10 Best The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Moments
5. Théoden’s Return to Form
The Rohirrim reach the Pellenor Fields, a golden glow in the sky above them. The Orcs are preparing to take Minis Tirith (under a dark sky – it’s all very symbolic). The soldiers are weary from Helm’s Deep, from their journey, and from the years with a lack of direction thanks to Saruman and Wormtongue. They are thrilled to have a leader once again.
And what a leader.
Without Wormtongue’s fog, and bolstered by the win at Helm’s Deep, Théoden rides. He does so in direct contrast to Gothmog, who demands “form ranks, maggots.”
Théoden clangs the spears and starts the battle cry.
4. Pippin Saves Faramir
From moaning about breakfast, to waking up the Belrog and peering directly into Sauron’s eye, it’s fair to say Pippin has been more of a hindrance than a help on this mission. Once in Minis Tirith, he finally comes into his own.
He saves Gandalf’s life and is accepted (albeit, slightly mockingly) into the Gondolorian Guard. Not really expected to fight, Pippin spends much of his time with Denethor (John Noble), whose erratic behaviour becomes more troubling by the minute.
It is Pippin who realises the injured Faramir (David Wenham) is still alive on the funeral pyre and he runs to Gandalf to help save the wounded soldier.
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3. You Bow to No One
The battle is won, Aragorn is king and has been reunited with Arwen. Everyone is clean and fresh and remarkably their formal attire wasn’t lost to any of the fires or castle wall breeches. It is a happy day.
Aragorn approaches Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin who all bow their heads in reverence. He chastises them: “My friends, you bow to no one.”
The King of actual Gondor drops to his knees and thousands of others follow suit, making the hobbits the tallest in the scene for once.
Goosebumps.
