The Lord of the Rings Summary

Published in 1954, The Fellowship of the Ring is the first in the series of the Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. The series follows The Hobbit, and takes place in a universe designed by Tolkien in Middle Earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins who is now the Ring-bearer of one of the "Rings of Power."

Published in 1954, The Two Towers is the second book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. In this book, the members of the Fellowship are separated. Sam and Frodo have the Ring of Power and are headed to destroy it on their own.

In the previous book, The Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo had decided the evil of the Ring was affecting others in their group and he didn't want to chance it hurting them or causing them to hurt him to get it.

The final volumes of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King follows the final battles and the destruction of the Ring of Power carried by Gollum and then Bilbo and last Frodo. Published in 1955, the book brings the story of the Hobbits and the Rings to an end.

The book is broken up into two separate volumes Book V and Book VI. In Book V the characters are coming into their power. Aragorn fulfills the prophecies that have led to his becoming the King of Gondor. Gandalf becomes the commander of the war. Legolas and Gimli become closer companions and bridge a gap that has existed between Elves and Dwarves. Pippin steps into service of the Steward of Gondor, Denethor, while Merry becomes a soldier in the army of King Theoden.

The rest of the book covers the epilog of all the characters. Aragorn takes his place as King of Gondor; Gimli goes back to the Dwarves with better relationships with the Elves because of the friendship he and Legolas developed.

Book Summary

Fellowship of the Ring

The Fellowship of the Ring opens with the poem about the "rings."

"The Lord of the Rings
Three Rings for the Elven - kings under the sky,
Seven for the Dwarf - lords in their halls of stone,
Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne,
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie."

In the Prologue, at the beginning of the book, there is a lot of background on the Hobbits. Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit has written a travel log called The Red Book of Westmarch, or as Bilbo called it, There and Back Again, since it tells the story of his travels.

The Prologue is filled with information about the Hobbits. They are an "ancient people." They love “peace and quiet and good tilled earth." "They are quick of hearing and sharp - eyed, and though they are inclined to be fat and do no hurry unnecessarily, they are nonetheless nimble and deft in their movements."

Hobbits are skillful at crafting and gardening and have an amazing appetite. They eat six to eight meals a day. Also, Hobbits are good at “disappearing swiftly and silently."

Hobbits don't use magic to disappear but are in close touch with the earth. They never wear shoes, therefore, their feet are large and tough. Most Hobbits live in the Shire in Middle Earth. Their homes are warrens constructed into the hillside. With large rooms and pantries filled with supplies.

A naturally shy people, they were amazed when Bilbo Baggins stepped out of the Shire and became famous. Bilbo often relates his story to the group and wrote it in his log. He traveled with Gandalf the Grey wizard and Dwarfs to find their lost treasure.

There he participated in the battle related in The Hobbit. Along the way, Bilbo met Gollum and took his ring. Whenever he relates the story he always says the ring was given to him. But, he finally told Gandalf the truth.

In Book VI, Frodo is rescued by Sam. The two run away dressed in Orc uniforms. Slowly and painfully Frodo keeps going. Towards the end, Sam carries him the rest of the way. They encounter Gollum again as Frodo reaches the Crack of Doom. Frodo wins their skirmish, but when the time comes to throw the Ring in, evil takes over and he turns away. Gollum attacks bite off the finger with the Ring and lose his footing falling into the Crack of Doom. With his death, the Ring is destroyed. With the destruction of the Ring, the War is over. Sauron is defeated.

All the Hobbits return to the Shire, Sam marries and starts a family, Merry and Pippin become heroes, especially after they remove the influence of Saruman who had gone to the Shire and was terrorizing the Hobbits. Gandalf leads the Hobbits home then goes to stay with the Elves, showing up again at the end when Frodo and Bilbo go over the Great Sea and become immortal.

Book I

Although Bilbo Baggins is famous in the Shire, he is also considered strange because Elves, Dwarfs, and a wizard are frequent visitors. To add to the strangeness is the fact that since coming home with The Ring, he has stopped aging.

Bilbo has decided to throw a big party for his 111th birthday. Gandalf arrives to help him celebrate, and during the party, Bilbo announces he is going away and disappears. Unknown to everyone, Bilbo has put the ring on and makes his way back to Bags End, his home. There he packs while discussing with Gandalf his excitement over traveling again. Gandalf reminds him that he promised to leave the ring with his favorite cousin, young Frodo Baggins. Bilbo has left all his other possessions to him.

At first Bilbo seems reluctant to let the ring go, harking back to Gollum's reaction, but finally, he leaves it for Frodo. Bilbo leaves with his three Dwarf friends. Afterward, Frodo enters Bags End and is given the ring by Gandalf who warns him not to use the ring. To keep it somewhere secret and safe. Frodo agrees and is busy handing out gifts Bilbo left for some of the Hobbits. The next day Gandalf warns Frodo again about the ring and asks what he knows about it. Gandalf warns him again to keep the ring a secret.

For the next seventeen years, Frodo sees little of Gandalf. Rumors are building about a dark force that is building in the land of Mordor. There are also stories about Orcs and Trolls and other horrible creatures. Most Hobbits are uninterested in the dangers but, Sam Gamgee, a Hobbit who tends the garden at Bag End is concerned.

Gandalf arrives suddenly. He has learned the ring is more powerful than he thought and wants to test to see if it is one of the Rings of Power. He tosses the ring in a fire and it is undamaged, even cool to the touch. When they look closely they see the words, "One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them" written in the language of Mordor.

Gandalf reveals that it is the One Ring of Sauron, the Dark Lord. It holds much of his power and controls the three Rings of the Elves, the seven of the Dwarfs, and the nine of Men. If Sauron can retrieve the ring he can become powerful enough to control all of Middle Earth.

During a great battle Isildur, the son of the King of Westernesse, cut the Ring from Sauron's hand and took it. The Elven King Gil - galad and the king of the Men of Westernesse, Elendil were both killed in the battle. When an army of Orcs killed Isildur, the Ring was lost in the Great River, Anduin.

Many years pass and the ring is found by a couple of young Hobbit-like boys. Smeagol kills his friend, Deagol to get the ring. When he discovers the ring makes him invisible, he begins to use it to steal and spy. After being shunned by his people, Smeagol goes into a cave under the Misty Mountains where he becomes Gollum, a hunched and horrible creature. There Bilbo finds him and takes the Ring.

Gandalf reveals that the Ring is trying to make its way back to its master, Sauron. That is why it betrayed Gollum, as it did Isildur. But, the Ring can't keep moving since Bilbo let it go. Gandalf reveals that he found all this out because he found Gollum and tortured him for answers. But, since he didn't kill him, Gollum made his way to Sauron and revealed the Shire, Hobbits, and the name Baggins after more torture. Now Sauron knows the Ring still exists and is coming for it.

But, since he didn't kill him, Gollum made his way to Sauron and revealed the Shire, Hobbits, and the name Baggins after more torture. Now Sauron knows the Ring still exists and is coming for it.

Frodo is frightened and wishes Gandalf had killed Gollum. But Gandalf tells him that since Bilbo got the ring without killing or violence he was able to withstand the power of the Ring, besides he feels that Gollum still has a part to play in the Ring's fate.

Frodo begs Gandalf to take the Ring, but he refuses since it would make him too powerful. Even is he thought he was using it to do good, it would corrupt him and he would become like Sauron. He tells Frodo that he must take the Ring to the Cracks of Doom in Orodruin, the fiery mountain deep inside Mordor. There he can destroy it. Frodo takes Sam Gamgee along with him on his journey.

