimself.WhenIreturned,manydaysago,Iheardtheillnews.The
tidingshadgonefarandwidethatGandalfwasmissingandthehorsemenhadbeenseen.ItwastheElven-folkofGildorthattoldmethis;andlatertheytoldmethatyouhadleftyourhome;buttherewasnonewsofyourleavingBuckland.IhavebeenwatchingtheEastRoadanxiously.’
‘DoyouthinktheBlackRidershaveanythingtodo
withit–withGandalf’sabsence,Imean?’askedFrodo.
‘Idonotknowofanythingelsethatcouldhavehinderedhim,excepttheEnemyhimself,’saidStrider.‘Butdonotgiveuphope!GandalfisgreaterthanyouShire-folkknow–asaruleyoucanonlyseehisjokesandtoys.Butthisbusinessofourswillbehisgreatesttask.’
Pippinyawned.‘Iamsorry,’hesaid,‘butIamdeadtired.InspiteofallthedangerandworryImustgotobed,orsleepwhereIsit.Whereisthatsillyfellow,Merry?Itwouldbethelaststraw,ifwehadtogooutinthedarktolookforhim.’
Atthatmomenttheyheardadoorslam;thenfeet
camerunningalongthepassage.MerrycameinwitharushfollowedbyNob.Heshutthedoorhastily,andleanedagainstit.Hewasoutofbreath.Theystaredathiminalarmforamomentbeforehegasped:‘Ihaveseenthem,Frodo!Ihaveseenthem!BlackRiders!’
‘BlackRiders!’criedFrodo.‘Where?’
‘Here.Inthevillage.I
stayedindoorsforanhour.Thenasyoudidnotcomeback,Iwentoutforastroll.Ihadcomebackagainandwasstandingjustoutsidethelightofthelamplookingatthestars.SuddenlyIshiveredandfeltthatsomethinghorriblewascreepingnear:therewasasortofdeepershadeamongtheshadowsacrosstheroad,justbeyondtheedgeofthelamplight.Itslidawayat
onceintothedarkwithoutasound.Therewasnohorse.’
‘Whichwaydiditgo?’askedStrider,suddenlyandsharply.
Merrystarted,noticingthestrangerforthefirsttime.‘Goon!’saidFrodo.‘ThisisafriendofGandalf’s.Iwillexplainlater.’
‘ItseemedtomakeoffuptheRoad,eastward,’continuedMerry.‘Itriedto
follow.Ofcourse,itvanishedalmostatonce;butIwentroundthecornerandonasfarasthelasthouseontheRoad.’
StriderlookedatMerrywithwonder.‘Youhaveastoutheart,’hesaid;‘butitwasfoolish.’
‘Idon’tknow,’saidMerry.‘Neitherbravenorsilly,Ithink.Icouldhardlyhelpmyself.Iseemedtobe
drawnsomehow.Anyway,Iwent,andsuddenlyIheardvoicesbythehedge.
Onewasmuttering;andtheotherwaswhispering,orhissing.Icouldn’thearawordthatwassaid.Ididnotcreepanycloser,becauseIbegantotrembleallover.ThenIfeltterrified,andIturnedback,andwasjustgoingtobolthome,whensomethingcamebehindme
andI...Ifellover.’‘Ifoundhim,sir,’putin
Nob.‘Mr.Butterbursentmeoutwithalantern.IwentdowntoWest-gate,andthenbackuptowardsSouth-gate.JustnighBillFerny’shouseIthoughtIcouldseesomethingintheRoad.Icouldn’tsweartoit,butitlookedtomeasiftwomenwasstoopingoversomething,liftingit.Igaveashout,butwhenIgotupto
thespottherewasnosignsofthem,andonlyMr.Brandybucklyingbytheroadside.Heseemedtobeasleep.“IthoughtIhadfallenintodeepwater,”hesaystome,whenIshookhim.Veryqueerhewas,andassoonasIhadrousedhim,hegotupandranbackherelikeahare.’
‘Iamafraidthat’strue,’saidMerry,‘thoughIdon’tknowwhatIsaid.Ihadan
uglydream,whichIcan’tremember.Iwenttopieces.Idon’tknowwhatcameoverme.’
‘Ido,’saidStrider.‘TheBlackBreath.TheRidersmusthavelefttheirhorsesoutside,andpassedbackthroughtheSouth-gateinsecret.Theywillknowallthenewsnow,fortheyhavevisitedBillFerny;andprobablythatSouthernerwas
aspyaswell.Somethingmayhappeninthenight,beforeweleaveBree.’
‘Whatwillhappen?’saidMerry.‘Willtheyattacktheinn?’
‘No,Ithinknot,’saidStrider.‘Theyarenotallhereyet.Andinanycasethatisnottheirway.Indarkandlonelinesstheyarestrongest;theywillnotopenlyattackahousewheretherearelights
andmanypeople–notuntiltheyaredesperate,notwhileallthelongleaguesofEriadorstillliebeforeus.Buttheirpowerisinterror,andalreadysomeinBreeareintheirclutch.Theywilldrivethesewretchestosomeevilwork:Ferny,andsomeofthestrangers,and,maybe,thegatekeepertoo.TheyhadwordswithHarryatWest-gateonMonday.Iwas
watchingthem.Hewaswhiteandshakingwhentheylefthim.’
‘Weseemtohaveenemiesallround,’saidFrodo.‘Whatarewetodo?’
‘Stayhere,anddonotgotoyourrooms!Theyaresuretohavefoundoutwhichthoseare.Thehobbit-roomshavewindowslookingnorthandclosetotheground.Wewillallremaintogetherandbar
thiswindowandthedoor.ButfirstNobandIwillfetchyourluggage.’
WhileStriderwasgone,FrodogaveMerryarapidaccountofallthathadhappenedsincesupper.MerrywasstillreadingandponderingGandalf’sletterwhenStriderandNobreturned.
‘WellMasters,’saidNob,‘I’veruffleduptheclothes
andputinabolsterdownthemiddleofeachbed.AndImadeaniceimitationofyourheadwithabrownwoollenmat,Mr.Bag–Underhill,sir,’headdedwithagrin.
Pippinlaughed.‘Verylife-like!’hesaid.‘Butwhatwillhappenwhentheyhavepenetratedthedisguise?’
‘Weshallsee,’saidStrider.‘Letushopetoholdtheforttillmorning.’
‘Goodnighttoyou,’saidNob,andwentofftotakehispartinthewatchonthedoors.
Theirbagsandgeartheypiledontheparlour-floor.Theypushedalowchairagainstthedoorandshutthewindow.Peeringout,Frodosawthatthenightwasstillclear.TheSickle*wasswingingbrightabovetheshouldersofBree-hill.He
thenclosedandbarredtheheavyinsideshuttersanddrewthecurtainstogether.Striderbuiltupthefireandblewoutallthecandles.
Thehobbitslaydownontheirblanketswiththeirfeettowardsthehearth;butStridersettledhimselfinthechairagainstthedoor.Theytalkedforalittle,forMerrystillhadseveralquestionstoask.
‘JumpedovertheMoon!’chuckledMerryasherolledhimselfinhisblanket.‘Veryridiculousofyou,Frodo!ButIwish
Ihadbeentheretosee.TheworthiesofBreewillbediscussingitahundredyearshence.’
‘Ihopeso,’saidStrider.Thentheyallfellsilent,andonebyonethehobbitsdroppedofftosleep.
Chapter11
AKNIFEINTHEDARK
AstheypreparedforsleepintheinnatBree,darknesslayonBuckland;amiststrayedinthedellsandalongthe
river-bank.ThehouseatCrickhollowstoodsilent.FattyBolgeropenedthedoorcautiouslyandpeeredout.Afeelingoffearhadbeengrowingonhimallday,andhewasunabletorestorgotobed:therewasabroodingthreatinthebreathlessnight-air.Ashestaredoutintothegloom,ablackshadowmovedunderthetrees;thegateseemedtoopenofits
ownaccordandcloseagainwithoutasound.Terrorseizedhim.Heshrankback,andforamomenthestoodtremblinginthehall.Thenheshutandlockedthedoor.
Thenightdeepened.Therecamethesoftsoundofhorsesledwithstealthalongthelane.Outsidethegatetheystopped,andthreeblackfiguresentered,likeshadesofnightcreepingacrossthe
ground.Onewenttothedoor,onetothecornerofthehouseoneitherside;andtheretheystood,asstillastheshadowsofstones,whilenightwentslowlyon.Thehouseandthequiettreesseemedtobewaitingbreathlessly.
Therewasafaintstirintheleaves,andacockcrowedfaraway.Thecoldhourbeforedawnwaspassing.Thefigurebythedoormoved.In
thedarkwithoutmoonorstarsadrawnbladegleamed,asifachilllighthadbeenunsheathed.Therewasablow,softbutheavy,andthedoorshuddered.
‘Open,inthenameofMordor!’saidavoicethinandmenacing.
Atasecondblowthedooryieldedandfellback,withtimbersburstandlockbroken.Theblackfigures
passedswiftlyin.Atthatmoment,among
thetreesnearby,ahornrangout.Itrentthenightlikefireonahill-top.
AWAKE!FEAR!FIRE!FOES!AWAKE!
FattyBolgerhadnotbeenidle.Assoonashesawthedarkshapescreepfromthegarden,heknewthathemust
runforit,orperish.Andrunhedid,outofthebackdoor,throughthegarden,andoverthefields.Whenhereachedthenearesthouse,morethanamileaway,hecollapsedonthedoorstep.‘No,no,no!’hewascrying.‘No,notme!Ihaven’tgotit!’Itwassometimebeforeanyonecouldmakeoutwhathewasbabblingabout.Atlasttheygottheideathatenemies
wereinBuckland,somestrangeinvasionfromtheOldForest.Andthentheylostnomoretime.
FEAR!FIRE!FOES!
TheBrandybuckswereblowingtheHorn-callofBuckland,thathadnotbeensoundedforahundredyears,notsincethewhitewolvescameintheFellWinter,
whentheBrandywinewasfrozenover.
AWAKE!AWAKE!
Farawayansweringhornswereheard.Thealarmwasspreading.
Theblackfiguresfledfromthehouse.Oneofthemletfallahobbit-cloakonthestep,asheran.Inthelanethenoiseofhoofsbrokeout,and
gatheringtoagallop,wenthammeringawayintothedarkness.AllaboutCrickhollowtherewasthesoundofhornsblowing,andvoicescryingandfeetrunning.ButtheBlackRidersrodelikeagaletotheNorth-gate.Letthelittlepeopleblow!Sauronwoulddealwiththemlater.Meanwhiletheyhadanothererrand:theyknewnowthatthehousewas
emptyandtheRinghadgone.TheyrodedowntheguardsatthegateandvanishedfromtheShire.
IntheearlynightFrodowokefromdeepsleep,suddenly,asifsomesoundorpresencehaddisturbedhim.HesawthatStriderwassittingalertinhischair:hiseyesgleamedinthelightof
thefire,whichhadbeentendedandwasburningbrightly;buthemadenosignormovement.
Frodosoonwenttosleepagain;buthisdreamswereagaintroubledwiththenoiseofwindandofgallopinghoofs.Thewindseemedtobecurlingroundthehouseandshakingit;andfaroffheheardahornblowingwildly.Heopenedhiseyes,and
heardacockcrowinglustilyintheinn-yard.Striderhaddrawnthecurtainsandpushedbacktheshutterswithaclang.Thefirstgreylightofdaywasintheroom,andacoldairwascomingthroughtheopenwindow.
AssoonasStriderhadrousedthemall,heledthewaytotheirbedrooms.Whentheysawthemtheyweregladthattheyhadtakenhis
advice:thewindowshadbeenforcedopenandwereswinging,andthecurtainswereflapping;thebedsweretossedabout,andthebolstersslashedandflunguponthefloor;thebrownmatwastorntopieces.
Striderimmediatelywenttofetchthelandlord.PoorMr.Butterburlookedsleepyandfrightened.Hehadhardlyclosedhiseyesallnight(so
hesaid),buthehadneverheardasound.
‘Neverhassuchathinghappenedinmytime!’hecried,raisinghishandsinhorror.‘Guestsunabletosleepintheirbeds,andgoodbolstersruinedandall!Whatarewecomingto?’
‘Darktimes,’saidStrider.‘Butforthepresentyoumaybeleftinpeace,whenyouhavegotridofus.Wewill
leaveatonce.Nevermindaboutbreakfast:adrinkandabitestandingwillhavetodo.Weshallbepackedinafewminutes.’
Mr.Butterburhurriedofftoseethattheirponiesweregotready,andtofetchthema‘bite’.Butverysoonhecamebackindismay.Theponieshadvanished!Thestable-doorshadallbeenopenedinthenight,andtheywere
gone:notonlyMerry’sponies,buteveryotherhorseandbeastintheplace.
Frodowascrushedbythenews.HowcouldtheyhopetoreachRivendellonfoot,pursuedbymountedenemies?TheymightaswellsetoutfortheMoon.Stridersatsilentforawhile,lookingatthehobbits,asifhewasweighinguptheirstrengthandcourage.
‘Ponieswouldnothelpustoescapehorsemen,’hesaidatlast,thoughtfully,asifheguessedwhatFrodohadinmind.‘Weshouldnotgomuchsloweronfoot,notontheroadsthatImeantotake.Iwasgoingtowalkinanycase.Itisthefoodandstoresthattroubleme.WecannotcountongettinganythingtoeatbetweenhereandRivendell,exceptwhatwe
takewithus;andweoughttotakeplentytospare;forwemaybedelayed,orforcedtogoround-about,faroutofthedirectway.Howmuchareyoupreparedtocarryonyourbacks?’
‘Asmuchaswemust,’saidPippinwithasinkingheart,buttryingtoshowthathewastougherthanhelooked(orfelt).
‘Icancarryenoughfor
two,’saidSamdefiantly.‘Can’tanythingbedone,
Mr.Butterbur?’askedFrodo.‘Can’twegetacoupleofponiesinthevillage,orevenonejustforthebaggage?Idon’tsupposewecouldhirethem,butwemightbeabletobuythem,’headded,doubtfully,wonderingifhecouldaffordit.
‘Idoubtit,’saidthelandlordunhappily.‘Thetwo
orthreeriding-poniesthattherewereinBreewerestabledinmyyard,andthey’regone.Asforotheranimals,horsesorponiesfordraughtorwhatnot,thereareveryfewoftheminBree,andtheywon’tbeforsale.ButI’lldowhatIcan.I’llroutoutBobandsendhimroundassoonasmaybe.’
‘Yes,’saidStriderreluctantly,‘youhadbetterdo
that.Iamafraidweshallhavetotrytogetoneponyatleast.Butsoendsallhopeofstartingearly,andslippingawayquietly!Wemightaswellhaveblownahorntoannounceourdeparture.Thatwaspartoftheirplan,nodoubt.’
‘Thereisonecrumbofcomfort,’saidMerry,‘andmorethanacrumb,Ihope:wecanhavebreakfastwhile
wewait–andsitdowntoit.Let’sgetholdofNob!’
Intheendtherewasmorethanthreehours’delay.Bobcamebackwiththereportthatnohorseorponywastobegotforloveormoneyintheneighbourhood–exceptone:BillFernyhadonethathemightpossiblysell.‘Apooroldhalf-starvedcreature
itis,’saidBob;‘buthewon’tpartwithitforlessthanthriceitsworth,seeinghowyou’replaced,notifIknowsBillFerny.’
‘BillFerny?’saidFrodo.‘Isn’ttheresometrick?Wouldn’tthebeastboltbacktohimwithallourstuff,orhelpintrackingus,orsomething?’
‘Iwonder,’saidStrider.‘ButIcannotimagineany
animalrunninghometohim,onceitgotaway.IfancythisisonlyanafterthoughtofkindMasterFerny’s:justawayofincreasinghisprofitsfromtheaffair.Thechiefdangeristhatthepoorbeastisprobablyatdeath’sdoor.Buttheredoesnotseemanychoice.Whatdoeshewantforit?’
BillFerny’spricewastwelvesilverpennies;and
thatwasindeedatleastthreetimesthepony’svalueinthoseparts.Itprovedtobeabony,underfed,anddispiritedanimal;butitdidnotlooklikedyingjustyet.Mr.Butterburpaidforithimself,andofferedMerryanothereighteenpenceassomecompensationforthelostanimals.Hewasanhonestman,andwell-offasthingswerereckonedinBree;but
thirtysilverpennieswasasoreblowtohim,andbeingcheatedbyBillFernymadeithardertobear.
Asamatteroffacthecameoutontherightsideintheend.Itturnedoutlaterthatonlyonehorsehadbeenactuallystolen.Theothershadbeendrivenoff,orhadboltedinterror,andwerefoundwanderingindifferentcornersoftheBree-land.
Merry’sponieshadescapedaltogether,andeventually(havingagooddealofsense)theymadetheirwaytotheDownsinsearchofFattyLumpkin.SotheycameunderthecareofTomBombadilforawhile,andwerewell-off.ButwhennewsoftheeventsatBreecametoTom’sears,hesentthemtoMr.Butterbur,whothusgotfivegoodbeastsataveryfair
price.TheyhadtoworkharderinBree,butBobtreatedthemwell;soonthewholetheywerelucky:theymissedadarkanddangerousjourney.ButtheynevercametoRivendell.
However,inthemeanwhileforallMr.Butterburknewhismoneywasgoneforgood,orforbad.Andhehadothertroubles.Fortherewasa
greatcommotionassoonastheremainingguestswereastirandheardnewsoftheraidontheinn.Thesoutherntravellershadlostseveralhorsesandblamedtheinnkeeperloudly,untilitbecameknownthatoneoftheirownnumberhadalsodisappearedinthenight,noneotherthanBillFerny’ssquint-eyedcompanion.Suspicionfellonhimatonce.
‘Ifyoupickupwithahorse-thief,andbringhimtomyhouse,’saidButterburangrily,‘yououghttopayforallthedamageyourselvesandnotcomeshoutingatme.GoandaskFernywhereyourhandsomefriendis!’Butitappearedthathewasnobody’sfriend,andnobodycouldrecollectwhenhehadjoinedtheirparty.
Aftertheirbreakfastthehobbitshadtore-pack,andgettogetherfurthersuppliesforthelongerjourneytheywerenowexpecting.Itwascloseonteno’clockbeforetheyatlastgotoff.BythattimethewholeofBreewasbuzzingwithexcitement.Frodo’svanishingtrick;theappearanceoftheblackhorsemen;therobbingofthestables;andnotleastthenews
thatStridertheRangerhadjoinedthemysterioushobbits,madesuchataleaswouldlastformanyuneventfulyears.MostoftheinhabitantsofBreeandStaddle,andmanyevenfromCombeandArchet,werecrowdedintheroadtoseethetravellersstart.Theotherguestsintheinnwereatthedoorsorhangingoutofthewindows.
Striderhadchangedhis
mind,andhaddecidedtoleaveBreebythemainroad.Anyattempttosetoffacrosscountryatoncewouldonlymakemattersworse:halftheinhabitantswouldfollowthem,toseewhattheywereupto,andtopreventthemfromtrespassing.
TheysaidfarewelltoNobandBob,andtookleaveofMr.Butterburwithmanythanks.‘Ihopeweshallmeet
againsomeday,whenthingsaremerryoncemore,’saidFrodo.‘Ishouldlikenothingbetterthantostayinyourhouseinpeaceforawhile.’
Theytrampedoff,anxiousanddownhearted,undertheeyesofthecrowd.Notallthefaceswerefriendly,norallthewordsthatwereshouted.ButStriderseemedtobeheldinawebymostoftheBree-landers,andthosethathe
staredatshuttheirmouthsanddrewaway.HewalkedinfrontwithFrodo;nextcameMerryandPippin;andlastcameSamleadingthepony,whichwasladenwithasmuchoftheirbaggageastheyhadthehearttogiveit;butalreadyitlookedlessdejected,asifitapprovedofthechangeinitsfortunes.Samwaschewinganapplethoughtfully.Hehadapocket
fullofthem:apartingpresentfromNobandBob.‘Applesforwalking,andapipeforsitting,’hesaid.‘ButIreckonI’llmissthembothbeforelong.’
Thehobbitstooknonoticeoftheinquisitiveheadsthatpeepedoutofdoors,orpoppedoverwallsandfences,astheypassed.Butastheydrewneartothefurthergate,Frodosawadarkill-kept
housebehindathickhedge:thelasthouseinthevillage.Inoneofthewindowshecaughtaglimpseofasallowfacewithsly,slantingeyes;butitvanishedatonce.
‘Sothat’swherethatsouthernerishiding!’hethought.‘Helooksmorethanhalflikeagoblin.’
Overthehedgeanothermanwasstaringboldly.Hehadheavyblackbrows,and
darkscornfuleyes;hislargemouthcurledinasneer.Hewassmokingashortblackpipe.Astheyapproachedhetookitoutofhismouthandspat.
‘Morning,Longshanks!’hesaid.‘Offearly?Foundsomefriendsatlast?’Stridernodded,butdidnotanswer.
‘Morning,mylittlefriends!’hesaidtotheothers.‘Isupposeyouknowwho
you’vetakenupwith?That’sStick-at-naughtStrider,thatis!ThoughI’veheardothernamesnotsopretty.Watchouttonight!Andyou,Sammie,don’tgoill-treatingmypooroldpony!Pah!’Hespatagain.
Samturnedquickly.‘Andyou,Ferny,’hesaid,‘putyouruglyfaceoutofsight,oritwillgethurt.’Withasuddenflick,quickas
lightning,anapplelefthishandandhitBillsquareonthenose.Heduckedtoolate,andcursescamefrombehindthehedge.‘Wasteofagoodapple,’saidSamregretfully,andstrodeon.
Atlasttheyleftthevillagebehind.Theescortofchildrenandstragglersthathadfollowedthemgottired
andturnedbackattheSouth-gate.Passingthrough,theykeptonalongtheRoadforsomemiles.Itbenttotheleft,curvingbackintoitseastwardlineasitroundedthefeetofBree-hill,andthenitbegantorunswiftlydownwardsintowoodedcountry.Totheirlefttheycouldseesomeofthehousesandhobbit-holesofStaddleonthegentlersouth-easternslopesofthehill;
downinadeephollowawaynorthoftheRoadtherewerewispsofrisingsmokethatshowedwhereCombelay;Archetwashiddeninthetreesbeyond.
AftertheRoadhadrundownsomeway,andhadleftBree-hillstandingtallandbrownbehind,theycameonanarrowtrackthatledofftowardstheNorth.‘Thisiswhereweleavetheopenand
taketocover,’saidStrider.‘Nota“shortcut”,Ihope,’
saidPippin.‘Ourlastshortcutthroughwoodsnearlyendedindisaster.’
‘Ah,butyouhadnotgotmewithyouthen,’laughedStrider.‘Mycuts,shortorlong,don’tgowrong.’HetookalookupanddowntheRoad.Noonewasinsight;andheledthewayquicklydowntowardsthewooded
valley.Hisplan,asfarasthey
couldunderstanditwithoutknowingthecountry,wastogotowardsArchetatfirst,buttobearrightandpassitontheeast,andthentosteerasstraightashecouldoverthewildlandstoWeathertopHill.Inthatwaytheywould,ifallwentwell,cutoffagreatloopoftheRoad,whichfurtheronbentsouthwardsto
avoidtheMidgewaterMarshes.But,ofcourse,theywouldhavetopassthroughthemarshesthemselves,andStrider’sdescriptionofthemwasnotencouraging.
However,inthemeanwhile,walkingwasnotunpleasant.
Indeed,ifithadnotbeenforthedisturbingeventsofthenightbefore,theywouldhaveenjoyedthispartofthe
journeybetterthananyuptothattime.Thesunwasshining,clearbutnottoohot.Thewoodsinthevalleywerestillleafyandfullofcolour,andseemedpeacefulandwholesome.Striderguidedthemconfidentlyamongthemanycrossingpaths,althoughlefttothemselvestheywouldsoonhavebeenataloss.Hewastakingawanderingcoursewithmany
turnsanddoublings,toputoffanypursuit.
‘BillFernywillhavewatchedwherewelefttheRoad,forcertain,’hesaid;‘thoughIdon’tthinkhewillfollowushimself.Heknowsthelandroundherewellenough,butheknowsheisnotamatchformeinawood.ItiswhathemaytellothersthatIamafraidof.Idon’tsupposetheyarefaraway.If
theythinkwehavemadeforArchet,somuchthebetter.’
WhetherbecauseofStrider’sskillorforsomeotherreason,theysawnosignandheardnosoundofanyotherlivingthingallthatday:neithertwo-footed,exceptbirds;norfour-footed,exceptonefoxandafewsquirrels.Thenextdaythey
begantosteerasteadycourseeastwards;andstillallwasquietandpeaceful.OnthethirddayoutfromBreetheycameoutoftheChetwood.Thelandhadbeenfallingsteadily,eversincetheyturnedasidefromtheRoad,andtheynowenteredawideflatexpanseofcountry,muchmoredifficulttomanage.TheywerefarbeyondthebordersoftheBree-land,out
inthepathlesswilderness,anddrawingneartotheMidgewaterMarshes.
Thegroundnowbecamedamp,andinplacesboggyandhereandtheretheycameuponpools,andwidestretchesofreedsandrushesfilledwiththewarblingoflittlehiddenbirds.Theyhadtopicktheirwaycarefullytokeepbothdry-footedandontheirpropercourse.Atfirst
theymadefairprogress,butastheywenton,theirpassagebecameslowerandmoredangerous.Themarsheswerebewilderingandtreacherous,andtherewasnopermanenttrailevenforRangerstofindthroughtheirshiftingquagmires.Thefliesbegantotormentthem,andtheairwasfullofcloudsoftinymidgesthatcreptuptheirsleevesandbreechesandintotheirhair.
‘Iambeingeatenalive!’criedPippin.‘Midgewater!Therearemoremidgesthanwater!’
‘Whatdotheyliveonwhentheycan’tgethobbit?’askedSam,scratchinghisneck.
Theyspentamiserabledayinthislonelyandunpleasantcountry.Theircamping-placewasdamp,cold,anduncomfortable;and
thebitinginsectswouldnotletthemsleep.Therewerealsoabominablecreatureshauntingthereedsandtussocksthatfromthesoundofthemwereevilrelativesofthecricket.Therewerethousandsofthem,andtheysqueakedallround,neek-breek,breek-neek,unceasinglyallthenight,untilthehobbitswerenearlyfrantic.
Thenextday,thefourth,waslittlebetter,andthenightalmostascomfortless.ThoughtheNeekerbreekers(asSamcalledthem)hadbeenleftbehind,themidgesstillpursuedthem.
AsFrodolay,tiredbutunabletoclosehiseyes,itseemedtohimthatfarawaytherecamealightintheeasternsky:itflashedandfadedmanytimes.Itwasnot
thedawn,forthatwasstillsomehoursoff.
‘Whatisthelight?’hesaidtoStrider,whohadrisen,andwasstanding,gazingaheadintothenight.
‘Idonotknow,’Strideranswered.‘Itistoodistanttomakeout.Itislikelightningthatleapsupfromthehill-tops.’
Frodolaydownagain,butforalongwhilehecouldstill
seethewhiteflashes,andagainstthemthetalldarkfigureofStrider,standingsilentandwatchful.Atlasthepassedintouneasysleep.
Theyhadnotgonefaronthefifthdaywhentheyleftthelaststragglingpoolsandreed-bedsofthemarshesbehindthem.Thelandbeforethembegansteadilytorise
again.Awayinthedistanceeastwardtheycouldnowseealineofhills.Thehighestofthemwasattherightofthelineandalittleseparatedfromtheothers.Ithadaconicaltop,slightlyflattenedatthesummit.
‘ThatisWeathertop,’saidStrider.‘TheOldRoad,whichwehaveleftfarawayonourright,runstothesouthofitandpassesnotfarfrom
itsfoot.Wemightreachitbynoontomorrow,ifwegostraighttowardsit.Isupposewehadbetterdoso.’
‘Whatdoyoumean?’askedFrodo.
‘Imean:whenwedogetthere,itisnotcertainwhatweshallfind.ItisclosetotheRoad.’
‘ButsurelywewerehopingtofindGandalfthere?’
‘Yes;butthehopeisfaint.Ifhecomesthiswayatall,hemaynotpassthroughBree,andsohemaynotknowwhatwearedoing.Andanyway,unlessbyluckwearrivealmosttogether,weshallmissoneanother;itwillnotbesafeforhimorforustowaittherelong.IftheRidersfailtofindusinthewilderness,theyarelikelytomakeforWeathertopthemselves.It
commandsawideviewallround.Indeed,therearemanybirdsandbeastsinthiscountrythatcouldseeus,aswestandhere,fromthathill-top.Notallthebirdsaretobetrusted,andthereareotherspiesmoreevilthantheyare.’
Thehobbitslookedanxiouslyatthedistanthills.Samlookedupintothepalesky,fearingtoseehawksoreagleshoveringoverthem
withbrightunfriendlyeyes.‘Youdomakemefeeluncomfortableandlonesome,Strider!’hesaid.
‘Whatdoyouadviseustodo?’askedFrodo.
‘Ithink,’answeredStriderslowly,asifhewasnotquitesure,‘Ithinkthebestthingistogoasstraighteastwardfromhereaswecan,tomakeforthelineofhills,notforWeathertop.Therewecan
strikeapathIknowthatrunsattheirfeet;itwillbringustoWeathertopfromthenorthandlessopenly.Thenweshallseewhatweshallsee.’
Allthatdaytheyploddedalong,untilthecoldandearlyeveningcamedown.Thelandbecamedrierandmorebarren;butmistsandvapourslaybehindthemonthe
marshes.Afewmelancholybirdswerepipingandwailing,untiltheroundredsunsankslowlyintothewesternshadows;thenanemptysilencefell.ThehobbitsthoughtofthesoftlightofsunsetglancingthroughthecheerfulwindowsofBagEndfaraway.
Attheday’sendtheycametoastreamthatwandereddownfromthehills
toloseitselfinthestagnantmarshland,andtheywentupalongitsbankswhilethelightlasted.Itwasalreadynightwhenatlasttheyhaltedandmadetheircampundersomestuntedalder-treesbytheshoresofthestream.Aheadthereloomednowagainsttheduskyskythebleakandtreelessbacksofthehills.Thatnighttheysetawatch,andStrider,itseemed,didnot
sleepatall.Themoonwaswaxing,andintheearlynight-hoursacoldgreylightlayontheland.
Nextmorningtheysetoutagainsoonaftersunrise.Therewasafrostintheair,andtheskywasapaleclearblue.Thehobbitsfeltrefreshed,asiftheyhadhadanightofunbrokensleep.Alreadytheyweregettingusedtomuchwalkingon
shortcommons–shorteratanyratethanwhatintheShiretheywouldhavethoughtbarelyenoughtokeepthemontheirlegs.PippindeclaredthatFrodowaslookingtwicethehobbitthathehadbeen.
‘Veryodd,’saidFrodo,tighteninghisbelt,‘consideringthatthereisactuallyagooddeallessofme.Ihopethethinning
processwillnotgoonindefinitely,orIshallbecomeawraith.’
‘Donotspeakofsuchthings!’saidStriderquickly,andwithsurprisingearnestness.
Thehillsdrewnearer.Theymadeanundulatingridge,oftenrisingalmosttoathousandfeet,andhereand
therefallingagaintolowcleftsorpassesleadingintotheeasternlandbeyond.Alongthecrestoftheridgethehobbitscouldseewhatlookedtobetheremainsofgreen-grownwallsanddikes,andinthecleftstherestillstoodtheruinsofoldworksofstone.Bynighttheyhadreachedthefeetofthewestwardslopes,andtheretheycamped.Itwasthenight
ofthefifthofOctober,andtheyweresixdaysoutfromBree.
Inthemorningtheyfound,forthefirsttimesincetheyhadlefttheChetwood,atrackplaintosee.Theyturnedrightandfolloweditsouthwards.Itrancunningly,takingalinethatseemedchosensoastokeepasmuchhiddenaspossiblefromtheview,bothofthehill-topsaboveandof
theflatstothewest.Itdivedintodells,andhuggedsteepbanks;andwhereitpassedoverflatterandmoreopengroundoneithersideofittherewerelinesoflargebouldersandhewnstonesthatscreenedthetravellersalmostlikeahedge.
‘Iwonderwhomadethispath,andwhatfor,’saidMerry,astheywalkedalongoneoftheseavenues,where
thestoneswereunusuallylargeandcloselyset.‘IamnotsurethatIlikeit:ithasa–well,ratherabarrow-wightishlook.IsthereanybarrowonWeathertop?’
‘No.ThereisnobarrowonWeathertop,noronanyofthesehills,’answeredStrider.‘TheMenoftheWestdidnotlivehere;thoughintheirlatterdaystheydefendedthehillsforawhileagainstthe
evilthatcameoutofAngmar.Thispathwasmadetoservethefortsalongthewalls.Butlongbefore,inthefirstdaysoftheNorthKingdom,theybuiltagreatwatch-toweronWeathertop,AmonSûltheycalledit.Itwasburnedandbroken,andnothingremainsofitnowbutatumbledring,likearoughcrownontheoldhill’shead.Yetonceitwastallandfair.Itistoldthat
ElendilstoodtherewatchingforthecomingofGil-galadoutoftheWest,inthedaysoftheLastAlliance.’
ThehobbitsgazedatStrider.Itseemedthathewaslearnedinoldlore,aswellasinthewaysofthewild.‘WhowasGil-galad?’askedMerry;butStriderdidnotanswer,andseemedtobelostinthought.Suddenlyalowvoicemurmured:
Gil-galadwasanElven-king.Ofhimtheharperssadlysing:thelastwhoserealmwasfairandfreebetweentheMountainsandtheSea.
Hisswordwaslong,hislancewaskeen,hisshininghelmafar
wasseen;thecountlessstarsofheaven’sfieldweremirroredinhissilvershield.
Butlongagoherodeaway,andwherehedwellethnonecansay;forintodarknessfellhisstar
inMordorwheretheshadowsare.
Theothersturnedinamazement,forthevoicewasSam’s.
‘Don’tstop!’saidMerry.‘That’sallIknow,’
stammeredSam,blushing.‘IlearneditfromMr.BilbowhenIwasalad.Heusedtotellmetaleslikethat,knowinghowIwasalways
oneforhearingaboutElves.ItwasMr.Bilboastaughtmemyletters.Hewasmightybook-learnedwasdearoldMr.Bilbo.Andhewrotepoetry.HewrotewhatIhavejustsaid.’
‘Hedidnotmakeitup,’saidStrider.‘ItispartofthelaythatiscalledTheFallofGil-galad,whichisinanancienttongue.Bilbomusthavetranslatedit.Inever
knewthat.’‘Therewasalotmore,’
saidSam,‘allaboutMordor.Ididn’tlearnthatpart,itgavemetheshivers.IneverthoughtIshouldbegoingthatwaymyself!’
‘GoingtoMordor!’criedPippin.‘Ihopeitwon’tcometothat!’
‘Donotspeakthatnamesoloudly!’saidStrider.
Itwasalreadymid-daywhentheydrewnearthesouthernendofthepath,andsawbeforethem,inthepaleclearlightoftheOctobersun,agrey-greenbank,leadinguplikeabridgeontothenorthwardslopeofthehill.Theydecidedtomakeforthetopatonce,whilethedaylightwasbroad.Concealmentwasnolongerpossible,andtheycouldonly
hopethatnoenemyorspywasobservingthem.Nothingwastobeseenmovingonthehill.IfGandalfwasanywhereabout,therewasnosignofhim.
OnthewesternflankofWeathertoptheyfoundashelteredhollow,atthebottomofwhichtherewasabowl-shapeddellwithgrassysides.TheretheyleftSamandPippinwiththeponyand
theirpacksandluggage.Theotherthreewenton.Afterhalfanhour’sploddingclimbStriderreachedthecrownofthehill;FrodoandMerryfollowed,tiredandbreathless.Thelastslopehadbeensteepandrocky.
Onthetoptheyfound,asStriderhadsaid,awideringofancientstone-work,nowcrumblingorcoveredwithage-longgrass.Butinthe
centreacairnofbrokenstoneshadbeenpiled.Theywereblackenedasifwithfire.Aboutthemtheturfwasburnedtotherootsandallwithintheringthegrasswasscorchedandshrivelled,asifflameshadsweptthehilltop;buttherewasnosignofanylivingthing.
Standingupontherimoftheruinedcircle,theysawallroundbelowthemawide
prospect,forthemostpartoflandsemptyandfeatureless,exceptforpatchesofwoodlandawaytothesouth,beyondwhichtheycaughthereandtheretheglintofdistantwater.BeneaththemonthissouthernsidethereranlikearibbontheOldRoad,comingoutoftheWestandwindingupanddown,untilitfadedbehindaridgeofdarklandtotheeast.Nothingwas
movingonit.FollowingitslineeastwardwiththeireyestheysawtheMountains:thenearerfoothillswerebrownandsombre;behindthemstoodtallershapesofgrey,andbehindthoseagainwerehighwhitepeaksglimmeringamongtheclouds.
‘Well,hereweare!’saidMerry.‘Andverycheerlessanduninvitingitlooks!Thereisnowaterandnoshelter.
AndnosignofGandalf.ButIdon’tblamehimfornotwaiting–ifheevercamehere.’
‘Iwonder,’saidStrider,lookingroundthoughtfully.‘EvenifhewasadayortwobehindusatBree,hecouldhavearrivedherefirst.Hecanrideveryswiftlywhenneedpresses.’Suddenlyhestoopedandlookedatthestoneonthetopofthecairn;
itwasflatterthantheothers,andwhiter,asifithadescapedthefire.Hepickeditupandexaminedit,turningitinhisfingers.‘Thishasbeenhandledrecently,’hesaid.‘Whatdoyouthinkofthesemarks?’
Ontheflatunder-sideFrodosawsomescratches:
‘Thereseemstobeastroke,adot,andthreemorestrokes,’hesaid.
‘ThestrokeontheleftmightbeaG-runewiththinbranches,’saidStrider.‘ItmightbeasignleftbyGandalf,thoughonecannotbesure.Thescratchesarefine,andtheycertainlylookfresh.Butthemarksmightmeansomethingquitedifferent,andhavenothingtodowithus.Rangersuserunes,andtheycomeheresometimes.’
‘Whatcouldtheymean,evenifGandalfmadethem?’askedMerry.
‘Ishouldsay,’answeredStrider,‘thattheystoodforG3,andwereasignthatGandalfwashereonOctoberthethird:thatisthreedaysagonow.Itwouldalsoshowthathewasinahurryanddangerwasathand,sothathehadnotimeordidnotdaretowriteanythinglongeror
plainer.Ifthatisso,wemustbewary.’
‘Iwishwecouldfeelsurethathemadethemarks,whatevertheymaymean,’saidFrodo.‘Itwouldbeagreatcomforttoknowthathewasontheway,infrontofusorbehindus.’
‘Perhaps,’saidStrider.‘Formyself,Ibelievethathewashere,andwasindanger.Therehavebeenscorching
flameshere;andnowthelightthatwesawthreenightsagointheeasternskycomesbacktomymind.Iguessthathewasattackedonthishill-top,butwithwhatresultIcannottell.Heisherenolonger,andwemustnowlookafterourselvesandmakeourownwaytoRivendell,asbestwecan.’
‘HowfarisRivendell?’askedMerry,gazinground
wearily.TheworldlookedwildandwidefromWeathertop.
‘Idon’tknowiftheRoadhaseverbeenmeasuredinmilesbeyondtheForsakenInn,aday’sjourneyeastofBree,’answeredStrider.‘Somesayitissofar,andsomesayotherwise.Itisastrangeroad,andfolkaregladtoreachtheirjourney’send,whetherthetimeislong
orshort.ButIknowhowlongitwouldtakemeonmyownfeet,withfairweatherandnoillfortune:twelvedaysfromheretotheFordofBruinen,wheretheRoadcrossestheLoudwaterthatrunsoutofRivendell.Wehaveatleastafortnight’sjourneybeforeus,forIdonotthinkweshallbeabletousetheRoad.’
‘Afortnight!’saidFrodo.‘Alotmayhappeninthat
time.’‘Itmay,’saidStrider.Theystoodforawhile
silentonthehill-top,nearitssouthwardedge.InthatlonelyplaceFrodoforthefirsttimefullyrealizedhishomelessnessanddanger.HewishedbitterlythathisfortunehadlefthiminthequietandbelovedShire.HestareddownatthehatefulRoad,leadingbackwestward
–tohishome.Suddenlyhewasawarethattwoblackspecksweremovingslowlyalongit,goingwestward;andlookingagainhesawthatthreeotherswerecreepingeastwardtomeetthem.HegaveacryandclutchedStrider’sarm.
‘Look,’hesaid,pointingdownwards.
AtonceStriderflunghimselfonthegroundbehind
theruinedcircle,pullingFrododownbesidehim.Merrythrewhimselfalongside.
‘Whatisit?’hewhispered.
‘Idonotknow,butIfeartheworst,’answeredStrider.Slowlytheycrawleduptotheedgeoftheringagain,andpeeredthroughacleftbetweentwojaggedstones.Thelightwasnolonger
bright,fortheclearmorninghadfaded,andcloudscreepingoutoftheEasthadnowovertakenthesun,asitbegantogodown.Theycouldallseetheblackspecks,butneitherFrodonorMerrycouldmakeouttheirshapesforcertain;yetsomethingtoldthemthatthere,farbelow,wereBlackRidersassemblingontheRoadbeyondthefootofthehill.
‘Yes,’saidStrider,whosekeenersightlefthiminnodoubt.‘Theenemyishere!’
Hastilytheycreptawayandslippeddownthenorthsideofthehilltofindtheircompanions.
SamandPeregrinhadnotbeenidle.Theyhadexploredthesmalldellandthesurroundingslopes.Notfar
awaytheyfoundaspringofclearwaterinthehillside,andnearitfootprintsnotmorethanadayortwoold.Inthedellitselftheyfoundrecenttracesofafire,andothersignsofahastycamp.Thereweresomefallenrocksontheedgeofthedellnearesttothehill.BehindthemSamcameuponasmallstoreoffirewoodneatlystacked.
‘IwonderifoldGandalf
hasbeenhere,’hesaidtoPippin.‘Whoeveritwasputthisstuffheremeanttocomebackitseems.’
Striderwasgreatlyinterestedinthesediscoveries.‘IwishIhadwaitedandexploredthegrounddownheremyself,’hesaid,hurryingofftothespringtoexaminethefootprints.
‘ItisjustasIfeared,’he
said,whenhecameback.‘SamandPippinhavetrampledthesoftground,andthemarksarespoiltorconfused.Rangershavebeenherelately.Itistheywholeftthefirewoodbehind.ButtherearealsoseveralnewertracksthatwerenotmadebyRangers.Atleastonesetwasmade,onlyadayortwoago,byheavyboots.Atleastone.Icannotnowbecertain,butI
thinkthereweremanybootedfeet.’Hepausedandstoodinanxiousthought.
EachofthehobbitssawinhismindavisionofthecloakedandbootedRiders.Ifthehorsemenhadalreadyfoundthedell,thesoonerStriderledthemsomewhereelsethebetter.Samviewedthehollowwithgreatdislike,nowthathehadheardnewsoftheirenemiesontheRoad,
onlyafewmilesaway.‘Hadn’twebetterclear
outquick,Mr.Strider?’heaskedimpatiently.‘Itisgettinglate,andIdon’tlikethishole:itmakesmyheartsinksomehow.’
‘Yes,wecertainlymustdecidewhattodoatonce,’answeredStrider,lookingupandconsideringthetimeandtheweather.‘Well,Sam,’hesaidatlast,‘Idonotlikethis
placeeither;butIcannotthinkofanywherebetterthatwecouldreachbeforenightfall.Atleastweareoutofsightforthemoment,andifwemovedweshouldbemuchmorelikelytobeseenbyspies.Allwecoulddowouldbetogorightoutofourwaybacknorthonthissideofthelineofhills,wherethelandisallmuchthesameasitishere.TheRoadis
watched,butweshouldhavetocrossit,ifwetriedtotakecoverinthethicketsawaytothesouth.OnthenorthsideoftheRoadbeyondthehillsthecountryisbareandflatformiles.’
‘CantheRiderssee?’askedMerry.‘Imean,theyseemusuallytohaveusedtheirnosesratherthantheireyes,smellingforus,ifsmellingistherightword,at
leastinthedaylight.Butyoumadeusliedownflatwhenyousawthemdownbelow;andnowyoutalkofbeingseen,ifwemove.’
‘Iwastoocarelessonthehill-top,’answeredStrider.‘IwasveryanxioustofindsomesignofGandalf;butitwasamistakeforthreeofustogoupandstandtheresolong.Fortheblackhorsescansee,andtheRiderscanuse
menandothercreaturesasspies,aswefoundatBree.Theythemselvesdonotseetheworldoflightaswedo,butourshapescastshadowsintheirminds,whichonlythenoonsundestroys;andinthedarktheyperceivemanysignsandformsthatarehiddenfromus:thentheyaremosttobefeared.Andatalltimestheysmellthebloodoflivingthings,desiringand
hatingit.Senses,too,thereareotherthansightorsmell.Wecanfeeltheirpresence–ittroubledourhearts,assoonaswecamehere,andbeforewesawthem;theyfeeloursmorekeenly.Also,’headded,andhisvoicesanktoawhisper,‘theRingdrawsthem.’
‘Istherenoescapethen?’saidFrodo,lookingroundwildly.‘IfImoveIshallbe
seenandhunted!IfIstay,Ishalldrawthemtome!’
Striderlaidhishandonhisshoulder.‘Thereisstillhope,’hesaid.‘Youarenotalone.Letustakethiswoodthatissetreadyforthefireasasign.Thereislittleshelterordefencehere,butfireshallserveforboth.Sauroncanputfiretohiseviluses,ashecanallthings,buttheseRidersdonotloveit,andfearthose
whowieldit.Fireisourfriendinthewilderness.’
‘Maybe,’mutteredSam.‘Itisalsoasgoodawayofsaying“hereweare”asIcanthinkof,barshouting.’
Downinthelowestandmostshelteredcornerofthedelltheylitafire,andpreparedameal.Theshadesofeveningbegantofall,and
itgrewcold.Theyweresuddenlyawareofgreathunger,fortheyhadnoteatenanythingsincebreakfast;buttheydarednotmakemorethanafrugalsupper.Thelandsaheadwereemptyofallsavebirdsandbeasts,unfriendlyplacesdesertedbyalltheracesoftheworld.
Rangerspassedattimesbeyondthehills,buttheywerefewanddidnotstay.
Otherwandererswererare,andofevilsort:trollsmightstraydownattimesoutofthenorthernvalleysoftheMistyMountains.OnlyontheRoadwouldtravellersbefound,mostoftendwarves,hurryingalongonbusinessoftheirown,andwithnohelpandfewwordstospareforstrangers.
‘Idon’tseehowourfoodcanbemadetolast,’said
Frodo.‘Wehavebeencarefulenoughinthelastfewdays,andthissupperisnofeast;butwehaveusedmorethanweought,ifwehavetwoweeksstilltogo,andperhapsmore.’
‘Thereisfoodinthewild,’saidStrider;‘berry,root,andherb;andIhavesomeskillasahunteratneed.Youneednotbeafraidofstarvingbeforewintercomes.
Butgatheringandcatchingfoodislongandwearywork,andweneedhaste.Sotightenyourbelts,andthinkwithhopeofthetablesofElrond’shouse!’
Thecoldincreasedasdarknesscameon.Peeringoutfromtheedgeofthedelltheycouldseenothingbutagreylandnowvanishingquicklyintoshadow.Theskyabovehadclearedagainand
wasslowlyfilledwithtwinklingstars.Frodoandhiscompanionshuddledroundthefire,wrappedineverygarmentandblankettheypossessed;butStriderwascontentwithasinglecloak,andsatalittleapart,drawingthoughtfullyathispipe.
Asnightfellandthelightofthefirebegantoshineoutbrightlyhebegantotellthemtalestokeeptheirmindsfrom
fear.Heknewmanyhistoriesandlegendsoflongago,ofElvesandMenandthegoodandevildeedsoftheElderDays.Theywonderedhowoldhewas,andwherehehadlearnedallthislore.
‘TellusofGil-galad,’saidMerrysuddenly,whenhepausedattheendofastoryoftheElf-kingdoms.‘Doyouknowanymoreofthatoldlaythatyouspokeof?’
‘Idoindeed,’answeredStrider.‘SoalsodoesFrodo,foritconcernsusclosely.’MerryandPippinlookedatFrodo,whowasstaringintothefire.
‘IknowonlythelittlethatGandalfhastoldme,’saidFrodoslowly.‘Gil-galadwasthelastofthegreatElf-kingsofMiddle-earth.Gil-galadisStarlightintheirtongue.WithElendil,theElf-friend,he
wenttothelandof——’‘No!’saidStrider
interrupting,‘IdonotthinkthattaleshouldbetoldnowwiththeservantsoftheEnemyathand.IfwewinthroughtothehouseofElrond,youmayhearitthere,toldinfull.’
‘Thentellussomeothertaleoftheolddays,’beggedSam;‘ataleabouttheElvesbeforethefadingtime.I
woulddearlyliketohearmoreaboutElves;thedarkseemstopressroundsoclose.’
‘IwilltellyouthetaleofTinúviel,’saidStrider,‘inbrief–foritisalongtaleofwhichtheendisnotknown;andtherearenonenow,exceptElrond,thatrememberitarightasitwastoldofold.Itisafairtale,thoughitissad,asareallthetalesof
Middle-earth,andyetitmayliftupyourhearts.’Hewassilentforsometime,andthenhebegannottospeakbuttochantsoftly:
Theleaveswerelong,thegrasswasgreen,Thehemlock-umbelstallandfair,
Andinthegladea
lightwasseenOfstarsinshadowshimmering.
TinúvielwasdancingthereTomusicofapipeunseen,
Andlightofstarswasinherhair,Andinherraimentglimmering.
ThereBerencame
frommountainscold,Andlosthewanderedunderleaves,
AndwheretheElven-riverrolledHewalkedaloneandsorrowing.
Hepeeredbetweenthehemlock-leavesAndsawinwonderflowersofgold
Uponhermantleandhersleeves,Andherhairlikeshadowfollowing.
EnchantmenthealedhiswearyfeetThatoverhillsweredoomedtoroam;
Andforthhehastened,strong
andfleet,Andgraspedatmoonbeamsglistening.
ThroughwovenwoodsinElvenhomeShelightlyfledondancingfeet,
AndlefthimlonelystilltoroamInthesilentforestlistening.
HeheardthereofttheflyingsoundOffeetaslightaslinden-leaves,
Ormusicwellingunderground,Inhiddenhollowsquavering.
Nowwitheredlaythehemlock-sheaves,Andonebyonewithsighingsound
WhisperingfellthebeechenleavesInthewintrywoodlandwavering.
Hesoughtherever,wanderingfarWhereleavesofyearswerethicklystrewn,
Bylightofmoonandrayofstar
Infrostyheavensshivering.
Hermantleglintedinthemoon,Asonahill-tophighandfar
Shedanced,andatherfeetwasstrewnAmistofsilverquivering.
Whenwinterpassed,shecameagain,
Andhersongreleasedthesuddenspring,
Likerisinglark,andfallingrain,Andmeltingwaterbubbling.
Hesawtheelven-flowersspringAboutherfeet,andhealedagain
Helongedbyhertodanceandsing
Uponthegrassuntroubling.
Againshefled,butswifthecame.Tinúviel!Tinúviel!
HecalledherbyherElvishname;Andthereshehaltedlistening.
Onemomentstoodshe,andaspellHisvoicelaidon
her:Berencame,AnddoomfellonTinúvielThatinhisarmslayglistening.
AsBerenlookedintohereyesWithintheshadowsofherhair,
Thetremblingstarlightoftheskies
Hesawtheremirroredshimmering.
Tinúvieltheelven-fair,Immortalmaidenelven-wise,
AbouthimcasthershadowyhairAndarmslikesilverglimmering.
Longwasthewaythatfatethembore,O’erstonymountainscoldandgrey,
Throughhallsofironanddarklingdoor,Andwoodsofnightshademorrowless.
TheSunderingSeasbetweenthemlay,Andyetatlastthey
metoncemore,AndlongagotheypassedawayIntheforestsingingsorrowless.
Stridersighedandpausedbeforehespokeagain.‘Thatisasong,’hesaid,‘inthemodethatiscalledann-thennathamongtheElves,butishardtorenderinour
CommonSpeech,andthisisbutaroughechoofit.IttellsofthemeetingofBerensonofBarahirandLúthienTinúviel.Berenwasamortalman,butLúthienwasthedaughterofThingol,aKingofElvesuponMiddle-earthwhentheworldwasyoung;andshewasthefairestmaidenthathaseverbeenamongallthechildrenofthisworld.Asthestarsabovethe
mistsoftheNorthernlandswasherloveliness,andinherfacewasashininglight.InthosedaystheGreatEnemy,ofwhomSauronofMordorwasbutaservant,dweltinAngbandintheNorth,andtheElvesoftheWestcomingbacktoMiddle-earthmadewaruponhimtoregaintheSilmarilswhichhehadstolen;andthefathersofMenaidedtheElves.Butthe
EnemywasvictoriousandBarahirwasslain,andBerenescapingthroughgreatperilcameovertheMountainsofTerrorintothehiddenKingdomofThingolintheforestofNeldoreth.TherehebeheldLúthiensinginganddancinginagladebesidetheenchantedriverEsgalduin;andhenamedherTinúviel,thatisNightingaleinthelanguageofold.Many
sorrowsbefellthemafterwards,andtheywerepartedlong.TinúvielrescuedBerenfromthedungeonsofSauron,andtogethertheypassedthroughgreatdangers,andcastdowneventheGreatEnemyfromhisthrone,andtookfromhisironcrownoneofthethreeSilmarils,brightestofalljewels,tobethebride-priceofLúthientoThingolherfather.Yetatthe
lastBerenwasslainbytheWolfthatcamefromthegatesofAngband,andhediedinthearmsofTinúviel.Butshechosemortality,andtodiefromtheworld,sothatshemightfollowhim;anditissungthattheymetagainbeyondtheSunderingSeas,andafterabrieftimewalkingaliveoncemoreinthegreenwoods,togethertheypassed,longago,beyondtheconfines
ofthisworld.SoitisthatLúthienTinúvielaloneoftheElf-kindredhasdiedindeedandlefttheworld,andtheyhavelostherwhomtheymostloved.ButfromherthelineageoftheElf-lordsofolddescendedamongMen.TherelivestillthoseofwhomLúthienwastheforemother,anditissaidthatherlineshallneverfail.ElrondofRivendellisofthatKin.For
ofBerenandLúthienwasbornDiorThingol’sheir;andofhimElwingtheWhitewhomEärendilwedded,hethatsailedhisshipoutofthemistsoftheworldintotheseasofheavenwiththeSilmariluponhisbrow.AndofEärendilcametheKingsofNúmenor,thatisWesternesse.’
AsStriderwasspeakingtheywatchedhisstrange
eagerface,dimlylitintheredglowofthewood-fire.Hiseyesshone,andhisvoicewasrichanddeep.Abovehimwasablackstarrysky.SuddenlyapalelightappearedoverthecrownofWeathertopbehindhim.Thewaxingmoonwasclimbingslowlyabovethehillthatovershadowedthem,andthestarsabovethehill-topfaded.
Thestoryended.The
hobbitsmovedandstretched.‘Look!’saidMerry.‘TheMoonisrising:itmustbegettinglate.’
Theotherslookedup.Evenastheydidso,theysawonthetopofthehillsomethingsmallanddarkagainsttheglimmerofthemoonrise.Itwasperhapsonlyalargestoneorjuttingrockshownupbythepalelight.
SamandMerrygotupand
walkedawayfromthefire.FrodoandPippinremainedseatedinsilence.Striderwaswatchingthemoonlightonthehillintently.Allseemedquietandstill,butFrodofeltacolddreadcreepingoverhisheart,nowthatStriderwasnolongerspeaking.Hehuddledclosertothefire.AtthatmomentSamcamerunningbackfromtheedgeofthedell.
‘Idon’tknowwhatitis,’hesaid,‘butIsuddenlyfeltafraid.Idurstn’tgooutsidethisdellforanymoney;Ifeltthatsomethingwascreepinguptheslope.’
‘Didyouseeanything?’askedFrodo,springingtohisfeet.
‘No,sir.Isawnothing,butIdidn’tstoptolook.’
‘Isawsomething,’saidMerry;‘orIthoughtIdid–
awaywestwardswherethemoonlightwasfallingontheflatsbeyondtheshadowofthehill-tops,Ithoughtthereweretwoorthreeblackshapes.Theyseemedtobemovingthisway.’
‘Keepclosetothefire,withyourfacesoutward!’criedStrider.‘Getsomeofthelongersticksreadyinyourhands!’
Forabreathlesstimethey
satthere,silentandalert,withtheirbacksturnedtothewood-fire,eachgazingintotheshadowsthatencircledthem.Nothinghappened.Therewasnosoundormovementinthenight.Frodostirred,feelingthathemustbreakthesilence:helongedtoshoutoutaloud.
‘Hush!’whisperedStrider.‘What’sthat?’gaspedPippinatthesamemoment.
Overthelipofthelittledell,onthesideawayfromthehill,theyfelt,ratherthansaw,ashadowrise,oneshadowormorethanone.Theystrainedtheireyes,andtheshadowsseemedtogrow.Soontherecouldbenodoubt:threeorfourtallblackfigureswerestandingthereontheslope,lookingdownonthem.Soblackweretheythattheyseemedlikeblackholesinthe
deepshadebehindthem.Frodothoughtthatheheardafainthissasofvenomousbreathandfeltathinpiercingchill.Thentheshapesslowlyadvanced.
TerrorovercamePippinandMerry,andtheythrewthemselvesflatontheground.SamshranktoFrodo’sside.Frodowashardlylessterrifiedthanhiscompanions;hewasquakingasifhewas
bittercold,buthisterrorwasswallowedupinasuddentemptationtoputontheRing.Thedesiretodothislaidholdofhim,andhecouldthinkofnothingelse.HedidnotforgettheBarrow,northemessageofGandalf;butsomethingseemedtobecompellinghimtodisregardallwarnings,andhelongedtoyield.Notwiththehopeofescape,orofdoinganything,
eithergoodorbad:hesimplyfeltthathemusttaketheRingandputitonhisfinger.Hecouldnotspeak.HefeltSamlookingathim,asifheknewthathismasterwasinsomegreattrouble,buthecouldnotturntowardshim.Heshuthiseyesandstruggledforawhile;butresistancebecameunbearable,andatlastheslowlydrewoutthechain,andslippedtheRingonthe
forefingerofhislefthand.Immediately,though
everythingelseremainedasbefore,dimanddark,theshapesbecameterriblyclear.Hewasabletoseebeneaththeirblackwrappings.Therewerefivetallfigures:twostandingonthelipofthedell,threeadvancing.Intheirwhitefacesburnedkeenandmercilesseyes;undertheirmantleswerelonggreyrobes;
upontheirgreyhairswerehelmsofsilver;intheirhaggardhandswereswordsofsteel.Theireyesfellonhimandpiercedhim,astheyrushedtowardshim.Desperate,hedrewhisownsword,anditseemedtohimthatitflickeredred,asifitwasafirebrand.Twoofthefigureshalted.Thethirdwastallerthantheothers:hishairwaslongandgleamingand
onhishelmwasacrown.Inonehandheheldalongsword,andintheotheraknife;boththeknifeandthehandthathelditglowedwithapalelight.HesprangforwardandboredownonFrodo.
AtthatmomentFrodothrewhimselfforwardontheground,andheheardhimselfcryingaloud:OElbereth!Gilthoniel!Atthesametime
hestruckatthefeetofhisenemy.Ashrillcryrangoutinthenight;andhefeltapainlikeadartofpoisonedicepiercehisleftshoulder.Evenasheswoonedhecaught,asthroughaswirlingmist,aglimpseofStriderleapingoutofthedarknesswithaflamingbrandofwoodineitherhand.WithalasteffortFrodo,droppinghissword,slippedtheRingfromhis
fingerandclosedhisrighthandtightuponit.
Chapter12
FLIGHTTOTHEFORD
WhenFrodocametohimselfhewasstillclutchingtheRingdesperately.Hewaslyingbythefire,whichwas
nowpiledhighandburningbrightly.Histhreecompanionswerebendingoverhim.
‘Whathashappened?Whereisthepaleking?’heaskedwildly.
Theyweretoooverjoyedtohearhimspeaktoanswerforawhile;nordidtheyunderstandhisquestion.AtlengthhegatheredfromSamthattheyhadseennothingbut
thevagueshadowyshapescomingtowardsthem.SuddenlytohishorrorSamfoundthathismasterhadvanished;andatthatmomentablackshadowrushedpasthim,andhefell.HeheardFrodo’svoice,butitseemedtocomefromagreatdistance,orfromundertheearth,cryingoutstrangewords.Theysawnothingmore,untiltheystumbled
overthebodyofFrodo,lyingasifdead,facedownwardsonthegrasswithhisswordbeneathhim.Striderorderedthemtopickhimupandlayhimnearthefire,andthenhedisappeared.Thatwasnowagoodwhileago.
SamplainlywasbeginningtohavedoubtsagainaboutStrider;butwhiletheyweretalkinghereturned,appearingsuddenlyoutofthe
shadows.Theystarted,andSamdrewhisswordandstoodoverFrodo;butStriderkneltdownswiftlyathisside.
‘IamnotaBlackRider,Sam,’hesaidgently,‘norinleaguewiththem.Ihavebeentryingtodiscoversomethingoftheirmovements;butIhavefoundnothing.Icannotthinkwhytheyhavegoneanddonotattackagain.Butthereisnofeelingoftheirpresence
anywhereathand.’Whenheheardwhat
Frodohadtotell,hebecamefullofconcern,andshookhisheadandsighed.ThenheorderedPippinandMerrytoheatasmuchwaterastheycouldintheirsmallkettles,andtobathethewoundwithit.‘Keepthefiregoingwell,andkeepFrodowarm!’hesaid.Thenhegotupandwalkedaway,andcalledSam
tohim.‘IthinkIunderstandthingsbetternow,’hesaidinalowvoice.‘Thereseemonlytohavebeenfiveoftheenemy.Whytheywerenotallhere,Idon’tknow;butIdon’tthinktheyexpectedtoberesisted.Theyhavedrawnoffforthetimebeing.Butnotfar,Ifear.Theywillcomeagainanothernight,ifwecannotescape.Theyareonlywaiting,becausetheythink
thattheirpurposeisalmostaccomplished,andthattheRingcannotflymuchfurther.Ifear,Sam,thattheybelieveyourmasterhasadeadlywoundthatwillsubduehimtotheirwill.Weshallsee!’
Samchokedwithtears.‘Don’tdespair!’saidStrider.‘Youmusttrustmenow.YourFrodoismadeofsternerstuffthanIhadguessed,thoughGandalfhintedthatit
mightproveso.Heisnotslain,andIthinkhewillresisttheevilpowerofthewoundlongerthanhisenemiesexpect.IwilldoallIcantohelpandhealhim.Guardhimwell,whileIamaway!’Hehurriedoffanddisappearedagainintothedarkness.
Frododozed,thoughthepainofhiswoundwasslowly
growing,andadeadlychillwasspreadingfromhisshouldertohisarmandside.Hisfriendswatchedoverhim,warminghim,andbathinghiswound.Thenightpassedslowlyandwearily.Dawnwasgrowinginthesky,andthedellwasfillingwithgreylight,whenStrideratlastreturned.
‘Look!’hecried;andstoopingheliftedfromthe
groundablackcloakthathadlaintherehiddenbythedarkness.Afootabovethelowerhemtherewasaslash.‘ThiswasthestrokeofFrodo’ssword,’hesaid.‘Theonlyhurtthatitdidtohisenemy,Ifear;foritisunharmed,butallbladesperishthatpiercethatdreadfulKing.MoredeadlytohimwasthenameofElbereth.’
‘AndmoredeadlytoFrodowasthis!’Hestoopedagainandliftedupalongthinknife.Therewasacoldgleaminit.AsStriderraisedittheysawthatneartheenditsedgewasnotchedandthepointwasbrokenoff.Butevenashehelditupinthegrowinglight,theygazedinastonishment,forthebladeseemedtomelt,andvanishedlikeasmokeintheair,
leavingonlythehiltinStrider’shand.‘Alas!’hecried.‘Itwasthisaccursedknifethatgavethewound.Fewnowhavetheskillinhealingtomatchsuchevilweapons.ButIwilldowhatIcan.’
Hesatdownontheground,andtakingthedagger-hiltlaiditonhisknees,andhesangoveritaslowsonginastrange
tongue.Thensettingitaside,heturnedtoFrodoandinasofttonespokewordstheotherscouldnotcatch.Fromthepouchathisbelthedrewoutthelongleavesofaplant.
‘Theseleaves,’hesaid,‘Ihavewalkedfartofind;forthisplantdoesnotgrowinthebarehills;butinthethicketsawaysouthoftheRoadIfounditinthedarkbythescentofitsleaves.’He
crushedaleafinhisfingers,anditgaveoutasweetandpungentfragrance.‘ItisfortunatethatIcouldfindit,foritisahealingplantthattheMenoftheWestbroughttoMiddle-earth.Athelastheynamedit,anditgrowsnowsparselyandonlynearplaceswheretheydweltorcampedofold;anditisnotknownintheNorth,excepttosomeofthosewhowanderinthe
Wild.Ithasgreatvirtues,butoversuchawoundasthisitshealingpowersmaybesmall.’
HethrewtheleavesintoboilingwaterandbathedFrodo’sshoulder.Thefragranceofthesteamwasrefreshing,andthosethatwereunhurtfelttheirmindscalmedandcleared.Theherbhadalsosomepoweroverthewound,forFrodofeltthepain
andalsothesenseoffrozencoldlesseninhisside;butthelifedidnotreturntohisarm,andhecouldnotraiseorusehishand.Hebitterlyregrettedhisfoolishness,andreproachedhimselfforweaknessofwill;forhenowperceivedthatinputtingontheRingheobeyednothisowndesirebutthecommandingwishofhisenemies.Hewonderedifhe
wouldremainmaimedforlife,andhowtheywouldnowmanagetocontinuetheirjourney.Hefelttooweaktostand.
Theotherswerediscussingthisveryquestion.TheyquicklydecidedtoleaveWeathertopassoonaspossible.‘Ithinknow,’saidStrider,‘thattheenemyhasbeenwatchingthisplaceforsomedays.IfGandalfever
camehere,thenhemusthavebeenforcedtorideaway,andhewillnotreturn.Inanycaseweareingreatperilhereafterdark,sincetheattackoflastnight,andwecanhardlymeetgreaterdangerwhereverwego.’
Assoonasthedaylightwasfull,theyhadsomehurriedfoodandpacked.ItwasimpossibleforFrodotowalk,sotheydividedthe
greaterpartoftheirbaggageamongthefourofthem,andputFrodoonthepony.Inthelastfewdaysthepoorbeasthadimprovedwonderfully;italreadyseemedfatterandstronger,andhadbeguntoshowanaffectionforitsnewmasters,especiallyforSam.BillFerny’streatmentmusthavebeenveryhardforthejourneyinthewildtoseemsomuchbetterthanitsformer
life.Theystartedoffina
southerlydirection.ThiswouldmeancrossingtheRoad,butitwasthequickestwaytomorewoodedcountry.Andtheyneededfuel;forStridersaidthatFrodomustbekeptwarm,especiallyatnight,whilefirewouldbesomeprotectionforthemall.Itwasalsohisplantoshortentheirjourneybycutting
acrossanothergreatloopoftheRoad:eastbeyondWeathertopitchangeditscourseandtookawidebendnorthwards.
Theymadetheirwayslowlyandcautiouslyroundthesouth-westernslopesofthehill,andcameinalittlewhiletotheedgeoftheRoad.Therewasnosignofthe
Riders.Butevenastheywerehurryingacrosstheyheardfarawaytwocries:acoldvoicecallingandacoldvoiceanswering.Tremblingtheysprangforward,andmadeforthethicketsthatlayahead.Thelandbeforethemslopedawaysouthwards,butitwaswildandpathless;bushesandstuntedtreesgrewindensepatcheswithwidebarrenspacesinbetween.Thegrass
wasscanty,coarse,andgrey;andtheleavesinthethicketswerefadedandfalling.Itwasacheerlessland,andtheirjourneywasslowandgloomy.Theyspokelittleastheytrudgedalong.Frodo’sheartwasgrievedashewatchedthemwalkingbesidehimwiththeirheadsdown,andtheirbacksbowedundertheirburdens.EvenStriderseemedtiredandheavy-
hearted.Beforethefirstday’s
marchwasoverFrodo’spainbegantogrowagain,buthedidnotspeakofitforalongtime.Fourdayspassed,withoutthegroundorthescenechangingmuch,exceptthatbehindthemWeathertopslowlysank,andbeforethemthedistantmountainsloomedalittlenearer.Yetsincethatfarcrytheyhadseenand
heardnosignthattheenemyhadmarkedtheirflightorfollowedthem.Theydreadedthedarkhours,andkeptwatchinpairsbynight,expectingatanytimetoseeblackshapesstalkinginthegreynight,dimlylitbythecloud-veiledmoon;buttheysawnothing,andheardnosoundbutthesighofwitheredleavesandgrass.Notoncedidtheyfeelthe
senseofpresentevilthathadassailedthembeforetheattackinthedell.ItseemedtoomuchtohopethattheRidershadalreadylosttheirtrailagain.Perhapstheywerewaitingtomakesomeambushinanarrowplace?
Attheendofthefifthdaythegroundbeganoncemoretoriseslowlyoutofthewideshallowvalleyintowhichtheyhaddescended.Strider
nowturnedtheircourseagainnorth-eastwards,andonthesixthdaytheyreachedthetopofalongslow-climbingslope,andsawfaraheadahuddleofwoodedhills.AwaybelowthemtheycouldseetheRoadsweepingroundthefeetofthehills;andtotheirrightagreyrivergleamedpaleinthethinsunshine.Inthedistancetheyglimpsedyetanotherriverinastony
valleyhalf-veiledinmist.‘Iamafraidwemustgo
backtotheRoadhereforawhile,’saidStrider.‘WehavenowcometotheRiverHoarwell,thattheElvescallMitheithel.ItflowsdownoutoftheEttenmoors,thetroll-fellsnorthofRivendell,andjoinstheLoudwaterawayintheSouth.SomecallittheGreyfloodafterthat.Itisagreatwaterbeforeitfindsthe
Sea.ThereisnowayoveritbelowitssourcesintheEttenmoors,exceptbytheLastBridgeonwhichtheRoadcrosses.’
‘Whatisthatotherriverwecanseefarawaythere?’askedMerry.
‘ThatisLoudwater,theBruinenofRivendell,’answeredStrider.‘TheRoadrunsalongtheedgeofthehillsformanymilesfromthe
BridgetotheFordofBruinen.ButIhavenotyetthoughthowweshallcrossthatwater.Oneriveratatime!WeshallbefortunateindeedifwedonotfindtheLastBridgeheldagainstus.’
Nextday,earlyinthemorning,theycamedownagaintothebordersoftheRoad.SamandStriderwent
forward,buttheyfoundnosignofanytravellersorriders.Hereundertheshadowofthehillstherehadbeensomerain.Striderjudgedthatithadfallentwodaysbefore,andhadwashedawayallfootprints.Nohorsemanhadpassedsincethen,asfarashecouldsee.
Theyhurriedalongwithallthespeedtheycouldmake,andafteramileortwo
theysawtheLastBridgeahead,atthebottomofashortsteepslope.Theydreadedtoseeblackfigureswaitingthere,buttheysawnone.StridermadethemtakecoverinathicketatthesideoftheRoad,whilehewentforwardtoexplore.
Beforelonghecamehurryingback.‘Icanseenosignoftheenemy,’hesaid,‘andIwonderverymuch
whatthatmeans.ButIhavefoundsomethingverystrange.’
Heheldouthishand,andshowedasinglepale-greenjewel.‘IfounditinthemudinthemiddleoftheBridge,’hesaid.‘Itisaberyl,anelf-stone.Whetheritwassetthere,orletfallbychance,Icannotsay;butitbringshopetome.IwilltakeitasasignthatwemaypasstheBridge;
butbeyondthatIdarenotkeeptotheRoad,withoutsomeclearertoken.’
Atoncetheywentonagain.TheycrossedtheBridgeinsafety,hearingnosoundbutthewaterswirlingagainstitsthreegreatarches.Amilefurtherontheycametoanarrowravinethatledawaynorthwardsthroughthe
steeplandsontheleftoftheRoad.HereStriderturnedaside,andsoontheywerelostinasombrecountryofdarktreeswindingamongthefeetofsullenhills.
ThehobbitsweregladtoleavethecheerlesslandsandtheperilousRoadbehindthem;butthisnewcountryseemedthreateningandunfriendly.Astheywentforwardthehillsaboutthem
steadilyrose.Hereandthereuponheightsandridgestheycaughtglimpsesofancientwallsofstone,andtheruinsoftowers:theyhadanominouslook.Frodo,whowasnotwalking,hadtimetogazeaheadandtothink.HerecalledBilbo’saccountofhisjourneyandthethreateningtowersonthehillsnorthoftheRoad,inthecountryneartheTrolls’wood
wherehisfirstseriousadventurehadhappened.Frodoguessedthattheywerenowinthesameregion,andwonderedifbychancetheywouldpassnearthespot.
‘Wholivesinthisland?’heasked.‘Andwhobuiltthesetowers?Isthistroll-country?’
‘No!’saidStrider.‘Trollsdonotbuild.Noonelivesinthisland.Menoncedwelt
here,agesago;butnoneremainnow.Theybecameanevilpeople,aslegendstell,fortheyfellundertheshadowofAngmar.ButallweredestroyedinthewarthatbroughttheNorthKingdomtoitsend.Butthatisnowsolongagothatthehillshaveforgottenthem,thoughashadowstillliesontheland.’
‘Wheredidyoulearnsuchtales,ifallthelandisempty
andforgetful?’askedPeregrin.‘Thebirdsandbeastsdonottelltalesofthatsort.’
‘TheheirsofElendildonotforgetallthingspast,’saidStrider;‘andmanymorethingsthanIcantellarerememberedinRivendell.’
‘HaveyouoftenbeentoRivendell?’saidFrodo.
‘Ihave,’saidStrider.‘Idweltthereonce,andstillI
returnwhenImay.Theremyheartis;butitisnotmyfatetositinpeace,eveninthefairhouseofElrond.’
Thehillsnowbegantoshutthemin.TheRoadbehindheldonitswaytotheRiverBruinen,butbothwerenowhiddenfromview.Thetravellerscameintoalongvalley;narrow,deeply
cloven,darkandsilent.Treeswitholdandtwistedrootshungovercliffs,andpiledupbehindintomountingslopesofpine-wood.
Thehobbitsgrewveryweary.Theyadvancedslowly,fortheyhadtopicktheirwaythroughapathlesscountry,encumberedbyfallentreesandtumbledrocks.Aslongastheycouldtheyavoidedclimbingfor
Frodo’ssake,andbecauseitwasinfactdifficulttofindanywayupoutofthenarrowdales.Theyhadbeentwodaysinthiscountrywhentheweatherturnedwet.ThewindbegantoblowsteadilyoutoftheWestandpourthewaterofthedistantseasonthedarkheadsofthehillsinfinedrenchingrain.Bynightfalltheywereallsoaked,andtheircampwascheerless,for
theycouldnotgetanyfiretoburn.Thenextdaythehillsrosestillhigherandsteeperbeforethem,andtheywereforcedtoturnawaynorthwardsoutoftheircourse.Striderseemedtobegettinganxious:theywerenearlytendaysoutfromWeathertop,andtheirstockofprovisionswasbeginningtorunlow.Itwentonraining.
Thatnighttheycampedon
astonyshelfwitharock-wallbehindthem,inwhichtherewasashallowcave,amerescoopinthecliff.Frodowasrestless.Thecoldandwethadmadehiswoundmorepainfulthanever,andtheacheandsenseofdeadlychilltookawayallsleep.Helaytossingandturningandlisteningfearfullytothestealthynight-noises:windinchinksofrock,waterdripping,acrack,
thesuddenrattlingfallofaloosenedstone.Hefeltthatblackshapeswereadvancingtosmotherhim;butwhenhesatuphesawnothingbutthebackofStridersittinghunchedup,smokinghispipe,andwatching.Helaydownagainandpassedintoanuneasydream,inwhichhewalkedonthegrassinhisgardeninthe
Shire,butitseemedfaint
anddim,lessclearthanthetallblackshadowsthatstoodlookingoverthehedge.
