The Witchking of the Nazgûl vanishes from the city gates to meet Théoden's attack. When Théoden's horse panics and falls on his rider, only Dernhelm and Merry stay. The Witchking laughs, convinced that no man can kill him, but Dernhelm reveals himself as Éowyn, a woman. Merry strikes at the Wraith, and when it stumbles, Éowyn destroys him. Théoden passes, and Éomer leads the Rohirrim in a vengeful charge, not caring about strategy. Merry follows Théoden's and Éowyn's bodies into the city. Éowyn is still alive, and the Gondorians send her to the Houses of Healing. Meanwhile, the fighting before the city goes against Gondor when a fleet of black-sailed ships appears on the river. As hope dies, the lead ship unfurls a banner, revealing the tree of Gondor. Aragorn and his men come to shore, along with many fighters they have gathered in southern Gondor, and soon win the battle.
Pippin begs Gandalf to save Faramir from Denethor's madness. In the mausoleum, they find Faramir laid on an unlit pyre, but Gandalf quickly removes him. The wizard reminds the steward that he should defend his city, but Denethor laughs. He reveals that he holds a palantír, and that it shows victory is impossible. He refuses to yield his power to Aragorn, and if he cannot rule Gondor himself in peace, he prefers death. He tries to stab Faramir, but when that fails he leaps onto the pyre and sets it alight. The horrified witnesses bear Faramir to the Houses of Healing.
