The Passing of the Grey Company - Revision history

KingAragorn at 23:13, 12 September 2012

2012-09-12T23:13:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:13, 12 September 2012
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	{{rotkchapters}}		{{rotkchapters}}
−	'''The Passing of the Grey Company''' is the second chapter of the fifth book in [[The Return of the King]].	+	'''The Passing of the Grey Company''' is the second chapter of the fifth book in ''[[The Return of the King]]''.

	===Summary===		===Summary===

Mithbot: Bot Message: changing link to Peregrin Took

2010-07-01T17:13:55Z

Bot Message: changing link to Peregrin Took

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:13, 1 July 2010
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	===Summary===		===Summary===
−	As [[Gandalf]] and [[Pippin]] ride toward [[Minas Tirith]], [[Aragorn]], [[Théoden]], and the [[Riders of Rohan]] return from [[Isengard]]. Aragorn cryptically explains to [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck\|Merry]] that he must proceed to Minas Tirith by a darker, as yet undetermined route. On the way to [[Rohan]], the group encounters thirty [[Rangers of the North]] and friends of Aragorn, including [[Elrond]]’s two sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]]. The Dúnedain are gruff but proud, clad almost entirely in gray. They have received a mysterious message requesting that they come to Aragorn's aid. Théoden welcomes the Dúnedain to his company, and Elrohir conveys a message to Aragorn from [[Rivendell]]: "If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]." After a time, the group reaches [[Helm's Deep]], the refuge of the Riders of Rohan. Théoden asks Merry to ride with him for the rest of the journey. Merry is delighted, as he feels out of place among the Riders and wishes to be useful. He offers Théoden his sword in service of Rohan, and the king gladly accepts.	+	As [[Gandalf]] and [[Peregrin Took\|Pippin]] ride toward [[Minas Tirith]], [[Aragorn]], [[Théoden]], and the [[Riders of Rohan]] return from [[Isengard]]. Aragorn cryptically explains to [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck\|Merry]] that he must proceed to Minas Tirith by a darker, as yet undetermined route. On the way to [[Rohan]], the group encounters thirty [[Rangers of the North]] and friends of Aragorn, including [[Elrond]]’s two sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]]. The Dúnedain are gruff but proud, clad almost entirely in gray. They have received a mysterious message requesting that they come to Aragorn's aid. Théoden welcomes the Dúnedain to his company, and Elrohir conveys a message to Aragorn from [[Rivendell]]: "If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]." After a time, the group reaches [[Helm's Deep]], the refuge of the Riders of Rohan. Théoden asks Merry to ride with him for the rest of the journey. Merry is delighted, as he feels out of place among the Riders and wishes to be useful. He offers Théoden his sword in service of Rohan, and the king gladly accepts.

	As Théoden prepares the group to resume the journey, the group suddenly realizes that Aragorn is missing. He reappears exhausted and sorrowful. Aragorn knows that the Riders will not arrive at Minas Tirith in time. He has decided to take the Dúnedain with him to Minas Tirith via a terrifying road—the Paths of the Dead. It is said that no living man may travel the Paths, but Aragorn says that the proper heir of [[Elendil]] may safely pass. Meanwhile, Théoden and the Riders take a slower, safer path east through the mountains to Edoras.		As Théoden prepares the group to resume the journey, the group suddenly realizes that Aragorn is missing. He reappears exhausted and sorrowful. Aragorn knows that the Riders will not arrive at Minas Tirith in time. He has decided to take the Dúnedain with him to Minas Tirith via a terrifying road—the Paths of the Dead. It is said that no living man may travel the Paths, but Aragorn says that the proper heir of [[Elendil]] may safely pass. Meanwhile, Théoden and the Riders take a slower, safer path east through the mountains to Edoras.