After arranging to sell Bag End to a relative, Frodo prepares for the trip. Peregrin Took (Pippin) and Meriadoc Brandybuck (Merry) travel with Frodo and Sam. As they are leaving Fodo overhears a stranger asking about him and leaves right away. Along the road, the group hear horses hooves and hide. A man wearing a black cloak on a black horse stops almost at the spot the group is hiding. Frodo feels a strong desire to put the Ring on but resists. The Black Rider leaves.

The group becomes even warier and as darkness falls they hear the horse and rider returning. Just as it looks like he is going to discover Frodo, the rider hears Elves singing and rides away.

The Elves greet Frodo and when they ask them about the Black Rider, the Elves become worried and offer to take the Hobbits under their protection for the night. The group goes to an enchanted glade where they eat and Frodo questions the Elf, Gildor about the Black Rider. They don't know his name, but he is the servant of the enemy and should be avoided.

The next morning the Elves are gone, but they know that Frodo's group are headed to Rivendell to ask the wise Elf what to do about the Ring, so they sent word ahead on the road to help the Hobbits. Frodo takes a short cut and avoids the road so as to not be found by the Black Rider. Later they hear some horrible cries and figure the Black Riders are communicating with each other.

Frodo has bought a house in Crickhollow where he has made it seem like he plans to move. Crickhollow is in Buckland and is very different from Hobbiton or Bag End. Although it is populated with Hobbits, it is surrounded by the Brandywine River and the Old Forest. Hobbits are afraid of the river because they can't swim and the forest because it is dark and creepy.

After a bath and a meal, Frodo reveals to Merry and Pippin that the house is a ruse and he is actually leaving the Shire forever. Frodo is surprised to learn that the other Hobbits already know this and that the Ring has put him in great danger. They want to go with him and help him in his quest.

The next morning the group begin their trek through the forest. Although the forest is dangerous, Frodo assumes they can avoid the Dark Rider. They leave their friend Fatty to occupy the house and make it seem that Frodo is still there.

The trees in the forest begin to block their paths and lead the Hobbits southeast which is deeper in the forest. On the banks of the River Withywindle, the group becomes overwhelmingly tired. All but Sam fall asleep. Sam fights off the drowsiness by going to find their horses who have wandered off. Suddenly he hears a loud noise and rushes back. He sees that Frodo has fallen into the river and is being held down by one of the roots of the huge tree the Hobbits had gone to sleep under. Sam fishes him out of the water and Frodo tells him that the tree pushed him into the water.

They suddenly notice that Merry and Pippin are stuck inside some cracks in the trunk of the tree. Finally, they decide to light a fire under the tree to make it release the other Hobbits. But, the tree starts to squeeze Merry and won't stop until they put the fire out. Frodo runs down to the river to get water and when he yells for help he is surprised to hear nonsensical and happy singing.

The singer is Tom Bombadil, a plump man in a blue coat and yellow boots. He sings into the cracks of "Old Man Willow" and makes the tree release Merry and Pippin. When the Hobbits begin to thank him he asks them to come to his house for dinner. During the night they all have troubling dreams but are comforted when they hear Tom's voice.

Frodo dreams of a man standing on top of a tower every night. The next morning is raining so the Hobbits spend another day with Tom. He tells them stories of the Old Forest. Tom is the keeper of the wood, water, and hill and is older than anything else in Middle Earth, even Sauron.

During the night they all have troubling dreams but are comforted when they hear Tom's voice. Frodo dreams of a man standing on top of a tower every night. The next morning is raining so the Hobbits spend another day with Tom. He tells them stories of the Old Forest. Tom is the keeper of the wood, water, and hill and is older than anything else in Middle Earth, even Sauron.

When Tom asks Frodo about his mission, he learns about the Ring. He asks to hold it and when he puts it on his finger he does not disappear, then he spins the ring and it disappears only to reappear again. Since Frodo doesn't trust it is the same ring, he puts it on for the first time. He disappears but Tom can see him. He tells the Hobbits the weather will be good to continue their journey the next day and to stay clear of the Barrows or burial mounds. Lastly, he teaches them a rhyme to sing if they need help.

"Ho! Tom Bombadil, Tom Bombadillo!
By water, wood, and hill, by reed and willow,
By fire, sun and moon, harken now and hear us!
Come, Tom Bombadil, for our need is near us!"

Doesn't take long for the Hobbits to get into trouble when they leave the next day. They are captured by a Barrow - wight. Frodo manages to cut off his hand, but then the creature attacks. Frodo remembers the poem and calls for Tom to help them. Tom collapses the mound around the Barrow - weight and lays the Hobbits out onto the grass to recover from the Barrow - wight's spell. Then he takes the treasure and puts it on a hill for passerby's to sift through. But, Tom saves daggers from the treasure to give to each Hobbit.

Afterward, Tom leads them towards Bree where they can stay at an inn. He leaves them at the border of the Downs since he can't go on. Before they get to the inn, Frodo asks the other Hobbits to call him Mr. Underhill and not Baggins.

At the inn, they meet some suspicious people. They are introduced to Strider who seems to know Frodo and all about the Ring. Strider warns them the Black Riders have been in Bree. Suddenly the innkeeper brings a letter to Frodo from Gandalf. The letter was supposed to have been sent to them three months ago.

In it, Gandalf warns them to leave by the end of July; two months before they actually left. Gandalf tells them to get to Rivendell quickly and that Strider, whose real name is Aragorn, can help them. The spider doesn't want them to sleep in their beds but pads the beds to look like they are there and the Hobbits sleep on their blankets in the parlor. Strider keeps watch.

The next morning they see their beds were slashed and their horses were released. Meanwhile, the Dark Riders go to Frodo's home where Fatty sounds the alarm and escapes. The Hobbits are forced to buy an old nag to continue their journey.

Before they get far down the road, Strider leads them off the road and through the Midgewater Marshes. After four days of intense bug bites, they come to a ruined tower and find signs that Gandalf had been there and was attacked.

The group camps there while Strider tries to entertain them with a story of a beautiful Elven princess who falls in love with a Man and gives up immortality. Suddenly black shapes come upon them and Frodo slips the Ring on. He is able to see inside the cloaks of the Dark Riders. They have pale faces and terrible eyes. They also have gray robes and swords. The tallest one has a crown.

He leaps to attack Frodo with his knife and sword. Frodo cries out the Elven names, Elbereth and Gilthoniel and tries to stab his attacker, but is wounded in his shoulder. Strider attacks the shadows with a burning log and Frodo removes the Ring before he passes out.

They also have gray robes and swords. The tallest one has a crown. He leaps to attack Frodo with his knife and sword. Frodo cries out the Elven names, Elbereth and Gilthoniel and tries to stab his attacker, but is wounded in his shoulder. Strider attacks the shadows with a burning log and Frodo removes the Ring before he passes out.

When Frodo regains consciousness he sees the Hobbits and Strider looking at him with concern. They tell him that when he put the Ring on they only saw shadows moving around. Then suddenly he reappeared. Strider takes a look at the wound and the knife that caused it and pull Sam to the side to tell him the wound will make an evil power to take over Frodo. He gets some plants with healing powers to treat the wound.

They continue on the path the next day and find a green stone that they feel is a marker left for them. Then they come across the three trolls that were turned to stone in Bilbo's adventure. They are forced to get back on the road for the last few miles and are almost immediately overcome by a horseman. Luckily, it is the Elf - lord, Glorfindel. He is a friend of Strider's and leads them on into Rivendell. He puts the weakening Frodo onto his horse and sends him on ahead.

