An Unexpected Journey

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Entering the house of Tom Bombadil, the hobbits find themselves in a well-lit room where, seated among water lilies, is Tom Bombadil's wife, Goldberry, the River's daughter. They are shown to rooms where they freshen up for supper, then join in a merry meal with Tom and Goldberry. After the meal, Frodo asks about the "Willow-man," but the others all think talking about their frightening experience should wait for daylight. They head off to bed. The next morning, the hobbits enjoy breakfast in Tom's home, then settle in for a long talk and storytelling with Tom as the rain pours outside. He tells them stories of nature and of ancient times, when "only the Elf-sires were awake." The stories are like a spell on the hobbits, so they cannot keep track of time. When the rain stops, it is suppertime. After another abundant meal, Tom's attention turns to the hobbits themselves—their story. Frodo finds himself telling Tom everything, and even showing him the Ring. Tom suddenly puts the ring on his own finger, but it has no effect on him. Furthermore, when Frodo tests out the Ring's power shortly after, he is invisible to all except Tom. The hobbits plan to leave in the morning, and be on their way. Tom tells them a rhyme they can sing if they get into any trouble before leaving his lands.

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The hobbits rise before dawn the next morning. Leaving a message for Gandalf with Fatty, they set out, riding sturdy ponies. Led by Merry, they pass through a high hedge, and enter the Old Forest, where "the trees do not like strangers." They walk a ways into the silent forest, along a path going gently uphill, feeling they are being observed, and disliked. Merry notices that the trees have shifted since the last time he was in the wood. Crossing over a hill, the path begins to take them on a downward path, toward the Withywindle valley—a place with a sinister reputation. Yet, this is the way the path leads, and before long they find themselves at the Withywindle River. The way is difficult, and soon they become very tired. At the base of a large willow tree, Frodo, Merry, and Pippin fall asleep, and Sam feels himself beginning to drift off as well. Before he descends into slumber, however, he is awakened by small noises. Frodo has fallen in the water, and Merry and Pippin have become trapped in the willow tree's great trunk. Frodo and Sam yell for help, which comes in the form of a jolly old man—Tom Bombadil—who sings a song to Old Man Willow. Tom's song causes the tree to give up its captives. Tom invites them to his house for supper. They follow his lead toward the house, where they hear singing.

The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Merry, Frodo, Sam, and Pippin board the Bucklebury Ferry and cross the Brandywine River. They can see Brandy Hall, ancestral home of the Brandybucks, on the opposite bank. Arriving in Buckland, they alight and, looking back across the river, see a dark figure crawling along the bank. Merry can see the others are worried, but he doesn't know why. They promise to fill him in over supper. They all go to Frodo's new house, which Fredegar (Fatty) and Merry have prepared—complete with steaming hot water for baths. Frodo, Pippin, and Sam bathe, then settle down to a (second) supper. They bring their friends up to date on their adventures with the Black Riders, and Frodo decides he needs to reveal his own plan to leave the Shire. But when he hesitates, Merry reveals that they already know everything, and he and Pippin have decided to accompany Sam and Frodo. Sam is revealed as the informant. Fatty's part of the scheme will be to stay behind to keep up the appearance of Frodo's residence in Buckland. They plan to leave first thing in the morning.

The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash.

Art by Jian Guo.

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When the hobbits wake up the next morning, the Elves are gone, having left food for the hobbits' breakfast. Frodotells Sam, privately, that the two of them will need to leave the Shire right away. To the disappointment of the others, Frodo decides to cut across the countryside rather than stay on the road. This going proves difficult, and the Black Rider continues to pursue them. Eventually, though, they come to a gate at the edge of a farmer's field. Pippin recognizes the farm as belonging to Farmer Maggot. Frodo is worried Farmer Maggot will remember that, as a child, he stole mushrooms from his farm, but when they do encounter the farmer, he is helpful. Farmer Maggot tells them a "funny customer" has come around, asking about Mr. Baggins. Seeing that Frodo is concerned, he offers to give them a ride to the ferry in his cart after dinner. As they near the ferry, they are met by Merry, riding a pony. Farmer Maggot gives them a basket of mushrooms, says good-bye, then returns home.

The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Weeks pass, and Gandalf becomes impatient with Frodo's lack of preparation for leaving. Although Frodo has good reasons for his slowness—he doesn't want to create gossip—he is also feeling reluctant to leave the Shire. He is inclined to wait until his 50th birthday. Gandalf agrees to this, and advises Frodo to travel toward the Elven realm of Rivendell, ruled by Elrond. Frodo announces he is selling Bag End to the Sackville-Bagginses, his unlikable cousins, and moving to Buckland—in a different part of the Shire. The townsfolk find this surprising, but chalk it up to his various eccentricities. One day, Gandalf announces he must leave and investigate something worrisome he has learned about, but tells Frodo he will be back for the birthday party. However, he does not show up, and Frodo decides to move forward with the plan without him. Frodo celebrates his birthday with his good friends, and then says good-bye to Bag End. Merry and another friend, Fredegar Bolger, go on ahead to get Frodo's new house ready. Later, walking along the road in a melancholy way, Frodo overhears a strange voice asking Sam's father, the Gaffer, about "Mr. Baggins." Soon after, Sam, Pippin, and Frodo set out. After a few days on the road, they hear another traveler coming up behind them. Frodo, feeling wary, decides they should hide and let the traveler go past. Once hidden, the four hobbits watch as a large black horse appears, carrying a figure clothed in a black robe and hood. Sniffing sounds come from inside the hood, and Frodo feels an urge to put on the Ring. He resists the urge, and the rider moves on. Sam reveals that this rider is the one that asked his father about Mr. Baggins. The hobbits decide to continue on, more cautiously. Later that evening, the black-cloaked rider overtakes them again, and Frodo once again feels the urge to put on the Ring. A company of Elves happens by, however, and the rider retreats. The leader of the company of Elves, Gildor Inglorion, recognizes Frodo, and allows the hobbits to travel with them after hearing about the Black Riders. The hobbits stay up late talking and eating with the Elves, and Gildor is uneasy about pursuing Black Riders, who he believes are servants of the Enemy, and that Gandalf did not show up when expected. He advises Frodo to leave for Rivendell without delay.

The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien. Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore. Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash. Art by Jian Guo.

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After the initial shock of Bilbo's disappearance wears off, life in Hobbiton generally returns to normal, and Frodolives for many years as a bachelor at Bag End. He often dines with Merry and Pippin, his good friends. As time passes, some people notice Frodo doesn't seem to show his age, an observation they had made about Bilbo, too. It is only as Frodo nears 50 that he begins to feel a bit restless. He starts wandering far from home, talking to travelers, and getting news of the world outside the Shire. Quite a bit of turmoil seems to be going on in the outside world—both Dwarves and Elves are on the move more than usual, and there are rumors of the "Enemy" and the "Land of Mordor." Then Gandalf unexpectedly returns, and reveals to Frodo that the magic ring he inherited from Bilbo is actually the One Ring crafted in secret by Sauron, the great Enemy in Mordor, to overpower all the other magic rings possessed by Men, Elves, and Dwarves. Gandalf tests the ring to be sure of this fact, and fiery words appear: "One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them." Gandalf then gives some of the One Ring's history, and says the ring must not be found by Sauron, who will use it to "cover all the lands in a second darkness." Frodo learns how the Ring came to him, beginning with Isildur, who cut it from Sauron's hand. Isildur was killed by Orcs in the Great River, Anduin, and the Ring lay at the bottom of the river for many years. The Ring then passed to Gollum, who murdered his friend to possess it. From Gollum, the Ring passed to Bilbo, and finally, to Frodo. As if this news were not dire enough, Gandalf also tells Frodo that Sauron had captured Gollum and now knows the name "Baggins" and the location "Shire." Frodo realizes the Ring must leave the Shire, and he must take it, secretly. Just as he resolves to do this, Gandalf catches Sam Gamgee, Frodo's gardener, eavesdropping. Well-intentioned Sam agrees to go with Frodo as punishment for listening in.

The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien. Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore. Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash. Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. Eccentric hobbit Bilbo Baggins has announced his 111st birthday party will be a very special one, and the town of Hobbiton in the Shire is abuzz with the news. Bilbo is known to be generous and thought to have a secret cache of treasure from his previous adventures, and so the residents of Hobbiton believe the party will be quite grand. The September 22 birthday is shared by Bilbo's nephew Frodo, who came to live with Bilbo at Bag End after his parents' deaths, and their custom has been to share birthday celebrations. This year, Frodo will be turning 33—the "coming of age" for hobbits. In addition, rumor has it Gandalf the wizard will be setting off the fireworks for the celebration. There is much to anticipate, and the residents of Hobbiton watch supplies arrive at Bag End with growing excitement. Amidst the preparations, Gandalf and Bilbo have a private talk about Bilbo's plan to leave the Shire following the party. Gandalf encourages Bilbo to stick to the plan. On the day of the party, tents and pavilions populate a large field, and the guests arrive to presents (hobbits give others presents on their birthdays), abundant food, exciting entertainment, and flowing drink. Gandalf's fireworks are remarkable and magical. After supper, Bilbo gives a short speech, then suddenly places a magic golden ring on his finger and vanishes, to the surprise and consternation of all. Invisible, Bilbo walks back to Bag End, where Gandalf is waiting for him. Gandalf reminds Bilbo he promised to leave the magic ring with Frodo. Bilbo's ring allowed him to avoid his greedy and annoying relatives, the Sackville-Bagginses, who continue to pester Frodo in the present. Bilbo reluctantly leaves it behind as he departs on his journey. Gandalf makes sure the ring passes safely into Frodo's possession, but warns him to keep it secret and safe. Then Gandalf also leaves, and Frodo watches him walk down the road leading out of Hobbiton.

The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien. Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore. Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash. Art by Jian Guo.The Fellowship of the Ring: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien. Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore. Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Phil Dragash. Art by Jian Guo.

