The Field of Cormallen

The Field of Cormallen lies in fair Ithilien, near the falls of Henneth Annûn, where the stream from the hidden refuge rushes down through its rocky gate into the Anduin. After the destruction of the One Ring and the fall of Barad-dûr, the Captains of the West led their host to this green land to rest and heal. There, under the beechen boughs and the sunlight of early spring, the weary were tended and the wounded recovered, while the great army made ready for the return to Minas Tirith.

The Honouring of the Ring-bearers

On the eighth day of April in the Shire-reckoning, the entire host was drawn up in ranks and companies on the field, glittering in the sun. Three high-seats built of green turves had been set up: behind the seat on the right floated a great horse running free upon a white-and-green banner, the emblem of Rohan; on the left a silver ship with swan-shaped prow faring on blue water, the banner of Dol Amroth; and behind the highest throne in the midst a great standard was spread in the breeze, bearing a white tree flowering upon a sable field beneath a shining crown and seven glittering stars—the restored arms of the King of Gondor. On that throne sat Aragorn son of Arathorn, now King Elessar, mail-clad, with a great sword laid across his knees but no helm upon his head. When Frodo and Samwise came forward, he rose, and to the utter confusion of Sam and the wonder of all, he knelt before them, took them by the hand, and led them to the throne, setting them upon it. Then he turned to the host and cried: 'Praise them with great praise!' The shout that swelled up from the army was taken up in many tongues: 'Long live the Halflings! Praise them with great praise! Frodo and Samwise! The Ring-bearers, praise them with great praise!'

The Minstrel's Lay

When the glad shouting had died away, a minstrel of Gondor stepped forth, knelt, and begged leave to sing. He announced that he would sing of Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom. Sam, hearing this, laughed aloud for sheer delight and cried out that all his wishes had come true, and then wept. The minstrel sang in the elven-tongue and in the speech of the West, until the hearts of all who listened were wounded with sweet words and their joy was like swords. The song carried them in thought out to regions where pain and delight flow together and tears are the very wine of blessedness. He ended as the sun fell from noon and the shadows of the trees lengthened, kneeling once more and saying: 'Praise them with great praise!'

The Feast and the Gifts

After the ceremony, the host passed to pavilions made ready to eat and drink and make merry while the day lasted. Frodo and Sam were led apart to a tent, where their old raiment was taken off and folded with honour, and clean linen was given to them. Gandalf brought Frodo the sword Sting, the elven-cloak, and the mithril-coat that had been taken from him in Mordor; for Sam he brought a coat of gilded mail and his elven-cloak, all healed of the soils and hurts it had suffered. He laid before them two swords: Frodo took Sting again, but gave Sam the small sword that had lain at his side in Cirith Ungol, saying that Bilbo had given Sting to him and it went with the silver coat. Gandalf, as if he were their esquire, knelt and girt the sword-belts about them, and then set circlets of silver upon their heads. Thus arrayed, they went to the great feast and sat at the King's table with Gandalf, King Éomer of Rohan, Prince Imrahil, and all the chief captains, and there also were Gimli and Legolas. Merry and Pippin, now knights of the City and of the Mark, served as esquires. That night, under the whispering trees of Ithilien, Frodo and Sam sat with Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, Legolas, and Gimli, and learned at last the full tale of all that had happened to the Company after their fellowship was broken at Parth Galen.

The Significance of the Event

The Field of Cormallen is the moment of public recognition and reintegration for the Ring-bearers, the place where the long journey from the Shire to Mordor is acknowledged by the free peoples of Middle-earth. It is the counterpart to the secret burden carried through the darkness: here, in the light of day and before the assembled armies, Frodo and Sam receive the honour that their deeds have earned. The event also serves as the formal transition from war to the restoration of the kingdom, as the host prepares to return to Minas Tirith for the crowning of the King. The minstrel's lay, which Sam had longed to hear, ensures that the story of the Ring-bearers will be remembered in song for generations to come.