Season 10 Episode 1 – Minas Tirith

Minas Tirith

  • Denethor comes down from the Tower of Ecthelion. He orders the beacons of Gondor lit. He summons Hirgon and gives him the Red Arrow, commanding him to ride to Edoras.

Rohan

  • Gandalf and Pippin ride through the night. They see Nazgul overhead but remain out of sight.
  • Aragorn tells the others he must go to Minas Tirith by a darker road.

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  • They ride towards Edoras. In the night they come across thirty rangers, along with Halbarad, Elladan and Elrohir.
  • Theoden welcomes them. Elrohir gives Aragorn Arwen’s standard and Elrond’s message to seek the Paths of the Dead.

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Edoras

  • Gandalf talks to Eowyn at Edoras before leaving for Minas Tirith.
  • Eowyn sends out riders to call the King’s banners. She rides for Dunharrow.

Helm’s Deep

  • Theoden and the others return to Helm’s Deep.
  • Gimli and Legolas take Merry around the Hornburg.

The Glittering Caves of Aglarond, by Ted Nasmith

  • Merry offers his services to Theoden. Theoden accepts.
  • Theoden commands Eomer to muster the army.
  • Aragorn looks into the Palantir. He reveals himself as Isildur’s heir to Sauron. Sauron shows him the Corsairs of Umbar.

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  • As Theoden prepares to leave for Edoras, Aragorn announces he will take the Paths of the Dead. Merry and Eomer say goodbye to Aragorn. Theoden and his riders set out.
  • Legolas, Gimli, Halbarad and the sons of Elrond swear to follow Aragorn.

Anorien

  • Gandalf and Pippin see the warning beacons of Gondor.

Minas Tirith

  • They reach Minas Tirith. They ride up to the seventh level.

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  • They speak with Denethor, who reveals his knowledge of Boromir’s death. Pippin explains how he died.
  • Denethor talks to Pippin of Boromir. Pippin offers his service to Denethor. Denethor accuses Gandalf of manipulation.

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  • Gandalf leaves with Pippin, explaining the history of kings and stewards.
  • Pippin checks on Shadowfax, meeting Beregond. Beregond shows Pippin the city, giving him the passwords to the gates and introducing him to the Third Company.
  • Beregond’s son, Bergil, shows Pippin the Great Gate. Reinforcements arrive, led by Imrahil.

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Osgiliath

  • Faramir sees Nazgul fly over the city, followed by a great cloud of darkness.

First Appearances – Beregond, Imrahil, Bergil, Hirgon, Golasgil, Hirluin, Forlong, Duinhir, Duilin, Derufin, Dervorin, Ingold

Adapted from chapters ‘Minas Tirith’, ‘The Passing of the Grey Company’ and ‘The Muster of Rohan’ of The Lord of the Rings.

Pictures

  • Minas Tirith at Dawn – Ted Nasmith
  • Halbarad – Quinton Hoover
  • The Lady’s Gift – Anke Eissmann
  • The Glittering Caves of Aglarond – Ted Nasmith
  • Aragorn and the Palantir – Magali Villeneuve
  • Gandalf Approaches the Guarded City – John Howe
  • Denethor, Steward of Minas Tirith – Alan Lee
  • Imrahil – Donato Giancola

Season 10 Episode 3 – The Muster of Rohan

Osgiliath

  • Darkness fully covers the sky over Gondor.
  • The Witch-King’s army attacks the western side of Osgiliath.

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Dunharrow

  • Theoden and his riders reach Dunharrow and meet with Eowyn.
  • At dinner, a man enters the tent. He presents the Red Arrow to Theoden. Theoden says he will send six thousand spears to Gondor.

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  • The next day Theoden commands Eomer to call the heralds.
  • Theoden commands Erkenbrand to guard Rohan.
  • Theoden orders Merry to stay behind, despite his protests.
  • Eowyn dresses Merry in armour.

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  • The riders assemble. Theoden bids them to move out. He and Eomer say goodbye to Eowyn and Merry.
  • As the host rides out, a young rider named Dernhelm offers to take Merry with him.

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Minas Tirith

  • Imrahil talks with Gandalf about Denethor and the defence of the city.
  • Beregond and Pippin see the darkness covering the land. In the distance they see Nazgul.
  • Faramir and his men flee Osgiliath, the Nazgul pursue.