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For Bilbo, even though the adventure is complete, life's journey carries on. His wandering feet have led him home for now, but the roads that go ever on foreshadow the adventurous trilogy to follow.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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The final stop before Bilbo Baggins reaches home is Rivendell, where the elves greet him with a song to celebrate the dragon's death. Gandalf also tells Elrond of his activities when he left the hobbit and the dwarves to continue their quest alone. The wizard has traveled to the North to vanquish the evil Necromancer and restore normalcy to the region. Feeling rested, the hobbit continues recalling some of their adventures. Following Gandalf's advice, Bilbo recovers the buried gold from the trolls' storeroom. When the duo arrives at Bag End, they discover a crowd of hobbits rapidly auctioning off Bilbo's possessions, as he was assumed dead. The troll gold is used to buy back as many items as possible, but his silver spoons have disappeared. The hobbit burglar finds he is now treated with suspicion by most of the community except for some younger nieces and nephews on the Took side. Years later, as Bilbo is writing his memoirs, Gandalf and Balin stop to visit and report that peace and prosperity have been restored to the lands and people once oppressed and destroyed by Smaug.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. Bilbo Baggins is knocked out shortly after spotting the eagles and misses the end of the conflict. A soldier finds the unconscious hobbit and carries him to the winning camp. Gandalf congratulates the hobbit for his luck in surviving the battle, and Bilbo is quickly taken to Thorin, who is dying from battle wounds. Thorin sincerely apologizes to Bilbo and recognizes he cannot take the treasure with him into death. The hobbit grieves for Thorin, and Bilbo is now ready to return home. Thorin is buried with the Arkenstone, which was destined to be his, and Dain, the new dwarf king, proves wise in distributing the treasure. A large group including Gandalf and Beorn travels with the elves and the Elvenking, and they all sing Bilbo's praises. After spending the winter with Beorn, Bilbo stays for a while in Rivendell.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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The following morning, negotiators approach the gates and reveal the Arkenstone, hoping it will move Thorin to make a deal. Thorin, still fixated on the treasure, relents and accepts the plan, but he has no intention of fulfilling his end of the bargain. Thorin plans to wait for Dain and his troops, keep the gold, and fight for the Arkenstone. In anger he turns on Bilbo Baggins and threatens to kill him. Some of the dwarves are secretly dismayed at Thorin's treatment of the hobbit. Dain and his troops finally appear. Bard will not let Dain in to see Thorin, and both sides prepare to do battle. Suddenly the skies darken as thousands of bats block out the sun. Their arrival signals the threat of attack by a huge force of goblins and wargs. The danger forces the elves, men, and dwarves to unite to defeat their common enemy. At first the strategy appears to work, but the numbers of evil fighters are too great. Thorin, finally coming to his senses, breaches his wall and emerges to rally the weary allies. Just when it appears the goblins will prevail, the eagles arrive, and the forces for good gain the upper hand. Bilbo, who has been with the elves, puts on his invisibility ring and is struck by a rock and knocked unconscious before the final victory.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. Several days pass in a standoff; the dwarves are trapped inside Lonely Mountain, and the armed men and elves block the exit. Roäc, the raven, reappears and reports that Dain and his troop of 500 are near but predicts that is not enough force to defeat the opposing troops. He again encourages Thorin to settle the affair peacefully. Thorin rejects this advice, and in despair Bilbo Baggins decides to take action, trying to force Thorin's hand. Still in possession of the Arkenstone, Bilbo takes a turn at guard duty and heads to the elves' camp. When he is taken to the leaders, Bard and the Elvenking, Bilbo reports the movement of Dain's warriors and gives the Arkenstone to them, hoping they can use it to bargain with Thorin. Bilbo meets Gandalf in the camp, but he returns to the dwarves in the fortress.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. Back at the stronghold the group notes the unusual activity of the birds. Roäc, an ancient raven, arrives and delivers both good and bad news. The dwarves learn of Smaug's death, but they are warned that a large force of elves and men is approaching. When the bird advises Thorin to work with Bard toward a peaceful solution, Thorin angrily vows to protect the gold and enlists the bird to take a message to Dain, a cousin, to come to the aid of his group. The dwarves block the main entrance and sing a song praising their achievement and vowing to defend their treasure. When the men and elves arrive, they request a parley (negotiation), but Thorin refuses and fires an arrow at them in defiance.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. As the dwarves and Bilbo Baggins explore the vast caverns, the narrator reports Smaug's wrathful attack on Lake-town. Bard tells the citizens the dragon will attack the community. Many people get in boats to escape the fire and destruction, but Bard and other archers try to slay the beast. The old thrush—who overheard the mention of Smaug's weakness—carries that information to Bard. With information on Smaug's unprotected spot, the defender uses a last black arrow and kills Smaug. Survivors of Lake-town arrive on shore where they face desperate conditions; winter is coming, and they are without food or shelter. Fortunately the Elvenking and his warriors arrive. An agreement is reached by which some men and elves will remain to build shelters and find provisions while a party will set out for Lonely Mountain to verify the fate of Thorin and of the treasure in Smaug's lair.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. The expedition is trapped in the secret passage for several days. The group realizes Smaug has disappeared from his lair and sends Bilbo Baggins out to explore the situation. Bilbo finds the fabled Arkenstone and conceals it as his share of the treasure. Thorin also gives Bilbo a chain mail coat created by the elves. The dwarves explore the treasure and finally occupy an old watchman's tower to detect Smaug's return.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. At this point in the adventure, Bilbo Baggins undertakes the most dangerous feat he has been asked to perform. Assuming his burglar role, he creeps down the tunnel and into the dragon's lair. Fortunately Smaug is sleeping, and Bilbo grabs a magnificent goblet to take to the dwarves. When the dragon senses that some treasure has been taken, he goes on a rampage searching for the thief. After Smaug returns to his hoard Bilbo again approaches to identify himself. The overconfident monster casually exposes his belly, and Bilbo identifies a weakness in a bare patch of skin. As the hobbit exits the den Smaug shoots flames up the tunnel; Bilbo barely escapes. Unfortunately, in Bilbo's banter with the dragon, he exposes Lake-town and its people and accidentally reveals that they helped him. In a rage the dragon destroys the secret entrance and flies off to Lake-town to punish the citizens for aiding the treasure seekers.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. As Bilbo Baggins and the dwarves travel through the desolation of Smaug, their mood changes. While they are geographically closer to their goal, achieving it seems as far away as ever. Bilbo, however, continues to study the map and contemplates the runes. After the group discovers the secret door, the attempts to open it fail. Only Bilbo continues to consider options. When the old thrush (bird) appears, the hobbit realizes the events described on the map are occurring, and he encourages Thorin to use the key to open the entrance.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. After the dwarves recover from the uncomfortable trip downriver, Thorin presents himself to Lake-town's Master and describes his mission. The Wood-elves challenge Thorin, saying that the group is made up of escaped prisoners and should not be welcomed. However, the citizens of the town press the Master to give the dwarves a positive reception. The Lake-people remember the songs and tales of old, and they are enamored with Thorin and his group. When the Master gains knowledge that some of the treasure is hidden in the mountain, he accepts the dwarf band, and they receive two weeks of food and provisions. Once they leave, the Master is glad to have them out of his domain.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. As the dwarves desperately seek to find a way out of the forest before starving, they are taken prisoner by the Wood-elves. Bilbo Baggins quickly puts on the ring, so the elves never know he is there. He follows the elves into their cave and watches as they interrogate the dwarves. The dwarves do not reveal they are on a treasure hunt. Thorin and the other dwarves do not want to share their treasure with anyone, even if it means freedom. For two weeks Bilbo searches for a way to rescue his friends. Finally he devises a plan. He gets the keys from drunken guards to rescue the dwarves from their cells. By the banks of an underground river sit empty wooden barrels. These containers are filled with food by the Lake-men, sent down the river to the elves, and then sent back to be refilled. Now they will serve as escape vehicles for the dwarves.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. The group enters the dark and dreary forest. The farther along they go, the more downcast and hopeless they feel. They come to a river across the path. It is much too wide to try to wade or swim across, and they heed Beorn's warning to not touch or drink any water in the forest.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. The eagles take the group as far south as possible to the Carrock. Gandalf tells them of his plans to leave soon, but first he takes them to "the Somebody," who happens to be a skin-changer named Beorn. He is human by day and a big black bear by night.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. After escaping the goblins, Bilbo catches up with the rest of his friends. He retells the story of his escape with great vigor—but leaves out the details of the ring. Gandalf reminds them the goblins will begin searching for them as soon as the sun goes down. They hurry along but are soon surrounded by wolves.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. Bilbo awakens to find himself alone in the dark. In the turning point of the adventure, he finds a tiny ring as he feels around on the ground, trying to find his way. He pulls out the little sword he had taken from the trolls' storeroom. This sword had also been made in Gondolin for the goblin wars; its elvish blade lights the way.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. The journey becomes quite difficult as the group gets caught in a mighty storm—a "thunder-battle" filled will rain, lightning, hail, and giants who are throwing boulders that destroy the forests. The two young dwarves, Fili and Kili, are sent to search for a safe place to lie down, and they quickly return. The cave Fili and Kili select appears to be perfect; in the middle of the night, however, the back wall opens, and out pour goblins who take all the ponies and capture the dwarves and Bilbo.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. The dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf continue their journey to Lonely Mountain and come to the edge of the Wild. Gandalf suggests they try to get to the Last Homely House west of the mountains—a perilous journey through ravines on narrow, slippery paths.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. Bilbo is sent to explore a warm light shining through the woods and comes upon three man-eating trolls cooking their mutton. Bilbo knows he has three choices: warn his friends, kill the trolls, or steal from them. He chooses to steal from the trolls, but he is instantly caught.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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Become A Subscriber. Bilbo Baggins is a simple hobbit with a simple life. His quiet life is interrupted when a group of dwarves and a famous wizard, Gandalf, show up at his home with a treasure map in hand.

The Hobbit: Written by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Soundtrack composed by Howard Shore.

Audiobook narrated, produced, and edited by Bluefax.

Art by Jian Guo.

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In this BBC-interview from 1964 (released in 1971) Tolkien sits down for a talk with Denys Gueroult. John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (3 January 1892 – 2 September 1973) was an English writer, poet, philologist, and academic, best known as the author of the high fantasy works The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Inspired by British adventure stories, European mythology and catholicism, Tolkien created an enormous high fantasy (epic fantasy) world with its own languages, races, geography, mythologies and both heroic, evil and complex characters. Tolkien was also a close friend of his fellow fantasy writer C. S. Lewis. They were both members of the informal literary discussion group known as The Inklings.

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The Grey Havens -- The Shire’s brief police state overthrown, the Hobbits rebuild the villages of the region. Sam opens the box Galadriel gave him and finds a small silver seed, which he plants. In the Party Field, a sacred tree springs up to replace the old one. Many children are born that year. Merry and Pippin become heroes in the Shire, but Frodo quietly retires. That spring, Sam marries Rosie Cotton, Farmer Cotton’s daughter, and they live at Bag End with Frodo. Frodo decides to travel to Rivendell to see Bilbo. Frodo entrusts to Sam a history of the War, written in part by Bilbo. Frodo, Sam, and others set out. As they enter the Woody End, they meet Elrond and Galadriel, who now wear two of the Three Elven Rings. Riding slowly behind the two elves is Bilbo himself. Sam and Frodo accompany the travelers to the Great Sea. When they reach the gates of the Grey Havens, they find Gandalf waiting for them. Beyond him is a great white ship, ready to sail to the West across the sea. Pippin and Merry appear, wishing to be present at Frodo’s departure. Frodo sadly bids farewell to his three friends and boards the ship. Gandalf entreats the three hobbits to enjoy each other’s friendship as they quietly return to the Shire. Sam enters his warm home, where he finds Rosie waiting. She puts their young daughter, Elanor, in his lap, and Sam draws a deep breath and says, “Well, I’m back.”

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The Scouring of the Shire

The hobbits find the bridge at Brandywine closed with a large spiked gate. When they demand entrance, a frightened gatekeeper informs them that he is under orders from the Chief at Bag End to let no one enter between sundown and sunrise. Frodo guesses that the Chief must be Lotho, his greedy relative. Merry and Pippin climb over the gate. The four hobbits set out for Hobbiton and encounter a large group of Hobbit Shirrifs, who inform them they are under arrest. The four hobbits laugh and move on. One of the Shirrifs quietly warns Sam that the Chief has many Men in his service. Leaving the Shirrifs behind, the four hobbits find a half-dozen Men who claim they do not answer to Lotho, the Hobbit Chief, but to another mysterious boss named Sharkey. The men threaten Frodo, but the other three hobbits draw swords. The men turn and flee. Sam rides on to find Tom Cotton, the oldest hobbit in the region. Farmer Cotton and his sons gather the entire village to fight. The band of Men returns, but surrenders after a brief fight. After the battle, Farmer Cotton explains that shortly after the Hobbits first left, Lotho began to purchase farmland, causing a shortage of food in Hobbiton. Cotton says that a gang of Men from the south took over the town. The next morning, a band of nearly one hundred Men approaches Hobbiton. Pippin arrives with his relatives, and a fierce battle ensues. Seventy of the Men die in the Battle of Bywater, as the conflict is forever remembered. The three remaining companions lead an envoy to Frodo’s home, Bag End, to deal with the new Chief. To their surprise, the hobbits find Saruman standing at the gate to Bag End. Saruman—who, it turns out, is the mysterious boss Sharkey—pronounces a curse upon the Shire if any hobbit should harm him. Frodo assures his friends that Saruman has no power, but he forbids them to kill the wizard. As Saruman passes by Frodo, he draws a knife and stabs Frodo, but Frodo’s armor shields him. Frodo again demands that his companions show mercy on the old wizard. Frodo’s clemency, however, enrages Saruman. Frodo asks about his relative Lotho, and Saruman informs Frodo that his servant, Wormtongue, killed Lotho in his sleep. Wormtongue, standing nearby, cries out that Saruman ordered him to do so. Saruman kicks Wormtongue, but Wormtongue stabs the old wizard. Wormtongue flees with a yell, but three Hobbit arrows kill him. From Saruman’s corpse, a gray mist rises and blows away.

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Homeward Bound -- The hobbits are nearing home. Gandalf asks if Frodo feels much pain. Frodo answers that he has been wounded by a knife and by the other torments of his long and heavy burden. Gandalf is silent. The next day, Frodo feels happy, and they travel onward in relative ease. They arrive at Bree and speak to Butterbur, the innkeeper who aided them early in the quest. Butterbur, after welcoming them and making them comfortable by the warm fire, tells Gandalf and the hobbits that their strange warrior gear has scared many locals. Gandalf laughs at this. Gandalf assures Butterbur that now that Sauron has been vanquished, business at the inn will once again pick up, as people will feel more free to travel. Butterbur asks about the dangerous region known as Deadmen’s Dike, which he imagines no one will be visiting. Gandalf asserts that the rightful king will return to that area, and it will become safe and prosperous again. He adds that the king is none other than Aragorn, once known in the inn as Strider. Butterbur is astonished at this news. The next day, business in the inn is brisk, as many visitors, unable to restrain their curiosity, come to gawk at Gandalf’s party. Many people ask Frodo whether he has written his memoirs yet. Finally, the Company sets off. Gandalf tells the hobbits that he will not accompany them to the Shire. His horse, Shadowfax, makes a leap, and Gandalf is gone. Frodo remarks that it feels as though he is falling asleep again, his adventures now over.

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Many Partings

After many days, when the festivities are over, the Company sets out for Rivendell. Aragorn tells Frodo that he knows the hobbit wishes for nothing more than to return home. Frodo answers that he wishes first to stop off at Rivendell to visit Bilbo one last time, as the older hobbit will likely die soon. On the way, they stop at Rohan and bid farewell to Éomer, honoring the memory of Théoden. After a brief stay in Rohan, they set off again. Arriving in Isengard, they meet Treebeard, the Ent leader who orchestrated the march on Saruman in The Two Towers. The Ents had promised to guard Saruman’s old stronghold of Orthanc, ensuring that the corrupt wizard would never escape. Treebeard tells them of the flight of many Orcs and the doom the Orcs met in the forest. He relates that he reported news regularly to Saruman, who would come to the window of Orthanc to listen. But then the wizard withered away. Treebeard, to Gandalf’s dismay, has released Saruman, for he did not wish to keep such a miserable creature caged. Gandalf warns Treebeard that Saruman still has the power of his voice—a power he has used to his advantage in the past. Proceeding onward, the group comes upon an old, ragged man leaning on a staff. They recognize him as Saruman. Another beggar in his company is Wormtongue, his former servant. The deposed Saruman is bitter but powerless. Galadriel and Gandalf offer Saruman mercy and reprieve. Their kindness irritates Saruman, who claims that with his demise, theirs will soon follow. After a few more days of slow and pleasant travel, Galadriel and Celeborn turn eastward and return home. The remaining travelers reach Rivendell and the House of Elrond, and they find Bilbo. The old hobbit sits quietly in a small room, surrounded by bits of paper and pencils. The next day, all of Rivendell celebrates Bilbo’s 129th birthday. After a fortnight, Frodo realizes that he must return to the Shire. Bilbo chooses to remain in Rivendell, for he is far too old for any more travel. Bilbo gives Frodo three books of collected lore entitled Translations from the Elvish, asking Frodo to finish editing them. Before Frodo leaves, Elrond takes the hobbit quietly aside, assuring him that in time he himself will visit the Shire, and he will bring Bilbo with him.

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The Steward and the King

The narrative jumps back to the time before the quest is finished, now focusing on the perspective of those in Minas Tirith. While Aragorn and the forces of Gondor are away, the city remains shrouded in fear. Faramir meets Lady Éowyn in the Houses of Healing. Éowyn longs for Aragorn and the chance to fight with the Riders against Mordor. Her sadness, mixed with pride and beauty, leads Faramir to fall in love with her. For days, they stare to the east, waiting for word of Gondor’s success, until they eventually see the Darkness break. As sunlight breaks through the sky, the citizens of Minas Tirith break out in song. Messengers soon arrive telling of Aragorn’s victory. The conflict resolved, Éowyn’s longing for war fades, and she and Faramir agree to wed. When Aragorn returns, Faramir rides out of the gate of Minas Tirith and offers him the keys of the city and an ancient crown. To everyone’s amazement, Aragorn calls for the Ring-bearer and Gandalf. Frodo hands the crown to Gandalf, who places it upon -Aragorn’s brow. The city of Minas Tirith begins to revive. Its walls are restored, and the city is filled with trees, fountains, and laughter. Ambassadors from many lands arrive in Gondor, and Aragorn shows mercy by rewarding both the faithful and the enemies of the West. Gandalf explains that the Third Age of Middle-earth has passed: the war against Sauron is over, and Aragorn’s reign in the age of Men has begun. The group climbs up an ancient, snowy path, at the end of which, amidst a pile of debris, Aragorn finds a sapling of the great White Tree—the symbol of ancient Elendil, Gondor’s kingdom. Aragorn takes the sapling back to the Citadel. The old, dead tree is removed and laid to rest, and the new one planted in its place. The day before Midsummer, a group of Elves approaches Minas Tirith. Celeborn and Galadriel, Elrohir and Elladan, and all the Elf princes arrive in the city. Behind them, mightiest of all, is Elrond with his daughter, Arwen. On the day of Midsummer, Aragorn (now called King Elessar) and Arwen are wed. Queen Arwen, seeking to repay Frodo for his immeasurable service and suffering, offers him a gift. When the time comes, he may sail in her stead across the Great Sea to the unknown West, where the Elves dwell in eternal youth and joy.