At first, Frodo is reluctant to leave his friends, but the Elf reminds him that the Black Riders are after him, not his friends, so he goes. The group is almost overtaken by the Black Riders who have set a trap for Frodo. But the horse leaps across the river before they can grab Frodo. The Riders force their horses to cross the river, but they are swept up in a cascade of waves. As Frodo begins to lose consciousness, he sees the horses and Riders being swept away.

Book II

After several days Frodo awakes to find Gandalf near his bed. He learns the Master of Rivendell, Elrond saved him by removing a sliver of the knife that had broken off and was headed to his heart. If it had made it Frodo would have become a wraith like the Black Riders. The Black Riders are Ringwraiths who are controlled by Sauron. They had been the Nine mortal Kings Sauron gave the Rings too. For now, the Ringwraiths have been repelled by the rushing water, but they will be back.

At dinner that night Frodo meets Arwen Evenstar, Elrond's daughter and Gloin, one of the dwarves who traveled with Bilbo. He is surprised to see Bilbo there, too. They spend time talking and then Frodo goes to bed to continue to regain his strength. The next day he has to meet with the Council.

The next morning Gandalf takes Bilbo and Frodo to the Council meeting. They learn the back story of the Battle and the Rings along with the unrest throughout Middle Earth. Sauron is becoming more powerful and offered the Dwarves Rings of Power if they will help him locate Frodo.

They learn that Boromir, a powerful warrior from Minas Tirith has been having dreams of a broken sword, Isildur's Bane and a halfling. It is revealed that Strider is the descendant of Isildur and the keeper of Elendil's broken sword, Frodo is the Halfling and the Ring he has is Isildur's Bane.

The Elf king tells the story of the aftermath of the Battle. The realm of man has been declining steadily while Sauron gains more power. Bilbo and Frodo relate their stories with the Ring and Gandalf tells how he investigated to learn the origins of the Ring. He also relates that the Wizards finally tried to stop Sauron but waited too late and he is too powerful now. After telling them about Gollum, Gandalf learns that he escaped the Elf dungeon with the help of some Orcs.

Gandalf tells them that he recently learned Saruman, the greatest of the Wizards has joined forces with Sauron and plans to try to take the Ring for himself. He imprisoned Gandalf in a tower when he refused to join Sauron, too. But, Gandalf escaped with the help of the Great Eagle. Then after more harrowing travels he arrived at Rivendell.

Then the discussion begins on what to do with the Ring Frodo has. The Council throws around a variety of ideas. Finally, they conclude the Ring must be destroyed. Frodo volunteers to take it to Mordor to destroy it. Sam volunteers to go with him.

While Bilbo and Frodo work on Bilbo's book Elrond chooses the group to go with Frodo, the Ring-bearer. There will be nine on the journey; Frodo, Sam, Gandalf, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, Merry, and Pippin. He is unsure about choosing the weaker Hobbits, but Gandalf assures him their loyalty to Frodo will help.

Two months later the nine are ready to go. Bilbo gives Frodo his coat of mail and Sting, his short sword. Aragorn repairs the broken sword and renames it Anduril. The group takes the old pony they bought in Bree. It is healthy and Sam has named it Bill. Finally, the nine who form the Fellowship leave.

When they try to pass over the tallest peak, Caradhras, on the path Aragorn chose, they are forced to turn back because of snow. After they turn around the snow stops. Gandalf tells them the only path open now is the mountain and the Mines of Moria. During the night they are attacked by wolves and they fight them off. In the morning they go to the Western door of Moria. When they finally get the door open a creature with long tentacles grabs Frodo and tries to pull him into the dark lake. After they make it through the door, the creature slams the door and piles boulders up, sealing the door so they can only go forward.

As they walk through the tunnels lit only with Gandalf's staff, Frodo hears little footsteps following them. After a restless night's sleep, the Fellowship comes to a huge hall with shining walls and pillars. There Gandalf and Gimli tell the story of Moira and the dwarves who lived there. They mined mithril which is what the mail shirt Bilbo gave Frodo is made of. It is more expensive than all the Shire. That night Frodo thinks he sees two eyes watching him from a distance.

They come to a room that has the tomb of Balin, the Dwarf King. Gandalf finds Balin's journal and learns the Orcs attacked them with a dark force that was more powerful than the Orcs. The last passage talks about the "drums." Just as they are about to leave, they hear the drums and just manage to bar the door before the Orcs attack. The Orcs have a cave troll with them who can break the door down. Frodo stabs the cave troll with Sting and the creature retreats. The Orcs continue their attack until Gandalf finds a door to lead the Fellowship away through. Before Frodo can escape he is stabbed in the side. But the mail protects him.

The Fellowship retreats but is stopped by a Balrog. Gandalf sends them on and confronts the Balrog on the bridge. He destroys the bridge and the Balrog falls to its death. As it is falling the Balrog grabs Gandalf by the ankle. He shouts for them to run and collapses the mountain. They get about a mile away and then give into grief.

They travel on to Lothlorien. Legolas and Aragorn are relieved, but Boromir, the human is concerned. The Elves at Lothlorien help the Fellowship and keep the Orcs away. But Frodo sees a small creature in the background before it slips away. Soon they are led to Cerin Amroth.

It is the "heart of the Elvendom on Earth." Frodo and Sam are taken to a platform high in a tree where they can see the beauty of Lothlorien and the dark world beyond it. When they come down they see Aragorn in a powerful but happy daydream.

The Fellowship is taken to Caras Galadhon where they meet Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel the rulers of Lothlorien. They spend days resting there as time seems to stand still. The Lady tells the future of everyone and searches their hearts for goodness. Just before they are to leave she shows Sam and Frodo the future. Sam sees factories where the Shire once stood, and Frodo sees the giant eye looking for him.

When Frodo sees she has a Ring of Power, he offers to let her have his. But, she tells him it would make her evil like Sauron. She tells Frodo that if he doesn't succeed in his mission she will have to face Sauron and will lose, but if he does succeed the Elves will begin to fade. Either way is sad but she prefers the fading.

When it comes time to leave, the Lord and Lady give the Fellowship magical gifts. The Lady gives Frodo a phial of water that has the light of Earendil's star. They are sent off in boats down the river that will take them safely out of the Elven lands.

They are being followed by Gollum still. When he disappears they fear he has alerted the Orcs. It seems to be true when they are attacked by Orcs soon afterward. A dark shape is in the sky above them and Frodo's shoulder begins to hurt. Legolas shoots an arrow and sends the form crashing into the other side.

Boromir keeps trying to convince the group to go to Mina Tirith. When the river ends they finally have to decide whether to go to the west to Mina Tirith or east to Mordor. During the night while Frodo is on watch, Aragorn wakes. He asks Frodo to take Sting out. It is glowing which means Orcs are nearby. The next morning Aragorn tells the group that it is up to Frodo to decide where the Ring will go.

Frodo goes for a walk to make up his mind and is followed by Boromir who tries to convince him to go to Mina Tirith. He also doesn't want Frodo to destroy the Ring since it could be a powerful weapon against Sauron. When Frodo disagrees, he becomes overwhelmed and tries to take the Ring. Frodo is forced to put the Ring on and disappears. When that happens Boromir becomes distraught over what he had done and begins to weep.

