LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RINGS
    A TRANSCRIPT
   transcribed by Elisabeth Kerrigan
 Originally Posted at The Unofficial Lord of the Rings Movie Site
  Reformated into Script-like format by AWESOME
 

    GALADRIEL (V.O.)
  The world is changed. I feel it in the water.
  I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air.
  Much that once was is lost, for none now live
  who remember it.

  It began with the forging of the Rings of
  Power. Three were given to the Elves, immortal,
  wisest and fairest of all beings. Seven were
  given to the Dwarves, 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 power and the will to rule each
  race. But they were all of them deceived, for
  deep in the land of Mordor, the Dark Lord
  Sauron forged another ring, a master ring, and
  into this ring he poured all his cruelty, his
  malice and his will to dominate every living
  thing. One ring to rule them all. One by one,
  the free peoples of 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 very slopes of Mount Doom, they fought for
  the freedom of Middle-Earth. Victory was near,
  but the power of the ring could not be undone.

 SAURON appears, crushing a dozen MEN with each blow of his
 huge mace.

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

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

    GALADRIEL (V.O.)
  And Sauron, enemy of the free peoples of
  Middle-Earth, was defeated. The Ring passed to
  Isildur, who had this one chance to destroy
  evil forever, but the hearts of men are easily
  corrupted. And the ring of power has a will of
  its own. It betrayed Isildur, to his death.

 ISILDUR attacked by goblins, dies in the river, and the
 RING is lost in the water.

    GALADRIEL (V.O.)
  And some things that should not have been
  forgotten were lost. History became legend.
  Legend became myth. For two and a half thousand
  years, the ring passed out of all knowledge.
  Until, when chance came, the ring ensnared
  another bearer.

 GOLLUM finds the RING in the riverbed.

     GOLLUM
  My Precious, my own.

    GALADRIEL (V.O.)
  The ring came to the creature Gollum, who took
  it deep into the tunnels under the Misty
  Mountains, and there it consumed him.

     GOLLUM
  It came to me, my own, my love, my Precious.

    GALADRIEL (V.O.)
  The ring gave to Gollum unnatural long life.
  For five hundred years it poisoned his mind,
  and in the gloom of Gollum's cave it waited.
  Darkness crept back into the forests of the
  world. Rumor grew of a shadow in the East,
  whispers of a nameless fear, and the Ring of
  Power perceived that its time had come. It
  abandoned Gollum, but then something happened
  that the Ring did not intend. It was picked up
  by the most unlikely creature imaginable. A
  hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, of the Shire.

     BILBO
  What's this? A Ring!

     GOLLUM
  Lost! My Precious is lost!

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

 Shire 60 years later
 
 

 FRODO reading a book under a tree, hears GANDALF approach
 singing. Runs to meet him.

     FRODO
  You're late.

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

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

     FRODO
  It's wonderful to see you again, Gandalf.

     GANDALF
  You didn't think I'd miss your Uncle Bilbo's
  birthday.

     FRODO
  What's new in the world? Tell me everything.

     GANDALF
  Haven't we grown curious? Most unnatural for a
  hobbit. 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 grateful.

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

     GANDALF
  Ah, the long-expected party. How is the old
  rascal? I understand this is to be a party of
  special magnificence.

     FRODO
  You know Bilbo. He has the whole place in an
  uproar.

     GANDALF
  Well, that should please him.

     FRODO
  Half the Shire's been invited. He's up to
  something.

     GANDALF
  Indeed?

     FRODO
  All right, keep your secrets. Before you came
  along, we Bagginses were very well thought of.
  Never had any adventures or did anything
  unexpected.

     GANDALF
  If you're referring to that incident with the
  dragon, I was barely involved. I only gave your
  uncle a little nudge out the door.

     FRODO
  Whatever you did, you have been officially
  labeled a disturber of the peace.

 A group of HOBBIT children see GANDALF and come running.

     CHILDREN
  Gandalf, Gandalf! Fireworks, Gandalf!

 GANDALF pretends he won't, but he sets off a butterfly
 firework for them. An old grandmother's smile at the
 children's delight turns to a more socially acceptable
 frown when an annoyed mother becomes witness.

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

 FRODO jumps off the wagon.

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

 GANDALF stops his wagon in front of Bag End, passes a sign
 'No Admittance Except on Party Business', knocks on the
 door with his staff. A disgruntled voice comes from within.

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

     GANDALF
  How about very old friends?

     BILBO
  Gandalf?

     GANDALF
  Bilbo Baggins!

     BILBO
  My dear Gandalf!

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

     BILBO
  Come in, come in, welcome, would you like some
  tea? Or perhaps something stronger. I still
  have some of the Old Winyards left. 1296, a
  very good year! Almost as old as I am! My
  Father put it down. What say we open one?

 BILBO puts GANDALF'S hat and staff away.

     GANDALF
  Just tea, thank you.

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

     BILBO
  I was expecting you last week, but you come
  and go as you please...

 BILBO gathers food while GANDALF looks at the maps spread
 out on BILBO'S table.

     BILBO
  I can make you some eggs if you like...

 BILBO comes into the room, but GANDALF isn't there.
 GANDALF appears from behind him.

     GANDALF
  Just tea.

     BILBO
  Yes, right, you don't mind if I do?

 BILBO has a mouthful of food already.

     GANDALF
  Oh, no, not at all.

 Someone knocks on the door.

     BILBO
  I'm not at home! I need to get away from these
  confounded relatives, hanging on the bell all
  day, never giving me a moment's rest. I want to
  see mountains again, Gandalf, mountains! And
  then find someplace quiet where I can finish my
  book. Oh, right, the tea.

     GANDALF
  You mean to go through with your plan, then?

     BILBO
  Yes, everything's in hand. The arrangements
  have all been made.

     GANDALF
  Frodo suspects.

     BILBO
  Of course he suspects, he's a Baggins, not
  some blockheaded Bracegirdle from Hardbottle!

     GANDALF
  You will tell him, won't you?

     BILBO
  Yes, yes.

     GANDALF
  He's very fond of you, you know.

     BILBO
  I know. He'd probably come with me if I asked
  him to, but I think in his heart Frodo is still
  in love with the Shire. The woods, the fields,
  little rivers. I'm old, Gandalf. I know I don't
  look it, but I begin to feel it in my heart. I
  feel thin, stretched, like butter scraped over
  too much bread. I need a holiday, a very
  long holiday, and I don't expect I shall
  return. In fact, I mean not to!

 BILBO and GANDALF sit outside Bag-End, smoking.

     BILBO
  Old Toby! Finest weed in Southfarthing.

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

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

 GANDALF sets off fireworks - a tree, fountain that turns
 into jet planes.

 FRODO sits down next to SAM.

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

 SAM is too shy.

     SAM
  I think I'll just have another ale.

     FRODO
  Oh, no you don't!

 FRODO shoves SAM at ROSIE, they dance off

 BILBO is telling his story to the young HOBBIT children.