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The Field of Cormallen

The narrative returns to Gandalf and those outside the Black Gate. To the north, the Captains of the West founder on the hills outside the Gate, surrounded by a dark, rolling sea of Orcs and Wild Men. Gandalf stands proudly, white and calm, with no shadow falling upon him. Suddenly, a great cry rises up: “The Eagles are coming!” Out of the north arrives a company of great eagles, led by Gwaihir the Windlord. The will of Sauron falters, and all the armies of Mordor quail in terror. A great roar shakes the hills. Gandalf cries in victory that the Ring-bearer has completed his quest, and that the reign of Sauron has ended. As Gandalf speaks, a huge shadow rises in the south, extending across the sky like a giant hand, and then vanishes in the wind with a great rush. Aragorn leads the Captains in a great sweep over the plains. Gandalf then soars into Mordor on the back of Gwaihir. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam, still in the heart of Mordor, have given up all hope of survival. As they talk quietly below the ruin of Mount Doom, Gwaihir spots them. Two eagles sweep down and lift the hobbits into the air. When Sam wakes, he finds himself on a soft bed in Ithilien, the eastern lands of Gondor. He first comments on the extraordinary dream he has just had and then cries out in astonishment that his dream actually happened. Frodo sleeps next to Sam, and Gandalf watches over the two of them. The wizard says that a great Shadow has departed, asks the hobbits to dress in their worn and ragged attire, and escorts them out of the wood. They are to attend a reception hosted by the King of Gondor. A great throng of people awaits the hobbits. At their emergence, the crowd bursts into thunderous applause, singing songs in praise of the hobbits. Frodo and Sam approach a great throne, where Aragorn welcomes them. He lifts them and sets them on the throne, and the joy of the people flows over them like a warm wind. In a regal ceremony, Frodo bequeaths his knife Sting to Sam, who initially resists but finally accepts the gift. That evening, Frodo and Sam attend a generous feast. They reunite with their old companions. Sam is greatly surprised by Pippin, who seems to have grown several inches. The next morning, King Aragorn prepares to enter the great city of Gondor as its rightful ruler.

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Mount Doom -- The next morning, Sam gains new strength and a grim sense of responsibility. He wakes Frodo and pushes him on toward Orodruin. The land before them is cold and dead, dotted by countless craters and hollows. The hobbits crawl eastward from hiding place to hiding place. After a few miles, Frodo is nearly spent, his mind and body tormented by the terrible weight of the Ring. He refuses to give the Ring to Sam, for he knows he is held by its power. The two decide to take to the road once again. All eyes in Mordor are turned to the west, where the Captains march toward Morannon. After three draining days of travel, Frodo’s limbs give way and he falls, exhausted. Sam picks Frodo up and carries him on his back. Before nightfall, they reach the foot of the mountain. Sam carefully makes his way up the slope. It is nearly morning. For a moment, the shadows dissipate, and Sam can see the flicker of the piercing Eye from Sauron’s Dark Tower. Its gaze passes by the hobbits and turns to the north, focusing on the Captains of the West. However, the glimpse of Sauron’s power causes Frodo to panic. His hand grasps for the Ring around his neck, and he cries for Sam’s help. Sam kneels beside Frodo and gently holds his master’s palms together in his lap. Afraid Sauron has spotted them, Sam takes Frodo upon his shoulders once more and continues up the mountain. With much difficulty, they finally reach the top. Sam looks down over a great cliff into the burning Cracks of Doom below. Suddenly, a cruel weight hits Sam from behind, and he falls forward. Behind him, he hears the voice of Gollum, cursing Frodo viciously for his treachery. Frodo and Gollum engage in a violent struggle, and Gollum proves stronger than the weakened Frodo. Suddenly, Frodo commands Gollum, “Begone, and trouble me no more!” and the creature falls to his knees. Frodo presses on to the Cracks of Doom. Sam, tempted to slay Gollum with his sword, refrains out of pity. Gollum slinks away. Reaching the Cracks, Frodo turns to Sam and, with a voice clearer than Sam has ever heard, informs him that he will not complete the quest. The Ring, Frodo declares, is his. He puts the Ring on his finger and vanishes. Sam is once again flung aside, and then he sees a dark shape leap over him. Just as Sam looks up, the Great Eye of Sauron suddenly becomes aware of Frodo. The eight remaining Nazgûl hurtle toward the mountain at terrifying speed. Sam sees Gollum struggling with an invisible enemy, biting at the air viciously. Frodo suddenly reappears, his hand bleeding from his severed finger. Gollum pulls Frodo’s finger and the Ring from his mouth joyfully, but then steps backward, unaware that he is close to the edge of the cliff. Gollum then falls, along with the Ring, into the Cracks of Doom. Mount Doom shakes violently as it accepts and consumes the Ring. Sam runs out into the daylight, carrying Frodo. The Nazgûl wither in the fiery ruin of the hill. Frodo stands by Sam’s side, himself again. Sam feels overjoyed, and Frodo explains that, were it not for Gollum, he would not have been able to finish the quest. Frodo says he is glad to be with Sam “at the end of all things.”

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The Land of Shadow -- Sam and Frodo run away from Cirith Ungol as horns peal in the tower. They run onto a long bridge, but as they approach the other side, they hear a company of orcs quickly approaching. The orcs cannot see the two hobbits, but are heading straight for them. Frodo and Sam jump over the edge of the bridge, landing safely on the side of a cliff. With great difficulty, they clamber down to the valley below. Mount Doom lies to the east, but the hobbits travel northward, hoping to evade any Orc search parties. Frodo and Sam have only some of Faramir’s provisions, a few lembas, and no water. After a night of weary travel, they find a small stream and joyously refill their water bottles. The Ring grows heavier around Frodo’s neck with every step. Mount Doom is still nearly forty miles to the east, across a great valley. Behind the mountain sits Barad-dûr, Sauron’s home, from which the Dark Lord directs his will over Mordor. Scattered all over the valley, as far as the two hobbits can see, the armies of Mordor await the final battle. There is no hope of moving undetected through so many enemies, but Frodo and Sam again have no choice but to go on. They continue moving northward, looking for a good place to leave the mountains and move east. They overhear two orcs quarrelling, speaking of a rumor about a great Elf in bright armor who is on the loose. On the third day, Frodo and Sam turn into a narrow eastward road and travel over it for several miles in the darkness. After some time, they hear a great company of orcs approaching from behind. The hobbits are unable to move aside, and the company overtakes them, but in the darkness its leader assumes the hobbits are orcs and forces them into line with the others. For what seems like hours, they travel with the Orc company at an excruciating pace. Frodo is in agony from the Ring’s increasing weight. After a time, they reach a busy crossroads. Armies from the south are moving in anticipation of Aragorn’s army. In the confusion of the converging companies, Frodo and Sam jump aside and crawl behind a nearby boulder.

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The Tower of Cirith Ungol -- As Book VI begins, the narrative returns to focus on Sam and Frodo, who are still in the Tower of Cirith Ungol in Mordor. Sam wakes to find himself in the dark, outside the Orc stronghold. He knows he needs to rescue Frodo, but a massive door blocks his path. He turns and makes his way through the tunnel behind him. Without reason or purpose, Sam puts on the Ring. Immediately, he feels the great physical weight of the Ring’s power. His hearing improves, but his sight becomes hazy. He hears the sound of savage fighting in the tower. He turns and runs back toward the door, hoping that the two Orc-captains have come to blows. Spurred by an intense love for Frodo, Sam takes off the Ring and approaches the main gate of Cirith Ungol. As he does, he sees Orodruin, or Mount Doom, in the distance to the east. He again feels the wild, heavy pull of the Ring and begins to fantasize about becoming “Samwise the Strong,” a great hero. Remembering his love for Frodo, Sam shakes off such thoughts. He is convinced that he is too much of a plain hobbit and a humble gardener to control the Ring. Pressing on with a shrug, Sam halts helplessly before the gate, as if held by a web. He is under the influence of the Two Watchers who forbid all entrance into Cirith Ungol. Sam unconsciously draws the phial of Galadriel from his breast and extends it forward. Its great light pierces the gloom, and Sam is able to pass quickly through the gate. The Watchers let out a shrill cry. Inside, Sam notices the bodies of dead orcs as he reaches a narrow staircase. The dark figure of an orc moves down the stairs. The orc sees Sam and halts, perceiving Sam as a great, grey shadow brandishing an Elf blade that shines bitterly in the darkness. The terrified orc turns and runs up into the tower. Sam follows stealthily, jovially terming himself the “Elf-warrior.” Upstairs, Sam can hear the orc, Snaga, speak to another, Shagrat; they are the only two orcs left in the tower. Shagrat orders Snaga to descend, but Snaga will not go back downstairs. Snaga runs into an unknown chamber of the tower, leaving the furious Shagrat alone. Sam reveals himself to Shagrat and moves to attack, but the orc, overwhelmed by the power of the Ring, runs in panic around Sam and out the door. Sam looks desperately around for Frodo, but cannot find him. He begins to sing to himself. His song draws a snarl from Snaga, who mistakes Sam’s voice for Frodo’s. Sam follows the sound of the snarl and finds the orc climbing a ladder through a hidden door in the ceiling. Sam climbs after Snaga and attacks him in the secret chamber. In a panic, the surprised orc charges Sam, trips over him, and falls through the hidden door to the hard floor below. Frodo lies naked on a heap of rags in the middle of the room. He is surprised to see Sam and utterly elated to find that Sam has saved the Ring. Suddenly, Frodo demands that Sam hand over the Ring, calling Sam a thief. Grabbing the Ring, Frodo apologizes to Sam. Frodo and Sam outfit themselves in Orc gear and climb down the ladder. With the phial of Galadriel, the two hobbits move past the Watchers and out into Mordor. Suddenly, the terrifying cry of a Black Rider rends the sky above them.

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The Black Gate Opens -- Two days later, the armies of the West set out for Mordor, numbering seven thousand. At Imrahil’s urging, a small force remains in Minas Tirith to defend the city. Though the injured Merry cannot go to battle, Pippin marches as a soldier of Gondor. The army passes Osgiliath and makes camp; the horsemen move ahead, but they encounter no opposing forces. As the army draws closer to Mordor, Gandalf instructs the heralds to sound the trumpets and declare the coming of the King of Gondor. The army’s stirring and brazen cheers meet little answer from Sauron aside from an eerie, watchful silence. On the second day of its march, the army is nearly ambushed by a strong force of Orcs, but Aragorn and the Captains stop the ambush. Several Nazgûl begin to fly overhead, following the progress of the army. As Aragorn’s army nears Mordor on the fourth day, the younger troops become paralyzed with fear. In pity, Aragorn permits them to turn back, but many decide to stay. On the sixth day, the host approaches Morannon, the Black Gate of Mordor, which is surrounded by reeking pools of mud and filth. Aragorn arranges his army upon two great hills. Gandalf and Aragorn ride toward Morannon with a small envoy, including Gimli, Legolas, Pippin, Éomer, Imrahil, and Elrond’s sons—representatives of each of the races of Middle-earth that are opposed to Sauron. The envoy calls for Sauron to emerge and submit to the justice of Gondor. After a long period of silence, the Lieutenant of the Dark Tower emerges with an embassy of black-clad soldiers. Although a living man, the Lieutenant has a face like a skull, and fire burns in his eye sockets and nostrils. The Lieutenant laughingly mocks Aragorn and his army. When Gandalf admonishes him, the Lieutenant draws from his cloak Frodo’s coat of mithril, Sam’s sword, and a gray Elven cloak. The Lieutenant informs the anxious Captains that Sauron will spare the life of the captured Hobbit spy if they agree to certain terms. Gandalf, with a look of defeat, asks for the terms. The Lieutenant says that Gondor and its allies must never attack Mordor, that Gondor must become a tributary to Mordor, and that a suitable captain from Mordor must rule in Isengard over Rohan. Gandalf utterly rejects these terms. The Lieutenant feels a sudden grip of terror at Gandalf’s rebuke. He turns and retreats to the Black Gate. As he does, the host of Mordor—much larger than that of Gondor—pours out of the Gate. Drums roll, fires blaze, and the sun turns red. A great company of brutal hill-trolls charges into Pippin’s company. One of the trolls pounces on Beregond, but Pippin stabs the troll with his sword. The troll topples forward and crushes the startled hobbit. Pippin begins to lose consciousness. He bids farewell to the world, and just as everything turns dark, Pippin hears a great clamor of voices shouting, “The Eagles are coming!”

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The Last Debate

Gimli and Legolas find Merry and Pippin in the Houses of Healing. The hobbits eagerly ask questions about the Paths of the Dead. Gimli refuses to speak of the experience, but Legolas describes it. According to Legolas, after setting out from the Paths of the Dead, Aragorn led the Company and the army of the Dead to the Great River, Anduin. Invading fleets of Sauron’s allies prevented thousands of potential defenders from reaching Minas Tirith. At Aragorn’s command, the legion of Dead swept over the Enemy’s ships, causing the terrified sailors to throw themselves overboard. Aragorn released the Dead from their curse and then, gathering the local Men of Lamedon, set sail for Minas Tirith. At the end of the tale, Gimli and Legolas express their wonder that Mordor’s allies were overthrown by darkness and fear. While the four companions share their stories, Aragorn holds a meeting of the lords in his tent outside the city. Gandalf tells the assembled captains that Mordor has not yet unleashed the greater part of its army. Though Minas Tirith has fought back the first assault, the next will be much stronger. In addition, the Ring of Power is now somewhere within the borders of Mordor. Should Sauron seize the Ring, all hope would be lost. Gandalf suggests an assault on the Black Gate of Mordor, reasoning that it is impossible to defeat Mordor without destroying the Ring, and that the Eye of Sauron must be diverted from the Ring-bearer as long as possible. Gandalf predicts that Sauron will think that Aragorn has taken possession of the Ring and, rash with pride, has chosen to attack Mordor. Gandalf believes that while attacking Mordor may prove fatal, it is their duty to defend against evil while it remains in their power to do so. The Captains agree to this plan.

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The Houses of Healing

Crying and in pain, Merry accompanies the procession carrying Théoden and Éowyn into the city. As Merry ascends the city roads, he runs into Pippin, who is startled and glad, and notices that Merry is stumbling badly. Merry’s arm has gone completely numb after he stabbed the Nazgûl. Pippin escorts Merry to the Houses of Healing. After the battle, Aragorn furls his banner and orders his men to prepare tents outside the city. He refuses to claim his throne until the war with Mordor is decided, for good or ill. Aragorn plans to wait outside the gate until the Lord of Minas Tirith bids him to enter. Aragorn, learning of Denethor’s fate, assigns Imrahil to act as the interim leader of Gondor. Aragorn, Éomer, and Imrahil secretly agree, though, that Gandalf is their true leader for the remainder of the war against Mordor.

