The Return of the King Chapter 1: Minas Tirith
The final book in the trilogy. I feel that this book moves a lot faster than the previous two. War is imminent. In fact, Gondor calls for aid on the first page. Sauron’s army grows and now is the time for action. There is a split in the group yet again. Gandalf and Pippin head to Minas Tirith, a great city in Gondor. It is beautiful, but it is falling apart with the absence of their king.
“Upon the black surcoats were embroidered in in white a tree blossoming like snow beneath a silver crown and many pointed stars. This was the livery of the heirs of Elendil, and none wore it now, save the Guards of the Citadel before the Court of the Fountain where the White Tree has once grown.”
The Return of the King
I actually have the White Tree of Gondor tattooed on my back. It has such a complex history. The White Tree of Gondor is a direct descendant from Telperion one of the Eldest of Trees. The tree has long since died after being replaced through the city’s history with other saplings. But now it decays just like the city.
Elendil refers to Elendil the Tall who was born in Numenor and was the first High King of Arnor and Gondor. All the Kings of Gondor can trace their legacy to him. However, as Pippin discovers, there is no King in Gondor, just Denethor, the Steward of Gondor. He is an odd one. He isn’t evil but he isn’t the greatest guy. He is grieving for his son Boromir pretty intensely. Pippin realizes that he must pay back Boromir for saving his life and that means to serve his father. So Pippin swears fealty to Denethor.
The Return of the King Chapter 2 The Passing of the Grey Company
This is one of my favorite chapters because it has some of the best quotes and plus we get to see more of Eowyn. We now switch over to Merry who has stayed behind with the Riders of Rohan, King Theoden, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. He feels useless. Everyone can fight and contribute to the war and because of his size, he sees the drawbacks, yet he is determined to help.
“He knows not to what end he rides; yet if he knew, he would still go on…”
The Return of the King
I adore this quote. This is Aragorn referring to Merry. Aragorn is acknowledging that Merry is vital due to his strength of character and how that is just as important as being able to wield a sword. Merry ends up swearing fealty to Theoden. Then the Grey Company arrives. The Grey Company consists of Rangers who are there to help Aragorn. They are accompanied by Elladan and Elrohir, the sons of Elrond. They bring him news of what Aragorn needs to do and that is to go to the Paths of the Dead to recruit the Oathbreakers. They broke their oath to come to the aid of Isildur and can fulfill the oath by fighting with Aragorn who is the Heir of Isildur.
Enter Eowyn.
She is pissed. She doesn’t understand why Aragorn would go on this foolish mission instead of fighting—which she so desperately wants to do. However, no one is letting this badass fight.
“What do you fear, lady?’ He asked.
The Return of the King
‘A cage,’ she said. ‘To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them, and all chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recall or desire.”
I love how she is unapologetically herself and will speak her mind even amongst men and kings.
Amanda's Book Review 