Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli find the remains of the orcs at the edge of Fangorn and follow the hobbits' tracks into the forest. They meet a white-robed wizard under the trees whom they at first take to be Saruman, but he reveals himself as Gandalf returned. When he fell in Moria he continued to fight the Balrog and eventually overcame him. The ordeal changed him, and he has returned in white to signify that he is now the head of the wizard's council. Gandalf takes the three remaining members of the Fellowship to Edoras, Rohan's capital, to counter the evil influence of Saruman. King Théoden has listened to the evil counsels of Wormtongue, Saruman's spy, succumbing to old age and despair. Gandalf rouses him from his stupor and reveals Wormtongue's treachery. Éowyn, Théoden's niece and Éomer's sister, admires Aragorn. Théoden then musters his army and leads them to the fortress of Helm's Deep. The Rohirrim defeat Saruman's enormous army, although they suffer many losses. Unexpectedly, a great forest of trees appears in the valley and destroys all the orcs that try to escape.
After the battle at Helm's Deep, Gandalf takes Théoden and his companions to Isengard. Where they had expected to find a wizard's stronghold, they find ruins. Merry and Pippin, left to wait at the gate, explain that the Ents have destroyed Isengard, although Saruman himself remains hidden in the impenetrable tower of Orthanc. Gandalf speaks to the fallen wizard, offering him a chance to repent. When Saruman refuses, Gandalf breaks his staff. Wormtongue, perhaps trying to hit Saruman, throws a crystal ball out the window. Later that night, Pippin sneaks a look into the stone and encounters Sauron himself. Fortunately, Gandalf breaks the contact before the hobbit has a chance to reveal Frodo's quest to destroy the Ring.