     BILBO
  So there I was, at the mercy of three
  monstrous trolls, and they were arguing about
  how to cook us! Whether it be turned on a spit,
  or if they should sit on us one by one and
  squash us into jelly! They spent so much time
  arguing the whithertos and whyfors that the
  first light of the sun crept up over the tops
  of the trees and turned them all to stone!

 GANDALF sets off a butterflies firework, which the
 children try to catch.

 GANDALF returns to his wagon for more fireworks, and when
 he leaves, MERRY and PIPPIN come out to steal one of their
 own. MERRY gives PIPPIN a boost into the wagon, where he
 roots around and comes up with one.

     MERRY
  Not that one! The big one, the big one!

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

     PIPPIN
  There!

     MERRY
  You're supposed to put it in the ground first!

     PIPPIN
  It is in the ground!

     MERRY
  Outside!

     PIPPIN
  This was your idea!

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

     FRODO
  Bilbo, watch out for the dragon!

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

 They duck to avoid the dragon, which, having given
 everyone a good scare, dissolves into a spectacular shower
 of sparks. MERRY and PIPPIN observe the results and are
 well pleased.

     PIPPIN
  That was good!

     MERRY
  Let's get another one!

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

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

 MERRY and PIPPIN end up washing dishes in penance. Several
 HOBBITS go by carrying an enormous cake laden with candles,
 and BILBO stands up.

  Speech! Speech!

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

  Proudfeet!

     BILBO
  Today is my one hundred and eleventh birthday!
  Alas, eleventy one years is much too short a
  time to live among such excellent and admirable
  hobbits! I don't know half of you half as well
  as I should like and I like less than half of
  you half as well as you deserve! I have things
  to do. I've put this off for far too long. I
  regret to announce this is the end! I'm going
  now. I bid you all a very fond farewell!
  Goodbye.

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

     GANDALF
  I suppose you thought that was terribly
  clever.

     BILBO
  Come on, Gandalf! Did you see their faces?

     GANDALF
  There are a good many magic rings in the
  world, Bilbo, and none of them should be used
  lightly!

     BILBO
  It was just a bit of fun. Oh, I suppose you're
  right, as usual.

 BILBO gathers some things to take with him.

     BILBO
  You will keep an eye on Frodo, won't you?

     GANDALF
  Two eyes, as often as I can spare them.

     BILBO
  I'm leaving everything to him.

     GANDALF
  And this ring of yours, is that staying, too?

     BILBO
  Yes, it's in an envelope, on the mantelpiece.

 GANDALF looks on the mantel.

     BILBO
  Wait, no, it's here in my pocket. Isn't that
  odd, now? Yet, why not? Why shouldn't I keep
  it?

     GANDALF
  I think you should leave the ring behind. Is
  that so hard?

     BILBO
  Well, no, and yes. Now it comes to it.
  I don't feel like parting with it! I found it!
  It came to me!

     GANDALF
  There's no need to get angry.

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

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

     BILBO
  What business is it of yours what I do with my
  own things?

     GANDALF
  I think you've had that ring quite long
  enough.

     BILBO
  You want it for yourself!

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

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

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

     GANDALF
  All your long years, we have been friends.
  Trust me now as you once did. Let it go.

     BILBO
  You're right. The ring must go to Frodo. It's
  late, and the road is long. Yes, it is time.

 BILBO gathers his pack and heads out the door. GANDALF
 stops him on the doorstep.

     GANDALF
  Bilbo, the ring is still in your pocket.

     BILBO
  Oh, yes.

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

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

     GANDALF
  And I'm sure you will, old friend.

     BILBO
  Good bye, Gandalf.

 They shake hands, friends as always.

     GANDALF
  Goodbye, dear Bilbo.

 Exit BILBO, singing.

     GANDALF
  Until our next meeting.

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

     BILBO
  It's mine, my own, my precious.

     GANDALF
  Riddles in the dark... Precious...

     FRODO
  Bilbo!

 FRODO enters, sees the ring and picks it up.

     FRODO
  He's gone, hasn't he? He talked about it for
  so long, I never really believed he would do
  it. Gandalf?

 GANDALF looks over, sees FRODO has the RING.

     GANDALF
  Bilbo's Ring. He's gone to stay with the
  elves. He's left you Bag End, along with all
  his possessions. The Ring is yours now.

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

     GANDALF
  Put it somewhere out of sight.

     FRODO
  Where are you going?

 GANDALF heads for the door.

     GANDALF
  There are things I need to see to.

     FRODO
  What things?

     GANDALF
  Questions, questions that need answering.

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

     GANDALF
  Neither do I. Keep it secret. Keep it safe.

 GANDALF rides to the White city, sees fire over the
 mountains. BARAD-DUR rebuilt, a voice screams 'Shire!
 Baggins!' The Nine ride out the gate. GANDALF looks through
 the library in the White City, finds the manuscript of
 ISILDUR'S tale.

  The year 3434 of the Second Age. Here follows
  the account of Isildur, High King of Gondor,
  and the finding of the Ring. The Ring of power
  has come to me. It will become an heirloom of
  my kingdom. All those who follow in my
  bloodline will be bound to its fate, for I will
  risk no hurt to the Ring. It is precious to me,
  though I buy it with a great pain. The markings
  on the band fade, the writing that was once as
  bright as red flame has all but disappeared, a
  secret now only fire can tell.

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

     N
  Shire. Baggins.

     HOBBIT
  No Bagginses here. They're all up in
  Hobbitton. That way.

 He follows his dog as the RIDER turns toward HOBBITTON.

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

     GANDALF
  Is it secret? Is it safe?

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

     FRODO
  What are you doing?

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

     GANDALF
  Hold out your hand, Frodo. It's quite cool.
  What can you see? Can you see anything?

     FRODO
  Nothing. There's nothing. Wait. There are
  markings. It's some form of Elvish, but I can't
  read it.

     GANDALF
  There are few who can. The language is that of
  Mordor, which I shall not utter here.

     FRODO
  Mordor?

     GANDALF
  In the common tongue, it reads, One ring to
  rule them all, one ring to find them. One ring
  to bring them all and in the darkness bind
  them.

     GANDALF
  This is the One Ring, forged by Sauron in the
  fires of Mount Doom. Isildur took it from the
  hand of Sauron himself.

     FRODO
  Bilbo found it, in Gollum's cave.

     GANDALF
  For sixty years, it lay quiet in Bilbo's
  keeping, prolonging his life, delaying old age.
  But no longer. There is evil stirring in
  Mordor. The Ring has awoken. It's heard its
  master's call.

     FRODO
  But he was destroyed. Sauron was destroyed.

 The RING whispers denial.

     GANDALF
  No, Frodo. His spirit endured. Sauron's life-
  force was bound to the Ring, and the Ring
  survived. Sauron has returned. His orcs have
  multiplied. His fortress of Barad-Dur is
  rebuilt in Mordor. He needs only this Ring to
  cover all the lands in a second darkness. He is
  seeking it, seeking it, all his thought is bent
  on it. The Ring yearns above all else to return
  to the hand of its master. They are one, the
  Ring and the Dark Lord. He must never find it.

