Beacon of Amon Dîn | Beacons of Minas Tirith | Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

#Lotr #TheReturnOfTheKing #TheLordOfTheRings
“…The Lord of the City had beacons built on the tops of outlying hills along both borders of the great range, and maintained posts on these points where fresh horses were always in readiness to bear his errand-riders to Rohan in the North, or to Belfalas in the South.” - Gandalf to Pippin
The beacons were two series of permanently manned stations maintained by the lord of Minas Tirith for raising the alarm in northern and southern Gondor respectively. The stations were on the summits of foothills in the White Mountains (Ered Nimrais). The stations kept signal fires in readiness and stabled fresh horses for couriers.
The northern posts, listed from nearest to Minas Tirith to nearest Rohan, were Amon Dîn, Eilenach, Nardol, Erelas, Min-Rimmon, Calenhad and Halifirien.

[@carpma11]

The unsung hero of this franchise is the dude that plays Theoden. He absolutely crushes every single moment he’s on screen.

[@AlexanderNixonArtHistory]

yup

[@anthrillienmorningstar797]

Absolutely. He just communicates so much with every look. Theoden's pause is not really out of malice, but because he knows the bloodshed he's committing his people to if he answers the call for aid after the slaughter they just suffered at the hands of Isengard. But he understands the stakes involved, so he does it anyway. He fully expects that the mission will claim his life, but off he goes. The actor communicates all of this in a few words and looks. He does not look delighted to be off to war again. His posture communicates resignation to an evil that is absolutely necessary, rather than a glory hungry hero. More than any other character in this series he seems to communicate the awful human cost of war.

[@Tekkentacles]

He played the overwhelmed captain in the Titanic film too so the contrast is amazing. Here he kicks ass.

[@Aaron-fb1pq]

@@anthrillienmorningstar797 wow, nice insight very accurate.

[@drum909]

Then I'll sing.. his name is Bernard Hill.

[@macouto8]

RIP Bernard Hill. King Theoden will always be among my favourite characters from TLOTR saga.

[@briantaulbee5744]

I think this is so powerful, at least in part, because it glorifies something that we don't usually glorify: asking for help. That's not something we're usually taught to do; asking for help is often perceived as a sign of weakness. But everyone needs help at some point, and this makes that asking heroic. I think our lives would be better if we were more comfortable with that idea.

[@AquaLangistify]

But also the answer, even if u r disappointed because nobody helped u before

[@dorsia6938]

Great analysis, asking for help is also about overcoming gear and takes courage to do. We see Denethor consumed by his fear and paranoia which prevents him from reaching out.

[@AaDoOoNy]

Asking help from God is the most heroic thing.

[@elisabettamacghille4623]

You're right but I think it's so powerful even because it gives back life to hope.

[@dunstalker]

Yes, AND for me Gandalf is an absolute opposite of Saruman and Sauron. Where they thought in terms of power, control and order, Gandalf thinks of freedom, humanity and appreciation for the weak. It's almost a polar opposite if you think about it. Just imagine it, Sauron musters his armies and thinks in how to make countries weaker by debilitating Theoden and possibly feeding corruption of Gondor. But Gandalf doesn't create his armies to match this, he actually sends one hobbit to light the fire. Theoden, healed and free to make his own mind, is so moved by the sacrifice of elves in Helms Deep and Aragorn's help that he completely changes his mind! He makes his "Where was Gondor" speech just before the battle, but you can see after returning to Edoras, he's a changed man. That's the power of freedom, of humanity, of asking for help! Gandalf never FORCED Theoden to do it, he just places his allies in good positions (You must ride to Edoras), and leaves the people of MiddleEarth to make their own choices. This is something that both Saruman and Sauron completely underestimates and so are not able to anticipate.

[@Tusharchitrakar]

The men being posted at these beacons having to wait once every 20 years for them to be lit deserve some recognition for their relentless perseverance and appreciation for eternal boredom

[@olidojosephd.9054]

Gondor Armed Forces |_ Gondor Army |_ 1st King's Own Beacon Guard Platoon |_ 1st Amon Dîn Elite Signal Fireteam |_ 2nd Eilenach Elite Signal Fireteam |_ 5th Min-Rimmon Elite Signal Fireteam |_ 3rd Nardol Signal Fireteam |_ 4th Erelas Signal Fireteam |_ 6th Calenhad Signal Fireteam |_ 7th Amon Anwar Signal Fireteam |_ 8th Beacon Guard Logistics and Maintenance Corps

[@hafor2846]

Sitting in a beautiful spot, chilling with your buddies doesn't sound too bad tbh.

