LOTR Script

The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring SCRIPT

Prologue
Ga: (vo) *I amar prestar aen.* The world is changed. *han mathon ne nen.* I feel it in the water. *han mathon ne chae.* I feel it in the Earth. *a han noston ne 'wilith.* I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost. For none now live who remember it.

Ga: (vo) It began with the forging of the great Rings. Three were given to the Elves, immortal, wisest and fairest of all beings. Seven to the Dwarf lords, great miners and craftsmen of the mountain halls. And nine, nine Rings were gifted to the race of Men who above all else, desire power. For within these Rings was bound the strength and will to govern each race. But they were all of them deceived, for another Ring was made. In the land of Mordor, in the fires of Mount Doom, the Dark Lord Sauron forged in secret a master Ring, to control all others. And into this Ring, he poured his cruelty, his malice and his will to dominate all life. One Ring to rule them all.

Ga: (vo) One by one, free lands in Middle-Earth fell to the power of the Ring. But there were some who resisted. A Last Alliance of Men and Elves marched against the armies of Mordor and on the slopes of Mount Doom, they fought for the freedom of Middle-Earth.

E: *Tangado haid! Hado i philinn!* Hold [your] positions! Fire the arrows!

Ga: (vo) Victory was near. But the power of the Ring could not be undone.

Sauron appears. He fights his way through the ranks with no effort at all. Elendil attacks him, but is mortally wounded. Isildur kneels down next to him. Intent on killing him as well, Sauron approaches him.

Ga: (vo) It was in this moment when all hope had faded, that Isildur, son of the King, took up his father's sword.

Isildur raises Narsil up against him, but Sauron breaks the sword. He reaches out for Isildur, but Isildur, in a desperate rage, strikes with Narsil and cuts off Sauron's finger. Losing the Ring, Sauron also loses his power and his physical body. His spirit leaves the armor with a force that throws back Isildur and the surrounding warriors.

Ga: (vo) Sauron, the enemy of the free peoples of Middle-Earth, was defeated.

Ga: (vo) The Ring passed to Isildur, who had this one chance to destroy evil forever. But the hearts of men are easily corrupted. And the Ring of Power has a will of its own.

Ga: (vo) It betrayed Isildur to his death.

Isildur, killed by Orc-arrows, floats in a river.

Ga: (vo) And some things that should not have been forgotten were lost. History became legend, legend became myth and for two and a half thousand years, the Ring passed out of all knowledge. Until when chance came, it ensnared a new bearer.

Go: My Precious...

Ga: (vo) The Ring came to the creature Gollum, who took it deep into the tunnels of the Misty Mountains. And there, it consumed him.

Go: It came to me. My own. My love. My Precious!

Ga: (vo) The Ring brought Gollum unnatural long life. For five hundred years, it poisoned his mind. And in the gloom of Gollum's cave, it waited. Darkness crept back into the forest of the world. Rumor grew of a Shadow in the east, whispers a nameless fear, and the Ring of Power perceived its time had now come. It abandoned Gollum. But something happened then the Ring did not intend. It was picked up by the most unlikely person imaginable.

Bilbo is in one of the corridors leading away from Gollum's lair when he discovers the One Ring lying on the ground.

Bilbo picks up the Ring.

Bi: What�s this?

Ga: (vo) A Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, of the Shire.

Bi: A ring.

Bilbo laughs, but looks up fearfully when Gollum cries out.

Go: (vo) Lost! My precious is lost!

Ga: (vo) For the time soon will come when Hobbits will shape the fortunes of all.

Hobbiton, 60 years after Bilbo has found the Ring

Frodo is sitting against a tree, reading. He hears someone singing and runs to the road. Gandalf, wearing his grey robes and pointy hat, is driving a cart filled with fireworks and party necessities. G: (singing) The Road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began.

F: You're late!

Gandalf doesn't look at Frodo at first.

G: A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.

Gandalf and Frodo try to keep a straight face as long as possible, but then start laughing. Frodo gets in the cart and hugs Gandalf.

Frodo: It's wonderful to see you, Gandalf!

G: You didn�t think I�d miss your Uncle Bilbo's birthday?

Frodo sits next to Gandalf as he drives the cart to Bag End.

F: What news of the outside world? Tell me everything.

G: Everything? You're far too eager and curious for a Hobbit. Most unnatural.

The cart passes through Hobbiton.

G: Well, what can I tell you? Life in the wide world goes on much as it has this past Age, full of its own comings and goings. Scarcely aware of the existence of Hobbits. For which I am very thankful.

Some Hobbit children spot Gandalf.

Ht: Look it's Gandalf! It's Gandalf!

The cart passes by Hobbits who are setting up the party. A banner reads 'Happy Birthday Bilbo Baggins'

G: Ooh! The long-expected party! So how is the old rascal? I hear there�s going to be a party of special magnificence.

F: You know Bilbo. He's got the whole place in an uproar.

G: Now, well that should please him.

F: Half the Shire's been invited.

G: Goodness gracious me!

F: He's up to something.

Gandalf looks as if it's the first he's heard of it.

G: Oh, really?

F: All right then, keep your secrets.

Gandalf laughs.

F: Before you came along, we Bagginses were very well thought of.

G: Indeed?

F: Never had any adventures, or did anything unexpected.

G: If you�re referring to the incident with the dragon, I was barely involved. All I did was give your uncle a little nudge out of the door.

F: Whatever you did, you�ve been officially labeled a disturber of the peace.

G: Really?
They drive past one of the Proudfeet, who looks grim. Some Hobbit children follow the cart.

Ht: Gandalf! Gandalf!! Fireworks? Gandalf?

Gandalf waits awhile, but just when the children are disappointed that nothing happened, fireworks go off behind the cart and they cheer. Gandalf laughs and the Proudfoot Hobbit he passed earlier grins, until his wife shoots him a dirty look.

F: Gandalf, I'm glad you're back.

Frodo jumps off the cart.

G: So am I, dear boy! So am I.

Gandalf goes through Bilbo's gate, upon which is affixed a plaque stating 'No admittance except on party business.' He knocks on the door with the end of his staff. Bilbo doesn't open the door, but shouts from inside.

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

G: And what about very old friends?

The door opens.

Bilbo: Gandalf?

G: Bilbo Baggins!

Bilbo: My dear Gandalf!

Gandalf kneels down and the two friends hug.

G: Good to see you! One hundred and eleven years old --who would believe it?

He looks at Bilbo, amazed.

G: You haven't aged a day.

Bilbo laughs, then Gandalf too.

B: Come on, come in! Welcome, welcome!

They go inside.

B: There we are. Well now. Tea? Or maybe something a little stronger? I've got a few bottles of the old Winyard left. Twelve hundred ninety-six. Very good year. Almost as old as I am! Hahaha! It was laid down by my father. What say we open one, eh?

G: Just tea, thank you.

Gandalf steps back but knocks his head against the chandelier. He steadies it and turns to Bilbo's study, but then hits his forehead against a beam. He walks up to the desk and sees a map drawn by Bilbo, of the Lonely Mountain. Bilbo talks to him from the kitchen.

B: I was expecting you here last week! Not that it matters, you come and go as you please. Always have done and always will. You caught me a bit unprepared, I'm afraid. We have some old chicken and pickles... Here's some cheese - oh no it won't do. There we got (...) Not much for afterlunch, oh no! We're all right. I have some cake. I can make you some eggs if you like...Gandalf?

G: Just tea, thank you.

Bilbo turns round to Gandalf, who was standing right behind him.

B: Oh, right!
Bilbo stuffs some food in his mouth.

B: You don't mind if I eat, do you?

G: Oh no, not at all.

There's a knock on the door.

Ho: Bilbo!

Bilbo hides.

Ho: Bilbo Baggins!

B: (hisses) I'm not at home!

He continues to set up the kitchen table.

B: I've got to get away from these confounded relatives hanging on the bell! They never give me a moment's peace! I want to see mountains again! Mountains, Gandalf! And then find somewhere quiet where I can finish my book. Oh, tea!

G: So, you mean to go through with your plan, then?

B: Yes, yes. It's all in hand. All the arrangements are made.

Bilbo starts to pour water into the tea pot, Gandalf opens the lid.

B: Oh, thank you.

G: Frodo suspects something.

B: �Course he does! He's a Baggins. Not some block-headed Bracegirdle from Hardbottle.

G: You will tell him, won't you?

B: Yes, yes.

G: He's very fond of you.

B: I know. He'd probably come with me if I asked him. I think in his heart Frodo is still in love with the Shire. The woods, the fields, the two rivers.

Bilbo has been looking outside, but now he turns to Gandalf, looking quite serious. While he talks, he fingers the Ring in his pocket, which Gandalf notices.

B: I'm old Gandalf. I know I don't look it but I'm beginning to feel it in my heart. I feel thin. Sort of stretched. Like butter scraped over too much bread. I need a holiday, a very long holiday. And I don't expect I shall return. In fact, I mean not to.

Gandalf and Bilbo are sitting on a bench, smoking pipe while they overlook Hobbiton.

Bilbo: Old Toby. The finest weed in the Southfarthing.

Bilbo puffs a ring of smoke and Gandalf follows with a ship that sails through it.

Bilbo: Gandalf, my old friend...This will be a night to remember!

The party is well underway and Gandalf's fireworks work their magic. Bilbo is working through a line of party-goers.

