The mountain too was under the evil sorcerer's spell, but it did not wish to harm the friends of Earendil's Star. The rock was a warning, telling the Prince they must leave now before something worse occurred.
"He is trying to bring down the mountain. Gandalf, we must turn back," shouted Aragorn.
"No!" the Istari screamed as he stood close to the edge of the mountain and cast his own spell in an attempt to counter Saruman. However, their struggle for control resulted in a great outburst of untamed magic. The Fellowship soon found themselves buried in rocks and snow.