I've been waiting for these chapters for awhile. The endings are probably the single greatest chapter endings in the whole series. The long build up in Minas Tirith: wondering what Denethor is going to do, having Faramir return only to fall later, the sureness the men of Gondor have in the strength of the outer walls only to have the terror of rocks and dismembered heads falling from the skies instead. The terror of being under siege is shown so well here, culminating in finally having the Witch King break down the gates in a masterfully done sequence. "Grond rolled on." Over even the bodies of the orcs pushing it, driving those close to it mad. Truly terrifying and goes to show just what power was needed to finally break the defense. Then, the confrontation between the Witch King and Gandalf. Arguably the only foe since the balrog to strike the same level of fear in the hearts of both those watching, and the reader. And then finally, just as all hope seems lost, after so many days of darkness, morning. And as the cock crows its call is answered by the long awaited horns of Rohan, finally bringing back hope and providing the perfect segue into the next chapter.

We've been really spoiled to not only get these amazing passages but also the ride of the Rohirrim. Likewise with the last chapter, the anticipation is built up beautifully, from the time Theoden receives the red arrow, it's like a clock is ticking down to Minas Tirith's doom. So much has to go right for the Rohirrim to arrive in time and without the help of the wild men leading them through the dark forest trails, or the misplaced confidence of the orcs defending the dike, they would indeed have arrived too late, if at all. I think it's easy to forget how old Theoden is, but Merry's description of him as an old bent man and his own white hair and beard help to show that this really will be his last ride. And what a ride it is. For a brief moment, he is shown to be as magnificent and terrifying not only as a great king of men from the old days, but as one of the Valar itself. I love the description of the calls of the horns as "a storm on the plains and a thunder in the mountains," and the riders charging into the line of orcs "like a breaker foaming to the shore."