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.

GOLLUMIt 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.

BILBOWhat's this? A Ring!

GOLLUMLost! 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.

FRODOYou're late.

GANDALFA 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.

FRODOIt's wonderful to see you again, Gandalf.

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

FRODOWhat's new in the world? Tell me everything.

GANDALFHaven'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.

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

FRODOYou know Bilbo. He has the whole place in an uproar.

GANDALFWell, that should please him.

FRODOHalf the Shire's been invited. He's up to something.

GANDALFIndeed?

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

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

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

A group of HOBBIT children see GANDALF and come running.

CHILDRENGandalf, 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.

FRODOGandalf, 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.

BILBONo thank you! We don't want any more well-wishers, visitors, or distant relations!

GANDALFHow about very old friends?

BILBOGandalf?

GANDALFBilbo Baggins!

BILBOMy dear Gandalf!

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

BILBOCome 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.

GANDALFJust tea, thank you.

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

BILBOI 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.

BILBOI can make you some eggs if you like...

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

GANDALFJust tea.

BILBOYes, right, you don't mind if I do?

BILBO has a mouthful of food already.

GANDALFOh, no, not at all.

Someone knocks on the door.

BILBOI'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.

GANDALFYou mean to go through with your plan, then?

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

GANDALFFrodo suspects.

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

GANDALFYou will tell him, won't you?

BILBOYes, yes.

GANDALFHe's very fond of you, you know.

BILBOI 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.

BILBOOld Toby! Finest weed in Southfarthing.

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

BILBOGandalf, 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.

FRODOGo on, Sam, ask Rosie for a dance!

SAM is too shy.

SAMI think I'll just have another ale.

FRODOOh, no you don't!

FRODO shoves SAM at ROSIE, they dance off

BILBO is telling his story to the young HOBBIT children.

BILBOSo 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.

MERRYNot 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.

PIPPINThere!

MERRYYou're supposed to put it in the ground first!

PIPPINIt is in the ground!

MERRYOutside!

PIPPINThis 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.

FRODOBilbo, watch out for the dragon!

BILBONonsense, 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.

PIPPINThat was good!

MERRYLet's get another one!

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

GANDALFMeriadoc 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!

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

Proudfeet!

BILBOToday 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.

GANDALFI suppose you thought that was terribly clever.

BILBOCome on, Gandalf! Did you see their faces?

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

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

BILBO gathers some things to take with him.

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

GANDALFTwo eyes, as often as I can spare them.

BILBOI'm leaving everything to him.

GANDALFAnd this ring of yours, is that staying, too?

BILBOYes, it's in an envelope, on the mantelpiece.

GANDALF looks on the mantel.

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

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

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

GANDALFThere's no need to get angry.

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

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

BILBOWhat business is it of yours what I do with my

own things?

GANDALFI think you've had that ring quite long enough.

BILBOYou want it for yourself!

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

GANDALFDo 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.

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

BILBOYou'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.

GANDALFBilbo, the ring is still in your pocket.

BILBOOh, 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.

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

GANDALFAnd I'm sure you will, old friend.

BILBOGood bye, Gandalf.

They shake hands, friends as always.

GANDALFGoodbye, dear Bilbo.

Exit BILBO, singing.

GANDALFUntil 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.

BILBOIt's mine, my own, my precious.

GANDALFRiddles in the dark... Precious...

FRODOBilbo!

FRODO enters, sees the ring and picks it up.

FRODOHe'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.

GANDALFBilbo'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.

GANDALFPut it somewhere out of sight.

FRODOWhere are you going?

GANDALF heads for the door.

GANDALFThere are things I need to see to.

FRODOWhat things?

GANDALFQuestions, questions that need answering.

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

GANDALFNeither 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.

NShire. Baggins.

HOBBITNo 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.

GANDALFIs it secret? Is it safe?

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

FRODOWhat are you doing?

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

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

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

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

FRODOMordor?

GANDALFIn 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.

GANDALFThis is the One Ring, forged by Sauron in the fires of Mount Doom. Isildur took it from the

hand of Sauron himself.

FRODOBilbo found it, in Gollum's cave.

GANDALFFor 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.

FRODOBut he was destroyed. Sauron was destroyed.

The RING whispers denial.

GANDALFNo, 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.

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

GANDALF is silent.

FRODODo they, Gandalf?

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

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

FRODOShire. Baggins. But that would lead them here!

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

FRODOTake it, Gandalf, you must take it!

GANDALFYou cannot offer me this Ring!