[@PeterParker-ff7ub]

What do you think work is?

[@brandywinebridget]

I mean, people IRL choose to be lighthouse keepers Not much of a difference tbh

[@VeteranGaming_GamingUnited]

@Tushar Vijay A little late, but prior to this, the beacons hadn't been lit in centuries

[@ivangonzalez5812]

Almost 20 years, I'm 40 yo now, and this scene still makes a tear of emotion come to my eyes, every time the beacons are lit and Theoden holds his breath before commiting to war... Movie magic at its finest.

[@gebswife]

Agree

[@kinkubus74]

I shed a tear for what Hollywood has become; from solid gold like this to what passes for films these days...

[@olidojosephd.9054]

@@kinkubus74 Yeah, more CGI garbage.

[@SpydeyDan]

@@kinkubus74 Hollywood was no different then than it is now. This trilogy happened by sheer luck and force of will. It could just as easily have ended up as a one-film travesty produced and quickly buried by Miramax.

[@farkes816]

Main thing about the trilogy is the soundtrack, which is always pefrectly placed, used when it should be and there are parts where music is not needed. Which always make for great way to hit into emotions. Lot of new movies have just music placed everywhere which is just terrible sometimes. Lord of Thee Rings always used the right kind of music for scenes that fit what is just happening.

[@OlOleander]

The scene is incredibly moving, no doubt. One thing that always grabs me is the quick shot of the mountain watchmen featured around 00:37. Almost entirely forgotten in the books, PJ does a wonderful job of telling a bit of their stories in a few seconds: they are stationed on a lonely mountaintop, in a beehive camp (a great nod to the premodern British societies that Tolkien drew from), on a long and monotonous mission: watch for a light that will never be lit, keep the beacon that will never be lit dry and oiled, and keep a constant watch for a barely visible speck of light on the horizon. When at last these lonely men, serving duty to their people on a lonely mountain peak days away from the nearest village, are called to action, they do not hesitate: they have kept the watch, and they light their beacon. Even after lighting the pyre, which should be their sole duty, one of their number stands next to the burning wood and waves his torch with both hands, just to make absolutely sure the message is transmitted. Often forgotten are these small parts in both the movies and in war. We should never forget that these watchful lightkeepers saved Middle Earth, and that their real-world counterparts stand lonely stations to preserve the lives of poor sods in forgotten corners of the world. As for my part, I, ex-Navy, salute the Coast Guard, who voluntarily stand lonely, isolated, and hardbitten stations like this every day of the year. Semper fortis, you puddle pirates, and keep the lights lit. We'll be ready with a hot cup and a drink for you when you get back. We'd be lost without you.

[@tonyt.r.5313]

Please know that you made this scene, so muh better for me. And I wish to think that Tolkien would agree with you entirely!

[@Evil0tto]

Astoundingly well put. Kudos to you.

[@jordanfitzgerald7886]

I believe Beehive Huts are only in Ireland. But close enough to Britain all the same geographically.

[@Jalexlaw]

I dont think I've ever read such an evocative YT comment. This is poetry. And you've further added to my enjoyment of this wonderful scene - cheers pal and thanks for your service

[@halsigmund3426]

I wondered about the one who is standing next to the beacon and waving his torch and what that was about. I wonder if the guards at Minas Tirith got into any trouble since they were not ordered to light their beacon?

[@ima311boy]

I worked at our local movie theater when this movie was released and would walk in to do a theater check just to watch this scene every time. Takes my breath away without fail. I love it!

[@LadyhawksLairDotCom]

It was amazing on the large screen. I'd like to see this whole saga on the big screen one more time before I die.

[@justalonesoul5825]

@@LadyhawksLairDotCom Wow how true. I've watched it over and over so many times but it's really not the same. There must be LOTR marathons on big screens in some places, I'm sure :D

[@yespls4184]

What I would give to watch these films for the first time once again!

[@alexkats30]

Well played my friend, well played

[@beachcomber4141]

NICE!!!

[@warhammerguy]

Peter Jackson: Ok we are gonna have a scene where we light some fires, so compose some music that fits but you don't have to go too overboard. Howard Shore: Alright Peter sounds good "Proceeds to go completely overboard and creates a timeless masterpiece".