Mithbot: Bot Message: changing link to Meriadoc Brandybuck

2010-07-01T16:21:19Z

Bot Message: changing link to Meriadoc Brandybuck

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:21, 1 July 2010
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	===Summary===		===Summary===
−	As [[Gandalf]] and [[Pippin]] ride toward [[Minas Tirith]], [[Aragorn]], [[Théoden]], and the [[Riders of Rohan]] return from [[Isengard]]. Aragorn cryptically explains to [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], and [[Merry]] that he must proceed to Minas Tirith by a darker, as yet undetermined route. On the way to [[Rohan]], the group encounters thirty [[Rangers of the North]] and friends of Aragorn, including [[Elrond]]’s two sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]]. The Dúnedain are gruff but proud, clad almost entirely in gray. They have received a mysterious message requesting that they come to Aragorn's aid. Théoden welcomes the Dúnedain to his company, and Elrohir conveys a message to Aragorn from [[Rivendell]]: "If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]." After a time, the group reaches [[Helm's Deep]], the refuge of the Riders of Rohan. Théoden asks Merry to ride with him for the rest of the journey. Merry is delighted, as he feels out of place among the Riders and wishes to be useful. He offers Théoden his sword in service of Rohan, and the king gladly accepts.	+	As [[Gandalf]] and [[Pippin]] ride toward [[Minas Tirith]], [[Aragorn]], [[Théoden]], and the [[Riders of Rohan]] return from [[Isengard]]. Aragorn cryptically explains to [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck\|Merry]] that he must proceed to Minas Tirith by a darker, as yet undetermined route. On the way to [[Rohan]], the group encounters thirty [[Rangers of the North]] and friends of Aragorn, including [[Elrond]]’s two sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]]. The Dúnedain are gruff but proud, clad almost entirely in gray. They have received a mysterious message requesting that they come to Aragorn's aid. Théoden welcomes the Dúnedain to his company, and Elrohir conveys a message to Aragorn from [[Rivendell]]: "If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]." After a time, the group reaches [[Helm's Deep]], the refuge of the Riders of Rohan. Théoden asks Merry to ride with him for the rest of the journey. Merry is delighted, as he feels out of place among the Riders and wishes to be useful. He offers Théoden his sword in service of Rohan, and the king gladly accepts.

	As Théoden prepares the group to resume the journey, the group suddenly realizes that Aragorn is missing. He reappears exhausted and sorrowful. Aragorn knows that the Riders will not arrive at Minas Tirith in time. He has decided to take the Dúnedain with him to Minas Tirith via a terrifying road—the Paths of the Dead. It is said that no living man may travel the Paths, but Aragorn says that the proper heir of [[Elendil]] may safely pass. Meanwhile, Théoden and the Riders take a slower, safer path east through the mountains to Edoras.		As Théoden prepares the group to resume the journey, the group suddenly realizes that Aragorn is missing. He reappears exhausted and sorrowful. Aragorn knows that the Riders will not arrive at Minas Tirith in time. He has decided to take the Dúnedain with him to Minas Tirith via a terrifying road—the Paths of the Dead. It is said that no living man may travel the Paths, but Aragorn says that the proper heir of [[Elendil]] may safely pass. Meanwhile, Théoden and the Riders take a slower, safer path east through the mountains to Edoras.

Ederchil at 18:29, 17 August 2009

2009-08-17T18:29:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:29, 17 August 2009
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	After creeping in the darkness for what seems like ages, the Company emerges from the Paths and rides quickly through the mountain fields with the Men, horses, and banners of the Dead following behind. The inhabitants of the surrounding countryside flee in fear, calling Aragorn the "King of the Dead". Arriving at the large, black Stone of Erech, the legion of the Dead—the Oathbreakers—announce their allegiance to Aragorn. Aragorn unfurls a black flag and pronounces himself the heir of Isildur’s kingdom. The Company rides on to the Great River, [[Anduin]].		After creeping in the darkness for what seems like ages, the Company emerges from the Paths and rides quickly through the mountain fields with the Men, horses, and banners of the Dead following behind. The inhabitants of the surrounding countryside flee in fear, calling Aragorn the "King of the Dead". Arriving at the large, black Stone of Erech, the legion of the Dead—the Oathbreakers—announce their allegiance to Aragorn. Aragorn unfurls a black flag and pronounces himself the heir of Isildur’s kingdom. The Company rides on to the Great River, [[Anduin]].
		+	[[Category:The Return of the King chapters\|Passing of the Grey Company]]