FRODOI am giving it to you!

GANDALFDon'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.

FRODOBut it cannot stay in the Shire!

GANDALFNo. No, it can't.

FRODO accepts his duty.

FRODOWhat must I do?

GANDALFYou must go, and go quickly.

FRODOWhere?

GANDALFGet out of the Shire. Make for the village of Bree.

FRODOWhat about you?

GANDALFI will wait for you at the Inn of the Prancing Pony.

FRODOAnd the Ring will be safe there?

GANDALFI 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.

FRODOI 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.

GANDALFDear 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.

GANDALFGet 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.

GANDALFConfound it all, Samwise Gamgee, have you been eavesdropping?

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

GANDALFA bit late for trimming the verge.

SAMI heard raised voices.

GANDALFWhat did you hear? Speak!

SAMNothing 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.

GANDALFNo? Perhaps not. I've thought of a better use for you.

GANDALF and FRODO walking, GANDALF leading his horse.

GANDALFCome along, Samwise, keep up!

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

GANDALFBe 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.

GANDALFNever 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.

SAMThis is it.

FRODOThis is what?

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

FRODOCome 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.

SARUMANSmoke 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?

GANDALFSaruman.

GANDALF and SARUMAN walking outside Isengard.

SARUMANYou are sure of this?

GANDALFBeyond any doubt.

SARUMANSo the One Ring has been found.

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

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

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

SARUMANTime? What time do you think we have?

SARUMAN and GANDALF inside Isengard.

SARUMANSauron 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.

GANDALFThe Eye of Sauron.

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

GANDALFYou know this? How?

SARUMANI have seen it.

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

GANDALFA Palantir is a dangerous tool.

SARUMAN uncovers the stone.

SARUMANWhy? Why should we fear to use it?

GANDALFThey 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

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

GANDALFThe Nine?

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

GANDALFThey have reached the Shire!

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

GANDALFFrodo!

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.

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

They fight, GANDALF loses his staff and is captured.

SARUMANI 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.

SAMMister Frodo? Frodo!

FRODO reappears from the path ahead.

SAMI thought I'd lost you.

FRODOWhat are you talking about, Sam?

SAMIt's just something Gandalf said.

FRODOWhat did he say?

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

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

They get knocked over by MERRY and PIPPIN.

PIPPINFrodo! Look, Merry, it's Frodo!

SAMYou get off him!

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

MERRY hands SAM an armful of vegetables.

MERRYHold these.

PIPPINWhat's the meaning of this?

SAMYou've been into Farmer Maggott's crop!

They start running through a cornfield.

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

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

MERRYYes, 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.

PIPPINOoh! That was a close one.

MERRYI think I've broken something.

MERRY pulls out a broken carrot.

SAMTrust a Brandybuck and a Took!

MERRYNonsense! That was just a detour! A shortcut!

SAMShortcut to what?

PIPPINMushrooms!

Three start gathering mushrooms into a bag.

FRODO looks down the road.

FRODOI think we should get off the road.

Something dark approaches.

FRODOGet 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.

PIPPINWhat was that?

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

Anything?

FRODONothing.

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

RIDER appears, in the distance.

Get down!

They hide again.

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

MERRYBucklebury 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.

MERRYSam, get the ropes!

They untie the raft.

Run, Frodo!

The RIDER is right behind FRODO.

FRODOGo!

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

FRODOWhere is the nearest crossing?

MERRYBrandywine 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.

GUARDWhat do you want?

FRODOWe are headed for the Prancing Pony.

GUARDHobbits. Four hobbits! What business brings you to Bree?

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

GUARDVery 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.

FRODOExcuse me?

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

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

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

SAMWhat do we do now?

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

MERRY sits down.

PIPPINWhat's that?

MERRYThis, my friend, is a pint.

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

SAMPippin, 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.

FRODOThat man in the corner, who is he?

BARLIMANHe'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.

FRODOStrider.

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

PIPPINBaggins? 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.

FRODOPippin!

PIPPINSteady 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.

STRIDERYou draw far too much attention to yourself, Mr. Underhill.

FRODOWhat do you want?

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

FRODOI carry nothing.

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

FRODOWho are you?

STRIDERAre you frightened?

FRODO

Yes.

STRIDERNot nearly frightened enough. I know what hunts you.

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

STRIDERYou 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.

FRODOWhat are they?

STRIDERThey 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.

FRODOWhere are you taking us?

STRIDERInto the wilds.

They walk for a while.

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

FRODOWe have no choice but to trust him.