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Chapter 7: The Pyre of Denethor

-- The narrative returns to the perspective of Pippin. When the Black Captain disappears from the gate of Minas Tirith, Pippin runs to Gandalf and tells him of Denethor’s madness and the situation in the tower. Gandalf wishes to pursue the Nazgûl but knows he must save Faramir. As they race to the Citadel, Gandalf laments the Enemy’s ability to bring evil and discord to the inner circle of Minas Tirith. Reaching the door to the House of Stewards, the two find Denethor’s servants bearing swords and torches, standing before the lone figure of Beregond, who holds the door against them. Two servants have already fallen to Beregond’s sword. The men cower at the sight of Gandalf, whose appearance is like a burst of white light. Denethor throws open the door, drawing his sword, but Gandalf lifts his hand and the sword flies from Denethor’s grip. The wizard decries Denethor’s madness, but the Steward says that Faramir has already burned. Rushing past, Gandalf finds Faramir still alive on the funeral pyre. To Denethor’s protests and tears, Gandalf lifts Faramir and carries him away with a strength that surprises Pippin. Denethor, the wizard says, does not have the authority to order Faramir’s death. Denethor laughs. Standing proudly, he produces from his cloak a palantír, similar to the Stone of Orthanc. He warns that the West is doomed, as he has foreseen the black ships of the Enemy approaching. The Steward condemns Gandalf for bringing a young upstart Ranger to replace him as ruler. Denethor wishes that things would remain as they always have been in Minas Tirith. He springs for Faramir, but Beregond stops him. Grabbing a torch from a servant, Denethor lights the funeral pyre. He throws himself into the raging fire, clutching the palantír. Gandalf and Beregond carry Faramir to the Houses of Healing. As they exit, the House of Stewards collapses in flames, and Denethor’s servants run out. Soon after, they hear a great cry from the battlefield—the sound of Éowyn and Merry’s defeat of the Lord of the Nazgûl. A sense of hope returns as the sun breaks through the Darkness. Gandalf discusses Denethor’s palantír with Pippin and Beregond. Gandalf says he had always suspected that the Steward possessed one of the seven seeing-stones. The wizard surmises that Denethor, in his growing distress, began to use the stone, and through it he fell prey to the lies of Sauron.

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The Battle of the Pelennor Fields

Suddenly, a massive black beast swoops down upon Théoden, hitting his horse with a poisoned dart. The steed rears up, and the king falls beneath his horse, crushed. The Lord of the Nazgûl looms above on the back of his flying steed. Terrified, Théoden’s guards flee in panic—all but Dernhelm. Thrown from his horse but unharmed, Dernhelm challenges the Black Captain. Merry, crawling on all fours in a daze, hears Dernhelm speak, and he recognizes the warrior’s voice. Dernhelm throws back his hood and reveals to the Nazgûl that he is in fact Éowyn, the Lady of Rohan, in disguise. The winged steed strikes at Éowyn, but she deals it a fatal wound. The Black Captain leaps off his dead mount and shatters Éowyn’s shield with a blow from his club, breaking her arm. He raises his spiked club again, but just before he strikes, Merry sneaks up behind him and stabs the Nazgûl through the leg. Bowed over, the creature lets out a terrible shriek. Éowyn, with her final strength, slashes at his face with her sword, the blade shattering upon impact. The Black Captain’s armor falls shapeless at Éowyn’s feet, and his crown rolls away. Éowyn collapses on top of the Nazgûl’s remains. The dying King Théoden appoints Éomer as his heir. Éomer, seeing his sister Éowyn’s fallen body, leads the Rohirrim in a furious attack. The men of Minas Tirith, led by Imrahil, Prince of Dol Amroth, emerge from the city and drive the enemy from the gate. Théoden’s body is taken to the city, along with Éowyn, but Imrahil alerts her rescuers that she is not dead. The allies of Mordor reassemble as new soldiers of Sauron arrive from Osgiliath. The men of Rohan and Gondor dwindle. As the tide turns against Gondor again, a fleet of black ships appears on the Anduin River. The defenders of Gondor turn for the city at the sight of the enemy ships. Éomer, though he realizes he is defeated, continues to fight bravely, laughing in a mix of hope and despair. Suddenly, the frontmost black ship unfurls a banner bearing the white tree of Gondor and the seven stars and crown of Elendil—the symbols of the ancient kingdom of Gondor. Aragorn has arrived in the black ships, along with the Rangers of the North, Legolas, Gimli, and reinforcements from the southern kingdoms. Wielding the legendary sword Andúril, reforged and burning like a star, Aragorn leads a fierce battle to save Gondor. The armies of Mordor are defeated, and Aragorn, Éomer, and Imrahil return to the city.

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The Ride of the Rohirrim

Four days into their journey to Minas Tirith, Merry remains hidden among the Riders of Rohan. He worries that he is a burden to the Rohirrim (as the Riders are sometimes called), and he feels unwanted and small. While the group rests, the Riders encounter the Woses, the Wild Men of the Woods. Troubled by Orcs, the Woses offer their services to Théoden. They are a little-known yet ancient people, stumpy and brutish. The Woses’ leader informs Théoden that all roads to Minas Tirith are blocked, save the secret ways the Woses know. The Wild Men promise to show the Riders through these paths, though they will not fight alongside Rohan. The Riders emerge from the forest just north of Minas Tirith, and the Woses bid them farewell and vanish. To Théoden’s dismay, the Riders discover two dead bodies, one of them the earlier messenger from Gondor, still clutching the red arrow. Apparently, Minas Tirith does not know the Riders are coming to its aid. Dernhelm, still carrying Merry, breaks rank and draws closer to Théoden as the Riders reach the out-walls of Gondor. Théoden looks sadly upon the destruction of Minas Tirith. Suddenly, a great flash of light springs from the city with a booming sound. Reinvigorated, Théoden commands his Riders into battle with a great cry “more clear than any there had ever heard a mortal man achieve.” The shouting Rohirrim rout the Orcs and armies of Mordor. The Darkness dissipates with a fresh wind from the sea. At the arrival of the Rohirrim, the Black Captain senses the Darkness fading and the tide of battle turning. He vanishes from the city gate to enter the fray. Meanwhile, Théoden rides in fury ahead of the Rohirrim. The chieftain of the Southrons—allies of Mordor—leads his men against Théoden. Though outnumbered, Théoden and Éomer charge through the line of enemy scimitars handily, striking down the Southrons’ chieftain.

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The Siege of Gondor

Back in Minas Tirith, Pippin receives his new uniform and gear as a member of the Tower Guard. He spends a long day serving Lord Denethor, Gandalf, and the Captains of the West. Pippin chats with Beregond at the outer wall of the Citadel amid heavy darkness and a stagnant air. Suddenly, they hear the terrifying shriek of a Black Rider. Beyond the outermost gate, they can see five dark Nazgûl swooping over a small, rapidly approaching group of Men on horseback. The leader of the horsemen sounds his horn; Beregond recognizes the trumpet call of Faramir, Denethor’s son. The men, thrown from their terrified horses, run for the city gate on foot. Just as a Nazgûl descends on Faramir, Pippin sees what appears to be a brilliant white star in the north—it is Gandalf on his horse, Shadowfax. Gandalf raises his hand and sends a shaft of light shooting upward into one of the Nazgûl. The Nazgûl cries and circles away, the other Ringwraiths following. Gandalf returns to the city with Faramir slumped in the saddle. Faramir is escorted into Denethor’s chambers, where he is shocked to see Pippin (Faramir has already had a strange encounter with two other hobbits—Frodo and Sam—in The Two Towers). Gandalf erupts when he learns from Faramir that Frodo and Sam are heading to Mordor by way of Cirith Ungol. Faramir notes that he bid farewell to the hobbits only two days ago; they could not have reached Cirith Ungol yet. The men surmise that Sauron’s new movement on Gondor is not related to Frodo’s approach to Mordor. Denethor upbraids Faramir for showing cowardice in defending the outposts. The Steward bitterly remarks that Boromir, his other son, would have brought him a “mighty gift”—meaning the Ring. Gandalf points out that Boromir would have kept the “gift” for himself. The two men argue, and Pippin again senses the strain between them. Denethor opposes sending the Ring with a Hobbit into the hands of Sauron, believing that he himself should have been given the Ring for safekeeping. The gathering disperses. Pippin asks Gandalf why, as Faramir has indicated, Frodo and Sam are traveling with Gollum. Gandalf fears Gollum’s treachery, but notes that perhaps some good may yet come of Gollum’s actions.

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The Muster of Rohan - Théoden, Merry, Éomer, and the Riders of Rohan ride quickly. When they find out that Aragorn has gone by the Paths of the Dead, they do not have much hope he will survive. A messenger from Gondor arrives and gives Théoden a red arrow—the sign from Gondor that their need is very great. Théoden promises to bring soldiers who will arrive in about a week. The messenger thinks this may be too late to be any help, but Théoden's forces can't travel any faster. The following morning, Merry awakes to darkness and prepares to leave with Théoden. But Théoden instructs him to stay in Rohan and help Éowyn run things while he is away. Neither Éowyn nor Merry are happy with this arrangement, but later, a young soldier named Dernhelm offers to let Merry ride with him on his horse. Despite the fact he was ordered to stay behind, he takes Dernhelm up on this offer.

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The Passing of the Grey Company - Back in Isengard, Théoden prepares to return to Edoras to gather soldiers, then march to Gondor to join in the fight against Sauron. As they ride, another group of riders overtakes them. They turn out to be other Rangers—Aragorn's people from the north—as well as Elladan and Elrohir, the sons of Elrond. Elrohir bears a message from Elrond to Aragorn: "The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead," and Halbarad, one of the Rangers, brings Aragorn a staff wound around with cloth—a present from Arwen. For the time being, Aragon does not unwind it. Merry becomes an esquire of Rohan and plans to travel to Gondor with the king. But Aragorn decides to part company with the king of Rohan and take the Paths of the Dead instead. This route will be faster, but more dangerous. The Rangers, the sons of Elrond, and Legolas and Gimli travel with Aragorn, hoping to reach Gondor in time to make a difference in the battle. To add to the urgency, Aragorn, as rightful owner of the palantír, uses the stone to assess Sauron's forces and reveal himself to Sauron, hoping to cause Sauron to strike in haste, unprepared. Aragorn and his Company enter the Paths of the Dead, and the dead gather around. Long ago, they broke their oath to fight Sauron with Isildur, and he cursed them. To break the curse and find peace, Aragorn tells them they must fulfill their oath to Isildur's heir—Aragorn himself. The dead follow Aragorn.

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Minas Tirith - Gandalf and Pippin have ridden to Gondor and can now see the beacons of Gondor (large fires lit at intervals across the land signaling Gondor's need for help from its allies) are lit. The two travelers enter the walls of the city of Minas Tirith and go to see Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, to give him news—including news of his son Boromir's death. Because the stewards only govern the kingdom in the king's absence, Gandalf warns Pippin to keep news of Aragorn quiet for now, because Denethor might not appreciate being told he may lose power. Gandalf and Pippin enter the throne room where Denethor is seated—not on the throne, but on a chair near it. He is in a bad mood because he has already received news of Boromir's death. He questions Pippin about Boromir's death, and Pippin, in return for Boromir's sacrifice on his behalf, swears loyalty to Denethor. After talking with Denethor, Pippin goes off to acquaint himself with the city, and Gandalf leaves to take care of other business. Pippin meets another soldier of Gondor, Beregond, who helps him find his way. Everywhere Pippin looks, preparations are being made for war. When Beregond must attend to other matters, he sends his son Bergil to take over as Pippin's guide. That night, Pippin is asleep when Gandalf finally returns.

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The Choices of Master Samwise - Sam, seeing Shelob has Frodo, attacks her. Shelob is fierce, but Sam holds up the phial of Galadriel and cries out the words in Elvish. This finally chases Shelob off, but when Sam checks to see how Frodo is, Frodo is cold and lifeless. Convinced Frodo is dead, Sam takes the Ring and vows to finish Frodo's quest on his own. As Sam goes off alone, he hears Orc voices, and not knowing what else to do, puts on the Ring in order to become invisible. Sam hears the Orcs carrying Frodo's body away. He also learns, by eavesdropping on the Orcs, that Gollum is a known accomplice of Shelob's and often lures others to her lair for her to eat. Worst of all, he learns Frodo is not actually dead, but simply paralyzed and in a death-like state due to Shelob's poison. As these terrible truths sink in, the Orcs enter their tower and shut the door, taking Frodo with them and locking Sam out.

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Shelob's Lair - Gollum leads Frodo and Sam deeper into the maze of tunnels of Cirith Ungol. It is dark, and on either side of the tunnel Frodo and Sam can sense openings, as if there are passageways branching off the main tunnel. From one, a terrible smell emanates, as well as a tangible sense of malevolence. They suddenly realize that Gollum has disappeared again. And when they hear a "long venomous hiss," they realize Gollum has led them into a trap. Holding aloft the phial of Galadriel, Frodo can see its light reflected in the many eyes of a giant spider. He and Sam try to escape, slashing through thick cobwebs blocking the tunnel with Sting, but the spider—Shelob, an ancient monster—cuts in front of them via another tunnel and emerges to try to capture Frodo. Just as Sam tries to shout a warning to Frodo, Gollum comes up behind and attacks, covering Sam's mouth with his hands. As Sam and Gollum fight, Shelob pounces on Frodo. Gollum breaks free and runs away.

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The Stairs of Cirith Ungol - Gollum urges Frodo and Sam on toward Cirith Ungol, and soon they can see Minas Morgul glowing with an eerie light. Frodo feels the Ring has become very heavy and it pulls on the chain around his neck. Suddenly, the gates of Minas Morgul open and out of them issues an army led by the leader of the Nazgûl, the same one who stabbed Frodo on Weathertop. Frodo feels pain in the old wound and has a strong desire to put on the Ring. By holding on to the phial given to him by Galadriel, he is able to resist this urge, and the army passes by without noticing them. Cirith Ungol, Gollum tells them, is made up of two stairways—one straight and steep, and one winding but less steep. They climb the steep stair, then rest for a moment before going on to the longer one. After a while, they take a break from walking to have some food. During this time, as the hobbits talk together, Gollum disappears. When he comes back, Sam and Frodo are sleeping, with Frodo resting on Sam. Gollum seems to recall, however distantly, what it was like to have friends or family, and he reaches out for Frodo's hand as if to hold it. But Sam, waking up suddenly, thinks Gollum is attempting to do harm, and speaks harshly to him. When Frodo wakes up, he tells Gollum he has now done what was agreed, and may go free. But Gollum wants to continue as their guide.

