Council-of-Elrond - - Transcript - Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring

The creators of this transcript intended for it to be read as if you were viewing the film for the first time, transcript in hand, and are a Tolkien virgin. So, many people, places, objects, etc. are not named until or unless they are identified in the film. So, if you see "Man of the South" instead of Boromir, just be patient, ok? It's not that we're dumb, it's just because Boromir hasn't been identified yet as who he is. Some folk never do get their book names, unfortunately, but we had to be consistent.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Extended Edition Transcript

by Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, and Fran Walsh

based on the novel by J. R. R. Tolkien.

I amar prestar aen…
The world is changed.
Han mathon ne nen…
I feel it in the water.
Han mathon ne chae…
I feel it in the Earth.
A han noston ned gwilith.
I smell it in the air.

Much that once was is lost. For none now live who remember it.

<<TITLE: THE LORD OF THE RINGS>>

<A female voice describes the development of the Rings of Power. Elves, Dwarves and Men are enthralled by the beauty of the rings upon their fingers.>

It began with the forging of the great rings. Three were given to the Elves, immortal, wisest and fairest of all beings. Seven to the Dwarf lords, great miners and craftsmen of the mountain halls. And nine, nine rings were gifted to the race of Men, who above all else, desire power. For within these rings was bound the strength and will to govern each race.

But they were all of them deceived, for another ring was made. In the land of Mordor, in the fires of Mount Doom, the Dark Lord Sauron forged in secret a master ring, to control all others.

<Sauron is shown at the Crack of Doom, masked and clothed in metal armour, wearing the One Ring upon his right hand. It begins to glow and an inscription appears as if written in red flame.>

And into this Ring, he poured his cruelty, his malice, and his will to dominate all life. "One Ring to rule them all."

<Villagers flee in terror from their burning homes as the army of Sauron begins its relentless attack on the inhabitants of Middle-earth.>

One by one, the free lands 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 slopes of Mount Doom they fought for the freedom of Middle-earth.

<Vast armies of Men, Elves and Orcs assemble on the battlefield. The Elves and Humans regard their enemies as the Orcs snarl back, taunting them. Then the Orcs attack the Alliance, rushing across the field that separates the two armies. The Elven lieutenant gives the command to the Elven archers to engage.>

<<Elf: Tangado haid! Leithio i philinn! (Hold positions! Fire arrows!)>>

<The Elves raise their bows and release a slew of arrows at the oncoming Orcs, taking down the first line of Orc defense. As the wave of the Orc infantry reaches the first line of the Elven troops, the Elves swing their swords up, slicing the Orcs as they come, one after the other down the line. Soon the Eves and the Men are fully engaged in combat, taking down many of the Orc troops. The leader of Men raises his sword in triumph.>

Victory was near. But the power of the Ring could not be undone.

<Sauron strides onto the battlefield. The Elven lieutenant looks up in trepidation. The Dark Lord, towering over both Elves and Men, brandishes a mace and shows the Ring of Power glowing on his finger. In fear, some of the warriors back off. Sauron wields his mace, hitting a group of warriors and sends them flying across the field. He repeats it with another fell swoop. The leader of Men raises his sword to strike Sauron, but Sauron parries the blow and flings his adversary against the rock, crushing him to death. Horrified, one of the Men rushes to the fallen warrior.>

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

<Isildur grasps the hilt of the sword, but Sauron quickly stomps it down, shattering the blade. Sauron, with the Ring on his finger, reaches down towards Isildur. With a last desperate attempt, Isildur lets out a battle cry and strikes Sauron’s hand with the shards of the sword, slicing the finger that bears the One Ring. Sauron lets out a cry as the Ring is separated from him. He implodes, sending a shock wave throughout the battlefield, knocking the warring troops off their feet. His armor falls unto the ground, his body vaporised.>

Sauron, the 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.

<Isildur, proudly wearing the Ring of Power on a chain round his neck, returns from the battle. On the way, his troop, all but obliterated in the recent battle, is attacked by a band of Orcs. In the melee, Isildur grabs the chain and snaps it, putting the Ring on his finger, and immediately vanishes. He dives into the river. But the Ring slips treacherously off his finger and falls down to the river bottom. Isildur, visible again, is spotted by Orcs and killed by 3 arrows. His body floats down the river.>

It betrayed Isildur to his death. And some things that should not have been forgotten were lost.

History became legend, legend became myth, and for two and a half thousand years, the Ring passed out of all knowledge. Until, when chance came, it ensnared a new bearer.

<A small human-like hand, scrabbling on the river-bed, comes across a round metal object, and closes its fingers around it.>

<<Gollum: My Precioussssss>>

<The hand, now gnarled, twisted and filthy, opens its palm to reveal the Ring.>

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

<The Misty Mountains come into view. The scene changes to reveal a midden of decayed fish flesh and bones. Beyond them, Gollum, twisted and deformed beyond recognition by his 'precious', crouches with his treasure.>

<<Gollum: It came to me, my own, my love, my own, my prrrrreciousssss! Gollum!>>

The Ring brought 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 forest of the world. Rumor grew of a shadow in the east, whispers of a nameless fear, and the Ring of Power perceived its time had now come. It abandoned Gollum.

<The Ring bounces slowly down a chasm in the rocks of Gollum's cave, and hides itself, unbeknownst to Gollum.>

But something happened then the Ring did not intend. It was picked up by the most unlikely creature imaginable.