 FRODO grabs the RING.

     FRODO
  All right, we keep it hidden. We put it away,
  we never speak of it again. Nobody knows its
  here, do they?

 GANDALF is silent.

     FRODO
  Do they, Gandalf?

     GANDALF
  There was one other who knew that Bilbo had
  the ring. I looked everywhere for the creature
  Gollum, but the Enemy found him first.

     GANDALF
  I don't know how long they tortured him, but
  amid the endless screams and inane babble, they
  heard two words. Shire. Baggins.

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

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

     FRODO
  Take it, Gandalf, you must take it!

     GANDALF
  You cannot offer me this Ring!

     FRODO
  I am giving it to you!

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

     FRODO
  But it cannot stay in the Shire!

     GANDALF
  No. No, it can't.

 FRODO accepts his duty.

     FRODO
  What must I do?

     GANDALF
  You must go, and go quickly.

     FRODO
  Where?

     GANDALF
  Get out of the Shire. Make for the village of
  Bree.

     FRODO
  What about you?

     GANDALF
  I will wait for you at the Inn of the Prancing
  Pony.

     FRODO
  And the Ring will be safe there?

     GANDALF
  I don't know, Frodo. I don't have any answers.
  I must see the head of my order. He is both
  powerful and wise. Trust me, he will know what
  to do. You must leave the name of Baggins
  behind you, for that name is not safe outside
  the Shire. Travel only by day, and stay off the
  road.

     FRODO
  I can cut across country easily enough.

 GANDALF stops, looking at FRODO, who is within minutes
 packed, cloaked, and ready for a long and dangerous
 journey.

     GANDALF
  Dear Frodo. Hobbits are the most amazing
  creatures. You can learn everything there is to
  know about their ways in a month, and after a
  hundred years they can still surprise you!

 Noise outside the window.

     GANDALF
  Get down!

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

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

     SAM
  I ain't been dropping no eaves, sir, honest, I
  was just cutting the grass outside the window,
  if you follow me.

     GANDALF
  A bit late for trimming the verge.

     SAM
  I heard raised voices.

     GANDALF
  What did you hear? Speak!

     SAM
  Nothing important. That is, I heard a good
  deal about a ring, and a dark lord, and
  something about the end of the world. Please
  don't hurt me, sir, don't turn me into anything
  unnatural.

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

 GANDALF and FRODO walking, GANDALF leading his horse.

     GANDALF
  Come along, Samwise, keep up!

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

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

 FRODO pats his pocket, where the RING is hidden.

     GANDALF
  Never put it on! The servants of the Dark Lord
  will be drawn to its power. Remember, the Ring
  is trying to get back to its master. It
  wants to be found.

 GANDALF leaves. FRODO and SAM cross fields, going towards
 BREE. SAM stops on the edge of a field of wheat.

     SAM
  This is it.

     FRODO
  This is what?

     SAM
  If I take one more step, it will be the
  farthest from home I've ever been.

     FRODO
  Come on, Sam. Remember what Bilbo used to say.
  It's a dangerous thing, Frodo, going out your
  door. You step onto the road, and if you don't
  keep your feet, there's no knowing where you'll
  be swept off to.

 GANDALF riding to Isengard.

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

     GANDALF
  Saruman.

 GANDALF and SARUMAN walking outside Isengard.

     SARUMAN
  You are sure of this?

     GANDALF
  Beyond any doubt.

     SARUMAN
  So the One Ring has been found.

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

     SARUMAN
  And you had not the wit to see it. Your love
  of the Halflings' leaf has clearly slowed your
  mind.

     GANDALF
  We still have time, time to counter Sauron, if
  we act quickly.

     SARUMAN
  Time? What time do you think we have?

 SARUMAN and GANDALF inside Isengard.

     SARUMAN
  Sauron has regained much of his former
  strength. He cannot yet take physical form, but
  his spirit has lost none of its potency.
  Concealed in his fortress he sees all. His gaze
  pierces cloud, shadow, earth and flesh. You
  know of what I speak. A great eye, lidless,
  wreathed in flame.

     GANDALF
  The Eye of Sauron.

     SARUMAN
  He is gathering all evil to him. Very soon he
  will have assembled an army large enough to
  assault Middle-earth.

     GANDALF
  You know this? How?

     SARUMAN
  I have seen it.

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

     GANDALF
  A Palantir is a dangerous tool.

 SARUMAN uncovers the stone.

     SARUMAN
  Why? Why should we fear to use it?

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

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

     SARUMAN
  The hour is later than you think. Sauron's
  forces are already moving. The Nine have left
  Minas Mordor.

     GANDALF
  The Nine?

     SARUMAN
  They crossed the river Isen on midsummer's
  eve, disguised as riders in black.

     GANDALF
  They have reached the Shire!

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

     GANDALF
  Frodo!

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

     SARUMAN
  You did not truly 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 him, Gandalf. Join
  with Sauron. It would be wise, old friend.

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

 They fight, GANDALF loses his staff and is captured.

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

 GANDALF rises toward the roof of Isengard. Darkness.

 SAM emerges from a corn patch, alone.

     SAM
  Mister Frodo? Frodo!

 FRODO reappears from the path ahead.

     SAM
  I thought I'd lost you.

     FRODO
  What are you talking about, Sam?

     SAM
  It's just something Gandalf said.

     FRODO
  What did he say?

     SAM
  Don't you lose him, Samwise Gamgee. And I
  don't mean to.

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

 They get knocked over by MERRY and PIPPIN.

     PIPPIN
  Frodo! Look, Merry, it's Frodo!

     SAM
  You get off him!

 SAM shakes off MERRY, picks PIPPIN off FRODO by the scruff
 of his neck.

 MERRY hands SAM an armful of vegetables.

     MERRY
  Hold these.

     PIPPIN
  What's the meaning of this?

     SAM
  You've been into Farmer Maggott's crop!

 They start running through a cornfield.

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

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

     MERRY
  Yes, Pippin! My point is, he's obviously
  overreacting!

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

 PIPPIN lands inches away from a pile of manure.

     PIPPIN
  Ooh! That was a close one.

     MERRY
  I think I've broken something.

 MERRY pulls out a broken carrot.

     SAM
  Trust a Brandybuck and a Took!

     MERRY
  Nonsense! That was just a detour! A shortcut!

     SAM
  Shortcut to what?

     PIPPIN
  Mushrooms!

 Three start gathering mushrooms into a bag.

 FRODO looks down the road.

     FRODO
  I think we should get off the road.

 Something dark approaches.

     FRODO
  Get off the road, quick!

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

     PIPPIN
  What was that?

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

  Anything?

     FRODO
  Nothing.

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

 RIDER appears, in the distance.

  Get down!

 They hide again.

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

     MERRY
  Bucklebury ferry. Follow me.

