The hobbits return to the Shire, only to find it under the control of Saruman’s minions. They lead a rebellion to reclaim their home, showcasing their growth and bravery. The Shire is restored, symbolizing the resilience and enduring spirit of its people.

The Shire’s Restoration

Sauron’s forces lay siege to the city of Gondor, and the situation grows dire. Aragorn, revealing his lineage as the true king, takes command. With the help of the Army of the Dead, he turns the tide, leading to a crucial victory. The hope for Middle-earth’s survival rests on the success of Frodo’s mission.

The Siege of Gondor

Meanwhile, Merry and Pippin escape captivity and encounter Treebeard, an ancient Ent. They learn of Saruman’s betrayal and his plans to destroy Rohan. The Ents, inspired by the hobbits, launch an assault on Saruman’s fortress, Isengard, showcasing the power of nature against industrial evil.

Saruman’s Treachery

Aragorn is crowned King of Gondor, symbolizing hope and unity for Middle-earth. His leadership and the alliance of men, elves, dwarves, and hobbits exemplify the strength in diversity and cooperation. But the true battle still lies with Frodo and Sam.

The Return of the King

Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli join forces with King Théoden of Rohan to defend Helm’s Deep against Saruman’s massive army. The battle is fierce and seemingly hopeless until Gandalf returns with reinforcements, turning the tide and securing a hard-fought victory.

Helm’s Deep Battle

Gollum leads Frodo and Sam into the lair of the giant spider, Shelob. Frodo is captured and seemingly killed, leaving Sam devastated. However, Sam rescues Frodo from the orcs, proving his loyalty and courage. Their bond strengthens as they press on towards Mount Doom.

Cirith Ungol’s Terror

In Rivendell, a council is held to decide the fate of the ring. Representatives from different races—men, elves, dwarves, and hobbits—pledge to help Frodo. Thus, the Fellowship of the Ring is formed, including Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, all united in their mission to destroy the ring.

The Fellowship Forms

Frodo and Sam finally reach Mount Doom, but the ring’s power overwhelms Frodo, who claims it for himself. Gollum attacks, biting off Frodo’s finger to reclaim the ring. In a twist of fate, Gollum falls into the fiery chasm, destroying the ring and Sauron with it.

Mount Doom’s Climax

With the destruction of the ring, Sauron’s power collapses. His armies scatter, and Middle-earth is freed from his dark influence. The victory is bittersweet, as the characters reflect on the cost and sacrifices made.

The Fall of Sauron

The wizard Gandalf discovers the ring’s true nature and warns Frodo of its dangers. He urges Frodo to leave the Shire and take the ring to Rivendell, where it can be kept safe. This marks the beginning of Frodo’s perilous journey and the quest to destroy the ring.

Gandalf’s Warning

Devastated by Gandalf’s loss, the Fellowship finds refuge in the elven realm of Lothlórien. Here, they receive guidance and gifts from Galadriel, the Lady of the Wood. She warns Frodo of the growing power of Sauron and the importance of their quest.

Lothlórien’s Refuge

The Fellowship is ambushed by orcs, leading to Boromir’s tragic death and the group’s separation. Frodo and Sam decide to continue the journey to Mordor alone, while Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli pursue the captured Merry and Pippin. The Fellowship’s bonds are tested as they scatter across Middle-earth.

Breaking of the Fellowship

Frodo, Sam, and Gollum face increasing dangers as they near Mordor. They navigate the Dead Marshes, evade the vigilant eye of Sauron, and face betrayal by Gollum. The weight of the ring takes a toll on Frodo, testing his resolve and friendship with Sam.

The Path to Mordor

In a climactic battle, the forces of Gondor and Rohan face off against Sauron’s armies on the Pelennor Fields. The arrival of the Riders of Rohan, led by King Théoden, and the intervention of the mysterious Strider (Aragorn) turn the tide. Éowyn, a shieldmaiden, kills the Witch-king, showcasing the bravery and heroism of all races and genders.

The Battle of the Pelennor Fields

As the age of men dawns, the elves begin their departure from Middle-earth. Frodo, still bearing the physical and emotional scars of his journey, joins Gandalf, Bilbo, and the elves on their voyage to the Undying Lands, seeking peace and healing.

The Departure of the Elves

Sam, now a hero in his own right, returns to the Shire to build a life with Rosie Cotton. He plants the seeds given by Galadriel, restoring the Shire’s beauty. Sam’s journey from humble gardener to brave adventurer highlights the potential for greatness in everyone.

Sam’s Legacy

The tale concludes with a sense of closure and renewal. The Fellowship’s bonds remain strong, even as they part ways. Middle-earth enters a new era of peace and prosperity, shaped by the bravery, friendship, and sacrifices of those who dared to face the darkness.

The End of an Era

In the peaceful Shire, the young hobbit Frodo Baggins inherits a seemingly ordinary ring from his uncle, Bilbo. Little does he know, this ring is the One Ring, a powerful artifact created by the dark lord Sauron to control all other rings of power. The discovery sets off a chain of events that will change Middle-earth forever.

The One Ring’s Discovery

Frodo and Sam encounter Gollum, a creature twisted by the ring’s influence. Gollum offers to guide them to Mordor, though Sam distrusts him. Gollum’s dual nature—Smeagol, the pitiful creature, and Gollum, the treacherous villain—adds tension and complexity to their journey.

Gollum’s Guidance

The Fellowship faces numerous dangers, including a treacherous passage through the Mines of Moria. They encounter orcs, trolls, and the fearsome Balrog. Gandalf sacrifices himself to save the others, declaring, “You shall not pass!” as he confronts the Balrog on a narrow bridge.

The Mines of Moria

Journey with Frodo Baggins from the Shire to the heart of Mordor as he battles darkness and discovers the true power of friendship and bravery in “The Lord of the Rings.”

Immerse yourself in Middle-earth with J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic masterpieces behind the films...This special 50th anniversary edition includes three volumes of The Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King), along with an extensive new index—a must-own tome for old and new Tolkien readers alike.One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him. After many ages it fell by chance into the hands of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins.From Sauron's fastness in the Dark Tower of Mordor, his power spread far and wide. Sauron gathered all the Great Rings to him, but always he searched for the One Ring that would complete his dominion.When Bilbo reached his eleventy-first birthday he disappeared, bequeathing to his young cousin Frodo the Ruling Ring and a perilous quest: to journey across Middle-earth, deep into the shadow of the Dark Lord, and destroy the Ring by casting it into the Cracks of Doom.The Lord of the Rings tells of the great quest undertaken by Frodo and the Fellowship of the Ring: Gandalf the Wizard; the hobbits Merry, Pippin, and Sam; Gimli the Dwarf; Legolas the Elf; Boromir of Gondor; and a tall, mysterious stranger called Strider.J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973), beloved throughout the world as the creator of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion, was a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford, a fellow of Pembroke College, and a fellow of Merton College until his retirement in 1959. His chief interest was the linguistic aspects of the early English written tradition, but while he studied classic works of the past, he was creating a set of his own.

Sam’s Legacy

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Heroism

(ix) Editor’s Introduction