<A human-like creature, scrabbling amongst the bones and scree in the cave, comes across a round metal object. His fingers close upon it.>

<<Creature: What’s this?>>

A Hobbit: Bilbo Baggins of the Shire.

<<Bilbo: A ring!>>

<Bilbo gazes in delight and wonder at his new find.>

<<Gollum (from afar): Losssst! My precious is lost!>>

<Bilbo hears Gollum's shrieks of dismay, and gets to his feet in alarm. Something tells him to put the Ring in his pocket.>

For the time will soon come when Hobbits will shape the fortunes of all.

<The Misty Mountains fade from view as a map appears, moving slowly across the landscape to reveal the length and breadth of Middle-earth. A different voice takes up the tale.>

<<(Voiceover): Ahrrmm . . . The 22nd day of September in the year 1400, by Shire-reckoning. Bag End, Bagshot Row, Hobbiton, Westfarthing, the Shire, Middle-earth. The Third Age of this world.>>

<The interior of Bag End makes its appearance. Organic, rounded and compact in nature, it is revealed as the home of a well-to-do, settled but rather untidy person. Books and maps are piled up in every room, spilling over shelves, on the floor, anywhere they can find a spare space, alongside firewood and assorted homely utensils.>

<<TITLE: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING>>

<A young hobbit is sitting beneath a tree in the woods, reading a book. He hears a male voice singing.

<<Voice: <humming>, down from the door where it began. <humming>, and I must follow if I can.>>

The hobbit closes his book and stands, listening. Recognising the voice, he smiles then runs to the road. An old man, wearing a gray cloak and a pointy hat, is driving a horse-drawn cart filled with fireworks and such.>

<<Old Man (singing):
The road goes ever on and on,
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the road has gone,
And I must follow if I can…>>

<<Hobbit: You're late!>>

<The old man does not look at the hobbit at first, and then turns slowly, with an emphatic expression on his face that begins to twitch>

<<Old Man: A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.>>

<Both he and Frodo slowly begin to grin and crack up into laughter>

<<Frodo: <leaps onto cart and hugs the old man> It's wonderful to see you Gandalf!>>

<<Gandalf: <laughs> Ooh! You didn’t think I’d miss your Uncle Bilbo's birthday?>>

<Gandalf sets the cart in motion and resumes his drive towards Hobbiton.>

<<Gandalf: So, how is the old rascal? I hear it's going to be a party of special magnificence.>>

<<Frodo: You know Bilbo. He's got the whole place in an uproar.>>

<<Gandalf: Well, that should please him! (chuckles)>>

<<Frodo: Half the Shire's been invited. And the rest of them are turning up anyway.>>

<They both laugh. Bilbo's voice takes up the narrative again as the cart makes its way past the fields of bright crops, over the bridge by an old mill, and past the market square.>

<<Bilbo (v/over): And so, life in the Shire goes on, very much as it has this past Age . . . full of its own comings and goings, with change coming slowly, if it comes at all.

<The cart begins to climb up a gradual slope towards Gandalf's destination. The hillside and the surrounds are lush and verdant - the Shire is a land of plenty.>

For things are made to endure in the Shire, passing from one generation to the next. There's always been a Baggins, living here under the Hill . . . >>

<Back in his study, Bilbo puts the finishing touches to his opening chapter.>

<<Bilbo: . . . in Bag End. And there always will be.>>

< In the cart, Frodo and Gandalf are nearing Bag End.>

<<Frodo: To tell you the truth, Bilbo's been a bit odd lately. I mean, more than usual.>>

<Gandalf looks thoughtful.>

<<Frodo: He's taken to locking himself in his study. He spends hours and hours poring over old maps when he thinks I'm not looking.>>

<Bilbo tosses aside the maps he's been studying and sighs. He puts his hands in his pockets. Suddenly an expression of alarm comes over his face, as he digs urgently into his pockets and turns them out, becoming more frantic.>

<<Bilbo: Where's it gone??>>

<He starts to turn the house over, desperately searching for the lost item. Finally he digs deeper into his waistcoat pocket, and with a huge sigh, pulls out the object and closes his palm over it, closing his eyes in acute relief.>

<<Frodo (back in the cart): He's up to something.>>

<Frodo glances at Gandalf, but the wizard is non-committal and just stares deliberately at the scenery.>

<<Frodo All right then keep your secrets.>>

<<Gandalf: Hrrrmmph>>

<<Frodo: But I know you have something to do with it.>>

<<Gandalf: Good gracious me!>>

<<Frodo: Before you came along we Bagginses were very well thought of.>>

<<Gandalf: Indeed?>>

<<Frodo: Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected.>>

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

<<Frodo: Whatever you did, you’ve been officially labeled a disturber of the peace.>>

<<Gandalf: Oh really?>> <As the cart drives past, Hobbit children are drawn to the sight of the old wizard and his mysterious packages. They run behind the cart, shouting.>

<<Hobbit children: Gandalf! Gandalf! Fireworks? Gandalf?>>

<A grumpy old hobbit with a grim look is raking his yard. His wife comes out to see what the fuss is about. She looks very disapproving. Gandalf pretends to ignore the children. They come to a halt as the cart keeps on going away from them.>

<<Hobbit children: <disappointed> Awwww.>>

<Fireworks suddenly go off from the cart>
<The hobbit children cheer>
<Gandalf laughs>
<The grumpy old hobbit chuckles>
<The grumpy old hobbitwife gives a nagging look to the grumpy old hobbit>
The grumpy old hobbit restores his grumpy look.>