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

     MERRY
  Sam, get the ropes!

 They untie the raft.

  Run, Frodo!

 The RIDER is right behind FRODO.

     FRODO
  Go!

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

     FRODO
  Where is the nearest crossing?

     MERRY
  Brandywine bridge. Twenty miles.

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

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

     GUARD
  What do you want?

     FRODO
  We are headed for the Prancing Pony.

     GUARD
  Hobbits. Four hobbits! What business brings
  you to Bree?

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

     GUARD
  Very well, young sir, didn't mean no offence
  by it. It's my job to ask questions after
  nightfall. There's been talk of some strange
  folk about. Can't be too careful.

 Arrival at the Prancing Pony.

     FRODO
  Excuse me?

     BARLIMAN
  Good evening, little Masters. If you're
  looking for accommodation, we have some cozy
  hobbit-sized rooms available, Mr...?

     FRODO
  Underhill. My name's Underhill. We're friends
  of Gandalf the Grey. Would you tell him we've
  arrived?

     BARLIMAN
  Gandalf? Elderly chap, big grey beard, pointy
  hat. Haven't seen him in six months.

     SAM
  What do we do now?

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

 MERRY sits down.

     PIPPIN
  What's that?

     MERRY
  This, my friend, is a pint.

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

     SAM
  Pippin, you've had a whole half already.

 PIPPIN goes to the bar for his pint.

     SAM
  That man's done nothing but stare at you since
  we came in.

 FRODO stops the innkeeper.

     FRODO
  That man in the corner, who is he?

     BARLIMAN
  He's one of them Rangers. Dangerous folk, they
  are, wandering the wilds. What his right name
  is I've never heard, but round here he's known
  as Strider.

     FRODO
  Strider.

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

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

 FRODO runs toward PIPPIN, at the bar.

     FRODO
  Pippin!

     PIPPIN
  Steady on!

 FRODO trips, the ring falls on his finger. The Nine turn
 towards BREE. FRODO sees the EYE for the first time. FRODO
 takes off the ring and is dragged off by STRIDER.

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

     FRODO
  What do you want?

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

     FRODO
  I carry nothing.

     STRIDER
  Indeed? I can avoid being seen if I wish, but
  to disappear entirely - that is a rare gift.

     FRODO
  Who are you?

     STRIDER
  Are you frightened?

     FRODO
  Yes.

     STRIDER
  Not nearly frightened enough. I know what
  hunts you.

 The three HOBBITS come in, threatening STRIDER if he has
 hurt FRODO.

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

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

     FRODO
  What are they?

     STRIDER
  They were once men. Great kings of men, but
  Sauron the Deceiver gave them nine rings of
  power, and, blinded by their greed, they took
  them without question, one by one falling into
  darkness. Now they are slaves to his will. They
  are the Nazgul, Ringwraiths, neither living nor
  dead. At all times they feel the presence of
  the ring, drawn to the power of the One. They
  will never stop hunting you.

 The party leaves BREE, avoiding the roads.

     FRODO
  Where are you taking us?

     STRIDER
  Into the wilds.

 They walk for a while.

     MERRY
  How do we know this Strider is a friend of
  Gandalf's?

     FRODO
  We have no choice but to trust him.

     SAM
  Where is he taking us?

     STRIDER
  To Rivendell, Master Gamgee, the home of
  Elrond.

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

 HOBBITS stop.

     STRIDER
  Gentlemen, we do not stop till nightfall.

     PIPPIN
  What about breakfast?

     STRIDER
  You have had it.

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

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

     PIPPIN
  What about elevenses? Luncheon? Afternoon tea?
  Dinner? Supper? Do you think he knows about
  them?

     MERRY
  I wouldn't count on it.

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

 SARUMAN using Palantir.

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

  Build me an army worthy of Mordor.

 SARUMAN sits in his study, looking uncomfortable. ORCS
 enter, looking out of place.

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

     SARUMAN
  We have work to do.

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

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

     SARUMAN
  Rip them all down.
 
 

 FRODO and company cross harsh lands.

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

 STRIDER unwraps four swords, passes them out to HOBBITS.

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

 FRODO is napping, wakes up to find the others have built a
 fire.

     FRODO
  What are you doing?

     MERRY
  Sausages, tomatoes, nice crispy bacon!

     SAM
  We saved some for you!

     FRODO
  Put it out, you fools, put it out!

 FRODO stamps out the fire.

     PIPPIN
  That's nice, ash on my tomatoes.

 They look over the edge to find RINGWRAITHS approaching.

 FRODO pulls out his sword.

     FRODO
  Go!

 HOBBITS retreat to the center of the ruin, stand back to
 back, not knowing where the WRAITHS will come from. Five
 WRAITHS enter the ruin.

     SAM
  Back, you devils!

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

     SAM
  Frodo!

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

     FRODO
  Oh, Sam!

 STRIDER stabs and sets fire to WRAITHS, they go away.

     SAM
  Strider! Help him!

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

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

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

     STRIDER
  Hang on, Frodo.

     SAM
  It's six days to Rivendell! He'll never make
  it!

     FRODO
  Gandalf. Gandalf!

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

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

     SAM
  Mr. Frodo? He's going cold!

     PIPPIN
  Is he going to die?

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

 There is a cry, not far enough away.

     MERRY
  They're close!

     STRIDER
  Sam, do you know the Athelas plant?

     SAM
  Athelas?

     STRIDER
  Kingsfoil.

     SAM
  Kingsfoil? Aye, it's a weed.

     STRIDER
  It may help to slow the poison.

 SAM and STRIDER search for plant, STRIDER finds it.

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

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

     ARWEN
  Frodo, I am Arwen. I've come to help you. Hear
  my voice. Return to the light.

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

  Who is she?

     SAM
  She's an elf!

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

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

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

 STRIDER lifts FRODO onto ARWEN'S horse.

     STRIDER
  Stay with the hobbits. I will send horses for
  you.

     ARWEN
  I am the faster rider. I will take him.

     STRIDER
  The road is too dangerous.

     ARWEN
  If I can get across the river, the power of my
  people will protect him. I do not fear them.

 ARWEN gets on her horse, behind FRODO.

     STRIDER
  Arwen. Ride hard and don't look back.

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

 ARWEN and FRODO ride, chased by some RINGWRAITHS. WRAITHS
 try to influence FRODO, either to give in to the poison or
 to put the RING on.

     ARWEN
  No! Frodo, you must not!

 They get to the river, ARWEN stops partway across. RIDERS
 or their horses do not want to enter the river.

     N
  Give up the halfling, she-elf!

 ARWEN draws her sword.

     ARWEN
  If you want him, come and claim him!

 RIDERS start to cross the river. ARWEN speaks to the river
 in elvish, and it rises suddenly. A flood of water washes
 down the riverbed, led by white horse-shapes. WRAITHS are
 washed away. FRODO is losing his battle. ARWEN gets off her
 horse, lays him on the ground.