A Tolkien illustration by Ted Nasmith

  • Gandalf rides to Faramir’s aid. The Nazgul turn back.
  • As Faramir returns, he is shocked to see Pippin. He tells Gandalf of his encounter with Frodo and the path of Cirith Ungol.

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  • Denethor criticises Faramir’s judgement. Gandalf argues with Denethor about the Ring.
  • The next morning, Denethor gathers his Council. He is unwilling to abandon the defences and sends Faramir to defend the Rammas Echor.

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  • Gandalf warns Faramir not to throw his life away. After counsel with Imrahil and Pippin, Gandalf follows Faramir to the walls.

First Appearances – Hurin of the Keys, Targon

Adapted from chapters ‘The Muster of Rohan’ and ‘The Siege of Gondor’ of The Lord of the Rings.

Pictures

  • Ride to Gondor – Abe Papakhian
  • Osgiliath – Nimrowen
  • The Red Arrow – Paula Disante
  • Theoden’s Army on the Road to Dunharrow – Roger Garland
  • Dernhelm – Matthew Stewart
  • Nazgul at the Walls – Ted Nasmith
  • Faramir Tells of Frodo and Sam – Anke Eissmann
  • A Bitter Farewell – Anke Eissmann

Season 10 Episode 4 – The Siege of Gondor

Rammas Echor

  • Gandalf holds back the Easterlings with white fire.
  • The Witch-King drives Gandalf back. Faramir and his men cover Gandalf. He tells Gandalf to return to Minas Tirith.
  • Faramir fights against an Easterling chieftain. He is wounded.

Battle_of_Osgiliath_by_Shockbolt

Stone of Erech

  • Aragorn passes through small settlements of Gondor. The townsfolk hide in terror, naming him ‘King of the Dead’.
  • The company come to the Stone of Erech. Aragorn addresses the Oathbreakers, who swear allegiance.

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  • Aragorn leads them onwards to Pelargir with great speed, the Dead follow.

Minas Tirith

  • Gandalf speaks with Denethor. They come down to the battlements.
  • Beregond and Pippin watch the burning houses in the east.
  • Faramir retreats from the outer wall. Denethor orders Imrahil to lead a sortie to cover them.
  • Gandalf and Imrahil ride out. Faramir is hit by a Southron arrow. Imrahil picks him up and carries him on his horse back to the city.

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  • Imrahil takes Faramir to Denethor. A bed in the Tower is made up for Faramir.
  • Denethor looks into the Palantir. He sees the entire force of the enemy. His will snaps and he goes to sit unspeaking by his son.

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Anorien

  • Scouts report to Theoden that the enemy blocks the road. Theoden and Eomer decide to ride through Druadan Forest.
  • Elfhelm talks to Merry about the wild men of the forest.
  • Eomer brings a wild man, Ghan-Buri-Ghan, to talk with Theoden. Ghan offers to take them through the woods.
  • Dernhelm eats in private, taking care not to show her face.

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Druadan Forest

  • Ghan leads the host through the forest.
  • At the edge of the wood, Eomer comes across two men. One is Hirgon, who has been beheaded.
  • Theoden resumes the ride, leading all calvary at great haste.

Pelargir

  • Corsairs overrun the port.
  • Gondorian reinforcements arrive, led by Aragorn. The small force defeats the corsairs in the streets.

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  • The Oathbreakers drive the corsairs back to the ships. The corsairs, terrified, jump overboard.
  • Aragorn rounds up the defenders of Pelargir. He asks them to accompany him to Minas Tirith. Many thousands volunteer.

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  • Legolas sees the sea for the first time.
  • Aragorn releases the Oathbreakers.

Minas Tirith

  • Great trenches filled with fire surround the city. Catapults fire upon the walls. Siege towers move forward.
  • Ingold reports to Denethor that there has been no news from Rohan. Denethor refuses to leave Faramir, telling his men to follow whom they will.
  • Gandalf and Imrahil take over the defence of the city.
  • The heads of the dead are catapulted into the city. The Nazgul attack from above.

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  • Mumakil tow towers to the walls. The men keep them at bay.
  • The Witch-King calls for Grond. With his cries the ram strikes the gate. On the third strike the gate breaks.

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  • Denethor releases Pippin from his service. He summons his servants to take Faramir to the tombs. Pippin runs to find Gandalf.
  • The Witch-King rides through the gate. All flee but Gandalf. As they prepare to fight, horns blow to the north.