Ederchil at 19:32, 12 May 2009

2009-05-12T19:32:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:32, 12 May 2009
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	===Summary===		===Summary===
−	As [[Gandalf]] and [[Pippin]] ride toward [[Minas Tirith]], [[Aragorn]], [[Théoden]], and the [[Riders of Rohan]] return from [[Isengard]]. Aragorn cryptically explains to [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], and [[Merry]] that he must proceed to Minas Tirith by a darker, as yet undetermined route. On the way to [[Rohan]], the group encounters thirty ~~[[Dúnedain]] of the~~ [[Rangers of the North]] and friends of Aragorn, including [[Elrond]]’s two sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]]. The Dúnedain are gruff but proud, clad almost entirely in gray. They have received a mysterious message requesting that they come to ~~Aragorn’s~~ aid. Théoden welcomes the Dúnedain to his company, and Elrohir conveys a message to Aragorn from [[Rivendell]]: ~~“If~~ thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]].” After a time, the group reaches [[~~Helm’s~~ Deep]], the refuge of the Riders of Rohan. Théoden asks Merry to ride with him for the rest of the journey. Merry is delighted, as he feels out of place among the Riders and wishes to be useful. He offers Théoden his sword in service of Rohan, and the king gladly accepts.	+	As [[Gandalf]] and [[Pippin]] ride toward [[Minas Tirith]], [[Aragorn]], [[Théoden]], and the [[Riders of Rohan]] return from [[Isengard]]. Aragorn cryptically explains to [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], and [[Merry]] that he must proceed to Minas Tirith by a darker, as yet undetermined route. On the way to [[Rohan]], the group encounters thirty [[Rangers of the North]] and friends of Aragorn, including [[Elrond]]’s two sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]]. The Dúnedain are gruff but proud, clad almost entirely in gray. They have received a mysterious message requesting that they come to Aragorn's aid. Théoden welcomes the Dúnedain to his company, and Elrohir conveys a message to Aragorn from [[Rivendell]]: "If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]." After a time, the group reaches [[Helm's Deep]], the refuge of the Riders of Rohan. Théoden asks Merry to ride with him for the rest of the journey. Merry is delighted, as he feels out of place among the Riders and wishes to be useful. He offers Théoden his sword in service of Rohan, and the king gladly accepts.

	As Théoden prepares the group to resume the journey, the group suddenly realizes that Aragorn is missing. He reappears exhausted and sorrowful. Aragorn knows that the Riders will not arrive at Minas Tirith in time. He has decided to take the Dúnedain with him to Minas Tirith via a terrifying road—the Paths of the Dead. It is said that no living man may travel the Paths, but Aragorn says that the proper heir of [[Elendil]] may safely pass. Meanwhile, Théoden and the Riders take a slower, safer path east through the mountains to Edoras.		As Théoden prepares the group to resume the journey, the group suddenly realizes that Aragorn is missing. He reappears exhausted and sorrowful. Aragorn knows that the Riders will not arrive at Minas Tirith in time. He has decided to take the Dúnedain with him to Minas Tirith via a terrifying road—the Paths of the Dead. It is said that no living man may travel the Paths, but Aragorn says that the proper heir of [[Elendil]] may safely pass. Meanwhile, Théoden and the Riders take a slower, safer path east through the mountains to Edoras.