     ARWEN
  No, Frodo! Don't give in! Not now!

     ARWEN
  Let what grace is given me be passed to him.
  Let him be spared. Save him.

 FRODO'S world dissolves into light.
 
 

 FRODO wakes up, in bed.

     FRODO
  Where am I?

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

     FRODO
  Gandalf?

     GANDALF
  Yes, I'm here. And you're lucky to be here,
  too. A few more hours and you would have been
  beyond our aid, but you have some strength in
  you, dear hobbit.

     FRODO
  What happened? Why didn't you meet us?

     GANDALF
  I am sorry. I was delayed.
 
 

 Top of the tower.

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

 SARUMAN holding GANDALF out over the edge of the tower.

     SARUMAN
  It is over. Embrace the power of the Ring or
  embrace your own destruction.

     GANDALF
  The ring has but one master. Only one may bend
  it to his will, and he does not share power.

 GANDALF jumps off the edge of the tower, King of Eagles
 catches him and they fly away.

     SARUMAN
  So you have chosen death.
 
 

     FRODO
  Gandalf, what is it?

     GANDALF
  Nothing.

 SAM comes in, and ELROND.

     SAM
  Bless you, Frodo, you're awake!

     GANDALF
  Sam has hardly left your side.

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

     GANDALF
  Thanks to the skills of Master Elrond, you
  have begun to mend.

     ELROND
  Welcome to Rivendell, Frodo Baggins.
 
 

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

     FRODO
  Bilbo!

     BILBO
  Hello, Frodo, my lad!

 FRODO looking at BILBO'S book.

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

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

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

     BILBO
  My dear boy.
 
 

 SAM packing.

     SAM
  Now what have I forgotten?

     FRODO
  Packed already?

     SAM
  Doesn't hurt to be prepared.

     FRODO
  I thought you wanted to see the elves, Sam.

     SAM
  I do.

     FRODO
  More than anything.

     SAM
  I did, but... we did what we set off to do,
  didn't we? We got the ring this far, to
  Rivendell, and seeing as how you're on the
  mend, I thought we'd be off soon. Off home.

     FRODO
  You're right, Sam. We did what Gandalf wanted.
  The Ring will be safe in Rivendell. I am ready
  to go home.
 
 

 GANDALF and ELROND, watching FRODO and SAM.

     ELROND
  His strength returns.

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

     ELROND
  Yet to have come so far still bearing the
  ring, the hobbit has shown remarkable
  resilience to its evil.

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

     ELROND
  Gandalf, the Enemy is moving. Sauron's forces
  are massing in the East. The Eye is fixed on
  Rivendell. Now you tell me Saruman has betrayed
  us. The list of our allies grows thin.

     GANDALF
  His treachery goes deeper than you know. At
  Falcraft, Saruman has crossed orcs with goblin
  men. He is breeding an army in the caverns of
  Isengard. An army that can move in sunlight,
  and travel great distances at speed. Saruman is
  coming for the ring.

     ELROND
  This evil cannot be concealed by the power of
  the elves. We do not have the strength to stand
  against Mordor and  Isengard both. The ring
  cannot stay here.

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

     ELROND
  This peril belongs to all Middle-Earth, and
  they must decide now how to end it. The age of
  elves is over. My people are leaving these
  shores. Who will you turn to once we are gone?
  The dwarves hide in their mountains seeking
  riches and care not for the troubles of others.

     GANDALF
  We must place our hope in men.

     ELROND
  Men! The race of men is weak, failing. The
  blood of Numenor is all but spent, its pride
  and dignity forgotten. It is because of men
  that the Ring survives. I was there, three
  thousand years ago, when Isildur took the ring.
  I was there when the strength of men failed.

 ISILDUR takes the RING.

     ELROND
  Follow me!

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

     ELROND
  Throw it in the fire! Destroy it!

     ISILDUR
  No.

     ELROND
  Isildur!

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

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

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

 STRIDER reading a book.

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

 He cuts his finger on it.

     BOROMIR
  Still sharp. But no more than a broken hilt.

 The sword falls when BOROMIR tries to replace it on the
 statue. ARAGORN picks it up, and returns it to its place.
 
 

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

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

     ARWEN
  Your time will come. You will face the same
  evil, and you will defeat it. The shadow does
  not yet hold sway. Not over you, not over me.
  Do you remember the first time we met?

     STRIDER
  I thought I had strayed into a dream.

     ARWEN
  Long years have passed since then. You did not
  have the cares you carry now. Do you remember
  what I told you?

     STRIDER
  You said you would bind yourself to me, and
  forsake 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 the
  world alone. I choose a mortal life.

 ARWEN gives ARAGORN the flower necklace she wears.

     STRIDER
  You cannot give me this.

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

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

     ELROND
  Strangers from distant lands, friends of old.
  You are summoned here to answer the threat of
  Mordor. Middle-Earth stands on the brink of
  destruction. You will unite or you will fall.
  Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom.

     ELROND
  Bring forth the ring, Frodo.

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

  So it is true.

  The Ring of power.

  The doom of man.

     BOROMIR
  It is a gift, a gift to the foes of Mordor.
  Why not use this Ring? Long has my father, the
  Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at
  bay. By the blood of my people are your lands
  kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy.
  Let us use it against him.

     STRIDER
  You cannot wield it. None of us can. The ring
  answers to Sauron alone. It has no other
  master.

     BOROMIR
  What would a ranger know of this matter?

     LEGOLAS
  He is no mere ranger. This is Aragorn, son of
  Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.

     BOROMIR
  This is Isildur's heir?

     LEGOLAS
  And heir to the throne of Gondor.

     STRIDER
  Sit down, Legolas.

     BOROMIR
  Gondor has no king, Gondor needs no king.

     GANDALF
  Aragorn is right. We cannot control it.

     ELROND
  We have but one choice. The ring must be
  destroyed.

 The RING murmurs its displeasure.

     GIMLI
  What are we waiting for?

 GIMLI picks up his axe and hits the RING. FRODO sees the
 eye, and the axe is shattered. GIMLI is knocked to the
 ground.

     ELROND
  The ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of
  Gloin, by any craft that we here possess. It
  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
  which it came. One of you must do this.

 Silence.

     BOROMIR
  One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its
  black gates are guarded by more than orcs.
  There is evil there that does not sleep, and
  the great eye is ever watchful. It is a barren
  wasteland, riddled with fire, ash and dust. The
  very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. It is
  folly. Not with ten thousand men could you do
  this.

     LEGOLAS
  Have you heard nothing that 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 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 RING chants, telling its name, and its terrible
 purpose, in the language of its master. The council
 dissolves into arguing, flames spread across the ring as it
 feeds their distrust and anger.

     FRODO
  I will take it.

 Arguing continues.

     FRODO
  I will take it!

 GANDALF hears, and it pains him that FRODO must continue
 to carry the RING, but the rest of the council has just
 demonstrated how easily the RING can influence most people.
 Silence returns.

     FRODO
  I will take the ring to Mordor. Though I do
  not know the way.