[@PeterParker-ff7ub]

not overboard

[@gracelenroc5696]

There is no such thing as overboard when it comes to Lord of the Rings. And Howard Shore simply made an epic piece for an epic film during an epic scene of hope being kindled.

[@traviskillsback4778]

This the scene that makes rohan get involved so of course he gonna go overboard

[@ir8free]

This track uses the leitmotif/theme for Gondor.

[@tonyt.r.5313]

Beautiful meme comment!

[@jesusbermudez8344]

This is why I love Theoden, he didn't take more than 5 seconds to put his grievances and grudges aside. My 🐐 of the triology.

[@justalonesoul5825]

To be fair he's just out of an epic battle where they stood victorious after intense bravery, and he's freaking pumped up at that moment, contrarily to his previous hesitations before first engaging :)

[@carlosaugustodinizgarcia3526]

He was dumb and too prideful. Book Theoden had not hesitation is answer Gondor call. He remember the promise of his ancestors.The film version turned him into a different person.

[@david9243]

@@justalonesoul5825: Dont forget he had been taunted by Saruman earlier about him being the lesser son of mightier fathers, that the victory belonged to Aragorn and that his kingdom had fell into despair and darkness (thanks to Saruman trough his puppet Grima). Theoden saw the historic opportunity to redeem himself and he died happy knowing he wouldnt be ashamed next to his fathers. I know the movies are presenting this in the third movie but this happens after Helms Deep.

[@kbrnsr]

​@david9243 I would actually argue that he was more than a little negative. Gondor was oathbound to help when Rohan called for it, and vice versa, but didn't answer. Then why should Rohan answer when the beacon was lit? Send help to the land of oath-breakers? Theoden had to set aside whatever grudge amd fears he had and and do the right thing as a King

[@Mexican_Jedi]

There's too many 🐐(in my opinion) to say just one is the goat. Theoden is absolutely one of them.

[@randomuserthatuploadsrando68]

This movie has no right being this fucking good

[@djordan4648]

It had excellent source material to work with.

[@twinkthatloveslotrtrilogy7676]

Why? More movies should be like this

[@metalmadness5851]

Being a giant effort by fans of the series to craft the best possible adaptation of one of the greatest series of novels, isn't worthy?

[@olidojosephd.9054]

Yes it is.

[@ktvindicare]

I would argue, it might be the ONLY movie with the right to be this fucking good. The effort, the blood sweat and tears to make it so, is so apparent on screen in every scene. This is what "love what you do" by real masters of the craft looks like. We as an audience should rarely accept anything less.

[@guerrillascholar]

"And Rohan will answer!" There are entire action-adventure movies that don't have as much testosterone as Theoden packs into that one single line.

[@Mexican_Jedi]

Entire franchises.

[@apprentice70]

Mind blowing that every shot of the mountains is real. All shot from Helicopter in New Zealand. The Best movie making of our time.

[@modicabanesasii8297]

0:03 Minas Tirith (0mi) 0:16 Amon-Din (35mi) 0:41 Eilenach (75mi) 1:02 Nardol (105mi) 1:12 Erelas (155mi) 1:18 Min-Rimmon (200mi) 1:23 Calenhad (245mi) 1:30 Amon-Anwar (275mi) 1:37 Edoras (315mi)

[@lastprophet9904]

Thanks

[@godmodeus9150]

que capo

[@Tsuneo625]

Whoa. This is awesome. Are the distances listed in the books? I'm guessing they are.

[@bars4791]

@@Tsuneo625 The map has a scale and the places of the beacons are shown in detailed maps so I assume it's measurable by that way. + In the books, names of the all of the seven beacons are listed, but a little difference is that all beacons were already lit when Gandalf and Pippin arrived Minas Tirith

[@spinalrocksable]

I see you are a man of culture.

[@shakkaphillips2444]

This scene is one of my fav scenes in all of cinema. The score the cinematography and the meaning behind is so impactful in my opinion.

[@ysn12288]

My favorite scene in all of LOTR and top 3 probably in all cinema. The music, the cinematography, the importance at that point in the journey/plot... I mean, its just.... *perfect*

[@erynwald2164]

Same here. I almost feel like I’m disrespecting the actors by favouring this scene but it’s just so powerful and moving.

[@shakkaphillips2444]

0:32

[@kinkubus74]

In all the trilogy, this sequence gives me the most hope

[@martinharris5017]

And by God we need hope right now.