<<Frodo: Gandalf, I'm glad you're back.>>

<<Gandalf: <as Frodo jumps off the cart> So am I, dear boy! . . . So am I.>>

<Outside Bag End, Gandalf pulls up his cart.>

<<Gandalf: Whoa, whoa.>>

He gets down and goes through the gate which bears a sign saying: "No admittance except on party business." Gandalf knocks on the door with his staff>

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

<<Gandalf: And what about very old friends?>>

<Bilbo opens the door>

<<Bilbo (amazed): Gandalf?>>

<<Gandalf: Bilbo Baggins!>>

<<Bilbo: My dear Gandalf!>> <gives Gandalf a hug>

<<Gandalf: Good to see you! One hundred and eleven years old --who would believe it? <looks at Bilbo in astonishment> You haven't aged a day.>>

<Bilbo and Gandalf laugh as Bilbo bids Gandalf inside>

<<Bilbo: Come on, come in! Welcome, welcome! <closes door and takes Gandalf's hat and staff> Oh, here we are. Tea? Or maybe something a little stronger? I've got a few bottles of the Old Winyard left. 1296 --very good year. Almost as old as I am! Hahaha!

<Bilbo hangs up Gandalf's hat and disappears down the corridor on his hunt for refreshments.>

<<Bilbo: It was laid down by my father. What say we open one, eh?>>

<<Gandalf: Just tea, thank you.>>

<Gandalf, bent double, backs into the chandelier. He steadies it, but then bumps his head onto the beam and utters an "Ooooff ". Nursing the pain he enters Bilbo’s study and sees the map of the Lonely Mountain mounted on a frame. He picks it up to examine it. Meanwhile, Bilbo is pottering around in the kitchen.>

<<Bilbo (out of sight): I was expecting you sometime last week! Not that it matters, you come and go as you please. Always have done and always will. You caught me a bit unprepared, I'm afraid. We've only got cold chicken and a bit of pickle ... Oh, there's some cheese here- oh no, that won't do. Err, we got raspberry jam and an apple tart ... Not much for afters, I'm afraid. Oh, no -we're all right! I've found some sponge-cake. <enters the study> I could make you some eggs if you like-- oh. Gandalf?>>

<<Gandalf (appearing right behind Bilbo): Just tea, thank you.>>

<<Bilbo: Oh, right! <with mouthful of sponge-cake> You don't mind if I eat, do you?>>

<<Gandalf: Oh no, not at all.>>

<Gandalf sits down on a chair just inside the kitchen entrance. There is a sudden, incessant knocking on the door and a woman shouting: "Bilbo! Bilbo Baggins!">

<<Bilbo: <whispers> I'm not at home!>>

<He tiptoes up to the front window and peers out to identify the unwanted visitor.>

<<Bilbo: It's the Sackville-Bagginses!>>

<<Sackville-Baggins (outside): I know you're in there!>>

<<Bilbo (in alarm): They're after the house. They've never forgiven me for living this long!>>

<Still armed with his sponge-cake, Bilbo disappears hurriedly into the kitchen.>

<<Bilbo: I've got to get away from these confounded relatives hanging on the bell all day, never giving me a moment's peace!>>

<Bilbo puts down his cake and stares out his window while Gandalf tries to make himself comfortable at Bilbo's hobbit-sized table.>

<<Bilbo: I want to see mountains again, mountains Gandalf! And then find somewhere quiet where I can finish my book. Oh, tea! (He hurries to prepare the tea.)>>

<<Gandalf (still disposing his limbs): So, you mean to go through with your plan, then.>>

<<Bilbo: Yes, yes. It's all in hand. All the arrangements are made. <Gandalf lifts up the lid of a tea pot, Bilbo starts to pour water into it> Oh, thank you.>>

<<Gandalf: Frodo suspects something.>>

<<Bilbo: ‘Course he does. He's a Baggins! Not some block-headed Bracegirdle from Hardbottle.>>

<<Gandalf: You will tell him, won't you?>>

<<Bilbo: Yes, yes.>>

<<Gandalf: He's very fond of you.>>

<<Bilbo: (a pause. Bilbo looks away. An expression of regret comes over his face.) I know. <Bilbo again wanders over to his window.> He'd probably come with me if I asked him. <chuckles> I think, in his heart, Frodo's still in love with the Shire: the woods, the fields … little rivers. I'm old, Gandalf. <Bilbo comes away from the window> I know I don't look it, but I'm beginning to feel it in my heart.>>

<Gandalf's gaze is drawn downwards to Bilbo's waistcoat pocket as the Hobbit's fingers begins to fidget with something inside it. Gandalf frowns.>

<<Bilbo: I feel thin -- sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread. <He sits down wearily at the table.> I need a holiday - a very long holiday - and I don't expect I shall return. In fact, I mean not to!>>

<Evening falls on Hobbiton. Bilbo and Gandalf sit peacefully smoking pipe outside Bag End. Below them, in the party field, sounds of laughter and revelry float up from a growing crowd of Hobbits preparing for their evening's entertainment. Torches and candles light a festive scene and everywhere food is rapidly filling up the space on wooden trestles>

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

<Gandalf is unimpressed. Bilbo blows a large ring of smoke which hangs gently in the still air. Gandalf regards it for a moment, and then, sucking his cheeks in and out, blows a majestic, full-rigged ship that sails right through the ring.>

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

<The party is in full swing. The fireworks are going off and festivities are well underway. Some hobbits come in, staggering under the load of a huge birthday-cake, candles already lit. Some of the hobbits are already full of party spirit. Others, including Frodo, are dancing to music being played by the band.>

<<Bilbo: <greeting his guests inside the marquee> Hello, hello, Fatty Bolger, lovely to see you! Welcome, welcome!>>

<Frodo finishes his dance. He sits down next to a friend who has been casting sidelong glances at a hobbit-lass dancing— the one seen gardening earlier.>

<<Frodo: Go on Sam! Ask Rosie for a dance!>>

<<Sam: <gets cold feet> I think I’ll just have another ale.>>

<<Frodo: Oh no you don’t! Go on!>>

<He pushes Sam to the dance floor and into Rosie’s arms. Frodo laughs aloud>

<<Gandalf: <setting off a firework> Whoa!>>

<Fireworks explode over the party field, a huge glittering umbrella in the night sky which changes into spears and whizzes away into the distance.