     GANDALF
  I will help you bear this burden for as long
  as it is yours to bear.

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

 ARAGORN kneels in front of FRODO.

     STRIDER
  You have my sword.

     LEGOLAS
  And my bow.

     GIMLI
  And my axe.

     BOROMIR
  You carry the fate of us all, little one. But
  if this is truly the will of the council,
  Gondor will see it done.

 SAM runs in.

     SAM
  Here! Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without
  me.

 SAM takes his place beside FRODO.

     ELROND
  Indeed, it is hardly possible to separate the
  two of you, even when he is summoned to a
  secret council and you are not. Very well.

 MERRY and PIPPIN barge in.

     MERRY
  We're going, too! You'd have to send us home
  tied up in a sack to keep us away.

     PIPPIN
  Anyway, you need people of intelligence on
  this sort of mission. Quest. Thing.

     MERRY
  Well, that rules you out, Pip.

     ELROND
  Nine companions. So be it. You shall be the
  Fellowship of the Ring.

     PIPPIN
  Great. Now, where are we going?
 
 

 BILBO gives FRODO his old sword and armor.

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

     FRODO
  It's so light!

     BILBO
  Yes. Made by the elves, you know. The blade
  glows blue when orcs are close. And it's times
  like those, dear boy, you have to be extra
  careful. Here's a pretty thing.

 BILBO holds up a chainmail vest, sized for a HOBBIT.

     BILBO
  As light as a feather, and as hard as dragon
  scales. Let me see you put it on.

 FRODO starts to take off his shirt.

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

 FRODO knows better, and buttons up his shirt again. BILBO
 has an evil moment, then recovers.

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

 FRODO comforts him.

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

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

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

     BOROMIR
  Very good. Again!

     GIMLI
  If anyone were to ask my opinion, which I note
  they have not, I would say we're taking the
  long way around! Gandalf, we could go 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.

 ARAGORN adds comments.

     STRIDER
  Move your feet!

 BOROMIR accidentally hurts PIPPIN.

     PIPPIN
  Ow!

     BOROMIR
  Sorry!

 PIPPIN drops his sword, kicks BOROMIR in the shins and
 tackles him. MERRY joins in, and the two of them wrestle
 BOROMIR to the ground. LEGOLAS notices something on the
 horizon.

     SAM
  What's that?

     GIMLI
  It's nothing, just a wisp of cloud.

 Everyone looks.

     BOROMIR
  It's moving fast, against the wind.

     LEGOLAS
  Crebain from Dunland! Hide!

 Everyone gathers possessions, they put out the fire and
 take cover. When crows leave, they come out again.

     GANDALF
  Spies for Saruman. The passage south is being
  watched. We will have to go over the pass of
  Caradhras.

 Climbing a snowy mountain, FRODO falls and rolls down.
 STRIDER catches him, but the ring is missing. BOROMIR picks
 it up.

     STRIDER
  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.

     STRIDER
  Boromir! Give the ring to Frodo.

     BOROMIR
  As you wish. I care not.

 But he too obviously does care, and when BOROMIR turns
 away, STRIDER takes his hand off his sword.

 The crows return to Isengard, report to SARUMAN.

     SARUMAN
  So, you tried to lead them over Caradhras. And
  if that fails? Where will you go? If the
  mountain defeats you, will you risk a more
  dangerous road?

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

     LEGOLAS
  There is a fell voice on the air!

     GANDALF
  Saruman!

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

     STRIDER
  He's trying to bring down the mountain! We
  must turn back!

     GANDALF
  No!

 GANDALF tries to stop the storm, but SARUMAN is
 reinforcing it from Isengard. Lightning strikes the
 mountain, and LEGOLAS pulls GANDALF back from the edge just
 before snow falls and buries them all. One by one, they dig
 out or shake the snow off.

     STRIDER
  We must get off the mountain!

     BOROMIR
  We must take the Pass of Rohan, or take the
  road west to my city!

     STRIDER
  Rohan takes us too close to Isengard!

     GIMLI
  If we cannot go over the mountain, I say let
  us go under it!

     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-
  Dum. Shadow and flame.

     GANDALF
  Let the Ringbearer decide!

     FRODO
  We will go through the mines!

     GANDALF
  So be it.
 
 

     GIMLI
  The walls of Moria.

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

     GANDALF
  Isildin. It mirrors only starlight and
  moonlight.

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

     GANDALF
  It reads, The Gates of Durin, Lord of Moria.
  Speak Friend and enter.

     PIPPIN
  What do you suppose it means?

     GANDALF
  Simple. If you are a friend, you speak the
  password, and the doors open.

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

     STRIDER
  The mines are no place for a pony, even one so
  brave as Bill. Go on.

     SAM
  Bye bye, Bill.

     STRIDER
  Don't worry, Sam, he knows the way home.

 MERRY or PIPPIN is throwing rocks in the water, ARAGORN
 stops him.

     STRIDER
  Don't disturb the water!

 BOROMIR shares his suspicion.

     GANDALF
  This is useless!

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

     FRODO
  It's a riddle. What's the Elvish word for
  friend?

     GANDALF
  Mellon.

 The gates open. They go in.

     GIMLI
  Soon, mister elf, you will enjoy the fabled
  hospitality of the dwarves! Roaring fires, malt
  beer, red meat off the bone! This is the home
  of my cousin Balin. And they call it a mine. A
  mine!

     BOROMIR
  This is no mine, it's a tomb.

 Light reveals skeletons all over

     GIMLI
  No!

 LEGOLAS pulls an arrow out of one of the skeletons.

     LEGOLAS
  Goblins!

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

 FRODO is grabbed by a tentacle from the water.

     SAM
  Strider!

 SAM cuts off the tentacle, then a dozen more push the
 HOBBITS away while one grabs FRODO.

 Tentacles dangle FRODO far above the water. ARAGORN and
 BOROMIR chop off tentacles. When a head shows, and a giant
 mouth, LEGOLAS puts arrows in it. ARAGORN chops off the
 tentacle holding FRODO, BOROMIR catches him when he falls.
 LEGOLAS puts an arrow in one of the KRAKEN'S eyes, giving
 ARAGORN and BOROMIR time to get out of the water.

     GANDALF
  Into the mines!

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

     GANDALF
  Now we 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. It is a four day journey
  to the other side. Let us hope our presence may
  go unnoticed.

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

     MERRY
  Pippin!

 They come to the top of the stairs.

     GANDALF
  I have no memory of this place.

     PIPPIN
  Are we lost?

     MERRY
  No, we're not lost.

     PIPPIN
  I think we're lost.

     MERRY
  Quiet, Gandalf's thinking.

     PIPPIN
  Merry? I'm hungry.

 FRODO sees something behind them.

     FRODO
  There's something down there.

     GANDALF
  It's Gollum. He's been following us for three
  days.

     FRODO
  He escaped from the dungeons of Barad-dur!

