

Sam mistrusts any suggestion from Gollum, but Frodo chooses to accept his help. In the mountains above Minas Morgul, the home of the Ringwraiths, a narrow path leads by many stairs over the mountains and into Mordor itself. Gollum begs them not to enter, and he reveals that there is another way, extremely difficult and dangerous, but safer. The Gate looms above them, manned by countless watchful orcs, with no way to approach unseen. For the moment the promise wins, but Gollum has begun to imagine ways to get the Ring and become its master, letting him obey the word of his promise, if not its spirit.Īt the Black Gate, Frodo and Sam realize the hopelessness of their quest. During a daytime rest, Sam overhears Gollum talking to himself, torn between his desire for the Ring and his promise to obey Frodo. A Nazgûl passes overhead, nearly paralyzing Gollum with fear, but the three travelers find their way through to the ashy wasteland beyond.

Gollum leads them from the hills into the Dead Marshes, a haunted swamp. Happy to be released, Gollum begins to go by his true name, Sméagol, and seems eager to please Frodo. Frodo accepts the promise, knowing that the Ring will hold him to it. Gollum agrees to guide Frodo and Sam to the Black Gate, and he swears by the Ring to obey its master. They know Gollum is following, and the hobbits barely manage to capture and bind the wiry creature. Full Glossary for The Lord of the Ringsįrodo and Sam find themselves lost in the rocky hills west of the river.This Is Worse Than Mordor!": The Scouring of the Shire as Conclusion".Summary and Analysis: The Return of the King.Maps, Prologue, and Note on Shire Records.Summary and Analysis: The Fellowship of the Ring.