Bilbo is telling stories to the hobbit children gathered at his feet>

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

<A cute hobbit child gasps and shakes her head emphatically>

<<Bilbo: They spent so much time arguing the wither-tos and why-fors, that the sun’s first light cracked over the top of the trees - poof!>>

<Hobbit Children gasp>

<<Bilbo: And turned them all to stone!>>

<Gandalf, laughing, returns from his cart with more fireworks. A young hobbit appears from behind the tent, signaling his friend to get onto Gandalf’s cart>

<<Young Hobbit #1: Quickly!>>

<Gandalf releases a busy shower of firework butterflies, much to the amusement of the hobbit children, who try to catch them.>

<<Gandalf: Whoa! Up they go.>>

<<Young Hobbit #1: No, no the big one, big one>>

<The second Hobbit grabs a huge red firework and disappears inside the tent. His friend nonchalantly chews an apple, and strolls after him.>

<Bilbo is still greeting guests. One of them seems to have an inexhaustible supply of children.>

<<Bilbo: Mrs Bracegirdle, how nice to see you! Welcome, welcome. Are all these children yours?>>

<Mrs. Bracegirdle laughs and nods.>

<<Bilbo (somewhat at a loss): Good gracious. You have been productive!>>

<Mrs Bracegirdle passes on. Bilbo's ears are assailed by a familiar strident voice.>

<<Sackville-Baggins: Bilbo?>>

<<Bilbo (panicked): S-S-Sackville-Bagginses!>>

<The serious business of eating and drinking is concluding. Merry and Pippin, under Gandalf's eagle eye, are washing the mountainous piles of plates. Under the party tree, the other Hobbits are gathered.>

<<Hobbits: Speech, Bilbo! Speech!>>

<<Frodo: Speech!>>

<<Bilbo: My dear Bagginses and Boffins, <cheers> Tooks and Brandybucks, <cheers> Grubbs, <cheers> Chubbs, <cheers> Hornblowers, <cheers> Bolgers, <cheers> Bracegirdles <cheers> and Proudfoots.>>

<<Proudfoot Hobbit: Proudfeet!>>

<Hobbits laugh. Bilbo waves dismissively.>

<<Bilbo (stumbling slightly over the words): Today is my 111-11th birthday!>>

<<Hobbits: Happy birthday!>> <much raising of glasses>

<<Hobbit: Happy birthday!>>

<<Bilbo: Alas, eleventy-one years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable hobbits. <cheers and sentimental gazes abound.> I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.>>

<There is a dead silence from the crowd. They gaze at each other blank-faced. Gandalf smiles.>

<<Bilbo: I, uh, I h-have things to do. <fidgets with the Ring behind his back. Whispers to himself> I’ve put this off for far too long. <to the crowd> I regret to announce - this is The End. I am going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell. <whispers to Frodo> Goodbye.>>

<Bilbo puts the Ring on and vanishes. There is a collective gasp.>

<<Hobbits: <shocked> Ooh!>>

<We follow the sound of footsteps as their invisible owner heads for home. At Bag End, the front door opens mysteriously and then shuts again, as if by magic. Inside the hall, Bilbo suddenly re-appears.>

<<Bilbo: Hahahahaha!>> <flips the ring, catches it and puts it in his pocket>

<<Gandalf (appearing suddenly in the parlour): I suppose you think that was terribly clever.>>

<<Bilbo (startled at Gandalf's unexpected presence): Come on Gandalf! Did you see their faces?>>

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

<<Bilbo: It was just a bit of fun! Oh you’re probably right, as usual. 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.>>

<He starts to pack various items into his travel pack.>

<<Gandalf: What about this Ring of yours, is that staying too?>>

<<Bilbo: Yes, yes. It’s in an envelope over there on the mantelpiece.>> <Gandalf turns to look>

<<Bilbo: No, wait, it's --here in my pocket. Heh, isn’t that, isn’t that odd though? <looks at the Ring> Yet, after all why not? Why shouldn’t I keep it?>>

<<Gandalf: I think you should leave the Ring behind, Bilbo. Is that so hard?>>

<<Bilbo: Well no… and yes! <Bilbo starts to become agitated> Now it comes to it, I don’t feel like parting with it, its mine, I found it, it came to me!>>

<<Gandalf: There’s no need to get angry.>>

<<Bilbo: Well, if I’m angry, it’s your fault! <caresses Ring> It’s mine! My own, my precious.>>

<<Gandalf (becoming perturbed): Precious? Its been called that before, but not by you.>>

<<Bilbo: Argh! 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 (puts up his fists): You - want it for yourself!>>

<<Gandalf: Bilbo Baggins!>>

<The very air seems to shake as Gandalf draws himself up to full height. His voice thunders throughout Bag End.>