Bilbo: Hello. Hello. Lovely to see you! Welcome. Welcome!

Frodo is also at the party. He sees Sam sitting on a bench, looking at Rosie Cotton, who is dancing. Frodo walks up to him.

F: Go on, Sam. Ask Rosie for a dance.

S: I think I�ll just have another ale.

Sam looks away from Rosie, but Frodo turns him round again.

F: Oh no, you don�t. Go on.

Frodo pushes Sam to Rosie and laughs as she pulls him into a dance. Gandalf meanwhile has outdone himself.

G: Whoa!

Huge fireworks go off. Bilbo has got an audience of Hobbit children in rapt attention.

Bilbo: There I was...at the mercy of three monstrous trolls! And they were all arguing amongst themselves about how they were going to cook us. Whether it be turned on a spit, or whether they should sit on us one by one and squash us into jelly!

The children look afraid.

Bilbo: They spent so much time arguing the whether to's and why for's, that when the sun�s first light cracked over the top of the trees...poof!

The children start and gasp.

Bilbo: It turned them all to stone!

Gandalf is at the top of his game, laughing as he gathers fireworks probably even more terrific. When he's left the cart, Merry appears, eating an apple. He signals Pippin to get onto Gandalf�s cart.

M: Quickly!

Merry helps Pippin get in the cart. He crashes into the fireworks. Gandalf meanwhile is setting off more of them, spiraling past Hobbit children.

G: Whoa! Off they go.

Pippin is grabbing one of the fireworks.

M: No, no! The big one! The big one!

P: Done.

They hurry inside a tent. The dragon-shaped firework is sticking into the ground.

M: You�re supposed to stick it in the ground!

P: It is in the ground!

M: Outside!

P: It was your idea!

The firework goes up, the sheer force of it throwing Merry and Pippin onto the ground. It turns into a huge golden dragon, which flies straight up in the sky, maw open. The dragon then swerves round and heads right for the Hobbits. They see it and run, or throw themselves to the ground. Frodo also sees it. He looks at Bilbo, who hasn't.

F: Bilbo? Bilbo! Look out for the dragon!

B: Dragon? Nonsense! There hasn�t been a dragon in these parts for a thousand years--

Frodo pulls Bilbo to the ground, just in time. The dragon flies overhead, then to the horizon, where it bursts into a beautiful firework. The Hobbits smile and applaud. Merry and Pippin appear, both with torched hair and covered in soot.

M: That was good. Let�s get another one!

Gandalf comes behind and grabs their ears. Pippin and Merry look up at him, wincing.

G: Meriadoc Brandybuck. And Peregrin Took. I might have known.

Merry and Pippin are washing the dishes as punishment, with Gandalf keeping a keen eye on them. Other Hobbits are sitting or standing in front of a platform, upon which stands Bilbo.

Ht: Speech, Bilbo! Speech!

F: Speech!

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

Ho: Proudfeet!

Bilbo dismisses the remark with a wave of his hand.

B: Today is my one hundred and eleventh birthday!

Ht: Happy birthday!

B: Alas, eleventy-one years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable Hobbits.

The Hobbits cheer.

B: I don�t know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.

There is silence as the Hobbits look at each other, most of them not getting what Bilbo meant, which was of course the idea.

Bilbo: I...uh...I h-have things to do.

Bilbo's expression has changed. Frodo notices and begins to realize something unusual is going on.

B: (whispers) I�ve put this off for far too long. (louder) I regret to announce, this is the end! I'm going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell.

Bilbo looks at Frodo.

B: (whispers) Goodbye.

Bilbo puts on the ring and vanishes. Frodo looks surprised, Gandalf too, but starting to put two and two together.

Ht: Ooh!

Bilbo, invisible, leaves the party and returns to Bag End.

Bilbo is laughing when he reappears again, satifisfied with himself. He flips the Ring and puts it in his pocket.

G: I suppose you think that was terribly clever?

Bilbo starts, not having seen Gandalf. He dismisses the reproach and starts packing.

B: Come on Gandalf! Did you see their faces?

G: There are many magic rings in this world, Bilbo Baggins, and none of them should be used lightly.

B: It was just a bit of fun.

He looks at Gandalf, who remains somewhat stern.

B: Oh, you�re probably right, as usual. You will keep an eye on Frodo, won�t you?

G: Two eyes. As often as I can spare them.

B: I�m leaving everything to him.

G: What about this ring of yours? Is that staying too?

B: Yes, yes. It�s in an envelope over there on the mantelpiece.

Bilbo is facing away from the fireplace when he stops short and pats his coat pocket.

B: No, wait, it's...here in my pocket.

Gandalf, who was about to take the envelope, turns. Bilbo takes out the Ring and looks at it.

B: Heh. Isn�t that...isn�t that odd though?

Bilbo's expression changes.

B: Yet, after all...why not? Why shouldn�t I keep it?

G: I think you should leave the ring behind, Bilbo. Is that so hard?

B: Well no...

As Bilbo speaks, his face and voice change, as if a madness seems to possess him.

B: ...and yes! Now it comes to it, I don�t feel like parting with it. It's mine, I found it. It came to me!

G:: There�s no need to get angry.

Bilbo turns on Gandalf.

B: Well, if I�m angry, it�s your fault!

Bilbo looks away again, caressing the Ring.

B: It's mine. My own. My precious.

G: Precious? Its been called that before, but not by you.

B: What business is it of yours what I do with my own things!

G: I think you�ve had that ring quite long enough.

B: You want it for yourself!

Gandalf suddenly becomes angry.

G: Bilbo Baggins!

Bilbo snaps out of it, scared by Gandalf's thundering voice. The ceiling of Bag End behind him changes to a dark sky.

G: Do not take me for some conjurer of cheap tricks!

Gandalf returns to normal again.

G: I am not trying to rob you. I�m trying to help you.

Bilbo cries and hugs Gandalf. Gandalf kneels down and holds Bilbo's shoulders.

G: All your long years we�ve been friends. Trust me as you once did. Let it go.

Bilbo: You�re right, Gandalf. The ring must go to Frodo.

Bilbo goes to the door, holding his walking stick.

B: It's late, the road is long. Yes, it is time.

Bilbo opens the door.

G: Bilbo?

Bilbo: Hmm?

G: The ring is still in your pocket.

Bilbo: Oh, yes...

Bilbo pulls out the ring from his pocket. He stares at it on his palm, struggling with with the power of the Ring, even though he's not aware of it. But it hasn't gotten a strong enough hold on him yet and he lets it to slip out of his hand. It lands with a loud thud. Bilbo hurries out the door. He turns on the road and looks at Gandalf, who stands in the doorway.

B: I�ve thought of an ending for my book. 'And he lived happily ever after, to the end of his days.'

G: And I�m sure you will, my dear friend.

B: Goodbye, Gandalf.

G: Goodbye, dear Bilbo.

B: (singing) The Road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began.

G: Until our next meeting.

Gandalf goes back in. He stands in front of the Ring and looks down at it. He reaches down to pick it up, but right before his fingers touch the Ring, he sees in a flash the Eye of Sauron.

Gandalf sits at Bilbo's fireplace, smoking a pipe while he goes over the Hobbit's words.

Bi: (vo) It's mine. My own. My Precious!

G: Riddles in the Dark.

Behind him, Frodo enters Bag End.

F: Bilbo! Bilbo!

Frodo sees the Ring. He picks it up.

G: My precious.

Frodo spots Gandalf and goes over to him.

G: Precious...

F: He's gone hasn't he? He talked for so long about leaving. I didn't think he'd really do it.

F: Gandalf?

Gandalf looks at Frodo and smiles widely.

G: Bilbo's ring. He's gone to stay with the Elves.

Gandalf gets up.

G: He's left you Bag End...

Gandalf holds open the envelope in which Bilbo had meant to put the Ring. Frodo does so. Gandalf seals it quickly.

G: ...along with all his possessions. The ring is yours now. Put it somewhere out of sight.

Gandalf goes to the door, suddenly in a hurry.

F: Where are you going?

G: There are some things that I must see to.

F: What things?

G: Questions. Questions that need answering!

F: But you've only just arrived! I don't understand.

Gandalf turns at the door.

G: Neither do I. Keep it secret. Keep it safe.

Gandalf leaves. Frodo looks at the envelope.

(Barad-d�r)

Gollum is tortured by Orcs.

Gollum: Shire! Baggins!

The gates of the tower open and the Nine, Sauron's Ringwraiths, ride out to find the Ring.

Gandalf is riding a horse. He stops and looks at the distant Mount Doom, which is riddled with fire. He continues to ride on very fast.

Gandalf is sitting in a room littered with books and scrolls. He's smoking a pipe.

G: The year thirty-four thirty-four of the Second Age. Here follows the account of Isildur, High King of Gondor, and the finding of the Ring of Power. 'It has come to me, the One Ring. It shall be the heirloom of my kingdom. All that who should follow in my bloodline shall be bound to its fate, for I will risk no hurt to the Ring. It is precious to me, though I buy it with a great pain. The markings upon the band begin to fade. The writing, which at first was as clear as red flame, has all but disappeared, a secret now that only fire can tell.'

Gandalf looks at the Ring inscription. He now knows how to confirm his suspicions.

(Back at The Shire)

A Hobbit is chopping wood in front of his home. His dog suddenly barks and then hides behind the door, afraid. The Hobbit is frozen with fear as a Ringwraith stops on the road.

