The Lord Of The Ring: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Fellowship
5. Gandalf Did Not Lead The Defence Of Minas Tirith Alone
During The Return of the King, Gandalf is shown single-handedly leading the defence of Minas Tirith, after Denethor goes mad. This gave audiences yet another reason to love Ian McKellen. Thousands of orcs might be knocking at your gate, but when Sir Ian's running around dressed as Gandalf, things don't seem so bad.
In the books, however, Gandalf is just one of several key figures who lead the defence of the city. When the beacons of Gondor are lit, it's not only the Rohirrim who answer the call, but a number of Gondor's southern allies. Among them is Forlong "The Fat" Lord of Lossarnach, and Prince Imrahil. Forlong is a huge, bearded man who leads a fearsome company of axe-wielding warriors. He rides out to assist the Rohirrim when they arrive to lift the siege, but is killed when he's unhorsed and separated from his men.
Imrahil has even more of an impact on the story. He arrives at the city with a company of Swan Knight, riding grey horses. He saves Faramir's life after the disastrous retreat from Osgiliath, charging with his Knights at the last moment, before Faramir is overtaken by the enemy. In the absence of Denethor and Faramir, he helps Gandalf rally the men of Gondor when the city is besieged, leading his Knights wherever the defence seems weakest.