b o r o m i r   &   f r o d o

LORD OF THE RINGS - (c) Three Foot Six Ltd.

BOROMIR

BOROMIR, a warrior and son of the Steward of Gondor, has been part of the Fellowship of the Ring escorting FRODO. He has been steadfast and brave, but a long hidden desire to take the Ring and use it in defense of his country has overcome his loyalty to the cause. He waits until FRODO is alone, and steals up behind him.

FRODO senses something behind him and turns.

BOROMIR
I was afraid for you Frodo. If Aragorn is right and Orcs are near, then none of us should wander alone, and you least of all, so much depends on you.
(pause)
And yet I know why you seek solitude.

FRODO
You do?

BOROMIR
You suffer. I see it day by day. Are you sure you do not suffer needlessly? I wish to help you.

FRODO
You can't help me. I know what I should do, it's only, I'm afraid of doing it.

BOROMIR
Afraid? No. You need advice. Won't you take mine?

FRODO
I think I know what your advice would be, Boromir. And it would seem like wisdom but for the warning in my heart.

BOROMIR
Warning? Against what?

FRODO
Against delay. Against the way that seems easier. Against refusal of the burden that's been laid on me.
(pause)
Against, if it must be said, against the strength and truth of Men.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

BOROMIR
That strength has long protected you, far away in your little country.

FRODO
I know your people are brave, but the world is changing. Your castle walls are strong, but if they fall, then what?

BOROMIR
Then we fall valiantly in battle. But they will not fall, not while there is hope.

FRODO
There is no hope while the Ring lasts.

A strange look steals into BOROMIR'S eyes at the mention of the Ring.

BOROMIR
It's a strange fate that we suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing. Such a little thing.
(pause)
I caught a glimpse of it in the House of Elrond. I would dearly love to see it again.

FRODO
No.

FRODO steps away from him, suddenly tense.

FRODO
(cont'd) It is best kept hidden.

BOROMIR
(regaining composure) Very well ... but come with me at least to Minas Tirith. My city is close now and you could rest before the next stage of your journey ...

FRODO does not reply and steps further away. BOROMIR grows agitated.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

BOROMIR
(cont'd) Why do you recoil? I am no thief. Yes, I wish to have the Ring, but not to keep. Lend me the Ring - let me but try my plan.

FRODO
No! The Council of Elrond charged me to bear it alone.

BOROMIR
The Council of Fools! They bade a Halfling walk into the clutches of the Enemy! It is madness! You go to your death and to the ruin of us all. Give me the Ring!

BOROMIR lunges at FRODO who puts on the Ring and disappears. BOROMIR gasps, and lashes out with his sword.

BOROMIR
Miserable trickster! Let me get my hands on you! I see your mind - you'll take the Ring to Sauron, you will betray us! Curse you and all Halflings to death and darkness!!

He stands there a moment, then appears stunned by what he has just said. Comprehension of his actions fills his mind and he begins to weep.

BOROMIR
(cont'd) Frodo! Come back! It was madness, Frodo?! ... What have I done???!

-END-