Ri: Shire...Baggins...

Ho: Baggins? There are no Bagginses around here. They're all in Hobbiton, that way.

The Hobbit hides in his home and the Ringwraith rides off.

It is late in the evening and Frodo and Sam leave the Red Dragon Inn.

R: Goodnight.

S: Goodnight.

(Bag End) At Bag End Frodo and Sam part ways.

S: Goodnight.

F: Goodnight, Sam.

Sam yawns and continues on, while Frodo goes inside. Wind breezes through an open window and stirs papers on Bilbo's desk. Frodo looks flabbergasted that Bag End has been broken into. Suddenly a hand grabs his shoulder. He spins round, but it is Gandalf.

G: Is it secret? Is it safe?

Frodo opens a chest. He takes out the envelope and gives it to Gandalf. Gandalf practically snatches it out of his hand and throws into in the fire.

F: What are you doing?

The envelope burns, revealing the Ring. Gandalf takes it out with a pair of tongs. He holds the Ring in front of Frodo.

G: Hold out your hand, Frodo. It�s quite cool.

Gandalf drops the Ring into Frodo's hand. He flinches, but his skin doesn't burn. Gandalf stands up with his back to Frodo. It's as if he dreads looking.

G: What can you see? Can you see anything?

F: Nothing. There's nothing...

Gandalf looks relieved.

F: Wait. There are markings. It's some form of Elvish. I can�t read it.

G: There are few who can.

Gandalf turns to Frodo.

G: The language is that of Mordor, which I will not utter here.

F: Mordor?

G: In the common tongue it says, "One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them. One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them."

Gandalf and Frodo sit at a table.

G: This is the One Ring, forged by the Dark Lord Sauron in the fires of Mount Doom. Taken by Isildur from the hand of Sauron himself.

F: Bilbo found it. In Gollum's cave.

G: Yes. Sixty years the Ring lay quiet in Bilbo's keeping, prolonging his life, delaying old age. But no longer, Frodo. Evil is stirring in Mordor. The Ring has awoken. It's heard its master's call.

F: But he was destroyed. Sauron was destroyed.

Su: (vo whisper) Isildur...

Gandalf and Frodo look at the Ring, astonished.

G: No, Frodo. The spirit of Sauron endured. His life force is bound to the Ring, and the Ring survived. Sauron has returned. His Orcs have multiplied. His fortress of Barad-d�r is rebuilt in the land of Mordor. Sauron needs only this Ring to cover all the lands of a second darkness. He is seeking it. Seeking it always. All his thought is bent on it. The Ring yearns above all else to return to the hand of its master. They are one, the Ring and the Dark Lord. Frodo, he must never find it.

Frodo has gotten up and Gandalf follows him.

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

He looks round at Gandalf, who hasn't answered.

F: Do they, Gandalf?

G: There is one other who knew that Bilbo had the Ring. I looked everywhere for the creature Gollum. But the Enemy found him first. I don�t know how long they tortured him. Amidst the endless screams and inane babble, they discerned two words.

(Barad-d�r)

Go: Shire! Baggins!

(Bag End)

F: Shire. Baggins. But that will lead them here!

Shire

The Ringwraiths ride down a road. A Hobbit with a lantern walks on it as well.

Ho: Who goes there?

The Ringwraith draws his sword and strikes the Hobbit down.

(Bag End)

F: Take it, Gandalf! Take it!

Gandalf recoils.

G: No, Frodo. No.

F: You must take it!

G: You cannot offer me this Ring!

F: I'm giving it to you!

G: Don't tempt me, Frodo!

Frodo finally stops, taken aback by Gandalf's strong reaction.

G: I dare not take it. Not even to keep it safe. Understand Frodo, I would use this Ring from the desire to do good. But through me, it would wield a power to great and terrible to imagine.

F: But it cannot stay in the Shire!

G: No! No it can't.

F: What must I do?

Frodo is hurriedly packing his belongings.

G: You must leave, and leave quickly.

F: Where? Where do I go?

G: Get out of the Shire. Make for the vilage of Bree.

F: Bree. What about you?

G: I'll be waiting for you at the Inn of the Prancing Pony.

F: And the Ring will be safe there?

G: I don't know Frodo. I don't have any answers. I must see the head of my order. He is both wise and powerful. Trust me Frodo, he'll know what to do.

Frodo is done packing. He's wearing a backpack.

G: You�ll have to leave the name of Baggins behind you, for that name is not safe outside the Shire. Travel only by day. And stay off the road.

F: I can cut across country easily enough.

Gandalf suddenly smiles, touched by Frodo's courage and trust.

G: My dear Frodo...Hobbits really are amazing creatures! You can learn all that there is to know about their ways in a month, and yet after a hundred years, they can still surprise you.

Frodo smiles. Suddenly they hear a noise outside.

G: Get down!

Gandalf goes to the window. He looks down into the bushes and knocks down his staff. Someone yelps. Gandalf reaches down and yanks someone through the window. It's Sam, who crashes onto the table.

G: Confound it all, Samwise Gamgee! You�ve been evesdropping?

S: I have been droppin no eves sir, honest! I was just cutting the grass under the window there, if you follow me.

G: A little late for trimming the verge, don�t you think?

S: I heard raised voices.

G: What did you hear?! Speak!

S: N-n-n-nothing important. That is I heard a good deal about a Ring and a Dark Lord and something about the end of the world. But please, Mister Gandalf, sir, don�t hurt me. Don�t turn me into anything...unnatural...

Gandalf looks as if he's not too sure about that.

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

Gandalf is leading a horse, Frodo walks next to him and Sam further back, hauling supplies.

G: Come along, Samwise. Keep up!

(The Old Forest)

G: Be careful both of you. The Enemy has many spies in his service. Birds, beasts.

Gandalf looks at Frodo.

G: Is it safe?

Frodo taps on the pocket holding the Ring.

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

Gandalf rides off.

(The Shire)

Frodo and Sam hike through the Shire, pausing to smoke and eat. When they are passing through a field, Sam lingers behind and stops.

S: This is it.

Frodo turns.

F: This is what?

S: If I take one more step, it will be the farthest away from home I�ve ever been.

Frodo walks back to him.

F: Come on Sam. Remember what Bilbo used to say. 'It's a dangerous business...

Bi: (vo) ...Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road and if you don�t keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.

(Orthanc, Isengard)

Gandalf rides swiftly into Isengard. Saruman descends from the steps of the tower to greet him.

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

Gandalf bows.

G: Saruman.

(Gardens of Isengard)

Gandalf and Saruman walk in the gardens, conferring about the situation.

Sa: You are sure of this?

G: Beyond any doubt.

Sa: The Ring of Power has been found.

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

Sa: Yet you did not have the wit to see it. Your love of the Halfling's leaf has clearly slowed your mind.

G: But we still have time. Time enough to counter Sauron if we act quickly.

Sa: Time? What time do you think we have?

(Saruman's chambers, Orthanc, Isengard)

Saruman sits on a chair at a desk, while Gandalf stands.

Sa: Sauron has regained much of his former strength. He cannot yet take physical form, but his spirit has lost none of its potency. Concealed within his fortress, the Lord of Mordor sees all. His gaze pierces cloud, shadow, earth and...flesh. You know of what I speak, Gandalf. A great Eye, lidless. Wreathed in flame.

G: The Eye of Sauron.

Sa: He is gathering all evil to him. Very soon he will summon an army great enough to launch an assault upon Middle Earth.

G: You know this? How?

Saruman looks sideways.

Sa: I have seen it.

(Chamber of the Palant�r, Orthanc, Isengard.)

Saruman and Gandalf walk up to the Seeing Stone.

G: A palant�r is a dangerous tool, Saruman.

Sa: Why? Why should we fear to use it?

Saruman unveils the Seeing Stone.

G: They are not all accounted for, the lost Seeing Stones. We do not know who else may be watching!

Gandalf recloaks the palant�r, but as he does again he sees in a flash the Eye of Sauron.

Sa: The hour is later than you think. Sauron's forces are already moving. The Nine have left Minas Morgul.

G: The Nine?

Sa: They crossed the River Isen on Midsummer's Eve, disguised as riders in black.

G: They've reached the Shire?

Sa: They will find the Ring, and kill the one who carries it.

G: Frodo!

Gandalf heads for the door, but Saruman uses his powers to shut it, and all other doors leading out of the room.

Sa: You did not seriously think that a Hobbit could contend with the will of Sauron? There are none who can. Against the power of Mordor there can be no victory. We must join with him, Gandalf. We must join with Sauron. It would be wise, my friend.

G: Tell me, friend, when did Saruman the Wise abandon reason for madness?

Saruman yells and attacks Gandalf. They battle, but Saruman prevails.

Sa: I gave you the chance of aiding me willingly. But you have elected the way of pain!

With the power of his own staff and that of Gandalf, Saruman sends Gandalf flying to the pinnacle of Orthanc.

(Bamfurlong: old Farmer Maggot's land)

Sam is walking through a field of corn. He looks for Frodo but doesn't see him anywhere.

S: Mister Frodo? Frodo! Frodo!

Frodo walks back into view. Sam sighs with relief.

S: I thought I�d lost you.

F: What are you talking about?

S: It's just something Gandalf said.

F: What did he say?

S: 'Don�t you lose him, Samwise Gamgee!' And I don't mean to.

F: Sam we're still in the Shire. What could possibly happen?