−	Aragorn informs Legolas and Gimli that he has consulted the [[Palantíri\|palantír]], the [[Stone of Orthanc]] that [[Saruman]] used to communicate with [[Sauron]]. Aragorn has confronted Sauron through the palantír and claims he has successfully subdued the stone’s power to his own will. In doing so, however, Aragorn has alerted Sauron to his existence as [[Isildur]]’s heir to the throne of [[Gondor]]. Gimli guesses Sauron will now release his forces sooner because he knows ~~Isildur’s~~ long-awaited heir exists. Aragorn, however, hopes such a hasty move may weaken the Enemy’s attack.	+	Aragorn informs Legolas and Gimli that he has consulted the [[Palantíri\|palantír]], the [[Stone of Orthanc]] that [[Saruman]] used to communicate with [[Sauron]]. Aragorn has confronted Sauron through the palantír and claims he has successfully subdued the stone’s power to his own will. In doing so, however, Aragorn has alerted Sauron to his existence as [[Isildur]]’s heir to the throne of [[Gondor]]. Gimli guesses Sauron will now release his forces sooner because he knows Isildur's long-awaited heir exists. Aragorn, however, hopes such a hasty move may weaken the Enemy’s attack.

−	Aragorn explains the history of the Paths of the Dead, citing a legendary song. In the early days of Gondor, Isildur set a great black stone upon the hill of [[Erech]]. Upon this stone, the [[King of the Mountains]] swore allegiance to Isildur. When Sauron returned and waged war on Gondor, Isildur called upon his allies for aid. The Men of the Mountains broke their oath, as they had begun to worship Sauron. Isildur condemned the Men never to rest until their oath was fulfilled. According to the verse, the ~~[[Sleepless Dead]], or~~ [[Oathbreakers]], must fulfill their oath to Isildur’s heir when he returns to call them from the [[Stone of Erech]]. Rallying the Rangers, Aragorn rides through the plains of Rohan and reaches [[Dunharrow]] by morning. Théoden has not yet arrived, but his daughter, Éowyn, begs Aragorn to avoid the Paths of the Dead. Aragorn refuses.	+	Aragorn explains the history of the Paths of the Dead, citing a legendary song. In the early days of Gondor, Isildur set a great black stone upon the hill of [[Erech]]. Upon this stone, the [[King of the Mountains]] swore allegiance to Isildur. When Sauron returned and waged war on Gondor, Isildur called upon his allies for aid. The Men of the Mountains broke their oath, as they had begun to worship Sauron. Isildur condemned the Men never to rest until their oath was fulfilled. According to the verse, the [[Oathbreakers]], must fulfill their oath to Isildur’s heir when he returns to call them from the [[Stone of Erech]]. Rallying the Rangers, Aragorn rides through the plains of Rohan and reaches [[Dunharrow]] by morning. Théoden has not yet arrived, but his daughter, Éowyn, begs Aragorn to avoid the Paths of the Dead. Aragorn refuses.

	Outside Dunharrow lies the entrance to the Paths of the Dead, which run beneath the mountain. Spurred only by the strength of Aragorn’s will, the Company enters the dark path. Gimli is nearly paralyzed with fear, as he can hear the whispering voices of an unseen host following the Company in the dark. At a clearing, Aragorn turns and speaks to the Dead, summoning them to follow him to the Stone of Erech.		Outside Dunharrow lies the entrance to the Paths of the Dead, which run beneath the mountain. Spurred only by the strength of Aragorn’s will, the Company enters the dark path. Gimli is nearly paralyzed with fear, as he can hear the whispering voices of an unseen host following the Company in the dark. At a clearing, Aragorn turns and speaks to the Dead, summoning them to follow him to the Stone of Erech.

