The Lord of the Rings - Radio Drama | The Choices of Master Samwise (Episode 10)

E10. Covering "The Two Towers": Book 4 - Chapters 8-9-10; & "The Return of the King"": Book 5 - Chapters 4-5; Book 6 - Chapter 1.

Denethor upbraid Faramir for showing cowardice in defending the outposts. The Steward bitterly remarked that Boromir, his other son, would have brought him a "mighty gift"—meaning the Ring. Gandalf pointed out that Boromir would have kept the "gift" for himself. The two men argued, and Pippin again sensed the strain between them. Denethor opposed sending the Ring with a Hobbit into the hands of Sauron, believing that he himself should have been given the Ring for safekeeping. The gathering dispersed. Pippin asked Gandalf why, as Faramir had indicated, Frodo and Sam were traveling with Gollum. Gandalf feared Gollum’s treachery, but noted that perhaps some good may yet come of Gollum’s actions. The next morning, Denethor sents Faramir to protect the outlying ruins of Osgiliath, where Mordor's armies were likely to strike first. Faramir dutifully accepts the perilous—possibly suicidal—assignment from his father.

Frodo, Sam and Gollum witness an army leaving Minas Morgul. Frodo and Sam try to cross the pass of Cirith Ungol into Mordor, but are attacked by the giant spider Shelob. Frodo is stung and trussed up like a fly. Frodo is taken by the orcs. Sam listens to the orcs talking about him, which is how he finds out that he is still alive, having thought that Frodo had been killed by Shelob.

Gandalf rode off toward Osgiliath to help fight the Black Captain. The Wizard returned the next day, leading many wounded men. Faramir remained at Pelennor, trying to hold his men together to execute a safe retreat. Minas Tirith is besieged by the forces of Mordor.

Sam goes to find Frodo in the orc tower.