The words haven't left his mouth or he's knocked aside by Pippin. Sam is knocked to the ground by Merry.

P: Frodo? Merry, it's Frodo Baggins!

M: Hello, Frodo!

S: Get off him!

Sam hauls Pippin off Frodo.

S: Frodo? Are you alright?

P: What's the meaning of this?

M: Hold this.

Merry unloads the vegetables in Sam's hands.

S: You've been in the Farmer Maggot's crop!

Suddenly a dog barks and a voice yells angrily. Pippin grabs Frodo and yanks him after him. Merry. Sam looks at the vegetables, looks up, then at the vegetables again and drops them, running off as well. The sickle of Farmer Maggot can be seen sticking out the field.

Ma: Wait till I get this through you! Stay out of my fields, you ruffians! I�ll catch up with you!

M: Don't know why he is so upset. It�s only a couple of carrots!

P: And some cabbages! And those few bags of potatoes that we lifted last week! And-and the mushrooms the week before!

M: Yes, Pippin! My point is, he is clearly overreacting. Run!

The Hobbits stop short before the edge of the hill, but Sam runs into them, sending them all rolling down the slope. They land in a pile below, Pippin very near some dung.

P: That was close!

M: I think I've broken something.

Merry pulls out from under him a broken carrot. Sam gets up angrily.

S: Trust a Brandybuck and a Took!

M: What? That was just a detour. A shortcut.

S: A shortcut to what?

P: Mushrooms!

The Hobbits hurry to the mushrooms, but not Frodo. He looks down to the road, sensing something.

P: That�s mine!

M: Here is a nice one, Sam.

F: I think we should get off the road.

Frodo now definitely senses the approach of something evil, something connected with the Ring.

F: Get off the road! Quick!

They all hide beneath a root of a tree. Frodo looks up and sees the bloodied hoove of a horse. The N�zgul dismounts and kneels down, peering over the root, sniffing. Frodo nearly puts on the Ring, but Sam stops him. The N�zgul loses the scent. Merry throws a bag away to distract it. It works and the Hobbits run.

M: What was that?

They look at Frodo, who in turn looks at the Ring.

The Hobbits hide behind trees from the Ringwraith.

P: Anything?

F: Nothing.

P: What is going on?

M: That Black Rider was looking for something...or someone. Frodo?

P: Get down!

The Ringwraith leaves.

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

M: Right. Buckleberry Ferry. Follow me.

The Hobbits make their way to Buckleberry ferry. Then a Ringwraith appears and corners Frodo while the others run on. They jump over a fence and run to the ferry. Frodo manages to evade the Ringwraith and follow.
P: Run! This way, follow me! Run!

M: Get the rope, Sam!

S: Frodo!

Frodo runs to the raft, with the Ringwraith right behind him.

P, M & S: Run, Frodo!

F: Go!

P, M & S: Hurry!

S: Frodo! P, M & S: Jump Frodo! Go on faster! Jump!

Frodo jumps on the raft. The Ringwraith stops and rides away. He's joined by two other N�zgul. The raft glides over the river.

F: How far to the nearest crossing?

M: Brandywine Bridge. Twenty miles.

(Bree)

The Hobbits arrive at the gate of Bree.

F: Come on.

Frodo knocks on the gates. The gatekeeper first opens the hatch at his own eye-level, then the one at Hobbit-level.

Gt: What do you want?

F: We�re heading for the Prancing Pony.

Gt: Hobbits! Four hobbits! What business brings you to Bree?

F: We wish to stay at the inn. Our business is our own.

Gt: Alright, young sir, I meant no offence.

The gatekeeper opens the door.

Gt: �Tis my job to ask question after nightfall. There�s talk of strange folk abroad. Can�t be too careful.

The Hobbits walk through Bree.

Me: Move! Watch where you're going!

Frodo spots the sign of the inn.

(The Prancing Pony)

The Hobbits enter the inn and walk up to the counter.

F: Excuse me?

Barliman looks over the counter.

Ba: Good evening, little masters! If you�re seeking accommodation, we got some nice cozy hobbit sized rooms available, mister...

F: Underhill. My name�s Underhill.

Ba: Underhill.

F: We�re friends of Gandalf the Grey. Can you tell him we�ve arrived?

Ba: Gandalf? Gandalf? Oh yes! I remember. Elderly chap. Big grey beard, pointy hat.

Barliman shakes his head.

Ba: Not seen him for six months.

The hobbits are surprised, then worried.

S: What do we do now?

The Hobbits sit at a table in the inn. Sam looks nervous.

F: Sam. He�ll be here. He�ll come.

Merry brings a mug filled with beer.

Me: Get, get out of my way.

P: What�s that?

M: This my friend, is a pint.

P: It comes in pints? I�m getting one.

S: You had a whole half already!

Pippin ignores him and goes to the bar.

S: That fellow�s done nothin' but stare at you since we arrived.

Frodo beckons Barliman to their table.

F: Excuse me. That man in the corner, who is he?

Ba: He�s one of them Rangers. Dangerous folk they are. All wandering in the wilds. What his right name is I�ve never heard, but around here he�s known as Strider.

F: Strider...

Frodo holds the Ring. It starts to whisper, tempting him to use it.

Su: (vo) Baggins. Baggins. Baggins. Baggins! Baggins...

P: Baggins!

Pippin's voice snaps him out of it.

P: Sure I know a Baggins. He�s over there, Frodo Baggins. He's my second cousin, once removed on his mother's side....

Me: It works for him!

P: ...and my third cousin twice removed on his father's side, if you follow me.

Frodo runs to the bar to shut Pippin up!

F: Pippin!

P: Steady on!

Frodo slips and falls back. The Ring flies into the air. He holds out his hand to catch it, but it slips on his finger. Frodo immediatly disappears. The inn guests gasp, but Aragorn sits up.

(The Shire)

The N�zgul sense the power of the Ring and know immediatly where it is. They turn back.

Frodo sees for the first time the world through the power of the Ring. Everything is cloaked in shadows. Then he sees the Eye of Sauron.

Su: (vo) You cannot hide! I see you!

Frodo crawls away, struggling to take off the Ring. He succeeds and reappears next to Aragorn. Aragorn grabs him.

A: You draw far too much attention to yourself, Mister Underhill!

Aragorn pushes him up the stairs.

Frodo: What do you want?

Strider: A little more caution from you...

That is no trinket you carry.

Frodo: I carry nothing.

Strider: Indeed? I can avoid being seen if I wish,

but to disappear entirely, that is a rare gift.

Frodo: Who are you?

Strider: Are you frightened?

Frodo: Yes.

Strider: Not nearly frightened enough - I know what hunts you.

(Sam, Merry and Pippin burst into the room,

dukes and other 'weapons' raised)

Sam: Let 'im go, or I'll 'ave you, Longshanks!

Strider: You have a stout heart, little hobbit, but that will not save you.
You can no longer wait for the wizard, Frodo - they're coming.

The Black Riders crash down the Bree Gate

- with the Gatekeeper underneath, apparently -

then gallop through the streets and up to the Inn.

They enter and glide up to the Hobbits' room,

where they proceed to attack them in their beds.

However, Strider has moved them to his room,

where he is keeping watch out the window.

The noise of the attack wakes the Hobbits...

Frodo: What are they?

Strider: They were once men, great kings of men. Then Sauron the Deceiver gave to them Nine Rings of Power. Blinded by their greed they took them without question, one by one falling to darkness. And now they are slaves to his will. They are the Nazg�l, Ringwraiths, neither living nor dead. At all times they feel the presence of the Ring, drawn to the power of the One...

Strider: They will never stop hunting you...

We see the four hobbits and Strider walking Frodo: Where are you taking us?

Strider: Into the wild...

Merry: How do we know this Strider is a friend of Gandalf?

Frodo: We have no choice but to trust him...

Sam: But where is he leadin' us?

Strider: To Rivendell, Master Gamgee, to the House of Elrond.

Sam: Do you hear that? Rivendell! We're goin' to see the Elves!

After trudging through the woods for some time, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin (with Bill the Pony) halt to eat. Strider does not concur...

Strider: Gentlemen, we do not stop till nightfall.

Pippin: What about breakfast?

Strider: You've already had it!

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

Pippin: But what about elevensies? Luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, supper? He knows about them, doesn't he?

Merry: I wouldn't count on it...

(Aragorn throws them some apples)

Merry: Pippin!

Saruman is using the Palantir, in the 'throne room' of Orthanc

Saruman: The Power of Isengard is at your command, Sauron, Lord of the Earth

Sauron: ...Build me an army worthy of Mordor.

Orc minion: What orders from Mordor, my Lord? What does the Eye command?

Saruman: We have work to do...

Outside in Isengard, trees start to come down. Gandalf awakens on top of Orthanc, it starts to rain

Orc minion: The trees are strong my Lord. Their roots go deep...

Saruman: Rip them all down!

(Gandalf huddles miserably against one of the Orthanc spires, as the camera looks down on the destruction of Isengard)

Strider: This was the great watchtower of Amon S�l; We shall rest here tonight..

(They reach Weathertop and halt to set up camp)

Strider: These are for you; keep them close. I'm going to have a look around. Stay here!

(Frodo has a bit of a nap, then he awakens)

Merry: Want a tomato, Sam?

Frodo: What are you doing?!

Merry: Tomatoes, sausages, nice crispy bacon...

Sam: We saved some for you, Mr. Frodo.