<<Gandalf: Do not take me for some conjurer of cheap tricks. I am not trying to rob you. I’m trying to help you.>>

Bilbo starts weeping. He stumbles towards Gandalf, who embraces him gently.>

<<Gandalf: All your long years we’ve been friends. Trust me as you once did, hmm? Let it go.>>

<<Bilbo: <collects himself> You’re right Gandalf, the Ring must go to Frodo. It’s late, the road is long.>>

<Bilbo collects up his travel packs and assorted cooking utensils and hoicks them onto his back. He takes up a walking stick and prepares to go out the front door.>

Bilbo: Yes, it is time.>>

<Bilbo opens the door>

<<Gandalf: Bilbo … >>

<<Bilbo (pauses): Hmm?>>

<<Gandalf: … the Ring is still in your pocket.>>

<<Bilbo (sheepish): Oh, yes … >>

<Bilbo pulls out the Ring from his pocket. He stares at it on his palm, then slowly and with a great effort turns his hand, allowing it to slip off his palm. It lands on the floor with a heavy thud.>

<Bilbo runs out the door, goes a few paces, then stops and lifts his head. He looks relieved. An owl hoots in the night air.>

<<Bilbo: I’ve thought up an ending for my book. <turns to Gandalf at the door> "And he lived happily ever after, to the end of his days.">>

<<Gandalf: And I’m sure you will my dear friend.>>

<<Bilbo: Good bye, Gandalf.>>

<<Gandalf: Good bye, dear Bilbo.>>

<Their hands clasp. Bilbo goes out by the gate, and starts down the road, singing>

<<Bilbo: The road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began … >>

<<Gandalf: Until our next meeting.>>

<Gandalf re-enters Bag End. His hand hovers over the Ring, about to pick it up, but stops short when the Eye of Sauron flashes in his mind. He rises and proceeds to sit himself by the fireplace and light his pipe.>

<<Voice of Bilbo: Its mine, my own, my precious!>>

<<Gandalf: <sotto voce> Riddles in the Dark.>>

<The smoke from Gandalf's pipe drifts up, obscuring his face. Frodo is heard entering Bag End>

<<Frodo: Bilbo! Bilbo!>>

<Frodo opens the door and sees the Ring on the threshold. He stoops to pick it up>

<<Gandalf: <mumbles> My precious.>>

<Frodo notices Gandalf smoking by the fireplace, approaches him>

<<Gandalf: <mumbles> Precious…>>

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

<<Frodo: Gandalf?>>

<<Gandalf: Hmm? <smiles at Frodo, noticing the Ring in Frodo's hand.> Bilbo's Ring. He's gone to stay with the Elves. He's left you Bag End…>>

<He holds envelope open, Frodo slips in the Ring, and Gandalf seals the envelope>

<<Gandalf: …along with all his possessions. The Ring is yours now. Put it somewhere out of sight.>>

<Gandalf gets up to leave, collecting his hat and staff.>

<<Frodo: Where are you going?>>

<<Gandalf: There are some things that I must see to.>>

<<Frodo (confused): What things?>>

<<Gandalf: Questions. Questions that need answering!>>

<<Frodo: But you've only just arrived! I don't understand.>>

<Gandalf stops his hurried exit and looks back at Frodo. His face is full of sympathy. He goes back and drops a hand on Frodo's shoulder.>

<<Gandalf: Neither do I. Keep it secret. Keep it safe.>>

<Gandalf leaves Bag End. Frodo looks at the envelope in his hand, containing the Ring.

A huge tower appears, rearing up against the night sky. Although still under construction, it dominates the landscape. Rivers of fire from a neighbouring volcano pour around its foundations as an army of minions scurry to build it even higher. A tortured scream breaks the air.>

<<Voice: Shire!!! Baggins!!!>>

<Huge gates at a different tower open slowly outward. On horseback, nine cloaked figures on horseback ride out.

Day has come. In the distance, a smoking volcano belches out ash and fire into a darkening sky. The air echoes with its thunder. Gandalf, on a white horse, comes to a halt on a slight hill and watches the distant activities. Closer to Gandalf's position is a white-towered city, sheltered against a mountain range. Gandalf heads towards it. He goes deep into its bowels and finds himself in a dark room, covered from floor to ceiling in books and ancient scrolls. He shuffles through them, trying to discover the secrets he is after. Eventually he settles on one, sits down with a glass of wine and begins to read by the flickering candlelight.>

<<Voice of Gandalf: The Year 3434 of the Second Age. Here follows the account of Isildur, High King of Gondor and the finding of the Ring of Power.>>

<Isildur, lying on the ground at the Battle of the Last Alliance, stares at the Ring as it encircles Sauron's dead finger. He reaches out to grab it, crushing the burnt finger to char.>

<<Gandalf (reading Isildur‘s words): "It has come to me, the One Ring. It shall be an heirloom of my kingdom. All those who follow in my bloodline shall be bound to its fate for I will risk no hurt to the Ring. It is precious to me, though I buy it with great pain. <The Ring in Isildur's fingers seems to shrink> The markings upon the band begin to fade. The writing, which at first was as clear as red flame, has all but disappeared. A secret now that only fire can tell.">>

<Back in the Shire, a Hobbit is chopping wood in front of his home at nightfall. His dog, alerted to a stranger's presence, barks incessantly, then backs off, whimpering, as it retreats into the house. A huge shadow crosses the house as the stranger draws nearer. A horse neighs and stamps the ground. Its hoofs are nailed, its hair matted and bloody. Its eyes are blood-red. The black rider turns to look at the Hobbit. No eyes are visible inside its cowl.>

<<Black Rider: Shire. Baggins.>>

<<Hobbit: <fearful> Baggins. There's no Bagginses ‘round here! They’re up in Hobbiton, that way!>> <points>

<The Black Rider gallops off.