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First Appearances – Gothmog (II), Ghan-Buri-Ghan, Angbor, the King of the Dead

Deaths – Damrod, Anborn, Hirgon

Adapted from chapters ‘The Siege of Gondor’, ‘The Ride of the Rohirrim’ and ‘The Last Debate’ of The Lord of the Rings.

Pictures

  • The Siege of Minas Tirith – John Howe
  • Battle of Osgiliath – Shockbolt
  • Oathbreakers, Why Have Ye Come – Abe Papakhian
  • Last of All He Came – Anke Eissmann
  • Denethor Grieves For His Son – Anke Eissmann
  • The Aid of the Wild Men – Ted Nasmith
  • Angbor of Lamedon – Jan Pospisil
  • Legolas Comes to the Sea – Jef Murray
  • The Siege of Minas Tirith – Jesse Van Dijk
  • The Siege of Minas Tirith – Stephen Hickman
  • Gandalf Facing Witch-King – Angus McBride

Season 10 Episode 5 – The Battle of the Pelennor Fields

Rammas Echor

  • A great west wind blows away the darkness in front of the Rohirrim.
  • Dernhelm breaks rank and moves close to the King. The riders pass through the wall.
  • Theoden looks upon Minas Tirith. He speaks to his riders, issuing commands to Eomer, Grimbold and Elfhelm. He blows the great horn himself.

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Pelennor

  • The Witch-King leaves the gate.
  • The Rohirrim charge into the orc lines. They overrun the northern half of the Pelennor.

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  • Elfhelm drives the orcs and siege engines into the fire pits.
  • The Witch-King mounts a fell-beast, returning to attack the Rohirrim.

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  • The Haradrim lead their cavalry and mumakil against Theoden.
  • Theoden rides through the Haradrim, slaying their chieftain. The Rohirrim force the remainder to retreat.

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Minas Tirith

  • Pippin finds Beregond at the citadel. He tells Beregond of Denethor’s plan, yet Beregond has to break orders to save Faramir.
  • Pippin finds Gandalf. Imrahil takes over defense of the gate. Gandalf rides with Pippin to the tombs.
  • Beregond attacks Denethor, but is set upon by his guards. He slays two.

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  • Gandalf arrives. He takes out the two guards and confronts Denethor. Unable to reason with him, he pushes him aside and takes Faramir from the pyre. He pleads with Denethor to go down to the battle.
  • Denethor breaks his Steward’s staff on his knee and sets himself aflame, dying on the pyre with the Palantir in his hands.

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Pelennor

  • Theoden calls his riders to him. As he does so, the Witch-King attacks him from the air, killing Snowmane. Theoden is crushed by the horse’s body. Dernhelm and Merry are knocked from their horse.
  • Dernhelm stands between the Witch-King and Theoden. She reveals herself as Eowyn.

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  • Eowyn beheads the fell-beast. The Witch-King shatters Eowyn’s shield, but is stabbed by Merry from behind. Eowyn drives her sword between the Witch-King’s helm and armour, killing him. She collapses.

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  • Merry finds Theoden alive. Eomer rides up and Eothain picks up the King’s banner. Theoden hails Eomer as king before he dies.

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  • The Haradrim return with many more horsemen and mumakil. Eomer finds Eowyn on the field. In deep anger he and his men ride towards the mumakil, crying ‘death!’
  • The King’s men bear Theoden and Eowyn off the battlefield.
  • Imrahil leads the remaining strength of the city out of the gates. He finds the King’s men and shows them Eowyn is still alive.
  • Gandalf and Pippin see their hopes fade on the battlefield. Eomer and Imrahil are surrounded and they spot the ships on the Anduin.
  • Eomer prepares for a last stand. But out of the ships comes the standard of Arwen, followed by Aragorn and 4000 men of Gondor.

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  • The three armies fight long, until the forces of Mordor retreat.
  • The river and Pelennor burn red in the night. Aragorn looks over the slain, including Forlong, Dunhere, Hirluin, Grimbold and Halbarad.

Deaths – Theoden, Witch-King, Denethor, Halbarad, Grimbold, Guthlaf, Deorwine, Duilin, Derufin, Forlong, Gothmog, Hirluin, Dunhere, Fastred

Adapted from chapters ‘The Ride of the Rohirrim’, ‘The Battle of the Pelennor Fields’ and ‘The Pyre of Denethor’ of The Lord of the Rings.