[@hafor2846]

I mean, there's Boromir's Death, the last charge at Helm's Deep, the Ride of the Rohirrim and Aragorn's speech at the Black Gate. This is one of the best, no doubt. But most of these movies is great

[@billthepony7505]

Everytime. EVERY time I watch this, I get goosebumps so intense. No movie or tv show has been able to produce such a reaction from my body.

[@claireseelig3347]

there are certainly many things that tolkien would not love about these movies, as wonderful as they are, but in my mind this is the one scene that i am almost certain he'd like

[@dumbdude3103]

Essentially any scene that glorifies war or fighting he'd despise. But the hopeful and joyful moments I'd imagine he'd enjoy.

[@jasperl180]

I bet he would also like the music. Such an epic score

[@jay-1800]

It’s a great scene but they did kinda get it wrong in the movies. The beacons aren’t meant to signal Rohan but Gondors other lands to send reinforcements to Minas Tirith the messenger to Rohan goes on horseback on Gandalf and Pippins way to Minas Tirith they actually passed by the messenger for Rohan

[@LadyhawksLairDotCom]

@@jay-1800 Visual art is completely different from written art. When adapting a book to the screen, changes are necessary for an engaging story. Even though I grew up reading _The Hobbit_ and _The Lord of the Rings_ and didn't see the movies until my mid-thirties, I agreed with most of Peter Jackson's changes, including this one. Changing visuals to enhance the story are usually acceptable to me. The changes I didn't like involved out-of-character scenes like Sam leaving Frodo and Faramir nearly falling to the Ring, but because the LOTR movies are so epic, I have no trouble forgiving the few changes I didn't like. I loved these films. It's too bad Christopher Tolkien didn't care for them. He was very protective of the source material and rightly so, but sometimes when you're too close to something, you can't see it clearly. Or maybe taste in art is so subjective, both of us are right. Probably the latter.

[@justalonesoul5825]

@@LadyhawksLairDotCom Love your comment, very insightful! The "misguided ways" (both literal and figurative...) of Faramir with Frodo's party were the part of the movies that troubled me the most as well to be fair. There was so much disservice done to the House of Ecthelion in the movies overall... Boromir and Denethor also look quite much worse than they need to. But your point stands.

[@88scottsman]

those are some dedicated stewards. beacons haven't been lit in hundreds of years and they're still on top of it.

[@Feargal011]

@mowgli2071 We know - from the book - that Gandalf had urged able bodied men to muster at Harrowdale to meet the king and to prepare to join the war in Gondor. I assume the beacons were then prepared - though how they were lit during Gandalf's two day mad ride from Edoras to Minas Tirith is another story. I wish the movie had included the Red Arrow - the official summons from Gondor for Rohan to assist it in its defence against Mordor.

[@paulzuk1468]

@mowgli2071 I kind of like better the idea that they did, indeed, spend generations faithfully tending to the beacons, only for all their efforts and dedication to pay off in one, crucial moment that decided the fate of an age. A quiet watch and ceaseless work, unassuming, wholly unlike heroic deeds on the battlefield, but nevertheless - essential to final victory over evil.

[@pigpig252]

@@paulzuk1468 yeah I agree. The idea that people dedicated their lives to manning these beacons. Waiting for the day they were needed. It’s very compelling

[@justalonesoul5825]

@@paulzuk1468 I agree with all that but I'd also suppose that they would be on rotations, in a special corps maybe, not spending whole lifes up there =)

[@alejandroyava]

It must be said, this movies wouldn't have half of the magic without Howard Shore's absulute AWESOME music score! The music of this scene alone is full of rythm, movement, power. The guy is a genius, and no movie franchise can compare to this one until today.

[@justalonesoul5825]

I keep adding it to my playlists now and then, love playing it in the background although it's often a bit distracting as I cant help reliving many scenes of the movies when the according music starts playing... It's just fantastic.

[@lukajibuti7927]

It is so amazing that the first half of the music when the beacons are lit, the music tries to find the tune, meaning the the Rohan tune, and when its found it just explodes. Its an amazing progression.

[@alejandroyava]

@@lukajibuti7927 A little correction there. It isn't Rohan's theme, but Gondor. The second half is a more developed theme of the song we hear when Gandalf arrives to Minas Tirith for the first time. Besides, is more of a prelude that reaches the second half than "finding the tune" Rohan's theme is always that tune that we hear with violins, when we see Edoras, or during the ride of the Rohirrin

[@AdolfoSalinasP]

Viggo Mortensen said "the soundtrack was 50% of the movie and if the Trilogy ls pure beauty and epicness is because Howard Shore's music. He deserved 3 Oscars for the entire trilogy

[@nurba_nurba]

1:04 I love how melody explodes into epic music!

