Summary

“The Pyre of Denethor” returns the story to Pippin. When the Black Captain disappears from the gate of Minas Tirith, Pippin runs to tell Gandalf what is happening in the tower. Reaching the door to the House of Stewards, Gandalf and Pippin find Denethor’s servants with torches and swords as only Beregond holds the door against them.

Denethor opens the door and draws his sword, but Gandalf disarms him. Denethor says Faramir has already burned. Gandalf finds Faramir still alive on the funeral pyre. Gandalf lifts Faramir and carries him away. Denethor warns that the West is doomed because he has seen the black ships of the Enemy approaching. Denethor lights the funeral pyre and throws himself on it, clutching the palantir.

Gandalf and Beregond take Faramir to the Houses of Healing. As they leave the House of Stewards collapses in flames...