After the battle, Gimli and Éomer return, explaining that they were driven back into the caves but survived the battle. Gimli has been wounded in the head, but tells Legolas that he killed 42 Orcs. Legolas admits that Gimli has beaten him by one, but he is so happy to see Gimli alive that he does not care.

Gandalf tells Théoden that they should ride to Isengard. Théoden is initially confused, telling Gandalf that they are not ready for another fight, especially not a siege against a power as great as Isengard. Gandalf mysteriously promises that they will not be fighting, but rather negotiating with Saruman. Théoden, accompanied by Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, prepares to ride to Isengard. The men of Rohan bury their dead, including the captain Háma, who fell defending the gate.

Gandalf’s party travels through the strange forest that has appeared in the valley around Helm’s Deep. Legolas and Gimli sense that the trees feel angry and hostile, but Legolas believes it is only toward Orcs and not them. Legolas expresses a desire to see the rest of Fangorn Forest one day, and Gimli shares tales about the beautiful caverns and caves he found at Helm’s Deep.