SAMWhere is he taking us?

STRIDERTo Rivendell, Master Gamgee, the home of Elrond.

SAM

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

HOBBITS stop.

STRIDERGentlemen, we do not stop till nightfall.

PIPPINWhat about breakfast?

STRIDERYou have had it.

PIPPINWe've had one, yes, what about second breakfast?

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

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

MERRYI 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.

SARUMANThe 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.

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

SARUMANWe have work to do.

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

ORCThe trees are strong, my lord. Their roots go deep.

SARUMANRip them all down.

FRODO and company cross harsh lands.

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

STRIDER unwraps four swords, passes them out to HOBBITS.

STRIDERThese 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.

FRODOWhat are you doing?

MERRYSausages, tomatoes, nice crispy bacon!

SAMWe saved some for you!

FRODOPut it out, you fools, put it out!

FRODO stamps out the fire.

PIPPINThat's nice, ash on my tomatoes.

They look over the edge to find RINGWRAITHS approaching.

FRODO pulls out his sword.

FRODOGo!

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.

SAMBack, 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.

SAMFrodo!

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

FRODOOh, Sam!

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

SAMStrider! Help him!

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

STRIDERHe'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.

STRIDERHang on, Frodo.

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

FRODOGandalf. 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.

SAMMr. Frodo? He's going cold!

PIPPINIs he going to die?

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

There is a cry, not far enough away.

MERRYThey're close!

STRIDERSam, do you know the Athelas plant?

SAMAthelas?

STRIDERKingsfoil.

SAMKingsfoil? Aye, it's a weed.

STRIDERIt may help to slow the poison.

SAM and STRIDER search for plant, STRIDER finds it.

ARWENWhat'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.

ARWENFrodo, 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?

SAMShe's an elf!

ARWENHe'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.

ARWENI'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.

STRIDERStay with the hobbits. I will send horses for you.

ARWENI am the faster rider. I will take him.

STRIDERThe 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.

STRIDERArwen. Ride hard and don't look back.

SAMWhat 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.

ARWENNo! Frodo, you must not!

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

NGive up the halfling, she-elf!

ARWEN draws her sword.

ARWENIf 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.

ARWENNo, Frodo! Don't give in! Not now!

ARWENLet 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.

FRODOWhere am I?

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

FRODOGandalf?

GANDALFYes, 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.

FRODOWhat happened? Why didn't you meet us?

GANDALFI am sorry. I was delayed.

Top of the tower.

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

SARUMAN holding GANDALF out over the edge of the tower.

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

GANDALFThe 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.

SARUMANSo you have chosen death.

FRODOGandalf, what is it?

GANDALFNothing.

SAM comes in, and ELROND.

SAMBless you, Frodo, you're awake!

GANDALFSam has hardly left your side.

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

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

ELRONDWelcome to Rivendell, Frodo Baggins.

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

FRODOBilbo!

BILBOHello, Frodo, my lad!

FRODO looking at BILBO'S book.

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

BILBOI 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.

FRODOI 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.

BILBOMy dear boy.

SAM packing.

SAMNow what have I forgotten?

FRODOPacked already?

SAMDoesn't hurt to be prepared.

FRODOI thought you wanted to see the elves, Sam.

SAMI do.

FRODOMore than anything.

SAMI 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.

FRODOYou'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.

ELRONDHis strength returns.

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

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

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

ELRONDGandalf, 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.

GANDALFHis 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.

ELRONDThis 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.

ELRONDThis 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.

GANDALFWe must place our hope in men.

ELRONDMen! 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.

ELRONDFollow me!

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

ELRONDThrow it in the fire! Destroy it!

ISILDURNo.

ELRONDIsildur!

ELRONDIt 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.

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

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

STRIDER reading a book.

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

He cuts his finger on it.

BOROMIRStill 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.

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

STRIDERThe same blood flows in my veins, the same weakness.

ARWENYour 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?

STRIDERI thought I had strayed into a dream.

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

STRIDERYou said you would bind yourself to me, and forsake the immortal life of your people.

ARWENAnd 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.

STRIDERYou cannot give me this.

ARWENIt is mine to give to whom I will. Like my heart.

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

ELRONDStrangers 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.

ELRONDBring 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.

BOROMIRIt 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.

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

BOROMIRWhat would a ranger know of this matter?

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

BOROMIRThis is Isildur's heir?

LEGOLASAnd heir to the throne of Gondor.

STRIDERSit down, Legolas.

BOROMIRGondor has no king, Gondor needs no king.