−	After creeping in the darkness for what seems like ages, the Company emerges from the Paths and rides quickly through the mountain fields with the Men, horses, and banners of the Dead following behind. The inhabitants of the surrounding countryside flee in fear, calling Aragorn the ~~“King~~ of the Dead.” Arriving at the large, black Stone of Erech, the legion of the Dead—the Oathbreakers—announce their allegiance to Aragorn. Aragorn unfurls a black flag and pronounces himself the heir of Isildur’s kingdom. The Company rides on to the Great River, [[Anduin]].	+	After creeping in the darkness for what seems like ages, the Company emerges from the Paths and rides quickly through the mountain fields with the Men, horses, and banners of the Dead following behind. The inhabitants of the surrounding countryside flee in fear, calling Aragorn the "King of the Dead". Arriving at the large, black Stone of Erech, the legion of the Dead—the Oathbreakers—announce their allegiance to Aragorn. Aragorn unfurls a black flag and pronounces himself the heir of Isildur’s kingdom. The Company rides on to the Great River, [[Anduin]].

Earendilyon: /* Summary */ Fixed link

2008-01-27T18:29:21Z

Summary: Fixed link

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:29, 27 January 2008
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	===Summary===		===Summary===
−	As [[Gandalf]] and [[Pippin]] ride toward [[Minas Tirith]], [[Aragorn]], [[Théoden]], and the [[Riders of Rohan]] return from [[Isengard]]. Aragorn cryptically explains to [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], and [[Merry]] that he must proceed to Minas Tirith by a darker, as yet undetermined route. On the way to [[Rohan]], the group encounters thirty [[Dúnedain]] of the [[~~North-~~Rangers]] and friends of Aragorn, including [[Elrond]]’s two sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]]. The Dúnedain are gruff but proud, clad almost entirely in gray. They have received a mysterious message requesting that they come to Aragorn’s aid. Théoden welcomes the Dúnedain to his company, and Elrohir conveys a message to Aragorn from [[Rivendell]]: “If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]].” After a time, the group reaches [[Helm’s Deep]], the refuge of the Riders of Rohan. Théoden asks Merry to ride with him for the rest of the journey. Merry is delighted, as he feels out of place among the Riders and wishes to be useful. He offers Théoden his sword in service of Rohan, and the king gladly accepts.	+	As [[Gandalf]] and [[Pippin]] ride toward [[Minas Tirith]], [[Aragorn]], [[Théoden]], and the [[Riders of Rohan]] return from [[Isengard]]. Aragorn cryptically explains to [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], and [[Merry]] that he must proceed to Minas Tirith by a darker, as yet undetermined route. On the way to [[Rohan]], the group encounters thirty [[Dúnedain]] of the [[Rangers of the North]] and friends of Aragorn, including [[Elrond]]’s two sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]]. The Dúnedain are gruff but proud, clad almost entirely in gray. They have received a mysterious message requesting that they come to Aragorn’s aid. Théoden welcomes the Dúnedain to his company, and Elrohir conveys a message to Aragorn from [[Rivendell]]: “If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]].” After a time, the group reaches [[Helm’s Deep]], the refuge of the Riders of Rohan. Théoden asks Merry to ride with him for the rest of the journey. Merry is delighted, as he feels out of place among the Riders and wishes to be useful. He offers Théoden his sword in service of Rohan, and the king gladly accepts.

	As Théoden prepares the group to resume the journey, the group suddenly realizes that Aragorn is missing. He reappears exhausted and sorrowful. Aragorn knows that the Riders will not arrive at Minas Tirith in time. He has decided to take the Dúnedain with him to Minas Tirith via a terrifying road—the Paths of the Dead. It is said that no living man may travel the Paths, but Aragorn says that the proper heir of [[Elendil]] may safely pass. Meanwhile, Théoden and the Riders take a slower, safer path east through the mountains to Edoras.		As Théoden prepares the group to resume the journey, the group suddenly realizes that Aragorn is missing. He reappears exhausted and sorrowful. Aragorn knows that the Riders will not arrive at Minas Tirith in time. He has decided to take the Dúnedain with him to Minas Tirith via a terrifying road—the Paths of the Dead. It is said that no living man may travel the Paths, but Aragorn says that the proper heir of [[Elendil]] may safely pass. Meanwhile, Théoden and the Riders take a slower, safer path east through the mountains to Edoras.