Inthemorninghewoketofindthattherainhadstopped.Thecloudswerestillthick,buttheywerebreaking,andpalestripsofblueappearedbetweenthem.Thewindwasshiftingagain.Theydidnotstartearly.Immediatelyafter
theircoldandcomfortlessbreakfastStriderwentoffalone,tellingtheotherstoremainundertheshelterofthecliff,untilhecameback.Hewasgoingtoclimbup,ifhecould,andgetalookatthelieoftheland.
Whenhereturnedhewasnotreassuring.‘Wehavecometoofartothenorth,’hesaid,‘andwemustfindsomewaytoturnbacksouthwards
again.IfwekeeponaswearegoingweshallgetupintotheEttendalesfarnorthofRivendell.Thatistroll-country,andlittleknowntome.WecouldperhapsfindourwaythroughandcomeroundtoRivendellfromthenorth;butitwouldtaketoolong,forIdonotknowtheway,andourfoodwouldnotlast.SosomehoworotherwemustfindtheFordof
Bruinen.’Therestofthatdaythey
spentscramblingoverrockyground.Theyfoundapassagebetweentwohillsthatledthemintoavalleyrunningsouth-east,thedirectionthattheywishedtotake;buttowardstheendofthedaytheyfoundtheirroadagainbarredbyaridgeofhighland;itsdarkedgeagainsttheskywasbrokenintomany
barepointsliketeethofabluntedsaw.Theyhadachoicebetweengoingbackorclimbingoverit.
Theydecidedtoattempttheclimb,butitprovedverydifficult.BeforelongFrodowasobligedtodismountandstrugglealongonfoot.Evensotheyoftendespairedofgettingtheirponyup,orindeedoffindingapathforthemselves,burdenedasthey
were.Thelightwasnearlygone,andtheywereallexhausted,whenatlasttheyreachedthetop.Theyhadclimbedontoanarrowsaddlebetweentwohigherpoints,andthelandfellsteeplyawayagain,onlyashortdistanceahead.Frodothrewhimselfdown,andlayonthegroundshivering.Hisleftarmwaslifeless,andhissideandshoulderfeltasificyclaws
werelaiduponthem.Thetreesandrocksabouthimseemedshadowyanddim.
‘Wecannotgoanyfurther,’saidMerrytoStrider.‘IamafraidthishasbeentoomuchforFrodo.Iamdreadfullyanxiousabouthim.Whatarewetodo?DoyouthinktheywillbeabletocurehiminRivendell,ifweevergetthere?’
‘Weshallsee,’answered
Strider.‘ThereisnothingmorethatIcandointhewilderness;anditischieflybecauseofhiswoundthatIamsoanxioustopresson.ButIagreethatwecangonofurthertonight.’
‘Whatisthematterwithmymaster?’askedSaminalowvoice,lookingappealinglyatStrider.‘Hiswoundwassmall,anditisalreadyclosed.There’s
nothingtobeseenbutacoldwhitemarkonhisshoulder.’
‘FrodohasbeentouchedbytheweaponsoftheEnemy,’saidStrider,‘andthereissomepoisonorevilatworkthatisbeyondmyskilltodriveout.Butdonotgiveuphope,Sam!’
Nightwascolduponthehighridge.Theylitasmall
firedownunderthegnarledrootsofanoldpine,thathungoverashallowpit:itlookedasifstonehadoncebeenquarriedthere.Theysathuddledtogether.Thewindblewchillthroughthepass,andtheyheardthetree-topslowerdownmoaningandsighing.Frodolayhalfinadream,imaginingthatendlessdarkwingsweresweepingbyabovehim,andthatonthe
wingsrodepursuersthatsoughthiminallthehollowsofthehills.
Themorningdawnedbrightandfair;theairwasclean,andthelightpaleandclearinarain-washedsky.Theirheartswereencouraged,buttheylongedforthesuntowarmtheircoldstifflimbs.Assoonasitwaslight,StridertookMerrywithhimandwenttosurveythe
countryfromtheheighttotheeastofthepass.Thesunhadrisenandwasshiningbrightlywhenhereturnedwithmorecomfortingnews.Theywerenowgoingmoreorlessintherightdirection.Iftheywenton,downthefurthersideoftheridge,theywouldhavetheMountainsontheirleft.SomewayaheadStriderhadcaughtaglimpseoftheLoudwateragain,andhe
knewthat,thoughitwashiddenfromview,theRoadtotheFordwasnotfarfromtheRiverandlayonthesidenearesttothem.
‘WemustmakefortheRoadagain,’hesaid.‘Wecannothopetofindapaththroughthesehills.Whateverdangermaybesetit,theRoadisouronlywaytotheFord.’
Assoonastheyhadeatentheysetoutagain.Theyclimbedslowlydownthesouthernsideoftheridge;butthewaywasmucheasierthantheyhadexpected,fortheslopewasfarlesssteeponthisside,andbeforelongFrodowasabletorideagain.BillFerny’spooroldponywasdevelopinganunexpectedtalentforpickingoutapath,andforsparingits
riderasmanyjoltsaspossible.Thespiritsofthepartyroseagain.EvenFrodofeltbetterinthemorninglight,buteverynowandagainamistseemedtoobscurehissight,andhepassedhishandsoverhiseyes.
Pippinwasalittleaheadoftheothers.Suddenlyheturnedroundandcalledtothem.‘Thereisapathhere!’
hecried.Whentheycameupwith
him,theysawthathehadmadenomistake:therewereclearlythebeginningsofapath,thatclimbedwithmanywindingsoutofthewoodsbelowandfadedawayonthehill-topbehind.Inplacesitwasnowfaintandovergrown,orchokedwithfallenstonesandtrees;butatonetimeitseemedtohave
beenmuchused.Itwasapathmadebystrongarmsandheavyfeet.Hereandthereoldtreeshadbeencutorbrokendown,andlargerocksclovenorheavedasidetomakeaway.
Theyfollowedthetrackforsomewhile,foritofferedmuchtheeasiestwaydown,buttheywentcautiously,andtheiranxietyincreasedastheycameintothedark
woods,andthepathgrewplainerandbroader.Suddenlycomingoutofabeltoffir-treesitransteeplydownaslope,andturnedsharplytotheleftroundthecornerofarockyshoulderofthehill.
Whentheycametothecornertheylookedroundandsawthatthepathranonoveralevelstripunderthefaceofalowcliffoverhungwithtrees.Inthestonywallthere
wasadoorhangingcrookedlyajarupononegreathinge.
Outsidethedoortheyallhalted.Therewasacaveorrock-chamberbehind,butinthegloominsidenothingcouldbeseen.Strider,Sam,andMerrypushingwithalltheirstrengthmanagedtoopenthedooralittlewider,andthenStriderandMerrywentin.Theydidnotgofar,foronthefloorlaymanyold
bones,andnothingelsewastobeseenneartheentranceexceptsomegreatemptyjarsandbrokenpots.
‘Surelythisisatroll-hole,ifevertherewasone!’saidPippin.‘Comeout,youtwo,andletusgetaway.Nowweknowwhomadethepath–andwehadbettergetoffitquick.’
‘Thereisnoneed,Ithink,’saidStrider,comingout.‘Itis
certainlyatroll-hole,butitseemstohavebeenlongforsaken.Idon’tthinkweneedbeafraid.Butletusgoondownwarily,andweshallsee.’
Thepathwentonagainfromthedoor,andturningtotherightagainacrossthelevelspaceplungeddownathickwoodedslope.Pippin,notlikingtoshowStriderthathewasstillafraid,wenton
aheadwithMerry.SamandStridercamebehind,oneoneachsideofFrodo’spony,forthepathwasnowbroadenoughforfourorfivehobbitstowalkabreast.ButtheyhadnotgoneveryfarbeforePippincamerunningback,followedbyMerry.Theybothlookedterrified.
‘Therearetrolls!’Pippinpanted.‘Downinaclearinginthewoodsnotfarbelow.
Wegotasightofthemthroughthetree-trunks.Theyareverylarge!’
‘Wewillcomeandlookatthem,’saidStrider,pickingupastick.Frodosaidnothing,butSamlookedscared.
Thesunwasnowhigh,anditshonedownthroughthehalf-strippedbranchesof
thetrees,andlittheclearingwithbrightpatchesoflight.Theyhaltedsuddenlyontheedge,andpeeredthroughthetree-trunks,holdingtheirbreath.
Therestoodthetrolls:threelargetrolls.Onewasstooping,andtheothertwostoodstaringathim.
Striderwalkedforwardunconcernedly.‘Getup,oldstone!’hesaid,andbrokehis
stickuponthestoopingtroll.Nothinghappened.There
wasagaspofastonishmentfromthehobbits,andthenevenFrodolaughed.‘Well!’hesaid.‘Weareforgettingourfamilyhistory!ThesemustbetheverythreethatwerecaughtbyGandalf,quarrellingovertherightwaytocookthirteendwarvesandonehobbit.’
‘Ihadnoideawewere
anywhereneartheplace!’saidPippin.Heknewthestorywell.BilboandFrodohadtolditoften;butasamatteroffacthehadnevermorethanhalfbelievedit.Evennowhelookedatthestonetrollswithsuspicion,wonderingifsomemagicmightnotsuddenlybringthemtolifeagain.
‘Youareforgettingnotonlyyourfamilyhistory,but
allyoueverknewabouttrolls,’saidStrider.‘Itisbroaddaylightwithabrightsun,andyetyoucomebacktryingtoscaremewithataleoflivetrollswaitingforusinthisglade!Inanycaseyoumighthavenoticedthatoneofthemhasanoldbird’snestbehindhisear.Thatwouldbeamostunusualornamentforalivetroll!’
Theyalllaughed.Frodo
felthisspiritsreviving:thereminderofBilbo’sfirstsuccessfuladventurewasheartening.Thesun,too,waswarmandcomforting,andthemistbeforehiseyesseemedtobeliftingalittle.Theyrestedforsometimeintheglade,andtooktheirmid-daymealrightundertheshadowofthetrolls’largelegs.
‘Won’tsomebodygiveusabitofasong,whilethesun
ishigh?’saidMerry,whentheyhadfinished.‘Wehaven’thadasongoratalefordays.’
‘NotsinceWeathertop,’saidFrodo.Theotherslookedathim.‘Don’tworryaboutme!’headded.‘Ifeelmuchbetter,butIdon’tthinkIcouldsing.PerhapsSamcoulddigsomethingoutofhismemory.’
‘Comeon,Sam!’said
Merry.‘There’smorestoredinyourheadthanyouletonabout.’
‘Idon’tknowaboutthat,’saidSam.‘Buthowwouldthissuit?Itain’twhatIcallproperpoetry,ifyouunderstandme:justabitofnonsense.Buttheseoldimagesherebroughtittomymind.’Standingup,withhishandsbehindhisback,asifhewasatschool,hebeganto
singtoanoldtune.
Trollsataloneonhisseatofstone,Andmunchedandmumbledabareoldbone;Formanyayearhehadgnaweditnear,Formeatwashardtocomeby.
Doneby!Gumby!
Inacaveinthehillshedweltalone,Andmeatwashardtocomeby.
UpcameTomwithhisbigbootson.SaidhetoTroll:‘Pray,whatisyon?
Foritlooksliketheshino’mynuncleTim,Asshouldbea-lyin’ingraveyard.Caveyard!Paveyard!
ThismanyayearhasTimbeengone,AndIthoughthewerelyin’in
graveyard.’
‘Mylad,’saidTroll,‘thisboneIstole.Butwhatbebonesthatlieinahole?Thynunclewasdeadasalumpo’lead,AforeIfoundhisshinbone.Tinbone!Thinbone!
Hecanspareashareforapooroldtroll,Forhedon’tneedhisshinbone.’
SaidTom:‘Idon’tseewhythelikeso’theeWithoutaxin’leaveshouldgomakin’free
Withtheshankortheshino’myfather’skin;Sohandtheoldboneover!Rover!Trover!
Thoughdeadhebe,itbelongstohe;Sohandtheoldboneover!’
‘Foracoupleo’pins,’saysTroll,andgrins,‘I’lleattheetoo,andgnawthyshins.Abito’freshmeatwillgodownsweet!I’lltrymyteethontheenow.Heenow!Seenow!
I’mtiredo’
gnawingoldbonesandskins;I’veamindtodineontheenow.’
Butjustashethoughthisdinnerwascaught,Hefoundhishandshadholdofnaught.Beforehecouldmind,Tom
slippedbehindAndgavehimtheboottolarnhim.Warnhim!Darnhim!
Abumpo’thebootontheseat,Tomthought,Wouldbethewaytolarnhim.
ButharderthanstoneisthefleshandboneOfatrollthatsitsinthehillsalone.Aswellsetyourboottothemountain’sroot,Fortheseatofatrolldon’tfeelit.Peelit!Healit!
OldTrolllaughed,whenheheardTomgroan,Andheknewhistoescouldfeelit.
Tom’slegisgame,sincehomehecame,Andhisbootlessfootislastinglame;ButTrolldon’t
care,andhe’sstillthereWiththebonehebonedfromitsowner.Doner!Boner!
Troll’soldseatisstillthesame,Andthebonehebonedfromitsowner!
‘Well,that’sawarningtousall!’laughedMerry.‘Itisaswellyouusedastick,andnotyourhand,Strider!’
‘Wheredidyoucomebythat,Sam?’askedPippin.‘I’veneverheardthosewordsbefore.’
Sammutteredsomethinginaudible.‘It’soutofhisownhead,ofcourse,’saidFrodo.‘IamlearningalotaboutSamGamgeeonthisjourney.
Firsthewasaconspirator,nowhe’sajester.He’llendupbybecomingawizard–orawarrior!’
‘Ihopenot,’saidSam.‘Idon’twanttobeneither!’
Intheafternoontheywentondownthewoods.TheywereprobablyfollowingtheverytrackthatGandalf,Bilbo,andthedwarveshad
usedmanyyearsbefore.AfterafewmilestheycameoutonthetopofahighbankabovetheRoad.AtthispointtheRoadhadlefttheHoarwellfarbehindinitsnarrowvalley,andnowclungclosetothefeetofthehills,rollingandwindingeastwardamongwoodsandheather-coveredslopestowardstheFordandtheMountains.NotfardownthebankStriderpointedouta
stoneinthegrass.Onitroughlycutandnowmuchweatheredcouldstillbeseendwarf-runesandsecretmarks.
‘There!’saidMerry.‘Thatmustbethestonethatmarkedtheplacewherethetrolls’goldwashidden.HowmuchisleftofBilbo’sshare,Iwonder,Frodo?’
Frodolookedatthestone,andwishedthatBilbohadbroughthomenotreasure
moreperilous,norlesseasytopartwith.‘Noneatall,’hesaid.‘Bilbogaveitallaway.Hetoldmehedidnotfeelitwasreallyhis,asitcamefromrobbers.’
TheRoadlayquietunderthelongshadowsofearlyevening.Therewasnosignofanyothertravellerstobeseen.Astherewasnowno
otherpossiblecourseforthemtotake,theyclimbeddownthebank,andturningleftwentoffasfastastheycould.Soonashoulderofthehillscutoffthelightofthefastwesteringsun.Acoldwindfloweddowntomeetthemfromthemountainsahead.
TheywerebeginningtolookoutforaplaceofftheRoad,wheretheycouldcamp
forthenight,whentheyheardasoundthatbroughtsuddenfearbackintotheirhearts:thenoiseofhoofsbehindthem.Theylookedback,buttheycouldnotseefarbecauseofthemanywindingsandrollingsoftheRoad.Asquicklyastheycouldtheyscrambledoffthebeatenwayandupintothedeepheatherandbilberrybrushwoodontheslopesabove,untilthey
cametoasmallpatchofthick-growinghazels.Astheypeeredoutfromamongthebushes,theycouldseetheRoad,faintandgreyinthefailinglight,somethirtyfeetbelowthem.Thesoundofhoofsdrewnearer.Theyweregoingfast,withalightclippety-clippety-clip.Thenfaintly,asifitwasblownawayfromthembythebreeze,theyseemedtocatch
adimringing,asofsmallbellstinkling.
‘ThatdoesnotsoundlikeaBlackRider’shorse!’saidFrodo,listeningintently.Theotherhobbitsagreedhopefullythatitdidnot,buttheyallremainedfullofsuspicion.Theyhadbeeninfearofpursuitforsolongthatanysoundfrombehindseemedominousandunfriendly.ButStriderwas
nowleaningforward,stoopedtotheground,withahandtohisear,andalookofjoyonhisface.
Thelightfaded,andtheleavesonthebushesrustledsoftly.Clearerandnearernowthebellsjingled,andclippety-clipcamethequicktrottingfeet.Suddenlyintoviewbelowcameawhitehorse,gleamingintheshadows,runningswiftly.In
theduskitsheadstallflickeredandflashed,asifitwerestuddedwithgemslikelivingstars.Therider’scloakstreamedbehindhim,andhishoodwasthrownback;hisgoldenhairflowedshimmeringinthewindofhisspeed.ToFrodoitappearedthatawhitelightwasshiningthroughtheformandraimentoftherider,asifthroughathinveil.
StridersprangfromhidinganddasheddowntowardstheRoad,leapingwithacrythroughtheheather;butevenbeforehehadmovedorcalled,theriderhadreinedinhishorseandhalted,lookinguptowardsthethicketwheretheystood.WhenhesawStrider,hedismountedandrantomeethimcallingout:AinaveduiDúnadan!Maegovannen!Hisspeechand
clearringingvoiceleftnodoubtintheirhearts:theriderwasoftheElven-folk.Noothersthatdweltinthewideworldhadvoicessofairtohear.Butthereseemedtobeanoteofhasteorfearinhiscall,andtheysawthathewasnowspeakingquicklyandurgentlytoStrider.
SoonStriderbeckonedtothem,andthehobbitsleftthebushesandhurrieddownto
theRoad.‘ThisisGlorfindel,whodwellsinthehouseofElrond,’saidStrider.
‘Hail,andwellmetatlast!’saidtheElf-lordtoFrodo.‘IwassentfromRivendelltolookforyou.Wefearedthatyouwereindangerupontheroad.’
‘ThenGandalfhasreachedRivendell?’criedFrodojoyfully.
‘No.HehadnotwhenI
departed;butthatwasninedaysago,’answeredGlorfindel.‘Elrondreceivednewsthattroubledhim.Someofmykindred,journeyinginyourlandbeyondtheBaranduin,*learnedthatthingswereamiss,andsentmessagesasswiftlyastheycould.TheysaidthattheNinewereabroad,andthatyouwereastraybearingagreatburdenwithoutguidance,for
Gandalfhadnotreturned.TherearefeweveninRivendellthatcanrideopenlyagainsttheNine;butsuchastherewere,Elrondsentoutnorth,west,andsouth.Itwasthoughtthatyoumightturnfarasidetoavoidpursuit,andbecomelostintheWilderness.
‘ItwasmylottotaketheRoad,andIcametotheBridgeofMitheithel,andleft
atokenthere,nighonsevendaysago.ThreeoftheservantsofSauronwereupontheBridge,buttheywithdrewandIpursuedthemwestward.Icamealsoupontwoothers,buttheyturnedawaysouthward.SincethenIhavesearchedforyourtrail.TwodaysagoIfoundit,andfolloweditovertheBridge;andtodayImarkedwhereyoudescendedfromthehills
again.Butcome!Thereisnotimeforfurthernews.SinceyouareherewemustrisktheperiloftheRoadandgo.Therearefivebehindus,andwhentheyfindyourtrailupontheRoadtheywillrideafteruslikethewind.Andtheyarenotall.Wheretheotherfourmaybe,Idonotknow.IfearthatwemayfindtheFordisalreadyheldagainstus.’
WhileGlorfindelwasspeakingtheshadesofeveningdeepened.Frodofeltagreatwearinesscomeoverhim.Eversincethesunbegantosinkthemistbeforehiseyeshaddarkened,andhefeltthatashadowwascomingbetweenhimandthefacesofhisfriends.Nowpainassailedhim,andhefeltcold.Heswayed,clutchingatSam’sarm.
‘Mymasterissickandwounded,’saidSamangrily.‘Hecan’tgoonridingafternightfall.Heneedsrest.’
GlorfindelcaughtFrodoashesanktotheground,andtakinghimgentlyinhisarmshelookedinhisfacewithgraveanxiety.
BrieflyStridertoldoftheattackontheircampunderWeathertop,andofthedeadlyknife.Hedrewoutthehilt,
whichhehadkept,andhandedittotheElf.Glorfindelshudderedashetookit,buthelookedintentlyatit.
‘Thereareevilthingswrittenonthishilt,’hesaid;‘thoughmaybeyoureyescannotseethem.Keepit,Aragorn,tillwereachthehouseofElrond!Butbewary,andhandleitaslittleasyoumay!Alas!thewounds
ofthisweaponarebeyondmyskilltoheal.IwilldowhatIcan–butallthemoredoIurgeyounowtogoonwithoutrest.’
HesearchedthewoundonFrodo’sshoulderwithhisfingers,andhisfacegrewgraver,asifwhathelearneddisquietedhim.ButFrodofeltthechilllesseninhissideandarm;alittlewarmthcreptdownfromhisshouldertohis
hand,andthepaingreweasier.Theduskofeveningseemedtogrowlighterabouthim,asifacloudhadbeenwithdrawn.Hesawhisfriends’facesmoreclearlyagain,andameasureofnewhopeandstrengthreturned.
‘Youshallridemyhorse,’saidGlorfindel.‘Iwillshortenthestirrupsuptothesaddle-skirts,andyoumustsitastightasyoucan.But
youneednotfear:myhorsewillnotletanyriderfallthatIcommandhimtobear.Hispaceislightandsmooth;andifdangerpressestoonear,hewillbearyouawaywithaspeedthateventheblacksteedsoftheenemycannotrival.’
‘No,hewillnot!’saidFrodo.‘Ishallnotridehim,ifIamtobecarriedofftoRivendelloranywhereelse,
leavingmyfriendsbehindindanger.’
Glorfindelsmiled.‘Idoubtverymuch,’hesaid,‘ifyourfriendswouldbeindangerifyouwerenotwiththem!Thepursuitwouldfollowyouandleaveusinpeace,Ithink.Itisyou,Frodo,andthatwhichyoubearthatbringsusallinperil.’
TothatFrodohadnoanswer,andhewaspersuadedtomountGlorfindel’swhitehorse.Theponywasladeninsteadwithagreatpartoftheothers’burdens,sothattheynowmarchedlighter,andforatimemadegoodspeed;butthehobbitsbegantofindithardtokeepupwiththeswifttirelessfeetoftheElf.Onheledthem,intothemouthofdarkness,andstill
onunderthedeepcloudednight.Therewasneitherstarnormoon.Notuntilthegreyofdawndidheallowthemtohalt.Pippin,Merry,andSamwerebythattimenearlyasleepontheirstumblinglegs;andevenStriderseemedbythesagofhisshoulderstobeweary.Frodosatuponthehorseinadarkdream.
Theycastthemselvesdownintheheatherafew
yardsfromtheroad-side,andfellasleepimmediately.TheyseemedhardlytohaveclosedtheireyeswhenGlorfindel,whohadsethimselftowatchwhiletheyslept,awokethemagain.Thesunhadnowclimbedfarintothemorning,andthecloudsandmistsofthenightweregone.
‘Drinkthis!’saidGlorfindeltothem,pouringforeachinturnalittleliquor
fromhissilver-studdedflaskofleather.Itwasclearasspringwaterandhadnotaste,anditdidnotfeeleithercoolorwarminthemouth;butstrengthandvigourseemedtoflowintoalltheirlimbsastheydrankit.Eatenafterthatdraughtthestalebreadanddriedfruit(whichwasnowallthattheyhadleft)seemedtosatisfytheirhungerbetterthanmanyagoodbreakfastin
theShirehaddone.
TheyhadrestedratherlessthanfivehourswhentheytooktotheRoadagain.Glorfindelstillurgedthemon,andonlyallowedtwobriefhaltsduringtheday’smarch.Inthiswaytheycoveredalmosttwentymilesbeforenightfall,andcametoapointwheretheRoadbent
rightandrandowntowardsthebottomofthevalley,nowmakingstraightfortheBruinen.Sofartherehadbeennosignorsoundofpursuitthatthehobbitscouldseeorhear;butoftenGlorfindelwouldhaltandlistenforamoment,iftheylaggedbehind,andalookofanxietycloudedhisface.OnceortwicehespoketoStriderintheelf-tongue.
Buthoweveranxioustheirguidesmightbe,itwasplainthatthehobbitscouldgonofurtherthatnight.Theywerestumblingalongdizzywithweariness,andunabletothinkofanythingbuttheirfeetandlegs.Frodo’spainhadredoubled,andduringthedaythingsabouthimfadedtoshadowsofghostlygrey.Healmostwelcomedthecomingofnight,forthentheworld
seemedlesspaleandempty.
Thehobbitswerestillweary,whentheysetoutagainearlynextmorning.ThereweremanymilesyettogobetweenthemandtheFord,andtheyhobbledforwardatthebestpacetheycouldmanage.
‘Ourperilwillbegreatestjusterewereachtheriver,’
saidGlorfindel;‘formyheartwarnsmethatthepursuitisnowswiftbehindus,andotherdangermaybewaitingbytheFord.’
TheRoadwasstillrunningsteadilydownhill,andtherewasnowinplacesmuchgrassateitherside,inwhichthehobbitswalkedwhentheycould,toeasetheirtiredfeet.Inthelateafternoontheycametoa
placewheretheRoadwentsuddenlyunderthedarkshadowoftallpine-trees,andthenplungedintoadeepcuttingwithsteepmoistwallsofredstone.Echoesranalongastheyhurriedforward;andthereseemedtobeasoundofmanyfootfallsfollowingtheirown.Allatonce,asifthroughagateoflight,theRoadranoutagainfromtheendofthetunnel
intotheopen.Thereatthebottomofasharpinclinetheysawbeforethemalongflatmile,andbeyondthattheFordofRivendell.Onthefurthersidewasasteepbrownbank,threadedbyawindingpath;andbehindthatthetallmountainsclimbed,shoulderaboveshoulder,andpeakbeyondpeak,intothefadingsky.
Therewasstillanechoas
offollowingfeetinthecuttingbehindthem;arushingnoiseasifawindwererisingandpouringthroughthebranchesofthepines.OnemomentGlorfindelturnedandlistened,thenhesprangforwardwithaloudcry.
‘Fly!’hecalled.‘Fly!Theenemyisuponus!’
Thewhitehorseleapedforward.Thehobbitsran
downtheslope.GlorfindelandStriderfollowedasrearguard.Theywereonlyhalfwayacrosstheflat,whensuddenlytherewasanoiseofhorsesgalloping.OutofthegateinthetreesthattheyhadjustleftrodeaBlackRider.Hereinedhishorsein,andhalted,swayinginhissaddle.Anotherfollowedhim,andthenanother;thenagaintwomore.
‘Rideforward!Ride!’criedGlorfindeltoFrodo.
Hedidnotobeyatonce,forastrangereluctanceseizedhim.Checkingthehorsetoawalk,heturnedandlookedback.TheRidersseemedtositupontheirgreatsteedslikethreateningstatuesuponahill,darkandsolid,whileallthewoodsandlandaboutthemrecededasifintoamist.Suddenlyheknewinhisheart
thattheyweresilentlycommandinghimtowait.Thenatoncefearandhatredawokeinhim.Hishandleftthebridleandgrippedthehiltofhissword,andwitharedflashhedrewit.
‘Rideon!Rideon!’criedGlorfindel,andthenloudandclearhecalledtothehorseintheelf-tongue:norolim,norolim,Asfaloth!
Atoncethewhitehorse
sprangawayandspedlikethewindalongthelastlapoftheRoad.Atthesamemomenttheblackhorsesleapeddownthehillinpursuit,andfromtheRiderscameaterriblecry,suchasFrodohadheardfillingthewoodswithhorrorintheEastfarthingfaraway.Itwasanswered;andtothedismayofFrodoandhisfriendsoutfromthetreesandrocksawayontheleftfour
otherRiderscameflying.TworodetowardsFrodo;twogallopedmadlytowardstheFordtocutoffhisescape.Theyseemedtohimtorunlikethewindandtogrowswiftlylargeranddarker,astheircoursesconvergedwithhis.
Frodolookedbackforamomentoverhisshoulder.Hecouldnolongerseehisfriends.TheRidersbehind
werefallingback:eventheirgreatsteedswerenomatchinspeedforthewhiteelf-horseofGlorfindel.Helookedforwardagain,andhopefaded.ThereseemednochanceofreachingtheFordbeforehewascutoffbytheothersthathadlaininambush.Hecouldseethemclearlynow:theyappearedtohavecastasidetheirhoodsandblackcloaks,andthey
wererobedinwhiteandgrey.Swordswerenakedintheirpalehands;helmswereontheirheads.Theircoldeyesglittered,andtheycalledtohimwithfellvoices.
FearnowfilledallFrodo’smind.Hethoughtnolongerofhissword.Nocrycamefromhim.Heshuthiseyesandclungtothehorse’smane.Thewindwhistledinhisears,andthebellsupon
theharnessrangwildandshrill.Abreathofdeadlycoldpiercedhimlikeaspear,aswithalastspurt,likeaflashofwhitefire,theelf-horsespeedingasifonwings,passedrightbeforethefaceoftheforemostRider.
Frodoheardthesplashofwater.Itfoamedabouthisfeet.Hefeltthequickheaveandsurgeasthehorselefttheriverandstruggledupthe
stonypath.Hewasclimbingthesteepbank.HewasacrosstheFord.
Butthepursuerswereclosebehind.Atthetopofthebankthehorsehaltedandturnedaboutneighingfiercely.TherewereNineRidersatthewater’sedgebelow,andFrodo’sspiritquailedbeforethethreatoftheirupliftedfaces.Heknewofnothingthatwouldprevent
themfromcrossingaseasilyashehaddone;andhefeltthatitwasuselesstotrytoescapeoverthelonguncertainpathfromtheFordtotheedgeofRivendell,ifoncetheRiderscrossed.Inanycasehefeltthathewascommandedurgentlytohalt.Hatredagainstirredinhim,buthehadnolongerthestrengthtorefuse.
Suddenlytheforemost
Riderspurredhishorseforward.Itcheckedatthewaterandrearedup.WithagreateffortFrodosatuprightandbrandishedhissword.
‘Goback!’hecried.‘GobacktotheLandofMordor,andfollowmenomore!’Hisvoicesoundedthinandshrillinhisownears.TheRidershalted,butFrodohadnotthepowerofBombadil.Hisenemieslaughedathimwith
aharshandchillinglaughter.‘Comeback!Comeback!’theycalled.‘ToMordorwewilltakeyou!’
‘Goback!’hewhispered.‘TheRing!TheRing!’
theycriedwithdeadlyvoices;andimmediatelytheirleaderurgedhishorseforwardintothewater,followedcloselybytwoothers.
‘ByElberethandLúthientheFair,’saidFrodowitha
lasteffort,liftinguphissword,‘youshallhaveneithertheRingnorme!’
Thentheleader,whowasnowhalfacrosstheFord,stoodupmenacinginhisstirrups,andraiseduphishand.Frodowasstrickendumb.Hefelthistonguecleavetohismouth,andhisheartlabouring.Hisswordbrokeandfelloutofhisshakinghand.Theelf-horse
rearedandsnorted.Theforemostoftheblackhorseshadalmostsetfootupontheshore.
Atthatmomenttherecamearoaringandarushing:anoiseofloudwatersrollingmanystones.DimlyFrodosawtheriverbelowhimrise,anddownalongitscoursetherecameaplumedcavalryofwaves.WhiteflamesseemedtoFrodotoflickeron
theircrests,andhehalffanciedthathesawamidthewaterwhiteridersuponwhitehorseswithfrothingmanes.ThethreeRidersthatwerestillinthemidstoftheFordwereoverwhelmed:theydisappeared,buriedsuddenlyunderangryfoam.Thosethatwerebehinddrewbackindismay.
WithhislastfailingsensesFrodoheardcries,andit
seemedtohimthathesaw,beyondtheRidersthathesitatedontheshore,ashiningfigureofwhitelight;andbehinditransmallshadowyformswavingflames,thatflaredredinthegreymistthatwasfallingovertheworld.
Theblackhorseswerefilledwithmadness,andleapingforwardinterrortheyboretheirridersintothe
rushingflood.Theirpiercingcriesweredrownedintheroaringoftheriverasitcarriedthemaway.ThenFrodofelthimselffalling,andtheroaringandconfusionseemedtoriseandengulfhimtogetherwithhisenemies.Heheardandsawnomore.
BOOKTWO
Chapter1
MANYMEETINGS
Frodowokeandfoundhimselflyinginbed.Atfirsthethoughtthathehadsleptlate,afteralongunpleasantdreamthatstillhoveredon
theedgeofmemory.Orperhapshehadbeenill?Buttheceilinglookedstrange;itwasflat,andithaddarkbeamsrichlycarved.Helayalittlewhilelongerlookingatpatchesofsunlightonthewall,andlisteningtothesoundofawaterfall.
‘WhereamI,andwhatisthetime?’hesaidaloudtotheceiling.
‘InthehouseofElrond,
anditisteno’clockinthemorning,’saidavoice.‘ItisthemorningofOctoberthetwenty-fourth,ifyouwanttoknow.’
‘Gandalf!’criedFrodo,sittingup.Therewastheoldwizard,sittinginachairbytheopenwindow.
‘Yes,’hesaid,‘Iamhere.Andyouareluckytobehere,too,afteralltheabsurdthingsyouhavedonesinceyouleft
home.’Frodolaydownagain.He
felttoocomfortableandpeacefultoargue,andinanycasehedidnotthinkhewouldgetthebetterofanargument.Hewasfullyawakenow,andthememoryofhisjourneywasreturning:thedisastrous‘shortcut’throughtheOldForest;the‘accident’atThePrancingPony;andhismadnessin
puttingontheRinginthedellunderWeathertop.WhilehewasthinkingofallthesethingsandtryinginvaintobringhismemorydowntohisarrivinginRivendell,therewasalongsilence,brokenonlybythesoftpuffsofGandalf’spipe,asheblewwhitesmoke-ringsoutofthewindow.
‘Where’sSam?’Frodoaskedatlength.‘Andarethe
othersallright?’‘Yes,theyareallsafeand
sound,’answeredGandalf.‘SamwashereuntilIsenthimofftogetsomerest,abouthalfanhourago.’
‘WhathappenedattheFord?’saidFrodo.‘Itallseemedsodim,somehow;anditstilldoes.’
‘Yes,itwould.Youwerebeginningtofade,’answeredGandalf.‘Thewoundwas
overcomingyouatlast.Afewmorehoursandyouwouldhavebeenbeyondouraid.Butyouhavesomestrengthinyou,mydearhobbit!AsyoushowedintheBarrow.Thatwastouchandgo:perhapsthemostdangerousmomentofall.IwishyoucouldhaveheldoutatWeathertop.’
‘Youseemtoknowagreatdealalready,’said
Frodo.‘IhavenotspokentotheothersabouttheBarrow.Atfirstitwastoohorrible,andafterwardstherewereotherthingstothinkabout.Howdoyouknowaboutit?’
‘Youhavetalkedlonginyoursleep,Frodo,’saidGandalfgently,‘andithasnotbeenhardformetoreadyourmindandmemory.Donotworry!ThoughIsaid“absurd”justnow,Ididnot
meanit.Ithinkwellofyou–andoftheothers.Itisnosmallfeattohavecomesofar,andthroughsuchdangers,stillbearingtheRing.’
‘WeshouldneverhavedoneitwithoutStrider,’saidFrodo.‘Butweneededyou.Ididnotknowwhattodowithoutyou.’
‘Iwasdelayed,’saidGandalf,‘andthatnearly
provedourruin.AndyetIamnotsure:itmayhavebeenbetterso.’
‘Iwishyouwouldtellmewhathappened!’
‘Allingoodtime!Youarenotsupposedtotalkorworryaboutanythingtoday,byElrond’sorders.’
‘Buttalkingwouldstopmethinkingandwondering,whicharequiteastiring,’saidFrodo.‘Iamwideawake
now,andIremembersomanythingsthatwantexplaining.Whywereyoudelayed?Yououghttotellmethatatleast.’
‘Youwillsoonhearallyouwishtoknow,’saidGandalf.‘WeshallhaveaCouncil,assoonasyouarewellenough.AtthemomentIwillonlysaythatIwasheldcaptive.’
‘You?’criedFrodo.
‘Yes,I,GandalftheGrey,’saidthewizardsolemnly.‘Therearemanypowersintheworld,forgoodorforevil.SomearegreaterthanIam.AgainstsomeIhavenotyetbeenmeasured.Butmytimeiscoming.TheMorgul-lordandhisBlackRidershavecomeforth.Warispreparing!’
‘ThenyouknewoftheRidersalready–beforeImet
them?’‘Yes,Iknewofthem.
IndeedIspokeofthemoncetoyou;fortheBlackRidersaretheRingwraiths,theNineServantsoftheLordoftheRings.ButIdidnotknowthattheyhadarisenagainorIshouldhavefledwithyouatonce.IheardnewsofthemonlyafterIleftyouinJune;butthatstorymustwait.Forthemomentwehavebeen
savedfromdisaster,byAragorn.’
‘Yes,’saidFrodo,‘itwasStriderthatsavedus.YetIwasafraidofhimatfirst.Samneverquitetrustedhim,Ithink,notatanyrateuntilwemetGlorfindel.’
Gandalfsmiled.‘IhaveheardallaboutSam,’hesaid.‘Hehasnomoredoubtsnow.’
‘Iamglad,’saidFrodo.
‘ForIhavebecomeveryfondofStrider.Well,fondisnottherightword.Imeanheisdeartome;thoughheisstrange,andgrimattimes.Infact,heremindsmeoftenofyou.Ididn’tknowthatanyoftheBigPeoplewerelikethat.Ithought,well,thattheywerejustbig,andratherstupid:kindandstupidlikeButterbur;orstupidandwickedlikeBillFerny.But
thenwedon’tknowmuchaboutMenintheShire,exceptperhapstheBree-landers.’
‘Youdon’tknowmuchevenaboutthem,ifyouthinkoldBarlimanisstupid,’saidGandalf.‘Heiswiseenoughonhisownground.Hethinkslessthanhetalks,andslower;yethecanseethroughabrickwallintime(astheysayinBree).Buttherearefewleft
inMiddle-earthlikeAragornsonofArathorn.TheraceoftheKingsfromovertheSeaisnearlyatanend.ItmaybethatthisWaroftheRingwillbetheirlastadventure.’
‘DoyoureallymeanthatStriderisoneofthepeopleoftheoldKings?’saidFrodoinwonder.‘Ithoughttheyhadallvanishedlongago.IthoughthewasonlyaRanger.’
‘OnlyaRanger!’criedGandalf.‘MydearFrodo,thatisjustwhattheRangersare:thelastremnantintheNorthofthegreatpeople,theMenoftheWest.Theyhavehelpedmebefore;andIshallneedtheirhelpinthedaystocome;forwehavereachedRivendell,buttheRingisnotyetatrest.’
‘Isupposenot,’saidFrodo.‘Butsofarmyonly
thoughthasbeentogethere;andIhopeIshan’thavetogoanyfurther.Itisverypleasantjusttorest.Ihavehadamonthofexileandadventure,andIfindthathasbeenasmuchasIwant.’
Hefellsilentandshuthiseyes.Afterawhilehespokeagain.‘Ihavebeenreckoning,’hesaid,‘andIcan’tbringthetotaluptoOctoberthetwenty-fourth.It
oughttobethetwenty-first.WemusthavereachedtheFordbythetwentieth.’
‘Youhavetalkedandreckonedmorethanisgoodforyou,’saidGandalf.‘Howdothesideandshoulderfeelnow?’
‘Idon’tknow,’Frodoanswered.‘Theydon’tfeelatall:whichisanimprovement,but’–hemadeaneffort–‘Icanmovemyarmagaina
little.Yes,itiscomingbacktolife.Itisnotcold,’headded,touchinghislefthandwithhisright.
‘Good!’saidGandalf.‘Itismendingfast.Youwillsoonbesoundagain.Elrondhascuredyou:hehastendedyoufordays,eversinceyouwerebroughtin.’
‘Days?’saidFrodo.‘Well,fournightsand
threedays,tobeexact.The
ElvesbroughtyoufromtheFordonthenightofthetwentieth,andthatiswhereyoulostcount.Wehavebeenterriblyanxious,andSamhashardlyleftyourside,dayornight,excepttorunmessages.Elrondisamasterofhealing,buttheweaponsofourEnemyaredeadly.Totellyouthetruth,Ihadverylittlehope;forIsuspectedthattherewassomefragmentof
thebladestillintheclosedwound.Butitcouldnotbefounduntillastnight.ThenElrondremovedasplinter.Itwasdeeplyburied,anditwasworkinginwards.’
Frodoshuddered,rememberingthecruelknifewithnotchedbladethathadvanishedinStrider’shands.‘Don’tbealarmed!’saidGandalf.‘Itisgonenow.Ithasbeenmelted.Andit
seemsthatHobbitsfadeveryreluctantly.IhaveknownstrongwarriorsoftheBigPeoplewhowouldquicklyhavebeenovercomebythatsplinter,whichyouboreforseventeendays.’
‘Whatwouldtheyhavedonetome?’askedFrodo.‘WhatweretheRiderstryingtodo?’
‘TheytriedtopierceyourheartwithaMorgul-knife
whichremainsinthewound.Iftheyhadsucceeded,youwouldhavebecomeliketheyare,onlyweakerandundertheircommand.YouwouldhavebecomeawraithunderthedominionoftheDarkLord;andhewouldhavetormentedyoufortryingtokeephisRing,ifanygreatertormentwerepossiblethanbeingrobbedofitandseeingitonhishand.’
‘ThankgoodnessIdidnotrealizethehorribledanger!’saidFrodofaintly.‘Iwasmortallyafraid,ofcourse;butifIhadknownmore,Ishouldnothavedaredeventomove.ItisamarvelthatIescaped!’
‘Yes,fortuneorfatehavehelpedyou,’saidGandalf,‘nottomentioncourage.Foryourheartwasnottouched,andonlyyourshoulderwaspierced;andthatwasbecause
youresistedtothelast.Butitwasaterriblynarrowshave,sotospeak.YouwereingravestperilwhileyouworetheRing,forthenyouwerehalfinthewraith-worldyourself,andtheymighthaveseizedyou.Youcouldseethem,andtheycouldseeyou.’
‘Iknow,’saidFrodo.‘Theywereterribletobehold!Butwhycouldweallsee
theirhorses?’‘Becausetheyarereal
horses;justastheblackrobesarerealrobesthattheyweartogiveshapetotheirnothingnesswhentheyhavedealingswiththeliving.’
‘Thenwhydotheseblackhorsesenduresuchriders?Allotheranimalsareterrifiedwhentheydrawnear,eventheelf-horseofGlorfindel.Thedogshowlandthegeese
screamatthem.’‘Becausethesehorsesare
bornandbredtotheserviceoftheDarkLordinMordor.Notallhisservantsandchattelsarewraiths!Thereareorcsandtrolls,therearewargsandwerewolves;andtherehavebeenandstillaremanyMen,warriorsandkings,thatwalkaliveundertheSun,andyetareunderhissway.Andtheirnumberis
growingdaily.’‘WhataboutRivendell
andtheElves?IsRivendellsafe?’
‘Yes,atpresent,untilallelseisconquered.TheElvesmayfeartheDarkLord,andtheymayflybeforehim,butneveragainwilltheylistentohimorservehim.AndhereinRivendelltherelivestillsomeofhischieffoes:theElven-wise,lordsoftheEldarfrom
beyondthefurthestseas.TheydonotfeartheRingwraiths,forthosewhohavedweltintheBlessedRealmliveatonceinbothworlds,andagainstboththeSeenandtheUnseentheyhavegreatpower.’
‘IthoughtthatIsawawhitefigurethatshoneanddidnotgrowdimliketheothers.WasthatGlorfindelthen?’
‘Yes,yousawhimforamomentasheisupontheotherside:oneofthemightyoftheFirstborn.HeisanElf-lordofahouseofprinces.IndeedthereisapowerinRivendelltowithstandthemightofMordor,forawhile:andelsewhereotherpowersstilldwell.Thereispower,too,ofanotherkindintheShire.Butallsuchplaceswillsoonbecomeislandsunder
siege,ifthingsgoonastheyaregoing.TheDarkLordisputtingforthallhisstrength.
‘Still,’hesaid,standingsuddenlyupandstickingouthischin,whilehisbeardwentstiffandstraightlikebristlingwire,‘wemustkeepupourcourage.Youwillsoonbewell,ifIdonottalkyoutodeath.YouareinRivendell,andyouneednotworryaboutanythingforthepresent.’
‘Ihaven’tanycouragetokeepup,’saidFrodo,‘butIamnotworriedatthemoment.Justgivemenewsofmyfriends,andtellmetheendoftheaffairattheFord,asIkeeponasking,andIshallbecontentforthepresent.AfterthatIshallhaveanothersleep,Ithink;butIshan’tbeabletoclosemyeyesuntilyouhavefinishedthestoryforme.’
GandalfmovedhischairtothebedsideandtookagoodlookatFrodo.Thecolourhadcomebacktohisface,andhiseyeswereclear,andfullyawakeandaware.Hewassmiling,andthereseemedtobelittlewrongwithhim.Buttothewizard’seyetherewasafaintchange,justahintasitwereoftransparency,abouthim,andespeciallyaboutthelefthand
thatlayoutsideuponthecoverlet.
‘Stillthatmustbeexpected,’saidGandalftohimself.‘Heisnothalfthroughyet,andtowhathewillcomeintheendnotevenElrondcanforetell.Nottoevil,Ithink.Hemaybecomelikeaglassfilledwithaclearlightforeyestoseethatcan.’
‘Youlooksplendid,’hesaidaloud.‘Iwillriskabrief
talewithoutconsultingElrond.Butquitebrief,mindyou,andthenyoumustsleepagain.Thisiswhathappened,asfarasIcangather.TheRidersmadestraightforyou,assoonasyoufled.Theydidnotneedtheguidanceoftheirhorsesanylonger:youhadbecomevisibletothem,beingalreadyonthethresholdoftheirworld.AndalsotheRingdrewthem.Yourfriends
sprangaside,offtheroad,ortheywouldhavebeenriddendown.Theyknewthatnothingcouldsaveyou,ifthewhitehorsecouldnot.TheRidersweretooswifttoovertake,andtoomanytooppose.OnfootevenGlorfindelandAragorntogethercouldnotwithstandalltheNineatonce.
‘WhentheRingwraithssweptby,yourfriendsranup
behind.ClosetotheFordthereisasmallhollowbesidetheroadmaskedbyafewstuntedtrees.Theretheyhastilykindledfire;forGlorfindelknewthatafloodwouldcomedown,iftheRiderstriedtocross,andthenhewouldhavetodealwithanythatwereleftonhissideoftheriver.Themomentthefloodappeared,herushedout,followedbyAragornand
theotherswithflamingbrands.Caughtbetweenfireandwater,andseeinganElf-lordrevealedinhiswrath,theyweredismayed,andtheirhorseswerestrickenwithmadness.Threewerecarriedawaybythefirstassaultoftheflood;theotherswerenowhurledintothewaterbytheirhorsesandoverwhelmed.’
‘Andisthattheendofthe
BlackRiders?’askedFrodo.‘No,’saidGandalf.‘Their
horsesmusthaveperished,andwithoutthemtheyarecrippled.ButtheRingwraithsthemselvescannotbesoeasilydestroyed.However,thereisnothingmoretofearfromthematpresent.Yourfriendscrossedafterthefloodhadpassedandtheyfoundyoulyingonyourfaceatthetopofthebank,withabroken
swordunderyou.Thehorsewasstandingguardbesideyou.Youwerepaleandcold,andtheyfearedthatyouweredead,orworse.Elrond’sfolkmetthem,carryingyouslowlytowardsRivendell.’
‘Whomadetheflood?’askedFrodo.
‘Elrondcommandedit,’answeredGandalf.‘Theriverofthisvalleyisunderhispower,anditwillrisein
angerwhenhehasgreatneedtobartheFord.AssoonasthecaptainoftheRingwraithsrodeintothewaterthefloodwasreleased.IfImaysayso,Iaddedafewtouchesofmyown:youmaynothavenoticed,butsomeofthewavestooktheformofgreatwhitehorseswithshiningwhiteriders;andthereweremanyrollingandgrindingboulders.ForamomentIwas
afraidthatwehadletloosetoofierceawrath,andthefloodwouldgetoutofhandandwashyouallaway.ThereisgreatvigourinthewatersthatcomedownfromthesnowsoftheMistyMountains.’
‘Yes,itallcomesbacktomenow,’saidFrodo:‘thetremendousroaring.IthoughtIwasdrowning,withmyfriendsandenemiesandall.
Butnowwearesafe!’Gandalflookedquicklyat
Frodo,buthehadshuthiseyes.‘Yes,youareallsafeforthepresent.SoontherewillbefeastingandmerrymakingtocelebratethevictoryattheFordofBruinen,andyouwillallbethereinplacesofhonour.’
‘Splendid!’saidFrodo.‘ItiswonderfulthatElrond,andGlorfindelandsuchgreat
lords,nottomentionStrider,shouldtakesomuchtroubleandshowmesomuchkindness.’
‘Well,therearemanyreasonswhytheyshould,’saidGandalf,smiling.‘Iamonegoodreason.TheRingisanother:youaretheRing-bearer.AndyouaretheheirofBilbo,theRing-finder.’
‘DearBilbo!’saidFrodosleepily.‘Iwonderwherehe
is.Iwishhewashereandcouldhearallaboutit.Itwouldhavemadehimlaugh.ThecowjumpedovertheMoon!Andthepooroldtroll!’Withthathefellfastasleep.
FrodowasnowsafeintheLastHomelyHouseeastoftheSea.Thathousewas,asBilbohadlongagoreported,
‘aperfecthouse,whetheryoulikefoodorsleeporstory-tellingorsinging,orjustsittingandthinkingbest,orapleasantmixtureofthemall’.Merelytobetherewasacureforweariness,fear,andsadness.
Astheeveningdrewon,Frodowokeupagain,andhefoundthathenolongerfeltinneedofrestorsleep,buthadamindforfoodanddrink,
andprobablyforsingingandstory-tellingafterwards.Hegotoutofbedanddiscoveredthathisarmwasalreadynearlyasusefulagainasiteverhadbeen.Hefoundlaidreadycleangarmentsofgreencloththatfittedhimexcellently.Lookinginamirrorhewasstartledtoseeamuchthinnerreflectionofhimselfthanheremembered:itlookedremarkablylikethe
youngnephewofBilbowhousedtogotrampingwithhisuncleintheShire;buttheeyeslookedoutathimthoughtfully.
‘Yes,youhaveseenathingortwosinceyoulastpeepedoutofalooking-glass,’hesaidtohisreflection.‘Butnowforamerrymeeting!’Hestretchedouthisarmsandwhistledatune.
Atthatmomenttherewasaknockonthedoor,andSamcamein.HerantoFrodoandtookhislefthand,awkwardlyandshyly.Hestrokeditgentlyandthenheblushedandturnedhastilyaway.
‘Hullo,Sam!’saidFrodo.‘It’swarm!’saidSam.
‘Meaningyourhand,Mr.Frodo.Ithasfeltsocoldthroughthelongnights.Butgloryandtrumpets!’hecried,
turningroundagainwithshiningeyesanddancingonthefloor.‘It’sfinetoseeyouupandyourselfagain,sir!Gandalfaskedmetocomeandseeifyouwerereadytocomedown,andIthoughthewasjoking.’
‘Iamready,’saidFrodo.‘Let’sgoandlookfortherestoftheparty!’
‘Icantakeyoutothem,sir,’saidSam.‘It’sabig
housethis,andverypeculiar.Alwaysabitmoretodiscover,andnoknowingwhatyou’llfindroundacorner.AndElves,sir!Elveshere,andElvesthere!Somelikekings,terribleandsplendid;andsomeasmerryaschildren.Andthemusicandthesinging–notthatIhavehadthetimeortheheartformuchlisteningsincewegothere.ButI’mgettingto
knowsomeofthewaysoftheplace.’
‘Iknowwhatyouhavebeendoing,Sam,’saidFrodo,takinghisarm.‘Butyoushallbemerrytonight,andlistentoyourheart’scontent.Comeon,guidemeroundthecorners!’
Samledhimalongseveralpassagesanddownmanystepsandoutintoahighgardenabovethesteepbank
oftheriver.Hefoundhisfriendssittinginaporchonthesideofthehouselookingeast.Shadowshadfalleninthevalleybelow,buttherewasstillalightonthefacesofthemountainsfarabove.Theairwaswarm.Thesoundofrunningandfallingwaterwasloud,andtheeveningwasfilledwithafaintscentoftreesandflowers,asifsummerstilllingeredin
Elrond’sgardens.‘Hurray!’criedPippin,
springingup.‘Hereisournoblecousin!MakewayforFrodo,LordoftheRing!’
‘Hush!’saidGandalffromtheshadowsatthebackoftheporch.‘Evilthingsdonotcomeintothisvalley;butallthesameweshouldnotnamethem.TheLordoftheRingisnotFrodo,butthemasteroftheDarkTowerofMordor,
whosepowerisagainstretchingoutovertheworld.Wearesittinginafortress.Outsideitisgettingdark.’
‘Gandalfhasbeensayingmanycheerfulthingslikethat,’saidPippin.‘HethinksIneedkeepinginorder.Butitseemsimpossible,somehow,tofeelgloomyordepressedinthisplace.IfeelIcouldsing,ifIknewtherightsongfortheoccasion.’
‘Ifeellikesingingmyself,’laughedFrodo.‘ThoughatthemomentIfeelmorelikeeatinganddrinking.’
‘Thatwillsoonbecured,’saidPippin.‘Youhaveshownyourusualcunningingettingupjustintimeforameal.’
‘Morethanameal!Afeast!’saidMerry.‘AssoonasGandalfreportedthatyouwererecovered,the
preparationsbegan.’Hehadhardlyfinishedspeakingwhentheyweresummonedtothehallbytheringingofmanybells.
ThehallofElrond’shousewasfilledwithfolk:Elvesforthemostpart,thoughtherewereafewguestsofothersorts.Elrond,aswashiscustom,satina
greatchairattheendofthelongtableuponthedais;andnexttohimontheonesidesatGlorfindel,ontheothersidesatGandalf.
Frodolookedattheminwonder;forhehadneverbeforeseenElrond,ofwhomsomanytalesspoke;andastheysatuponhisrighthandandhisleft,Glorfindel,andevenGandalf,whomhethoughtheknewsowell,
wererevealedaslordsofdignityandpower.
Gandalfwasshorterinstaturethantheothertwo;buthislongwhitehair,hissweepingsilverbeard,andhisbroadshoulders,madehimlooklikesomewisekingofancientlegend.Inhisagedfaceundergreatsnowybrowshisdarkeyesweresetlikecoalsthatcouldleapsuddenlyintofire.
Glorfindelwastallandstraight;hishairwasofshininggold,hisfacefairandyoungandfearlessandfullofjoy;hiseyeswerebrightandkeen,andhisvoicelikemusic;onhisbrowsatwisdom,andinhishandwasstrength.
ThefaceofElrondwasageless,neitheroldnoryoung,thoughinitwaswrittenthememoryofmany
thingsbothgladandsorrowful.Hishairwasdarkastheshadowsoftwilight,anduponitwassetacircletofsilver;hiseyesweregreyasaclearevening,andinthemwasalightlikethelightofstars.Venerableheseemedasakingcrownedwithmanywinters,andyethaleasatriedwarriorinthefulnessofhisstrength.HewastheLordofRivendellandmighty
amongbothElvesandMen.Inthemiddleofthetable,
againstthewovenclothsuponthewall,therewasachairunderacanopy,andtheresataladyfairtolookupon,andsolikewassheinformofwomanhoodtoElrondthatFrodoguessedthatshewasoneofhisclosekindred.Youngshewasandyetnotso.Thebraidsofherdarkhairweretouchedbyno
frost;herwhitearmsandclearfacewereflawlessandsmooth,andthelightofstarswasinherbrighteyes,greyasacloudlessnight;yetqueenlyshelooked,andthoughtandknowledgewereinherglance,asofonewhohasknownmanythingsthattheyearsbring.Aboveherbrowherheadwascoveredwithacapofsilverlacenettedwithsmallgems,
glitteringwhite;buthersoftgreyraimenthadnoornamentsaveagirdleofleaveswroughtinsilver.
SoitwasthatFrodosawherwhomfewmortalshadyetseen;Arwen,daughterofElrond,inwhomitwassaidthatthelikenessofLúthienhadcomeonearthagain;andshewascalledUndómiel,forshewastheEvenstarofherpeople.Longshehadbeenin
thelandofhermother’skin,inLórienbeyondthemountains,andwasbutlatelyreturnedtoRivendelltoherfather’shouse.Butherbrothers,ElladanandElrohir,wereoutuponerrantry;fortheyrodeoftenfarafieldwiththeRangersoftheNorth,forgettingnevertheirmother’stormentinthedensoftheorcs.
Suchlovelinessinliving
thingFrodohadneverseenbeforenorimaginedinhismind;andhewasbothsurprisedandabashedtofindthathehadaseatatElrond’stableamongallthesefolksohighandfair.Thoughhehadasuitablechair,andwasraiseduponseveralcushions,hefeltverysmall,andratheroutofplace;butthatfeelingquicklypassed.Thefeastwasmerryandthefoodallthathis
hungercoulddesire.Itwassometimebeforehelookedabouthimagainoreventurnedtohisneighbours.
Helookedfirstforhisfriends.Samhadbeggedtobeallowedtowaitonhismaster,buthadbeentoldthatforthistimehewasaguestofhonour.Frodocouldseehimnow,sittingwithPippinandMerryattheupperendofoneoftheside-tablesclosetothe
dais.HecouldseenosignofStrider.
NexttoFrodoonhisrightsatadwarfofimportantappearance,richlydressed.Hisbeard,verylongandforked,waswhite,nearlyaswhiteasthesnow-whiteclothofhisgarments.Heworeasilverbelt,androundhisneckhungachainofsilveranddiamonds.Frodostoppedeatingtolookathim.
‘Welcomeandwellmet!’saidthedwarf,turningtowardshim.Thenheactuallyrosefromhisseatandbowed.‘Glóinatyourservice,’hesaid,andbowedstilllower.
‘FrodoBagginsatyourserviceandyourfamily’s,’saidFrodocorrectly,risinginsurpriseandscatteringhiscushions.‘AmIrightinguessingthatyouarethe
Glóin,oneofthetwelvecompanionsofthegreatThorinOakenshield?’
‘Quiteright,’answeredthedwarf,gatheringupthecushionsandcourteouslyassistingFrodobackintohisseat.‘AndIdonotask,forIhavealreadybeentoldthatyouarethekinsmanandadoptedheirofourfriendBilbotherenowned.Allowmetocongratulateyouon
yourrecovery.’‘Thankyouverymuch,’
saidFrodo.‘Youhavehadsomevery
strangeadventures,Ihear,’saidGlóin.‘Iwondergreatlywhatbringsfourhobbitsonsolongajourney.NothinglikeithashappenedsinceBilbocamewithus.ButperhapsIshouldnotinquiretooclosely,sinceElrondandGandalfdonotseemdisposed
totalkofthis?’‘Ithinkwewillnotspeak
ofit,atleastnotyet,’saidFrodopolitely.HeguessedthateveninElrond’shousethematteroftheRingwasnotoneforcasualtalk;andinanycasehewishedtoforgethistroublesforatime.‘ButIamequallycurious,’headded,‘tolearnwhatbringssoimportantadwarfsofarfromtheLonelyMountain.’
Glóinlookedathim.‘Ifyouhavenotheard,Ithinkwewillnotspeakyetofthateither.MasterElrondwillsummonusallerelong,Ibelieve,andthenweshallallhearmanythings.Butthereismuchelsethatmaybetold.’
Throughouttherestofthemealtheytalkedtogether,butFrodolistenedmorethanhespoke;forthenewsoftheShire,apartfromtheRing,
seemedsmallandfar-awayandunimportant,whileGlóinhadmuchtotellofeventsinthenorthernregionsofWilderland.FrodolearnedthatGrimbeorntheOld,sonofBeorn,wasnowthelordofmanysturdymen,andtotheirlandbetweentheMountainsandMirkwoodneitherorcnorwolfdaredtogo.
‘Indeed,’saidGlóin,‘ifitwerenotfortheBeornings,
thepassagefromDaletoRivendellwouldlongagohavebecomeimpossible.TheyarevaliantmenandkeepopentheHighPassandtheFordofCarrock.Buttheirtollsarehigh,’headdedwithashakeofhishead;‘andlikeBeornofoldtheyarenotoverfondofdwarves.Still,theyaretrusty,andthatismuchinthesedays.Nowherearethereanymensofriendlytousas
theMenofDale.Theyaregoodfolk,theBardings.ThegrandsonofBardtheBowmanrulesthem,BrandsonofBainsonofBard.Heisastrongking,andhisrealmnowreachesfarsouthandeastofEsgaroth.’
‘Andwhatofyourownpeople?’askedFrodo.
‘Thereismuchtotell,goodandbad,’saidGlóin;‘yetitismostlygood:we
havesofarbeenfortunate,thoughwedonotescapetheshadowofthesetimes.Ifyoureallywishtohearofus,Iwilltellyoutidingsgladly.Butstopmewhenyouareweary!Dwarves’tonguesrunonwhenspeakingoftheirhandiwork,theysay.’
AndwiththatGlóinembarkedonalongaccountofthedoingsoftheDwarf-kingdom.Hewasdelightedto
havefoundsopolitealistener;forFrodoshowednosignofwearinessandmadenoattempttochangethesubject,thoughactuallyhesoongotratherlostamongthestrangenamesofpeopleandplacesthathehadneverheardofbefore.Hewasinterested,however,tohearthatDáinwasstillKingundertheMountain,andwasnowold(havingpassedhistwo
hundredandfiftiethyear),venerable,andfabulouslyrich.OfthetencompanionswhohadsurvivedtheBattleofFiveArmiessevenwerestillwithhim:Dwalin,Glóin,Dori,Nori,Bifur,Bofur,andBombur.Bomburwasnowsofatthathecouldnotmovehimselffromhiscouchtohischairattable,andittooksixyoungdwarvestolifthim.
‘Andwhathasbecomeof
BalinandOriandÓin?’askedFrodo.
AshadowpassedoverGlóin’sface.‘Wedonotknow,’heanswered.‘ItislargelyonaccountofBalinthatIhavecometoasktheadviceofthosethatdwellinRivendell.Buttonightletusspeakofmerrierthings!’
Glóinbeganthentotalkoftheworksofhispeople,tellingFrodoabouttheirgreat
laboursinDaleandundertheMountain.‘Wehavedonewell,’hesaid.‘Butinmetal-workwecannotrivalourfathers,manyofwhosesecretsarelost.Wemakegoodarmourandkeenswords,butwecannotagainmakemailorbladetomatchthosethatweremadebeforethedragoncame.Onlyinminingandbuildinghavewesurpassedtheolddays.You
shouldseethewaterwaysofDale,Frodo,andthefountains,andthepools!Youshouldseethestone-pavedroadsofmanycolours!Andthehallsandcavernousstreetsundertheearthwitharchescarvedliketrees;andtheterracesandtowersupontheMountain’ssides!Thenyouwouldseethatwehavenotbeenidle.’
‘Iwillcomeandseethem,
ifeverIcan,’saidFrodo.‘HowsurprisedBilbowouldhavebeentoseeallthechangesintheDesolationofSmaug!’
GlóinlookedatFrodoandsmiled.‘YouwereveryfondofBilbowereyounot?’heasked.
‘Yes,’answeredFrodo.‘Iwouldratherseehimthanallthetowersandpalacesintheworld.’
Atlengththefeastcametoanend.ElrondandArwenroseandwentdownthehall,andthecompanyfollowedthemindueorder.Thedoorswerethrownopen,andtheywentacrossawidepassageandthroughotherdoors,andcameintoafurtherhall.Initwerenotables,butabrightfirewasburninginagreathearthbetweenthecarvenpillarsuponeitherside.
FrodofoundhimselfwalkingwithGandalf.‘ThisistheHallofFire,’saidthewizard.‘Hereyouwillhearmanysongsandtales–ifyoucankeepawake.Butexceptonhighdaysitusuallystandsemptyandquiet,andpeoplecomeherewhowishforpeace,andthought.Thereisalwaysafirehere,alltheyearround,butthereislittleotherlight.’
AsElrondenteredandwenttowardstheseatpreparedforhim,Elvishminstrelsbegantomakesweetmusic.Slowlythehallfilled,andFrodolookedwithdelightuponthemanyfairfacesthatweregatheredtogether;thegoldenfirelightplayeduponthemandshimmeredintheirhair.Suddenlyhenoticed,notfarfromthefurtherendofthe
fire,asmalldarkfigureseatedonastoolwithhisbackproppedagainstapillar.Besidehimonthegroundwasadrinking-cupandsomebread.Frodowonderedwhetherhewasill(ifpeoplewereeverillinRivendell),andhadbeenunabletocometothefeast.Hisheadseemedsunkinsleeponhisbreast,andafoldofhisdarkcloakwasdrawnoverhisface.
Elrondwentforwardandstoodbesidethesilentfigure.‘Awake,littlemaster!’hesaid,withasmile.Then,turningtoFrodo,hebeckonedtohim.‘Nowatlastthehourhascomethatyouhavewishedfor,Frodo,’hesaid.‘Hereisafriendthatyouhavelongmissed.’
Thedarkfigureraiseditsheadanduncovereditsface.‘Bilbo!’criedFrodowith
suddenrecognition,andhesprangforward.
‘Hullo,Frodomylad!’saidBilbo.‘Soyouhavegothereatlast.Ihopedyouwouldmanageit.Well,well!Soallthisfeastingisinyourhonour,Ihear.Ihopeyouenjoyedyourself?’
‘Whyweren’tyouthere?’criedFrodo.‘Andwhyhaven’tIbeenallowedtoseeyoubefore?’
‘Becauseyouwereasleep.Ihaveseenagooddealofyou.IhavesatbyyoursidewithSameachday.Butasforthefeast,Idon’tgoinforsuchthingsmuchnow.AndIhadsomethingelsetodo.’
‘Whatwereyoudoing?’‘Why,sittingand
thinking.Idoalotofthatnowadays,andthisisthebestplacetodoitin,asarule.Wakeup,indeed!’hesaid,
cockinganeyeatElrond.TherewasabrighttwinkleinitandnosignofsleepinessthatFrodocouldsee.‘Wakeup!Iwasnotasleep,MasterElrond.Ifyouwanttoknow,youhaveallcomeoutfromyourfeasttoosoon,andyouhavedisturbedme–inthemiddleofmakingupasong.Iwasstuckoveralineortwo,andwasthinkingaboutthem;butnowIdon’tsupposeI
shallevergetthemright.Therewillbesuchadealofsingingthattheideaswillbedrivencleanoutofmyhead.IshallhavetogetmyfriendtheDúnadantohelpme.Whereishe?’
Elrondlaughed.‘Heshallbefound,’hesaid.‘Thenyoutwoshallgointoacornerandfinishyourtask,andwewillhearitandjudgeitbeforeweendourmerrymaking.’
MessengersweresenttofindBilbo’sfriend,thoughnoneknewwherehewas,orwhyhehadnotbeenpresentatthefeast.
InthemeanwhileFrodoandBilbosatsidebyside,andSamcamequicklyandplacedhimselfnearthem.Theytalkedtogetherinsoftvoices,obliviousofthemirthandmusicinthehallaboutthem.Bilbohadnotmuchto
sayofhimself.WhenhehadleftHobbitonhehadwanderedoffaimlessly,alongtheRoadorinthecountryoneitherside;butsomehowhehadsteeredallthetimetowardsRivendell.
‘Igotherewithoutmuchadventure,’hesaid,‘andafterarestIwentonwiththedwarvestoDale:mylastjourney.Ishan’ttravelagain.OldBalinhadgoneaway.
ThenIcamebackhere,andhereIhavebeen.Ihavedonethisandthat.Ihavewrittensomemoreofmybook.And,ofcourse,Imakeupafewsongs.Theysingthemoccasionally:justtopleaseme,Ithink;for,ofcourse,theyaren’treallygoodenoughforRivendell.AndIlistenandIthink.Timedoesn’tseemtopasshere:itjustis.Aremarkableplace
altogether.‘Ihearallkindsofnews,
fromovertheMountains,andoutoftheSouth,buthardlyanythingfromtheShire.IheardabouttheRing,ofcourse.Gandalfhasbeenhereoften.Notthathehastoldmeagreatdeal,hehasbecomecloserthanevertheselastfewyears.TheDúnadanhastoldmemore.Fancythatringofminecausingsucha
disturbance!ItisapitythatGandalfdidnotfindoutmoresooner.Icouldhavebroughtthethingheremyselflongagowithoutsomuchtrouble.IhavethoughtseveraltimesofgoingbacktoHobbitonforit;butIamgettingold,andtheywouldnotletme:
GandalfandElrond,Imean.TheyseemedtothinkthattheEnemywaslookinghighandlowforme,and
wouldmakemincemeatofme,ifhecaughtmetotteringaboutintheWild.
‘AndGandalfsaid:“TheRinghaspassedon,Bilbo.Itwoulddonogoodtoyouortoothers,ifyoutriedtomeddlewithitagain.”Oddsortofremark,justlikeGandalf.Buthesaidhewaslookingafteryou,soIletthingsbe.Iamfrightfullygladtoseeyousafeand
sound.’HepausedandlookedatFrododoubtfully.
‘Haveyougotithere?’heaskedinawhisper.‘Ican’thelpfeelingcurious,youknow,afterallI’veheard.Ishouldverymuchlikejusttopeepatitagain.’
‘Yes,I’vegotit,’answeredFrodo,feelingastrangereluctance.‘Itlooksjustthesameaseveritdid.’
‘Well,Ishouldjustliketo
seeitforamoment,’saidBilbo.
Whenhehaddressed,FrodofoundthatwhileheslepttheRinghadbeenhungabouthisneckonanewchain,lightbutstrong.Slowlyhedrewitout.Bilboputouthishand.ButFrodoquicklydrewbacktheRing.Tohisdistressandamazementhefoundthathewasnolongerlookingat
Bilbo;ashadowseemedtohavefallenbetweenthem,andthroughithefoundhimselfeyeingalittlewrinkledcreaturewithahungryfaceandbonygropinghands.Hefeltadesiretostrikehim.
Themusicandsingingroundthemseemedtofalter,andasilencefell.BilbolookedquicklyatFrodo’sfaceandpassedhishand
acrosshiseyes.‘Iunderstandnow,’hesaid.‘Putitaway!Iamsorry:sorryyouhavecomeinforthisburden;sorryabouteverything.Don’tadventureseverhaveanend?Isupposenot.Someoneelsealwayshastocarryonthestory.Well,itcan’tbehelped.Iwonderifit’sanygoodtryingtofinishmybook?Butdon’tlet’sworryaboutitnow–let’shave
somerealNews!TellmeallabouttheShire!’
FrodohidtheRingaway,andtheshadowpassedleavinghardlyashredofmemory.ThelightandmusicofRivendellwasabouthimagain.Bilbosmiledandlaughedhappily.EveryitemofnewsfromtheShirethatFrodocouldtell–aidedand
correctednowandagainbySam–wasofthegreatestinteresttohim,fromthefellingoftheleasttreetothepranksofthesmallestchildinHobbiton.TheyweresodeepinthedoingsoftheFourFarthingsthattheydidnotnoticethearrivalofamancladindarkgreencloth.Formanyminuteshestoodlookingdownatthemwithasmile.
SuddenlyBilbolookedup.‘Ah,thereyouareatlast,Dúnadan!’hecried.
‘Strider!’saidFrodo.‘Youseemtohavealotofnames.’
‘Well,StriderisonethatIhaven’theardbefore,anyway,’saidBilbo.‘Whatdoyoucallhimthatfor?’
‘TheycallmethatinBree,’saidStriderlaughing,‘andthatishowIwas
introducedtohim.’‘Andwhydoyoucallhim
Dúnadan?’askedFrodo.‘TheDúnadan,’said
Bilbo.‘Heisoftencalledthathere.ButIthoughtyouknewenoughElvishatleasttoknowdúnadan:ManoftheWest,Númenórean.Butthisisnotthetimeforlessons!’HeturnedtoStrider.‘Wherehaveyoubeen,myfriend?Whyweren’tyouatthefeast?
TheLadyArwenwasthere.’Striderlookeddownat
Bilbogravely.‘Iknow,’hesaid.‘ButoftenImustputmirthaside.ElladanandElrohirhavereturnedoutoftheWildunlooked-for,andtheyhadtidingsthatIwishedtohearatonce.’
‘Well,mydearfellow,’saidBilbo,‘nowyou’veheardthenews,can’tyousparemeamoment?Iwant
yourhelpinsomethingurgent.Elrondsaysthissongofmineistobefinishedbeforetheendoftheevening,andIamstuck.Let’sgooffintoacornerandpolishitup!’
Stridersmiled.‘Comethen!’hesaid.‘Letmehearit!’
Frodowaslefttohimself
forawhile,forSamhadfallenasleep.Hewasaloneandfeltratherforlorn,althoughallabouthimthefolkofRivendellweregathered.Butthosenearhimweresilent,intentuponthemusicofthevoicesandtheinstruments,andtheygavenoheedtoanythingelse.Frodobegantolisten.
Atfirstthebeautyofthemelodiesandofthe
interwovenwordsinelven-tongues,eventhoughheunderstoodthemlittle,heldhiminaspell,assoonashebegantoattendtothem.Almostitseemedthatthewordstookshape,andvisionsoffarlandsandbrightthingsthathehadneveryetimaginedopenedoutbeforehim;andthefirelithallbecamelikeagoldenmistaboveseasoffoamthat
sigheduponthemarginsoftheworld.Thentheenchantmentbecamemoreandmoredreamlike,untilhefeltthatanendlessriverofswellinggoldandsilverwasflowingoverhim,toomultitudinousforitspatterntobecomprehended;itbecamepartofthethrobbingairabouthim,anditdrenchedanddrownedhim.Swiftlyhesankunderitsshiningweight
intoadeeprealmofsleep.Therehewanderedlongin
adreamofmusicthatturnedintorunningwater,andthensuddenlyintoavoice.ItseemedtobethevoiceofBilbochantingverses.Faintatfirstandthenclearerranthewords.
Eärendilwasamarinerthattarriedin
Arvernien;hebuiltaboatoftimberfelledinNimbrethiltojourneyin;hersailshewoveofsilverfair,ofsilverwereherlanternsmade,herprowhefashionedlikeaswan,andlightuponher
bannerslaid.
Inpanoplyofancientkings,inchainédringshearmouredhim;hisshiningshieldwasscoredwithrunestowardallwoundsandharmfromhim;hisbowwasmadeofdragon-horn,
hisarrowsshornofebony,ofsilverwashishabergeon,
hisscabbardofchalcedony;hisswordofsteelwasvaliant,ofadamanthishelmettall,aneagle-plumeuponhiscrest,
uponhisbreastanemerald.
BeneaththeMoonandunderstarhewanderedfarfromnorthernstrands,bewilderedonenchantedwaysbeyondthedaysofmortallands.FromgnashingoftheNarrowIce
whereshadowliesonfrozenhills,fromnetherheatsandburningwasteheturnedinhaste,androvingstillonstarlesswatersfarastrayatlasthecametoNightofNaught,andpassed,andneversighthesawofshiningshorenor
lighthesought.Thewindsofwrathcamedrivinghim,andblindlyinthefoamhefledfromwesttoeast,anderrandless,unheraldedhehomewardsped.
ThereflyingElwingcametohim,andflamewasinthe
darknesslit;morebrightthanlightofdiamondthefireuponhercarcanet.TheSilmarilsheboundonhimandcrownedhimwiththelivinglight,anddauntlessthenwithburningbrowheturnedhisprow;andinthenight
fromOtherworldbeyondtheSeatherestrongandfreeastormarose,awindofpowerinTarmenel;bypathsthatseldommortalgoeshisboatitborewithbitingbreathasmightofdeathacrossthegreyandlong-forsaken
seasdistressed:fromeasttowesthepassedaway.