[@stuffifollow]

Bloody hell, this LOTR trilogy will be very hard to surpass. Notice all the imagery of this scene combined with the soundtrack, which plays a decisive role on the monumental impact.

[@TheRuddster95]

One trilogy to rule them all

[@deker0954]

It cannot even be equaled.

[@TheDoug625]

I think it's safe to say it will never be matched....ever. This is it, cinematic perfection.

[@watiwo]

One of the greatest scenes in film history

[@MMuraseofSandvich]

4:00 This is the only reference to the battles fought in the north in the entire trilogy.

[@steeevealbright]

that part isn't even in the Theatrical Cut

[@mikoajtokar5846]

@@steeevealbright no one cares about theatrical cut

[@jgoulden]

I so want to see that movie. Call it "Erebor." ACT ONE: All is well. The dwarves and men and elves are engaged in commerce, everyone gets along. But... agents of Sauron arrive, offering "rings as of old" to Dain Ironfoot. Three times they ask and three times he sends them away... and then the armies arrive, sooner than expected. A hasty retreat into the mountain, with Dain and King Bard protecting the rear. And (this is straight from the appendices) Bard falls and Dain stands astride the body of his friend and refuses to yield until he too is slain. ACT TWO: The siege. Plenty of time for Hugo Weaving and Evangeline Lilly to reprise their characters as the Elves of Mirkwood harass Sauron's armies and run supplies into the mountain and so on. ACT THREE: Final battle. An army from the Iron Hills (possibly led by the two Blue Wizards!) arrives and we have a massive battle to finish off the movie.

[@jpdr7081]

​@@jgoulden Bard is dead 😢

[@GlitchDoctor]

​@@jpdr7081I think he slightly misremembered the events. He meant King _Brand_ of Dale, whose son was Bard II.

[@rio20d]

RiP Bernard HIll.....you are always forever be our Theoden King of Rohan.... yes Rohan will answer!!!....such a simple and short line but just as epic

[@ghostnappa553]

Still feel the swelling emotions in this scene. Howard Shore's score and the gorgeous scenery sweep my away every time.

[@redasdu84]

From a trilogy filled with incredible music, this may be my favourite piece. Absolutely epic.

[@beachcomber4141]

Yeah, the music of LOTR is fantastic, and this is one of it's greatest passages by far.

[@riverrist]

I like the fact that the most glorious part of the Gondor theme is played in the moment they seek for help. This moment of seeking help marks the beginning of restoring Gondor to its former glory.

[@angelohuakailiao7682]

I still get chill when I hear the king says “Rohan will answer”

[@mestreinsolito]

loyalty, dignity, friendship, bravery, selflessness, sacrifice... this masterpiece has everything and more!

[@thenationalradar8355]

This scene makes me smile and cry at the same time. Human spirit at work.

[@CybershamanX]

The music (especially the violins) as we follow the beacons being lit in succession brings tears to my eyes. 🥲

[@beachcomber4141]

Absolutely. So powerful!

[@trish3754]

RIP Bernard Hill

[@Killzoneguy117]

Imagine you see a beacon lit but its completely pouring at your own beacon.

[@marchlander1]

That would be quite uncomfortable situation. But I think those are well stacked to avoid such situation. And maintained, after all those men are there for a reason.

[@franticsledder]

they'd eventually manage to light it up, bit of delay is not that critical. would be far worse if they didn't see the other beacon

[@arkhaan7066]

In IRL cases of long distance signal beacons they are ideally supposed to be in sight of two beacons each direction. That way if one beacon fails to light the chain might still continue

[@TheSuperkooz]

they would dump oil on the pyre (as pippin does right before this scene on the beacon of minas tirith)... ever keep a bonfire going in the rain with gasoline?

[@peteinthedesert7082]

For 2:30, no dialogue... just stunning scenery, seeing the beacons "talk" to one another, amazing music building suspense during the entire scene. One of the best scenes in the entire franchise. So well done.

[@nycot107]

Thoeden wasn't helping Gondor for Denethor, he was helping Gondor because he knew it was the right thing to do, and without his men, Gondor would not have lasted long. He also knew that if Gondor fell, then the rest of Middle Earth would be next.