Frodo: Put it out, you fools! Put it out!!

Pippin: Well, that's nice - you got ash in my tomatoes!

(We see what the Nazg�l see - the bright campfire on the side of Weathertop just before Frodo stamps it out - and we hear them screaming their discovery...)

(The hobbits go up to the summit of Weathertop. They circle around with their backs to each other, waiting for the Nazg�l, who shortly materialize from the shadows and advance on them...)

Sam: Back, you devils!

Nazg�l: Ah-zhee (and other unintelligible mutterings)

(Frodo puts on the Ring. The Witch-King reaches to take it but Frodo resists and pulls his hand back, so the Ringwraith stabs him. Frodo cries out and, with his last strength, pulls off the Ring)

(Aragorn leaps in between the Hobbits and the Nazg�l, with torch flaming and sword swinging)

Sam: Frodo!

(Much fighting and screaming; the Nazg�l are dispersed)

Sam: Strider! Help him, Strider!

Strider: He's been stabbed by a Morgul blade. This is beyond my skill to heal - he needs Elvish medicine.

(Strider picks up Frodo; next we see them all rushing through the woods, as he speaks to the other three Hobbits)

Hurry!

Sam: We're six days from Rivendell - he'll never make it!

Strider: Hold on Frodo!

Frodo (?): Gandalf! (sounds loud for Frodo; might be Sam)

(We swoop down through the Isengard caverns, up to the top of Orthanc where a moth flutters by. Gandalf catches it, whispers to it, then lets it go.

Another sweeping shot back down the side of Orthanc and into the caverns: Orcs are working furiously, making weapons and armour.

Saruman arrives with some of his minions, watching the activities. They observe the birth of Lurtz, who promptly strangles the Orc Overseer)

(They are in the clearing where Bilbo was held captive by the giant trolls, until they were turned to stone by the sun)

Sam: Mr Frodo? He's goin' cold!

Pippin: Is he going to die?

Aragorn: He's passing into the shadow world - he'll soon become a wraith like them...

(We hear the Nazg�l screaming nearby)

Merry: They're close...

Strider: Sam, do you know the athelas plant?

Sam: Athelas?

Strider: Kingsfoil?

Sam: Kingsfoil - ah, it's a weed...

Strider: It may help to slow the poison - hurry!

(They take off into the woods with their torches to look for it. Aragorn finds some and is crouching down to cut off a sprig when we see the point of a sword held to his neck)

Arwen: What's this? A Ranger, caught off his guard?

(Back in the clearing, Frodo sees a bright light and we see Arwen arrive on Asfaloth, looking the way she appears on 'the other side', in the Blessed Lands. She bends down and talks to Frodo, in Elvish.)

Arwen: Frodo, Im Arwen. Telin le thaed. (Frodo, I am Arwen. I come to help you.)

Lasto beth n�n, tolo dan na ngalad. (Hear my voice, come back to the light.)

Merry Who is she?

Arwen: Frodo...

Sam: She's an elf...

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

(Aragorn picks up Frodo and carries him to Arwen's horse)

Arwen: I've been looking for you for two days.

Merry Where are you taking him?

Arwen: There are five wraiths behind you. Where the other four are, I do not know...

Aragorn: Dartho guin Beriain. Rych le ad tolthathon. (Stay with the Hobbits. I will send horses for you.)

Arwen: Hon mabathon. Rochon ellint im. (I will take him. I am the swifter rider.)

Aragorn: Andelu i ven. (The road is very dangerous.)

Pippin: What are they saying?

Arwen: Frodo f�r. Ae athradon i hir, tur gwaith n�n beriatha hon. (Frodo is dying. If I get across the river, the power of my people will protect him.)

I do not fear them.

Aragorn: Be iest l�n. (According to your wish.)

Ride hard! Don't look back!

Arwen: Noro lim, Asfaloth! Noro lim! (Run fast, Asfaloth! Run fast)

Sam: What are you doin'? Those wraiths are still out there!

(We see Arwen riding Asfaloth (who is also carrying Frodo), first in the dark, then later in the daylight, running across some open lands. Then the Black Riders appear and get closer and closer to Arwen. She darts back and forth in the woods and on the plains, trying to lose them and to get ahead of them)

Arwen: Noro lim, Asfaloth! (Run fast, Asfaloth!)

(She gets away from them long enough to get to the Ford of the Bruinen first)

(Arwen raises her sword from the far side of the River and the Nazg�l pause on the other side and raise theirs also)

Nazg�l: Give up the halfling, she-elf.

Arwen: If you want him, come and claim him!

(The Nazg�l start to cross the River and Arwen speaks an Elvish invocation)

Nin o Chithaeglir, lasto beth daer: Rimmo nin Bruinen dan in Ulaer!

Nin o Chithaeglir, lasto beth daer: Rimmo nin Bruinen dan in Ulaer! (louder)

(Waters of the Misty Mountains, listen to the great word: Flow waters of Loudwater against the Ringwraiths!)

(The water floods up and sweeps the Nazgul away. Frodo is gasping as Arwen lays him down beside the river.)

Arwen: No! Frodo, no! Frodo - don't give in, not now!

What grace is given me, let it pass to him, let him be spared, save him...

Elrond: Lasto beth n�n, tolo dan na ngalad. (Hear my voice, come back to the light)

Frodo: Where am I?

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

Frodo: Gandalf!

Gandalf: Yes, I'm here. And you're lucky to be here. A few more hours and you would have been beyond our aid. But you have some strength in you, my dear Hobbit...

Frodo: What happened, Gandalf? Why didn't you meet us?

Gandalf: Oh, I am sorry Frodo. I was delayed...

(Saruman is ready to kill Gandalf, the moth flys over, then we see Gwaihir approaching)

Saruman: The friendship of Saruman is not lightly thrown aside. One ill turn deserves another. Embrace the power of the Ring, or embrace your own destruction.

Gandalf: There is only one Lord of the Ring, only one who bends it to his will, and he does not share power!

(Gandalf throws himself off the side of Orthanc and flies away on Gwaihir's back)

Saruman: So, you have chosen death...

Frodo: Gandalf, what is it?

Gandalf: Nothin...

Sam: (comes in and sees Frodo)

Frodo! Frodo, bless you, you're awake...

Frodo: Sam!

Gandalf: Sam has hardly left your side since you arrived.

Sam: We were that worried about him, weren't we Mr. Gandalf?

Gandalf: By the skills of Lord Elrond, you are beginning to mend...

Elrond: Welcome to Rivendell, Frodo Baggins

(Frodo goes out on the terrace, buttoning his shirt. Then Sam and Frodo go tramping through the gardens. First they run into Merry and Pippin (hugs all 'round). Then Frodo spots Bilbo, in his sunny corner)

Frodo: Bilbo!

Bilbo: Hello, Frodo, my lad!

Frodo: Bilbo!

(Frodo and Bilbo in Bilbo's room, looking at his Book)

Frodo: There and Back Again - A Hobbit's Tale, by Bilbo Baggins This is wonderful...

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

Frodo: (Stopping at a page with a map of the Shire and a closeup of the area around Hobbiton and Bag End)

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

Bilbo: My dear boy...

(Frodo finds Sam out on the terrace, checking his packing)

Sam: (muttering to himself) Now what have I forgotten?

Frodo: Packed already?

Sam: No 'arm in bein' prepared...

Frodo: I thought you wanted to see the Elves, Sam?

Sam: I do!

Frodo: More than anything?

Sam: I did. It's just... We did what Gandalf wanted us to do... We got the Ring this far to Rivendell, and I thought, seein' as 'ow you're on the mend, we'd be off soon, off 'ome.

Frodo: You're right Sam, we did what we set out to do. The Ring will be safe in Rivendell. I am ready to go home.,br>
Elrond: His strength returns...

Gandalf: That wound will never fully heal - he will carry it for the rest of his life.

Elrond: And yet, to have come this far still bearing the Ring, the Hobbit has shown extraordinary resilience to it's evil.

Gandalf: It is a burden he should never have had to bear. We can ask no more of Frodo...

Elrond: Gandalf, the enemy is moving. Sauron's forces are massing in the East, his Eye is fixed on Rivendell!

And Saruman, you tell me, has betrayed us - Our list of allies grows thin...

Gandalf: His treachery runs deeper than you know. By foul craft Saruman has crossed Orcs with goblin men. He's breeding an army in the Caverns of Isengard, an army that can move in sunlight and cover great distance at speed. Saruman is coming for the Ring.

Elrond: This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves. We do not have the strength fight both Isengard and Mordor...

Gandalf - the Ring cannot stay here.

(Arrival of Boromir, Legolas (and two other Elves) and Gimli and Gloin (and some other Dwarves))

(Elrond striding across room in Rivendell, speaking to Gandalf)

This peril belongs to all Middle-earth. They must decide now how to end it.

The time of the Elves is over, My people are leaving these shores...

Who will will you look to when we've gone? The Dwarves? They hide in their mountains, seeking riches. They care nothing for the troubles of others.

Gandalf: It is in men that we must place our hope...
,br> Elrond: Men? Men are weak. The race of men is failing. The blood of N�menor is all but spent, it's pride and dignity forgotten. It is because of men, the ring survives. I was there, Gandalf. I was there three thousand years ago...

Isildur took the Ring. I was there the day the strength of men failed... (We see Elrond watch Sauron being defeated by Isildur)

Isildur! Hurry! Come with me!