ThroughEvernighthebackwasborneonblackandroaringwavesthatrano’erleaguesunlitandfounderedshoresthatdrownedbeforetheDaysbegan,
untilheheardonstrandsofpearlwhereendstheworldthemusiclong,whereever-foamingbillowsrolltheyellowgoldandjewelswan.HesawtheMountainsilentrisewheretwilightliesuponthekneesofValinor,and
Eldamarbeheldafarbeyondtheseas.Awandererescapedfromnighttohavenwhitehecameatlast,toElvenhomethegreenandfairwherekeentheair,wherepaleasglassbeneaththeHillofIlmarin
a-glimmerinavalleysheerthelamplittowersofTirionaremirroredontheShadowmere.
Hetarriedtherefromerrantry,andmelodiestheytaughttohim,andsagesoldhimmarvelstold,
andharpsofgoldtheybroughttohim.Theyclothedhimtheninelven-white,andsevenlightsbeforehimsent,asthroughtheCalaciriantohiddenlandforlornhewent.Hecameuntothetimelesshalls
whereshiningfallthecountlessyears,andendlessreignstheElderKinginIlmarinonMountainsheer;andwordsunheardwerespokenthenoffolkofMenandElven-kin,beyondtheworldwerevisionsshowed
forbidtothosethatdwelltherein.
Ashipthennewtheybuiltforhimofmithrilandofelven-glasswithshiningprow;noshavenoarnorsailsheboreonsilvermast:theSilmarilaslanternlight
andbannerbrightwithlivingflametogleamthereonbyElberethherselfwasset,whothithercameandwingsimmortalmadeforhim,andlaidonhimundyingdoom,tosailtheshorelessskiesandcomebehindtheSunand
lightofMoon.
FromEvereven’sloftyhillswheresoftlysilverfountainsfallhiswingshimbore,awanderinglight,beyondthemightyMountainWall.FromWorld’sEndthenheturnedaway,
andyearnedagaintofindafarhishomethroughshadowsjourneying,andburningasanislandstaronhighabovethemistshecame,adistantflamebeforetheSun,awondererethewakingdawn
wheregreytheNorlandwatersrun.
AndoverMiddle-earthhepassedandheardatlasttheweepingsoreofwomenandofelven-maidsinElderDays,inyearsofyore.Butonhimmighty
doomwaslaid,tillMoonshouldfade,anorbédstartopass,andtarrynevermoreonHitherShoreswheremortalsare;foreverstillaheraldonanerrandthatshouldneverresttobearhisshininglampafar,
theFlammiferofWesternesse.
Thechantingceased.FrodoopenedhiseyesandsawthatBilbowasseatedonhisstoolinacircleoflisteners,whoweresmilingandapplauding.
‘Nowwehadbetterhaveitagain,’saidanElf.
Bilbogotupandbowed.‘Iamflattered,Lindir,’he
said.‘Butitwouldbetootiringtorepeatitall.’
‘Nottootiringforyou,’theElvesansweredlaughing.‘Youknowyouarenevertiredofrecitingyourownverses.Butreallywecannotansweryourquestionatonehearing!’
‘What!’criedBilbo.‘Youcan’ttellwhichpartsweremine,andwhichweretheDúnadan’s?’
‘Itisnoteasyforustotellthedifferencebetweentwomortals,’saidtheElf.
‘Nonsense,Lindir,’snortedBilbo.‘Ifyoucan’tdistinguishbetweenaManandaHobbit,yourjudgementispoorerthanIimagined.They’reasdifferentaspeasandapples.’
‘Maybe.Tosheepothersheepnodoubtappeardifferent,’laughedLindir.‘Or
toshepherds.ButMortalshavenotbeenourstudy.Wehaveotherbusiness.’
‘Iwon’targuewithyou,’saidBilbo.‘Iamsleepyaftersomuchmusicandsinging.I’llleaveyoutoguess,ifyouwantto.’
HegotupandcametowardsFrodo.‘Well,that’sover,’hesaidinalowvoice.‘ItwentoffbetterthanIexpected.Idon’toftenget
askedforasecondhearing.Whatdidyouthinkofit?’
‘Iamnotgoingtotryandguess,’saidFrodosmiling.
‘Youneedn’t,’saidBilbo.‘Asamatteroffactitwasallmine.ExceptthatAragorninsistedonmyputtinginagreenstone.Heseemedtothinkitimportant.Idon’tknowwhy.Otherwiseheobviouslythoughtthewholethingratherabovemyhead,
andhesaidthatifIhadthecheektomakeversesaboutEärendilinthehouseofElrond,itwasmyaffair.Isupposehewasright.’
‘Idon’tknow,’saidFrodo.‘Itseemedtometofitsomehow,thoughIcan’texplain.Iwashalfasleepwhenyoubegan,anditseemedtofollowonfromsomethingthatIwasdreamingabout.Ididn’t
understandthatitwasreallyyouspeakinguntilneartheend.’
‘Itisdifficulttokeepawakehere,untilyougetusedtoit,’saidBilbo.‘NotthathobbitswouldeveracquirequitetheElvishappetiteformusicandpoetryandtales.Theyseemtolikethemasmuchasfood,ormore.Theywillbegoingonforalongtimeyet.Whatdo
yousaytoslippingoffforsomemorequiettalk?’
‘Canwe?’saidFrodo.‘Ofcourse.Thisis
merrymakingnotbusiness.Comeandgoasyoulike,aslongasyoudon’tmakeanoise.’
Theygotupandwithdrewquietlyintotheshadows,andmadeforthedoors.Samtheyleftbehind,fastasleepstillwithasmileonhisface.In
spiteofhisdelightinBilbo’scompanyFrodofeltatugofregretastheypassedoutoftheHallofFire.Evenastheysteppedoverthethresholdasingleclearvoiceroseinsong.
AElberethGilthoniel,silivrenpennamírielomenelaglarelenath!
Na-chaeredpalan-dírielogaladhremminennorath,Fanuilos,lelinnathonnefaear,sínefaearon!
Frodohaltedforamoment,lookingback.Elrondwasinhischairandthefirewasonhisfacelike
summer-lightuponthetrees.NearhimsattheLadyArwen.TohissurpriseFrodosawthatAragornstoodbesideher;hisdarkcloakwasthrownback,andheseemedtobecladinelven-mail,andastarshoneonhisbreast.Theyspoketogether,andthensuddenlyitseemedtoFrodothatArwenturnedtowardshim,andthelightofhereyesfellonhimfromafarand
piercedhisheart.Hestoodstillenchanted,
whilethesweetsyllablesoftheElvishsongfelllikeclearjewelsofblendedwordandmelody.‘ItisasongtoElbereth,’saidBilbo.‘Theywillsingthat,andothersongsoftheBlessedRealm,manytimestonight.Comeon!’
HeledFrodobacktohisownlittleroom.Itopenedontothegardensandlooked
southacrosstheravineoftheBruinen.Theretheysatforsomewhile,lookingthroughthewindowatthebrightstarsabovethesteep-climbingwoods,andtalkingsoftly.TheyspokenomoreofthesmallnewsoftheShirefaraway,norofthedarkshadowsandperilsthatencompassedthem,butofthefairthingstheyhadseenintheworldtogether,ofthe
Elves,ofthestars,oftrees,andthegentlefallofthebrightyearinthewoods.
Atlasttherecameaknockonthedoor.‘Beggingyourpardon,’saidSam,puttinginhishead,‘butIwasjustwonderingifyouwouldbewantinganything.’
‘Andbeggingyours,SamGamgee,’repliedBilbo.‘I
guessyoumeanthatitistimeyourmasterwenttobed.’
‘Well,sir,thereisaCouncilearlytomorrow,Ihear,andheonlygotuptodayforthefirsttime.’
‘Quiteright,Sam,’laughedBilbo.‘YoucantrotoffandtellGandalfthathehasgonetobed.Goodnight,Frodo!Blessme,butithasbeengoodtoseeyouagain!Therearenofolklikehobbits
afterallforarealgoodtalk.Iamgettingveryold,andIbegantowonderifIshouldlivetoseeyourchaptersofourstory.Goodnight!I’lltakeawalk,Ithink,andlookatthestarsofElberethinthegarden.Sleepwell!’
Chapter2
THECOUNCILOFELROND
NextdayFrodowokeearly,feelingrefreshedandwell.Hewalkedalongtheterracesabovetheloud-flowing
Bruinenandwatchedthepale,coolsunriseabovethefarmountains,andshinedown,slantingthroughthethinsilvermist;thedewupontheyellowleaveswasglimmering,andthewovennetsofgossamertwinkledoneverybush.Samwalkedbesidehim,sayingnothing,butsniffingtheair,andlookingeverynowandagainwithwonderinhiseyesatthe
greatheightsintheEast.Thesnowwaswhiteupontheirpeaks.
OnaseatcutinthestonebesideaturninthepaththeycameuponGandalfandBilbodeepintalk.‘Hullo!Goodmorning!’saidBilbo.‘Feelreadyforthegreatcouncil?’
‘Ifeelreadyforanything,’answeredFrodo.‘ButmostofallIshouldliketogowalkingtodayandexplorethevalley.
Ishouldliketogetintothosepine-woodsupthere.’HepointedawayfarupthesideofRivendelltothenorth.
‘Youmayhaveachancelater,’saidGandalf.‘Butwecannotmakeanyplansyet.Thereismuchtohearanddecidetoday.’
Suddenlyastheyweretalkingasingleclearbellrang
out.‘ThatisthewarningbellfortheCouncilofElrond,’criedGandalf.‘Comealongnow!BothyouandBilboarewanted.’
FrodoandBilbofollowedthewizardquicklyalongthewindingpathbacktothehouse;behindthem,uninvitedandforthemomentforgotten,trottedSam.
GandalfledthemtotheporchwhereFrodohadfound
hisfriendstheeveningbefore.Thelightoftheclearautumnmorningwasnowglowinginthevalley.Thenoiseofbubblingwaterscameupfromthefoamingriver-bed.Birdsweresinging,andawholesomepeacelayontheland.ToFrodohisdangerousflight,andtherumoursofthedarknessgrowingintheworldoutside,alreadyseemedonlythe
memoriesofatroubleddream;butthefacesthatwereturnedtomeetthemastheyenteredweregrave.
Elrondwasthere,andseveralotherswereseatedinsilenceabouthim.FrodosawGlorfindelandGlóin;andinacorneraloneStriderwassitting,cladinhisoldtravel-wornclothesagain.ElronddrewFrodotoaseatbyhisside,andpresentedhimtothe
company,saying:‘Here,myfriends,isthe
hobbit,FrodosonofDrogo.Fewhaveevercomehitherthroughgreaterperiloronanerrandmoreurgent.’
HethenpointedoutandnamedthosewhomFrodohadnotmetbefore.TherewasayoungerdwarfatGlóin’sside:hissonGimli.BesideGlorfindeltherewereseveralothercounsellorsof
Elrond’shousehold,ofwhomErestorwasthechief;andwithhimwasGaldor,anElffromtheGreyHavenswhohadcomeonanerrandfromCírdantheShipwright.TherewasalsoastrangeElfcladingreenandbrown,Legolas,amessengerfromhisfather,Thranduil,theKingoftheElvesofNorthernMirkwood.Andseatedalittleapartwasatallmanwithafairandnoble
face,dark-hairedandgrey-eyed,proudandsternofglance.
Hewascloakedandbootedasifforajourneyonhorseback;andindeedthoughhisgarmentswererich,andhiscloakwaslinedwithfur,theywerestainedwithlongtravel.Hehadacollarofsilverinwhichasinglewhitestonewasset;hislockswereshornabouthisshoulders.On
abaldricheworeagreathorntippedwithsilverthatnowwaslaiduponhisknees.HegazedatFrodoandBilbowithsuddenwonder.
‘Here,’saidElrond,turningtoGandalf,‘isBoromir,amanfromtheSouth.Hearrivedinthegreymorning,andseeksforcounsel.Ihavebiddenhimtobepresent,forherehisquestionswillbeanswered.’
NotallthatwasspokenanddebatedintheCouncilneednowbetold.Muchwassaidofeventsintheworldoutside,especiallyintheSouth,andinthewidelandseastoftheMountains.OfthesethingsFrodohadalreadyheardmanyrumours;butthetaleofGlóinwasnewtohim,andwhenthedwarfspokehelistenedattentively.Itappearedthatamidthe
splendouroftheirworksofhandtheheartsoftheDwarvesoftheLonelyMountainweretroubled.
‘Itisnowmanyyearsago,’saidGlóin,‘thatashadowofdisquietfelluponourpeople.Whenceitcamewedidnotatfirstperceive.Wordsbegantobewhisperedinsecret:itwassaidthatwewerehemmedinanarrowplace,andthatgreaterwealth
andsplendourwouldbefoundinawiderworld.SomespokeofMoria:themightyworksofourfathersthatarecalledinourowntongueKhazad-dûm;andtheydeclaredthatnowatlastwehadthepowerandnumberstoreturn.’
Glóinsighed.‘Moria!Moria!WonderoftheNorthernworld!Toodeepwedelvedthere,andwokethe
namelessfear.LonghaveitsvastmansionslainemptysincethechildrenofDurinfled.Butnowwespokeofitagainwithlonging,andyetwithdread;fornodwarfhasdaredtopassthedoorsofKhazad-dûmformanylivesofkings,saveThróronly,andheperished.Atlast,however,Balinlistenedtothewhispers,andresolvedtogo;andthoughDáindidnotgive
leavewillingly,hetookwithhimOriandÓinandmanyofourfolk,andtheywentawaysouth.
‘Thatwasnighonthirtyyearsago.Forawhilewehadnewsanditseemedgood:messagesreportedthatMoriahadbeenenteredandagreatworkbegunthere.Thentherewassilence,andnowordhasevercomefromMoriasince.
‘Thenaboutayearagoa
messengercametoDáin,butnotfromMoria–fromMordor:ahorsemaninthenight,whocalledDáintohisgate.TheLordSaurontheGreat,sohesaid,wishedforourfriendship.Ringshewouldgiveforit,suchashegaveofold.Andheaskedurgentlyconcerninghobbits,ofwhatkindtheywere,andwheretheydwelt.“ForSauronknows,”saidhe,“that
oneofthesewasknowntoyouonatime.”
‘Atthisweweregreatlytroubled,andwegavenoanswer.
Andthenhisfellvoicewaslowered,andhewouldhavesweeteneditifhecould.“AsasmalltokenonlyofyourfriendshipSauronasksthis,”hesaid:“thatyoushouldfindthisthief,”suchwashisword,“andgetfrom
him,willingorno,alittlering,theleastofrings,thatoncehestole.ItisbutatriflethatSauronfancies,andanearnestofyourgoodwill.Findit,andthreeringsthattheDwarf-sirespossessedofoldshallbereturnedtoyou,andtherealmofMoriashallbeyoursforever.Findonlynewsofthethief,whetherhestilllivesandwhere,andyoushallhavegreatrewardand
lastingfriendshipfromtheLord.Refuse,andthingswillnotseemsowell.Doyourefuse?”
‘Atthathisbreathcamelikethehissofsnakes,andallwhostoodbyshuddered,butDáinsaid:“Isayneitheryeanornay.Imustconsiderthismessageandwhatitmeansunderitsfaircloak.”
‘“Considerwell,butnottoolong,”saidhe.
‘“Thetimeofmythoughtismyowntospend,”answeredDáin.
‘“Forthepresent,”saidhe,androdeintothedarkness.
‘Heavyhavetheheartsofourchieftainsbeensincethatnight.Weneedednotthefellvoiceofthemessengertowarnusthathiswordsheldbothmenaceanddeceit;forweknewalreadythatthe
powerthathasre-enteredMordorhasnotchanged,andeveritbetrayedusofold.Twicethemessengerhasreturned,andhasgoneunanswered.Thethirdandlasttime,sohesays,issoontocome,beforetheendingoftheyear.
‘AndsoIhavebeensentatlastbyDáintowarnBilbothatheissoughtbytheEnemy,andtolearn,ifmay
be,whyhedesiresthisring,thisleastofrings.AlsowecravetheadviceofElrond.FortheShadowgrowsanddrawsnearer.WediscoverthatmessengershavecomealsotoKingBrandinDale,andthatheisafraid.Wefearthathemayyield.Alreadywarisgatheringonhiseasternborders.Ifwemakenoanswer,theEnemymaymoveMenofhisruleto
assailKingBrand,andDáinalso.’
‘Youhavedonewelltocome,’saidElrond.‘YouwillheartodayallthatyouneedinordertounderstandthepurposesoftheEnemy.Thereisnaughtthatyoucando,otherthantoresist,withhopeorwithoutit.Butyoudonotstandalone.Youwilllearnthatyourtroubleisbutpartofthetroubleofallthewestern
world.TheRing!WhatshallwedowiththeRing,theleastofrings,thetriflethatSauronfancies?Thatisthedoomthatwemustdeem.
‘Thatisthepurposeforwhichyouarecalledhither.Called,Isay,thoughIhavenotcalledyoutome,strangersfromdistantlands.Youhavecomeandareheremet,inthisverynickoftime,bychanceasitmayseem.
Yetitisnotso.Believeratherthatitissoorderedthatwe,whosithere,andnoneothers,mustnowfindcounselfortheperiloftheworld.
‘Now,therefore,thingsshallbeopenlyspokenthathavebeenhiddenfromallbutafewuntilthisday.Andfirst,sothatallmayunderstandwhatistheperil,theTaleoftheRingshallbetoldfromthebeginningeventothis
present.AndIwillbeginthattale,thoughothersshallendit.’
ThenalllistenedwhileElrondinhisclearvoicespokeofSauronandtheRingsofPower,andtheirforgingintheSecondAgeoftheworldlongago.Apartofhistalewasknowntosomethere,butthefulltaletonone,
andmanyeyeswereturnedtoElrondinfearandwonderashetoldoftheElven-smithsofEregionandtheirfriendshipwithMoria,andtheireagernessforknowledge,bywhichSauronensnaredthem.Forinthattimehewasnotyeteviltobehold,andtheyreceivedhisaidandgrewmightyincraft,whereashelearnedalltheirsecrets,andbetrayedthem,andforged
secretlyintheMountainofFiretheOneRingtobetheirmaster.ButCelebrimborwasawareofhim,andhidtheThreewhichhehadmade;andtherewaswar,andthelandwaslaidwaste,andthegateofMoriawasshut.
ThenthroughalltheyearsthatfollowedhetracedtheRing;butsincethathistoryiselsewhererecounted,evenas
Elrondhimselfsetitdown
inhisbooksoflore,itisnothererecalled.Foritisalongtale,fullofdeedsgreatandterrible,andbrieflythoughElrondspoke,thesunrodeupthesky,andthemorningwaspassingereheceased.
OfNúmenorhespoke,itsgloryanditsfall,andthereturnoftheKingsofMentoMiddle-earthoutofthedeepsoftheSea,borneuponthewingsofstorm.ThenElendil
theTallandhismightysons,IsildurandAnárion,becamegreatlords;andtheNorth-realmtheymadeinArnor,andtheSouth-realminGondorabovethemouthsofAnduin.ButSauronofMordorassailedthem,andtheymadetheLastAllianceofElvesandMen,andthehostsofGil-galadandElendilweremusteredinArnor.
ThereuponElrondpaused
awhileandsighed.‘Irememberwellthesplendouroftheirbanners,’hesaid.‘ItrecalledtomethegloryoftheElderDaysandthehostsofBeleriand,somanygreatprincesandcaptainswereassembled.Andyetnotsomany,norsofair,aswhenThangorodrimwasbroken,andtheElvesdeemedthatevilwasendedforever,anditwasnotso.’
‘Youremember?’saidFrodo,speakinghisthoughtaloudinhisastonishment.‘ButIthought,’hestammeredasElrondturnedtowardshim,‘IthoughtthatthefallofGil-galadwasalongageago.’
‘Soitwasindeed,’answeredElrondgravely.‘ButmymemoryreachesbackeventotheElderDays.Eärendilwasmysire,whowasborninGondolinbefore
itsfall;andmymotherwasElwing,daughterofDior,sonofLúthienofDoriath.IhaveseenthreeagesintheWestoftheworld,andmanydefeats,andmanyfruitlessvictories.
‘IwastheheraldofGil-galadandmarchedwithhishost.IwasattheBattleofDagorladbeforetheBlackGateofMordor,wherewehadthemastery:fortheSpearofGil-galadandtheSwordof
Elendil,AeglosandNarsil,nonecouldwithstand.IbeheldthelastcombatontheslopesofOrodruin,whereGil-galaddied,andElendilfell,andNarsilbrokebeneathhim;butSauronhimselfwasoverthrown,andIsildurcuttheRingfromhishandwiththehilt-shardofhisfather’ssword,andtookitforhisown.’
Atthisthestranger,
Boromir,brokein.‘SothatiswhatbecameoftheRing!’hecried.‘IfeversuchatalewastoldintheSouth,ithaslongbeenforgotten.IhaveheardoftheGreatRingofhimthatwedonotname;butwebelievedthatitperishedfromtheworldintheruinofhisfirstrealm.Isildurtookit!Thatistidingsindeed.’
‘Alas!yes,’saidElrond.‘Isildurtookit,asshouldnot
havebeen.ItshouldhavebeencastthenintoOrodruin’sfirenighathandwhereitwasmade.ButfewmarkedwhatIsildurdid.Healonestoodbyhisfatherinthatlastmortalcontest;andbyGil-galadonlyCírdanstood,andI.ButIsildurwouldnotlistentoourcounsel.
‘“ThisIwillhaveasweregildformyfather,and
mybrother,”hesaid;andthereforewhetherwewouldorno,hetookittotreasureit.Butsoonhewasbetrayedbyittohisdeath;andsoitisnamedintheNorthIsildur’sBane.Yetdeathmaybewasbetterthanwhatelsemighthavebefallenhim.
‘OnlytotheNorthdidthesetidingscome,andonlytoafew.Smallwonderisitthatyouhavenotheardthem,
Boromir.FromtheruinoftheGladdenFields,whereIsildurperished,threemenonlycameeverbackoverthemountainsafterlongwandering.OneofthesewasOhtar,theesquireofIsildur,whoboretheshardsoftheswordofElendil;andhebroughtthemtoValandil,theheirofIsildur,whobeingbutachildhadremainedhereinRivendell.ButNarsilwas
brokenanditslightextinguished,andithasnotyetbeenforgedagain.
‘FruitlessdidIcallthevictoryoftheLastAlliance?Notwhollyso,yetitdidnotachieveitsend.Sauronwasdiminished,butnotdestroyed.HisRingwaslostbutnotunmade.TheDarkTowerwasbroken,butitsfoundationswerenotremoved;fortheyweremade
withthepoweroftheRing,andwhileitremainstheywillendure.ManyElvesandmanymightyMen,andmanyoftheirfriends,hadperishedinthewar.Anárionwasslain,andIsildurwasslain;andGil-galadandElendilwerenomore.NeveragainshalltherebeanysuchleagueofElvesandMen;forMenmultiplyandtheFirstborndecrease,andthetwokindredsare
estranged.AndeversincethatdaytheraceofNúmenorhasdecayed,andthespanoftheiryearshaslessened.
‘IntheNorthafterthewarandtheslaughteroftheGladdenFieldstheMenofWesternessewerediminished,andtheircityofAnnúminasbesideLakeEvendimfellintoruin;andtheheirsofValandilremovedanddweltatFornostonthe
highNorthDowns,andthatnowtooisdesolate.MencallitDeadmen’sDike,andtheyfeartotreadthere.ForthefolkofArnordwindled,andtheirfoesdevouredthem,andtheirlordshippassed,leavingonlygreenmoundsinthegrassyhills.
‘IntheSouththerealmofGondorlongendured;andforawhileitssplendourgrew,recallingsomewhatofthe
mightofNúmenor,ereitfell.Hightowersthatpeoplebuilt,andstrongplaces,andhavensofmanyships;andthewingedcrownoftheKingsofMenwasheldinawebyfolkofmanytongues.TheirchiefcitywasOsgiliath,CitadeloftheStars,throughthemidstofwhichtheRiverflowed.AndMinasIthiltheybuilt,ToweroftheRisingMoon,eastwarduponashoulderof
theMountainsofShadow;andwestwardatthefeetoftheWhiteMountainsMinasAnortheymade,ToweroftheSettingSun.ThereinthecourtsoftheKinggrewawhitetree,fromtheseedofthattreewhichIsildurbroughtoverthedeepwaters,andtheseedofthattreebeforecamefromEressëa,andbeforethatoutoftheUttermostWestintheDay
beforedayswhentheworldwasyoung.
‘ButinthewearingoftheswiftyearsofMiddle-earththelineofMeneldilsonofAnárionfailed,andtheTreewithered,andthebloodoftheNúmenóreansbecamemingledwiththatoflessermen.ThenthewatchuponthewallsofMordorslept,anddarkthingscreptbacktoGorgoroth.Andonatime
evilthingscameforth,andtheytookMinasIthilandabodeinit,andtheymadeitintoaplaceofdread;anditiscalledMinasMorgul,theTowerofSorcery.ThenMinasAnorwasnamedanewMinasTirith,theTowerofGuard;andthesetwocitieswereeveratwar,butOsgiliathwhichlaybetweenwasdesertedandinitsruinsshadowswalked.
‘Soithasbeenformanylivesofmen.ButtheLordsofMinasTirithstillfighton,defyingourenemies,keepingthepassageoftheRiverfromArgonathtotheSea.AndnowthatpartofthetalethatIshalltellisdrawntoitsclose.ForinthedaysofIsildurtheRulingRingpassedoutofallknowledge,andtheThreewerereleasedfromitsdominion.Butnowinthis
latterdaytheyareinperiloncemore,fortooursorrowtheOnehasbeenfound.Othersshallspeakofitsfinding,forinthatIplayedsmallpart.’
Heceased,butatonceBoromirstoodup,tallandproud,beforethem.‘Givemeleave,MasterElrond,’saidhe,‘firsttosaymoreof
Gondor,forverilyfromthelandofGondorIamcome.Anditwouldbewellforalltoknowwhatpassesthere.Forfew,Ideem,knowofourdeeds,andthereforeguesslittleattheirperil,ifweshouldfailatlast.
‘BelievenotthatinthelandofGondorthebloodofNúmenorisspent,norallitsprideanddignityforgotten.Byourvalourthewildfolkof
theEastarestillrestrained,andtheterrorofMorgulkeptatbay;andthusalonearepeaceandfreedommaintainedinthelandsbehindus,bulwarkoftheWest.ButifthepassagesoftheRivershouldbewon,whatthen?
‘Yetthathour,maybe,isnotnowfaraway.TheNamelessEnemyhasarisenagain.Smokerisesoncemore
fromOrodruinthatwecallMountDoom.ThepoweroftheBlackLandgrowsandwearehardbeset.WhentheEnemyreturnedourfolkweredrivenfromIthilien,ourfairdomaineastoftheRiver,thoughwekeptafootholdthereandstrengthofarms.Butthisveryyear,inthedaysofJune,suddenwarcameuponusoutofMordor,andweweresweptaway.We
wereoutnumbered,forMordorhasallieditselfwiththeEasterlingsandthecruelHaradrim;butitwasnotbynumbersthatweweredefeated.Apowerwastherethatwehavenotfeltbefore.
‘Somesaidthatitcouldbeseen,likeagreatblackhorseman,adarkshadowunderthemoon.Whereverhecameamadnessfilledourfoes,butfearfellonour
boldest,sothathorseandmangavewayandfled.Onlyaremnantofoureasternforcecameback,destroyingthelastbridgethatstillstoodamidtheruinsofOsgiliath.
‘Iwasinthecompanythatheldthebridge,untilitwascastdownbehindus.Fouronlyweresavedbyswimming:mybrotherandmyselfandtwoothers.Butstillwefighton,holdingall
thewestshoresofAnduin;andthosewhoshelterbehindusgiveuspraise,ifevertheyhearourname:muchpraisebutlittlehelp.OnlyfromRohannowwillanymenridetouswhenwecall.
‘InthisevilhourIhavecomeonanerrandovermanydangerousleaguestoElrond:ahundredandtendaysIhavejourneyedallalone.ButIdonotseekalliesinwar.The
mightofElrondisinwisdomnotinweapons,itissaid.Icometoaskforcounselandtheunravellingofhardwords.Forontheeveofthesuddenassaultadreamcametomybrotherinatroubledsleep;andafterwardsalikedreamcameofttohimagain,andoncetome.
‘InthatdreamIthoughttheeasternskygrewdarkandtherewasagrowingthunder,
butintheWestapalelightlingered,andoutofitIheardavoice,remotebutclear,crying:
SeekfortheSwordthatwasbroken:InImladrisitdwells;
ThereshallbecounselstakenStrongerthanMorgul-spells.
ThereshallbeshownatokenThatDoomisnearathand,
ForIsildur’sBaneshallwaken,AndtheHalflingforthshallstand.
Ofthesewordswecouldunderstandlittle,andwespoketoourfather,Denethor,LordofMinasTirith,wisein
theloreofGondor.Thisonlywouldhesay,thatImladriswasofoldthenameamongtheElvesofafarnortherndale,whereElrondtheHalfelvendwelt,greatestoflore-masters.Thereforemybrother,seeinghowdesperatewasourneed,waseagertoheedthedreamandseekforImladris;butsincethewaywasfullofdoubtanddanger,Itookthejourneyupon
myself.Lothwasmyfathertogivemeleave,andlonghaveIwanderedbyroadsforgotten,seekingthehouseofElrond,ofwhichmanyhadheard,butfewknewwhereitlay.’
‘AndhereinthehouseofElrondmoreshallbemadecleartoyou,’saidAragorn,standingup.Hecasthis
sworduponthetablethatstoodbeforeElrond,andthebladewasintwopieces.‘HereistheSwordthatwasBroken!’hesaid.
‘Andwhoareyou,andwhathaveyoutodowithMinasTirith?’askedBoromir,lookinginwonderattheleanfaceoftheRangerandhisweather-stainedcloak.
‘HeisAragornsonof
Arathorn,’saidElrond;‘andheisdescendedthroughmanyfathersfromIsildurElendil’ssonofMinasIthil.HeistheChiefoftheDúnedainintheNorth,andfewarenowleftofthatfolk.’
‘Thenitbelongstoyou,andnottomeatall!’criedFrodoinamazement,springingtohisfeet,asifheexpectedtheRingtobedemandedatonce.
‘Itdoesnotbelongtoeitherofus,’saidAragorn;‘butithasbeenordainedthatyoushouldholditforawhile.’
‘BringouttheRing,Frodo!’saidGandalfsolemnly.‘Thetimehascome.Holditup,andthenBoromirwillunderstandtheremainderofhisriddle.’
Therewasahush,andallturnedtheireyesonFrodo.Hewasshakenbyasuddenshameandfear;andhefeltagreatreluctancetorevealtheRing,andaloathingofitstouch.Hewishedhewasfaraway.TheRinggleamedandflickeredashehelditupbeforetheminhistremblinghand.
‘BeholdIsildur’sBane!’saidElrond.
Boromir’seyesglintedashegazedatthegoldenthing.‘TheHalfling!’hemuttered.‘IsthenthedoomofMinasTirithcomeatlast?Butwhythenshouldweseekabrokensword?’
‘ThewordswerenotthedoomofMinasTirith,’saidAragorn.‘Butdoomandgreatdeedsareindeedathand.FortheSwordthatwasBrokenistheSwordofElendilthat
brokebeneathhimwhenhefell.Ithasbeentreasuredbyhisheirswhenallotherheirloomswerelost;foritwasspokenofoldamongusthatitshouldbemadeagainwhentheRing,Isildur’sBane,wasfound.Nowyouhaveseentheswordthatyouhavesought,whatwouldyouask?DoyouwishfortheHouseofElendiltoreturntotheLandofGondor?’
‘Iwasnotsenttobeganyboon,buttoseekonlythemeaningofariddle,’answeredBoromirproudly.‘Yetwearehardpressed,andtheSwordofElendilwouldbeahelpbeyondourhope–ifsuchathingcouldindeedreturnoutoftheshadowsofthepast.’HelookedagainatAragorn,anddoubtwasinhiseyes.
FrodofeltBilbostir
impatientlyathisside.Evidentlyhewasannoyedonhisfriend’sbehalf.Standingsuddenlyupheburstout:
Allthatisgolddoesnotglitter,Notallthosewhowanderarelost;
Theoldthatisstrongdoesnotwither,Deeprootsarenotreachedbythe
frost.Fromtheashesafireshallbewoken,Alightfromtheshadowsshallspring;
Renewedshallbebladethatwasbroken:Thecrownlessagainshallbeking.
‘Notverygoodperhaps,buttothepoint–ifyouneedmorebeyondthewordofElrond.Ifthatwasworthajourneyofahundredandtendaystohear,youhadbestlistentoit.’Hesatdownwithasnort.
‘Imadethatupmyself,’hewhisperedtoFrodo,‘forthe
Dúnadan,alongtimeagowhenhefirsttoldmeabout
himself.Ialmostwishthatmyadventureswerenotover,andthatIcouldgowithhimwhenhisdaycomes.’
Aragornsmiledathim;thenheturnedtoBoromiragain.‘FormypartIforgiveyourdoubt,’hesaid.‘LittledoIresemblethefiguresofElendilandIsildurastheystandcarvenintheirmajestyinthehallsofDenethor.IambuttheheirofIsildur,not
Isildurhimself.Ihavehadahardlifeandalong;andtheleaguesthatliebetweenhereandGondorareasmallpartinthecountofmyjourneys.Ihavecrossedmanymountainsandmanyrivers,andtroddenmanyplains,evenintothefarcountriesofRhûnandHaradwherethestarsarestrange.
‘Butmyhome,suchasIhave,isintheNorth.ForheretheheirsofValandilhave
everdweltinlonglineunbrokenfromfatheruntosonformanygenerations.Ourdayshavedarkened,andwehavedwindled;butevertheSwordhaspassedtoanewkeeper.AndthisIwillsaytoyou,Boromir,ereIend.Lonelymenarewe,Rangersofthewild,hunters–buthunterseveroftheservantsoftheEnemy;fortheyarefoundinmany
places,notinMordoronly.‘IfGondor,Boromir,has
beenastalwarttower,wehaveplayedanotherpart.Manyevilthingstherearethatyourstrongwallsandbrightswordsdonotstay.Youknowlittleofthelandsbeyondyourbounds.Peaceandfreedom,doyousay?TheNorthwouldhaveknownthemlittlebutforus.Fearwouldhavedestroyedthem.
Butwhendarkthingscomefromthehouselesshills,orcreepfromsunlesswoods,theyflyfromus.Whatroadswouldanydaretotread,whatsafetywouldtherebeinquietlands,orinthehomesofsimplemenatnight,iftheDúnedainwereasleep,orwereallgoneintothegrave?
‘Andyetlessthankshavewethanyou.Travellersscowlatus,andcountrymengiveus
scornfulnames.“Strider”Iamtoonefatmanwholiveswithinaday’smarchoffoesthatwouldfreezehisheart,orlayhislittletowninruin,ifhewerenotguardedceaselessly.Yetwewouldnothaveitotherwise.
Ifsimplefolkarefreefromcareandfear,simpletheywillbe,andwemustbesecrettokeepthemso.Thathasbeenthetaskofmy
kindred,whiletheyearshavelengthenedandthegrasshasgrown.
‘Butnowtheworldischangingonceagain.Anewhourcomes.Isildur’sBaneisfound.Battleisathand.TheSwordshallbereforged.IwillcometoMinasTirith.’
‘Isildur’sBaneisfound,yousay,’saidBoromir.‘IhaveseenabrightringintheHalfling’shand;butIsildur
perishederethisageoftheworldbegan,theysay.HowdotheWiseknowthatthisringishis?Andhowhasitpasseddowntheyears,untilitisbroughthitherbysostrangeamessenger?’
‘Thatshallbetold,’saidElrond.
‘Butnotyet,Ibeg,Master!’criedBilbo.‘AlreadytheSunisclimbingtonoon,andIfeeltheneedof
somethingtostrengthenme.’‘Ihadnotnamedyou,’
saidElrondsmiling.‘ButIdosonow.Come!Tellusyourtale.Andifyouhavenotyetcastyourstoryintoverse,youmaytellitinplainwords.Thebriefer,thesoonershallyouberefreshed.’
‘Verywell,’saidBilbo.‘Iwilldoasyoubid.ButIwillnowtellthetruestory,andifsomeherehaveheardmetell
itotherwise’–helookedsidelongatGlóin–‘Iaskthemtoforgetitandforgiveme.Ionlywishedtoclaimthetreasureasmyveryowninthosedays,andtoberidofthenameofthiefthatwasputonme.ButperhapsIunderstandthingsalittlebetternow.Anyway,thisiswhathappened.’
TosomethereBilbo’stalewaswhollynew,andtheylistenedwithamazementwhiletheoldhobbit,actuallynotatalldispleased,recountedhisadventurewithGollum,atfulllength.Hedidnotomitasingleriddle.HewouldhavegivenalsoanaccountofhispartyanddisappearancefromtheShire,ifhehadbeenallowed;butElrondraisedhishand.
‘Welltold,myfriend,’hesaid,‘butthatisenoughatthistime.ForthemomentitsufficestoknowthattheRingpassedtoFrodo,yourheir.Lethimnowspeak!’
Then,lesswillinglythanBilbo,FrodotoldofallhisdealingswiththeRingfromthedaythatitpassedintohiskeeping.EverystepofhisjourneyfromHobbitontotheFordofBruinenwas
questionedandconsidered,andeverythingthathecouldrecallconcerningtheBlackRiderswasexamined.Atlasthesatdownagain.
‘Notbad,’Bilbosaidtohim.‘Youwouldhavemadeagoodstoryofit,iftheyhadn’tkeptoninterrupting.Itriedtomakeafewnotes,butweshallhavetogooveritallagaintogethersometime,ifIamtowriteitup.Thereare
wholechaptersofstuffbeforeyouevergothere!’
‘Yes,itmadequitealongtale,’answeredFrodo.‘Butthestorystilldoesnotseemcompletetome.Istillwanttoknowagooddeal,especiallyaboutGandalf.’
GaldoroftheHavens,whosatnearby,overheardhim.‘Youspeakformealso,’
hecried,andturningtoElrondhesaid:‘TheWisemayhavegoodreasontobelievethatthehalfling’stroveisindeedtheGreatRingoflongdebate,unlikelythoughthatmayseemtothosewhoknowless.Butmaywenotheartheproofs?AndIwouldaskthisalso.WhatofSaruman?HeislearnedintheloreoftheRings,yetheisnotamongus.
Whatishiscounsel–ifheknowsthethingsthatwehaveheard?’
‘Thequestionsthatyouask,Galdor,areboundtogether,’saidElrond.‘Ihadnotoverlookedthem,andtheyshallbeanswered.ButthesethingsitisthepartofGandalftomakeclear;andIcalluponhimlast,foritistheplaceofhonour,andinallthismatterhehasbeenthe
chief.’‘Some,Galdor,’said
Gandalf,‘wouldthinkthetidingsofGlóin,andthepursuitofFrodo,proofenoughthatthehalfling’stroveisathingofgreatworthtotheEnemy.Yetitisaring.Whatthen?TheNinetheNazgûlkeep.TheSevenaretakenordestroyed.’AtthisGlóinstirred,butdidnotspeak.‘TheThreeweknow
of.Whatthenisthisonethathedesiressomuch?
‘ThereisindeedawidewasteoftimebetweentheRiverandtheMountain,betweenthelossandthefinding.ButthegapintheknowledgeoftheWisehasbeenfilledatlast.Yettooslowly.FortheEnemyhasbeenclosebehind,closereventhanIfeared.Andwellisitthatnotuntilthisyear,
thisverysummer,asitseems,didhelearnthefulltruth.
‘SomeherewillrememberthatmanyyearsagoImyselfdaredtopassthedoorsoftheNecromancerinDolGuldur,andsecretlyexploredhisways,andfoundthusthatourfearsweretrue:hewasnoneotherthanSauron,ourEnemyofold,atlengthtakingshapeandpoweragain.Some,too,willrememberalsothat
Sarumandissuadedusfromopendeedsagainsthim,andforlongwewatchedhimonly.Yetatlast,ashisshadowgrew,Sarumanyielded,andtheCouncilputforthitsstrengthanddrovetheeviloutofMirkwood–andthatwasintheveryyearofthefindingofthisRing:astrangechance,ifchanceitwas.
‘Butweweretoolate,as
Elrondforesaw.Sauronalsohadwatchedus,andhadlongpreparedagainstourstroke,governingMordorfromafarthroughMinasMorgul,wherehisNineservantsdwelt,untilallwasready.Thenhegavewaybeforeus,butonlyfeignedtoflee,andsoonaftercametotheDarkTowerandopenlydeclaredhimself.ThenforthelasttimetheCouncilmet;fornowwe
learnedthathewasseekingevermoreeagerlyfortheOne.Wefearedthenthathehadsomenewsofitthatweknewnothingof.ButSarumansaidnay,andrepeatedwhathehadsaidtousbefore:thattheOnewouldneveragainbefoundinMiddle-earth.
‘“Attheworst,”saidhe,“ourEnemyknowsthatwehaveitnot,andthatitstillis
lost.Butwhatwaslostmayyetbefound,hethinks.Fearnot!Hishopewillcheathim.HaveInotearnestlystudiedthismatter?IntoAnduintheGreatitfell;andlongago,whileSauronslept,itwasrolleddowntheRivertotheSea.ThereletitlieuntiltheEnd.”’
Gandalffellsilent,gazing
eastwardfromtheporchtothefarpeaksoftheMistyMountains,atwhosegreatrootstheperiloftheworldhadsolonglainhidden.Hesighed.
‘ThereIwasatfault,’hesaid.‘IwaslulledbythewordsofSarumantheWise;butIshouldhavesoughtforthetruthsooner,andourperilwouldnowbeless.’
‘Wewereallatfault,’said
Elrond,‘andbutforyourvigilancetheDarkness,maybe,wouldalreadybeuponus.Butsayon!’
‘Fromthefirstmyheartmisgaveme,againstallreasonthatIknew,’saidGandalf,‘andIdesiredtoknowhowthisthingcametoGollum,andhowlonghehadpossessedit.SoIsetawatchforhim,guessingthathewoulderelongcomeforth
fromhisdarknesstoseekforhistreasure.Hecame,butheescapedandwasnotfound.Andthenalas!Iletthematterrest,watchingandwaitingonly,aswehavetoooftendone.
‘Timepassedwithmanycares,untilmydoubtswereawakenedagaintosuddenfear.Whencecamethehobbit’sring?What,ifmyfearwastrue,shouldbedone
withit?ThosethingsImustdecide.ButIspokeyetofmydreadtonone,knowingtheperilofanuntimelywhisper,ifitwentastray.InallthelongwarswiththeDarkTowertreasonhaseverbeenourgreatestfoe.
‘Thatwasseventeenyearsago.SoonIbecameawarethatspiesofmanysorts,evenbeastsandbirds,weregatheredroundtheShire,and
myfeargrew.IcalledforthehelpoftheDúnedain,andtheirwatchwasdoubled;andIopenedmyhearttoAragorn,theheirofIsildur.’
‘AndI,’saidAragorn,‘counselledthatweshouldhuntforGollum,toolatethoughitmayseem.AndsinceitseemedfitthatIsildur’sheirshouldlabourtorepairIsildur’sfault,IwentwithGandalfonthelongand
hopelesssearch.’ThenGandalftoldhow
theyhadexploredthewholelengthofWilderland,downeventotheMountainsofShadowandthefencesofMordor.‘Therewehadrumourofhim,andweguessthathedwelttherelonginthedarkhills;butweneverfoundhim,andatlastIdespaired.AndtheninmydespairIthoughtagainofatestthat
mightmakethefindingofGollumunneeded.TheringitselfmighttellifitweretheOne.ThememoryofwordsattheCouncilcamebacktome:wordsof
Saruman,half-heededatthetime.Iheardthemnowclearlyinmyheart.
‘“TheNine,theSeven,andtheThree,”hesaid,“hadeachtheirpropergem.NotsotheOne.Itwasroundand
unadorned,asitwereoneofthelesserrings;butitsmakersetmarksuponitthattheskilled,maybe,couldstillseeandread.”
‘Whatthosemarkswerehehadnotsaid.Whonowwouldknow?Themaker.AndSaruman?Butgreatthoughhisloremaybe,itmusthaveasource.WhathandsaveSauron’severheldthisthing,ereitwaslost?The
handofIsilduralone.‘Withthatthought,I
forsookthechase,andpassedswiftlytoGondor.Informerdaysthemembersofmyorderhadbeenwellreceivedthere,butSarumanmostofall.OftenhehadbeenforlongtheguestoftheLordsoftheCity.LesswelcomedidtheLordDenethorshowmethenthanofold,andgrudginglyhepermittedme
tosearchamonghishoardedscrollsandbooks.
‘“Ifindeedyoulookonly,asyousay,forrecordsofancientdays,andthebeginningsoftheCity,readon!”hesaid.“Fortomewhatwasislessdarkthanwhatistocome,andthatismycare.ButunlessyouhavemoreskilleventhanSaruman,whohasstudiedherelong,youwillfindnaughtthatisnot
wellknowntome,whoammasteroftheloreofthisCity.”
‘SosaidDenethor.Andyettherelieinhishoardsmanyrecordsthatfewevenofthelore-mastersnowcanread,fortheirscriptsandtongueshavebecomedarktolatermen.AndBoromir,thereliesinMinasTirithstill,unread,Iguess,byanysaveSarumanandmyselfsincethe
kingsfailed,ascrollthatIsildurmadehimself.ForIsildurdidnotmarchawaystraightfromthewarinMordor,assomehavetoldthetale.’
‘SomeintheNorth,maybe,’Boromirbrokein.‘AllknowinGondorthathewentfirsttoMinasAnoranddweltawhilewithhisnephewMeneldil,instructinghim,beforehecommittedto
himtheruleoftheSouthKingdom.InthattimeheplantedtherethelastsaplingoftheWhiteTreeinmemoryofhisbrother.’
‘Butinthattimealsohemadethisscroll,’saidGandalf;
‘andthatisnotrememberedinGondor,itwouldseem.ForthisscrollconcernstheRing,andthuswroteIsildurtherein:
TheGreatRingshallgonowtobeanheirloomoftheNorthKingdom;butrecordsofitshallbeleftinGondor,wherealsodwelltheheirsofElendil,lestatimecomewhenthememoryofthesegreatmattersshallgrowdim.
‘AndafterthesewordsIsildur
describedtheRing,suchashefoundit.
ItwashotwhenIfirsttookit,hotasaglede,andmyhandwasscorched,sothatIdoubtifeveragainIshallbefreeofthepainofit.YetevenasIwriteitiscooled,anditseemethtoshrink,thoughitlosethneitheritsbeautynorits
shape.Alreadythewritinguponit,whichatfirstwasasclearasredflame,fadethandisnowonlybarelytoberead.Itisfashionedinanelven-scriptofEregion,fortheyhavenolettersinMordorforsuchsubtlework;butthelanguageisunknowntome.IdeemittobeatongueoftheBlackLand,sinceit
isfoulanduncouth.WhatevilitsaithIdonotknow;butItracehereacopyofit,lestitfadebeyondrecall.TheRingmisseth,maybe,theheatofSauron’shand,whichwasblackandyetburnedlikefire,andsoGil-galadwasdestroyed;andmaybewerethegoldmadehotagain,thewritingwould
berefreshed.ButformypartIwillrisknohurttothisthing:ofalltheworksofSaurontheonlyfair.Itisprecioustome,thoughIbuyitwithgreatpain.
‘WhenIreadthesewords,myquestwasended.ForthetracedwritingwasindeedasIsildurguessed,inthetongueofMordorandtheservantsof
theTower.Andwhatwassaidthereinwasalreadyknown.ForinthedaythatSauronfirstputontheOne,Celebrimbor,makeroftheThree,wasawareofhim,andfromafarheheardhimspeakthesewords,andsohisevilpurposeswererevealed.
‘AtonceItookmyleaveofDenethor,butevenasIwentnorthwards,messagescametomeoutofLórienthat
Aragornhadpassedthatway,andthathehadfoundthecreaturecalledGollum.ThereforeIwentfirsttomeethimandhearhistale.IntowhatdeadlyperilshehadgonealoneIdarednotguess.’
‘Thereislittleneedtotellofthem,’saidAragorn.‘IfamanmustneedswalkinsightoftheBlackGate,ortreadthedeadlyflowersofMorgulVale,thenperilshewillhave.
I,too,despairedatlast,andIbeganmyhomewardjourney.Andthen,byfortune,IcamesuddenlyonwhatIsought:themarksofsoftfeetbesideamuddypool.Butnowthetrailwasfreshandswift,anditlednottoMordorbutaway.AlongtheskirtsoftheDeadMarshesIfollowedit,andthenIhadhim.Lurkingbyastagnantmere,peeringinthewaterasthedarkevefell,I
caughthim,Gollum.Hewascoveredwithgreenslime.Hewillneverloveme,Ifear;forhebitme,andIwasnotgentle.NothingmoredidIevergetfromhismouththanthemarksofhisteeth.Ideemedittheworstpartofallmyjourney,theroadback,watchinghimdayandnight,makinghimwalkbeforemewithahalteronhisneck,gagged,untilhewastamed
bylackofdrinkandfood,drivinghimevertowardsMirkwood.IbroughthimthereatlastandgavehimtotheElves,forwehadagreedthatthisshouldbedone;andIwasgladtoberidofhiscompany,forhestank.FormypartIhopenevertolookuponhimagain;butGandalfcameandenduredlongspeechwithhim.’
‘Yes,longandweary,’
saidGandalf,‘butnotwithoutprofit.Foronething,thetalehetoldofhislossagreedwiththatwhichBilbohasnowtoldopenlyforthefirsttime;butthatmatteredlittle,sinceIhadalreadyguessedit.ButIlearnedthenfirstthatGollum’sringcameoutoftheGreatRivernightotheGladdenFields.AndIlearnedalsothathehadpossesseditlong.Manylivesofhissmall
kind.Thepoweroftheringhadlengthenedhisyearsfarbeyondtheirspan;butthatpoweronlytheGreatRingswield.
‘Andifthatisnotproofenough,Galdor,thereistheothertestthatIspokeof.Uponthisveryringwhichyouhavehereseenheldaloft,roundandunadorned,thelettersthatIsildurreportedmaystillberead,ifonehas
thestrengthofwilltosetthegoldenthinginthefireawhile.ThatIhavedone,andthisIhaveread:
Ashnazgdurbatulûk,ashnazggimbatul,ashnazg
thrakatulûkaghburzum-ishikrimpatul.’
Thechangeinthewizard’svoicewas
astounding.Suddenlyitbecamemenacing,powerful,harshasstone.Ashadowseemedtopassoverthehighsun,andtheporchforamomentgrewdark.Alltrembled,andtheElvesstoppedtheirears.
‘NeverbeforehasanyvoicedaredtoutterwordsofthattongueinImladris,GandalftheGrey,’saidElrond,astheshadowpassed
andthecompanybreathedoncemore.
‘Andletushopethatnonewilleverspeakithereagain,’answeredGandalf.‘NonethelessIdonotaskyourpardon,MasterElrond.ForifthattongueisnotsoontobeheardineverycorneroftheWest,thenletallputdoubtasidethatthisthingisindeedwhattheWisehavedeclared:thetreasureofthe
Enemy,fraughtwithallhismalice;andinitliesagreatpartofhisstrengthofold.OutoftheBlackYearscomethewordsthattheSmithsofEregionheard,andknewthattheyhadbeenbetrayed:
OneRingtorulethemall,OneRingtofindthem,OneRingtobringthemallandintheDarknessbindthem.
‘Knowalso,myfriends,thatIlearnedmoreyetfromGollum.Hewaslothtospeakandhistalewasunclear,butitisbeyondalldoubtthathewenttoMordor,andthereallthatheknewwasforcedfromhim.ThustheEnemyknowsnowthattheOneisfound,thatitwaslongintheShire;andsincehisservantshavepursueditalmosttoourdoor,hesoonwillknow,alreadyhe
mayknow,evenasIspeak,thatwehaveithere.’
Allsatsilentforawhile,untilatlengthBoromirspoke.‘Heisasmallthing,yousay,thisGollum?Small,butgreatinmischief.Whatbecameofhim?Towhatdoomdidyouputhim?’
‘Heisinprison,butnoworse,’saidAragorn.‘He
hadsufferedmuch.Thereisnodoubtthathewastormented,andthefearofSauronliesblackonhisheart.StillIforoneamgladthatheissafelykeptbythewatchfulElvesofMirkwood.Hismaliceisgreatandgiveshimastrengthhardlytobebelievedinonesoleanandwithered.Hecouldworkmuchmischiefstill,ifhewerefree.AndIdonotdoubt
thathewasallowedtoleaveMordoronsomeevilerrand.’
‘Alas!alas!’criedLegolas,andinhisfairElvishfacetherewasgreatdistress.‘ThetidingsthatIwassenttobringmustnowbetold.Theyarenotgood,butonlyherehaveIlearnedhoweviltheymayseemtothiscompany.Sméagol,whoisnowcalledGollum,hasescaped.’
‘Escaped?’criedAragorn.
‘Thatisillnewsindeed.Weshallallrueitbitterly,Ifear.HowcamethefolkofThranduiltofailintheirtrust?’
‘Notthroughlackofwatchfulness,’saidLegolas;‘butperhapsthroughover-kindliness.Andwefearthattheprisonerhadaidfromothers,andthatmoreisknownofourdoingsthanwecouldwish.Weguardedthis
creaturedayandnight,atGandalf’sbidding,muchthoughweweariedofthetask.ButGandalfbadeushopestillforhiscure,andwehadnotthehearttokeephimeverindungeonsundertheearth,wherehewouldfallbackintohisoldblackthoughts.’
‘Youwerelesstendertome,’saidGlóinwithaflashofhiseyes,asoldmemories
werestirredofhisimprisonmentinthedeepplacesoftheElven-king’shalls.
‘Nowcome!’saidGandalf.‘Pray,donotinterrupt,mygoodGlóin.Thatwasaregrettablemisunderstanding,longsetright.IfallthegrievancesthatstandbetweenElvesand
Dwarvesaretobebroughtuphere,wemayaswell
abandonthisCouncil.’Glóinroseandbowed,and
Legolascontinued.‘InthedaysoffairweatherweledGollumthroughthewoods;andtherewasahightreestandingalonefarfromtheotherswhichhelikedtoclimb.Oftenwelethimmountuptothehighestbranches,untilhefeltthefreewind;butwesetaguardatthetree’sfoot.Onedayhe
refusedtocomedown,andtheguardshadnomindtoclimbafterhim:hehadlearnedthetrickofclingingtoboughswithhisfeetaswellaswithhishands;sotheysatbythetreefarintothenight.
‘Itwasthatverynightofsummer,yetmoonlessandstarless,thatOrcscameonusatunawares.Wedrovethemoffaftersometime;theywere
manyandfierce,buttheycamefromoverthemountains,andwereunusedtothewoods.Whenthebattlewasover,wefoundthatGollumwasgone,andhisguardswereslainortaken.Itthenseemedplaintousthattheattackhadbeenmadeforhisrescue,andthatheknewofitbeforehand.Howthatwascontrivedwecannotguess;butGollumiscunning,
andthespiesoftheEnemyaremany.ThedarkthingsthatweredrivenoutintheyearoftheDragon’sfallhavereturnedingreaternumbers,andMirkwoodisagainanevilplace,savewhereourrealmismaintained.
‘WehavefailedtorecaptureGollum.WecameonhistrailamongthoseofmanyOrcs,anditplungeddeepintotheForest,going
south.Buterelongitescapedourskill,andwedarednotcontinuethehunt;forweweredrawingnightoDolGuldur,andthatisstillaveryevilplace;wedonotgothatway.’
‘Well,well,heisgone,’saidGandalf.‘Wehavenotimetoseekforhimagain.Hemustdowhathewill.ButhemayplayapartyetthatneitherhenorSauronhave
foreseen.‘AndnowIwillanswer
Galdor’sotherquestions.WhatofSaruman?Whatarehiscounselstousinthisneed?ThistaleImusttellinfull,foronlyElrondhasheardityet,andthatinbrief;butitwillbearonallthatwemustresolve.ItisthelastchapterintheTaleoftheRing,sofarasithasyetgone.
‘AttheendofJuneIwasintheShire,butacloudofanxietywasonmymind,andIrodetothesouthernbordersofthelittleland;forIhadaforebodingofsomedanger,stillhiddenfrommebutdrawingnear.TheremessagesreachedmetellingmeofwaranddefeatinGondor,andwhenIheardoftheBlackShadowachillsmotemyheart.ButIfound
nothingsaveafewfugitivesfromtheSouth;yetitseemedtomethatonthemsatafearofwhichtheywouldnotspeak.IturnedtheneastandnorthandjourneyedalongtheGreenway;andnotfarfromBreeIcameuponatravellersittingonabankbesidetheroadwithhisgrazinghorsebesidehim.ItwasRadagasttheBrown,whoatonetimedweltatRhosgobel,nearthe
bordersofMirkwood.Heisoneofmyorder,butIhadnotseenhimformanyayear.
‘“Gandalf!”hecried.“Iwasseekingyou.ButIamastrangerintheseparts.AllIknewwasthatyoumightbefoundinawildregionwiththeuncouthnameofShire.”
‘“Yourinformationwascorrect,”Isaid.“Butdonotputitthatway,ifyoumeetanyoftheinhabitants.You
arenearthebordersoftheShirenow.Andwhatdoyouwantwithme?Itmustbepressing.Youwereneveratraveller,unlessdrivenbygreatneed.”
‘“Ihaveanurgenterrand,”hesaid.“Mynewsisevil.”Thenhelookedabouthim,asifthehedgesmighthaveears.“Nazgûl,”hewhispered.“TheNineareabroadagain.Theyhave
crossedtheRiversecretlyandaremovingwestward.Theyhavetakentheguiseofridersinblack.”
‘IknewthenwhatIhaddreadedwithoutknowingit.‘“TheEnemymusthavesomegreatneedorpurpose,”saidRadagast;“butwhatitisthatmakeshimlooktothesedistantanddesolateparts,Icannotguess.”
‘“Whatdoyoumean?”
saidI.‘“Ihavebeentoldthat
wherevertheygotheRidersaskfornewsofalandcalledShire.”
‘“TheShire,”Isaid;butmyheartsank.ForeventheWisemightfeartowithstandtheNine,whentheyaregatheredtogetherundertheirfellchieftain.Agreatkingandsorcererhewasofold,andnowhewieldsadeadly
fear.“Whotoldyou,andwhosentyou?”Iasked.
‘“SarumantheWhite,”answeredRadagast.“Andhetoldmetosaythatifyoufeeltheneed,hewillhelp;butyoumustseekhisaidatonce,oritwillbetoolate.”
‘Andthatmessagebroughtmehope.ForSarumantheWhiteisthegreatestofmyorder.Radagastis,ofcourse,a
worthyWizard,amasterofshapesandchangesofhue;andhehasmuchloreofherbsandbeasts,andbirdsareespeciallyhisfriends.ButSarumanhaslongstudiedtheartsoftheEnemyhimself,andthuswehaveoftenbeenabletoforestallhim.ItwasbythedevicesofSarumanthatwedrovehimfromDolGuldur.Itmightbethathehadfoundsomeweaponsthat
woulddrivebacktheNine.‘“IwillgotoSaruman,”I
said.‘“Thenyoumustgo
now,”saidRadagast;“forIhavewastedtimeinlookingforyou,andthedaysarerunningshort.IwastoldtofindyoubeforeMidsummer,andthatisnowhere.Evenifyousetoutfromthisspot,youwillhardlyreachhimbeforetheNinediscoverthe
landthattheyseek.Imyselfshallturnbackatonce.”Andwiththathemountedandwouldhaveriddenstraightoff.
‘“Stayamoment!”Isaid.“Weshallneedyourhelp,andthehelpofallthingsthatwillgiveit.Sendoutmessagestoallthebeastsandbirdsthatareyourfriends.Tellthemtobringnewsofanythingthatbearsonthis
mattertoSarumanandGandalf.LetmessagesbesenttoOrthanc.”
‘“Iwilldothat,”hesaid,androdeoffasiftheNinewereafterhim.
‘Icouldnotfollowhimthenandthere.Ihadriddenveryfaralreadythatday,andIwasaswearyasmyhorse;andIneededtoconsider
matters.IstayedthenightinBree,anddecidedthatIhadnotimetoreturntotheShire.NeverdidImakeagreatermistake!
‘However,IwroteamessagetoFrodo,andtrustedtomyfriendtheinnkeepertosendittohim.Irodeawayatdawn;andIcameatlonglasttothedwellingofSaruman.ThatisfarsouthinIsengard,intheendoftheMisty
Mountains,notfarfromtheGapofRohan.AndBoromirwilltellyouthatthatisagreatopenvalethatliesbetweentheMistyMountainsandthenorthmostfoothillsofEredNimrais,theWhiteMountainsofhishome.ButIsengardisacircleofsheerrocksthatencloseavalleyaswithawall,andinthemidstofthatvalleyisatowerofstonecalledOrthanc.Itwas
notmadebySaruman,butbytheMenofNúmenorlongago;anditisverytallandhasmanysecrets;yetitlooksnottobeaworkofcraft.ItcannotbereachedsavebypassingthecircleofIsengard;andinthatcirclethereisonlyonegate.
‘LateoneeveningIcametothegate,likeagreatarchinthewallofrock;anditwasstronglyguarded.Butthe
keepersofthegatewereonthewatchformeandtoldmethatSarumanawaitedme.Irodeunderthearch,andthegateclosedsilentlybehindme,andsuddenlyIwasafraid,thoughIknewnoreasonforit.
‘ButIrodetothefootofOrthanc,andcametothestairofSaruman;andtherehemetmeandledmeuptohishighchamber.Heworearingon
hisfinger.‘“Soyouhavecome,
Gandalf,”hesaidtomegravely;butinhiseyesthereseemedtobeawhitelight,asifacoldlaughterwasinhisheart.
‘“Yes,Ihavecome,”Isaid.“Ihavecomeforyouraid,SarumantheWhite.”Andthattitleseemedtoangerhim.
‘“Haveyouindeed,
GandalftheGrey!”hescoffed.“Foraid?IthasseldombeenheardofthatGandalftheGreysoughtforaid,onesocunningandsowise,wanderingaboutthelands,andconcerninghimselfineverybusiness,whetheritbelongstohimornot.”
‘Ilookedathimandwondered.“ButifIamnotdeceived,”saidI,“thingsarenowmovingwhichwill
requiretheunionofallourstrength.”
‘“Thatmaybeso,”hesaid,“butthethoughtislateincomingtoyou.Howlong,Iwonder,haveyouconcealedfromme,theheadoftheCouncil,amatterofgreatestimport?
Whatbringsyounowfromyourlurking-placeintheShire?”
‘“TheNinehavecome
forthagain,”Ianswered.“TheyhavecrossedtheRiver.SoRadagastsaidtome.”
‘“RadagasttheBrown!”laughedSaruman,andhenolongerconcealedhisscorn.“RadagasttheBird-tamer!RadagasttheSimple!RadagasttheFool!YethehadjustthewittoplaythepartthatIsethim.Foryouhavecome,andthatwasallthepurposeofmymessage.
Andhereyouwillstay,GandalftheGrey,andrestfromjourneys.ForIamSarumantheWise,SarumanRing-maker,SarumanofManyColours!”
‘Ilookedthenandsawthathisrobes,whichhadseemedwhite,werenotso,butwerewovenofallcolours,andifhemovedtheyshimmeredandchangedhuesothattheeyewas
bewildered.‘“Ilikedwhitebetter,”I
said.‘“White!”hesneered.“It
servesasabeginning.Whiteclothmaybedyed.Thewhitepagecanbeoverwritten;andthewhitelightcanbebroken.”
‘“Inwhichcaseitisnolongerwhite,”saidI.“Andhethatbreaksathingtofindoutwhatitishasleftthepathof
wisdom.”‘“Youneednotspeakto
meastooneofthefoolsthatyoutakeforfriends,”saidhe.“Ihavenotbroughtyouhithertobeinstructedbyyou,buttogiveyouachoice.”
‘Hedrewhimselfupthenandbegantodeclaim,asifheweremakingaspeechlongrehearsed.“TheElderDaysaregone.TheMiddleDaysarepassing.TheYounger
Daysarebeginning.ThetimeoftheElvesisover,butourtimeisathand:theworldofMen,whichwemustrule.Butwemusthavepower,powertoorderallthingsaswewill,forthatgoodwhichonlytheWisecansee.
‘“Andlisten,Gandalf,myoldfriendandhelper!”hesaid,comingnearandspeakingnowinasoftervoice.“Isaidwe,forweit
maybe,ifyouwilljoinwithme.AnewPowerisrising.Againstittheoldalliesandpolicieswillnotavailusatall.ThereisnohopeleftinElvesordyingNúmenor.Thisthenisonechoicebeforeyou,beforeus.WemayjoinwiththatPower.Itwouldbewise,Gandalf.Thereishopethatway.Itsvictoryisathand;andtherewillberichrewardforthosethataidedit.
AsthePowergrows,itsprovedfriendswillalsogrow;andtheWise,suchasyouandI,maywithpatiencecomeatlasttodirectitscourses,tocontrolit.Wecanbideourtime,wecankeepourthoughtsinourhearts,deploringmaybeevilsdonebytheway,butapprovingthehighandultimatepurpose:Knowledge,Rule,Order;allthethingsthatwehavesofar
striveninvaintoaccomplish,hinderedratherthanhelpedbyourweakoridlefriends.Thereneednotbe,therewouldnotbe,anyrealchangeinourdesigns,onlyinourmeans.”
‘“Saruman,”Isaid,“Ihaveheardspeechesofthiskindbefore,butonlyinthemouthsofemissariessentfromMordortodeceivetheignorant.Icannotthinkthat
youbroughtmesofaronlytowearymyears.”
‘Helookedatmesidelong,andpausedawhileconsidering.“Well,Iseethatthiswisecoursedoesnotcommenditselftoyou,”hesaid.“Notyet?Notifsomebetterwaycanbecontrived?”
‘Hecameandlaidhislonghandonmyarm.“Andwhynot,Gandalf?”hewhispered.“Whynot?TheRulingRing?
Ifwecouldcommandthat,thenthePowerwouldpasstous.ThatisintruthwhyIbroughtyouhere.ForIhavemanyeyesinmyservice,andIbelievethatyouknowwherethispreciousthingnowlies.Isitnotso?OrwhydotheNineaskfortheShire,andwhatisyourbusinessthere?”Ashesaidthisalustwhichhecouldnotconcealshonesuddenlyinhiseyes.
‘“Saruman,”Isaid,standingawayfromhim,“onlyonehandatatimecanwieldtheOne,andyouknowthatwell,sodonottroubletosaywe!ButIwouldnotgiveit,nay,Iwouldnotgiveevennewsofittoyou,nowthatIlearnyourmind.YouwereheadoftheCouncil,butyouhaveunmaskedyourselfatlast.Well,thechoicesare,itseems,tosubmittoSauron,
ortoyourself.Iwilltakeneither.Haveyouotherstooffer?”
‘Hewascoldnowandperilous.“Yes,”hesaid.“Ididnotexpectyoutoshowwisdom,eveninyourownbehalf;butIgaveyouthechanceofaidingmewillingly,andsosavingyourselfmuchtroubleandpain.Thethirdchoiceistostayhere,untiltheend.”
‘“Untilwhatend?”‘“Untilyourevealtome
wheretheOnemaybefound.Imayfindmeanstopersuadeyou.Oruntilitisfoundinyourdespite,andtheRulerhastimetoturntolightermatters:todevise,say,afittingrewardforthehindranceandinsolenceofGandalftheGrey.”
‘“Thatmaynotprovetobeoneofthelightermatters,”
saidI.Helaughedatme,formywordswereempty,andheknewit.
‘TheytookmeandtheysetmealoneonthepinnacleofOrthanc,intheplacewhereSarumanwasaccustomedtowatchthestars.Thereisnodescentsavebyanarrowstairofmanythousandsteps,andthe
valleybelowseemsfaraway.Ilookedonitandsawthat,whereasithadoncebeengreenandfair,itwasnowfilledwithpitsandforges.WolvesandorcswerehousedinIsengard,forSarumanwasmusteringagreatforceonhisownaccount,inrivalryofSauronandnotinhisservice,yet.Overallhisworksadarksmokehungandwrappeditselfaboutthesidesof
Orthanc.Istoodaloneonanislandintheclouds;andIhadnochanceofescape,andmydayswerebitter.Iwaspiercedwithcold,andIhadbutlittleroominwhichtopacetoandfro,broodingonthecomingoftheRiderstotheNorth.
‘ThattheNinehadindeedarisenIfeltassured,apartfromthewordsofSarumanwhichmightbelies.Longere
IcametoIsengardIhadheardtidingsbythewaythatcouldnotbemistaken.FearwaseverinmyheartformyfriendsintheShire;butstillIhadsomehope.IhopedthatFrodohadsetforthatonce,asmyletterhadurged,andthathehadreachedRivendellbeforethedeadlypursuitbegan.Andbothmyfearandmyhopeprovedill-founded.Formyhopewasfoundedon
afatmaninBree;andmyfearwasfoundedonthecunningofSauron.Butfatmenwhosellalehavemanycallstoanswer;andthepowerofSauronisstilllessthanfearmakesit.ButinthecircleofIsengard,trappedandalone,itwasnoteasytothinkthatthehuntersbeforewhomallhavefledorfallenwouldfalterintheShirefaraway.’
‘Isawyou!’criedFrodo.‘Youwerewalkingbackwardsandforwards.Themoonshoneinyourhair.’
Gandalfpausedastonishedandlookedathim.‘Itwasonlyadream,’saidFrodo,‘butitsuddenlycamebacktome.Ihadquiteforgottenit.Itcamesometimeago;afterIlefttheShire,Ithink.’
‘Thenitwaslateincoming,’saidGandalf,‘as
youwillsee.Iwasinanevilplight.AndthosewhoknowmewillagreethatIhaveseldombeeninsuchneed,anddonotbearsuchmisfortunewell.GandalftheGreycaughtlikeaflyinaspider’streacherousweb!Yeteventhemostsubtlespidersmayleaveaweakthread.
‘AtfirstIfeared,asSarumannodoubtintended,thatRadagasthadalsofallen.
YetIhadcaughtnohintofanythingwronginhisvoiceorinhiseyeatourmeeting.IfIhad,IshouldneverhavegonetoIsengard,orIshouldhavegonemorewarily.SoSarumanguessed,andhehadconcealedhismindanddeceivedhismessenger.ItwouldhavebeenuselessinanycasetotryandwinoverthehonestRadagasttotreachery.Hesoughtmein
goodfaith,andsopersuadedme.
‘ThatwastheundoingofSaruman’splot.ForRadagastknewnoreasonwhyheshouldnotdoasIasked;andherodeawaytowardsMirkwoodwherehehadmanyfriendsofold.AndtheEaglesoftheMountainswentfarandwide,andtheysawmanythings:thegatheringofwolvesandthemusteringof
Orcs;andtheNineRidersgoinghitherandthitherinthelands;andtheyheardnewsoftheescapeofGollum.Andtheysentamessengertobringthesetidingstome.
‘Soitwasthatwhensummerwaned,therecameanightofmoon,andGwaihirtheWindlord,swiftestoftheGreatEagles,cameunlooked-fortoOrthanc;andhefoundmestandingonthepinnacle.
ThenIspoketohimandheboremeaway,beforeSarumanwasaware.IwasfarfromIsengard,erethewolvesandorcsissuedfromthegatetopursueme.
‘“Howfarcanyoubearme?”IsaidtoGwaihir.‘“Manyleagues,”saidhe,“butnottotheendsoftheearth.Iwassenttobeartidingsnotburdens.”
‘“ThenImusthavea
steedonland,”Isaid,“andasteedsurpassinglyswift,forIhaveneverhadsuchneedofhastebefore.”
‘“ThenIwillbearyoutoEdoras,wheretheLordofRohansitsinhishalls,”hesaid;“forthatisnotveryfaroff.”AndIwasglad,forintheRiddermarkofRohantheRohirrim,theHorse-lords,dwell,andtherearenohorseslikethosethatarebredinthat
greatvalebetweentheMistyMountainsandtheWhite.
‘“AretheMenofRohanstilltobetrusted,doyouthink?”IsaidtoGwaihir,forthetreasonofSarumanhadshakenmyfaith.
‘“Theypayatributeofhorses,”heanswered,“andsendmanyyearlytoMordor,orsoitissaid;buttheyarenotyetundertheyoke.ButifSarumanhasbecomeevil,as
yousay,thentheirdoomcannotbelongdelayed.”
‘HesetmedowninthelandofRohaneredawn;andnowIhavelengthenedmytaleoverlong.Therestmustbemorebrief.InRohanIfoundevilalreadyatwork:theliesofSaruman;andthekingofthelandwouldnotlistentomywarnings.He
bademetakeahorseandbegone;andIchoseonemuchtomyliking,butlittletohis.Itookthebesthorseinhisland,andIhaveneverseenthelikeofhim.’
‘Thenhemustbeanoblebeastindeed,’saidAragorn;‘anditgrievesmemorethanmanytidingsthatmightseemworsetolearnthatSauronleviessuchtribute.ItwasnotsowhenlastIwasinthat
land.’‘Norisitnow,Iwill
swear,’saidBoromir.‘ItisaliethatcomesfromtheEnemy.IknowtheMenofRohan,trueandvaliant,ourallies,dwellingstillinthelandsthatwegavethemlongago.’
‘TheshadowofMordorliesondistantlands,’answeredAragorn.‘Sarumanhasfallenunderit.Rohanis
beset.Whoknowswhatyouwillfindthere,ifeveryoureturn?’
‘Notthisatleast,’saidBoromir,‘thattheywillbuytheirliveswithhorses.Theylovetheirhorsesnexttotheirkin.Andnotwithoutreason,forthehorsesoftheRiddermarkcomefromthefieldsoftheNorth,farfromtheShadow,andtheirrace,asthatoftheirmasters,is
descendedfromthefreedaysofold.’
‘Trueindeed!’saidGandalf.‘Andthereisoneamongthemthatmighthavebeenfoaledinthemorningoftheworld.ThehorsesoftheNinecannotviewithhim;tireless,swiftastheflowingwind.Shadowfaxtheycalledhim.Bydayhiscoatglistenslikesilver;andbynightitislikeashade,andhepasses
unseen.Lightishisfootfall!Neverbeforehadanymanmountedhim,butItookhimandItamedhim,andsospeedilyheboremethatIreachedtheShirewhenFrodowasontheBarrow-downs,thoughIsetoutfromRohanonlywhenhesetoutfromHobbiton.
‘ButfeargrewinmeasIrode.EverasIcamenorthIheardtidingsoftheRiders,
andthoughIgainedonthemdaybyday,theywereeverbeforeme.Theyhaddividedtheirforces,Ilearned:someremainedontheeasternborders,notfarfromtheGreenway,andsomeinvadedtheShirefromthesouth.IcametoHobbitonandFrodohadgone;butIhadwordswitholdGamgee.Manywordsandfewtothepoint.Hehadmuchtosayaboutthe
shortcomingsofthenewownersofBagEnd.
‘“Ican’tabidechanges,”saidhe,“notatmytimeoflife,andleastofallchangesfortheworst.”“Changesfortheworst,”herepeatedmanytimes.
‘“Worstisabadword,”Isaidtohim,“andIhopeyoudonotlivetoseeit.”ButamidsthistalkIgatheredatlastthatFrodohadleft
Hobbitonlessthanaweekbefore,andthatablackhorsemanhadcometotheHillthesameevening.Then
Irodeoninfear.IcametoBucklandandfounditinuproar,asbusyasahiveofantsthathasbeenstirredwithastick.IcametothehouseatCrickhollow,anditwasbrokenopenandempty;butonthethresholdtherelayacloakthathadbeenFrodo’s.
Thenforawhilehopeleftme,andIdidnotwaittogathernews,orImighthavebeencomforted;butIrodeonthetrailoftheRiders.Itwashardtofollow,foritwentmanyways,andIwasataloss.ButitseemedtomethatoneortwohadriddentowardsBree;andthatwayIwent,forIthoughtofwordsthatmightbesaidtotheinnkeeper.
