The Lord of the Rings - Radio Drama | Mount Doom (Episode 12)

E12. Covering "The Return of the King"": Book 5 - Chapters 10; Book 6 - Chapter 2-3-4-5-6.

Frodo and Sam travel with the Orc company at an excruciating pace. Frodo is in agony from the Ring’s increasing weight. After a time, they reach a busy crossroads. Armies from the south were moving in anticipation of Aragorn’s army. In the confusion of the converging companies, Frodo and Sam jump aside and crawl behind a nearby boulder.

While Aragorn and the forces of Gondor are away, the city of Gondor remains shrouded in fear. Faramir meet Lady Éowyn in the Houses of Healing. Éowyn longs for the chance to fight with the Riders of Rohan against Mordor. Her sadness, mixed with pride and beauty, lead Faramir to fall in love with her.

The army, with Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas and Pippin (but not Merry) marches to the black gate. The Mouth of Sauron comes out to discuss terms, and presents tokens which were owned by Frodo; he then departs and the army of Mordor attacks them. Frodo and Sam reach Mount Doom. Gollum takes the ring from Frodo and falls into the mountain's fire. Captains of the west are victorious; Frodo and Sam are rescued by Gandalf; all the company meets again in Ithilien. A great throng of people awaited the Hobbits. At their emergence, the crowd burst into thunderous applause, singing songs in praise of the Hobbits.

The citizens of Minas Tirith break out in song. Messengers soon arriv telling of Aragorn’s victory. The conflict resolved, Éowyn’s longing for war fades, and she and Faramir agreed to wed. When Aragorn returns, Faramir rides out of the gate of Minas Tirith and offeres him the keys of the city and an ancient crown. Aragorn calls for the Ring-bearer and Gandalf. Frodo hands the crown to Gandalf, who places it upon Aragorn’s brow.

The day before Midsummer, a group of Elves approaches Minas Tirith. Celeborn and Galadriel, Elrohir and Elladan, and all the Elf princes arrived in the city. Behind them, mightiest of all, is Elrond with his daughter, Arwen. On the day of Midsummer, Aragorn (now called King Aragorn II) and Arwen are wed. Queen Arwen, seeking to repay Frodo for his immeasurable service and suffering, offers him a gift. When the time came, he may sail in her stead across the Great Sea to the unknown West, where the Elves dwelt in eternal youth and joy.

The company rides north to Rohan and bade farewell to Éomer, honouring the memory of Théoden. After a brief stay in Rohan, they set off again.