Frodo runs to the top of a hill and can see for miles with the help of the Ring. He sees wars brewing and he sees the Eye looking for him. Before it can find him a voice tells him to take the Ring off. Frodo comes to the decision that he must take the Ring and destroy it alone. He doesn't want it to corrupt any of his friends and put them in any more danger. He puts the Ring back on under the cover of the forest and heads for the boats.

The group begins to worry about Frodo. They break into teams in order to search for him. Aragorn tries to go with Sam but soon outpaces him. Sam reasons that Frodo would try to take the Ring by himself and therefore heads for the boats. There he finds one of them heading off alone. He tries to follow and Frodo is forced to return, remove the Ring and save Sam. He agrees to take Sam along. After grabbing his pack, Sam and Frodo head off to Mordor.

The Two Towers

Book III

Frodo and Sam are on their own and headed to Mordor to destroy the Ring of Power. Frodo knows it is evil and since it affected Boromir to make him try to take the Ring, Frodo is afraid it will do the same with the other men in the Fellowship.

Fearing for Frodo and Sam's safety, Aragorn tries to catch up with them. But, even though he is a great tracker, he can't find Frodo's tracks. He is stopped when he hears sounds of battle back at the camp. Aragorn runs back to help Boromir but finds the Orcs have fatally wounded him. As he lays dying, Boromir confesses that he tried to take the Ring from Frodo.

Legolas and Gimli return from chasing after some of the Orcs. When Aragorn tells them about the death of Boromir they are all saddened. They send his body off in a funeral boat, while they sing songs to the life of Boromir.

When Legolas asks Aragorn about the Hobbits, he realizes that he had sent Boromir to look after Merry and Pippin, but doesn't know if Frodo and Sam were with them. They begin to realize why Frodo separated from the group and they make plans to find the Hobbits. Dwarves, Elves and Men must work together to help Frodo complete his mission.

The trail left by the Hobbits are hard to find. After false trails and even a group of dead Orcs, they finally come across some tracks they figure to be Pippins and an Elf brooch that he obviously dropped to leave a trail.

They come across a some Riders of Rohan. Aragorn tells them they are hunting for Orcs who have stolen the Hobbits. He tells them they battled with the Orcs but didn't see any Hobbits. That night Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli camp in the forest of Fangorn. Legolas tells the other men about the Ents, tree men that live in Fangorn. During the night Gimli has a vision. He sees an old man wearing a cloak and a wide - brimmed hat. Gimli thinks he might have been Saruman. The next morning they wake to find their horses gone.

Legolas tells the other men about the Ents, tree men that live in Fangorn. During the night Gimli has a vision. He sees an old man wearing a cloak and a wide - brimmed hat. Gimli thinks he might have been Saruman. The next morning they wake to find their horses gone.

Meanwhile, Pippin and Merry are captives of the Orcs. They are tied hand and foot. Pippin is remembering the battle Boromir died in. He thinks about the sound of the horn Boromir used to call for reinforcements that didn't come in time. Pippin feels like a burden on the trip and wishes he hadn't let Gandalf convince him to go along.

The Orcs are from different tribes and argue a lot. When two of them start to fight, Pippin is able to get close enough to a knife to cut the rope securing his hands. After the fight, they continue on their journey. The Orcs have orders not to kill the Hobbits or to search for the Ring. But, suddenly one of the groups grab the Hobbits and start to run. After outrunning the other group they drop the Hobbits on the ground and begin to search them.

The Hobbits demand to be freed, but a rider comes up and kills the Orcs. He doesn't see them because they have managed to cover themselves up with the cloaks given to them by the Elves and they are invisible. Then the Hobbits have a quick snack and leave an Elf brooch behind to mark their trail. This is the brooch Aragorn finds.

Pippin and Merry run through the forest but soon stop at a stream for a drink. Suddenly one of the trees starts to talk to them. He is Fangorn and Ent. He offers to carry the Hobbits to his home and along the way, he tells them about the history of the Ents.

Fangorn tells the Hobbits that many of the trees standing in the forest are actually Ents that have fallen asleep and must be awakened in order to move. Then he tells them about all their wives. They wandered off one day and never returned, therefore there are no little Ents born anymore.

Over dinner, Fangorn tells the Hobbits that the Saruman has been changing the Orcs. They are now able to walk around in the daylight. The next day Fangorn takes the Hobbits to a meeting of the Ents. They discuss forming an alliance with the people of Rohan so they can fight against Saruman and his Orcs. Suddenly there is a loud roar and all the trees begin to move. They are going into battle with Saruman and the Orcs. The Hobbits worry because the land around Isengard is rocky and not good for Ents.

Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli are still on the trail of the Hobbits. They find the place the Hobbits cut off their bounds and worry when they see the battle between the Rider of Rohan and an Orc.

While they are investigating footsteps near the water they spot a man in a cloak and hat. Since they fear he might be Saruman they prepare to kill him. Legolas advises caution and soon they see the man is the wizard Gandalf the Grey who is now Gandalf the white. His ordeal at the Mines of Moria changed him and upped his power.

Gandalf tells them that Saruman was recruited by Sauron and is supposed to be looking for the Ring for him, but Saruman wants it for himself. Also, Sauron's troops are looking far and wide for the Ring, unable to find him because he can't imagine Frodo going to Mordor to destroy the Ring.

The group heads to Edoras, the capital of Rohan to see the King. They are stopped at the gate. A man named Wormtongue has issued orders not to allow anyone in. Gandalf is furious and forces his way into the King.

There he sees Wormtongue talking to him and accuses him of giving the King advice that has been in Saruman's favor. The King tells Wormtongue he can either fight with him against Saruman or leave. Wormtongue flees. The King gives Gandalf's group weapons and mail for the coming battle. Gandalf just asks for Shadowfax, the horse.

Heading south with the Fellowship, Legolas suddenly sees shapes in the distance. Gandalf becomes worried and tells the rest of the group to go on to Helm's Deep where the battle is about to begin, while he investigates. He reminds them to avoid the plains of Isen.

Shortly after they reach the Deeping Well near Helm's Deep the Orcs attack. After many hours of battle, the forces of Rohan begin to tire. They fall back to the citadel in Hornburg. When it looks like the Orcs are going to win, King Theoden brings the cavalry just in time to save the day. The Orcs run away in fear.

Gandalf arrives. He urges the Fellowship and some of the Riders of Rohan to join him in fighting Saruman. Along the way, they pass some Ents and the Wizard's Vale, which is burning. When they finally arrive at the tower of Orthanc, the stronghold of Saruman, they see the once vibrant gardens around it are now barren and desolate. They also find Merry and Pippin sitting at the gates of Isengard smoking a pipe. They tell Gandalf that Fangorn is waiting to meet him. He, Gimli, Legolas and Theoden, the leader of the Riders of Rohan, go to meet with the leader of the Ent.

As the Fellowship is back together, except for Frodo and Sam they spend some time catching up. The Hobbits tell the rest of them about Gandalf coming to the Ents during their battle with Saruman's forces and asking them to break the dams which flooded the area under Isengard with water and killing the Orcs in the lower areas.

Gandalf leads them to Orthanc to speak to Saruman. Gandalf yells from the ground and Saruman yells from the tower window. He tries to persuade the soldiers using his power, but Gimli sees through the magic and accuses him of lying about seeking peace. This enrages Wormtongue who throws a glowing crystal globe at Gandalf. He dodges it and Pippin picks it up.