At the Green Dragon, a party is evidently in full swing, with cries and shouts of laughter. Inside, the Hobbits are engaged in the important business of drinking and singing. Tankards in hand on the table-top, Merry and Pippin indulge in some entertainment>

<<Merry and Pippin (singing):
Hey ho, to the bottle I go!
To heal my heart and drown my woe.
Rain may fall and wind may blow.
But there still be –
many miles to go!

Sweet is the sound of the pouring rain,
and the stream that falls from hill to plain.
Better than rain or rippling brook –
(Pippin finishes off solo) is a mug of beer inside this Took!">>

<Huge laughter and clinking of mugs. At a nearby table, some Hobbits are not so amused. They are engaged in serious discussion.>

<<First Hobbit: There's been some strange folk crossing the Shire. Dwarves, and others of a less than savoury nature.>>

<<Second Hobbit: War is brewing. The mountains are fair teeming with goblins.>>

<He continues to expound on his theme of doom to the others. Sam, opposite, takes a pull of his pipe and looks at Rosie behind the bar. She gives him a huge smile.>

<<Third Hobbit: Far-off tales and children's stories, that's all that is. You're beginning to sound like that old Bilbo Baggins. Cracked, he was.>>

<<Second Hobbit: Young Mr Frodo, here, he's cracking! (Laughs)>>

<<Frodo (arriving with drinks): And proud of it! Cheers, Gaffer!>>

<<Third Hobbit: Well, it's none of our concern what goes on beyond our borders. Keep your nose out of trouble, and no trouble'll come to you.>>

<Frodo merely smiles and raises his tankard.>

<Frodo and Sam are preparing to leave. Rosie stands at the door, wiping a tankard.>

<<Rosie (smiles at them): Goodnight, lads.>>

<<Sam: Goodnight.>>

<Frodo and Sam continue on their way. Behind them, a slightly intoxicated Hobbit gives Rosie an exaggerated bow and tries to impress her.>

<<Intoxicated Hobbit: Goodnight, sweet maiden of the Golden Ale!>>

<Sam hears this and turns back, muttering.>

<<Sam: Mind who you're sweet talking.>>

<Frodo encourages Sam to keep walking.>

Frodo: Don't worry, Sam. Rosie knows an idiot when she sees one.>>

<<Sam (doubtfully): Does she?>>

<The idea seems to bother him.

Frodo and Sam eventually stagger to Bag End and part ways.>

<<Frodo: Goodnight Sam.>>

<<Sam: Goodnight, Mister Frodo.>>

<Frodo comes up the steps and opens his front door. Inside, Bag End is unlit, but papers and curtains are flapping in the breeze, indicating open windows. Frodo enters cautiously. There seems to be no sign of life, but suddenly a hand descends on his shoulder from behind. Frodo jumps, gasps and turns. It is Gandalf. He looks wild and dishevelled.>

<<Gandalf: Is it secret?! Is it safe?!>>

<Frodo opens a chest in the hallway and rummages through it, tossing out scrolls and other items in the process. He finally finds the sealed envelope he left there.>

<<Frodo: Ah! >> <hands Gandalf the envelope>

<Gandalf snatches it and throws it on the fire in one swift motion.>

<<Frodo (alarmed): What are you doing?!>>

<The envelope is rapidly consumed by the flames, revealing the Ring inside. Gandalf gets a pair of tongs and carefully picks up the Ring as Frodo watches, bewildered.>

<<Gandalf: Hold out your hand Frodo, it’s quite cool.>>

<He drops the Ring on Frodo’s hand. It seems to weigh the Hobbit's hand down. Gandalf stands up and turns away from the fire.>

<<Gandalf: What can you see? Can you see anything?>>

<<Frodo: <turning the Ring over and over between his fingers> Nothing. There's nothing...>>

<Gandalf sighs in relief, and then his eyes narrow suddenly as Frodo corrects himself.>

<<Frodo: Wait. There are markings.>>

<Faint glowing runes start to appear on the band. A voice whispers, as if the Ring is speaking to him. The runes are reflected on Frodo's face as he tries to puzzle them out.>

<<Frodo: It's some form of Elvish. I can’t read it.>>

<<Gandalf: There are few who can. The language is that of Mordor, which I will not utter here.>>

<<Frodo: Mordor?>>

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

<Frodo and Gandalf sit down in the kitchen with tea. The Ring lies on the table between them.>

<<Gandalf: This is the One Ring. Forged by the Dark Lord Sauron in the fires of Mount Doom. Taken by Isildur from the hand of Sauron himself.>>

<<Frodo: Bilbo found it. In Gollum's cave.>>

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

<<Frodo: But he was destroyed! - Sauron was destroyed.>>

<The Ring whispers softly in the Black Speech. Alarmed, both Frodo and Gandalf stare at it.>

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

<Frodo stands up and grabs the Ring. He walks down the corridor as if looking for a safe hiding place.>

<<Frodo: Alright, we put it away. We keep it hidden. We never speak of it again. No one knows it's here, do they? <He turns slowly and stares at the wizard intently.> Do they Gandalf?>>

<<Gandalf: There is one other who knew that Bilbo had the Ring. I looked everywhere for the creature Gollum. But the enemy found him first.>>