     GANDALF
  Escaped, or was set loose. Gollum hates and
  loves the ring, as he hates and loves himself.
  He will never be free 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 who live deserve death, and some who die
  deserve life. Can you give it to them? Do not
  be too eager to deal out death in judgment.
  Even the very wise cannot see all ends, but my
  heart tells me that Gollum still has a part to
  play, for good or ill. Before this is over, the
  pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many.

     FRODO
  I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish
  none of this had ever 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 we are
  given. There are other forces at work in the
  world than the will of evil. Bilbo was
  meant to find the ring, which means that
  you also were meant to have it. And that
  is an encouraging thought. Ah! It's this way.

     MERRY
  He's remembered!

     GANDALF
  No, but the air smells less foul down here.
  When in doubt, Meriadoc, always follow your
  nose.
 
 

     GANDALF
  Let me risk a little more light.

 They see a huge cavern, held up with immense pillars.

     GANDALF
  Behold! The great realm of the dwarven city of
  Dwarrowdelf.

     SAM
  Well, that's an eye-opener and no mistake!

 GIMLI sees a door, runs through it.

     GANDALF
  Gimli!

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

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

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

     LEGOLAS
  We must move on. We cannot linger here.

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

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

     GANDALF
  Fool of a Took! Next time, throw yourself in,
  and rid us of your stupidity!

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

     LEGOLAS
  Orcs!

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

     BOROMIR
  They have a cave troll.

     STRIDER
  Stay back, close to Gandalf!

 They bar the door with the weapons of the dead.

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

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

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

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

     FRODO
  Aragorn! Help!

 FRODO cuts the TROLL'S hand with Sting, and it lets go.
 TROLL reaches for FRODO again, but ARAGORN runs over and
 stabs it with a spear, prompting the TROLL to smash him
 into the wall. FRODO shakes ARAGORN, but he doesn't get up.
 TROLL stabs at ARAGORN, but renews its interest in FRODO
 when he moves. FRODO dodges the spear, then runs into it
 and gets thrown against the wall. Before he can move, the
 TROLL stabs him with the spear. FRODO falls, with the spear
 in his side. MERRY and PIPPIN jump on the TROLL'S back and
 stab it wildly. TROLL grabs MERRY and throws him off,
 PIPPIN stabs it again, when it rears up, LEGOLAS kills the
 TROLL with an arrow through the brain. PIPPIN has a hard
 landing, still being on top of the TROLL when it falls.

     STRIDER
  Oh, no.

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

     SAM
  He's alive!

     FRODO
  I'm all right, I'm not hurt.

     STRIDER
  You should be dead! That spear would have
  skewered a wild boar!

     GANDALF
  I think there is more to this hobbit than
  meets the eye.

 FRODO pulls open his shirt to reveal a Mithril vest.

     GIMLI
  Mithril! You are full of surprises, Mr.
  Baggins!

 More ORCS approach.

     GANDALF
  To the bridge of Khazad-Dum!

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

     BOROMIR
  What is this new devilry?

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

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

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

 They come to a gap in the apparently endless staircase,
 which LEGOLAS jumps across easily. GANDALF follows after a
 moment's hesitation. BOROMIR grabs MERRY and PIPPIN, jumps
 across as the edge crumbles. STRIDER throws SAM across, but
 GIMLI holds up a hand.

     GIMLI
  Nobody tosses a dwarf!

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

     GIMLI
  Not the beard!

 More breaks off the edge, FRODO and STRIDER scramble back.
 The gap is now too far to jump. Part of roof breaks off,
 breaks the section FRODO and STRIDER are on loose from the
 rest of the stair. It starts to tilt. Trying to keep his
 balance, STRIDER finds he can influence the direction the
 stair falls.

     STRIDER
  Lean forward!

 They do, and the section falls forward into the rest of
 the stair, allowing FRODO and STRIDER to rejoin the party.
 They keep running as the enormous section of stair falls
 into the abyss. They manage to get down the stairs to level
 ground without more trouble. As they run toward the bridge,
 the BALROG emerges from the chasm behind them. GANDALF
 makes sure everyone is across the bridge before he makes
 his stand. In the center of the bridge, he turns to face
 the demon, staff and sword in hand.

     GANDALF
  You cannot pass.

     FRODO
  Gandalf!

 A wave of flame spreads across the BALROG.

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

 BALROG draws a flaming sword and swings at GANDALF, but he
 blocks it.

     GANDALF
  Go back to the shadow! You shall not
  pass!

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

     GANDALF
  Fly, you fools!

 And GANDALF follows his enemy into the abyss.

     FRODO
  No!

 FRODO tries to return to the bridge, but BOROMIR holds him
 back.

     BOROMIR
  Aragorn!

 BOROMIR carries FRODO away. ARAGORN pauses, looking back
 until ORC arrows drive him away. The diminished group
 escapes into the sunlight before most collapse with grief,
 weeping for the loss of their friend. LEGOLAS seems
 stunned. ARAGORN becomes their leader.

     STRIDER
  Legolas, get them up!

     BOROMIR
  Give them a moment, for pity's sake!

     STRIDER
  By nightfall these hills will be crawling with
  orcs! We must reach the woods of Lothlorien.
  Gimli, Legolas, get them up! On your feet, Sam.
  Frodo?

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

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

     GIMLI
  Stay close, young hobbits. They say a great
  sorceress lives here, an elf-witch of terrible
  power. All those who look upon her fall under
  her spell, and are never seen again.

     GALADRIEL
  Frodo. Your coming is as the footsteps of
  doom. You bring a great evil here, Ringbearer.

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

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

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

     STRIDER
  Haldir of Lorien. We have come for help. We
  need your protection.

     GIMLI
  Aragorn, these woods are perilous! We should
  go back!

     HALDIR
  You have entered the realm of the Lady of the
  Wood. You cannot go back. Come. She is waiting.

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

     CELEBORN
  Eight there are here, but nine there were set
  out from Rivendell. Where is Gandalf, for I
  much desire to speak with him.

     GALADRIEL
  He is fallen into shadow. The quest stands on
  the edge of a knife, stray but a little and it
  will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains
  as long as the company is true. Do not let your
  hearts be troubled. Go now, and rest, for you
  are weary with toil and much sorrow. Tonight
  you shall sleep in peace.

     GALADRIEL
  Welcome, Frodo of the Shire, one who has seen
  the Eye.

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

     LEGOLAS
  A lament for Gandalf.

  What do they say about him?

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

     STRIDER
  Take some rest, Boromir. These borders are
  well protected.

     BOROMIR
  I shall find no rest here. I heard a voice
  inside my head. She spoke of my father and the
  fall of Gondor. She said to me, even now, there
  is hope left, but I cannot see it. It is long
  since we had any hope. My father is a noble
  man, but Izual is failing, and the people lose
  faith. My father looks to me to set it right,
  and I would do it, I would see the glory of
  Gondor restored. Have you seen it, Aragorn? The
  white tower of Ecthelion glimmering like a
  spike of pearl and silver, its banners caught
  high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been
  called home by the clear ringing of silver
  trumpets?