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

Cast it into the fire! Destroy it!

Isildur: No!

Elrond: Isildur!

It should have ended that day, (but) Evil was allowed to endure...

Isildur kept the ring. The line of kings is broken. There's no strength left in the world of men. They're scattered, divided, leaderless...

Gandalf: There is one who could unite them, one who could reclaim the Throne of Gondor...

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

(We see Aragorn, sitting in a darkened hall in Rivendell, reading a book. Boromir comes in, not knowing Aragorn is there. He sees the painting on the wall, of Isildur facing Sauron with the broken sword, Narsil, then he turns to the statue where the actual 'shards' are displayed. He picks up the main piece and feels the edge.)

Boromir: The Shards of Narsil! The blade that cut the Ring from Sauron's hand! (It cuts his finger) ...still sharp... (He sees Aragorn watching him) But no more than a broken heirloom.

(He goes to put it back, but it falls to the floor. Aragorn gets up and replaces it. Arwen comes in.)

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

Aragorn: The same blood flows in my veins; the same weakness!

Arwen: Your time will come. You will face the same evil and you will defeat it.

(Shot of Rivendell at night, then Arwen and Aragorn on a bridge)

Arwen: A si i-dh�ath �-orthor, Aragorn. (The Shadow does not hold sway yet, Aragorn.)

� or le a � or nin. (Not over you and not over me.)

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

Aragorn: Nauthannem i ned ol reniannen. (I thought I had strayed into a dream.)

Arwen: Gwennin in enninath... (Long years have passed...)

�-'arnech in naeth i si celich. (You did not have the cares you carry now.)

Renich i beth i pennen? (Do you remember what I told you?)

Aragorn: You said you'd bind yourself to me, forsaking the immortal life of your people.

Arwen: And to that I hold. I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.

(Aragorn looks down to find that Arwen has given him Evenstar)

I chose a mortal life.

Aragorn: You cannot give me this!

Arwen: It is mine to give to whom I will... like my heart...

(They kiss)

Elrond: Strangers from distant lands, friends of old...

You've been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this one fate, this one doom. Bring forth the Ring, Frodo

Boromir: So it is true... The doom of men... It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor! Why not use this ring?

Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the Enemy. Let us use it against him!

Aragorn: You cannot wield it! None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master.

Boromir: And what would a Ranger know of this matter?

Legolas: This is no mere Ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.

Boromir: Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?

Legolas: And heir to the throne of Gondor!

Aragorn: Havo dad, Legolas (Sit down, Legolas)

Boromir: Gondor has no king; Gondor needs no king.

Gandalf: Aragorn is right. We cannot use it.

Elrond: You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed.

Gimli: Then what are we waiting for...

(Gimli picks up an axe and strikes the Ring. There is a flash! The Ring is unharmed, but the axe is broken and Gimli is thrown onto his back. Frodo feels the pain and sees the Eye)

Elrond: The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this.

Boromir: One does not simply walk into Mordor. It's black gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep, and the Great Eye is ever-watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly!

Legolas: Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said?! The Ring must be destroyed.

Gimli: And I suppose you think you're the one to do it.

Boromir: And what if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?

Gimli: I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf. ... Never trust an elf!

(The all jump up and start shouting at once)

The Ring: Ash nazg durbatul�k, ash nazg gimbatul Ash nazg thrakatul�k, agh burzum-ishi krimpatul!

Frodo: I will take it. (no one hears him the first time) I will take it! (louder)

I will take the Ring to Mordor. (everyone pauses and turns to look at him) Though... I do not know the way.

Gandalf: I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear.

Aragorn: If, by my life or death, I can protect you, I will. You have my sword!

Legolas: And you have my bow.

Gimli: And my axe!

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

Sam: 'Ere! Mr. Frodo's not goin' anywhere without me!

Elrond: No, indeed. It is hardly possible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not.

Pippin: Hey! We're comin' too.

Merry: You'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us.

Pippin: Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission... quest... thing.

Merry: Well, that rules you out, Pip!

Elrond: Nine companions. So be it. You shall be The Fellowship of the Ring!

Pippin: Right! Where are we going?

Bilbo: My old sword, Sting. Here, take it, take it!

Frodo: It's so light...

Bilbo: Yes, yes, made by the Elves you know. The blade glows blue when Orcs are close. And it's times like that, my lad, that you have to be extra careful. Here's a pretty thing. Mithril! As light as a feather and as hard as dragon scales. Let me see you put it on. Come on...

(Frodo starts to unbutton his shirt and Bilbo sees the Ring on it's chain)

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

(Frodo stops, and starts to rebutton his shirt; Bilbo freaks out)

Aghhhh!!!

I'm sorry I brought this upon you, my boy. I'm sorry that you must carry this burden. I'm sorry for everything...

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

Boromir: ...three, four, five. Good, very good...

Aragorn: Move your feet!

Merry: That's good Pippin.

Pippin: Thanks.

Gimli: If anyone were to ask my opinion, which I note they're not, I would say we were taking the long way round. Gandalf, we could pass through the Mines of Moria. My cousin Balin would give us a royal welcome.

Gandalf: No, Gimli, I would not take the road through Moria unless I had no other choice.

Merry: Ow!

Boromir: Sorry!

(Pippin and Merry gang up on Boromir)

Pippin: For the Shire!

Sam: What is that?

Gimli: Nothing. It's just a wisp of cloud...

Boromir: It's moving fast, and against the wind...

Legolas: Crebain, from Dunland!

Aragorn: Hide!

Gandalf: Spies of Saruman! The passage south is being watched. We must take the Pass of Caradhras.

(The Fellowship is making it's way up the mountain when Frodo slips and falls. When he gets up, he realizes that he is no longer wearing the Ring. We see Boromir picking it up on it's chain)

Aragorn: Boromir!

Boromir: It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing. Such a little thing...

Aragorn: Boromir! Give the Ring to Frodo!

Boromir: As you wish, I care not...

(At Orthanc, we see the crows flying into the underground caverns and 'reporting' to Saruman)

Saruman: So, Gandalf, you try to lead them over Caradhras. And if that fails, where then will you go? If the mountain defeats you, will you risk the more dangerous road?

(We hear his spells faintly through the howling wind)

Legolas: There is a foul voice on the air...

Gandalf: It's Saruman!

Aragorn: He's trying to bring down the mountain. Gandalf, we must turn back

Gandalf: No! (Gandalf tries a counter-spell, to quiet the mountain)

Losto Caradharas, sedho, hodo, nuitho I 'ruith! ( Sleep Caradhras, be still, lie still, hold your wrath)

Saruman: Cuiva nwalca Carnirass�! (Wake up cruel Redhorn!)

Nai yarvax�a rasselya taltuva �otto-carinnar! (May your blood-stained horn fall upon the enemy-heads)

(There is lightning, which causes an even larger avalanche to fall on the company, completely burying them. They dig themselves out)

Boromir: We must get off the mountain, make for the Gap of Rohan, or take the West Road to my city...

Aragorn: The Gap of Rohan takes us too close to Isengard!

Gimli: If we cannot pass over the mountain, let us go under it. Let us go through the Mines of Moria.

Saruman: Moria. You fear to go into those mines. The dwarves delved too greedily and too deep. You know what they awoke in the darkness of Khazad-D�m. Shadow and Flame!

Gandalf: Let the ringbearer decide. Frodo?

Frodo: We will go through the mines...

Gandalf: So be it...

Gimli: The Walls of Moria!

Gandalf: Ithildin! It mirrors only starlight and moonlight...

(The moon breaks through the clouds and shines on the Doors, causing their outlines and writing to glow)

It reads: The Doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak, Friend, and enter.

Merry: What do you suppose that means?

Gandalf: It's quite simple. If you are a friend, you speak the password and the doors will open.

*Annon Edhellen, edro hi ammen.*
(Gate of the Elves, open now for me)

(Nothing happens; Gimli grunts skeptically; Gandalf tries the Quenya version of the door-opening spell) *Ando Eldarinwa a lasta quettanya, Fenda Casarinwa! *
(Gate of Elves listen to my word, Threshold of Dwarves!)

(Still nothing happens; Gandalf sits down to think) (Aragorn and Sam have been unloading their supplies from Bill)

Aragorn: The mines are no place for a pony, Sam; even one so brave as Bill.

Sam: Bye, bye, Bill!

Aragorn: Go on, Bill, go on...
Don't worry, Sam - he knows the way home.

(Merry throws a rock into the water as Aragorn is walking by. Pippin is just about to throw one too, but Aragorn stops him) Aragorn: Do not disturb the water.

Frodo: It's a riddle! Speak 'friend' and enter... What's the elvish word for friend?

Gandalf: *Mel-lon* (The Doors open and they all move inside)

Gimli: Soon, Mr. Elf, you will experience the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves: roaring fires, malt beer, red meat off the bone. This, my friend, is the home of my cousin Balin. And they call it a mine. A mine!

Boromir: This is no mine - it's a tomb!

Gimli: Nooooo! (seeing the skeltons scattered all around)

Legolas: Goblins! (picking up an arrow)

Boromir: We make for the Gap of Rohan! We should never have come here. Now get out, get out!

(Meanwhile, Frodo has been grabbed by the ankle and dragged outside by the Watcher in the Water. The other Hobbits hack at the tentacle(s) and call for help)

Sam: Get off him!

Merry: Frodo!

Pippin: Strider!