<In the chambers of Barad-Dûr, Gollum's tortured body writhes again at the hands of Sauron's Orcs.>

<<Gandalf: I don’t know how long they tortured him. But amidst the endless screams and inane babble, they discerned two words . . .>>

<<Gollum (shrieking): Shire!!! Baggins!!!>>

<<Frodo: Shire. Baggins. But that would lead them here!>>

<Two Black Riders thunder down a moonlit road. A Hobbit holds up his lantern at the sound of the approaching horses.>

<<Hobbit: Who goes there?>>

<One of the Riders brings down his sword and scythes it directly at the Hobbit's head.>

<Back at Bag End, Frodo holds out the Ring urgently to Gandalf.>

<<Frodo: Take it Gandalf! Take it!>>

<<Gandalf: No, Frodo.>>

<<Frodo (desperate): You must take it!>>

<<Gandalf: You cannot offer me this Ring!>>

<<Frodo: I'm giving it to you!>>

<<Gandalf: Don't tempt me Frodo! I dare not take it. Not even to keep it safe. Understand Frodo, I would use this Ring from 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! (More softly) No, it can't.>>

<Frodo seems to come to a decision. He closes the Ring inside his palm and looks up at Gandalf.>

<<Frodo: What must I do?>>

<Frodo starts to fling items hastily into his backpack to prepare for his journey.>

<<Gandalf: You must leave, and leave quickly.>>

<<Frodo: Where? Where do I go?>>

<<Gandalf: Get out of the Shire. Make for the village Bree.>>

<He throws a neatly-rolled up shirt to Frodo. Frodo grabs it, unrolling the bundle in the process, and stuffs it into his bag, along with some food.>

<<Frodo: Bree. What about you?>>

<<Gandalf: I'll be waiting 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 wise and powerful. Trust me Frodo, he’ll know what to do. You’ll have to leave the name of Baggins behind you, for that name is not safe outside the Shire.>>

<He helps Frodo into his cloak.>

<<Gandalf: Travel only by day. And stay off the road.>>

<Frodo is finally ready, cloaked and victualled. He smiles at Gandalf.>

<<Frodo: <slips the Ring into his waistcoat pocket> I can cut across country easily enough.>>

<<Gandalf: My dear Frodo. Hobbits really are amazing creatures! You can learn all that there is to know about their ways in a month, and yet after a hundred years, they can still surprise you. <hears rustling of the leaves> Get down!>>

<Frodo drops to the floor. Gandalf goes to the window, peers out cautiously then gives the bushes a whack with his staff. An "oofff!! " is heard as the object of the whack complains. Gandalf drags the offender up by his hair and plops him onto the table.>

<<Gandalf: Confound it all Samwise Gamgee! Have you been eavesdropping?!>>

<<Sam (breathless and afraid): I haven't dropped no eaves sir, honest. I was just cutting the grass under the window there, if you follow me.>>

<<Gandalf: A little late for trimming the verge, don’t you think?>>

<<Sam: I heard raised voices.>>

<<Gandalf: What did you hear?! Speak!!!!>>

<<Sam: N-n-n-nothing important. That is I heard a good deal about a Ring and a Dark Lord and something about the end of the world but… Please, Mister Gandalf sir, don’t hurt me. Don’t turn me into anythin’ --unnatural.>>

<<Gandalf: Noooo? <He turns a conspiratorial gaze upon Frodo.> Perhaps not. I have thought of a better use for you…>>

<Early dawn on the following morning, Gandalf, Frodo and Sam make their way along the road. Sam, encumbered with pots and pans, puffs along behind Gandalf's horse.>

<<Gandalf: Come along Samwise, keep up!>>

<They enter a more heavily forested area and some dense undergrowth.>

<<Gandalf: Be careful both of you. The enemy has many spies in his service: birds, beasts. <turns to Frodo> Is it safe? <Frodo pats his vest pocket> Never put it on, for the agents of the Dark Lord will be drawn to its power. Always remember, Frodo, the Ring is trying to get back to its master. It wants to be found.>>

<Gandalf rides off, leaving Frodo and Sam in the forest. They stare at each other. Eventually Frodo sighs, takes up his stick and continues on their journey. Sam follows.>

<Frodo and Sam trek along the countryside, making their way across streams, over hills and through meadows. Eventually they find themselves before a cornfield. Frodo walks through the corn. Sam following behind, suddenly stops besides a large scarecrow.>

<<Sam: This is it.>>

<<Frodo: <turns> This is what?>>

<<Sam: If take one more step, it’ll be the farthest away from home I’ve ever been.>>

<<Frodo: <reassuringly goes back to take Sam's arm> Come on Sam. Remember what Bilbo used to say: "It's a dangerous business… <Bilbo’s voice> …Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.">>

<Frodo and Sam set up camp for the night. Sam cooks their meal of bacon, tomatoes and sausages as Frodo parks in a tree limb, waiting for the meal. Suddenly they both stop and listen. Singing can be heard in the distance. The voices are sweet and high, singing in an strange language.>

<<Frodo: <looks at Sam with a delighted smile> Sam! Wood-Elves!>>

<They hurry quickly up to the nearest ridge where they can lie and watch unseen. A group of Elves is passing slowly through the forest, some on horseback, some walking, some with banners. The group seems to shine of its own light, their white garments softly glowing against the purples and midnight blues of the woods. Their haunting song continues.>