Hyarion: Added rotkchapters template

2006-04-13T06:06:00Z

Added rotkchapters template

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:06, 13 April 2006
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		+	{{rotkchapters}}
	'''The Passing of the Grey Company''' is the second chapter of the fifth book in [[The Return of the King]].		'''The Passing of the Grey Company''' is the second chapter of the fifth book in [[The Return of the King]].

Dwarf Lord at 05:38, 3 April 2006

2006-04-03T05:38:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:38, 3 April 2006
Line 2:		Line 2:

	===Summary===		===Summary===
−	As [[Gandalf]] and [[Pippin]] ride toward [[Minas Tirith]], [[Aragorn]], [[Théoden]], and the [[Riders of Rohan]] return from [[Isengard]]. Aragorn cryptically explains to [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], and [[Merry]] that he must proceed to Minas Tirith by a darker, as yet undetermined route. On the way to [[Rohan]], the group encounters thirty [[Dúnedain]] of the [[~~North—Rangers~~]] and friends of Aragorn, including [[Elrond]]’s two sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]]. The Dúnedain are gruff but proud, clad almost entirely in gray. They have received a mysterious message requesting that they come to Aragorn’s aid. Théoden welcomes the Dúnedain to his company, and Elrohir conveys a message to Aragorn from [[Rivendell]]: “If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]].” After a time, the group reaches [[Helm’s Deep]], the refuge of the Riders of Rohan. Théoden asks Merry to ride with him for the rest of the journey. Merry is delighted, as he feels out of place among the Riders and wishes to be useful. He offers Théoden his sword in service of Rohan, and the king gladly accepts.	+	As [[Gandalf]] and [[Pippin]] ride toward [[Minas Tirith]], [[Aragorn]], [[Théoden]], and the [[Riders of Rohan]] return from [[Isengard]]. Aragorn cryptically explains to [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], and [[Merry]] that he must proceed to Minas Tirith by a darker, as yet undetermined route. On the way to [[Rohan]], the group encounters thirty [[Dúnedain]] of the [[North-Rangers]] and friends of Aragorn, including [[Elrond]]’s two sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]]. The Dúnedain are gruff but proud, clad almost entirely in gray. They have received a mysterious message requesting that they come to Aragorn’s aid. Théoden welcomes the Dúnedain to his company, and Elrohir conveys a message to Aragorn from [[Rivendell]]: “If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]].” After a time, the group reaches [[Helm’s Deep]], the refuge of the Riders of Rohan. Théoden asks Merry to ride with him for the rest of the journey. Merry is delighted, as he feels out of place among the Riders and wishes to be useful. He offers Théoden his sword in service of Rohan, and the king gladly accepts.

	As Théoden prepares the group to resume the journey, the group suddenly realizes that Aragorn is missing. He reappears exhausted and sorrowful. Aragorn knows that the Riders will not arrive at Minas Tirith in time. He has decided to take the Dúnedain with him to Minas Tirith via a terrifying road—the Paths of the Dead. It is said that no living man may travel the Paths, but Aragorn says that the proper heir of [[Elendil]] may safely pass. Meanwhile, Théoden and the Riders take a slower, safer path east through the mountains to Edoras.		As Théoden prepares the group to resume the journey, the group suddenly realizes that Aragorn is missing. He reappears exhausted and sorrowful. Aragorn knows that the Riders will not arrive at Minas Tirith in time. He has decided to take the Dúnedain with him to Minas Tirith via a terrifying road—the Paths of the Dead. It is said that no living man may travel the Paths, but Aragorn says that the proper heir of [[Elendil]] may safely pass. Meanwhile, Théoden and the Riders take a slower, safer path east through the mountains to Edoras.

Hyarion at 22:39, 1 April 2006

2006-04-01T22:39:33Z

New page

'''The Passing of the Grey Company''' is the second chapter of the fifth book in [[The Return of the King]].

