The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Lighting of the BeaconsIn Tolkien’s books, the beacons of Gondor were a manned signal network across seven hills between Minas Tirith and Rohan. Guards kept fires ready and fresh horses for messengers.Unlike the film, Pippin never lights the beacons. Denethor orders them lit himself, and Gandalf and Pippin see them already burning as they approach Minas Tirith.Tolkien also includes a second call for aid: Denethor sends the rider Hirgon to deliv