[@user-kb6xn6ig7k]

"Now is the hour, riders of Rohan. Oaths you have taken; now fulfill them all ! To Lord and Land " - my favorite speech by Eomer.

[@mateuszurbanski2678]

I love Karl Urban's play. He's underrated.

[@I_Get_Computers_Puting]

People don't realize how much of a boss Eomer is. He stays ready to fight for his king.

[@alice-dl6mf]

Eomer casually takes down two oliphaunts with one spear throw. Absolute legend

[@chosenman8172]

The true heroes of this whole trilogy was the soldiers assigned to those posts along the whole path of the beacons. Not only did they stay at their posts, they paid attention so that when the call came it wasn’t interrupted. That sort of dedication is so rare in the world these days.

[@entrace1]

Cinemaphotography is out of this world in this scene. Epic.

[@warallied]

among the greatest scene in the history of cinema.

[@carlozabbia1157]

It was fitting that this movie, the climax of the trilogy, won the Oscar for best picture.

[@mk1317]

Not only best picture. It won every category it was nominated in....a clean sweep. Only 1 or 2 other movies can make that claim I believe

[@alice-dl6mf]

@@mk1317yup. Ben Hur and Titanic I think are the other two

[@duneydan7993]

Now that's a project! Can u imagine doing it for real? Having beacons installed through europe and across mountain ranges and measuring the time it takes from start to the end.

[@HrLBolle]

in ancient days the Empire of Rome had just such a system along the Limes

[@VeteranGaming_GamingUnited]

It took four days of travel to get from Edoras to Minas Tirith. Fit horses can travel up to (roughly) 100 miles per day. Taking note that there were 6,000 soldiers with full gear on horses with armour, we can bring the estimate to around 80-90 days as a buffer to avoid an overestimation. 80*4 = 320 (estimated) miles. Going off measurements from the map, it is roughly 100 leagues (just over 300 miles) from Edoras to Minas Tirith so this checks out. This is roughly the distance from Des Moines Iowa to Chicago Illinois or London to Edinburgh. All this is a long winded way of narrowing down the time to see how long it would take the beacons from start to finish. With the mountain ranges not allowing a straight line and mist lowering visibility, to those on watch's attentiveness are all things needed to take into account. In the movie, the day light doesn't seem to differ to much, but it does get later in the evening (in the books they used messengers, not beacons) so roughly 4-6 hours max I'd imagine for the beacons.

[@HrLBolle]

@@VeteranGaming_GamingUnited on a related thought, the up-keeping of the beacons would be quite the undertaking

[@VeteranGaming_GamingUnited]

I feel I should add, that Lord Denethor (Steward of Gondor) had lit the beacons prior to Gandalf's arrival, but other stuff was going on when they were first lit. The movement of Rohan (in the books) started because of a messenger of Gondor brought forth a red arrow (used only in dire times). The messenger was actually killed on the way back to Gondor so Minas Tirith had no way of knowing if Rohan was actually coming.

[@VeteranGaming_GamingUnited]

@@HrLBolle true. prior to this, the beacons had not been lit for a very very long time.

[@AndrewTheMandrew531]

“Gondor calls for aid!”

[@zarinaa1135]

"And Rohan will answer!"

[@FrizFroz]

"Muster the Rohirrim!"

[@olidojosephd.9054]

Sending thoughts, prayers, and positive energy to Gondor. Theoden added a temporary profile picture.

[@fergushancock3567]

@@FrizFroz I grit my teeth at that line. It is 'Then call the heralds, Eomer. Let the Riders be marshalled!" then Eomer says (a bit later) "Forth Eorlingas!!

[@TheRuddster95]

@@fergushancock3567 fell deeds, awake!

[@kosanovskiy]

RIP. Rohan has Answered.

[@shaneoneil6088]

This is simply one of the greatest moments in cinematic existence. Just pure and simple perfection that we did not know we needed or could possibly imagine happening. Every single bit of this (and the Ride of the Rohirrim) is just perfect. How else can you explain this?

[@twinkthatloveslotrtrilogy7676]

I just watched this in local theater and during this scene chill ran down my spine.. It was incredibly epic..

[@tetrodotoxin99]

00:53 the two fellas waving their a$$ off while the music is building up is absolute cinema

[@AIMInvestorJournal]

Magnificent moment. Goosebumps everytime!

