King Éomer returns to Minas Tirith from Rohan, where his people are preparing to receive the body of their late king Théoden who lies in state in the Citadel of the White Tower.
The body of King Théoden sets out upon its last journey; having laid in state in the Citadel of Minas Tirith for the four months since his fall in the Battle of the Pelennor, he will now be returned to Edoras where a mound at the bottom of the hill will be ready to receive him. The remaining Company of the Ring are among the throng that rides northwest to escort the body. Though Aragorn and Arwen will return to Minas Tirith after the funeral, all the rest of the Company will be continuing north toward their homes — Legolas and Gimli to the north east toward the Forest and Lonely Mountain, while Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin journey northwest toward the Shire. They will be joined along some portion of their way by Gandalf and many High-elves, among whom ride Elrond, Galadriel, and Celeborn.