===Summary===
As [[Gandalf]] and [[Pippin]] ride toward [[Minas Tirith]], [[Aragorn]], [[Théoden]], and the [[Riders of Rohan]] return from [[Isengard]]. Aragorn cryptically explains to [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], and [[Merry]] that he must proceed to Minas Tirith by a darker, as yet undetermined route. On the way to [[Rohan]], the group encounters thirty [[Dúnedain]] of the [[North—Rangers]] and friends of Aragorn, including [[Elrond]]’s two sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]]. The Dúnedain are gruff but proud, clad almost entirely in gray. They have received a mysterious message requesting that they come to Aragorn’s aid. Théoden welcomes the Dúnedain to his company, and Elrohir conveys a message to Aragorn from [[Rivendell]]: “If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]].” After a time, the group reaches [[Helm’s Deep]], the refuge of the Riders of Rohan. Théoden asks Merry to ride with him for the rest of the journey. Merry is delighted, as he feels out of place among the Riders and wishes to be useful. He offers Théoden his sword in service of Rohan, and the king gladly accepts.

As Théoden prepares the group to resume the journey, the group suddenly realizes that Aragorn is missing. He reappears exhausted and sorrowful. Aragorn knows that the Riders will not arrive at Minas Tirith in time. He has decided to take the Dúnedain with him to Minas Tirith via a terrifying road—the Paths of the Dead. It is said that no living man may travel the Paths, but Aragorn says that the proper heir of [[Elendil]] may safely pass. Meanwhile, Théoden and the Riders take a slower, safer path east through the mountains to Edoras.

Aragorn informs Legolas and Gimli that he has consulted the [[Palantíri|palantír]], the [[Stone of Orthanc]] that [[Saruman]] used to communicate with [[Sauron]]. Aragorn has confronted Sauron through the palantír and claims he has successfully subdued the stone’s power to his own will. In doing so, however, Aragorn has alerted Sauron to his existence as [[Isildur]]’s heir to the throne of [[Gondor]]. Gimli guesses Sauron will now release his forces sooner because he knows Isildur’s long-awaited heir exists. Aragorn, however, hopes such a hasty move may weaken the Enemy’s attack.

Aragorn explains the history of the Paths of the Dead, citing a legendary song. In the early days of Gondor, Isildur set a great black stone upon the hill of [[Erech]]. Upon this stone, the [[King of the Mountains]] swore allegiance to Isildur. When Sauron returned and waged war on Gondor, Isildur called upon his allies for aid. The Men of the Mountains broke their oath, as they had begun to worship Sauron. Isildur condemned the Men never to rest until their oath was fulfilled. According to the verse, the [[Sleepless Dead]], or [[Oathbreakers]], must fulfill their oath to Isildur’s heir when he returns to call them from the [[Stone of Erech]]. Rallying the Rangers, Aragorn rides through the plains of Rohan and reaches [[Dunharrow]] by morning. Théoden has not yet arrived, but his daughter, Éowyn, begs Aragorn to avoid the Paths of the Dead. Aragorn refuses.

Outside Dunharrow lies the entrance to the Paths of the Dead, which run beneath the mountain. Spurred only by the strength of Aragorn’s will, the Company enters the dark path. Gimli is nearly paralyzed with fear, as he can hear the whispering voices of an unseen host following the Company in the dark. At a clearing, Aragorn turns and speaks to the Dead, summoning them to follow him to the Stone of Erech.

After creeping in the darkness for what seems like ages, the Company emerges from the Paths and rides quickly through the mountain fields with the Men, horses, and banners of the Dead following behind. The inhabitants of the surrounding countryside flee in fear, calling Aragorn the “King of the Dead.” Arriving at the large, black Stone of Erech, the legion of the Dead—the Oathbreakers—announce their allegiance to Aragorn. Aragorn unfurls a black flag and pronounces himself the heir of Isildur’s kingdom. The Company rides on to the Great River, [[Anduin]].