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Journey to the Cross-Roads - The next morning, Faramir, Frodo, and Sam join in a farewell breakfast. He gives them some advice and some gifts, including food for their journey and walking sticks. Then he has his Men lead Frodo, Sam, and Gollum—all blindfolded—away to continue on their quest. The three journey for several days, once more walking by night and hiding by day. Gollum begins disappearing for hours at a time, and Sam becomes even more suspicious of and irritated by him. One day, as they are resting, Gollum suddenly tells them they must "go at once." He leads them to a crossroad, at which they must take the path leading to Cirith Ungol.

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The Forbidden Pool - In the middle of the night, Faramir wakes Frodo up and takes him to look at a pool of water nearby. There seems to be some sort of creature catching fish in the pool. The creature is Gollum who followed them all this way, drawn by the Ring, unable to leave Frodo because of it. Faramir's Men are ready to shoot Gollum with arrows, but Frodo asks them not to, telling them the creature is his guide. With Frodo's help, they capture Gollum. Faramir questions Gollum about where he intends to lead Frodo and Sam. When he finds out that Gollum's planned path is a pass called Cirith Ungol, he is disturbed. He later tells Frodo that going to Cirith Ungol is a bad idea, because the pass has an evil reputation and will take them very close to the city of Minas Morgul, which used to be Minas Ithil—a city of Gondor. Now, however, it is the home of the Nazgûl. Frodo feels that because he can't abandon the quest, and this is the only option that has presented itself, he must try it.

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The Window on the West - Faramir returns from battle and questions Frodo more, especially about Isildur's Bane. Frodo tells him that Isildur's Bane, if it belongs to anyone, belongs to Aragornas the heir of Elendil. This seems to be significant news to Faramir. Then Faramir asks Frodo if he considers Boromir a friend, and would be sad to find out he was dead. Frodo says he would be sad, but then realizes Faramir is telling him Boromir is dead. Faramir says Boromir was his brother, and he believes him to be dead because of a strange dream he had in which the corpse of Boromir floated down the river in a strange boat. In addition, he'd heard the horn of Boromir sounding several days before, and the pieces of it had washed up on the bank of the Entwash River. Frodo realizes all of this must have happened just after he left the Fellowship. Faramir, having curtailed his curiosity about Isildur's Bane so as not to speak more of it in front of his Men, takes Frodo aside and presses him for more information. He reveals he and Boromir are of the line of Stewards of Gondor—leaders who rule the land in the absence of a king. Boromir, for all his virtues, was ambitious, and may have resented that Aragorn might claim the kingship. Faramir, however, tells them he does not share this ambition. Frodo and Sam are led to the place where Faramir's Men live. They must go blindfolded, because it is the law that any outsider who knows the way must be killed. But Gollum sneaks behind, following them. Later, after dinner, Faramir, Frodo, and Sam again discuss matters, and Sam accidentally divulges that Isildur's Bane is the One Ring, and that Boromir had tried to take it by force. Frodo and Sam, afraid Faramir might try to take the Ring as well, get ready to defend themselves. But Faramir "show[s] his quality" by refusing to take the Ring, and by pledging to help Frodo and Sam in any way he can. Frodo is relieved.

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Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit - As they get nearer to the River Anduin, the hobbits feel a little better as the landscape becomes greener and a little less oppressive. Even Gollum seems to feel less fearful, and when Sam asks him to hunt some rabbits, he complies. When Gollum finds out Sam intends to cook the rabbits into a stew with some herbs and roots, though, he is horrified. Not only does the thought of cooked meat disgust him, but the idea of a fire frightens him. He tells Sam it will alert any spies in the area to their presence. Sam is dismissive, cooks the rabbit stew, and he and Frodo enjoy a hot meal. But as Sam is cleaning up, he sees the fire is actually giving off some smoke, and rushes back to put it out. He's too late, however: They have been spotted by a group of Men, led by a Man named Faramir. The Men do not know what to do with the hobbits, and they can't seem to find Gollum who has gone off to hide. Frodo, worried the Men might kill Gollum if they do find him, asks them not to hurt him. Faramir questions Frodo, who tells of leaving Rivendell with the Fellowship, and reveals that Aragorn is the bearer of the "sword that was broken" from the prophetic dream of Boromir. When the conversation gets around to "Isildur's Bane"—the Ring—however, Frodo is reluctant to tell any more. Leaving guards to watch Frodo and Sam, Faramir and his army go off to battle some Southrons who have been recruited by Sauron and are passing through Gondor on their way to join him.

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The Black Gate is Closed - Frodo, Sam, and Gollum arrive at the Black Gate of Mordor, the main entrance to Mordor, which is heavily guarded. They sit and try to figure out how to get through, and then Frodo decides to just march straight for it, thinking this is his only option. Gollum stops him, saying it is crazy to go toward the Black Gate—they'll certainly be caught and the Ring taken. Gollum suggests going by a different way, a secret way. Suddenly, the Black Gate opens and a large number of soldiers pass into Mordor—Men who have come to help Sauron wage war. Gollum continues to try to convince Frodo to follow him to this secret pass. He notes Sauron's attention is focused on the Black Gate, so he won't notice a couple of hobbits sneaking in a back way. Frodo wonders if the secret way is guarded, and Gollum hesitates a little. Although he claims he escaped that way from Mordor, it is clear he was allowed to escape. And although neither hobbit fully trusts Gollum, they decide going along with his plan is their only real option.

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The Passage of the Marshes - Walking by night, and hiding by day, Frodo, Sam, and Gollum brave the Dead Marshes. Frodo and Sam are able to eat the lembas provided by the Elves, but this food causes Gollum to choke, so he finds his own food, to the disgust of Sam. They must pick their way carefully through the marshes, avoiding the little lights that seem to flicker like lit candles. Frodo falls, and must be rescued from a pool of muddy water. When he is helped up, he describes seeing faces of corpses. Gollum tells them there was once a great battle here, in which Orcs, Men, and Elves fought, and the graves are now covered in the marsh. At several points, a dark, winged shape flies overhead, inspiring terror in Gollum. After the marshes, they emerge into a dead landscape, and Frodo and Sam get some much-needed sleep. Sam, half awake, overhears Gollum having a conversation with himself, as if the Gollum part of him, ruined by desire for the Ring, disagrees with the Sméagol side, who retains some of his pre-Ring personality. The Sméagol side doesn't want to violate the oath to help Frodo, but the Gollum side answers, "She might help. She might, yes." Sam isn't sure what this means, but he definitely trusts Gollum less and less as time goes on.

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The Taming of Sméagol - While Aragorn and Company have been chasing Orcs and fighting Saruman's army, Frodo and Sam have been making their way toward Mordor. They come to a cliff and must use a rope to scale down it. As they do so, they see Gollum is still following them, and Sam decides to ambush him. Sam and Gollum wrestle, but Gollum is surprisingly strong, so Frodo intervenes, threatening Gollum with Sting. In Sam's opinion, they should tie Gollum up and leave him to die. But Frodo doesn't think this would be right. Suddenly, Gollum makes an escape attempt, but Frodo and Sam capture him and tie him up with the Elven rope. However, the rope seems to hurt Gollum, and he begs them to take it off. They do, but not before they exact an oath from Gollum to help them get to Mordor. They head off toward the Dead Marshes with Gollum (also called Sméagol) acting as guide.

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The Palantír - Later that night, Pippin becomes restless, thinking about the round object he had briefly held. Letting his curiosity get the better of him, he sneaks the object away from Gandalf, and looks into it. But as he does, a fiery glow emanates from the ball, and suddenly Pippin collapses with a cry. Gandalf wakes and begins to question Pippin, asking what he saw and what happened. Pippin reports he saw towers and nine winged creatures, and a voice asked him who he was. Pippin had answered, "a hobbit." Gandalf is relieved after talking to Pippin, saying the hobbit had come out of the encounter without being corrupted. Gandalf then decides to give the ball to Aragorn for safekeeping, and kneels as he hands it over. Aragorn accepts this responsibility because the object is a palantír that once belonged to Elendil. Gandalf decides Pippin will accompany him to Minas Tirith. The two ride to Gondor on Shadowfax, and Gandalf tells Pippin the palantír is one of seven seeing stones that came with the Men of Westernesse and were used in the past to communicate between different locations. Now, however, they seem to be controlled by Sauron. Gandalf deduces that Saruman was corrupted because he used the very one Pippin had his hands on. It is clear the finding of the palantír is a game-changer, with the benefit of causing Sauron to act hastily, thinking he can now easily take the Ring from the hobbit (he incorrectly assumes Pippin has the ring). However, this means war with Sauron is on its way.

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The Voice of Saruman - Gandalf needs to speak to Saruman. He lets the others come along, and they go together to Orthanc. Saruman, whose voice can mesmerize, tries to win over Théoden with his beautiful voice. When this is unsuccessful, he tries to convince Gandalf to join him. Gandalf is having none of it, however, and casts Saruman out of the Council of the Wise, and breaks his staff. As they turn to leave, Wormtongue throws a large, round object out of the window at them. Pippin picks it up, but Gandalf immediately takes it away. Gandalf, Aragorn, Pippin, Merry, Gimli, Legolas, and those from Rohan prepare to leave for Edoras, leaving Treebeard in charge of making sure Saruman does not escape. The Ents promise to watch Saruman carefully.

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Flotsam and Jetsam - Aragorn, Gandalf, Gimli, and Legolas spend time with Merry and Pippin, catching up on what has been going on during their separation. They also seem to have grown a few inches—something Legolas attributes to drinking the waters of the Ents. Among the other goodies, the hobbits have also found some Longbottom Leaf, which is produced in the Shire. Aragorn gives the hobbits the things of theirs he picked up along the way, and the hobbits fill the other three in on what has happened since they were captured by the Orcs. They explain the Ents "roused" themselves and began to march on Isengard to destroy it, and the huorns followed behind. At Isengard, the Ents tore into the rock and laid waste to the place—all except for the tower of Orthanc, which is protected by some magic Ents cannot overcome. The Ents then changed the flow of the Isen to fill in all the tunnels under Saruman's stronghold, and make escape impossible. Gandalf came and spoke with Treebeard about the situation at Helm's Deep, and when he left again, the huorns silently went toward Helm's Deep to form the mysterious forest. The hobbits also note Wormtongue did indeed make it to Isengard and is currently trapped in Orthanc with Saruman.

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The Road to Isengard - No one seems to be sure where the strange trees came from, but all are joyful the battle was won. Gandalfconvinces Théoden and his allies to ride to Isengard, and, not knowing exactly what to expect, they agree. Nearing Isengard, the mysteries intensify: they are surprised to see some Ents, which no one but Gandalf even knew existed, and when they come to the River Isen, it has mysteriously slowed to a trickle. That night, they feel a rustling darkness moving around them, and in the morning, the strange trees are gone. They continue on to Isengard, noticing as the River Isen resumes its normal flow. Arriving at Orthanc, the tower in which Saruman lives, they see two small figures napping and smoking amidst a great deal of destruction. These small figures turn out to be Merry and Pippin, who have been given instructions to greet them. Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn are overjoyed to see the two hobbits. Gandalf and Théoden meet with Treebeard.

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Helm's Deep - Aragorn, Gandalf, Gimli, and Legolas accompany the Riders of Rohan as they travel toward Helm's Deep and the fortress called the Hornburg. Saruman's Orcs and other Men he's been able to recruit are out and about in Rohan, causing trouble, and Théoden gets word Erkenbrand of Westfold, a leader in Rohan, is on his way to meet Théoden's forces at Helm's Deep, where they will all make their stand against Saruman. Gandalf goes his own way, promising to catch up with the rest later. Arriving at the Hornburg, they are disappointed that Erkenbrand has not yet arrived, but they enter and take up positions to defend it anyway. Outside the Deeping Wall, Saruman's forces gather all night long, and in the morning the fighting begins. Aragorn and the others fight tirelessly, but they are outnumbered and the battle does not go well. When it looks as if they might lose, however, Gandalf arrives, leading Erkenbrand and his soldiers. Saruman's forces are trapped between those defending the Hornburg and the newly arriving army. They scatter, running frantically into a forest that has mysteriously appeared nearby. They are never seen again.

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The King of the Golden Hall - Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas arrive at Edoras, but the guards outside Théoden's Golden Hall are strangely suspicious and unfriendly. Háma, Théoden's doorwarden, demands they leave their weapons at the door before entering, which they are reluctant to do. Gandalf is permitted to keep his staff. Inside the hall, they find Théoden in bad shape. Bent and feeble, he insults Gandalf, saying he only brings bad news. It becomes clear the king's adviser, Gríma Wormtongue, is encouraging Théoden's defeatist attitude. Gandalf uses his magic to silence Wormtongue and has some harsh words for him, exposing him as a thief, manipulator, and agent of Saruman. Gandalf and Théoden send Wormtongue away to join Saruman, if he dares confront the wizard's displeasure at his failing. Théoden, freed from Wormtongue's influence, seems to regain his former strength and courage. Éomer, who had been imprisoned on the ill advice of Wormtongue, is released, and they all prepare for war against Saruman. Éowyn, the king's niece, is to be left in charge while the Men go to battle. She is not pleased.

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The White Rider - Returning to Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas, the story finds them hunting for clues to the mysterious old man's identity. Aragorn searches, but is unable to find footprints. And he recalls the horses didn't make sounds as if frightened. They do find more evidence that Pippin and Merry escaped and are somewhere in the forest, including a leaf from Lothlórien with a few crumbs of the Elves' lembasbread. Following signs of Merry and Pippin's presence, they go deeper into Fangorn. As they track the two hobbits, Aragorn also sees some puzzling footprints (which are, of course, Treebeard's). Suddenly, Legolas sees a mysterious old man approaching. At first, the three seem to think the man may be Saruman, and are not sure if they should defend themselves. But soon, the man reveals he is Gandalf, miraculously returned from the dead. He is now wearing white robes, a change from the gray he used to wear. Gandalf shares news, reassuring them Aragorn's decisions have not caused disaster: Merry and Pippin are safe with the Ents, and the Ring-bearer is on his own path, beyond their help. He confirms Saruman is corrupt with desire for the Ring, and tells them Sauron is so occupied with preparing for war he may not notice what Frodo is doing. He also tells them what happened after he fell into the chasm in Moria, and brings prophetic messages from Galadriel. Aragorn, Gandalf, Gimli, and Legolas decide to present themselves to Théoden, the king of Rohan, in the city of Edoras. Gandalf summons his white horse, Shadowfax, who arrives accompanied by the two horses Éomer lent them. They mount the horses and depart.