As the group is leaving they hear an uproar coming from the tower. Saruman has become aware that Wormtongue threw the globe out the window. It is important to him. Gandalf asks the Ent, Fangorn to fill the gorge around the tower with water, thus trapping Saruman.

That night as they are camping the ever curious Pippin sneaks over to Gandalf to get a closer look at the globe. What he sees in it terrifies him so much that he cries out. Gandalf wakes up and roughly tells Pippin the globe is a Palantir. It is one of seven ancient stones that carry the magic of sight that Sauron made evil so he can talk to his minions. When Pippin looked into the stone Saruman was able to see into his thoughts. It also allowed Pippin to see visions.

They reason the stone was used by Saruman to communicate with Sauron. Gandalf thinks the stone also added to making the formerly good Saruman evil. Gandalf also thinks that if Sauron saw Pippin in the stone it would confuse him, therefore allowing them an edge in his defeat. Gandalf wants to take Pippin away with him on Shadowfax and ride as far as the court of Edoras, the capital of Rohan.

Book IV

Book four moves back to Frodo and Sam. They have been wandering the barren slopes of Emyn Muir. Although they have lembas, the magical food that if filling and lasts awhile, given to them by the Elves, the Hobbits are tired of the sameness in every meal.

The landscape is torturous on their feet and they are hoping to have finally lost Gollum, who has been following them for days. Unfortunately, they must continue forward to Mordor, even though they keep taking wrong turns and getting lost because the way back is patrolled by Orcs.

After the two almost fall off a cliff and are saved by the Elf rope Sam is carrying, they are attacked by Gollum. Frodo pulls Sting, his knife and puts it to Gollum's throat. He becomes subservient but Frodo doesn't trust him, still. They use the Elf rope to harness him. The rope hurts Gollum but finally makes him more kowtowing. The Hobbits have him lead them on to Mordor.

They finally stop to rest. Sam stays awake as long as he can but finally gives in to sleep after he thinks Gollum is asleep. The next morning the see that Gollum is gone. Soon he returns claiming to have gone after food. He can't eat the Elf cakes. The Hobbits decide they can trust him and allow him to lead them through the swamp.

The three travel for days in the dismal swamp almost passing out from the putrid smells. One night Frodo hears Gollum talking in his sleep. He says that Frodo is the master of the Ring and therefore he must obey him, also he must keep the Dark Lord from getting the Ring.

The next morning they arrive at the gates of Mordor. Gollum refuses to go on, but Frodo convinces him to go by using his knife. He reminds Gollum that he swore by his "Precious" to guide them safely without betraying them. Since the gate is locked and they can't get through, Gollum tells them of another route that will get them into Mordor.

After lots of discussions, they decide to take the path past the Tower of the Moon. Gollum says that although it is dangerous, it is no more dangerous than any other path. The Hobbits are suspicious but they cautiously let Gollum lead them.

They are being observed by Nazgul, flying creatures that are the eyes of Sauron. Gollum also warns of other Men heading towards Mordor. He once again urges them to sleep during the day and travel at night.

After traveling through such desolate landscape they are happy to finally find some greenery. The land seems to be better. At a stream Frodo and Sam stop to bathe and drink. Frodo sends Gollum off to hunt for food after reminding him Hobbits don't eat what Gollums eat. Soon he returns with rabbits. Sam cooks them for him and Frodo while Gollum eats his raw. When Frodo wakes up he is glad to see a nice meal being prepared but warns against fire in an exposed area.

Suddenly four Men come upon them. They question Frodo and Sam as Gollum has disappeared. Frodo tells them they were traveling with Aragorn and Boromir, then became separated. They become agitated but when they hear a battle nearby, they put the Hobbits in a nearby tree and enter into the battle. The Hobbits see their first battle between tribes of Men. Damrod, the leader of the Men who found the Hobbits, calls for Mumak, a large elephant-like creature called an oliphaunt. The battle is ended, for now.

Damrod, the leader of the Men who found the Hobbits, calls for Mumak, a large elephant-like creature called an oliphaunt. The battle is ended, for now. Sam and Frodo are allowed to stay with the Men temporarily. While Sam sleeps, Frodo is questioned by Faramir, another of the Men. Faramir says that he has heard the prophecy of a halfling carrying something valuable through Mordor.

He wants to know what it is, but Frodo just says he is on a mission. Then Faramir tries to trip Frodo up by mentioning Boromir. Although Faramir knows Boromir is dead, Frodo doesn't. Faramir makes hints that Frodo betrayed Boromir. Frodo learns that Faramir was Boromir's brother. After questioning Frodo, he doesn't suspect him anymore.

Faramir offers to lead them back to Minas Tirith, a city in Gondor. He continues to question Frodo and Sam along the way. He can feel that Frodo is leaving something out. He knows that what he is carrying is called Isildur's Bane, but doesn't know what it is. Finally, Sam blurts out that Boromir had tried to steal the Ring. Frodo had not told him that as he did not want to speak ill of Boromir. Although Faramir is surprised at his brother's actions, he appreciates Sam's truthfulness. He further says that he has no desire for the Ring himself but is surprised to hear that Frodo plans to throw the Ring in the Crack of Doom and destroy it.

One morning they awaken early by Faramir. His men have sighted Gollum. He wants to know whether they should kill it or not. Frodo asks him not to. Frodo leads Gollum into the encampment where he meets Faramir. Faramir questions him and is surprised to learn Gollum once carried the Ring. He tells Frodo that someday when they are both old and "chair bound" they will tell each other these stories.

Never the less, Gollum can not travel on their lands unescorted under penalty of death, so he will have to travel as Frodo's servant, but he warns Frodo not to trust him. He also tells him the path he has chosen is hopeless. But, Frodo assures him they can't go through the Gates of Mordor.

Faramir sends them on their way warning them not to drink any of the water coming from Imlad Morgul, the Valley of the Living Death. He gives them some food for their journey and staffs to help support them when they walk. Frodo, Sam, and Gollum are all blindfolded and led away from the camp.

Gollum is leading them towards the "crossroads." One night they wake to find Gollum gone again. Sam is relieved, but Frodo reminds him how many times Gollum was useful. As they continue on their journey, the air becomes hot and heavy, the daylight darkens.

Frodo and Sam are weakened on the afternoon by an agitated Gollum. He urges them to go east on Southward Road. He says it will lead them to the Cross Roads. Along the way, they pass a beheaded statue of a former king with a crown of flowers growing around its head. When they pass the Tower of the Moon, they pause again. Although the going is hard, it seems to be sapping the strength of Frodo faster than the others.

Suddenly the mountain Minas Morgul erupts deafeningly and spews out troops of Nazgul. Frodo sees the Lord of the Nazgul. In his fright Frodo almost puts the Ring on, but when he touches the vial of Galadriel he stops. The Ringwraiths move on not seeing them.

Gollum leads the increasingly distraught and weary Frodo up a never-ending flight of stairs. Suddenly Frodo looks down and discovers they are above Minas Morgul. Finally, Gollum leads them into a dark crevice where they can rest. The Hobbits discuss old songs and prophecies and wonder if their own children will sing songs about them.

Then they begin to wonder how much they can trust Gollum. Frodo keeps saying that since he doesn't like Orcs they should be able to trust him to guide them. Sam points out how Gollum sneaks around in the dark.

Gollum leads them into a cave and disappears when they enter a dark tunnel. Frodo shines his vial of Galadriel and sees hundreds of tiny eyes. It is Shelob a huge spider that Sauron uses to guard his passages. The Hobbits walk past it gingerly but are almost stopped by an impenetrable spider web. Frodo uses Sting to cut through.

