After passing the Argonath, enormous statues carved from the cliffs themselves that mark the ancient boundary of Gondor, the party comes to a lake and the shores of Amon Hen, the Hill of Sight, where they must decide which way to take. Frodo cannot choose, and asks for an hour alone to consider his options. Boromir secretly follows him and tries to convince him to take the Ring to Minas Tirith. Boromir's words reveal that he desires to wield the Ring himself, and he attempts to take it from Frodo. Frightened, the hobbit puts on the Ring and runs to the top of the hill, where he finds a stone seat. From that spot, he magically perceives the movement of armies and the smoke of battle throughout Middle-earth. As with Galadriel's mirror, he is nearly seen by Sauron, but a voice warns him to remove the Ring just in time. Aware of the danger and knowing that the madness that took Boromir will gradually reach all the other members of the Fellowship, he resolves to go to Mordor alone.
When the other members of the Fellowship realize that Boromir has gone, they separate and begin to search for him and Frodo. Aragorn runs toward the Seat, but Sam realizes what Frodo will decide to do and returns to the shore. He catches Frodo trying to slip away in one of the boats, and insists on going with him. They cross the lake and set off together toward Mordor.