     STRIDER
  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!'

 ARAGORN makes no promises.
 
 

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

     GALADRIEL
  Will you look into the mirror?

     FRODO
  What will I see?

     GALADRIEL
  Not even the wisest can say, for the mirror
  shows many things. Things that are, things that
  were, and some things that have not yet come to
  pass.

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

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

     FRODO
  If you ask it of me, I will give you the One
  Ring.

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

 A dark light comes over her as she touches the power of
 the One RING.

     GALADRIEL
  Instead of a Dark Lord, you would have a
  queen, not dark but beautiful and terrible as
  the dawn! Tempestuous as the sea, and stronger
  than the foundations of the earth! All shall
  love me and despair!

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

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

     FRODO
  I cannot do this alone.

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

     FRODO
  Then, I know what I must do. It's just I am
  afraid to do it.

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

 SARUMAN talking to the first URUK-HAI.

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

  Saruman.

 Now SARUMAN addresses the army of URUK-HAI.

     SARUMAN
  Hunt them down. Do not stop until you have
  found them. You do not know pain, you do not
  know fear, you will taste man-flesh! One of the
  halflings carries something of great value.
  Bring them to me alive, and unspoiled! Kill the
  others.
 
 

 The company departs in three small boats.

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

 They paddle down the river a long ways.

 URUK-HAI on the march.

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

     STRIDER
  Frodo. The Aragornath. Long have I desired to
  look upon the kings of old, my kin.

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

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

     GIMLI
  Oh? Just a simple matter of finding our way
  across Emyn Muil, an impassable labyrinth of
  razor-sharp rocks! And then it gets even
  better! Festering, stinking marshlands as far
  as the eye can see!

     STRIDER
  That is our road, sir dwarf. Perhaps you
  should take some rest, and recover your
  strength.

     GIMLI
  Recover my...!

     LEGOLAS
  We should leave now.

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

     LEGOLAS
  It is not the eastern shore that worries me. A
  shadow and a threat has been growing in my
  mind. Something draws near, I can feel it.

     GIMLI
  Recover my strength! Pay no heed to that,
  young hobbits.

 MERRY returns from gathering firewood.

     MERRY
  Where is Frodo?

 ARAGORN looks around and realizes BOROMIR is also missing.
 
 

 FRODO walks in the forest, BOROMIR finds him.

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

     FRODO
  I know what you would say, and it would sound
  like wisdom, but for the warning in my heart.

     BOROMIR
  Warning? Against what? They are all afraid,
  but to let that fear drive us to destroy what
  hope we have... Don't you see? It's madness.

     FRODO
  There is no other way.

     BOROMIR
  Why do you recoil? I am no thief.

     FRODO
  You are not yourself!

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

     FRODO
  No!

     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 a happenstance. It could have been
  mine. It should have been mine! Give it to me!

     FRODO
  No!

 They struggle, FRODO puts on the ring and disappears.

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

 BOROMIR falls, and seems to recover himself.

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

 FRODO runs away, with the ring on. He hides atop a stone
 platform in the woods, looks east and sees BARAD-DUR, and
 army of ORCS, and the EYE. He falls off the platform and
 takes off the ring. ARAGORN arrives.

     STRIDER
  Frodo?

     FRODO
  It has taken Boromir.

     STRIDER
  Where is the ring?

 FRODO backs away.

     FRODO
  Stay away!

     STRIDER
  Frodo? I swore to protect you.

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

 ARAGORN resists the ring, but leaves it with FRODO.

     STRIDER
  I would have gone with you to the end, into
  the very fires of Mordor.

     FRODO
  I know. Take care of the others. Especially
  Sam, he will not understand.

     STRIDER
  Go, Frodo!

 Sting is glowing.

     STRIDER
  Run! Run!

     URUK
  Find the Halflings! Find the Halflings!

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

     PIPPIN
  Here, Frodo, hide here!

 FRODO shakes his head.

     PIPPIN
  What's he doing?

     MERRY
  He's leaving.

     PIPPIN
  No, Frodo!

 PIPPIN bolts from his hiding place, only to realize that
 he has been seen by ORCS. MERRY determines that they must
 provide a distraction so that FRODO can get away.

     MERRY
  Run, Frodo. Go.

 MERRY waves his arms at the approaching ORCS.

     MERRY
  Hey, you, over here, this way!

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

     PIPPIN
  It's working!

     MERRY
  I know it's working, run!

 BOROMIR kills a bunch of ORCS defending MERRY and PIPPIN.
 His horn brings friends and enemies alike. BOROMIR gets
 shot three times before he stops killing ORCS. MERRY and
 PIPPIN get kidnapped, and the ORCS leave BOROMIR alive
 since he can no longer fight. The URUK-HAI is going to
 finish him off, but ARAGORN arrives, and manages to kill
 him after extended fighting. Returns to BOROMIR after.

     BOROMIR
  They took the little ones.

     STRIDER
  Stay still.

     BOROMIR
  Frodo. Where is Frodo?

     STRIDER
  I let Frodo go.

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

     STRIDER
  The ring is beyond our reach now.

     BOROMIR
  Forgive me. I did not see it. I have failed
  you all.

     STRIDER
  No, Boromir. You fought bravely. You have kept
  your honor.

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

     BOROMIR
  Leave it. It's over. The world of men will
  fail. All will fall into darkness, and my city
  to ruin.

     STRIDER
  I know not what strength lies in my blood, but
  I swear to you I will not let the White City
  fall, nor our people fail.

     BOROMIR
  Our people. Our people.

 ARAGORN gives BOROMIR back his sword.

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

 BOROMIR dies.

     STRIDER
  Be at peace, son of Gondor.

 FRODO at the boats, holding the RING in his hand.

 SAM searching for him.

     SAM
  Frodo! Mr. Frodo!

     FRODO
  I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish
  none of this had ever happened.

     GANDALF
  So do all who live to see such times, but that
  is not for them to decide. All you have to
  decide is what to do with the time that is
  given you.

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

     SAM
  Frodo! Mr. Frodo!

     FRODO
  No, Sam.

 SAM starts wading in.

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

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

 SAM keeps going, well into the lake.

     FRODO
  You can't swim! Sam!

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

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

     FRODO
  Oh, Sam. Come on.

 They hug, then start paddling across the lake.

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

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

 ARAGORN buckles on BOROMIR'S bracers, with the white tree
 of Gondor. LEGOLAS realizes that ARAGORN isn't coming.

     LEGOLAS
  You mean not to follow them.

     STRIDER
  Frodo's fate no longer rests in our hands.

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

     STRIDER
  Not as long as we remain 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 us hunt some orc.

 GIMLI and LEGOLAS agree, and the three set off in pursuit.
 
 

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

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

     SAM
  Strider will take care of them.

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

     SAM
  We may yet, Mr. Frodo. We may.

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

 THE END
 
 

Sara Rules