Frodo: Aragorn!

Gandalf: Into the mines!

Aragorn: Legolas!

(Legolas shoots the beast, wounding but not killing it)

Gandalf: Into the mines! Into the mines!

(Much fighting and shouting ensues, before Frodo is rescued and they escape back into the mines, whereupon the Watcher pulls down the doors as well as many more rocks, blocking their exit.)

Gandalf: We now have but one choice: We must face the long dark of Moria. Be on your guard. There are older and fouler things than Orcs in the deep places of the world.
Quietly now. It is a four-day journey to the other side. Let us hope that our presence may go unnoticed...

(We see the fellowship following Gandalf and Gimli through various parts of the mine, including up a set of very steep stairs, where they come to a place with three doorways)

I have no memory of this place...

(Gandalf sits down to try to remember and the others take advantage of the break to rest and smoke their pipes)

Merry: Pippin!

Pippin: What?

Merry: I'm hungry!

Pippin: You're always hungry!

(Frodo has been looking back the way they came and he sees something)

Frodo: There's something down there!

Gandalf: It's Gollum...

Frodo: Gollum!?

Gandalf: He's been following us for three days...

Frodo: He escaped the dungeons of Barad-D�r?

Gandalf: Escaped, or was set loose. He hates and loves the Ring, just as he hates and loves himself. He will never be rid of his need for it...

Frodo: Pity Bilbo didn't kill him when he had the chance!

Gandalf: Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or evil, before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many.

Frodo: I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened...

Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, in which case you were also meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought...
Ah, it's that way!

Merry: He's remembered!

Gandalf: No, but the air doesn't smell so foul down here. When in doubt, Meriadoc, always follow your nose!
Let me risk a little more light... Behold! The great realm of the Dwarf city of Dwarrowdelf!

Sam: There's an eye-opener and no mistake!

Gimli: Humph (as he sees Balin's Tomb and runs towards it)

Gandalf: Gimli!

Gimli: No... no... No... no... no...

Gandalf: Here lies Balin, Son of Fundin, Lord of Moria. He is dead then. It is as I feared...

Gimli: Ohhh! (Gimli mourns in Dwarvish)

(Gandalf picks up a book from a dwarf skeleton)

Legolas: (to Aragorn) We must move on. We cannot linger!

Gandalf: (reading from the book) They have taken the bridge and the second hall. We have barred the gates, but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes. Drums, drums in the deep. We cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark. We cannot get out... They are coming...

(Pippin accidentally topples a skeleton into the well. It makes a huge, echoing noise that goes on and on)

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

(We hear drums and see views of the places where the Fellowship had been earlier, including firelight in the stairwell down from the three doorways where they had rested)

Sam: Frodo! (as he sees Sting glowing blue)

Legolas: Orcs!

(Boromir goes to the door and peers out. Several arrows are shot at him and land in the door as he jumps back)

Aragorn: Get back! Stay close to Gandalf.

Boromir: They have a Cave Troll!

Gimli: Let them come! There is one dwarf yet in Moria who still draws breath. (They battle the Orcs (and/or Goblins?) who come through the door. Then the Cave Troll bursts in, taking out part of the wall. They all battle him as well, until finally he corners Frodo, after having knocked Aragorn into a wall. Frodo is trying to wake Aragorn up...)

Frodo: Aragorn! Aragorn!

(After dodging a few blows, Frodo is finally caught by the Cave Troll's spear and crushed by it into a corner, where he collapses. Merry and Pippin jump on the Cave Troll and are distracting him while Legolas lines up for his final shot, hitting him in the throat and killing him. They all go over to look at Frodo, expecting the worst)

Sam: Frodo? Frodo!

Aragorn: Oh, no (as he turns him over. Frodo groans...)

Sam: He's alive!

Frodo: I'm alright. I'm not hurt.

Aragorn: You should be dead. The spear would have skewered a wild Boar.

Gandalf: I think there's more to this Hobbit than meets the eye.

Gimli: Mithril! You are full of surprises, Master Baggins!

(They hear more Orcs coming)

Gandalf: To the Bridge of Khazad-d�m!

Boromir: What is this new devilry?

Gandalf: A Balrog. A demon of the ancient world. This foe is beyond any of you. Run!

(Boromir almost falls when the stairs end unexpectedly; Legolas pulls him back from the brink)

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

(They come to the break in the stairs. Legolas jumps across first, then steadies Gandalf when he lands)

Boromir: Merry, Pippin... (He jumps across with them)

Aragorn: Sam... (he throws him across to Boromir)

(He goes to do the same to Gimli, but Gimli stops him)

Gimli: Nobody tosses a dwarf!

(Gimli jumps, but doesn't quite make it all the way. Legolas grabs his beard and pulls him the rest of the way)

Gimli: Not the beard!

Aragorn: Hold on (as he and Frodo scramble back up the stairs when the bottom section crumbles and falls away)

Hang on... Lean forward...

(The part they were on finally meets the other stairs)

Legolas: Come on (as they step across and join the others)

Gandalf: Over the bridge! Go on...

(The Fellowship cross, then Gandalf turns to the Balrog)

You cannot pass!

Frodo: Gandalf!

Gandalf: I am a servant of the Secret Fire, Wielder of the flame of Anor. Dark fire will not avail you, Flame of Ud�n. Go back to the shadow!

You ...shall not ...pass!!

(At this, Gandalf breaks the Bridge with his staff and the Balrog plunges down to the depths. Gandalf turns to leave, but the Balrog's whip comes up one last time and catches him around the legs and he slips to the edge, where he tries to pull himself back up)

Frodo: Gandalf!

(Boromir has to hold him, to keep him from running back)

Gandalf: Fly, you fools!

(He can't hold on any longer and he falls into the abyss)

Frodo: Noooooooo!

Boromir: Aragorn! (who wants to go back to help)

(Aragorn is the last one to leave, with arrows from the Orcs whistling all around him)

Aragorn: Legolas, get them up.

Boromir: Give them a moment, for pity's sake!

Aragorn: By nightfall these hills will be swarming with Orcs. We must reach the woods of Lothl�rien...

Come Boromir, Legolas, Gimli: Get them up. On your feet, Sam. Frodo? Frodo!

(Aragorn crosses the stream (the Celebrant, or maybe the Nimrodel) and looks out over L�rien. When next we see them, they are running across a field and into the forest) Gimli: Stay close, young Hobbits. They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods. An elf witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell...

('Frodo' - Frodo hears Galadriel's voice in his head)

...and are never seen again.

Galadriel: (Spoken directly into Frodo's mind)

Your coming to us is as of the footsteps of doom. You bring great evil here, Ringbearer!

Sam: Mr. Frodo? (Sam doesn't know what Frodo just heard)

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

(Suddenly an bow with a nocked arrow is two inches from Gimli's nose)

Ooh!

(The same thing happens to Frodo and Sam, and to Merry and Pippin)

Haldir: The dwarf breaths so loud, we could have shot him in the dark.

Gimli: Grrrr...

Aragorn: Haldir o L�rien. Henion an�ron, boe ammen i dulu l�n. Boe ammen veriad l�n.

(Haldir of L�rien. We desire your help. We need your protection)

Gimli: Aragorn, these woods are perilous. We should go back...

Haldir: You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Wood. You cannot go back. Come, she is waiting.

Celeborn: Eight there are here, yet nine there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf, for I much desired to speak with him?

Galadriel: He has fallen into shadow.

The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all... Yet hope remains while the company is true. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you shall rest in peace...

(then, spoken directly into Frodo's mind)

Welcome, Frodo of the Shire, One who has seen THE EYE!!

(Legolas is bringing a ewer of water back to the tented pavillion where the Fellowship is staying)

Legolas: A lament for Gandalf... (heard in the background)

Merry: What do they say about him?

Legolas: I have not the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too near.

(Aragorn is walking and comes on Boromir, deep in thought, beside a lovely fountain)

Aragorn: Take some rest. These borders are well protected.

Boromir: I will find no rest here. I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me, even now, there is hope left, but I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope. My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing. Our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right and I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored.

Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? The White Tower of Ecthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver, it's banners caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?

Aragorn: I have seen the White City, long ago.

Boromir: One day, our paths will lead us there and the tower guard will take up the call: The Lords of Gondor have returned!

Galadriel: Will you look into the mirror?

Frodo: What will I see?

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

(Frodo looks into the mirror and sees many things)

Galadriel: I know what it is you saw, for it is also in my mind. It is what will come to pass, if you should fail. The fellowship is breaking. It has already begun. He will try to take the ring. You know of whom I speak. One by one, it will destroy them all.

Frodo: If you ask it of me, I will give you the one Ring.

Galadriel: You offer it to me freely. I do not deny that my heart has greatly desired this. In place of a dark lord you would have a queen, not dark but beautiful and terrible as the dawn, treacherous as the sea, stronger than the foundations of the earth! All shall love me and despair!

(Galadriel transforms into a supernatural being, then reverts back to her previous state)

I pass the test. I will diminish, and go into the west, and remain Galadriel.

Frodo: I cannot do this alone.

Galadriel: You are a ringbearer, Frodo. To bear a ring of power is to be alone. This task was appointed to you, and if you do not find a way, no one will.

Frodo: I know what I must do. It's just..... I'm afraid to do it.

Galadriel: Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.