‘“Butterburtheycallhim,”thoughtI.“Ifthisdelaywashisfault,Iwillmeltallthebutterinhim.Iwillroasttheoldfooloveraslowfire.”Heexpectednoless,andwhenhesawmyfacehefelldownflatandbegantomeltonthespot.’
‘Whatdidyoudotohim?’criedFrodoinalarm.‘Hewasreallyverykindtousanddidallthathecould.’
Gandalflaughed.‘Don’tbeafraid!’hesaid.‘Ididnotbite,andIbarkedverylittle.SooverjoyedwasIbythenewsthatIgotoutofhim,whenhestoppedquaking,thatIembracedtheoldfellow.HowithadhappenedIcouldnotthenguess,butIlearnedthatyouhadbeeninBreethenightbefore,andhadgoneoffthatmorningwithStrider.
‘“Strider!”Icried,shoutingforjoy.
‘“Yes,sir,Iamafraidso,sir,”saidButterbur,mistakingme.“Hegotatthem,inspiteofallthatIcoulddo,andtheytookupwithhim.Theybehavedveryqueerallthetimetheywerehere:wilful,youmightsay.”
‘“Ass!Fool!ThriceworthyandbelovedBarliman!”saidI.“It’sthe
bestnewsIhavehadsinceMidsummer;it’sworthagoldpieceattheleast.Mayyourbeerbelaidunderanenchantmentofsurpassingexcellenceforsevenyears!”saidI.“NowIcantakeanight’srest,thefirstsinceIhaveforgottenwhen.”
‘SoIstayedtherethatnight,wonderingmuchwhat
hadbecomeoftheRiders;foronlyoftwohadthereyetbeenanynewsinBree,itseemed.Butinthenightweheardmore.Fiveatleastcamefromthewest,andtheythrewdownthegatesandpassedthroughBreelikeahowlingwind;andtheBree-folkarestillshiveringandexpectingtheendoftheworld.Igotupbeforedawnandwentafterthem.
‘Idonotknow,butitseemscleartomethatthisiswhathappened.TheirCaptainremainedinsecretawaysouthofBree,whiletworodeaheadthroughthevillage,andfourmoreinvadedtheShire.ButwhenthesewerefoiledinBreeandatCrickhollow,theyreturnedtotheirCaptainwithtidings,andsolefttheRoadunguardedforawhile,exceptbytheirspies.TheCaptain
thensentsomeeastwardstraightacrosscountry,andhehimselfwiththerestrodealongtheRoadingreatwrath.
‘IgallopedtoWeathertoplikeagale,andIreacheditbeforesundownonmyseconddayfromBree–andtheyweretherebeforeme.Theydrewawayfromme,fortheyfeltthecomingofmyangerandtheydarednotface
itwhiletheSunwasinthesky.Buttheyclosedroundatnight,andIwasbesiegedonthehill-top,intheoldringofAmonSûl.Iwashardputtoitindeed:suchlightandflamecannothavebeenseenonWeathertopsincethewar-beaconsofold.
‘AtsunriseIescapedandfledtowardsthenorth.Icouldnothopetodomore.Itwasimpossibletofindyou,
Frodo,inthewilderness,anditwouldhavebeenfollytotrywithalltheNineatmyheels.SoIhadtotrusttoAragorn.ButIhopedtodrawsomeofthemoff,andyetreachRivendellaheadofyouandsendouthelp.FourRidersdidindeedfollowme,buttheyturnedbackafterawhileandmadefortheFord,itseems.Thathelpedalittle,fortherewereonlyfive,not
nine,whenyourcampwasattacked.
‘Ireachedhereatlastbyalonghardroad,uptheHoarwellandthroughtheEttenmoors,anddownfromthenorth.IttookmenearlyfifteendaysfromWeathertop,forIcouldnotrideamongtherocksofthetroll-fells,andShadowfaxdeparted.Isenthimbacktohismaster;butagreatfriendshiphasgrown
betweenus,andifIhaveneedhewillcomeatmycall.ButsoitwasthatIcametoRivendellonlytwodaysbeforetheRing,andnewsofitsperilhadalreadybeenbroughthere–whichprovedwellindeed.
‘Andthat,Frodo,istheendofmyaccount.MayElrondandtheothersforgivethelengthofit.Butsuchathinghasnothappened
before,thatGandalfbroketrystanddidnotcomewhenhepromised.AnaccounttotheRing-bearerofsostrangeaneventwasrequired,Ithink.
‘Well,theTaleisnowtold,fromfirsttolast.Hereweallare,andhereistheRing.Butwehavenotyetcomeanynearertoourpurpose.Whatshallwedowithit?’
Therewasasilence.AtlastElrondspokeagain.
‘ThisisgrievousnewsconcerningSaruman,’hesaid;‘forwetrustedhimandheisdeepinallourcounsels.ItisperiloustostudytoodeeplytheartsoftheEnemy,forgoodorforill.Butsuchfallsandbetrayals,alas,havehappenedbefore.OfthetalesthatwehaveheardthisdaythetaleofFrodowasmost
strangetome.Ihaveknownfewhobbits,saveBilbohere;anditseemstomethatheisperhapsnotsoaloneandsingularasIhadthoughthim.TheworldhaschangedmuchsinceIlastwasonthewestwardroads.
‘TheBarrow-wightsweknowbymanynames;andoftheOldForestmanytaleshavebeentold:allthatnowremainsisbutanoutlierofits
northernmarch.TimewaswhenasquirrelcouldgofromtreetotreefromwhatisnowtheShiretoDunlandwestofIsengard.InthoselandsIjourneyedonce,andmanythingswildandstrangeIknew.ButIhadforgottenBombadil,ifindeedthisisstillthesamethatwalkedthewoodsandhillslongago,andeventhenwasolderthantheold.Thatwasnotthenhis
name.IarwainBen-adarwecalledhim,oldestandfatherless.Butmanyanothernamehehassincebeengivenbyotherfolk:FornbytheDwarves,OraldbyNorthernMen,andothernamesbeside.Heisastrangecreature,butmaybeIshouldhavesummonedhimtoourCouncil.’
‘Hewouldnothavecome,’saidGandalf.
‘Couldwenotstillsendmessagestohimandobtainhishelp?’askedErestor.‘ItseemsthathehasapowerevenovertheRing.’
‘No,Ishouldnotputitso,’saidGandalf.‘SayratherthattheRinghasnopoweroverhim.Heishisownmaster.ButhecannotaltertheRingitself,norbreakitspoweroverothers.Andnowheiswithdrawnintoalittle
land,withinboundsthathehasset,thoughnonecanseethem,waitingperhapsforachangeofdays,andhewillnotstepbeyondthem.’
‘Butwithinthoseboundsnothingseemstodismayhim,’saidErestor.‘WouldhenottaketheRingandkeepitthere,foreverharmless?’
‘No,’saidGandalf,‘notwillingly.Hemightdoso,ifallthefreefolkoftheworld
beggedhim,buthewouldnotunderstandtheneed.AndifheweregiventheRing,hewouldsoonforgetit,ormostlikelythrowitaway.Suchthingshavenoholdonhismind.Hewouldbeamostunsafeguardian;andthataloneisanswerenough.’
‘Butinanycase,’saidGlorfindel,‘tosendtheRingtohimwouldonlypostponethedayofevil.Heisfar
away.Wecouldnotnowtakeitbacktohim,unguessed,unmarkedbyanyspy.Andevenifwecould,soonorlatetheLordoftheRingswouldlearnofitshidingplaceandwouldbendallhispowertowardsit.CouldthatpowerbedefiedbyBombadilalone?Ithinknot.Ithinkthatintheend,ifallelseisconquered,Bombadilwillfall,LastashewasFirst;andthenNightwill
come.’‘IknowlittleofIarwain
savethename,’saidGaldor;‘butGlorfindel,Ithink,isright.PowertodefyourEnemyisnotinhim,unlesssuchpowerisintheearthitself.AndyetweseethatSauroncantortureanddestroytheveryhills.Whatpowerstillremainslieswithus,hereinImladris,orwithCírdanattheHavens,orin
Lórien.Buthavetheythestrength,haveweherethestrengthtowithstandtheEnemy,thecomingofSauronatthelast,whenallelseisoverthrown?’
‘Ihavenotthestrength,’saidElrond;‘neitherhavethey.’
‘TheniftheRingcannotbekeptfromhimforeverbystrength,’saidGlorfindel,‘twothingsonlyremainfor
ustoattempt:tosenditovertheSea,ortodestroyit.’
‘ButGandalfhasrevealedtousthatwecannotdestroyitbyanycraftthatweherepossess,’saidElrond.‘AndtheywhodwellbeyondtheSeawouldnotreceiveit:forgoodorillitbelongstoMiddle-earth;itisforuswhostilldwellheretodealwithit.’
‘Then,’saidGlorfindel,
‘letuscastitintothedeeps,andsomaketheliesofSarumancometrue.ForitisclearnowthatevenattheCouncilhisfeetwerealreadyonacrookedpath.HeknewthattheRingwasnotlostforever,butwishedustothinkso;forhebegantolustforitforhimself.Yetoftinliestruthishidden:intheSeaitwouldbesafe.’
‘Notsafeforever,’said
Gandalf.‘Therearemanythingsinthedeepwaters;andseasandlandsmaychange.Anditisnotourpartheretotakethoughtonlyforaseason,orforafewlivesofMen,orforapassingageoftheworld.Weshouldseekafinalendofthismenace,evenifwedonothopetomakeone.’
‘AndthatweshallnotfindontheroadstotheSea,’said
Galdor.‘IfthereturntoIarwainbethoughttoodangerous,thenflighttotheSeaisnowfraughtwithgravestperil.MyhearttellsmethatSauronwillexpectustotakethewesternway,whenhelearnswhathasbefallen.Hesoonwill.TheNinehavebeenunhorsedindeed,butthatisbutarespite,eretheyfindnewsteedsandswifter.Onlythe
waningmightofGondorstandsnowbetweenhimandamarchinpoweralongthecoastsintotheNorth;andifhecomes,assailingtheWhiteTowersandtheHavens,hereaftertheElvesmayhavenoescapefromthelengtheningshadowsofMiddle-earth.’
‘Longyetwillthatmarchbedelayed,’saidBoromir.‘Gondorwanes,yousay.But
Gondorstands,andeventheendofitsstrengthisstillverystrong.’
‘AndyetitsvigilancecannolongerkeepbacktheNine,’saidGaldor.‘AndotherroadshemayfindthatGondordoesnotguard.’
‘Then,’saidErestor,‘therearebuttwocourses,asGlorfindelalreadyhasdeclared:tohidetheRingforever;ortounmakeit.But
botharebeyondourpower.Whowillreadthisriddleforus?’
‘Noneherecandoso,’saidElrondgravely.‘Atleastnonecanforetellwhatwillcometopass,ifwetakethisroadorthat.Butitseemstomenowclearwhichistheroadthatwemusttake.Thewestwardroadseemseasiest.Thereforeitmustbeshunned.Itwillbewatched.Toooften
theElveshavefledthatway.Nowatthislastwemusttakeahardroad,aroadunforeseen.Thereliesourhope,ifhopeitbe.Towalkintoperil–toMordor.WemustsendtheRingtotheFire.’
Silencefellagain.Frodo,eveninthatfairhouse,lookingoutuponasunlit
valleyfilledwiththenoiseofclearwaters,feltadeaddarknessinhisheart.Boromirstirred,andFrodolookedathim.Hewasfingeringhisgreathornandfrowning.Atlengthhespoke.
‘Idonotunderstandallthis,’hesaid.‘Sarumanisatraitor,butdidhenothaveaglimpseofwisdom?Whydoyouspeakeverofhidinganddestroying?Whyshouldwe
notthinkthattheGreatRinghascomeintoourhandstoserveusintheveryhourofneed?WieldingittheFreeLordsoftheFreemaysurelydefeattheEnemy.Thatiswhathemostfears,Ideem.
‘TheMenofGondorarevaliant,andtheywillneversubmit;buttheymaybebeatendown.Valourneedsfirststrength,andthenaweapon.LettheRingbeyour
weapon,ifithassuchpowerasyousay.Takeitandgoforthtovictory!’
‘Alas,no,’saidElrond.‘WecannotusetheRulingRing.Thatwenowknowtoowell.ItbelongstoSauronandwasmadebyhimalone,andisaltogetherevil.Itsstrength,Boromir,istoogreatforanyonetowieldatwill,saveonlythosewhohavealreadyagreatpoweroftheirown.
Butforthemitholdsanevendeadlierperil.Theverydesireofitcorruptstheheart.ConsiderSaruman.IfanyoftheWiseshouldwiththisRingoverthrowtheLordofMordor,usinghisownarts,hewouldthensethimselfonSauron’sthrone,andyetanotherDarkLordwouldappear.AndthatisanotherreasonwhytheRingshouldbedestroyed:aslongasitis
intheworlditwillbeadangereventotheWise.Fornothingisevilinthebeginning.EvenSauronwasnotso.IfeartotaketheRingtohideit.IwillnottaketheRingtowieldit.’
‘NorI,’saidGandalf.Boromirlookedatthem
doubtfully,buthebowedhishead.‘Sobeit,’hesaid.‘TheninGondorwemusttrusttosuchweaponsaswe
have.Andattheleast,whiletheWiseonesguardthisRing,wewillfighton.MayhaptheSword-that-was-Brokenmaystillstemthetide–ifthehandthatwieldsithasinheritednotanheirloomonly,butthesinewsoftheKingsofMen.’
‘Whocantell?’saidAragorn.‘Butwewillputittothetestoneday.’
‘Maythedaynotbetoo
longdelayed,’saidBoromir.‘ForthoughIdonotaskforaid,weneedit.Itwouldcomfortustoknowthatothersfoughtalsowithallthemeansthattheyhave.’
‘Thenbecomforted,’saidElrond.‘Forthereareotherpowersandrealmsthatyouknownot,andtheyarehiddenfromyou.AnduintheGreatflowspastmanyshores,ereitcomestoArgonathand
theGatesofGondor.’‘Stillitmightbewellfor
all,’saidGlóintheDwarf,‘ifallthesestrengthswerejoined,andthepowersofeachwereusedinleague.Otherringstheremaybe,lesstreacherous,thatmightbeusedinourneed.TheSevenarelosttous–ifBalinhasnotfoundtheringofThrór,whichwasthelast;naughthasbeenheardofitsince
ThrórperishedinMoria.IndeedImaynowrevealthatitwaspartlyinhopetofindthatringthatBalinwentaway.’
‘BalinwillfindnoringinMoria,’saidGandalf.‘ThrórgaveittoThráinhisson,butnotThráintoThorin.ItwastakenwithtormentfromThráininthedungeonsofDolGuldur.Icametoolate.’
‘Ah,alas!’criedGlóin.
‘Whenwillthedaycomeofourrevenge?ButstilltherearetheThree.WhatoftheThreeRingsoftheElves?VerymightyRings,itissaid.DonottheElf-lordskeepthem?YettheytooweremadebytheDarkLordlongago.Aretheyidle?IseeElf-lordshere.Willtheynotsay?’
TheElvesreturnednoanswer.‘Didyounothear
me,Glóin?’saidElrond.‘TheThreewerenotmadebySauron,nordidheevertouchthem.Butofthemitisnotpermittedtospeak.SomuchonlyinthishourofdoubtImaynowsay.Theyarenotidle.Buttheywerenotmadeasweaponsofwarorconquest:thatisnottheirpower.Thosewhomadethemdidnotdesirestrengthordominationorhoarded
wealth,butunderstanding,making,andhealing,topreserveallthingsunstained.ThesethingstheElvesofMiddle-earthhaveinsomemeasuregained,thoughwithsorrow.ButallthathasbeenwroughtbythosewhowieldtheThreewillturntotheirundoing,andtheirmindsandheartswillbecomerevealedtoSauron,ifheregainstheOne.Itwouldbebetterifthe
Threehadneverbeen.Thatishispurpose.’
‘Butwhatthenwouldhappen,iftheRulingRingweredestroyed,asyoucounsel?’askedGlóin.
‘Weknownotforcertain,’answeredElrondsadly.‘SomehopethattheThreeRings,whichSauronhasnevertouched,wouldthenbecomefree,andtheirrulersmighthealthehurtsofthe
worldthathehaswrought.ButmaybewhentheOnehasgone,theThreewillfail,andmanyfairthingswillfadeandbeforgotten.Thatismybelief.’
‘YetalltheElvesarewillingtoendurethischance,’saidGlorfindel,‘ifbyitthepowerofSauronmaybebroken,andthefearofhisdominionbetakenawayforever.’
‘ThuswereturnoncemoretothedestroyingoftheRing,’saidErestor,‘andyetwecomenonearer.WhatstrengthhaveweforthefindingoftheFireinwhichitwasmade?Thatisthepathofdespair.OffollyIwouldsay,ifthelongwisdomofElronddidnotforbidme.’
‘Despair,orfolly?’saidGandalf.‘Itisnotdespair,fordespairisonlyforthosewho
seetheendbeyondalldoubt.Wedonot.Itiswisdomtorecognizenecessity,whenallothercourseshavebeenweighed,thoughasfollyitmayappeartothosewhoclingtofalsehope.Well,letfollybeourcloak,aveilbeforetheeyesoftheEnemy!Forheisverywise,andweighsallthingstoanicetyinthescalesofhismalice.Buttheonlymeasurethathe
knowsisdesire,desireforpower;andsohejudgesallhearts.Intohisheartthethoughtwillnotenterthatanywillrefuseit,thathavingtheRingwemayseektodestroyit.Ifweseekthis,weshallputhimoutofreckoning.’
‘Atleastforawhile,’saidElrond.‘Theroadmustbetrod,butitwillbeveryhard.Andneitherstrengthnorwisdomwillcarryusfarupon
it.Thisquestmaybeattemptedbytheweakwithasmuchhopeasthestrong.Yetsuchisoftthecourseofdeedsthatmovethewheelsoftheworld:smallhandsdothembecausetheymust,whiletheeyesofthegreatareelsewhere.’
‘Verywell,verywell,MasterElrond!’saidBilbo
suddenly.‘Saynomore!Itisplainenoughwhatyouarepointingat.Bilbothesillyhobbitstartedthisaffair,andBilbohadbetterfinishit,orhimself.Iwasverycomfortablehere,andgettingonwithmybook.Ifyouwanttoknow,Iamjustwritinganendingforit.Ihadthoughtofputting:andhelivedhappilyeverafterwardstotheendofhisdays.Itisagoodending,
andnonetheworseforhavingbeenusedbefore.NowIshallhavetoalterthat:itdoesnotlooklikecomingtrue;andanywaytherewillevidentlyhavetobeseveralmorechapters,ifIlivetowritethem.Itisafrightfulnuisance.WhenoughtItostart?’
BoromirlookedinsurpriseatBilbo,butthelaughterdiedonhislipswhen
hesawthatalltheothersregardedtheoldhobbitwithgraverespect.OnlyGlóinsmiled,buthissmilecamefromoldmemories.
‘Ofcourse,mydearBilbo,’saidGandalf.‘Ifyouhadreallystartedthisaffair,youmightbeexpectedtofinishit.Butyouknowwellenoughnowthatstartingistoogreataclaimforany,andthatonlyasmallpartis
playedingreatdeedsbyanyhero.Youneednotbow!Thoughthewordwasmeant,andwedonotdoubtthatunderjestyouaremakingavaliantoffer.Butonebeyondyourstrength,Bilbo.Youcannottakethisthingback.Ithaspassedon.Ifyouneedmyadviceanylonger,Ishouldsaythatyourpartisended,unlessasarecorder.Finishyourbook,andleavethe
endingunaltered!Thereisstillhopeforit.Butgetreadytowriteasequel,whentheycomeback.’
Bilbolaughed.‘Ihaveneverknownyougivemepleasantadvicebefore,’hesaid.‘Asallyourunpleasantadvicehasbeengood,Iwonderifthisadviceisnotbad.Still,Idon’tsupposeIhavethestrengthorlucklefttodealwiththeRing.Ithas
grown,andIhavenot.Buttellme:whatdoyoumeanbythey?’
‘ThemessengerswhoaresentwiththeRing.’
‘Exactly!Andwhoaretheytobe?ThatseemstomewhatthisCouncilhastodecide,andallthatithastodecide.Elvesmaythriveonspeechalone,andDwarvesenduregreatweariness;butIamonlyanoldhobbit,andI
missmymealatnoon.Can’twethinkofsomenamesnow?Orputitofftillafterdinner?’
Nooneanswered.Thenoon-bellrang.Stillnoonespoke.Frodoglancedatallthefaces,buttheywerenotturnedtohim.AlltheCouncilsatwithdowncasteyes,asifindeepthought.Agreat
dreadfellonhim,asifhewasawaitingthepronouncementofsomedoomthathehadlongforeseenandvainlyhopedmightafterallneverbespoken.AnoverwhelminglongingtorestandremainatpeacebyBilbo’ssideinRivendellfilledallhisheart.Atlastwithanefforthespoke,andwonderedtohearhisownwords,asifsomeotherwillwasusinghissmall
voice.‘IwilltaketheRing,’he
said,‘thoughIdonotknowtheway.’
Elrondraisedhiseyesandlookedathim,andFrodofelthisheartpiercedbythesuddenkeennessoftheglance.‘IfIunderstandarightallthatIhaveheard,’hesaid,‘Ithinkthatthistaskis
appointedforyou,Frodo;andthatifyoudonotfindaway,noonewill.ThisisthehouroftheShire-folk,whentheyarisefromtheirquietfieldstoshakethetowersandcounselsoftheGreat.WhoofalltheWisecouldhaveforeseenit?Or,iftheyarewise,whyshouldtheyexpecttoknowit,untilthehourhasstruck?
‘Butitisaheavyburden.Soheavythatnonecouldlay
itonanother.Idonotlayitonyou.Butifyoutakeitfreely,Iwillsaythatyourchoiceisright;andthoughallthemightyElf-friendsofold,Hador,andHúrin,andTúrin,andBerenhimselfwereassembledtogether,yourseatshouldbeamongthem.’
‘Butyouwon’tsendhimoffalonesurely,Master?’criedSam,unabletocontainhimselfanylonger,and
jumpingupfromthecornerwherehehadbeenquietlysittingonthefloor.
‘Noindeed!’saidElrond,turningtowardshimwithasmile.‘Youatleastshallgowithhim.Itishardlypossibletoseparateyoufromhim,evenwhenheissummonedtoasecretcouncilandyouarenot.’
Samsatdown,blushingandmuttering.‘Anicepickle
wehavelandedourselvesin,Mr.Frodo!’hesaid,shakinghishead.
Chapter3
THERINGGOESSOUTH
LaterthatdaythehobbitsheldameetingoftheirowninBilbo’sroom.MerryandPippinwereindignantwhen
theyheardthatSamhadcreptintotheCouncil,andhadbeenchosenasFrodo’scompanion.
‘It’smostunfair,’saidPippin.‘Insteadofthrowinghimout,andclappinghiminchains,Elrondgoesandrewardshimforhischeek!’
‘Rewards!’saidFrodo.‘Ican’timagineamoreseverepunishment.Youarenotthinkingwhatyouaresaying:
condemnedtogoonthishopelessjourney,areward?YesterdayIdreamedthatmytaskwasdone,andIcouldresthere,alongwhile,perhapsforgood.’
‘Idon’twonder,’saidMerry,‘andIwishyoucould.ButweareenvyingSam,notyou.Ifyouhavetogo,thenitwillbeapunishmentforanyofustobeleftbehind,eveninRivendell.Wehavecomea
longwaywithyouandbeenthroughsomestifftimes.Wewanttogoon.’
‘That’swhatImeant,’saidPippin.‘Wehobbitsoughttosticktogether,andwewill.Ishallgo,unlesstheychainmeup.Theremustbesomeonewithintelligenceintheparty.’
‘Thenyoucertainlywillnotbechosen,PeregrinTook!’saidGandalf,looking
inthroughthewindow,whichwasneartheground.‘Butyouareallworryingyourselvesunnecessarily.Nothingisdecidedyet.’
‘Nothingdecided!’criedPippin.‘Thenwhatwereyoualldoing?Youwereshutupforhours.’
‘Talking,’saidBilbo.‘Therewasadealoftalk,andeveryonehadaneye-opener.EvenoldGandalf.Ithink
Legolas’sbitofnewsaboutGollumcaughtevenhimonthehop,thoughhepasseditoff.’
‘Youwerewrong,’saidGandalf.‘Youwereinattentive.IhadalreadyheardofitfromGwaihir.Ifyouwanttoknow,theonlyrealeye-openers,asyouputit,wereyouandFrodo;andIwastheonlyonethatwasnotsurprised.’
‘Well,anyway,’saidBilbo,‘nothingwasdecidedbeyondchoosingpoorFrodoandSam.Iwasafraidallthetimethatitmightcometothat,ifIwasletoff.Butifyouaskme,Elrondwillsendoutafairnumber,whenthereportscomein.Havetheystartedyet,Gandalf?’
‘Yes,’saidthewizard.‘Someofthescoutshavebeensentoutalready.More
willgotomorrow.ElrondissendingElves,andtheywillgetintouchwiththeRangers,andmaybewithThranduil’sfolkinMirkwood.AndAragornhasgonewithElrond’ssons.Weshallhavetoscourthelandsallroundformanylongleaguesbeforeanymoveismade.Socheerup,Frodo!Youwillprobablymakequitealongstayhere.’
‘Ah!’saidSamgloomily.
‘We’lljustwaitlongenoughforwintertocome.’
‘Thatcan’tbehelped,’saidBilbo.‘It’syourfaultpartly,Frodomylad:insistingonwaitingformybirthday.Afunnywayofhonouringit,Ican’thelpthinking.NotthedayIshouldhavechosenforlettingtheS.-B.sintoBagEnd.Butthereitis:youcan’twaitnowtillspring;andyoucan’tgotill
thereportscomeback.
Whenwinterfirstbeginstobiteandstonescrackinthefrostynight,
whenpoolsareblackandtreesarebare,’tisevilintheWildtofare.
ButthatIamafraidwillbejustyourluck.’
‘Iamafraiditwill,’saidGandalf.‘Wecan’tstartuntilwehavefoundoutabouttheRiders.’
‘Ithoughttheywerealldestroyedintheflood,’saidMerry.
‘YoucannotdestroyRingwraithslikethat,’saidGandalf.‘Thepoweroftheirmasterisinthem,andthey
standorfallbyhim.Wehopethattheywereallunhorsedandunmasked,andsomadeforawhilelessdangerous;butwemustfindoutforcertain.Inthemeantimeyoushouldtryandforgetyourtroubles,Frodo.IdonotknowifIcandoanythingtohelpyou;butIwillwhisperthisinyourears.Someonesaidthatintelligencewouldbeneededintheparty.He
wasright.IthinkIshallcomewithyou.’
SogreatwasFrodo’sdelightatthisannouncementthatGandalfleftthewindow-sill,wherehehadbeensitting,andtookoffhishatandbowed.‘IonlysaidIthinkIshallcome.Donotcountonanythingyet.InthismatterElrondwillhavemuchtosay,andyourfriendtheStrider.Whichremindsme,I
wanttoseeElrond.Imustbeoff.’
‘HowlongdoyouthinkIshallhavehere?’saidFrodotoBilbowhenGandalfhadgone.
‘Oh,Idon’tknow.Ican’tcountdaysinRivendell,’saidBilbo.‘Butquitelong,Ishouldthink.Wecanhavemanyagoodtalk.Whatabouthelpingmewithmybook,andmakingastartonthe
next?Haveyouthoughtofanending?’
‘Yes,several,andallaredarkandunpleasant,’saidFrodo.
‘Oh,thatwon’tdo!’saidBilbo.‘Booksoughttohavegoodendings.Howwouldthisdo:andtheyallsettleddownandlivedtogetherhappilyeverafter?’
‘Itwilldowell,ifitevercomestothat,’saidFrodo.
‘Ah!’saidSam.‘Andwherewilltheylive?That’swhatIoftenwonder.’
Forawhilethehobbitscontinuedtotalkandthinkofthepastjourneyandoftheperilsthatlayahead;butsuchwasthevirtueofthelandofRivendellthatsoonallfearandanxietywasliftedfromtheirminds.Thefuture,good
orill,wasnotforgotten,butceasedtohaveanypoweroverthepresent.Healthandhopegrewstronginthem,andtheywerecontentwitheachgooddayasitcame,takingpleasureineverymeal,andineverywordandsong.
Sothedaysslippedaway,aseachmorningdawnedbrightandfair,andeacheveningfollowedcoolandclear.Butautumnwas
waningfast;slowlythegoldenlightfadedtopalesilver,andthelingeringleavesfellfromthenakedtrees.AwindbegantoblowchillfromtheMistyMountainstotheeast.TheHunter’sMoonwaxedroundinthenightsky,andputtoflightallthelesserstars.ButlowintheSouthonestarshonered.Everynight,astheMoonwanedagain,itshone
brighterandbrighter.Frodocouldseeitfromhiswindow,deepintheheavens,burninglikeawatchfuleyethatglaredabovethetreesonthebrinkofthevalley.
ThehobbitshadbeennearlytwomonthsinthehouseofElrond,andNovemberhadgonebywiththelastshredsofautumn,and
Decemberwaspassing,whenthescoutsbegantoreturn.SomehadgonenorthbeyondthespringsoftheHoarwellintotheEttenmoors;andothershadgonewest,andwiththehelpofAragornandtheRangershadsearchedthelandsfardowntheGreyflood,asfarasTharbad,wheretheoldNorthRoadcrossedtheriverbyaruinedtown.Manyhadgoneeastandsouth;and
someofthesehadcrossedtheMountainsandenteredMirkwood,whileothershadclimbedthepassatthesourcesoftheGladdenRiver,andhadcomedownintoWilderlandandovertheGladdenFieldsandsoatlengthhadreachedtheoldhomeofRadagastatRhosgobel.Radagastwasnotthere;andtheyhadreturnedoverthehighpassthatwas
calledtheRedhornGate.ThesonsofElrond,ElladanandElrohir,werethelasttoreturn;theyhadmadeagreatjourney,passingdowntheSilverlodeintoastrangecountry,butoftheirerrandtheywouldnotspeaktoanysavetoElrond.
InnoregionhadthemessengersdiscoveredanysignsortidingsoftheRidersorotherservantsofthe
Enemy.EvenfromtheEaglesoftheMistyMountainstheyhadlearnednofreshnews.NothinghadbeenseenorheardofGollum;butthewildwolveswerestillgathering,andwerehuntingagainfaruptheGreatRiver.ThreeoftheblackhorseshadbeenfoundatoncedrownedinthefloodedFord.Ontherocksoftherapidsbelowitsearchersdiscoveredthebodiesoffive
more,andalsoalongblackcloak,slashedandtattered.OftheBlackRidersnoothertracewastobeseen,andnowherewastheirpresencetobefelt.ItseemedthattheyhadvanishedfromtheNorth.
‘EightoutoftheNineareaccountedforatleast,’saidGandalf.‘Itisrashtobetoosure,yetIthinkthatwemayhopenowthattheRingwraithswerescattered,
andhavebeenobligedtoreturnasbesttheycouldtotheirMasterinMordor,emptyandshapeless.
‘Ifthatisso,itwillbesometimebeforetheycanbeginthehuntagain.OfcoursetheEnemyhasotherservants,buttheywillhavetojourneyallthewaytothebordersofRivendellbeforetheycanpickupourtrail.Andifwearecarefulthatwill
behardtofind.Butwemustdelaynolonger.’
Elrondsummonedthehobbitstohim.HelookedgravelyatFrodo.‘Thetimehascome,’hesaid.‘IftheRingistosetout,itmustgosoon.Butthosewhogowithitmustnotcountontheirerrandbeingaidedbywarorforce.Theymustpassintothe
domainoftheEnemyfarfromaid.Doyoustillholdtoyourword,Frodo,thatyouwillbetheRing-bearer?’
‘Ido,’saidFrodo.‘IwillgowithSam.’
‘ThenIcannothelpyoumuch,notevenwithcounsel,’saidElrond.‘Icanforeseeverylittleofyourroad;andhowyourtaskistobeachievedIdonotknow.TheShadowhascreptnowtothe
feetoftheMountains,anddrawsnigheventothebordersoftheGreyflood;andundertheShadowallisdarktome.Youwillmeetmanyfoes,someopen,andsomedisguised;andyoumayfindfriendsuponyourwaywhenyouleastlookforit.Iwillsendoutmessages,suchasIcancontrive,tothosewhomIknowinthewideworld;butsoperilousarethelandsnow
becomethatsomemaywellmiscarry,orcomenoquickerthanyouyourself.
‘AndIwillchooseyoucompanionstogowithyou,asfarastheywillorfortuneallows.Thenumbermustbefew,sinceyourhopeisinspeedandsecrecy.HadIahostofElvesinarmouroftheElderDays,itwouldavaillittle,savetoarousethepowerofMordor.
‘TheCompanyoftheRingshallbeNine;andtheNineWalkersshallbesetagainsttheNineRidersthatareevil.Withyouandyourfaithfulservant,Gandalfwillgo;forthisshallbehisgreattask,andmaybetheendofhislabours.
‘Fortherest,theyshallrepresenttheotherFreePeoplesoftheWorld:Elves,Dwarves,andMen.Legolas
shallbefortheElves;andGimlisonofGlóinfortheDwarves.TheyarewillingtogoatleasttothepassesoftheMountains,andmaybebeyond.FormenyoushallhaveAragornsonofArathorn,fortheRingofIsildurconcernshimclosely.’
‘Strider!’criedFrodo.‘Yes,’hesaidwitha
smile.‘Iaskleaveonceagaintobeyourcompanion,
Frodo.’‘Iwouldhavebeggedyou
tocome,’saidFrodo,‘onlyIthoughtyouweregoingtoMinasTirithwithBoromir.’
‘Iam,’saidAragorn.‘AndtheSword-that-was-Brokenshallbere-forgedereIsetouttowar.Butyourroadandourroadlietogetherformanyhundredsofmiles.ThereforeBoromirwillalsobeintheCompany.Heisavaliant
man.’‘Thereremaintwomore
tobefound,’saidElrond.‘TheseIwillconsider.OfmyhouseholdImayfindsomethatitseemsgoodtometosend.’
‘Butthatwillleavenoplaceforus!’criedPippinindismay.‘Wedon’twanttobeleftbehind.WewanttogowithFrodo.’
‘Thatisbecauseyoudo
notunderstandandcannotimaginewhatliesahead,’saidElrond.
‘NeitherdoesFrodo,’saidGandalf,unexpectedlysupportingPippin.‘Nordoanyofusseeclearly.Itistruethatifthesehobbitsunderstoodthedanger,theywouldnotdaretogo.Buttheywouldstillwishtogo,orwishthattheydared,andbeshamedandunhappy.Ithink,
Elrond,thatinthismatteritwouldbewelltotrustrathertotheirfriendshipthantogreatwisdom.EvenifyouchoseforusanElf-lord,suchasGlorfindel,hecouldnotstormtheDarkTower,noropentheroadtotheFirebythepowerthatisinhim.’
‘Youspeakgravely,’saidElrond,‘butIamindoubt.The
Shire,Iforebode,isnot
freenowfromperil;andthesetwoIhadthoughttosendbackthereasmessengers,todowhattheycould,accordingtothefashionoftheircountry,towarnthepeopleoftheirdanger.Inanycase,Ijudgethattheyoungerofthesetwo,PeregrinTook,shouldremain.Myheartisagainsthisgoing.’
‘Then,MasterElrond,youwillhavetolockmein
prison,orsendmehometiedinasack,’saidPippin.‘ForotherwiseIshallfollowtheCompany.’
‘Letitbesothen.Youshallgo,’saidElrond,andhesighed.‘NowthetaleofNineisfilled.InsevendaystheCompanymustdepart.’
TheSwordofElendilwasforgedanewbyElvish
smiths,andonitsbladewastracedadeviceofsevenstarssetbetweenthecrescentMoonandtherayedSun,andaboutthemwaswrittenmanyrunes;forAragornsonofArathornwasgoingtowaruponthemarchesofMordor.Verybrightwasthatswordwhenitwasmadewholeagain;thelightofthesunshoneredlyinit,andthelightofthemoonshonecold,and
itsedgewashardandkeen.AndAragorngaveitanewnameandcalleditAndúril,FlameoftheWest.
AragornandGandalfwalkedtogetherorsatspeakingoftheirroadandtheperilstheywouldmeet;andtheyponderedthestoriedandfiguredmapsandbooksoflorethatwereinthehouseofElrond.SometimesFrodowaswiththem;buthewas
contenttoleanontheirguidance,andhespentasmuchtimeashecouldwithBilbo.
InthoselastdaysthehobbitssattogetherintheeveningintheHallofFire,andthereamongmanytalestheyheardtoldinfullthelayofBerenandLúthienandthewinningoftheGreatJewel;butintheday,whileMerryandPippinwereoutand
about,FrodoandSamweretobefoundwithBilboinhisownsmallroom.ThenBilbowouldreadpassagesfromhisbook(whichstillseemedveryincomplete),orscrapsofhisverses,orwouldtakenotesofFrodo’sadventures.
OnthemorningofthelastdayFrodowasalonewithBilbo,andtheoldhobbitpulledoutfromunderhisbedawooden
box.Heliftedthelidandfumbledinside.
‘Hereisyoursword,’hesaid.‘Butitwasbroken,youknow.ItookittokeepitsafebutI’veforgottentoaskifthesmithscouldmendit.Notimenow.SoIthought,perhaps,youwouldcaretohavethis,don’tyouknow?’
Hetookfromtheboxasmallswordinanoldshabbyleathernscabbard.Thenhe
drewit,anditspolishedandwell-tendedbladeglitteredsuddenly,coldandbright.‘ThisisSting,’hesaid,andthrustitwithlittleeffortdeepintoawoodenbeam.‘Takeit,ifyoulike.Ishan’twantitagain,Iexpect.’
Frodoaccepteditgratefully.
‘Alsothereisthis!’saidBilbo,bringingoutaparcelwhichseemedtoberather
heavyforitssize.Heunwoundseveralfoldsofoldcloth,andheldupasmallshirtofmail.Itwasclose-wovenofmanyrings,assupplealmostaslinen,coldasice,andharderthansteel.Itshonelikemoonlitsilver,andwasstuddedwithwhitegems.Withitwasabeltofpearlandcrystal.
‘It’saprettything,isn’tit?’saidBilbo,movingitin
thelight.‘Anduseful.Itismydwarf-mailthatThoringaveme.IgotitbackfromMichelDelvingbeforeIstarted,andpackeditwithmyluggage.IbroughtallthemementoesofmyJourneyawaywithme,excepttheRing.ButIdidnotexpecttousethis,andIdon’tneeditnow,excepttolookatsometimes.Youhardlyfeelanyweightwhenyouputit
on.’‘Ishouldlook–well,I
don’tthinkIshouldlookrightinit,’saidFrodo.
‘JustwhatIsaidmyself,’saidBilbo.‘Butnevermindaboutlooks.Youcanwearitunderyourouterclothes.Comeon!Youmustsharethissecretwithme.Don’ttellanybodyelse!ButIshouldfeelhappierifIknewyouwerewearingit.Ihavea
fancyitwouldturneventheknivesoftheBlackRiders,’heendedinalowvoice.
‘Verywell,Iwilltakeit,’saidFrodo.Bilboputitonhim,andfastenedStingupontheglitteringbelt;andthenFrodoputoverthetophisoldweather-stainedbreeches,tunic,andjacket.
‘Justaplainhobbityoulook,’saidBilbo.‘Butthereismoreaboutyounowthan
appearsonthesurface.Goodlucktoyou!’Heturnedawayandlookedoutofthewindow,tryingtohumatune.
‘IcannotthankyouasIshould,Bilbo,forthis,andforallyourpastkindnesses,’saidFrodo.
‘Don’ttry!’saidtheoldhobbit,turningroundandslappinghimontheback.‘Ow!’hecried.‘Youaretoohardnowtoslap!Butthere
youare:Hobbitsmuststicktogether,andespeciallyBagginses.AllIaskinreturnis:takeasmuchcareofyourselfasyoucan,andbringbackallthenewsyoucan,andanyoldsongsandtalesyoucancomeby.I’lldomybesttofinishmybookbeforeyoureturn.Ishouldliketowritethesecondbook,ifIamspared.’Hebrokeoffandturnedtothewindowagain,
singingsoftly.
IsitbesidethefireandthinkofallthatIhaveseen,
ofmeadow-flowersandbutterfliesinsummersthathavebeen;
Ofyellowleavesand
gossamerinautumnsthattherewere,
withmorningmistandsilversunandwinduponmyhair.
Isitbesidethefireandthinkofhowtheworldwillbe
whenwintercomes
withoutaspringthatIshalleversee.
ForstilltherearesomanythingsthatIhaveneverseen:
ineverywoodineveryspringthereisadifferentgreen.
Isitbesidethefireandthinkofpeoplelongago,
andpeoplewhowillseeaworldthatIshallneverknow.
ButallthewhileIsitandthinkoftimestherewerebefore,
Ilistenforreturningfeetandvoicesatthedoor.
ItwasacoldgreydayneartheendofDecember.TheEastWindwasstreamingthroughthebarebranchesofthetrees,andseethinginthedarkpinesonthehills.Raggedcloudswerehurryingoverhead,darkandlow.As
thecheerlessshadowsoftheearlyeveningbegantofalltheCompanymadereadytosetout.Theyweretostartatdusk,forElrondcounselledthemtojourneyundercoverofnightasoftenastheycould,untiltheywerefarfromRivendell.
‘YoushouldfearthemanyeyesoftheservantsofSauron,’hesaid.‘Idonotdoubtthatnewsofthe
discomfitureoftheRidershasalreadyreachedhim,andhewillbefilledwithwrath.Soonnowhisspiesonfootandwingwillbeabroadinthenorthernlands.Evenoftheskyaboveyoumustbewareasyougoonyourway.’
TheCompanytooklittlegearofwar,fortheirhope
wasinsecrecynotinbattle.AragornhadAndúrilbutnootherweapon,andhewentforthcladonlyinrustygreenandbrown,asaRangerofthewilderness.Boromirhadalongsword,infashionlikeAndúrilbutoflesslineage,andheborealsoashieldandhiswar-horn.
‘Loudandclearitsoundsinthevalleysofthehills,’hesaid,‘andthenletallthefoes
ofGondorflee!’Puttingittohislipsheblewablast,andtheechoesleaptfromrocktorock,andallthatheardthatvoiceinRivendellsprangtotheirfeet.
‘Slowshouldyoubetowindthathornagain,Boromir,’saidElrond,‘untilyoustandoncemoreonthebordersofyourland,anddireneedisonyou.’
‘Maybe,’saidBoromir.
‘ButalwaysIhaveletmyhorncryatsettingforth,andthoughthereafterwemaywalkintheshadows,Iwillnotgoforthasathiefinthenight.’
Gimlithedwarfaloneworeopenlyashortshirtofsteel-rings,fordwarvesmakelightofburdens;andinhisbeltwasabroad-bladedaxe.Legolashadabowandaquiver,andathisbeltalong
whiteknife.Theyoungerhobbitsworetheswordsthattheyhadtakenfromthebarrow;butFrodotookonlySting;andhismail-coat,asBilbowished,remainedhidden.Gandalfborehisstaff,butgirtathissidewastheelven-swordGlamdring,themateofOrcristthatlaynowuponthebreastofThorinundertheLonelyMountain.
AllwerewellfurnishedbyElrondwiththickwarmclothes,andtheyhadjacketsandcloakslinedwithfur.Sparefoodandclothesandblanketsandotherneedswereladenonapony,noneotherthanthepoorbeastthattheyhadbroughtfromBree.
ThestayinRivendellhadworkedagreatwonderofchangeonhim:hewasglossyandseemedtohavethe
vigourofyouth.ItwasSamwhohadinsistedonchoosinghim,declaringthatBill(ashecalledhim)wouldpine,ifhedidnotcome.
‘Thatanimalcannearlytalk,’hesaid,‘andwouldtalk,ifhestayedheremuchlonger.HegavemealookasplainasMr.Pippincouldspeakit:ifyoudon’tletmegowithyou,Sam,I’llfollowonmyown.’SoBillwas
goingasthebeastofburden,yethewastheonlymemberoftheCompanythatdidnotseemdepressed.
Theirfarewellshadbeensaidinthegreathallbythefire,andtheywereonlywaitingnowforGandalf,whohadnotyetcomeoutofthehouse.Agleamoffirelightcamefromtheopendoors,
andsoftlightswereglowinginmanywindows.BilbohuddledinacloakstoodsilentonthedoorstepbesideFrodo.Aragornsatwithhisheadbowedtohisknees;onlyElrondknewfullywhatthishourmeanttohim.
Theotherscouldbeseenasgreyshapesinthedarkness.
Samwasstandingbythepony,suckinghisteeth,and
staringmoodilyintothegloomwheretheriverroaredstonilybelow;hisdesireforadventurewasatitslowestebb.
‘Bill,mylad,’hesaid,‘yououghtn’ttohavetookupwithus.Youcouldhavestayedhereandetthebesthaytillthenewgrasscomes.’Billswishedhistailandsaidnothing.
Sameasedthepackonhis
shoulders,andwentoveranxiouslyinhismindallthethingsthathehadstowedinit,wonderingifhehadforgottenanything:hischieftreasure,hiscookinggear;andthelittleboxofsaltthathealwayscarriedandrefilledwhenhecould;agoodsupplyofpipe-weed(butnotnearenough,I’llwarrant);flintandtinder;woollenhose;linen;varioussmall
belongingsofhismaster’sthatFrodohadforgottenandSamhadstowedtobringthemoutintriumphwhentheywerecalledfor.Hewentthroughthemall.
‘Rope!’hemuttered.‘Norope!Andonlylastnightyousaidtoyourself:“Sam,whataboutabitofrope?You’llwantit,ifyouhaven’tgotit.”Well,I’llwantit.Ican’tgetitnow.’
AtthatmomentElrondcameoutwithGandalf,andhecalledtheCompanytohim.‘Thisismylastword,’hesaidinalowvoice.‘TheRing-bearerissettingoutontheQuestofMountDoom.Onhimaloneisanychargelaid:neithertocastawaytheRing,nortodeliverittoanyservantoftheEnemynorindeedtoletanyhandleit,savemembersofthe
CompanyandtheCouncil,andonlytheningravestneed.Theothersgowithhimasfreecompanions,tohelphimonhisway.Youmaytarry,orcomeback,orturnasideintootherpaths,aschanceallows.Thefurtheryougo,thelesseasywillitbetowithdraw;yetnooathorbondislaidonyoutogofurtherthanyouwill.Foryoudonotyetknowthestrengthofyourhearts,
andyoucannotforeseewhateachmaymeetupontheroad.’
‘Faithlessishethatsaysfarewellwhentheroaddarkens,’saidGimli.
‘Maybe,’saidElrond,‘butlethimnotvowtowalkinthedark,whohasnotseenthenightfall.’
‘Yetswornwordmaystrengthenquakingheart,’saidGimli.
‘Orbreakit,’saidElrond.‘Looknottoofarahead!Butgonowwithgoodhearts!Farewell,andmaytheblessingofElvesandMenandallFreeFolkgowithyou.Maythestarsshineuponyourfaces!’
‘Good...goodluck!’criedBilbo,stutteringwiththecold.‘Idon’tsupposeyouwillbeabletokeepadiary,Frodomylad,butIshall
expectafullaccountwhenyougetback.Anddon’tbetoolong!Farewell!’
ManyothersofElrond’shouseholdstoodintheshadowsandwatchedthemgo,biddingthemfarewellwithsoftvoices.Therewasnolaughter,andnosongormusic.Atlasttheyturnedawayandfadedsilentlyinto
thedusk.Theycrossedthebridge
andwoundslowlyupthelongsteeppathsthatledoutoftheclovenvaleofRivendell;andtheycameatlengthtothehighmoorwherethewindhissedthroughtheheather.ThenwithoneglanceattheLastHomelyHousetwinklingbelowthemtheystrodeawayfarintothenight.
AttheFordofBruinentheylefttheRoadandturningsouthwardswentonbynarrowpathsamongthefoldedlands.TheirpurposewastoholdthiscoursewestoftheMountainsformanymilesanddays.ThecountrywasmuchrougherandmorebarrenthaninthegreenvaleoftheGreatRiverinWilderlandontheothersideoftherange,andtheirgoing
wouldbeslow;buttheyhopedinthiswaytoescapethenoticeofunfriendlyeyes.ThespiesofSauronhadhithertoseldombeenseeninthisemptycountry,andthepathswerelittleknownexcepttothepeopleofRivendell.
Gandalfwalkedinfront,andwithhimwentAragorn,whoknewthislandeveninthedark.Theotherswerein
filebehind,andLegolaswhoseeyeswerekeenwastherearguard.
Thefirstpartoftheirjourneywashardanddreary,andFrodorememberedlittleofit,savethewind.FormanysunlessdaysanicyblastcamefromtheMountainsintheeast,andnogarmentseemedabletokeepoutitssearchingfingers.ThoughtheCompanywaswellclad,they
seldomfeltwarm,eithermovingoratrest.Theysleptuneasilyduringthemiddleoftheday,insomehollowoftheland,orhiddenunderthetangledthorn-bushesthatgrewinthicketsinmanyplaces.Inthelateafternoontheywererousedbythewatch,andtooktheirchiefmeal:coldandcheerlessasarule,fortheycouldseldomriskthelightingofafire.In
theeveningtheywentonagain,alwaysasnearlysouthwardastheycouldfindaway.
Atfirstitseemedtothehobbitsthatalthoughtheywalkedandstumbleduntiltheywereweary,theywerecreepingforwardlikesnails,andgettingnowhere.Eachdaythelandlookedmuchthesameasithadthedaybefore.Yetsteadilythemountains
weredrawingnearer.SouthofRivendelltheyroseeverhigher,andbentwestwards;andaboutthefeetofthemainrangetherewastumbledaneverwiderlandofbleakhills,anddeepvalleysfilledwithturbulentwaters.Pathswerefewandwinding,andledthemoftenonlytotheedgeofsomesheerfall,ordownintotreacherousswamps.
Theyhadbeenafortnightonthewaywhentheweatherchanged.Thewindsuddenlyfellandthenveeredroundtothesouth.Theswift-flowingcloudsliftedandmeltedaway,andthesuncameout,paleandbright.Therecameacoldcleardawnattheendofalongstumblingnight-march.Thetravellersreachedalowridgecrownedwithancientholly-treeswhose
grey-greentrunksseemedtohavebeenbuiltoutoftheverystoneofthehills.Theirdarkleavesshoneandtheirberriesglowedredinthelightoftherisingsun.
AwayinthesouthFrodocouldseethedimshapesofloftymountainsthatseemednowtostandacrossthepaththattheCompanywastaking.Attheleftofthishighrangerosethreepeaks;thetallest
andneareststooduplikeatoothtippedwithsnow;itsgreat,bare,northernprecipicewasstilllargelyintheshadow,butwherethesunlightslanteduponit,itglowedred.
GandalfstoodatFrodo’ssideandlookedoutunderhishand.‘Wehavedonewell,’hesaid.‘WehavereachedthebordersofthecountrythatMencallHollin;manyElves
livedhereinhappierdays,whenEregionwasitsname.Five-and-fortyleaguesasthecrowflieswehavecome,thoughmanylongmilesfurtherourfeethavewalked.Thelandandtheweatherwillbemildernow,butperhapsallthemoredangerous.’
‘Dangerousornot,arealsunriseismightywelcome,’saidFrodo,throwingbackhishoodandlettingthemorning
lightfallonhisface.‘Butthemountainsare
aheadofus,’saidPippin.‘Wemusthaveturnedeastwardsinthenight.’
‘No,’saidGandalf.‘Butyouseefurtheraheadintheclearlight.Beyondthosepeakstherangebendsroundsouth-west.TherearemanymapsinElrond’shouse,butIsupposeyouneverthoughttolookatthem?’
‘YesIdid,sometimes,’saidPippin,‘butIdon’trememberthem.Frodohasabetterheadforthatsortofthing.’
‘Ineednomap,’saidGimli,whohadcomeupwithLegolas,andwasgazingoutbeforehimwithastrangelightinhisdeepeyes.‘Thereisthelandwhereourfathersworkedofold,andwehavewroughttheimageofthose
mountainsintomanyworksofmetalandofstone,andintomanysongsandtales.Theystandtallinourdreams:Baraz,Zirak,Shathûr.
‘OnlyoncebeforehaveIseenthemfromafarinwakinglife,butIknowthemandtheirnames,forunderthemliesKhazad-dûm,theDwarrowdelf,thatisnowcalledtheBlackPit,MoriaintheElvishtongue.Yonder
standsBarazinbar,theRedhorn,cruelCaradhras;andbeyondhimareSilvertineandCloudyhead:CelebdiltheWhite,andFanuidholtheGrey,thatwecallZirakzigilandBundushathûr.
‘TheretheMistyMountainsdivide,andbetweentheirarmsliesthedeep-shadowedvalleywhichwecannotforget:Azanulbizar,theDimrill
Dale,whichtheElvescallNanduhirion.’
‘ItisfortheDimrillDalethatwearemaking,’saidGandalf.‘IfweclimbthepassthatiscalledtheRedhornGate,underthefarsideofCaradhras,weshallcomedownbytheDimrillStairintothedeepvaleoftheDwarves.ThereliestheMirrormere,andtheretheRiverSilverloderisesinits
icysprings.’‘Darkisthewaterof
Kheled-zâram,’saidGimli,‘andcoldarethespringsofKibil-nâla.MyhearttremblesatthethoughtthatImayseethemsoon.’
‘Mayyouhavejoyofthesight,mygooddwarf!’saidGandalf.‘Butwhateveryoumaydo,weatleastcannotstayinthatvalley.WemustgodowntheSilverlodeinto
thesecretwoods,andsototheGreatRiver,andthen——’
Hepaused.‘Yes,andwherethen?’
askedMerry.‘Totheendofthejourney–intheend,’saidGandalf.‘Wecannotlooktoofarahead.Letusbegladthatthefirststageissafelyover.Ithinkwewillresthere,notonlytodaybuttonightaswell.Thereisawholesome
airaboutHollin.MuchevilmustbefallacountrybeforeitwhollyforgetstheElves,ifoncetheydweltthere.’
‘Thatistrue,’saidLegolas.‘ButtheElvesofthislandwereofaracestrangetousofthesilvanfolk,andthetreesandthegrassdonotnowrememberthem.OnlyIhearthestoneslamentthem:deeptheydelvedus,fairtheywrought
us,hightheybuildedus;buttheyaregone.Theyaregone.TheysoughttheHavenslongago.’
Thatmorningtheylitafireinadeephollowshroudedbygreatbushesofholly,andtheirsupper-breakfastwasmerrierthanithadbeensincetheysetout.Theydidnothurrytobed
afterwards,fortheyexpectedtohaveallthenighttosleepin,andtheydidnotmeantogoonagainuntiltheeveningofthenextday.OnlyAragornwassilentandrestless.
AfterawhilehelefttheCompanyandwanderedontotheridge;therehestoodintheshadowofatree,lookingoutsouthwardsandwestwards,withhisheadposedasifhewaslistening.
Thenhereturnedtothebrinkofthedellandlookeddownattheotherslaughingandtalking.
‘Whatisthematter,Strider?’Merrycalledup.‘Whatareyoulookingfor?DoyoumisstheEastWind?’
‘Noindeed,’heanswered.‘ButImisssomething.IhavebeeninthecountryofHollininmanyseasons.Nofolkdwellherenow,butmany
othercreatureslivehereatalltimes,especiallybirds.Yetnowallthingsbutyouaresilent.Icanfeelit.Thereisnosoundformilesaboutus,andyourvoicesseemtomakethegroundecho.Idonotunderstandit.’
Gandalflookedupwithsuddeninterest.‘Butwhatdoyouguessisthereason?’heasked.‘Istheremoreinitthansurpriseatseeingfour
hobbits,nottomentiontherestofus,wherepeoplearesoseldomseenorheard?’
‘Ihopethatisit,’answeredAragorn.‘ButIhaveasenseofwatchfulness,andoffear,thatIhaveneverhadherebefore.’
‘Thenwemustbemorecareful,’saidGandalf.‘IfyoubringaRangerwithyou,itiswelltopayattentiontohim,especiallyiftheRangeris
Aragorn.Wemuststoptalkingaloud,restquietly,andsetthewatch.’
ItwasSam’sturnthatdaytotakethefirstwatch,butAragornjoinedhim.Theothersfellasleep.ThenthesilencegrewuntilevenSamfeltit.Thebreathingofthesleeperscouldbeplainlyheard.Theswishofthe
pony’stailandtheoccasionalmovementsofhisfeetbecameloudnoises.Samcouldhearhisownjointscreaking,ifhestirred.Deadsilencewasaroundhim,andoverallhungaclearbluesky,astheSunrodeupfromtheEast.AwayintheSouthadarkpatchappeared,andgrew,anddrovenorthlikeflyingsmokeinthewind.
‘What’sthat,Strider?It
don’tlooklikeacloud,’saidSaminawhispertoAragorn.Hemadenoanswer,hewasgazingintentlyatthesky;butbeforelongSamcouldseeforhimselfwhatwasapproaching.Flocksofbirds,flyingatgreatspeed,werewheelingandcircling,andtraversingallthelandasiftheyweresearchingforsomething;andtheyweresteadilydrawingnearer.
‘Lieflatandstill!’hissedAragorn,pullingSamdownintotheshadeofaholly-bush;forawholeregimentofbirdshadbrokenawaysuddenlyfromthemainhost,andcame,flyinglow,straighttowardstheridge.Samthoughttheywereakindofcrowoflargesize.Astheypassedoverhead,insodenseathrongthattheirshadowfollowedthemdarklyover
thegroundbelow,oneharshcroakwasheard.
Notuntiltheyhaddwindledintothedistance,northandwest,andtheskywasagainclearwouldAragornrise.ThenhesprangupandwentandwakenedGandalf.
‘RegimentsofblackcrowsareflyingoverallthelandbetweentheMountainsandtheGreyflood,’hesaid,‘and
theyhavepassedoverHollin.Theyarenotnativeshere;theyarecrebainoutofFangornandDunland.Idonotknowwhattheyareabout:possiblythereissometroubleawaysouthfromwhichtheyarefleeing;butIthinktheyarespyingouttheland.Ihavealsoglimpsedmanyhawksflyinghighupinthesky.Ithinkweoughttomoveagainthisevening.
Hollinisnolongerwholesomeforus:itisbeingwatched.’
‘AndinthatcasesoistheRedhornGate,’saidGandalf;‘andhowwecangetoverthatwithoutbeingseen,Icannotimagine.Butwewillthinkofthatwhenwemust.Asformovingassoonasitisdark,Iamafraidthatyouareright.’
‘Luckilyourfiremadelittlesmoke,andhadburned
lowbeforethecrebaincame,’saidAragorn.‘Itmustbeputoutandnotlitagain.’
‘Wellifthatisn’taplagueandanuisance!’saidPippin.Thenews:nofire,andamoveagainbynight,hadbeenbrokentohim,assoonashewokeinthelateafternoon.‘Allbecauseofapackofcrows!Ihadlooked
forwardtoarealgoodmealtonight:somethinghot.’
‘Well,youcangoonlookingforward,’saidGandalf.
‘Theremaybemanyunexpectedfeastsaheadforyou.FormyselfIshouldlikeapipetosmokeincomfort,andwarmerfeet.However,wearecertainofonethingatanyrate:itwillgetwarmeraswegetsouth.’
‘Toowarm,Ishouldn’twonder,’mutteredSamtoFrodo.‘ButI’mbeginningtothinkit’stimewegotasightofthatFieryMountain,andsawtheendoftheRoad,sotospeak.IthoughtatfirstthatthishereRedhorn,orwhateveritsnameis,mightbeit,tillGimlispokehispiece.Afairjaw-crackerdwarf-languagemustbe!’Mapsconveyednothingto
Sam’smind,andalldistancesinthesestrangelandsseemedsovastthathewasquiteoutofhisreckoning.
AllthatdaytheCompanyremainedinhiding.Thedarkbirdspassedovernowandagain;butasthewesteringSungrewredtheydisappearedsouthwards.AtdusktheCompanysetout,andturningnowhalfeasttheysteeredtheircourse
towardsCaradhras,whichfarawaystillglowedfaintlyredinthelastlightofthevanishedSun.Onebyonewhitestarssprangforthastheskyfaded.
GuidedbyAragorntheystruckagoodpath.ItlookedtoFrodoliketheremainsofanancientroad,thathadoncebeenbroadandwellplanned,fromHollintothemountain-pass.TheMoon,nowatthe
full,roseoverthemountains,andcastapalelightinwhichtheshadowsofstoneswereblack.Manyofthemlookedtohavebeenworkedbyhands,thoughnowtheylaytumbledandruinousinableak,barrenland.
Itwasthecoldchillhourbeforethefirststirofdawn,andthemoonwaslow.Frodolookedupatthesky.Suddenlyhesaworfelta
shadowpassoverthehighstars,asifforamomenttheyfadedandthenflashedoutagain.Heshivered.
‘Didyouseeanythingpassover?’hewhisperedtoGandalf,whowasjustahead.
‘No,butIfeltit,whateveritwas,’heanswered.‘Itmaybenothing,onlyawispofthincloud.’
‘Itwasmovingfastthen,’mutteredAragorn,‘andnot
withthewind.’
Nothingfurtherhappenedthatnight.Thenextmorningdawnedevenbrighterthanbefore.Buttheairwaschillagain;alreadythewindwasturningbacktowardstheeast.Fortwomorenightstheymarchedon,climbingsteadilybutevermoreslowlyastheirroadwoundupinto
thehills,andthemountainstoweredup,nearerandnearer.OnthethirdmorningCaradhrasrosebeforethem,amightypeak,tippedwithsnowlikesilver,butwithsheernakedsides,dullredasifstainedwithblood.
Therewasablacklookinthesky,andthesunwaswan.Thewindhadgonenowroundtothenorth-east.Gandalfsnuffedtheairand
lookedback.‘Winterdeepensbehind
us,’hesaidquietlytoAragorn.‘Theheightsawaynortharewhiterthantheywere;snowislyingfardowntheirshoulders.TonightweshallbeonourwayhighuptowardstheRedhornGate.Wemaywellbeseenbywatchersonthatnarrowpath,andwaylaidbysomeevil;buttheweathermayprovea
moredeadlyenemythanany.Whatdoyouthinkofyourcoursenow,Aragorn?’
Frodooverheardthesewords,andunderstoodthatGandalfandAragornwerecontinuingsomedebatethathadbegunlongbefore.Helistenedanxiously.
‘Ithinknogoodofourcoursefrombeginningtoend,asyouknowwell,Gandalf,’answeredAragorn.‘And
perilsknownandunknownwillgrowaswegoon.Butwemustgoon;anditisnogoodourdelayingthepassageofthemountains.Furthersouththerearenopasses,tillonecomestotheGapofRohan.IdonottrustthatwaysinceyournewsofSaruman.WhoknowswhichsidenowthemarshalsoftheHorse-lordsserve?’
‘Whoknowsindeed!’said
Gandalf.‘Butthereisanotherway,andnotbythepassofCaradhras:thedarkandsecretwaythatwehavespokenof.’
‘Butletusnotspeakofitagain!Notyet.Saynothingtotheothers,Ibeg,notuntilitisplainthatthereisnootherway.’
‘Wemustdecidebeforewegofurther,’answeredGandalf.
‘Thenletusweighthematterinourminds,whiletheothersrestandsleep,’saidAragorn.
Inthelateafternoon,whiletheotherswerefinishingtheirbreakfast,GandalfandAragornwentasidetogetherandstoodlookingatCaradhras.Itssideswerenowdarkandsullen,
anditsheadwasingreycloud.Frodowatchedthem,wonderingwhichwaythedebatewouldgo.WhentheyreturnedtotheCompanyGandalfspoke,andthenheknewthatithadbeendecidedtofacetheweatherandthehighpass.Hewasrelieved.Hecouldnotguesswhatwastheotherdarkandsecretway,buttheverymentionofithadseemedtofillAragornwith
dismay,andFrodowasgladthatithadbeenabandoned.
‘Fromsignsthatwehaveseenlately,’saidGandalf,‘IfearthattheRedhornGatemaybewatched;andalsoIhavedoubtsoftheweatherthatiscomingupbehind.Snowmaycome.Wemustgowithallthespeedthatwecan.Evensoitwilltakeusmorethantwomarchesbeforewereachthetopofthepass.
Darkwillcomeearlythisevening.Wemustleaveassoonasyoucangetready.’
‘Iwilladdawordofadvice,ifImay,’saidBoromir.‘IwasbornundertheshadowoftheWhiteMountainsandknowsomethingofjourneysinthehighplaces.Weshallmeetbittercold,ifnoworse,beforewecomedownontheotherside.Itwillnothelpus
tokeepsosecretthatwearefrozentodeath.Whenweleavehere,wheretherearestillafewtreesandbushes,eachofusshouldcarryafaggotofwood,aslargeashecanbear.’
‘AndBillcouldtakeabitmore,couldn’tyou,lad?’saidSam.Theponylookedathimmournfully.
‘Verywell,’saidGandalf.‘Butwemustnotusethe
wood–notunlessitisachoicebetweenfireanddeath.’
TheCompanysetoutagain,withgoodspeedatfirst;butsoontheirwaybecamesteepanddifficult.Thetwistingandclimbingroadhadinmanyplacesalmostdisappeared,andwasblockedwithmanyfallen
stones.Thenightgrewdeadlydarkundergreatclouds.Abitterwindswirledamongtherocks.Bymidnighttheyhadclimbedtothekneesofthegreatmountains.Thenarrowpathnowwoundunderasheerwallofcliffstotheleft,abovewhichthegrimflanksofCaradhrastoweredupinvisibleinthegloom;ontherightwasagulfofdarknesswherethelandfellsuddenly
intoadeepravine.Laboriouslytheyclimbed
asharpslopeandhaltedforamomentatthetop.Frodofeltasofttouchonhisface.Heputouthisarmandsawthedimwhiteflakesofsnowsettlingonhissleeve.
Theywenton.Butbeforelongthesnowwasfallingfast,fillingalltheair,andswirlingintoFrodo’seyes.Thedarkbentshapesof
GandalfandAragornonlyapaceortwoaheadcouldhardlybeseen.
‘Idon’tlikethisatall,’pantedSamjustbehind.‘Snow’sallrightonafinemorning,butIliketobeinbedwhileit’sfalling.IwishthislotwouldgoofftoHobbiton!Folkmightwelcomeitthere.’ExceptonthehighmoorsoftheNorthfarthingaheavyfall
wasrareintheShire,andwasregardedasapleasanteventandachanceforfun.Nolivinghobbit(saveBilbo)couldremembertheFellWinterof1311,whenwhitewolvesinvadedtheShireoverthefrozenBrandywine.
Gandalfhalted.Snowwasthickonhishoodandshoulders;itwasalreadyankle-deepabouthisboots.
‘ThisiswhatIfeared,’he
said.‘Whatdoyousaynow,Aragorn?’
‘ThatIfearedittoo,’Aragornanswered,‘butlessthanotherthings.Iknewtheriskofsnow,thoughitseldomfallsheavilysofarsouth,savehighupinthemountains.Butwearenothighyet;wearestillfardown,wherethepathsareusuallyopenallthewinter.’
‘Iwonderifthisisa
contrivanceoftheEnemy,’saidBoromir.‘TheysayinmylandthathecangovernthestormsintheMountainsofShadowthatstanduponthebordersofMordor.Hehasstrangepowersandmanyallies.’
‘Hisarmhasgrownlongindeed,’saidGimli,‘ifhecandrawsnowdownfromtheNorthtotroubleusherethreehundredleaguesaway.’
‘Hisarmhasgrownlong,’saidGandalf.
Whiletheywerehalted,thewinddieddown,andthesnowslackeneduntilitalmostceased.Theytrampedonagain.Buttheyhadnotgonemorethanafurlongwhenthestormreturnedwithfreshfury.Thewindwhistledandthesnowbecamea
blindingblizzard.SoonevenBoromirfoundithardtokeepgoing.Thehobbits,bentnearlydouble,toiledalongbehindthetallerfolk,butitwasplainthattheycouldnotgomuchfurther,ifthesnowcontinued.Frodo’sfeetfeltlikelead.Pippinwasdraggingbehind.EvenGimli,asstoutasanydwarfcouldbe,wasgrumblingashetrudged.
TheCompanyhaltedsuddenly,asiftheyhadcometoanagreementwithoutanywordsbeingspoken.Theyheardeerienoisesinthedarknessroundthem.Itmayhavebeenonlyatrickofthewindinthecracksandgulliesoftherockywall,butthesoundswerethoseofshrillcries,andwildhowlsoflaughter.Stonesbegantofallfromthemountain-side,
whistlingovertheirheads,orcrashingonthepathbesidethem.Everynowandagaintheyheardadullrumble,asagreatboulderrolleddownfromhiddenheightsabove.
‘Wecannotgofurthertonight,’saidBoromir.‘Letthosecallitthewindwhowill;therearefellvoicesontheair;andthesestonesareaimedatus.’
‘Idocallitthewind,’said
Aragorn.‘Butthatdoesnotmakewhatyousayuntrue.Therearemanyevilandunfriendlythingsintheworldthathavelittleloveforthosethatgoontwolegs,andyetarenotinleaguewithSauron,buthavepurposesoftheirown.Somehavebeeninthisworldlongerthanhe.’
‘CaradhraswascalledtheCruel,andhadanillname,’saidGimli,‘longyearsago,
whenrumourofSauronhadnotbeenheardintheselands.’
‘Itmatterslittlewhoistheenemy,ifwecannotbeatoffhisattack,’saidGandalf.
‘Butwhatcanwedo?’criedPippinmiserably.HewasleaningonMerryandFrodo,andhewasshivering.
‘Eitherstopwhereweare,orgoback,’saidGandalf.‘Itisnogoodgoingon.Onlya
littlehigher,ifIrememberrightly,thispathleavesthecliffandrunsintoawideshallowtroughatthebottomofalonghardslope.Weshouldhavenosheltertherefromsnow,orstones–oranythingelse.’
‘Anditisnogoodgoingbackwhilethestormholds,’saidAragorn.‘Wehavepassednoplaceonthewayupthatofferedmoreshelter
thanthiscliff-wallweareundernow.’
‘Shelter!’mutteredSam.‘Ifthisisshelter,thenonewallandnoroofmakeahouse.’
TheCompanynowgatheredtogetherasclosetothecliffastheycould.Itfacedsouthwards,andnearthebottomitleanedouta
little,sothattheyhopeditwouldgivethemsomeprotectionfromthenortherlywindandfromthefallingstones.Buteddyingblastsswirledroundthemfromeveryside,andthesnowfloweddownineverdenserclouds.
Theyhuddledtogetherwiththeirbackstothewall.Billtheponystoodpatientlybutdejectedlyinfrontofthe
hobbits,andscreenedthemalittle;butbeforelongthedriftingsnowwasabovehishocks,anditwentonmounting.Iftheyhadhadnolargercompanionsthehobbitswouldsoonhavebeenentirelyburied.
AgreatsleepinesscameoverFrodo;hefelthimselfsinkingfastintoawarmandhazydream.Hethoughtafirewasheatinghistoes,andout
oftheshadowsontheothersideofthehearthheheardBilbo’svoicespeaking.Idon’tthinkmuchofyourdiary,hesaid.SnowstormsonJanuarythetwelfth:therewasnoneedtocomebacktoreportthat!
ButIwantedrestandsleep,Bilbo,Frodoansweredwithaneffort,whenhefelthimselfshaken,andhecamebackpainfullyto
wakefulness.Boromirhadliftedhimoffthegroundoutofanestofsnow.
‘Thiswillbethedeathofthehalflings,Gandalf,’saidBoromir.‘Itisuselesstosithereuntilthesnowgoesoverourheads.Wemustdosomethingtosaveourselves.’
‘Givethemthis,’saidGandalf,searchinginhispackanddrawingoutaleathernflask.‘Justa
mouthfuleach–forallofus.Itisveryprecious.Itismiruvor,thecordialofImladris.Elrondgaveittomeatourparting.Passitround!’
AssoonasFrodohadswallowedalittleofthewarmandfragrantliquorhefeltanewstrengthofheart,andtheheavydrowsinesslefthislimbs.Theothersalsorevivedandfoundfreshhopeandvigour.Butthesnowdid
notrelent.Itwhirledaboutthemthickerthanever,andthewindblewlouder.
‘Whatdoyousaytofire?’askedBoromirsuddenly.‘Thechoiceseemsnearnowbetweenfireanddeath,Gandalf.Doubtlessweshallbehiddenfromallunfriendlyeyeswhenthesnowhascoveredus,butthatwillnothelpus.’
‘Youmaymakeafire,if
youcan,’answeredGandalf.‘Ifthereareanywatchersthatcanendurethisstorm,thentheycanseeus,fireorno.’
ButthoughtheyhadbroughtwoodandkindlingsbytheadviceofBoromir,itpassedtheskillofElforevenDwarftostrikeaflamethatwouldholdamidtheswirlingwindorcatchinthewetfuel.AtlastreluctantlyGandalfhimselftookahand.Picking
upafaggothehelditaloftforamoment,andthenwithawordofcommand,nauranedraithammen!hethrusttheendofhisstaffintothemidstofit.Atonceagreatspoutofgreenandblueflamesprangout,andthewoodflaredandsputtered.
‘Ifthereareanytosee,thenIatleastamrevealedtothem,’hesaid.‘IhavewrittenGandalfishereinsignsthat
allcanreadfromRivendelltothemouthsofAnduin.’
ButtheCompanycarednolongerforwatchersorunfriendlyeyes.Theirheartswererejoicedtoseethelightofthefire.Thewoodburnedmerrily;andthoughallrounditthesnowhissed,andpoolsofslushcreptundertheirfeet,theywarmedtheirhandsgladlyattheblaze.Theretheystood,stoopingina
circleroundthelittledancingandblowingflames.Aredlightwasontheirtiredandanxiousfaces;behindthemthenightwaslikeablackwall.
Butthewoodwasburningfast,andthesnowstillfell.
Thefireburnedlow,andthelastfaggotwasthrownon.
‘Thenightisgettingold,’
saidAragorn.‘Thedawnisnotfaroff.’
‘Ifanydawncanpiercetheseclouds,’saidGimli.Boromirsteppedoutofthecircleandstaredupintotheblackness.‘Thesnowisgrowingless,’hesaid,‘andthewindisquieter.’
Frodogazedwearilyattheflakesstillfallingoutofthedarktoberevealedwhiteforamomentinthelightofthe
dyingfire;butforalongtimehecouldseenosignoftheirslackening.Thensuddenly,assleepwasbeginningtocreepoverhimagain,hewasawarethatthewindhadindeedfallen,andtheflakeswerebecominglargerandfewer.Veryslowlyadimlightbegantogrow.Atlastthesnowstoppedaltogether.
Asthelightgrewstrongeritshowedasilentshrouded
world.Belowtheirrefugewerewhitehumpsanddomesandshapelessdeepsbeneathwhichthepaththattheyhadtroddenwasaltogetherlost;buttheheightsabovewerehiddeningreatcloudsstillheavywiththethreatofsnow.
Gimlilookedupandshookhishead.‘Caradhrashasnotforgivenus,’hesaid.‘Hehasmoresnowyetto
flingatus,ifwegoon.Thesoonerwegobackanddownthebetter.’
Tothisallagreed,buttheirretreatwasnowdifficult.Itmightwellproveimpossible.Onlyafewpacesfromtheashesoftheirfirethesnowlaymanyfeetdeep,higherthantheheadsofthehobbits;inplacesithadbeenscoopedandpiledbythewindintogreatdriftsagainst
thecliff.‘IfGandalfwouldgo
beforeuswithabrightflame,hemightmeltapathforyou,’saidLegolas.Thestormhadtroubledhimlittle,andhealoneoftheCompanyremainedstilllightofheart.
‘IfElvescouldflyovermountains,theymightfetchtheSuntosaveus,’answeredGandalf.‘ButImusthavesomethingtoworkon.I
cannotburnsnow.’‘Well,’saidBoromir,
‘whenheadsareatalossbodiesmustserve,aswesayinmycountry.Thestrongestofusmustseekaway.See!Thoughallisnowsnow-clad,ourpath,aswecameup,turnedaboutthatshoulderofrockdownyonder.Itwastherethatthesnowfirstbegantoburdenus.Ifwecouldreachthatpoint,maybeit
wouldproveeasierbeyond.Itisnomorethanafurlongoff,Iguess.’
