The countryside as they journey south becomes green and pleasant, blooming with herbs and flowers, although marked by signs of disease. Gollum goes hunting during their midday rest, returning with rabbits. Gollum would rather eat them raw and leaves rather than watch Sam spoil the meat by cooking it. The fire attracts men of Gondor, who hold Frodo and Sam captive. They are part of a company ambushing Sauron's forces, led by Faramir. The hobbits witness the ambush, and Sam is thrilled to see an oliphaunt.
After the battle, Faramir finds Frodo's explanations unsatisfying. When Frodo tells him to ask Boromir, Faramir reveals that Boromir, his brother, is dead. Nevertheless, Faramir takes Frodo and Sam to his hidden base, Henneth Annûn, and along the way tells Frodo that he knows that the hobbit did not part well with Boromir, and that he now carries an item of great importance to the Enemy. Not knowing what it is, Faramir swears that he would not pick up the Ring if it lay in the road. Sam accidentally reveals that Frodo's burden is the Ring, but Faramir stands by his word, making no attempt to take it.
In the night, Faramir wakes Frodo and shows him Gollum fishing in the sacred pool of Henneth Annûn. Frodo begs that Gollum's life be spared, and Faramir agrees if Frodo will help the Gondorians to capture him. Frodo does so, but Gollum feels betrayed; his fragile trust is broken. Faramir warns the hobbits against following Gollum, but he cannot offer any alternative. Frodo resolves to continue.