GANDALFAragorn is right. We cannot control it.

ELRONDWe have but one choice. The ring must be destroyed.

The RING murmurs its displeasure.

GIMLIWhat 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.

ELRONDThe 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.

BOROMIROne 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.

LEGOLASHave you heard nothing that Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!

GIMLIAnd I suppose you think you're the one to do it?

BOROMIRAnd what if we fail? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?

GIMLII 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.

FRODOI will take it.

Arguing continues.

FRODOI 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.

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

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

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

ARAGORN kneels in front of FRODO.

STRIDERYou have my sword.

LEGOLASAnd my bow.

GIMLIAnd my axe.

BOROMIRYou 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.

SAMHere! Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me.

SAM takes his place beside FRODO.

ELRONDIndeed, 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.

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

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

MERRYWell, that rules you out, Pip.

ELRONDNine companions. So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring.

PIPPINGreat. Now, where are we going?

BILBO gives FRODO his old sword and armor.

BILBOMy old sword, Sting. Take it, take it!

FRODOIt's so light!

BILBOYes. 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.

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

FRODO starts to take off his shirt.

BILBOOh, 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.

BILBOI'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.

GANDALFWe 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.

BOROMIRVery good. Again!

GIMLIIf 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!

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

ARAGORN adds comments.

STRIDERMove your feet!

BOROMIR accidentally hurts PIPPIN.

PIPPINOw!

BOROMIRSorry!

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.

SAMWhat's that?

GIMLIIt's nothing, just a wisp of cloud.

Everyone looks.

BOROMIRIt's moving fast, against the wind.

LEGOLASCrebain from Dunland! Hide!

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

GANDALFSpies 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.

STRIDERBoromir.

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

STRIDERBoromir! Give the ring to Frodo.

BOROMIRAs 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.

SARUMANSo, 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.

LEGOLASThere is a fell voice on the air!

GANDALFSaruman!

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

STRIDERHe'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.

STRIDERWe must get off the mountain!

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

STRIDERRohan takes us too close to Isengard!

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

SARUMANMoria. 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.

GANDALFLet the Ringbearer decide!

FRODOWe will go through the mines!

GANDALFSo be it.

GIMLIThe 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.

GANDALFIsildin. It mirrors only starlight and moonlight.

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

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

PIPPINWhat 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.

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

SAMBye bye, Bill.

STRIDERDon't worry, Sam, he knows the way home.

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

STRIDERDon't disturb the water!

BOROMIR shares his suspicion.

GANDALFThis is useless!

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

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

GANDALFMellon.

The gates open. They go in.

GIMLISoon, 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!

BOROMIRThis is no mine, it's a tomb.

Light reveals skeletons all over

GIMLINo!

LEGOLAS pulls an arrow out of one of the skeletons.

LEGOLASGoblins!

BOROMIRWe 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.

SAMStrider!

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.

GANDALFInto the mines!

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

GANDALFNow 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.

MERRYPippin!

They come to the top of the stairs.

GANDALFI have no memory of this place.

PIPPINAre we lost?

MERRYNo, we're not lost.

PIPPINI think we're lost.

MERRYQuiet, Gandalf's thinking.

PIPPINMerry? I'm hungry.

FRODO sees something behind them.

FRODOThere's something down there.

GANDALF

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

FRODOHe escaped from the dungeons of Barad-dur!

GANDALFEscaped, 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.

FRODOPity Bilbo didn't kill him when he had the chance.

GANDALFPity? 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.

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

GANDALFSo 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.

MERRYHe's remembered!

GANDALFNo, but the air smells less foul down here. When in doubt, Meriadoc, always follow your nose.

GANDALFLet me risk a little more light.

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

GANDALFBehold! The great realm of the dwarven city of Dwarrowdelf.

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

GIMLI sees a door, runs through it.

GANDALFGimli!

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

GANDALFHere 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.

LEGOLASWe must move on. We cannot linger here.

GANDALFThey 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.

GANDALFFool 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.

LEGOLASOrcs!

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

BOROMIRThey have a cave troll.

STRIDERStay back, close to Gandalf!

They bar the door with the weapons of the dead.

GIMLILet 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.

SAMI 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.

FRODOAragorn! 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.

STRIDEROh, no.

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

SAMHe's alive!

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

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

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

FRODO pulls open his shirt to reveal a Mithril vest.

GIMLIMithril! 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.

BOROMIRWhat is this new devilry?

GANDALFA 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.

GANDALFLead 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.

GIMLINobody tosses a dwarf!