‘Thenletusforceapaththither,youandI!’saidAragorn.
AragornwasthetallestoftheCompany,butBoromir,littlelessinheight,wasbroaderandheavierinbuild.Heledtheway,andAragornfollowedhim.Slowlytheymovedoff,andweresoon
toilingheavily.Inplacesthesnowwasbreast-high,andoftenBoromirseemedtobeswimmingorburrowingwithhisgreatarmsratherthanwalking.
Legolaswatchedthemforawhilewithasmileuponhislips,andthenheturnedtotheothers.‘Thestrongestmustseekaway,sayyou?ButIsay:letaploughmanplough,butchooseanotterfor
swimming,andforrunninglightovergrassandleaf,oroversnow–anElf.’
Withthathesprangforthnimbly,andthenFrodonoticedasifforthefirsttime,thoughhehadlongknownit,thattheElfhadnoboots,butworeonlylightshoes,ashealwaysdid,andhisfeetmadelittleimprintinthesnow.
‘Farewell!’hesaidtoGandalf.‘Igotofindthe
Sun!’Thenswiftasarunneroverfirmsandheshotaway,andquicklyovertakingthetoilingmen,withawaveofhishandhepassedthem,andspedintothedistance,andvanishedroundtherockyturn.
Theotherswaitedhuddledtogether,watchinguntilBoromirandAragorn
dwindledintoblackspecksinthewhiteness.Atlengththeytoopassedfromsight.Thetimedraggedon.Thecloudslowered,andnowafewflakesofsnowcamecurlingdownagain.
Anhour,maybe,wentby,thoughitseemedfarlonger,andthenatlasttheysawLegolascomingback.AtthesametimeBoromirandAragornreappearedroundthe
bendfarbehindhimandcamelabouringuptheslope.
‘Well,’criedLegolasasheranup,‘IhavenotbroughttheSun.SheiswalkinginthebluefieldsoftheSouth,andalittlewreathofsnowonthisRedhornhillocktroubleshernotatall.ButIhavebroughtbackagleamofgoodhopeforthosewhoaredoomedtogoonfeet.Thereisthegreatestwind-driftofalljust
beyondtheturn,andthereourStrongMenwerealmostburied.Theydespaired,untilIreturnedandtoldthemthatthedriftwaslittlewiderthanawall.Andontheothersidethesnowsuddenlygrowsless,whilefurtherdownitisnomorethanawhitecoverlettocoolahobbit’stoes.’
‘Ah,itisasIsaid,’growledGimli.‘Itwasnoordinarystorm.Itistheill
willofCaradhras.HedoesnotloveElvesandDwarves,andthatdriftwaslaidtocutoffourescape.’
‘ButhappilyyourCaradhrashasforgottenthatyouhaveMenwithyou,’saidBoromir,whocameupatthatmoment.‘AnddoughtyMentoo,ifImaysayit;thoughlessermenwithspadesmighthaveservedyoubetter.Still,wehavethrustalanethrough
thedrift;andforthatallheremaybegratefulwhocannotrunaslightasElves.’
‘Buthowarewetogetdownthere,evenifyouhavecutthroughthedrift?’saidPippin,voicingthethoughtofallthehobbits.
‘Havehope!’saidBoromir.‘Iamweary,butIstillhavesomestrengthleft,andAragorntoo.Wewillbearthelittlefolk.Theothers
nodoubtwillmakeshifttotreadthepathbehindus.Come,MasterPeregrin!Iwillbeginwithyou.’
Heliftedupthehobbit.‘Clingtomyback!Ishallneedmyarms,’hesaidandstrodeforward.AragornwithMerrycamebehind.Pippinmarvelledathisstrength,seeingthepassagethathehadalreadyforcedwithnoothertoolthanhisgreatlimbs.
Evennow,burdenedashewas,hewaswideningthetrackforthosewhofollowed,thrustingthesnowasideashewent.
Theycameatlengthtothegreatdrift.Itwasflungacrossthemountain-pathlikeasheerandsuddenwall,anditscrest,sharpasifshapedwithknives,rearedupmorethantwicetheheightofBoromir;butthroughthemiddlea
passagehadbeenbeaten,risingandfallinglikeabridge.OnthefarsideMerryandPippinweresetdown,andtheretheywaitedwithLegolasfortherestoftheCompanytoarrive.
AfterawhileBoromirreturnedcarryingSam.Behindinthenarrowbutnowwell-troddentrackcameGandalf,leadingBillwithGimliperchedamongthe
baggage.LastcameAragorncarryingFrodo.Theypassedthroughthelane;buthardlyhadFrodotouchedthegroundwhenwithadeeprumblethererolleddownafallofstonesandslitheringsnow.ThesprayofithalfblindedtheCompanyastheycrouchedagainstthecliff,andwhentheairclearedagaintheysawthatthepathwasblockedbehindthem.
‘Enough,enough!’criedGimli.‘Wearedepartingasquicklyaswemay!’Andindeedwiththatlaststrokethemaliceofthemountainseemedtobeexpended,asifCaradhraswassatisfiedthattheinvadershadbeenbeatenoffandwouldnotdaretoreturn.Thethreatofsnowlifted;thecloudsbegantobreakandthelightgrewbroader.
AsLegolashadreported,theyfoundthatthesnowbecamesteadilymoreshallowastheywentdown,sothateventhehobbitscouldtrudgealong.Soontheyallstoodoncemoreontheflatshelfattheheadofthesteepslopewheretheyhadfeltthefirstflakesofsnowthenightbefore.
Themorningwasnowfaradvanced.Fromthehigh
placetheylookedbackwestwardsoverthelowerlands.Farawayinthetumbleofcountrythatlayatthefootofthemountainwasthedellfromwhichtheyhadstartedtoclimbthepass.
Frodo’slegsached.Hewaschilledtotheboneandhungry;andhisheadwasdizzyashethoughtofthelongandpainfulmarchdownhill.Blackspecksswam
beforehiseyes.Herubbedthem,buttheblackspecksremained.Inthedistancebelowhim,butstillhighabovethelowerfoothills,darkdotswerecirclingintheair.
‘Thebirdsagain!’saidAragorn,pointingdown.
‘Thatcannotbehelpednow,’saidGandalf.‘Whethertheyaregoodorevil,orhavenothingtodowithusatall,
wemustgodownatonce.NotevenonthekneesofCaradhraswillwewaitforanothernight-fall!’
Acoldwindfloweddownbehindthem,astheyturnedtheirbacksontheRedhornGate,andstumbledwearilydowntheslope.Caradhrashaddefeatedthem.
Chapter4
AJOURNEYINTHEDARK
Itwasevening,andthegreylightwasagainwaningfast,whentheyhaltedforthenight.Theywereveryweary.
Themountainswereveiledindeepeningdusk,andthewindwascold.GandalfsparedthemonemoremouthfuleachofthemiruvorofRivendell.Whentheyhadeatensomefoodhecalledacouncil.
‘Wecannot,ofcourse,goonagaintonight,’hesaid.‘TheattackontheRedhornGatehastiredusout,andwemustresthereforawhile.’
‘Andthenwhereareweto
go?’askedFrodo.‘Westillhaveourjourney
andourerrandbeforeus,’answeredGandalf.‘Wehavenochoicebuttogoon,ortoreturntoRivendell.’
Pippin’sfacebrightenedvisiblyatthemerementionofreturntoRivendell;MerryandSamlookeduphopefully.ButAragornandBoromirmadenosign.Frodolookedtroubled.
‘IwishIwasbackthere,’hesaid.‘ButhowcanIreturnwithoutshame–unlessthereisindeednootherway,andwearealreadydefeated?’
‘Youareright,Frodo,’saidGandalf:‘togobackistoadmitdefeat,andfaceworsedefeattocome.Ifwegobacknow,thentheRingmustremainthere:weshallnotbeabletosetoutagain.ThensoonerorlaterRivendellwill
bebesieged,andafterabriefandbittertimeitwillbedestroyed.TheRingwraithsaredeadlyenemies,buttheyareonlyshadowsyetofthepowerandterrortheywouldpossessiftheRulingRingwasontheirmaster’shandagain.’
‘Thenwemustgoon,ifthereisaway,’saidFrodowithasigh.Samsankbackintogloom.
‘Thereisawaythatwemayattempt,’saidGandalf.‘Ithoughtfromthebeginning,whenfirstIconsideredthisjourney,thatweshouldtryit.Butitisnotapleasantway,andIhavenotspokenofittotheCompanybefore.Aragornwasagainstit,untilthepassoverthemountainshadatleastbeentried.’
‘IfitisaworseroadthantheRedhornGate,thenit
mustbeevilindeed,’saidMerry.‘Butyouhadbettertellusaboutit,andletusknowtheworstatonce.’
‘TheroadthatIspeakofleadstotheMinesofMoria,’saidGandalf.OnlyGimlilifteduphishead;asmoulderingfirewasinhiseyes.Onalltheothersadreadfellatthementionofthatname.Eventothehobbitsitwasalegendofvaguefear.
‘TheroadmayleadtoMoria,buthowcanwehopethatitwillleadthroughMoria?’saidAragorndarkly.
‘Itisanameofillomen,’saidBoromir.‘NordoIseetheneedtogothere.Ifwecannotcrossthemountains,letusjourneysouthwards,untilwecometotheGapofRohan,wheremenarefriendlytomypeople,takingtheroadthatIfollowedon
mywayhither.OrwemightpassbyandcrosstheIsenintoLangstrandandLebennin,andsocometoGondorfromtheregionsnightothesea.’
‘Thingshavechangedsinceyoucamenorth,Boromir,’answeredGandalf.‘DidyounothearwhatItoldyouofSaruman?WithhimImayhavebusinessofmyownereallisover.ButtheRing
mustnotcomenearIsengard,ifthatcanbyanymeansbeprevented.TheGapofRohanisclosedtouswhilewegowiththeBearer.
‘Asforthelongerroad:wecannotaffordthetime.Wemightspendayearinsuchajourney,andweshouldpassthroughmanylandsthatareemptyandharbourless.Yettheywouldnotbesafe.Thewatchful
eyesbothofSarumanandoftheEnemyareonthem.Whenyoucamenorth,Boromir,youwereintheEnemy’seyesonlyonestraywandererfromtheSouthandamatterofsmallconcerntohim:hismindwasbusywiththepursuitoftheRing.ButyoureturnnowasamemberoftheRing’sCompany,andyouareinperilaslongasyouremainwithus.Thedanger
willincreasewitheveryleaguethatwegosouthunderthenakedsky.
‘Sinceouropenattemptonthemountain-passourplighthasbecomemoredesperate,Ifear.Iseenowlittlehope,ifwedonotsoonvanishfromsightforawhile,andcoverourtrail.ThereforeIadvisethatweshouldgoneitheroverthemountains,norroundthem,butunder
them.ThatisaroadatanyratethattheEnemywillleastexpectustotake.’
‘Wedonotknowwhatheexpects,’saidBoromir.‘Hemaywatchallroads,likelyandunlikely.InthatcasetoenterMoriawouldbetowalkintoatrap,hardlybetterthanknockingatthegatesoftheDarkToweritself.ThenameofMoriaisblack.’
‘Youspeakofwhatyou
donotknow,whenyoulikenMoriatothestrongholdofSauron,’answeredGandalf.‘IaloneofyouhaveeverbeeninthedungeonsoftheDarkLord,andonlyinhisolderandlesserdwellinginDolGuldur.ThosewhopassthegatesofBarad-dûrdonotreturn.ButIwouldnotleadyouintoMoriaiftherewerenohopeofcomingoutagain.IfthereareOrcsthere,itmay
proveillforus,thatistrue.ButmostoftheOrcsoftheMistyMountainswerescatteredordestroyedintheBattleofFiveArmies.TheEaglesreportthatOrcsaregatheringagainfromafar;butthereisahopethatMoriaisstillfree.
‘ThereisevenachancethatDwarvesarethere,andthatinsomedeephallofhisfathers,BalinsonofFundin
maybefound.Howeveritmayprove,onemusttreadthepaththatneedchooses!’
‘Iwilltreadthepathwithyou,Gandalf!’saidGimli.‘IwillgoandlookonthehallsofDurin,whatevermaywaitthere–ifyoucanfindthedoorsthatareshut.’
‘Good,Gimli!’saidGandalf.‘Youencourageme.Wewillseekthehiddendoorstogether.Andwewill
comethrough.IntheruinsoftheDwarves,adwarf’sheadwillbelesseasytobewilderthanElvesorMenorHobbits.YetitwillnotbethefirsttimethatIhavebeentoMoria.IsoughttherelongforThráinsonofThrórafterhewaslost.Ipassedthrough,andIcameoutagainalive!’
‘ItoooncepassedtheDimrillGate,’saidAragornquietly;‘butthoughIalso
cameoutagain,thememoryisveryevil.IdonotwishtoenterMoriaasecondtime.’
‘AndIdon’twishtoenteritevenonce,’saidPippin.
‘Norme,’mutteredSam.‘Ofcoursenot!’said
Gandalf.‘Whowould?Butthequestionis:whowillfollowme,ifIleadyouthere?’
‘Iwill,’saidGimlieagerly.
‘Iwill,’saidAragornheavily.‘Youfollowedmyleadalmosttodisasterinthesnow,andhavesaidnowordofblame.Iwillfollowyourleadnow–ifthislastwarningdoesnotmoveyou.ItisnotoftheRing,norofusothersthatIamthinkingnow,butofyou,Gandalf.AndIsaytoyou:ifyoupassthedoorsofMoria,beware!’
‘Iwillnotgo,’said
Boromir;‘notunlessthevoteofthewholeCompanyisagainstme.WhatdoLegolasandthelittlefolksay?TheRing-bearer’svoicesurelyshouldbeheard?’
‘IdonotwishtogotoMoria,’saidLegolas.
Thehobbitssaidnothing.SamlookedatFrodo.AtlastFrodospoke.‘Idonotwishtogo,’hesaid;‘butneitherdoIwishtorefusetheadviceof
Gandalf.Ibegthatthereshouldbenovote,untilwehavesleptonit.Gandalfwillgetvoteseasierinthelightofthemorningthaninthiscoldgloom.Howthewindhowls!’
Atthesewordsallfellintosilentthought.Theyheardthewindhissingamongtherocksandtrees,andtherewasahowlingandwailingroundthemintheemptyspacesofthenight.
SuddenlyAragornleapttohisfeet.‘Howthewindhowls!’hecried.‘Itishowlingwithwolf-voices.TheWargshavecomewestoftheMountains!’
‘Needwewaituntilmorningthen?’saidGandalf.‘ItisasIsaid.Thehuntisup!Evenifwelivetoseethedawn,whonowwillwishtojourneysouthbynightwiththewildwolvesonhistrail?’
‘HowfarisMoria?’askedBoromir.
‘Therewasadoorsouth-westofCaradhras,somefifteenmilesasthecrowflies,andmaybetwentyasthewolfruns,’answeredGandalfgrimly.
‘Thenletusstartassoonasitislighttomorrow,ifwecan,’saidBoromir.‘Thewolfthatonehearsisworsethantheorcthatonefears.’
‘True!’saidAragorn,looseninghisswordinitssheath.‘Butwherethewarghowls,therealsotheorcprowls.’
‘IwishIhadtakenElrond’sadvice,’mutteredPippintoSam.‘Iamnogoodafterall.ThereisnotenoughofthebreedofBandobrastheBullroarerinme:thesehowlsfreezemyblood.Idon’teverrememberfeelingso
wretched.’‘Myheart’srightdownin
mytoes,Mr.Pippin,’saidSam.‘Butwearen’tettenyet,andtherearesomestoutfolkherewithus.WhatevermaybeinstoreforoldGandalf,I’llwageritisn’tawolf’sbelly.’
FortheirdefenceinthenighttheCompanyclimbed
tothetopofthesmallhillunderwhichtheyhadbeensheltering.Itwascrownedwithaknotofoldandtwistedtrees,aboutwhichlayabrokencircleofboulder-stones.Inthemidstofthistheylitafire,fortherewasnohopethatdarknessandsilencewouldkeeptheirtrailfromdiscoverybythehuntingpacks.
Roundthefiretheysat,
andthosethatwerenotonguarddozeduneasily.PoorBilltheponytrembledandsweatedwherehestood.Thehowlingofthewolveswasnowallroundthem,sometimesnearerandsometimesfurtheroff.Inthedeadofnightmanyshiningeyeswereseenpeeringoverthebrowofthehill.Someadvancedalmosttotheringofstones.Atagapinthe
circleagreatdarkwolf-shapecouldbeseenhalted,gazingatthem.Ashudderinghowlbrokefromhim,asifhewereacaptainsummoninghispacktotheassault.
Gandalfstoodupandstrodeforward,holdinghisstaffaloft.‘Listen,HoundofSauron!’hecried.‘Gandalfishere.Fly,ifyouvalueyourfoulskin!Iwillshrivelyoufromtailtosnout,ifyou
comewithinthisring.’Thewolfsnarledand
sprangtowardsthemwithagreatleap.Atthatmomenttherewasasharptwang.Legolashadloosedhisbow.Therewasahideousyell,andtheleapingshapethuddedtotheground;theElvisharrowhadpierceditsthroat.Thewatchingeyesweresuddenlyextinguished.GandalfandAragornstrodeforward,but
thehillwasdeserted;thehuntingpackshadfled.Allaboutthemthedarknessgrewsilent,andnocrycameonthesighingwind.
Thenightwasold,andwestwardthewaningmoonwassetting,gleamingfitfullythroughthebreakingclouds.SuddenlyFrodostartedfromsleep.Withoutwarninga
stormofhowlsbrokeoutfierceandwildallaboutthecamp.AgreathostofWargshadgatheredsilentlyandwasnowattackingthemfromeverysideatonce.
‘Flingfuelonthefire!’criedGandalftothehobbits.‘Drawyourblades,andstandbacktoback!’
Intheleapinglight,asthefreshwoodblazedup,Frodosawmanygreyshapesspring
overtheringofstones.Moreandmorefollowed.ThroughthethroatofonehugeleaderAragornpassedhisswordwithathrust;withagreatsweepBoromirhewedtheheadoffanother.BesidethemGimlistoodwithhisstoutlegsapart,wieldinghisdwarf-axe.ThebowofLegolaswassinging.
InthewaveringfirelightGandalfseemedsuddenlyto
grow:heroseup,agreatmenacingshapelikethemonumentofsomeancientkingofstonesetuponahill.Stoopinglikeacloud,heliftedaburningbranchandstrodetomeetthewolves.Theygavebackbeforehim.Highintheairhetossedtheblazingbrand.Itflaredwithasuddenwhiteradiancelikelightning;andhisvoicerolledlikethunder.
‘Nauranedraithammen!Naurdaningaurhoth!’hecried.
Therewasaroarandacrackle,andthetreeabovehimburstintoaleafandbloomofblindingflame.Thefireleaptfromtree-toptotree-top.Thewholehillwascrownedwithdazzlinglight.Theswordsandknivesofthedefendersshoneandflickered.Thelastarrowof
Legolaskindledintheairasitflew,andplungedburningintotheheartofagreatwolf-chieftain.Alltheothersfled.
Slowlythefirediedtillnothingwasleftbutfallingashandsparks;abittersmokecurledabovetheburnedtree-stumps,andblewdarklyfromthehill,asthefirstlightofdawncamedimlyinthesky.Theirenemieswereroutedanddidnotreturn.
‘WhatdidItellyou,Mr.Pippin?’saidSam,sheathinghissword.‘Wolveswon’tgethim.Thatwasaneye-opener,andnomistake!Nearlysingedthehairoffmyhead!’
Whenthefulllightofthemorningcamenosignsofthewolvesweretobefound,andtheylookedinvainforthebodiesofthedead.Notrace
ofthefightremainedbutthecharredtreesandthearrowsofLegolaslyingonthehill-top.Allwereundamagedsaveoneofwhichonlythepointwasleft.
‘ItisasIfeared,’saidGandalf.‘Thesewerenoordinarywolveshuntingforfoodinthewilderness.Letuseatquicklyandgo!’
Thatdaytheweatherchangedagain,almostasifit
wasatthecommandofsomepowerthathadnolongeranyuseforsnow,sincetheyhadretreatedfromthepass,apowerthatwishednowtohaveaclearlightinwhichthingsthatmovedinthewildcouldbeseenfromfaraway.Thewindhadbeenturningthroughnorthtonorth-westduringthenight,andnowitfailed.Thecloudsvanishedsouthwardsandtheskywas
opened,highandblue.Astheystooduponthehillside,readytodepart,apalesunlightgleamedoverthemountain-tops.
‘Wemustreachthedoorsbeforesunset,’saidGandalf,‘orIfearweshallnotreachthematall.Itisnotfar,butourpathmaybewinding,forhereAragorncannotguideus;hehasseldomwalkedinthiscountry,andonlyonce
haveIbeenunderthewestwallofMoria,andthatwaslongago.
‘Thereitlies,’hesaid,pointingawaysouth-eastwardstowherethemountains’sidesfellsheerintotheshadowsattheirfeet.Inthedistancecouldbedimlyseenalineofbarecliffs,andintheirmidst,tallerthantherest,onegreatgreywall.‘WhenweleftthepassIled
yousouthwards,andnotbacktoourstartingpoint,assomeofyoumayhavenoticed.ItiswellthatIdidso,fornowwehaveseveralmileslesstocross,andhasteisneeded.Letusgo!’
‘Idonotknowwhichtohope,’saidBoromirgrimly:‘thatGandalfwillfindwhatheseeks,orthatcomingtothecliffweshallfindthegateslostforever.All
choicesseemill,andtobecaughtbetweenwolvesandthewallthelikeliestchance.Leadon!’
Gimlinowwalkedaheadbythewizard’sside,soeagerwashetocometoMoria.TogethertheyledtheCompanybacktowardsthemountains.TheonlyroadofoldtoMoriafromthewest
hadlainalongthecourseofastream,theSirannon,thatranoutfromthefeetofthecliffsnearwherethedoorshadstood.ButeitherGandalfwasastray,orelsethelandhadchangedinrecentyears;forhedidnotstrikethestreamwherehelookedtofindit,onlyafewmilessouthwardsfromtheirstart.
Themorningwaspassingtowardsnoon,andstillthe
Companywanderedandscrambledinabarrencountryofredstones.Nowherecouldtheyseeanygleamofwaterorhearanysoundofit.Allwasbleakanddry.Theirheartssank.Theysawnolivingthing,andnotabirdwasinthesky;butwhatthenightwouldbring,ifitcaughttheminthatlostland,noneofthemcaredtothink.
SuddenlyGimli,whohad
pressedonahead,calledbacktothem.Hewasstandingonaknollandpointingtotheright.Hurryinguptheysawbelowthemadeepandnarrowchannel.Itwasemptyandsilent,andhardlyatrickleofwaterflowedamongthebrownandred-stainedstonesofitsbed;butonthenearsidetherewasapath,muchbrokenanddecayed,thatwounditsway
amongtheruinedwallsandpaving-stonesofanancienthighroad.
‘Ah!Hereitisatlast!’saidGandalf.‘Thisiswherethestreamran:Sirannon,theGate-stream,theyusedtocallit.Butwhathashappenedtothewater,Icannotguess;itusedtobeswiftandnoisy.Come!Wemusthurryon.Wearelate.’
TheCompanywerefootsoreandtired;buttheytrudgeddoggedlyalongtheroughandwindingtrackformanymiles.Thesunturnedfromthenoonandbegantogowest.Afterabriefhaltandahastymealtheywentonagain.Beforethemthemountainsfrowned,buttheirpathlayinadeeptroughoflandandtheycouldseeonlythehighershouldersandthe
fareastwardpeaks.Atlengththeycametoa
sharpbend.Theretheroad,whichhadbeenveeringsouthwardsbetweenthebrinkofthechannelandasteepfallofthelandtotheleft,turnedandwentdueeastagain.Roundingthecornertheysawbeforethemalowcliff,somefivefathomshigh,withabrokenandjaggedtop.Overitatricklingwaterdripped,
throughawidecleftthatseemedtohavebeencarvedoutbyafallthathadoncebeenstrongandfull.
‘Indeedthingshavechanged!’saidGandalf.‘Butthereisnomistakingtheplace.ThereisallthatremainsoftheStairFalls.IfIrememberright,therewasaflightofstepscutintherockattheirside,butthemainroadwoundawayleftand
climbedwithseveralloopsuptothelevelgroundatthetop.ThereusedtobeashallowvalleybeyondthefallsrightuptotheWallsofMoria,andtheSirannonflowedthroughitwiththeroadbesideit.Letusgoandseewhatthingsarelikenow!’
Theyfoundthestonestepswithoutdifficulty,andGimlisprangswiftlyupthem,followedbyGandalfand
Frodo.Whentheyreachedthetoptheysawthattheycouldgonofurtherthatway,andthereasonforthedryingupoftheGate-streamwasrevealed.BehindthemthesinkingSunfilledthecoolwesternskywithglimmeringgold.Beforethemstretchedadarkstilllake.Neitherskynorsunsetwasreflectedonitssullensurface.TheSirannonhadbeendammedandhad
filledallthevalley.Beyondtheominouswaterwererearedvastcliffs,theirsternfacespallidinthefadinglight:finalandimpassable.Nosignofgateorentrance,notafissureorcrackcouldFrodoseeinthefrowningstone.
‘TherearetheWallsofMoria,’saidGandalf,pointingacrossthewater.‘AndtheretheGatestood
onceuponatime,theElvenDoorattheendoftheroadfromHollinbywhichwehavecome.Butthiswayisblocked.NoneoftheCompany,Iguess,willwishtoswimthisgloomywaterattheendoftheday.Ithasanunwholesomelook.’
‘Wemustfindawayroundthenorthernedge,’saidGimli.‘ThefirstthingfortheCompanytodoistoclimbup
bythemainpathandseewherethatwillleadus.Eveniftherewerenolake,wecouldnotgetourbaggage-ponyupthisstair.’
‘ButinanycasewecannottakethepoorbeastintotheMines,’saidGandalf.‘Theroadunderthemountainsisadarkroad,andthereareplacesnarrowandsteepwhichhecannottread,evenifwecan.’
‘PooroldBill!’saidFrodo.‘Ihadnotthoughtofthat.AndpoorSam!Iwonderwhathewillsay?’
‘Iamsorry,’saidGandalf.‘PoorBillhasbeenausefulcompanion,anditgoestomyhearttoturnhimadriftnow.Iwouldhavetravelledlighterandbroughtnoanimal,leastofallthisonethatSamisfondof,ifIhadhadmyway.Ifearedallalongthatwe
shouldbeobligedtotakethisroad.’
Thedaywasdrawingtoitsend,andcoldstarswereglintingintheskyhighabovethesunset,whentheCompany,withallthespeedtheycould,climbeduptheslopesandreachedthesideofthelake.Inbreadthitlookedtobenomorethantwoor
threefurlongsatthewidestpoint.Howfaritstretchedawaysouthwardtheycouldnotseeinthefailinglight;butitsnorthernendwasnomorethanhalfamilefromwheretheystood,andbetweenthestonyridgesthatenclosedthevalleyandthewater’sedgetherewasarimofopenground.Theyhurriedforward,fortheyhadstillamileortwotogobeforethey
couldreachthepointonthefarshorethatGandalfwasmakingfor;andthenhehadstilltofindthedoors.
Whentheycametothenorthernmostcornerofthelaketheyfoundanarrowcreekthatbarredtheirway.Itwasgreenandstagnant,thrustoutlikeaslimyarmtowardstheenclosinghills.Gimlistrodeforwardundeterred,andfoundthatthewaterwas
shallow,nomorethanankle-deepattheedge.Behindhimtheywalkedinfile,threadingtheirwaywithcare,forundertheweedypoolswereslidingandgreasystones,andfootingwastreacherous.Frodoshudderedwithdisgustatthetouchofthedarkuncleanwateronhisfeet.
AsSam,thelastoftheCompany,ledBillupontothedrygroundonthefarside,
therecameasoftsound:aswish,followedbyaplop,asifafishhaddisturbedthestillsurfaceofthewater.Turningquicklytheysawripples,black-edgedwithshadowinthewaninglight:greatringswerewideningoutwardsfromapointfaroutinthelake.Therewasabubblingnoise,andthensilence.Theduskdeepened,andthelastgleamsofthesunsetwereveiledin
cloud.Gandalfnowpressedonat
agreatpace,andtheothersfollowedasquicklyastheycould.Theyreachedthestripofdrylandbetweenthelakeandthecliffs:itwasnarrow,oftenhardlyadozenyardsacross,andencumberedwithfallenrockandstones;buttheyfoundaway,huggingthecliff,andkeepingasfarfromthedarkwaterasthey
might.Amilesouthwardsalongtheshoretheycameuponhollytrees.Stumpsanddeadboughswererottingintheshallows,theremainsitseemedofoldthickets,orofahedgethathadoncelinedtheroadacrossthedrownedvalley.Butcloseundertheclifftherestood,stillstrongandliving,twotalltrees,largerthananytreesofhollythatFrodohadeverseenor
imagined.Theirgreatrootsspreadfromthewalltothewater.Undertheloomingcliffstheyhadlookedlikemerebushes,whenseenfarofffromthetopoftheStair;butnowtheytoweredoverhead,stiff,dark,andsilent,throwingdeepnight-shadowsabouttheirfeet,standinglikesentinelpillarsattheendoftheroad.
‘Well,hereweareatlast!’
saidGandalf.‘HeretheElvenwayfromHollinended.Hollywasthetokenofthepeopleofthatland,andtheyplanteditheretomarktheendoftheirdomain;fortheWest-doorwasmadechieflyfortheiruseintheirtrafficwiththeLordsofMoria.Thosewerehappierdays,whentherewasstillclosefriendshipattimesbetweenfolkofdifferentrace,even
betweenDwarvesandElves.’‘Itwasnotthefaultofthe
Dwarvesthatthefriendshipwaned,’saidGimli.
‘IhavenotheardthatitwasthefaultoftheElves,’saidLegolas.
‘Ihaveheardboth,’saidGandalf;‘andIwillnotgivejudgementnow.ButIbegyoutwo,LegolasandGimli,atleasttobefriends,andtohelpme.Ineedyouboth.The
doorsareshutandhidden,andthesoonerwefindthemthebetter.Nightisathand!’
Turningtotheothershesaid:‘WhileIamsearching,willyoueachmakereadytoentertheMines?ForhereIfearwemustsayfarewelltoourgoodbeastofburden.Youmustlayasidemuchofthestuffthatwebroughtagainstbitterweather:youwillnotneeditinside,nor,I
hope,whenwecomethroughandjourneyondownintotheSouth.Insteadeachofusmusttakeashareofwhattheponycarried,especiallythefoodandthewater-skins.’
‘Butyoucan’tleavepooroldBillbehindinthisforsakenplace,Mr.Gandalf!’criedSam,angryanddistressed.‘Iwon’thaveit,andthat’sflat.Afterhehascomesofarandall!’
‘Iamsorry,Sam,’saidthewizard.‘ButwhentheDooropensIdonotthinkyouwillbeabletodragyourBillinside,intothelongdarkofMoria.YouwillhavetochoosebetweenBillandyourmaster.’
‘He’dfollowMr.Frodointoadragon’sden,ifIledhim,’protestedSam.‘It’dbenothingshortofmurdertoturnhimloosewithallthese
wolvesabout.’‘Itwillbeshortofmurder,
Ihope,’saidGandalf.Helaidhishandonthepony’shead,andspokeinalowvoice.‘Gowithwordsofguardandguidingonyou,’hesaid.‘Youareawisebeast,andhavelearnedmuchinRivendell.Makeyourwaystoplaceswhereyoucanfindgrass,andsocomeintimetoElrond’shouse,orwherever
youwishtogo.‘There,Sam!Hewillhave
quiteasmuchchanceofescapingwolvesandgettinghomeaswehave.’
Samstoodsullenlybytheponyandreturnednoanswer.Bill,seemingtounderstandwellwhatwasgoingon,nuzzleduptohim,puttinghisnosetoSam’sear.Samburstintotears,andfumbledwiththestraps,unladingallthe
pony’spacksandthrowingthemontheground.Theotherssortedoutthegoods,makingapileofallthatcouldbeleftbehind,anddividinguptherest.
WhenthiswasdonetheyturnedtowatchGandalf.Heappearedtohavedonenothing.Hewasstandingbetweenthetwotreesgazingattheblankwallofthecliff,asifhewouldboreahole
intoitwithhiseyes.Gimliwaswanderingabout,tappingthestonehereandtherewithhisaxe.Legolaswaspressedagainsttherock,asiflistening.
‘Well,hereweareandallready,’saidMerry;‘butwherearetheDoors?Ican’tseeanysignofthem.’
‘Dwarf-doorsarenotmadetobeseenwhenshut,’saidGimli.‘Theyare
invisible,andtheirownmakerscannotfindthemoropenthem,iftheirsecretisforgotten.’
‘ButthisDoorwasnotmadetobeasecretknownonlytoDwarves,’saidGandalf,comingsuddenlytolifeandturninground.‘Unlessthingsarealtogetherchanged,eyesthatknowwhattolookformaydiscoverthesigns.’
Hewalkedforwardtothewall.Rightbetweentheshadowofthetreestherewasasmoothspace,andoverthishepassedhishandstoandfro,mutteringwordsunderhisbreath.Thenhesteppedback.
‘Look!’hesaid.‘Canyouseeanythingnow?’
TheMoonnowshoneuponthegreyfaceoftherock;buttheycouldsee
nothingelseforawhile.Thenslowlyonthesurface,wherethewizard’shandshadpassed,faintlinesappeared,likeslenderveinsofsilverrunninginthestone.Atfirsttheywerenomorethanpalegossamer-threads,sofinethattheyonlytwinkledfitfullywheretheMooncaughtthem,butsteadilytheygrewbroaderandclearer,untiltheirdesigncouldbeguessed.
Atthetop,ashighasGandalfcouldreach,wasanarchofinterlacinglettersinanElvishcharacter.Below,thoughthethreadswereinplacesblurredorbroken,theoutlinecouldbeseenofananvilandahammersurmountedbyacrownwithsevenstars.Beneaththeseagainweretwotrees,eachbearingcrescentmoons.Moreclearlythanallelse
thereshoneforthinthemiddleofthedoorasinglestarwithmanyrays.
‘TherearetheemblemsofDurin!’criedGimli.
‘AndthereistheTreeoftheHighElves!’saidLegolas.
‘AndtheStaroftheHouseofFëanor,’saidGandalf.‘Theyarewroughtofithildinthatmirrorsonlystarlightandmoonlight,andsleepsuntilit
istouchedbyonewhospeakswordsnowlongforgotteninMiddle-earth.ItislongsinceIheardthem,andIthoughtdeeplybeforeIcouldrecallthemtomymind.’
‘Whatdoesthewritingsay?’askedFrodo,whowastryingtodeciphertheinscriptiononthearch.‘IthoughtIknewtheelf-letters,butIcannotreadthese.’
‘Thewordsareinthe
elven-tongueoftheWestofMiddle-earthintheElderDays,’answeredGandalf.‘Buttheydonotsayanythingofimportancetous.Theysayonly:TheDoorsofDurin,LordofMoria.Speak,friend,andenter.Andunderneathsmallandfaintiswritten:I,Narvi,madethem.CelebrimborofHollindrewthesesigns.’
‘Whatdoesitmeanby
speak,friend,andenter?’askedMerry.
‘Thatisplainenough,’saidGimli.‘Ifyouareafriend,speakthepassword,andthedoorswillopen,andyoucanenter.’
‘Yes,’saidGandalf,‘thesedoorsareprobablygovernedbywords.Somedwarf-gateswillopenonlyatspecialtimes,orforparticularpersons;andsomehavelocks
andkeysthatarestillneededwhenallnecessarytimesandwordsareknown.Thesedoorshavenokey.InthedaysofDurintheywerenotsecret.Theyusuallystoodopenanddoorwardssathere.Butiftheywereshut,anywhoknewtheopeningwordcouldspeakitandpassin.Atleastsoitisrecorded,isitnot,Gimli?’
‘Itis,’saidthedwarf.‘Butwhatthewordwasisnotremembered.Narviandhiscraftandallhiskindredhavevanishedfromtheearth.’
‘Butdonotyouknowtheword,Gandalf?’askedBoromirinsurprise.
‘No!’saidthewizard.Theotherslooked
dismayed;onlyAragorn,whoknewGandalfwell,remainedsilentandunmoved.
‘Thenwhatwastheuseofbringingustothisaccursedspot?’criedBoromir,glancingbackwithashudderatthedarkwater.‘YoutoldusthatyouhadoncepassedthroughtheMines.Howcouldthatbe,ifyoudidnotknowhowtoenter?’
‘Theanswertoyourfirstquestion,Boromir,’saidthewizard,‘isthatIdonotknowtheword–yet.Butweshall
soonsee.And,’headded,withaglintinhiseyesundertheirbristlingbrows,‘youmayaskwhatistheuseofmydeedswhentheyareproveduseless.Asforyourotherquestion:doyoudoubtmytale?Orhaveyounowitsleft?Ididnotenterthisway.IcamefromtheEast.
‘Ifyouwishtoknow,Iwilltellyouthatthesedoorsopenoutwards.Fromthe
insideyoumaythrustthemopenwithyourhands.Fromtheoutsidenothingwillmovethemsavethespellofcommand.Theycannotbeforcedinwards.’
‘Whatareyougoingtodothen?’askedPippin,undauntedbythewizard’sbristlingbrows.
‘Knockonthedoorswithyourhead,PeregrinTook,’saidGandalf.‘Butifthatdoes
notshatterthem,andIamallowedalittlepeacefromfoolishquestions,Iwillseekfortheopeningwords.
‘IoncekneweveryspellinallthetonguesofElvesorMenorOrcs,thatwaseverusedforsuchapurpose.Icanstillremembertenscoreofthemwithoutsearchinginmymind.Butonlyafewtrials,Ithink,willbeneeded;andIshallnothavetocallon
Gimliforwordsofthesecretdwarf-tonguethattheyteachtonone.TheopeningwordswereElvish,likethewritingonthearch:thatseemscertain.’
Hesteppeduptotherockagain,andlightlytouchedwithhisstaffthesilverstarinthemiddlebeneaththesignoftheanvil.
Annonedhellen,edro
hiammen!Fennasnogothrim,lastobethlammen!
hesaidinacommandingvoice.Thesilverlinesfaded,buttheblankgreystonedidnotstir.
Manytimesherepeatedthesewordsindifferentorder,orvariedthem.Thenhetriedotherspells,oneafteranother,speakingnowfaster
andlouder,nowsoftandslow.ThenhespokemanysinglewordsofElvishspeech.Nothinghappened.Theclifftoweredintothenight,thecountlessstarswerekindled,thewindblewcold,andthedoorsstoodfast.
AgainGandalfapproachedthewall,andliftinguphisarmshespokeintonesofcommandandrisingwrath.Edro,edro!he
cried,andstrucktherockwithhisstaff.Open,open!heshouted,andfolloweditwiththesamecommandineverylanguagethathadeverbeenspokenintheWestofMiddle-earth.Thenhethrewhisstaffontheground,andsatdowninsilence.
Atthatmomentfromfaroffthewindboretotheir
listeningearsthehowlingofwolves.Billtheponystartedinfear,andSamsprangtohissideandwhisperedsoftlytohim.
‘Donotlethimrunaway!’saidBoromir.‘Itseemsthatweshallneedhimstill,ifthewolvesdonotfindus.HowIhatethisfoulpool!’Hestoopedandpickingupalargestonehecastitfarintothedarkwater.
Thestonevanishedwithasoftslap;butatthesameinstanttherewasaswishandabubble.Greatripplingringsformedonthesurfaceoutbeyondwherethestonehadfallen,andtheymovedslowlytowardsthefootofthecliff.
‘Whydidyoudothat,Boromir?’saidFrodo.‘Ihatethisplace,too,andIamafraid.Idon’tknowofwhat:notofwolves,orthedark
behindthedoors,butofsomethingelse.Iamafraidofthepool.Don’tdisturbit!’
‘Iwishwecouldgetaway!’saidMerry.
‘Whydoesn’tGandalfdosomethingquick?’saidPippin.
Gandalftooknonoticeofthem.Hesatwithhisheadbowed,eitherindespairorinanxiousthought.Themournfulhowlingofthe
wolveswasheardagain.Theripplesonthewatergrewandcamecloser;somewerealreadylappingontheshore.
Withasuddennessthatstartledthemallthewizardsprangtohisfeet.Hewaslaughing!‘Ihaveit!’hecried.‘Ofcourse,ofcourse!Absurdlysimple,likemostriddleswhenyouseetheanswer.’
Pickinguphisstaffhe
stoodbeforetherockandsaidinaclearvoice:Mellon!
Thestarshoneoutbrieflyandfadedagain.Thensilentlyagreatdoorwaywasoutlined,thoughnotacrackorjointhadbeenvisiblebefore.Slowlyitdividedinthemiddleandswungoutwardsinchbyinch,untilbothdoorslaybackagainstthewall.Throughtheopeningashadowystaircouldbeseen
climbingsteeplyup;butbeyondthelowerstepsthedarknesswasdeeperthanthenight.TheCompanystaredinwonder.
‘Iwaswrongafterall,’saidGandalf,‘andGimlitoo.Merry,ofallpeople,wasontherighttrack.Theopeningwordwasinscribedonthearchwayallthetime!Thetranslationshouldhavebeen:Say“Friend”andenter.I
hadonlytospeaktheElvishwordforfriendandthedoorsopened.Quitesimple.Toosimpleforalearnedlore-masterinthesesuspiciousdays.Thosewerehappiertimes.Nowletusgo!’
Hestrodeforwardandsethisfootontheloweststep.Butatthatmomentseveralthingshappened.Frodofelt
somethingseizehimbytheankle,andhefellwithacry.Billtheponygaveawildneighoffear,andturnedtailanddashedawayalongthelakesideintothedarkness.Samleapedafterhim,andthenhearingFrodo’scryheranbackagain,weepingandcursing.Theothersswungroundandsawthewatersofthelakeseething,asifahostofsnakeswereswimmingup
fromthesouthernend.Outfromthewateralong
sinuoustentaclehadcrawled;itwaspale-greenandluminousandwet.ItsfingeredendhadholdofFrodo’sfoot,andwasdragginghimintothewater.Samonhiskneeswasnowslashingatitwithaknife.
ThearmletgoofFrodo,andSampulledhimaway,cryingoutforhelp.Twenty
otherarmscameripplingout.Thedarkwaterboiled,andtherewasahideousstench.
‘Intothegateway!Upthestairs!Quick!’shoutedGandalfleapingback.RousingthemfromthehorrorthatseemedtohaverootedallbutSamtothegroundwheretheystood,hedrovethemforward.
Theywerejustintime.SamandFrodowereonlya
fewstepsup,andGandalfhadjustbeguntoclimb,whenthegropingtentacleswrithedacrossthenarrowshoreandfingeredthecliff-wallandthedoors.Onecamewrigglingoverthethreshold,glisteninginthestarlight.Gandalfturnedandpaused.Ifhewasconsideringwhatwordwouldclosethegateagainfromwithin,therewasnoneed.Manycoilingarmsseizedthe
doorsoneitherside,andwithhorriblestrength,swungthemround.Withashatteringechotheyslammed,andalllightwaslost.Anoiseofrendingandcrashingcamedullythroughtheponderousstone.
Sam,clingingtoFrodo’sarm,collapsedonastepintheblackdarkness.‘PooroldBill!’hesaidinachokingvoice.‘PooroldBill!Wolvesandsnakes!Butthesnakes
weretoomuchforhim.Ihadtochoose,Mr.Frodo.Ihadtocomewithyou.’
TheyheardGandalfgobackdownthestepsandthrusthisstaffagainstthedoors.Therewasaquiverinthestoneandthestairstrembled,butthedoorsdidnotopen.
‘Well,well!’saidthe
wizard.‘Thepassageisblockedbehindusnow,andthereisonlyonewayout–ontheothersideofthemountains.Ifearfromthesoundsthatbouldershavebeenpiledup,andthetreesuprootedandthrownacrossthegate.Iamsorry;forthetreeswerebeautiful,andhadstoodsolong.’
‘Ifeltthatsomethinghorriblewasnearfromthe
momentthatmyfootfirsttouchedthewater,’saidFrodo.‘Whatwasthething,orweretheremanyofthem?’
‘Idonotknow,’answeredGandalf;‘butthearmswereallguidedbyonepurpose.Somethinghascrept,orhasbeendrivenoutofdarkwatersunderthemountains.ThereareolderandfoulerthingsthanOrcsinthedeepplacesoftheworld.’Hedid
notspeakaloudhisthoughtthatwhateveritwasthatdweltinthelake,ithadseizedonFrodofirstamongalltheCompany.
Boromirmutteredunderhisbreath,buttheechoingstonemagnifiedthesoundtoahoarsewhisperthatallcouldhear:‘Inthedeepplacesoftheworld!Andthitherwearegoingagainstmywish.Whowillleadus
nowinthisdeadlydark?’‘Iwill,’saidGandalf,‘and
Gimlishallwalkwithme.Followmystaff!’
Asthewizardpassedonaheadupthegreatsteps,heheldhisstaffaloft,andfromitstiptherecameafaintradiance.Thewidestairwaywassoundandundamaged.Twohundredstepsthey
counted,broadandshallow;andatthetoptheyfoundanarchedpassagewithalevelfloorleadingonintothedark.
‘Letussitandrestandhavesomethingtoeat,hereonthelanding,sincewecan’tfindadining-room!’saidFrodo.Hehadbeguntoshakeofftheterroroftheclutchingarm,andsuddenlyhefeltextremelyhungry.
Theproposalwas
welcomedbyall;andtheysatdownontheuppersteps,dimfiguresinthegloom.Aftertheyhadeaten,GandalfgavethemeachathirdsipofthemiruvorofRivendell.
‘Itwillnotlastmuchlonger,Iamafraid,’hesaid;‘butIthinkweneeditafterthathorroratthegate.Andunlesswehavegreatluck,weshallneedallthatisleftbeforeweseetheotherside!
Gocarefullywiththewater,too!TherearemanystreamsandwellsintheMines,buttheyshouldnotbetouched.WemaynothaveachanceoffillingourskinsandbottlestillwecomedownintoDimrillDale.’
‘Howlongisthatgoingtotakeus?’askedFrodo.
‘Icannotsay,’answeredGandalf.‘Itdependsonmanychances.Butgoingstraight,
withoutmishaporlosingourway,weshalltakethreeorfourmarches,Iexpect.ItcannotbelessthanfortymilesfromWest-doortoEast-gateinadirectline,andtheroadmaywindmuch.’
Afteronlyabriefresttheystartedontheirwayagain.Allwereeagertogetthejourneyoverasquicklyas
possible,andwerewilling,tiredastheywere,togoonmarchingstillforseveralhours.Gandalfwalkedinfrontasbefore.Inhislefthandhehelduphisglimmeringstaff,thelightofwhichjustshowedthegroundbeforehisfeet;inhisrightheheldhisswordGlamdring.BehindhimcameGimli,hiseyesglintinginthedimlightasheturnedhisheadfrom
sidetoside.BehindthedwarfwalkedFrodo,andhehaddrawntheshortsword,Sting.NogleamcamefromthebladesofStingorofGlamdring;andthatwassomecomfort,forbeingtheworkofElvishsmithsintheElderDaystheseswordsshonewithacoldlight,ifanyOrcswerenearathand.BehindFrodowentSam,andafterhimLegolas,andthe
younghobbits,andBoromir.Inthedarkattherear,grimandsilent,walkedAragorn.
Thepassagetwistedroundafewturns,andthenbegantodescend.Itwentsteadilydownforalongwhilebeforeitbecamelevelonceagain.Theairgrewhotandstifling,butitwasnotfoul,andattimestheyfeltcurrentsofcoolerairupontheirfaces,issuingfromhalf-guessed
openingsinthewalls.Thereweremanyofthese.Inthepalerayofthewizard’sstaff,Frodocaughtglimpsesofstairsandarches,andofotherpassagesandtunnels,slopingup,orrunningsteeplydown,oropeningblanklydarkoneitherside.Itwasbewilderingbeyondhopeofremembering.
GimliaidedGandalfverylittle,exceptbyhisstoutcourage.Atleasthewasnot,
asweremostoftheothers,troubledbythemeredarknessinitself.Oftenthewizardconsultedhimatpointswherethechoiceofwaywasdoubtful;butitwasalwaysGandalfwhohadthefinalword.TheMinesofMoriawerevastandintricatebeyondtheimaginationofGimli,Glóin’sson,dwarfofthemountain-racethoughhewas.ToGandalfthefar-off
memoriesofajourneylongbeforewerenowoflittlehelp,buteveninthegloomanddespiteallwindingsoftheroadheknewwhitherhewishedtogo,andhedidnotfalter,aslongastherewasapaththatledtowardshisgoal.
‘Donotbeafraid!’saidAragorn.Therewasapauselongerthanusual,and
GandalfandGimliwerewhisperingtogether;theotherswerecrowdedbehind,waitinganxiously.‘Donotbeafraid!Ihavebeenwithhimonmanyajourney,ifneverononesodark;andtherearetalesinRivendellofgreaterdeedsofhisthananythatIhaveseen.Hewillnotgoastray–ifthereisanypathtofind.Hehasledusinhereagainstourfears,buthewill
leadusoutagain,atwhatevercosttohimself.HeissureroffindingthewayhomeinablindnightthanthecatsofQueenBerúthiel.’
ItwaswellfortheCompanythattheyhadsuchaguide.Theyhadnofuelnoranymeansofmakingtorches;inthedesperatescrambleatthedoorsmanythingshadbeenleftbehind.Butwithoutanylighttheywouldsoon
havecometogrief.Therewerenotonlymanyroadstochoosefrom,therewerealsoinmanyplacesholesandpitfalls,anddarkwellsbesidethepathinwhichtheirpassingfeetechoed.Therewerefissuresandchasmsinthewallsandfloor,andeverynowandthenacrackwouldopenrightbeforetheirfeet.Thewidestwasmorethansevenfeetacross,anditwas
longbeforePippincouldsummonenoughcouragetoleapoverthedreadfulgap.Thenoiseofchurningwatercameupfromfarbelow,asifsomegreatmill-wheelwasturninginthedepths.
‘Rope!’mutteredSam.‘IknewI’dwantit,ifIhadn’tgotit!’
Asthesedangersbecame
morefrequenttheirmarchbecameslower.Alreadytheyseemedtohavebeentrampingon,on,endlesslytothemountains’roots.Theyweremorethanweary,andyetthereseemednocomfortinthethoughtofhaltinganywhere.Frodo’sspiritshadrisenforawhileafterhisescape,andafterfoodandadraughtofthecordial;butnowadeepuneasiness,
growingtodread,creptoverhimagain.ThoughhehadbeenhealedinRivendelloftheknife-stroke,thatgrimwoundhadnotbeenwithouteffect.Hissensesweresharperandmoreawareofthingsthatcouldnotbeseen.Onesignofchangethathesoonhadnoticedwasthathecouldseemoreinthedarkthananyofhiscompanions,saveperhapsGandalf.Andhe
wasinanycasethebeareroftheRing:ithunguponitschainagainsthisbreast,andatwhilesitseemedaheavyweight.Hefeltthecertaintyofevilaheadandofevilfollowing;buthesaidnothing.Hegrippedtighteronthehiltofhisswordandwentondoggedly.
TheCompanybehindhimspokeseldom,andthenonlyinhurriedwhispers.There
wasnosoundbutthesoundoftheirownfeet:thedullstumpofGimli’sdwarf-boots;theheavytreadofBoromir;thelightstepofLegolas;thesoft,scarce-heardpatterofhobbit-feet;andinthereartheslowfirmfootfallsofAragornwithhislongstride.Whentheyhaltedforamomenttheyheardnothingatall,unlessitwereoccasionallyafainttrickle
anddripofunseenwater.YetFrodobegantohear,ortoimaginethatheheard,somethingelse:likethefaintfallofsoftbarefeet.Itwasneverloudenough,ornearenough,forhimtofeelcertainthatheheardit;butonceithadstarteditneverstopped,whiletheCompanywasmoving.Butitwasnotanecho,forwhentheyhalteditpatteredonforalittleallby
itself,andthengrewstill.
ItwasafternightfallwhentheyhadenteredtheMines.Theyhadbeengoingforseveralhourswithonlybriefhalts,whenGandalfcametohisfirstseriouscheck.Beforehimstoodawidedarkarchopeningintothreepassages:allledinthesamegeneraldirection,eastwards;butthe
left-handpassageplungeddown,whiletheright-handclimbedup,andthemiddlewayseemedtorunon,smoothandlevelbutverynarrow.
‘Ihavenomemoryofthisplaceatall!’saidGandalf,standinguncertainlyunderthearch.Hehelduphisstaffinthehopeoffindingsomemarksorinscriptionthatmighthelphischoice;but
nothingofthekindwastobeseen.‘Iamtoowearytodecide,’hesaid,shakinghishead.‘AndIexpectthatyouareallaswearyasIam,orwearier.Wehadbetterhalthereforwhatisleftofthenight.YouknowwhatImean!Inhereitiseverdark;butoutsidethelateMoonisridingwestwardandthemiddle-nighthaspassed.’
‘PooroldBill!’saidSam.
‘Iwonderwhereheis.Ihopethosewolveshaven’tgothimyet.’
Totheleftofthegreatarchtheyfoundastonedoor:itwashalfclosed,butswungbackeasilytoagentlethrust.Beyondthereseemedtolieawidechambercutintherock.
‘Steady!Steady!’criedGandalf,asMerryandPippinpushedforward,gladtofindaplacewheretheycouldrest
withatleastmorefeelingofshelterthanintheopenpassage.‘Steady!Youdonotknowwhatisinsideyet.Iwillgofirst.’
Hewentincautiously,andtheothersfiledbehind.‘There!’hesaid,pointingwithhisstafftothemiddleofthefloor.Beforehisfeettheysawalargeroundholelikethemouthofawell.Brokenandrustychainslayatthe
edgeandtraileddownintotheblackpit.Fragmentsofstonelaynear.
‘Oneofyoumighthavefalleninandstillbewonderingwhenyouweregoingtostrikethebottom,’saidAragorntoMerry.‘Lettheguidegofirstwhileyouhaveone.’
‘Thisseemstohavebeenaguardroom,madeforthewatchingofthethree
passages,’saidGimli.‘Thatholewasplainlyawellfortheguards’use,coveredwithastonelid.
Butthelidisbroken,andwemustalltakecareinthedark.’
Pippinfeltcuriouslyattractedbythewell.Whiletheotherswereunrollingblanketsandmakingbedsagainstthewallsofthechamber,asfaraspossible
fromtheholeinthefloor,hecrepttotheedgeandpeeredover.Achillairseemedtostrikehisface,risingfrominvisibledepths.Movedbyasuddenimpulsehegropedforaloosestone,andletitdrop.Hefelthisheartbeatmanytimesbeforetherewasanysound.Thenfarbelow,asifthestonehadfallenintodeepwaterinsomecavernousplace,therecameaplunk,
verydistant,butmagnifiedandrepeatedinthehollowshaft.
‘What’sthat?’criedGandalf.HewasrelievedwhenPippinconfessedwhathehaddone;buthewasangry,andPippincouldseehiseyeglinting.‘FoolofaTook!’hegrowled.‘Thisisaseriousjourney,notahobbitwalking-party.Throwyourselfinnexttime,and
thenyouwillbenofurthernuisance.Nowbequiet!’
Nothingmorewasheardforseveralminutes;butthentherecameoutofthedepthsfaintknocks:tom-tap,tap-tom.Theystopped,andwhentheechoeshaddiedaway,theywererepeated:tap-tom,tom-tap,tap-tap,tom.Theysoundeddisquietinglylikesignalsofsomesort;butafterawhiletheknockingdied
awayandwasnotheardagain.
‘Thatwasthesoundofahammer,orIhaveneverheardone,’saidGimli.
‘Yes,’saidGandalf,‘andIdonotlikeit.ItmayhavenothingtodowithPeregrin’sfoolishstone;butprobablysomethinghasbeendisturbedthatwouldhavebeenbetterleftquiet.Pray,donothingofthekindagain!Letushope
weshallgetsomerestwithoutfurthertrouble.You,Pippin,cangoonthefirstwatch,asareward,’hegrowled,asherolledhimselfinablanket.
Pippinsatmiserablybythedoorinthepitchdark;buthekeptonturninground,fearingthatsomeunknownthingwouldcrawlupoutofthewell.Hewishedhecouldcoverthehole,ifonlywitha
blanket,buthedarednotmoveorgonearit,eventhoughGandalfseemedtobeasleep.
ActuallyGandalfwasawake,thoughlyingstillandsilent.Hewasdeepinthought,tryingtorecalleverymemoryofhisformerjourneyintheMines,andconsideringanxiouslythenextcoursethatheshouldtake;afalseturnnowmight
bedisastrous.AfteranhourheroseupandcameovertoPippin.
‘Getintoacornerandhaveasleep,mylad,’hesaidinakindlytone.‘Youwanttosleep,Iexpect.Icannotgetawink,soImayaswelldothewatching.’
‘Iknowwhatisthematterwithme,’hemuttered,ashesatdownbythedoor.‘Ineedsmoke!Ihavenottastedit
sincethemorningbeforethesnowstorm.’
ThelastthingthatPippinsaw,assleeptookhim,wasadarkglimpseoftheoldwizardhuddledonthefloor,shieldingaglowingchipinhisgnarledhandsbetweenhisknees.Theflickerforamomentshowedhissharpnose,andthepuffofsmoke.
ItwasGandalfwhorousedthemallfromsleep.Hehadsatandwatchedallaloneforaboutsixhours,andhadlettheothersrest.‘AndinthewatchesIhavemadeupmymind,’hesaid.‘Idonotlikethefeelofthemiddleway;andIdonotlikethesmelloftheleft-handway:thereisfoulairdownthere,orIamnoguide.Ishalltaketheright-handpassage.Itis
timewebegantoclimbupagain.’
Foreightdarkhours,notcountingtwobriefhalts,theymarchedon;andtheymetnodanger,andheardnothing,andsawnothingbutthefaintgleamofthewizard’slight,bobbinglikeawill-o’-the-wispinfrontofthem.Thepassagetheyhadchosenwoundsteadilyupwards.Asfarastheycouldjudgeit
wentingreatmountingcurves,andasitroseitgrewloftierandwider.Therewerenownoopeningstoothergalleriesortunnelsoneitherside,andthefloorwaslevelandsound,withoutpitsorcracks.Evidentlytheyhadstruckwhatoncehadbeenanimportantroad;andtheywentforwardquickerthantheyhaddoneontheirfirstmarch.
Inthiswaytheyadvanced
somefifteenmiles,measuredinadirectlineeast,thoughtheymusthaveactuallywalkedtwentymilesormore.Astheroadclimbedupwards,Frodo’sspiritsrosealittle;buthestillfeltoppressed,andstillattimesheheard,orthoughtheheard,awaybehindtheCompanyandbeyondthefallandpatteroftheirfeet,afollowingfootstepthatwasnotanecho.
Theyhadmarchedasfarasthehobbitscouldendurewithoutarest,andallwerethinkingofaplacewheretheycouldsleep,whensuddenlythewallstorightandleftvanished.Theyseemedtohavepassedthroughsomearcheddoorwayintoablackandemptyspace.Therewasagreatdraughtofwarmerairbehindthem,andbeforethem
thedarknesswascoldontheirfaces.Theyhaltedandcrowdedanxiouslytogether.
Gandalfseemedpleased.‘Ichosetherightway,’hesaid.‘Atlastwearecomingtothehabitableparts,andIguessthatwearenotfarnowfromtheeasternside.Butwearehighup,agooddealhigherthantheDimrillGate,unlessIammistaken.Fromthefeelingoftheairwemust
beinawidehall.Iwillnowriskalittlereallight.’
Heraisedhisstaff,andforabriefinstanttherewasablazelikeaflashoflightning.Greatshadowssprangupandfled,andforasecondtheysawavastrooffarabovetheirheadsupheldbymanymightypillarshewnofstone.Beforethemandoneithersidestretchedahugeemptyhall;itsblackwalls,polished
andsmoothasglass,flashedandglittered.Threeotherentrancestheysaw,darkblackarches:onestraightbeforethemeastwards,andoneoneitherside.Thenthelightwentout.
‘ThatisallthatIshallventureonforthepresent,’saidGandalf.‘Thereusedtobegreatwindowsonthemountain-side,andshaftsleadingouttothelightinthe
upperreachesoftheMines.Ithinkwehavereachedthemnow,butitisnightoutsideagain,andwecannottelluntilmorning.IfIamright,tomorrowwemayactuallyseethemorningpeepingin.Butinthemeanwhilewehadbettergonofurther.Letusrest,ifwecan.Thingshavegonewellsofar,andthegreaterpartofthedarkroadisover.Butwearenot
throughyet,anditisalongwaydowntotheGatesthatopenontheworld.’
TheCompanyspentthatnightinthegreatcavernoushall,huddledclosetogetherinacornertoescapethedraught:thereseemedtobeasteadyinflowofchillairthroughtheeasternarchway.Allaboutthemastheylay
hungthedarkness,hollowandimmense,andtheywereoppressedbythelonelinessandvastnessofthedolvenhallsandendlesslybranchingstairsandpassages.ThewildestimaginingsthatdarkrumourhadeversuggestedtothehobbitsfellaltogethershortoftheactualdreadandwonderofMoria.
‘Theremusthavebeenamightycrowdofdwarves
hereatonetime,’saidSam;‘andeveryoneofthembusierthanbadgersforfivehundredyearstomakeallthis,andmostinhardrocktoo!Whatdidtheydoitallfor?Theydidn’tliveinthesedarksomeholessurely?’
‘Thesearenotholes,’saidGimli.‘ThisisthegreatrealmandcityoftheDwarrowdelf.Andofolditwasnotdarksome,butfullof
lightandsplendour,asisstillrememberedinoursongs.’
Heroseandstandinginthedarkhebegantochantinadeepvoice,whiletheechoesranawayintotheroof.
Theworldwasyoung,themountainsgreen,NostainyetontheMoonwasseen,Nowordswerelaid
onstreamorstoneWhenDurinwokeandwalkedalone.Henamedthenamelesshillsanddells;Hedrankfromyetuntastedwells;HestoopedandlookedinMirrormere,Andsawacrownofstarsappear,
Asgemsuponasilverthread,Abovetheshadowofhishead.
Theworldwasfair,themountainstall,InElderDaysbeforethefallOfmightykingsinNargothrondAndGondolin,whonowbeyond
TheWesternSeashavepassedaway:TheworldwasfairinDurin’sDay.
AkinghewasoncarventhroneInmany-pillaredhallsofstoneWithgoldenroofandsilverfloor,Andrunesofpoweruponthedoor.
ThelightofsunandstarandmoonInshininglampsofcrystalhewnUndimmedbycloudorshadeofnightThereshoneforeverfairandbright.
Therehammerontheanvilsmote,Therechiselclove,andgraverwrote;
Thereforgedwasblade,andboundwashilt;Thedelvermined,themasonbuilt.Thereberyl,pearl,andopalpale,Andmetalwroughtlikefishes’mail,Bucklerandcorslet,axeandsword,Andshiningspearswerelaidinhoard.
UnweariedthenwereDurin’sfolk;Beneaththemountainsmusicwoke:Theharpersharped,theminstrelssang,Andatthegatesthetrumpetsrang.
Theworldisgrey,themountainsold,Theforge’sfireis
ashen-cold;Noharpiswrung,nohammerfalls:ThedarknessdwellsinDurin’shalls;TheshadowliesuponhistombInMoria,inKhazad-dûm.Butstillthesunkenstarsappear
Indarkandwindless
Mirrormere;Therelieshiscrowninwaterdeep,TillDurinwakesagainfromsleep.
‘Ilikethat!’saidSam.‘Ishouldliketolearnit.InMoria,inKhazad-dûm!Butitmakesthedarknessseemheavier,thinkingofallthoselamps.Aretherepilesofjewelsandgoldlyingabout
herestill?’Gimliwassilent.Having
sunghissonghewouldsaynomore.
‘Pilesofjewels?’saidGandalf.‘No.TheOrcshaveoftenplunderedMoria;thereisnothingleftintheupperhalls.Andsincethedwarvesfled,noonedarestoseektheshaftsandtreasuriesdowninthedeepplaces:theyaredrownedinwater–orina
shadowoffear.’‘Thenwhatdothe
dwarveswanttocomebackfor?’askedSam.
‘Formithril,’answeredGandalf.‘ThewealthofMoriawasnotingoldandjewels,thetoysoftheDwarves;noriniron,theirservant.Suchthingstheyfoundhere,itistrue,especiallyiron;buttheydidnotneedtodelveforthem:all
thingsthattheydesiredtheycouldobtainintraffic.ForherealoneintheworldwasfoundMoria-silver,ortrue-silverassomehavecalledit:mithrilistheElvishname.TheDwarveshaveanamewhichtheydonottell.Itsworthwastentimesthatofgold,andnowitisbeyondprice;forlittleisleftaboveground,andeventheOrcsdarenotdelvehereforit.The
lodesleadawaynorthtowardsCaradhras,anddowntodarkness.TheDwarvestellnotale;butevenasmithrilwasthefoundationoftheirwealth,soalsoitwastheirdestruction:theydelvedtoogreedilyandtoodeep,anddisturbedthatfromwhichtheyfled,Durin’sBane.OfwhattheybroughttolighttheOrcshavegatherednearlyall,andgivenitintributeto
Sauron,whocovetsit.‘Mithril!Allfolkdesired
it.Itcouldbebeatenlikecopper,andpolishedlikeglass;andtheDwarvescouldmakeofitametal,lightandyetharderthantemperedsteel.Itsbeautywasliketothatofcommonsilver,butthebeautyofmithrildidnottarnishorgrowdim.TheElvesdearlylovedit,andamongmanyusestheymade
ofitithildin,starmoon,whichyousawuponthedoors.Bilbohadacorsletofmithril-ringsthatThoringavehim.Iwonderwhathasbecomeofit?GatheringduststillinMichelDelvingMathom-house,Isuppose.’
‘What?’criedGimli,startledoutofhissilence.‘AcorsletofMoria-silver?Thatwasakinglygift!’
‘Yes,’saidGandalf.‘I
nevertoldhim,butitsworthwasgreaterthanthevalueofthewholeShireandeverythinginit.’
Frodosaidnothing,butheputhishandunderhistunicandtouchedtheringsofhismail-shirt.HefeltstaggeredtothinkthathehadbeenwalkingaboutwiththepriceoftheShireunderhisjacket.HadBilboknown?HefeltnodoubtthatBilboknewquite
well.Itwasindeedakinglygift.ButnowhisthoughtshadbeencarriedawayfromthedarkMines,toRivendell,toBilbo,andtoBagEndinthedayswhileBilbowasstillthere.Hewishedwithallhisheartthathewasbackthere,andinthosedays,mowingthelawn,orpotteringamongtheflowers,andthathehadneverheardofMoria,ormithril–ortheRing.
Adeepsilencefell.Onebyonetheothersfellasleep.Frodowasonguard.Asifitwereabreaththatcameinthroughunseendoorsoutofdeepplaces,dreadcameoverhim.Hishandswerecoldandhisbrowdamp.Helistened.Allhismindwasgiventolisteningandnothingelsefortwoslowhours;butheheardnosound,noteventheimaginedechoofafootfall.
Hiswatchwasnearlyover,when,faroffwhereheguessedthatthewesternarchwaystood,hefanciedthathecouldseetwopalepointsoflight,almostlikeluminouseyes.Hestarted.Hisheadhadnodded.‘Imusthavenearlyfallenasleeponguard,’hethought.‘Iwasontheedgeofadream.’Hestoodupandrubbedhiseyes,andremainedstanding,
peeringintothedark,untilhewasrelievedbyLegolas.
Whenhelaydownhequicklywenttosleep,butitseemedtohimthatthedreamwenton:heheardwhispers,andsawthetwopalepointsoflightapproaching,slowly.Hewokeandfoundthattheotherswerespeakingsoftlynearhim,andthatadimlightwasfallingonhisface.Highupabovetheeasternarchway
throughashaftneartheroofcamealongpalegleam;andacrossthehallthroughthenorthernarchlightalsoglimmeredfaintanddistantly.
Frodosatup.‘Goodmorning!’saidGandalf.‘Formorningitisagainatlast.Iwasright,yousee.WearehighupontheeastsideofMoria.BeforetodayisoverweoughttofindtheGreatGatesandseethewatersof
MirrormerelyingintheDimrillDalebeforeus.’
‘Ishallbeglad,’saidGimli.‘IhavelookedonMoria,anditisverygreat,butithasbecomedarkanddreadful;andwehavefoundnosignofmykindred.IdoubtnowthatBalinevercamehere.’
Aftertheyhad
breakfastedGandalfdecidedtogoonagainatonce.‘Wearetired,butweshallrestbetterwhenweareoutside,’hesaid.‘IthinkthatnoneofuswillwishtospendanothernightinMoria.’
‘Noindeed!’saidBoromir.‘Whichwayshallwetake?Yondereastwardarch?’
‘Maybe,’saidGandalf.‘ButIdonotknowyet
exactlywhereweare.UnlessIamquiteastray,IguessthatweareaboveandtothenorthoftheGreatGates;anditmaynotbeeasytofindtherightroaddowntothem.Theeasternarchwillprobablyprovetobethewaythatwemusttake;butbeforewemakeupourmindsweoughttolookaboutus.Letusgotowardsthatlightinthenorthdoor.Ifwecouldfinda
windowitwouldhelp,butIfearthatthelightcomesonlydowndeepshafts.’
FollowinghisleadtheCompanypassedunderthenorthernarch.Theyfoundthemselvesinawidecorridor.Astheywentalongittheglimmergrewstronger,andtheysawthatitcamethroughadoorwayontheirright.Itwashighandflat-topped,andthestonedoorwasstillupon
itshinges,standinghalfopen.Beyonditwasalargesquarechamber.Itwasdimlylit,buttotheireyes,aftersolongatimeinthedark,itseemeddazzlinglybright,andtheyblinkedastheyentered.
Theirfeetdisturbedadeepdustuponthefloor,andstumbledamongthingslyinginthedoorwaywhoseshapestheycouldnotatfirstmakeout.Thechamberwaslitbya
wideshafthighinthefurthereasternwall;itslantedupwardsand,farabove,asmallsquarepatchofblueskycouldbeseen.Thelightoftheshaftfelldirectlyonatableinthemiddleoftheroom:asingleoblongblock,abouttwofeethigh,uponwhichwaslaidagreatslabofwhitestone.
‘Itlookslikeatomb,’mutteredFrodo,andbent
forwardswithacurioussenseofforeboding,tolookmorecloselyatit.Gandalfcamequicklytohisside.Ontheslabrunesweredeeplygraven:
‘TheseareDaeron’sRunes,suchaswereusedofoldinMoria,’saidGandalf.‘HereiswritteninthetonguesofMenandDwarves:
BALINSONOFFUNDINLORDOFMORIA.’
‘Heisdeadthen,’saidFrodo.‘Ifeareditwasso.’Gimlicasthishoodoverhisface.
Chapter5
THEBRIDGEOFKHAZAD-DÛM
TheCompanyoftheRingstoodsilentbesidethetombofBalin.FrodothoughtofBilboandhislongfriendship
withthedwarf,andofBalin’svisittotheShirelongago.Inthatdustychamberinthemountainsitseemedathousandyearsagoandontheothersideoftheworld.
Atlengththeystirredandlookedup,andbegantosearchforanythingthatwouldgivethemtidingsofBalin’sfate,orshowwhathadbecomeofhisfolk.Therewasanothersmallerdooron
theothersideofthechamber,undertheshaft.Byboththedoorstheycouldnowseethatmanyboneswerelying,andamongthemwerebrokenswordsandaxe-heads,andclovenshieldsandhelms.Someoftheswordswerecrooked:orc-scimitarswithblackenedblades.
Thereweremanyrecessescutintherockofthewalls,andinthemwerelargeiron-
boundchestsofwood.Allhadbeenbrokenandplundered;butbesidetheshatteredlidofonetherelaytheremainsofabook.Ithadbeenslashedandstabbedandpartlyburned,anditwassostainedwithblackandotherdarkmarkslikeoldbloodthatlittleofitcouldberead.Gandalflifteditcarefully,buttheleavescrackedandbrokeashelaiditontheslab.He
poredoveritforsometimewithoutspeaking.FrodoandGimlistandingathissidecouldsee,ashegingerlyturnedtheleaves,thattheywerewrittenbymanydifferenthands,inrunes,bothofMoriaandofDale,andhereandthereinElvishscript.
AtlastGandalflookedup.‘ItseemstobearecordofthefortunesofBalin’sfolk,’he
said.‘IguessthatitbeganwiththeircomingtoDimrillDalenighonthirtyyearsago:thepagesseemtohavenumbersreferringtotheyearsaftertheirarrival.Thetoppageismarkedone–three,soatleasttwoaremissingfromthebeginning.Listentothis!
‘Wedroveoutorcsfromthegreatgateandguard–Ithink;thenextwordis
blurredandburned:probablyroom–weslewmanyinthebright–Ithink–suninthedale.Flóiwaskilledbyanarrow.Heslewthegreat.ThenthereisablurfollowedbyFlóiundergrassnearMirrormere.ThenextlineortwoIcannotread.ThencomesWehavetakenthetwentyfirsthallofNorthendtodwellin.ThereisIcannotreadwhat.Ashaftis
mentioned.ThenBalinhassetuphisseatintheChamberofMazarbul.’
‘TheChamberofRecords,’saidGimli.‘Iguessthatiswherewenowstand.’
‘Well,Icanreadnomoreforalongway,’saidGandalf,‘exceptthewordgold,andDurin’sAxeandsomethinghelm.ThenBalinisnowlordofMoria.Thatseemstoendachapter.Aftersomestars
anotherhandbegins,andIcanseewefoundtruesilver,andlaterthewordwellforged,andthensomething,Ihaveit!mithril;andthelasttwolinesÓintoseekfortheupperarmouriesofThirdDeep,somethinggowestwards,ablur,toHollingate.’
Gandalfpausedandsetafewleavesaside.‘Thereare
severalpagesofthesamesort,ratherhastilywrittenandmuchdamaged,’hesaid;‘butIcanmakelittleoftheminthislight.Nowtheremustbeanumberofleavesmissing,becausetheybegintobenumberedfive,thefifthyearofthecolony,Isuppose.Letmesee!No,theyaretoocutandstained;Icannotreadthem.Wemightdobetterinthesunlight.Wait!Hereis
something:alargeboldhandusinganElvishscript.’
‘ThatwouldbeOri’shand,’saidGimli,lookingoverthewizard’sarm.‘Hecouldwritewellandspeedily,andoftenusedtheElvishcharacters.’
‘Ifearhehadilltidingstorecordinafairhand,’saidGandalf.‘Thefirstclearwordissorrow,buttherestofthelineislost,unlessitendsin
estre.Yes,itmustbeyestrefollowedbydaybeingthetenthofnovembreBalinlordofMoriafellinDimrillDale.HewentalonetolookinMirrormere.anorcshothimfrombehindastone.weslewtheorc,butmanymore
...upfromeastuptheSilverlode.TheremainderofthepageissoblurredthatIcanhardlymakeanythingout,butIthinkIcanreadwe
havebarredthegates,andthencanholdthemlongif,andthenperhapshorribleandsuffer.PoorBalin!Heseemstohavekeptthetitlethathetookforlessthanfiveyears.Iwonderwhathappenedafterwards;butthereisnotimetopuzzleoutthelastfewpages.Hereisthelastpageofall.’Hepausedandsighed.
‘Itisgrimreading,’hesaid.‘Ifeartheirendwas
cruel.Listen!Wecannotgetout.Wecannotgetout.TheyhavetakentheBridgeandsecondhall.FrárandLóniandNálifellthere.ThentherearefourlinessmearedsothatIcanonlyreadwent5daysago.ThelastlinesrunthepoolisuptothewallatWestgate.TheWatcherintheWatertookÓin.Wecannotgetout.Theendcomes,andthendrums,drumsinthedeep.I
wonderwhatthatmeans.Thelastthingwrittenisinatrailingscrawlofelf-letters:theyarecoming.Thereisnothingmore.’Gandalfpausedandstoodinsilentthought.