They see an exit and Frodo begins to run. Sam tries to yell at him when he sees Orcs, but Gollum covers his mouth. Suddenly Shelob attacks. Frodo is poisoned by its venom and is paralyzed. Sam fights Shelob and it runs away. Sam thinks Frodo is dead and takes the Ring so he can complete the mission. When Orcs come the terrified Sam puts on the Ring.

Suddenly he can understand the Orcs language. They take Frodo's paralyzed body and Sam follows. The Orcs carrying Frodo say that he is still alive, just paralyzed. This gives Sam hope. He tries to catch up with them but is separated when they pass through great doors that slam shut. The book ends with Sam trying to beat against the doors. No one hears him.

hey take Frodo's paralyzed body and Sam follows. The Orcs carrying Frodo say that he is still alive, just paralyzed. This gives Sam hope. He tries to catch up with them but is separated when they pass through great doors that slam shut. The book ends with Sam trying to beat against the doors. No one hears him.

The Return of the King

Book V

The Return of the King opens with Pippin riding on Gandalf's horse with him from Isengard to Minas Tirith in Gondor. Since the Ringwraiths on their winged horses chase after them during the day, they travel at night. When they finally reach Minas Tirith they see it is a stone city in white and built in seven tiered layers on a hill. At the top of the hill sits the Citadel with the High Court inside it. Although the city is dazzling, Pippin can see signs of decay. When they reach the court, Gandalf warns Pippin not to mention Aragorn, who actually has a claim to the Kingship.

When they reach the court, Gandalf warns Pippin not to mention Aragorn, who actually has a claim to the Kingship. Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, is sitting in a black stone chair and staring at the horn of Boromir, who was his son. Denethor and Gandalf aren't friends, but he takes an interest in Pippin and longs to hear of his son's death. Pippin offers his sword to Denethor since he feels like he owes a debt to him. Although Denethor thinks the little Hobbit too small to be of use, he does put him in his Guard. Denethor and Gandalf continue to snipe at each other, which puzzles Pippin.

Although Denethor thinks the little Hobbit too small to be of use, he does put him in his Guard. Denethor and Gandalf continue to snipe at each other, which puzzles Pippin. Afterward, Gandalf praises Pippin for offering his sword and tells him that Denethor can read minds, and to be cautious. Gandalf wants Faramir, Boromir's brother to return. Especially since Denethor pledges to remain at his post until the King returns.

Pippin spends some time with another Guard and they discuss the coming battle. The Guard, Beregond, doesn't think Gondor will survive against Sauron and his dark forces. That night a dark cloud settles over Mordor and Gandalf tells Pippin that there won't be any dawn for awhile. "Darkness has begun."

Meanwhile, Aragorn, Theoden and the Riders of Rohan are returning to Rohan. Aragorn tells Gimli, Legolas, and Merry that they must go to Minas Tirith but, for an unknown reason, they must travel a darker route.

While en route they meet some Dunedain of the North. They are Rangers and friends of Aragorn, who is also a Ranger. Elladan and Elrohir, two sons of Elrond, who is a half-elf from The Hobbit. A mysterious message had reached the Rangers to come to Aragorn's aid. Elrohir gives Aragorn the message from Rivendell that if he is in a hurry to "remember the Paths of the Dead."

Soon Theoden asks Merry to ride with him. This makes Merry happy because he was uncomfortable with the Rangers. Merry offers his sword for Rohan and the king accepts gladly. Aragorn leaves for a bit and returns with news that he fears they will not reach Minas Tirith in time. He asks Dunedain to go on the Paths of the Dead with him so they can get there faster. The Paths of the Dead is a road that no living Man can travel unless they are the proper heir of Elendil. Theoden leads the Riders along a safer path to Edoras.

After the others have left, Aragorn explains to Legolas and Gimli what happened. He looked into the Stone of Orthanc that Saruman had used to communicate with Sauron. Although he was able to make the palantir submit to him, Sauron now knows that the heir of Isildur and the throne of Gondor exists; Aragorn.

According to a song of legend the Paths of the Dead Isildur had set a great black stone on the hill of Erech. There the King of the Mountains swore allegiance to Isildur, but when he called on him to help with the battle against Sauron, he discovered the Men of the Mountains were worshiping Sauron and broke their vow. Because of that, Isildur condemned them to never rest until they fulfilled their vow. And when Isildur's heir returns to the stone they have to honor their vow.

Aragorn takes the Rangers to Dunharrow. Although Theoden isn't there yet, his daughter, Eowyn pleads with Aragorn not to take the Paths of the Dead. But, he refuses to heed her pleas.

Since Dunharrow is near the entrance to the Path, Aragorn leads his group inside. Through his strength of will alone, they continue. The Dwarf, Gimli can hear the voices in the darkness and is almost paralyzed with fear. Aragorn calls for the dead to follow him to the Stone.

They follow him out of the Paths. When the people of the countryside see him they call Aragorn "King of the Dead." At the Stone of Erech, the Dead pledge their allegiance to Aragorn, and he announces he is the heir of Isildur. Then they ride on to the River Anduin.

After stopping at the outer hills of Rohan, Theoden's son, Eomer urges him not to keep going. But, Theoden has committed them to war. He takes the rest of the Riders of Rohan on to Dunharrow where he sees Eowyn, the Lady of Rohan.

Merry is acting as Theoden's squire when a messenger arrives dressed in the same armor as Boromir. He has a message with a red arrow, which means great peril. It is from the Steward of Gondor. Theoden says he can bring six thousand Riders, but they won't make it there for a week.

The next morning the world is covered with a darkness coming from Mordor. Theoden tells Merry he must remain behind because he doesn't want any of the men to be slowed down by a double rider. Merry is disappointed, but Eowyn tries to cheer him by giving him armor of the King's Guard that will fit him.

Meanwhile, in Minas Tirith, Pippin has received his uniform as a Tower Guard and happens to be on duty when a small group of riders being chased by Nazgul comes to the gate. Pippin recognizes the horn they blow as belonging to Faramir, Denethor's son. Suddenly the terrified horses throw their riders and the Men run to the gate. Suddenly there is a bright light that hits a Nazgul as it is about to attack Faramir. The light is coming from Gandalf. He takes the unconscious Faramir up on the saddle if Shadowfax as the Nazgul's fly away.

Later when Faramir enters Denethor's rooms he is surprised to see Pippin. Until he saw Frodo and Sam, Faramir thought Hobbits were a myth. When Gandalf hears that Frodo and Sam are headed to Mordor through Cirith Ungol, he is furious. Faramir tries to calm him by telling him he only left them two days ago and they couldn't be to Cirith Ungol yet. So that means that Frodo's actions can't be linked to Sauron's increased activity against Gondor. Then father and son enter into an argument because Denethor wanted the Ring, and Faramir let the Hobbit keep it.

The next day Denethor sends his son to the front lines. They learn the Black Captain, who no one can stand against, is heading there, too. Gandalf rides out to help Faramir against him. He returns the next day with scores of wounded men, but Faramir stays on the front lines.

Soon, the armies of Orcs and Men clad in black begin to blanket the fields around Minas Tirith. In front of them is what is left of Faramir and his troops along with Gandalf. Although Denethor sends out troops to cover their retreat, Faramir is hit with a poisoned arrow.