Pictures

  • Eowyn’s Stand in the Pelennor Fields – Laurent Alquier
  • The Ride of the Rohirrim – Abe Papakhian
  • The Ride of the Rohirrim – Graham Wyckford
  • Pelennor Fields – Ruizburgos
  • The Black Serpent Founders – Anke Eissmann
  • Beregond – Magali Villeneuve
  • The Pyre of Denethor – Anke Eissmann
  • Eowyn and the Nazgul – Matt Stewart
  • Eowyn and the Witch-King – Alarie
  • Eowyn and the Lord of the Nazgul – Ted Nasmith
  • Eowyn and the Lord of the Nazgul – Donato Giancola
  • Merry and Theoden – Francesco Amadio
  • Thus Came Aragorn – Ted Nasmith

Season 10 Episode 6 – The Land of Shadow

Barad-Dur

  • Shagrat comes to the Tower. He shows Sauron the mithril vest. Sauron kills him.
  • Sauron commands the Ringwraiths to move forward their armies in the north.

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Gorgoroth

  • Sam and Frodo scurry away from Cirith Ungol. The Nazgul return from the battle to Barad-Dur. Frodo and Sam run and hide.
  • Under a bridge, they hear an orc company pass above them. They slide down a cliff into a tangle of thorns.
  • Frodo struggles to walk. He takes his orc-mail off. They see the west wind blow away some of the black cloud overhead.

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  • They find a stream, the first water they have had in days.
  • Frodo falls asleep and Sam keeps watch. He looks over Mordor and sees in the sky a white star. He falls asleep as well.

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Rivendell

  • With his elves departing, Elrond and Arwen receive news from Glorfindel of the victory in Gondor and battles in Dale, Mirkwood and Lothlorien.

Erebor

  • King Brand retreats to Erebor. Dain leads the dwarves out to fight. Brand is mortally wounded. Dain defends his body, but is wounded himself. They retreat inside the mountain.

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Mirkwood

  • The Woodland Realm is set alight. Thranduil rides out and repels the attackers.

Lothlorien

  • Celeborn drives back the third assault. Galadriel says they must destroy Dol Guldur.

Minas Tirith

  • Theoden is carried through the city. Pippin finds Merry.
  • Beregond brings Faramir to the Houses of Healing. Eowyn and Merry are also brought there.
  • Aragorn waits outside of the city for Denethor to allow him to enter. Imrahil tells him of Denethor’s fate. Aragorn appoints Imrahil as acting leader.
  • Gandalf meets Aragorn. He asks for aid in the Houses. He tells Eomer that Eowyn lives.
  • Aragorn asks for kingsfoil. Ioreth sends Bergil to fetch some.

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  • Aragorn heals Faramir, Eowyn and Merry, who awake and speak with him.
  • People gather to see Aragorn. They ask for his help in healing. He and the sons of Elrond work through the night.

Gorgoroth

  • Frodo and Sam see the vast armies of Mordor. They have no choice but to walk through.
  • They overhear two orcs talk of a great elven warrior on the loose.
  • Sam thinks he sees Gollum spying them.

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  • A battalion of orcs come up behind them. They hide but are spotted and forced into line.
  • Frodo stumbles. As he does, another orc company crashes into them. Scuffles break out and Sam drags Frodo out of the lines and into a pit.

Mirkwood

  • Thranduil and Celeborn meet in Mirkwood, planning to attack Dol Guldur

First Appearances – Ioreth, Brand, Bard II, Thorin III Stonehelm

Deaths – Shagrat. Brand, Dain

Adapted from chapters ‘The Houses of Healing’ and ‘The Land of Shadow’ and Appendix B of The Lord of the Rings and ‘The Quest for Erebor’ of Unfinished Tales

Pictures

  • Mordor – Dario Coelho
  • Barad-Dur – Alan Lee
  • Stench of Mordor – John Howe
  • Sam’s Revelation – Ted Nasmith
  • Dale Units vs Rhun – Jan Pospisil
  • Athelas – Anke Eissmann
  • Mount Doom – John Howe

Season 10 Episode 7 – Mount Doom

Minas Tirith

  • Legolas and Gimli reunite with Merry and Pippin.

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  • In the tents, Aragorn, Gandalf, Imrahil, Eomer, Elladan and Elrohir debate their next move.
  • Gandalf reveals the majority of Sauron’s host is still in Mordor. He suggests an attack on the Black Gate. The captains agree.

Gorgoroth

  • Frodo and Sam scurry from pit to pit, evading the legions of orcs.
  • Sam offers to carry the Ring for Frodo, but Frodo refuses.