AsuddendreadandahorrorofthechamberfellontheCompany.‘Wecannotgetout,’mutteredGimli.‘Itwaswellforusthatthepoolhadsunkalittle,andthatthe
Watcherwassleepingdownatthesouthernend.’
Gandalfraisedhisheadandlookedround.‘Theyseemtohavemadealaststandbybothdoors,’hesaid;‘buttherewerenotmanyleftbythattime.SoendedtheattempttoretakeMoria!Itwasvaliantbutfoolish.Thetimeisnotcomeyet.Now,Ifear,wemustsayfarewelltoBalinsonofFundin.Herehe
mustlieinthehallsofhisfathers.Wewilltakethisbook,theBookofMazarbul,andlookatitmorecloselylater.Youhadbetterkeepit,Gimli,andtakeitbacktoDáin,ifyougetachance.Itwillinteresthim,thoughitwillgrievehimdeeply.Come,letusgo!Themorningispassing.’
‘Whichwayshallwego?’askedBoromir.‘Backtothe
hall,’answeredGandalf.‘Butourvisittothisroomhasnotbeeninvain.Inowknowwhereweare.Thismustbe,asGimlisays,theChamberofMazarbul;andthehallmustbethetwenty-firstoftheNorth-end.Thereforeweshouldleavebytheeasternarchofthehall,andbearrightandsouth,andgodownwards.TheTwenty-firstHallshouldbeontheSeventh
Level,thatissixabovetheleveloftheGates.Comenow!Backtothehall!’
Gandalfhadhardlyspokenthesewords,whentherecameagreatnoise:arollingBoomthatseemedtocomefromdepthsfarbelow,andtotrembleinthestoneattheirfeet.Theysprangtowardsthedoorinalarm.
Doom,doomitrolledagain,asifhugehandswereturningtheverycavernsofMoriaintoavastdrum.Thentherecameanechoingblast:agreathornwasblowninthehall,andansweringhornsandharshcrieswereheardfurtheroff.Therewasahurryingsoundofmanyfeet.
‘Theyarecoming!’criedLegolas.
‘Wecannotgetout,’said
Gimli.‘Trapped!’criedGandalf.
‘WhydidIdelay?Hereweare,caught,justastheywerebefore.ButIwasnotherethen.Wewillseewhat——’
Doom,doomcamethedrum-beatandthewallsshook.‘Slamthedoorsandwedgethem!’shoutedAragorn.‘Andkeepyourpacksonaslongasyoucan:wemaygetachancetocut
ourwayoutyet.’‘No!’saidGandalf.‘We
mustnotgetshutin.Keeptheeastdoorajar!Wewillgothatway,ifwegetachance.’
Anotherharshhorn-callandshrillcriesrangout.Feetwerecomingdownthecorridor.TherewasaringandclatterastheCompanydrewtheirswords.Glamdringshonewithapalelight,andStingglintedattheedges.
Boromirsethisshoulderagainstthewesterndoor.
‘Waitamoment!Donotcloseityet!’saidGandalf.HesprangforwardtoBoromir’ssideanddrewhimselfuptohisfullheight.
‘WhocomeshithertodisturbtherestofBalinLordofMoria?’hecriedinaloudvoice.
Therewasarushofhoarselaughter,likethefallof
slidingstonesintoapit;amidtheclamouradeepvoicewasraisedincommand.Doom,boom,doomwentthedrumsinthedeep.
WithaquickmovementGandalfsteppedbeforethenarrowopeningofthedoorandthrustforwardhisstaff.Therewasadazzlingflashthatlitthechamberandthepassageoutside.Foraninstantthewizardlookedout.
Arrowswhinedandwhistleddownthecorridorashesprangback.
‘ThereareOrcs,verymanyofthem,’hesaid.‘Andsomearelargeandevil:blackUruksofMordor.Forthemomenttheyarehangingback,butthereissomethingelsethere.Agreatcave-troll,Ithink,ormorethanone.Thereisnohopeofescapethatway.’
‘Andnohopeatall,iftheycomeattheotherdooraswell,’saidBoromir.
‘Thereisnosoundoutsidehereyet,’saidAragorn,whowasstandingbytheeasterndoorlistening.‘Thepassageonthissideplungesstraightdownastair:itplainlydoesnotleadbacktowardsthehall.Butitisnogoodflyingblindlythiswaywiththepursuitjustbehind.We
cannotblockthedoor.Itskeyisgoneandthelockisbroken,anditopensinwards.Wemustdosomethingtodelaytheenemyfirst.WewillmakethemfeartheChamberofMazarbul!’hesaidgrimly,feelingtheedgeofhissword,Andúril.
Heavyfeetwereheardinthecorridor.Boromirflung
himselfagainstthedoorandheaveditto;thenhewedgeditwithbrokensword-bladesandsplintersofwood.TheCompanyretreatedtotheothersideofthechamber.Buttheyhadnochancetoflyyet.Therewasablowonthedoorthatmadeitquiver;andthenitbegantogrindslowlyopen,drivingbackthewedges.Ahugearmandshoulder,withadarkskinof
greenishscales,wasthrustthroughthewideninggap.Thenagreat,flat,toelessfootwasforcedthroughbelow.Therewasadeadsilenceoutside.
Boromirleapedforwardandhewedatthearmwithallhismight;buthisswordrang,glancedaside,andfellfromhisshakenhand.Thebladewasnotched.
Suddenly,andtohisown
surprise,Frodofeltahotwrathblazeupinhisheart.‘TheShire!’hecried,andspringingbesideBoromir,hestooped,andstabbedwithStingatthehideousfoot.Therewasabellow,andthefootjerkedback,nearlywrenchingStingfromFrodo’sarm.Blackdropsdrippedfromthebladeandsmokedonthefloor.Boromirhurledhimselfagainstthe
doorandslammeditagain.‘OnefortheShire!’cried
Aragorn.‘Thehobbit’sbiteisdeep!Youhaveagoodblade,FrodosonofDrogo!’
Therewasacrashonthedoor,followedbycrashaftercrash.Ramsandhammerswerebeatingagainstit.Itcrackedandstaggeredback,andtheopeninggrewsuddenlywide.Arrowscamewhistlingin,butstruckthe
northernwall,andfellharmlesslytothefloor.Therewasahorn-blastandarushoffeet,andorcsoneafteranotherleapedintothechamber.
HowmanythereweretheCompanycouldnotcount.Theaffraywassharp,buttheorcsweredismayedbythefiercenessofthedefence.Legolasshottwothroughthethroat.Gimlihewedthelegs
fromunderanotherthathadsprunguponBalin’stomb.BoromirandAragornslewmany.Whenthirteenhadfallentherestfledshrieking,leavingthedefendersunharmed,exceptforSamwhohadascratchalongthescalp.Aquickduckhadsavedhim;andhehadfelledhisorc:asturdythrustwithhisBarrow-blade.Afirewassmoulderinginhisbrown
eyesthatwouldhavemadeTedSandymanstepbackwards,ifhehadseenit.
‘Nowisthetime!’criedGandalf.‘Letusgo,beforethetrollreturns!’
Butevenastheyretreated,andbeforePippinandMerryhadreachedthestairoutside,ahugeorc-chieftain,almostman-high,cladinblackmailfromheadtofoot,leapedintothechamber;behindhimhis
followersclusteredinthedoorway.Hisbroadflatfacewasswart,hiseyeswerelikecoals,andhistonguewasred;hewieldedagreatspear.WithathrustofhishugehideshieldheturnedBoromir’sswordandborehimbackwards,throwinghimtotheground.DivingunderAragorn’sblowwiththespeedofastrikingsnakehechargedintotheCompany
andthrustwithhisspearstraightatFrodo.Theblowcaughthimontherightside,andFrodowashurledagainstthewallandpinned.Sam,withacry,hackedatthespear-shaft,anditbroke.Butevenastheorcflungdownthetruncheonandsweptouthisscimitar,Andúrilcamedownuponhishelm.Therewasaflashlikeflameandthehelmburstasunder.Theorc
fellwithclovenhead.Hisfollowersfledhowling,asBoromirandAragornsprangatthem.
Doom,doomwentthedrumsinthedeep.Thegreatvoicerolledoutagain.
‘Now!’shoutedGandalf.‘Nowisthelastchance.Runforit!’
AragornpickedupFrodo
wherehelaybythewallandmadeforthestair,pushingMerryandPippininfrontofhim.Theothersfollowed;butGimlihadtobedraggedawaybyLegolas:inspiteoftheperilhelingeredbyBalin’stombwithhisheadbowed.Boromirhauledtheeasterndoorto,grindinguponitshinges:ithadgreatironringsoneitherside,butcouldnotbefastened.
‘Iamallright,’gaspedFrodo.‘Icanwalk.Putmedown!’Aragornnearlydroppedhiminhisamazement.‘Ithoughtyouweredead!’hecried.
‘Notyet!’saidGandalf.‘Butthereisnotimeforwonder.Offyougo,allofyou,downthestairs!Waitafewminutesformeatthebottom,butifIdonotcomesoon,goon!Goquicklyand
choosepathsleadingrightanddownwards.’
‘Wecannotleaveyoutoholdthedooralone!’saidAragorn.‘DoasIsay!’saidGandalffiercely.‘Swordsarenomoreusehere.Go!’
Thepassagewaslitbynoshaftandwasutterlydark.Theygropedtheirwaydownalongflightofsteps,and
thenlookedback;buttheycouldseenothing,excepthighabovethemthefaintglimmerofthewizard’sstaff.Heseemedtobestillstandingonguardbythecloseddoor.FrodobreathedheavilyandleanedagainstSam,whoputhisarmsabouthim.Theystoodpeeringupthestairsintothedarkness.FrodothoughthecouldhearthevoiceofGandalfabove,
mutteringwordsthatrandowntheslopingroofwithasighingecho.Hecouldnotcatchwhatwassaid.Thewallsseemedtobetrembling.Everynowandagainthedrum-beatsthrobbedandrolled:doom,doom.
Suddenlyatthetopofthestairtherewasastabofwhitelight.Thentherewasadullrumbleandaheavythud.Thedrum-beatsbrokeoutwildly:
doom-boom,doom-boom,andthenstopped.GandalfcameflyingdownthestepsandfelltothegroundinthemidstoftheCompany.
‘Well,well!That’sover!’saidthewizardstrugglingtohisfeet.‘IhavedoneallthatIcould.ButIhavemetmymatch,andhavenearlybeendestroyed.Butdon’tstandhere!Goon!Youwillhavetodowithoutlightforawhile:I
amrathershaken.Goon!Goon!Whereareyou,Gimli?Comeaheadwithme!Keepclosebehind,allofyou!’
Theystumbledafterhimwonderingwhathadhappened.Doom,doomwentthedrum-beatsagain:theynowsoundedmuffledandfaraway,buttheywerefollowing.Therewasnoother
soundofpursuit,neithertrampoffeet,noranyvoice.Gandalftooknoturns,rightorleft,forthepassageseemedtobegoinginthedirectionthathedesired.Everynowandagainitdescendedaflightofsteps,fiftyormore,toalowerlevel.Atthemomentthatwastheirchiefdanger;forinthedarktheycouldnotseeadescent,untiltheycameonitandput
theirfeetoutintoemptiness.Gandalffeltthegroundwithhisstafflikeablindman.
Attheendofanhourtheyhadgoneamile,ormaybealittlemore,andhaddescendedmanyflightsofstairs.Therewasstillnosoundofpursuit.Almosttheybegantohopethattheywouldescape.AtthebottomoftheseventhflightGandalfhalted.
‘Itisgettinghot!’he
gasped.‘WeoughttobedownatleasttotheleveloftheGatesnow.SoonIthinkweshouldlookforaleft-handturntotakeuseast.Ihopeitisnotfar.Iamveryweary.Imustresthereamoment,evenifalltheorcseverspawnedareafterus.’
Gimlitookhisarmandhelpedhimdowntoaseatonthestep.‘Whathappenedawayupthereatthedoor?’
heasked.‘Didyoumeetthebeaterofthedrums?’
‘Idonotknow,’answeredGandalf.‘ButIfoundmyselfsuddenlyfacedbysomethingthatIhavenotmetbefore.Icouldthinkofnothingtodobuttotryandputashutting-spellonthedoor.Iknowmany;buttodothingsofthatkindrightlyrequirestime,andeventhenthedoorcanbebrokenbystrength.
‘AsIstoodthereIcouldhearorc-voicesontheotherside:atanymomentIthoughttheywouldburstitopen.Icouldnothearwhatwassaid;theyseemedtobetalkingintheirownhideouslanguage.AllIcaughtwasghâsh:thatis“fire”.Thensomethingcameintothechamber–Ifeltitthroughthedoor,andtheorcsthemselveswereafraidandfellsilent.Itlaidholdof
theironring,andthenitperceivedmeandmyspell.
‘WhatitwasIcannotguess,butIhaveneverfeltsuchachallenge.Thecounter-spellwasterrible.Itnearlybrokeme.Foraninstantthedoorleftmycontrolandbegantoopen!IhadtospeakawordofCommand.Thatprovedtoogreatastrain.Thedoorburstinpieces.Somethingdarkas
acloudwasblockingoutallthelightinside,andIwasthrownbackwardsdownthestairs.Allthewallgaveway,andtheroofofthechamberaswell,Ithink.
‘IamafraidBalinisburieddeep,andmaybesomethingelseisburiedtheretoo.Icannotsay.Butatleastthepassagebehinduswascompletelyblocked.Ah!Ihaveneverfeltsospent,butit
ispassing.Andnowwhataboutyou,Frodo?Therewasnottimetosayso,butIhaveneverbeenmoredelightedinmylifethanwhenyouspoke.IfearedthatitwasabravebutdeadhobbitthatAragornwascarrying.’
‘Whataboutme?’saidFrodo.‘Iamalive,andwholeIthink.Iambruisedandinpain,butitisnottoobad.’
‘Well,’saidAragorn,‘I
canonlysaythathobbitsaremadeofastuffsotoughthatIhavenevermetthelikeofit.HadIknown,IwouldhavespokensofterintheInnatBree!Thatspear-thrustwouldhaveskeweredawildboar!’
‘Well,itdidnotskewerme,Iamgladtosay,’saidFrodo;‘thoughIfeelasifIhadbeencaughtbetweenahammerandananvil.’Hesaidnomore.Hefound
breathingpainful.‘YoutakeafterBilbo,’
saidGandalf.‘Thereismoreaboutyouthanmeetstheeye,asIsaidofhimlongago.’Frodowonderediftheremarkmeantmorethanitsaid.
Theynowwentonagain.BeforelongGimlispoke.Hehadkeeneyesinthedark.‘Ithink,’hesaid,‘thatthereisa
lightahead.Butitisnotdaylight.Itisred.Whatcanitbe?’
‘Ghâsh!’mutteredGandalf.‘Iwonderifthatiswhattheymeant:thatthelowerlevelsareonfire?Still,wecanonlygoon.’
Soonthelightbecameunmistakable,andcouldbeseenbyall.Itwasflickeringandglowingonthewallsawaydownthepassage
beforethem.Theycouldnowseetheirway:infronttheroadslopeddownswiftly,andsomewayaheadtherestoodalowarchway;throughitthegrowinglightcame.Theairbecameveryhot.
WhentheycametothearchGandalfwentthrough,signingtothemtowait.Ashestoodjustbeyondtheopeningtheysawhisfacelitbyaredglow.Quicklyhestepped
back.‘Thereissomenew
devilryhere,’hesaid,‘devisedforourwelcome,nodoubt.ButIknownowwhereweare:wehavereachedtheFirstDeep,thelevelimmediatelybelowtheGates.ThisistheSecondHallofOldMoria;andtheGatesarenear:awaybeyondtheeasternend,ontheleft,notmorethanaquarterofamile.
AcrosstheBridge,upabroadstair,alongawideroad,throughtheFirstHall,andout!Butcomeandlook!’
Theypeeredout.Beforethemwasanothercavernoushall.Itwasloftierandfarlongerthantheoneinwhichtheyhadslept.Theywerenearitseasternend;westwarditranawayintodarkness.Downthecentrestalkedadoublelineoftowering
pillars.Theywerecarvedlikebolesofmightytreeswhoseboughsupheldtheroofwithabranchingtraceryofstone.Theirstemsweresmoothandblack,butaredglowwasdarklymirroredintheirsides.Rightacrossthefloor,closetothefeetoftwohugepillarsagreatfissurehadopened.Outofitafierceredlightcame,andnowandagainflameslickedatthebrinkand
curledaboutthebasesofthecolumns.Wispsofdarksmokewaveredinthehotair.
‘Ifwehadcomebythemainroaddownfromtheupperhalls,weshouldhavebeentrappedhere,’saidGandalf.‘Letushopethatthefirenowliesbetweenusandpursuit.Come!Thereisnotimetolose.’
Evenashespoketheyheardagainthepursuing
drum-beat:Doom,doom,doom.Awaybeyondtheshadowsatthewesternendofthehalltherecamecriesandhorn-calls.Doom,doom:thepillarsseemedtotrembleandtheflamestoquiver.
‘Nowforthelastrace!’saidGandalf.‘Ifthesunisshiningoutside,wemaystillescape.Afterme!’
Heturnedleftandspedacrossthesmoothfloorofthe
hall.Thedistancewasgreaterthanithadlooked.Astheyrantheyheardthebeatandechoofmanyhurryingfeetbehind.Ashrillyellwentup:theyhadbeenseen.Therewasaringandclashofsteel.AnarrowwhistledoverFrodo’shead.
Boromirlaughed.‘Theydidnotexpectthis,’hesaid.‘Thefirehascutthemoff.Weareonthewrongside!’
‘Lookahead!’calledGandalf.‘TheBridgeisnear.Itisdangerousandnarrow.’
SuddenlyFrodosawbeforehimablackchasm.Attheendofthehallthefloorvanishedandfelltoanunknowndepth.Theouterdoorcouldonlybereachedbyaslenderbridgeofstone,withoutkerborrail,thatspannedthechasmwithonecurvingspringoffiftyfeet.It
wasanancientdefenceoftheDwarvesagainstanyenemythatmightcapturetheFirstHallandtheouterpassages.Theycouldonlypassacrossitinsinglefile.AtthebrinkGandalfhaltedandtheotherscameupinapackbehind.
‘Leadtheway,Gimli!’hesaid.‘PippinandMerrynext.Straighton,andupthestairbeyondthedoor!’
Arrowsfellamongthem.
OnestruckFrodoandsprangback.AnotherpiercedGandalf’shatandstucktherelikeablackfeather.Frodolookedbehind.Beyondthefirehesawswarmingblackfigures:thereseemedtobehundredsoforcs.Theybrandishedspearsandscimitarswhichshoneredasbloodinthefirelight.Doom,doomrolledthedrum-beats,growinglouderandlouder,
doom,doom.Legolasturnedandsetan
arrowtothestring,thoughitwasalongshotforhissmallbow.Hedrew,buthishandfell,andthearrowslippedtotheground.Hegaveacryofdismayandfear.Twogreattrollsappeared;theyboregreatslabsofstone,andflungthemdowntoserveasgangwaysoverthefire.Butitwasnotthetrollsthathad
filledtheElfwithterror.Theranksoftheorcshadopened,andtheycrowdedaway,asiftheythemselveswereafraid.Somethingwascomingupbehindthem.Whatitwascouldnotbeseen:itwaslikeagreatshadow,inthemiddleofwhichwasadarkform,ofman-shapemaybe,yetgreater;andapowerandterrorseemedtobeinitandtogobeforeit.
Itcametotheedgeofthefireandthelightfadedasifacloudhadbentoverit.Thenwitharushitleapedacrossthefissure.Theflamesroareduptogreetit,andwreathedaboutit;andablacksmokeswirledintheair.Itsstreamingmanekindled,andblazedbehindit.Initsrighthandwasabladelikeastabbingtongueoffire;initsleftitheldawhipofmany
thongs.‘Ai!ai!’wailedLegolas.
‘ABalrog!ABalrogiscome!’Gimlistaredwithwideeyes.‘Durin’sBane!’hecried,andlettinghisaxefallhecoveredhisface.
‘ABalrog,’mutteredGandalf.‘NowIunderstand.’Hefalteredandleanedheavilyonhisstaff.‘Whatanevilfortune!AndIamalreadyweary.’
Thedarkfigurestreamingwithfireracedtowardsthem.Theorcsyelledandpouredoverthestonegangways.thenBoromirraisedhishornandblew.Loudthechallengerangandbellowed,liketheshoutofmanythroatsunderthecavernousroof.Foramomenttheorcsquailedandthefieryshadowhalted.Thentheechoesdiedassuddenlyasaflameblownoutbya
darkwind,andtheenemyadvancedagain.
‘Overthebridge!’criedGandalf,recallinghisstrength.‘Fly!Thisisafoebeyondanyofyou.Imustholdthenarrowway.Fly!’AragornandBoromirdidnotheedthecommand,butstillheldtheirground,sidebyside,behindGandalfatthefarendofthebridge.Theothershaltedjustwithinthe
doorwayatthehall’send,andturned,unabletoleavetheirleadertofacetheenemyalone.
TheBalrogreachedthebridge.Gandalfstoodinthemiddleofthespan,leaningonthestaffinhislefthand,butinhisotherhandGlamdringgleamed,coldandwhite.Hisenemyhaltedagain,facinghim,andtheshadowaboutitreachedout
liketwovastwings.Itraisedthewhip,andthethongswhinedandcracked.Firecamefromitsnostrils.ButGandalfstoodfirm.
‘Youcannotpass,’hesaid.Theorcsstoodstill,andadeadsilencefell.‘IamaservantoftheSecretFire,wielderoftheflameofAnor.Youcannotpass.Thedarkfirewillnotavailyou,flameofUdûn.Gobacktothe
Shadow!Youcannotpass.’TheBalrogmadeno
answer.Thefireinitseemedtodie,butthedarknessgrew.Itsteppedforwardslowlyontothebridge,andsuddenlyitdrewitselfuptoagreatheight,anditswingswerespreadfromwalltowall;butstillGandalfcouldbeseen,glimmeringinthegloom;heseemedsmall,andaltogetheralone:greyandbent,likea
wizenedtreebeforetheonsetofastorm.
Fromoutoftheshadowaredswordleapedflaming.Glamdringglitteredwhiteinanswer.Therewasaringingclashandastabofwhitefire.TheBalrogfellback,anditsswordflewupinmoltenfragments.Thewizardswayedonthebridge,steppedbackapace,andthenagainstoodstill.
‘Youcannotpass!’hesaid.
WithaboundtheBalrogleapedfulluponthebridge.Itswhipwhirledandhissed.
‘Hecannotstandalone!’criedAragornsuddenlyandranbackalongthebridge.‘Elendil!’heshouted.‘Iamwithyou,Gandalf!’
‘Gondor!’criedBoromirandleapedafterhim.AtthatmomentGandalfliftedhis
staff,andcryingaloudhesmotethebridgebeforehim.Thestaffbrokeasunderandfellfromhishand.Ablindingsheetofwhiteflamesprangup.Thebridgecracked.RightattheBalrog’sfeetitbroke,andthestoneuponwhichitstoodcrashedintothegulf,whiletherestremained,poised,quiveringlikeatongueofrockthrustoutintoemptiness.
WithaterriblecrytheBalrogfellforward,anditsshadowplungeddownandvanished.Butevenasitfellitswungitswhip,andthethongslashedandcurledaboutthewizard’sknees,dragginghimtothebrink.Hestaggeredandfell,graspedvainlyatthestone,andslidintotheabyss.‘Fly,youfools!’hecried,andwasgone.
Thefireswentout,andblankdarknessfell.TheCompanystoodrootedwithhorrorstaringintothepit.EvenasAragornandBoromircameflyingback,therestofthebridgecrackedandfell.WithacryAragornrousedthem.
‘Come!Iwillleadyounow!’hecalled.‘Wemustobeyhislastcommand.Followme!’
Theystumbledwildlyupthegreatstairsbeyondthedoor,Aragornleading,Boromirattherear.Atthetopwasawideechoingpassage.Alongthistheyfled.FrodoheardSamathissideweeping,andthenhefoundthathehimselfwasweepingasheran.Doom,doom,doomthedrum-beatsrolledbehind,mournfulnowandslow;doom!
Theyranon.Thelightgrewbeforethem;greatshaftspiercedtheroof.Theyranswifter.Theypassedintoahall,brightwithdaylightfromitshighwindowsintheeast.Theyfledacrossit.Throughitshugebrokendoorstheypassed,andsuddenlybeforethemtheGreatGatesopened,anarchofblazinglight.
Therewasaguardoforcs
crouchingintheshadowsbehindthegreatdoor-poststoweringoneitherside,butthegateswereshatteredandcastdown.Aragornsmotetothegroundthecaptainthatstoodinhispath,andtherestfledinterrorofhiswrath.TheCompanysweptpastthemandtooknoheedofthem.OutoftheGatestheyranandsprangdownthehugeandage-wornsteps,the
thresholdofMoria.Thus,atlast,theycame
beyondhopeundertheskyandfeltthewindontheirfaces.
Theydidnothaltuntiltheywereoutofbowshotfromthewalls.DimrillDalelayaboutthem.TheshadowoftheMistyMountainslayuponit,buteastwardstherewasagoldenlightontheland.Itwasbutonehourafter
noon.Thesunwasshining;thecloudswerewhiteandhigh.
Theylookedback.DarkyawnedthearchwayoftheGatesunderthemountain-shadow.Faintandfarbeneaththeearthrolledtheslowdrum-beats:doom.Athinblacksmoketrailedout.Nothingelsewastobeseen;thedaleallaroundwasempty.Doom.Griefatlast
whollyovercamethem,andtheyweptlong:somestandingandsilent,somecastupontheground.Doom,doom.Thedrum-beatsfaded.
Chapter6
LOTHLÓRIEN
‘Alas!Ifearwecannotstayherelonger,’saidAragorn.Helookedtowardsthemountainsandhelduphissword.‘Farewell,Gandalf!’
hecried.‘DidInotsaytoyou:ifyoupassthedoorsofMoria,beware?AlasthatIspoketrue!Whathopehavewewithoutyou?’
HeturnedtotheCompany.‘Wemustdowithouthope,’hesaid.‘Atleastwemayyetbeavenged.Letusgirdourselvesandweepnomore!Come!Wehavealongroad,andmuchtodo.’
Theyroseandlookedaboutthem.Northwardthedaleranupintoaglenofshadowsbetweentwogreatarmsofthemountains,abovewhichthreewhitepeakswereshining:Celebdil,Fanuidhol,Caradhras,theMountainsofMoria.Attheheadoftheglenatorrentflowedlikeawhitelaceoveranendlessladderofshortfalls,andamistoffoamhungintheairaboutthe
mountains’feet.‘YonderistheDimrill
Stair,’saidAragorn,pointingtothefalls.‘Downthedeep-clovenwaythatclimbsbesidethetorrentweshouldhavecome,iffortunehadbeenkinder.’
‘OrCaradhraslesscruel,’saidGimli.‘Therehestandssmilinginthesun!’Heshookhisfistatthefurthestofthesnow-cappedpeaksand
turnedaway.Totheeasttheoutflung
armofthemountainsmarchedtoasuddenend,andfarlandscouldbedescriedbeyondthem,wideandvague.TothesouththeMistyMountainsrecededendlesslyasfarassightcouldreach.Lessthanamileaway,andalittlebelowthem,fortheystillstoodhighuponthewestsideofthedale,therelaya
mere.Itwaslongandoval,shapedlikeagreatspear-headthrustdeepintothenorthernglen;butitssouthernendwasbeyondtheshadowsunderthesunlitsky.Yetitswatersweredark:adeepbluelikecleareveningskyseenfromalamp-litroom.Itsfacewasstillandunruffled.Aboutitlayasmoothsward,shelvingdownonallsidestoitsbareunbrokenrim.
‘ThereliestheMirrormere,deepKheled-zâram!’saidGimlisadly.‘Irememberthathesaid:“Mayyouhavejoyofthesight!Butwecannotlingerthere.”NowlongshallIjourneyereIhavejoyagain.ItisIthatmusthastenaway,andhethatmustremain.’
TheCompanynowwent
downtheroadfromtheGates.Itwasroughandbroken,fadingtoawindingtrackbetweenheatherandwhinthatthrustamidthecrackingstones.ButstillitcouldbeseenthatoncelongagoagreatpavedwayhadwoundupwardsfromthelowlandstotheDwarf-kingdom.Inplacestherewereruinedworksofstonebesidethepath,andmoundsof
greentoppedwithslenderbirches,orfir-treessighinginthewind.AneastwardbendledthemhardbytheswardofMirrormere,andtherenotfarfromtheroadsidestoodasinglecolumnbrokenatthetop.
‘ThatisDurin’sStone!’criedGimli.‘Icannotpasswithoutturningasideforamomenttolookatthewonderofthedale!’
‘Beswiftthen!’saidAragorn,lookingbacktowardstheGates.‘TheSunsinksearly.TheOrcswillnot,maybe,comeouttillafterdusk,butwemustbefarawaybeforenightfall.TheMoonisalmostspent,anditwillbedarktonight.’
‘Comewithme,Frodo!’criedthedwarf,springingfromtheroad.‘Iwouldnothaveyougowithoutseeing
Kheledzâram.’Herandownthelonggreenslope.Frodofollowedslowly,drawnbythestillbluewaterinspiteofhurtandweariness;Samcameupbehind.
BesidethestandingstoneGimlihaltedandlookedup.Itwascrackedandweather-worn,andthefaintrunesuponitssidecouldnotberead.‘ThispillarmarksthespotwhereDurinfirstlooked
intheMirrormere,’saidthedwarf.‘Letuslookourselvesonce,erewego!’
Theystoopedoverthedarkwater.Atfirsttheycouldseenothing.Thenslowlytheysawtheformsoftheencirclingmountainsmirroredinaprofoundblue,andthepeakswerelikeplumesofwhiteflameabovethem;beyondtherewasaspaceofsky.Therelike
jewelssunkinthedeepshoneglintingstars,thoughsunlightwasintheskyabove.Oftheirownstoopingformsnoshadowcouldbeseen.
‘OKheled-zâramfairandwonderful!’saidGimli.‘ThereliestheCrownofDurintillhewakes.Farewell!’Hebowed,andturnedaway,andhastenedbackupthegreenswardtotheroadagain.
‘Whatdidyousee?’saidPippintoSam,butSamwastoodeepinthoughttoanswer.
Theroadnowturnedsouthandwentquicklydownwards,runningoutfrombetweenthearmsofthedale.Somewaybelowthemeretheycameonadeepwellofwater,clearascrystal,from
whichafreshetfelloverastonelipandranglisteningandgurglingdownasteeprockychannel.
‘HereisthespringfromwhichtheSilverloderises,’saidGimli.‘Donotdrinkofit!Itisicycold.’
‘Soonitbecomesaswiftriver,anditgatherswaterfrommanyothermountain-streams,’saidAragorn.‘Ourroadleadsbesideitformany
miles.ForIshalltakeyoubytheroadthatGandalfchose,andfirstIhopetocometothewoodswheretheSilverlodeflowsintotheGreatRiver–outyonder.’Theylookedashepointed,andbeforethemtheycouldseethestreamleapingdowntothetroughofthevalley,andthenrunningonandawayintothelowerlands,untilitwaslostinagoldenhaze.
‘ThereliethewoodsofLothlórien!’saidLegolas.‘Thatisthefairestofallthedwellingsofmypeople.Therearenotreeslikethetreesofthatland.Forintheautumntheirleavesfallnot,butturntogold.Nottillthespringcomesandthenewgreenopensdotheyfall,andthentheboughsareladenwithyellowflowers;andthefloorofthewoodisgolden,
andgoldenistheroof,anditspillarsareofsilver,forthebarkofthetreesissmoothandgrey.SostilloursongsinMirkwoodsay.MyheartwouldbegladifIwerebeneaththeeavesof
thatwood,anditwerespringtime!’
‘Myheartwillbeglad,eveninthewinter,’saidAragorn.‘Butitliesmanymilesaway.Letushasten!’
ForsometimeFrodoandSammanagedtokeepupwiththeothers;butAragornwasleadingthematagreatpace,andafterawhiletheylaggedbehind.Theyhadeatennothingsincetheearlymorning.Sam’scutwasburninglikefire,andhisheadfeltlight.InspiteoftheshiningsunthewindseemedchillafterthewarmdarknessofMoria.Heshivered.Frodo
felteverystepmorepainfulandhegaspedforbreath.
AtlastLegolasturned,andseeingthemnowfarbehind,hespoketoAragorn.Theothershalted,andAragornranback,callingtoBoromirtocomewithhim.
‘Iamsorry,Frodo!’hecried,fullofconcern.‘Somuchhashappenedthisdayandwehavesuchneedofhaste,thatIhaveforgotten
thatyouwerehurt;andSamtoo.Youshouldhavespoken.Wehavedonenothingtoeaseyou,asweought,thoughalltheorcsofMoriawereafterus.Comenow!Alittlefurtheronthereisaplacewherewecanrestforalittle.ThereIwilldowhatIcanforyou.Come,Boromir!Wewillcarrythem.’
Soonafterwardstheycameuponanotherstream
thatrandownfromthewest,andjoineditsbubblingwaterwiththehurryingSilverlode.Togethertheyplungedoverafallofgreen-huedstone,andfoameddownintoadell.Aboutitstoodfir-trees,shortandbent,anditssidesweresteepandclothedwithharts-tongueandshrubsofwhortle-berry.Atthebottomtherewasalevelspacethroughwhichthestreamflowed
noisilyovershiningpebbles.Heretheyrested.Itwasnownearlythreehoursafternoon,andtheyhadcomeonlyafewmilesfromtheGates.Alreadythesunwaswestering.
WhileGimliandthetwoyoungerhobbitskindledafireofbrush-andfir-wood,anddrewwater,AragorntendedSamandFrodo.Sam’swoundwasnotdeep,butitlookedugly,andAragorn’sfacewas
graveasheexaminedit.Afteramomenthelookedupwithrelief.
‘Goodluck,Sam!’hesaid.‘Manyhavereceivedworsethanthisinpaymentfortheslayingoftheirfirstorc.Thecutisnotpoisoned,asthewoundsoforc-bladestoooftenare.ItshouldhealwellwhenIhavetendedit.BatheitwhenGimlihasheatedwater.’
Heopenedhispouchanddrewoutsomewitheredleaves.‘Theyaredry,andsomeoftheirvirtuehasgone,’hesaid,‘buthereIhavestillsomeoftheleavesofathelasthatIgatherednearWeathertop.Crushoneinthewater,andwashthewoundclean,andIwillbindit.Nowitisyourturn,Frodo!’
‘Iamallright,’saidFrodo,reluctanttohavehis
garmentstouched.‘AllIneededwassomefoodandalittlerest.’
‘No!’saidAragorn.‘Wemusthavealookandseewhatthehammerandtheanvilhavedonetoyou.Istillmarvelthatyouarealiveatall.’GentlyhestrippedoffFrodo’soldjacketandworntunic,andgaveagaspofwonder.Thenhelaughed.Thesilvercorsletshimmered
beforehiseyeslikethelightuponaripplingsea.Carefullyhetookitoffandhelditup,andthegemsonitglitteredlikestars,andthesoundoftheshakenringswaslikethetinkleofraininapool.
‘Look,myfriends!’hecalled.‘Here’saprettyhobbit-skintowrapanelven-princelingin!Ifitwereknownthathobbitshadsuchhides,allthehuntersof
Middle-earthwouldberidingtotheShire.’
‘Andallthearrowsofallthehuntersintheworldwouldbeinvain,’saidGimli,gazingatthemailinwonder.‘Itisamithril-coat.Mithril!Ihaveneverseenorheardtellofonesofair.IsthisthecoatthatGandalfspokeof?Thenheundervaluedit.Butitwaswellgiven!’
‘Ihaveoftenwondered
whatyouandBilboweredoing,socloseinhislittleroom,’saidMerry.‘Blesstheoldhobbit!Ilovehimmorethanever.Ihopewegetachanceoftellinghimaboutit!’
TherewasadarkandblackenedbruiseonFrodo’srightsideandbreast.Underthemailtherewasashirtofsoftleather,butatonepointtheringshadbeendriven
throughitintotheflesh.Frodo’sleftsidealsowasscoredandbruisedwherehehadbeenhurledagainstthewall.Whiletheotherssetthefoodready,Aragornbathedthehurtswithwaterinwhichathelaswassteeped.Thepungentfragrancefilledthedell,andallthosewhostoopedoverthesteamingwaterfeltrefreshedandstrengthened.SoonFrodofelt
thepainleavehim,andhisbreathgreweasy:thoughhewasstiffandsoretothetouchformanydays.Aragornboundsomesoftpadsofclothathisside.
‘Themailismarvellouslylight,’hesaid.‘Putitonagain,ifyoucanbearit.Myheartisgladtoknowthatyouhavesuchacoat.Donotlayitaside,eveninsleep,unlessfortunebringsyouwhereyou
aresafeforawhile;andthatwillseldomchancewhileyourquestlasts.’
Whentheyhadeaten,theCompanygotreadytogoon.Theyputoutthefireandhidalltracesofit.Thenclimbingoutofthedelltheytooktotheroadagain.Theyhadnotgonefarbeforethesunsankbehindthewestwardheights
andgreatshadowscreptdownthemountain-sides.Duskveiledtheirfeet,andmistroseinthehollows.Awayintheeasttheeveninglightlaypaleuponthedimlandsofdistantplainandwood.SamandFrodonowfeelingeasedandgreatlyrefreshedwereabletogoatafairpace,andwithonlyonebriefhaltAragornledtheCompanyonfornearlythree
morehours.Itwasdark.Deepnight
hadfallen.Thereweremanyclearstars,butthefast-waningmoonwouldnotbeseentilllate.GimliandFrodowereattherear,walkingsoftlyandnotspeaking,listeningforanysoundupontheroadbehind.AtlengthGimlibrokethesilence.
‘Notasoundbutthewind,’hesaid.‘Thereareno
goblinsnear,ormyearsaremadeofwood.ItistobehopedthattheOrcswillbecontentwithdrivingusfromMoria.Andmaybethatwasalltheirpurpose,andtheyhadnothingelsetodowithus–withtheRing.ThoughOrcswilloftenpursuefoesformanyleaguesintotheplain,iftheyhaveafallencaptaintoavenge.’
Frododidnotanswer.He
lookedatSting,andthebladewasdull.Yethehadheardsomething,orthoughthehad.Assoonastheshadowshadfallenaboutthemandtheroadbehindwasdim,hehadheardagainthequickpatteroffeet.Evennowheheardit.Heturnedswiftly.Thereweretwotinygleamsoflightbehind,orforamomenthethoughthesawthem,butatoncetheyslippedasideand
vanished.‘Whatisit?’saidthe
dwarf.‘Idon’tknow,’answered
Frodo.‘IthoughtIheardfeet,andIthoughtIsawalight–likeeyes.Ihavethoughtsooften,sincewefirstenteredMoria.’
Gimlihaltedandstoopedtotheground.‘Ihearnothingbutthenight-speechofplantandstone,’hesaid.‘Come!
Letushurry!Theothersareoutofsight.’
Thenight-windblewchillupthevalleytomeetthem.Beforethemawidegreyshadowloomed,andtheyheardanendlessrustleofleaveslikepoplarsinthebreeze.
‘Lothlórien!’criedLegolas.‘Lothlórien!We
havecometotheeavesoftheGoldenWood.Alasthatitiswinter!’
Underthenightthetreesstoodtallbeforethem,archedovertheroadandstreamthatransuddenlybeneaththeirspreadingboughs.Inthedimlightofthestarstheirstemsweregrey,andtheirquiveringleavesahintoffallowgold.
‘Lothlórien!’saidAragorn.‘GladIamtohear
againthewindinthetrees!WearestilllittlemorethanfiveleaguesfromtheGates,butwecangonofurther.HereletushopethatthevirtueoftheElveswillkeepustonightfromtheperilthatcomesbehind.’
‘IfElvesindeedstilldwellhereinthedarkeningworld,’saidGimli.
‘Itislongsinceanyofmyownfolkjourneyedhither
backtothelandwhencewewanderedinageslongago,’saidLegolas,‘butwehearthatLórienisnotyetdeserted,forthereisasecretpowerherethatholdsevilfromtheland.Neverthelessitsfolkareseldomseen,andmaybetheydwellnowdeepinthewoodsandfarfromthenorthernborder.’
‘Indeeddeepinthewoodtheydwell,’saidAragorn,
andsighedasifsomememorystirredinhim.‘Wemustfendforourselvestonight.Wewillgoforwardashortway,untilthetreesareallaboutus,andthenwewillturnasidefromthepathandseekaplacetorestin.’
Hesteppedforward;butBoromirstoodirresoluteanddidnotfollow.‘Istherenootherway?’hesaid.
‘Whatotherfairerway
wouldyoudesire?’saidAragorn.‘Aplainroad,thoughitledthroughahedgeofswords,’saidBoromir.‘BystrangepathshasthisCompanybeenled,andsofartoevilfortune.AgainstmywillwepassedundertheshadesofMoria,toourloss.AndnowwemustentertheGoldenWood,yousay.ButofthatperilouslandwehaveheardinGondor,anditissaid
thatfewcomeoutwhooncegoin;andofthatfewnonehaveescapedunscathed.’
‘Saynotunscathed,butifyousayunchanged,thenmaybeyouwillspeakthetruth,’saidAragorn.‘ButlorewanesinGondor,Boromir,ifinthecityofthosewhooncewerewisetheynowspeakevilofLothlórien.Believewhatyouwill,thereisnootherwayforus–unlessyou
wouldgobacktoMoria-gate,orscalethepathlessmountains,orswimtheGreatRiverallalone.’
‘Thenleadon!’saidBoromir.‘Butitisperilous.’
‘Perilousindeed,’saidAragorn,‘fairandperilous;butonlyevilneedfearit,orthosewhobringsomeevilwiththem.Followme!’
Theyhadgonelittlemorethanamileintotheforestwhentheycameuponanotherstreamflowingdownswiftlyfromthetree-cladslopesthatclimbedbackwestwardtowardsthemountains.Theyhearditsplashingoverafallawayamongtheshadowsontheirright.Itsdarkhurryingwatersranacrossthepathbeforethem,andjoinedtheSilverlodeinaswirlofdim
poolsamongtherootsoftrees.
‘HereisNimrodel!’saidLegolas.‘OfthisstreamtheSilvanElvesmademanysongslongago,andstillwesingthemintheNorth,rememberingtherainbowonitsfalls,andthegoldenflowersthatfloatedinitsfoam.AllisdarknowandtheBridgeofNimrodelisbrokendown.Iwillbathemyfeet,
foritissaidthatthewaterishealingtotheweary.’Hewentforwardandclimbeddownthedeep-clovenbankandsteppedintothestream.
‘Followme!’hecried.‘Thewaterisnotdeep.Letuswadeacross!Onthefurtherbankwecanrest,andthesoundofthefallingwatermaybringussleepandforgetfulnessofgrief.’
Onebyonetheyclimbed
downandfollowedLegolas.ForamomentFrodostoodnearthebrinkandletthewaterflowoverhistiredfeet.Itwascoldbutitstouchwasclean,andashewentonanditmountedtohisknees,hefeltthatthestainoftravelandallwearinesswaswashedfromhislimbs.
WhenalltheCompany
hadcrossed,theysatandrestedandatealittlefood;andLegolastoldthemtalesofLothlórienthattheElvesofMirkwoodstillkeptintheirhearts,ofsunlightandstarlightuponthemeadowsbytheGreatRiverbeforetheworldwasgrey.
Atlengthasilencefell,andtheyheardthemusicofthewaterfallrunningsweetlyintheshadows.AlmostFrodo
fanciedthathecouldhearavoicesinging,mingledwiththesoundofthewater.
‘DoyouhearthevoiceofNimrodel?’askedLegolas.‘IwillsingyouasongofthemaidenNimrodel,whoborethesamenameasthestreambesidewhichshelivedlongago.Itisafairsonginourwoodlandtongue;butthisishowitrunsintheWestronSpeech,assomeinRivendell
nowsingit.’Inasoftvoicehardlytobeheardamidtherustleoftheleavesabovethemhebegan:
AnElven-maidtherewasofold,Ashiningstarbyday:
Hermantlewhitewashemmedwithgold,Hershoesof
silver-grey.
Astarwasbounduponherbrows,Alightwasonherhair
AssunuponthegoldenboughsInLórienthefair.
Herhairwaslong,herlimbswere
white,Andfairshewasandfree;
AndinthewindshewentaslightAsleafoflinden-tree.
BesidethefallsofNimrodel,Bywaterclearandcool,
Hervoiceasfalling
silverfellIntotheshiningpool.
Wherenowshewandersnonecantell,Insunlightorinshade;
ForlostofyorewasNimrodelAndinthemountains
strayed.
Theelven-shipinhavengreyBeneaththemountain-lee
AwaitedherformanyadayBesidetheroaringsea.
Awindbynightin
NorthernlandsArose,andlouditcried,
Anddrovetheshipfromelven-strandsAcrossthestreamingtide.
Whendawncamedimthelandwaslost,Themountainssinkinggrey
BeyondtheheavingwavesthattossedTheirplumesofblindingspray.
AmrothbeheldthefadingshoreNowlowbeyondtheswell,
AndcursedthefaithlessshipthatboreHimfarfrom
Nimrodel.
OfoldhewasanElven-king,Alordoftreeandglen,
WhengoldenweretheboughsinspringInfairLothlórien.
Fromhelmtosea
theysawhimleap,Asarrowfromthestring,
Anddiveintothewaterdeep,Asmewuponthewing.
Thewindwasinhisflowinghair,Thefoamabouthimshone;
Afartheysawhim
strongandfairGoridinglikeaswan.
ButfromtheWesthascomenoword,AndontheHitherShore
NotidingsElven-folkhaveheardOfAmrothevermore.
ThevoiceofLegolasfaltered,andthesongceased.‘Icannotsinganymore,’hesaid.‘Thatisbutapart,forIhaveforgottenmuch.Itislongandsad,forittellshowsorrowcameuponLothlórien,LórienoftheBlossom,whentheDwarvesawakenedevilinthemountains.’
‘ButtheDwarvesdidnotmaketheevil,’saidGimli.‘I
saidnotso;yetevilcame,’answeredLegolassadly.‘ThenmanyoftheElvesofNimrodel’skindredlefttheirdwellingsanddeparted,andshewaslostfarintheSouth,inthepassesoftheWhiteMountains;andshecamenottotheshipwhereAmrothherloverwaitedforher.Butinthespringwhenthewindisinthenewleavestheechoofhervoicemaystillbeheard
bythefallsthatbearhername.AndwhenthewindisintheSouththevoiceofAmrothcomesupfromthesea;forNimrodelflowsintoSilverlode,thatElvescallCelebrant,andCelebrantintoAnduintheGreat,andAnduinflowsintotheBayofBelfalaswhencetheElvesofLóriensetsail.ButneitherNimrodelnorAmrothcameeverback.
‘Itistoldthatshehadahousebuiltinthebranchesofatreethatgrewnearthefalls;forthatwasthecustomoftheElvesofLórien,todwellinthetrees,andmaybeitissostill.ThereforetheywerecalledtheGaladhrim,theTree-people.Deepintheirforestthetreesareverygreat.ThepeopleofthewoodsdidnotdelveinthegroundlikeDwarves,norbuildstrong
placesofstonebeforetheShadowcame.’
‘Andevenintheselatterdaysdwellinginthetreesmightbethoughtsaferthansittingontheground,’saidGimli.HelookedacrossthestreamtotheroadthatledbacktoDimrillDale,andthenupintotheroofofdarkboughsabove.
‘Yourwordsbringgoodcounsel,Gimli,’said
Aragorn.‘Wecannotbuildahouse,buttonightwewilldoastheGaladhrimandseekrefugeinthetree-tops,ifwecan.Wehavesatherebesidetheroadalreadylongerthanwaswise.’
TheCompanynowturnedasidefromthepath,andwentintotheshadowofthedeeperwoods,westwardalongthe
mountain-streamawayfromSilverlode.NotfarfromthefallsofNimrodeltheyfoundaclusteroftrees,someofwhichoverhungthestream.Theirgreatgreytrunkswereofmightygirth,buttheirheightcouldnotbeguessed.
‘Iwillclimbup,’saidLegolas.‘Iamathomeamongtrees,byrootorbough,thoughthesetreesareofakindstrangetome,save
asanameinsong.Mellyrntheyarecalled,andarethosethatbeartheyellowblossom,butIhaveneverclimbedinone.Iwillseenowwhatistheirshapeandwayofgrowth.’
‘Whateveritmaybe,’saidPippin,‘theywillbemarvelloustreesindeediftheycanofferanyrestatnight,excepttobirds.Icannotsleeponaperch!’
‘Thendigaholeintheground,’saidLegolas,‘ifthatismoreafterthefashionofyourkind.Butyoumustdigswiftanddeep,ifyouwishtohidefromOrcs.’Hespranglightlyupfromthegroundandcaughtabranchthatgrewfromthetrunkhighabovehishead.Butevenasheswungthereforamoment,avoicespokesuddenlyfromthetree-shadowsabovehim.
‘Daro!’itsaidincommandingtone,andLegolasdroppedbacktoearthinsurpriseandfear.Heshrankagainsttheboleofthetree.
‘Standstill!’hewhisperedtotheothers.‘Donotmoveorspeak!’
Therewasasoundofsoftlaughterovertheirheads,andthenanotherclearvoicespokeinanelven-tongue.
Frodocouldunderstandlittleofwhatwassaid,forthespeechthattheSilvanfolkeastofthemountainsusedamongthemselveswasunlikethatoftheWest.Legolaslookedupandansweredinthesamelanguage.*
‘Whoarethey,andwhatdotheysay?’askedMerry.
‘They’reElves,’saidSam.‘Can’tyouheartheirvoices?’
‘Yes,theyareElves,’said
Legolas;‘andtheysaythatyoubreathesoloudthattheycouldshootyouinthedark.’Samhastilyputhishandoverhismouth.‘Buttheysayalsothatyouneedhavenofear.Theyhavebeenawareofusforalongwhile.TheyheardmyvoiceacrosstheNimrodel,andknewthatIwasoneoftheirNorthernkindred,andthereforetheydidnothinderourcrossing;
andafterwardstheyheardmysong.NowtheybidmeclimbupwithFrodo;fortheyseemtohavehadsometidingsofhimandofourjourney.Theotherstheyasktowaitalittle,andtokeepwatchatthefootofthetree,untiltheyhavedecidedwhatistobedone.’
Outoftheshadowsaladderwasletdown:itwas
madeofrope,silver-greyandglimmeringinthedark,andthoughitlookedslenderitprovedstrongenoughtobearmanymen.Legolasranlightlyup,andFrodofollowedslowly;behindcameSamtryingnottobreatheloudly.Thebranchesofthemallorn-treegrewoutnearlystraightfromthetrunk,andthensweptupward;butnearthetopthemainstemdivided
intoacrownofmanyboughs,andamongthesetheyfoundthattherehadbeenbuiltawoodenplatform,orfletassuchthingswerecalledinthosedays:theElvescalleditatalan.Itwasreachedbyaroundholeinthecentrethroughwhichtheladderpassed.
WhenFrodocameatlastupontotheflethefoundLegolasseatedwiththree
otherElves.Theywerecladinshadowy-grey,andcouldnotbeseenamongthetree-stems,unlesstheymovedsuddenly.Theystoodup,andoneofthemuncoveredasmalllampthatgaveoutaslendersilverbeam.Hehelditup,lookingatFrodo’sface,andSam’s.Thenheshutoffthelightagain,andspokewordsofwelcomeinhiselven-tongue.Frodospoke
haltinglyinreturn.‘Welcome!’theElfthen
saidagainintheCommonLanguage,speakingslowly.‘Weseldomuseanytonguebutourown;forwedwellnowintheheartoftheforest,anddonotwillinglyhavedealingswithanyotherfolk.EvenourownkindredintheNortharesunderedfromus.Buttherearesomeofusstillwhogoabroadforthe
gatheringofnewsandthewatchingofourenemies,andtheyspeakthelanguagesofotherlands.Iamone.Haldirismyname.Mybrothers,RúmilandOrophin,speaklittleofyourtongue.
‘Butwehaveheardrumoursofyourcoming,forthemessengersofElrondpassedbyLórienontheirwayhomeuptheDimrillStair.Wehadnotheardof–
hobbits,ofhalflings,formanyalongyear,anddidnotknowthatanyyetdweltinMiddle-earth.Youdonotlookevil!AndsinceyoucomewithanElfofourkindred,wearewillingtobefriendyou,asElrondasked;thoughitisnotourcustomtoleadstrangersthroughourland.Butyoumuststayheretonight.Howmanyareyou?’
‘Eight,’saidLegolas.‘Myself,fourhobbits;andtwomen,oneofwhom,Aragorn,isanElf-friendofthefolkofWesternesse.’
‘ThenameofAragornsonofArathornisknowninLórien,’saidHaldir,‘andhehasthefavouroftheLady.Alltheniswell.Butyouhaveyetspokenonlyofseven.’
‘Theeighthisadwarf,’saidLegolas.
‘Adwarf!’saidHaldir.‘Thatisnotwell.WehavenothaddealingswiththeDwarvessincetheDarkDays.Theyarenotpermittedinourland.Icannotallowhimtopass.’
‘ButheisfromtheLonelyMountain,oneofDáin’strustypeople,andfriendlytoElrond,’saidFrodo.‘Elrondhimselfchosehimtobeoneofourcompanions,andhe
hasbeenbraveandfaithful.’TheElvesspoketogether
insoftvoices,andquestionedLegolasintheirowntongue.‘Verygood,’saidHaldiratlast.‘Wewilldothis,thoughitisagainstourliking.IfAragornandLegolaswillguardhim,andanswerforhim,heshallpass;buthemustgoblindfoldthroughLothlórien.
‘Butnowwemustdebate
nolonger.Yourfolkmustnotremainontheground.Wehavebeenkeepingwatchontherivers,eversincewesawagreattroopofOrcsgoingnorthtowardsMoria,alongtheskirtsofthemountains,manydaysago.Wolvesarehowlingonthewood’sborders.IfyouhaveindeedcomefromMoria,theperilcannotbefarbehind.Tomorrowearlyyoumustgo
on.‘Thefourhobbitsshall
climbuphereandstaywithus–wedonotfearthem!Thereisanothertalaninthenexttree.Theretheothersmusttakerefuge.You,Legolas,mustanswertousforthem.Callus,ifanythingisamiss!Andhaveaneyeonthatdwarf!’
LegolasatoncewentdowntheladdertotakeHaldir’smessage;andsoonafterwardsMerryandPippinclamberedupontothehighflet.Theywereoutofbreathandseemedratherscared.
‘There!’saidMerrypanting.‘Wehaveluggedupyourblanketsaswellasourown.Striderhashiddenalltherestofourbaggageinadeepdriftofleaves.’
‘Youhadnoneedofyourburdens,’saidHaldir.‘Itiscoldinthetree-topsinwinter,thoughthewindtonightisintheSouth;butwehavefoodanddrinktogiveyouthatwilldriveawaythenight-chill,andwehaveskinsandcloakstospare.’
Thehobbitsacceptedthissecond(andfarbetter)supperverygladly.Thentheywrappedthemselveswarmly,
notonlyinthefur-cloaksoftheElves,butintheirownblanketsaswell,andtriedtogotosleep.ButwearyastheywereonlySamfoundthateasytodo.Hobbitsdonotlikeheights,anddonotsleepupstairs,evenwhentheyhaveanystairs.Thefletwasnotatalltotheirlikingasabedroom.Ithadnowalls,notevenarail;onlyononesidewastherealightplaited
screen,whichcouldbemovedandfixedindifferentplacesaccordingtothewind.
Pippinwentontalkingforawhile.‘Ihope,ifIdogotosleepinthisbird-loft,thatIshan’trolloff,’hesaid.
‘OnceIdogettosleep,’saidSam,‘Ishallgoonsleeping,whetherIrollofforno.Andthelesssaid,thesoonerI’lldropoff,ifyoutakemymeaning.’
Frodolayforsometimeawake,andlookedupatthestarsglintingthroughthepaleroofofquiveringleaves.Samwassnoringathissidelongbeforehehimselfclosedhiseyes.Hecoulddimlyseethegreyformsoftwoelvessittingmotionlesswiththeirarmsabouttheirknees,speakinginwhispers.Theotherhadgonedowntotakeuphiswatchononeofthe
lowerbranches.Atlastlulledbythewindintheboughsabove,andthesweetmurmurofthefallsofNimrodelbelow,FrodofellasleepwiththesongofLegolasrunninginhismind.
Lateinthenighthewoke.Theotherhobbitswereasleep.TheElvesweregone.ThesickleMoonwasgleamingdimlyamongtheleaves.Thewindwasstill.A
littlewayoffheheardaharshlaughandthetreadofmanyfeetonthegroundbelow.Therewasaringofmetal.Thesoundsdiedslowlyaway,andseemedtogosouthward,onintothewood.
Aheadappearedsuddenlythroughtheholeintheflet.Frodosatupinalarmandsawthatitwasagrey-hoodedElf.Helookedtowardsthehobbits.
‘Whatisit?’saidFrodo.‘Yrch!’saidtheElfina
hissingwhisper,andcastontotheflettherope-ladderrolledup.
‘Orcs!’saidFrodo.‘Whataretheydoing?’ButtheElfhadgone.
Therewerenomoresounds.Eventheleavesweresilent,andtheveryfallsseemedtobehushed.Frodosatandshiveredinhiswraps.
Hewasthankfulthattheyhadnotbeencaughtontheground;buthefeltthatthetreesofferedlittleprotection,exceptconcealment.Orcswereaskeenashoundsonascent,itwassaid,buttheycouldalsoclimb.HedrewoutSting:itflashedandglitteredlikeablueflame;andthenslowlyfadedagainandgrewdull.Inspiteofthefadingofhisswordthefeelingof
immediatedangerdidnotleaveFrodo,ratheritgrewstronger.Hegotupandcrawledtotheopeningandpeereddown.Hewasalmostcertainthathecouldhearstealthymovementsatthetree’sfootfarbelow.
NotElves;forthewoodlandfolkwerealtogethernoiselessintheirmovements.Thenheheardfaintlyasoundlikesniffing;
andsomethingseemedtobescrabblingonthebarkofthetree-trunk.Hestareddownintothedark,holdinghisbreath.
Somethingwasnowclimbingslowly,anditsbreathcamelikeasofthissingthroughclosedteeth.Thencomingup,closetothestem,Frodosawtwopaleeyes.Theystoppedandgazedupwardunwinking.Suddenly
theyturnedaway,andashadowyfigureslippedroundthetrunkofthetreeandvanished.
ImmediatelyafterwardsHaldircameclimbingswiftlyupthroughthebranches.‘TherewassomethinginthistreethatIhaveneverseenbefore,’hesaid.‘Itwasnotanorc.ItfledassoonasItouchedthetree-stem.Itseemedtobewary,andto
havesomeskillintrees,orImighthavethoughtthatitwasoneofyouhobbits.
‘Ididnotshoot,forIdarednotarouseanycries:wecannotriskbattle.AstrongcompanyofOrcshaspassed.TheycrossedtheNimrodel–cursetheirfoulfeetinitscleanwater!–andwentondowntheoldroadbesidetheriver.Theyseemedtopickupsomescent,and
theysearchedthegroundforawhileneartheplacewhereyouhalted.Thethreeofuscouldnotchallengeahundred,sowewentaheadandspokewithfeignedvoices,leadingthemonintothewood.
‘Orophinhasnowgoneinhastebacktoourdwellingstowarnourpeople.NoneoftheOrcswilleverreturnoutofLórien.Andtherewillbe
manyElveshiddenonthenorthernborderbeforeanothernightfalls.Butyoumusttaketheroadsouthassoonasitisfullylight.’
DaycamepalefromtheEast.Asthelightgrewitfilteredthroughtheyellowleavesofthemallorn,anditseemedtothehobbitsthattheearlysunofacoolsummer’s
morningwasshining.Pale-blueskypeepedamongthemovingbranches.LookingthroughanopeningonthesouthsideofthefletFrodosawallthevalleyoftheSilverlodelyinglikeaseaoffallowgoldtossinggentlyinthebreeze.
ThemorningwasstillyoungandcoldwhentheCompanysetoutagain,guidednowbyHaldirandhis
brotherRúmil.‘Farewell,sweetNimrodel!’criedLegolas.Frodolookedbackandcaughtagleamofwhitefoamamongthegreytree-stems.‘Farewell,’hesaid.Itseemedtohimthathewouldneverhearagainarunningwatersobeautiful,foreverblendingitsinnumerablenotesinanendlesschangefulmusic.
Theywentbacktothe
paththatstillwentonalongthewestsideoftheSilverlode,andforsomewaytheyfolloweditsouthward.Thereweretheprintsoforc-feetintheearth.ButsoonHaldirturnedasideintothetreesandhaltedonthebankoftheriverundertheirshadows.
‘Thereisoneofmypeopleyonderacrossthestream,’hesaid,‘thoughyou
maynotseehim.’Hegaveacalllikethelowwhistleofabird,andoutofathicketofyoungtreesanElfstepped,cladingrey,butwithhishoodthrownback;hishairglintedlikegoldinthemorningsun.Haldirskilfullycastoverthestreamacoilofgreyrope,andhecaughtitandboundtheendaboutatreenearthebank.
‘Celebrantisalreadya
strongstreamhere,asyousee,’saidHaldir,‘anditrunsbothswiftanddeep,andisverycold.Wedonotsetfootinitsofarnorth,unlesswemust.Butinthesedaysofwatchfulnesswedonotmakebridges.Thisishowwecross!Followme!’Hemadehisendoftheropefastaboutanothertree,andthenranlightlyalongit,overtheriverandbackagain,asifhewere
onaroad.‘Icanwalkthispath,’said
Legolas;‘buttheothershavenotthisskill.Musttheyswim?’
‘No!’saidHaldir.‘Wehavetwomoreropes.Wewillfastenthemabovetheother,oneshoulder-high,andanotherhalf-high,andholdingthesethestrangersshouldbeabletocrosswithcare.’
Whenthisslenderbridgehadbeenmade,theCompanypassedover,somecautiouslyandslowly,othersmoreeasily.OfthehobbitsPippinprovedthebestforhewassure-footed,andhewalkedoverquickly,holdingonlywithonehand;buthekepthiseyesonthebankaheadanddidnotlookdown.Samshuffledalong,clutchinghard,andlookingdowninto
thepaleeddyingwaterasifitwasachasminthemountains.
Hebreathedwithreliefwhenhewassafelyacross.‘Liveandlearn!asmygafferusedtosay.Thoughhewasthinkingofgardening,notofroostinglikeabird,noroftryingtowalklikeaspider.NotevenmyuncleAndyeverdidatricklikethat!’
Whenatlengthallthe
CompanywasgatheredontheeastbankoftheSilverlode,theElvesuntiedtheropesandcoiledtwoofthem.Rúmil,whohadremainedontheotherside,drewbackthelastone,slungitonhisshoulder,andwithawaveofhishandwentaway,backtoNimrodeltokeepwatch.
‘Now,friends,’saidHaldir,‘youhaveenteredthe
NaithofLórien,ortheGore,asyouwouldsay,foritisthelandthatlieslikeaspearheadbetweenthearmsofSilverlodeandAnduintheGreat.WeallownostrangerstospyoutthesecretsoftheNaith.Fewindeedarepermittedeventosetfootthere.
‘Aswasagreed,IshallhereblindfoldtheeyesofGimlitheDwarf.Theothers
maywalkfreeforawhile,untilwecomenearertoourdwellings,downinEgladil,intheAnglebetweenthewaters.’
ThiswasnotatalltothelikingofGimli.‘Theagreementwasmadewithoutmyconsent,’hesaid.‘Iwillnotwalkblindfold,likeabeggaroraprisoner.AndIamnospy.Myfolkhaveneverhaddealingswithany
oftheservantsoftheEnemy.NeitherhavewedoneharmtotheElves.IamnomorelikelytobetrayyouthanLegolas,oranyotherofmycompanions.’
‘Idonotdoubtyou,’saidHaldir.‘Yetthisisourlaw.Iamnotthemasterofthelaw,andcannotsetitaside.IhavedonemuchinlettingyousetfootoverCelebrant.’
Gimliwasobstinate.Heplantedhisfeetfirmlyapart,
andlaidhishanduponthehaftofhisaxe.‘Iwillgoforwardfree,’hesaid,‘orIwillgobackandseekmyownland,whereIamknowntobetrueofword,thoughIperishaloneinthewilderness.’
‘Youcannotgoback,’saidHaldirsternly.‘Nowyouhavecomethusfar,youmustbebroughtbeforetheLordandtheLady.Theyshall
judgeyou,toholdyouortogiveyouleave,astheywill.Youcannotcrosstheriversagain,andbehindyoutherearenowsecretsentinelsthatyoucannotpass.Youwouldbeslainbeforeyousawthem.’
Gimlidrewhisaxefromhisbelt.Haldirandhiscompanionbenttheirbows.‘AplagueonDwarvesandtheirstiffnecks!’said
Legolas.‘Come!’saidAragorn.‘If
IamstilltoleadthisCompany,youmustdoasIbid.ItishardupontheDwarftobethussingledout.Wewillallbeblindfold,evenLegolas.Thatwillbebest,thoughitwillmakethejourneyslowanddull.’
Gimlilaughedsuddenly.‘Amerrytroopoffoolsweshalllook!WillHaldirlead
usallonastring,likemanyblindbeggarswithonedog?ButIwillbecontent,ifonlyLegolasheresharesmyblindness.’
‘IamanElfandakinsmanhere,’saidLegolas,becomingangryinhisturn.
‘Nowletuscry:“aplagueonthestiffnecksofElves!”’saidAragorn.‘ButtheCompanyshallallfarealike.Come,bindoureyes,Haldir!’
‘Ishallclaimfullamendsforeveryfallandstubbedtoe,ifyoudonotleaduswell,’saidGimliastheyboundaclothabouthiseyes.
‘Youwillhavenoclaim,’saidHaldir.‘Ishallleadyouwell,andthepathsaresmoothandstraight.’
‘Alasforthefollyofthesedays!’saidLegolas.‘HereallareenemiesoftheoneEnemy,andyetImustwalk
blind,whilethesunismerryinthewoodlandunderleavesofgold!’
‘Follyitmayseem,’saidHaldir.‘IndeedinnothingisthepoweroftheDarkLordmoreclearlyshownthanintheestrangementthatdividesallthosewhostillopposehim.YetsolittlefaithandtrustdowefindnowintheworldbeyondLothlórien,unlessmaybeinRivendell,
thatwedarenotbyourowntrustendangerourland.Welivenowuponanislandamidmanyperils,andourhandsaremoreoftenuponthebowstringthanupontheharp.
‘Theriverslongdefendedus,buttheyareasureguardnomore;fortheShadowhascreptnorthwardallaboutus.Somespeakofdeparting,yetforthatitalreadyseemstoolate.Themountainstothe
westaregrowingevil;totheeastthelandsarewaste,andfullofSauron’screatures;anditisrumouredthatwecannotnowsafelypasssouthwardthroughRohan,andthemouthsoftheGreatRiverarewatchedbytheEnemy.EvenifwecouldcometotheshoresoftheSea,weshouldfindnolongeranyshelterthere.Itissaidthattherearestillhavensofthe
HighElves,buttheyarefarnorthandwest,beyondthelandoftheHalflings.Butwherethatmaybe,thoughtheLordandLadymayknow,Idonot.’
‘Yououghtatleasttoguess,sinceyouhaveseenus,’saidMerry.‘ThereareElf-havenswestofmyland,theShire,whereHobbitslive.’
‘HappyfolkareHobbits
todwellneartheshoresofthesea!’saidHaldir.‘Itislongindeedsinceanyofmyfolkhavelookedonit,yetstillwerememberitinsong.Tellmeofthesehavensaswewalk.’
‘Icannot,’saidMerry.‘Ihaveneverseenthem.Ihaveneverbeenoutofmyownlandbefore.AndifIhadknownwhattheworldoutsidewaslike,Idon’tthinkIshouldhavehadtheheartto
leaveit.’‘Noteventoseefair
Lothlórien?’saidHaldir.‘Theworldisindeedfullofperil,andinittherearemanydarkplaces;butstillthereismuchthatisfair,andthoughinalllandsloveisnowmingledwithgrief,itgrowsperhapsthegreater.
‘SomethereareamonguswhosingthattheShadowwilldrawback,andpeace
shallcomeagain.YetIdonotbelievethattheworldaboutuswilleveragainbeasitwasofold,orthelightoftheSunasitwasaforetime.FortheElves,Ifear,itwillproveatbestatruce,inwhichtheymaypasstotheSeaunhinderedandleavetheMiddle-earthforever.AlasforLothlórienthatIlove!Itwouldbeapoorlifeinalandwherenomallorngrew.But
iftherearemallorn-treesbeyondtheGreatSea,nonehavereportedit.’
Astheyspokethus,theCompanyfiledslowlyalongthepathsinthewood,ledbyHaldir,whiletheotherElfwalkedbehind.Theyfeltthegroundbeneaththeirfeetsmoothandsoft,andafterawhiletheywalkedmorefreely,withoutfearofhurtorfall.Beingdeprivedofsight,
Frodofoundhishearingandothersensessharpened.Hecouldsmellthetreesandthetroddengrass.Hecouldhearmanydifferentnotesintherustleoftheleavesoverhead,therivermurmuringawayonhisright,andthethinclearvoicesofbirdshighinthesky.Hefeltthesunuponhisfaceandhandswhentheypassedthroughanopenglade.
Assoonashesetfoot
uponthefarbankofSilverlodeastrangefeelinghadcomeuponhim,anditdeepenedashewalkedonintotheNaith:itseemedtohimthathehadsteppedoverabridgeoftimeintoacorneroftheElderDays,andwasnowwalkinginaworldthatwasnomore.InRivendelltherewasmemoryofancientthings;inLórientheancientthingsstilllivedoninthe
wakingworld.Evilhadbeenseenandheardthere,sorrowhadbeenknown;theElvesfearedanddistrustedtheworldoutside:wolveswerehowlingonthewood’sborders:butonthelandofLóriennoshadowlay.
AllthatdaytheCompanymarchedon,untiltheyfeltthecooleveningcomeandheard
theearlynight-windwhisperingamongmanyleaves.Thentheyrestedandsleptwithoutfearupontheground;fortheirguideswouldnotpermitthemtounbindtheireyes,andtheycouldnotclimb.Inthemorningtheywentonagain,walkingwithouthaste.Atnoontheyhalted,andFrodowasawarethattheyhadpassedoutundertheshining
Sun.Suddenlyheheardthesoundofmanyvoicesallaroundhim.
AmarchinghostofElveshadcomeupsilently:theywerehasteningtowardsthenorthernborderstoguardagainstanyattackfromMoria;andtheybroughtnews,someofwhichHaldirreported.Themaraudingorcshadbeenwaylaidandalmostalldestroyed;theremnant
hadfledwestwardtowardsthemountains,andwerebeingpursued.Astrangecreaturealsohadbeenseen,runningwithbentbackandwithhandsneartheground,likeabeastandyetnotofbeast-shape.Ithadeludedcapture,andtheyhadnotshotit,notknowingwhetheritwasgoodorill,andithadvanisheddowntheSilverlodesouthward.
‘Also,’saidHaldir,‘theybringmeamessagefromtheLordandLadyoftheGaladhrim.Youarealltowalkfree,eventhedwarfGimli.ItseemsthattheLadyknowswhoandwhatiseachmemberofyourCompany.NewmessageshavecomefromRivendellperhaps.’
HeremovedthebandagefirstfromGimli’seyes.‘Yourpardon!’hesaid,bowinglow.
‘Lookonusnowwithfriendlyeyes!Lookandbeglad,foryouarethefirstdwarftobeholdthetreesoftheNaithofLóriensinceDurin’sDay!’
Whenhiseyeswereinturnuncovered,Frodolookedupandcaughthisbreath.Theywerestandinginanopenspace.
Totheleftstoodagreatmound,coveredwithasward
ofgrassasgreenasSpringtimeintheElderDays.Uponit,asadoublecrown,grewtwocirclesoftrees:theouterhadbarkofsnowywhite,andwereleaflessbutbeautifulintheirshapelynakedness;theinnerweremallorn-treesofgreatheight,stillarrayedinpalegold.Highamidthebranchesofatoweringtreethatstoodinthecentreofalltheregleameda
whiteflet.Atthefeetofthetrees,andallaboutthegreenhillsidesthegrasswasstuddedwithsmallgoldenflowersshapedlikestars.Amongthem,noddingonslenderstalks,wereotherflowers,whiteandpalestgreen:theyglimmeredasamistamidtherichhueofthegrass.Overalltheskywasblue,andthesunofafternoongloweduponthehillandcast
longgreenshadowsbeneaththetrees.
‘Behold!YouarecometoCerinAmroth,’saidHaldir.‘Forthisistheheartoftheancientrealmasitwaslongago,andhereisthemoundofAmroth,whereinhappierdayshishighhousewasbuilt.Hereeverbloomthewinterflowersintheunfadinggrass:theyellowelanor,andthepaleniphredil.Herewewill
stayawhile,andcometothecityoftheGaladhrimatdusk.’
Theotherscastthemselvesdownuponthefragrantgrass,butFrodostoodawhilestilllostinwonder.Itseemedtohimthathehadsteppedthroughahighwindowthatlookedonavanishedworld.Alightwas
uponitforwhichhislanguagehadnoname.Allthathesawwasshapely,buttheshapesseemedatonceclearcut,asiftheyhadbeenfirstconceivedanddrawnattheuncoveringofhiseyes,andancientasiftheyhadenduredforever.Hesawnocolourbutthoseheknew,goldandwhiteandblueandgreen,buttheywerefreshandpoignant,asifhehadat
thatmomentfirstperceivedthemandmadeforthemnamesnewandwonderful.Inwinterherenoheartcouldmournforsummerorforspring.Noblemishorsicknessordeformitycouldbeseeninanythingthatgrewupontheearth.OnthelandofLórientherewasnostain.
HeturnedandsawthatSamwasnowstandingbesidehim,lookingroundwitha
puzzledexpression,andrubbinghiseyesasifhewasnotsurethathewasawake.‘It’ssunlightandbrightday,rightenough,’hesaid.‘IthoughtthatElveswereallformoonandstars:butthisismoreElvishthananythingIeverheardtellof.IfeelasifIwasinsideasong,ifyoutakemymeaning.’
Haldirlookedatthem,andheseemedindeedtotakethe
meaningofboththoughtandword.Hesmiled.‘YoufeelthepoweroftheLadyoftheGaladhrim,’hesaid.‘WoulditpleaseyoutoclimbwithmeupCerinAmroth?’
Theyfollowedhimashesteppedlightlyupthegrass-cladslopes.Thoughhewalkedandbreathed,andabouthimlivingleavesandflowerswerestirredbythesamecoolwindasfannedhis
face,Frodofeltthathewasinatimelesslandthatdidnotfadeorchangeorfallintoforgetfulness.Whenhehadgoneandpassedagainintotheouterworld,stillFrodothewandererfromtheShirewouldwalkthere,uponthegrassamongelanorandniphredilinfairLothlórien.
Theyenteredthecircleofwhitetrees.AstheydidsotheSouthWindblewuponCerin
Amrothandsighedamongthebranches.Frodostoodstill,hearingfaroffgreatseasuponbeachesthathadlongagobeenwashedaway,andsea-birdscryingwhoseracehadperishedfromtheearth.
Haldirhadgoneonandwasnowclimbingtothehighflet.AsFrodopreparedtofollowhim,helaidhishanduponthetreebesidetheladder:neverbeforehadhe
beensosuddenlyandsokeenlyawareofthefeelandtextureofatree’sskinandofthelifewithinit.Hefeltadelightinwoodandthetouchofit,neitherasforesternorascarpenter;itwasthedelightofthelivingtreeitself.
Ashesteppedoutatlastupontheloftyplatform,HaldirtookhishandandturnedhimtowardstheSouth.‘Lookthiswayfirst!’hesaid.
Frodolookedandsaw,stillatsomedistance,ahillofmanymightytrees,oracityofgreentowers:whichitwashecouldnottell.Outofit,itseemedtohimthatthepowerandlightcamethatheldallthelandinsway.Helongedsuddenlytoflylikeabirdtorestinthegreencity.ThenhelookedeastwardandsawallthelandofLórienrunningdowntothepalegleamof
Anduin,theGreatRiver.Heliftedhiseyesacrosstheriverandallthelightwentout,andhewasbackagainintheworldheknew.Beyondtheriverthelandappearedflatandempty,formlessandvague,untilfarawayitroseagainlikeawall,darkanddrear.ThesunthatlayonLothlórienhadnopowertoenlightentheshadowofthatdistantheight.