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Treebeard - The two hobbits, entering Fangorn Forest, find themselves soon lost. They try to figure out where they are, and come to appreciate the forest. But when Pippin says, "This shaggy old forest looked so different in the sunlight. I almost felt I liked the place," a strange voice says, "Almost felt you liked the Forest! That's good! That's uncommonly kind of you." It turns out to be the voice of an Ent named Treebeard, an ancient, tree-like creature who shepherds the trees in the forest. Treebeard becomes friends with Merry and Pippin, and carries them back to a place where they can stay overnight. Treebeard gives Merry and Pippin a drink of water he says is sustenance for Ents, and asks them to share their story. In turn, he tells the hobbits a little about the history of Ents. Eventually, the subject comes around to wizards, and Treebeard wonders aloud about Gandalf and Saruman. Because Saruman lives nearby, Treebeard is aware of his destructive actions: the wizard has been breeding a new kind of Orc (the Uruk-hai) and cutting down many trees. Treebeard decides he will try to get the other Ents to do something about Saruman. Several of the Ents gather for an Entmoot—a kind of council—and after days of talking about the issue, they decide to take action against Saruman. They set off, singing, for Isengard. The trees of Fangorn forest seem to follow the Ents.

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The Uruk-Hai - Pippin and Merry endure rough treatment at the hands of the Orcs. Bound and forced to run beyond the point of exhaustion, they overhear the Orcs arguing about whether to kill them or not. Evidently, some of the Orcs have orders to bring the halflings back alive, but not all the Orcs seem to have the same orders. Some Orcs are loyal to the "Great Eye," and some to Saruman. Pippin manages to break away from the Orcs for a moment, and drops the brooch from his Elven cloak. Later, Grishnákh, one of the Orcs, seems to know about the Ring, and Pippin pretends he has it in order to distract him, egging him on. As Grishnákh focuses on Pippin, the Rohirrim attack and Grishnákh is killed. Pippin and Merry manage to escape into the forest of Fangorn.

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The Riders of Rohan - Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas keep up a fast pace in pursuit of Merry and Pippin. They follow their course into Rohan where the Rohirrim live. They come upon some slain Orcs and deduce there is internal strife among the Orcs in the group, some of which are from Isengard, ruled by Saruman, and some from Mordor. As Aragorn says, "the enemy brought his own enemy with him." At one point, Aragorn follows some signs to the side of the path trodden by the Orcs, and finds the clasp of one of the cloaks given to them by Elves. He believes Pippin dropped it on purpose, hoping it would be found. The three pursuers find this heartening. After a few days of the chase, they encounter a group of men on horseback—the Riders of Rohan. Éomer, their leader, is suspicious, but also awed by Aragorn's ancestry. The Riders are unable to give them news of the hobbits, but eventually Éomer lends them horses, and they continue to search for the hobbits. At the edge of Fangorn forest, they make camp for the night. A mysterious old man appears as they sit by the fire, and shortly afterward they find their horses have been let loose. They think it possible the man was Saruman.

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The Departure of Boromir - Aragorn searches for Frodo, but while he does, he hears Orcs nearby, and then Boromir's horn blowing. He runs quickly to Boromir's aid, but when he finds him, Boromir is already full of arrows and his horn is in pieces. Before he dies, Boromir admits he tried to take the Ring from Frodo, and tells Aragorn the Orcs captured "the Halflings." Feeling as though everything is in shambles, Aragorn kneels by Boromir and weeps. Legolas and Gimli find him in this posture when they arrive, having also heard Boromir's horn. Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn lay Boromir in one of the boats, arrayed with his weapons and broken horn, and send the boat over the Falls of Rauros. Examining the fallen Orcs in the area, they realize the Orcs bear the mark of Saruman, not of Mordor. They also determine Merry and Pippin were captured, but not Frodo and Sam, who appear to have taken their packs and a boat and left alone. Aragorn correctly reasons out the answer to this riddle. Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas decide to pursue the Orcs in hopes of recapturing Merry and Pippin, and they set off at a run.

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The Breaking of the Fellowship - Aragorn calls the Company together and tells them they must now make a choice. He tells Frodo the choice of which way the Ring goes rests with him, as Ring-bearer. Frodo asks for time to consider what to do, and Aragorn agrees to give him an hour to think. Frodo walks off to ponder his options. As he does so, Boromir approaches him and asks him to come to Minas Tirith. Then, he asks to see the Ring. When Frodo refuses, he becomes agitated and asks Frodo to lend him the Ring to vanquish the power of Mordor. When Frodo again refuses, Boromir tries to take it by force, but Frodo slips on the Ring and disappears. Running to the top of Amon Hen still wearing the Ring, Frodo can see signs of war in every direction. Suddenly, he is aware of the Eye of Sauron searching for him. He quickly pulls the Ring off, and, realizing the Ring has begun to corrupt the Company, decides to go on toward Mordor alone. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Merry, Pippin, and Sam discuss the situation and debate what Frodo is likely to do. Sam believes Frodo will decide to go off alone, and when Boromir reveals he had harsh words with Frodo, Sam realizes Frodo may already be leaving. He runs to where the boats are just in time to see Frodo taking one and leaving. Sam chases after him and the two hobbits leave the Fellowship and make for Mordor.

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The Great River - Led by Aragorn, who sets a brisk pace, the Fellowship paddles down the Anduin River. As the days go by, an uneasy feeling grows in them, and a few worrying developments occur: Boromir begins muttering to himself and behaving strangely, and Sam sees a log with eyes that "floats" behind them. When Sam tells Frodo about the strange sight, the two agree it is likely Gollum. Later, they find out Aragorn has been aware Gollum has been following them since Moria. As they near the rapids of Sarn Gebir, they are attacked by Orcs firing arrows at them, and they see a black winged figure pass overhead. Legolas fires an arrow at it, and it screams as it falls from the sky. Aragorn decides they will head for Amon Hen, where the kings of old built a "high seat." He hopes his choice will be made clearer there. They pass through Argonath, the Pillars of the Kings, giant statues carved into pillars set on either side of the river, representing Isildur and Anárion. They finally set foot on dry ground and must finally choose which way to go next.

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Farewell to Lothlórien - As night falls, they arrive at Caras Galadhon, the city of the Galadhrim—the Elves who live in Lothlórien. Entering the great gates of the city, they come presently to a large tree and climb a ladder to a large platform, "like the deck of a great ship," on which a great house stands. In a chamber of the house, Galadriel and her husband Celeborn, the Lord and Lady of Lothlórien, greet them each by name. Celeborn and Galadriel ask why Gandalf is not with them and the Company shares the bad news of Gandalf's fall. The Lord and Lady say they will help Frodoin his quest, of which they are aware. The Fellowship remains in Lothlórien for many days but eventually realizes they must leave and continue the quest. Both Frodo and Sam feel strongly that they must be on their way. As the two hobbits discuss this, Galadriel approaches and leads them to a spring next to which sits a silver basin on a pedestal. Filling the basin with water, she invites them to look into "the Mirror of Galadriel," which shows "things that were, and things that are, and things that yet may be." Sam sees "Frodo with a pale face lying fast asleep under a great dark cliff ... [and] himself going along a dim passage, and climbing an endless winding stair." Then he sees trouble happening in the Shire. Frodo sees a "figure ... clothed not in grey but in white ... and in its hand there was a white staff." Then he sees Bilbo, back in Rivendell, and then flashes of scenes from the Ring's history—the "great history in which he had become involved." Finally, he sees a great Eye—the Eye of Sauron, which he knows is searching for him. Galadriel reveals to Frodo she is the bearer of one of the Elven rings, and so the destruction of the One Ring will mean the destruction of all the good she has done with her ring's power. She tells Frodo, "if you fail, then we are laid bare to the Enemy. Yet if you succeed, then our power is diminished, and Lothlórien will fade, and the tides of Time will sweep it away." Frodo offers her the One Ring, but she resists the temptation to take it.

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The Miror of Galadriel - As night falls, they arrive at Caras Galadhon, the city of the Galadhrim—the Elves who live in Lothlórien. Entering the great gates of the city, they come presently to a large tree and climb a ladder to a large platform, "like the deck of a great ship," on which a great house stands. In a chamber of the house, Galadriel and her husband Celeborn, the Lord and Lady of Lothlórien, greet them each by name. Celeborn and Galadriel ask why Gandalf is not with them and the Company shares the bad news of Gandalf's fall. The Lord and Lady say they will help Frodoin his quest, of which they are aware. The Fellowship remains in Lothlórien for many days but eventually realizes they must leave and continue the quest. Both Frodo and Sam feel strongly that they must be on their way. As the two hobbits discuss this, Galadriel approaches and leads them to a spring next to which sits a silver basin on a pedestal. Filling the basin with water, she invites them to look into "the Mirror of Galadriel," which shows "things that were, and things that are, and things that yet may be." Sam sees "Frodo with a pale face lying fast asleep under a great dark cliff ... [and] himself going along a dim passage, and climbing an endless winding stair." Then he sees trouble happening in the Shire. Frodo sees a "figure ... clothed not in grey but in white ... and in its hand there was a white staff." Then he sees Bilbo, back in Rivendell, and then flashes of scenes from the Ring's history—the "great history in which he had become involved." Finally, he sees a great Eye—the Eye of Sauron, which he knows is searching for him. Galadriel reveals to Frodo she is the bearer of one of the Elven rings, and so the destruction of the One Ring will mean the destruction of all the good she has done with her ring's power. She tells Frodo, "if you fail, then we are laid bare to the Enemy. Yet if you succeed, then our power is diminished, and Lothlórien will fade, and the tides of Time will sweep it away." Frodo offers her the One Ring, but she resists the temptation to take it.

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Lothlórien - Shocked and grieving, the Fellowship is at a loss for what to do next. Aragorn takes control, leading the Company toward the woods of Lothlórien, a dwelling of Elves that Legolas and Aragorn anticipate visiting with joy, despite their sadness. They stop briefly so Aragorn can attend to Frodo's injuries, discovering Frodo's mithril coat in the process, which mostly protected him from the Orc-chieftain's spear thrust. As they walk, Frodo again thinks he hears soft footsteps following, and when he turns, he sees the gleam of eyes. They arrive at the woods of Lothlórien. Not everyone is excited. Boromir is suspicious, and Gimli, as a Dwarf, also has worries. But Legolas tells them some of the history of Lothlórien, and they seem willing to keep going. When night falls, they prepare to sleep in the tree branches, but are interrupted by a company of Elves led by Haldir whose job is to watch Lothlórien's borders. The Elves agree to lead the Fellowship into Lothlórien in the morning. In the middle of the night, a shadowy figure climbs up the tree Frodo is in, but is scared away by Elves. The next day the Company, led by Haldir and his elves, enter Lothlórien.

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The Bridge of Khazad-Dûm - The Fellowship stands in silence at Balin's tomb, and then Gandalf finds a record book describing a terrible battle ending in the slaughter of the Dwarves living in the mines. "Drums, drums in the deep," reads the record book. As they consider the meaning of the writing, they hear a "doom, doom" coming from the mines: drums in the deep. Soon, Orcs appear, and with them, a cave-troll. The Fellowship defend themselves, and in the ensuing battle, Frodo is struck by an Orc-chieftain's spear, collapsing as though dead. He surprises the others by speaking. Gandalf tries to hold off the enemy forces with magic, but a powerful magic of unknown source resists him. They all flee, making for the gates leading out of Moria. They come to a deep chasm crossed by a narrow bridge, which is the Bridge of Khazad-dûm. At the chasm, Gandalf faces a Balrog—a fearsome creature made seemingly of flame. Realizing the Balrog is a powerful enemy, Gandalf tells the others to flee, and faces the Balrog alone, saying, "You cannot pass." Gandalf's magic breaks the bridge, and the Balrog falls into the chasm, but at the last minute the Balrog grasps Gandalf and causes him to fall as well. Weeping and stumbling, the remaining members of the Fellowship escape Moria and enter again into the sunlight.

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A Journey in the Dark - Unable to pass over the mountain, they must try going through Moria. The Mines of Moria, located under the mountains, is a legendary dwelling place of Dwarves—and the legends are dark. Gimli is eager to discover what became of the Dwarves who lived there, but no one else shares this excitement. As they consider this option, Wargs—wolflike monsters—attack in the night. Gandalf protects them with his ability to conjure fire, and in the morning they continue to the doors of Moria, in front of which a lake has formed. The doors are closed and require a magic word to open them, but Gandalf has a hard time figuring it out. Eventually, the solution occurs to him and he is able to open the doors. Just then, a tentacle seizes Frodo by the ankle and tries to drag him into the lake. Sam slashes at it with his knife and they scramble through the open doors. However, the tentacled creature destroys the stonework and sends it crashing down, blocking the way back out. They are now in the dark, and Gandalf leads them using a faint light emanating from his staff. They walk for hours. At times, Frodo thinks he can hear soft footsteps following them. After walking a long time in the dark, they come to a wide hall with a hole in the floor. Pippin, curious about the hole, drops a stone down it. After a little while, they hear a faint tapping coming from deep within the mines. The Fellowship spends a fitful night's sleep in the large chamber. The following morning, they enter another chamber where they find the tomb of Balin.

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The Ring Goes South - After the Council, the hobbits gather to talk about the situation. Merry and Pippin insist that if Sam is going to accompany Frodo, they want to come, too. Meanwhile, Elrond is sending out scouts to gather intelligence, and they are returning with news. It looks as if Frodo and whoever goes along will set out just as winter begins. In particular, it is important they not set out until they get news of what became of the Black Riders, because they lost their horses at the ford. Once it seems clear the Black Riders—the Nine—are at least temporarily out of the picture, Elrond summons the hobbits and asks Frodo if he is still willing to go to Mordor. Besides Sam, Elrond appoints Gandalf, Legolas the Elf, Gimli the Dwarf, Aragorn, Boromir, and finally, Merry and Pippin. This makes a Company of nine: "the Nine Walkers shall be set against the Nine Riders that are evil." They are to leave in seven days. In preparation for the journey, the Elves forge the broken pieces of Narsil into a new sword for Aragorn named Andúril. Bilbo gives Frodo a sword—Sting—and a Dwarf-made shirt of mail made of mithril, a rare metal prized by Dwarves. Frodo puts the mail under his clothing. Boromir blows a great horn. Bill, the pony bought from Bill Ferny, is made ready. The Fellowship sets off and soon comes to a mountain range. They plan to cross by climbing the Redhorn Gate—a pass through the mountains on the far side of one high peak—Caradhras. They are overtaken by a flock of crows of a particular type known to be from Fangorn Forest. As they ascend, they find the going more and more cold and snowy. Finally, they must turn back, or risk freezing to death.