[@khalidsaiv6613]

Eomer short speech always give me a goosebumps

[@khadorstrong]

This simple scene is better than almost any scene, in any modern movie. And, it's just one of a million great scenes in this series.

[@blutch222]

The violin playing while the beacons are lit is one of the prettiest sounds I've heard.

[@tomaszwitkowski9507]

Beacons are definitely my favorite scene from entire saga. Back in cinema, it was breathtaking.

[@a.morphous66]

I love Theoden so much, man. Too many words have been wasted on how it’s easier to talk about helping others than to actually do so; Theoden is that sentiment’s antithesis. He can talk tough, he can say plenty about not helping Gondor in revenge for their denial of his need, but when he had to make the choice, he could never leave them to die. Ironic that his reign was marked by insecurity and failure, and it was just so that a failure to live up to this stubborn principle saved the race of Men entirely.

[@devrindare]

That's how Gandalf ignites hope for everyone.

[@alice-dl6mf]

Nah. That was all pippin

[@colleenross8752]

At Gandalf's request

[@juanch6936]

This must be a fantasy world because every single beacon worker did their job.

[@ElenaWraithSevatarion]

Underrated comment

[@dbz9393]

its an important job

[@Hananotaka]

Karl Urban knows how to do a “Now is the hour!” speech.

[@Mexican_Jedi]

An epic inspirational pre-battle speech

[@bri-guy8757]

That's actually a brilliant concept, for asking for help from a neighboring nation, in a time period like that.

[@ricardos4257]

If I am not mistaken, the Byzantine Empire had a system like this

[@bri-guy8757]

@@ricardos4257 I had a feeling that they got it from some historical source.

[@tzakl5556]

It’s how the Great Wall of China signaled that there was an incoming enemy

[@jadewebb4465]

This is also how Britain signalled the Spanish armada was coming across the channel.

[@MaureenLycaon]

@@bri-guy8757 It also appears in the Ancient Greek tragedy Agamemnon, by Aeschylus.

[@Dzaen2]

this is maybe the most epic scene of all time

[@olivierbonfond2651]

2'12' Theoden : "Hmmm, can't we pretend we haven't seen anything?"

[@olidojosephd.9054]

Yes, in fact, none of the Rohirrim and Rohan civilians are guarding or watching Gondor's Beacon of Halifirien (the last of the 7 beacon chain and also the one's nearest to Rohan's border. Peter Jackson inaccurately showed 13 beacons) if it will lit or not, only Aragorn did.

[@newq]

These movies are timeless.

[@aldolowe7340]

Those shots and that score, still do it for me every time. This movie can never be remade or rebooted and will stand the test of time

[@NTFTimo]

For me amongst the best scenes in Movie History, the Pictures, the Music, just perfect!

[@smegzmckenzie9219]

When it's time for the next Company worker satisfaction survery, those mountain watchmen are going to give great scores on the question "I understand how my work contributes to overall company success"

[@glendoucette624]

That is classic Aragorn is lighting his pipe just as the beacon was lit.😂

[@horatiowilson2305]

Muster the Rohirrim, most powerful line ever spoken in cinematographic history. Get goosebumps every time.

[@v_atal]

Perfect harmony with the scene and music.. OMG!! Masterpiece!!

[@gavinday1365]

RIP Bernard Hill. The one true King.

[@rickwatkins6449]

That moment when King Theoden pauses you can tell he's thinking " this is it no turning back now"

[@ATM-du2gx]

Always loved the look Legolas gave Theoden as the king made his decision. “Is he gonna do it? 🤨”

[@alejandrohinojosa6512]

My favourite scenes of all the movies!

[@Oldag75]

"War is kindled. See! There is the fire on Amon Din, and flame on Eilenach; and there they go speeding west: Nardol, Erelas, Min-Rimmon, Calenhad, and the Halifirien on the borders of Rohan." In the book, this took place early on, at Gondor's behest, Gandalf noting that it would be too late for lighting the beacons to do any good AFTER the battle had begun. Still, great movie-making.

[@trivensingh7372]

I always think the Era of great movies if over. I have accepted the fact that i will never see an Epic like this in my lifetime.

[@yakobelt]

Don’t give up hope! Perhaps the age of great movies is not yet over, I think we may yet see some more truly epic masterpieces. There’s many great minds around still, all we need is one great idea, one spark. But I do agree that nothing can top the original Lord of the Rings trilogy, beautiful films unlike any other!