‘ThereliesthefastnessofSouthernMirkwood,’saidHaldir.‘Itiscladinaforestofdarkfir,wherethetreesstriveoneagainstanotherandtheirbranchesrotandwither.InthemidstuponastonyheightstandsDolGuldur,wherelongthehiddenEnemyhadhisdwelling.Wefearthatnowitisinhabitedagain,andwithpowersevenfold.Ablackcloudliesoftenoverit
oflate.Inthishighplaceyoumayseethetwopowersthatareopposedonetoanother;andevertheystrivenowinthought,butwhereasthelightperceivestheveryheartofthedarkness,itsownsecrethasnotbeendiscovered.Notyet.’Heturnedandclimbedswiftlydown,andtheyfollowedhim.
Atthehill’sfootFrodofoundAragorn,standingstill
andsilentasatree;butinhishandwasasmallgoldenbloomofelanor,andalightwasinhiseyes.Hewaswrappedinsomefairmemory:andasFrodolookedathimheknewthathebeheldthingsastheyoncehadbeeninthissameplace.ForthegrimyearswereremovedfromthefaceofAragorn,andheseemedclothedinwhite,ayounglordtallandfair;and
hespokewordsintheElvishtonguetoonewhomFrodocouldnotsee.Arwenvanimelda,namárië!hesaid,andthenhedrewabreath,andreturningoutofhisthoughthelookedatFrodoandsmiled.
‘HereistheheartofElvendomonearth,’hesaid,‘andheremyheartdwellsever,unlesstherebealightbeyondthedarkroadsthatwe
stillmusttread,youandI.Comewithme!’AndtakingFrodo’shandinhis,heleftthehillofCerinAmrothandcamethereneveragainaslivingman.
Chapter7
THEMIRROROFGALADRIEL
Thesunwassinkingbehindthemountains,andtheshadowsweredeepeninginthewoods,whentheywent
onagain.Theirpathsnowwentintothicketswheretheduskhadalreadygathered.Nightcamebeneaththetreesastheywalked,andtheElvesuncoveredtheirsilverlamps.
Suddenlytheycameoutintotheopenagainandfoundthemselvesunderapaleeveningskyprickedbyafewearlystars.Therewasawidetreelessspacebeforethem,runninginagreatcircleand
bendingawayoneitherhand.Beyonditwasadeepfosselostinsoftshadow,butthegrassuponitsbrinkwasgreen,asifitglowedstillinmemoryofthesunthathadgone.Uponthefurthersidethererosetoagreatheightagreenwallencirclingagreenhillthrongedwithmallorn-treestallerthananytheyhadyetseeninalltheland.Theirheightcouldnotbeguessed,
buttheystoodupinthetwilightlikelivingtowers.Intheirmany-tieredbranchesandamidtheirever-movingleavescountlesslightsweregleaming,greenandgoldandsilver.HaldirturnedtowardstheCompany.
‘WelcometoCarasGaladhon!’hesaid.‘HereisthecityoftheGaladhrimwheredwelltheLordCelebornandGaladrielthe
LadyofLórien.Butwecannotenterhere,forthegatesdonotlooknorthward.Wemustgoroundtothesouthernside,andthewayisnotshort,forthecityisgreat.’
Therewasaroadpavedwithwhitestonerunningontheouterbrinkofthefosse.Alongthistheywent
westward,withthecityeverclimbinguplikeagreencloudupontheirleft;andasthenightdeepenedmorelightssprangforth,untilallthehillseemedafirewithstars.Theycameatlasttoawhitebridge,andcrossingfoundthegreatgatesofthecity:theyfacedsouth-west,setbetweentheendsoftheencirclingwallthathereoverlapped,andtheyweretall
andstrong,andhungwithmanylamps.
Haldirknockedandspoke,andthegatesopenedsoundlessly;butofguardsFrodocouldseenosign.Thetravellerspassedwithin,andthegatesshutbehindthem.Theywereinadeeplanebetweentheendsofthewall,andpassingquicklythroughittheyenteredtheCityoftheTrees.Nofolkcouldtheysee,
norhearanyfeetuponthepaths;butthereweremanyvoices,aboutthem,andintheairabove.Farawayuponthehilltheycouldhearthesoundofsingingfallingfromonhighlikesoftrainuponleaves.
Theywentalongmanypathsandclimbedmanystairs,untiltheycametothehighplacesandsawbeforethemamidawidelawna
fountainshimmering.Itwaslitbysilverlampsthatswungfromtheboughsoftrees,anditfellintoabasinofsilver,fromwhichawhitestreamspilled.Uponthesouthsideofthelawntherestoodthemightiestofallthetrees;itsgreatsmoothbolegleamedlikegreysilk,andupittowered,untilitsfirstbranches,farabove,openedtheirhugelimbsunder
shadowycloudsofleaves.Besideitabroadwhiteladderstood,andatitsfootthreeElveswereseated.Theysprangupasthetravellersapproached,andFrodosawthattheyweretallandcladingreymail,andfromtheirshouldershunglongwhitecloaks.
‘HeredwellCelebornandGaladriel,’saidHaldir.‘Itistheirwishthatyoushould
ascendandspeakwiththem.’OneoftheElf-wardens
thenblewaclearnoteonasmallhorn,anditwasansweredthreetimesfromfarabove.‘Iwillgofirst,’saidHaldir.‘LetFrodocomenextandwithhimLegolas.Theothersmayfollowastheywish.Itisalongclimbforthosethatarenotaccustomedtosuchstairs,butyoumayrestupontheway.’
AsheclimbedslowlyupFrodopassedmanyflets:someononeside,someonanother,andsomesetabouttheboleofthetree,sothattheladderpassedthroughthem.Atagreatheightabovethegroundhecametoawidetalan,likethedeckofagreatship.Onitwasbuiltahouse,solargethatalmostitwouldhaveservedforahallofMenupontheearth.Heentered
behindHaldir,andfoundthathewasinachamberofovalshape,inthemidstofwhichgrewthetrunkofthegreatmallorn,nowtaperingtowardsitscrown,andyetmakingstillapillarofwidegirth.
Thechamberwasfilledwithasoftlight;itswallsweregreenandsilveranditsroofofgold.ManyElveswereseatedthere.Ontwo
chairsbeneaththeboleofthetreeandcanopiedbyalivingboughtheresat,sidebyside,CelebornandGaladriel.Theystooduptogreettheirguests,afterthemannerofElves,eventhosewhowereaccountedmightykings.Verytalltheywere,andtheLadynolesstallthantheLord;andtheyweregraveandbeautiful.Theywerecladwhollyinwhite;andthehair
oftheLadywasofdeepgold,andthehairoftheLordCelebornwasofsilverlongandbright;butnosignofagewasuponthem,unlessitwereinthedepthsoftheireyes;forthesewerekeenaslancesinthestarlight,andyetprofound,thewellsofdeepmemory.
HaldirledFrodobeforethem,andtheLordwelcomedhiminhisowntongue.The
LadyGaladrielsaidnowordbutlookedlonguponhisface.
‘Sitnowbesidemychair,FrodooftheShire!’saidCeleborn.‘Whenallhavecomewewillspeaktogether.’
Eachofthecompanionshegreetedcourteouslybynameastheyentered.‘WelcomeAragornsonofArathorn!’hesaid.‘Itiseightandthirtyyearsoftheworld
outsidesinceyoucametothisland;andthoseyearslieheavyonyou.Buttheendisnear,forgoodorill.Herelayasideyourburdenforawhile!’
‘WelcomesonofThranduil!TooseldomdomykindredjourneyhitherfromtheNorth.’
‘WelcomeGimlisonofGlóin!ItislongindeedsincewesawoneofDurin’sfolkin
CarasGaladhon.Buttodaywehavebrokenourlonglaw.Mayitbeasignthatthoughtheworldisnowdarkbetterdaysareathand,andthatfriendshipshallberenewedbetweenourpeoples.’Gimlibowedlow.
WhenalltheguestswereseatedbeforehischairtheLordlookedatthemagain.
‘Herethereareeight,’hesaid.‘Nineweretosetout:sosaidthemessages.Butmaybetherehasbeensomechangeofcounselthatwehavenotheard.Elrondisfaraway,anddarknessgathersbetweenus,andallthisyeartheshadowshavegrownlonger.’
‘Nay,therewasnochangeofcounsel,’saidtheLadyGaladriel,speakingforthefirsttime.Hervoicewasclear
andmusical,butdeeperthanwoman’swont.‘GandalftheGreysetoutwiththeCompany,buthedidnotpassthebordersofthisland.Nowtelluswhereheis;forImuchdesiredtospeakwithhimagain.ButIcannotseehimfromafar,unlesshecomeswithinthefencesofLothlórien:agreymistisabouthim,andthewaysofhisfeetandofhismindare
hiddenfromme.’‘Alas!’saidAragorn.
‘GandalftheGreyfellintoshadow.HeremainedinMoriaanddidnotescape.’
AtthesewordsalltheElvesinthehallcriedaloudingriefandamazement.‘Theseareeviltidings,’saidCeleborn,‘themostevilthathavebeenspokenhereinlongyearsfullofgrievousdeeds.’HeturnedtoHaldir.
‘Whyhasnothingofthisbeentoldtomebefore?’heaskedintheelven-tongue.
‘WehavenotspokentoHaldirofourdeedsorourpurpose,’saidLegolas.‘Atfirstwewerewearyanddangerwastooclosebehind;andafterwardswealmostforgotourgriefforatime,aswewalkedingladnessonthefairpathsofLórien.’
‘Yetourgriefisgreatand
ourlosscannotbemended,’saidFrodo.‘Gandalfwasourguide,andheledusthroughMoria;andwhenourescapeseemedbeyondhopehesavedus,andhefell.’
‘Tellusnowthefulltale!’saidCeleborn.
ThenAragornrecountedallthathadhappeneduponthepassofCaradhras,andinthedaysthatfollowed;andhespokeofBalinandhisbook,
andthefightintheChamberofMazarbul,andthefire,andthenarrowbridge,andthecomingoftheTerror.‘AneviloftheAncientWorlditseemed,suchasIhaveneverseenbefore,’saidAragorn.‘Itwasbothashadowandaflame,strongandterrible.’
‘ItwasaBalrogofMorgoth,’saidLegolas;‘ofallelf-banesthemostdeadly,savetheOnewhositsinthe
DarkTower.’‘IndeedIsawuponthe
bridgethatwhichhauntsourdarkestdreams,IsawDurin’sBane,’saidGimliinalowvoice,anddreadwasinhiseyes.
‘Alas!’saidCeleborn.‘WelonghavefearedthatunderCaradhrasaterrorslept.ButhadIknownthattheDwarveshadstirredupthisevilinMoriaagain,I
wouldhaveforbiddenyoutopassthenorthernborders,youandallthatwentwithyou.Andifitwerepossible,onewouldsaythatatthelastGandalffellfromwisdomintofolly,goingneedlesslyintothenetofMoria.’
‘Hewouldberashindeedthatsaidthatthing,’saidGaladrielgravely.‘NeedlesswerenoneofthedeedsofGandalfinlife.Thosethat
followedhimknewnothismindandcannotreporthisfullpurpose.Buthoweveritmaybewiththeguide,thefollowersareblameless.DonotrepentofyourwelcometotheDwarf.IfourfolkhadbeenexiledlongandfarfromLothlórien,whooftheGaladhrim,evenCeleborntheWise,wouldpassnighandwouldnotwishtolookupontheirancienthome,thoughit
hadbecomeanabodeofdragons?
‘DarkisthewaterofKheled-zâram,andcoldarethespringsofKibil-nâla,andfairwerethemany-pillaredhallsofKhazad-dûminElderDaysbeforethefallofmightykingsbeneaththestone.’ShelookeduponGimli,whosatgloweringandsad,andshesmiled.AndtheDwarf,hearingthenamesgivenin
hisownancienttongue,lookedupandmethereyes;anditseemedtohimthathelookedsuddenlyintotheheartofanenemyandsawthereloveandunderstanding.Wondercameintohisface,andthenhesmiledinanswer.
Heroseclumsilyandbowedindwarf-fashion,saying:‘YetmorefairisthelivinglandofLórien,andtheLadyGaladrielisaboveall
thejewelsthatliebeneaththeearth!’
Therewasasilence.AtlengthCelebornspokeagain.‘Ididnotknowthatyourplightwassoevil,’hesaid.‘LetGimliforgetmyharshwords:Ispokeinthetroubleofmyheart.IwilldowhatIcantoaidyou,eachaccordingtohiswishand
need,butespeciallythatoneofthelittlefolkwhobearstheburden.’
‘Yourquestisknowntous,’saidGaladriel,lookingatFrodo.‘Butwewillnotherespeakofitmoreopenly.Yetnotinvainwillitprove,maybe,thatyoucametothislandseekingaid,asGandalfhimselfplainlypurposed.FortheLordoftheGaladhrimisaccountedthewisestofthe
ElvesofMiddle-earth,andagiverofgiftsbeyondthepowerofkings.HehasdweltintheWestsincethedaysofdawn,andIhavedweltwithhimyearsuncounted;forerethefallofNargothrondorGondolinIpassedoverthemountains,andtogetherthroughagesoftheworldwehavefoughtthelongdefeat.
‘IitwaswhofirstsummonedtheWhite
Council.Andifmydesignshadnotgoneamiss,itwouldhavebeengovernedbyGandalftheGrey,andthenmayhapthingswouldhavegoneotherwise.Butevennowthereishopeleft.Iwillnotgiveyoucounsel,sayingdothis,ordothat.Fornotindoingorcontriving,norinchoosingbetweenthiscourseandanother,canIavail;butonlyinknowingwhatwas
andis,andinpartalsowhatshallbe.ButthisIwillsaytoyou:yourQueststandsupontheedgeofaknife.Straybutalittleanditwillfail,totheruinofall.YethoperemainswhilealltheCompanyistrue.’
Andwiththatwordsheheldthemwithhereyes,andinsilencelookedsearchinglyateachoftheminturn.NonesaveLegolasandAragorn
couldlongendureherglance.Samquicklyblushedandhunghishead.
AtlengththeLadyGaladrielreleasedthemfromhereyes,andshesmiled.‘Donotletyourheartsbetroubled,’shesaid.‘Tonightyoushallsleepinpeace.’Thentheysighedandfeltsuddenlyweary,asthosewhohavebeenquestionedlonganddeeply,thoughnowords
hadbeenspokenopenly.‘Gonow!’saidCeleborn.
‘Youarewornwithsorrowandmuchtoil.EvenifyourQuestdidnotconcernusclosely,youshouldhaverefugeinthisCity,untilyouwerehealedandrefreshed.Nowyoushallrest,andwewillnotspeakofyourfurtherroadforawhile.’
ThatnighttheCompanysleptupontheground,muchtothesatisfactionofthehobbits.TheElvesspreadforthemapavilionamongthetreesnearthefountain,andinittheylaidsoftcouches;thenspeakingwordsofpeacewithfairElvishvoicestheyleftthem.Foralittlewhilethetravellerstalkedoftheirnightbeforeinthetree-tops,andoftheirday’sjourney,andofthe
LordandLady;fortheyhadnotyetthehearttolookfurtherback.
‘Whatdidyoublushfor,Sam?’saidPippin.‘Yousoonbrokedown.Anyonewouldhavethoughtyouhadaguiltyconscience.Ihopeitwasnothingworsethanawickedplottostealoneofmyblankets.’
‘Ineverthoughtnosuchthing,’answeredSam,inno
moodforjest.‘Ifyouwanttoknow,IfeltasifIhadn’tgotnothingon,andIdidn’tlikeit.SheseemedtobelookinginsidemeandaskingmewhatIwoulddoifshegavemethechanceofflyingbackhometotheShiretoanicelittleholewith–withabitofgardenofmyown.’
‘That’sfunny,’saidMerry.‘AlmostexactlywhatIfeltmyself;only,onlywell,
Idon’tthinkI’llsayanymore,’heendedlamely.
Allofthem,itseemed,hadfaredalike:eachhadfeltthathewasofferedachoicebetweenashadowfulloffearthatlayahead,andsomethingthathegreatlydesired:clearbeforehisminditlay,andtogetithehadonlytoturnasidefromtheroadandleavetheQuestandthewaragainstSaurontoothers.
‘Anditseemedtome,too,’saidGimli,‘thatmychoicewouldremainsecretandknownonlytomyself.’
‘Tomeitseemedexceedinglystrange,’saidBoromir.‘Maybeitwasonlyatest,andshethoughttoreadourthoughtsforherowngoodpurpose;butalmostIshouldhavesaidthatshewastemptingus,andofferingwhatshepretendedtohave
thepowertogive.ItneednotbesaidthatIrefusedtolisten.TheMenofMinasTiritharetruetotheirword.’ButwhathethoughtthattheLadyhadofferedhimBoromirdidnottell.
AndasforFrodo,hewouldnotspeak,thoughBoromirpressedhimwithquestions.‘Sheheldyoulonginhergaze,Ring-bearer,’hesaid.
‘Yes,’saidFrodo;‘butwhatevercameintomymindthenIwillkeepthere.’
‘Well,haveacare!’saidBoromir.‘IdonotfeeltoosureofthisElvishLadyandherpurposes.’
‘SpeaknoeviloftheLadyGaladriel!’saidAragornsternly.‘Youknownotwhatyousay.Thereisinherandinthislandnoevil,unlessamanbringithitherhimself.
Thenlethimbeware!ButtonightIshallsleepwithoutfearforthefirsttimesinceIleftRivendell.AndmayIsleepdeep,andforgetforawhilemygrief!Iamwearyinbodyandinheart.’Hecasthimselfdownuponhiscouchandfellatonceintoalongsleep.
Theotherssoondidthesame,andnosoundordreamdisturbedtheirslumber.
Whentheywoketheyfoundthatthelightofdaywasbroaduponthelawnbeforethepavilion,andthefountainroseandfellglitteringinthesun.
TheyremainedsomedaysinLothlórien,sofarastheycouldtellorremember.Allthewhilethattheydwelttherethesunshoneclear,
saveforagentlerainthatfellattimes,andpassedawayleavingallthingsfreshandclean.Theairwascoolandsoft,asifitwereearlyspring,yettheyfeltaboutthemthedeepandthoughtfulquietofwinter.Itseemedtothemthattheydidlittlebuteatanddrinkandrest,andwalkamongthetrees;anditwasenough.
Theyhadnotseenthe
LordandLadyagain,andtheyhadlittlespeechwiththeElven-folk;forfewofthesekneworwouldusetheWestrontongue.HaldirhadbiddenthemfarewellandgonebackagaintothefencesoftheNorth,wheregreatwatchwasnowkeptsincethetidingsofMoriathattheCompanyhadbrought.LegolaswasawaymuchamongtheGaladhrim,and
afterthefirstnighthedidnotsleepwiththeothercompanions,thoughhereturnedtoeatandtalkwiththem.OftenhetookGimliwithhimwhenhewentabroadintheland,andtheotherswonderedatthischange.
NowasthecompanionssatorwalkedtogethertheyspokeofGandalf,andallthateachhadknownandseenof
himcameclearbeforetheirminds.Astheywerehealedofhurtandwearinessofbodythegriefoftheirlossgrewmorekeen.OftentheyheardnearbyElvishvoicessinging,andknewthattheyweremakingsongsoflamentationforhisfall,fortheycaughthisnameamongthesweetsadwordsthattheycouldnotunderstand.
Mithrandir,Mithrandir
sangtheElves,OPilgrimGrey!Forsotheylovedtocallhim.ButifLegolaswaswiththeCompany,hewouldnotinterpretthesongsforthem,sayingthathehadnottheskill,andthatforhimthegriefwasstilltoonear,amatterfortearsandnotyetforsong.
ItwasFrodowhofirstputsomethingofhissorrowintohaltingwords.Hewasseldom
movedtomakesongorrhyme;eveninRivendellhehadlistenedandhadnotsunghimself,thoughhismemorywasstoredwithmanythingsthatothershadmadebeforehim.ButnowashesatbesidethefountaininLórienandheardabouthimthevoicesoftheElves,histhoughttookshapeinasongthatseemedfairtohim;yetwhenhetriedtorepeatittoSamonly
snatchesremained,fadedasahandfulofwitheredleaves.
WheneveningintheShirewasgreyhisfootstepsontheHillwereheard;beforethedawnhewentawayonjourneylongwithoutaword.
FromWilderlandtoWesternshore,fromnorthernwastetosouthernhill,throughdragon-lairandhiddendooranddarklingwoodshewalkedatwill.
WithDwarfandHobbit,ElvesandMen,withmortaland
immortalfolk,withbirdonboughandbeastinden,intheirownsecrettongueshespoke.
Adeadlysword,ahealinghand,abackthatbentbeneathitsload;atrumpet-voice,aburningbrand,awearypilgrimon
theroad.
Alordofwisdomthronedhesat,swiftinanger,quicktolaugh;anoldmaninabatteredhatwholeaneduponathornystaff.
Hestooduponthe
bridgealoneandFireandShadowbothdefied;hisstaffwasbrokenonthestone,inKhazad-dûmhiswisdomdied.
‘Why,you’llbebeatingMr.Bilbonext!’saidSam.
‘No,Iamafraidnot,’saidFrodo.‘ButthatisthebestIcandoyet.’
‘Well,Mr.Frodo,ifyoudohaveanothergo,Ihopeyou’llsayawordabouthisfireworks,’saidSam.‘Somethinglikethis:
Thefinestrocketseverseen:theyburstinstarsofblueandgreen,orafterthundergoldenshowerscamefallinglikea
rainofflowers.
Thoughthatdoesn’tdothemjusticebyalongroad.’
‘No,I’llleavethattoyou,Sam.OrperhapstoBilbo.But–well,Ican’ttalkofitanymore.Ican’tbeartothinkofbringingthenewstohim.’
OneeveningFrodoand
Samwerewalkingtogetherinthecooltwilight.Bothofthemfeltrestlessagain.OnFrodosuddenlytheshadowofpartinghadfallen:heknewsomehowthatthetimewasverynearwhenhemustleaveLothlórien.
‘WhatdoyouthinkofElvesnow,Sam?’hesaid.‘Iaskedyouthesamequestiononcebefore–itseemsaverylongwhileago;butyouhave
seenmoreofthemsincethen.’
‘Ihaveindeed!’saidSam.‘AndIreckonthere’sElvesandElves.They’reallElvishenough,butthey’renotallthesame.Nowthesefolkaren’twanderersorhomeless,andseemabitnearertothelikesofus:theyseemtobelonghere,moreeventhanHobbitsdointheShire.Whetherthey’vemadetheland,orthe
land’smadethem,it’shardtosay,ifyoutakemymeaning.It’swonderfullyquiethere.Nothingseemstobegoingon,andnobodyseemstowantitto.Ifthere’sanymagicabout,it’srightdowndeep,whereIcan’tlaymyhandsonit,inamannerofspeaking.’
‘Youcanseeandfeeliteverywhere,’saidFrodo.
‘Well,’saidSam,‘you
can’tseenobodyworkingit.NofireworkslikepooroldGandalfusedtoshow.Iwonderwedon’tseenothingoftheLordandLadyinallthesedays.Ifancynowthatshecoulddosomewonderfulthings,ifshehadamind.I’ddearlylovetoseesomeElf-magic,Mr.Frodo!’
‘Iwouldn’t,’saidFrodo.‘Iamcontent.AndIdon’tmissGandalf’sfireworks,
buthisbushyeyebrows,andhisquicktemper,andhisvoice.’
‘You’reright,’saidSam.‘Anddon’tthinkI’mfindingfault.I’veoftenwantedtoseeabitofmagiclikewhatittellsofinoldtales,butI’veneverheardofabetterlandthanthis.It’slikebeingathomeandonaholidayatthesametime,ifyouunderstandme.Idon’twanttoleave.All
thesame,I’mbeginningtofeelthatifwe’vegottogoon,thenwe’dbestgetitover.
‘It’sthejobthat’sneverstartedastakeslongesttofinish,asmyoldgafferusedtosay.AndIdon’treckonthatthesefolkcandomuchmoretohelpus,magicorno.It’swhenweleavethislandthatweshallmissGandalfworse,I’mthinking.’
‘Iamafraidthat’sonlytoo
true,Sam,’saidFrodo.‘YetIhopeverymuchthatbeforeweleaveweshallseetheLadyoftheElvesagain.’
Evenashespoke,theysaw,asifshecameinanswertotheirwords,theLadyGaladrielapproaching.Tallandwhiteandfairshewalkedbeneaththetrees.Shespokenoword,butbeckonedtothem.
Turningaside,sheled
themtowardsthesouthernslopesofthehillofCarasGaladhon,andpassingthroughahighgreenhedgetheycameintoanenclosedgarden.Notreesgrewthere,anditlayopentothesky.Theeveningstarhadrisenandwasshiningwithwhitefireabovethewesternwoods.DownalongflightofstepstheLadywentintothedeepgreenhollow,throughwhich
ranmurmuringthesilverstreamthatissuedfromthefountainonthehill.Atthebottom,uponalowpedestalcarvedlikeabranchingtree,stoodabasinofsilver,wideandshallow,andbesideitstoodasilverewer.
WithwaterfromthestreamGaladrielfilledthebasintothebrim,andbreathedonit,andwhenthewaterwasstillagainshe
spoke.‘HereistheMirrorofGaladriel,’shesaid.‘Ihavebroughtyouheresothatyoumaylookinit,ifyouwill.’
Theairwasverystill,andthedellwasdark,andtheElf-ladybesidehimwastallandpale.‘Whatshallwelookfor,andwhatshallwesee?’askedFrodo,filledwithawe.
‘ManythingsIcancommandtheMirrortoreveal,’sheanswered,‘andto
someIcanshowwhattheydesiretosee.ButtheMirrorwillalsoshowthingsunbidden,andthoseareoftenstrangerandmoreprofitablethanthingswhichwewishtobehold.Whatyouwillsee,ifyouleavetheMirrorfreetowork,Icannottell.Foritshowsthingsthatwere,andthingsthatare,andthingsthatyetmaybe.Butwhichitisthathesees,eventhewisest
cannotalwaystell.Doyouwishtolook?’
Frododidnotanswer.‘Andyou?’shesaid,
turningtoSam.‘Forthisiswhatyourfolkwouldcallmagic,Ibelieve;thoughIdonotunderstandclearlywhattheymean;andtheyseemtousethesamewordofthedeceitsoftheEnemy.Butthis,ifyouwill,isthemagicofGaladriel.Didyounotsay
thatyouwishedtoseeElf-magic?’
‘Idid,’saidSam,tremblingalittlebetweenfearandcuriosity.‘I’llhaveapeep,Lady,ifyou’rewilling.
‘AndI’dnotmindaglimpseofwhat’sgoingonathome,’hesaidinanasidetoFrodo.‘ItseemsaterriblelongtimethatI’vebeenaway.Butthere,likeasnotI’llonlyseethestars,or
somethingthatIwon’tunderstand.’
‘Likeasnot,’saidtheLadywithagentlelaugh.‘Butcome,youshalllookandseewhatyoumay.Donottouchthewater!’
Samclimbeduponthefootofthepedestalandleanedoverthebasin.Thewaterlookedhardanddark.Starswerereflectedinit.
‘There’sonlystars,asI
thought,’hesaid.Thenhegavealowgasp,forthestarswentout.Asifadarkveilhadbeenwithdrawn,theMirrorgrewgrey,andthenclear.Therewassunshining,andthebranchesoftreeswerewavingandtossinginthewind.ButbeforeSamcouldmakeuphismindwhatitwasthathesaw,thelightfaded;andnowhethoughthesawFrodowithapaleface
lyingfastasleepunderagreatdarkcliff.Thenheseemedtoseehimselfgoingalongadimpassage,andclimbinganendlesswindingstair.Itcametohimsuddenlythathewaslookingurgentlyforsomething,butwhatitwashedidnotknow.Likeadreamthevisionshiftedandwentback,andhesawthetreesagain.Butthistimetheywerenotsoclose,andhecouldsee
whatwasgoingon:theywerenotwavinginthewind,theywerefalling,crashingtotheground.
‘Hi!’criedSaminanoutragedvoice.‘There’sthatTedSandymana-cuttingdowntreesasheshouldn’t.Theydidn’toughttobefelled:it’sthatavenuebeyondtheMillthatshadestheroadtoBywater.IwishIcouldgetatTed,andI’dfell
him!’ButnowSamnoticedthat
theOldMillhadvanished,andalargered-brickbuildingwasbeingputupwhereithadstood.Lotsoffolkwerebusilyatwork.Therewasatallredchimneynearby.BlacksmokeseemedtocloudthesurfaceoftheMirror.
‘There’ssomedevilryatworkintheShire,’hesaid.‘Elrondknewwhathewas
aboutwhenhewantedtosendMr.Merryback.’ThensuddenlySamgaveacryandsprangaway.‘Ican’tstayhere,’hesaidwildly.‘Imustgohome.They’vedugupBagshotRow,andthere’sthepooroldGaffergoingdowntheHillwithhisbitsofthingsonabarrow.Imustgohome!’
‘Youcannotgohomealone,’saidtheLady.‘You
didnotwishtogohomewithoutyourmasterbeforeyoulookedintheMirror,andyetyouknewthatevilthingsmightwellbehappeningintheShire.RememberthattheMirrorshowsmanythings,andnotallhaveyetcometopass.Somenevercometobe,unlessthosethatbeholdthevisionsturnasidefromtheirpathtopreventthem.TheMirrorisdangerousasa
guideofdeeds.’Samsatonthegroundand
puthisheadinhishands.‘IwishIhadnevercomehere,andIdon’twanttoseenomoremagic,’hesaidandfellsilent.Afteramomenthespokeagainthickly,asifstrugglingwithtears.‘No,I’llgohomebythelongroadwithMr.Frodo,ornotatall,’hesaid.‘ButIhopeIdogetbacksomeday.IfwhatI’ve
seenturnsouttrue,somebody’sgoingtocatchithot!’
‘Doyounowwishtolook,Frodo?’saidtheLadyGaladriel.‘YoudidnotwishtoseeElf-magicandwerecontent.’
‘Doyouadvisemetolook?’askedFrodo.
‘No,’shesaid.‘Idonot
counselyouonewayortheother.
Iamnotacounsellor.Youmaylearnsomething,andwhetherwhatyouseebefairorevil,thatmaybeprofitable,andyetitmaynot.Seeingisbothgoodandperilous.YetIthink,Frodo,thatyouhavecourageandwisdomenoughfortheventure,orIwouldnothavebroughtyouhere.Doasyou
will!’‘Iwilllook,’saidFrodo,
andheclimbedonthepedestalandbentoverthedarkwater.AtoncetheMirrorclearedandhesawatwilitland.Mountainsloomeddarkinthedistanceagainstapalesky.Alonggreyroadwoundbackoutofsight.Farawayafigurecameslowlydowntheroad,faintandsmallatfirst,butgrowing
largerandclearerasitapproached.SuddenlyFrodorealizedthatitremindedhimofGandalf.Healmostcalledaloudthewizard’sname,andthenhesawthatthefigurewasclothednotingreybutinwhite,inawhitethatshonefaintlyinthedusk;andinitshandtherewasawhitestaff.Theheadwassobowedthathecouldseenoface,andpresentlythefigureturned
asideroundabendintheroadandwentoutoftheMirror’sview.DoubtcameintoFrodo’smind:wasthisavisionofGandalfononeofhismanylonelyjourneyslongago,orwasitSaruman?
Thevisionnowchanged.BriefandsmallbutveryvividhecaughtaglimpseofBilbowalkingrestlesslyabouthisroom.Thetablewaslitteredwithdisorderedpapers;rain
wasbeatingonthewindows.Thentherewasapause,
andafteritmanyswiftscenesfollowedthatFrodoinsomewayknewtobepartsofagreathistoryinwhichhehadbecomeinvolved.Themistclearedandhesawasightwhichhehadneverseenbeforebutknewatonce:theSea.Darknessfell.Thesearoseandragedinagreatstorm.Thenhesawagainst
theSun,sinkingblood-redintoawrackofclouds,theblackoutlineofatallshipwithtornsailsridingupoutoftheWest.Thenawideriverflowingthroughapopulouscity.Thenawhitefortresswithseventowers.Andthenagainashipwithblacksails,butnowitwasmorningagain,andthewaterrippledwithlight,andabannerbearingtheemblemof
awhitetreeshoneinthesun.Asmokeasoffireandbattlearose,andagainthesunwentdowninaburningredthatfadedintoagreymist;andintothemistasmallshippassedaway,twinklingwithlights.Itvanished,andFrodosighedandpreparedtodrawaway.
ButsuddenlytheMirrorwentaltogetherdark,asdarkasifaholehadopenedinthe
worldofsight,andFrodolookedintoemptiness.IntheblackabyssthereappearedasingleEyethatslowlygrew,untilitfillednearlyalltheMirror.SoterriblewasitthatFrodostoodrooted,unabletocryoutortowithdrawhisgaze.TheEyewasrimmedwithfire,butwasitselfglazed,yellowasacat’s,watchfulandintent,andtheblackslitofitspupilopened
onapit,awindowintonothing.
ThentheEyebegantorove,searchingthiswayandthat;andFrodoknewwithcertaintyandhorrorthatamongthemanythingsthatitsoughthehimselfwasone.Buthealsoknewthatitcouldnotseehim–notyet,notunlesshewilledit.TheRingthathunguponitschainabouthisneckgrewheavy,heavier
thanagreatstone,andhisheadwasdraggeddownwards.TheMirrorseemedtobegrowinghotandcurlsofsteamwererisingfromthewater.Hewasslippingforward.
‘Donottouchthewater!’saidtheLadyGaladrielsoftly.Thevisionfaded,andFrodofoundthathewaslookingatthecoolstarstwinklinginthesilverbasin.
HesteppedbackshakingalloverandlookedattheLady.
‘Iknowwhatitwasthatyoulastsaw,’shesaid;‘forthatisalsoinmymind.Donotbeafraid!Butdonotthinkthatonlybysingingamidthetrees,norevenbytheslenderarrowsofelven-bows,isthislandofLothlórienmaintainedanddefendedagainstitsEnemy.Isaytoyou,Frodo,thateven
asIspeaktoyou,IperceivetheDarkLordandknowhismind,orallofhismindthatconcernstheElves.Andhegropesevertoseemeandmythought.Butstillthedoorisclosed!’
Sheliftedupherwhitearms,andspreadoutherhandstowardstheEastinagestureofrejectionanddenial.Eärendil,theEveningStar,mostbelovedofthe
Elves,shoneclearabove.SobrightwasitthatthefigureoftheElven-ladycastadimshadowontheground.Itsraysglanceduponaringaboutherfinger;itglitteredlikepolishedgoldoverlaidwithsilverlight,andawhitestoneinittwinkledasiftheEvenstarhadcomedowntorestuponherhand.Frodogazedattheringwithawe;forsuddenlyitseemedtohim
thatheunderstood.‘Yes,’shesaid,divining
histhought,‘itisnotpermittedtospeakofit,andElrondcouldnotdoso.ButitcannotbehiddenfromtheRing-bearer,andonewhohasseentheEye.VerilyitisinthelandofLórienuponthefingerofGaladrielthatoneoftheThreeremains.ThisisNenya,theRingofAdamant,andIamitskeeper.
‘Hesuspects,buthedoesnotknow–notyet.DoyounotseenowwhereforeyourcomingistousasthefootstepofDoom?Forifyoufail,thenwearelaidbaretotheEnemy.Yetifyousucceed,thenourpowerisdiminished,andLothlórienwillfade,andthetidesofTimewillsweepitaway.WemustdepartintotheWest,ordwindletoarusticfolkof
dellandcave,slowlytoforgetandtobeforgotten.’
Frodobenthishead.‘Andwhatdoyouwish?’hesaidatlast.
‘Thatwhatshouldbeshallbe,’sheanswered.‘TheloveoftheElvesfortheirlandandtheirworksisdeeperthanthedeepsoftheSea,andtheirregretisundyingandcannoteverwhollybeassuaged.Yettheywillcastallawayrather
thansubmittoSauron:fortheyknowhimnow.ForthefateofLothlórienyouarenotanswerable,butonlyforthedoingofyourowntask.YetIcouldwish,wereitofanyavail,thattheOneRinghadneverbeenwrought,orhadremainedforeverlost.’
‘Youarewiseandfearlessandfair,LadyGaladriel,’saidFrodo.‘IwillgiveyoutheOneRing,ifyouaskforit.It
istoogreatamatterforme.’Galadriellaughedwitha
suddenclearlaugh.‘WisetheLadyGaladrielmaybe,’shesaid,‘yethereshehasmethermatchincourtesy.Gentlyareyourevengedformytestingofyourheartatourfirstmeeting.Youbegintoseewithakeeneye.Idonotdenythatmyhearthasgreatlydesiredtoaskwhatyouoffer.FormanylongyearsIhad
ponderedwhatImightdo,shouldtheGreatRingcomeintomyhands,andbehold!itwasbroughtwithinmygrasp.Theevilthatwasdevisedlongagoworksoninmanyways,whetherSauronhimselfstandsorfalls.WouldnotthathavebeenanobledeedtosettothecreditofhisRing,ifIhadtakenitbyforceorfearfrommyguest?
‘Andnowatlastitcomes.
YouwillgivemetheRingfreely!InplaceoftheDarkLordyouwillsetupaQueen.AndIshallnotbedark,butbeautifulandterribleastheMorningandtheNight!FairastheSeaandtheSunandtheSnowupontheMountain!DreadfulastheStormandtheLightning!Strongerthanthefoundationsoftheearth.Allshalllovemeanddespair!’
Sheliftedupherhandand
fromtheringthatsheworethereissuedagreatlightthatilluminedheraloneandleftallelsedark.ShestoodbeforeFrodoseemingnowtallbeyondmeasurement,andbeautifulbeyondenduring,terribleandworshipful.Thensheletherhandfall,andthelightfaded,andsuddenlyshelaughedagain,andlo!shewasshrunken:aslenderelf-woman,cladinsimplewhite,
whosegentlevoicewassoftandsad.
‘Ipassthetest,’shesaid.‘Iwilldiminish,andgointotheWest,andremainGaladriel.’
Theystoodforalongwhileinsilence.AtlengththeLadyspokeagain.‘Letusreturn!’shesaid.‘Inthemorningyoumustdepart,for
nowwehavechosen,andthetidesoffateareflowing.’
‘Iwouldaskonethingbeforewego,’saidFrodo,‘athingwhichIoftenmeanttoaskGandalfinRivendell.IampermittedtoweartheOneRing:whycannotIseealltheothersandknowthethoughtsofthosethatwearthem?’
‘Youhavenottried,’shesaid.‘OnlythricehaveyousettheRinguponyourfinger
sinceyouknewwhatyoupossessed.Donottry!Itwoulddestroyyou.DidnotGandalftellyouthattheringsgivepoweraccordingtothemeasureofeachpossessor?Beforeyoucouldusethatpoweryouwouldneedtobecomefarstronger,andtotrainyourwilltothedominationofothers.Yetevenso,asRing-bearerandasonethathasborneiton
fingerandseenthatwhichishidden,yoursightisgrownkeener.Youhaveperceivedmythoughtmoreclearlythanmanythatareaccountedwise.YousawtheEyeofhimthatholdstheSevenandtheNine.Anddidyounotseeandrecognizetheringuponmyfinger?Didyouseemyring?’sheaskedturningagaintoSam.
‘No,Lady,’heanswered.
‘Totellyouthetruth,Iwonderedwhatyouweretalkingabout.Isawastarthroughyourfingers.Butifyou’llpardonmyspeakingout,Ithinkmymasterwasright.Iwishyou’dtakehisRing.You’dputthingstorights.You’dstopthemdigginguptheGafferandturninghimadrift.You’dmakesomefolkpayfortheirdirtywork.’
‘Iwould,’shesaid.‘Thatishowitwouldbegin.Butitwouldnotstopwiththat,alas!Wewillnotspeakmoreofit.Letusgo!’
Chapter8
FAREWELLTOLÓRIEN
ThatnighttheCompanywasagainsummonedtothechamberofCeleborn,andtheretheLordandLady
greetedthemwithfairwords.AtlengthCelebornspokeoftheirdeparture.
‘Nowisthetime,’hesaid,‘whenthosewhowishtocontinuetheQuestmusthardentheirheartstoleavethisland.Thosewhonolongerwishtogoforwardmayremainhere,forawhile.Butwhethertheystayorgo,nonecanbesureofpeace.Forwearecomenowtothe
edgeofdoom.Herethosewhowishmayawaittheoncomingofthehourtilleitherthewaysoftheworldlieopenagain,orwesummonthemtothelastneedofLórien.Thentheymayreturntotheirownlands,orelsegotothelonghomeofthosethatfallinbattle.’
Therewasasilence.‘Theyallresolvedtogoforward,’saidGaladriellookingintheir
eyes.‘Asforme,’saidBoromir,
‘mywayhomeliesonwardandnotback.’
‘Thatistrue,’saidCeleborn,‘butisallthisCompanygoingwithyoutoMinasTirith?’
‘Wehavenotdecidedourcourse,’saidAragorn.‘BeyondLothlórienIdonotknowwhatGandalfintendedtodo.IndeedIdonotthink
thatevenhehadanyclearpurpose.’
‘Maybenot,’saidCeleborn,‘yetwhenyouleavethisland,youcannolongerforgettheGreatRiver.Assomeofyouknowwell,itcannotbecrossedbytravellerswithbaggagebetweenLórienandGondor,savebyboat.AndarenotthebridgesofOsgiliathbrokendownandallthelandings
heldnowbytheEnemy?‘Onwhichsidewillyou
journey?ThewaytoMinasTirithliesuponthisside,uponthewest;butthestraightroadofthe
QuestlieseastoftheRiver,uponthedarkershore.Whichshorewillyounowtake?’
‘Ifmyadviceisheeded,itwillbethewesternshore,andthewaytoMinasTirith,’
answeredBoromir.‘ButIamnottheleaderoftheCompany.’Theotherssaidnothing,andAragornlookeddoubtfulandtroubled.
‘Iseethatyoudonotyetknowwhattodo,’saidCeleborn.‘Itisnotmyparttochooseforyou;butIwillhelpyouasImay.Therearesomeamongyouwhocanhandleboats:Legolas,whosefolkknowtheswiftForest
River;andBoromirofGondor;andAragornthetraveller.’
‘AndoneHobbit!’criedMerry.‘Notallofuslookonboatsaswildhorses.MypeoplelivebythebanksoftheBrandywine.’
‘Thatiswell,’saidCeleborn.‘ThenIwillfurnishyourCompanywithboats.Theymustbesmallandlight,forifyougofarbywater,
thereareplaceswhereyouwillbeforcedtocarrythem.YouwillcometotherapidsofSarnGebir,andmaybeatlasttothegreatfallsofRauroswheretheRiverthundersdownfromNenHithoel;andthereareotherperils.Boatsmaymakeyourjourneylesstoilsomeforawhile.Yettheywillnotgiveyoucounsel:intheendyoumustleavethemandthe
River,andturnwest–oreast.’
AragornthankedCelebornmanytimes.Thegiftofboatscomfortedhimmuch,notleastbecausetherewouldnowbenoneedtodecidehiscourseforsomedays.Theothers,too,lookedmorehopeful.Whateverperilslayahead,itseemedbettertofloatdownthebroadtideofAnduintomeetthemthanto
plodforwardwithbentbacks.OnlySamwasdoubtful:heatanyratestillthoughtboatsasbadaswildhorses,orworse,andnotallthedangersthathehadsurvivedmadehimthinkbetterofthem.
‘Allshallbepreparedforyouandawaityouatthehavenbeforenoontomorrow,’saidCeleborn.‘Iwillsendmypeopletoyouinthemorningtohelpyoumake
readyforthejourney.Nowwewillwishyouallafairnightanduntroubledsleep.’
‘Goodnight,myfriends!’saidGaladriel.‘Sleepinpeace!
Donottroubleyourheartsovermuchwiththoughtoftheroadtonight.Maybethepathsthatyoueachshalltreadarealreadylaidbeforeyourfeet,thoughyoudonotseethem.Goodnight!’
TheCompanynowtooktheirleaveandreturnedtotheirpavilion.Legolaswentwiththem,forthiswastobetheirlastnightinLothlórien,andinspiteofthewordsofGaladrieltheywishedtotakecounseltogether.
Foralongtimetheydebatedwhattheyshoulddo,andhowitwouldbebesttoattemptthefulfillingoftheirpurposewiththeRing;but
theycametonodecision.ItwasplainthatmostofthemdesiredtogofirsttoMinasTirith,andtoescapeatleastforawhilefromtheterroroftheEnemy.TheywouldhavebeenwillingtofollowaleaderovertheRiverandintotheshadowofMordor;butFrodospokenoword,andAragornwasstilldividedinhismind.
Hisownplan,while
Gandalfremainedwiththem,hadbeentogowithBoromir,andwithhisswordhelptodeliverGondor.Forhebelievedthatthemessageofthedreamswasasummons,andthatthehourhadcomeatlastwhentheheirofElendilshouldcomeforthandstrivewithSauronforthemastery.ButinMoriatheburdenofGandalfhadbeenlaidonhim;andheknewthathe
couldnotnowforsaketheRing,ifFrodorefusedintheendtogowithBoromir.AndyetwhathelpcouldheoranyoftheCompanygivetoFrodo,savetowalkblindlywithhimintothedarkness?
‘IshallgotoMinasTirith,aloneifneedbe,foritismyduty,’saidBoromir;andafterthathewassilentforawhile,sittingwithhiseyesfixedonFrodo,asifhewastryingto
readtheHalfling’sthoughts.Atlengthhespokeagain,softly,asifhewasdebatingwithhimself.‘IfyouwishonlytodestroytheRing,’hesaid,‘thenthereislittleuseinwarandweapons;andtheMenofMinasTirithcannothelp.ButifyouwishtodestroythearmedmightoftheDarkLord,thenitisfollytogowithoutforceintohisdomain;andfollytothrow
away.’Hepausedsuddenly,asifhehadbecomeawarethathewasspeakinghisthoughtsaloud.‘Itwouldbefollytothrowlivesaway,Imean,’heended.‘Itisachoicebetweendefendingastrongplaceandwalkingopenlyintothearmsofdeath.Atleast,thatishowIseeit.’
FrodocaughtsomethingnewandstrangeinBoromir’sglance,andhelookedhardat
him.PlainlyBoromir’sthoughtwasdifferentfromhisfinalwords.Itwouldbefollytothrowaway:what?TheRingofPower?HehadsaidsomethinglikethisattheCouncil,butthenhehadacceptedthecorrectionofElrond.FrodolookedatAragorn,butheseemeddeepinhisownthoughtandmadenosignthathehadheededBoromir’swords.Andso
theirdebateended.MerryandPippinwerealreadyasleep,andSamwasnodding.Thenightwasgrowingold.
Inthemorning,astheywerebeginningtopacktheirslendergoods,Elvesthatcouldspeaktheirtonguecametothemandbroughtthemmanygiftsoffoodandclothingforthejourney.The
foodwasmostlyintheformofverythincakes,madeofamealthatwasbakedalightbrownontheoutside,andinsidewasthecolourofcream.Gimlitookuponeofthecakesandlookedatitwithadoubtfuleye.
‘Cram,’hesaidunderhisbreath,ashebrokeoffacrispcornerandnibbledatit.Hisexpressionquicklychanged,andheatealltherestofthe
cakewithrelish.‘Nomore,nomore!’cried
theElveslaughing.‘Youhaveeatenenoughalreadyforalongday’smarch.’
‘Ithoughtitwasonlyakindofcram,suchastheDale-menmakeforjourneysinthewild,’saidtheDwarf.
‘Soitis,’theyanswered.‘Butwecallitlembasorwaybread,anditismorestrengtheningthananyfood
madebyMen,anditismorepleasantthancram,byallaccounts.’
‘Indeeditis,’saidGimli.‘Why,itisbetterthanthehoneycakesoftheBeornings,andthatisgreatpraise,fortheBeorningsarethebestbakersthatIknowof;buttheyarenonetoowillingtodealouttheircakestotravellersinthesedays.Youarekindlyhosts!’
‘Allthesame,webidyousparethefood,’theysaid.‘Eatlittleatatime,andonlyatneed.Forthesethingsaregiventoserveyouwhenallelsefails.Thecakeswillkeepsweetformanymanydays,iftheyareunbrokenandleftintheirleaf-wrappings,aswehavebroughtthem.Onewillkeepatravelleronhisfeetforadayoflonglabour,evenifhebeoneofthetallMenof
MinasTirith.’TheElvesnextunwrapped
andgavetoeachoftheCompanytheclothestheyhadbrought.Foreachtheyhadprovidedahoodandcloak,madeaccordingtohissize,ofthelightbutwarmsilkenstuffthattheGaladhrimwove.Itwashardtosayofwhatcolourtheywere:greywiththehueoftwilightunderthetreesthey
seemedtobe;andyetiftheyweremoved,orsetinanotherlight,theyweregreenasshadowedleaves,orbrownasfallowfieldsbynight,dusk-silveraswaterunderthestars.Eachcloakwasfastenedabouttheneckwithabroochlikeagreenleafveinedwithsilver.
‘Arethesemagiccloaks?’askedPippin,lookingatthemwithwonder.
‘Idonotknowwhatyoumeanbythat,’answeredtheleaderoftheElves.‘Theyarefairgarments,andthewebisgood,foritwasmadeinthisland.TheyareElvishrobescertainly,ifthatiswhatyoumean.Leafandbranch,waterandstone:theyhavethehueandbeautyofallthesethingsunderthetwilightofLórienthatwelove;forweputthethoughtofallthatwelove
intoallthatwemake.Yettheyaregarments,notarmour,andtheywillnotturnshaftorblade.Buttheyshouldserveyouwell:theyarelighttowear,andwarmenoughorcoolenoughatneed.Andyouwillfindthemagreataidinkeepingoutofthesightofunfriendlyeyes,whetheryouwalkamongthestonesorthetrees.Youareindeedhighinthefavourof
theLady!Forsheherselfandhermaidenswovethisstuff;andneverbeforehavewecladstrangersinthegarbofourownpeople.’
AftertheirmorningmealtheCompanysaidfarewelltothelawnbythefountain.Theirheartswereheavy;foritwasafairplace,andithadbecomelikehometothem,
thoughtheycouldnotcountthedaysandnightsthattheyhadpassedthere.Astheystoodforamomentlookingatthewhitewaterinthesunlight,Haldircamewalkingtowardsthemoverthegreengrassoftheglade.Frodogreetedhimwithdelight.
‘IhavereturnedfromtheNorthernFences,’saidtheElf,‘andIamsentnowtobe
yourguideagain.TheDimrillDaleisfullofvapourandcloudsofsmoke,andthemountainsaretroubled.Therearenoisesinthedeepsoftheearth.Ifanyofyouhadthoughtofreturningnorthwardstoyourhomes,youwouldnothavebeenabletopassthatway.Butcome!Yourpathnowgoessouth.’
AstheywalkedthroughCarasGaladhonthegreen
wayswereempty;butinthetreesabovethemmanyvoicesweremurmuringandsinging.Theythemselveswentsilently.AtlastHaldirledthemdownthesouthwardslopesofthehill,andtheycameagaintothegreatgatehungwithlamps,andtothewhitebridge;andsotheypassedoutandleftthecityoftheElves.Thentheyturnedawayfromthepavedroad
andtookapaththatwentoffintoadeepthicketofmallorn-trees,andpassedon,windingthroughrollingwoodlandsofsilvershadow,leadingthemeverdown,southwardsandeastwards,towardstheshoresoftheRiver.
Theyhadgonesometenmilesandnoonwasathandwhentheycameonahighgreenwall.Passingthrough
anopeningtheycamesuddenlyoutofthetrees.Beforethemlayalonglawnofshininggrass,studdedwithgoldenelanorthatglintedinthesun.Thelawnranoutintoanarrowtonguebetweenbrightmargins:ontherightandwesttheSilverlodeflowedglittering;ontheleftandeasttheGreatRiverrolleditsbroadwaters,deepanddark.Onthefurther
shoresthewoodlandsstillmarchedonsouthwardsasfaraseyecouldsee,butallthebankswerebleakandbare.Nomallornlifteditsgold-hungboughsbeyondtheLandofLórien.
OnthebankoftheSilverlode,atsomedistanceupfromthemeetingofthestreams,therewasahytheofwhitestonesandwhitewood.Byitweremooredmany
boatsandbarges.Somewerebrightly
painted,andshonewithsilverandgoldandgreen,butmostwereeitherwhiteorgrey.Threesmallgreyboatshadbeenmadereadyforthetravellers,andinthesetheElvesstowedtheirgoods.Andtheyaddedalsocoilsofrope,threetoeachboat.Slendertheylooked,butstrong,silkentothetouch,
greyofhueliketheelven-cloaks.
‘Whatarethese?’askedSam,handlingonethatlayuponthegreensward.
‘Ropesindeed!’answeredanElffromtheboats.‘Nevertravelfarwithoutarope!Andonethatislongandstrongandlight.Sucharethese.Theymaybeahelpinmanyneeds.’
‘Youdon’tneedtotellme
that!’saidSam.‘Icamewithoutany,andI’vebeenworriedeversince.ButIwaswonderingwhattheseweremadeof,knowingabitaboutrope-making:it’sinthefamilyasyoumightsay.’
‘Theyaremadeofhithlain,’saidtheElf,‘butthereisnotimenowtoinstructyouintheartoftheirmaking.Hadweknownthatthiscraftdelightedyou,we
couldhavetaughtyoumuch.Butnowalas!unlessyoushouldatsometimereturnhither,youmustbecontentwithourgift.Mayitserveyouwell!’
‘Come!’saidHaldir.‘Allisnowreadyforyou.Entertheboats!Buttakecareatfirst!’
‘Heedthewords!’saidtheotherElves.‘Theseboatsarelight-built,andtheyarecrafty
andunliketheboatsofotherfolk.Theywillnotsink,ladethemasyouwill;buttheyarewaywardifmishandled.Itwouldbewiseifyouaccustomedyourselvestosteppinginandout,herewherethereisalanding-place,beforeyousetoffdownstream.’
TheCompanywas
arrangedinthisway:Aragorn,Frodo,andSamwereinoneboat;Boromir,Merry,andPippininanother;andinthethirdwereLegolasandGimli,whohadnowbecomefastfriends.Inthislastboatmostofthegoodsandpackswerestowed.Theboatsweremovedandsteeredwithshort-handledpaddlesthathadbroadleaf-shapedblades.Whenallwasready
AragornledthemonatrialuptheSilverlode.Thecurrentwasswiftandtheywentforwardslowly.Samsatinthebows,clutchingthesides,andlookingbackwistfullytotheshore.Thesunlightglitteringonthewaterdazzledhiseyes.AstheypassedbeyondthegreenfieldoftheTongue,thetreesdrewdowntotheriver’sbrink.Hereandtheregoldenleaves
tossedandfloatedontheripplingstream.Theairwasverybrightandstill,andtherewasasilence,exceptforthehighdistantsongoflarks.
Theyturnedasharpbendintheriver,andthere,sailingproudlydownthestreamtowardsthem,theysawaswanofgreatsize.Thewaterrippledoneithersideofthewhitebreastbeneathitscurvingneck.Itsbeakshone
likeburnishedgold,anditseyesglintedlikejetsetinyellowstones;itshugewhitewingswerehalflifted.Amusiccamedowntheriverasitdrewnearer;andsuddenlytheyperceivedthatitwasaship,wroughtandcarvedwithelven-skillinthelikenessofabird.Twoelvescladinwhitesteereditwithblackpaddles.InthemidstofthevesselsatCeleborn,and
behindhimstoodGaladriel,tallandwhite;acircletofgoldenflowerswasinherhair,andinherhandsheheldaharp,andshesang.Sadandsweetwasthesoundofhervoiceinthecoolclearair:
Isangofleaves,ofleavesofgold,andleavesofgoldtheregrew:OfwindIsang,a
windtherecameandinthebranchesblew.BeyondtheSun,beyondtheMoon,thefoamwasontheSea,AndbythestrandofIlmarintheregrewagoldenTree.BeneaththestarsofEver-eveinEldamaritshone,
InEldamarbesidethewallsofElvenTirion.Therelongthegoldenleaveshavegrownuponthebranchingyears,WhileherebeyondtheSunderingSeasnowfalltheElven-tears.OLórien!TheWintercomes,thebareand
leaflessDay;Theleavesarefallinginthestream,theRiverflowsaway.OLórien!ToolongIhavedweltuponthisHitherShoreAndinafadingcrownhavetwinedthegoldenelanor.ButifofshipsInowshouldsing,whatshipwouldcometo
me,WhatshipwouldbearmeeverbackacrosssowideaSea?
AragornstayedhisboatastheSwan-shipdrewalongside.TheLadyendedhersongandgreetedthem.‘Wehavecometobidourlastfarewell,’shesaid,‘andtospeedyouwithblessings
fromourland.’‘Thoughyouhavebeen
ourguests,’saidCeleborn,‘youhavenotyeteatenwithus,andwebidyou,therefore,toapartingfeast,herebetweentheflowingwatersthatwillbearyoufarfromLórien.’
TheSwanpassedonslowlytothehythe,andtheyturnedtheirboatsandfollowedit.Thereinthelast
endofEgladiluponthegreengrassthepartingfeastwasheld;butFrodoateanddranklittle,heedingonlythebeautyoftheLadyandhervoice.Sheseemednolongerperilousorterrible,norfilledwithhiddenpower.Alreadysheseemedtohim,asbymenoflaterdaysElvesstillattimesareseen:presentandyetremote,alivingvisionofthatwhichhasalreadybeen
leftfarbehindbytheflowingstreamsofTime.
Aftertheyhadeatenanddrunk,sittinguponthegrass,Celebornspoketothemagainoftheirjourney,andliftinghishandhepointedsouthtothewoodsbeyondtheTongue.
‘Asyougodownthewater,’hesaid,‘youwillfind
thatthetreeswillfail,andyouwillcometoabarrencountry.TheretheRiverflowsinstonyvalesamidhighmoors,untilatlastaftermanyleaguesitcomestothetallislandoftheTindrock,thatwecallTolBrandir.Thereitcastsitsarmsaboutthesteepshoresoftheisle,andfallsthenwithagreatnoiseandsmokeoverthecataractsofRaurosdowninto
theNindalf,theWetwangasitiscalledinyourtongue.Thatisawideregionofsluggishfenwherethestreambecomestortuousandmuchdivided.TheretheEntwashflowsinbymanymouthsfromtheForestofFangorninthewest.Aboutthatstream,onthissideoftheGreatRiver,liesRohan.OnthefurthersidearethebleakhillsoftheEmynMuil.Thewind
blowsfromtheEastthere,fortheylookoutovertheDeadMarshesandtheNoman-landstoCirithGorgorandtheblackgatesofMordor.
‘Boromir,andanythatgowithhimseekingMinasTirith,willdowelltoleavetheGreatRiveraboveRaurosandcrosstheEntwashbeforeitfindsthemarshes.Yettheyshouldnotgotoofarupthatstream,norriskbecoming
entangledintheForestofFangorn.Thatisastrangeland,andisnowlittleknown.ButBoromirandAragorndoubtlessdonotneedthiswarning.’
‘IndeedwehaveheardofFangorninMinasTirith,’saidBoromir.‘ButwhatIhaveheardseemstomeforthemostpartoldwives’tales,suchaswetelltoourchildren.Allthatliesnorthof
Rohanisnowtoussofarawaythatfancycanwanderfreelythere.OfoldFangornlayuponthebordersofourrealm;butitisnowmanylivesofmensinceanyofusvisitedit,toproveordisprovethelegendsthathavecomedownfromdistantyears.
‘IhavemyselfbeenatwhilesinRohan,butIhavenevercrosseditnorthwards.WhenIwassentoutasa
messenger,IpassedthroughtheGapbytheskirtsoftheWhiteMountains,andcrossedtheIsenandtheGreyfloodintoNortherland.Alongandwearisomejourney.FourhundredleaguesIreckonedit,andittookmemanymonths;forIlostmyhorseatTharbad,atthefordingoftheGreyflood.Afterthatjourney,andtheroadIhavetroddenwiththis
Company,IdonotmuchdoubtthatIshallfindawaythroughRohan,andFangorntoo,ifneedbe.’
‘ThenIneedsaynomore,’saidCeleborn.‘Butdonotdespisethelorethathascomedownfromdistantyears;foroftitmaychancethatoldwiveskeepinmemorywordofthingsthatoncewereneedfulforthewisetoknow.’
NowGaladrielrosefromthegrass,andtakingacupfromoneofhermaidensshefilleditwithwhitemeadandgaveittoCeleborn.
‘Nowitistimetodrinkthecupoffarewell,’shesaid.‘Drink,LordoftheGaladhrim!Andletnotyourheartbesad,thoughnightmustfollownoon,andalreadyoureveningdrawethnigh.’
ThenshebroughtthecuptoeachoftheCompany,andbadethemdrinkandfarewell.Butwhentheyhaddrunkshecommandedthemtositagainonthegrass,andchairsweresetforherandforCeleborn.Hermaidensstoodsilentabouther,andawhileshelookeduponherguests.Atlastshespokeagain.
‘Wehavedrunkthecupofparting,’shesaid,‘andthe
shadowsfallbetweenus.Butbeforeyougo,IhavebroughtinmyshipgiftswhichtheLordandLadyoftheGaladhrimnowofferyouinmemoryofLothlórien.’Thenshecalledtoeachinturn.
‘HereisthegiftofCelebornandGaladrieltotheleaderofyourCompany,’shesaidtoAragorn,andshegavehimasheaththathadbeenmadetofithissword.Itwas
overlaidwithatraceryofflowersandleaveswroughtofsilverandgold,andonitweresetinelven-runesformedofmanygemsthenameAndúrilandthelineageofthesword.
‘Thebladethatisdrawnfromthissheathshallnotbestainedorbrokenevenindefeat,’shesaid.‘Butisthereaughtelsethatyoudesireofmeatourparting?For
darknesswillflowbetweenus,anditmaybethatweshallnotmeetagain,unlessitbefarhenceuponaroadthathasnoreturning.’
AndAragornanswered:‘Lady,youknowallmydesire,andlongheldinkeepingtheonlytreasurethatIseek.Yetitisnotyourstogiveme,evenifyouwould;andonlythroughdarknessshallIcometoit.’
‘Yetmaybethiswilllightenyourheart,’saidGaladriel;‘foritwasleftinmycaretobegiventoyou,shouldyoupassthroughthisland.’Thensheliftedfromherlapagreatstoneofacleargreen,setinasilverbroochthatwaswroughtinthelikenessofaneaglewithoutspreadwings;andasshehelditupthegemflashedlikethesunshiningthrough
theleavesofspring.‘ThisstoneIgavetoCelebríanmydaughter,andshetohers;andnowitcomestoyouasatokenofhope.Inthishourtakethenamethatwasforetoldforyou,Elessar,theElfstoneoftheHouseofElendil!’
ThenAragorntookthestoneandpinnedthebroochuponhisbreast,andthosewhosawhimwondered;for
theyhadnotmarkedbeforehowtallandkinglyhestood,anditseemedtothemthatmanyyearsoftoilhadfallenfromhisshoulders.‘ForthegiftsthatyouhavegivenmeIthankyou,’hesaid,‘OLadyofLórienofwhomweresprungCelebríanandArwenEvenstar.WhatpraisecouldIsaymore?’
TheLadybowedherhead,andsheturnedthento
Boromir,andtohimshegaveabeltofgold;andtoMerryandPippinshegavesmallsilverbelts,eachwithaclaspwroughtlikeagoldenflower.ToLegolasshegaveabowsuchastheGaladhrimused,longerandstouterthanthebowsofMirkwood,andstrungwithastringofelf-hair.Withitwentaquiverofarrows.
‘Foryoulittlegardener
andloveroftrees,’shesaidtoSam,‘Ihaveonlyasmallgift.’Sheputintohishandalittleboxofplaingreywood,unadornedsaveforasinglesilverruneuponthelid.‘HereissetGforGaladriel,’shesaid;‘butalsoitmaystandforgardeninyourtongue.Inthisboxthereisearthfrommyorchard,andsuchblessingasGaladrielhasstilltobestowisuponit.Itwill
notkeepyouonyourroad,nordefendyouagainstanyperil;butifyoukeepitandseeyourhomeagainatlast,thenperhapsitmayrewardyou.Thoughyoushouldfindallbarrenandlaidwaste,therewillbefewgardensinMiddle-earththatwillbloomlikeyourgarden,ifyousprinklethisearththere.ThenyoumayrememberGaladriel,andcatchaglimpsefaroffof
Lórien,thatyouhaveseenonlyinourwinter.ForourSpringandourSummeraregoneby,andtheywillneverbeseenonearthagainsaveinmemory.’
Samwentredtotheearsandmutteredsomethinginaudible,asheclutchedtheboxandbowedaswellashecould.
‘AndwhatgiftwouldaDwarfaskoftheElves?’said
Galadriel,turningtoGimli.‘None,Lady,’answered
Gimli.‘ItisenoughformetohaveseentheLadyoftheGaladhrim,andtohaveheardhergentlewords.’
‘HearallyeElves!’shecriedtothoseabouther.‘LetnonesayagainthatDwarvesaregraspingandungracious!Yetsurely,GimlisonofGlóin,youdesiresomethingthatIcouldgive?Nameit,I
bidyou!Youshallnotbetheonlyguestwithoutagift.’
‘Thereisnothing,LadyGaladriel,’saidGimli,bowinglowandstammering.‘Nothing,unlessitmightbe–unlessitispermittedtoask,nay,tonameasinglestrandofyourhair,whichsurpassesthegoldoftheearthasthestarssurpassthegemsofthemine.Idonotaskforsuchagift.Butyoucommandedme
tonamemydesire.’TheElvesstirredand
murmuredwithastonishment,andCeleborngazedattheDwarfinwonder,buttheLadysmiled.‘ItissaidthattheskilloftheDwarvesisintheirhandsratherthanintheirtongues,’shesaid;‘yetthatisnottrueofGimli.Fornonehaveevermadetomearequestsoboldandyetsocourteous.AndhowshallI
refuse,sinceIcommandedhimtospeak?Buttellme,whatwouldyoudowithsuchagift?’
‘Treasureit,Lady,’heanswered,‘inmemoryofyourwordstomeatourfirstmeeting.AndifeverIreturntothesmithiesofmyhome,itshallbesetinimperishablecrystaltobeanheirloomofmyhouse,andapledgeofgoodwillbetweenthe
MountainandtheWooduntiltheendofdays.’
ThentheLadyunbraidedoneofherlongtresses,andcutoffthreegoldenhairs,andlaidtheminGimli’shand.‘Thesewordsshallgowiththegift,’shesaid.‘Idonotforetell,forallforetellingisnowvain:ontheonehandliesdarkness,andontheotheronlyhope.Butifhopeshouldnotfail,thenIsayto
you,GimlisonofGlóin,thatyourhandsshallflowwithgold,andyetoveryougoldshallhavenodominion.
‘Andyou,Ring-bearer,’shesaid,turningtoFrodo.‘Icometoyoulastwhoarenotlastinmythoughts.ForyouIhavepreparedthis.’Sheheldupasmallcrystalphial:itglitteredasshemovedit,andraysofwhitelightsprangfromherhand.‘Inthisphial,’
shesaid,‘iscaughtthelightofEärendil’sstar,setamidthewatersofmyfountain.Itwillshinestillbrighterwhennightisaboutyou.Mayitbealighttoyouindarkplaces,whenallotherlightsgoout.RememberGaladrielandherMirror!’
Frodotookthephial,andforamomentasitshonebetweenthem,hesawheragainstandinglikeaqueen,
greatandbeautiful,butnolongerterrible.Hebowed,butfoundnowordstosay.
NowtheLadyarose,andCelebornledthembacktothehythe.AyellownoonlayonthegreenlandoftheTongue,andthewaterglitteredwithsilver.Allatlastwasmadeready.TheCompanytooktheirplacesintheboatsas
before.Cryingfarewell,theElvesofLórienwithlonggreypolesthrustthemoutintotheflowingstream,andtheripplingwatersborethemslowlyaway.Thetravellerssatstillwithoutmovingorspeaking.OnthegreenbankneartotheverypointoftheTonguetheLadyGaladrielstoodaloneandsilent.Astheypassedhertheyturnedandtheireyeswatchedher
slowlyfloatingawayfromthem.Forsoitseemedtothem:Lórienwasslippingbackward,likeabrightshipmastedwithenchantedtrees,sailingontoforgottenshores,whiletheysathelplessuponthemarginofthegreyandleaflessworld.
Evenastheygazed,theSilverlodepassedoutintothecurrentsoftheGreatRiver,andtheirboatsturnedand
begantospeedsouthward.SoonthewhiteformoftheLadywassmallanddistant.Sheshonelikeawindowofglassuponafarhillinthewesteringsun,orasaremotelakeseenfromamountain:acrystalfalleninthelapoftheland.ThenitseemedtoFrodothatsheliftedherarmsinafinalfarewell,andfarbutpiercing-clearonthefollowingwindcamethe
soundofhervoicesinging.ButnowshesangintheancienttongueoftheElvesbeyondtheSea,andhedidnotunderstandthewords:fairwasthemusic,butitdidnotcomforthim.
YetasisthewayofElvishwords,theyremainedgraveninhismemory,andlongafterwardsheinterpretedthem,aswellashecould:thelanguagewasthatofElven-
songandspokeofthingslittleknownonMiddle-earth.
Ai!lauriëlantarlassisúrinen,yéniúnótimëverámaraldaron!Yénivelintëyuldaravániermioromardilisse-miruvórevaAndúnëpella,Vardotellumar
nuluiniyassentintilarieleniómaryoairetári-lírinen.
Símaniyulmaninenquantuva?
AnsíTintallëVardaOiolossëovefanyarmáryatElentáriortanë,
arilyëtierundulávëlumbulë;arsindanóriellocaitamorniëifalmalinnarimbëmet,arhísiëuntúpaCalaciryomírioialë.Sívanwaná,Rómellovanwa,Valimar!
Namárië!Nai
hiruvalyëValimar.Naielyëhiruva.Namárië!
‘Ah!likegoldfalltheleavesinthewind,longyearsnumberlessasthewingsoftrees!TheyearshavepassedlikeswiftdraughtsofthesweetmeadinloftyhallsbeyondtheWest,beneaththebluevaultsofVardawhereinthestarstrembleinthesong
ofhervoice,holyandqueenly.Whonowshallrefillthecupforme?FornowtheKindler,Varda,theQueenoftheStars,fromMountEverwhitehasupliftedherhandslikeclouds,andallpathsaredrowneddeepinshadow;andoutofagreycountrydarknessliesonthefoamingwavesbetweenus,andmistcoversthejewelsofCalaciryaforever.Nowlost,
losttothosefromtheEastisValimar!Farewell!
MaybethoushaltfindValimar.Maybeeventhoushaltfindit.Farewell!’VardaisthenameofthatLadywhomtheElvesintheselandsofexilenameElbereth.
SuddenlytheRiversweptroundabend,andthebanksroseuponeitherside,andthe
lightofLórienwashidden.TothatfairlandFrodonevercameagain.
Thetravellersnowturnedtheirfacestothejourney;thesunwasbeforethem,andtheireyesweredazzled,forallwerefilledwithtears.Gimliweptopenly.
‘Ihavelookedthelastuponthatwhichwasfairest,’hesaidtoLegolashiscompanion.‘HenceforwardI
willcallnothingfair,unlessitbehergift.’Heputhishandtohisbreast.
‘Tellme,Legolas,whydidIcomeonthisQuest?LittledidIknowwherethechiefperillay!TrulyElrondspoke,sayingthatwecouldnotforeseewhatwemightmeetuponourroad.TormentinthedarkwasthedangerthatIfeared,anditdidnotholdmeback.ButIwould
nothavecome,hadIknownthedangeroflightandjoy.NowIhavetakenmyworstwoundinthisparting,evenifIweretogothisnightstraighttotheDarkLord.AlasforGimlisonofGlóin!’
‘Nay!’saidLegolas.‘Alasforusall!Andforallthatwalktheworldintheseafter-days.Forsuchisthewayofit:tofindandlose,asitseemstothosewhoseboatis
ontherunningstream.ButIcountyoublessed,GimlisonofGlóin:foryourlossyousufferofyourownfreewill,andyoumighthavechosenotherwise.Butyouhavenotforsakenyourcompanions,andtheleastrewardthatyoushallhaveisthatthememoryofLothlórienshallremaineverclearandunstainedinyourheart,andshallneitherfadenorgrowstale.’
‘Maybe,’saidGimli;‘andIthankyouforyourwords.Truewordsdoubtless;yetallsuchcomfortiscold.Memoryisnotwhattheheartdesires.Thatisonlyamirror,beitclearasKheled-zâram.OrsosaystheheartofGimlitheDwarf.Elvesmayseethingsotherwise.IndeedIhaveheardthatforthemmemoryismoreliketothewakingworldthantoadream.Notso
forDwarves.‘Butletustalknomoreof
it.Looktotheboat!Sheistoolowinthewaterwithallthisbaggage,andtheGreatRiverisswift.Idonotwishtodrownmygriefincoldwater.’Hetookupapaddle,andsteeredtowardsthewesternbank,followingAragorn’sboatahead,whichhadalreadymovedoutofthemiddlestream.
SotheCompanywentontheirlongway,downthewidehurryingwaters,borneeversouthwards.Barewoodsstalkedalongeitherbank,andtheycouldnotseeanyglimpseofthelandsbehind.ThebreezediedawayandtheRiverflowedwithoutasound.Novoiceofbirdbrokethesilence.Thesungrewmistyasthedaygrewold,untilitgleamedinapalesky
likeahighwhitepearl.ThenitfadedintotheWest,andduskcameearly,followedbyagreyandstarlessnight.Farintothedarkquiethourstheyfloatedon,guidingtheirboatsundertheoverhangingshadowsofthewesternwoods.Greattreespassedbylikeghosts,thrustingtheirtwistedthirstyrootsthroughthemistdownintothewater.Itwasdrearyandcold.Frodo
satandlistenedtothefaintlapandgurgleoftheRiverfrettingamongthetree-rootsanddriftwoodneartheshore,untilhisheadnoddedandhefellintoanuneasysleep.
Chapter9
THEGREATRIVER
FrodowasrousedbySam.Hefoundthathewaslying,wellwrapped,undertallgrey-skinnedtreesinaquietcornerofthewoodlandsonthewest
bankoftheGreatRiver,Anduin.Hehadsleptthenightaway,andthegreyofmorningwasdimamongthebarebranches.Gimliwasbusywithasmallfirenearathand.
Theystartedagainbeforethedaywasbroad.NotthatmostoftheCompanywereeagertohurrysouthwards:theywerecontentthatthedecision,whichtheymust
makeatlatestwhentheycametoRaurosandtheTindrockIsle,stilllaysomedaysahead;andtheylettheRiverbearthemonatitsownpace,havingnodesiretohastentowardstheperilsthatlaybeyond,whichevercoursetheytookintheend.Aragornletthemdriftwiththestreamastheywished,husbandingtheirstrengthagainstwearinesstocome.Buthe
insistedthatatleasttheyshouldstartearlyeachdayandjourneyonfarintotheevening;forhefeltinhisheartthattimewaspressing,andhefearedthattheDarkLordhadnotbeenidlewhiletheylingeredinLórien.
Nonethelesstheysawnosignofanyenemythatday,northenext.Thedullgreyhourspassedwithoutevent.Asthethirddayoftheir
voyageworeonthelandschangedslowly:thetreesthinnedandthenfailedaltogether.Ontheeasternbanktotheirlefttheysawlongformlessslopesstretchingupandawaytowardsthesky;brownandwitheredtheylooked,asiffirehadpassedoverthem,leavingnolivingbladeofgreen:anunfriendlywastewithoutevenabrokentreeor
aboldstonetorelievetheemptiness.TheyhadcometotheBrownLandsthatlay,vastanddesolate,betweenSouthernMirkwoodandthehillsoftheEmynMuil.WhatpestilenceorwarorevildeedoftheEnemyhadsoblastedallthatregionevenAragorncouldnottell.