<<Elven song:
a Galad ren i veniar
hi' aladhremmin ennorath
A Elbereth Gilthoniel
ithil nâ thûl, ithil lîn hen

O Light to us that wander here
Amid the world of woven trees!
O Elbereth! Gilthoniel!
Clear are thy eyes and bright thy breath!>>

<<Frodo: They're going to the harbour beyond the White Towers. To the Grey Havens.>>

<<Sam: They're leaving Middle-earth.>>

<<Frodo: Never to return.>>

<<Sam: I don't know why - it makes me sad.>>

<Later, Sam and Frodo prepare for sleep. Sam is trying to find a comfortable spot on the ground.>

<<Sam: Everywhere I lie there's a dirty great root sticking into my back.>>

<<Frodo (already half asleep): Just shut your eyes, and imagine you're back in your own bed, with a soft mattress and a lovely feather pillow.>>

<Sam gives him a skeptical look, and settles back. After a moment he sighs. and gives up, frustrated.>

<<Sam: It's not working Mr. Frodo. I'm never going to be able to sleep out here.>>

<<Frodo: Me neither, Sam.>>

<Frodo smiles. Sam stares at the sky and finds something to nibble on.>

<Mist descends over the landscape. On a ridge high up above the Hobbits, a horse neighs and stamps. Its Black Rider comes slowly to a halt and surveys the scene.>

<Gandalf rides swiftly and comes to a huge stone tower, set on a plain in the middle of a forest. He passes under a stone bridge and comes to the entrance of the tower. A tall figure cloaked in white descends the steps to meet his guest.>

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

<<Gandalf: Saruman. <bows> >>

<Gandalf and Saruman are walking through the Gardens of Isengard.>

<<Saruman: You are sure of this?>>

<<Gandalf: Beyond any doubt.>>

<<Saruman: So, the Ring of Power has been found.>>

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

<<Saruman: Yet you did not have the wit to see it. Your love of the halfling’s leaf has clearly slowed your mind.>>

<<Gandalf: But we still have time. Time enough to counter Sauron if we act quickly.>>

<<Saruman: Time?! What time do you think we have?>>

<Gandalf and Saruman take some wine and confer in Saruman's chamber, amidst ancient scrolls, books, numerous quills, and a few jars containing very strange creatures.>

<<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 within his fortress, the Lord of Mordor sees all -- his gaze pierces cloud, shadow, earth and flesh. You know of what I speak, Gandalf -- a great Eye... lidless... wreathed in flame.>>

<<Gandalf: The Eye of Sauron.>>

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

<<Gandalf: You know this? How?>>

<<Saruman: I have seen it.>>

<Gandalf and Saruman enter another chamber. Upon a plinth sits an object covered in dark cloth. A large chair, like a throne, stands against a wall.>

<<Gandalf: A Palantír is a dangerous tool, Saruman.>>

<<Saruman: Why? Why should we fear to use it?>>

<Saruman unveils the Palantí r. It is a perfectly spherical ball, made of some sort of glass, with strange swirls in its depths.>

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

<He covers the Palantí r. The Eye of Sauron flashes briefly>

<<Saruman: <seats himself upon his throne> The hour is later than you think. Sauron's forces are already moving. The Nine have left Minas Morgul.>>

<<Gandalf (alarmed): The Nine!>>

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

<<Gandalf: They've reached the Shire?!>>

<<Saruman: They will find the Ring… and kill the one who carries it.>>

<<Gandalf: Frodo!>>

<Gandalf heads towards the door but Saruman closes it with his mind and the other doors in turn. Trapped, Gandalf looks at Saruman.>

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

<<Gandalf: Tell me, "friend", when did Saruman the wise abandon reason for madness?!>>

<With a shout, Saruman points his staff at Gandalf, throwing him up and pinning him against the far wall, then drops him heavily to the floor. Gandalf counters with his own staff, throwing Saruman onto his back. They battle back and forth. Finally, Saruman uses his power to yank Gandalf’s staff from his hands, and he advances on Gandalf with both staffs. Gandalf spins helplessly just above the floor.>

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

<Saruman sends Gandalf rising to the pinnacle of Orthanc.>

<Sam, in the middle of a field of corn, emerges onto a small path between the rows of tall vegetables. He looks back and forth, not seeing Frodo in either direction.>

<<Sam: <starts to panic> Mister Frodo? Frodo! Frodo!>>

<Frodo appears round the bend in the path, looking puzzled>

<<Sam: <sigh> I thought I’d lost you.>>

<<Frodo: What are you talking about?>>

<<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: <amused> Sam, we're still in the Shire! What could possibly happen?>>

<Suddenly, Pippin bursts from the cornfield and knocks over Frodo. Merry, close behind, barrels out, knocking over Sam. Both have an armful of vegetables>

<<Pippin: Frodo? Merry! It's Frodo Baggins.>>

<<Merry: Hello Frodo!>>

<<Sam: Get off him! <hauls Pippin off Frodo> Frodo? Are you all right?>>

<<Frodo: What's the meaning of this?>>

<<Merry: Hold this. >> <hands vegetables to Sam.>

<<Sam: You've been into Farmer Maggot's crop!>>

<They hear a dog barking and an angry, yelling voice. Pippin grabs Frodo and runs, followed by Merry. Sam does a double take on the produce in his hands, drops them and runs after the others>

<<Farmer Maggot: <brandishing a scythe> Hoi! You get back here! Wait till I get this through you! … Get out of my fields! You'll know the devil if I catch up with you!>>

<<Merry: ‘Dunno why he is so upset. It’s only a