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The Lord of the Rings Book V Summary

Book Five of The Lord of the Rings begins as Gandalf rides to Minas Tirith with Pippin. Once there, they journey with haste to Denethor, Steward of Gondor. After recounting Boromir’s death to him, Pippin pledges himself to Denethor’s service and becomes acquainted with the City. Slowly, Minas Tirith prepares for battle with the forces of Mordor.

Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli are met by a company of Rangers, and together they travel to the Paths of the Dead. Théoden's men prepare to ride to the aid of Gondor in battle. Despite their desire to fight, Merry and Éowyn are charged with remaining at Edoras. However, Éowyn disguises herself as Dernhelm and rides on, with Merry, toward Minas Tirith and war.

In Minas Tirith, an overwhelming darkness lingers over the city as it is under siege by Sauron’s armies. After returning from battle mortally wounded, Faramir is carried into the tombs at the order of Denethor, who has fallen into madness. In the midst of battle, Denethor attempts to burn himself and Faramir alive. Although Gandalf is able to rescue Faramir, Denethor succeeds in ending his own life. The battle rages on, and all hope seems lost, until the cock’s crow welcomes morning and the arrival of the Riders of Rohan.

At the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Éowyn stands between the Nazgûl King and Théoden, defending his life. With the help of Merry, she defeats him, though badly wounded. Soon, Aragorn arrives from the Paths of the Dead, followed by an army of the dead. At this, the battle turns in their favor and though they have lost a great number of their own, they are victorious.

After the battle, the wounded are taken into the Houses of Healing. There, Faramir, Éowyn, and Merry are healed by Aragorn. Gandalf advises the captains to march upon the gates of Mordor in order to give the Ring-bearer one last chance. And so they prepare for a hopeless battle, gathering what armies remain and marching to Mordor.

At the Black Gate, they are met by the Mouth of Sauron, who comes bearing three tokens: Samwise’s sword, an elven cloak, and Frodo’s mithril coat. Claiming to hold a hobbit as a prisoner, Sauron demands victory and dominion over Gondor and its allies. However, Gandalf rejects the terms and the battle is begun. As Pippin is crushed by a troll, he hears voices crying: “The Eagles are coming!”