Saruman: Do you know how the Orcs first came into being? They were elves once. Taken by the dark powers, tortured and mutilated, a ruined and terrible form of life. Now, perfected, my fighting Uruk-h�i.
Whom do you serve?

Lurtz: Saruman!

(We see the Lurtz and the other Uruk-h�i being fitted into their armor by the smaller orc minions)

Saruman: Hunt them down. Do not stop until they are found. You do not know pain, you do not know fear. You will taste manflesh!

(The Uruk-h�i cheer)

One of the halflings carries something of great value. Bring them to me alive and unspoiled. Kill the others!

(Then they go charging out of Isengard)

(We see the Fellowship leaving Lorien, paddling their elfboats. Frodo is looking at Galadriel's gift and there is a flashback to when she gave it to him and what she said)

Galadriel: Farewell, Frodo Baggins.
I give you the light of E�rendil, our most beloved star.
Namari�

(As they get further away from where they launched, Galadriel is standing in a little ways, beside the stream, and she holds up her hand in a final good-bye to Frodo. We hear her speaking into his mind)

May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out.

(The Fellowship pass out into the Great River, the Anduin, and continue their journey south. We see many scenes of them on the river, paddling through various different types of countryside. Interspersed with these scenes are ones of Lurtz and the Ur�k-hai, converging on the same place where the Fellowship are headed - Amon Hen, on the shores of Nen Hithoel. Just before they come into that lake, which is really just a widening of the River before it tumbles over Rauros Falls, they pass the ancient Northern border of the Kingdom of Gondor, marked by two giant statues of men. Aragorn taps Frodo on the shoulder and points up...)

Aragorn: Frodo. The Argonath.
Long have I desired to look upon the Kings of old, my kin.

(Frodo and Sam look up in wonder. Boromir is deeply moved to be returning to his homeland. Pippin and Merry, who share his boat with him, are also amazed. They speed past the huge foot of one of the statues and out into the lake, where they pull into the shore)

Aragorn: We cross the lake at nightfall. Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the North.

Gimli: Oh yes? Just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil, an impassible labyrinth of razor-sharp rocks. And after that, it gets even better. (Pippin looks up...) Festering, stinking marshlands, far as the eye can see.

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

Gimli: Recover my... Grrr...

Legolas: We should leave now...

Aragorn: No. Orcs patrol the eastern shore. We must wait for cover of darkness.

Legolas: It's not the eastern shore that worries me. A shadow and a threat have been growing in my mind. Something draws near - I can feel it. Gimli: Recover my strength... Hmph! Pay no heed to that, young hobbits...

Merry: Where's Frodo?

(Sam starts awake in the corner where he was dozing. They notice that Boromir has also gone missing and that his shield is still sitting with his pack)

(We see Frodo walking in the woods, then Boromir)

Boromir: None of us should wander alone, you least of all. So much depends on you. Frodo? I know why you seek solitude. You suffer. I see it day by day. Are you sure you do not suffer needlessly? There are other ways, Frodo, other paths that we might take.

Frodo: I know what you would say and it would seem like wisdom, but for the warning in my heart.

Boromir: Warning! Against what? We are all afraid Frodo. But to let that fear drive us to destroy what hope we have... Don't you see? That is madness...

Frodo: There is no other way.

Boromir: I ask only for the strength to defend my people!

(He throws down the firewood he's been gathering)

If you would but lend me the ring...

Frodo: No! (Frodo backs up)

Boromir: Why do you recoil? I am no thief...

Frodo: You are not yourself. Boromir: What chance do you think you have? They will find you. They will take the ring. And you will beg for death before the end!

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

Frodo: No!

Boromir: Give it to me!

(Frodo puts on the ring and disappears)

I see your mind. You will take the ring to Sauron. You will betray us. You go to your death, and the death of us all! Curse you! Curse you! And all the halflings!

(Boromir falls down and gets a mouthful of dry leaves and comes to his senses)

Frodo? Frodo? What have I done? Please, Frodo. Frodo...

(We see Frodo in the Wraith-world. He hears Boromir calling as he climbs to the very top of Amon Hen and sees Barad-D�r and the Eye and hears the voice of Sauron. Then he takes off the Ring and falls to the ground. Aragorn comes on him and startles him)

Aragorn: Frodo!

Frodo: It has taken Boromir.

Aragorn: Where is the Ring?

Frodo: Stay away!

Aragorn: Frodo, I swore to protect you.

Frodo: Can you protect me from yourself?

(long pause)

Would you destroy it?

The Ring: (whispers) Aragorn... Elessar...

Aragorn: I would have gone with you to the end. Into the very fires of Mordor.

Frodo: I know. Look after the others, especially Sam. He will not understand.

(Aragorn sees that Sting is blue)

Aragorn: Go, Frodo!

Run... Run!

(Aragorn turns to face the Ur�k-hai and the fight begins)

(There's a quick shot of Sam, still looking for Frodo)

Sam: Mr. Frodo?

Lurtz: Find the halflings! Find the halflings!

(Aragorn fights the Ur�k-hai, some of whom force him backwards up the steps to the top of the ruin, where he fights them off, then jumps back down onto another group)

(Legolas and Gimli show up and also engage the Orcs)

Legolas: Aragorn, go! (so that Aragorn can look for Frodo?)

(Meanwhile, Frodo has been running down the hill. He stops for a moment to hide behind a tree and sees that Merry and Pippin are across from him, also hiding)

Merry: Frodo!

Pippin: Hide here, quick. Come on!

(to Merry) What's he doing?

Merry: He's leaving...

Pippin: No! (he climbs out of their hiding place)

Merry: Pippin! (he also comes out) (to Frodo) Run Frodo. Go!

Hey you, over here!

(Frodo leaves)

Pippin: It's working!

Merry: I know it's working - run!

(More of Aragorn fighting the Ur�k-hai)

(Other Ur�k-hai are chasing Merry and Pippin. Boromir comes to their rescue)

(Aragorn and Legolas hear Boromir's horn)

Legolas: The Horn of Gondor!

Aragorn: Boromir! (he leaves)

(Lurtz shoots Boromir with his bow. Boromir is hit, but gets up and fights some more. Lurtz hits him with another arrow. Boromir still gets back up. Lurtz hits him a third time and he does not get back up. Merry and Pippin charge into the fray; the Ur�k-hai carry them away. Lurtz goes up to Boromir to finish him off, but Aragorn jumps on him. They fight back and forth until - after being pinned to a tree by Lurtz' shield and sticking him with a knife - Aragorn finally decapitates him. Then Aragorn goes to Boromir)

Boromir: They took the little ones!

Aragorn: Stay still.

Boromir: Frodo! Where is Frodo?

Aragorn: I let Frodo go.

Boromir: Then you did what I could not. I tried to take the ring from him.

Aragorn: The Ring is beyond our reach now.

Boromir: Forgive me, I did not see. I have failed you all.

Aragorn: No Boromir. You fought bravely. You have kept your honor.

(Aragorn attempts to pull out one of the arrows)

Boromir: Leave it.
It is over. The world of men will fall and all will come to darkness, and my city to ruin.

Aragorn: I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you, I will not let the White City fall. Nor our people fail!

Boromir: Our people... our people.

(Aragorn gives him back his sword)

I would have followed you my brother... my Captain... my King.

(Boromir dies)

Aragorn: Be at peace, son of Gondor.

(Legolas comes running up, then Gimli)

(We see Frodo at the shore, looking across the lake)

(Sam is running through the bush)

Sam: Frodo! Frodo!

Frodo: (He is holding the Ring in his hand and he remembers talking with Gandalf in Moria:
"I wish the ring had never come to me,
I wish none of this had happened."
"So do all who live to see such times,
but that is not for them to decide.
All you have to decide is what to do
with the time that is given to you."

Frodo knows what he must do. He puts the Ring into his pocket, gets into a boat and pushes off.

Sam reaches the shore just in time to see him paddling out)

Sam: Frodo, no! Frodo! Frodo...

Frodo: No, Sam.

(Sam starts out into the lake)

Frodo: Sam, go back. I'm going to Mordor alone.

Sam: Of course you are. And I'm going with you!

Frodo: You can't swim!

(Sam wades right out into the water)

Sam!

(Sam sinks under the water)

Sam!

(We see Frodo's hand reach down and grab Sam's arm and pull him up)

Sam: I made a promise, Mr. Frodo, a promise. Don't you leave him, Samwise Gamgee, and I don't mean to. I don't mean to...

Frodo: Oh, Sam...

(They hug)

Come on.

(They pick up their paddles and move off across the lake)

(We see Boromir go over the falls)

(Aragorn is strapping on Boromir's gauntlets Legolas starts to push a boat out into the water)

Legolas: Hurry! Frodo and Sam have reached the eastern shore.

(We see their boat pulled up on the other side of the lake and them climbing the hill)

You mean not to follow them.

Aragorn: Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands.

Gimli: Then it has all been in vain. The Fellowship has failed. Aragorn: Not if we hold true to each other. We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death. Not while we have strength left. Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light. Let's hunt some Orc! Gimli: Yes!

(Frodo and Sam have reached the top of the hill looking East over the Emyn Muil and the Dead Marshes)

Frodo: Mordor. I hope the others find a safer road.

Sam: Strider'll look after 'em.

Frodo: I don't suppose we'll ever see them again.

Sam: We may yet Mr. Frodo. We may...

Frodo: Sam. I'm glad you're with me.

(They start to climb down the other side, towards Mordor)

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