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The Council of Elrond - The next morning, Frodo wakes up early and meets Gandalf and Bilbo as he walks about the grounds of Elrond's house. They attend the Council together with Sam following behind, though he was not invited. There are many there already, including Elrond, Glorfindel, and Strider/Aragorn, as well as Men, Elves, and Dwarves unknown to Frodo. Glóin, one of the Dwarves, shares that a horseman from Mordor had come to them, asking about hobbits, and promising them magic rings of power if they showed Sauron friendship. Glóin has been sent to warn Bilbo that the Enemy is seeking him and his Ring. Elrond says the purpose of the Council is to answer the question of what is to be done with the Ring Sauron seeks. At this point, Elrond shares the entire history of the Ring, and how, in the Second Age of the world, Sauron forged the One Ring in secret to control all other rings of power, which had been made for use by Elves, Dwarves, and Men. He tells of how Gil-galad and Elendil fought Sauron and overthrew him, and how Isildur cut the One Ring from Sauron's hand. However, rather than destroy the Ring, Isildur claimed it as his own and was soon "betrayed by it to his death." The shards of Narsil, Elendil's sword, were given to Isildur's heir Valandil. The One Ring was lost, and in its absence, the Elves used their three rings to make beautiful things. The finding of the One Ring threatens all of these beautiful things, Elrond tells them. Boromir, a Man of Gondor, then tells his tale. Because Gondor is near Mordor, the growing power of the Enemy has already begun to affect that land. Amidst these rising tensions, Boromir and his brother Faramir (the sons of Denethor, Steward of Gondor) both have had the same prophetic dream, and they do not fully understand what it means. He has come to seek Elrond's wisdom on the matter. One of the references in Boromir's dream is to the "sword that was broken." Aragorn stands and displays his own sword, which everyone can see is broken in two pieces. When Boromir asks him who he is, Elrond interrupts, saying Aragorn is "descended through many fathers from Isildur Elendil's son of Minas Ithil." Aragorn reveals the sword is Narsil, and asks Boromir, "Do you wish for the House of Elendil to return to the Land of Gondor?" Bilbo interrupts, and so Elrond calls upon him to tell his part of the story next. He describes how he found the Ring: he had engaged in a game of riddles with Gollum, who had accidentally dropped the Ring, only to be picked up by Bilbo. Then Frodo tells of all that had happened since he acquired it. Both Legolas and Gandalf fill in gaps in understanding: first, Legolas tells the Council, Gollum, who had been held captive by the Elves, has escaped; then, Gandalf tells how Saruman, the head of the wizards' council, has betrayed them and seeks the Ring for his own use. Indeed, Gandalf reveals, Saruman imprisoned him on the pinnacle of Orthanc before he was rescued by an eagle. Then the assembled Company debates what should be done with the Ring. Some would like to hide it, or throw it in the sea. Boromir suggests using it for good ends. Elrond maintains the Ring cannot simply be hidden; it cannot be used for good; it must be destroyed in the fire of its forging. It is unclear who will take up this task, but finally Frodo says he will take the Ring to Mordor to destroy it. Elrond says Sam may go with Frodo.

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Many Meatings - When Frodo wakes, he finds himself in the house of Elrond in Rivendell. Gandalf is present and tells Frodo everyone is safe, fills in some of the details of the narrow escape at the Ford of Bruinen, and explains he had been delayed because he was held captive. Gandalf also tells Frodo, as soon as he is well enough, there is to be a Council, at which Frodo will learn the answers to many questions. Gandalf explains that the "Black Riders are the Ringwraiths, the Nine servants of the Lord of the Rings," and that Aragorn is of the "race of the Kings from over the Sea," as are all Rangers. Frodo is astounded. Soon, Frodo feels well enough to socialize with his friends and the others in Elrond's house. Sam, who has been anxiously waiting for Frodo to recover, shows him around the big house. A great feast takes place in the hall of Elrond's house. After the feast, they retire to the Hall of Fire for singing and storytelling, and Frodo is surprised and delighted to find Bilbo there. After passing the evening together, they head off to bed to get a night's rest before the Council.

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Flight to the Ford - Strider assesses the situation. He believes the Black Riders were more easily chased away because there were only five of them, not nine—their full number. He also thinks the Riders believe Frodo is fatally injured and will soon be in their power. Strider tends the wound with a healing herb called athelas, but notes they must make haste to Rivendell where Elrond can use his healing abilities to help Frodo. For several days, the journey is uneventful but difficult, and Frodo's wound grows steadily more painful. As they travel, an Elf named Glorfindel appears and speaks urgently to Strider. Glorfindel has come from Elrond to help the hobbits reach Rivendell safely. He places Frodo on his horse and they continue on toward Rivendell. As they near Rivendell, the nine Black Riders catch up to them and pursue Frodo. Suddenly, the river forming a border of Rivendell rises up and scatters the Riders and their horses. The Company enters Rivendell; Frodo is unconscious.

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A Knife in the Dark - Back in the Shire, Fatty Bolger has been staying in Frodo's Buckland home to make it appear Frodo is there. One night, Black Riders approach the house and attempt to enter. Fatty, however, quickly raises the alarm, and the Black Riders, realizing the Ring is no longer there, ride off. In Bree, Frodo and the others sleep while Strider stays awake, alert and listening. When Strider wakens them in the morning, they find the bolsters placed in their beds as decoys have been destroyed. Butterbur is distraught, and Strider and the hobbits decide to leave at once. After a delay caused by missing ponies, they get on their way with one pony bought from Bill Ferny, a dubious character. Aragorn leads them through the Midgewater Marshes, and they can see, in the distance, something "like lightning." When they get to the hill called Weathertop, Strider thinks the "lightning" they saw might have been caused by Gandalf. That night, five Black Riders attack. Strider and the hobbits defend themselves, but Frodo feels an overpowering desire to put on the Ring. When he does so, a Black Rider stabs him in the left shoulder with a magical blade before Strider can drive the Riders off. Frodo slips the Ring off his finger before falling unconscious.

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Strider - Frodo, Sam, and Pippin go back to the small parlor in which they had supper. Merry seems to have gone out, but Strider is waiting for them. The three hobbits are surprised and suspicious, but Strider seems to know more about their errand than they do. As they talk, Butterbur knocks, and apologizes for forgetting to give "Mr. Underhill" a letter Gandalf had left for him. Strider eventually convinces the hobbits he is trustworthy, despite his rough appearance, because he matches a description in Gandalf's letter. They agree to use him as their guide to Rivendell. Suddenly Merry appears, breathless. He had been outside and had a frightening encounter with Black Riders. Realizing the Riders have found them, they decide to stay in the parlor rather than return to their rooms. Bolsters are placed in their beds to make it appear the hobbits are asleep.

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At the Sign of the Prancing Pony - The hobbits arrive in Bree, a village in which both humans (Big Folk) and hobbits (Little Folk) make their homes. At the village gate, they answer some suspicious questions before being let through. As they pass through the gate, a dark figure climbs the gate and follows them. They get rooms and supper at The Prancing Pony, where Barliman Butterbur is the harried innkeeper. After supper, Frodo, Sam, and Pippin join some of the other guests in the common room, while Merry remains in the private parlor provided by Butterbur. Frodo, going by the name Mr. Underhill, pretends to be a writer planning a book on hobbits living outside the Shire in order to account for their presence. Amidst the chatter, Frodo notices a stranger smoking a pipe and watching him. This man introduces himself to Frodo as Strider. The stranger warns Frodo not to let Pippin talk too much, and Frodo realizes Pippin is telling the story of Bilbo's disappearance during his birthday speech. Rather than let Pippin finish, Frodo interrupts with a song of his own. Yet as he finishes his silly song, he disappears, having inadvertently placed his finger through the Ring in his pocket. Strider chastises Frodo as the room erupts in suspicious and puzzled murmuring.

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Fog on the Barrow-Downs - The next morning, the hobbits breakfast alone and are seen off by Tom and Goldberry. They make their way across the countryside as the sun rises in the sky and the temperature warms. Coming to a tall stone pillar, they let their ponies stray about on the grass as they sit in the cool shade of the stone and have lunch. The next thing they know, they wake "from a sleep they had never meant to take." The air is heavy and the ponies distressed, and they swiftly pack up and leave, but the mist only becomes thicker. Frodo, suddenly alone, becomes disoriented, wanders in the dark, and finally hears a cold voice saying, "I am waiting for you!" A dark figure takes him in a cold grip, and he falls unconscious. When he wakes, he realizes he has been captured and entombed by a Barrow-wight. As he gathers his courage, he sees his friends lying nearby, arrayed with treasures and dressed in white. A long sword has been laid across their three necks. Frodo hears an incantation, and sees a creeping hand going toward Sam. Grabbing a sword, Frodo hacks the hand from its arm, and calls out for Tom Bombadil. After a short silence, Frodo hears Tom's voice singing as he approaches. Tom banishes the Wight, and helps Frodo carry the others to safety. Sam, Merry, and Pippin wake up. Tom finds the ponies which had wandered off, and has each hobbit claim a sword from the many treasures in the wight's barrow. He accompanies them to the borders of his lands, and advises them to make for The Prancing Pony, an inn in the village of Bree.

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In the House of Tom Bombadil - Entering the house of Tom Bombadil, the hobbits find themselves in a well-lit room where, seated among water lilies, is Tom Bombadil's wife, Goldberry, the River's daughter. They are shown to rooms where they freshen up for supper, then join in a merry meal with Tom and Goldberry. After the meal, Frodo asks about the "Willow-man," but the others all think talking about their frightening experience should wait for daylight. They head off to bed. The next morning, the hobbits enjoy breakfast in Tom's home, then settle in for a long talk and storytelling with Tom as the rain pours outside. He tells them stories of nature and of ancient times, when "only the Elf-sires were awake." The stories are like a spell on the hobbits, so they cannot keep track of time. When the rain stops, it is suppertime. After another abundant meal, Tom's attention turns to the hobbits themselves—their story. Frodo finds himself telling Tom everything, and even showing him the Ring. Tom suddenly puts the ring on his own finger, but it has no effect on him. Furthermore, when Frodo tests out the Ring's power shortly after, he is invisible to all except Tom. The hobbits plan to leave in the morning, and be on their way. Tom tells them a rhyme they can sing if they get into any trouble before leaving his lands.

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The Old Forest - The hobbits rise before dawn the next morning. Leaving a message for Gandalf with Fatty, they set out, riding sturdy ponies. Led by Merry, they pass through a high hedge, and enter the Old Forest, where "the trees do not like strangers." They walk a ways into the silent forest, along a path going gently uphill, feeling they are being observed, and disliked. Merry notices that the trees have shifted since the last time he was in the wood. Crossing over a hill, the path begins to take them on a downward path, toward the Withywindle valley—a place with a sinister reputation. Yet, this is the way the path leads, and before long they find themselves at the Withywindle River. The way is difficult, and soon they become very tired. At the base of a large willow tree, Frodo, Merry, and Pippin fall asleep, and Sam feels himself beginning to drift off as well. Before he descends into slumber, however, he is awakened by small noises. Frodo has fallen in the water, and Merry and Pippin have become trapped in the willow tree's great trunk. Frodo and Sam yell for help, which comes in the form of a jolly old man—Tom Bombadil—who sings a song to Old Man Willow. Tom's song causes the tree to give up its captives. Tom invites them to his house for supper. They follow his lead toward the house, where they hear singing.

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A Conspiracy Unmasked - Merry, Frodo, Sam, and Pippin board the Bucklebury Ferry and cross the Brandywine River. They can see Brandy Hall, ancestral home of the Brandybucks, on the opposite bank. Arriving in Buckland, they alight and, looking back across the river, see a dark figure crawling along the bank. Merry can see the others are worried, but he doesn't know why. They promise to fill him in over supper. They all go to Frodo's new house, which Fredegar (Fatty) and Merry have prepared—complete with steaming hot water for baths. Frodo, Pippin, and Sam bathe, then settle down to a (second) supper. They bring their friends up to date on their adventures with the Black Riders, and Frodo decides he needs to reveal his own plan to leave the Shire. But when he hesitates, Merry reveals that they already know everything, and he and Pippin have decided to accompany Sam and Frodo. Sam is revealed as the informant. Fatty's part of the scheme will be to stay behind to keep up the appearance of Frodo's residence in Buckland. They plan to leave first thing in the morning.

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A Shortcut To Mushrooms- When the hobbits wake up the next morning, the Elves are gone, having left food for the hobbits' breakfast. Frodotells Sam, privately, that the two of them will need to leave the Shire right away. To the disappointment of the others, Frodo decides to cut across the countryside rather than stay on the road. This going proves difficult, and the Black Rider continues to pursue them. Eventually, though, they come to a gate at the edge of a farmer's field. Pippin recognizes the farm as belonging to Farmer Maggot. Frodo is worried Farmer Maggot will remember that, as a child, he stole mushrooms from his farm, but when they do encounter the farmer, he is helpful. Farmer Maggot tells them a "funny customer" has come around, asking about Mr. Baggins. Seeing that Frodo is concerned, he offers to give them a ride to the ferry in his cart after dinner. As they near the ferry, they are met by Merry, riding a pony. Farmer Maggot gives them a basket of mushrooms, says good-bye, then returns home.

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Three is Company - Weeks pass, and Gandalf becomes impatient with Frodo's lack of preparation for leaving. Although Frodo has good reasons for his slowness—he doesn't want to create gossip—he is also feeling reluctant to leave the Shire. He is inclined to wait until his 50th birthday. Gandalf agrees to this, and advises Frodo to travel toward the Elven realm of Rivendell, ruled by Elrond. Frodo announces he is selling Bag End to the Sackville-Bagginses, his unlikable cousins, and moving to Buckland—in a different part of the Shire. The townsfolk find this surprising, but chalk it up to his various eccentricities. One day, Gandalf announces he must leave and investigate something worrisome he has learned about, but tells Frodo he will be back for the birthday party. However, he does not show up, and Frodo decides to move forward with the plan without him. Frodo celebrates his birthday with his good friends, and then says good-bye to Bag End. Merry and another friend, Fredegar Bolger, go on ahead to get Frodo's new house ready. Later, walking along the road in a melancholy way, Frodo overhears a strange voice asking Sam's father, the Gaffer, about "Mr. Baggins." Soon after, Sam, Pippin, and Frodo set out. After a few days on the road, they hear another traveler coming up behind them. Frodo, feeling wary, decides they should hide and let the traveler go past. Once hidden, the four hobbits watch as a large black horse appears, carrying a figure clothed in a black robe and hood. Sniffing sounds come from inside the hood, and Frodo feels an urge to put on the Ring. He resists the urge, and the rider moves on. Sam reveals that this rider is the one that asked his father about Mr. Baggins. The hobbits decide to continue on, more cautiously. Later that evening, the black-cloaked rider overtakes them again, and Frodo once again feels the urge to put on the Ring. A company of Elves happens by, however, and the rider retreats. The leader of the company of Elves, Gildor Inglorion, recognizes Frodo, and allows the hobbits to travel with them after hearing about the Black Riders. The hobbits stay up late talking and eating with the Elves, and Gildor is uneasy about pursuing Black Riders, who he believes are servants of the Enemy, and that Gandalf did not show up when expected. He advises Frodo to leave for Rivendell without delay.

