The film The Two Towers concludes with the Helm’s Deep battle won, though narrowly, thanks to the unexpected arrival of Gandalf the White and Éomer with reinforcements at dawn. This victory secures Rohan’s immediate survival, but the threat of Mordor, personified by the looming power of Sauron, remains potent and sets the stage for The Return of the King.
Understanding the Climax: The Battle of Helm’s Deep and Its Aftermath
The climax of The Two Towers revolves around the desperate defense of Helm’s Deep, a fortress within the mountain range of Rohan. King Théoden, initially weakened by Gríma Wormtongue’s influence, finds his resolve and leads his people to seek refuge within its walls. However, the sheer force of Saruman’s Uruk-hai army, estimated to be around 10,000 strong, threatens to overwhelm the defenders.
The battle rages throughout the night, with the Uruk-hai using siege ladders, explosives (created by Saruman’s dark magic), and sheer numbers to breach the defenses. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli fight valiantly alongside the Rohirrim, inspiring them to resist the seemingly inevitable defeat.
As the defenses crumble and despair sets in, Aragorn leads a desperate sortie to attempt to relieve the pressure on the main gate. This courageous act buys them time, but the situation remains dire.
Then, as dawn breaks, a blinding light appears on the hilltop. Gandalf the White, who had promised to return with help, arrives with Éomer and a large force of Rohirrim soldiers. This surprise attack decimates the remaining Uruk-hai, scattering them and turning the tide of the battle. The forces of good triumph, but at a heavy cost, and the shadow of Mordor still looms large.
Frodo and Sam’s Journey: Facing Shelob’s Lair
While the epic battle consumes Rohan, Frodo and Sam continue their perilous journey to Mordor to destroy the One Ring. Guided by the treacherous Gollum, they navigate the Emyn Muil and eventually reach the Dead Marshes, a haunting landscape filled with the ghosts of fallen warriors. This section of the film highlights the corrupting influence of the Ring and the psychological toll it takes on Frodo.
Gollum, torn between his desire for the Ring and a burgeoning connection with Frodo, leads them to a secret passage through the Ephel Dúath, the mountain range guarding Mordor. Unbeknownst to Frodo and Sam, Gollum plans to betray them and reclaim the Ring for himself.
The film ends with Frodo entering the dreaded lair of Shelob, a giant spider guarding the pass into Mordor. While the movie doesn’t depict the actual encounter, the looming dread and Gollum’s sinister laughter foreshadow the dangers that lie ahead. This cliffhanger leaves the audience in suspense, wondering if Frodo and Sam will survive their encounter with the monstrous Shelob.
The Significance of the Ending
The ending of The Two Towers is significant for several reasons:
- It underscores the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. Despite the desperate situation at Helm’s Deep, the Rohirrim and their allies never gave up.
- It highlights the duality of good and evil, showcasing the strength of camaraderie and the corrupting influence of power. The bonds between Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, as well as Frodo and Sam, stand in stark contrast to the treachery of Gollum and the malevolence of Saruman.
- It sets the stage for the final chapter of the saga, The Return of the King. The victory at Helm’s Deep is a crucial turning point, but the war is far from over. Frodo’s journey to Mordor remains fraught with peril, and the fate of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3: What specific role did Aragorn play in the victory at Helm’s Deep?
Aragorn acted as a crucial leader and strategist at Helm’s Deep. He inspired the Rohirrim with his courage and fighting skills, bolstering their morale. He also led a daring sortie to relieve the pressure on the main gate, buying valuable time for the defenders. His actions were instrumental in holding the line until Gandalf’s arrival.
H3: What happened to Saruman after the Battle of Helm’s Deep?
While Saruman’s Uruk-hai army was defeated at Helm’s Deep, Saruman himself remained at Isengard. He continued to plot and scheme, becoming increasingly paranoid and isolated. His eventual fate is explored in The Return of the King. He remains a threat, although his military power is significantly weakened.
H3: Why didn’t Gandalf arrive at Helm’s Deep sooner?
Gandalf went to seek out Éomer and the scattered Rohirrim who had been banished by Gríma Wormtongue. He needed to rally these forces and bring them to Helm’s Deep at the critical moment. His timing was deliberate, aiming to deliver the most impactful blow to Saruman’s forces.
H3: What was the significance of the Deeping Wall being breached?
The breaching of the Deeping Wall was a critical moment in the battle, signifying a major breakthrough for the Uruk-hai. It exposed the inner courtyard of Helm’s Deep, making the defenders much more vulnerable. This made the situation particularly desperate and almost led to the Rohirrim’s defeat.
H3: What role did Gimli and Legolas play in the battle?
Gimli and Legolas acted as incredibly skilled warriors, significantly bolstering the defenses of Helm’s Deep. They engaged in a friendly competition to see who could slay more Uruk-hai, their presence provided vital combat prowess and further inspired the Rohan soldiers. Their unique skills complemented Aragorn’s leadership, forming a formidable fighting force.
H3: Why did the Uruk-hai retreat after Gandalf’s arrival?
The Uruk-hai retreated because the arrival of Gandalf and Éomer with a fresh force of Rohirrim shattered their morale and turned the tide of the battle. The Rohirrim’s charge, combined with the element of surprise and Gandalf’s powerful presence, proved too much for the depleted Uruk-hai to withstand. They were routed and scattered, marking a decisive victory for the forces of good.
H3: What is Shelob, and why is she so dangerous?
Shelob is a gigantic spider descended from the ancient Ungoliant, a creature of pure darkness. She resides in the passes of Cirith Ungol, guarding the approaches to Mordor. She is incredibly powerful, stealthy, and venomous, posing a deadly threat to anyone who enters her lair.
H3: What motivates Gollum to betray Frodo and Sam?
Gollum’s primary motivation is his insatiable desire for the One Ring, which he refers to as “my precious.” He is corrupted by its power and will do anything to reclaim it. His brief moments of empathy and loyalty towards Frodo are overshadowed by his overwhelming obsession.
H3: What are the Dead Marshes, and why are they so haunting?
The Dead Marshes are a vast swampland filled with the bodies of fallen warriors from a past battle. Their ghostly apparitions rise from the water, creating a terrifying and depressing atmosphere. They symbolize the futility of war and the lingering pain of the past.
H3: How does the film adapt the source material from Tolkien’s novel?
The film adaptation largely follows the main plot points of The Two Towers novel. However, some details are altered or omitted for pacing and cinematic effect. For example, the film focuses more heavily on the battle of Helm’s Deep, while certain subplots involving the Ents are condensed.
H3: What are the Ents, and what role do they play in the overall story?
The Ents are ancient, tree-like beings who live in Fangorn Forest. They are the shepherds of the trees and are deeply connected to the natural world. They play a crucial role in the destruction of Isengard, striking a blow against Saruman’s forces and disrupting his war machine.
H3: Why is the victory at Helm’s Deep considered so important, despite the ongoing threat of Mordor?
The victory at Helm’s Deep is crucial because it secures Rohan’s survival, preventing Saruman from easily conquering them and providing Sauron with a valuable ally and strategic foothold. It buys Middle-earth time and hope, allowing the forces of good to regroup and prepare for the final confrontation against Sauron in The Return of the King. It’s a pivotal moment in the war against evil, a beacon in the growing darkness.