Summary

Chapter 5: “The Steward and the King” jumps back to before the quest was finished from the perspective of Minas Tirith. Faramir meets Lady Eowyn in the Houses of Healing. Faramir falls in love with her. For days, they wait for news of Gondor’s success, and eventually see the darkness break. Messengers arrive with news of Aragorn’s victory. With the conflict resolved, Eowyn’s longing for war fades, and she and Faramir agree to wed.

When Aragorn returns, Faramir rides out of the gate of Minas Tirith and offers him the keys of the city and an ancient crown. Aragorn calls for the Ring-bearer and Gandalf. Frodo hands the crown to Gandalf, who crowns Aragorn. Gandalf explains that the Third Age of Middle-earth has passed and the Age of Men has begun.

The day before Midsummer, a group of Elves approaches Minas Tirith...