Aragorn’s army fights at the Black Gate, but suddenly Sauron’s forces begin to panic. As the Eagles arrive, the Nazgûl flee, turning back toward Mount Doom. Some of the men try to press their advantage, but Gandalf commands them to hold, saying that the moment of judgment is now upon them. As the Ring is destroyed, the army of Mordor flees. Orcs scatter or die by suicide and most of the men allied with Sauron surrender. Gandalf calls upon Gwaihir, the leader of the Eagles, to carry him into Mordor. Meanwhile, Sam encourages Frodo to try to go outside of the Crack of Doom, despite the fact that they believe they have no chance of surviving. They collapse on the mountainside but are rescued by Gandalf and the Eagles.

Sam wakes up in Ithilien again and is overjoyed to find Gandalf alive. Frodo is awake and healed as well, having been tended by the King. Frodo and Sam are brought before the new King and recognize that it is Aragorn, who they still call Strider. Aragorn bows before them and places them on the throne while the rest of the army sings their praises.