Most prominent in this sequence, however, is the History of the Ring theme, which makes its debut appearance following the opening Lothlórien clip. Throughout the Prologue, Shore highlights a single purpose of his History theme: “It’s showing you how the Ring has traveled from hand to hand.” Galadriel continues her narration, as again this History theme introduces the Ring to its new owners: Isildur, and then Gollum/Sméagol (skulking in his dank cave and accompanied by his Pity theme). The Nameless Fear passage plays under the Lady of the Galadhrim, for though it looks as if the Ring has receded from Middle-earth’s everyday life, we well know that it shall again make its presence known. Sure enough, with another cor anglais statement of the History theme the Ring passes to Bilbo Baggins of the Shire.
UNUSED CONCEPT:
The filmmakers originally shot Fellowship’s prologue as a shorter sequence for which Shore wrote a self-contained four minute composition. During the film’s editing, it was decided that a lengthier sequence would set up the film’s story with a more detailed and visceral punch. The film’s Prologue was expanded, and so Shore went back and composed a new work to match the edit. The first composition (featuring the text, “The Battle of Dagorlad”) was presented on The Fellowship of the Ring’s original soundtrack album in 2001, but never appeared in the final film. While the two Prologue scores are similar, the final version (now presented on disc for the first time) considerably expands the original concept and captures the opening action with a raw collection of orchestral outbursts, hinting at the level of conflict that The Two Towers and The Return of the King will present.
TEXTS
FOOTSTEPS OF DOOM
Text from J. R. R. Tolkien
Adapted by Philippa Boyens
Sindarin Translation by David Salo
FIRST HEARD: DISC ONE | TRACK ONE
Man sí minna? | Who enters here?
Man ammen toltha i dann hen Amarth? | Who brings to us this token of Doom?
I anann darthant dam morn | That which has stood so long against the darkness
Si dannatha. | will now fall.
THE REVELATION OF THE RINGWRAITHS
Text by Philippa Boyens
Adûnaic Translation by David Salo
FIRST HEARD: DISC ONE | TRACK ONE
Nêbâbîtham Magânanê | We renounce our Maker.
Nêtabdam dâur-ad | We cleave to the darkness.
Nêpâm nêd abârat-aglar | We take unto ourselves the power and glory.
îdô Nidir nênâkham | Behold! We are the Nine,
Bârî’n Katharâd | The Lords of Unending Life.
(c) The Annotated Score (The Music of The Lord of the Rings Films)
Prologue: One Ring to Rule Them All
Howard Shore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Man ammen toltha i dann hen Amarth? Who brings to us this token of Doom?
I anann darthant dam morn That which has stood so long against the darkness
Si dannatha. will now fall.
Nêbâbîtham Magânanê We renounce our Maker.
Nêtabdam dâur-ad We cleave to the darkness.
Nêpâm nêd abârat-aglar We take unto ourselves the power and glory.
Bârî’n Katharâd The Lords of Unending Life.
The lyrics of Howard Shore's song Prologue: One Ring to Rule Them All in The Lord of the Rings contain a dialogue between two characters, most likely the dark forces' leaders. The first few lines set a tense atmosphere with questions about the identity of the visitor and the purpose of his arrival. The second part is a recitation of what seems to be a pledge or proclamation of allegiance to the dark forces' cause. The group of Nine proclaims they renounce their Maker, cleave to the darkness, and take power and glory unto themselves, culminating in the Lords of Unending Life.
The lyrics convey a significant element of the story, showcasing the power struggle between good and evil. They provide a glimpse into the villains' inner world, their motivations, and their plans. The dialogue between the dark force's leaders sets the evils' intentions and reveals their stand as they approach the ultimate destruction of Middle-earth. The lyrics' tone is imposing and menacing, revealing the story's impending doom to capture the listener's attention.
Line by Line Meaning
Man sí minna? Who enters here?
Who is this that approaches us?
Man ammen toltha i dann hen Amarth? Who brings to us this token of Doom?
Who has brought us this sign of evil?
I anann darthant dam morn That which has stood so long against the darkness
That which has fought against the shadow for so long
Si dannatha. will now fall.
Will now be defeated
Nêbâbîtham Magânanê We renounce our Maker.
We reject our creator.
Nêtabdam dâur-ad We cleave to the darkness.
We embrace the darkness.
Nêpâm nêd abârat-aglar We take unto ourselves the power and glory.
We claim the power and glory for ourselves.
îdô Nidir nênâkham Behold! We are the Nine,
Look! We are the nine,
Bârî’n Katharâd The Lords of Unending Life.
The immortal lords.
Contributed by Gavin O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.