The King Is Crowned

Sam found himself on a soft bed unsure of where he was or when it was. However, a smell took him back to the day he made his rabbit stew and as he wondered aloud to himself a voice answered. It revealed that he was in Ithilien under the care of the King. As Sam discovered who spoke he was caught up in an overwhelming unlooked for joy: Gandalf whom Sam thought dead. The Wizard laughed such a merry laugh it sent Sam into a fit of tears; he had not heard that sound for time uncounted. Soon he too was laughing and jumping out of bed. "'How do I feel?' he cried. 'Well, I don't know how to say it. I feel, I feel,'--he waved his arms in the air--'I feel like spring after winter, and sun on the leaves; and like trumpets and harps and all the songs I have ever heard!'" (p. 230, The Return of the King). Sam asked about Frodo who had fallen asleep beside him. He roused and let Sam know he was alright. Gandalf explained that the King was waiting for them and would not ride to his crowning without them. As they changed to meet the King Gandalf gave them a most welcome surprise. "'Yes, I have brought you two treasures. They were found on Sam when you were rescued; the Lady Galadriel's gifts: your glass, Frodo; and your box, Sam. You will be glad to have these again'" (p. 231, The Return of the King).

Gandalf led the hobbits forth and there were many men of war about. All the men showed reverence to the hobbits as they passed. And so embarrassed they arrived where the Captains gathered each with his banner proudly flying. But proudest and tallest was the standard of King Aragorn and the hobbits were surprised to see there friend with Sam letting out a shout of exclamation for Strider. "'Yes, Sam, Strider,' said Aragorn. 'It is a long way, is it not, from Bree, where you did not like the look of me? A long way for us all, but yours has been the darkest road'" (p. 232, The Return of the King). In front of everyone Aragorn led the hobbits hand-in-hand to and set them upon the throne and then turned to the men watching and cried: "'Praise them with great praise!'" (p. 232, The Return of the King). And to Sam's everlasting delight there came a minstrel. "'Lo! lords and knights and men of valor unashamed, kings and princes, and fair people of Gondor, and Riders of Rohan, and ye sons of Elrond, and Dúnedain of the North, and Elf, and Dwarf, and greathearts of the Shire, and all free folk of the West, now listen to my lay. For I will sing to you of Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom!'" (p. 232, The Return of the King). Sam wept for all his wishes had come true. He was not alone as the minstrel's song led many to merriment and sorrow.

By now it was noon and meal was set forth. Frodo and Sam dined with the Captains. Gandalf had brought them a change of clothes and their swords. Frodo wished not to wear one but was encouraged to for the celebration feast. Gandalf girt them with swords as if he were an esquire and not a mighty Wizard. Joining them at the feast were Gimli and Legolas. They noticed two young boys serving and were surprised to see them among a fighting force. Upon closer look they realized it was both Merry and Pippin in the garb of Rohan and Gondor. They feasted throughout the day and as night drew in Frodo and Sam spoke late with Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, Legolas, and Gimli. They listened to the adventures of the Fellowship, all that happened after they parted ways. Sam was bewildered at the talk of Orc captures, talking trees, charging horses, and huge battles. What most confounded Sam was that Merry and Pippin had both grown at least three inches since their parting. Gimli stated: "'Mortals cannot go drinking end-draughts and expect no more to come of them than a pot of beer'" (p. 234, The Return of the King).

At long last Gandalf ushered Sam and Frodo to bed. They had come into Aragorn's care on the brink of death and were not fully healed. Gimli bid Pippin to rest as well for it had not been long since he found his friend under many bodies, including the troll, in the Battle of the Black Gate. "'I love you, if only because of the pains you have cost me, which I shall never forget. Nor shall I forget finding you on the hill of the last battle'" (p. 234, The Return of the King). Legolas opted not to sleep but rather wander in the fair woods of Ithilien, for they were near Henneth Annun. He thought to bring some of his kin here for a time but being so close to the Anduin and sea he could not shake it's calling. "'Long are the waves on the Last Shore falling, Sweet are the voices in the Lost Isle calling, In Eressea, in Elvenhome that no man can discover, Where the leaves fall not: land of my people for ever!'" (p. 235, The Return of the King). For almost a month the host dwelt in the Field of Cormallen tending its wounded. Some parties went out and fought with remnants of Easterlings and Southrons who served Sauron and did not love Men of the West. But by the eve of May the host camped near Minis Tirith. Aragorn would come to his City on the the 1st.

Through the month of April all things were made ready in the City for the King's return. Faramir, along with Húrin the Key Warden, Elfhelm and Eowyn, of Rohan, greeted the victorious Captains at the City entrance (the Gate had not yet been repaired). Men, women, and children now returned waited as the Lord Aragorn came forth. Accompanying him were Imrahil, Eomer, Gandalf, and four child-like halflings that the crowd strained to see. Ioreth began to give a rather long explanation to her cousin who the halflings were: "'Why cousin, one of them went with only his esquire into the Black Country and fought with the Dark Lord all by himself, and set fire to his Tower, if you can believe it'" (p. 244, The Return of the King). She went on the explain how she knew the King was returning before anyone else. She was cut off by trumpets blaring. Before all the people Faramir stated that the Steward wished to lay down his office but Aragorn would not let it end stating it was Faramir's duty. The Steward stated before the people that the King had returned and asked them if they wished him to king and dwell in the City. With one voice they affirmed this act. Ioreth then began to instruct her cousin again before being cut off by Faramir.

Faramir explained the custom of the crowning of the King and brought forth the helm. But Aragorn did not yet place the crown on his head. He gave it back saying: "'By the labour and valour of many I have come into my inheritance. In token of this I would have the Ring-bearer bring the crown to me, and let Mithrandir set it upon my head, if he will; for he has been the mover of all that has been accomplished, and this is his victory'" (p. 246, The Return of the King). And it was so. Placing the crown on his head Gandalf declared, "'Now come the days of the King, and may they be blessed while the thrones of the Valar endure!'" (p. 246, The Return of the King). The people beheld their King who looked like one of the sea-kings of ancient days. With trumpets and fanfare Aragorn entered the City. The City, under Aragorn's rule, became more glorious then at any point in it's past. The Gate was reforged of mithril and steel by the Folk of the Mountain and many gardens and trees were planted by the Folk of the Wood and many came to inhabit Minis Tirith.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3019, April 8th-May 1st
Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, pages 229-235; 243-246