[saltlick]

"In The Lord of the Rings, a series of seven beacons is used as a signaling device between Gondor and Rohan. [1] In the film adaptation of The Return of the King, Gandalf has Pippin light the beacon closest to Minas Tirith. The series is then lit, thereby notifying Rohan's King Théoden that Gondor calls for help in the battle against Sauron."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beacon

[Jonty30]

Loved the movie and, knowing Tolkien, it was certainly based on historical fact.

It’s just a matter of working out the kinks so you don’t mistake a pyre or human sacrifice for a call for help.