[@colinbaldwin313]

Well, many in Middle-Earth (on both sides) were quite confident that the Age of Men was over; that didn't make it so. There is always hope.

[@beachcomber4141]

Every time I watch this movie, which has been many times in my life, I grab the remote control and crank up this scene. One of those rare moments in cinema where the music and visual compliment themselves in a breath taking way. One of the greatest scenes in movie history IMHO.

[@nathanfitzgerald6651]

I'll certainly drink to that sir! The whole sequence keeps giving me chilling goosebumps all over my body!

[@beachcomber4141]

@@nathanfitzgerald6651 Indeed!! I fell asleep watching ROTK and woke up during this scene and it moved me so much I couldn't get back to sleep. Goosebumps for sure!

[@jennysanimations4181]

Beacons of Minas Tirith: **being lit with epic music** Me every time: **excited vibrating**

[@bard6125]

Four words to give any moviegoer goosebumps “And Rohan will answer”

[@hotwelder21]

Does anyone else get chills and watery eyed with this scene? Or are you guys normal?

[@Au60schild]

Karl Urban is such a stud in this film. It jump started his career outside of New Zealand. It's almost as though Peter Jackson recognized his potential in giving him so much close-up face time and key lines.

[@rynes.rai7er993]

Love it how his instincts tell him to look under thr blanket, even though there's no printing by the sword.

[@tallguy779]

Yeah, he sees the sword and he's like "just to the encampment. Uh-huh, sure"

[@TheGoonsies]

2:11 lol I can't help but think of this meme template where he just responds with "Thoughts and prayers are with Gondor. Sending positive energy their way."

[@Karcarius]

The music really makes this scene.

[@0mnicide]

“The beacons of hunger! The beacons are lit! Gondor calls for lunch!” “And Rohan’s Deli will answer.. Mustard the Roast Pork!”

[@OMGtheykilledKenny42]

Salted pork!

[@tallguy779]

@@OMGtheykilledKenny42 it's particularly good

[@firingallcylinders2949]

Something people tend to forget is that Aragorn running in there, it's literally the True King of Gondor running into Theoden's Hall and asking for help to save it.

[@MasteroChieftan]

"Hope is kindled." - Gandalf

[@Entsafterle]

Most epic scene ever. No exceptions.

[@sketcheadiscoming]

The music to this trilogy literally gives me goosebumps in scenes like this

[@ililiiilll2042]

Still the best fantasy movie ever! (2024)

[@elektrogstanzl]

„… and Rohan will answer!“ Keep that in mind whenever someone asks you for help!

[@hgtrftfr]

"Your people have no need to march for war, I fear war has already begun on their lands" I like how he mentions the other part from the game war in the north ecause at this time in the movie the dwarves are actually fighting to protect their lands in the north

[@szymonbober2280]

1:05 Trumpet team:our time has come!

[@calecurphey6135]

"So, it is before the walls of Minas Tirith our fate will be decided" Such a random internal monologue and one of the only in the trilogy, not even by one of the 3 main characters and yet it's perfect

[@zigomertrubahin]

I like Éomer at the end. "Good speech. Nice and short!"

[@OMGtheykilledKenny42]

I'm glad the soundtrack for the mountain range shots of the beacons was used for LOTR: The Third Age's main menu! Howard Shore is one of the greats!

[@glynrh8892]

What an underrated game

[@OMGtheykilledKenny42]

@@glynrh8892 I liked that it was similar to FFX in gameplay.

[@rbutthamilton]

Beacon watcher: I only have one job since forever and nothing happened to those damn beacons. Aragorn: hold my tea

[@fadlya.rahman4113]

I imagine they have a fortified settlement build near those beacon. The Beacon's guards and their family live in those settlements, along with people of other trade that support the community like blacksmith, carpenter, horsebreeder, tanner, etc. It's also possible that the task of guarding the beacon is hereditary, from father to his first son and so on.

[@hazeldavis3176]

Theoden! What a man, what a king!

[@athansky25]

🔥The Beacons evokes wonder and grandest picturesque views in context with awe inspiring music, trumpets. Goosebumps!

[@AB-eq9mm]

Lord of the Rings only gets more relevant every year

[@Amadeus8484]

Gimli: "THAT STILL ONLY COUNTS AS ONE!"

[@rossmerchant8435]

Maybe my favorite musical moment in the whole trilogy. Almost sounds like something from the finale of a Bruckner symphony