Pelennor

  • The Army of the West gathers on Pelennor. Aragorn tells Merry he cannot go with them.

Minas Tirith

  • Merry and Bergil watch the army ride out. A Nazgul also watches.
  • Eowyn speaks to Faramir of her desire to follow Aragorn.

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Barad-Dur

  • Khamul reports to Sauron of Aragorn leading the army. Sauron orders the Mouth to lead the armies to the Gate.

Gorgoroth

  • The orcs push to the north. Frodo and Sam journey along the road to Barad-Dur.

Morgul Vale

  • Aragorn looks upon Minas Morgul. They burn the valley.

Gorgoroth

  • Frodo stumbles. They pass the Tower and turn south to Mt Doom.

Ithilien

  • Mablung thwarts an ambush. The heralds pronounce the coming of King Elessar.
  • Men cower and falter. Aragorn sends them to retake Cair Andros.

Gorgoroth

  • Frodo and Sam discard their armour. Sam gives Frodo the last water.

Black Gate

  • Aragorn sets his armies on the slag hills. He unfurls his banner and demands Sauron come forth.
  • The Mouth of Sauron rides from the Gate. He shows them Frodo’s mithril vest and Sam’s dagger.

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  • Gandalf is disheartened, but he rejects the Mouth’s terms. The Mouth rides back to the Gate. Orcs pour out and from the hills either side. Easterlings march from behind the towers.

Mount Doom

  • Sauron’s gaze passes by and turns north. Frodo sees Sauron.
  • Frodo claims he can no longer remember food, grass, star or flower. He collapses, attempts to get up but collapses again. Sam carries him.

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  • Sam reaches the Sammath Naur.

Black Gate

  • The Army of the West is surrounded. Aragorn speaks to the men. They attack the armies encircling them on the slag hills.
  • Hill trolls slam into the lines of Gondor. Beregond is knocked down. Pippin stabs the troll, which collapses on him.
  • The Nazgul attack. In the distance, Pippin sees the Eagles approaching and hears cries of ‘The Eagles are coming’

Mount Doom

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  • Sam is hit from behind by a rock. Gollum attacks Frodo. Frodo fights back and commands him to leave.
  • Sam attacks Gollum before he can strike again. Frodo runs into Mt Doom.
  • Gollum flees. Sam runs into Mt Doom. Frodo claims the Ring for himself. Gollum returns and knocks Sam down.

Barad-Dur

  • Sauron senses the Ring. The Nazgul race towards the mountain.

Mount Doom

  • Gollum fights with Frodo. He bites off Frodo’s finger.
  • Gollum dances with joy. He keeps his eye on the Ring, dancing closer to the end. With a cry of ‘Precious!’ he falls into the mountain.

At the Cracks of Doom, by Ted Nasmith

  • The mountain explodes. Fire licks the roof. Sam carries Frodo out from the mountain. Sam watches Barad-Dur crumble and battlements, towers and hills collapse all around it. The Nazgul are caught in the flames, falling out of the sky.

Barad-Dur

  • Sauron collapses in his falling tower. His body withers and disintegrates.

Black Gate

  • Gandalf stands upon the hill. The hosts of Mordor flee. The Towers of the Teeth collapse. The shadow of Sauron rises above Mordor, hand stretching out towards Gandalf, before being blown away by a wind from the West.

A Tolkien illustration by Ted Nasmith

  • The Army of the West charges the remainder of Sauron’s forces, most of who flee. Gimli lifts the troll off Pippin.

Mount Doom

  • Frodo and Sam collapse on an island in the fire, watching the clear sky to the north.

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First Appearance – Mouth of Sauron

Deaths – Sauron, Gollum, Khamul, Mouth of Sauron

Adapted from chapters ‘The Last Debate’, ‘The Black Gate Opens’ and ‘Mount Doom’ of The Lord of the Rings.

Pictures

  • At the Foot of Mt Doom – Ted Nasmith
  • Legolas and Gimli – Peter Xavier Price
  • The Houses of Healing – Ana Kusicka
  • Mouth of Sauron – John Howe
  • Frodo and Sam on Mount Doom – Soni Alcorn-Hender
  • Endgame on the Mountain – Ted Nasmith
  • At the Cracks of Doom – Ted Nasmith
  • The Shadow of Sauron – Ted Nasmith
  • On the Steps of Mount Doom – Donato Giancola