The armies of Sauron use fire. The world seems to be burning. Retreats are blocked. Then they start catapulting blazing missiles over the walls. To the defender's horror, they realize the missiles are the burning heads of people who died defending Osgiliath.

Denethor sees defeat is eminent and stops fighting. He hides in the Tower with Faramir who is dying. Pippin stands nearby while Denethor weeps over the end of his line. Not the death of his sons but the death of his lineage.

Denethor gives up on defense, he suggests to the people of Minas Tirith to give up and burn in the fires. Gandalf takes command. Denethor has his servants take Faramir, who isn't dead yet, to the Hall of Kings, the crypts of all the past leaders of Gondor. As he begins to ready his son for cremation, Pippin tries to stop him from burning his son alive. Finally, he deserts his post to find Gandalf and get help while he sends his friend, Beregond to try to stop Denethor.

The armies of Mordor break the gate down. Everyone flees but Gandalf. He orders the Black Captain to stand down, but he laughs and throws back his hood to reveal a crown on a headless body. Suddenly his sword begins to flame and he readies to fight Gandalf. But, morning breaks and the Riders of Rohan arrive.

The Riders of Rohan had met up with the Moses who are the Wild Men of the Woods. They had come to offer to help against Sauron and the Orcs. They told Theoden that all the entries to Minas Tirith had been blocked, but they know a back way in. The path leads them to just outside the gates. The Woses vanish. At the end of the path they see the messenger that was supposed to tell Minas Tirith they were coming, dead.

Theoden fears they are already too late, then he sees a flash of light in the city. He knows that Gandalf is battling still. They Rider let out their war whoops and ride fast. The sound and reinforcements force the Orcs and the rest of Sauron's army to flee. The Black Captain is last, but when he feels the darkness leaving, so does he. The sun begins to shine again. Before the battle is finished, Theoden manages to kill the Southrons' chieftain who was a follower of Sauron.

Before Theoden can enter into the city, he is attacked by the Black Captain on his winged horse. He shoots a poisoned dart but hits Theoden's horse. Unfortunately, the horse lands on Theoden and crushes him. The rest of the Guards flee in fright, but Dernhelm, who Merry has been traveling with, stays to fight the Black Captain. Suddenly, she throws back her hood and is revealed to be Eowyn, the Lady of Rohan.

She first kills the flying horse. The Black Captain leaps off the falling animal and shatters her shield with his club. The blow is so powerful it breaks her arm. Before he can deliver the death blow, Merry sneaks up and stabs him in the leg. Then Eowyn uses the last of her strength to cut at his face with her sword. It shatters on impact. His armor drops at her feet, the crown dramatically rolls away and he is dead. She collapses on his remains.

Before he dies, King Theoden claims Eomer as his heir. Eomer leads the Riders on a more ruthless attack when he sees his sister's body. Meanwhile, Prince of Dol Amroth uses his few men to drive the enemy away from the gate so they can retrieve the King's body and Eowyn, who he informs them, is not dead.

As the battle once again seems to be turning in the favor of Mordor, Aragorn, and his troops arrive by ship. Aragorn leads the last battle that proves successful. The armies of Mordor are defeated and they leave.

Meanwhile, Pippin has rushed to Gandalf after his battle with the Black Captain ended. Although he wanted to chase the Black Captain, he knows he must save Faramir from his father's madness. Beregond is fighting off the servants of Denethor and has already killed two of them. Gandalf stops Denethor from attacking by sending his sword flying.

Gandalf tells him he can't just kill his son. Denethor reveals he has a palantir and has seen the future. The West is doomed and he blames Gandalf for finding some Ranger to replace him as King. He wishes things could go back to the way they were.

Gandalf removes Faramir from the funeral pyre. In his madness, Denethor lights the pyre on fire and jumps in. As they take Faramir to the healer, the fire consumes the area. Gandalf asks Pippin about the palantir Denethor was using. They figure that the more he used it, the more Sauron controlled him with his lies.

Merry and Pippin are reunited and Merry goes to have his wounds tended. Aragorn stays outside the city gates and won't claim his throne until the war has ended. They all agree that Gandalf is the leader for the rest of the war.

Those wounded with the poison of the weapons of the Enemy can only be healed by the touch of the true King. Although Aragorn is persuaded by Gandalf to enter the city as Ranger, he uses his touch and some innocuous herbs to heal all of them. Soon everyone is acknowledging him as King and calling him Elfstone, or Elessar, which was foretold at his birth, it is also the name of the stone he wears around his neck that was given to him by Galadriel.

When Gimli and Legolas find Merry and Pippin, Legolas tells them what happened on the Path of the Dead and after. Aragorn used the dead to defeat the invading fleets of Sauron's forces. The dead terrified the sailors, who left the battle by jumping overboard. Legolas said he was surprised they could be frightened so easily. Then Aragorn released the dead from their broken vow.

Meanwhile, Aragorn has called a war meeting. Gandalf tells them the next wave of attacks will be stronger. They must attack the Gates of Mordor. He reminds them the Ring of Power is in Mordor right now, and if Sauron gets it all will be lost. If they attack Sauron will assume Aragorn has the Ring and is brash enough to attack. With this, they will be able to divert attention from Frodo. Even though the plan is probably fatal, they all agree.

The next day the troops march off to battle. Merry is still too injured to join them, but Pippin marches off as a soldier of Gondor. As they near the Gates of Mordor, Gandalf instructs the horns to blow and announce the King of Gondor. But, inside the Gate, there is no sound. Only an eerie silence.

They are attacked by a substantial force of Orcs along the way, but they repel them. They are also tracked by flying Nazgul. When they reach the disgusting pools of Morannon, Aragorn gathers a contingent representing all the raises who are against Sauron. Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas Pippin, Eomer, Imrahil and Elrond's sons are all in this group. They call for Sauron to lay down his arms and be judged by the justice of Gondor. Still, there is silence.

Soon the Lieutenant of the Dark Tower steps out. Although he is living, he has a face like a skull with flaming eyes and nostrils. He throws Frodo's coat, Sam's sword, and a gray Elven cloak down. He tells them if they want the Hobbit spy back they will agree to their terms. Gandalf looks defeated and asks for the terms. He says they must never attack Mordor, become subservient to them and let them choose the Captain they want to rule Rohan. Gandalf rejects them.

The Lieutenant turns and runs away in fear. The Gate opens and Trolls pour out and attack. One of them tries to kill Beregond and Pippin stabs him. Unfortunately the Troll lands on him. As he starts to pass out, he hears that the Eagles are coming.

Book VI

At the beginning of the second half of The Return of the King, or Book VI, the story moves back to focus on Sam and Frodo. Sam is outside the doors of the Tower. He knows he must get through the door so he can rescue Frodo. He turns and begins back down the tunnel to find another way in. The Ring tries to tempt Sam. He puts it on briefly, but even with the temptations the Ring puts in his head, Sam remembers his love for Frodo and takes it back off. Besides he knows he is too humble to be in control of the Ring.

Finally, Sam uses the vial of Galadriel to pass through the Gate. He passes over numerous dead Orcs and finally finds a live one who runs in terror. The power of the Ring is too much for them. Sam follows one of the Orcs and finds Frodo held prisoner and naked. The Orc tries to attack Sam and trips.

He falls through a hidden door in the floor. Frodo is happy to see Sam and thrilled that he saved the Ring. Frodo calls Sam a thief and takes the Ring back. But afterward he apologizes to Sam. The two Hobbits put on Orc gear they found and work their way past the guards at the Gate by using the vial again. Suddenly they hear a Black Rider's screech. He is in the air right above them.

