The White Tree of Gondor is heralded in the Lord of the Rings trilogy as a symbol of hope and life renewed. It signals the return of the king, to bring peace and prosperity to the people of Gondor who have long suffered under the failing rule of Denethor and the Stewards. At the time of the War of the Ring, the ancient tree that stands in the courtyard is withered and dying, and is crumbling just like the once marvelous and noble city itself.