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The Shadow of the Past - After the initial shock of Bilbo's disappearance wears off, life in Hobbiton generally returns to normal, and Frodolives for many years as a bachelor at Bag End. He often dines with Merry and Pippin, his good friends. As time passes, some people notice Frodo doesn't seem to show his age, an observation they had made about Bilbo, too. It is only as Frodo nears 50 that he begins to feel a bit restless. He starts wandering far from home, talking to travelers, and getting news of the world outside the Shire. Quite a bit of turmoil seems to be going on in the outside world—both Dwarves and Elves are on the move more than usual, and there are rumors of the "Enemy" and the "Land of Mordor." Then Gandalf unexpectedly returns, and reveals to Frodo that the magic ring he inherited from Bilbo is actually the One Ring crafted in secret by Sauron, the great Enemy in Mordor, to overpower all the other magic rings possessed by Men, Elves, and Dwarves. Gandalf tests the ring to be sure of this fact, and fiery words appear: "One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them." Gandalf then gives some of the One Ring's history, and says the ring must not be found by Sauron, who will use it to "cover all the lands in a second darkness." Frodo learns how the Ring came to him, beginning with Isildur, who cut it from Sauron's hand. Isildur was killed by Orcs in the Great River, Anduin, and the Ring lay at the bottom of the river for many years. The Ring then passed to Gollum, who murdered his friend to possess it. From Gollum, the Ring passed to Bilbo, and finally, to Frodo. As if this news were not dire enough, Gandalf also tells Frodo that Sauron had captured Gollum and now knows the name "Baggins" and the location "Shire." Frodo realizes the Ring must leave the Shire, and he must take it, secretly. Just as he resolves to do this, Gandalf catches Sam Gamgee, Frodo's gardener, eavesdropping. Well-intentioned Sam agrees to go with Frodo as punishment for listening in.

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A Long Expected Party - Eccentric hobbit Bilbo Baggins has announced his 111st birthday party will be a very special one, and the town of Hobbiton in the Shire is abuzz with the news. Bilbo is known to be generous and thought to have a secret cache of treasure from his previous adventures, and so the residents of Hobbiton believe the party will be quite grand. The September 22 birthday is shared by Bilbo's nephew Frodo, who came to live with Bilbo at Bag End after his parents' deaths, and their custom has been to share birthday celebrations. This year, Frodo will be turning 33—the "coming of age" for hobbits. In addition, rumor has it Gandalf the wizard will be setting off the fireworks for the celebration. There is much to anticipate, and the residents of Hobbiton watch supplies arrive at Bag End with growing excitement. Amidst the preparations, Gandalf and Bilbo have a private talk about Bilbo's plan to leave the Shire following the party. Gandalf encourages Bilbo to stick to the plan. On the day of the party, tents and pavilions populate a large field, and the guests arrive to presents (hobbits give others presents on their birthdays), abundant food, exciting entertainment, and flowing drink. Gandalf's fireworks are remarkable and magical. After supper, Bilbo gives a short speech, then suddenly places a magic golden ring on his finger and vanishes, to the surprise and consternation of all. Invisible, Bilbo walks back to Bag End, where Gandalf is waiting for him. Gandalf reminds Bilbo he promised to leave the magic ring with Frodo. Bilbo's ring allowed him to avoid his greedy and annoying relatives, the Sackville-Bagginses, who continue to pester Frodo in the present. Bilbo reluctantly leaves it behind as he departs on his journey. Gandalf makes sure the ring passes safely into Frodo's possession, but warns him to keep it secret and safe. Then Gandalf also leaves, and Frodo watches him walk down the road leading out of Hobbiton.

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For Bilbo, even though the adventure is complete, life's journey carries on. His wandering feet have led him home for now, but the roads that go ever on foreshadow the adventurous trilogy to follow.

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The Last Stage - The final stop before Bilbo Baggins reaches home is Rivendell, where the elves greet him with a song to celebrate the dragon's death. Gandalf also tells Elrond of his activities when he left the hobbit and the dwarves to continue their quest alone. The wizard has traveled to the North to vanquish the evil Necromancer and restore normalcy to the region. Feeling rested, the hobbit continues recalling some of their adventures. Following Gandalf's advice, Bilbo recovers the buried gold from the trolls' storeroom. When the duo arrives at Bag End, they discover a crowd of hobbits rapidly auctioning off Bilbo's possessions, as he was assumed dead. The troll gold is used to buy back as many items as possible, but his silver spoons have disappeared. The hobbit burglar finds he is now treated with suspicion by most of the community except for some younger nieces and nephews on the Took side. Years later, as Bilbo is writing his memoirs, Gandalf and Balin stop to visit and report that peace and prosperity have been restored to the lands and people once oppressed and destroyed by Smaug.

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The Return Journey - Bilbo Baggins is knocked out shortly after spotting the eagles and misses the end of the conflict. A soldier finds the unconscious hobbit and carries him to the winning camp. Gandalf congratulates the hobbit for his luck in surviving the battle, and Bilbo is quickly taken to Thorin, who is dying from battle wounds. Thorin sincerely apologizes to Bilbo and recognizes he cannot take the treasure with him into death. The hobbit grieves for Thorin, and Bilbo is now ready to return home. Thorin is buried with the Arkenstone, which was destined to be his, and Dain, the new dwarf king, proves wise in distributing the treasure. A large group including Gandalf and Beorn travels with the elves and the Elvenking, and they all sing Bilbo's praises. After spending the winter with Beorn, Bilbo stays for a while in Rivendell

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The Clouds Burst - The following morning, negotiators approach the gates and reveal the Arkenstone, hoping it will move Thorin to make a deal. Thorin, still fixated on the treasure, relents and accepts the plan, but he has no intention of fulfilling his end of the bargain. Thorin plans to wait for Dain and his troops, keep the gold, and fight for the Arkenstone. In anger he turns on Bilbo Baggins and threatens to kill him. Some of the dwarves are secretly dismayed at Thorin's treatment of the hobbit. Dain and his troops finally appear. Bard will not let Dain in to see Thorin, and both sides prepare to do battle. Suddenly the skies darken as thousands of bats block out the sun. Their arrival signals the threat of attack by a huge force of goblins and wargs. The danger forces the elves, men, and dwarves to unite to defeat their common enemy. At first the strategy appears to work, but the numbers of evil fighters are too great. Thorin, finally coming to his senses, breaches his wall and emerges to rally the weary allies. Just when it appears the goblins will prevail, the eagles arrive, and the forces for good gain the upper hand. Bilbo, who has been with the elves, puts on his invisibility ring and is struck by a rock and knocked unconscious before the final victory.

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A Thief in the Night - Several days pass in a standoff; the dwarves are trapped inside Lonely Mountain, and the armed men and elves block the exit. Roäc, the raven, reappears and reports that Dain and his troop of 500 are near but predicts that is not enough force to defeat the opposing troops. He again encourages Thorin to settle the affair peacefully. Thorin rejects this advice, and in despair Bilbo Baggins decides to take action, trying to force Thorin's hand. Still in possession of the Arkenstone, Bilbo takes a turn at guard duty and heads to the elves' camp. When he is taken to the leaders, Bard and the Elvenking, Bilbo reports the movement of Dain's warriors and gives the Arkenstone to them, hoping they can use it to bargain with Thorin. Bilbo meets Gandalf in the camp, but he returns to the dwarves in the fortress.

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The Gathering of the Clouds - Back at the stronghold the group notes the unusual activity of the birds. Roäc, an ancient raven, arrives and delivers both good and bad news. The dwarves learn of Smaug's death, but they are warned that a large force of elves and men is approaching. When the bird advises Thorin to work with Bard toward a peaceful solution, Thorin angrily vows to protect the gold and enlists the bird to take a message to Dain, a cousin, to come to the aid of his group. The dwarves block the main entrance and sing a song praising their achievement and vowing to defend their treasure. When the men and elves arrive, they request a parley (negotiation), but Thorin refuses and fires an arrow at them in defiance.

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Fire And Water - As the dwarves and Bilbo Baggins explore the vast caverns, the narrator reports Smaug's wrathful attack on Lake-town. Bard tells the citizens the dragon will attack the community. Many people get in boats to escape the fire and destruction, but Bard and other archers try to slay the beast. The old thrush—who overheard the mention of Smaug's weakness—carries that information to Bard. With information on Smaug's unprotected spot, the defender uses a last black arrow and kills Smaug. Survivors of Lake-town arrive on shore where they face desperate conditions; winter is coming, and they are without food or shelter. Fortunately the Elvenking and his warriors arrive. An agreement is reached by which some men and elves will remain to build shelters and find provisions while a party will set out for Lonely Mountain to verify the fate of Thorin and of the treasure in Smaug's lair.

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Not At Home - The expedition is trapped in the secret passage for several days. The group realizes Smaug has disappeared from his lair and sends Bilbo Baggins out to explore the situation. Bilbo finds the fabled Arkenstone and conceals it as his share of the treasure. Thorin also gives Bilbo a chain mail coat created by the elves. The dwarves explore the treasure and finally occupy an old watchman's tower to detect Smaug's return.

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Inside Information - At this point in the adventure, Bilbo Baggins undertakes the most dangerous feat he has been asked to perform. Assuming his burglar role, he creeps down the tunnel and into the dragon's lair. Fortunately Smaug is sleeping, and Bilbo grabs a magnificent goblet to take to the dwarves. When the dragon senses that some treasure has been taken, he goes on a rampage searching for the thief. After Smaug returns to his hoard Bilbo again approaches to identify himself. The overconfident monster casually exposes his belly, and Bilbo identifies a weakness in a bare patch of skin. As the hobbit exits the den Smaug shoots flames up the tunnel; Bilbo barely escapes. Unfortunately, in Bilbo's banter with the dragon, he exposes Lake-town and its people and accidentally reveals that they helped him. In a rage the dragon destroys the secret entrance and flies off to Lake-town to punish the citizens for aiding the treasure seekers.

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On The Doorstep - As Bilbo Baggins and the dwarves travel through the desolation of Smaug, their mood changes. While they are geographically closer to their goal, achieving it seems as far away as ever. Bilbo, however, continues to study the map and contemplates the runes. After the group discovers the secret door, the attempts to open it fail. Only Bilbo continues to consider options. When the old thrush (bird) appears, the hobbit realizes the events described on the map are occurring, and he encourages Thorin to use the key to open the entrance.

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A Warm Welcome - After the dwarves recover from the uncomfortable trip downriver, Thorin presents himself to Lake-town's Master and describes his mission. The Wood-elves challenge Thorin, saying that the group is made up of escaped prisoners and should not be welcomed. However, the citizens of the town press the Master to give the dwarves a positive reception. The Lake-people remember the songs and tales of old, and they are enamored with Thorin and his group. When the Master gains knowledge that some of the treasure is hidden in the mountain, he accepts the dwarf band, and they receive two weeks of food and provisions. Once they leave, the Master is glad to have them out of his domain.

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Barrels Out of Bond - As the dwarves desperately seek to find a way out of the forest before starving, they are taken prisoner by the Wood-elves. Bilbo Baggins quickly puts on the ring, so the elves never know he is there. He follows the elves into their cave and watches as they interrogate the dwarves. The dwarves do not reveal they are on a treasure hunt. Thorin and the other dwarves do not want to share their treasure with anyone, even if it means freedom. For two weeks Bilbo searches for a way to rescue his friends. Finally he devises a plan. He gets the keys from drunken guards to rescue the dwarves from their cells. By the banks of an underground river sit empty wooden barrels. These containers are filled with food by the Lake-men, sent down the river to the elves, and then sent back to be refilled. Now they will serve as escape vehicles for the dwarves.

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Flies and Spiders - The group enters the dark and dreary forest. The farther along they go, the more downcast and hopeless they feel. They come to a river across the path. It is much too wide to try to wade or swim across, and they heed Beorn's warning to not touch or drink any water in the forest.

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Queer Lodgings - The eagles take the group as far south as possible to the Carrock. Gandalf tells them of his plans to leave soon, but first he takes them to "the Somebody," who happens to be a skin-changer named Beorn. He is human by day and a big black bear by night.

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Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire - After escaping the goblins, Bilbo catches up with the rest of his friends. He retells the story of his escape with great vigor—but leaves out the details of the ring. Gandalf reminds them the goblins will begin searching for them as soon as the sun goes down. They hurry along but are soon surrounded by wolves.

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Riddles in the Dark - Bilbo awakens to find himself alone in the dark. In the turning point of the adventure, he finds a tiny ring as he feels around on the ground, trying to find his way. He pulls out the little sword he had taken from the trolls' storeroom. This sword had also been made in Gondolin for the goblin wars; its elvish blade lights the way.

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Over Hill and Under Hill - The journey becomes quite difficult as the group gets caught in a mighty storm—a "thunder-battle" filled will rain, lightning, hail, and giants who are throwing boulders that destroy the forests. The two young dwarves, Fili and Kili, are sent to search for a safe place to lie down, and they quickly return. The cave Fili and Kili select appears to be perfect; in the middle of the night, however, the back wall opens, and out pour goblins who take all the ponies and capture the dwarves and Bilbo.

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A Short Rest - The dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf continue their journey to Lonely Mountain and come to the edge of the Wild. Gandalf suggests they try to get to the Last Homely House west of the mountains—a perilous journey through ravines on narrow, slippery paths.

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Roast Mutton - Bilbo is sent to explore a warm light shining through the woods and comes upon three man-eating trolls cooking their mutton. Bilbo knows he has three choices: warn his friends, kill the trolls, or steal from them. He chooses to steal from the trolls, but he is instantly caught.

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An Unexpected Party - Bilbo Baggins is a simple hobbit with a simple life. His quiet life is interrupted when a group of dwarves and a famous wizard, Gandslf, show up at his home with a treasure map in hand.

An Unexpected Journey: Recent Episodes

Samwise Gamgee

The Scouring of the Shire

Many Partings

The Steward and the King

The Field of Cormallen

The Last Debate

The Houses of Healing

The Battle of the Pelennor Fields

The Ride of the Rohirrim

The Siege of Gondor