Uponthewesttotheirrightthelandwastreelessalso,butitwasflat,andin
manyplacesgreenwithwideplainsofgrass.OnthissideoftheRivertheypassedforestsofgreatreeds,sotallthattheyshutoutallviewtothewest,asthelittleboatswentrustlingbyalongtheirflutteringborders.Theirdarkwitheredplumesbentandtossedinthelightcoldairs,hissingsoftlyandsadly.HereandtherethroughopeningsFrodocouldcatchsudden
glimpsesofrollingmeads,andfarbeyondthemhillsinthesunset,andawayontheedgeofsightadarkline,wheremarchedthesouthernmostranksoftheMistyMountains.
Therewasnosignoflivingmovingthings,savebirds.Ofthesethereweremany:smallfowlwhistlingandpipinginthereeds,buttheywereseldomseen.Once
ortwicethetravellersheardtherushandwhineofswan-wings,andlookinguptheysawagreatphalanxstreamingalongthesky.
‘Swans!’saidSam.‘Andmightybigonestoo!’
‘Yes,’saidAragorn,‘andtheyareblackswans.’
‘Howwideandemptyandmournfulallthiscountrylooks!’saidFrodo.‘Ialwaysimaginedthatasone
journeyedsouthitgotwarmerandmerrier,untilwinterwasleftbehindforever.’
‘Butwehavenotjourneyedfarsouthyet,’answeredAragorn.‘Itisstillwinter,andwearefarfromthesea.Heretheworldiscolduntilthesuddenspring,andwemayyethavesnowagain.FarawaydownintheBayofBelfalas,towhichAnduinruns,itiswarmand
merry,maybe,orwouldbebutfortheEnemy.Butherewearenotabovesixtyleagues,Iguess,southoftheSouthfarthingawayinyourShire,hundredsoflongmilesyonder.Youarelookingnowsouth-westacrossthenorthplainsoftheRiddermark,RohanthelandoftheHorse-lords.ErelongweshallcometothemouthoftheLimlightthatrunsdownfromFangorn
tojointheGreatRiver.ThatisthenorthboundaryofRohan;andofoldallthatlaybetweenLimlightandtheWhiteMountainsbelongedtotheRohirrim.Itisarichandpleasantland,anditsgrasshasnorival;butintheseevildaysfolkdonotdwellbytheRiverorrideoftentoitsshores.Anduiniswide,yettheorcscanshoottheirarrowsfaracrossthestream;
andoflate,itissaid,theyhavedaredtocrossthewaterandraidtheherdsandstudsofRohan.’
Samlookedfrombanktobankuneasily.Thetreeshadseemedhostilebefore,asiftheyharbouredsecreteyesandlurkingdangers;nowhewishedthatthetreeswerestillthere.HefeltthattheCompanywastoonaked,afloatinlittleopenboatsin
themidstofshelterlesslands,andonariverthatwasthefrontierofwar.
Inthenextdayortwo,astheywenton,bornesteadilysouthwards,thisfeelingofinsecuritygrewonalltheCompany.Forawholedaytheytooktotheirpaddlesandhastenedforward.Thebanksslidby.SoontheRiverbroadenedandgrewmoreshallow;longstonybeaches
layupontheeast,andthereweregravel-shoalsinthewater,sothatcarefulsteeringwasneeded.TheBrownLandsroseintobleakwolds,overwhichflowedachillairfromtheEast.Ontheothersidethemeadshadbecomerollingdownsofwitheredgrassamidstalandoffenandtussock.Frodoshivered,thinkingofthelawnsandfountains,theclearsunand
gentlerainsofLothlórien.Therewaslittlespeechandnolaughterinanyoftheboats.EachmemberoftheCompanywasbusywithhisownthoughts.
TheheartofLegolaswasrunningunderthestarsofasummernightinsomenortherngladeamidthebeech-woods;Gimliwasfingeringgoldinhismind,andwonderingifitwerefitto
bewroughtintothehousingoftheLady’sgift.MerryandPippininthemiddleboatwereillatease,forBoromirsatmutteringtohimself,sometimesbitinghisnails,asifsomerestlessnessordoubtconsumedhim,sometimesseizingapaddleanddrivingtheboatclosebehindAragorn’s.ThenPippin,whosatinthebowlookingback,caughtaqueergleaminhis
eye,ashepeeredforwardgazingatFrodo.Samhadlongagomadeuphismindthat,thoughboatsweremaybenotasdangerousashehadbeenbroughtuptobelieve,theywerefarmoreuncomfortablethanevenhehadimagined.Hewascrampedandmiserable,havingnothingtodobutstareatthewinter-landscrawlingbyandthegreywateron
eithersideofhim.EvenwhenthepaddleswereinusetheydidnottrustSamwithone.
Asduskdrewdownonthefourthday,hewaslookingbackoverthebowedheadsofFrodoandAragornandthefollowingboats;hewasdrowsyandlongedforcampandthefeelofearthunderhistoes.Suddenlysomethingcaughthissight:atfirsthestaredatitlistlessly,thenhe
satupandrubbedhiseyes;butwhenhelookedagainhecouldnotseeitanymore.
Thatnighttheycampedonasmalleyotclosetothewesternbank.SamlayrolledinblanketsbesideFrodo.‘Ihadafunnydreamanhourortwobeforewestopped,Mr.Frodo,’hesaid.‘Ormaybeitwasn’tadream.Funnyitwas
anyway.’‘Well,whatwasit?’said
Frodo,knowingthatSamwouldnotsettledownuntilhehadtoldhistale,whateveritwas.‘Ihaven’tseenorthoughtofanythingtomakemesmilesinceweleftLothlórien.’
‘Itwasn’tfunnythatway,Mr.Frodo.Itwasqueer.Allwrong,ifitwasn’tadream.Andyouhadbesthearit.It
waslikethis:Isawalogwitheyes!’
‘Thelog’sallright,’saidFrodo.‘TherearemanyintheRiver.Butleaveouttheeyes!’
‘ThatIwon’t,’saidSam.‘’Twastheeyesasmademesitup,sotospeak.IsawwhatItooktobealogfloatingalonginthehalf-lightbehindGimli’sboat;butIdidn’tgivemuchheedtoit.Thenit
seemedasifthelogwasslowlycatchingusup.Andthatwaspeculiar,asyoumightsay,seeingaswewereallfloatingonthestreamtogether.JustthenIsawtheeyes:twopalesortofpoints,shiny-like,onahumpatthenearendofthelog.What’smore,itwasn’talog,forithadpaddle-feet,likeaswan’salmost,onlytheyseemedbigger,andkeptdippingin
andoutofthewater.‘That’swhenIsatrightup
andrubbedmyeyes,meaningtogiveashout,ifitwasstilltherewhenIhadrubbedthedrowseoutofmyhead.Forthewhatever-it-waswascomingalongfastnowandgettingclosebehindGimli.Butwhetherthosetwolampsspottedmemovingandstaring,orwhetherIcametomysenses,Idon’tknow.
WhenIlookedagain,itwasn’tthere.YetIthinkIcaughtaglimpse,withthetailofmyeye,asthesayingis,ofsomethingdarkshootingundertheshadowofthebank.Icouldn’tseenomoreeyes,though.
‘Isaidtomyself:“dreamingagain,SamGamgee,”Isaid;andIsaidnomorejustthen.ButI’vebeenthinkingsince,andnow
I’mnotsosure.Whatdoyoumakeofit,Mr.Frodo?’
‘Ishouldmakenothingofitbutalogandtheduskandsleepinyoureyes,Sam,’saidFrodo,‘ifthiswasthefirsttimethatthoseeyeshadbeenseen.Butitisn’t.IsawthemawaybacknorthbeforewereachedLórien.AndIsawastrangecreaturewitheyesclimbingtothefletthatnight.Haldirsawittoo.Anddoyou
rememberthereportoftheElvesthatwentaftertheorc-band?’
‘Ah,’saidSam,‘Ido;andIremembermoretoo.Idon’tlikemythoughts;butthinkingofonethingandanother,andMr.Bilbo’sstoriesandall,IfancyIcouldputanameonthecreature,ataguess.Anastyname.Gollum,maybe?’
‘Yes,thatiswhatIhave
fearedforsometime,’saidFrodo.‘Eversincethenightontheflet.IsupposehewaslurkinginMoria,andpickedupourtrailthen;butIhopedthatourstayinLórienwouldthrowhimoffthescentagain.ThemiserablecreaturemusthavebeenhidinginthewoodsbytheSilverlode,watchingusstartoff!’
‘That’saboutit,’saidSam.‘Andwe’dbetterbea
bitmorewatchfulourselves,orwe’llfeelsomenastyfingersroundournecksoneofthesenights,ifweeverwakeuptofeelanything.Andthat’swhatIwasleadingupto.NoneedtotroubleStriderortheotherstonight.I’llkeepwatch.Icansleeptomorrow,beingnomorethanluggageinaboat,asyoumightsay.’
‘Imight,’saidFrodo,‘and
Imightsay“luggagewitheyes”.Youshallwatch;butonlyifyoupromisetowakemehalf-waytowardsmorning,ifnothinghappensbeforethen.’
InthedeadhoursFrodocameoutofadeepdarksleeptofindSamshakinghim.‘It’sashametowakeyou,’whisperedSam,‘butthat’s
whatyousaid.There’snothingtotell,ornotmuch.IthoughtIheardsomesoftplashingandasniffingnoise,awhileback;butyouhearalotofsuchqueersoundsbyariveratnight.’
Helaydown,andFrodosatup,huddledinhisblankets,andfoughtoffhissleep.Minutesorhourspassedslowly,andnothinghappened.Frodowasjust
yieldingtothetemptationtoliedownagainwhenadarkshape,hardlyvisible,floatedclosetooneofthemooredboats.Alongwhitishhandcouldbedimlyseenasitshotoutandgrabbedthegunwale;twopalelamplikeeyesshonecoldlyastheypeeredinside,andthentheyliftedandgazedupatFrodoontheeyot.Theywerenotmorethanayardortwoaway,andFrodoheard
thesofthissofintakenbreath.Hestoodup,drawingStingfromitssheath,andfacedtheeyes.Immediatelytheirlightwasshutoff.Therewasanotherhissandasplash,andthedarklog-shapeshotawaydownstreamintothenight.Aragornstirredinhissleep,turnedover,andsatup.
‘Whatisit?’hewhispered,springingupandcomingtoFrodo.‘Ifelt
somethinginmysleep.Whyhaveyoudrawnyoursword?’
‘Gollum,’answeredFrodo.‘Oratleast,soIguess.’
‘Ah!’saidAragorn.‘Soyouknowaboutourlittlefootpad,doyou?HepaddedafterusallthroughMoriaandrightdowntoNimrodel.Sincewetooktoboats,hehasbeenlyingonalogandpaddlingwithhandsandfeet.
Ihavetriedtocatchhimonceortwiceatnight;butheisslierthanafox,andasslipperyasafish.Ihopedtheriver-voyagewouldbeathim,butheistoocleverawaterman.
‘Weshallhavetotrygoingfastertomorrow.Youliedownnow,andIwillkeepwatchforwhatisleftofthenight.Iwish
Icouldlaymyhandson
thewretch.Wemightmakehimuseful.ButifIcannot,weshallhavetotryandlosehim.Heisverydangerous.Quiteapartfrommurderbynightonhisownaccount,hemayputanyenemythatisaboutonourtrack.’
ThenightpassedwithoutGollumshowingsomuchasashadowagain.Afterthatthe
Companykeptasharplook-out,buttheysawnomoreofGollumwhilethevoyagelasted.Ifhewasstillfollowing,hewasverywaryandcunning.AtAragorn’sbiddingtheypaddlednowforlongspells,andthebankswentswiftlyby.Buttheysawlittleofthecountry,fortheyjourneyedmostlybynightandtwilight,restingbyday,andlyingashiddenasthe
landallowed.Inthiswaythetimepassedwithouteventuntiltheseventhday.
Theweatherwasstillgreyandovercast,withwindfromtheEast,butaseveningdrewintonighttheskyawaywestwardcleared,andpoolsoffaintlight,yellowandpalegreen,openedunderthegreyshoresofcloud.TherethewhiterindofthenewMooncouldbeseenglimmeringin
theremotelakes.Samlookedatitandpuckeredhisbrows.
Thenextdaythecountryoneithersidebegantochangerapidly.Thebanksbegantoriseandgrowstony.Soontheywerepassingthroughahillyrockyland,andonbothshoresthereweresteepslopesburiedindeepbrakesofthornandsloe,tangledwithbramblesandcreepers.Behindthemstood
lowcrumblingcliffs,andchimneysofgreyweatheredstonedarkwithivy;andbeyondtheseagainthererosehighridgescrownedwithwind-writhenfirs.Theyweredrawingneartothegreyhill-countryoftheEmynMuil,thesouthernmarchofWilderland.
Thereweremanybirdsaboutthecliffsandtherock-chimneys,andalldayhighin
theairflocksofbirdshadbeencircling,blackagainstthepalesky.AstheylayintheircampthatdayAragornwatchedtheflightsdoubtfully,wonderingifGollumhadbeendoingsomemischiefandthenewsoftheirvoyagewasnowmovinginthewilderness.Laterasthesunwassetting,andtheCompanywasstirringandgettingreadytostartagain,
hedescriedadarkspotagainstthefadinglight:agreatbirdhighandfaroff,nowwheeling,nowflyingonslowlysouthwards.
‘Whatisthat,Legolas?’heasked,pointingtothenorthernsky.‘Isit,asIthink,aneagle?’
‘Yes,’saidLegolas.‘Itisaneagle,ahuntingeagle.Iwonderwhatthatforebodes.Itisfarfromthemountains.’
‘Wewillnotstartuntilitisfullydark,’saidAragorn.
Theeighthnightoftheirjourneycame.Itwassilentandwindless;thegreyeastwindhadpassedaway.ThethincrescentoftheMoonhadfallenearlyintothepalesunset,buttheskywasclearabove,andthoughfarawayintheSouththereweregreat
rangesofcloudthatstillshonefaintly,intheWeststarsglintedbright.
‘Come!’saidAragorn.‘Wewillventureonemorejourneybynight.WearecomingtoreachesoftheRiverthatIdonotknowwell;forIhaveneverjourneyedbywaterinthesepartsbefore,notbetweenhereandtherapidsofSarnGebir.ButifIamrightinmyreckoning,
thosearestillmanymilesahead.Stilltherearedangerousplacesevenbeforewecomethere:rocksandstonyeyotsinthestream.Wemustkeepasharpwatchandnottrytopaddleswiftly.’
ToSamintheleadingboatwasgiventhetaskofwatchman.Helayforwardpeeringintothegloom.Thenightgrewdark,butthestarsabovewerestrangelybright,
andtherewasaglimmeronthefaceoftheRiver.Itwascloseonmidnight,andtheyhadbeendriftingforsomewhile,hardlyusingthepaddles,whensuddenlySamcriedout.Onlyafewyardsaheaddarkshapesloomedupinthestreamandheheardtheswirlofracingwater.Therewasaswiftcurrentwhichswungleft,towardstheeasternshorewherethe
channelwasclear.Astheyweresweptasidethetravellerscouldsee,nowveryclose,thepalefoamoftheRiverlashingagainstsharprocksthatwerethrustoutfarintothestreamlikearidgeofteeth.Theboatswereallhuddledtogether.
‘Hoythere,Aragorn!’shoutedBoromir,ashisboatbumpedintotheleader.‘Thisismadness!Wecannotdare
theRapidsbynight!ButnoboatcanliveinSarnGebir,beitnightorday.’
‘Back,back!’criedAragorn.‘Turn!Turnifyoucan!’Hedrovehispaddleintothewater,tryingtoholdtheboatandbringitround.
‘Iamoutofmyreckoning,’hesaidtoFrodo.‘Ididnotknowthatwehadcomesofar:AnduinflowsfasterthanIthought.Sarn
Gebirmustbecloseathandalready.’
Withgreateffortstheycheckedtheboatsandslowlybroughtthemabout;butatfirsttheycouldmakeonlysmallheadwayagainstthecurrent,andallthetimetheywerecarriednearerandnearertotheeasternbank.Nowdarkandominousit
loomedupinthenight.‘Alltogether,paddle!’
shoutedBoromir.‘Paddle!Orweshallbedrivenontheshoals.’EvenashespokeFrodofeltthekeelbeneathhimgrateuponstone.
Atthatmomenttherewasatwangofbowstrings:severalarrowswhistledoverthem,andsomefellamongthem.OnesmoteFrodobetweentheshouldersandhe
lurchedforwardwithacry,lettinggohispaddle:butthearrowfellback,foiledbyhishiddencoatofmail.AnotherpassedthroughAragorn’shood;andathirdstoodfastinthegunwaleofthesecondboat,closebyMerry’shand.Samthoughthecouldglimpseblackfiguresrunningtoandfrouponthelongshingle-banksthatlayundertheeasternshore.They
seemedverynear.‘Yrch!’saidLegolas,
fallingintohisowntongue.‘Orcs!’criedGimli.‘Gollum’sdoing,I’llbe
bound,’saidSamtoFrodo.‘Andaniceplacetochoose,too.TheRiverseemssetontakingusrightintotheirarms!’
Theyallleanedforwardstrainingatthepaddles:evenSamtookahand.Every
momenttheyexpectedtofeelthebiteofblack-featheredarrows.Manywhinedoverheadorstruckthewaternearby;buttherewerenomorehits.Itwasdark,butnottoodarkforthenight-eyesofOrcs,andinthestar-glimmertheymusthaveofferedtheircunningfoessomemark,unlessitwasthatthegreycloaksofLórienandthegreytimberoftheelf-wrought
boatsdefeatedthemaliceofthearchersofMordor.
Strokebystroketheylabouredon.Inthedarknessitwashardtobesurethattheywereindeedmovingatall;butslowlytheswirlofthewatergrewless,andtheshadowoftheeasternbankfadedbackintothenight.Atlast,asfarastheycouldjudge,theyhadreachedthemiddleofthestreamagain
andhaddriventheirboatsbacksomedistanceabovethejuttingrocks.Thenhalfturningtheythrustthemwithalltheirstrengthtowardsthewesternshore.Undertheshadowofbushesleaningoutoverthewatertheyhaltedanddrewbreath.
LegolaslaiddownhispaddleandtookupthebowthathehadbroughtfromLórien.Thenhesprang
ashoreandclimbedafewpacesupthebank.Stringingthebowandfittinganarrowheturned,peeringbackovertheRiverintothedarkness.Acrossthewatertherewereshrillcries,butnothingcouldbeseen.
FrodolookedupattheElfstandingtallabovehim,ashegazedintothenight,seekingamarktoshootat.Hisheadwasdark,crownedwithsharp
whitestarsthatglitteredintheblackpoolsoftheskybehind.ButnowrisingandsailingupfromtheSouththegreatcloudsadvanced,sendingoutdarkoutridersintothestarryfields.AsuddendreadfellontheCompany.
‘ElberethGilthoniel!’sighedLegolasashelookedup.Evenashedidso,adarkshape,likeacloudandyet
notacloud,foritmovedfarmoreswiftly,cameoutoftheblacknessintheSouth,andspedtowardstheCompany,blottingoutalllightasitapproached.Soonitappearedasagreatwingedcreature,blackerthanthepitsinthenight.Fiercevoicesroseuptogreetitfromacrossthewater.Frodofeltasuddenchillrunningthroughhimandclutchingathisheart;there
wasadeadlycold,likethememoryofanoldwound,inhisshoulder.Hecroucheddown,asiftohide.
SuddenlythegreatbowofLóriensang.Shrillwentthearrowfromtheelven-string.Frodolookedup.Almostabovehimthewingedshapeswerved.Therewasaharshcroakingscream,asitfelloutoftheair,vanishingdownintothegloomoftheeastern
shore.Theskywascleanagain.Therewasatumultofmanyvoicesfaraway,cursingandwailinginthedarkness,andthensilence.Neithershaftnorcrycameagainfromtheeastthatnight.
AfterawhileAragornledtheboatsbackupstream.Theyfelttheirwayalongthewater’sedgeforsome
distance,untiltheyfoundasmallshallowbay.Afewlowtreesgrewthereclosetothewater,andbehindthemroseasteeprockybank.HeretheCompanydecidedtostayandawaitthedawn:itwasuselesstoattempttomovefurtherbynight.Theymadenocampandlitnofire,butlayhuddledintheboats,mooredclosetogether.
‘Praisedbethebowof
Galadriel,andthehandandeyeofLegolas!’saidGimli,ashemunchedawaferoflembas.‘Thatwasamightyshotinthedark,myfriend!’
‘Butwhocansaywhatithit?’saidLegolas.
‘Icannot,’saidGimli.‘ButIamgladthattheshadowcamenonearer.Ilikeditnotatall.ToomuchitremindedmeoftheshadowinMoria–theshadowofthe
Balrog,’heendedinawhisper.
‘ItwasnotaBalrog,’saidFrodo,stillshiveringwiththechillthathadcomeuponhim.‘Itwassomethingcolder.Ithinkitwas——’Thenhepausedandfellsilent.
‘Whatdoyouthink?’askedBoromireagerly,leaningfromhisboat,asifhewastryingtocatchaglimpseofFrodo’sface.
‘Ithink—No,Iwillnotsay,’answeredFrodo.‘Whateveritwas,itsfallhasdismayedourenemies.’
‘Soitseems,’saidAragorn.‘Yetwheretheyare,andhowmany,andwhattheywilldonext,wedonotknow.Thisnightwemustallbesleepless!Darkhidesusnow.Butwhatthedaywillshowwhocantell?Haveyourweaponsclosetohand!’
Samsattappingthehiltofhisswordasifhewerecountingonhisfingers,andlookingupatthesky.‘It’sverystrange,’hemurmured.‘TheMoon’sthesameintheShireandinWilderland,oritoughttobe.Buteitherit’soutofitsrunning,orI’mallwronginmyreckoning.You’llremember,Mr.Frodo,theMoonwaswaningaswelayonthefletupinthattree:
aweekfromthefull,Ireckon.Andwe’dbeenaweekonthewaylastnight,whenuppopsaNewMoonasthinasanail-paring,asifwehadneverstayednotimeintheElvishcountry.
‘Well,Icanrememberthreenightsthereforcertain,andIseemtorememberseveralmore,butIwouldtakemyoathitwasneverawholemonth.Anyonewould
thinkthattimedidnotcountinthere!’
‘Andperhapsthatwasthewayofit,’saidFrodo.‘Inthatland,maybe,wewereinatimethathaselsewherelonggoneby.Itwasnot,Ithink,untilSilverlodeboreusbacktoAnduinthatwereturnedtothetimethatflowsthroughmortallandstotheGreatSea.AndIdon’trememberanymoon,eitherneworold,in
CarasGaladhon:onlystarsbynightandsunbyday.’
Legolasstirredinhisboat.‘Nay,timedoesnottarryever,’hesaid;‘butchangeandgrowthisnotinallthingsandplacesalike.FortheElvestheworldmoves,anditmovesbothveryswiftandveryslow.Swift,becausetheythemselveschangelittle,andallelsefleetsby:itisagrieftothem.Slow,because
theyneednotcounttherunningyears,notforthemselves.Thepassingseasonsarebutrippleseverrepeatedinthelonglongstream.YetbeneaththeSunallthingsmustweartoanendatlast.’
‘ButthewearingisslowinLórien,’saidFrodo.‘ThepoweroftheLadyisonit.Richarethehours,thoughshorttheyseem,inCaras
Galadhon,whereGaladrielwieldstheElven-ring.’
‘ThatshouldnothavebeensaidoutsideLórien,noteventome,’saidAragorn.‘Speaknomoreofit!Butsoitis,Sam:inthatlandyoulostyourcount.Theretimeflowedswiftlybyus,asfortheElves.Theoldmoonpassed,andanewmoonwaxedandwanedintheworldoutside,whilewe
tarriedthere.Andyestereveanewmooncameagain.Winterisnearlygone.Timeflowsontoaspringoflittlehope.’
Thenightpassedsilently.Novoiceorcallwasheardagainacrossthewater.Thetravellershuddledintheirboatsfeltthechangingoftheweather.Theairgrewwarm
andverystillunderthegreatmoistcloudsthathadfloatedupfromtheSouthandthedistantseas.TherushingoftheRiverovertherocksoftherapidsseemedtogrowlouderandcloser.Thetwigsofthetreesabovethembegantodrip.
Whenthedaycamethemoodoftheworldaboutthemhadbecomesoftandsad.Slowlythedawngrewto
apalelight,diffusedandshadowless.TherewasmistontheRiver,andwhitefogswathedtheshore;thefarbankcouldnotbeseen.
‘Ican’tabidefog,’saidSam;‘butthisseemstobealuckyone.Nowperhapswecangetawaywithoutthosecursedgoblinsseeingus.’
‘Perhapsso,’saidAragorn.‘Butitwillbehardtofindthepathunlessthefog
liftsalittlelateron.Andwemustfindthepath,ifwearetopassSarnGebirandcometotheEmynMuil.’
‘IdonotseewhyweshouldpasstheRapidsorfollowtheRiveranyfurther,’saidBoromir.‘IftheEmynMuilliebeforeus,thenwecanabandonthesecockle-boats,andstrikewestwardandsouthward,untilwecometotheEntwashandcrossinto
myownland.’‘Wecan,ifwearemaking
forMinasTirith,’saidAragorn,‘butthatisnotyetagreed.Andsuchacoursemaybemoreperilousthanitsounds.ThevaleofEntwashisflatandfenny,andfogisadeadlyperilthereforthoseonfootandladen.Iwouldnotabandonourboatsuntilwemust.TheRiverisatleastapaththatcannotbemissed.’
‘ButtheEnemyholdstheeasternbank,’objectedBoromir.‘AndevenifyoupasstheGatesofArgonathandcomeunmolestedtotheTindrock,whatwillyoudothen?LeapdowntheFallsandlandinthemarshes?’
‘No!’answeredAragorn.‘SayratherthatwewillbearourboatsbytheancientwaytoRauros-foot,andtheretaketothewateragain.Doyou
notknow,Boromir,ordoyouchoosetoforgettheNorthStair,andthehighseatuponAmonHen,thatweremadeinthedaysofthegreatkings?Iatleasthaveamindtostandinthathighplaceagain,beforeIdecidemyfurthercourse.There,maybe,weshallseesomesignthatwillguideus.’
Boromirheldoutlongagainstthischoice;butwhen
itbecameplainthatFrodowouldfollowAragorn,whereverhewent,hegavein.‘ItisnotthewayoftheMenofMinasTirithtodeserttheirfriendsatneed,’hesaid,‘andyouwillneedmystrength,ifeveryouaretoreachtheTindrock.TothetallisleIwillgo,butnofurther.ThereIshallturntomyhome,aloneifmyhelphasnotearnedtherewardofany
companionship.’
Thedaywasnowgrowing,andthefoghadliftedalittle.ItwasdecidedthatAragornandLegolasshouldatoncegoforwardalongtheshore,whiletheothersremainedbytheboats.Aragornhopedtofindsomewaybywhichtheycouldcarryboththeirboatsand
theirbaggagetothesmootherwaterbeyondtheRapids.
‘BoatsoftheElveswouldnotsink,maybe,’hesaid,‘butthatdoesnotsaythatweshouldcomethroughSarnGebiralive.Nonehaveeverdonesoyet.NoroadwasmadebytheMenofGondorinthisregion,forevenintheirgreatdaystheirrealmdidnotreachupAnduinbeyondtheEmynMuil;but
thereisaportage-waysomewhereonthewesternshore,ifIcanfindit.Itcannotyethaveperished;forlightboatsusedtojourneyoutofWilderlanddowntoOsgiliath,andstilldidsountilafewyearsago,whentheOrcsofMordorbegantomultiply.’
‘SeldominmylifehasanyboatcomeoutoftheNorth,andtheOrcsprowlon
theeast-shore,’saidBoromir.‘Ifyougoforward,perilwillgrowwitheverymile,evenifyoufindapath.’
‘Perilliesaheadoneverysouthwardroad,’answeredAragorn.‘Waitforusoneday.Ifwedonotreturninthattime,youwillknowthatevilhasindeedbefallenus.Thenyoumusttakeanewleaderandfollowhimasbestyoucan.’
ItwaswithaheavyheartthatFrodosawAragornandLegolasclimbthesteepbankandvanishintothemists;buthisfearsprovedgroundless.Onlytwoorthreehourshadpassed,anditwasbarelymid-day,whentheshadowyshapesoftheexplorersappearedagain.
‘Alliswell,’saidAragorn,asheclambereddownthebank.‘Thereisa
track,anditleadstoagoodlandingthatisstillserviceable.Thedistanceisnotgreat:theheadoftheRapidsisbuthalfamilebelowus,andtheyarelittlemorethanamilelong.Notfarbeyondthemthestreambecomesclearandsmoothagain,thoughitrunsswiftly.Ourhardesttaskwillbetogetourboatsandbaggagetotheoldportage-way.Wehave
foundit,butitlieswellbackfromthewater-sidehere,andrunsundertheleeofarock-wall,afurlongormorefromtheshore.Wedidnotfindwherethenorthwardlandinglies.Ifitstillremains,wemusthavepassedityesterdaynight.Wemightlabourfarupstreamandyetmissitinthefog.IfearwemustleavetheRivernow,andmakefortheportage-wayasbestwe
canfromhere.’‘Thatwouldnotbeeasy,
evenifwewereallMen,’saidBoromir.
‘Yetsuchaswearewewilltryit,’saidAragorn.
‘Aye,wewill,’saidGimli.‘ThelegsofMenwilllagonaroughroad,whileaDwarfgoeson,betheburdentwicehisownweight,MasterBoromir!’
Thetaskprovedhardindeed,yetintheenditwasdone.Thegoodsweretakenoutoftheboatsandbroughttothetopofthebank,wheretherewasalevelspace.Thentheboatsweredrawnoutofthewaterandcarriedup.Theywerefarlessheavythananyhadexpected.OfwhattreegrowingintheElvishcountrytheyweremadenotevenLegolasknew;butthe
woodwastoughandyetstrangelylight.MerryandPippinalonecouldcarrytheirboatwitheasealongtheflat.NonethelessitneededthestrengthofthetwoMentoliftandhaulthemoverthegroundthattheCompanynowhadtocross.ItslopedupawayfromtheRiver,atumbledwasteofgreylimestone-boulders,withmanyhiddenholesshrouded
withweedsandbushes;therewerethicketsofbrambles,andsheerdells;andhereandthereboggypoolsfedbywaterstricklingfromtheterracesfurtherinland.
OnebyoneBoromirandAragorncarriedtheboats,whiletheotherstoiledandscrambledafterthemwiththebaggage.Atlastallwasremovedandlaidontheportage-way.Thenwithlittle
furtherhindrance,savefromsprawlingbriarsandmanyfallenstones,theymovedforwardalltogether.Fogstillhunginveilsuponthecrumblingrock-wall,andtotheirleftmistshroudedtheRiver:theycouldhearitrushingandfoamingoverthesharpshelvesandstonyteethofSarnGebir,buttheycouldnotseeit.Twicetheymadethejourney,beforeallwas
broughtsafetothesouthernlanding.
Theretheportage-way,turningbacktothewater-side,rangentlydowntotheshallowedgeofalittlepool.Itseemedtohavebeenscoopedintheriver-side,notbyhand,butbythewaterswirlingdownfromSarnGebiragainstalowpierofrockthatjuttedoutsomewayintothestream.Beyonditthe
shorerosesheerintoagreycliff,andtherewasnofurtherpassageforthoseonfoot.
Alreadytheshortafternoonwaspast,andadimcloudyduskwasclosingin.TheysatbesidethewaterlisteningtotheconfusedrushandroaroftheRapidshiddeninthemist;theyweretiredandsleepy,andtheirheartswereasgloomyasthedyingday.
‘Well,hereweare,andherewemustpassanothernight,’saidBoromir.‘Weneedsleep,andevenifAragornhadamindtopasstheGatesofArgonathbynight,wearealltootired–except,nodoubt,oursturdydwarf.’
Gimlimadenoreply:hewasnoddingashesat.
‘Letusrestasmuchaswecannow,’saidAragorn.
‘Tomorrowwemustjourneybydayagain.Unlesstheweatherchangesoncemoreandcheatsus,weshallhaveagoodchanceofslippingthrough,unseenbyanyeyesontheeasternshore.Buttonighttwomustwatchtogetherinturns:threehoursoffandoneonguard.’
Nothinghappenedthat
nightworsethanabriefdrizzleofrainanhourbeforedawn.Assoonasitwasfullylighttheystarted.Alreadythefogwasthinning.Theykeptascloseastheycouldtothewesternside,andtheycouldseethedimshapesofthelowcliffsrisingeverhigher,shadowywallswiththeirfeetinthehurryingriver.Inthemid-morningthecloudsdrewdownlower,anditbeganto
rainheavily.Theydrewtheskin-coversovertheirboatstopreventthemfrombeingflooded,anddriftedon;littlecouldbeseenbeforethemoraboutthemthroughthegreyfallingcurtains.
Therain,however,didnotlastlong.Slowlytheskyabovegrewlighter,andthensuddenlythecloudsbroke,andtheirdraggledfringestrailedawaynorthwardupthe
River.Thefogsandmistsweregone.Beforethetravellerslayawideravine,withgreatrockysidestowhichclung,uponshelvesandinnarrowcrevices,afewthrawntrees.ThechannelgrewnarrowerandtheRiverswifter.Nowtheywerespeedingalongwithlittlehopeofstoppingorturning,whatevertheymightmeetahead.Overthemwasalane
ofpale-bluesky,aroundthemthedarkovershadowedRiver,andbeforethemblack,shuttingoutthesun,thehillsofEmynMuil,inwhichnoopeningcouldbeseen.
Frodopeeringforwardsawinthedistancetwogreatrocksapproaching:likegreatpinnaclesorpillarsofstonetheyseemed.Tallandsheerandominoustheystooduponeithersideofthestream.A
narrowgapappearedbetweenthem,andtheRiverswepttheboatstowardsit.
‘BeholdtheArgonath,thePillarsoftheKings!’criedAragorn.‘Weshallpassthemsoon.Keeptheboatsinline,andasfarapartasyoucan!Holdthemiddleofthestream!’
AsFrodowasbornetowardsthemthegreatpillarsroseliketowerstomeethim.
Giantstheyseemedtohim,vastgreyfiguressilentbutthreatening.Thenhesawthattheywereindeedshapedandfashioned:thecraftandpowerofoldhadwroughtuponthem,andstilltheypreservedthroughthesunsandrainsofforgottenyearsthemightylikenessesinwhichtheyhadbeenhewn.Upongreatpedestalsfoundedinthedeepwatersstoodtwo
greatkingsofstone:stillwithblurredeyesandcranniedbrowstheyfrownedupontheNorth.Thelefthandofeachwasraisedpalmoutwardsingestureofwarning;ineachrighthandtherewasanaxe;uponeachheadtherewasacrumblinghelmandcrown.Greatpowerandmajestytheystillwore,thesilentwardensofalong-vanishedkingdom.Aweandfearfellupon
Frodo,andhecowereddown,shuttinghiseyesandnotdaringtolookupastheboatdrewnear.EvenBoromirbowedhisheadastheboatswhirledby,frailandfleetingaslittleleaves,undertheenduringshadowofthesentinelsofNúmenor.SotheypassedintothedarkchasmoftheGates.
Sheerrosethedreadfulcliffstounguessedheightson
eitherside.Faroffwasthedimsky.Theblackwatersroaredandechoed,andawindscreamedoverthem.FrodocrouchingoverhiskneesheardSaminfrontmutteringandgroaning:‘Whataplace!Whatahorribleplace!Justletmegetoutofthisboat,andI’llneverwetmytoesinapuddleagain,letaloneariver!’
‘Fearnot!’saidastrange
voicebehindhim.FrodoturnedandsawStrider,andyetnotStrider;fortheweatherwornRangerwasnolongerthere.InthesternsatAragornsonofArathorn,proudanderect,guidingtheboatwithskilfulstrokes;hishoodwascastback,andhisdarkhairwasblowinginthewind,alightwasinhiseyes:akingreturningfromexiletohisownland.
‘Fearnot!’hesaid.‘LonghaveIdesiredtolookuponthelikenessesofIsildurandAnárion,mysiresofold.UndertheirshadowElessar,theElfstonesonofArathornoftheHouseofValandilIsildur’sson,heirofElendil,hasnaughttodread!’
Thenthelightofhiseyesfaded,andhespoketohimself:‘WouldthatGandalfwerehere!Howmyheart
yearnsforMinasAnorandthewallsofmyowncity!ButwhithernowshallIgo?’
Thechasmwaslonganddark,andfilledwiththenoiseofwindandrushingwaterandechoingstone.Itbentsomewhattowardsthewestsothatatfirstallwasdarkahead;butsoonFrodosawatallgapoflightbeforehim,evergrowing.Swiftlyitdrewnear,andsuddenlytheboats
shotthrough,outintoawideclearlight.
Thesun,alreadylongfallenfromthenoon,wasshininginawindysky.Thepentwatersspreadoutintoalongovallake,paleNenHithoel,fencedbysteepgreyhillswhosesideswerecladwithtrees,buttheirheadswerebare,cold-gleamingin
thesunlight.Atthefarsouthernendrosethreepeaks.Themidmoststoodsomewhatforwardfromtheothersandsunderedfromthem,anislandinthewaters,aboutwhichtheflowingRiverflungpaleshimmeringarms.Distantbutdeeptherecameuponthewindaroaringsoundliketherollofthunderheardfaraway.
‘BeholdTolBrandir!’said
Aragorn,pointingsouthtothetallpeak.‘UpontheleftstandsAmonLhaw,andupontherightisAmonHen,theHillsofHearingandofSight.Inthedaysofthegreatkingstherewerehighseatsuponthem,andwatchwaskeptthere.ButitissaidthatnofootofmanorbeasthaseverbeensetuponTolBrandir.Eretheshadeofnightfallsweshallcometothem.Ihear
theendlessvoiceofRauroscalling.’
TheCompanyrestednowforawhile,driftingsouthonthecurrentthatflowedthroughthemiddleofthelake.Theyatesomefood,andthentheytooktotheirpaddlesandhastenedontheirway.Thesidesofthewestwardhillsfellintoshadow,andtheSungrewroundandred.Hereandthere
amistystarpeeredout.Thethreepeaksloomedbeforethem,darklinginthetwilight.Rauroswasroaringwithagreatvoice.Alreadynightwaslaidontheflowingwaterswhenthetravellerscameatlastundertheshadowofthehills.
Thetenthdayoftheirjourneywasover.Wilderlandwasbehindthem.Theycouldgonofurtherwithoutchoice
betweentheeast-wayandthewest.ThelaststageoftheQuestwasbeforethem.
Chapter10
THEBREAKINGOFTHEFELLOWSHIP
AragornledthemtotherightarmoftheRiver.HereuponitswesternsideundertheshadowofTolBrandira
greenlawnrandowntothewaterfromthefeetofAmonHen.Behinditrosethefirstgentleslopesofthehillcladwithtrees,andtreesmarchedawaywestwardalongthecurvingshoresofthelake.Alittlespringfelltumblingdownandfedthegrass.
‘Herewewillresttonight,’saidAragorn.‘ThisisthelawnofParthGalen:afairplaceinthesummerdays
ofold.Letushopethatnoevilhasyetcomehere.’
Theydrewuptheirboatsonthegreenbanks,andbesidethemtheymadetheircamp.Theysetawatch,buthadnosightnorsoundoftheirenemies.IfGollumhadcontrivedtofollowthem,heremainedunseenandunheard.NonethelessasthenightworeonAragorngrewuneasy,tossingofteninhis
sleepandwaking.InthesmallhourshegotupandcametoFrodo,whoseturnitwastowatch.
‘Whyareyouwaking?’askedFrodo.‘Itisnotyourwatch.’
‘Idonotknow,’answeredAragorn;‘butashadowandathreathasbeengrowinginmysleep.Itwouldbewelltodrawyoursword.’
‘Why?’saidFrodo.‘Are
enemiesathand?’‘LetusseewhatSting
mayshow,’answeredAragorn.
Frodothendrewtheelf-bladefromitssheath.Tohisdismaytheedgesgleameddimlyinthenight.‘Orcs!’hesaid.‘Notverynear,andyettoonear,itseems.’
‘Ifearedasmuch,’saidAragorn.‘ButmaybetheyarenotonthissideoftheRiver.
ThelightofStingisfaint,anditmaypointtonomorethanspiesofMordorroamingontheslopesofAmonLhaw.IhaveneverheardbeforeofOrcsuponAmonHen.Yetwhoknowswhatmayhappenintheseevildays,nowthatMinasTirithnolongerholdssecurethepassagesofAnduin.Wemustgowarilytomorrow.’
Thedaycamelikefireandsmoke.LowintheEasttherewereblackbarsofcloudlikethefumesofagreatburning.Therisingsunlitthemfrombeneathwithflamesofmurkyred;butsoonitclimbedabovethemintoaclearsky.ThesummitofTolBrandirwastippedwithgold.Frodolookedouteastwardandgazedatthetallisland.Itssidessprangsheeroutof
therunningwater.Highupabovethetallcliffsweresteepslopesuponwhichtreesclimbed,mountingoneheadaboveanother;andabovethemagainweregreyfacesofinaccessiblerock,crownedbyagreatspireofstone.Manybirdswerecirclingaboutit,butnosignofotherlivingthingscouldbeseen.
Whentheyhadeaten,AragorncalledtheCompany
together.‘Thedayhascomeatlast,’hesaid:‘thedayofchoicewhichwehavelongdelayed.WhatshallnowbecomeofourCompanythathastravelledsofarinfellowship?ShallweturnwestwithBoromirandgotothewarsofGondor;orturneasttotheFearandShadow;orshallwebreakourfellowshipandgothiswayandthataseachmaychoose?
Whateverwedomustbedonesoon.Wecannotlonghalthere.Theenemyisontheeasternshore,weknow;butIfearthattheOrcsmayalreadybeonthissideofthewater.’
Therewasalongsilenceinwhichnoonespokeormoved.
‘Well,Frodo,’saidAragornatlast.‘Ifearthattheburdenislaiduponyou.YouaretheBearerappointed
bytheCouncil.Yourownwayyoualonecanchoose.InthismatterIcannotadviseyou.IamnotGandalf,andthoughIhavetriedtobearhispart,Idonotknowwhatdesignorhopehehadforthishour,ifindeedhehadany.Mostlikelyitseemsthatifhewereherenowthechoicewouldstillwaitonyou.Suchisyourfate.’
Frododidnotanswerat
once.Thenhespokeslowly.‘Iknowthathasteisneeded,yetIcannotchoose.Theburdenisheavy.Givemeanhourlonger,andIwillspeak.Letmebealone!’
Aragornlookedathimwithkindlypity.‘Verywell,FrodosonofDrogo,’hesaid.‘Youshallhaveanhour,andyoushallbealone.Wewillstayhereforawhile.Butdonotstrayfaroroutofcall.’
Frodosatforamomentwithhisheadbowed.Sam,whohadbeenwatchinghismasterwithgreatconcern,shookhisheadandmuttered:‘Plainasapikestaffitis,butit’snogoodSamGamgeeputtinginhisspokejustnow.’
PresentlyFrodogotupandwalkedaway;andSamsawthatwhiletheothersrestrainedthemselvesanddid
notstareathim,theeyesofBoromirfollowedFrodointently,untilhepassedoutofsightinthetreesatthefootofAmonHen.
Wanderingaimlesslyatfirstinthewood,Frodofoundthathisfeetwereleadinghimuptowardstheslopesofthehill.Hecametoapath,thedwindlingruinsofaroadof
longago.Insteepplacesstairsofstonehadbeenhewn,butnowtheywerecrackedandworn,andsplitbytherootsoftrees.Forsomewhileheclimbed,notcaringwhichwayhewent,untilhecametoagrassyplace.Rowan-treesgrewaboutit,andinthemidstwasawideflatstone.ThelittleuplandlawnwasopenupontheEastandwasfillednowwiththeearly
sunlight.FrodohaltedandlookedoutovertheRiver,farbelowhim,toTolBrandirandthebirdswheelinginthegreatgulfofairbetweenhimandtheuntroddenisle.ThevoiceofRauroswasamightyroaringmingledwithadeepthrobbingboom.
Hesatdownuponthestoneandcuppedhischininhishands,staringeastwardsbutseeinglittlewithhiseyes.
AllthathadhappenedsinceBilbolefttheShirewaspassingthroughhismind,andherecalledandponderedeverythingthathecouldrememberofGandalf’swords.Timewenton,andstillhewasnonearertoachoice.
Suddenlyheawokefromhisthoughts:astrangefeelingcametohimthatsomethingwasbehindhim,that
unfriendlyeyeswereuponhim.Hesprangupandturned;butallthathesawtohissurprisewasBoromir,andhisfacewassmilingandkind.
‘Iwasafraidforyou,Frodo,’hesaid,comingforward.‘IfAragornisrightandOrcsarenear,thennoneofusshouldwanderalone,andyouleastofall:somuchdependsonyou.Andmy
hearttooisheavy.MayIstaynowandtalkforawhile,sinceIhavefoundyou?Itwouldcomfortme.Wheretherearesomany,allspeechbecomesadebatewithoutend.Buttwotogethermayperhapsfindwisdom.’
‘Youarekind,’answeredFrodo.‘ButIdonotthinkthatanyspeechwillhelpme.ForIknowwhatIshoulddo,butIamafraidofdoingit,
Boromir:afraid.’Boromirstoodsilent.
Raurosroaredendlesslyon.Thewindmurmuredinthebranchesofthetrees.Frodoshivered.
SuddenlyBoromircameandsatbesidehim.‘Areyousurethatyoudonotsufferneedlessly?’hesaid.‘Iwishtohelpyou.Youneedcounselinyourhardchoice.Willyounottakemine?’
‘IthinkIknowalreadywhatcounselyouwouldgive,Boromir,’saidFrodo.‘Anditwouldseemlikewisdombutforthewarningofmyheart.’
‘Warning?Warningagainstwhat?’saidBoromirsharply.
‘Againstdelay.Againstthewaythatseemseasier.Againstrefusaloftheburdenthatislaidonme.Against–well,ifitmustbesaid,
againsttrustinthestrengthandtruthofMen.’
‘Yetthatstrengthhaslongprotectedyoufarawayinyourlittlecountry,thoughyouknewitnot.’
‘Idonotdoubtthevalourofyourpeople.Buttheworldischanging.ThewallsofMinasTirithmaybestrong,buttheyarenotstrongenough.Iftheyfail,whatthen?’
‘Weshallfallinbattlevaliantly.Yetthereisstillhopethattheywillnotfail.’
‘NohopewhiletheRinglasts,’saidFrodo.
‘Ah!TheRing!’saidBoromir,hiseyeslighting.‘TheRing!Isitnotastrangefatethatweshouldsuffersomuchfearanddoubtforsosmallathing?Sosmallathing!AndIhaveseenitonlyforaninstantinthehouseof
Elrond.CouldInothaveasightofitagain?’
Frodolookedup.Hisheartwentsuddenlycold.HecaughtthestrangegleaminBoromir’seyes,yethisfacewasstillkindandfriendly.‘Itisbestthatitshouldliehidden,’heanswered.
‘Asyouwish.Icarenot,’saidBoromir.‘YetmayInotevenspeakofit?Foryouseemevertothinkonlyofits
powerinthehandsoftheEnemy:ofitsevilusesnotofitsgood.Theworldischanging,yousay.MinasTirithwillfall,iftheRinglasts.Butwhy?Certainly,iftheRingwerewiththeEnemy.Butwhy,ifitwerewithus?’
‘WereyounotattheCouncil?’answeredFrodo.‘Becausewecannotuseit,andwhatisdonewithitturns
toevil.’Boromirgotupand
walkedaboutimpatiently.‘Soyougoon,’hecried.‘Gandalf,Elrond–allthesefolkhavetaughtyoutosayso.Forthemselvestheymayberight.Theseelvesandhalf-elvesandwizards,theywouldcometogriefperhaps.YetoftenIdoubtiftheyarewiseandnotmerelytimid.Buteachtohisownkind.
True-heartedMen,theywillnotbecorrupted.WeofMinasTirithhavebeenstaunchthroughlongyearsoftrial.Wedonotdesirethepowerofwizard-lords,onlystrengthtodefendourselves,strengthinajustcause.Andbehold!inourneedchancebringstolighttheRingofPower.Itisagift,Isay;agifttothefoesofMordor.Itismadnottouseit,tousethe
poweroftheEnemyagainsthim.Thefearless,theruthless,thesealonewillachievevictory.Whatcouldnotawarriordointhishour,agreatleader?WhatcouldnotAragorndo?Orifherefuses,whynotBoromir?TheRingwouldgivemepowerofCommand.HowIwoulddrivethehostsofMordor,andallmenwouldflocktomybanner!’
Boromirstrodeupanddown,speakingevermoreloudly.AlmostheseemedtohaveforgottenFrodo,whilehistalkdweltonwallsandweapons,andthemusteringofmen;andhedrewplansforgreatalliancesandgloriousvictoriestobe;andhecastdownMordor,andbecamehimselfamightyking,benevolentandwise.Suddenlyhestoppedand
wavedhisarms.‘Andtheytellustothrow
itaway!’hecried.‘Idonotsaydestroyit.Thatmightbewell,ifreasoncouldshowanyhopeofdoingso.Itdoesnot.TheonlyplanthatisproposedtousisthatahalflingshouldwalkblindlyintoMordorandoffertheEnemyeverychanceofrecapturingitforhimself.Folly!
‘Surelyyouseeit,myfriend?’hesaid,turningnowsuddenlytoFrodoagain.‘Yousaythatyouareafraid.Ifitisso,theboldestshouldpardonyou.Butisitnotreallyyourgoodsensethatrevolts?’
‘No,Iamafraid,’saidFrodo.‘Simplyafraid.ButIamgladtohaveheardyouspeaksofully.Mymindisclearernow.’
‘ThenyouwillcometoMinasTirith?’criedBoromir.Hiseyeswereshiningandhisfaceeager.
‘Youmisunderstandme,’saidFrodo.
‘Butyouwillcome,atleastforawhile?’Boromirpersisted.‘Mycityisnotfarnow;anditislittlefurtherfromtheretoMordorthanfromhere.Wehavebeenlonginthewilderness,and
youneednewsofwhattheEnemyisdoingbeforeyoumakeamove.Comewithme,Frodo,’hesaid.‘Youneedrestbeforeyourventure,ifgoyoumust.’Helaidhishandonthehobbit’sshoulderinfriendlyfashion;butFrodofeltthehandtremblingwithsuppressedexcitement.Hesteppedquicklyaway,andeyedwithalarmthetallMan,nearlytwicehisheightand
manytimeshismatchinstrength.
‘Whyareyousounfriendly?’saidBoromir.‘Iamatrueman,neitherthiefnortracker.IneedyourRing:thatyouknownow;butIgiveyoumywordthatIdonotdesiretokeepit.Willyounotatleastletmemaketrialofmyplan?LendmetheRing!’
‘No!no!’criedFrodo.‘TheCouncillaidituponme
tobearit.’‘Itisbyourownfollythat
theEnemywilldefeatus,’criedBoromir.‘Howitangersme!Fool!Obstinatefool!Runningwilfullytodeathandruiningourcause.IfanymortalshaveclaimtotheRing,itisthemenofNúmenor,andnotHalflings.Itisnotyourssavebyunhappychance.Itmighthavebeenmine.Itshouldbe
mine.Giveittome!’Frododidnotanswer,but
movedawaytillthegreatflatstonestoodbetweenthem.‘Come,come,myfriend!’saidBoromirinasoftervoice.‘Whynotgetridofit?Whynotbefreeofyourdoubtandfear?Youcanlaytheblameonme,ifyouwill.YoucansaythatIwastoostrongandtookitbyforce.ForIamtoostrongforyou,
halfling,’hecried;andsuddenlyhesprangoverthestoneandleapedatFrodo.Hisfairandpleasantfacewashideouslychanged;aragingfirewasinhiseyes.
Frodododgedasideandagainputthestonebetweenthem.Therewasonlyonethinghecoulddo:tremblinghepulledouttheRinguponitschainandquicklyslippeditonhisfinger,evenas
Boromirsprangathimagain.TheMangasped,staredforamomentamazed,andthenranwildlyabout,seekinghereandthereamongtherocksandtrees.
‘Miserabletrickster!’heshouted.‘Letmegetmyhandsonyou!NowIseeyourmind.YouwilltaketheRingtoSauronandsellusall.Youhaveonlywaitedyourchancetoleaveusinthelurch.Curse
youandallhalflingstodeathanddarkness!’Then,catchinghisfootonastone,hefellsprawlingandlayuponhisface.Forawhilehewasasstillasifhisowncursehadstruckhimdown;thensuddenlyhewept.
Heroseandpassedhishandoverhiseyes,dashingawaythetears.‘WhathaveIsaid?’hecried.‘WhathaveIdone?Frodo,Frodo!’he
called.‘Comeback!Amadnesstookme,butithaspassed.Comeback!’
Therewasnoanswer.Frododidnotevenhearhiscries.Hewasalreadyfaraway,leapingblindlyupthepathtothehill-top.Terrorandgriefshookhim,seeinginhisthoughtthemadfiercefaceofBoromir,andhis
burningeyes.Soonhecameoutalone
onthesummitofAmonHen,andhalted,gaspingforbreath.Hesawasthroughamistawideflatcircle,pavedwithmightyflags,andsurroundedwithacrumblingbattlement;andinthemiddle,setuponfourcarvenpillars,wasahighseat,reachedbyastairofmanysteps.Uphewentandsatupontheancient
chair,feelinglikealostchildthathadclambereduponthethroneofmountain-kings.
Atfirsthecouldseelittle.Heseemedtobeinaworldofmistinwhichtherewereonlyshadows:theRingwasuponhim.Thenhereandtherethemistgavewayandhesawmanyvisions:smallandclearasiftheywereunderhiseyesuponatable,andyetremote.Therewasnosound,only
brightlivingimages.Theworldseemedtohaveshrunkandfallensilent.HewassittingupontheSeatofSeeing,onAmonHen,theHilloftheEyeoftheMenofNúmenor.Eastwardhelookedintowideunchartedlands,namelessplains,andforestsunexplored.Northwardhelooked,andtheGreatRiverlaylikearibbonbeneathhim,andtheMisty
Mountainsstoodsmallandhardasbrokenteeth.WestwardhelookedandsawthebroadpasturesofRohan;andOrthanc,thepinnacleofIsengard,likeablackspike.Southwardhelooked,andbelowhisveryfeettheGreatRivercurledlikeatopplingwaveandplungedoverthefallsofRaurosintoafoamingpit;aglimmeringrainbowplayeduponthefume.And
EthirAnduinhesaw,themightydeltaoftheRiver,andmyriadsofsea-birdswhirlinglikeawhitedustinthesun,andbeneaththemagreenandsilversea,ripplinginendlesslines.
Buteverywherehelookedhesawthesignsofwar.TheMistyMountainswerecrawlinglikeanthills:orcswereissuingoutofathousandholes.Underthe
boughsofMirkwoodtherewasdeadlystrifeofElvesandMenandfellbeasts.ThelandoftheBeorningswasaflame;acloudwasoverMoria;smokeroseonthebordersofLórien.
HorsemenweregallopingonthegrassofRohan;wolvespouredfromIsengard.FromthehavensofHaradshipsofwarputouttosea;andoutoftheEastMenweremoving
endlessly:swordsmen,spearmen,bowmenuponhorses,chariotsofchieftainsandladenwains.AllthepoweroftheDarkLordwasinmotion.ThenturningsouthagainhebeheldMinasTirith.Farawayitseemed,andbeautiful:white-walled,many-towered,proudandfairuponitsmountain-seat;itsbattlementsglitteredwithsteel,anditsturretswere
brightwithmanybanners.Hopeleapedinhisheart.ButagainstMinasTirithwassetanotherfortress,greaterandmorestrong.Thither,eastward,unwillinghiseyewasdrawn.ItpassedtheruinedbridgesofOsgiliath,thegrinninggatesofMinasMorgul,andthehauntedMountains,anditlookeduponGorgoroth,thevalleyofterrorintheLandofMordor.
DarknesslaythereundertheSun.Fireglowedamidthesmoke.MountDoomwasburning,andagreatreekrising.Thenatlasthisgazewasheld:walluponwall,battlementuponbattlement,black,immeasurablystrong,mountainofiron,gateofsteel,towerofadamant,hesawit:Barad-dûr,FortressofSauron.Allhopelefthim.
Andsuddenlyhefeltthe
Eye.TherewasaneyeintheDarkTowerthatdidnotsleep.Heknewthatithadbecomeawareofhisgaze.Afierceeagerwillwasthere.Itleapedtowardshim;almostlikeafingerhefeltit,searchingforhim.Verysoonitwouldnailhimdown,knowjustexactlywherehewas.AmonLhawittouched.ItglanceduponTolBrandir–hethrewhimselffromthe
seat,crouching,coveringhisheadwithhisgreyhood.
Heheardhimselfcryingout:Never,never!Orwasit:VerilyIcome,Icometoyou?Hecouldnottell.Thenasaflashfromsomeotherpointofpowertherecametohismindanotherthought:Takeitoff!Takeitoff!Fool,takeitoff!TakeofftheRing!
Thetwopowersstroveinhim.Foramoment,perfectly
balancedbetweentheirpiercingpoints,hewrithed,tormented.Suddenlyhewasawareofhimselfagain,Frodo,neithertheVoicenortheEye:freetochoose,andwithoneremaininginstantinwhichtodoso.HetooktheRingoffhisfinger.Hewaskneelinginclearsunlightbeforethehighseat.Ablackshadowseemedtopasslikeanarmabovehim;itmissed
AmonHenandgropedoutwest,andfaded.Thenalltheskywascleanandblueandbirdssangineverytree.
Frodorosetohisfeet.Agreatwearinesswasonhim,buthiswillwasfirmandhisheartlighter.Hespokealoudtohimself.‘IwilldonowwhatImust,’hesaid.‘Thisatleastisplain:theeviloftheRingisalreadyatworkevenintheCompany,andtheRing
mustleavethembeforeitdoesmoreharm.Iwillgoalone.SomeIcannottrust,andthoseIcantrustaretoodeartome:pooroldSam,andMerryandPippin.Strider,too:hisheartyearnsforMinasTirith,andhewillbeneededthere,nowBoromirhasfallenintoevil.Iwillgoalone.Atonce.’
Hewentquicklydownthepathandcamebacktothe
lawnwhereBoromirhadfoundhim.Thenhehalted,listening.Hethoughthecouldhearcriesandcallsfromthewoodsneartheshorebelow.
‘They’llbehuntingforme,’hesaid.‘IwonderhowlongIhavebeenaway.Hours,Ishouldthink.’Hehesitated.‘WhatcanIdo?’hemuttered.‘ImustgonoworIshallnevergo.Ishan’tgetachanceagain.Ihateleaving
them,andlikethiswithoutanyexplanation.Butsurelytheywillunderstand.Samwill.AndwhatelsecanIdo?’
SlowlyhedrewouttheRingandputitononcemore.Hevanishedandpasseddownthehill,lessthanarustleofthewind.
Theothersremainedlongbytheriver-side.Forsome
timetheyhadbeensilent,movingrestlesslyabout;butnowtheyweresittinginacircle,andtheyweretalking.Everynowandagaintheymadeeffortstospeakofotherthings,oftheirlongroadandmanyadventures;theyquestionedAragornconcerningtherealmofGondoranditsancienthistory,andtheremnantsofitsgreatworksthatcouldstill
beseeninthisstrangeborder-landoftheEmynMuil:thestonekingsandtheseatsofLhawandHen,andthegreatStairbesidethefallsofRauros.ButalwaystheirthoughtsandwordsstrayedbacktoFrodoandtheRing.WhatwouldFrodochoosetodo?Whywashehesitating?
‘Heisdebatingwhichcourseisthemostdesperate,Ithink,’saidAragorn.‘And
wellhemay.ItisnowmorehopelessthaneverfortheCompanytogoeast,sincewehavebeentrackedbyGollum,andmustfearthatthesecretofourjourneyisalreadybetrayed.ButMinasTirithisnonearertotheFireandthedestructionoftheBurden.
‘Wemayremainthereforawhileandmakeabravestand;buttheLordDenethorandallhismencannothope
todowhatevenElrondsaidwasbeyondhispower:eithertokeeptheBurdensecret,ortoholdoffthefullmightoftheEnemywhenhecomestotakeit.WhichwaywouldanyofuschooseinFrodo’splace?Idonotknow.NowindeedwemissGandalfmost.’
‘Grievousisourloss,’saidLegolas.‘Yetwemustneedsmakeupourmindswithout
hisaid.Whycannotwedecide,andsohelpFrodo?Letuscallhimbackandthenvote!IshouldvoteforMinasTirith.’
‘AndsoshouldI,’saidGimli.‘We,ofcourse,wereonlysenttohelptheBeareralongtheroad,togonofurtherthanwewished;andnoneofusisunderanyoathorcommandtoseekMountDoom.Hardwasmyparting
fromLothlórien.YetIhavecomesofar,andIsaythis:nowwehavereachedthelastchoice,itiscleartomethatIcannotleaveFrodo.IwouldchooseMinasTirith,butifhedoesnot,thenIfollowhim.’
‘AndItoowillgowithhim,’saidLegolas.‘Itwouldbefaithlessnowtosayfarewell.’
‘Itwouldindeedbeabetrayal,ifwealllefthim,’
saidAragorn.‘Butifhegoeseast,thenallneednotgowithhim;nordoIthinkthatallshould.Thatventureisdesperate:asmuchsoforeightasforthreeortwo,oronealone.Ifyouwouldletmechoose,thenIshouldappointthreecompanions:Sam,whocouldnotbearitotherwise;andGimli;andmyself.Boromirwillreturntohisowncity,wherehisfather
andhispeopleneedhim;andwithhimtheothersshouldgo,oratleastMeriadocandPeregrin,ifLegolasisnotwillingtoleaveus.’
‘Thatwon’tdoatall!’criedMerry.‘Wecan’tleaveFrodo!PippinandIalwaysintendedtogowhereverhewent,andwestilldo.Butwedidnotrealizewhatthatwouldmean.Itseemeddifferentsofaraway,inthe
ShireorinRivendell.ItwouldbemadandcrueltoletFrodogotoMordor.Whycan’twestophim?’
‘Wemuststophim,’saidPippin.‘Andthatiswhatheisworryingabout,Iamsure.Heknowsweshan’tagreetohisgoingeast.Andhedoesn’tliketoaskanyonetogowithhim,pooroldfellow.Imagineit:goingofftoMordoralone!’Pippin
shuddered.‘Butthedearsillyoldhobbit,heoughttoknowthathehasn’tgottoask.Heoughttoknowthatifwecan’tstophim,weshan’tleavehim.’
‘Beggingyourpardon,’saidSam.‘Idon’tthinkyouunderstandmymasteratall.Heisn’thesitatingaboutwhichwaytogo.Ofcoursenot!What’sthegoodofMinasTirithanyway?To
him,Imean,beggingyourpardon,MasterBoromir,’headded,andturned.ItwasthenthattheydiscoveredthatBoromir,whoatfirsthadbeensittingsilentontheoutsideofthecircle,wasnolongerthere.
‘Nowwhere’shegotto?’criedSam,lookingworried.‘He’sbeenabitqueerlately,tomymind.Butanywayhe’snotinthisbusiness.He’soff
tohishome,ashealwayssaid;andnoblametohim.ButMr.Frodo,heknowshe’sgottofindtheCracksofDoom,ifhecan.Buthe’safraid.Nowit’scometothepoint,he’sjustplainterrified.That’swhathistroubleis.Ofcoursehe’shadabitofschooling,sotospeak–weallhave–sincewelefthome,orhe’dbesoterrifiedhe’djustflingtheRinginthe
Riverandbolt.Buthe’sstilltoofrightenedtostart.Andheisn’tworryingaboutuseither:whetherwe’llgoalongwithhimorno.Heknowswemeanto.That’sanotherthingthat’sbotheringhim.Ifhescrewshimselfuptogo,he’llwanttogoalone.Markmywords!We’regoingtohavetroublewhenhecomesback.Forhe’llscrewhimselfupallright,assureashisname’s
Baggins.’‘Ibelieveyouspeakmore
wiselythananyofus,Sam,’saidAragorn.‘Andwhatshallwedo,ifyouproveright?’
‘Stophim!Don’tlethimgo!’criedPippin.
‘Iwonder?’saidAragorn.‘HeistheBearer,andthefateoftheBurdenisonhim.Idonotthinkthatitisourparttodrivehimonewayortheother.NordoIthinkthatwe
shouldsucceed,ifwetried.Thereareotherpowersatworkfarstronger.’
‘Well,IwishFrodowould“screwhimselfup”andcomeback,andletusgetitover,’saidPippin.‘Thiswaitingishorrible!Surelythetimeisup?’
‘Yes,’saidAragorn.‘Thehourislongpassed.Themorningiswearingaway.Wemustcallforhim.’
AtthatmomentBoromirreappeared.Hecameoutfromthetreesandwalkedtowardsthemwithoutspeaking.Hisfacelookedgrimandsad.Hepausedasifcountingthosethatwerepresent,andthensatdownaloof,withhiseyesontheground.
‘Wherehaveyoubeen,Boromir?’askedAragorn.‘HaveyouseenFrodo?’
Boromirhesitatedforasecond.‘Yes,andno,’heansweredslowly.‘Yes:Ifoundhimsomewayupthehill,andIspoketohim.IurgedhimtocometoMinasTirithandnottogoeast.Igrewangryandheleftme.Hevanished.Ihaveneverseensuchathinghappenbefore,thoughIhaveheardofitintales.HemusthaveputtheRingon.Icouldnot
findhimagain.Ithoughthewouldreturntoyou.’
‘Isthatallthatyouhavetosay?’saidAragorn,lookinghardandnottookindlyatBoromir.
‘Yes,’heanswered.‘Iwillsaynomoreyet.’
‘Thisisbad!’criedSam,jumpingup.‘Idon’tknowwhatthisManhasbeenupto.WhyshouldMr.Frodoputthethingon?Hedidn’tought
tohave;andifhehas,goodnessknowswhatmayhavehappened!’
‘Buthewouldn’tkeepiton,’saidMerry.‘Notwhenhehadescapedtheunwelcomevisitor,likeBilbousedto.’
‘Butwheredidhego?Whereishe?’criedPippin.‘He’sbeenawayagesnow.’
‘HowlongisitsinceyousawFrodolast,Boromir?’
askedAragorn.‘Halfanhour,maybe,’he
answered.‘Oritmightbeanhour.Ihavewanderedforsometimesince.Idonotknow!Idonotknow!’Heputhisheadinhishands,andsatasifbowedwithgrief.
‘Anhoursincehevanished!’shoutedSam.‘Wemusttryandfindhimatonce.Comeon!’
‘Waitamoment!’cried
Aragorn.‘Wemustdivideupintopairs,andarrange–here,holdon!Wait!’
Itwasnogood.Theytooknonoticeofhim.Samhaddashedofffirst.MerryandPippinhadfollowed,andwerealreadydisappearingwestwardintothetreesbytheshore,shouting:Frodo!Frodo!intheirclear,high,hobbit-voices.LegolasandGimliwererunning.A
suddenpanicormadnessseemedtohavefallenontheCompany.
‘Weshallallbescatteredandlost,’groanedAragorn.‘Boromir!Idonotknowwhatpartyouhaveplayedinthismischief,buthelpnow!Goafterthosetwoyounghobbits,andguardthemattheleast,evenifyoucannotfindFrodo.Comebacktothisspot,ifyoufindhim,orany
tracesofhim.Ishallreturnsoon.’
AragornsprangswiftlyawayandwentinpursuitofSam.Justashereachedthelittlelawnamongtherowansheovertookhim,toilinguphill,pantingandcalling,Frodo!
‘Comewithme,Sam!’hesaid.‘Noneofusshouldbe
alone.Thereismischiefabout.Ifeelit.Iamgoingtothetop,totheSeatofAmonHen,toseewhatmaybeseen.Andlook!Itisasmyheartguessed,Frodowentthisway.Followme,andkeepyoureyesopen!’Hespedupthepath.
Samdidhisbest,buthecouldnotkeepupwithStridertheRanger,andsoonfellbehind.Hehadnotgone
farbeforeAragornwasoutofsightahead.Samstoppedandpuffed.Suddenlyheclappedhishandtohishead.
‘Whoa,SamGamgee!’hesaidaloud.‘Yourlegsaretooshort,souseyourhead!Letmeseenow!Boromirisn’tlying,that’snothisway;buthehasn’ttolduseverything.SomethingscaredMr.Frodobadly.Hescrewedhimselfuptothepoint,sudden.Hemade
uphismindatlast–togo.Whereto?OffEast.NotwithoutSam?Yes,withoutevenhisSam.That’shard,cruelhard.’
Sampassedhishandoverhiseyes,brushingawaythetears.‘Steady,Gamgee!’hesaid.‘Think,ifyoucan!Hecan’tflyacrossrivers,andhecan’tjumpwaterfalls.He’sgotnogear.Sohe’sgottogetbacktotheboats.Backtothe
boats!Backtotheboats,Sam,likelightning!’
Samturnedandboltedbackdownthepath.Hefellandcuthisknees.Uphegotandranon.HecametotheedgeofthelawnofParthGalenbytheshore,wheretheboatsweredrawnupoutofthewater.Noonewasthere.Thereseemedtobecriesinthewoodsbehind,buthedidnotheedthem.Hestood
gazingforamoment,stock-still,gaping.Aboatwasslidingdownthebankallbyitself.WithashoutSamracedacrossthegrass.Theboatslippedintothewater.
‘Coming,Mr.Frodo!Coming!’calledSam,andflunghimselffromthebank,clutchingatthedepartingboat.Hemisseditbyayard.Withacryandasplashhefellfacedownwardintodeep
swiftwater.Gurglinghewentunder,andtheRiverclosedoverhiscurlyhead.
Anexclamationofdismaycamefromtheemptyboat.Apaddleswirledandtheboatputabout.FrodowasjustintimetograspSambythehairashecameup,bubblingandstruggling.Fearwasstaringinhisroundbrowneyes.
‘Upyoucome,Sammylad!’saidFrodo.‘Nowtake
myhand!’‘Saveme,Mr.Frodo!’
gaspedSam.‘I’mdrownded.Ican’tseeyourhand.’
‘Hereitis.Don’tpinch,lad!Iwon’tletyougo.Treadwateranddon’tflounder,oryou’llupsettheboat.Therenow,getholdoftheside,andletmeusethepaddle!’
WithafewstrokesFrodobroughttheboatbacktothebank,andSamwasableto
scrambleout,wetasawater-rat.FrodotookofftheRingandsteppedashoreagain.
‘Ofalltheconfoundednuisancesyouaretheworst,Sam!’hesaid.
‘Oh,Mr.Frodo,that’shard!’saidSamshivering.‘That’shard,tryingtogowithoutmeandall.IfIhadn’taguessedright,wherewouldyoubenow?’
‘Safelyonmyway.’
‘Safely!’saidSam.‘Allaloneandwithoutmetohelpyou?Icouldn’thaveaborneit,it’dhavebeenthedeathofme.’
‘Itwouldbethedeathofyoutocomewithme,Sam,’saidFrodo,‘andIcouldnothavebornethat.’
‘Notascertainasbeingleftbehind,’saidSam.
‘ButIamgoingtoMordor.’
‘Iknowthatwellenough,Mr.Frodo.Ofcourseyouare.AndI’mcomingwithyou.’
‘Now,Sam,’saidFrodo,‘don’thinderme!Theotherswillbecomingbackatanyminute.Iftheycatchmehere,Ishallhavetoargueandexplain,andIshallneverhavetheheartorthechancetogetoff.ButImustgoatonce.It’stheonlyway.’
‘Ofcourseitis,’answered
Sam.‘Butnotalone.I’mcomingtoo,orneitherofusisn’tgoing.I’llknockholesinalltheboatsfirst.’
Frodoactuallylaughed.Asuddenwarmthandgladnesstouchedhisheart.‘Leaveone!’hesaid.‘We’llneedit.Butyoucan’tcomelikethiswithoutyourgearorfoodoranything.’
‘Justholdonamoment,andI’llgetmystuff!’cried
Sameagerly.‘It’sallready.Ithoughtweshouldbeofftoday.’Herushedtothecampingplace,fishedouthispackfromthepilewhereFrodohadlaiditwhenheemptiedtheboatofhiscompanions’goods,grabbedaspareblanket,andsomeextrapackagesoffood,andranback.
‘Soallmyplanisspoilt!’saidFrodo.‘Itisnogood
tryingtoescapeyou.ButI’mglad,Sam.Icannottellyouhowglad.Comealong!Itisplainthatweweremeanttogotogether.Wewillgo,andmaytheothersfindasaferoad!Striderwilllookafterthem.Idon’tsupposeweshallseethemagain.’
‘Yetwemay,Mr.Frodo.Wemay,’saidSam.
SoFrodoandSamsetoffonthelaststageoftheQuesttogether.Frodopaddledawayfromtheshore,andtheRiverborethemswiftlyaway,downthewesternarm,andpastthefrowningcliffsofTolBrandir.Theroarofthegreatfallsdrewnearer.EvenwithsuchhelpasSamcouldgive,itwashardworktopassacrossthecurrentatthesouthwardendoftheisland
anddrivetheboateastwardtowardsthefarshore.
AtlengththeycametolandagainuponthesouthernslopesofAmonLhaw.Theretheyfoundashelvingshore,andtheydrewtheboatout,highabovethewater,andhiditaswellastheycouldbehindagreatboulder.Thenshoulderingtheirburdens,theysetoff,seekingapaththatwouldbringthemover
thegreyhillsoftheEmynMuil,anddownintotheLandofShadow.
MAPS
WORKSBYJ.R.R.TOLKIEN
TheHobbitLeafbyNiggleOnFairy-Stories
FarmerGilesofHamTheHomecomingof
BeorhtnothTheLordoftheRingsTheAdventuresofTom
BombadilTheRoadGoesEverOn
(withDonaldSwann)SmithofWoottonMajor
WORKSPUBLISHEDPOSTHUMOUSLY
SirGawainandtheGreenKnight,PearlandSirOrfeoTheFatherChristmasLetters
TheSilmarillionPicturesbyJ.R.R.Tolkien
UnfinishedTalesTheLettersofJ.R.R.Tolkien
FinnandHengest
MrBlissTheMonstersandtheCritics
&OtherEssaysRoverandom
TheChildrenofHúrinTheLegendofSigurdand
Gudrún
THEHISTORYOFMIDDLE-EARTH–BYCHRISTOPHERTOLKIEN
ITheBookofLostTales,PartOne
IITheBookofLostTales,
PartTwoIIITheLaysofBeleriandIVTheShapingofMiddle-
earthVTheLostRoadandOther
WritingsVITheReturnoftheShadowVIITheTreasonofIsengardVIIITheWaroftheRingIXSauronDefeatedXMorgoth’sRing
XITheWaroftheJewelsXIIThePeoplesofMiddle-
earth
COPYRIGHT
HarperCollinsPublishers77–85FulhamPalaceRoad,
Hammersmith,LondonW68JB
www.tolkien.co.ukwww.tolkienestate.com
PublishedbyHarperCollinsPublishers20081Thiseditionisbasedonthereseteditionfirstpublished2004
FirstpublishedinGreatBritainbyGeorgeAllen&Unwin1954SecondEdition1966
Copyright©TheTrusteesoftheJ.R.R.Tolkien1967Settlement1954,1966
and‘Tolkien’®are
registeredtrademarksofTheJ.R.R.TolkienEstateLimited
EPubEditionMARCH2009ISBN:978-0-007-32249-7
AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenon-exclusive,non-transferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-bookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybe
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*Astherecordsof
GondorrelatethiswasArgelebII,thetwentiethoftheNorthernline,whichcametoanendwithArveduithreehundredyearslater.
*Thus,theyearsofthe
ThirdAgeinthereckoningoftheElvesandtheDúnedainmaybefoundbyadding1600tothedatesofShire-reckoning.
*SeeAppendixB:annals
1451,1462,1482;andnoteatendofAppendixC.
*Representedinmuch
reducedforminAppendixBasfarastheendoftheThirdAge.
*Seenote2,III,p.1458
*Elves(andHobbits)
alwaysrefertotheSunasShe.
*TheHobbits’namefor
thePloughorGreatBear.
*TheBrandywineRiver.
*SeenoteinAppendixF:
OftheElves.