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

GIMLINot 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.

STRIDERLean 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.

GANDALFYou cannot pass.

FRODOGandalf!

A wave of flame spreads across the BALROG.

GANDALFI 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.

GANDALFGo 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.

GANDALFFly, you fools!

And GANDALF follows his enemy into the abyss.

FRODONo!

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

BOROMIRAragorn!

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.

STRIDERLegolas, get them up!

BOROMIRGive them a moment, for pity's sake!

STRIDERBy 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.

GIMLIStay 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.

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

GIMLIWell, 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.

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

STRIDERHaldir of Lorien. We have come for help. We need your protection.

GIMLIAragorn, these woods are perilous! We should go back!

HALDIRYou 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.

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

GALADRIELHe 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.

GALADRIELWelcome, 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?

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

STRIDERTake some rest, Boromir. These borders are well protected.

BOROMIRI 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?

STRIDERI have seen the White City, long ago.

BOROMIROne 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.

GALADRIELWill you look into the mirror?

FRODOWhat will I see?

GALADRIELNot 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.

GALADRIELI 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.

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

GALADRIELYou 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.

GALADRIELInstead 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.

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

FRODOI cannot do this alone.

GALADRIELYou 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.

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

GALADRIELEven the smallest person can change the course of the future.

SARUMAN talking to the first URUK-HAI.

SARUMANDo 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.

SARUMANHunt 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.

GALADRIELFarewell, 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.

STRIDERFrodo. 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.

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

GIMLIOh? 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!

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

GIMLIRecover my...!

LEGOLASWe should leave now.

STRIDERNo. Orcs patrol the eastern shore. We must wait for the cover of darkness.

LEGOLASIt 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.

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

MERRY returns from gathering firewood.

MERRYWhere is Frodo?

ARAGORN looks around and realizes BOROMIR is also missing.

FRODO walks in the forest, BOROMIR finds him.

BOROMIRNone 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.

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

BOROMIRWarning? 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.

FRODOThere is no other way.

BOROMIRWhy do you recoil? I am no thief.

FRODOYou are not yourself!

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

FRODONo!

BOROMIRWhat 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!

FRODONo!

They struggle, FRODO puts on the ring and disappears.

BOROMIRI 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.

BOROMIRFrodo? 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.

STRIDERFrodo?

FRODOIt has taken Boromir.

STRIDERWhere is the ring?

FRODO backs away.

FRODOStay away!

STRIDERFrodo? I swore to protect you.

FRODOCan you protect me from yourself? Would you destroy it?

ARAGORN resists the ring, but leaves it with FRODO.

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

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

STRIDERGo, Frodo!

Sting is glowing.

STRIDER

Run! Run!

URUKFind 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.

PIPPINHere, Frodo, hide here!

FRODO shakes his head.

PIPPINWhat's he doing?

MERRYHe's leaving.

PIPPINNo, 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.

MERRYRun, Frodo. Go.

MERRY waves his arms at the approaching ORCS.

MERRYHey, you, over here, this way!

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

PIPPINIt's working!

MERRYI 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.

BOROMIRThey took the little ones.

STRIDERStay still.

BOROMIR

Frodo. Where is Frodo?

STRIDERI let Frodo go.

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

STRIDERThe ring is beyond our reach now.

BOROMIRForgive me. I did not see it. I have failed you all.

STRIDERNo, Boromir. You fought bravely. You have kept your honor.

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

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

STRIDERI 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.

BOROMIROur people. Our people.

ARAGORN gives BOROMIR back his sword.

BOROMIRI would have followed you, my brother, my captain, my king.

BOROMIR dies.

STRIDERBe at peace, son of Gondor.

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

SAM searching for him.

SAMFrodo! Mr. Frodo!

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

GANDALFSo 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.

SAMFrodo! Mr. Frodo!

FRODONo, Sam.

SAM starts wading in.

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

SAMOf course you are, and I'm coming with you!

SAM keeps going, well into the lake.

FRODOYou can't swim! Sam!

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

SAMI 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.

FRODOOh, 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.

LEGOLASHurry! 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.

LEGOLASYou mean not to follow them.

STRIDERFrodo's fate no longer rests in our hands.

GIMLIThen it was all in vain. The Fellowship has failed.

STRIDERNot 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.

FRODOMordor. I hope the others find a safer road.

SAMStrider will take care of them.

FRODOI don't suppose we'll ever see them again.

SAMWe may yet, Mr. Frodo. We may.

FRODOSam, I'm glad you're with me.

THE END