Although a troop of Orcs and Black Riders gets close to the Hobbits, their natural evasiveness keeps them from being seen. They leave Cirith Ungol and start to travel to Mount Doom where Frodo plans to destroy the Ring. With every step, the Ring grows heavier, and they still have forty miles to go.

As day three begins, Sam and Frodo are confronted by a large band of Orcs. The leader assumes they are Orcs and order them to join. For hours they travel with the Orcs. The Ring keeps getting heavier and is almost more than Frodo can handle.

When the Orcs begin to move to the crossroads so they can go against Aragorn, Sam and Frodo slip behind a boulder and leave them. When they start out the next morning, Sam is more determined than ever. He begins to push Frodo more to Orodruin. Frodo becomes weaker and weaker. Finally, on the third day, Frodo drops and can't take another step, so Sam begins to carry him.

At the foot of the mountain, Sam sees the Eye from Sauron's Dark Tower. Luckily it passes over the Hobbits and gazes toward the Captains of the West. Frodo starts to panic and he begins to grab for the Ring. Sam holds Frodo's hands together gently to calm him.

As they continue on with Sam carrying Frodo, he is suddenly hit from behind by Gollum. Frodo and Gollum struggle while Gollum accuses Frodo of breaking his word. Frodo finally forces Gollum back and heads on. But, before he can throw the Ring in the crack, Frodo suddenly turns around and tells Sam he will not do it.

He puts the Ring on and tries to run away, while Sauron sees him and eight Nazgul flies towards him. Suddenly Sam sees Gollum battling with an unseen shadow and he hears Frodo cry out and reappear with a missing finger and blood coursing out of the stump.

He sees Gollum with the finger with the Ring in his teeth, but as he tries to back away, Gollum falls into the Cracks of Doom with the Ring. The mountain begins to shake as it consumes the Ring and Sam grab Frodo carrying him out of the cave. The last of the Nazgul die in the explosion.

Sam is overjoyed but Frodo knows that without Gollum the quest would not have ended the way it did. The two Hobbits think they will die where they are, but two Eagles swoop down and rescue them.

Meanwhile, the battle with Sauron looks bad until the mountain starts to shake and Gandalf exclaims that the Ring-bearer has completed his task. Sauron is defeated. A huge dark hand rises in the South and then disappears.

When Sam awakens he thinks for a second that the whole adventure was a dream. But, Gandalf is watching over him and Frodo. When they are both awake he tells them to dress and come with him to the reception held by the King of Gondor, Aragorn. Frodo and Sam are glad to be with Merry and Pippin again. They all eat till they are full at the feast in celebration.

The next day Aragorn rides into Minas Tirith to accept the crown of Gondor. Faramir who is set to marry Lady Eowyn arrives to give the crown to him. Aragorn calls for Gandalf and Frodo. He asks Frodo to give the crown to Gandalf so he can officially crown him.

The Third Age of the Middle Earth is finished, the new Age of Men has begun with Aragorn's reign. The Kingdom begins to rebuild. Soon the Elves arrive and Aragorn marries Arwen the daughter of the Elf Elrond. Now, Queen, she wants to reward Frodo so she gives him the gift of her immortality. He can sail across the Great Sea instead of her where Elves live eternally in youth and joy.

After a while, Frodo yearns to return home to the Shire. Gandalf and company go with him, each person drops off at their prospective homes. At Rohan, they say goodbye to Eomer. Then they go on to Isengard where the see the Ent again. Treebeard says they kept Saruman imprisoned until he seemed such a broken man, then the released him. Gandalf finds him and tries to offer pity. But he refuses.

Soon Galadriel and Celeborn break from the group and head to their home. The rest of the group arrive at Rivendell where the find Bilbo. He has finished three more books and asks Frodo to take them so he can edit them. They are Translations from the Elvish. Bilbo will remain with the Elves and the rest of the Hobbits go on leaving Elrond at his home.

As the group near the Shire, they stop at Bree and see Butterbur at his Inn. After they leave there, Gandalf parts from them. Frodo says that he feels like he is falling asleep since their adventures are over.

When the Hobbits arrive back at the bridge of Brandywine they find a spiked gate, closed. The gatekeeper tells them he can't let them through from sundown to sunrise. So the Hobbits laugh at him and climb over. Frodo thinks the Chief of Bag End, who is setting up these rules must be his greedy relative, Lesotho.

Soon they are stopped by several Men who say they work for a mysterious boss who is not Lotho. The Men call him Sharkey. They try to threaten the Hobbits but they pull their swords and the Men run.

Sam asks the old Farmer Cotton what is happening. He and his sons arrive to fight off the Men when they return, then explains that after they left Lotho began buying all the land causing a food shortage. Then some Men arrived and took over.

The next morning The Battle of Bywater happens. Seventy of the Men die and the Hobbits are victorious. Frodo, Sam, and Merry all go to Bag End to deal with the mysterious boss. They find the boss Sharkey, is Saruman. He tries to make them believe they will be cursed if they harm him, but Frodo calls him a liar and says he has no power. Saruman tries to stab Frodo, but his armor protects him.

When the other Hobbits try to kill Saruman, Frodo stops them. But, when he asks about his relative, Lotho and Saruman tells him Wormtongue killed him, Wormtongue says Saruman told him too and stabs Saruman. Afterward, Wormtongue tries to flee and is killed by Hobbits. When Saruman dies a gray mist rises from his corpse.

The Shire starts to rebuild. Merry and Pippin are heroes, Sam marries Rosie Cotton and Frodo tries to retire. Sam and his wife move into Bag End with Frodo.

One day Frodo starts toward Rivendell to see Bilbo. Frodo, Sam, Pippin and Merry all start out. They are met by Elrond and Galadriel who are now wearing two of the Three Elven Rings. Bilbo is riding slowly behind them.

Sam and Frodo go with them to the Great Sea. Bilbo boards the ship and Frodo is going to follow the lead by Gandalf. Pippin and Merry come to say goodbye.
The three Hobbits return to the Shire. The book ends with Sam greeting his family at Bags End.

J. R. R. Tolkien biography

J(ohn) R(Donald) R(Reuel) Tolkien - (1892 - 1973) Born in South Africa and a professor at Oxford in Britain. A brilliant linguist and fantasy writer. The Hobbit was just one of the stories he created.

Originally written for his children, it came to the attention of a publisher and was an instant hit with young and old. He was soon commissioned to continue the story in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Tolkien created an entire world for his stories, Arda, where Middle Earth is located. He also made an entire language for them called "Elvenlatin".

Tolkien was homeschooled until he was 12. That was when his mother died and he was sent to live with a Catholic priest, Fr. Francis Xavier Morgan. He did well in school until he was 16 when he fell in love. Father Francis noticing how love was affecting his school work, forbid Tolkien from contacting her until he turned 21.

On the evening of his 21st birthday, Tolkien contacted Edith Mary Bratt. She was 3 years older than him, and not surprisingly, engaged to another man. As soon as she realized Tolkien still loved her, she broke off the engagement and agreed to marry him.

They were married 3 years later in 1916 and lived happily together until her death in 1971. He followed her in death 22 months later. They were devoted to each other and their children and grandchildren.

Buried in the same grave at Wolvercote Cemetery, Oxford, he had the name 'Luthien' under her name and 'Beren' under his name, after two romantic characters in his story, Of Beren and Luthien from the collection of short stories in his book, The Silmarillion.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Footer